bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilevel Synergy of Information Technology for Operational Integration: Competition Networks and Operating Performance
Authors: Andrade-Rojas Mariana Giovanna , Kathuria Abhishek , Lee Hsiao-Hui
Published: March 2024

Firms’ multilevel access to information plays a significant role in improving operating performance. Increasingly, firms are enhancing their operational integration through information technology (IT) as they grapple with intense competition. Competition networks are an essential but often overlooked source of information that, if leveraged correctly, can provide firms with significant competitive and operational advantages. In this study, we develop a multilevel research model of operating performance (firm level) that simultaneously considers the effects of IT for operational integration (ITOI, firm level) and competitive brokerage (competition network level). We explicate how ITOI and competitive brokerage afford firms’ synergy through complementarities and relatedness of competitive actions, information, and resources to improve their operating performance. We assess the model using a 7-year longitudinal secondary data set that includes firms from multiple industries and find support for our thesis that ITOI and competitive brokerage have a synergistic effect on operating performance. Our exploratory analysis uncovers innovation efficiency as a theoretical mechanism underlying the relationships between ITOI, competitive brokerage, and operating performance. Further exploratory analyses with disaggregated measures of ITOI highlight that synergies arise from IT-enabled coordination and integration across the supply chain and within functional areas of an organization. These findings are robust to concerns of endogeneity and alternative model specifications. We make three critical contributions to our collective understanding of the relationship between IT and operating performance—synergy as a means through which operating performance is realized, a multilevel model of relationships, and a nuanced understanding of the relationships between ITOI, competitive brokerage, and operating performance. Overall, we provide a summative view of the multilevel effects of IT on operating performance.
Association Between Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor and the Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease With Coexisting Diabetes and Heart Failure
Authors: Lin Ya-Wen , Lin Chun-Hsiang , Lin Cheng-Li , Lin Che-Huei , Lin Ming-Hung
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study was to investigate the association between the use of Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI; ie, Sacubitril + valsartan, Product name ENTRESTO) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients with coexisting diabetes and heart failure. Specifically, the study compared outcomes between patients using SGLT2i or valsartan + sacubitril and those not using these medications.

Methods

This study utilized data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2017 to 2018. The case group consisted of 8691 patients with coexisting diabetes and heart failure who did not use SGLT2i or Entresto, while the control group consisted of 8691 patients with coexisting diabetes and heart failure who used SGLT2i or Entresto. The primary outcome was ASCVD, including a composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for worsening heart failure. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, cause of cardiovascular death, and recurrence of heart failure, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke (including ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke) and new renal replacement therapy.

Results

The study found that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors or ARNI was associated with a lower risk of ASCVD in patients with coexisting diabetes and heart failure.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors, alone or in combination with Entresto, may be effective in reducing the risk of ASCVD and its associated adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes and heart failure. This finding has important implications for the management of these conditions.
AEJMC Advertising Division 2023 Teaching Pre-Conference Review: Innovating Data Storytelling and Visualization With Artificial Intelligence and Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer
Authors: Spring Robin , Lou Shanshan
Published: March 2024

The 26th annual Teaching Pre-Conference organized by the Advertising Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication focused on the topic of innovating data storytelling and visualization with AI and ChatGPT. Five prominent speakers from leading media companies and universities shared insights with advertising educators, covering the application, impact, and challenges of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the advertising industry. The five panels also delved into effective ways of integrating generative AI tools into the classroom. Three key trends that arise from the panel presentations are discussed below. Relevant advertising AI tools and class activities are also shared in the report.
Energy absorption and low-velocity impact responses of the sandwich panels with lattice truss core
Authors: Ghasemi Mohammad , Mohammadpour Mojtaba , Taheri‐Behrooz Fathollah
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the dynamic energy absorption performance of composite sandwich panels with two different configurations of lattice truss core. Two types of core structures were designed and created using polyamide 12 through the selective laser sintering (SLS) additive manufacturing method. These structures, with uniform and graded cell topologies, were created by changing the geometry and layer density of the body-centered cubic (BCC) unit cell. The cores were used to fabricate composite sandwich panels, which were made with E-glass/epoxy face sheets. Then, their ability to absorb energy during low-velocity impact and quasi-static compressive strength was tested using both experimental and numerical methods. It was found that the graded structure absorbed 10, 5, and 3% more energy than the uniform structure for the energy levels of 12.4, 16.5, and 17.9 J, respectively. It was also found that both structures could absorb at least 90% of the impact energy. In terms of strength, the uniform structure was able to tolerate 1.15 times larger impact loads, indicating its higher strength than the graded structure. The uniform structure had 8% more compressive strength.
Psychological interventions to enhance positive outcomes in adult cancer caregivers: A systematic review
Authors: Christodoulou Loukas , Parpottas Panagiotis , Petkari Eleni
Published: March 2024

This systematic review aims to examine the characteristics of psychological interventions that aim to enhance positive outcomes, such as wellbeing, post-traumatic growth, or hope in cancer caregivers. Studies published until December 2023 were searched on PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, WOS, PsycARTICLES and were included when examining interventions targeting positive outcomes with adult cancer caregivers. Of the 1424 articles retrieved through the databases, 16 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review, targeting 908 caregivers (70.2% female; Mage = 53.5). A narrative synthesis was used to describe the interventions, which were based on a variety of approaches such as psychoeducation, mindfulness, or Existential Behavioral Therapy, and reported positive gains for the positive outcomes. The results show few randomized controlled trials published to date, highlight the contrast between the focus shift towards these outcomes and the need for systematic testing of the interventions, to be able to inform evidence-based service delivery.
The Moderating Effect of Ideological Identification on How Economic News and Economic Growth Impact Individual Economic Perceptions: Evidence From Chile
Authors: Cabezas José Miguel , Navia Patricio , Rivera Sebastián
Published: March 2024

Previous literature argues that macroeconomic conditions and economic news impact socio-tropic assessments. Others find that ideological identification or ideological affinity with the government impact socio-tropic economic views. Here, we test the moderating effect of ideological identification on how economic growth and economic news shape economic perceptions. We test this hypothesis using a dataset that combines monthly polls in Chile (2014–2018), economic news, and economic growth indicators. We find that ideological affinity with the government intensifies the positive impact of good macroeconomic indicators on current and prospective perceptions and, surprisingly, induces more positive current perceptions when negative economic news increases. In turn, ideological affinity with the government is associated with a slightly negative impact of good macroeconomic indicators on current (but not prospective) economic perceptions and a negative impact of negative economic news on current and prospective perceptions. Ideology moderates the effect of macroeconomic indicators and economic news on economic perceptions.
Tips and Tricks for Simple and Complex Below-the-Ankle Punctures
Authors: Ysa August , Lobato Marta , Patrone Lorenzo , Arruabarrena Amaia , Monasterio Alba , Metcalfe Matthew , Fonseca Juan L.
Published: March 2024

Lower limb complex arterial obstructions can be difficult to treat by standard endovascular means. Different technical strategies, such as the retrograde puncture of below-the-knee (BTK) vessels, the plantar loop technique, or the transcollateral approach, have been described to approach BTK or below-the-ankle (BTA) chronic total occlusions after a failed antegrade recanalization attempt. However, when the disease progresses into the foot or the plantar arch cannot be crossed for a bidirectional approach, the necessity for mastering extreme distal punctures increases. This review is to summarize different tips and tricks to help operators apply them when facing these complex punctures.

Clinical Impact

When the standard endovascular crossing maneuvers have failed during CLTI recanalization procedures and the distal below-the-knee or proximal below-the-ankle retrograde access is not possible due to chronic occlusion of the vessels, mastering the more distal and complex retrograde BTA punctures may be advantageous.There are scanty reports regarding the retrograde puncture of the mid and forefoot vessels. The aim of this article is to review different tips and tricks related to these techniques to help operators to apply them in specific scenarios to eventually improve procedural success rate.
Early Results in Total Replacement of the Distal Radioulnar Joint
Authors: Smith Mark P. , Kleinman William B. , Crosby Nicholas E.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Pathology of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) including instability and arthritis presents a challenge for hand and upper extremity surgeons. Surgical options include a Darrach procedure and similar resections, soft tissue interposition arthroplasty, and a one-bone forearm. In 2005, a prosthesis for DRUJ arthroplasty was approved for use in the United States. The authors hypothesize that DRUJ arthroplasty will lead to improved pain and range of motion (ROM) with a moderate, but manageable, complication rate.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 46 patients who underwent DRUJ arthroplasty by a single private group of hand surgeons was performed. Demographics, complications, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS), and postoperative ROM were obtained and analyzed.

Results:

The patients were followed up for a mean of 60 weeks. The implant was used both as primary surgical treatment for DRUJ pathology and as salvage for previous failed procedures. Twenty-two percent of patients experienced complications: 15% required revision surgery. No patients were converted to another type of implant, including those who underwent revision surgery. Prominent hardware was the most common indication requiring revision. Patients achieved an improvement in supination of 17° and extension of 5°. They additionally achieved a decrease in average VAS score from 7.1 to 2.3.

Conclusions:

Distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty reduces pain and improves ROM in patients with DRUJ pathology with a 22% complication rate. This cohort demonstrates improved pain, modest improvement in ROM, but a 22% complication rate for this implant. Further long-term studies are encouraged.
Acquired Aquagenic Syringeal Keratoderma Following COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Polascik Bryce W. , Karklins Samantha P. , Johnson Matthew C. , Hammert Warren C. , McMichael Amy J.
Published: March 2024

Aquagenic syringeal keratoderma (ASK), rare in males, is characterized by the rapid onset of edematous palmar wrinkling with small white papules after brief contact with water or sweat. A 24-year-old atopic male presented with a 2-week subacute history of bilateral palmar edema with whitish-colored papules after exposure to water, 3 months after having had COVID-19 infection treated with a full course of ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (PAXLOVIDTM). He had received 3 COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, New York, NY) about 12 months prior. Workup was negative. Initial spontaneous near-resolution 2 months after onset was temporary, with recurrence 1 month later. Treatment with 12% topical aluminum chloride was ineffective. Botulinum toxin injection to both palms led to resolution of symptoms that has been sustained for 7 months. The association between atopy and ASK remains weak. We present a case of new-onset ASK in an adult male 3 months following COVID-19 infection without a history of excessive handwashing. Our patient may have had a predisposition to recurrent ASK due to his history of atopy including atopic dermatitis and food allergy anaphylaxis combined with prior COVID-19 infection. It is possible that ASK is a novel manifestation of post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (PASC) infection or long COVID.
“We are not selling soap here, you know”: Eight humanistic leadership qualities in sport
Authors: Næss Hans Erik , Svendsen Mari
Published: March 2024

One of the main tasks for leaders is to make work purposeful for others. As the promotion of purpose through leadership is often context-specific and dependent on interpersonal relations, this study explores the relation between humanistic leadership, existential reflections, and the Jungian theory on ‘individuation’ among non-profit sports leaders in Europe. To that end, the research questions in this article are (a) what kind of existential learning sports leader veterans have gained through their positions, (b) how it has enabled them to grow as persons and leaders, and (c) how these experiences may be helpful to other leaders. To explore these questions, this study drew upon the principle of episodic inquiry and qualitative interviews with highly experienced Norwegian sports leaders ( N = 16). Through an episodically based recollection of life experiences, the study specifies eight qualities that enable today’s leaders in European sport to develop a humanistic leadership practice.
Enhancing pre-clinical research with simplified intestinal cell line models
Authors: Fey Christina , Truschel Theresa , Nehlsen Kristina , Damigos Spyridon , Horstmann Julia , Stradal Theresia , May Tobias , Metzger Marco , Zdzieblo Daniela
Published: March 2024

Two-dimensional culture remains widely employed to determine the bioavailability of orally delivered drugs. To gain more knowledge about drug uptake mechanisms and risk assessment for the patient after oral drug admission, intestinal in vitro models demonstrating a closer similarity to the in vivo situation are needed. In particular, Caco-2 cell-based Transwell® models show advantages as they are reproducible, cost-efficient, and standardized. However, cellular complexity is impaired and cell function is strongly modified as important transporters in the apical membrane are missing. To overcome these limitations, primary organoid-based human small intestinal tissue models were developed recently but the application of these cultures in pre-clinical research still represents an enormous challenge, as culture setup is complex as well as time- and cost-intensive. To overcome these hurdles, we demonstrate the establishment of primary organoid-derived intestinal cell lines by immortalization. Besides exhibiting cellular diversity of the organoid, these immortalized cell lines enable a standardized and more cost-efficient culture. Further, our cell line-based Transwell®-like models display an organ-specific epithelial barrier integrity, ultrastructural features and representative transport functions. Altogether, our novel model systems are cost-efficient with close similarity to the in vivo situation, therefore favoring their use in bioavailability studies in the context of pre-clinical screenings.
Scoping Review with Topic Modeling on the Diagnostic Criteria for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Matsoukas Stavros , Zipser Carl Moritz , Zipser-Mohammadzada Freschta , Kheram Najmeh , Boraschi Andrea , Jiang Zhilin , Tetreault Lindsay , Fehlings Michael G. , Davies Benjamin M. , Margetis Konstantinos
Published: March 2024

Study Design

This study is a scoping review.

Objective

There is a broad variability in the definition of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and no standardized set of diagnostic criteria to date.

Methods

We interrogated the Myelopathy.org database, a hand-indexed database of primary clinical studies conducted exclusively on DCM in humans between 2005-2021. The DCM inclusion criteria used in these studies were inputted into 3 topic modeling algorithms: Hierarchical Dirichlet Process (HDP), Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), and BERtopic. The emerging topics were subjected to manual labeling and interpretation.

Results

Of 1676 reports, 120 papers (7.16%) had well-defined inclusion criteria and were subjected to topic modeling. Four topics emerged from the HDP model: disturbance from extremity weakness and motor signs; fine-motor and sensory disturbance of upper extremity; a combination of imaging and clinical findings is required for the diagnosis; and “reinforcing” (or modifying) factors that can aid in the diagnosis in borderline cases. The LDA model showed the following topics: disturbance to the patient is required for the diagnosis; reinforcing factors can aid in the diagnosis in borderline cases; clinical findings from the extremities; and a combination of imaging and clinical findings is required for the diagnosis. BERTopic identified the following topics: imaging abnormality, typical clinical features, range of objective criteria, and presence of clinical findings.

Conclusions

This review provides quantifiable data that only a minority of past studies in DCM provided meaningful inclusion criteria. The items and patterns found here are very useful for the development of diagnostic criteria for DCM.
Differences in Patellofemoral Alignment Between Static and Dynamic Extension Positions in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Chen Yurou , Li Jia , Yang Haitao , Lv Fajin , Sheng Bo , Lv Furong
Published: March 2024

Background:

Considering that patellofemoral pain (PFP) is related to dynamic factors, dynamic extension on 4-dimensional computed tomography (4-DCT) may better reflect the influence of muscles and surrounding soft tissue than static extension.

Purpose:

To compare the characteristics of patellofemoral alignment between the static and dynamic knee extension position in patients with PFP and controls via 4-DCT.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Included were 39 knees (25 patients) with PFP and 37 control knees (24 participants). For each knee, an image of the dynamic extension position (a single frame of the knee in full extension [flexion angle of -5° to 0°] selected from 21 frames of continuous images acquired by 4-DCT during active flexion and extension) and an image of the static extension position (acquired using the same equipment with the knee fully extended and the muscles relaxed) were selected. Patellofemoral alignment was evaluated between the dynamic and static extension positions and between the PFP and control groups with the following parameters: patella-patellar tendon angle (P-PTA), Blackburne-Peel ratio, bisect-offset (BO) index, lateral patellar tilt (LPT), and tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance.

Results:

In both PFP patients and controls, the P-PTA, Blackburne-Peel ratio, and BO index in the static extension position were significantly lower ( P < .001 for all), while the LPT and TT-TG distance in the static extension position were significantly higher ( P ≤ .034 and P < .001, respectively) compared with values in the dynamic extension position. In the comparison between groups, only P-PTA in the static extension position was significantly different (134.97° ± 4.51° [PFP] vs 137.82° ± 5.63° [control]; P = .027). No difference was found in the rate of change from the static to the dynamic extension position of any parameter between the study groups.

Conclusion:

The study results revealed significant differences in patellofemoral alignment characteristics between the static and dynamic extension positions of PFP patients and controls. Multiplanar measurements may have a role in subsequent patellofemoral alignment evaluation.
The impact of primary headaches on disability outcomes: a literature review and meta-analysis to inform future iterations of the Global Burden of Disease study
Authors: Waliszewska-Prosół Marta , Montisano Danilo Antonio , Antolak Mariola , Bighiani Federico , Cammarota Francescantonio , Cetta Ilaria , Corrado Michele , Ihara Keiko , Kartamysheva Regina , Petrušić Igor , Pocora Maria Magdalena , Takizawa Tsubasa , Vaghi Gloria , Martelletti Paolo , Corso Barbara , Raggi Alberto ,   On behalf of the European Headache Federation School of Advanced Studies (EHF-SAS)
Published: March 2024

Background

The burden and disability associated with headaches are conceptualized and measured differently at patients’ and populations’ levels. At the patients’ level, through patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); at population level, through disability weights (DW) and years lived with a disability (YLDs) developed by the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD). DW are 0–1 coefficients that address health loss and have been defined through lay descriptions. With this literature review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of disability in headache disorders, and to present a coefficient referring to patients’ disability which might inform future GBD definitions of DW for headache disorders.

Methods

We searched SCOPUS and PubMed for papers published between 2015 and 2023 addressing disability in headache disorders. The selected manuscript included a reference to headache frequency and at least one PROM. A meta-analytic approach was carried out to address relevant differences for the most commonly used PROMs (by headache type, tertiles of medication intake, tertiles of females’ percentage in the sample, and age). We developed a 0–1 coefficient based on the MIDAS, on the HIT-6, and on MIDAS + HIT-6 which was intended to promote future DW iterations by the GBD consortium.

Results

A total of 366 studies, 596 sub-samples, and more than 133,000 single patients were available, mostly referred to cases with migraine. Almost all PROMs showed the ability to differentiate disability severity across conditions and tertiles of medication intake. The indexes we developed can be used to inform future iterations of DW, in particular considering their ability to differentiate across age and tertiles of medication intake.

Conclusions

Our review provides reference values for the most commonly used PROMS and a data-driven coefficient whose main added value is its ability to differentiate across tertiles of age and medication intake which underlie on one side the increased burden due to aging (it is likely connected to the increased impact of common comorbidities), and by the other side the increased burden due to medication consumption, which can be considered as a proxy for headache severity. Both elements should be considered when describing disability of headache disorders at population levels.
Optimizing combination therapy in prostate cancer: mechanistic insights into the synergistic effects of Paclitaxel and Sulforaphane-induced apoptosis
Authors: Habib Tito N. , Altonsy Mohammed O. , Ghanem Salah A. , Salama Mohamed S. , Hosny Mai A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Combination therapies in cancer treatment have demonstrated synergistic or additive outcomes while also reducing the development of drug resistance compared to monotherapy. This study explores the potential of combining the chemotherapeutic agent Paclitaxel (PTX) with Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound primarily found in cruciferous vegetables, to enhance treatment efficacy in prostate cancer.

Methods

Two prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and LNCaP, were treated with varying concentrations of PTX, SFN, and their combination. Cell viability was assessed using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to determine the EC50 values. Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression of Bax, Bcl2, and Caspase-3 activation proteins in response to individual and combined treatments of PTX and SFN. Fluorescent microscopy was employed to observe morphological changes indicative of apoptotic stress in cell nuclei. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to assess alterations in cell cycle phases, such as redistribution and arrest. Statistical analyses, including Student’s t-tests and one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s correction, were performed to determine significant differences between mono- and combination treatments.

Results

The impact of PTX, SFN, and their combination on cell viability reduction was evaluated in a dose-dependent manner. The combined treatment enhanced PTX’s effects and decreased the EC50 values of both drugs compared to individual treatments. PTX and SFN treatments differentially regulated the expression of Bax and Bcl2 proteins in PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines, favoring apoptosis over cell survival. Our data indicated that combination therapy significantly increased Bax protein expression and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio compared to PTX or SFN alone. Flow cytometry analysis revealed alterations in cell cycle phases, including S-phase arrest and an increased population of apoptotic cells. Notably, the combination treatments did not have a discernible impact on necrotic cells. Signs of apoptotic cell death were confirmed through Caspase-3 cleavage, and morphological changes in cell nuclei were assessed via western blot and fluorescent microscopy.

Conclusion

This combination therapy of PTX and SFN has the potential to improve prostate cancer treatment by minimizing side effects while maintaining efficacy. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SFN enhances PTX efficacy by promoting apoptosis, activating caspase-3, inducing nuclear morphology changes, modulating the cell cycle, and altering Bax and Bcl2 protein expression. These findings offer valuable insights into the synergistic effects of PTX and SFN, supporting the optimization of combination therapy and providing efficient therapeutic strategies in preclinical research.
RpoS role in antibiotic resistance, tolerance and persistence in E. coli natural isolates
Authors: Valencia Estela Ynés , de Moraes Gomes Felipe , Ospino Katia , Spira Beny
Published: March 2024

Background

The intrinsic concentration of RpoS, the second most abundant sigma factor, varies widely across the E. coli species. Bacterial isolates that express high levels of RpoS display high resistance to environmental stresses, such as temperature, pH and osmolarity shifts, but are less nutritional competent, making them less capable of utilising alternative nutrient sources. The role of RpoS in antibiotic resistance and persistence in standard laboratory domesticated strains has been examined in several studies, most demonstrating a positive role for RpoS.

Results

Using disk diffusion assays we examined bacterial resistance to 15 different antibiotics, including $$\upbeta$$
β
-lactams (penicillins, monobactams, carbapenems and cephalosporins), aminoglycosides, quinolones and anti-folates, in a representative collection of 328 E. coli natural isolates displaying a continuum of different levels of RpoS. There was an overall trend that isolates with higher levels of RpoS were slightly more resistant to these antibiotics. In addition, the effect of RpoS on bacterial tolerance and persistence to 3 different antibiotics - ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and kanamycin was evaluated through time-kill curves. Again, there was a small beneficial effect of RpoS on tolerance and persistence to these antibiotics, but this difference was not statistically significant. Finally, a K-12 strain expressing high levels of RpoS was compared with its isogenic RpoS-null counterpart, and no significant effect of RpoS was found.

Conclusion

Based on a representative collection of the species E. coli, RpoS was found to have a very small impact on antibiotic resistance, tolerance, or persistence.
Gastric point-of-care ultrasonography in patients undergoing radical gastrointestinal surgery before anesthetic induction: an observational cohort study
Authors: Huang Siming , Cao Shumei , Sun Xia , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is a serious perioperative complication. Patients with gastric cancer may experience delayed gastric emptying. However, the role of qualitative and quantitative gastric ultrasound assessments in this patient population before anesthesia induction has not yet been determined.

Methods

Adult patients with gastrointestinal cancer were recruited and examined using gastric point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) before anesthetic induction from March 2023 to August 2023 in a tertiary cancer center. Three hundred patients with gastric cancer were conducted with POCUS prior to induction, and three hundred patients with colorectal cancer were included as controls. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastric antrum and gastric volumes (GV) were measured and calculated. We determined the nature of the gastric contents and classified the antrum using a 3-point grading system. A ratio of GV to body weight > 1.5mL/Kg was defined as a high risk of aspiration.

Results

In patients with gastric cancer, 70 patients were classified as grade 2 (23%, including 6 patients with solid gastric contents) and 63 patients (21%) were identified as having a high risk of aspiration. Whereas in patients with colorectal cancer, only 11 patients were classified as grade 2 (3.7%), and 27 patients (9.7%) were identified as having a high risk of aspiration. A larger tumor size (OR:1.169, 95% CI 1.045–1.307, P = 0.006), tumor located in antrum (OR:2.304, 95% CI 1.169–4.539,P = 0.016), gastrointestinal obstruction (OR:21.633, 95% CI 4.199–111.443, P < 0.0001) and more lymph node metastasis (OR:2.261, 95% CI 1.062–4.812, P = 0.034) were found to be positively while tumor site at cardia (OR:0.096, 95% CI 0.019–0.464, P = 0.004) was negatively associated with high aspiration risk in patients with gastric cancer.

Conclusion

The Gastric POCUS prior to induction provides an assessment of the status of gastric emptying and can identify the patients at high risk of aspiration, especially those with gastric cancer.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) identifier: ChiCTR2300069242; registered 10 March 2023.
Effectiveness of a tailored communication intervention to improve physical activity in hypertensive patients: a twelve-month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Adorni Roberta , Zanatta Francesco , Cappelletti Erika Rosa , Greco Andrea , Steca Patrizia , D’Addario Marco
Published: March 2024

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Arterial hypertension is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors. Despite this, individuals with hypertension often fail to follow medical advice to counteract cardiovascular risks. A physically active lifestyle is one of the most challenging behaviors to adopt. This study aimed to preliminarily investigate the effectiveness of a tailored print message intervention to increase physical activity in patients with arterial hypertension.

Methods

A sample of 188 patients with hypertension (mean age = 63 years; SD = 10.9; 50% men) participated in a theory-based tailored health communication intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to three parallel groups: (1) the tailored group, which received tailored health brochures; (2) the non-tailored group, which received non-tailored health brochures; or (3) the usual care group, which received no informative print materials. The longitudinal physical activity trajectories (baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-ups) were examined using repeated measures ANOVA and growth curve models.

Results

At the baseline, 38.8% of patients achieved the target physical activity. This percentage rose to 43.0% at 6-month follow-up and 46.0% at 12-month follow-up. The descriptive statistics divided in function of the experimental group suggested differences in the longitudinal trend of the mean physical activity depending on the experimental group. However, statistical significance using repeated measures ANOVA did not support this observation. The analysis of the growth curves suggested that the tailored group showed a progressive increase in physical activity over twelve months (the model that best described the longitudinal trajectory was a linear growth model). The non-tailored group showed an increase in physical activity six months after the beginning of the intervention, followed by a decrease (free time score model). The usual care group did not change over time (no-growth model).

Conclusions

Findings suggest the effectiveness of the tailored intervention proposed. However, further investigations and empirical confirmations are required.

Trial registration

ISRCTN13415993 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13415993). Registration date: 08/04/2019.
A rapid multi-parametric quantitative MR imaging method to assess Parkinson’s disease: a feasibility study
Authors: Duan Min , Pan Rongrong , Gao Qing , Wu Xinying , Lin Hai , Yuan Jianmin , Zhang Yamei , Liu Lindong , Tian Youyong , Fu Tong
Published: March 2024

Background

MULTIPLEX is a single-scan three-dimensional multi-parametric MRI technique that provides 1 mm isotropic T1-, T2*-, proton density- and susceptibility-weighted images and the corresponding quantitative maps. This study aimed to investigate its feasibility of clinical application in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

27 PD patients and 23 healthy control (HC) were recruited and underwent a MULTIPLEX scanning. All image reconstruction and processing were automatically performed with in-house C + + programs on the Automatic Differentiation using Expression Template platform. According to the HybraPD atlas consisting of 12 human brain subcortical nuclei, the region-of-interest (ROI) based analysis was conducted to extract quantitative parameters, then identify PD-related abnormalities from the T1, T2* and proton density maps and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), by comparing patients and HCs.

Results

The ROI-based analysis revealed significantly decreased mean T1 values in substantia nigra pars compacta and habenular nuclei, mean T2* value in subthalamic nucleus and increased mean QSM value in subthalamic nucleus in PD patients, compared to HCs (all p values < 0.05 after FDR correction). The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed all these four quantitative parameters significantly contributed to PD diagnosis (all p values < 0.01 after FDR correction). Furthermore, the two quantitative parameters in subthalamic nucleus showed hemicerebral differences in regard to the clinically dominant side among PD patients.

Conclusions

MULTIPLEX might be feasible for clinical application to assist in PD diagnosis and provide possible pathological information of PD patients’ subcortical nucleus and dopaminergic midbrain regions.
Uric acid in predicting the traumatic rhabdomyolysis induced acute kidney injury; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Safari Saeed , Ghasemi Mohammadreza , Yousefifard Mahmoud , Ghasemi Alireza , Najafi Iraj
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the value of uric acid in predicting acute kidney injury caused by traumatic rhabdomyolysis.

Methods

The search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science until November 1, 2023. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the articles were included by two independent researchers. Data regarding study design, patient characteristics, number of patients with and without AKI, mean and SD of uric acid and prognostic characteristics of uric acid were extracted from relevant studies. STATA version 17.0 was used to compute pooled measures of standardized mean differences, odds ratios, and diagnostic accuracy. I2 and chi-square tests were used to assess heterogeneity between studies.

Results

We found 689 non-redundant studies, 44 of them were potentially relevant. Six articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The results of the meta-analysis confirmed that there was a significant correlation between serum uric acid levels and the occurrence of AKI (SMD = 1.61, 95% CI = 0.69 to 2.54, I2 = 96.94%; p value = 0.001). There were no significant publication biases.

Conclusion

According to this meta-analysis, uric acid levels could be considered as a predictor of acute kidney injury following traumatic rhabdomyolysis.
Validation of IgA nephropathy diagnosis in the Swedish Renal Registry
Authors: Rehnberg Johanna , Segelmark Mårten , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Emilsson Louise
Published: March 2024

Aim

The Swedish Renal Registry (SRR) is a unique national quality registry that monitors the clinical trajectory of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We have validated the biopsy data registered in the SRR for IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) diagnosis.

Methods

In total 25% of all patients (n = 142), registered with IgAN in the SRR after having performed a kidney biopsy during 2015–2019, were randomly selected. We obtained original biopsy and medical records for 139 (98%) patients. We evaluated the IgAN diagnosis using a standardized template, calculated its positive predictive value (PPV) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and reported clinical features at the time of diagnosis.

Results

A histological and clinical diagnosis of IgAN was confirmed in 132 of the 139 patients, yielding a PPV of 95% (95% CI 90–98%). Median age was 46 years (range: 18–85) and the male:female ratio was 2.1:1. The median creatinine level was 123 µmol/L, with a corresponding estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level of 51 mL/min/1.73m2. Histological features of IgA deposits were seen in all patients, hypercellularity in 102/132 (77.2%), C3 deposits in 98/132 (72.4%) and C1q deposits in 27/132 (20.5%) of the cases.

Conclusion

Validating data is not research per se, but continuous validation of medical registries is an important feature necessary to ensure reliable data and the foundation of good epidemiological data for future research. Our validation showed a high PPV (95%) for IgAN diagnosis registered in the SRR. Clinical characteristics were consistent with previous reports. The biopsy data in the SRR will be a valuable resource in future IgAN research.
Relationship between glycated hemoglobin levels and three-month outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with or without diabetes: a prospective Korean cohort study
Authors: Cao Changchun , Wang Tony Bowei , Hu Haofei , Han Yong , Zhang Xiaohua , Wang Yulong
Published: March 2024

Objective

In patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke, there is ongoing debate surrounding the connection between chronic hyperglycemic status and their initial clinical outcomes. Our objective was to examine the connection between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and adverse clinical outcomes at both 3-months adverse clinical outcomes in individuals with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with and without diabetes.

Methods

The present prospective cohort study involved 896 AIS patients without diabetes and 628 with diabetes treated at a South Korean hospital from January 2010 to December 2016. The target independent variable is HbA1c. The outcome variable is a modified Rankin scale score ≥ 3. A binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the connection between HbA1c levels and 3-month poor clinical outcomes in AIS patients with and without diabetes. Additionally, a generalized additive model and smoothed curve fitting were utilized to explore potential nonlinear associations between HbA1c levels and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with and without diabetes.

Results

The binary logistic regression model could not identify any statistically significant connection between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients, both those with and without diabetes, after correcting for various factors. However, a nonlinear relationship emerged between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with diabetes. The inflection point for HbA1c was determined to be 6.1%. For HbA1c values ≤ 6.1%, an inverse association was observed between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in diabetic AIS patients, and each 1% increase in HbA1c in AIS patients with DM was associated with an 87% reduction in 3-month adverse clinical outcomes (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02–0.81). Conversely, when HbA1c exceeded 6.1%, a positive association between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes became apparent in diabetic AIS patients, and each 1% increase in HbA1c in AIS patients with DM was associated with a 23% increase in 3-month adverse clinical outcomes (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.03–1.47). However, it’s important to note that no significant linear or nonlinear relationships were observed between HbA1c levels and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients without diabetes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a nonlinear connection and threshold effect between HbA1c and 3-month adverse clinical outcomes in AIS patients with diabetes. AIS patients with diabetes had a lower risk of 3-month adverse clinical outcomes when their HbA1c control was close to 6.1%. Our findings may aid treatment decision-making and potentially guide interventions to optimize glycemic control in AIS patients.
Assessing the genomic feature of Chinese patients with ampullary adenocarcinoma: potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Dong Zhang , Chong Wan , Chen Chen , Qi Li , Mengke Li , Minghui Dou , Jiawei Yuan , Longxi Quan , Hengchao Liu , Liu Jia , Zhimin Geng
Published: March 2024

Backgrounds

Ampullary adenocarcinoma (AMPAC) is a rare malignancy, treated as pancreatic or intestinal cancer based on its histologic subtype. Little is known about the genomic features of Chinese patients with AMPAC.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 145 Chinese AMPAC patients in our local cohort and performed a compressive somatic and germline genetic testing using a 156 gene panel. Expression of PD-L1 (clone 28 − 8) was also assessed in tumor specimens from 64 patients.

Results

The frequency of genetic alterations (GAs) in Chinese patients with AMPAC was found to be distinctive, with TP53, KRAS, SMAD4, APC, CTNNB1, ARID1A, and CDKN2A emerged as the most frequently mutated genes. Comparing with Western patients, significant differences were observed in the prevalence of PIK3CA and ARID2. Furthermore, the incidence of MSI-H was lower in the Chinese cohort, with only two patients identified as MSI-H. Conversely, 11 patients (8.27%) had pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline alterations, all of which were in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. In our cohort, 34.48% (22/64) of patients exhibited positive PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, and this expression was associated with GAs in CTNNB1 and BLM. Importantly, over three-fourths of Chinese AMPAC patients in our study had at least one actionable GA, with more than one-fifth of them having actionable GAs classified as Level 3. These actionable GAs were primarily involved in the DDR and PI3K pathways. Notably, GAs in the DDR pathway were detected in both Chinese and Western patients, and regardless of their functional impact, these alterations demonstrated enhanced overall survival rates and higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) levels.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the distinct genomic landscape of Chinese AMPAC patients and highlight the potential for targeted therapies based on the identified GAs.
MMP-11 expression in early luminal breast cancer: associations with clinical, MRI, pathological characteristics, and disease-free survival
Authors: Molière Sébastien , Lodi Massimo , Leblanc Suzanne , Gressel Anne , Mathelin Carole , Alpy Fabien , Chenard Marie-Pierre , Tomasetto Catherine
Published: March 2024

Background

Early hormone-positive breast cancers typically have favorable outcomes, yet long-term surveillance is crucial due to the risk of late recurrences. While many studies associate MMP-11 expression with poor prognosis in breast cancer, few focus on early-stage cases. This study explores MMP-11 as an early prognostic marker in hormone-positive breast cancers.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 228 women with early hormone-positive invasive ductal carcinoma, treated surgically between 2011 and 2016, were included. MMP-11 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry, and its association with clinical and MRI data was analyzed.

Results

Among the patients (aged 31–89, median 60, with average tumor size of 15.7 mm), MMP-11 staining was observed in half of the cases. This positivity correlated with higher uPA levels and tumor grade but not with nodal status or size. Furthermore, MMP-11 positivity showed specific associations with MRI features. Over a follow-up period of 6.5 years, only 12 oncological events occurred. Disease-free survival was linked to Ki67 and MMP-11.

Conclusion

MMP-11, primarily present in tumor-surrounding stromal cells, correlates with tumor grade and uPA levels. MMP-11 immunohistochemical score demonstrates a suggestive trend in association with disease-free survival, independent of Ki67 and other traditional prognostic factors. This highlights the potential of MMP-11 as a valuable marker in managing early hormone-positive breast cancer.