bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Comprehension of Trigger Finger Concepts Based on Distribution Format: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Handout Versus Video
Authors: Toci Gregory R. , Filtes Peter , Lau Vincent , Imbergamo Casey , Varghese Bobby , Tawfik Amr , Sirch Francis , Fletcher Daniel , Katt Brian M.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Patient comprehension is an essential part of optimizing medical outcomes. It is unknown which format is most effective in delivering this information. In addition to a face-to-face conversation, a paper handout is often given as an educational supplement at the conclusion of a visit. Secondary to advances in technology and the ubiquity of the Internet, medical videos have gained popularity. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether the educational material format (paper handout vs video) resulted in a difference in either comprehension of the condition or satisfaction with the delivery of the information.

Methods:

Patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of trigger finger were prospectively enrolled and randomized to receive either a paper handout or video link with information regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of trigger finger. Survey assessments were then distributed, consisting of 7 questions related to trigger finger and 1 question related to patient satisfaction. Continuous data were compared using 2-sample t tests, and categorical data were compared with χ2 tests. Alpha was 0.05.

Results:

Seventy-one patients were enrolled, and 60 completed their survey (response rate: 85%). The video group had significantly higher comprehension scores (82% vs 71%, P = .04) and significantly higher satisfaction scores (9.4 vs 8.6, P = .02).

Conclusions:

Those who received their educational material in a video format had greater comprehension of their condition and higher satisfaction compared with those receiving a paper handout. Medical providers should consider using video formats to provide supplemental educational materials to their patients.
Using Sentiment Analysis to Understand What Patients Are Saying About Hand Surgeons Online
Authors: Tang Justin E. , Arvind Varun , White Christopher A. , Dominy Calista , Kim Jun S. , Cho Samuel K. , Walsh Amanda
Published: December 2021

Background:

Physician review websites have influence on a patient’s selection of a provider. Written reviews are subjective and difficult to quantitatively analyze. Sentiment analysis of writing can quantitatively assess surgeon reviews to provide actionable feedback for surgeons to improve practice. The objective of this study is to quantitatively analyze large subset of written reviews of hand surgeons using sentiment analysis and report unbiased trends in words used to describe the reviewed surgeons and biases associated with surgeon demographic factors.

Methods:

Online written and star-rating reviews of hand surgeons were obtained from healthgrades.com and webmd.com . A sentiment analysis package was used to calculate compound scores of all reviews. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to determine the relationship between demographic variables and average sentiment score of written reviews. Positive and negative word and word-pair frequency analysis was also performed.

Results:

A total of 786 hand surgeons’ reviews were analyzed. Analysis showed a significant relationship between the sentiment scores and overall average star-rated reviews ( r2 = 0.604, P ≤ .01). There was no significant difference in review sentiment by provider sex; however, surgeons aged 50 years and younger had more positive reviews than older ( P < .01). The most frequently used bigrams used to describe top-rated surgeons were associated with good bedside manner and efficient pain management, whereas those with the worst reviews are often characterized as rude and unable to relieve pain.

Conclusions:

This study provides insight into both demographic and behavioral factors contributing to positive reviews and reinforces the importance of pain expectation management.
Identification of Clinical and Demographic Predictors for Treatment Modality in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Lander Richard D. , Jones Courtney Marie Cora , Hammert Warren C.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. There are multiple treatment modalities for CTS. This study examines both clinical and demographic predictors for initial treatment modality of CTS.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with CTS between February 2015 and October 2020 with a hand clinic visit within 6 weeks before treatment were included in our study. Patients completed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference, Physical Function, and Depression and had complete data on relevant predictor variables. Primary outcomes were treatment group: (1) injection only; (2) release only; and (3) injection followed by release. Bivariate analyses and multinomial logistic regression was used to identify statistically significant variables and independent predictors associated with the treatment groups, respectively.

Results:

A total of 1409 patients fit our inclusion criteria. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), race, ethnicity, Pain Interference, and Depression were statistically significant predictors for treatment group in bivariate analysis ( P < .05). In multivariable analysis, adults older than 65 years were less likely to receive either injection only or injection followed by release (odds ratio [OR]: 0.56 and OR: 0.52, respectively; P < .01). Overweight (BMI: ≥25) individuals were less likely to receive injection only (OR: 0.45; P < .01). Women were more likely to have either injection only or injection followed by released (OR: 1.50 and 1.55; P < .01). Similarly, black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color had an increased odds of injection only and injection followed by release (OR: 1.61 and OR: 1.69, respectively; P < .05).

Conclusions:

Sex, age, BMI, race, and ethnicity were found to be independent predictors of treatment modality for CTS.
Revisiting carotid endarterectomy: Neobulb technique using external carotid artery as a patch
Authors: Araujo Adalberto P , Araujo‐Gomes Cristiane F , Poschinger-Figueiredo Douglas , Delgado Carlos Felipe S , Mayall Monica R , FB Campanario Flavia , Virgini‐Magalhães Carlos Eduardo
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study describes an alternative carotid bifurcation endarterectomy technique in which the external carotid artery is used as a suture patch.

Methods

Charts of ten patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis that were treated using the neobulb technique between 2002 and 2019 were reviewed.

Results

No major surgical adverse event was observed in the postoperative assessments. No postoperative common or internal carotid stenosis was observed in the mid- or long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

The neobulb technique allows carotid endarterectomy closure without a synthetic or venous patch, using the external carotid artery as an autologous patch, while preserving distal flow into the external carotid artery branches.
The Impact of Culture and Social Distance on Humor Appreciation, Sharing, and Production
Authors: Cao Yi , Hou Yubo , Dong Zhiwen , Ji Li-Jun
Published: December 2021

Building on the benign violation theory and self-construal theory, we conducted four studies to examine how culture and social distance would influence humor appreciation, sharing, and production. Study 1 found that Chinese participants appreciated and intended to share a joke involving distant others more than that involving close others. They also generated funnier titles for a joke involving distant others than close others. Studies 2a and 2b compared Chinese and Americans using various types of jokes, replicating the social distance effect among Chinese but finding little effect of social distance among Americans. In Study 3, interdependence-primed participants generated more humorous titles for a joke involving distant than close others, whereas independence-primed participants showed no effect of social distance. The research provides further support to the benign violation theory from a cultural perspective and has important implications for cross-cultural communications.
Closing Commentary, Opening Conversations: Liminal Reflections on Decent Work, Emerging Adulthood, and Social Justice
Authors: Sultana Ronald G.
Published: December 2021

This paper engages with and reacts to the five papers authored by the UNITWIN research teams responsible for this special issue. It highlights some of the key concepts, themes, and analyses in regard to prolonged transitions and decent work, weaving them together while offering a series of reflections about them. In so doing, this paper adopts a social justice lens and deploys critical social science perspectives in order to make sense of the trials and tribulations faced by low qualified, emerging adults under the long shadow of neoliberalism. Such an approach enables a contrapuntal reading of the papers under consideration, with a view to generating fresh insights on contemporary transitions in both developed and developing country contexts. These reflections seek to further enrich a powerful and compelling set of papers by adding complementary layers of analyses, providing pointers to renewed policy and practice.
Long-term mortality and recurrent vascular events in lacunar versus non-lacunar ischaemic stroke: A cohort study
Authors: Portegijs Suzanne , Ong Ariel Y , Halbesma Nynke , Hutchison Aidan , Sudlow Cathie LM , Jackson Caroline A
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Studies of differences in very long-term outcomes between people with lacunar/small vessel disease (SVD) versus other types of ischaemic stroke report mixed findings, with limited data on myocardial infarction (MI). We investigated whether long-term mortality, recurrent stroke and MI risks differ in people with versus without lacunar/SVD ischaemic stroke.

Patients and methods

We included first-ever strokes from a hospital-based stroke cohort study recruited in 2002–2005. We compared risks of death, recurrent stroke and MI during follow-up among lacunar/SVD versus other ischaemic stroke subtypes using Cox regression, adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

We included 812 participants, 283 with lacunar/SVD ischaemic stroke and 529 with other stroke. During a median of 9.2 years (interquartile range 3.1–11.8), there were 519 deaths, 181 recurrent strokes and 79 MIs. Lacunar/SVD stroke was associated with lower mortality (adjusted HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.95), largely due to markedly lower all-cause mortality in the first year. From one year onwards this difference attenuated, with all-cause mortality only slightly and not statistically significantly lower in the lacunar/SVD group (0.86, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.05). There was no clear difference in risk of recurrent stroke (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.61–1.15) or MI (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.52–1.34).

Conclusion

Long-term risks of all-cause mortality, recurrent stroke and MI are similar, or only slightly lower, in patients with lacunar/SVD as compared to other ischaemic stroke. Patients and physicians should be as vigilant in optimising short- and long-term secondary prevention of vascular events in lacunar/SVD as for other stroke types.
Publishing in Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy
Authors: Winkler Christoph , Liguori Eric , van Gelderen Marco , Noyes Erik , Pittz Thomas , Liñán Francisco , Hytti Ulla , Walmsley Andreas , Cochran Sara L. , Hudson Monika , McGuire Stephen J. J.
Published: December 2021

In this editorial, the editors of Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy (EE&P) reflect back on the journal’s first 4 years of production and the impact the journal has had. They also reflect back on the submission trends of unsuccessful submissions, offering insights into why articles are commonly rejected. Last, they discuss research translation, its importance, and strategies for scholars to help disseminate their work to a wider audience.
Pembrolizumab plus dinaciclib in patients with hematologic malignancies: the phase 1b KEYNOTE-155 study
Authors: Gregory Gareth P. , Kumar Shaji , Wang Ding , Mahadevan Daruka , Walker Patricia , Wagner-Johnston Nina , Escobar Carolina , Bannerji Rajat , Bhutani Divaya , Chang Julie , Hernandez-Ilizaliturri Francisco J. , Klein Andreas , Pagel John M. , Rybka Witold , Yee Andrew J. , Mohrbacher Anne , Huang Mo , Farooqui Mohammed , Marinello Patricia , Quach Hang
Published: December 2021

Preclinical data demonstrated that combining an anti–programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor with a cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitor provided enhanced antitumor activity with no significant toxicities, suggesting this combination may be a potential therapeutic option. The multicohort, phase 1 KEYNOTE-155 study evaluated the safety and antitumor activity of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab plus the CDK9 inhibitor dinaciclib in patients with relapsed or refractory (rr) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and multiple myeloma (MM). Patients enrolled were ≥18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of CLL, DLBCL, or MM. The study included 2 phases: a dose-evaluation phase to determine dose-limiting toxicities and a signal-detection phase. Patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks plus dinaciclib 7 mg/m2 on day 1 and 10 mg/m2 on day 8 of cycle 1 and 14 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of cycles 2 and later. Primary endpoint was safety, and a key secondary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Seventy-two patients were enrolled and received ≥1 dose of study treatment (CLL, n = 17; DLBCL, n = 38; MM, n = 17). Pembrolizumab plus dinaciclib was generally well tolerated and produced no unexpected toxicities. The ORRs were 29.4% (5/17, rrCLL), 21.1% (8/38, rrDLBCL), and 0% (0/17, rrMM), respectively. At data cutoff, all 72 patients had discontinued treatment, 38 (52.8%) because of progressive disease. These findings demonstrate activity with combination pembrolizumab plus dinaciclib and suggest that a careful and comprehensive approach to explore anti–PD-1 and CDK9 inhibitor combinations is warranted. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02684617.
Deterioration of headache impact and health-related quality of life in migraine patients after cessation of preventive treatment with CGRP(−receptor) antibodies
Authors: Terhart Maria , Mecklenburg Jasper , Neeb Lars , Overeem Lucas Hendrik , Siebert Anke , Steinicke Maureen , Raffaelli Bianca , Reuter Uwe
Published: December 2021

Background

Migraine preventive treatment with CGRP(−receptor) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has a positive effect on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The German treatment guidelines recommend discontinuing successful treatment with CGRP(−receptor) mAbs after 6–12 months. We aimed to evaluate headache-specific and generic HRQoL for three months after discontinuation of CGRP(−receptor) mAb treatment.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal cohort study, including patients with migraine after 8–12 months of therapy with a CGRP(−R) mAb and before a planned discontinuation attempt. HRQoL was assessed at the time of the last mAbs injection (V1), eight weeks later (V2), and sixteen weeks later (V3). For headache-specific HRQoL, we used the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). Generic HRQoL was determined with the EuroQol-5-Dimension-5-Level (ED-5D-5L) form, and the Short-Form 12 (SF-12), which comprises a Physical Component Summary (PCS-12) and a Mental Component Summary (MCS-12).

Questionnaires’ total scores were compared across the three observation points using nonparametric procedures.

Results

The study cohort consisted ofn = 61 patients (n = 29 treated with the CGRP-receptor mAb erenumab andn = 32 with the CGRP mAbs galcanezumab or fremanezumab). The HIT-6 sum score was 59.69 ± 6.90 at V1 and increased by 3.69 ± 6.21 at V3 (p < 0.001), indicating a greater headache impact on patients’ lives. The mean total EQ-D5-L5 score declined from 0.85 ± 0.17 at V1 by − 0.07 ± 0.18 at V3 (p = 0.013). Both Mental and Physical Component Scores of the SF-12 worsened significantly during treatment discontinuation: The PCS-12 total score decreased by − 4.04 ± 7.90 from V1 to V3 (p = 0.013) and the MCS-12 score by − 2.73 ± 9.04 (p = 0.003). Changes in all questionnaires’ scores but the MCS-12 were already significant in the first month of the drug holiday (V2).

Conclusions

Our results show a significant decline in headache impact and generic HRQoL of migraine patients after treatment discontinuation of a CGRP(−R) mAb. The observed deterioration is above the established minimally clinically important differences for each of the questionnaires and can therefore be considered clinically meaningful. Monitoring HRQoL during a discontinuation attempt could facilitate the decision whether or not to resume preventive treatment with CGRP(−R) mAbs.
Quantitative assessment of the central versus peripheral effect of intravenous clonidine using baroreflex equilibrium diagrams
Authors: Kawada Toru , Nishikawa Takuya , Hayama Yohsuke , Li Meihua , Zheng Can , Uemura Kazunori , Saku Keita , Miyamoto Tadayoshi , Sugimachi Masaru
Published: December 2021

Clonidine is a first-generation central antihypertensive that reduces sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Although clonidine also exerts peripheral vasoconstriction, the extent to which this vasoconstriction offsets the centrally mediated arterial pressure (AP)-lowering effect remains unknown. In anesthetized rats (n = 8), we examined SNA and AP responses to stepwise changes in carotid sinus pressure under control conditions and after intravenous low-dose (2 μg/kg) and high-dose clonidine (5 μg/kg). In the baroreflex equilibrium diagram analysis, the operating-point AP under the control condition was 115.2 (108.5–127.7) mmHg [median (25th–75th percentile range)]. While the operating-point AP after low-dose clonidine was not significantly different with or without the peripheral effect, the operating-point AP after high-dose clonidine was higher with the peripheral effect than without [81.3 (76.2–98.2) mmHg vs. 70.7 (57.7–96.9), P < 0.05]. The vasoconstrictive effect of clonidine partly offset the centrally mediated AP-lowering effect after high-dose administration.
Myocardial injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study, systematic review, and meta-analysis
Authors: Changal Khalid , Veria Spiro , Mack Sean , Paternite David , Sheikh Shoaib Altaf , Patel Mitra , Mir Tanveer , Sheikh Mujeeb , Ramanathan P. Kasi
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The majority of studies evaluating the effect of myocardial injury on the survival of COVID-19 patients have been performed outside of the United States (U.S.). These studies have often utilized definitions of myocardial injury that are not guideline-based and thus, not applicable to the U.S. patient population.

Methods

The current study is a two-part investigation of the effect of myocardial injury on the clinical outcome of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The first part is a retrospective analysis of 268 patients admitted to our healthcare system in Toledo, Ohio, U.S.; the second part is a systematic review and meta-analysis of all similar studies performed within the U.S.

Results

In our retrospective analysis, patients with myocardial injury were older (mean age 73 vs. 59 years, P 0.001), more likely to have hypertension (86% vs. 67%, P 0.005), underlying cardiovascular disease (57% vs. 24%, P 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (26% vs. 10%, P 0.004). Myocardial injury was also associated with a lower likelihood of discharge to home (35% vs. 69%, P 0.001), and a higher likelihood of death (33% vs. 10%, P 0.001), acute kidney injury (74% vs. 30%, P 0.001), and circulatory shock (33% vs. 12%, P 0.001). Our meta-analysis included 12,577 patients from 8 U.S. states and 55 hospitals who were hospitalized with COVID-19, with the finding that myocardial injury was significantly associated with increased mortality (HR 2.43, CI 2.28–3.6, P 0.0005). The prevalence of myocardial injury ranged from 9.2 to 51%, with a mean prevalence of 27.2%.

Conclusion

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the U.S. have a high prevalence of myocardial injury, which was associated with poorer survival and outcomes.
Congenital partial pericardial defect discovered incidentally during surgery for lung cancer: a case report and literature review
Authors: Iijima Yoshihito , Ishikawa Masahito , Iwai Shun , Yamagata Aika , Motono Nozomu , Yamagishi Shigeki , Koizumi Kiyoshi , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: December 2021

Background

Congenital pericardial defects are rare congenital anomalies, often asymptomatic and incidentally detected during thoracic surgery.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old man with primary lung cancer (cT1cN0M0, Stage IA3) underwent thoracoscopic radical lobectomy. At the time of thoracotomy, a pericardial defect was found on the ventral side of the hilar region, and the left atrial appendage was exposed. Due to concern that contact between the bronchial stump and the left atrial appendage may lead to postoperative bleeding and heart hernia, the pericardial defect was closed with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene GoreTex® membrane. Preoperative computed tomography was reanalyzed with a 1 mm slice, congenital pericardial defect was detected as the pericardium had penetrated under the left atrial appendage.

Conclusions

In congenital partial pericardial defect, contact between the left atrial appendage and bronchial stump, due to movement of the lung or heart, increases the risk of bleeding after lung resection. Therefore, closure of the defect should be considered. Although it is difficult to diagnose congenital partial pericardial defect preoperatively, computed tomography taken with a slice thickness of 1 mm is useful for diagnosis.
LncRNA NEAT1 is upregulated in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and has predictive values
Authors: Han Yaolun , Wang Lu , Li Qingfu , Chen Hongli , Ma Xin
Published: December 2021

Background

LncRNA NEAT1 promotes inflammatory responses, which contribute to recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). This study focused on the involvement of NEAT1 in RAS.

Methods

RT-qPCR and ELISA were performed to determine the expression of NEAT1 and proinflammatory factors (IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in plasma from patients with a history of RAS and showing symptom (n = 80, S-RAS group), people with a history of RAS but showing no symptom (n = 80, NS-RAS group), and controls without a history of RAS (n = 80, Control group). Correlation analysis was performed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. S-RAS group received treatmen,t and plasma levels of NEAT1 and proinflammatory factors were compared before and after treatment. S-RAS group was followed up for 12 months, and the recurrence was recorded.

Results

Plasma NEAT1, IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were the highest in the S-RAS group, followed in turn by NS-RAS and control groups. NEAT1 was positively and significantly correlated with IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α across S-RAS and NS-RAS samples, but not control samples. After treatment, plasma levels of NEAT1, IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α decreased significantly. Moreover, a higher recurrence rate was observed during the follow-up in patients with high plasma NEAT1 levels.

Conclusion

NEAT1 is upregulated in RAS and correlated with multiple proinflammatory factors. Moreover, NEAT1 has predictive values for RAS.
In vivo and in vitro analysis in a rat model using zoledronate and alendronate medication: microbiological and scanning electron microscopy findings on peri-implant rat tissue
Authors: Kniha Kristian , Buhl Eva Miriam , Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian , Bock Anna , Hölzle Frank , Hellwig Elmar , Al-Ahmad Ali , Modabber Ali
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the development of bacterial deposits and morphological parameters around dental zirconia and titanium implants compared with natural teeth during systemic bisphosphonate medication.

Materials and methods

Fifty-four rats were randomly allocated into one control group and two experimental groups (drug application of zoledronic and alendronic acid), with 18 animals in each group. After 4 weeks of drug delivery, either a zirconia or a titanium implant was immediately inserted. Microbiological analysis conducted 1 week, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery included total bacterial count and composition measurements. Samples were analyzed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Bone cell morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

One week after surgery, titanium and zirconia implants of the alendronic acid and control group showed a significantly higher bacterial count when compared to natural teeth in rats with zoledronic acid administration (p < 0.01). Less significant differences were recorded after 3 months, at which time no inter-material differences were evaluated (p > 0.05). I
n the control group, TEM analysis showed that the osteoblasts had a strongly developed endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, the endoplasmic reticulum of the osteoblasts in drug-treated animals was significantly less developed, indicating less activity.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, neither implant material was superior to the other at 3-month follow-up. With regard to the treatment and complications of patients with bisphosphonates, the implant material should not be an influencing factor. Bisphosphonates can be used in the rat model to reduce not only the activity of osteoclasts but also osteoblasts of the peri-implant bone.
Oral administration of tartrazine (E102) accelerates the incidence and the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in rats
Authors: Zingue Stéphane , Mindang Elisabeth Louise Ndjengue , Awounfack Florence Charline , Kalgonbe Abel Yanfou , Kada Moustapha Mohamet , Njamen Dieudonné , Ndinteh Derek Tantoh
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite the considerable advances made in the treatment of cancer, it remains a global threat. Tartrazine (E102) is a synthetic dye widely used in food industries; it has recently been shown to induce oxidative stress (a well known risk factor of cancer) in rat tissues. The present work therefore aimed to assess the impact of a regular consumption of tartrazine on the incidence of breast cancer in rats.

Methods

Forty (40) Wistar rats aged 55 to 60 days were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 8) including two groups serving as normal controls and receiving distilled water (NOR) or tartrazine (NOR + TARZ). The three remaining groups were exposed to the carcinogen DMBA (50 mg/kg) and treated for 20 weeks with either distilled water (DMBA), tartrazine 50 mg/kg (DMBA + TARZ) or a natural dye (DMBA + COL). The parameters evaluated were the incidence, morphology and some biomarkers (CA 15–3, estradiol and α-fetoprotein) of breast cancer. The oxidative status and histomorphology of the tumors were also assessed.

Results

A regular intake of tartrazine led to an early incidence of tumors (100% in rats that received TARZ only vs 80% in rats that received DMBA only), with significantly larger tumors (p < 0.001) (mass = 3500 mg/kg and volume = 4 cm3). The invasive breast carcinoma observed on the histological sections of the animals of the DMBA + TARZ group was more developed than those of the DMBA group. The increase in serum α-fetoprotein (p < 0.05) and CA 15–3 (p < 0.01) levels corroborate the changes observed in tumors. The presence of oxidative activity in animals of the DMBA + TARZ group was confirmed by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) as well as the level of GSH and increase in the level of MDA compared to the rats of the DMBA and NOR groups.

Conclusion

Tartrazine therefore appears to be a promoter of DMBA-induced breast tumorigenesis in rats through its oxidative potential. This work encourages further studies on the mechanisms of action of tartrazine (E102) and its limits of use.
Multi-task learning for Chinese clinical named entity recognition with external knowledge
Authors: Cheng Ming , Xiong Shufeng , Li Fei , Liang Pan , Gao Jianbo
Published: December 2021

Background

Named entity recognition (NER) on Chinese electronic medical/healthcare records has attracted significantly attentions as it can be applied to building applications to understand these records. Most previous methods have been purely data-driven, requiring high-quality and large-scale labeled medical data. However, labeled data is expensive to obtain, and these data-driven methods are difficult to handle rare and unseen entities.

Methods

To tackle these problems, this study presents a novel multi-task deep neural network model for Chinese NER in the medical domain. We incorporate dictionary features into neural networks, and a general secondary named entity segmentation is used as auxiliary task to improve the performance of the primary task of named entity recognition.

Results

In order to evaluate the proposed method, we compare it with other currently popular methods, on three benchmark datasets. Two of the datasets are publicly available, and the other one is constructed by us. Experimental results show that the proposed model achieves 91.07% average f-measure on the two public datasets and 87.05% f-measure on private dataset.

Conclusions

The comparison results of different models demonstrated the effectiveness of our model. The proposed model outperformed traditional statistical models.
Severe polymicrobial and fungal periprosthetic osteomyelitis persisting after hip disarticulations treated with caspofungin in risk patients: a case series
Authors: Enz Andreas , Müller Silke , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Klinder Annett
Published: December 2021

Background

Periprosthetic fungal infections are considered rare and opportunistic infections. Treatment is difficult, and established standards do not yet exist. The choice of the appropriate antifungal drug might affect the patient outcome.

Cases

All the three cases presented showed polybacterial recurrent infection of the revision hip arthroplasty. All patients were of younger age, had multiple revisions of the endoprosthesis, each had a large partial femoral replacement greater than 40% of the femoral length, gentamycin-loaded cement, and a long anchoring distance of the used intramedullary stem. Due to the severe life-threatening infection with deep osteomyelitis, an amputation had to be performed. However, despite surgical intervention, the fungal dominated infection persisted. Finally, only the use of caspofungin allowed permanent infection control.

Conclusion

The polybacterial infection is driven by the symbiosis between fungi and bacteria. Therefore, eradication of the fungus is required to achieve elimination of the bacteria. Antimycotics of the echinocandin-class, such as caspofungin, may be considered as initial treatment.
Estimating upper-extremity function from kinematics in stroke patients following goal-oriented computer-based training
Authors: Ballester Belén Rubio , Antenucci Fabrizio , Maier Martina , Coolen Anthony C. C. , Verschure Paul F. M. J.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

After a stroke, a wide range of deficits can occur with varying onset latencies. As a result, assessing impairment and recovery are enormous challenges in neurorehabilitation. Although several clinical scales are generally accepted, they are time-consuming, show high inter-rater variability, have low ecological validity, and are vulnerable to biases introduced by compensatory movements and action modifications. Alternative methods need to be developed for efficient and objective assessment. In this study, we explore the potential of computer-based body tracking systems and classification tools to estimate the motor impairment of the more affected arm in stroke patients.

Methods

We present a method for estimating clinical scores from movement parameters that are extracted from kinematic data recorded during unsupervised computer-based rehabilitation sessions. We identify a number of kinematic descriptors that characterise the patients’ hemiparesis (e.g., movement smoothness, work area), we implement a double-noise model and perform a multivariate regression using clinical data from 98 stroke patients who completed a total of 191 sessions with RGS.

Results

Our results reveal a new digital biomarker of arm function, the Total Goal-Directed Movement (TGDM), which relates to the patients work area during the execution of goal-oriented reaching movements. The model’s performance to estimate FM-UE scores reaches an accuracy of $$R^2$$

R
2

: 0.38 with an error ($$\sigma$$
σ
: 12.8). Next, we evaluate its reliability ($$r=0.89$$

r
=
0.89

for test-retest), longitudinal external validity ($$95\%$$

95
%

true positive rate), sensitivity, and generalisation to other tasks that involve planar reaching movements ($$R^2$$

R
2

: 0.39). The model achieves comparable accuracy also for the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory ($$R^2$$

R
2

: 0.40) and Barthel Index ($$R^2$$

R
2

: 0.35).

Conclusions

Our results highlight the clinical value of kinematic data collected during unsupervised goal-oriented motor training with the RGS combined with data science techniques, and provide new insight into factors underlying recovery and its biomarkers.
MycoNews 2021: President’s message, IMA statutes, news, reports, awards, personalia, and book news
Authors: Hawksworth David L.
Published: December 2021

This third annual edition ofMycoNewsstarts with a message from IMA President Wieland Meyer regarding the adoption of new statutes for the IMA, the postponement of IMC12 to 2024, and announcing Marc Stadler as President-elect. The new statutes are included in full. News is provided on the launch of a World Fungus Day, acceptance of the term Funga as an equivalent to Fauna and Flora by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, new arrangements and dates for IMC12 now to be held in Maastricht in July 2024, and revised arrangements for the publication of proposals to change any rules governing the nomenclature of fungi. Reports are provided for IAL9, the symposium of the International Association for Lichenology in Brazil mainly conducted virtually, MycoRise Up! in Poland, and the centenary of the German Mycological Society (DGFM). Birthday greetings from IMA go to David Farr, Marie-Agnés Letrouit-Galinou, Maria Olech, Angela Restrepo, Carol Shearer, James Trappe, and Shun-ichi Udagawa. Tributes are also paid to the passing of the distinguished mycologists Heinz Butin, Karl Esser, Grégoire Hennebert, Jack Rogers, Kálman Vánky, and Bodo Wanke. The contribution concludes with news of seven new mycological books published in 2020–2021, and another forthcoming in 2022.
Novel Lipidomic Signature Associated With Metabolic Risk in Women With and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Mousa Aya , Huynh Kevin , Ellery Stacey J , Strauss Boyd J , Joham Anju E , de Courten Barbora , Meikle Peter J , Teede Helena J
Published: December 2021

Context

Dyslipidemia is a feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may augment metabolic dysfunction in this population.

Objective

Using comprehensive lipidomic profiling and gold-standard metabolic measures, we examined whether distinct lipid biomarkers were associated with metabolic risk in women with and without PCOS.

Methods

Using preexisting data and biobanked samples from 76 women (n = 42 with PCOS), we profiled > 700 lipid species by mass spectrometry. Lipids were compared between women with and without PCOS and correlated with direct measures of adiposity (dual x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography) and insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp), as well as fasting insulin, HbA1c, and hormonal parameters (luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones; total and free testosterone; sex hormone–binding globulin [SHBG]; and free androgen index [FAI]). Multivariable linear regression was used with correction for multiple testing.

Results

Despite finding no differences by PCOS status, lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) species esterified with an 18:0 fatty acid were the strongest lipid species associated with all the metabolic risk factors measured in women with and without PCOS. Across the cohort, higher concentrations of LPI(18:0) and lower concentrations of lipids containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were associated with higher adiposity, insulin resistance, fasting insulin, HbA1c and FAI, and lower SHBG.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that a distinct lipidomic signature comprising high LPI(18:0) and low DHA-containing lipids are associated with key metabolic risk factors that cluster in PCOS, independent of PCOS status. Prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings in larger cohorts of women with varying PCOS phenotypes.
Incident Diabetes Risk Is Not Increased in Transgender Individuals Using Hormone Therapy
Authors: van Velzen Daan , Wiepjes Chantal , Nota Nienke , van Raalte Daniel , de Mutsert Renée , Simsek Suat , den Heijer Martin
Published: December 2021

Context

In trans women receiving hormone therapy, body fat and insulin resistance increases, with opposite effects in trans men. These metabolic alterations may affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in trans women and trans men.

Context

We aimed to compare the incidence of type 2 diabetes of adult trans women and trans men during hormone therapy with rates from their birth-assigned sex in the general population.

Methods

Retrospective data from the Amsterdam Cohort of Gender Dysphoria with transgender individuals on hormone therapy between 1972 and 2018 were linked to a nationwide health data registry. Because no central registry of diabetes is available, the occurrence of diabetes was inferred from the first dispense of a glucose-lowering agent. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were computed for trans women and trans men in comparison with the same birth sex from the general population.

Results

Compared with their birth-assigned sex in the general population, no difference in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was observed in trans women (N = 2585, 90 cases; SIR 0.94; 95% CI, 0.76-1.14) or trans men (N = 1514, 32 cases; SIR 1.40; 95% CI, 0.96-1.92).

Conclusion

Despite studies reporting an increase in insulin resistance in feminizing hormone therapy and a decrease in insulin resistance in masculinizing hormone therapy, the incidence of diabetes in transgender individuals after initiation of hormone therapy was not different compared with the general population.
FOXO Transcription Factors Are Required for Normal Somatotrope Function and Growth
Authors: Stallings Caitlin E , Kapali Jyoti , Evans Brian W , McGee Stacey R , Ellsworth Buffy S
Published: December 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary organogenesis and function is essential for improving therapeutics and molecular diagnoses for hypopituitarism. We previously found that deletion of the forkhead factor, Foxo1, in the pituitary gland early in development delays somatotrope differentiation. While these mice grow normally, they have reduced growth hormone expression and free serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) levels, suggesting a defect in somatotrope function. FOXO factors show functional redundancy in other tissues, so we deleted both Foxo1 and its closely related family member, Foxo3, from the primordial pituitary. We find that this results in a significant reduction in growth. Consistent with this, male and female mice in which both genes have been deleted in the pituitary gland (dKO) exhibit reduced pituitary growth hormone expression and serum IGF1 levels. Expression of the somatotrope differentiation factor, Neurod4, is reduced in these mice. This suggests a mechanism underlying proper somatotrope function is the regulation of Neurod4 expression by FOXO factors. Additionally, dKO mice have reduced Lhb expression and females also have reduced Fshb and Prl expression. These studies reveal FOXO transcription factors as important regulators of pituitary gland function.
Salinity stress effects on the growth, morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties of Melia (Melia dubia Cav.) plant
Authors: Kumar Raj , Banyal Rakesh , Singh Awtar , Kumar Yadav Rajender , Chander Sharma Parbodh
Published: December 2021

Salinity stress severely affects the growth, physiological and developmental processes in plant species. Melia dubia is an ecologically and economically important tree species of the Indian subcontinent. However, systematic information with respect to the species salt tolerance potential is completely lacking. Under salt stress conditions, determining suitable soil EC range is required for the better survival, growth and productivity of the tree species. In present study, we investigated the effects of different soil salinity (EC 4, 8, and 12) levels on the ion homeostasis, physio-biochemistry, morphology, and growth of M. dubia plant. Results revealed that increase in soil salinity causes higher Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio, while lower K+ content, in the leaf tissues of M. dubia. The physiological processes such as the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, and transpiration rate were adversely affected with the increased salt stress levels. Morphological parameters, such as internodal length, petiole length, leaf length, and leaf width also decreased (P<0.05) under saline stress conditions. Results further indicated that salinity levels significantly (P<0.05) affected the M. dubia growth, and the growth rate was found optimum upto 8 EC, thereafter it slightly decreased with the increased salt stress to 12 EC. Our findings showed that increased salinity stress causes significant changes in the physiological, morphological, and growth pattern of M. dubia. Therefore, based on present experiment, we found M. dubia suitable for the salt affected soils of EC 8 with optimum growth rate and at EC 12 with the moderate (20–25%) growth reduction.
Relationship of Appetite, Body Image, and Energy Intake with Body Mass Index in Undergraduate Students in Surakarta
Authors: Sari Anita Febrian Permata , Pamungkasari Eti Poncorini , Dewi Yulia Lanti Retno
Published: December 2021

Background: Young adults are vulnerable to lifestyle changes that will eventually change their behavior, including health behavior. Behavioral changes during this period can affect nutritional status. Nutritional status is affected by energy intake, influenced by several internal factors such as appetite and body image. This study shows the correlation between appetite, body image, and energy intake with body mass index. Method: This study was conducted with a random sampling method through 120 undergraduate students. Appetite was measured using a visual analog scale. Energy intake was measured using the 24-hour food recall method. Statistical analysis used was Spearman's rankBody shape perception was assessed using the Stunkard figure rating scale. Results: Appetite is closely related to energy intake (p <0.05) but not with BMI. Body image correlates with intake energy and BMI. Most obese students (70.4%) consider themselves overweight. Energy intake is correlated with BMI (p <0,001). Conclusion: Appetite and body image are related to food intake. Energy intake is correlated with body mass index.
Determinants of Environmental Sanitation Related to the Incidence of Diarrhea among Infants
Authors: Sinaga Jernita , Tanjung Risnawati , Mahyuni Eka Lestari , Nolia Helfi , Raflizar Raflizar
Published: December 2021

Background: Incidence of diarrhea increased by poor environmental conditions factors. The several factors of environmental health are housing, disposal waste, clean water supply, and sewerage. This study's purpose was to determine the determinants of environmental sanitation related to the incidence of diarrhea in infants at the work area of Pusat Kesehatan Masyarakat (Puskesmas) Singa, Karo District. Method: This research was quantitative research as a case study of diarrhea among infants in Puskesmas Singa. The subjects were housewives who had infants and suffered from diarrhea in the last six months of the study, with 225 total population and 63 people selected by simple random sampling. The data analyzed used logistic regression to found the influence of environmental sanitation on diarrhea. Results: The results found there were six variables analyzed, there were three variables that influenced the incidence of diarrhea, the variable ownership of feces disposal facilities was the most dominant factor with Exp B 18.267 (p-value 0.003; 95% CI: 2.750-121.334), and the quality of clean water are variables that influence the incidence of diarrhea with Exp B 5.763 (p-value 0.026; 95% CI: 1.234-26.904), food and drink sanitation are variables that influence the incidence of diarrhea with Exp B 12.451 (p-value 0.004; 95% CI: 2.190 - 70.773). Conclusion: It concludes that diarrhea among infants has a dominant relationship of water sanitation, disposal sanitation, and food sanitation as determinants. It needs to improve basic sanitation to decrease the count of diarrhea.
Preventing Advanced Stages of Disease in Samoa: A Literature Review
Authors: Kaspar Annette , Fuimaono Aleki , Mauiliu Shaun , Pifeleti Sione , Posini Junior
Published: December 2021

Background: Surgeons are scarce in the Pacific Islands, and improvements to public and primary health care services should reduce the burden of avoidable surgical interventions. Three communicable and non-communicable diseases of public health concern in Samoa are filariasis, childhood overweight/obesity, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastric cancer. Strengthening existing public and primary health care strategies for these issues should, in turn, reduce the avoidable surgical burden of Hydrocelectomy for filarial hydrocele, in-situ pinning for Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE), and endoscopic Esophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (EGD) for the differential diagnosis of H. pylori-induced gastric pathologies. This study aimed to perform a literature review of these conditions requiring surgical intervention in the Pacific Islands to contribute recommendations to the current public and primary health care activities in Samoa.  Method: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The primary search strategy utilized the terms and keywords “Pacific Islands”; “Filarial Hydrocele”; “SUFE”; “H. pylori-induced gastric pathology”; and their relevant synonyms. Inclusion criteria: the study population were Pacific Islanders residing in the Pacific Islands, and the study investigated presentation, etiology, epidemiology, treatment, and/or management for the three diseases of interest. Articles published before 2000 were excluded.  Results: There was only one journal article that met the inclusion criteria.  There is virtually no research literature on the current state of these preventable surgical conditions among the population residing in the Pacific Islands.  Conclusion: Data are needed to inform evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. The surgical voice should positively contribute to public health efforts.