bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pan-cancer analysis of TNFAIP8L1 in human tumors
Authors: Sun Jinghui , Zhang Xuezhong , Zhu Bin , Chen Yingjun , Wang Hui
Published: February 2024

TNFAIP8L1, as a recently identified member in TNFAIP8 family, plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, a pan-cancer analysis of TNFAIP8L1 in human tumors has not been conducted until now. The main purpose of study is to investigate TNFAIP8L1 during 33 different types of human tumors by using TCGA and GTEx. The pan-cancer analysis showed that TNFAIP8L1 was significantly over-expressed in 15 cancers and low-expressed in 9 cancers. There were distinct relations between TNFAIP8L1 expression and prognosis of patients with cancer. Furthermore, we also found that DNA methylation and RNA modification of TNFAIP8L1 were associated with many cancers. And then, we detected that TNFAIP8L1 level was positively associated with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in many tumors. And, we obtained that TNFAIP8L1 expression was related with most of immune inhibitory and stimulatory genes in multiple types of tumors. We also found TNFAIP8L1 expression was correlated with most of chemokine, receptor, MHC, immunoinhibitor and immunostimulator gens in most of cancers. Moreover, we detected TNFAIP8L1 expression was associated with TMB and MSI in several tumors. Finally, TNFAIP8L1 gene had a significant positive association with 5 genes including BCL6B, DLL4, PCDH12, COL4A1 and DLL4 in the majority of tumors. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses showed that TNFAIP8L1 in thepathogenesis of cancer may be related to “purine nucleoside binding,” “purine ribonucleoside binding,” “ECM-receptor interaction,” etc. Our first pan-cancer study may provide a deep comprehending of TNFAIP8L1 in tumoeigenesis from different tumors.
Iagnosis and treatment of myelitis after lumbar reoperation: A case report
Authors: Li Dongru , Chen Xiao , Zhang Zifang , Liang Xiao , Gao Xu , Tian Zhikang , Meng Chunyang
Published: February 2024

Rationale:

At present, acute myelitis (AM) is a great challenge to diagnosis and treatment because of its complicated etiology, critical condition, and poor prognosis, and it is easy to leave different degrees of limb motor dysfunction. The report of this case is helpful to improve the understanding of AM after lumbar surgery, reduce misdiagnosis and provide reference for clinical treatment.

Patient’s concern:

This study reported a case of AM after lumbar reoperation. Before the patient was diagnosed as AM, we gave high-dose hormone anti-inflammatory and detumescence symptomatic treatment according to empirical treatment, and the effect was ideal and rehabilitation treatment was actively carried out at the right time. After 10 months of follow-up, the patient recovered well.

Diagnosis:

Because lumbar surgery is a contraindication of lumbar puncture, the patient’s diagnosis was confirmed by thoracic magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic vertebra on the 17th day after lumbar operation showed that small round T1W1 signal, slightly higher T2W1 signal and T2-fat suppression imaging equal signal were seen in the horizontal spinal cord of thoracic vertebra 10.

Intervention:

According to the empirical treatment, patients have been given high-dose hormone therapy after operation, and comprehensive treatment such as comprehensive training of paraplegic limbs, joint loosening training, electric massage and other rehabilitation training will be carried out when the general condition of patients improves.

Outcomes:

After 10 months of follow-up, there were no major sequelae such as limb paralysis.

Conclusion:

Due to the rarity of AM in clinical work, it is easy for doctors to ignore the disease and miss the best treatment stage, which will lead to serious sequelae.
Prostatic abscess due to carbapenem-resistant K. pneumonia: A case report
Authors: Zhou Wen-Qiang , Chen Zhi , Cai Xue-Ju
Published: February 2024

Rationale:

Due to the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the morbidity of prostate abscesses (PA) has declined dramatically. However, under special circumstances, such as invasive procedures and immunosuppressive conditions, some patients are more likely to develop this disease. Here, we present the case of a 21-year-old man, diagnosed with PA, with a history of chronic steroid use and a long-term indwelling urinary catheter. The pathogen was confirmed as carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, a rare bacterium. This case indicates that immunodeficiency and invasive catheter use may be risk factors for PA and opportunistic bacterial infections.

Patient concerns:

A 21-year-old young man presented with sudden onset of high fever (39.7°C). The patient had a history of long-term use of steroids and long-term indwelling urinary catheter. Digital rectal examination revealed obvious swelling and tenderness of the prostate. Subsequent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a high signal lesion measuring 2.1 × 2.9 × 2.8 cm with T1 enhancement and T2 enhancement.

Diagnoses:

On the 8th day of hospitalization, the patient underwent a PA drainage procedure and a pus culture was conducted. Subsequent pus and urine cultures showed the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which exhibited resistance to all injectable carbapenems, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, piperacillin-tazobactam, and quinolone drugs.

Interventions:

On the 8th day of hospitalization, the patient underwent PA drainage surgery under general anesthesia to drain the abscess and relieve obstruction. After the surgery, the patient received a 2-week treatment of doxycycline.

Outcomes:

Finally, the patient was discharged after recovery and did not experience recurrence during the 6-month follow-up period.

Lessons:

PA is not commonly found, but some patients are more susceptible to this disease under certain host conditions. Immunodeficiency and invasive catheter use may be risk factors for PA and opportunistic bacterial infections. The use of omadacycline for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections appears to be effective.
Diagnostic value of thyroglobulin washout in fine-needle aspiration samples for diagnosis and follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Kargun Sinem , Aydemir Mustafa , Yilmaz Nusret , Ozdem Sebahat , Sari Ramazan
Published: February 2024

Our goal was to assess the effectiveness of fine-needle aspiration thyroglobulin (FNA-Tg) in detecting malignant lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We also aimed to determine the factors that affect the accuracy of FNA-Tg. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the laboratory, ultrasonographic, histopathological, FNA cytology (FNA-C), and FNA-Tg results of 176 DTC patients. We used receiver operating characteristic analysis to identify the cutoff value of FNA-Tg, and binary regression analysis to compare FNA-Tg with other diagnostic parameters. Spearman correlation was utilized to identify factors that influence FNA-Tg. Our study revealed that a cutoff value of 3.14 ng/mL for FNA-Tg had a sensitivity of 91.8% and a specificity of 96.6% in detecting malignant LNs in the entire group. In the subgroup with thyroid tissue, the optimal cutoff value for FNA-Tg was determined to be 15.5 ng/mL. Additionally, FNA-C had a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 99.4% for the entire group. The combined use of FNA-Tg and FNA-C yielded a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96%, which was found to be more effective than using either test alone. Serum Tg positivity and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone were positively correlated with FNA-Tg levels in detecting malignant LNs. Our study demonstrated that FNA-Tg is a reliable method for detecting LN metastases in DTC patients, with a 3.14 ng/mL cutoff value. However, each center should take into account factors such as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, serum Tg, and the presence of thyroid tissue when interpreting FNA-Tg results and determining the appropriate cutoff level.
Re-evaluation for systematic reviews of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic bronchitis
Authors: Deng Yasheng , Xi Lanhua , Han Siyin , Liang Tianwei , Huang Hui , Fan Yanping , Zheng Yiqing , Lin Jiang
Published: February 2024

Background:

Chronic bronchitis (CB) is a common clinical chronic respiratory disease, which has a high incidence in the middle aged and elderly population. With the development of the disease, the number of acute attacks becomes more and more frequent, which leads to the continuous decrease of lung function. If not treated in time, it will lead to a variety of complications and seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or TCM combined with western medicine is highly effective in the treatment of CB disease. In recent years, there are many systematic reviews on the use of TCM therapy in the treatment of CB, and the efficacy and safety of TCM in the treatment of CB diseases are evaluated. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the Meta analysis/Systematic reviews (MAs/SRs) of TCM for the treatment of CB, aiming to provide a clinical basis for the treatment of CB by TCM.

Methods:

Retrieval among Chinese and English databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, China Scientific Journals Database, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and EMbase, etc. were conducted within the duration from database establish Tion date to March 2023.The included research was independently conducted by 2 researchers for literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation. The AMSTAR 2 scale was used to evaluate the quality of the report, the PRISMA 2020 statement evaluated the quality of the report, the ROBIS tool evaluated the risk of bias, and the GRADE quality evaluation tool evaluated the quality of the evidence.

Results:

Fifteen MAs/SRs were included, for a total of 224 studies involving 20,710 patients with CB. The 15 studies included in AMSTAR 2 are of very low quality. The ROBIS evaluation results showed that 8 MAs/SRs were considered to have high risk and 7 with low risk. The PRISMA 2020 report quality showed evaluation results of the included studies scores between 24 and 30, among them 13 with high quality and 2 with low quality. The GRADE system results showed that, within 70 outcome indicators, only 14 of them have moderate quality for evidence, with 31 for low quality, 25 for very low quality, and none for high quality.

Conclusion:

The MAs/SRs methodological quality of using TCM for treatment CB is generally poor, the quality of reports as well as evidence are generally low, and the risk of bias is high, therefore we should treat these results with caution.
Implementation of holistic nursing interventions based on fast track surgery concept in patients with lower extremity arterial occlusive disease
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zeng Guojun , Zhang Lin , Huang Jing , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: February 2024

Lower Extremity Arterial Occlusive Disease (LEAOD) is a prevalent condition affecting many patients worldwide, which requires careful management and patient cooperation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of holistic nursing interventions based on the Fast Track Surgery (FTS) concept in patients with LEAOD. A retrospective analysis of 92 LEAOD patients, randomized into control and experimental groups, was performed. Conventional rehabilitation nursing interventions were applied to the control group, while the experimental group received holistic rehabilitation nursing interventions based on the FTS concept. Patient adherence was assessed before and after the intervention using a hospital survey, and sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index on days 3, 7, and 15 post-interventions. Post-intervention, the experimental group exhibited significantly improved adherence to balanced diet, regular exercise, timely medication, and regular review visits compared to the control group (P < .05). Further, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores indicated significantly better sleep quality over time in the experimental group than in the control group (P < .05). The implementation of holistic nursing interventions based on the FTS concept significantly improved patient adherence and sleep quality in LEAOD patients. These findings highlight the potential benefits of integrating such interventions in the management of LEAOD patients, potentially enhancing postoperative recovery and overall health outcomes.
Transcriptomic analysis of mRNAs in human whole blood identified age-specific changes in healthy individuals
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Chonghui
Published: February 2024

Older age is one of the most important shared risk factors for multiple chronic diseases, increasing the medical burden to contemporary societies. Current research focuses on identifying aging biomarkers to predict aging trajectories and developing interventions aimed at preventing and delaying the progression of multimorbidity with aging. Here, a transcriptomic changes analysis of whole blood genes with age was conducted. The age-related whole blood gene-expression profiling datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We screened the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between healthy young and old individuals and performed functional enrichment analysis. Cytoscape with Cytohubba and MCODE was used to perform an interaction network of DEGs and identify hub genes. In addition, ROC curves and correlation analysis were used to evaluate the accuracy of hub genes. In total, we identified 29 DEGs between young and old samples that were enriched mainly in immunoglobulin binding and complex, humoral immune response, and immune response-activating signaling pathways. In combination with the PPI network and topological analysis, 4 hub genes (IGLL5, Jchain, POU2AF1, and Bach2) were identified. Pearson analysis showed that the expression changes of these hub genes were highly correlated with age. Among them, 3 hub genes (IGLL5, POU2AF1, and Bach2) were identified with good accuracy (AUC score > 0.7), indicating that these genes were the best indicators of age. Together, our results provided potential biomarkers IGLL5, POU2AF1, and Bach2 to identify individuals at high early risk of age-related disease to be targeted for early interventions and contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms in the progression of aging.
Clinical efficacy and safety of percutaneous drainage for post-operative fluid collection in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion
Authors: Oh Chang Hoon
Published: February 2024

To evaluate the success rates of percutaneous drainage for fluid collection after radical cystectomy, with emphasis on factors affecting the clinical success, including lesion, patient, and procedure characteristics. In this retrospective study, 31 percutaneous drainage catheters were placed in 29 consecutive patients between January 2021 and September 2023. Most fluid collections formed near the uretero-ileal anastomosis site in the right pelvic cavity (80.6%). The technical success rate was 100%. The primary and final clinical success was 80.6% and 96.9%, respectively. Lymphoceles notably increased the primary clinical failure risk (odds ratio and 95% confidential interval: 22.667 (1.839–279.366), P = .015). Significant differences were observed between transabdominal and transgluteal approaches in terms of fluoroscopic time, dose, and location. Leakage indications on computed tomography prompted differing interventions, but all achieved final clinical success. Percutaneous drainage for post-operative fluid collection is safe and effective in patients with radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.
Effects of combined traditional Chinese medicine therapy in patients of lower limbs injuries with osteoporosis: A retrospective paired cohort study
Authors: Lu Yu-Hua , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Lin Chien-Jung , Tsai Li-Jen , Shih Kuang-Chung , Lu Chieh-Hua , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: February 2024

Studies have confirmed that the health hazards of patients with lower limb injuries combined with osteoporosis are more obvious. This study is mainly based on the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, and through big data analysis, it shows that the combined treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is helpful to the health of patients with lower limb injuries combined with osteoporosis. A total of 9989 combined TCM-treated patients and 19,978 2:1 sex-, age-, and index-year-matched controls who did not receive TCM treatment were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. Cox proportional hazards analyzes were performed to compare fracture surgery, inpatient, and all-cause mortality during a mean follow-up period of 17 years. A total of 5406/8601/2564 enrolled-subjects (14.11%/25.46%/5.53%) had fracture surgery/inpatient/all-cause mortality, including 1409/2543/552 in the combined TCM group (14.11%/25.46%/5.53%) and 3997/6058/2012 in the control group (20.01%/30.32%/10.07%). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed a lower rate of fracture surgery, inpatient and all-cause mortality for subjects in the combined TCM group (adjusted hazard ratios [HR] = 0.723; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.604–0.810, P < .001; adjusted hazard ratios [HR] = 0.803; 95% CI = 0.712–0.950, P = .001; adjusted HR = 0.842; 95% CI = 0.731–0.953, P = .007, respectively). After 10 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of fracture surgery in patients combining TCM treatment seems to be half of that without combining TCM treatment those are shown in Kaplan–Meier analysis with statistically significant (log rank, P < .001, P < .001, and P = .010, respectively). This study hopes to provide clinicians with the option of combined TCM treatment for patients of lower limbs injuries combined with osteoporosis, so that such patients will be associate with a lower risk of fracture surgery, inpatient or all-cause mortality.
Assessment of systemic inflammatory response index and other inflammatory indicators in retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Üçer Mehmet Bariş , Cevher Selim
Published: February 2024

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy. The study aimed to evaluate the association and the predictive value of inflammatory indicators in RVO. Sixty patients with RVO and 60 healthy individuals were enrolled in this retrospective study. Inflammatory indicators and other hematological parameters obtained from the peripheral venous sample were analyzed and compared among groups. White blood cell count (P = .003), neutrophil (P < .001), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P < .001), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) (P < .001), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (P = .014), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (P < .001), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) (P < .001) were significantly higher; the lymphocyte count (P < .001) was significantly lower in patients with RVO. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, NLR was significant at the good level (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.817, P < .001); SIRI, SII, and MLR were significant at the fair level (AUC = 0.774, P < .001; AUC = 0.733, P < .001, and AUC = 0.724, P < .001, respectively) and PLR (AUC = 0.630, P = .014) was significant at the weak level in terms of RVO prediction. SIRI was superior to other indicators, except NLR, to predict RVO. SIRI, NLR, SII, MLR, and PLR can be used as predictors for identifying the risk of RVO.
Evaluation of the clinical and prognostic importance of infection parameters in thyroid cancers: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ecin Seval Müzeyyen , Gezer Deniz
Published: February 2024

Thyroid cancers are among the most common endocrine cancers. An inflammation is associated with many stages of cancer. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate whether it has a prognostic significance inflammation marker. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, systemic inflammation response, systemic immune-inflammation index, and neutrophils to lymphocytes and platelets ratio (N/LP) in patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the internal medicine outpatient clinic and operated between March 1, 2017 and May 1, 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Three hundred forty patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer; 275 (80.9%) of them were women and the mean age was 44.6 ± 13.5 years. Multifocality (P = .02) was significant in patients with invasion. High N/LP ratio (odds ratio: 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–2.0, p: 0.003) and high invasion (odds ratio: 0.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.1–0.4, P < .01) was found to be significant in patients with tumor size ≥2 cm. There is a relationship between multifocality and invasion, and the risk of invasion increases as the tumor size increases in thyroid cancer. The N/LP ratio was significant as it could be a new marker in showing the relationship between thyroid cancer and its prognosis. Further studies are needed in which the prognosis is followed up, longer-term, more comprehensive, and confounding factors are excluded.
Meta-analysis of stereotactic hematoma removal and craniotomy hematoma removal in the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in the elderly
Authors: Tang Chao , Zhang Min , Li Wei
Published: February 2024

Background:

A large number of clinical studies suggested that surgery might be a better choice than conservative treatment for treating hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in the middle-aged and elderly. Stereotactic puncture can reduce the mass effect caused by hematoma, reduce the intervention of body homeostasis, reduce brain tissue damage, and improve the prognosis of patients with cerebral hemorrhage. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic puncture and craniotomy in elderly patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods:

A search strategy was designed to search in databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CNKI, Wanfang database and relevant references. Literature on the efficacy and safety of different surgical methods for hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the middle-aged and elderly were retrieved. The search time was until August 17, 2022. Keywords included “hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage,” “stereotactic hematoma removal,” “craniotomy.” After the literature search, 2 researchers independently conducted literature screening, quality evaluation of included trials and data extraction. RevMan5.4 software was used to perform a Meta-analysis on the operation time, hospital stay, postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, postoperative daily activity ability, postoperative complications and neurological prognosis scores included in the included studies.

Results:

A total of 1988 samples were included in 9 studies. 1022 patients underwent stereotactic hematoma removal, and 968 patients underwent craniotomy hematoma removal. The orientation group had more advantages in the length of hospital stay, postoperative disability, pulmonary infection, intracranial infection and digestive tract ulcer, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). In addition, the length of stay (I²= 83%) of the included articles had good homogeneity (I²< 50%), and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in operation time, postoperative GCS score, postoperative daily activity ability, and neurological prognosis score (P > .05).

Conclusion:

The meta-analysis indicate that compared to craniotomy for hematoma removal, stereotactic hematoma removal can reduce the postoperative disability rate, intracranial infection rate, lung infection rate, and digestive tract ulcer rate in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.
Characteristics of hair loss in COVID-19 patients in Thailand
Authors: Triwongwaranat Daranporn , Thanomkitti Kanchalit , Korviriyakamol Tarinee , Saengthong-Aram Phuwakorn , Varothai Supenya , Thuangtong Rattapon
Published: February 2024

There is still a scarcity of data on hair loss caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This study aims to determine the characteristics of hair loss in Thai individuals after COVID-19 infection and to identify associated factors. From March to June 2022, a retrospective review of medical records and telephone interviews was conducted to determine the details of hair loss, the severity of infection, and the associated treatments of patients with an abrupt onset of hair loss after the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. This study included 43 patients who experienced hair loss within 4 months after COVID-19 infection. The mean age was 46.5 ± 14.5 years, predominantly women. Most had mild COVID-19 symptoms (59.3%), and 59.1% experienced weight loss, with a mean weight loss of 4.3 ± 2.0 kg per month. Preexisting hair loss was reported in 31.0% of participants, with approximately 3-quarters diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. The median onset of hair loss after COVID-19 infection was 30 days (interquartile range 30–60). Telogen effluvium was the most common acute hair loss diagnosis, and topical minoxidil was the predominant treatment (95.3%). Female gender was correlated with a more severe shedding scale (adjusted odd ratio 24.76, 95% CI 1.67–168.86). Patients with a history of androgenetic alopecia tended to have a lower hair shedding scale (adjusted odd ratio 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.38). This study reviewed the characteristics of hair loss after COVID-19 infection during Omicron outbreaks in Thailand. The COVID-19-associated telogen effluvium, which is the primary cause in our patients, manifested with earlier onset at approximately 30 days.
Effect of dynamic platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving chemoradiotherapy
Authors: He Dan , Du Shulan , He Songyuan , Song Hao , Pu Bo , Zhang Guojun , Yang Chuan
Published: February 2024

Systemic inflammatory load affects the long-term developmental outcomes in patients with malignancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the dynamic levels of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) at different treatment stages on the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy. This study included 168 patients who received chemoradiotherapy between 2012 and 2018. PLR levels at different treatment stages were calculated based on blood test results. The association between PLR and overall survival (OS) was determined using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional regression models. The cutoff values of PLR before and after treatment of 168 patients with ESCC were 195.7 and 403.6, respectively. The 5-year OS rates of patients in the low and high pre-PLR groups were 42.1% and 21.7%, respectively. The overall 5-year OS rate of all patients was 27.1%. Multivariate analysis results showed that patient age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.736; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.129–2.669; P = .012), alcohol consumption (HR = 1.622; 95%CI = 1.050–2.508; P = .029), T stage (HR = 12.483; 95%CI = 3.719–41.896; P < .001), pre-PLR (HR = 1.716; 95%CI = 1.069–2.756; P = .025), post-PLR (HR = 1.664; 95%CI = 1.106–2.503; P = .015) were independent factors of the prognosis of patients with ESCC. PLR at different treatment stages can be used to effectively evaluate the prognosis of patients with ESCC undergoing chemoradiotherapy.
A bibliometric analysis of global research trends of inflammation in cervical cancer: A review
Authors: Kang Meili , Qiu Junling , Wei Hong , Li Jianing
Published: February 2024

Cervical cancer is a common malignant tumor and a leading cause of death in women worldwide. It plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer. A total of 1606 references on inflammation in cervical cancer were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and visual analysis was performed using VOSviewer. Inflammation in cervical cancer has attracted the attention of researchers. Even though China is the country that publishes the most papers, with the most of the top-ranking institutions, there is no extensive collaboration and exchange of papers by Chinese scholars. PLOS One is a popular journal on inflammation in cervical cancer. Instead, authors from other countries perform better, for example, the Sjoerd H. Van Der Burg is the most widely cited author and “M2 macrophages induced by prostaglandin E2 and IL-6 from cervical carcinoma are switched to activated M1 macrophages by CD4 + Th1 cells” (Moniek Heusinkveld, Leiden University Medical Center) is the most cited article of inflammation in cervical cancer. Keywords associated with “apoptosis,” “HPV,” “NF-κB,” and “oxidative stress have been used in many studies, and keywords associated with “apoptosis,” “human papillomavirus (HPV),” “NF-κB,” and “oxidative stress” are involved in many studies, and there may be more research ideas in the future. From the perspective of precision medicine, more substantive research articles can promote scientific value, strengthen communication and cooperation, produce more extensive research results, and greatly promote the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. All procedures performed in this study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
Translation of HIV/AIDS knowledge into behavior change among secondary school adolescents in Uganda: A review
Authors: Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Obeagu Getrude Uzoma , Ede Moses Onyemaechi , Odo Edward Odogbu , Buhari Hauwa Ali
Published: February 2024

The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic is primarily affecting young people worldwide, with those between the ages of 15 and 24 accounting for nearly half of all new infections. This paper was written to effectively translate HIV/AIDS knowledge into actionable behavioral changes among secondary school students in Uganda by empowering them with comprehensive information, fostering a deeper understanding of preventive measures, and facilitating the development of responsible and informed decision-making skills, thereby reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS transmission within this demographic. There is a relationship between risk perception and behavior change in HIV/AIDS prevention among high school students. This can be explained by the high proportion of secondary school students who think they are at risk of HIV infection; this perception may be related to having had early sex, being sexually active, and knowing someone has died of HIV. High school students regularly engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as not using condoms and having multiple lifelong partners. Student behavior is significantly influenced by HIV and AIDS prevention initiatives such as youth-friendly services, peer education, and condom use.
Utility of iPhone-Based Pupillometry in Comparing Pupillary Dynamics Between Sport Concussed Subjects With Photosensitivity and Healthy Controls
Authors: Dutta Pritam
Published: February 2024

Background:

To compare the pupillary dynamics using an iPhone-based pupillometry technique in subjects with sports concussion with photosensitivity and aged-matched controls.

Methods:

Fifty subjects with sports concussion were compared with 50 aged-matched healthy controls. Athletes with persistent concussive symptoms for 1 year or more after the initial injury were included. All the subjects underwent a Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) administration followed by pupillary dynamics measurement using an iPhone-based application (Reflex-Pro PLR analyzer).

Results:

The mean age was 27 ± 4 years in the concussed group and 26 ± 5 years in the control group. In subjects with concussion, there was a significant decrease in the mean of the following parameters: average constriction speed (1.10 ± 0.15 vs 1.78 ± 0.12 mm/s; P < 0.001), maximum constriction speed (2.05 ± 0.26 vs 3.84 ± 0.28 mm/s; P < 0.001), average diameter (3.64 ± 0.12 vs 0.36 ± 0.05 mm; P < 0.001), maximum diameter (4.75 ± 0.17 vs 5.23 ± 0.16 mm; P < 0.001), and minimum diameter (2.75 ± 0.17 vs 3.64 ± 0.11 mm; P < 0.001). An increase in the following parameters was noted in concussion vs age-matched controls: dilation release amplitude (0.54 ± 0.96 vs 0.36 ± 0.05 mm; P < 0.001) and latency (0.25 ± 0.05 vs 0.21 ± 0.02 s; P < 0.001). Subjects with concussion with photosensitivity exhibited increased dilation release amplitudes (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Individuals with sport concussion had impairment in pupillary constriction velocities, latency, and diameter in more than 1 year after concussion. The increase in dilation release amplitude among subjects with concussion might serve as a biomarker in diagnosing the underlying symptom of photosensitivity. The iPhone-based pupillometry could serve as a convenient and diagnostic tool in diagnosing these symptoms.
Micronized/ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide improves depression and fatigue in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors
Authors: Merolla Aurora , De Lorenzo Rebecca , Paolazzi Giacomo , Critelli Sara , Palladini Mariagrazia , Damanti Sarah , Vitali Giordano , Canti Valentina , Cilla Marta , Martinenghi Sabina , Falbo Elisabetta , Ferrante Marica , Castellani Jacopo , Pacioni Giacomo , Magnaghi Cristiano , Fumagalli Anna , Mazza Mario G. , Benedetti Francesco , Rovere-Querini Patrizia
Published: February 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may lead to neuropsychiatric sequelae. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective amide used in depressive syndromes. Here we investigate whether micronized/ultramicronized (m/um) PEA improves neuropsychiatric sequelae in COVID-19 survivors. Patients evaluated at our post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic between February and August 2021 and presenting neuropsychiatric manifestations (n = 98) were offered treatment with m/umPEA 600 mg twice daily for 3 months. Those accepting m/umPEA therapy (n = 57) were compared with those who did not (n = 41), in terms of depression, fatigue, chronic pain and subjective well-being, through validated scales administered pre- and posttreatment. The two groups did not differ in terms of demographics, comorbidities, psychiatric history, antidepressant therapy, acute COVID-19 severity and baseline neuropsychiatric status. Patients receiving m/umPEA showed a greater improvement in depression and fatigue (both P < 0.05). Conversely, no association was found with changes in chronic pain or subjective well-being. At multivariable logistic regression, m/umPEA predicted neuropsychiatric improvement independently of age, sex and baseline neuropsychiatric status. Worse pretreatment fatigue and subjective well-being identified those who most likely benefited from treatment. In conclusion, despite its retrospective nature, our study suggests that m/umPEA may improve depression and fatigue in COVID-19 survivors, justifying future research in this setting.
Evaluating the influence of nonproblematic alcohol intake on the outcome of major depression
Authors: Navarro Víctor , Guarch Joana , Boulahfa Ilham , Tardón Laia , Obach Amadeu , Gastó Cristóbal , Vila-Vidal Manel
Published: February 2024

The effect of light or moderate alcohol intake on the outcome of patients with major depression taking antidepressants is a question that remains unanswered. The main objective of this study was to assess the association between light or moderate alcohol consumption and the acute response (efficacy and tolerability) to pharmacological treatment in unipolar major depression. Efficacy and tolerability analyses compared 8-week outcomes between three subgroups, abstainers, light drinkers and moderate drinkers, of patients with major depression using a prospective naturalistic single-blind design. The treatment strategy was adapted from a local clinical guideline. Antidepressants prescribed were escitalopram, venlafaxine extended-release and imipramine; benzodiazepines and antipsychotics could be prescribed as needed. The final sample consisted of 614 severe unipolar major depressive inpatients and outpatients aged 18 years or older. Notably, no significant differences in efficacy or tolerability (including all subscores assessed) were found between the abstainer and nonproblematic drinker subgroups. Without ever forgetting the serious implicit risks associated with the inappropriate use of alcohol, in conclusion, our results suggest that nonproblematic alcohol consumption does not influence the outcome of patients diagnosed with an acute severe major depressive episode.
Influence of structural colour on the photoprotective mechanism in the gametophyte phase of the red alga
Chondrus crispus
Authors: Fleitas Ariel García , Sardar Samim , Arnould-Pétré Margot Minju , Murace Maria , Vignolini Silvia , Brodie Juliet , Lanzani Guglielmo , D'Andrea Cosimo
Published: February 2024

Marine life is populated by a huge diversity of organisms with an incredible range of colour. While structural colour mechanisms and functions are usually well studied in marine animal species, there is a huge knowledge gap regarding the marine macroalgae (red, green and brown seaweeds) that have structural coloration and the biological significance of this phenomenon in these photosynthetic organisms. Here we show that structural colour in the gametophyte life history phase of the red alga
Chondrus crispus
plays an important role as a photoprotective mechanism in synergy with the other pigments present. In particular, we have demonstrated that blue structural coloration attenuates the more energetic light while simultaneously favouring green and red light harvesting through the external antennae (phycobilisomes) which possess an intensity-dependent photoprotection mechanism. These insights into the relationship between structural colour and photosynthetic light management further our understanding of the mechanisms involved.
Inkjet-printed SnO
x
as an effective electron transport layer for planar perovskite solar cells and the effect of Cu doping
Authors: Lu Dongli , Yang Feipeng , Dun Chaochao , Guo Jinghua , Urban Jeffrey J. , Belova Liubov
Published: February 2024

Inkjet printing is a more sustainable and scalable fabrication method than spin coating for producing perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Although spin-coated SnO
2
has been intensively studied as an effective electron transport layer (ETL) for PSCs, inkjet-printed SnO
2
ETLs have not been widely reported. Here, we fabricated inkjet-printed, solution-processed SnO
x
ETLs for planar PSCs. A champion efficiency of 17.55% was achieved for the cell using a low-temperature processed SnO
x
ETL. The low-temperature SnO
x
exhibited an amorphous structure and outperformed high-temperature crystalline SnO
2
. The improved performance was attributed to enhanced charge extraction and transport and suppressed charge recombination at ETL/perovskite interfaces, which originated from enhanced electrical and optical properties of SnO
x
, improved perovskite film quality, and well-matched energy level alignment between the SnO
x
ETL and the perovskite layer. Furthermore, SnO
x
was doped with Cu. Cu doping increased surface oxygen defects and upshifted energy levels of SnO
x
, leading to reduced device performance. A tunable hysteresis was observed for PSCs with Cu-doped SnO
x
ETLs, decreasing at first and turning into inverted hysteresis afterwards with increasing Cu doping level. This tunable hysteresis was related to the interplay between charge/ion accumulation and recombination at ETL/perovskite interfaces in the case of electron extraction barriers.
Exploring open science practices in behavioural public policy research
Authors: Maier Maximilian , Bartoš František , Raihani Nichola , Shanks David R. , Stanley T. D. , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan , Harris Adam J. L.
Published: February 2024

In their book ‘Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness’, Thaler & Sunstein (2009) argue that choice architectures are promising public policy interventions. This research programme motivated the creation of ‘nudge units’, government agencies which aim to apply insights from behavioural science to improve public policy. We closely examine a meta-analysis of the evidence gathered by two of the largest and most influential nudge units (DellaVigna & Linos (2022
Econometrica
90
, 81–116 (
doi:10.3982/ECTA18709
))) and use statistical techniques to detect reporting biases. Our analysis shows evidence suggestive of selective reporting. We additionally evaluate the public pre-analysis plans from one of the two nudge units (Office of Evaluation Sciences). We identify several instances of excellent practice; however, we also find that the analysis plans and reporting often lack sufficient detail to evaluate (unintentional) reporting biases. We highlight several improvements that would enhance the effectiveness of the pre-analysis plans and reports as a means to combat reporting biases. Our findings and suggestions can further improve the evidence base for policy decisions.
Modelling and predicting online vaccination views using bow-tie decomposition
Authors: Han Yueting , Bazzi Marya , Turrini Paolo
Published: February 2024

Social media has become increasingly important in shaping public vaccination views, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak. This paper uses bow-tie structure to analyse a temporal dataset of directed online social networks that represent the information exchange among anti-vaccination, pro-vaccination and neutral Facebook pages. Bow-tie structure decomposes a network into seven components, with two components, strongly connected component (SCC) and out-periphery component (OUT), emphasized in this paper: SCC is the largest strongly connected component, acting as an ‘information magnifier’, and OUT contains all nodes with a directed path from a node in SCC, acting as an ‘information creator’. We consistently observe statistically significant bow-tie structures with different dominant components for each vaccination group over time. In particular, the anti-vaccination group has a large OUT, and the pro-vaccination group has a large SCC. We further investigate changes in opinions over time, as measured by fan count variations, using agent-based simulations and machine learning models. Across both methods, accounting for bow-tie decomposition better reflects information flow differences among vaccination groups and improves our opinion dynamics prediction results. The modelling frameworks we consider can be applied to any multi-stance temporal network and could form a basis for exploring opinion dynamics using bow-tie structure in a wide range of applications.
Alternative mating strategies in the Wellington tree weta expressed via genetic polymorphism for precocial male maturation
Authors: Kelly Clint D.
Published: February 2024

The expression of alternative mating strategies is generally hypothesized to be a plastic response of the genome to the environment or a genetic polymorphism. The Wellington tree weta (
Hemideina crassidens
) is an orthopteran insect in which males express three alternative mating morphotypes related to the size of mandibular weaponry. My common garden experiment in the laboratory shows that male weapon size at maturity in this species is nether condition- nor environment-dependent; therefore, supporting the hypothesis that it is genetically polymorphic. Males that matured at the 8th instar had the shortest development time and the smallest weaponry, males that matured at the 10th instar had the longest development time and the largest weaponry, and males that matured at the 9th instar were intermediate to the other two morphs. These morph-related differences in development time suggest that male alternative mating strategies in this species are expressed via precocial male maturation, a rare mode of strategy expression in insects. Additionally, adult lifespans differed significantly among morphs with 8th instar males having the shortest, and 9th instar males having the longest lifespans. I discuss how these differences in lifespan align with morph-specific investment in pre- and post-copulatory processes to equalize fitnesses among morphs.
An ion trap design for a space-deployable strontium-ion optical clock
Authors: Spampinato Alessio , Stacey Jonathan , Mulholland Sean , Robertson Billy I. , Klein Hugh A. , Huang Guilong , Barwood Geoffrey P. , Gill Patrick
Published: February 2024

Optical atomic clocks demonstrate a better stability and lower systematic uncertainty than the highest performance microwave atomic clocks. However, the best performing optical clocks have a large footprint in a laboratory environment and require specialist skills to maintain continuous operation. Growing and evolving needs across several sectors are increasing the demand for compact robust and portable devices at this capability level. In this paper we discuss the design of a physics package for a compact laser-cooled
88
Sr
+
optical clock that would, with further development, be suitable for space deployment. We review the design parameters to target a relative frequency uncertainty at the low parts in 10
18
with this system. We then explain the results of finite-element modelling to simulate the response of the ion trap and vacuum chamber to vibration, shock and thermal conditions expected during launch and space deployment. Additionally, an electrostatic model has been developed to investigate the relationship between the ion trap geometrical tolerances and the trapping efficiency. We present the results from these analyses that have led to the design of a more robust prototype ready for experimental testing.
Nonlinear elasticity and short-range mechanical coupling govern the rate and symmetry of mouth opening in
Hydra
Authors: Goel Tapan , Adams Ellen M. , Bialas April L. , Tran Cassidy M. , Rowe Trevor , Martin Sara , Chandler Maia , Schubert Johanna , Diamond Patrick H. , Collins Eva-Maria S.
Published: February 2024

Hydra
has a tubular bilayered epithelial body column with a dome-shaped head on one end and a foot on the other.
Hydra
lacks a permanent mouth: its head epithelium is sealed. Upon neuronal activation, a mouth opens at the apex of the head which can exceed the body column diameter in seconds, allowing
Hydra
to ingest prey larger than itself. While the kinematics of mouth opening are well characterized, the underlying mechanism is unknown. We show that
Hydra
mouth opening is generated by independent local contractions that require tissue-level coordination. We model the head epithelium as an active viscoelastic nonlinear spring network. The model reproduces the size, timescale and symmetry of mouth opening. It shows that radial contractions, travelling inwards from the outer boundary of the head, pull the mouth open. Nonlinear elasticity makes mouth opening larger and faster, contrary to expectations. The model correctly predicts changes in mouth shape in response to external forces. By generating innervated : nerve-free chimera in experiments and simulations, we show that nearest-neighbour mechanical signalling suffices to coordinate mouth opening.
Hydra
mouth opening shows that in the absence of long-range chemical or neuronal signals, short-range mechanical coupling is sufficient to produce long-range order in tissue deformations.