bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding Access to 3D Technology in Plastic Surgery of the Breast: Validation of the Iphone X 3D Camera Against the Vectra M1
Authors: Rudy Hayeem , Lu Yi-Hsueh , Tepper Oren , Weichman Katie
Published: April 2023

Goals/Purpose

The iPhone X is the first mainstream smartphone to be released that contains a high-fidelity 3D scanner and is already in the hands of tens of millions of individuals in the United States. At the present time, the vast majority of 3D analysis of the breast necessitates ownership of expensive cost-prohibitive camera and software packages. The most popular of these is the Canfield Vectra M1 system. In an effort to expand access to 3D technology in plastic surgery of the breast, the purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of the iPhone X 3D scanner against the Canfield Vectra M1 in obtaining 3D scans of the breast.

Methods/Technique

Twenty breasts (n=20) in patients undergoing breast reconstructive surgery were 3D photographed using both the iPhone X and the Canfield Vectra M1. The accuracy of the iPhone 3D image was compared with the Vectra image using color map analysis and surface distances across the 3D model between key anatomical landmarks. These included distances between sternal notch to nipple (SN-N), mid-chest to nipple (M-N), nipple to mid-inframammary fold (N-IMF), and inframammary fold width (IMF).

Results/Complications

When comparing absolute differences in distances between key anatomical landmarks, the average discrepancy in measurements between iPhone and Vectra image pairs were the following: SN-N: 0.84mm, M-N: 0.70mm, N-IMF 0.81mm, and IMF 0.91mm. Colormap analysis demonstrated an average root mean square error of 1.85mm, with a mean of 0.57mm and standard deviation of ±1.88mm.

Conclusion

The iPhone X is capable of capturing 3D photographs of the breast with an average discrepancy of approximately 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters as determined by landmark to landmark surface distance analysis and color map analysis. These data demonstrate that the 3D scans obtained with the iPhone may be useful for determining nipple position, measuring the breast footprint, choosing implants, and performing other functions using 3D technology are typically performed using the more expensive systems. These are early data and additional studies should compare volumetric analysis and clinical outcomes between using the iPhone and more established 3D technology systems in breast reconstructive surgery.
Female foraging strategy co-evolves with sexual harassment intensity in the Trinidadian guppy
Authors: Yang Yusan , Grant Eleanor , López-Sepulcre Andrés , Gordon Swanne P
Published: April 2023

Sexual harassment is a widespread evolutionary outcome of sexual conflict over mating rates. Male harassment can impose costs on females, and females often change their behaviors to avoid unwanted attention. In Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata), males use either sneak mating behavior or courtship displays as reproductive tactics. Both behaviors can be sources of sexual harassment, but sneak behavior is likely more harmful. Males adapted to low-predation habitats use more courtship and fewer sneak tactics than their high-predation ancestors. Here, we tested whether female foraging strategy co-evolves with less severe male harassment as guppies colonize low-predation environments. We set up outdoor stream mesocosms with common-garden-reared males and females from either a high- or a low-predation population in a 2 × 2 design, and tested whether populations diverge in female response to male harassment. We found that both sneak behavior and courtship display reduced female foraging, but the effect of sneak behavior was more extensive. Furthermore, the negative effect of sneak behavior was more pronounced on high-predation females. Our results suggest that female foraging strategy coevolved with divergence in male mating strategy: females under more severe sexual harassment evolved a foraging strategy that is more sensitive to varying harassment levels.
Temporal–spatial analysis of cyromazine in cowpea using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry coupled with mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Tang Xuemei , Huang Congling , Huang Jianxiang , Wang Jiale , Chen Zhiting , Chen Yan , Xiao Zemiao , Wan Kai
Published: April 2023

Background

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is an economically important crop. It is nutritious and popular with consumers. However, it has been listed as one of the agricultural products of critical concern about safety in China and cyromazine is the major risk factor.

Objectives

This study analyzed the dissipation and permeation kinetics of cyromazine residue in cowpea, to offer a scientific basis for the rational use of pesticide and ensure the safety of agricultural products.

Materials and methods

The dissipation and residue level of the systemic insecticide cyromazine on cowpea under field and stored conditions were investigated. Subsequently, the spatial distribution of cyromazine was studied using mass spectrometry imaging to visualize the dynamic processes of permeation and migration in the tissues post pesticide application.

Results

The dissipation processing of cyromazine in cowpea was shown to follow the first-order kinetics and half-life was 7.76 d in the field. In cowpea, the permeation and migration rate of cyromazine was faster than that in kidney beans and accumulation was mainly in the pulp. It is not safe to apply cyromazine to cowpeas with reference to the application method on kidney beans.

Conclusions

These findings present vital data for the determination of risks linked with cowpea consumption and pesticide intake.
Acoustic full waveform inversion for 2-D ambient noise source imaging
Authors: Datta Arjun , Shekar Bharath , Kumar Pushp L
Published: April 2023

We present a method for estimating seismic ambient noise sources by acoustic full waveform inversion (FWI) of interstation cross-correlations. The method is valid at local scales for laterally heterogeneous media, and ambient noise sources confined to the Earth’s surface. Synthetic tests performed using an actual field array geometry, are used to illustrate three unique aspects of our work. First: the method is able to recover noise sources of arbitrary spatial distribution, both within and outside the receiver array, with high fidelity. This holds true for complex velocity models and does not require a good initial guess for inversion, thereby addressing an outstanding issue in the existing research literature. Second: we analyse the extent of biases in source inversion that arise due to inaccurate velocity models. Our findings indicate that source inversion using simplified (e.g. homogeneous) velocity models may work reliably when lateral variations in velocity structure are limited to 5 or 10 per cent in magnitude, but is vitiated by strong variations of 20 per cent or higher, wherein the effect of strong scattering and/or phase distortions become significant. Finally, our technique is implemented without the adjoint method, which is usually inextricably linked to FWI. Inversions are performed using source kernels computed for each receiver pair, and this approach is computationally tractable for real-world problems with small aperture seismic arrays.
Explaining the Impact of Legal Access to Cannabis on Attitudes toward Users
Authors: Queirolo Rosario , Repetto Lorena , Sotto Belén , Álvarez Eliana
Published: April 2023

Laws and public policies can change social norms by signaling which behaviors are legal or illegal. Recent cannabis legalization policies might have this effect. Does cannabis legalization increase social acceptance toward its users? This article focuses on understanding the impact of Uruguayan cannabis legalization on attitudes toward cannabis users by taking advantage of having legal and illegal mechanisms for getting cannabis under the same national context. To do so, we conducted a conjoint experiment in a national face-to-face survey (N = 2,181). Participants were presented with two different profiles of potential neighbors and asked to choose one. These profiles randomized attributes such as being a registered user, mechanism of cannabis acquisition, frequency of cannabis use, as well as sociodemographic characteristics. Participants rated each profile from 1 to 7 based on how much they would like to have them as neighbors. Subsequently, we estimated the average marginal component effect as the critical causal quantity of interest. Results reveal that users who access cannabis through a legal mechanism are more preferred as neighbors than those who do not. Thus, the evidence presented in this article indicates that regulation, by proving legal access, increases the social acceptance of cannabis users.
Is the Bad News about Compliance Bad News about Human Rights? Evidence from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Authors: Montal Florencia , Pauselli Gino
Published: April 2023

How do authoritative international bodies decide that states have complied with their orders? Compliance research has mostly focused on how states react to rulings and how interest groups mobilize for and against compliance. Less has been said about how international bodies certify compliance with their orders in contexts of conflicting interests and incomplete information. Because in theory the seal of compliance could be given to different types and volumes of state actions, we argue that when nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) monitor implementation closely, international adjudicators will be more demanding in compliance certification, resulting in more protracted compliance monitoring processes. We test our expectations in the case of the Inter- American Commission of Human Rights and find that recommendations take longer to reach status of full compliance when more NGOs act as petitioners and when they have more experience with monitoring compliance. If NGOs help that more effective implementation receives an international organization's seal of approval, large numbers of orders without full compliance might not necessarily be bad news about human rights on the ground.
The need for fast and accurate detection of dermatomycosis
Authors: Heckler Ilana , Sabalza Maite , Bojmehrani Azadeh , Venkataraman Iswariya , Thompson Curtis
Published: April 2023

Dermatomycosis of the hair, skin, or nails is one of the most common fungal infections worldwide. Beyond permanent damage to the affected area, the risk of severe dermatomycosis in immunocompromised people can be life-threatening. The potential risk of delayed or improper treatment highlights the need for a rapid and accurate diagnosis. However, with traditional methods of fungal diagnostics such as culture, a diagnosis can take several weeks. Alternative diagnostic technologies have been developed which allow for an appropriate and timely selection of an antifungal treatment, preventing nonspecific over-the-counter self-medication. Such techniques include molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, DNA microarray, next-generation sequencing, in addition to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Molecular methods can help close the ‘diagnostic gap’ observed with traditional cultures and microscopy and allow for a rapid detection of dermatomycosis with increased sensitivity and specificity. In this review, advantages and disadvantages of traditional and molecular techniques are discussed, in addition to the importance of species-specific dermatophyte determination. Finally, we highlight the need for clinicians to adapt molecular techniques for the rapid and reliable detection of dermatomycosis infections and to reduce adverse events.
Time delays between radio and X-ray and between narrow radio bands of Sgr A* flares in the shock oscillation model
Authors: Okuda Toru , Singh Chandra B , Aktar Ramiz
Published: April 2023

We examine the time delay between radio and X-ray and between narrow radio frequency flares in Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), from analyses of the synchrotron, bremsstrahlung, and monochromatic luminosity curves. Using the results of 2D relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations based on the shock oscillation model, we find three types of time delay between the synchrotron and bremsstrahlung emissions: Type A with a time delay of 2–3 h on the shock descending branch, Type B with no time delay, and Type C with an inverse time delay of 0.5–1 h on the shock ascending branch. The time delays in Types A and C are interpreted as a transit time of Alfvén and acoustic waves between both emission dominant regions, respectively. The delay times between 22 and 43 GHz flares and between 8 and 10 GHz flares are ∼13–26 and 13 min, respectively, while the inverse delay also occurs dependently on the shock location branch. These time delays between the narrow radio bands are interpreted as the transit time of the acoustic wave between the frequency-dependent effective radii $R_{\tau _{\rm \nu =1}}$, at which the optical depth τν at the accretion disc surface becomes approximately unity. The shock oscillation model explains well the observed delay times of 0.5–5 h between radio and X-ray, 20–30 min between 22 and 43 GHz, and ∼18 min between 8 and 10 GHz in Sgr A*.
High-efficiency and reliable same-parent thermoelectric modules using Mg3Sb2-based compounds
Authors: Jiang Meng , Fu Yuntian , Zhang Qihao , Hu Zhongliang , Huang Aibin , Wang Shuling , Wang Lianjun , Jiang Wan
Published: April 2023

Thermoelectric modules can convert waste heat directly into useful electricity, providing a clean and sustainable way to use fossil energy more efficiently. Mg3Sb2-based alloys have recently attracted considerable interest from the thermoelectric community due to their nontoxic nature, abundance of constituent elements and excellent mechanical and thermoelectric properties. However, robust modules based on Mg3Sb2 have progressed less rapidly. Here, we develop multiple-pair thermoelectric modules consisting of both n-type and p-type Mg3Sb2-based alloys. Thermoelectric legs based on the same parent fit into each other in terms of thermomechanical properties, facilitating module fabrication and ensuring low thermal stress. By adopting a suitable diffusion barrier layer and developing a new joining technique, an integrated all-Mg3Sb2-based module demonstrates a high efficiency of 7.5% at a temperature difference of 380 K, exceeding the state-of-the-art same-parent thermoelectric modules. Moreover, the efficiency remains stable during 150 thermal cycling shocks (∼225 h), demonstrating excellent module reliability.
Consumer research on bioplastics: A systematic review
Authors: Weinrich Ramona , Herbes Carsten
Published: April 2023

Bioplastics have gained increasing importance in academia and industry. However, a key to market success is consumer acceptance and use of such bioplastics. In this review, we analyze thirty-four papers with a focus on B2C consumer research following the PRISMA protocol. We evaluated the papers quantitatively by using a category system and carried out a qualitative content analysis. Attitudes and values were the most researched consumer-related factors with the clearest effect on consumer behavior, while socio-demographics showed no or little effect. Product-related factors were mostly related to material and its geographic origin, price, and certification. The recommendations from the literature were as follows: educate consumers, raise their awareness, and use labels. The role of policy makers is mainly seen in standard-setting. We call for studies that take a cross-national and cross-product perspective, cover products beyond packaging, include China, India, and other developing countries, use qualitative designs, and make attempts at theory-building.
PHANTOM AND CLINICAL STUDIES ON LOW-DOSE CT PROTOCOL FOR APPLICATOR RECONSTRUCTION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL BRACHYTHERAPY USING SIZE-SPECIFIC DOSE ESTIMATES BASED ON WATER EQUIVALENT DIAMETER
Authors: Tan Lei , Li Kemin , Huang Huiqiong , Jia Fenglin , Ning Gang
Published: April 2023

To verify the feasibility of low-dose computed tomography (CT) protocol for applicator reconstruction in three-dimensional brachytherapy among patients of different sizes, using size-specific dose estimate based on water equivalent diameter (SSDEdw) in phantom and clinical studies. Pre-scans of a female pelvic phantom were followed by reconstruction of each image set with iDose4 levels 3–5. Imaging data from 64 cervical cancer patients were divided into low, standard and high weight groups. Among two to five CT scans required for applicator reconstruction, the first scan was adopted by routine-dose CT protocol (tube voltage = 120 kV, tube current-exposure time product = 320 mA.s) and the remaining by low-dose CT protocol (tube voltage = 120 kV, tube current-exposure time product = 80 mA.s). The SSDEdw and image quality parameters were compared among the groups, and correlations between SSDEdw and body mass index, area of reference plane (AreaROI3) and mean CT value of reference plane (CTROI3) were analyzed. According to the phantom test results, we determined tube voltage to 120 kV and tube current-exposure time product to 80 mA.s as the low-dose protocol. Clinical study revealed no statistically significant differences in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) between low-dose and routine-dose CT in Groups A and B; in Group C, these were significantly lower in the former. The SSDEdw was significantly lower under low-dose than routine-dose protocol in all groups, with strong negative correlation with BMI and AreaROI3 in Groups A and B and moderate-to-strong negative correlation in Group C. Because of the characteristics of three-dimensional brachytherapy, in patients with BMI < 24.0 kg per m2, low-dose CT protocol can minimize radiation exposure and achieve precise, individualized treatment.
A meta-analysis of the relation between dream content and memory consolidation
Authors: Hudachek Lauren , Wamsley Erin J
Published: April 2023

The frequent appearance of newly learned information in dreams suggests that dream content is influenced by memory consolidation. Many studies have tested this hypothesis by asking whether dreaming about a learning task is associated with improved memory, but results have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the strength of the association between learning-related dreams and post-sleep memory improvement. We searched the literature for studies that (1) trained participants on a pre-sleep learning task and then tested their memory after sleep, and (2) associated post-sleep memory improvement with the extent to which dreams incorporated learning task content. Sixteen studies qualified for inclusion, which together reported 45 effects. Integrating across effects, we report a strong and statistically significant association between task-related dreaming and memory performance (SMD = 0.51 [95% CI 0.28, 0.74], p < 0.001). Among studies using polysomnography, this relationship was statistically significant for dreams collected from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (n = 10) but not for dreams collected from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (n = 12). There was a significant association between dreaming and memory for all types of learning tasks studied. This meta-analysis provides further evidence that dreaming about a learning task is associated with improved memory performance, suggesting that dream content may be an indication of memory consolidation. Furthermore, we report preliminary evidence that the relationship between dreaming and memory may be stronger in NREM sleep compared to REM.
Advantage conferred by overnight sleep on schema-related memory may last only a day
Authors: Golkashani Hosein Aghayan , Ghorbani Shohreh , Leong Ruth L F , Ong Ju Lynn , Chee Michael W L
Published: April 2023

Study Objectives

Sleep contributes to declarative memory consolidation. Independently, schemas benefit memory. Here we investigated how sleep compared with active wake benefits schema consolidation 12 and 24 hours after initial learning.

Methods

Fifty-three adolescents (age: 15–19 years) randomly assigned into sleep and active wake groups participated in a schema-learning protocol based on transitive inference (i.e. If B > C and C > D then B > D). Participants were tested immediately after learning and following 12-, and 24-hour intervals of wake or sleep for both the adjacent (e.g. B–C, C–D; relational memory) and inference pairs: (e.g.: B–D, B–E, and C–E). Memory performance following the respective 12- and 24-hour intervals were analyzed using a mixed ANOVA with schema (schema, no-schema) as the within-participant factor, and condition (sleep, wake) as the between-participant factor.

Results

Twelve hours after learning, there were significant main effects of condition (sleep, wake) and schema, as well as a significant interaction, whereby schema-related memory was significantly better in the sleep condition compared to wake. Higher sleep spindle density was most consistently associated with greater overnight schema-related memory benefit. After 24 hours, the memory advantage of initial sleep was diminished.

Conclusions

Overnight sleep preferentially benefits schema-related memory consolidation following initial learning compared with active wake, but this advantage may be eroded after a subsequent night of sleep. This is possibly due to delayed consolidation that might occur during subsequent sleep opportunities in the wake group.

Clinical Trial Information

Name: Investigating Preferred Nap Schedules for Adolescents (NFS5) URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04044885. Registration: NCT04044885
Association between widespread pain and associated symptoms in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Holman Alexis , Parikh Neehar D. , Zhao Zhe , Nikirk Samantha , Clauw Daniel J. , Williams David A. , Tapper Elliot B.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Chronic pain is common in cirrhosis; however, the mechanistic classifications are not well characterized. Nociplastic pain, for instance, is associated with comorbid nonpain symptoms and responds to different treatments than nociceptive pain.

Methods:

We conducted a survey study in February 2022 of adult patients with cirrhosis at the University of Michigan (N = 238) to evaluate pain widespreadedness, associated nociplastic symptoms, and pain intensity.

Findings:

Pain and pain widespreadedness were associated with mood and cognitive disturbance, fatigue, sleep difficulty, and physical and social functioning. Patient-reported Outcomes, such as body maps, can be useful to phenotype patients for pain mechanisms.
Hepatocyte differentiation from mouse liver ductal organoids by transducing 4 liver-specific transcription factors
Authors: Tomofuji Katsuhiro , Kondo Jumpei , Onuma Kunishige , Coppo Roberto , Horie Hiroshi , Oyama Koki , Miyoshi Eiji , Fukumitsu Ken , Ishii Takamichi , Hatano Etsuro , Inoue Masahiro
Published: April 2023

Background:

Hepatocyte sources that are expandable in vitro are required for liver regenerative medicine and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the physiological functions of the liver. Liver ductal organoids (LDOs) comprise liver tissue stem cells with a bipotential capacity to differentiate into hepatocyte and cholangiocyte lineages and can thus serve as a hepatocyte source. However, using current differentiation methods, LDOs differentiate into immature hepatocytes while retaining strong cholangiocyte characteristics. We thus investigated an alternative differentiation method for LDOs to achieve hepatocyte maturation.

Methods:

We extracted 12 candidate transcription factors to induce hepatocyte differentiation by comparing their gene expression in LDOs and liver tissues. After evaluating the effects of these transcription factors on LDOs, we analyzed the comprehensive gene expression profile, protein expression, and hepatic function in the transduced organoids.

Results:

We identified a combination of 4 transcription factors, Hnf4a, Foxa1, Prox1, and Hlf, which upregulated hepatic lineage markers and downregulated cholangiocyte markers. Differentiation-induced LDOs showed more hepatocyte-specific characteristics than those with the conventional method, enhancing the transition from cholangiocyte to hepatocyte lineage and hepatic functions, such as liver-specific protein synthesis, lipid droplet deposition, and ammonia detoxification.

Conclusions:

Transduction of the 4 transcription factors (Hnf4a, Foxa1, Prox1, and Hlf) is a promising strategy to promote the differentiation of LDOs to obtain mature hepatocyte-like cells with better functionality.
Semaphorin 3C exacerbates liver fibrosis
Authors: De Angelis Rigotti Francesca , Wiedmann Lena , Hubert Max Ole , Vacca Margherita , Hasan Sana S. , Moll Iris , Carvajal Silvia , Jiménez Wladimiro , Starostecka Maja , Billeter Adrian T. , Müller-Stich Beat , Wolff Gretchen , Ekim-Üstünel Bilgen , Herzig Stephan , Fandos-Ramo Cristina , Krätzner Ralph , Reich Maria , Keitel-Anselmino Verena , Heikenwälder Mathias , Mogler Carolin , Fischer Andreas , Rodriguez-Vita Juan
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims:

Chronic liver disease is a growing epidemic, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. TGF-β is the pivotal profibrogenic cytokine that activates HSC, yet other molecules can modulate TGF-β signaling during liver fibrosis. Expression of the axon guidance molecules semaphorins (SEMAs), which signal through plexins and neuropilins (NRPs), have been associated with liver fibrosis in HBV-induced chronic hepatitis. This study aims at determining their function in the regulation of HSCs.

Approach and Results:

We analyzed publicly available patient databases and liver biopsies. We used transgenic mice, in which genes are deleted only in activated HSCs to perform ex vivo analysis and animal models. SEMA3C is the most enriched member of the semaphorin family in liver samples from patients with cirrhosis. Higher expression of SEMA3C in patients with NASH, alcoholic hepatitis, or HBV-induced hepatitis discriminates those with a more profibrotic transcriptomic profile. SEMA3C expression is also elevated in different mouse models of liver fibrosis and in isolated HSCs on activation. In keeping with this, deletion of SEMA3C in activated HSCs reduces myofibroblast marker expression. Conversely, SEMA3C overexpression exacerbates TGF-β-mediated myofibroblast activation, as shown by increased SMAD2 phosphorylation and target gene expression. Among SEMA3C receptors, only NRP2 expression is maintained on activation of isolated HSCs. Interestingly, lack of NRP2 in those cells reduces myofibroblast marker expression. Finally, deletion of either SEMA3C or NRP2, specifically in activated HSCs, reduces liver fibrosis in mice.

Conclusion:

SEMA3C is a novel marker for activated HSCs that plays a fundamental role in the acquisition of the myofibroblastic phenotype and liver fibrosis.
Morning blood pressure surge as a predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension
Authors: Renna Nicolás Federico , Ramirez Jesica Magalí , Murua Mario , Bernasconi Pablo Andrés , Repetto Juan Martin , Verdugo Rodrigo Alejandro , Farez Beder Gustavo , Miatello Roberto Miguel , Diez Emiliano Raúl
Published: April 2023

Background

The prognostic value of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) is poorly understood in Latin American populations.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on 1339 patients with hypertension who underwent 24-h BP monitoring between 2015 and 2019. The incidence of serious adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for potential confounders. Three previously reported morning surge definitions were evaluated for SBP and DBP using different ABPM components: sleep-through morning surge, pre-awakening, and morning night-time difference.

Results

The mean age was 62 years, 52% were female, 32.8% had dyslipidaemia, 27.2% were smokers, and 7.8% had diabetes. During a median follow-up period of 32 months, 197 MACE occurred. In men, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.84 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.35–2.49; P < 0.001). The HR increased to 2.03 (95% CI, 1.89–2.17; P < 0.001) with a cut-off value of 35 mmHg for a 10 mmHg increase in sleep-through morning surge. The increased adjusted HR associated with the morning rise persisted for each secondary endpoint, including 21 cardiovascular deaths [HR: 2.70 (95% CI, 2.03–3.60; P < 0.001)], 78 myocardial infarctions [HR: 1.92 (95% CI, 1.72–2.15; P < 0.001)], 24 hospitalisations for heart failure [HR: 1.77 (95% CI, 1.48–2.12; P < 0.001)], 22 strokes [HR: 2.32 (95% CI, 1.85–2.91; P < 0.001)], and 52 atrial fibrillations [HR: 1.94 (95% CI, 1.71–2.20; P < 0.001)].

Conclusion

The morning BP rise was the most important circadian prognostic factor for MACE in patients with hypertension, which deserves more attention.
Investigation of effective invasive blood pressure control methods to prevent acute exacerbation of acute aortic dissection
Authors: Inoue Naoya , Ohinata Ryo , Mishina Takashi , Kumihashi Hiroki , Hiramatsu Takehiro , Ogane Takashi , Takayama Yohei , Morikawa Shuji
Published: April 2023

Background

Acute aortic dissection is associated with high mortality and increased risk of complications. Acute exacerbations have a relatively high frequency; however, the contributing factors are unclear. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate control are important factors, but the ideal BP control strategy to prevent acute exacerbations under invasive arterial pressure monitoring remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between invasive arterial BP and the effects of acute exacerbation of aortic dissection.

Methods and results

This single-centre, retrospective, case-control study included 104 patients with a partial diagnosis of acute aortic dissection (Stanford type A or B) who were treated conservatively between September 2013 and September 2022. The patients were divided into exacerbation (acute exacerbation; n = 26) and stable (no acute deterioration) groups. The SBP trend (122.5 ± 13.1 vs. 116.6 ± 10.6 mmHg, respectively; P = 0.024) and mean BP trend (77.8 ± 5.8 vs. 74.4 ± 7.5 mmHg, respectively; P = 0.038) significantly differed between the two groups. The time to target BP was significantly longer in the exacerbation group (P = 0.036).

Conclusion

The exacerbation group did not achieve a mean SBP < 120 mmHg. Moreover, the importance of early BP reduction was demonstrated in the present study.
Lumbar disc rehydration after dynamic stabilization: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Wenqiao , Huang Weimin , Yu Xiuchun , Wang Lei , Xu Xiaoduo
Published: April 2023

Background:

Interbody fusion combined with posterior screw fixation is a traditional method used for treating lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). But in recent years, there have been more and more reports about its complications. Dynamic Stabilization Systems (DSS) are another method for the treatment of LDD, but the clinical results are still inconclusive. The objective of this study is to review, analyze, and discuss the probability of disc rehydration by DSS designed for LDD by systematically reviewing previous relevant studies.

Methods:

The Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched using keywords for articles published before June 2022. The following keywords were used: rehydration, rehydrated, lumbar, spine, disc, spinal, degenerative disc disease, degenerative spine disease, vertebrae, vertebral column, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral. The included studies were printed in English. Two independent investigators compiled all data. For the quality assessment, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate case–control studies, while the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used to evaluate the case series studies.

Results:

This systematic review included 7 studies comprised of 5 case series and 2 case–control studies. Seven articles involving 199 cases were enrolled for the data extraction. Of the 199 cases, 55 cases observed rehydration, as evaluated by Pfrimann grading on magnetic resonance imaging. The rehydration rate was 27.6% (55/199). DSS can provide positive clinical outcomes. Both visual analog scale and Oswestry Dysfunctional Index scores were significantly improved at the final follow-up.

Conclusion:

DSS may promote disc rehydration and delay the development of LDD to some extent. Mechanical stretch may play an important role in the progress of intervertebral disc rehydration. It provides important evidence for the clinical application of DSS.
Misdiagnosis of placental mesenchymal dysplasia as pregnancy with hydatidiform mole: A case report and literature review
Authors: Tang Ping , Jin Xiaoying , Li Jiarui , Zhang Liyan , Li Yuan , Xu Shengfeng
Published: April 2023

Rationale:

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a rare placental disease frequently associated with severe maternal and/or fetal complications. Its sonographic appearance is very similar to that of a hydatidiform mole. Hence, PMD is easily misdiagnosed as a hydatidiform mole. In this study, we reported the clinical features of PMD and analyzed its relationship to other severe maternal and/or fetal complications.

Patient concerns:

A 28-year-old female, gravida 2, para 1, was referred to our maternal and child health hospital at 15 weeks + 2 days due to an ultrasonic diagnosis of partial hydatidiform mole. Analysis of chromosome karyotype + mononucleotide-based gene microarray by amniocentesis at the 19th week of gestation showed that fetal amniocentesis chromosome 46, XN, high-resolution chromosome microarray analysis of Affymetrix CytoScan 750K Array revealed a 210 kb fragment deletion in chromosome 2p16.3 containing NRXN1, an OMIM gene, the deleted fragment was derived from a mother with a normal phenotype. The pregnant woman delivered a healthy baby girl at 36 weeks + 5 days.

Diagnoses:

Based on the clinical characteristics, imaging, and genetic test findings, the postoperative diagnosis was PMD.

Intervention:

Because of “Scar uterus” and “Pregnancy with hydatidiform mole,” a 2490 g female infant was delivered by cesarean section at 36 weeks + 5 days of gestation with an Apgar score of 9/9.

Outcomes:

The maternal human chorionic gonadotropin level decreased to the normal range after 10 days of delivery, and the infant was not found abnormal after 3 months of follow-up.

Lessons:

From our cases and 19 other cases obtained from the PMD literature review are associated with unique clinical, laboratory, and imaging features compared with a hydatidiform mole, such as stained glass sign, normal serum levels of serum human chorionic gonadotropin, elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels and female fetus.
IL-4 as a potential biomarker for differentiating major depressive disorder from bipolar depression
Authors: Lu Lingna , Hu Xiwen , Jin Xin
Published: April 2023

We aimed to investigate the differential diagnosis of depressive episodes in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) using peripheral blood cytokine expression levels. The levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL4, and IL-12; interferon (IFN)-γ; and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured in patients with MDD and BD presenting acute episodes in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The expression levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ in the MDD and BD groups were higher than those in the control group (P < .05), but there was no significant difference between the patient groups and control group. Only the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-4 were higher in both groups than in the control group, and the BD group had higher levels than the MDD group (P < .05). The expression levels of IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-4 were significantly higher in BD-related manic episodes than in BD-related depressive episodes (P < .05). IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-4 levels were higher in BD-related depressive episodes than in MDD-related depressive episodes (P < .05). The receiver operating characteristic curve test for MDD and BD and the area under the curve for IL-4 revealed good clinical predictability. Patients with MDD and BD exhibited different cytokine profiles when experiencing acute episodes; patients with BD exhibited a more severe immune-inflammatory response system–compensatory immunoregulatory response system (CIRS) imbalance. IL-4 was found to have diagnostic value in differentiating between active depressive episodes in MDD and BD.
Etiological risk factors in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Başaran Alev , Kilinç Zehra , Sari Hidir , Gündüz Ercan
Published: April 2023

To evaluate the etiological risk factors of cerebral palsy, especially the preventable ones. The study was carried out with the mothers of 210 children with cerebral palsy (CP) registered in Mardin Guidance and Research Center between February and May 2022. The data form prepared by the researchers was applied to the mothers by face-to-face interview technique. The data form consisted of 29 questions including sociodemographic characteristics of the child and mother, risk factors for CP, and secondary medical problems of the child. Of the 210 patients included in the study, 43.3% (91) were female and 56.7% (119) were male. The mean age of the children was 67.4 (SD = 50.6) weeks, and 73.3% of children were premature. The number of children with a birth weight below 2500 g was 48.1% (101). The mean birth weight was 2472.5 (SD = 871.8) g. The children with another disabled sibling consisted 6.2% of the population. Among the mothers, 41.9% stated that they were illiterate and 73.3% stated that their income status was low. The rate of the parents that were related to each other was 51%. In our study, it was noteworthy that most of the children were premature, had low birth weight, more than half of them had parents who were relatives, the education level of the mothers was low, the socioeconomic status of most of the families was low, and most of these risk factors were preventable.
Effectiveness of letrozole in pituitary downregulated normogonadotrophic young women with an initial poor response
Authors: Sun Na , Sun Ping-Ping , Bian Jiang , Zhang Yue-Min , Ma Hua-Gang
Published: April 2023

It has been reported that 10 to 15% of young normogonadotrophic women show suboptimal response to standard long protocols. Letrozole (LE), an aromatase inhibitor, was shown to improve ovarian sensitivity to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and follicular response to gonadotrophin treatment in poor ovarian response patients. We reasoned that it might be possible to utilize LE in young normogonadotrophic patients with unexpected hypo-response in standard gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol. A total of 652 patients defined as normogonadotrophic patients with unexpected hypo-response were divided into 2 groups, the +LE group and the +Gn group. +LE group: A fixed daily dose of 2.5 mg of LE was added on day 8 of stimulation. +Gn group: A fixed daily dose of 75 U of human menopausal gonadotrophin was added on day 8 of stimulation. The primary outcome measures were the number of oocytes obtained, fertilization rate, days of stimulation, and total FSH dosage. The secondary outcome measures were the implantation rate and ongoing pregnancy rate. There were no significant differences in the clinical and hormonal characteristics between the 2 groups. A shorter duration of stimulation and a lower dosage of recombinant FSH consumption on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration were all observed in the +LE group. Patients who received LE therapy showed a higher number of oocytes obtained and significantly higher fertilization rates. The implantation rate and ongoing pregnancy rate were comparable in both groups. LE significantly improves the number of oocytes obtained in patients with suboptimal response to standard gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol.
LINC01589 serves as a potential tumor-suppressor and immune-related biomarker in endometrial cancer: A review
Authors: Chen Ruixin , An Jian , Wang Yan , Yang Lingling , Lin Qingping , Wang Yanlong
Published: April 2023

Currently, increasing attention is being paid to biomarkers in endometrial cancer. Immune infiltration of the tumor microenvironment has been shown to significantly affect the overall survival (OS) of uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients. LINC01589 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is rarely reported in cancer and is assumed to play a role in immune regulation. We therefore evaluated the role of LINC01589 in UCEC using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We analyzed the expression of LINC01589 using the gene expression profiles of LINC01589 in the UCEC projects in TCGA. Comparisons between the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the cancer and adjacent normal tissues of the UCEC projects revealed that LINC01589 expression was decreased in UCEC tissues. A multivariate cox regression analysis indicated that LINC01589 upregulation could serve as an independent prognostic factor for survival. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between LINC01589 expression and B cell, T cell, NK cell, monocytic lineage, and myeloid dendritic cell infiltration in UCEC patients. In addition, 5 clusters of hub genes were detected by comparison of different expression levels of LINC01589 in the UCEC groups. The analysis of the reactome pathway using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed immune-related pathways, including CD22-mediated B cell receptor (BCR) regulation and antigen-activated BCRs, leading to the generation of second messengers and complement cascade pathways that were significantly enriched in the high LINC01589 expression group. Thus, LINC01589 may serve as a prognostic biomarker, as it is associated with immune infiltration in UCEC.
Comparison of two different flexible laryngeal airway masks in pediatric ophthalmic surgeries: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Lin-Ling
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to compare the clinical effects of the Medis flexible laryngeal mask airway (FLMA) with those of the Ambu AuraFlex FLMA in pediatric ophthalmic surgery. A total of 80 patients, aged 1 to 5 years, in American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II, weighing ≥10 kg, and without any existing airway difficulties, were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into Group M (Medis FLMA) and Group A (Ambu AuraFlex FLMA). The time of insertion, number of attempts, finger assistance required, manipulation, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), fiberoptic grade of view, and complications such as bloodstaining, hoarseness, and sore throat were recorded. Group M showed a significantly higher OLP than did Group A (P = .002); however, Group M required more finger assistance than did Group A (P = .009). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of insertion time, number of attempts, manipulation, fiberoptic view grade, or complications. Both the Medis and Ambu AuraFlex FLMA can provide smooth ventilation during pediatric ophthalmic surgeries. The Medis FLMA showed a higher OLP than did the Ambu AuraFlex FLMA but required more finger assistance during insertion.
A pan-cancer analysis of the oncogenic role of YKT6 in human tumors
Authors: Zhang Xuezhong , G. Dapar Mark Lloyd , Zhang Xin , Chen Yingjun
Published: April 2023

YKT6, as a Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein with vesicle trafficking, plays an essential role in the development and progression of tumor. However, the gene of YKT6 has not been fully assessed in pan-cancer studies. We aim to investigate the gene of YKT6 across 33 different types of tumor by using the Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus database, and other several kinds of bioinformatic tools. YKT6 is significantly up-regulated in most tumors, and we found that overexpression of YKT6 is positively associated with poor prognosis of overall survival and poor disease-free survival prognosis in several tumors, such as Adrenocortical carcinoma, Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma, Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma. We also detected distinct associations exist between YKT6 and tumor mutational burden or microsatellite instability with tumors. YKT6 expression was positively related to cancer-associated fibroblasts for TCGA tumors of colon adenocarcinoma and LGG. Furthermore, we discovered a significantly positively correlation between YKT6 expression and endothelial cell in tumors of colon adenocarcinoma, HNSC-HPV+, OV, READ and THCA. While a negative relationship was obtained between YKT6 expression and endothelial cell in KIRC. Moreover, “Syntaxin binding,” “SNARE complex,” “vesicle fusion” and “DNA replication” are involved in the influence of YKT6 on tumor pathogenesis. Our pan-cancer analysis offers a deep comprehending the gene of YKT6 in tumoeigenesis from viewpoint of clinical tumor samples.
Three-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging of left ventricular volume and function in comparison with computed tomography and echocardiography
Authors: Guo Fu-Qian , Wu Bai-Lin , Liu Xiao-Wei , Pan Tong , Gao Bu-Lang , Li Cai-Ying
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the correlation between 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 256 multiple-slice computed tomography (MSCT) or 2-dimensional echocardiography (ECHO) in evaluating left ventricle. Forty patients were retrospectively enrolled to undergo cardiac MSCT, 3-Tesla MRI and 2-dimensional ECHO within 1 week. The end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF) were analyzed and compared. MSCT was highly significantly correlated with MRI. Compared with MRI, MSCT slightly overestimated ESV for about 8.7 mL, but slightly underestimated EF and SV for about 6.8% and 5.8 mL, respectively. A high consistency existed between MSCT and MRI, with the 95% limit of agreement (−19.6, 25.4) mL for EDV, (−2.6,20.1) mL for ESV, (−28.3,16.6) mL for SV, and (−18.8%,5.1) % for EF. ECHO was also significantly correlated with MRI. The ECHO slightly underestimated the left ventricular function compared with MRI, with an underestimation of 9.4 mL for EDV, 3.5 mL for ESV, 5.8 mL for SV and 1.0% for EF. A wider agreement limit existed between MRI and ECHO. MSCT has a better correlation and agreement relationship with MRI parameters than 2-dimensional ECHO in assessing the left ventricle and may serve as a possible alternative to MRI.
Acute cervical radiculopathy after anterior scalene muscle massage: A case report
Authors: Chung Sung Joon , Soh Yunsoo
Published: April 2023

Rationale:

Deep tissue massage (DTM) is a form of therapeutic massage therapy for muscles and is often used to treat musculoskeletal pain. This was an uncommon case of acute cervical radiculopathy that occurred after DTM.

Patient concerns:

A 47-year-old Asian woman with low weight visited our clinic due to complaints of sudden unilateral paralysis, radiating pain in the left shoulder, and wrist weakness after undergoing a 3-minute DTM of the anterior scalene muscle. Electrodiagnostic examination indicated acute injuries in the left cervical 5 and 6 (cervical 5 and cervical 6) nerve roots.

Diagnoses:

Acute cervical radiculopathy associated with anterior scalene DTM.

Intervention:

The patient underwent ultrasound-guided cervical 5 and cervical 6 selective nerve root block twice through the injection of 0.25% lidocaine and 20 mg dexamethasone and regularly participated in a biweekly rehabilitation program and a home exercise program.

Outcome:

After a 6-month follow-up, the patient’s shoulder and wrist strength had recovered, and the electrodiagnostic findings had improved.

Lessons:

DTM of the anterior scalene muscle should be carefully performed to avoid cervical nerve root injury, particularly in underweight patients.