bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Likelihood ratios for categorical count data with applications in digital forensics
Authors: Longjohn Rachel , Smyth Padhraic , Stern Hal S
Published: December 2022

We consider the forensic context in which the goal is to assess whether two sets of observed data came from the same source or from different sources. In particular, we focus on the situation in which the evidence consists of two sets of categorical count data: a set of event counts from an unknown source tied to a crime and a set of event counts generated by a known source. Using a same-source versus different-source hypothesis framework, we develop an approach to calculating a likelihood ratio. Under our proposed model, the likelihood ratio can be calculated in closed form, and we use this to theoretically analyse how the likelihood ratio is affected by how much data is observed, the number of event types being considered, and the prior used in the Bayesian model. Our work is motivated in particular by user-generated event data in digital forensics, a context in which relatively few statistical methodologies have yet been developed to support quantitative analysis of event data after it is extracted from a device. We evaluate our proposed method through experiments using three real-world event datasets, representing a variety of event types that may arise in digital forensics. The results of the theoretical analyses and experiments with real-world datasets demonstrate that while this model is a useful starting point for the statistical forensic analysis of user-generated event data, more work is needed before it can be applied for practical use.
Weak lensing the non-linear Lyα forest
Authors: Shaw Patrick , Croft Rupert A C , Metcalf R Benton
Published: December 2022

We evaluate the performance of the Lyman α forest weak gravitational lensing estimator of Metcalf et al. on forest data from hydrodynamic simulations and ray-trace simulated lensing potentials. We compare the results to those obtained from the Gaussian random field simulated Lyα forest data and lensing potentials used in previous work. We find that the estimator is able to reconstruct the lensing potentials from the more realistic data and investigate dependence on spectrum signal to noise. The non-linearity and non-Gaussianity in this forest data arising from gravitational instability and hydrodynamics causes a reduction in signal to noise by a factor of ∼2.7 for noise free data and a factor of ∼1.5 for spectra with signal to noise of order unity (comparable to current observational data). Compared to Gaussian field lensing potentials, using ray-traced potentials from N-body simulations incurs a further signal-to-noise reduction of a factor of ∼1.3 at all noise levels. The non-linearity in the forest data is also observed to increase bias in the reconstructed potentials by $5-25{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, and the ray-traced lensing potential further increases the bias by $20-30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. We demonstrate methods for mitigating these issues including Gaussianization and bias correction which could be used in real observations.
The optical spectral features of 27 Fermi blazars
Authors: Zhang Bing-Kai , Tang Wei-Feng , Wang Chun-Xiao , Wu Qi , Jin Min , Dai Ben-Zhong , Zhu Feng-Rong
Published: December 2022

Spectral variation accompanied by flux variability is a commonly observed phenomenon for blazars. In order to investigate the optical spectral feature of blazars further, we collected the long-term optical V- and R-band data of 27 blazars (14 BL Lacaerte objects, BL Lacs, and 13 flat-spectrum radio quasars, FSRQs) and calculated their optical spectral indices. The results show that the spectral indices vary with respect to brightness for all of these blazars. In general, the optical spectrum progressively becomes flatter (or steeper), when the brightness increases. However the spectrum changes more and more slowly, until it tends to stability. In other words, the source becomes bluer (or redder) and then gradually stabilizes when it brightens, behaviours that are referred to as bluer-stable-when-brighter (BSWB) and redder-stable-when-brighter (RSWB), respectively. A total of 13 of the 14 BL Lacs show the BSWB behaviour, the exception being AO 0235+164. In contrast, most of the FSRQs (10 out of 13) exhibit the RSWB trend. It is confirmed that blazars follow the two universal optical spectral behaviours, namely BSWB and RSWB. The model of two constant-spectral-index components can explain the optical spectral features well both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results illustrate that the optical emission is composed mainly of two stable-colour components, namely less variable thermal emission and highly variable synchrotron radiation. Furthermore, in most cases, the thermal component of BL Lacs is redder than that of synchrotron radiation, whereas the opposite is true for FSRQs.
Population Genetic Considerations Regarding Evidence for Biased Mutation Rates inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Charlesworth Brian , Jensen Jeffrey D
Published: December 2022

It has recently been proposed that lower mutation rates in gene bodies compared with upstream and downstream sequences in Arabidopsis thaliana are the result of an “adaptive” modification of the rate of beneficial and deleterious mutations in these functional regions. This claim was based both on analyses of mutation accumulation lines and on population genomics data. Here, we show that several questionable assumptions were used in the population genomics analyses. In particular, we demonstrate that the difference between gene bodies and less selectively constrained sequences in the magnitude of Tajima's D can in principle be explained by the presence of sites subject to purifying selection and does not require lower mutation rates in regions experiencing selective constraints.
WDR87 interacts with CFAP47 protein in the middle piece of spermatozoa flagella to participate in sperm tail assembly
Authors: Liao Hong-qing , Guo Zi-yi , Huang Li-hua , Liu Gang , Lu Jin-feng , Zhang Yun-fei , Xing Xiao-wei
Published: December 2022

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that includes spermatogonia self-renewal, spermatocyte meiosis and spermatozoa assembly. Recent studies have revealed that WD40-repeat domain-containing (WDR) proteins play important roles in spermatocyte division, spermatozoa flagella assembly and head shaping. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of WDR87 and found that it was highly expressed in the testis of both humans and mice. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that mouse WDR87 was distributed in the perinuclear cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and round spermatids. In the spermiogenesis stage, with extension of the nucleus, WDR87 migrated to the manchette and finally localized to the middle piece of the spermatozoa tail. Furthermore, we identified a cilia- and flagella-associated protein, CFAP47, which interacted with WDR87 in the flagellar midpiece of the spermatozoa, suggesting that WDR87 may be associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF). Subsequently, we screened gene mutations in seven MMAF individuals and found two novel mutations in CFAP47 (c.706G>A, Val236Met; c.1337C>T, Thr446Met) in one case. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence revealed that CFAP47 was dramatically reduced in spermatozoa from the CFAP47-mutated man. Meanwhile, the expression of WDR87 was also significantly decreased, and weak signals were detected adjacent to the spermatozoa nuclei, indicating that CFAP47 was necessary for WDR87 transportation during spermatozoa flagella biogenesis. These data indicate that WDR87 is located in the middle piece of the sperm tail and interacts with CFAP47 to form a complex which is involved in spermatozoa tail assembly.
Using Tumor-Informed Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)-Based Testing for Patients with Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Azzi Georges , Tavallai Mehrad , Aushev Vasily N , Koyen Malashevich Allyson , Botta Gregory P , Tejani Mohamedtaki A , Hanna Diana , Krinshpun Shifra , Malhotra Meenakshi , Jurdi Adham , Aleshin Alexey , Kasi Pashtoon M
Published: December 2022

Background

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) is an uncommon malignancy with a rising incidence that has a high cure rate in its early stages. There is an unmet need for a reliable method to monitor response to treatment and assist in surveillance. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing has shown great promise in other solid tumors for monitoring disease progression and detecting relapse in real time. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and use of personalized and tumor-informed ctDNA testing in SCCA.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed real-world data from 251 patients (817 plasma samples) with stages I-IV SCCA, collected between 11/5/19 and 5/31/22. The tumor genomic landscape and feasibility of ctDNA testing was examined for all patients. The prognostic value of longitudinal ctDNA testing was assessed in patients with clinical follow-up (N = 37).

Results

Whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed PIK3CA as the most commonly mutated gene, and no associations between mutations and stage. Anytime ctDNA positivity and higher ctDNA levels (MTM/mL) were associated with metastatic disease (P = .004). For 37 patients with clinical follow-up, median follow-up time was 21.0 months (range: 4.1-67.3) post-diagnosis. For patients with stages I-III disease, anytime ctDNA-positivity after definitive treatment was associated with reduced DFS (HR: 28.0; P = .005).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the feasibility of personalized and tumor-informed ctDNA testing as an adjunctive tool in patients with SCCA as well as potential use for detection of molecular/minuteimal residual disease, and relapse during surveillance. Prospective studies are needed to better evaluate the use of ctDNA testing in this indication.
Maize domestication phenotypes reveal strigolactone networks coordinating grain size evolution with kernel-bearing cupule architecture
Authors: Guan Jiahn-Chou , Li Changsheng , Flint-Garcia Sherry , Suzuki Masaharu , Wu Shan , Saunders Jonathan W , Dong Lemeng , Bouwmeester Harro J , McCarty Donald R , Koch Karen E
Published: December 2022

The maize (Zea mays) ear represents one of the most striking domestication phenotypes in any crop species, with the cob conferring an exceptional yield advantage over the ancestral form of teosinte. Remodeling of the grain-bearing surface required profound developmental changes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear and can only be partly attributed to the known domestication gene Teosinte glume architecture 1 (Tga1). Here we show that a more complete conversion involves strigolactones (SLs), and that these are prominent players not only in the Tga1 phenotype but also other domestication features of the ear and kernel. Genetic combinations of a teosinte tga1 allele with three SL-related mutants progressively enhanced ancestral morphologies. The SL mutants, in addition to modulating the tga1 phenotype, also reshaped kernel-bearing pedicels and cupules in a teosinte-like manner. Genetic and molecular evidence are consistent with SL regulation of TGA1, including direct interaction of TGA1 with components of the SL-signaling system shown here to mediate TGA1 availability by sequestration. Roles of the SL network extend to enhancing maize seed size and, importantly, coordinating increased kernel growth with remodeling of protective maternal tissues. Collectively, our data show that SLs have central roles in releasing kernels from restrictive maternal encasement and coordinating other factors that increase kernel size, physical support, and their exposure on the grain-bearing surface.
Relational Troubles Structuralist Worries for an Epistemology of Powers-Based Modality
Authors: Giannini Giacomo , Schoonen Tom
Published: December 2022

Dispositionalism is the theory of modality that grounds all modal truths in powers: all metaphysically possible and necessary truths are to be explained by pointing to some actual power, or absence thereof. One of the main reasons to endorse dispositionalism is that it promises to deliver an especially desirable epistemology of modality. However, so far this issue has not be fully investigated with the care it is due. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap. We will cast some doubts on whether the dispositionalist really is in a better position to explain our modal knowledge. In fact, we argue that there is a tension between some core tenets of a powers metaphysics and the very features that make dispositionalism the ideal backdrop for a desirable epistemology of modality. We conclude that this leaves dispositionalists who want to deliver the promised epistemology with a hard, currently unfulfilled, task.
Stratification and the comparison between homological and tensor triangular support
Authors: Barthel Tobias , Heard Drew , Sanders Beren
Published: December 2022

We compare the homological support and tensor triangular support for ‘big’ objects in a rigidly-compactly generated tensor triangulated category. We prove that the comparison map from the homological spectrum to the tensor triangular spectrum is a bijection and that the two notions of support coincide whenever the category is stratified, extending the work of Balmer. Moreover, we clarify the relations between salient properties of support functions and exhibit counter-examples highlighting the differences between homological and tensor triangular support.
The effect of trade and customs digitalization on agrifood trade: A gravity approach
Authors: Bueno Rezende de Castro André , Kornher Lukas
Published: December 2022

Transaction costs create inefficiencies in agricultural markets, and poor trade digitalization lowers agrifood productivity of developing countries. This paper argues that trade facilitation via digitalization cuts transaction costs thereby increasing agrifood trade because it streamlines trade and customs operational procedures. Our methodology represents trade digitalization by the variables paperless trade and digitalized non-tariff measures compliance. Additionally, our empirical strategy utilizes cross-country data employing a gravity model with fixed effects and socioeconomic controls. We find a high-bar evidence that a one-standard deviation improvement in e-trade facilitation at the exporter level and in non-tariff measures digitalization at the importer level increase agrifood exports by 9.7 per cent and 1.3 per cent, respectively, with larger magnitudes for processed products and for Sub-Saharan African and Asian countries. Consequently, trade facilitation via customs digitalization is inevitable to avoid trade diversion in an increasingly competitive globalized world. There are opportunities for developing countries to benefit from such digitalization because the relationship is stronger between agrifood exports and e-trade facilitation at the origin, which increases the agency of countries in the Global South.
Behind the Politics of Resilience: the Limits of the EU’s Response to Syrian Refugees in Lebanon
Authors: André Lyla
Published: December 2022

The Syrian crisis that began expanding in 2012 has sent millions of refugees into neighbouring countries and beyond and proved to be a testing ground for the European Union’s new approach to humanitarian crises. Focused on European Union-funded educational programmes carried out in response to the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, this article argues that the European Union’s approach has nevertheless negatively impacted refugees’ lives because of its embeddedness in the international regime of resilience that has gained ground in the field of refugee protection. Indeed, while the resilience regime appears to be a continuation of the neoliberal system of rule, it in fact represents a paradigmatic shift that implies political and moral retreat from donors’ responsibility. Applied to refugee management, the agenda of “resilience” thus contradicts the rationale for burden-sharing that previously involved a “shared responsibility” between external donors and the hosting State. Based on Kratochwil’s praxis approach, this article therefore aims to empirically expand upon the recent literature centred on “resilience” and “self-reliance” in the field of refugee management. In doing so, it demonstrates how neoliberal features of resilience further hinder refugees’ lives as these features entail a total separation from an adequate rights-based approach.
New strategies to combat workplace incivility and promote joy
Authors: Kroning Maureen , Annunziato Sara
Published: December 2022

Eighty-five percent of nurses report incivility in healthcare. Promoting a culture of civility—from nursing school to the workplace—is vital to ensuring healthy learning and work environments and ultimately safe patient care. This article presents a nursing program's journey in addressing incivility among the nurse faculty and the results achieved.
Nurses' role in promoting medication adherence
Authors: Zoromski Lorraine M. , Frazier Sharon
Published: December 2022

A patient's willingness and desire to adhere to their medication plan are affected by their beliefs about taking medications, their self-efficacy, health literacy level, ability to afford prescription drug costs, and relationship with their clinicians. This article details strategies for creating a collaborative relationship with the patient, developing trust, and nurturing medication adherence.
Comparison of specialty examination scores pre- and post-pandemic
Authors: Authement Renae , Mundine Jennifer , Beatty Brooke
Published: December 2022

Objective:

To determine if nursing student application of knowledge declined due to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Education Systems Incorporated Fundamentals version one (HESI Fundamentals V-1) specialty examination scores of first-semester nursing students in the traditional BSN program were compared with pre- and post-remote course delivery.

Methods:

The study used a comparative quantitative research design and involved a convenience sample of 200 nursing students in their first semester of a nursing program at a university located in the south-central region of the US. Their HESI Fundamentals V-1 scores in the spring 2020 semester were compared with their scores in the fall 2020 semester.

Results:

Using statistical analysis of an independent one-tailed t-test, the mean HESI scores in fall 2020 were significantly higher than the mean HESI scores in spring 2020.

Conclusion:

While remote learning caused concerns for nursing instructors and students, the HESI scores support that student application of knowledge improved even after the delivery of remote learning.
Femoral Head Deformity Associated With Hip Displacement in Nonambulatory Cerebral Palsy: Results at Skeletal Maturity
Authors: Ulusaloglu Armagan C. , Asma Ali , Rogers Kenneth J. , Shrader M. Wade , Miller Freeman , Howard Jason J.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Maintaining femoral head shape (FHS) and acetabular sphericity are important goals in preventing long-term osteoarthritis in hips in children with cerebral palsy (CP). As acetabular morphology has been widely studied, our objective was to determine FHS in CP after triradiate cartilage (TRC) closure, a proxy for skeletal maturity, and the risk factors associated with residual deformity and osteoarthritis.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with CP [Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) IV to V], minimum 4 yearly hip radiographs after age 10 years, and at least 1 radiograph after age 16 years, were included. Primary outcome was FHS (Rutz), stratified as “less severe” (Rutz A to B) and “more severe” (Rutz C to D). Secondary outcomes included migration percentage (MP), age at TRC closure, previous reconstructive (femoral with/without pelvic osteotomies) surgery, previous intrathecal baclofen, Tönnis osteoarthritis grade, and GMFCS level. Statistical analyses included χ2 analysis and multiple logistic regression.

Results:

One hundred sixty-three patients (326 hips) met the inclusion criteria, with TRC closure at age 14.0 (SD: 1.8) years. At final follow-up of 4.4 (SD: 2.4) years after TRC closure, 17% (55 hips), had a “more severe” FHS. From TRC closure to final follow-up, the frequencies of “less severe” hips decreased (−10%, P<0.001), while “more severe” increased (+115%, P<0.001). In multiple regression analysis, MP at TRC closure was the only significant risk factor associated with a “more severe” FHS at final follow-up (P=0.03). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined MP≥30.5% to be associated with a “more severe” FHS at final follow-up (P<0.009). The FHS was not affected by reconstructive surgery, sex, GMFCS level, or intrathecal baclofen use. “Less severe” hips had lower Tönnis grades (0 to 1) compared with “more severe” hips (Tönnis grades 2 to 3) at final follow-up (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

FHS at skeletal maturity was not influenced by prior reconstructive surgery but was negatively affected when MP≥30.5% at the time of TRC closure. The extent of residual femoral head deformity correlated with the severity of osteoarthritis at final follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Synergistic sulfonamides plus clindamycin as an alternative therapeutic regimen for HIV-associated Toxoplasma encephalitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Yao , Zeng Yanming , Lu Yanqiu , He Xuejiao , Wu Yushan , Zhang Wei , Huang Yanqun , Chen Hui , Chen Yaokai
Published: December 2022

Background:

The preferred therapeutic regimen for Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) is a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) plus azithromycin is the widespread alternative therapeutic regimen. The synergistic sulfonamides tablet contains TMP, sulfadiazine, and SMX and hypothetically could be used for TE treatment. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of synergistic sulfonamides plus clindamycin (regimen B) with TMP-SMX plus azithromycin (regimen A) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) human immunodeficiency virus-associated TE.

Methods:

This was an open-labeled, multi-center randomized controlled trial recruited from 11 centers. Each recruited patient was randomly assigned to receive Regimen A or Regimen B for at least 6 weeks. The overall response was evaluated by assessment of the clinical response of TE-associated clinical features and the radiological response of TE-associated radiological findings. The overall response rate, clinical response rate, radiological response rate, and adverse events were assessed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Death events were compared between the two regimens at 6, 12, and 24 weeks.

Results:

A total of 91 AIDS/TE patients were included in the final analysis (44 in regimen A vs. 47 in regimen B). The overall response rate, which refers to the combined clinical and radiological response, was 18.2% (8/44) for regimen A and 21.3% (10/47) for regimen B at week 6. The results of clinical response showed that, in comparison with regimen A, regimen B may perform better with regards to its effect on the relief of clinical manifestations (50.0% [22/44] vs. 70.2% [33/47], P = 0.049). However, no significant differences in radiological response, mortality events, and adverse events were found between the two regimens at week 6.

Conclusions:

Synergistic sulfonamides plus clindamycin, as a novel treatment regimen, showed no significantly different efficacy and comparable safety in comparison with the TMP-SMX plus azithromycin regimen. In addition, the regimen containing synergistic sulfonamides may exhibit advantages in terms of clinical symptom alleviation.

Trial Registration:

ChiCTR.org.cn, ChiCTR1900021195.
Five Fraction External Beam Partial Breast Irradiation
Authors: Campbell Shauna R. , Shah Chirag S. , Sittenfeld Sarah M.C. , Hoekstra Nienke
Published: December 2022

Objective:

Mature follow up from multiple randomized trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of external beam partial breast irradiation (PBI) for appropriately selected patients with early stage breast cancer. Despite this evidence, external beam PBI remains underutilized. In this user guide we outline patient selection, workflow, and address possible challenges to aid in implementation of evidence-based external beam PBI.

Materials and Methods:

Review of the current guidelines for PBI suitability, surgical considerations, treatment technique, simulation, contouring, and treatment planning, citing the latest published literature to support PBI utilization.

Results:

Prospective data supports the use of 30 Gy in 5 fractions delivered with intensity modulated radiation therapy on a daily or every other day basis for a significant proportion of early stage breast cancer patients. The surgical cavity must be clearly visualized on treatment planning scan, recommend 3-5 weeks post-operatively, and the recommended clinical target volume expansion on the surgical cavity is 0.5-1.0 cm. A planning target volume expansion, based on motion management and image guidance, of 0.5-1.0 cm should be used. Organ at risk dose constraints of heart V3Gy ≤10% and contralateral breast Dmax ≤1 Gy are often achievable.

Conclusions:

Five fraction external beam PBI is a highly effective treatment with very limited toxicity for patients with early stage breast cancer following breast conserving surgery. Commonly utilized intensity modulated treatment planning techniques with plan delivery on standard linear accelerators results significant normal tissue sparing and makes implementation feasible at most radiation oncology centers.
Higher TYROBP and lower SOX6 as predictive biomarkers for poor prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A pilot study
Authors: Lv Xian-Qiang , Zhang Kai-bo , Guo Xu , Pei Long , Li Feng
Published: December 2022

Background:

Clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all histological types of renal cancer, and is the leading cause of death from renal cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of tyrosine kinase binding protein (TYROBP) and sex-determining region Y Box-6 (SOX6) in the ccRCC was not precise.

Methods:

Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the hub role of TYROBP and SOX6 on the ccRCC. A total of 6 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) were recruited. HE staining was performed to observe the pathology result of ccRCC. Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence assay was made to detect the protein expression of TYROBP. Total RNA was extracted using TRIzol to examine the mRNA expression of TYROBP via the Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The strong correlation between the expression of TYROBP and the survival time of ccRCC patients was performed by the BP neural network and support vector machine.

Results:

Compared with the control group, the expression of SOX6 was downregulated in the samples with ccRCC. However, the expression of TYROBP was higher in the samples with ccRCC than in the control group. Compared with the patients with high SOX6 expression, the patients with low SOX6 expression have a poor survival prognosis (HR=0.39, P < .05). However, the patients with high TYROBP expression have a shorter survival time than the patients with low TYROBP expression (HR=1.66, P < .05). The genes related with TYROBP and SOX6 are mainly enriched in the regulation of cell activation, leukocyte activation, negative regulation of cell activation, myeloid leukocyte activation, positive regulation of response to external stimulus, immune response-regulating signaling pathway. The interaction between TYROBP, SOX6, and kidney neoplasms was drawn, and the inference score of TYROBP and SOX6 on the kidney neoplasms was high.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, TYROBP is highly expressed in renal clear cell carcinoma, and when this molecule is highly expressed, the survival prognosis of renal carcinoma is poor. TYROBP and SOX6 may be potential targets for diagnosing and treating renal clear cell carcinoma.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture combined with Tuina in the treatment of insomnia
Authors: Luo Shu-Wen , Huang Nian-Ping , Xiang Qian , Huang Xin-Quan , Tan Zhi-Wen , Teng Xin , Li Xue-Jie , Tu Xing , Gao Xing-Liang
Published: December 2022

Background:

Insomnia is a sleep disorder with insufficient sleep time or/and poor sleep quality. Relevant epidemiological studies have shown that insomnia symptoms occur in about 35% to 50% of the adult population, and it is one of the most common diseases in the elderly. Patients who often suffer from insomnia are prone to symptoms such as fatigue, weakened cognitive function, depression, and even mental illness, which bring serious physical and mental damage to individuals and a heavy economic burden to social medical care and families. Traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine have their own advantages in the treatment of insomnia, and there is currently a lack of reports on the comparison of acupuncture combined with massage and conventional medicine.

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with Tuina in the treatment of insomnia.

Methods:

Search for clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture combined with Tuina in the treatment of insomnia from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database. The RevMan5.4 software was used for Meta- analysis after literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation.

Results:

A total of 29 studies were included with a total of 2688 cases. Compared with drugs or acupuncture alone, acupuncture combined with Tuina has advantages in the total clinical effectiveness, as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Statistical Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score (SAS) (OR = 3.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.77, 4.66], Z = 9.62 [P < .00001]) (MD = −2.44, 95% CI [−2.93, −1.95], Z = 9.72 [P < .00001]) (MD = −8.42, 95% CI [−10.23, −6.61], Z = 9.09 [P < .00001]). There was no statistically significant difference in Statistical Self-rating Depression Scale score (SDS) (MD = −5.26, 95% CI [−11.29, 0.78], Z = 1.71 [P > .05]).

Conclusion:

Acupuncture combined with Tuina has obvious clinical advantages in the treatment of insomnia. This result is expected to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of insomnia, but the long-term effect of clinical efficacy still needs further study.
Quantitative analysis of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury by 3.0T MR 3D VIBE and T2 mapping techniques
Authors: Yan Mei , Wen Shengbao , Wang Xueyan
Published: December 2022

To evaluate triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury based on quantitative analysis of fibrocartilage by 3.0T MR 3D VIBE and T2 mapping techniques. In this study, 25 patients with TFCC (15 patients with unilateral injury and 10 patients with bilateral injury) and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled. All 55 participants underwent bilateral wrist joint routine plain scan + enhanced scan, 3D VIBE and T2 mapping sequence scan. The 2 hands were divided into the dominant group and the non-dominant hand group. Pseudo-color images of T2 mapping were obtained through the post-processing workstation. Except for the meniscus homologue, there were statistical differences in the overall mean T2 value of all other regions between the injured group and the healthy group (P < .001). The T2 value of each region in the injury group was statistically different in the pairwise comparison (all P < .02). There was no statistical difference in the overall mean T2 value between the dominant hand group and the non-dominant hand group. 3.0T MR 3D VIBE and T2 mapping techniques are helpful for the evaluation of TFCC injury and the quantitative analysis of fibrocartilage. The parameters can reflect molecular changes of fibrocartilage injury, and T2 values are not affected by dominant hand, age and gender.
Periplaneta americana (Insecta: Blattodea) and organ fibrosis: A mini review
Authors: Zhou Xin , Yang Meng , Jin Jing , Chen Jie , Li Zhi
Published: December 2022

Fibrosis is the end stage of many chronic inflammatory diseases and eventually leads to organ failure. Periplaneta americana (P. americana) is referred to as “the product of flesh and blood” in traditional Chinese medicine and has a wide range of therapeutic effects. Owing to the growing interest in this insect for its application in the treatment of tissue injury-healing disorders that induce organ fibrosis, it has attracted the interest of researchers. A literature search was performed using core collections of electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang, using the keywords given below and terms such as pharmacological and biochemical details of this insect. P. americana extracts presented a wide range of therapeutic and biological activities, including antifibrotic, antiinflammatory, antioxidative, and tissue repair activities. Emerging evidence suggests that P. americana extracts may improve scarring, pulmonary fibrosis, liver fibrosis, and kidney fibrosis through the regulation of fibroblast activation, cytokine secretion, and deposition of fibrin, indicating the potential role of P. americana as a therapeutic option for organ fibrosis. P. americana is a potential therapeutic agent for treating fibrosis. Further studies are required for a more in-depth characterization of the antifibrogenic mechanism of P. americana prior to its clinical application in the treatment of organ fibrosis. (Fig. 1).
Comparison of LNM and survival in T1 stage esophageal cancer patients based on histological classification: A large population-based study
Authors: Liu Hui , Meng Jun
Published: December 2022

Limited evidence and contradictory results have been reported regarding the impact of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) classification on lymph node metastasis (LNM) and prognosis in esophageal cancer (EC). We aimed to compare 2 histology types in terms of LNM and prognosis using a comprehensive statistical analysis of a large population. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to extract patient information. Univariate and multivariate logistic or Cox regression, a multivariate competing risk model and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to explore the association between LNM or survival and the 2 histology types. Information for 4764 patients, including 1712 SCC and 3052 AC patients, was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a correlation between LNM and histology (odds ratio [OR] = 0.654, P = .037). We found that patients with AC had a better prognosis than SCC patients through both the multivariate Cox regression (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.866) and the multivariate competing risk model (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] = 0.704). However, no positive relation was found between LNM and histology type (P = .844) based on propensity score matching (PSM), and the prognosis remained poorer for the patients with SCC (P < .001). T1-stage EC with a histology of SCC may have a comparable risk of LNM as the AC type, while SCC has a poorer prognosis than the AC type.
Involvement of activation induced cytidine deaminase in malignant B-cells expressing two distinct M-components as an etiology of biclonal gammopathy
Authors: Kikuchi Shohei , Wada Akinori , Kamihara Yusuke , Nabe Yoshimi , Minemura Tomoki , Murakami Jun , Dang Nam H. , Sato Tsutomu
Published: December 2022

Biclonal gammopathy (BG) is a rare phenomenon in which 2 M proteins are detected in the same patient, with 2 major hypotheses regarding its etiology. One potential explanation is that completely different malignant B-cell clones produce different M proteins, while the other is that there is a malignant clone that produces both M proteins simultaneously. In this study, we examined 2 cases of B-cell malignancy with BG and found that some cells were double positive for both M proteins by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. However, most of the remaining cells were single positive cells that produced only one of the M proteins. We hypothesized that double positive cells were in the process of transitioning from 1 single positive cell to another single positive cell, and that class switch recombination (CSR) would be involved as a mechanism. We then examined the expression of activation induced cytidine deaminase (AICDA), which is responsible for CSR, and found that lymphoma/myeloma cells in 2 BG patients were positive for AICDA by immunostaining. Our study is the first report suggesting that AICDA may be involved in the pathogenesis of BG.
A case study on the application evaluation of integrative medical service model for the improvement of quality of life for dementia patients and caregivers
Authors: Cheong Moon Joo , Lee Do-Eun , Kim Jeesu , Son Il-Hong , Kim Sung Chul , Kang Hyung Won
Published: December 2022

Background:

Since 4 major diseases and geriatric diseases require consistent management, individuals with any of these diseases cannot live alone and need caregivers’ assistance. Given these characteristics, an integrative medical service model for 4 major diseases and geriatric diseases was developed in Korea, currently. Dementia, one of the typical geriatric diseases, requires caregivers’ assistance from the beginning because of its enormous burden. Thus, it is necessary to provide an integrative medical service that can improve the quality of life (QoL) for both patients and caregivers. Therefore, this study aims to collect various feedback by applying an integrative medical service, which was developed to improve the QoL in patients with dementia and their caregivers, to a single case, and to modify and improve the integrative medical service model based on the results.

Method/design:

The integrative medical service program, which was developed to improve the QoL in patients with dementia and their caregivers in Korea, will be used for a patient-caregiver pair. This is an observational study with quantitative and qualitative feedback from various viewpoints. The program will be conducted in 8 sessions (twice a week, within 120 minutes). The patient will receive both Western and Korean medicine, and an integrative service will be provided to improve cognitive rehabilitation and QoL. Feedback collected at each session will be reflected on the program of the subsequent session.

Results:

This study will then modify and improve the program with feedback and provide integrative medical services to a patient with dementia and caregiver.

Discussion:

Patients with dementia need a program that would help them maintain cognitive function, and caregivers need a program that would improve their QoL by reducing the caregiving burden. This study is unique because the developed program is performed after modification based on feedback from the previous session. Accordingly, the patient and caregiver can check which program is the most satisfactory and helpful in improving their QoL. We expect that this study can modify the integrative medical service model to the optimized patient-based model. This study can also be used as basic data for a clinical pathway development study that applies the modified model to medical institutes.
Effects of low-intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction after high tibial osteotomy in middle-aged women
Authors: Park Han-Soo , Song Jun-Seob , Kim Eun-Kuk
Published: December 2022

Background:

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective surgical method for treating medial compartment osteoarthritis. However, in most cases after surgery, muscle strength is decreased, and rapid muscle atrophy is observed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to verify the effects of low-intensity resistance exercise (LIE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of thigh muscles, knee extensor strength, pain, and knee joint function and investigate proper arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) in middle-aged women who underwent HTO.

Method:

This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial. Forty-two middle-aged women who underwent HTO were randomly divided into three groups and participated in LIE with (40% or 80% AOP applied) or without BFR. The main outcome was the measurement of the CSA of thigh muscles (at 30% and 50% distal length of the femur) before and 12 weeks after treatment. Additionally, knee extension muscle strength, pain, and joint function were evaluated before and 6 and 12 weeks after treatment.

Results:

CSA of thigh muscles at 30% and 50% distal length of the femur decreased in the AOP 40% and control groups and was the largest in the AOP 80% group 12 weeks after treatment. Knee extension strength increased in all groups and was the highest in the AOP 80% group 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. Pain improved in all groups, with no intergroup differences. Knee joint function improved in all groups and was superior in the 80% AOP group 12 weeks after treatment.

Conclusion:

LIE with BFR at 80% AOP was effective in preventing atrophy of the thigh muscle, increasing muscle strength, and improving function. BFR at 40% AOP had no difference in the results when compared with the group in which BFR was not applied. Therefore, LIE with an AOP of 80% is recommended for patients undergoing HTO.
Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy combined with acupuncture for lumbar disc herniation: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Shugui , Yang Qiang , Zhao Lei , Wang Guoqiang , Yang Chenyi
Published: December 2022

Background:

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common orthopedic disease, which is one of the main causes of global chronic pain and motor function defect. For intractable LDH, the surgical treatment of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is often used in clinical practice. Although the operation is relatively mature, there may still be some limitations and surgical risks delaying the recovery process of patients. Some studies have found that the combination of acupuncture therapy and PTED can bring more benefits to patients, but these conclusions are still lack of evidence support. Therefore, this study will adopt the method of meta-analysis to estimate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with PTED in patients with LDH, in order to provide a basis for clinical decision-making.

Methods:

This study will conduct a systematic search of the following databases: the Chinese databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure, formerly Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang Data, Chongqing VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane library, from their inception to December 1, 2022. In addition, we will search their references to avoid missing other eligible studies. The language will be limited to English and Chinese. RevMan 5.4 will be used to perform the meta-analysis. And GRADE Profiler software will be used to rate the quality of evidence.

Results:

The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

This study can provide evidence support for acupuncture combined with PTED in the treatment of LDH.
Comparative study of internal fixation and external fixation after osteotomy of hallux valgus: A protocol for meta-analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhou Xing , Dong Wei , Yang Jingfan , Chen Jiankun , Liu Weitong , Yin Hong , Li Jinlei , Zhuang Rujie
Published: December 2022

Background:

Hallux valgus (HV) is a common clinical deformity of the forefoot, primarily a deformity of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint in which the bunion is deflected laterally relative to the 1st metatarsal, often in combination with a medial bunion or pain at the head of the 1st metatarsal. For HV bunions that do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention is required, which generally involves osteotomy of the first metatarsal or the first phalanx. However, the choice of fixation method after osteotomy is controversial. Most scholars choose screws or plates for internal fixation (IF) to achieve strong and reliable fixation, while some experts do not perform IF after osteotomy, but reposition the osteotomized end and perform external fixation (EF) with a figure-of-eight bandage between the 1st and 2nd toes, which has been advocated by some scholars because it requires only local anesthesia and has the characteristics of minimally invasive and no additional material for IF, and has achieved good clinical results. Therefore, it is necessary to compare the choice of IF or EF after HV osteotomy to evaluate whether there is a difference between the 2 and to conduct a meta-analysis to provide a reliable basis for clinical guidance.

Methods:

We will search articles in 7 electronic databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Chinese databases SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All the publications, with no time restrictions, will be searched without any restriction of language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to October 2022. We will apply the risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for randomized controlled trials to assess the methodological quality. Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies was used to evaluate the quality of comparative studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results:

This systematic review will evaluate the functional outcomes and radiographic results of internal versus EF after HV osteotomy.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study will provide evidence to determine whether IF or external fixation is more effective after HV osteotomy.
Identifying stage-associated hub genes in bladder cancer via weighted gene co-expression network and robust rank aggregation analyses
Authors: Feng Fu , Zhong Yu-Xiang , Huang Jian-Hua , Lin Fu-Xiang , Zhao Peng-Peng , Mai Yuan , Wei Wei , Zhu Hua-Cai , Xu Zhan-Ping
Published: December 2022

Background:

Bladder cancer (BC) is among the most frequent cancers globally. Although substantial efforts have been put to understand its pathogenesis, its underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.

Methods:

The robust rank aggregation approach was adopted to integrate 4 eligible bladder urothelial carcinoma microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed gene sets were identified between tumor samples and equivalent healthy samples. We constructed gene co-expression networks using weighted gene co-expression network to explore the alleged relationship between BC clinical characteristics and gene sets, as well as to identify hub genes. We also incorporated the weighted gene co-expression network and robust rank aggregation to screen differentially expressed genes.

Results:

CDH11, COL6A3, EDNRA, and SERPINF1 were selected from the key module and validated. Based on the results, significant downregulation of the hub genes occurred during the early stages of BC. Moreover, receiver operating characteristics curves and Kaplan–Meier plots showed that the genes exhibited favorable diagnostic and prognostic value for BC. Based on gene set enrichment analysis for single hub gene, all the genes were closely linked to BC cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

These results offer unique insight into the pathogenesis of BC and recognize CDH11, COL6A3, EDNRA, and SERPINF1 as potential biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic roles in BC.