bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid organization of manufacturing and operations: the Ukrainian case under quarantine restrictions
Authors: Omelianenko T , Korotkova K , Banschykov P , Sahaidak M , Sobolieva T
Published: March 2022

Abstracts. The paper presents the dynamics of the ratio of productive and non -productive spheres in the economy of Ukraine in the pre-quarantine period. Trends in changes in the business processes of manufacturing companies caused by the introduction of strict quarantine in Ukraine due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been identified. It was analysed the official statistics on business closures. It was determined which businesses developed rapidly during the quarantine period and the starting point of this success is established - a hybrid approach to the organization of production. That is a combination of traditional and digital approaches, i.e. offline and online. It was analysed the successful cases of Ukrainian manufacturing companies, which quickly reoriented to the hybrid approach. It was summarized the results of the recommendations on the application of the hybrid approach in the reorganization of manufacturing and operations.
Progress of graphdiyne-based materials for anodes of alkali metal ion batteries
Authors: Liu Manman , Ma Yue , Fan Xiaofeng , Singh David J , Zheng W T
Published: March 2022

Graphdiyne (GDY)-based materials are carbon allotropes with a two-dimensional (2D) planar structure composed of diacetylene bonds (sp) and sp
2 hybridized carbons. Their unique geometrical and electronic structure give them excellent electrochemical properties. The larger specific surface area and ion-diffusion channels in pores can provide more storage sites for alkali metal ions and increase the diffusion rate of electrons and ions. Hence, GDY-based materials possess broad prospects in electrochemical energy storage and have gained more favor as anode materials for alkali ion batteries. Here, we have made a systematic summary of GDY-based materials and their derivatives, including the geometrical and electronic structures, synthesis, modifications, and storage mechanisms of Li+/Na+/K+, along with the applications in Li+/Na+/K+ batteries. In view of the current situation, the large-scale application of GDY-based materials as anodes in alkali ion batteries is still a great challenge. We hope that this work can provide a theoretical basis for GDY-based materials with superior performance, more convenient and safer preparation, and higher yield.
Effect of TiW blocking layer and temperature annealing on resistive switching parameters of Hafnium oxide based CBRAM device
Authors: Lata Lalit Kumar , Jain Praveen Kumar , Sharma Amit
Published: March 2022

An approach for enhancing the characteristics of resistive switching in the crystalline Hafnium oxide-based CBRAM (Conductive Bridging Resistive Switching Memory) device is reported in this article. The crystalline Hafnium oxide resistive switching layer and the TiW blocking layer are beneficial for controlling filament growth. Improved resistive parameters, including stability and resistance distribution, were successfully demonstrated in Cu/TiW/annealed-HfO2/Pt devices compared to Cu/HfO2/Pt-based devices. Moreover, the proposed bipolar device demonstrates improved memory performance, such as good retention characteristics (>104 s) and a high ON/OFF resistance ratio.
Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in an Active Duty Sailor: A Case Report
Authors: Wilson Benjamin F , Dang John , Masuda Dane , Cowler Trevor
Published: March 2022

Esophageal adenocarcinoma develops when normal squamous epithelia are replaced by dysplastic intestinal columnar cells in response to chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to squamous cell carcinoma, the two malignancies account for over 95% of esophageal malignancies. This case describes a sailor deployed onboard an aircraft carrier who initially presented with typical GERD symptoms and later developed multifactorial weight loss confounded by the operational environment. Upon return to homeport, he was diagnosed with stage III gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. This case emphasizes the difficulty in identifying and diagnosing a rare and dangerous pathology in the resource-limited, operational environment.
Refractory IgG4-related disease complicated with organising pneumonia and hypertrophic pachymeningitis
Authors: Abe Fumito , Michishita Yoshihiro , Saito Masaya , Nara Mizuho , Wakui Hideki , Takahashi Naoto
Published: March 2022

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (IgG4-RD) involves multiple organs, including the lungs and central nervous system. Lung lesions are frequently reported as mass lesions or non-specific interstitial pneumonia, whereas organising pneumonia (OP) due to IgG4-RD is rare. Furthermore, limited information is currently available on hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP). We herein report a case of IgG4-RD complicated with OP and HP. The diagnosis was confirmed based on the serum concentration of IgG4 and the results of salivary gland and transbronchial lung biopsies. HP did not respond to steroid monotherapy and was also resistant to rituximab and intravenous cyclophosphamide; however, the combination therapy of methotrexate and dexamethasone was effective.
The localization of phototropin to the plasma membrane defines a cold-sensing compartment in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Hirano Satoyuki , Sasaki Kotoko , Osaki Yasuhide , Tahara Kyoka , Takahashi Hitomi , Takemiya Atsushi , Kodama Yutaka
Published: March 2022

Plant cells perceive cold temperatures and initiate cellular responses to protect themselves against cold stress, but which cellular compartment mediates cold sensing has been unknown. Chloroplasts change their position in response to cold to optimize photosynthesis in plants in a process triggered by the blue-light photoreceptor phototropin (phot), which thus acts as a cold-sensing molecule. However, phot in plant cells is present in multiple cellular compartments, including the plasma membrane (PM), cytosol, Golgi apparatus, and chloroplast periphery, making it unclear where phot perceives cold and activates this cold-avoidance response. Here, we produced genetically encoded and modified variants of phot that localize only to the cytosol or the PM and determined that only PM-associated phot-induced cold avoidance in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. These results indicate that the phot localized to the PM constitutes a cellular compartment for cold sensing in plants.
Cumulative Deceleration Area: A Simplified Predictor of Metabolic Acidemia
Authors: Furukawa Abby , Neilson Duncan , Hamilton Emily
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021;34:3104–3111)

Electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is a mainstay of intrapartum clinical care, despite low agreement on the value of key elements of tracing analysis among obstetricians. The degree of heart rate variability and type of deceleration are used as etiologic indicators of the hypoxic injury driving deceleration but rely on subjective interpretation.
An Evaluation of the Effect of the OxyContin Reformulation on Unintentional Fatal and Nonfatal Overdose
Authors: Beachler Daniel C. , Hall Kelsey , Garg Renu , Banerjee Geetanjoli , Li Ling , Boulanger Luke , Yuce Huseyin , Walker Alexander M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

OxyContin was reformulated with a polyethylene oxide matrix in August 2010 to reduce the potential for intravenous abuse and for abuse by insufflation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of OxyContin’s reformulation on overdose (OD) risk for individuals dispensed OxyContin in comparison to those dispensed other opioids under regular care.

Materials and Methods:

Three national insurance databases with National Death Index linkage identified OD in individuals with any dispensing of OxyContin or a primary comparator opioid (extended release morphine, transdermal fentanyl, or methadone) between July 2008 through September 2015. A difference-in-differences design was used to compare the pre-post reformulation changes in OD rates for OxyContin versus comparators.

Results:

A total of 297,836 individuals were dispensed OxyContin and 659,673 individuals were dispensed a primary comparator across the 3 databases. Overall, there was little or no difference in the temporal change in OD incidence in comparators versus OxyContin (Medicaid: adjusted ratio-of-rate-ratios (aRoRs) ranging from 0.90 to 1.05; MarketScan/HIRD: aRoR ranging from 1.10 to 1.22). However, restriction to person-time without concomitant opioid use revealed a modestly greater reduction in OD incidence over time during OxyContin use, as the aRoRs comparing the primary comparators to OxyContin ranged from 1.06 to 1.30 in Medicaid and from 1.64 to 1.85 in MarketScan/HIRD.

Discussion:

This study did not detect an overall effect of the OxyContin reformulation on OD in insured patients under regular medical care. There is a suggestion of a modestly reduced OxyContin-associated OD risk following the reformulation but only in commercially insured individuals receiving single-opioid regimens.
Radiographic considerations for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures
Authors: Flood Michael G. , Bauer Matthew R. , Sullivan Matthew P.
Published: March 2022

Although supracondylar humerus fractures are common pediatric injuries, guidelines for postoperative imaging remain unclear. This study’s purpose was to evaluate decision-making at various points in the postoperative period. The secondary objective was to compare the use of mini C arm fluoroscopy and flat plate X-rays at the first postoperative visit. A retrospective, cohort study was performed at one level I trauma center. Patients ages 1 to 14 with extension Gartland type II–IV supracondylar fractures sustained between January 2013 and May 2020 and treated with closed or open reduction and percutaneous fixation were included. Data collected included demographics, fracture characteristics, and imaging information. Of 553 patients who underwent surgery, 375 (67.8%) received intraoperative images after casting; none resulted in an intraoperative intervention. Of 463 patients with imaging at first follow-up, nine (1.9%) had a management modification, including seven for loss of reduction, all determined by the original operating surgeon. The method of imaging, did not differ significantly with respect to revision surgery. Twenty-six (4.0%) of 532 patients with imaging at pin removal received additional casting after pin removal, but no patients had their pins retained. This retrospective study examined the efficacy of imaging in pediatric supracondylar fractures. Intraoperative, postcasting images did not change management and should be discontinued. Imaging at first follow-up can be useful in identifying patients with loss of reduction and mini C arm serves as a viable alternative to standard X-rays. Finally, imaging at pin removal resulted in additional casting only in type III fractures. Level of evidence: Level III—retrospective, cohort study.
MIS-TLIF Procedure is Improving With Experience
Authors: Shuman William H. , Baron Rebecca B. , Neifert Sean N. , Martini Michael L. , Chapman Emily K. , Schupper Alexander J. , Caridi John M. , Steinberger Jeremy
Published: March 2022

Study Design:

This was a systematic review.

Objective:

This review evaluates the minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (MIS-TLIF) learning curve in the literature and compares outcomes during and after completing the curve.

Summary of Background Data:

MIS-TLIF are performed for various spine conditions. Proponents cite improved clinical outcomes while critics highlight the steep learning curve to attain proficiency.

Methods:

Literature searches on Medline and Embase utilized relevant subject headings and keywords. Manuscripts reporting learning curve statistics were included. Monotonic trends of operative duration were assessed with Mann-Kendall nonparametric testing.

Results:

Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Number of patients ranged from 26 to 150 (average 83.2, median of 86). Commonly reported metrics included number of procedures to complete the curve, operative duration, blood loss, ambulation time, length of stay, complication rate, follow-up visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and fusion rate. Various methods were employed to determine number of cases to complete the curve, all involving operative duration. Number of cases ranged from 14 to 44. A significant negative trend for operative duration of cases during the learning curve (τ=−0.733, P=0.039) was found over the years that studies were published. Initial complication rates varied from 6.8% to 23.8%. Initial VAS-back and VAS-leg ranged from 0.8 to 2.9 and 0.5 to 2.3, respectively. While definitions of “good” fusion varied, fusion rates meeting Bridwell grade I or II during the learning curve ranged from 84.0% to 95.2%.

Conclusions:

Surgeons in their learning curve have become faster at the MIS-TLIF procedure. Clinical outcomes including postoperative pain and fusion rates showed satisfactory results, but surgeons learning the procedure should take measures to minimize complications in early cases, such as utilizing novel navigation technology or supervision from more experienced surgeons. Learning curve research methodology could benefit from standardization.
Models of Care in Geriatric Intensive Care—A Scoping Review on the Optimal Structure of Care for Critically Ill Older Adults Admitted in an ICU
Authors: Wissanji Tasheen , Forget Marie-France , Muscedere John , Beaudin Dominique , Coveney Richard , Wang Han Ting
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE:

A growing proportion of critically ill patients admitted in ICUs are older adults. The need for improving care provided to older adults in critical care settings to optimize functional status and quality of life for survivors is acknowledged, but the optimal model of care remains unknown. We aimed to identify and describe reported models of care.

DATA SOURCES:

We conducted a scoping review on critically ill older adults hospitalized in the ICU. Medline (PubMed), Embase (OvidSP), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (Ebsco), and Web of Science (Clarivate) were searched from inception to May 5, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION:

We included original articles, published abstracts, review articles, editorials, and commentaries describing or discussing the implementation of geriatric-based models of care in critical care, step-down units, and trauma centers. The organization of care had to be described. Articles only discussing geriatric syndromes and specific interventions were not included.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Full texts of included studies were obtained. We collected publication and study characteristics, structures of care, human resources used, interventions done or proposed, results, and measured outcomes. Data abstraction was done by two investigators and reconciled, and disagreements were resolved by discussion.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Our search identified 3,765 articles, and we found 19 reporting on the implementation of geriatric-based models of care in the setting of critical care. Four different models of care were identified: dedicated geriatric beds, geriatric assessment by a geriatrician, geriatric assessment without geriatrician, and a fourth model called “other approaches” including geriatric checklists, bundles of care, and incremental educational strategies. We were unable to assess the superiority of any model due to limited data.

CONCLUSIONS:

Multiple models have been reported in the literature with varying degrees of resource and labor intensity. More data are required on the impact of these models, their feasibility, and cost-effectiveness.
New Applications for Submucosal Tunneling in Third Space Endoscopy
Authors: Karanfilian Briette , Kahaleh Michel
Published: March 2022

Third space endoscopy (TSE), a type of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, was first introduced a decade ago, and since then, has revolutionized the field of therapeutic endoscopy. TSE involves tunneling into the submucosal space between the intestinal mucosa and the muscularis propria. By accessing this “third space,” endoscopists can perform minimally invasive myotomies, resections, and dissections while maintaining the mucosa and preventing full-thickness perforation. TSE procedures can be used to treat motility disorders as well as neoplasms throughout the gastrointestinal tract, which were traditionally conditions that would require open or laparoscopic surgery. The main TSE procedures include peroral endoscopic myotomy, gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, Zenker peroral endoscopic myotomy, submucosal tunneling for endoscopic resection, endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection, peroral endoscopic tunneling for restoration of the esophagus, and per-rectal endoscopic myotomy. Some of those procedures have now been accepted as viable alternative to surgical techniques due to their limited invasiveness, safety and cost. This review will explore the different techniques recently added to our arsenal while describing their potential efficacy and limitations.
Comparison of different probiotics in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children
Authors: Feng Xiao , Zhuang LiJuan , Chen Ling , Zhao Hongying , Huang Rui , Guo ZhiFeng
Published: March 2022

Background:

Acute diarrhea has a serious impact on the health and lives of children. Previous studies have shown that probiotics have positive and reliable efficacy in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children, but the efficacy of different types of probiotics varies. This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy of different kinds of probiotics in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children by means of network meta-analysis.

Methods:

According to the retrieval strategy, randomized controlled studies on probiotics in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children will be searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNQI, Wanfang, VIP, and Chinese biomedical databases. The retrieval time limit will be from the establishment of the database to January 2022. The quality level of the included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk Bias Assessment Tool and the strength of evidence for outcome measures will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. All data analysis will be performed by Revman5.3, Gemtc 0.14.3 and Stata 14.0.

Results:

This study will evaluate the efficacy of different kinds of probiotics in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children by evaluating diarrhea duration, stool frequency, length of hospital stay, adverse reactions, etc.

Conclusions:

This study will provide a reliable evidence-based basis for the selection of probiotics for the treatment of acute diarrhea in children.

Ethics and dissemination:

Private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval will not be required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

OSF registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/MNJAE.
An app for predicting nurse intention to quit the job using artificial neural networks (ANNs) in Microsoft Excel
Authors: Chen Hsiu-Chin , Chien Tsair-Wei , Chen Lifan , Yeh Yu-Tsen , Ma Shu-Ching , Lee Huan-Fang
Published: March 2022

Background:

Numerous studies have identified factors related to nurses’ intention to leave. However, none has successfully predicted the nurse’s intention to quit the job. Whether the intention to quit the job can be predicted is an interesting topic in healthcare settings. A model to predict the nurse’s intention to quit the job for novice nurses should be investigated. The aim of this study is to build a model to develop an app for the automatic prediction and classification of nurses’ intention to quit their jobs.

Methods:

We recruited 1104 novice nurses working in 6 medical centers in Taiwan to complete 100-item questionnaires related to the nurse’s intention to quit the job in October 2018. The k-mean was used to divide nurses into 2 classes based on 5 items regarding leave intention. Feature variables were selected from the 100-item survey. Two models, including an artificial neural network (ANN) and a convolutional neural network, were compared across 4 scenarios made up of 2 training sets (n = 1104 and n = 804 ≅ 70%) and their corresponding testing (n = 300 ≅ 30%) sets to verify the model accuracy. An app for predicting the nurse’s intention to quit the job was then developed as a website assessment.

Results:

We observed that 24 feature variables extracted from this study in the ANN model yielded a higher area under the ROC curve of 0.82 (95% CI 0.80-0.84) based on the 1104 cases, the ANN performed better than the convolutional neural network on the accuracy, and a ready and available app for predicting the nurse’s intention to quit the job was successfully developed in this study.

Conclusions:

A 24-item ANN model with 53 parameters estimated by the ANN was developed to improve the accuracy of nurses’ intention to quit their jobs. The app would help team leaders take care of nurses who intend to quit the job before their actions are taken.

Key Points
Synergistic effect of Mahaenggamseok-tang in the treatment of pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Bae Han-Bum , Hwang Man-Suk , Lee Hyun-Jung , Yang Seung-Bo , Jeong Aram
Published: March 2022

Background:

Infants are often hospitalized because of lower respiratory tract infections, and overuse of antibiotics to treat such infections has led to severe problems. Herbal medicines may be more effective and safer than antibiotics. Mahaenggamseok-tang is a common herbal medicine in Asia, but the evidence for its effectiveness in lower respiratory tract infection treatment is insufficient. This review assesses the efficacy of Mahaenggamseok-tang in treating lower respiratory tract infections.

Methods:

The study used Chinese, English, and Korean databases, as well as one Japanese database. All included studies were randomized controlled trials comparing Mahaenggamseok-tang with medication to treat lower respiratory tract infections. Studies using Mahaenggamseok-tang plus Western medicine were also included. Standardized mean difference (SMD), risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and risk of bias were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software. The GRADEpro website was used to assess the reviews.

Results:

Seventeen randomized controlled trials with a total of 1993 participants were included in the meta-analysis. All studies compared the Mahaenggamseok-tang plus Western medicine group to the Western medicine only group. Meta-analysis showed that Mahaenggamseok-tang affected total effective rate (risk ratio: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.31, P < .001), cough disappearance time (SMD: -1.62, 95% CI: -2.30 to -0.95, P < .001), fever disappearance time (SMD: -2.04, 95% CI: -2.87 to -1.21, P < .001), abnormal lung sound disappearance time (SMD: -1.68, 95% CI: -2.43 to -0.93, P < .001), Creactive protein (SMD: -3.18, 95% CI: -4.36 to -1.99, P < .001), procalcitonin (SMD: -5.04, 95% CI: -9.20 to -0.88, P < .05), tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD: -0.84, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.23, P < .01), IgE (SMD: -2.69, 95% CI: -2.91 to -2.47, P < .001), and adverse events (risk ratio: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.29-0.68, P < .001), but not interleukin-6 (SMD: -1.59, 95% CI: -3.48 to 0.30, P>.05).

Discussion:

Mahaenggamseok-tang plus Western medicine is more effective and safer than Western medicine alone for treating lower respiratory tract infections. However, the included randomized controlled trials were not randomized well; therefore, better randomized randomized controlled trials are needed to make significant recommendations.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020165698
Comprehensive analysis of expression and prognosis for LMNB family genes in human sarcoma
Authors: Wu Gen , Tian Qunyan , Liu Jie , Zhou Qiong , Zou Dazhi , Chen Ziyuan , Wu Tong , Wang Wanchun , Xia Hong , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2022

Previous studies indicated that lamin proteins were thought to be related to gene expression, chromatin structure, and unclear stability. There are 2 types of vertebrate lamins, including A and B. The 2 B type proteins are encoded by lamin B1 (LMNB1) and lamin B2 (LMNB2). The LMNBs factor has been found to be associated with the development of multiple tumors, but its association with sarcoma has been barely mentioned.

The transcription levels of LMNBs were analyzed via Oncomine database. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) dataset was adopted to analyze the differential expression of LMNBs in sarcoma. Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia dataset was used to explore the expression of LMNBs in sarcoma cell line. We analyzed the prognostic value of LMNBs in GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Oncomine and GEPIA datasets were also used to detect the relationship between LMNBs and their co-expressed genes. We used the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery to conduct the Gene Ontology analysis of LMNBs and their co-expressed genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes was also used to analyze the pathway of LMNBs.

LMNB1 and LMNB2 were reported to be hyperexpressed in sarcoma. The expression of LMNBs was elevated in various sarcoma cell lines. According to the results, we observed that LMNBs were connected to the poor overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and disease-free survival of sarcoma patients.

This study indicated that hyperexpression of LMNBs was significantly related to worse outcome of sarcoma, LMNB1 and LMNB2 were expected to become potential biomarkers for human.
Relationship between serum sialic acid levels and prolidase activity with airflow obstruction in patients with COPD
Authors: Uysal Pelin , Teksoz Duygu , Aksan Hulya , Durmus Sinem , Uslu-Besli Lebriz , Cuhadaroglu Caglar , Gelisgen Remise , Simsek Gonul , Uzun Hafize
Published: March 2022

Our aim in this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of sialic acid (SA) and prolidase activity and to evaluate the association between airflow obstruction severity and these parameters in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

Ninety-four patients (84 M, 10 F) and 34 healthy subjects (19 M, 15 F) were included into the study. COPD staging was performed to COPD patients according to new global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease criteria which includes pulmonary function tests, symptoms and hospitalization; COPD patients were divided into 4 subgroups as group A (n = 25), group B (n = 19), group C (n = 20), and group D (n = 28).

SA and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher than the control group in all COPD groups. SA levels were significantly higher in group B patients than the control and group A. Prolidase activity was significantly lower than control group in total COPD groups (P < .05). There was a weak negative correlation between SA and forced vital capacity (r = -0.217, P = .038) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (r = -0.210, P = .045), whereas weak positive correlation was present between SA and Creactive protein (r = 0.247, P = .018) in all patient groups. There was weak positive correlation between prolidase and FEV1 (r = 0.222, P = .033) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (r = 0.230, P = .027).

Our study shows that systemic inflammation, prolidase activity, and SA levels in stable COPD patients are associated with airflow obstruction severity. In addition to the prolidase activity; SA levels might be associated with inflammation.
A meta-analysis of allopurinol therapy and the risk of prostate cancer
Authors: Lai Shih-Wei , Hwang Bing-Fang , Kuo Yu-Hung , Liu Chiu-Shong , Liao Kuan-Fu
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate the risk of prostate cancer among people with gout and/or hyperuricemia who used allopurinol and who did not use allopurinol.

Methods:

We conducted a meta-analysis to identify the cohort and case-control studies by searching PubMed and Web of Science. We used the random-effects model to calculate the pooled risk ratio with 95% confidence interval for the risk of prostate cancer associated with allopurinol treatment.

Results:

There were 5 cohort studies and 2 case-control studies included in the meta-analysis. All 7 eligible studies were published between 2012 and 2021. The study period ranged from 8 to 13years. The number of study subjects ranged from 25,770 to 1,623,550. The age of study subjects ranged from 20 to 99years. Overall, allopurinol treatment was not associated with the risk of prostate cancer (risk ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval = 0.96-1.34 and P = .13). The heterogeneity was high between studies (I2 = 93%).

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis reveals that no association can be found between allopurinol treatment and the risk of prostate cancer among people with gout and/or hyperuricemia. We propose that the inhibition of xanthine oxidase and the reduction of serum uric acid via allopurinol treatment do not affect the probability of developing prostate cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Key Points
Liver cyst with biliary communication treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage
Authors: Shionoya Kento , Koizumi Kazuya , Masuda Sakue , Suno Yuma , Kawachi Jun , Kimura Karen , Makazu Makomo , Kubota Jun , Nishino Takashi , Sumida Chihiro , Tasaki Junichi , Ichita Chikamasa , Sasaki Akiko , Hadano Hiroki , Kako Makoto
Published: March 2022

Rationale:

Simple liver cysts are common, and usually benign and asymptomatic, requiring little to no treatment. Liver cysts with biliary communication, however, are rare and require effective treatment to avoid recurrence.

Patient concerns:

A 70-year-old woman with breast cancer visited our hospital for treatment. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension and bilateral lower leg edema.

Diagnosis:

Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a giant liver cyst, inducing inferior vena cava compression that was causing her edema.

Interventions:

Percutaneous transhepatic cyst drainage was performed. Since the bilirubin level in the drained fluid was high, the patient was diagnosed with a liver cyst with biliary communication. After the procedure, her symptoms improved and the cyst decreased in size. However, the drainage volume did not decrease after approximately 2 weeks. Sclerotherapy with minocycline was ineffective. Thus, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, and an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube was inserted. The percutaneous drainage tube was clamped, and the cyst showed increase in size. Therefore, endoscopic ultrasound-guided cyst drainage, which is less invasive than surgery, was performed.

Outcomes:

The cyst tended to decrease in size even after the percutaneous drainage tube had been removed. At 3years follow-up, the cyst has almost disappeared.

Lessons:

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage can treat liver cyst with biliary communication.
Assessment of disrupted brain functional connectome in tuberous sclerosis complex using resting-state fMRI
Authors: Tsai Jeng-Dau , Ho Ming-Chou , Shen Chao-Yu , Weng Jun-Cheng
Published: March 2022

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder with multisystem involvement. TSC is characterized by benign hamartomas in multiple organs, including the brain, and its clinical phenotypes may be associated with abnormal functional connections. We aimed to use resting-state functional connectivity to provide findings of disrupted functional brain networks in TSC patients using graph theoretical analysis (GTA) and network-based statistic (NBS) analysis.

Forty TSC patients (age = 24.11+/-11.44 years old) and 18 age-matched (25.13+/- 10.01 years old) healthy controls were recruited; they underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging using a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. After image preprocessing and removing physiological noises, GTA was used to calculate the topological parameters of the brain network. NBS analysis was then used to determine the differences in cerebrum functional connectivity between the 2 groups.

In GTA, several topological parameters, including the clustering coefficient, local efficiency, transitivity, and modularity, were better in controls than in TSC patients (P < .05). In NBS analysis, the edges of the brain networks between the groups were compared. One subnetwork showed more edges in controls than in TSC patients (P < .05), including the connections from the frontal lobe to the temporal and parietal lobe.

The study results provide the findings on disrupted functional connectivity and organization in TSC patients compared with controls. The findings may help better understand the underlying physiological mechanisms of brain connection in TSC.
Using sentiment analysis to identify similarities and differences in research topics and medical subject headings (MeSH terms) between Medicine (Baltimore) and the Journal of the Formosan Medical Association (JFMA) in 2020
Authors: Lin Ju-Kuo , Chien Tsair-Wei , Yeh Yu-Tsen , Ho Sam Yu-Chieh , Chou Willy
Published: March 2022

Background:

Little systematic information has been collected about the nature and types of articles published in 2 journals by identifying the latent topics and analyzing the extracted research themes and sentiments using text mining and machine learning within the 2020 time frame. The goals of this study were to conduct a content analysis of articles published in 2 journals, describe the research type, identify possible gaps, and propose future agendas for readers.

Methods:

We downloaded 5610 abstracts in the journals of Medicine (Baltimore) and the Journal of the Formosan Medical Association (JFMA) from the PubMed library in 2020. Sentiment analysis (ie, opinion mining using a natural language processing technique) was performed to determine whether the article abstract was positive or negative toward sentiment to help readers capture article characteristics from journals. Cluster analysis was used to identify article topics based on medical subject headings (MeSH terms) using social network analysis (SNA). Forest plots were applied to distinguish the similarities and differences in article mood and MeSH terms between these 2 journals. The Q statistic and I
2 index were used to evaluate the difference in proportions of MeSH terms in journals.

Results:

The comparison of research topics between the 2 journals using the 737 cited articles was made and found that most authors are from mainland China and Taiwan in Medicine and JFMA, respectively, similarity is supported by observing the abstract mood (Q = 8.3, I
2 = 0, P = .68; Z = 0.46, P = .65), 2 journals are in a common cluster (named latent topic of patient and treatment) using SNA, and difference in overall effect was found by the odds ratios of MeSH terms (Q = 185.5 I
2 = 89.8, P < .001; Z = 5.93, P < .001) and a greater proportion of COVID-19 articles in JFMA.

Conclusions:

SNA and forest plots were provided to readers with deep insight into the relationships between journals in research topics using MeSH terms. The results of this research provide readers with a concept diagram for future submissions to a given journal.

Highlights

The main approaches frequently used in Meta-analysis for drawing forest plots contributed to the following:
Shear wave elastography of the common fibular nerve at the fibular head
Authors: Bedewi Mohamed A. , Alhariqi Bader Abdullah , Aldossary Nasser M. , Gaballah Ayman H. , Sandougah Kholoud J. , Kotb Mamdouh A.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this work is to study the sonoelastographic features of the common fibular nerve in healthy adult subjects.

This is an observational cross-sectional study. Shear wave elastography was used to evaluate the common fibular nerve. Crosssectional area and stiffness were measured in kilopascal (kPa) and meters/second (m/s).

The study included 82 common fibular nerves in 41 healthy adult subjects. The mean cross-sectional area of the common fibular nerve at the fibular head was 8.7 mm2. Positive correlation was noted between stiffness measurements between short and long axes by both methods. The mean stiffness of the common fibular nerve in the short axis was 22.5 kPa, and in the long axis (LA) was 35.4 kPa. Positive correlation was noted between height and stiffness measured by both methods in both axes by kPa. In m/s, the mean stiffness of the common fibular in the short axis was 2.6 m/s, and while in the LA was 3.4 m/s. Height showed positive correlation with both axes for stiff measurements in m\s. Weight showed positive correlation with stiffness measurements by m/s in the LA.

The results obtained in our study could be a reference point for evaluating stiffness of the common fibular nerve in research involving different pathologies.
Successful treatment of intractable gastrointestinal tract graft-vs-host disease with oral beclomethasone dipropionate in pediatric and young adult patients
Authors: Akahane Koshi , Watanabe Atsushi , Somazu Shinpei , Harama Daisuke , Shinohara Tamao , Kasai Shin , Oshiro Hiroko , Goi Kumiko , Hasuda Norio , Ozawa Chihiro , Sugita Kanji , Inukai Takeshi
Published: March 2022

Rationale:

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a common target organ of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients, and GI tract GVHD is often resistant to standard treatments such as corticosteroids. Moreover, longterm use of systemic corticosteroids sometimes induces adverse events such as infection. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is a potent, topically active corticosteroid, which is metabolized to an active derivative in the intestinal mucosa. Oral BDP therapy is reportedly effective against GI tract GVHD in adult HSCT patients, but its efficacy and safety in pediatric patients remain undefined. Here, we report three pediatric and young adult cases who were treated with oral BDP.

Patient concerns:

Three (6-, 7-, and 18-year-old) patients developed stage 2 to 4 lower GI tract GVHD, which was resistant to standard immunosuppressive therapies.

Diagnosis:

Lower GI tract GVHD in these patients was histopathologically proven by endoscopic biopsy.

Interventions:

Oral administration of enteric-coated capsules of BDP (3-8 mg/day) was started for the treatment of lower GI tract GVHD.

Outcomes:

With the introduction of oral BDP therapy, their GI tract symptoms promptly resolved (abdominal pain, within 3-7 days; diarrhea, within 2-3 weeks). Subsequently, systemic immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil were successfully tapered off. During oral BDP therapy, although cytomegalovirus antigenemia and Acinetobacter Iwoffii sepsis developed in 2 cases, both were curable with conventional treatments. In a young adult case, concomitant BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis resolved after oral BDP was introduced and systemic immunosuppressive agents were reduced. Transient growth restriction was observed in a pediatric case who was treated with oral BDP for approximately 300days.

Lessons:

Our experiences suggest that oral BDP therapy is an effective approach for GI tract GVHD that is resistant to standard immunosuppressive therapies. Of clinical importance, our case suggests the possibility that oral BDP therapy may improve the immunosuppressive condition in GI tract GVHD patients by contributing to the reduction of systemic immunosuppressive medications as a result of prompt improvement of GI tract GVHD symptoms.
Pseudotumor and delayed recurrent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty with a modular femoral neck
Authors: Huang Zhe-Yu , Wang Shi-Cheng , Zhang Hao-Jun , Shao Long , Di Zheng-Lin , Tao Kun
Published: March 2022

Rationale:

Pseudotumor formation after hip arthroplasty is a rare complication that can occur not only at the head-neck junction but also at the modular neck-stem junction. Dislocation is a challenging and common complication of primary and revision total hip arthroplasty compared with other complications. Similarly, the association between pseudotumors and delayed recurrent dislocation remains unclear.

Patient concerns:

We report the case of a 73-year-old woman with pseudotumor formation after total hip arthroplasty combined with a modular femoral neck. A delayed recurrent dislocation occurred in this case. Approximately 4weeks after the first revision surgery, redislocation occurred.

Diagnosis:

The patient was eventually diagnosed with delayed recurrent artificial hip dislocation combined with a periprosthetic pseudotumor of the right hip.

Interventions:

During the first revision surgery, a thickened, indurated cyst measuring 8×3×8cm with a red-brown wall containing brown fluid was completely excised. A cemented stem, combined with a BIOLOX Forte ceramic head, was implanted. Approximately 4weeks after surgery, redislocation occurred, and we cemented an elevated rim liner on the acetabular component with a metal head.

Outcomes:

At the last follow-up, 49 months after revision surgery, the patient was asymptomatic with a Harris hip score of 90. The patient had a satisfactory prognosis after treatment.

Lessons:

The application of the modular-neck stem should be cautiously performed, particularly for modular prostheses containing different alloys. Pseudotumors and insufficient soft-tissue tension both contribute to hip instability, which may eventually lead to delayed repeated dislocation. In addition, femoral offset must be considered. Cement-liner technology may be used for aging patients who are less active. This case report, focusing on pseudotumors and delayed recurrent dislocations, aimed to identify factors that may support this diagnosis, which is easy to miss. Consequently, it can provide further details on the treatment process and alert orthopedic surgeons to this infrequent but important cause of delayed recurrent dislocation.
Association of sFlt-1 and C-reactive protein with outcomes in severe preeclampsia
Authors: Nóbrega Leandro , Katz Leila , Lippo Luis , Amorim Melania Maria
Published: March 2022

To determine the association between soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with maternal and perinatal outcomes in patients with preeclampsia (PE) with severe features.

A cohort study was conducted on 100 patients, 60 with PE with severe features, and 40 healthy women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Admission serum levels of sFlt-1 and hs-CRP and clinical and epidemiological parameters were evaluated to quantify the predictive ability of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes using hierarchical multiple regression and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Compared to controls, patients with PE and severe features had significantly higher levels of sFlt-1 but not hs-CRP. sFlt-1 and hs-CRP proved to be reasonable parameters for the prediction of composite adverse maternal outcomes. However, we found no correlation between these 2 biomarkers. PE integrated estimate of risk scores were correlated only with sFlt-1 levels. Regarding fetal outcomes, unlike hs-CRP, sFlt-1 was strongly associated with birth weight and Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes. Following multivariate analysis, maternal age, previous hypertension, sFlt-1, and hs-CRP levels remained independently associated with composite adverse maternal outcomes.

sFlt-1 levels were elevated in patients with PE and severe features. Both sFlt-1 and hs-CRP may predict composite adverse maternal outcomes but do not correlate with each other and differ in perinatal morbidity patterns. These data support the hypothesis that the varied outcomes in PE may result from different pathogenic pathways.
Predictive ability of inflammatory markers and laboratory parameters in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Authors: Mishima Kenichi , Kamiya Yasunari , Matsushita Masaki , Imagama Shiro , Kitoh Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) presents with chronic nature of inflammation, characterized by prolonged synovitis. So far, no single blood marker has been identified to guide clinicians in estimating the severity and prognosis. Blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) or systemic immune inflammation index (SII) is a simple indicator of subclinical inflammation. This study aims to examine the predictive ability of NLR, SII, and common laboratory parameters for estimating the severity of LCPD. The pre-operative laboratory findings at the time of osteotomy and implant removal in patients with unilateral LCPD who had been treated with the Salter innominate osteotomy and followed up until skeletal maturity as well as those of age-matched control patients with idiopathic noninflammatory conditions were analyzed. The datasets of 26 or 38 LCPD patients at the time of osteotomy or implant removal, respectively, and those of 20 control patients were available for analysis. At the time of osteotomy, compared to the control group, a significantly higher mean NLR or SII and a significantly lower mean alkaline phosphatase value were observed in the LCPD group. The alkaline phosphatase levels of patients with the modified lateral pillar (LP) group-A hips were significantly lower than those with the non-LP-A hips, whereas no significant differences were observed in any of the parameters between patients with favorable LP-A or -B hips and those with unfavorable LP-B|C border or -C hips. In agreement with the conventional opinion, it may be difficult to predict a meaningful prognosis of LCPD with the use of inflammatory markers or common laboratory parameters obtained in the initial stage of the disease.
Chemotherapy versus alectinib for the treatment of crizotinib-pretreated ALK-positive patients with non small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gao Ting , Li Chenxi , He Xiaopeng , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2022

Background:

There are no evidence-based data in the literature to demonstrate that alectinib shows a clinically relevant advantage over chemotherapy in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer pretreated with crizotinib. Therefore, we designed this systematic review and meta-analysis protocol to reveal whether the safety and efficacy of alectinib are indeed superior to chemotherapy alone in this special group of patients.

Methods:

This protocol will be written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols statement guidelines. We will search databases from Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Wanfang Data, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library from their inception to June 2022, restricting them to human subjects and clinical trials. Outcomes include progression-free survival, central nervous system progression, and incidence of adverse events. Pooled analyses will be calculated using fixed-effect models, whereas random-effect models will be applied in case of significant heterogeneity across studies. Any disagreements will be discussed and resolved in discussions with the third reviewer.

Results:

We hypothesized that alectinib would be superior to chemotherapy in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer pretreated with crizotinib.

Conclusions:

The review will add to the existing literature by showing compelling evidence and improved guidance in clinic settings.

OSF registration number:

10.17605/OSF.IO/PQF53.