bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of postoperative ultrasound-guided internal superior laryngeal nerve block on sore throat after intubation of double-lumen bronchial tube: a randomized controlled double-blind trial
Authors: Wang Jingxian , Chai Bin , Zhang Yujie , Zheng Lidong , Geng Pengcheng , Zhan Li
Published: September 2022

Background

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is one of the main adverse postoperative outcome after tracheal intubation using double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided block of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN) for alleviating POST after intubation of DLTs.

Methods

Patients undergoing thoracic surgery between August 2019 and August 2021 were randomized into two groups depending on whether they received US-guided iSLN block immediately after the operation. In the control group, the patients underwent a thoracic surgery under general anesthesia (GA) with DLTs without any special treatment, while the patients in the experimental group received US-guided iSLN block bilaterally with 2 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine on either side immediately after the operation. The primary outcome was the grading of sore throat at three-time points after the operation, i.e., immediate extubation, 2 h after extubation, and 24 h after extubation. Secondary outcomes included the rate of nausea and vomiting, hoarseness, dyspnea, and choking cough after swallowing saliva at 2 h after extubation.

Results

The incidence and severity of sore throat were significantly lower in the experimental group than the control group at all time intervals (all P < 0.01). The rate of nausea and vomiting, hoarseness, dyspnea, and choking cough after swallow saliva at 2 h after extubation had no statistical difference (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The use of US-guided iSLN block can be effectively and safely applied to relieve POST after intubation of DLTs on thoracic surgery.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn, NO. ChiCTR2000032188, 22/04/2020).
N6-methyladenosine RNA modification (m6A) is of prognostic value in HPV-dependent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Condic Mateja , Thiesler Thore , Staerk Christian , Klümper Niklas , Ellinger Jörg , Egger Eva K. , Kübler Kirsten , Kristiansen Glen , Mustea Alexander , Ralser Damian J.
Published: September 2022

Background

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is an uncommon gynecologic malignancy but with an increasing incidence in recent years. Etiologically, VSCC is classified into two subtypes: HPV-dependent and HPV-independent. Localized VSCC is treated surgically and/or with radiation therapy, but for advanced, metastatic or recurrent disease, therapeutic options are still limited.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent post-transcriptional messenger RNA (mRNA) modification and involved in many physiological processes. The group of m6A proteins can be further divided into: ‚writers’ (METTL3, METTL4, METTL14, WTAP, KIAA1429), ‚erasers’ (FTO, ALKBH5), and ‚readers’ (HNRNPA2B1, HNRNPC, YTHDC1, YTHDF1-3). Dysregulated m6A modification is implicated in carcinogenesis, progression, metastatic spread, and drug resistance across various cancer entities. Up to date, however, only little is known regarding the role of m6A in VSCC.

Methods

Here, we comprehensively investigated protein expression levels of a diverse set of m6A writers, readers and erasers by applying immunohistochemical staining in 126 patients with primary VSCC.

Results

In the entire study cohort, dominated by HPV-independent tumors, m6A protein expression was not associated with clinical outcome. However, we identified enhanced protein expression levels of the ‚writers’ METTL3, METTL14 and the ‚reader’ YTHDC1 as poor prognostic markers in the 23 patients with HPV-dependent VSCC.

Conclusion

Our study suggests dysregulated m6A modification in HPV-associated VSCC.
Comparison of the effect of ketorolac versus triamcinolone acetonide injections for the treatment of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suwannaphisit Sitthiphong , Suwanno Porames , Fongsri Warangkana , Chuaychoosakoon Chaiwat
Published: September 2022

Background

De Quervain’s disease is tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment causing severely painful radial-side wrist pain and impaired function. Steroids are effective in treating this condition due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, this drug causes problems such as hypopigmentation, and is contradicted in diabetes mellitus patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which are efficacious in shoulder pathology and not contraindicated in diabetics and can be used to avoid the local effects of steroids could be beneficial for some patients. The present study was a randomized controlled trial to examine the differences in pain scores and functional response to local injections of a corticosteroid and the NSAID ketorolac.

Methods

Sixty-four patients with radial styloid tenosynovitis were randomized using a computer-generated random number table into two groups receiving either a ketorolac injection or a triamcinolone injection. We evaluated post-injection pain intensity using a verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS), functional outcomes using the Thai Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale, and evaluated grip and pinch strengths, recorded at baseline and 6 weeks after the injection.

Results

Thirty-one participants in the ketorolac group and 29 participants in the triamcinolone group completed the study and were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in the assessments at baseline. At the 6-week conclusion of the study, patients in the triamcinolone group had a statistically lower average pain score than in the ketorolac group (0.7 ± 2.0 vs 5.3 ± 3.2, P < 0.001), higher DASH functional score (4.4 ± 6.5 vs 34.1 ± 20.2, P < 0.001), higher right grip strength (60.8 ± 16.8 vs 49.2 ± 18.6, P < 0.015), and higher left grip strength (59.8 ± 18.1 vs 50.3 ± 18.0, P < 0.04). However, there was no difference in pinch strength.

Conclusions

Our study found that ketorolac injections resulted in inferior pain reduction, functional score and grip improvement than triamcinolone injection in patients with radial styloid tenosynovitis. Future studies are required to examine the effects of ketorolac in larger group and with longer follow-up periods to further elucidate the findings of this study.

Trial registration

The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.in.th (TCTR20200909006).
Are there any interactions between modified Nordic-style diet score and MC4R polymorphism on cardiovascular risk factors among overweight and obese women? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hosseininasab Dorsa , Mirzababaei Atieh , Abaj Faezeh , Firoozi Roya , Clark Cain C. T. , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: September 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women globally. Recent studies have reported that the minor allele (C allele) for melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) rs17782313 may be related to the incidence of obesity and the risk of CVD. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the interactions between the modified Nordic-style diet score (MND) and MC4R gene variant on markers of CVD.

Methods

The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 282 Iranian women, aged 18–48 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25. MND score was assessed using a 147 items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Genotyping of the MC4R (rs17782313) was conducted by the PCR method. The anthropometric measurements and serum profiles were assessed by standard protocols.

Results

The means and standard deviation (SD) of age, weight, and BMI of individuals were 36.67 ± 9.10 years, 81.29 ± 12.43 kg, and 31.26 ± 4.29 kg/m2, respectively. The overall prevalence of rs17782313 genotypes was 30.1%, 24.8%, and 45.1% for TT, TC, and CC, respectively. Our results showed significant negative interactions between high MND score and rs17782313 SNP in terms of visceral fat level (VFL) (β: -10.84, 95% CI: -20.64 to -1.04, P = 0.03) and total cholesterol (β: -24.24, 95% CI: -49.87 to 1.38, P = 0.06) in the crude model. After adjusting confounders, the interaction between high MND scores and VFL remained significant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that diet, gene variants, and their interaction should be considered in metabolic disease risk assessment. Further studies are needed to confirm these data and better elucidate the interaction.
Developing machine learning-based models to predict intrauterine insemination (IUI) success by address modeling challenges in imbalanced data and providing modification solutions for them
Authors: Khodabandelu Sajad , Basirat Zahra , Khaleghi Sara , Khafri Soraya , Montazery Kordy Hussain , Golsorkhtabaramiri Masoumeh
Published: September 2022

Background

This study sought to provide machine learning-based classification models to predict the success of intrauterine insemination (IUI) therapy. Additionally, we sought to illustrate the effect of models fitting with balanced data vs original data with imbalanced data labels using two different types of resampling methods. Finally, we fit models with all features against optimized feature sets using various feature selection techniques.

Methods

The data for the cross-sectional study were collected from 546 infertile couples with IUI at the Fatemehzahra Infertility Research Center, Babol, North of Iran. Logistic regression (LR), support vector classification, random forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and, Stacking generalization (Stack) as the machine learning classifiers were used to predict IUI success by Python v3.7. We employed the Smote-Tomek (Stomek) and Smote-ENN (SENN) resampling methods to address the imbalance problem in the original dataset. Furthermore, to increase the performance of the models, mutual information classification (MIC-FS), genetic algorithm (GA-FS), and random forest (RF-FS) were used to select the ideal feature sets for model development.

Results

In this study, 28% of patients undergoing IUI treatment obtained a successful pregnancy. Also, the average age of women and men was 24.98 and 29.85 years, respectively. The calibration plot in this study for IUI success prediction by machine learning models showed that between feature selection methods, the RF-FS, and among the datasets used to fit the models, the balanced dataset with the Stomek method had well-calibrating predictions than other methods. Finally, the brier scores for the LR, SVC, RF, XGBoost, and Stack models that were fitted utilizing the Stomek dataset and the chosen feature set using the Random Forest technique obtained equal to 0.202, 0.183, 0.158, 0.129, and 0.134, respectively. It showed duration of infertility, male and female age, sperm concentration, and sperm motility grading score as the most predictable factors in IUI success.

Conclusion

The results of this study with the XGBoost prediction model can be used to foretell the individual success of IUI for each couple before initiating therapy.
Association between the triglyceride–glucose index and severity of coronary artery disease
Authors: Wang Xiang , Xu Wei , Song Qirui , Zhao Zinan , Meng Xuyang , Xia Chenxi , Xie Yibo , Yang Chenguang , Jin Pengfei , Wang Fang
Published: September 2022

Background

The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, which is a reliable surrogate marker of insulin resistance (IR), has been associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, evidence of the impact of the TyG index on the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited. This study investigated the relationship between the TyG index and CAD severity of individuals with different glucose metabolic statuses.

Methods

This study enrolled 2792 participants with CAD in China between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. All participants were divided into groups according to the tertiles of the TyG index as follows: T1 group, TyG index < 6.87; T2 group, TyG index ≥ 6.87 to < 7.38; and T3 group, TyG index ≥ 7.38. The glucose metabolic status was classified as normal glucose regulation, pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus according to the standards of the American Diabetes Association. CAD severity was determined by the number of stenotic vessels (single-vessel CAD versus multi-vessel CAD).

Results

We observed a significant relationship between the TyG index and incidence of multi-vessel CAD. After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, hypertension, estimated glomerular filtration rate, antiplatelet drug use, antilipidemic drug use, and antihypertensive drug use in the logistic regression model, the TyG index was still an independent risk factor for multi-vessel CAD. Additionally, the highest tertile of the TyG group (T3 group) was correlated with a 1.496-fold risk of multi-vessel CAD compared with the lowest tertile of the TyG group (T1 group) (odds ratio [OR], 1.496; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.183–1.893; P < 0.001) in the multivariable logistic regression model. Furthermore, a dose–response relationship was observed between the TyG index and CAD severity (non-linear P = 0.314). In the subgroup analysis of different glucose metabolic statuses, the T3 group (OR, 1.541; 95% CI 1.013–2.344; P = 0.043) were associated with a significantly higher risk of multi-vessel CAD in individuals with pre-DM.

Conclusions

An increased TyG index was associated with a higher risk of multi-vessel CAD. Our study indicated that TyG as an estimation index for evaluating IR could be a valuable predictor of CAD severity, especially for individuals with pre-DM.
Psychometric evaluation of the Mental Health Quality of Life (MHQoL) instrument in seven European countries
Authors: Enzing Joost J. , van Krugten Frédérique C. W. , Sabat Iryna , Neumann-Böhme Sebastian , Boer Bert , Knies Saskia , Brouwer Werner B. F. ,   ECOS consortium, Barros Pedro P. , van Exel Job , Schreyögg Jonas , Stargardt Tom , Torbica Aleksandra
Published: September 2022

Introduction

To make efficient use of available resources, decision-makers in healthcare may assess the costs and (health) benefits of health interventions. For interventions aimed at improving mental health capturing the full health benefits is an important challenge. The Mental Health Quality of Life (MHQoL) instrument was recently developed to meet this challenge. Evaluating the pyschometric properties of this instrument in different contexts remains important.

Methods

A psychometric evaluation of the MHQoL was performed using existing international, cross-sectional data with 7155 respondents from seven European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, The Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom). Reliability was examined by calculating Cronbach’s alpha, a measure of internal consistency of the seven MHQoL dimensions, and by examining the association of the MHQoL sum scores with the MHQoL-VAS scores. Construct validity was examined by calculating Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients between the MHQoL sum scores and EQ-5D index scores, EQ-VAS scores, EQ-5D anxiety/depression dimension scores, ICECAP-A index scores and PHQ-4 sum scores.

Results

The MHQoL was found to have good internal consistency for all seven countries. The MHQoL sum score and the MHQoL-VAS had a high correlation. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were moderate to very high for all outcomes.

Conclusion

Our results, based on data gathered in seven European countries, suggest that the MHQoL shows favourable psychometrical characteristics. While further validation remains important, the MHQoL may be a useful instrument in measuring mental health-related quality of life in the Western European context.
Cost-utility analysis of total knee arthroplasty alone and in comparison with post-surgical rehabilitation and conservative treatment in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Serikova-Esengeldina Dinara , Glushkova Natalya , Abdushukurova Gulzada , Mussakhanova Akmaral , Mukhamejanova Ainur , Khismetova Zaituna , Bokov Dmitry , Ivankov Alexandr , Goremykina Maiya , Semenova Yuliya
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite ample international knowledge on cost-effectiveness of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it has never been a subject of investigation in Kazakhstan or other post-Soviet economies. Our study aimed to carry-out the cost-utility analysis of TKA alone and in comparison with post-surgical rehabilitation and conservative treatment at health care facilities of Kazakhstan.

Methods

Two hundred and forty four patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) who underwent TKA in orthopedic departments of Almaty, Nur-Sultan and Semey hospitals between January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2019 were followed-up for 12 months. The health-related quality of life was measured by the EQ-5D utility and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was used to measure the patients’ health status. The costs were estimated from the view of health care provider. We calculated the cost per QALY, the Cost-Utility Ratio and the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio.

Results

At the time of 12-month follow-up patients who received TKA alone or with the course of rehabilitation showed benefit over patients from the group of conservative treatment in terms of overall health status. Mean QALY gained at 12 months constituted 1.66 for the group that received TKA with rehabilitation, 1.48 for the group that received TKA alone and 0.24 for the group that received conservative treatment. Mean cost per QALY gained was USD 30 795.75 for KOA patients under conservative treatment, USD 6 323.69 for KOA patients subjected to TKA and USD 2 670.32 for KOA patients with rehabilitation course after TKA.

Conclusion

Both TKA and TKA with rehabilitation could be considered as highly cost-effective interventions. The data obtained could be of interest for policy makers, medical professionals and KOA patients.
Caenorhabditis elegans NHR-14/HNF4α regulates DNA damage-induced apoptosis through cooperating with cep-1/p53
Authors: Sang Lei , Dong Rui , Liu Rui , Hao Qinggang , Bai Weiyu , Sun Jianwei
Published: September 2022

Background

Nuclear hormone receptors are involved in transcriptional regulation and many important cellular processes including development and metabolism. However, its role in DNA damage-induced apoptosis remains elusive.

Methods

Synchronized young adult animals were irradiated with different doses of gamma-Ray, and then put back to culture at 20 °C. Germline cell apoptosis was scored at different time point.

Results

Deletion of nhr-14 led to decreased DNA damage-induced germline apoptosis, but not the physiological programmed cell death. We also demonstrate that nhr-14 functions downstream of the DNA damage checkpoint pathway. Moreover, we show that nhr-14 regulates egl-1 and ced-13 transcription upon DNA damage. Mechanistically, NHR-14 forms a complex with CEP-1/p53 and binds directly to the egl-1 promoter to promote egl-1 transcription..

Conclusions

Our results indicate that NHR-14/HNF4α cooperates with CEP-1/p53 to regulate DNA damage-induced apoptosis.

Graphic abstract
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a fully vaccinated 18-year-old without known SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Liu Andy , Love Alexa , Katz Sophie , Patrick Anna , Parra David , Halasa Natasha , Miller Michael R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a febrile syndrome that is observed in the pediatric population following severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Vaccines have prevented or lessened the severity of the initial acute respiratory infection, while their effectiveness against severe MIS-C is just beginning to be reported.

Case presentation

Here we report a fully vaccinated teenage female with no known history of SARS-CoV-2 infection who presented with shock and heart failure. Her presentation was initially thought secondary to a retropharyngeal abscess but was later identified as MIS-C after confirmed nucleocapsid antibody.

Conclusions

Given the recent Omicron waves, the ongoing international outbreaks with evolving variants and the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, this case emphasizes the need to include MIS-C in the differential diagnosis, even in a fully vaccinated, previously healthy child.
Outcomes of surgery for acute type A dissection in octogenarians versus non-octogenarians: a systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Eranki Aditya , Merakis Michael , Williams Michael L. , Flynn Campbell D. , Villanueva Claudia , Wilson-Smith Ashley , Lee Yangsin , Mejia Ross
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (ATAAD) is a cardiothoracic emergency that requires urgent intervention. Elderly status, particularly age over 80, is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity. The mid-term outcomes of this age group are also unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was therefore performed to analyse short- and mid-term mortality and morbidity in octogenarians following surgery for ATAAD.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted for studies published since January 2000. The primary endpoint was short-term mortality, either reported as 30-day mortality or in-hospital mortality and medium-term (five year) survival. Secondary endpoints were rates of postoperative complications, namely stroke, acute renal failure (ARF), re-exploration and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS).

Results

A total of 16 retrospective studies, with a total of 16, 641 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled analysis demonstrated that octogenarian cohorts are at significantly higher risk of short-term mortality than non-octogenarians (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.33–2.81; P < 0.001). Actuarial survival was significantly lower in the octogenarian cohort, with a five-year survival in the octogenarian cohort of 54% compared to 76% in the non-octogenarian cohort (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the cohorts in terms of secondary outcomes: stroke, ARF, re-exploration or ICU LOS.

Conclusion

Octogenarians are twice as likely to die in the short-term following surgery for ATAAD and demonstrate a significantly lower five-year actuarial survival. Patients and family members should be well informed of the risks of surgery and suitable octogenarians selected for surgery.
A role for artificial intelligence in molecular imaging of infection and inflammation
Authors: Schwenck Johannes , Kneilling Manfred , Riksen Niels P. , la Fougère Christian , Mulder Douwe J. , Slart Riemer J. H. A. , Aarntzen Erik H. J. G.
Published: September 2022

The detection of occult infections and low-grade inflammation in clinical practice remains challenging and much depending on readers’ expertise. Although molecular imaging, like [18F]FDG PET or radiolabeled leukocyte scintigraphy, offers quantitative and reproducible whole body data on inflammatory responses its interpretation is limited to visual analysis. This often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, as well as untapped areas of potential application. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers innovative approaches to mine the wealth of imaging data and has led to disruptive breakthroughs in other medical domains already. Here, we discuss how AI-based tools can improve the detection sensitivity of molecular imaging in infection and inflammation but also how AI might push the data analysis beyond current application toward predicting outcome and long-term risk assessment.
Impact of Chocolate percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon on vessel preparation in drug-coated balloon angioplasty for femoropopliteal lesion
Authors: Shirai Shigemitsu , Mori Shinsuke , Yamaguchi Kohei , Mizusawa Masafumi , Chishiki Toshiki , Makino Kenji , Honda Yohsuke , Tsutsumi Masakazu , Hiraishi Mana , Kobayashi Norihiro , Yamawaki Masahiro , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To compare the impact of Chocolate and conventional balloons on vessel preparation in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Materials and methods

This single-center retrospective study included 111 endovascular therapy consecutive cases of femoropopliteal lesions using drug-coated balloon strategy with a 1:1 pre-dilation balloon diameter between February 2020 and August 2021, divided into the Chocolate percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 48) and conventional (n = 63) groups. Before the availability of Chocolate balloons in Japan (December 2020), a standard semi-compliant or non-compliant balloon was used for vessel preparation. The primary endpoint was rate of severe dissection after pre-dilatation. Secondary endpoints were angiographic percent diameter stenosis, bailout stent rate, primary patency rate, and freedom from target-lesion-revascularization rate at six months.

Results

There was no significant difference in patient and lesion characteristics. The procedural characteristics comprised balloon length 90 ± 37 and 149 ± 95 mm (P = 0.004) and inflation pressure 11 ± 3 and 16 ± 7 atm (P < 0.001) in the Chocolate and conventional groups, respectively. Regarding primary endpoint, rates of severe dissection were 4.2% and 25% (P = 0.003); regarding secondary endpoints, percent diameter stenosis was 18 ± 15% and 20 ± 17% (P = 0.409), and the rate of bailout stenting was 2.1% and 15.9% (P = 0.016) in the Chocolate and conventional groups, respectively. The primary patency rates at six months were 89.1% and 85.2% (P = 0.670), and freedom from target-lesion-revascularization rate at six months was 100% and 92.8% (P = 0.691) in the Chocolate and conventional groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Chocolate percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloons reduce the rate of severe dissection while maintaining a sufficient dilatation effect during drug-coated balloon vessel preparation.
The interaction between circadian rhythm and epilepsy
Authors: Liu Mingsu , Ding Jing , Wang Xin
Published: September 2022

Evidence about the interaction between circadian rhythms (CR) and epilepsy has been expanded with the application of advanced detection technology. An adequate understanding of how circadian system and epilepsy interact with each other could contribute to more accurate seizure prediction as well as rapid development of potential treatment timed to specific phases of CR. In this review, we present the reciprocal relationship between CR and epileptic activities from aspects of sleep effect, genetic modulation and brain biochemistry. It has been found that sleep-wake patterns, circadian timing systems and multidien rhythms have essential roles in seizure activities and interictal epileptiform discharge (IED). For instance, specific distribution patterns of seizures and IED have been reported, i.e., lighter non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stage (stage 2) induces seizures while deeper NREM sleep stage (stage 3) activates IEDs. Furthermore, the epilepsy type, seizure type and seizure onset zone can significantly affect the rhythms of seizure occurrence. Apart from the common seizure types, several specific epilepsy syndromes also have a close correlation with sleep-wakefulness patterns. Sleep influences the epilepsy rhythm, and conversely, epilepsy alters the sleep rhythm through multiple pathways. Clock genes accompanied by two feedback loops of regulation have an important role in cortical excitability and seizure occurrence, which may be involved in the mTORopathy. The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) has a rhythm of melatonin and cortisol secretion under the circadian pattern, and then these hormones can feed back into a central oscillator to affect the SCN-dependent rhythms, leading to variable but prominent influence on epilepsy. Furthermore, we discuss the precise predictive algorithms and chronotherapy strategies based on different temporal patterns of seizure occurrence for patients with epilepsy, which may offer a valuable indication for non-invasive closed-loop treatment system. Optimization of the time and dose of antiseizure medications, and resynchronization of disturbed CR (by hormone therapy, light exposure, ketogenic diet, novel small molecules) would be beneficial for epileptic patients in the future. Before formal clinical practice, future large-scale studies are urgently needed to assist prediction and treatment of circadian seizure activities and address unsolved restrictions.
Role of 18F FDG PET/CT in evaluation of post-operative ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Amer Marwa Ibrahim El-Sayed , Monib Ahmed Mohamed , Chalabi Nivine Abdel Moneim , Othman Amal Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Background

We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in a group of patients with suspicion of ovarian cancer recurrence. It is considered a diagnostic dilemma, particularly in the 2 years following first-line therapy. CA125 serum levels computed tomography (CT) and other modalities are used during routine follow-up. These traditional modalities could provide a significant number of false-negative or equivocal results even in the presence of elevated CA125 levels. So the performance of 18F-FDG-PET/CT is essential for the optimal diagnosis of recurrence and treatment planning.

Results

Studying PET/CT behaviour in the detection of ovarian cancer recurrence, 18F-FDG-PET/CT had an accuracy of 98% with sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 100%, respectively. 18F-FDG-PET/CT had a PPV of 100% and NPV of 83%. While studying the CA125 level (> 35 U/ml) to detect the ovarian cancer recurrence during patient follow-up, the CA125 level had an accuracy of 50% with a sensitivity ratio and specificity ratio of 47% and 80%, respectively. CA-125 level had a PPV of 95% and NPV of 14%. In comparison between conventional CT and PET/CT studies, the PET/CT diagnosed local tumor recurrence in 16 patients (32%), while CT scan diagnosed local tumor recurrence in only 3 patients (6%), and PET/CT detected peritoneal recurrence in 34 patients (68%). CT scan found peritoneal deposits in 11 patients (22%), also the PET/CT showed suspicious abdominal LNS in 22 patients (44%) while, CT scan showed suspicious abdominal LNS in 4 patients (8%), and PET/CT showed suspicious pelvic LNS in 16 patients (32%). CT scan showed suspicious pelvic LNS in 7 patients (14%). PET/CT detected distant organ metastases in 18 patients (36%). CT scan detected distant organ metastasis in only 8 patients (16%). Comparison between CT and PET/CT in 32 follow-up cases for the detection of local tumor recurrence, peritoneal deposits, suspicious abdominal/pelvic LNs and distant organ metastasis. There was a statistically significant difference between CT and PET/CT the end results (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0047, p = 0.001, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

18F-FDG-PET/CT is more sensitive in detection and localization of ovarian cancer recurrence and more superior than the other imaging modalities.
Cross-sectional associations between 24-hour activity behaviours and motor competence in youth: a compositional data analysis
Authors: Tyler Richard , Atkin Andrew J. , Dainty Jack R. , Dumuid Dorothea , Fairclough Stuart J.
Published: September 2022

Background

The study aimed to examine the cross-sectional associations between 24-h activity compositions and motor competence in children and adolescents, while stratifying by sex and school type (primary or secondary school) and estimate differences in motor competence associated with reallocations of time between activity behaviours.

Methods

Data were collected from 359 participants (aged 11.5 ± 1.4 years; 49.3% boys; 96.9% White British). Seven-day 24-h activity behaviours [sleep, sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)] were assessed using wrist-worn accelerometers. Motor competence outcomes were obtained using the Dragon Challenge (process, product, time, and overall scores). Linear mixed models examined associations between activity behaviour compositions and motor competence outcomes for all participants and stratified by school type (primary or secondary) and sex. Post-hoc analyses modelled the associations of reallocating fixed durations of time between activity behaviours with the outcomes.

Results

In all participants, relative to other activity behaviours, MVPA had the strongest associations with motor competence outcomes. Time reallocations (5, 10, 15, 20 min) to MVPA from any of the other three behaviours were associated with higher overall, process, and time scores [effect sizes (ES) = 0.05–0.07 (5 min) and 0.19–0.27 (20 min)]. The stratified models displayed that MVPA had the strongest associations with outcomes in both sexes, irrespective of school type. The largest positive, and negative estimated differences occurred when MVPA hypothetically replaced LPA or sleep [ES = 0.04–0.10 (5 min) and 0.14–0.39 (20 min)], and when LPA or sleep hypothetically replaced MVPA [ES = − 0.03 to − 0.11 (5 min) and − 0.13 to − 0.54 (20 min)], respectively.

Conclusions

Relative to other activity behaviours, MVPA had the strongest association overall with motor competence outcomes. Hypothetical reallocations of time from LPA or sleep to MVPA (and vice versa) were associated with the largest positive estimated differences in motor competence outcomes. Therefore, our findings reinforce the key role of MVPA for children’s and adolescents’ motor competence.
Method of evaluating cement-to-formation bond strength with computed tomography image analysis
Authors: Bathija Arpita P. , Sengupta Madhumita , Eichmann Shannon L.
Published: September 2022

Invention of new cements for effective zonal isolation requires bond strength evaluation of the cement to formation. We present a method to evaluate the cement-to-formation bond strength based on the flow of cement through a formation using image analysis. Most researchers perform image analysis on a single slice. This is the first known nondestructive method devised using a quantitative analysis on a sequence of slices from X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans. The number of CT scan slices in which the porosity changes is used to evaluate the bond strength of cement. Our findings demonstrate that the cement-to-formation bond strength is affected by permeability of a formation and viscosity of cement if other physical (sample preparation and measuring conditions) and chemical (cement additives) variables remain constant.
The oil and gas cybersecurity enigma
Authors: Hamilton Leon , Rauch Marianne
Published: September 2022

The digitization of the oil and gas industry creates potentially detrimental opportunities for terrorists, criminals, insiders, and activists to exploit. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, working remotely has become the norm, and remote collaboration has been enabled by such Internet-based applications as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and others. Remote employees may be more casual with cybersecurity, which further increases the risk of cyberattacks. Successful cyberattacks against oil and gas assets or operations have the capacity to cripple economies, disrupt power grids, and initiate political or public unrest and chaos. Cybersecurity defense should be as central to our organizational culture as turning on our workplace computer. We discuss the most likely weak points in our systems and possible solutions.
Earth science for a sustainable world: Earth Science Week 2022
Authors: Camphire Geoff , Mossa Lindsay , Brase Lauren
Published: September 2022

Geoscientists tackle many of humanity's most challenging problems such as managing urbanization, securing safe water, and protecting against natural disasters. They also apply geoscience in ways that support sustainability. To help raise awareness of these dynamics, geoscientists are invited to volunteer for the 25th Annual Earth Science Week to be held 10–16 October.
Leveraging an Informatics Approach to Identify an Unmet Clinical Need for BRCA1/2 Testing Among Patients With Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Gray Stacy W. , Ottesen Rebecca A. , Currey Madeline , Cristea Mihaela , Nikowitz Janet , Shehayeb Susan , Lozano Vanessa , Hom Julie , Kilburn Julie , Lopez Lisa N. , Wing Sam , Sosa Ernesto , Shen Jenny , Morris Michael , Dilsizian Bedros , Joseph Thomas , Shen James , Adeimy Camille , Phillips Tanyanika , Bahadini Bahareh , Niland Joyce C.
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE

Although BRCA1/ 2 testing in ovarian cancer improves outcomes, it is vastly underutilized. Scalable approaches are urgently needed to improve genomically guided care.

METHODS

We developed a Natural Language Processing (NLP) pipeline to extract electronic medical record information to identify recipients of BRCA testing. We applied the NLP pipeline to assess testing status in 308 patients with ovarian cancer receiving care at a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center (main campus [MC] and five affiliated clinical network sites [CNS]) from 2017 to 2019. We compared characteristics between (1) patients who had/had not received testing and (2) testing utilization by site.

RESULTS

We found high uptake of BRCA testing (approximately 78%) from 2017 to 2019 with no significant differences between the MC and CNS. We observed an increase in testing over time (67%-85%), higher uptake of testing among younger patients (mean age tested = 61 years v untested = 65 years, P = .01), and higher testing among Hispanic (84%) compared with White, Non-Hispanic (78%), and Asian (75%) patients ( P = .006). Documentation of referral for an internal genetics consultation for BRCA pathogenic variant carriers was higher at the MC compared with the CNS (94% v 31%).

CONCLUSION

We were able to successfully use a novel NLP pipeline to assess use of BRCA testing among patients with ovarian cancer. Despite relatively high levels of BRCA testing at our institution, 22% of patients had no documentation of genetic testing and documentation of referral to genetics among BRCA carriers in the CNS was low. Given success of the NLP pipeline, such an informatics-based approach holds promise as a scalable solution to identify gaps in genetic testing to ensure optimal treatment interventions in a timely manner.
Cross-Sectional and Individual Relationships between Physical Activity and Glycemic Variability
Authors: Sparks Joshua R. , Sarzynski Mark A. , Davis J. Mark , Grandjean Peter W. , Wang Xuewen
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Purpose

Overweight or obese adults spend more time sedentary and less time performing physical activity (PA) and are at an increased risk for developing impaired glycemic health. Free-living environments may provide insight into glycemic health in addition to clinical assessments. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between PA and glycemic health assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Methods

Twenty-eight overweight or obese adults each wore an accelerometer and CGM over the same 7 consecutive days. Average daily time (minutes and metabolic-equivalent minutes (MET-minutes)) and associated energy expenditure performing light (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA), total PA, and standard deviation (SD) across days were calculated. Average daily 24-h and waking glycemia, mean glucose concentration, glycemic variability measured as the continuous overlapping net glycemic action, mean amplitude of glycemic excursions, and mean of daily difference were assessed.

Results

LPA MET-minutes per day was positively associated with 24-h and waking glycemia time-in-range and negatively associated with 24-h and waking time in hyperglycemia. Total PA time and the SD of MVPA and total PA time were negatively associated with 24-h mean glucose concentration. Individual-level analysis identified that most participants (50%–71%) expressed negative associations between LPA and MVPA time with 24-h mean glucose concentration, mean amplitude of glycemic excursion, and 4-h continuous overlapping net glycemic action.

Conclusions

Expectedly, greater total PA time and intensity-specific PA time were associated with lower 24-h and waking mean glucose concentration, greater glycemia time-in-range, and less time in hyperglycemia. The relationship between glucose concentrations and PA time SD was unexpected, whereas most participants expressed hypothesized relationships, which necessitates further exploration.
Transformational Leadership and Affective Commitment in the Public Sector: The Role of Public Service Motivation as a Mediator
Authors:   Program Magister Manajemen, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Indonesia, Hanafi Ismed , Tjahjono Heru Kurnianto , Rahayu DA Meika Kurnia Puji
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Public service motivation (PSM) has become a popular topic discussed in various studies concerning the public sector. However, there is still limited literature discussing PSM, transformational leadership, and affective commitment simultaneously. Therefore, this study aims to examine the role of transformational leadership on affective commitment in the public sector by considering PSM as a mediating variable in the Indonesian context. This study applies a quantitative approach based on data collected from 172 Customs and Excise employee respondents. Primary data was obtained through a purposive sampling method and analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM). The results indicate a positive and significant influence of transformational leadership on PSM, PSM on affective commitment, and transformational leadership on affective commitment. However, the findings show that PSM does not mediate the effect of transformational leadership on affective commitment. The study also addresses some theoretical contributions and managerial implications concerning these topics. Keywords: Transformational leadership, affective commitment, public sector, public service motivation, mediating variable
Promising COVID-19 therapies on examples of some antiviral, immunomodulatory and natural substances use - review
Authors: Bielewicz Krzysztof , Ryba Karolina , Karaś Anna , Kawałko Kinga , Pondel Kamil
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 is one of the biggest challenges to medicine ever. Because of its dissemination in population effective drug to cure it was needed. There were some trials on antiviral drugs like lopiravir/ritonavir, remdesivir, darunavir/cobicistat, favipiravir, molnupiravir, discovered originally in order to treat other diseases. Only remdesivir and molnupiravir seem to be beneficial for patients with COVID-19, both of them are approved in therapy in a large number of countries allover the world. [2]

Another very important group of drugs used in trials against COVID-19 was immunomodulatory drugs. Some of them, like chloroquine/hydrochloroquine was very promising, but finally there were no evidences of its benefits found. [2] Corticosteroids used in moderate and severe COVID-19 caused general improvement of clinical status and decreased mortality. Interesting and quite promising may be use of interferons but for now lack of evidences does not allow to make clear statement about its benefits.

There are some argumentations for natural methods of COVID-19 treatment. Dietary recommendations, vitamin and microelements supplementation may be helpful in the therapy and in addition may not have any adverse effects. Also, herbal mixtures, developed centuries ago in China found usage during COVID-19 pandemic. After analysis of thousands of cases Traditional Chinese Medicine can be considered as one of the most successful attempt in combating COVID-19. [6]
Hannah Arendt a ekonomia polityczna Jean-Jaquesa Rousseau
Authors: Rogoziecki Robert
Published: September 2022

Tekst jest krytyczną analizą zarzutów wysuwanych przez Hannah Arendt przeciwko Rousseau. Pokazuje, w jaki sposób Rousseau’owska koncepcja ekonomii politycznej wpisuje się w rozumienie społeczeństwa Arendt. Rousseau z tej perspektywy okazuje się jego ideologiem, i to z dobrodziejstwem inwentarza, a mianowicie przekonaniem, że nie ludzie, ale społeczeństwa zamieszkują Ziemię. Arendt nie dostrzegła zmienionej perspektywy postrzegania polityki u Rousseau. W przeciwieństwie do starożytnych Greków, Rousseau nie traktuje człowieka jako istoty politycznej z definicji, ale naturalną, toteż polityka wymaga dla niego legitymizacji zewnętrznej ze strony moralności oraz elementarnych potrzeb biologicznych. Natura dostarcza tak polityce jak i moralności wzorca prawa. Wola powszechna okazuje się rodzajem społecznego substytutu w warunkach nieobecności praw natury.
Construcción de identidades y videojuegos: análisis político y cultural de jugadores adolescentes de Fortnite
Authors: Etura Hernández Dunai , Gutiérrez Sanz Víctor , Gómez García Salvador
Published: September 2022

Fortnite es un juego online con más de 250 millones de jugadores. En esta investigación, se propone un estudio de enfoque cultural y político de las identidades de un grupo de adolescentes jugadores de Fortnite a partir de sus manifestaciones discursivas. Se parte de un análisis de las manifestaciones discursivas expresadas en un grupo de discusiónpara analizar cómo el juego actúa como un vehículo en el proceso de presentación de la identidad individual en la vida cotidiana. El estudio permite profundizar en patrones de comportamiento juvenil en los nuevos contextos digitales y en los rasgos de la relación que se establece entre los jugadores a partir de sus diferentes perfiles. Los resultados, muestran cómo se jerarquizan y se relacionan los jugadores dependiendo de la identidad que construyen durante el juego. Se demuestra que los estudios del discurso son una herramienta pertinente para el estudio de los videojuegos en determinados contextos socioculturales
Understanding autoimmune diseases: part 2
Authors: Perry Margaret
Published: September 2022

In the second part of this series on autoimmune diseases, Margaret Perry gives an overview of systemic lupus erythematosus, coeliac disease and ulcerative colitis

This article follows on from a previous one looking at some of the more widely seen autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are highly complex in their pathophysiology, and this together with the variety of signs and symptoms, and variable degrees of severity, often makes diagnosis difficult. This article aims to give a brief insight into the conditions discussed, giving general practice nurses and non-medical prescribers some knowledge and confidence in assessing and advising patients who present, with the aim of getting an earlier diagnosis and treatment, and, ultimately, improving quality of life of all those affected by any of these diseases.
ADİL ÇELİK, TÜRK FOLKLORUNDA LEVİRAT, ÇANAKKALE 2022, PARADİGMA AKADEMİ.
Authors: SEZGİN Ramazan
Published: September 2022

Oldukça sınırlı bir literatüre sahip olan levirat hususunda Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Türk Halkbilimi Bölümü öğretim elemanlarından Dr. Adil Çelik’in "Türk Folklorunda Levirat" adlı eseri oldukça titiz bir araştırma ve çalışma ile meydana getirilmiştir.