bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ChatGPT pathology knowledge using board-style questions
Authors: Geetha Saroja D , Khan Anam , Khan Atif , Kannadath Bijun S , Vitkovski Taisia
Published: December 2023

Objectives

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI. Its extensive knowledge and unique interactive capabilities enable its use in various innovative ways in the medical field, such as writing clinical notes and simplifying radiology reports. Through this study, we aimed to analyze the pathology knowledge of ChatGPT to advocate its role in transforming pathology education.

Methods

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Resident Question Bank 2022 was used to test ChatGPT, version 4. Practice tests were created in each subcategory and answered based on the input that ChatGPT provided. Questions that required interpretation of images were excluded. We analyzed ChatGPT performance and compared it with average peer performance.

Results

The overall performance of ChatGPT was 56.98%, lower than that of the average peer performance of 62.81%. ChatGPT performed better on clinical pathology (60.42%) than on anatomic pathology (54.94%). Furthermore, its performance was better on easy questions (68.47%) than on intermediate (52.88%) and difficult questions (37.21%).

Conclusions

ChatGPT has the potential to be a valuable resource in pathology education if trained on a larger, specialized medical data set. Those relying on it (in its current form) solely for the purpose of pathology training should be cautious.
Scrutinizing video use in primary English classrooms
Authors: Jiang Lianjiang , Zhao Yi , Lin Lihua
Published: December 2023

Despite the popularity of video in ELT, video use in primary English classrooms remains under-scrutinized. Grounded in a social semiotic conceptualization of video as multimodal ensemble, this study explored 115 Chinese primary English teachers’ use of videos and the influencing factors in the post-pandemic era. Data were collected through a narrative frame, semi-structured interviews, and classroom observations. The findings revealed a predominant use of video for motivational and linguistic purposes, with occasional use of video as multimodal ensemble for critical and creative viewing purposes. Factors that shaped video use were also identified, including limited understanding of viewing multimodal texts as part of language competence, absence of institutional policies and support, and constrained access to quality videos. These findings call for attention to the importance of multimodal awareness for primary English teachers to develop pedagogic competences to use videos for an expanded range of literacy purposes in contemporary ELT landscape.
Smallholder commercialisation and rural household welfare: panel data evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Geffersa Abebayehu Girma , Tabe-Ojong Martin Paul Jr
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the relationship between smallholder commercialisation and rural household welfare. Employing a comprehensive three-wave panel dataset of smallholder maize farmers in Ethiopia, we find a positive association between commercialisation and household income which translates to wealth endowments through asset ownership and accumulation. We also show that commercialisation is associated with poverty reduction by reducing the prevalence of income poverty and the poverty gap. Deep diving into who benefits most from commercialisation, we find that agricultural commercialisation is inclusive and benefits all households. However, the greatest welfare gains accrue to income-poor households, suggesting some potential for reducing rural inequality. These insights support existing evidence that smallholder commercialisation is pro-poor and could be a significant entry point for stirring income growth and development in rural areas. Consequently, supporting poor and marginalised farmers with resources needed to boost agricultural production and commercialisation are relevant steps in the right direction of ensuring integrated rural development.
Low-pass sequencing plus imputation using avidity sequencing displays comparable imputation accuracy to sequencing by synthesis while reducing duplicates
Authors: Li Jeremiah H , Findley Karrah , Pickrell Joseph K , Blease Kelly , Zhao Junhua , Kruglyak Semyon
Published: December 2023

Low-pass sequencing with genotype imputation has been adopted as a cost-effective method for genotyping. The most widely used method of short-read sequencing uses sequencing by synthesis (SBS). Here we perform a study of a novel sequencing technology—avidity sequencing. In this short note, we compare the performance of imputation from low-pass libraries sequenced on an Element AVITI system (which utilizes avidity sequencing) to those sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (which utilizes SBS) with an SP flow cell for the same set of biological samples across a range of genetic ancestries. We observed dramatically lower optical duplication rates in the data deriving from the AVITI system compared to the NovaSeq 6000, resulting in higher effective coverage given a fixed number of sequenced bases, and comparable imputation accuracy performance between sequencing chemistries across ancestries. This study demonstrates that avidity sequencing is a viable alternative to the standard SBS chemistries for applications involving low-pass sequencing plus imputation.
Interfacial growth morphologies in dense eutectic crystal mushes
Authors: Fowler A C , Holness Marian B
Published: December 2023

We consider the interfacial growth morphologies of crystals growing in contact in crystal mushes, with a specific application to those formed by the solidification of basaltic magma. We focus on the particular case of an augite (pyroxene) crystal growing between two plagioclase crystals. The augite is treated as an equant unfaceted crystal, whereas the plagioclase is faceted, and our treatment applies generally to such combinations. The resulting three-grain junctions in natural rock samples are commonly of two distinct types. In one, the two augite–plagioclase interfaces grow towards each other with opposite curvatures, whereas in the second the curvatures of the interfaces have the same sign, giving a distinctive morphology which we have called an eagle’s beak. This paper provides a theoretical framework to provide explanations for both of these morphologies, based on the kinetics of interfacial growth.
Game theory
Authors: Britten Anna
Published: December 2023

Looking for some new games to beat family and friends at this Christmas? Marcus du Sautoy’s new book gathers traditional games from around the world, explores the maths embedded in them and shows us what they reveal about our species
Cognitive functioning in untreated glioma patients: The limited predictive value of clinical variables
Authors: Boelders Sander M , Gehring Karin , Postma Eric O , Rutten Geert-Jan M , Ong Lee-Ling S
Published: December 2023

Background

Previous research identified many clinical variables that are significantly related to cognitive functioning before surgery. It is not clear whether such variables enable accurate prediction for individual patients’ cognitive functioning because statistical significance does not guarantee predictive value. Previous studies did not test how well cognitive functioning can be predicted for (yet) untested patients. Furthermore, previous research is limited in that only linear or rank-based methods with small numbers of variables were used.

Methods

We used various machine learning models to predict preoperative cognitive functioning for 340 patients with glioma across 18 outcome measures. Predictions were made using a comprehensive set of clinical variables as identified from the literature. Model performances and optimized hyperparameters were interpreted. Moreover, Shapley additive explanations were calculated to determine variable importance and explore interaction effects.

Results

Best-performing models generally demonstrated above-random performance. Performance, however, was unreliable for 14 out of 18 outcome measures with predictions worse than baseline models for a substantial number of train-test splits. Best-performing models were relatively simple and used most variables for prediction while not relying strongly on any variable.

Conclusions

Preoperative cognitive functioning could not be reliably predicted across cognitive tests using the comprehensive set of clinical variables included in the current study. Our results show that a holistic view of an individual patient likely is necessary to explain differences in cognitive functioning. Moreover, they emphasize the need to collect larger cross-center and multimodal data sets.
Beyond the Tram Lines: Disability Discrimination, Reproductive Rights and Anachronistic Abortion Law
Authors: Sheldon Sally
Published: December 2023

This article takes as its starting point the recent case of Crowter, which challenged the law permitting provision of abortion on the grounds of fetal anomaly. It begins by briefly locating the case within a longer ‘biography’ of the Abortion Act 1967, casting important light on the issue raised within it. It then focuses in detail on the claims made in Crowter, exploring how important moral, social and political concerns with disability discrimination were refracted through an anti-abortion lens as they were translated into legal argument. As a result, the legal remedies sought were simultaneously disproportionate and insufficient to address the harms described. Whilst agreeing that the Abortion Act reflects anachronistic and discriminatory understandings of disability and is overdue reform, the article argues that a response that fully reflects modern ethical values will require more radical change than envisaged in Crowter, and that this must refuse an opposition between the rights of pregnant and disabled people.
A Misleading Case of NTRK-Rearranged Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Germani Marco Maria , Boccaccio Chiara , Matrone Antonio , Molinaro Eleonora , Alì Greta , Giordano Mirella , Elisei Rossella , Fontanini Gabriella , Cremolini Chiara
Published: December 2023

Herein, we present a misleading case of advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma with lung, node, and pleural metastases, initially diagnosed as metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with papillary features, based on the histological and immunohistochemical analysis of a pleural biopsy. Between August 2019 and August 2020, the patient received 2 ineffective lines of systemic therapy, including a first line of chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed, and a second line of immunotherapy with atezolizumab. Comprehensive genomic profiling by next-generation sequencing on the archival pleural biopsy revealed an NTRK1-TMP3 fusion and comutation of the TERT promoter, commonly found in papillary thyroid carcinoma. After palliative partial thyroidectomy that confirmed the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, in February 2021, the patient was enrolled in the STARTRK-2 GO40782 basket trial and received entrectinib, an oral pan-TRK inhibitor specifically targeting NTRK-rearranged tumors. After initially experiencing drug-related grade 2 anorexia, dysgeusia, and neurotoxicity and grade 3 asthenia, the dose was reduced, and an excellent and durable objective response was observed.
De novo design of a polycarbonate hydrolase
Authors: Holst Laura H , Madsen Niklas G , Toftgård Freja T , Rønne Freja , Moise Ioana-Malina , Petersen Evamaria I , Fojan Peter
Published: December 2023

Enzymatic degradation of plastics is currently limited to the use of engineered natural enzymes. As of yet, all engineering approaches applied to plastic degrading enzymes retain the natural $\alpha /\beta $-fold. While mutations can be used to increase thermostability, an inherent maximum likely exists for the $\alpha /\beta $-fold. It is thus of interest to introduce catalytic activity toward plastics in a different protein fold to escape the sequence space of plastic degrading enzymes. Here, a method for designing highly thermostable enzymes that can degrade plastics is described. With the help of Rosetta an active site catalysing the hydrolysis of polycarbonate is introduced into a set of thermostable scaffolds. Through computational evaluation, a potential PCase was selected and produced recombinantly in Escherichia coli. Thermal analysis suggests that the design has a melting temperature of >95$^{\circ }$C. Activity toward polycarbonate was confirmed using atomic force spectroscopy (AFM), proving the successful design of a PCase.
Safety assessment of wireless chargers for electric vehicles considering thermal characteristics
Authors: Mou Wenting , Lu Mai
Published: December 2023

This study employs the transient finite element method and electromagnetic heat transfer theory to assess the heating generated by high-power wireless chargers during electric vehicle charging. The analysis includes simulating and analyzing the temperature distribution of two different types of shielding plates of the wireless charger and the specific absorption rate (SAR) and head temperature rise of both adults and children in close proximity to the charger. Simulation results show that the maximum temperature rise of the copper shielding plate is 16°C lower than that of the aluminum shielding plate after charging for 1 h. This temperature increase does not affect the chassis’ s equipment. Regarding human safety, the induced electric field strength and SAR values in the child’s head tissue are higher than those in the adult, meeting the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) limits. When the initial temperature is set to 37°C, the temperature rise in the heads of both adults and children is approximately equal after 1 h of charging, reaching a maximum temperature rise of 0.21 and 0.23°C, respectively. These values remain below the thermal limit of ICNIRP (2°C for Type 2 tissues). The findings indicate that the copper shielding plate can provide both electromagnetic shielding and heat dissipation functions, and the electromagnetic exposure absorbed by the human body and head temperature rise within safe ranges.
Power resources of labor and the state politics of downsizing
Authors: Jung Jiwook , VanHeuvelen Tom
Published: December 2023

Utilizing the geographical polarization of American politics, we examine how state politics shape the implementation of downsizing. Combining power resources theory and the political-embeddedness approach in organizational studies, we propose that labor power resources at the state level, namely Democratic control of state government and state-level union membership, limit firms’ ability to implement drastic job cuts within the state. Based on data on the 697 largest, publicly traded US firms between 1981 and 2005, combined with their establishment-level employment data from EEO-1 reports, our analysis shows that post-downsizing reductions in employment were less severe in states with a worker-friendly political environment. But the limited effectiveness of labor’s power resources in right-to-work states and the American South suggests that there is considerable regional variation. Our findings provide strong evidence of the political embeddedness of firms, by demonstrating the growing salience of political considerations in corporate decision-making.
New causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Clynick Meghan , Holness Dorothy Linn
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) is an important work-related skin disease. Information about the causative agents comes from many sources, including patch test databases, registries, case series and case reports. This review summarizes new information about common causative allergens and diagnosis.

Recent findings

Common causes of OACD include rubber components, epoxies and preservatives. New exposure sources for these allergens continue to be described. Often these exposure sources are related to the changing world around us, such as allergens related to smartphones and technology, and personal protective equipment-related exposures during the COVID-19 pandemic. New allergens are also being described, some of which are related to known allergens (e.g. a new epoxy or acrylate component).

Accurate diagnosis is critical to effective management of OACD, which may include removing the worker from exposure to the causative allergen. Safety data sheets may not contain complete information and patch testing with specialized series of allergens and workplace materials may be necessary.

This review provides current evidence about causes of OACD and important aspects of diagnosis. This is important for clinical practice to ensure cases of OACD are not missed.
Low Dose Rivaroxaban as Extended Prophylaxis Reduces Postdischarge Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Malignancy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ogilvie James W. , Khan Mariam T. , Hayakawa Emiko , Parker Jessica , Luchtefeld Martin A.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Despite guidelines suggesting the use of extended prophylaxis for prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with colorectal cancer and perhaps inflammatory bowel disease, routine use is low and scant data exist regarding oral forms of therapy.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose was to compare the incidence of postdischarge venous thromboembolism in patients given extended prophylaxis with low dose rivaroxaban.

DESIGN:

We used propensity matching to compare a pre- and postintervention analysis from a 2-year period prior to instituting extended prophylaxis.

SETTING:

All colorectal patients at a single institution were prospectively considered for extended prophylaxis.

PATIENTS:

Patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer who underwent operative resection were included.

INTERVENTIONS:

Those considered for extended prophylaxis were prescribed 10 mg of rivaroxaban for 30 days post-surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The primary outcome was venous thromboembolism incidence 30-days post-discharge. The secondary outcome was bleeding rates, major or minor.

RESULTS:

Of the 498 patients considered for extended prophylaxis, 363 were discharged with rivaroxaban, 81 on baseline anticoagulation, and 54 without anticoagulation. Propensity matched cohorts based on stoma creation, operative approach, procedure type and body mass index, were made to 174 historical controls. After excluding cases of inpatient venous thromboembolism, postoperative rates were lower in the prospective cohort (4.8% vs 0.6%, p = 0.019). In the prospective group 36 episodes of bleeding occurred, 26 (7.2%) discharged with rivaroxaban, 8 (9.9%) discharged on other anticoagulants and 2 (3.7%) with no postoperative anticoagulation. Cases of major bleeding were 1.1%, (4/363) in the rivaroxaban group and each required intervention.

LIMITATIONS:

The study was limited to a single institution and did not include a placebo arm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients with inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, extended prophylaxis with low dose rivaroxaban led to a significant decrease in post-discharge thromboembolic events with a low bleeding risk profile
Long-term Outcome of the Kono-S Anastomosis: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Fichera Alessandro , Mangrola Anjali , Olortegui Kinga S , Rebollo Daniela , Stringfield Sarah , Kapadia Muneera , Madduri Supradeep S. , Ogola Gerald , Krane Mukta
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative recurrence remains a significant problem in Crohn’s disease, and the mesentery is implicated in the pathophysiology. The Kono-S anastomosis was designed to exclude the mesentery from a wide anastomotic lumen, limit luminal distortion and fecal stasis, and preserve innervation and vascularization.

OBJECTIVE:

To review postoperative complications and long-term outcomes of the Kono-S anastomosis in a large series of consecutive unselected patients with Crohn’s disease.

DESIGN:

Retrospective study of prospectively collected patients.

SETTINGS:

Four tertiary referral centers.

PATIENTS:

Consecutive patients with Crohn’s disease undergoing resection with Kono-S anastomosis between May 2010 and June 2022

INTERVENTIONS:

Extracorporeal handsewn Kono-S anastomosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Postoperative outcomes and recurrence defined as endoscopic, clinical, laboratory, or surgical including endoscopic intervention.

RESULTS:

A total of 262 consecutive patients (53.4% male) were included. Mean duration of disease at surgery was 145.1 months. One hundred thirty-five patients (51.5%) had previous abdominal surgery for Crohn’s disease. Forty-four patients (17%) were actively smoking and 150 (57.3%) were on biologic therapy. Anastomotic failure occurred in 4 (1.5%) with 2 patients requiring reoperation (0.7%). Sixteen patients had postoperative surgical site infection (6.1%). With a median follow-up of 49.4 months, 20 patients (7.6%) were found to have surgical recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, perianal disease (OR=2.83, p = 0.001), urgent/emergent surgery (OR=3.23, p = 0.007), postoperative use of steroids (OR=2.29, p = 0.025) were associated with increased risk of overall recurrence.

LIMITATION:

Retrospective study. Variability of perioperative medical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study showed very low postoperative complication rates despite the complexity of the patient population. There was a low rate of surgical recurrence, likely due to the intrinsic advantages of the anastomotic configuration and the low rate of postoperative septic complications. In experienced hands, the Kono-S anastomosis is a safe technique with very promising short- and long-term results. Randomized control trials are underway to validate our findings.
Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Chemical Peels in China (2022) #
Authors: Ding Yan , Gao Lin , He Li , Jian Dan , Ju Qiang , Jiang Xian , Li Cheng-Xin , Lin Tong , Lai Wei , Liu Yi , Tian Yan , Wang Baoxi , Wen Xiang , Wu Yan , Xiang Lei-Hong , Yang Bin , Yin Rui , Yang Rong-Ya , Yan Yan , Yang Yin , Zhou Cheng , Zhang Li , Zeng Wei-Hui ,   Chinese Society of Dermatology, China Dermatologist Association, Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine Board of Dermatovenereology
Published: December 2023

Chemical peels are widely used to treat various skin diseases and photoaging. Their rational, effective, and safe use has become an important issue in clinical practice. To standardize the clinical use of chemical peels, a group of experts developed this consensus based on the latest research and discussions. This consensus provides specific guidance to clinicians on chemical peels with respect to their classification, peeling agents, mechanisms, indications, contraindications, peeling techniques, and complications.
The Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Mental Health Outcomes in Pregnant Woman: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: SARI Yanti Puspita , HSU Yu-Yun , NGUYEN Tram Thi Bich
Published: December 2023

Background

Pregnancy stress, anxiety, and depression increase the risk of short-term and long-term health problems for the mother and fetus. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) is one of the most popular, nonpharmacological interventions used to treat mental health problems. The results of prior research indicate MBI has a less consistent effect on mental health problems in pregnant women.

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to clarify and determine the effect of MBI on mental health outcomes in pregnant women.

Methods

Six databases, including Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect, were searched from their dates of inception to November 2021. Google Scholar was also used for the literature inquiry. The inclusion criteria followed the PICO (Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) model in terms of only including studies that used mindfulness therapy, reported mental health outcomes, and applied randomized controlled trial and quasi-experimental approaches. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was applied to evaluate the quality of the studies. Review Manager 5 software with random effect with a standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to analyze level of effect.

Results

Thirteen studies (10 randomized controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies) were included. MBI was found to have a small effect on mental health outcomes in pregnant women (p < .0001, SMDs = −0.48, 95% CI [−0.74, −0.22], I
2 = 87%). Specifically, MBI had moderate effects on stress and anxiety (SMDs = −0.59, 95% CI [−1.09, −0.09], and SMDs = −0.55, 95% CI [−1.00, −0.10], respectively) and no significant effect on depression (SMDs = −0.33, 95% CI [−0.74, 0.08]).

Conclusions

MBIs have a small but notable effect on mental health in pregnant women. The high heterogeneity found in this review may reflect the different types and durations of interventions used. Notably, none of the studies in the review examined intervention effects by trimester. Future research should use larger sample sizes and assess the effects of therapy for each trimester of pregnancy.
Is CaMKII friend or foe for cell apoptosis in eye?: A narrative review
Authors: Xu Weixing , Liu Hua
Published: December 2023

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) controls cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and other biological processes that have an essential role in eye diseases. However, it seems that previous studies have generated conflicting conclusions about the effect of CaMKII on cell apoptosis. In this review, we explore the positive and potentially deleterious effects of CaMKII on eye cell apoptosis. We can safely conclude that the early elevation of CaMKII could be viewed as a promoter of cell apoptosis. Overexpression of CaMKII by transfection or pretreatment with drugs helped combat cell apoptosis.
Relationship between lipoprotein(a) and whole blood reducing viscosity: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jing Sheng , Zhu Haibo
Published: December 2023

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been confirmed as a causal risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but its role on circulation is not completely clear and is still being explored. Therefore, this study attempts to explore the relationship between Lp(a) and whole blood reducing viscosity (WBRV), to better understand the role of Lp(a) in circulatory and cardiovascular diseases. We retrospectively analyzed the data of consecutive subjects in the physical examination center of the Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University Medical College from January 2022 to May 2022. Pearson or spearman correlation analysis was used to test the statistical relationship between 2 continuous variables according to whether they are normal; 131 participants were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The low-density lipoprotein concentration was associated with whole blood viscosity at low-shear (R = 0.220, P = .012), middle-shear (R = 0.226, P = .01), and high-shear viscosity (R = 0.212, P = .015), as well as plasma viscosity (R
S = 0.207, P = .018). Lp(a) was not associated with whole blood viscosity at low, middle, and high shear rates, but was associated with WBRV at low shear (R
S = 0.204, P = .019) and middle shear rates (R
S = 0.197, P = .024). Lp(a) is associated with high WBRV, which may impart more insights into the role of Lp(a) in cardiovascular disease.
Active ingredient and mechanistic analysis of traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19: Insights from bioinformatics and in vitro experiments
Authors: Yang Jiakai , Zhuang Qianqian , Zhang Chi , Liu Xinli
Published: December 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been proven to have a potential curative effect on COVID-19. This study preliminarily analyzed the existing TCM prescription’s key components and action mechanisms for preventing and treating COVID-19 using bioinformatic and experimental methods. Association and clustering analysis reveals that the “HQ + FF + BZ” drug combination had a strong correlation and confidence in 93 TCM prescriptions and may affect the progression of COVID-19 through inflammatory pathways such as the TNF signaling pathway. Further molecular docking revealed that quercetin has a higher affinity for IL6 and IL10 in the TNF signaling pathway associated with COVID-19. In vitro experiments demonstrated that quercetin could effectively reduce the levels of the inflammatory factor IL-6 and increase the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, alleviating inflammation impact on cells. Our results provide a new understanding of the molecular mechanism of TCM prevention and treatment of COVID-19, which is helpful to the development of new diagnosis and treatment schemes for COVID-19.
Cardiovascular sequelae of hyperthyroidism: A rare case report of thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Elendu, Chukwuka
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

This case report highlights a distinctive presentation of cardiovascular sequelae arising from hyperthyroidism, shedding light on a rarely observed condition within the medical literature. The unique aspects of this case contribute valuable insights to our understanding of the intricate relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cardiac complications.

Clinical presentation:

The patient exhibited a constellation of symptoms, including palpitations, weight loss, and anxiety, indicative of hyperthyroidism. Notably, a thorough clinical examination revealed critical cardiovascular findings, such as elevated heart rate, arrhythmias, and signs of heart failure, underscoring the significant cardiac implications associated with this disorder.

Diagnosis and interventions:

Following a comprehensive diagnostic process, the patient was diagnosed with thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy, a rare manifestation of hyperthyroidism characterized by cardiac muscle dysfunction. Therapeutic interventions encompassed a multidisciplinary approach involving antithyroid medications, beta-blockers, and supportive heart failure management. The intricate connection between thyroid function and cardiac performance necessitated tailored treatment strategies.

Outcomes:

A notable improvement in the patient’s clinical status was observed throughout treatment. Reduction in heart rate, resolution of arrhythmias, and amelioration of heart failure symptoms collectively underscored the efficacy of the chosen interventions. This case report emphasizes the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment regimen in achieving positive clinical outcomes in patients with thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion:

This case is a poignant reminder of the interplay between endocrine and cardiovascular systems. The unique presentation of thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy in the context of hyperthyroidism expands our knowledge of potential cardiovascular sequelae. Clinicians are urged to consider such intricate connections and remain vigilant for atypical cardiac manifestations in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Timely intervention and tailored management strategies are paramount in mitigating the impact of these rare yet clinically significant conditions.
Pulmonary embolism after diagnostic curettage in patient with adenomyosis and hysteromyoma: A case report and brief review of literature
Authors: Cheng Zhen , Yan Min , Wu Yu-Yan , Li Xin-Ran , Pan Xiang-Tao
Published: December 2023

Rationale:

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause of cardiovascular death whose major acquired risk factors include postoperative states, pregnancy, malignancy, and age. We report a case of PE that occurred after diagnostic curettage for abnormal uterine bleeding, with a medical history of adenomyosis and hysteromyoma.

Patient concerns and diagnoses:

A 31-year-old Han Chinese female was referred to our hospital with menstrual disorders, increased menstrual flow, and severe anemia. After admission, the patient was treated with a blood transfusion, iron supplementation, and erythropoietin, and diagnostic curettage was performed the following day. On the first postoperative day, the patient developed pulmonary embolism with dyspnea and fever diagnosed by CT pulmonary angiography and significantly elevated D-dimer.

Interventions and outcomes:

Molecular weight heparin was administered for PE for 2 weeks, dyspnea was relieved significantly after 2 days of treatment and the uterine bleeding did not increase; and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists were administered for adenomyosis after 1 week of anticoagulant therapy to reduce bleeding. We followed up for 6 months, and the patient had no recurrence of thrombosis and uterine bleeding had improved.

Conclusion:

We speculate that the occurrence of pulmonary embolism was closely related to adenomyosis, hysteromyoma, and curettage in this patient. Treating the presence of both menstrual bleeding and thromboembolism is challenging, and careful management is necessary to avoid therapeutic contradictions.
Network pharmacology-based pharmacological mechanism prediction of Lycii Fructus against postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Jianbo , Wang Yi , Li Leyan , Cai Shuiqi , Mao Dandan , Lou Hongkan , Zhao Jian
Published: December 2023

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) has become one of most frequent bone diseases worldwide with aging population. Lycii Fructus, a common plant fruit with the property of drug homologous food, has long since been used to treat PMOP. The aim of this study is to explore pharmacological mechanisms of Lycii Fructus against PMOP through using network pharmacology approach. The active ingredients of Lycii Fructus were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database. Target fishing was performed on these ingredients in UniProt database for identification of the relative targets. Then, we screened the targets related to PMOP using GeneCards database and DisGeNET database. The overlapping genes between PMOP and Lycii Fructus were obtained to perform protein–protein interaction, gene ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. A total of 35 active ingredients were identified in Lycii Fructus, and fished 158 related targets. Simultaneously, 292 targets associated with PMOP were obtained from GeneCards database and DisGeNET database. By drawing Venn diagram, 41 overlapping genes were obtained, and were considered as therapeutically relevant. Gene ontology enrichment analysis predicted that anti-inflammation and promotion of angiogenesis might be 2 potential mechanism of Lycii Fructus for PMOP treatment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed several pathways, such as IL-17 pathway, TNF pathway, MAPK pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and HIF signaling pathway were involved in regulating these 2 biological processes. Through the method of network pharmacology, we systematically investigated the mechanisms of Lycii Fructus against PMOP. The identified multi-targets and multi-pathways provide new insights to further determinate its exact pharmacological mechanisms.
Optimal treatment duration of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in Helicobacter pylori infection: A retrospective study
Authors: Kim Ji Yoon , Kim Sang Gyun , Cho Soo-Jeong
Published: December 2023

The use of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (BQT) in Helicobacter pylori eradication has been increasing. Although the recommended treatment length for BQT is 14 days, longer durations may be associated with higher rates of adverse events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal duration of BQT by comparing eradication rates and adverse events among 7, 10, and 14-day regimens. A total of 328 patients treated with BQT at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2010 to May 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. The eradication rates of different treatment groups were compared using intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. Baseline characteristics of the enrolled patients and adverse events were also analyzed. A total of 74, 177, and 77 patients were included in the 7-, 10-, and 14-day groups, respectively. Forty-one patients were lost during the follow-up. The eradication rates were 71.6%, 84.2%, and 80.5% (P = .106) by ITT, and 84.1%, 94.9%, and 92.5% (P = .028) by PP analysis in the 7-, 10-, and 14-day groups, respectively. The 10-day regimen showed significantly higher eradication rates than the 7-day regimen in both ITT (P = .024) and PP (P = .018) analyses. However, there were no significant differences in eradication rates between the 10- and 14-day groups in either ITT (P = .667) or PP (P = .537) analysis. Adverse event incidence was comparable among the groups (P = .835). Treatment with BQT for 10 days was as effective as 14 days without increasing the adverse events.
Peripheral blood inflammatory indexes in breast cancer: A review
Authors: Xie Jiaqiang , Guo Zhenxi , Zhu Yijing , Ma Mingde , Jia Guangwei
Published: December 2023

Immune and inflammatory responses play an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Inflammation is an important component of the tumor microenvironment, and the changes in inflammatory cells may affect the occurrence and development of tumors. Complete blood count at the time of diagnosis and treatment can reflect the inflammatory status within the tumor. Studies have shown that the number of certain inflammatory cells in peripheral blood and their ratios are important prognostic factors for many malignancies, including neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts, as well as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, systemic inflammation response index and pan-immune-inflammation-value. The value of peripheral blood inflammation indexes in predicting the efficacy and prognosis of breast cancer neoadjuvant therapy is worth recognizing. This review details the application of peripheral blood inflammation indexes in the evaluation of efficacy and prediction of prognosis in neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer, aiming to provide a more comprehensive reference for the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Effect of oral probiotics on clinical efficacy and intestinal flora in elderly severe pneumonia patients
Authors: Zhu Yonglin , Ma Guannan , Ren Wei , Hu Zhenyu , Zhou Ling , Zhang Xin , Zhao Na , Zhang Mingding , Yan Lei , Yu Qian , Liu Xuetong , Chen Jichao
Published: December 2023

Complex microbial ecosystems in both gastrointestinal and respiratory systems have been found to have a significant impact on human health. Growing evidence has demonstrated that intestinal dysbiosis can increase vulnerability to pulmonary infections. However, changes in the composition and activity of the intestinal flora after probiotic supplementation may alter the disease state of the host. The effects of probiotics on the improvement of diseases, such as severe pneumonia (SP), in intensive care units (ICUs) remain controversial. We retrospectively included 88 patients diagnosed with severe pneumonia between April 2021 and June 2022. The patients were divided into 2 groups: a probiotic group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 48). In addition, changes in CRP, PCT, WBC, IL-6, Clostridium difficile toxin, and PSI pneumonia scores were assessed. Changes in the gut microbiome of the patients were assessed using amplicon sequencing. Compared to the control group, a significant reduction in the incidence of length of hospital stay was observed in the probiotic group, but there were no significant differences in the mortality rate, duration of fever, diarrhea, and constipation. After probiotic treatment, CRP, PCT, WBC, and PSI score were significantly lower than before, and better clinical efficacy was achieved in the probiotic group for the duration of antibiotic therapy. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Massilia) increased remarkably at the genus level in the control group, and a significant increase in Erysipelotrichaceae_ge was observed after probiotic intervention. The control group showed an increase in opportunistic pathogens (Citrobacter, Massilia) during the antibiotic treatment. Probiotics interventions inhibit the growth of opportunistic pathogens. In addition, we found that the population of butyrate-producing bacteria (e.g., Ruminococcaceae UCG-005) increased following probiotic treatment.
Associations between subjective well-being, number of teeth, and self-rated mastication in Japanese adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ishikawa Shigeo , Konta Tsuneo , Susa Shinji , Ishizawa Kenichi , Makino Naohiko , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Okuyama Naoki , Iino Mitsuyoshi
Published: December 2023

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the risk factors for low levels of subjective well-being (SWB) in the general population of Japan, specifically, the impact of the number of teeth and self-rated mastication. The surveyed population consisted of individuals aged between 40 and 79 years from Yamagata prefecture, Japan. A postal self-administered questionnaire survey of respondents lifestyles, medical history, oral health, and dietary intake, was conducted from 2017 to 2021. We included 6846 participants to confirm the independent associations between SWB and several parameters using multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Individuals with < 20 teeth and poor mastication ability had a 1.3-fold risk for low levels of SWB compared with individuals with ≥ 20 teeth with good mastication ability (adjusted odds ratios = 1.300, 95% confidence intervals = 1.043–1.621, P = .020). There were no differences between individuals with good mastication ability, regardless of the number of remaining teeth. Our study emphasizes not only the importance of having ≥ 20 teeth and good mastication ability for high levels of SWB but also the importance of restoring mastication ability using some form of prosthesis, to facilitate a high level of SWB when the number of remaining teeth is < 20.
The Heimlich maneuver and chest compression relieve mask ventilation difficulties caused by asymptomatic laryngeal mass: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Zhou Xuefei , Wang Longfei , Zhang Yonghua , Wu Qiuyue , Cao Yunfei
Published: December 2023

Rationale:

Some laryngeal masses are typically asymptomatic and easily ignored. However, they can be rare causes of unanticipated difficult airway, leading to critical situations such as “cannot ventilate” or “cannot ventilate and cannot intubate” during anesthesia induction. Inappropriate airway management in such scenarios can have catastrophic consequences for an anesthetized patient. Here we report a case of sudden, unanticipated difficult mask ventilation caused by an asymptomatic supraglottic mass during sedative induction, which was quickly and effectively relieved by the Heimlich maneuver and chest compression.

Patient concerns:

We report a rare case of airway crisis occurred during sedative induction in a 63-year-old patient scheduled for a routine flexible bronchoscopy, and no evidence of respiratory difficulty or signs of obstruction was found in preoperative evaluation.

Diagnoses:

A detailed examination of laryngopharyngeal structure under bronchoscopy revealed a supraglottic soft-tissue mass with a size of 1.6 × 0.8 cm covering the membranous part of the glottic area, which was the true cause of difficult mask ventilation in this patient during sedative induction.

Interventions:

As the unanticipated difficult mask ventilation occurred, 2-handed mask ventilation was initiated immediately for 9 attempts but failed. Fortunately, the airway crisis was successfully relieved with 2 Heimlich attempts and 3 chest compressions, and no need for a laryngeal mask airway.

Outcomes:

Once the airway crisis was relieved and the supraglottic mass was confirmed, the patient underwent a second sedative anesthesia and a successful laryngeal mask airway-assisted bronchoscopy, with no post-bronchoscopy adverse events.

Lessons:

Asymptomatic supraglottic masses can cause valve-like upper airway obstruction and lead to unanticipated difficult mask ventilation. The Heimlich maneuver and chest compression may be effective in such critical situations and can serve as an emergency intervention.
Copper neurotoxicity: Induction of cognitive dysfunction: A review
Authors: Feng Duan , Zhao Yu , Li Wei , Li Xuechao , Wan Jixiang , Wang Fangjun
Published: December 2023

Cognitive dysfunction occurs mainly in certain diseases and in the pathological process of aging. In addition to this, it is also widespread in patients undergoing anesthesia, surgery, and cancer chemotherapy. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired synaptic plasticity, and lack of neurotrophic support are involved in copper-induced cognitive dysfunction. In addition, recent studies have found that copper mediates cuproptosis and adversely affects cognitive function. Cuproptosis is a copper-dependent, lipoylated mitochondrial protein-driven, non-apoptotic mode of regulated cell death, which provides us with new avenues for identifying and treating related diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which cuproptosis induces cognitive decline is still unclear, and this has attracted the interest of many researchers. In this paper, we analyzed the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic targets of copper-associated cognitive decline, mainly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric and psychological disorders, and diabetes mellitus.
Assessing how bariatric surgery, emotional eating, and depression could affect each other: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Büyükkasap Çağri
Published: December 2023

Emotional eating (EE) has been found to be associated with depression, anxiety, excessive weight, obesity, and unhealthy eating habits. EE could also be associated with recurrent weight gain. To date, the factors predicting success following bariatric surgery remain uncertain. In addition, there is a paucity of data regarding the associations between EE, percent of total weight loss (TWL), and depression after bariatric surgery. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between EE behavior, depression, and TWL, and to identify other factors, such as the type of bariatric surgery, that may have an impact on EE, depression and TWL after bariatric surgery. A self-report questionnaire was administered to 253 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2014 and 2021 at the Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University. In total, 115 patients agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire. The administered scales consisted of the Sociodemographic Data Form, Emotional Eating Scale (EES), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The participants were divided into the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) groups. The RYGB and SG groups included 79 (68.8%) and 36 (31.3%) patients, respectively. A significant difference was found in terms of age (P = .002) and gender (P = .033). The BDI scores (P = .499) and TWL (P = .068) did not differ significantly. The EES score was higher in the SG group (P = .020). Between the groups with and without EE, age (P = .004) and BDI scores (P = .004) were significantly different. In correlation analyses, EES score was related to BDI score(ρ = 0.402, P < .001) and age(ρ = −0.348, P = .002) in the RYGB group. In regression analyses, TWL was associated with age (β = −0.366, P < .001) and surgery type (β = −6.740, P < .001), EES score was associated with BDI score (β = 0.149, P = .009) and age (β = −0.154, P = .006), and BDI score was associated with EES score (β = 0.419, P = .009) and age (β = −195, P = .041). In patients with moderate-to-severe depression, TWL was higher than in those without depression (P = .025). The effect of emotional eating and depression on TWL was not detected. Emotional eating and depression trigger each other in the individuals who underwent bariatric surgery. Young individuals who undergo bariatric surgery are more vulnerable to emotional eating and depression than older patients.