bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Monteggia Fracture Outcomes: Acute to Chronic
Authors: Antoon Samuel F. , Russo Stephanie A. , Kozin Scott H. , Zlotolow Dan A.
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Our study aims to characterize the results of Monteggia fractures treated in our practice and to determine factors associated with good or poor outcomes.

Methods:

A retrospective review of children aged 17 and under with acute, subacute, or chronic Monteggia fractures who were treated at our institution was performed. The primary outcomes were initial reduction and maintenance of joint reduction, while the secondary outcomes were elbow flexion/extension and forearm supination/pronation.

Results:

Seventeen patients with Monteggia fractures were identified. Two patients were excluded: 1 was lost to follow-up and 1 had congenital absence of the elbow flexors. Thus, our final cohort was 15 patients (acute n = 3, subacute n = 4, chronic group n = 8). Median final follow-up was 1.9 years (range = 34 days-8 years).

Conclusion:

Preoperative range of motion (ROM) was the most important factor in determining postoperative ROM in this cohort of patients with chronic Monteggia fractures. All patients who presented with excellent preoperative ROM, regardless of their timing category, had an excellent ROM outcome. Time from initial injury also played an important role. All patients in the acute and subacute categories had good or excellent postoperative ROM. Patients who were further from the initial injury were more likely to present with worse preoperative ROM and, in turn, had worse outcomes with postoperative ROM.
The Risk of Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery Should Not Restrict Necessary Hand Surgery Interventions
Authors: Fitzgerald Michael J. , Galina Jesse , Kolodka Emily , Henig Ariel , Hasan Sayyida , Maltser Susan , Lane Lewis B. , Nellans Kate W.
Published: February 2023

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of lymphedema onset or exacerbation in patients undergoing upper extremity interventions, both nonoperative and operative, after breast cancer surgery.

Methods:

The study inclusion criteria were the following: (1) prior history of breast cancer surgery or lymphedema from the cancer; (2) upper extremity intervention, ipsilateral to the breast cancer side; and (3) follow-up of at least 1 month. Patients were evaluated for demographic information, type of breast cancer procedure and hand intervention, number of lymph nodes dissected, preexisting lymphedema, exacerbation of lymphedema, and new-onset lymphedema.

Results:

A total of 161 patients undergoing 385 hand interventions (300 injections, 85 surgeries) were reviewed. Median follow-up was 31 months (range: 1-110). Nineteen patients had preexisting lymphedema ipsilateral to the hand procedure and none experienced an exacerbation of their lymphedema. Three patients developed new-onset lymphedema ipsilateral to their hand intervention at an average follow-up of 30 months (range: 4-67). One patient had a single injection and developed lymphedema over 5 years later. One had 2 injections in the same hand on the same date and developed lymphedema 3 months later. The third patient had 2 injections in the right hand, 1 injection and 1 surgery in the left hand, and developed either lymphedema or swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis in the right hand 1 year after the injections.

Conclusions:

Patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery can safely undergo upper extremity intervention with low risk of lymphedema exacerbation or onset.
Are we improving? Temporal trends in outcomes for mechanical thrombectomy for stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Kobeissi Hassan , Ghozy Sherief , Bilgin Cem , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Brinjikji Waleed , Kallmes David F
Published: February 2023

Background

In 2015, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was deemed the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the anterior circulation due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). To determine if outcomes in patients treated with MT have changed, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A systematic literature review of the English language literature was conducted using PubMed. We included RCTs that focused on patients with AIS treated with MT. The primary outcome of interest was good functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 at 90 days. Safety outcomes included rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and mortality at 90 days. Using Joinpoint Regression Analysis Program, we calculated the average annual percent change (AAPC) for the outcomes of interest.

Results

We included 23 RCTs with 5784 patients. The years of mid-enrollment among the included RCTs ranged from 2012–2020. There was an AAPC of +3.82% between 2012 and 2020 (95% CI 0.4 to 7.3; P-value = 0.033) in rates of good functional outcome. There was an AAPC of +6.98% between 2012 and 2020 (95% CI 0.5 to 13.9; P-value = 0.039) in rates of sICH. There was an AAPC of −0.49% between 2012 and 2020 (95% CI −4.4 to 3.5; P-value = 0.77) in rates of mortality.

Conclusion

Between 2012 and 2020, rates of good functional outcome and sICH increased, while rates of mortality remained consistent in RCTs investigating MT for AIS. Multiple factors likely influenced our results, including increased use of MT and utilization of adjunctive therapies alongside MT.
When ideal victims don’t make ideal offenders: The (re)framing of legacy case prosecutions against elderly perpetrators of state violence
Authors: Hearty Kevin
Published: February 2023

This article undertakes a victimological critique of media coverage, social media commentary and parliamentary debate on the prosecution of former British soldier Dennis Hutchings for the death of an unarmed and vulnerable adult in Northern Ireland in 1974. It argues that a careful reframing of events and actors by the media, politicians and veterans’ movement has obfuscated perceptions of victimhood by creating a climate that favours the perpetrator rather than the victim. While this victimological reframing may reflect the natural sympathy felt towards aged and ailing defendants, it also speaks to the ability to manipulate coverage of the case so that it serves current interests: on the one hand it fits with the UK Government’s socio-political interests in how historic state violence in the North of Ireland should be ‘dealt with’, while on the other hand it also reflects longstanding cultural sensitivities that the British ‘imagined community’ has about its military veterans. This has seen Hutchings being framed less as an ‘ideal offender’ who targeted an unarmed and vulnerable person and more as an elderly victim of a politicised ‘witch hunt’ against military veterans.
Shared vs separate structural representations: Evidence from cumulative cross-language structural priming
Authors: Ahn Danbi , Ferreira Victor S
Published: February 2023

How do bilingual speakers represent the information that guides the assembly of words into sentences for their two languages? The shared-syntax account argues that bilinguals have a single, shared representation of the sentence structures that exist in both languages. Structural priming has been shown to be equal within and across languages, providing support for the shared-syntax account. However, equivalent levels of structural priming within and across languages could be observed even if structural representations are separate and connected, due to frequent switches between languages, which is a property of standard structural priming paradigms. Here, we investigated whether cumulative structural priming (i.e., structural priming across blocks rather than trial-by-trial), which does not involve frequent switches between languages, also shows equivalent levels of structural priming within- and cross-languages. Mixed results point towards a possibility that cumulative structural priming can be more persistent within- compared to cross-languages, suggesting a separate-and-connected account of bilingual structural representations. We discuss these results in terms of the current literature on bilingual structural representations and highlight the value of diversity in paradigms and less-studied languages.
Is conflict adaptation adaptive? An introduction to conflict monitoring theory and the ecological problems it faces
Authors: Schmidt James R
Published: February 2023

Attending to a single stimulus (or dimension of a stimulus) requires filtering out distracting stimuli to avoid producing an incorrect response. The conflict monitoring (or conflict adaptation) account proposes that experience of conflict results in a shift of attention away from distracting stimuli and/or towards the target stimulus. The proportion congruent and congruency sequence effects are two findings often used to argue in favour of the conflict monitoring account. However, there are several potential limitations with conflict monitoring theory. This article explores some of the previously unarticulated (or rarely articulated) supplementary assumptions that must be made for the conflict monitoring account to be consistent with several important findings in the literature, some of which might undermine the initial intuitive appeal of the theory. Indeed, this opinion paper presents the view that conflict adaptation may not actually be particularly adaptive for performance. This article also discusses alternative interpretations of so-called “attentional control” phenomena. According to this view, participants may simply be learning regularities in the task structure that are unintentionally introduced when manipulating conflict (e.g., contingent regularities between distracting stimuli and responses). This sort of learning does benefit performance and is inherent for our functioning in the world, making this a more parsimonious view. Although simplicity is not everything, this article will present the case that the assumptions (often hidden or non-obvious) of conflict monitoring theory are non-trivial and, in many cases, imply relatively non-adaptive processes.
A study on the viscosity, density, and derivative properties of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imides with benzo-15-crown-5 binary mixtures
Authors: Tian Ju , Tang Qi , Zhang Yongshen , Shu Yuzhen , Zhang Lihua , Zheng Weiming
Published: February 2023

The essential factors that affect the interfacial mass transfer rate of crown ether–ionic liquid systems are studied by examining the physicochemical properties of mixtures of ionic liquids with benzo-15-crown-5. In the present work, the 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imides ionic liquids ([C2MIm][NTf2], [C3MIm][NTf2], [C4MIm][NTf2], and [C5MIm][NTf2]) are adopted as the solvent and benzo-15-crown-5 is used as the solute. A series of binary mixtures of the ionic liquid and benzo-15-crown-5, with different molar fractions of ionic liquids, is formulated by the weight method. The viscosity and density are determined for four binary mixtures of ionic liquid and benzo-15-crown-5 at atmospheric pressure in a temperature range of 298.15 to 343.15 K. The values obtained for viscosity and density are fitted with empirical equations, and the energy barrier, a-constant, and the isobaric thermal expansion coefficient are all calculated. Interactions between the ionic liquid and the solute benzo-15-crown-5 are analyzed, and the above properties are discussed by comparison with systems in which different solutes are present in the same ionic liquid. It is found that interactions between the ionic liquid and benzo-15-crown-5 in the mixtures are more intense than in mixed systems composed of ionic liquids and other solutes.
Normal preoperative endogenous testosterone levels predict prostate cancer progression in elderly patients after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Porcaro Antonio Benito , Panunzio Andrea , Bianchi Alberto , Cerrato Clara , Gallina Sebastian , Serafin Emanuele , Mazzucato Giovanni , Vidiri Stefano , D’Aietti Damiano , Orlando Rossella , Brusa Davide , Brunelli Matteo , Siracusano Salvatore , Pagliarulo Vincenzo , Cerruto Maria Angela , Tafuri Alessandro , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Background:

The impact of senior age on prostate cancer (PCa) oncological outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) is controversial, and further clinical factors could help stratifying risk categories in these patients.

Objective:

We tested the association between endogenous testosterone (ET) and risk of PCa progression in elderly patients treated with RP.

Design:

Data from PCa patients treated with RP at a single tertiary referral center, between November 2014 and December 2019 with available follow-up, were retrospectively evaluated.

Methods:

Preoperative ET (classified as normal if >350 ng/dl) was measured for each patient. Patients were divided according to a cut-off age of 70 years. Unfavorable pathology consisted of International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) grade group >2, seminal vesicle, and pelvic lymph node invasion. Cox regression models tested the association between clinical/pathological tumor features and risk of PCa progression in each age subgroup.

Results:

Of 651 included patients, 190 (29.2%) were elderly. Abnormal ET levels were detected in 195 (30.0%) cases. Compared with their younger counterparts, elderly patients were more likely to have pathological ISUP grade group >2 (49.0% versus 63.2%). Disease progression occurred in 108 (16.6%) cases with no statistically significant difference between age subgroups. Among the elderly, clinically progressing patients were more likely to have normal ET levels (77.4% versus 67.9%) and unfavorable tumor grades (90.3% versus 57.9%) than patients who did not progress. In multivariable Cox regression models, normal ET [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–8.55; p = 0.014] and pathological ISUP grade group >2 (HR = 5.62; 95% CI = 1.60–19.79; p = 0.007) were independent predictors of PCa progression. On clinical multivariable models, elderly patients were more likely to progress for normal ET levels (HR = 3.42; 95% CI = 1.34–8.70; p = 0.010), independently by belonging to high-risk category. Elderly patients with normal ET progressed more rapidly than those with abnormal ET.

Conclusion:

In elderly patients, normal preoperative ET independently predicted PCa progression. Elderly patients with normal ET progressed more rapidly than controls, suggesting that longer exposure time to high-grade tumors could adversely impact sequential cancer mutations, where normal ET is not anymore protective on disease progression.
An International Systematic Review Concerning the Effect of Social Media Exposure on Public Compliance with Infection Prevention and Control Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wall Rachel , Evers Jean , Haydock Deborah
Published: February 2023

Background

Effective health communication is crucial for achieving positive population health outcomes. This is important for infection prevention and control (IPC), which relies on widespread public compliance to be effective. Whilst social media (SM) platforms disseminate health information, there is conflicting evidence to suggest their influence on compliance with public health guidelines.

Objective

To appraise the available evidence and determine the extent to which social media exposure contributes to public compliance with IPC measures.

Methods

A systematic protocol based on the MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines was followed. Observational studies were identified through systematic searches of four electronic databases and a hand search. Following data extraction, eligible studies were quality assessed, and the findings were integrated using narrative synthesis.

Findings

15 studies were included. The studies located presented heterogeneous designs and findings. A weak positive association was identified, with 60% of the studies observing a positive association between social media and compliance with IPC measures. 26.7% identified a negative correlation, and 13.3% identified no correlation. Several factors were identified to mediate the relationship, including knowledge and conspiracy beliefs.

Discussion

This systematic review identified a weak positive correlation between exposure to social media and public compliance with recommended IPC measures, suggesting that social media should be utilised in future IPC related communication strategies. Social media provides a cost-effective, publicly accessible platform to disseminate accurate information, and neutralise misinformation. Recommendations are made for further research to reduce the uncertainty created by the identification of heterogenous studies.
Human or Machine? How Much Difference in Understanding and Trust Does a Human Element Make in Storm Forecasts?
Authors: Eicher Robert , Taylor Lakelyn , Brown Tim
Published: February 2023

The past two Atlantic hurricane seasons have been among the most active in history. In the hurricane-prone southeast, broadcast meteorologists and emergency managers want their communities to both understand and trust the severe weather alerts they send out. This study examined how college students, a vulnerable population, view those messages. Results show students believed they understood, and actually did understand, messages with both human and graphics more than human only or graphics only. The human-graphics combination was also the most trusted of the three options. These findings suggest that not only is the human element important in emergency messages but students are also seeking out local television and meteorologists for their weather information more than the internet.
Performance Assessment of Three Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Kölle Julia , Eichenlaub Manuel , Mende Jochen , Link Manuela , Vetter Beatrice , Safary Elvis , Pleus Stefan , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido
Published: February 2023

Background:

FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics, identified the nonmarket-approved continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, FiberSense system (FBS), as a potential device for use in low- and middle-income countries. Together with two market-approved, factory-calibrated CGM systems, namely, the FreeStyle Libre 2 (FL2) and the GlucoRx AiDEX (ADX), the FBS was subjected to a clinical performance evaluation.

Methods:

Thirty adult participants with type 1 diabetes were enrolled. The study was mainly conducted at home, with three in-clinic sessions conducted over the study period of 28 days. Comparator measurements were collected from capillary samples, using a high-quality blood glucose monitoring system.

Results:

Data from 31, 70, and 78 sensors of FBS, FL2, and ADX, respectively, were included in the performance analysis. The mean absolute relative differences between CGM and comparator data for FBS, FL2, and ADX were 14.7%, 9.2%, and 21.9%, and relative biases were −2.1%, −2.5%, and −18.5%, respectively. Analysis of individual sensor accuracy revealed low, moderate, and high sensor-to-sensor variability for FBS, FL2, and ADX, respectively. Sensor survival probabilities until the end of sensor life were 47.2% for FBS (28 days), 71.3% for FL2 (14 days), and 48.4% for ADX (14 days).

Conclusions:

The results of FBS were encouraging enough to conduct further performance and usability evaluations in a low- and middle-income country. The results of FL2 mainly agreed with existing studies, whereas ADX showed substantial deviations from previously reported results.
Violence Toward and by Youth: Part I: Looking for the “Whys”
Authors: Selekman Janice , Monforto Kathleen , Selekman Daniel
Published: February 2023

Violence is a public health crisis. It is especially concerning when it involves youth, whether they be victims, perpetrators, or observers. Part 1 of this two-part series categorizes the types of violence toward and by youth. There is a great deal of information on the prevalence of violence, mostly related to school shootings. However, the literature provides limited information on the antecedents of violent behaviors, and there is a dearth of information on “why” youth engage in violence. This is the unanswered question that drives Part 1 of this series. The beginning steps to understand “why” are viewed through the lens of a modified ABC Model (antecedent, behavior, consequence). Interventions for youth violence will be explored in Part 2.
Repair of Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection to the Azygous Vein via Right Thoracotomy
Authors: Said Sameh M. , Ricciardi Gabriella , Smith Benjamin J. , Sainathan Sandeep , Narasimhan Shanti L.
Published: February 2023

A 21-month-old boy was diagnosed with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, with the right upper pulmonary veins draining to the superior vena cava (SVC). Intraoperatively, it became evident that the right upper pulmonary veins connected to the azygous vein before draining to the SVC.
Higher Education Talents Strategy in the Context of Regional Talent Hub Construction: Textual Analysis and Endosymbiotic Cooperation Model
Authors: Zhang Hongfeng , Su Shaodan , Liu Yan
Published: February 2023

In the context of constructing regional education and talent hub, Macao’s higher education talent development strategy impacts the creation of a regional talent hub and the process of industrial diversification. This study adopts a text analysis approach. Through the analysis of 118 texts and the construction of the game model, it reveals that Macao’s talent development has been passing through a “market-controlled” and “policy-driven” stage due to the uniqueness of economic and social development. The model of cooperative game based on endosymbiosis implicates that the talent attraction strategy of higher education can play a leading role in socio-economic development to form a cooperative and symbiotic equilibrium with the region as a whole through the “climbing period” when the “actual state” catches up with the “expected value.” This paper proposes some policy recommendations, including: prospective discipline layout, breaking down of institutional barriers, cooperation and exchange of talent cultivation, and the creation of a talent-sharing mechanism for promoting the construction of a regional talent hub.
Large Hip Impingement Area and Subspine Hip Impingement in Patients With Absolute Femoral Retroversion or Decreased Combined Version
Authors: Boschung Adam , Antioco Tiziano , Novais Eduardo N. , Kim Young-jo , Kiapour Ata , Tannast Moritz , Steppacher Simon D. , Lerch Till D.
Published: February 2023

Background:

It remains unclear if femoral retroversion is a contraindication for hip arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Purpose:

To compare the area and location of hip impingement at maximal flexion and during the FADIR test (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) in FAI hips with femoral retroversion, hips with decreased combined version, and asymptomatic controls.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Twenty-four symptomatic patients (37 hips) with anterior FAI were evaluated. All patients had femoral version (FV) <5° according to the Murphy method. Two subgroups were analyzed: 13 hips with absolute femoral retroversion (FV <0°) and 29 hips with decreased combined version (McKibbin index <20°). All patients were symptomatic and had anterior groin pain and a positive anterior impingement test ; all had undergone pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans to measure FV. The asymptomatic control group consisted of 26 hips. Dynamic impingement simulation of maximal flexion and FADIR test at 90° of flexion was performed with patient-specific CT-based 3-dimensional models. Extra- or intra-articular hip impingement area and location were compared between the subgroups and with control hips using nonparametric tests.

Results:

Impingement area was significantly larger for hips with decreased combined version (<20°) versus combined version (≥20°) (mean ± SD; 171 ± 140 vs 78 ± 55 mm2; P = .012) and was significantly larger for hips with FV <0° (absolute femoral retroversion) vs FV >0° ( P = .025). Hips with absolute femoral retroversion had a significantly higher frequency of extra-articular subspine impingement versus controls (92% vs 0%; P < .001), compared to 84% of patients with decreased combined version. Intra-articular femoral impingement location was most often (95%) anterosuperior and anterior (2-3 o’clock). Anteroinferior femoral impingement location was significantly different at maximal flexion (anteroinferior [4-5 o’clock]) versus the FADIR test (anterosuperior and anterior [2-3 o’clock]) ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Patients with absolute femoral retroversion (FV <0°) had a larger hip impingement area, and most exhibited extra-articular subspine impingement. Preoperative FV assessment with advanced imaging (CT/magnetic resonance imaging) could help to identify these patients (without 3-dimensional modeling). Femoral impingement was located anteroinferiorly at maximal flexion and anterosuperiorly and anteriorly during the FADIR test.
Relationship Between Activity Level and Knee Function Is Influenced by Negative Affect in Patients Undergoing Cell Therapy for Articular Cartilage Defects in the Knee
Authors: Hopkins Timothy , Roberts Sally , Richardson James Bruce , Gallacher Pete , Bailey Andrea , Kuiper Jan Herman
Published: February 2023

Background:

Increased activity level is generally reported to be positively related to improved knee function after knee surgery. However, little research has been conducted into this relationship on an individual patient basis, or the influence of demographic and psychosocial factors such as patient affect—the subjective experience of emotion.

Hypothesis:

The relationship between postoperative activity level and knee function will vary between patients and will be influenced by the patients’ affect and demographic characteristics.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Activity, knee function, demographic, and affect data were collected from patients enrolled in an ongoing trial for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions at preoperative and 2-, 12-, and 15-month postoperative points. Quantile mixed regression modeling was used to determine the patient-to-patient variation in activity level and knee function. Multiple linear regression and partial correlation analyses were performed to determine whether demographic characteristics and patient affect were associated with this variation.

Results:

A total of 62 patients were included in the study (23 female; 39 male; mean age, 38.3 ± 9.5 years). We found substantial variation between patients in the relationship between activity level and knee function, with most patients (n = 56) demonstrating a positive relation (positive slope), but 6 patients demonstrating a negative relation (negative slope). A negative affect (NA) score was significantly correlated with the slope between activity level and knee function ( r S = –0.30; P = .018) and was a significant individual predictor of knee function at 15 months postoperatively (coefficient = –3.5; P = .025).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that the relationship between activity level and knee function varies between patients. The patients with a higher NA score were likely to report smaller improvements in knee function with increasing activity levels compared with those with a lower NA score.
Exploring Bias in Evaluation of Job Seeker Introductory Emails
Authors: Kelly Stephanie , Gaytan Jorge , Morgan Shona , Cundall Michael K. , Foresman Galen
Published: February 2023

This study explored potential biases in professional writing evaluation. An experiment was conducted in which individuals with hiring authority or influence at their workplace evaluated an email with multiple grammatical/typographical mistakes requesting that the reader make time to speak with the author. Participants were randomly assigned into one of five conditions, each with a separate profile photo accompanying the email. Data analysis indicates that ethnicity of the author influenced how competent the author was perceived to be and the reader’s attitude about meeting with the author.
Ocular adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a scoping review
Authors: Martens A. , Schauwvlieghe P. P. , Madoe A. , Casteels I. , Aspeslagh S.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become an important part of the treatment of multiple cancers, especially for advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Some tumors are capable of escaping immunosurveillance by stimulating checkpoints on T-cells. ICIs prevent activation of these checkpoints and thereby stimulate the immune system and indirectly the anti-tumor response. However, the use of ICIs is associated with various adverse events. Ocular side effects are rare but may have a major impact on the quality of life of the patient.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of the medical databases Web of Science, Embase and PubMed was performed. Articles that provided a comprehensive description of a case report containing 1) cancer patient(s) treated with (a combination of) immune checkpoint inhibitors, and 2) assessed occurrence of ocular adverse events, were included. A total of 290 case reports were included.

Results

Melanoma (n = 179; 61.7%) and lung cancer (n = 56; 19.3%) were the most frequent reported malignancies. The primary used ICIs were nivolumab (n = 123; 42.5%) and ipilimumab (n = 116; 40.0%). Uveitis was most the common adverse event (n = 134; 46.2%) and mainly related to melanoma. Neuro-ophthalmic disorders, including myasthenia gravis and cranial nerve disorders, were the second most common adverse events (n = 71; 24.5%), mainly related to lung cancer. Adverse events affecting the orbit and the cornea were reported in 33 (11.4%) and 30 cases (10.3%) respectively. Adverse events concerning the retina were reported in 26 cases (9.0%).

Conclusion

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of all reported ocular adverse events related to the use of ICIs. The insights retrieved from this review might contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these ocular adverse events. Particularly, the difference between actual immune-related adverse events and paraneoplastic syndromes might be relevant. These findings might be of great value in establishing guidelines on how to manage ocular adverse events related to ICIs.
Genome-wide identification of MBD gene family members in Eleutherococcus senticosus with their expression motifs under drought stress and DNA demethylation
Authors: Wang Shuo , Dong Jing , Zhao Xue-Lei , Song Xin , Long Yue-Hong , Xing Zhao-Bin
Published: February 2023

Background

Methyl-binding domain (MBD) is a class of methyl-CpG-binding domain proteins that affects the regulation of gene expression through epigenetic modifications. MBD genes are not only inseparable from DNA methylation but have also been identified and validated in various plants. Although MBD is involved in a group of physiological processes and stress regulation in these plants, MBD genes in Eleutherococcus senticosus remain largely unknown.

Results

Twenty EsMBD genes were identified in E. senticosus. Among the 24 chromosomes of E. senticosus, EsMBD genes were unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes, and only one tandem repeat gene existed. Collinearity analysis showed that the fragment duplication was the main motif for EsMBD gene expansion. As the species of Araliaceae evolved, MBD genes also evolved and gradually exhibited different functional differentiation. Furthermore, cis-acting element analysis showed that there were numerous cis-acting elements in the EsMBD promoter region, among which light response elements and anaerobic induction elements were dominant. The expression motif analysis revealed that 60% of the EsMBDs were up-regulated in the 30% water content group.

Conclusions

By comparing the transcriptome data of different saponin contents of E. senticosus and integrating them with the outcomes of molecular docking analysis, we hypothesized that EsMBD2 and EsMBD5 jointly affect the secondary metabolic processes of E. senticosus saponins by binding to methylated CpG under conditions of drought stress. The results of this study laid the foundation for subsequent research on the E. senticosus and MBD genes.
Chloroplast genomic comparison provides insights into the evolution of seagrasses
Authors: Chen Jun , Zang Yu , Shang Shuai , Yang Zhibo , Liang Shuo , Xue Song , Wang Ying , Tang Xuexi
Published: February 2023

Background

Seagrasses are a polyphyletic group of monocotyledonous angiosperms that have evolved to live entirely submerged in marine waters. Thus, these species are ideal for studying plant adaptation to marine environments. Herein, we sequenced the chloroplast (cp) genomes of two seagrass species (Zostera muelleriandHalophila ovalis) and performed a comparative analysis of them with 10 previously published seagrasses, resulting in various novel findings.

Results

The cp genomes of the seagrasses ranged in size from 143,877 bp (Zostera marina) to 178,261 bp (Thalassia hemprichii), and also varied in size among different families in the following order: Hydrocharitaceae > Cymodoceaceae > Ruppiaceae > Zosteraceae. The length differences between families were mainly related to the expansion and contraction of the IR region. In addition, we screened out 2,751 simple sequence repeats and 1,757 long repeat sequence types in the cp genome sequences of the 12 seagrass species, ultimately finding seven hot spots in coding regions. Interestingly, we found nine genes with positive selection sites, including two ATP subunit genes (atpAandatpF), three ribosome subunit genes (rps4,rps7, andrpl20), one photosystem subunit gene (psbH), and theycf2,accD, andrbcLgenes. These gene regions may have played critical roles in the adaptation of seagrasses to diverse environments. In addition, phylogenetic analysis strongly supported the division of the 12 seagrass species into four previously recognized major clades. Finally, the divergence time of the seagrasses inferred from the cp genome sequences was generally consistent with previous studies.

Conclusions

In this study, we compared chloroplast genomes from 12 seagrass species, covering the main phylogenetic clades. Our findings will provide valuable genetic data for research into the taxonomy, phylogeny, and species evolution of seagrasses.
Effects of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Wen , Fu Chenying , Xu Lin , Sun Xin , Wang Shiqi , He Chengqi , Wei Quan
Published: February 2023

Background

Recent advances in telecommunications technology have raised the possibility of telehealth intervention delivering cardiac telerehabilitation, which may provide the efficacy of health services in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to investigate the effects of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation (HBCTR) in patients undergoing PCI.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of the following electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and WANFANG. For the prespecified outcomes, the primary outcomes were results of physical function (the six-minute walking test, 6MWT) and quality of life (QoL) of the participants. The secondary outcomes were results of (1) blood pressure; (2) full lipid profile (3) reliable assessment of anxiety and depression in patients.

Results

All studies were conducted between 2013 and 2022, and a total of 5 articles could be included in the quantitative meta-analysis. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the HBCTR intervention group and the control group in 6WMT (MD 16.59, 95%CI 7.13 to 26.06,P = 0.0006), but there was no difference in QoL (SMD  − 0.25, 95%CI  − 1.63 to 1.13,P = 0.73). According to the fixed effects model, there was a statistically significant difference between the HBCTR group versus the control group (MD − 2.88, 95%CI − 5.19 to − 0.57,P = 0.01), but not in diastolic blood pressure. Likewise, significant improvements of triglycerides and in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed in HBTCR groups, but no significant differences were observed regarding total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis have proven that the HBCTR is one of the promisingly effective cardiac rehabilitation strategies that improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. With the continuous improvement of the telerehabilitation network, it is expected to serve in clinical.
The association between tissue doppler-derived E/(e′s′) ratio and coronary atherosclerosis severity measured by the SYNTAX score in patients with non-ST elevation-acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Golshani Samad , Taghavi Morteza , Alipour Abbas , Parsaee Homa
Published: February 2023

Background

The prognosis of patients hospitalized with non-ST elevation-acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is typically determined by the existence and severity of myocardial necrosis and left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Aim

The present study was to assess the association between the E/(e′s′) ratio and the coronary atherosclerosis severity, measured by the SYNTAX score, in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Methods

Utilizing a descriptive correlational research design, this study was prospectively conducted on 252 patients with NSTE-ACS, undergoing an echocardiography to determine the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the left atrial (LA) volume, the pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler-derived transmitral early (E) and late (A) diastolic velocities, and the tissue Doppler (TD)-derived mitral annular early diastolic (e′) and peak systolic (s′) velocities. After that, a coronary angiography (CAG) was performed, and the SYNTAX score was calculated.

Results

The patients were divided into two groups, viz., those with the E/(e′s′) ratio < 1.63 and the cases with the ratio ≥ 1.63. The results revealed that the patients with a high ratio were older, had a higher prevalence of females, a SYNTAX score ≥ 22, and a lower glomerular filtration rate than those with a low ratio (p-value < 0.001). Besides, these patients had larger indexed LA volume and lower LVEF than others (p-value: 0.028 and 0.023, respectively). Furthermore, the multiple linear regression outcomes established a positive independent association between the E/(e′s′) ratio ≥ 1.63 (B = 5.609, 95% CI 2.324–8.894, p-value = 0.001) and the SYNTAX score.

Conclusion

The study results demonstrated that the patients hospitalized with NSTE-ACS and the E/(e′s′) ratio ≥ 1.63 had worse demographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory profiles and a higher prevalence of a SYNTAX score ≥ 22 than those with a lower ratio.
Mitral degenerative valve leaflets suspected as primary valvular tumor: a case report
Authors: Wang Shiqiang , Chen Huaidong , Qian Ximing , He Fan
Published: February 2023

Background

Echocardiography plays an important role in the diagnosis of heart disease. Sometimes, however, it may also provide misdiagnosis information.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of a misdiagnosis of primary mitral valvular tumor with severe regurgitation by preoperative echocardiography. During the surgery, the true lesion was found to be mitral valve leaflet prolapse due to degenerative mitral valve disease.

Conclusion

For individual patient, the best clinical decision not only needs the extensive application of echocardiography, but also needs the combination of clinical symptoms and more auxiliary examination.
The global, regional, and national burden of appendicitis in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Guan Linjing , Liu Zhen , Pan Guangdong , Zhang Bulin , Wu Yongrong , Gan Tao , Ouyang Guoqing
Published: February 2023

Background

Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide, and its burden has been changing. We report the level and trends of appendicitis prevalence, and incidence; and years lived with disability (YLD) in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019.

Methods

The numbers and age-standardized prevalence, incidence, and YLD rates per 100,000 population of appendicitis were estimated across regions and countries by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI). All the estimates were reported with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).

Results

Globally, the age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates of appendicitis in 2019 were 8.7 (95% UI 6.9 to 11.0) and 229.9 (95% UI 180.9 to 291.0) per 100,000 population, with increases of 20.8% (95% UI 18.9 to 23.0%) and 20.5% (95% UI 18.7 to 22.8%) from 1990 to 2019, respectively. Additionally, the age-standardized YLDs rate was 2.7 (95% UI 1.8 to 3.9) in 2019, with an increase of 20.4% (95% UI 16.2 to 25.1%) from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, the age-standardized prevalence, incidence, and YLD rates peaked in the 15-to-19-year age groups in both male and female individuals. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the male and female individuals in all groups. Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria showed the largest increases in the age-standardized prevalence rate between 1990 and 2019. Generally, positive associations were found between the age-standardized YLD rates and SDI at the regional and national levels.

Conclusions

Appendicitis remains a major public health challenge globally. Increasing awareness of appendicitis and its risk factors and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment is warranted to reduce its the burden.
Mutations in immunodeficiency-related genes may increase the risk of infection after CAR-T-cell therapy: a report of two cases
Authors: Wang Di , He Li , Li Chunhui , Xu Menglei , Yu Qiuxia , Almeida Varlene Daniela Fernandes , Que Yimei , Xu Yanjie , Xiao Yi , Li Chunrui
Published: February 2023

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) has yielded unprecedented efficacy in B-cell malignancies. With the increasing use of CAR-T-cell therapy, infection has become one of the major concerns after CAR-T-cell infusion. Some patients even develop refractory or recurrent infections, posing challenges in treatment, prophylactic, and monitoring strategies. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of these infections were not clear.

Case presentation

We report two cases of infection after CAR-T-cell therapy. Patient 1, diagnosed with multiple myeloma, received anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T)-cell therapy. He developed a refractory urinary infection lasting for over 5 weeks, which was caused by Candida albicans. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that he had an IL-17RA gene mutation. Patient 2, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukaemia, received anti-CD19 and anti-CD22 CAR-T-cell cocktail therapy and remained in complete remission for over 4 years. The patient had pneumonia five times during the 4 years. Whole-exon sequencing revealed that he had a CX3CR1 gene mutation.

Conclusion

For patients who develop persistent or recurrent infections after CAR-T-cell therapy, it is recommended to screen for immunodeficiency-related gene mutations, and the results may contribute to the management of infections post-CAR-T treatment.
Evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 in people coinfected with HIV and/or tuberculosis in low-income countries: study protocol for mixed methods research in Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouattara Cheick Ahmed , Poda Armel G , Méda Ziemlé Clément , Sawadogo Yacouba , Kabore Odilon , Birba Emile , Sourabié Adama , Zoungrana Jacques , Traore Isidore Tiandiogo , Sangaré Ibrahim , Ymba Awa , Godreuil Sylvain , Ouedraogo Abdoul-Salam
Published: February 2023

Background

An issue of particular concern is the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 nCOV) on the people coinfected with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and/or tuberculosis (TB). Unfortunately, this interaction has not been well explored in African despite the large proportion of these risk populations living with HIV and/or patients and/or tuberculosis (TB) in the African region. This study aims to design a research protocol for assessment of the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on these risk populations in response to COVID-19 strategic plans in Burkina Faso by generating serological, epidemiological, virological, clinical and socio-anthropological evidence-based data.

Methods

A multidisciplinary research will be conducted in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso using mixed methods. Data will be collected from a cohort of people living with HIV and/or TB patients in the city (i) to determine the proportion of people with specific antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using retrospective data ; (ii) to determine the proportion of people infected with Covid-19 and the dynamics of viral loads and antibodies in these people based on prospective data; (iii) to identify circulating SARS-COV-2 variants and novel biomarkers using prospective data ; (iv) to analyze perceptions, community experiences and response strategies during the public health emergencies imposed by COVID-19 through a qualitative study.

Discussion

This study will generate factual and comprehensive data that will contribute in improving response strategies to COVID-19 and the other possible emerging diseases with keen interest on the risk populations living with HIV and/or TB infected patients.
Social relations and health in an ethnically diverse social housing area selected for large structural changes compared to municipal levels: a Danish survey study
Authors: Kvorning Monica F. , Nygaard Siv S. , Srivarathan Abirami , Lau Cathrine J. , Lund Rikke
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aims to describe demographics, social relations and health in an ethnically diverse social housing area selected to undergo large structural changes and compare it to the surrounding municipality. Furthermore, to explore the association between social relations and self-rated health (SRH) and the interaction with country of origin in both populations.

Methods

Data sources include a multilingual interviewer-driven survey study in a social housing area (N = 209) and a municipal health survey (N = 1,638) among residents aged 45 + years. Information on social relations include contact frequency with and support from family, friends, and neighbors. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and country of origin are presented, as well as joint effect analyses of social relations and country of origin on SRH.

Results

In the social housing area, 38.8% of the respondents reported poor SRH compared to 19.5% in the municipality. In both study populations low contact frequency was associated with poor SRH, however insignificantly in the social housing area compared to the municipality sample, OR = 1.50 (0.65–3.46) vs. OR = 2.42 (1.70–3.45). Joint exposure to having non-Western background and low contact frequency was strongly associated with poor SRH in the social housing area, OR = 6.28 (1.80–21.89) but less so in the municipality, OR = 3.67 (1.55–8.69). The same tendency was seen regarding low support from social relations.

Conclusions

This study provides insight to a population that is generally underrepresented in survey studies. In the social housing area, approximately twice as many reported poor SRH compared to the municipality data. In both populations, low contact frequency and low support were associated with poor SRH. Residents with weak social relations and non-Western origin simultaneously were more likely to report poor SRH in the social housing area specifically but less so in the municipality, indicating a higher vulnerability among the residents in the social housing area.