bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir: A meta-analysis
Authors: Ren Xiao-Dan , Fu Xue , He Yuan-Qun , Li Chun-Yan , Guo Meng , Qiao Min
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

The sofosbuvir-velpatasvir single-tablet regimen (Epclusa) is a newly FDA-approved inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of velpatasvir-sofosbuvir in the treatment of chronic HCV infection.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE and Web of Science was conducted. Data from eligible studies were pooled in a fixed-effect meta-analysis model, using Open-Meta and RevMan software’s.

Results:

Pooled data showed that velpatasvir-sofosbuvir achieved sustained virological response (SVR12) rates of 94.2% (95% CI 90.7–97.7%, P < .001) in 1277 patients. The addition of ribavirin did not significantly increase the SVR12 (RR = 1.03, 95%CI [0.95, 1.11]) in HCV genotype-1 patients and the SVR12 (RR = 1.09, 95%CI [0.86, 1.38]) in HCV genotype-2 patients. However, adding ribavirin significantly increased SVR12 (RR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.04, 1.23]) in genotype-3 patients.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the 12-week regimen of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir was highly effective in HCV patients. Except for genotype-3, adding ribavirin was not associated with significant improvements in SVR12 rates.
Severe gastrointestinal injury associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: Thrombosis or Inflammation?: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Robayo-Amortegui Henry , Forero-Delgadillo Alex , Pérez-Garzón Michel , Poveda-Henao Claudia , Muñoz-Claros Conny , Bayona-Solano Andrea , Orozco Carlos , Buitrago-Bernal Ricardo
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

Acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has a low incidence of complications in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Pathophysiological knowledge related to AGI is limited, as few studies have been published on this topic. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the clinical and histopathological features of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and grade IV AGI.

Methods:

This is a retrospective case study of fifteen patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and grade IV AGI who underwent emergency surgery.

Results:

This study revealed a mortality rate of 62.5%. The most frequent gastrointestinal symptoms were abdominal distension (100%) and increased gastric residual volume (93.3%). Distended bowel loops on plain abdominal radiography (90%) and intestinal pneumatosis on computed tomography (50%) were the most frequent imaging findings. Surgical exploration revealed intestinal ischemia (66.6%) and necrosis (46.6%), and histopathology showed ischemic and liquefactive necrosis with mixed inflammatory involvement and absence of thrombosis as the cause of AGI.

Conclusions:

AGI associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection has a high mortality rate and poses a diagnostic challenge in the ICU. The complex pathophysiology and histopathological findings indicate an associated inflammatory phenomenon as the main alteration in the absence of thrombosis, as per the intestinal biopsies of the cases studied. Further clinical studies are required to gain a better understanding of this pathology.
Intensity modulated radiotherapy might be effective for locally advanced esophageal carcinosarcoma: A single center’s experience and review of literature
Authors: Yang Siran , Wang Wenqing , Bi Nan , Zhou Zongmei , Feng Qinfu , Xiao Zefen , Chen Dongfu , Liang Jun , Lu Jima , Wang Jianyang , Wang Xin , Wang Jingbo , Yang Yong , Lu Ningning , Zhang Hongxing , Wang Luhua
Published: October 2022

Esophageal carcinosarcoma is a rare type of esophageal cancer; however, few studies have investigated the effects of radiotherapy in locally advanced patients. This study aimed to report experience of the safety and efficacy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal carcinosarcoma and review the literature. By searching the institutional database between January 2010 and December 2020, along with the literature review, 25 patients were eligible for the study. The clinical and radiologic information of all patients with esophageal carcinosarcoma who underwent radiotherapy were collected. Survival outcomes were calculated using Kaplan–Meier plots. In our series, 5 patients were in the curative/neoadjuvant radiotherapy group and 10 patients were in the adjuvant group. Most tumors were protruding (n = 10, 66.7%). All patients underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy. In the curative/neoadjuvant radiotherapy group, 2 patients underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy before surgery, and the other three received radiotherapy alone as the initial treatment. The median follow-up time was 43.1 months. All patients showed a partial response at the efficacy evaluation. The median time of overall survival and progression-free survival were 40.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.1–67.3 months) and 19.0 months (95% CI, 13.9 months—24.1 months) for the entire cohort, but were not reached for curative/neoadjuvant radiotherapy group. Overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81, 95% CI, 0.15–4.43; P = .805) and progression-free survival (HR 1.68, 95% CI, 0.35–8.19; P = .514) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. When considering the literature review data in the final analysis, overall survival (HR 0.84, 95% CI, 0.25–2.81; P = .779) and progression-free survival (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.26–1.76; P = .425) were also not different between the 2 groups. Treatment based on intensity-modulated radiotherapy with neoadjuvant or curative intent may be an option for patients with unresectable esophageal carcinosarcoma. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to validate the reliability.
Successful control of intestinal bleeding from metastasis of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma with pembrolizumab: A case report
Authors: Ikushima Hiroaki , Asaga Reina , Sakatani Toshio , Masuda Yoshio , Morikawa Teppei , Usui Kazuhiro
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis and has no standard chemotherapy. We herein report a case of small intestinal metastasis of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma that resulted in intestinal bleeding and was successfully treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy.

Patient concerns:

A 54-year-old man with a history of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma resection was referred to our hospital due to a 1-month history of a fever and general fatigue.

Diagnosis:

Laboratory investigation revealed microcytic anemia. Hematochezia was also noted after admission. Computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT at the time of this admission revealed intraperitoneal masses alongside the small intestine with no significant ascites.

Interventions:

Pembrolizumab (400 mg/body) was introduced as the first-line chemotherapy.

Outcomes:

By the 15th day after the initial pembrolizumab administration, the fever had disappeared, and the intraperitoneal masses were markedly reduced. Hematochezia had also disappeared, and he no longer needed to receive blood transfusions.

Lessons:

To our knowledge, this is the first report in which small intestinal metastasis of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma was successfully controlled by pembrolizumab monotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may be promising therapeutic agents against pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.
Kinesio taping for ankle sprain in youth athlete: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Nan , Chen Shan , Cui Kui , Li Li
Published: October 2022

Background:

Ankle sprain is considered a major problem that may hinder youth athletes’ athletic development because it will lead to ongoing dysfunction, reoccurrence of ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability, and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Kinesio taping (KT) is a therapeutic taping technique that has been widely used in the treatment of various ankle issues including sprained ankles and in the prevention of ankle sprains. It can not only provide the injured ankle with support during the rehabilitation phase, but also enhance the ankle stability during activity. However, the available evidence regarding its effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of ankle sprain is inconsistent. Therefore, a systematic review will help clinicians and coaches better understand the application of KT in clinical and training practices. This study is to systematically review the literature on the use of KT to improve outcomes including ankle function, proprioception, and pain and to evaluate the effectiveness of KT in the treatment and prevention of ankle sprain injuries.

Methods:

A comprehensive electronic search of the literature will be undertaken in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane library, Web of Science and Scopus from 1979 to August 2022. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale will be used to assess the methodological quality of all included studies and RevMan 5.3 (Copenhagen, The Nordic Cochrane Centre) for the data analysis.

Results:

This study will provide a standardized evaluation and comparison for effects of KT on the treatment and prevention of ankle sprains in youth athletes.

Conclusion:

This review will provide the evidence of the effectiveness of KT used in the treatment and prevention of ankle sprain in youth athletes. This review will also provide directions and recommendations for future research and clinical practices targeting treatment and prevention of ankle sprains in youth athletes.
Anesthetic management of epilepsy surgery in a patient previously diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A case report
Authors: Xu Yue , Li Yi , He Jinhua , Li Jianli , Liu Meinv , Zhang Huanhuan
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), also known as stress cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome, octopus pot cardiomyopathy and broken heart syndrome, is characterized by wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle.

Patient concerns:

Here, we reported a 73-year-old woman diagnosed with TC induced by epilepsy before 3 months presented to the authors’ hospital with generalized tonic-clonic seizure. She was scheduled for intracranial tumor resection to cure the epilepsy.

Diagnosis:

She was diagnosed with epilepsy and TC. Interventions: Anesthesia management plays an important role in patients with a past history of TC.

Outcomes:

At the 1-week follow-up, she had fully recovered without obvious abnormalities.

Lessons subsections:

We emphasize the importance of individualized anesthesia management in patients with a past history of TC.
Triphalangeal thump, thumb duplication, and syndactyly: The first case report in the literature
Authors: Swed Sarya , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Saleh Hiba Haj , Chawa Yamane , Baria Alaa , Etr Aladdin
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Triphalangeal thumb (TPT) is a rare congenital malformation where the thumb has three phalanges instead of two. Syndactyly is a condition in which children are born with fused or webbed fingers. The combination of TPT, Syndactyly, and thumb duplication is extremely rare, especially when these deformities are combined in one hand.

Patient concerns:

Hand abnormalities and polydactyl have been reported in a 1-year-old boy.

Diagnosis:

A clinical examination reveals two thumb duplications, finger fusion (Syndactyly), and a thumb with three phalanges (TPT). The diagnosis was based on clinical findings and an X-ray image of the hand.

Interventions:

The Z-plasty method was used to remove the adhesion between the thumb and forefinger, as well as the removal of the medial and distal phalanx of the thumb’s medial tip.

Outcomes:

The patient was followed for 2 months and found him in good health. To authors’ knowledge, we described an unusual case from Syria, considered the first in medical history.

Lessons Learned:

General and plastic surgeons should be aware about this unusual mix of the three abnormalities. The family history must also be carefully investigated to explore the occurrence of hereditary illnesses.
An updated systematic review of the association between the TLR4 polymorphism rs4986790 and cancers risk
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Chen Jian , Zeng ShuKun , Cai Hu , Zhu GuoMin
Published: October 2022

Background:

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a lipopolysaccharide receptor that may influence tumor progression through inflammatory response and immune response. This complex process mainly occurs within cells. The correlation between TLR4 and neoplasms has been of great interest, but discrepancies remain.

Methods:

We analyze the literature retrieved from five databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Wan Fang) to assess the intensity of association using odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were utilized to find sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias is estimated using contour-enhanced funnel plots, Begg’s test, and Egger’s test, and we implemented sensitivity analysis to clarify the reliability of the outcomes. We also conducted an evaluation of the sample size using trial sequential analysis (TSA) method.

Results:

We found a significant association between rs4986790 and tumors (dominant model: OR [95% CI] = 1.25 [1.11–1.42]; heterozygous model OR [95% CI] = 1.25 [1.11–1.41]; and additive model: OR [95% CI] = 1.25 [1.10–1.41]. Specifically, the rs4986790 minor allele G may increase the risk of gastric cancer (dominant model: OR [95% CI] = 1.62 [1.3–2.03]; heterozygous model: OR [95% CI] = 1.57 [1.24–1.97]; additive model: OR [95% CI] = 1.64 [1.31–2.05] and other tumors (dominant model: OR [95% CI] = 1.36 [1.17–1.57]; heterozygous model: OR [95% CI] = 1.43 [1.25–1.63]; additive model: OR [95% CI] = 1.35 [1.18–1.55]. Further subgroup analysis showed that this association are both present in Caucasian and Asian.

Conclusion:

The outcomes of our systemic review proved that the TLR4 polymorphism rs4986790 is associated with cancer, especially with gastric cancer, and this strong correlation are evident in Caucasians and Asian.
Exploration of Gancao Xiexin decoction for treatment of Behcet disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Zhang Xin
Published: October 2022

Background:

Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study discusses the potential mechanism of Gancao Xiexin decoction in the treatment of Behçet disease (BD) to provide a more reliable theoretical basis for the treatment of BD.

Methods:

The effective components and action targets of Gancao Xiexin decoction were obtained by searching the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform database, and the genome annotation database platform (GeneCards) database Search BD related targets in Online Mendelian inheritance in man database, pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics knowledge base database, therapeutic target database and drugbank database, Venny analysis tool was used to overlap drug targets and disease targets; The “active drug active ingredient target gene” network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2 software, and the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed with string database; R language was used for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis; Target prediction based on pubchemp platform.

Results:

A total of 163 active components were identified, with 730 corresponding targets, including 56 common targets of the active components and BD. GO enrichment analysis yielded 1126 entries for biological processes (BP), 17 entries for cellular components, and 89 entries for molecular functions. The significant items of BP enrichment mainly included reaction to lipopolysaccharide, reaction to bacteria-derived molecules, exogenous apoptosis signal pathways, and biological metabolism processes of reactive oxygen species. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 118 significantly enriched pathways. The molecular docking technology verified that its effective components can effectively bind to the corresponding BD related target proteins.

Conclusion:

Gancao Xiexin decoction synergistically treats BD through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel mechanisms, which provides a basis for further study of the active components and mechanism of Gancao Xiexin decoction.
Evaluation of a new COVID-19 triage algorithm in the emergency department including combined antigen and PCR-testing: A case–control study
Authors: Fistera David , Hoelscher Tobias , Pabst Dirk , Manegold Randi , Anastasiou Olympia E. , Dolff Sebastian , Kill Clemens , Risse Joachim
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major challenge for global healthcare systems. Early and safe triage in the emergency department (ED) is crucial for proper therapy. However, differential diagnosis remains challenging. Rapid antigen testing (RAT) may help to improve early triage and patient safety. We performed a retrospective study of 234 consecutive patients with suspected COVID-19 who presented to our ED in November 2020. All underwent SARS-CoV-2-nasopharyngeal swab testing using both RAT and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The inpatient treatment was established according to an empirically developed triage algorithm. The accuracy of the suggested algorithm was analyzed based on the rate of outpatients returning within 7 days and inpatients staying for less than 48 hours. COVID-19 inpatients and outpatients were compared for symptoms, vital signs, and C-reactive protein levels. Of the 221 included patients with suspected COVID-19 infection, the diagnosis could be confirmed in 120 patients (54.3%) by a positive RT-PCR result, whereas only 72% of those had a positive antigen test. Of the 56 COVID-19 outpatients, three returned within 7 days with the need for hospital treatment due to clinical deterioration. Among the 64 COVID-19 inpatients, 4 were discharged within 48 hours, whereas 60 stayed longer (mean duration 10.2 days). The suggested triage algorithm was safe and efficient in the first 234 consecutive patients. RAT can confirm a diagnosis in 72% of PCR proven COVID-19 patients and allows early cohort isolation as an important way to save hospital capacity.
LncRNA ALMS1-IT1 is a novel prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lin Yuning , Li Ying , Chen Yongquan , Zhang Zhongying
Published: October 2022

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the most serious cancers. It is important to accurately predict prognosis and provide individualized treatment. Evidence suggests that clinicopathological features and immune status of the body are related to the occurrence and development of cancer. Expression of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) ALMS1 intronic transcript 1 (ALMS1-IT1) is observed in some cancer types, and we believe that it may have the potential to serve as a marker of COAD. Therefore, we used the data obtained from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database to prove the relationship between ALMS1-IT1 and COAD. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-square test, Fisher exact test and logistic regression were used to evaluate relationships between clinical-pathologic features and ALMS1-IT1 expression. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to describe binary classifier value of ALMS1-IT1 using area under curve score. Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate factors contributing to prognosis. Gene oncology (GO) and (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) KEGG enrichment analysis were used to predict the function of differentially expressed genes associated with ALMS1-IT1. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to predict canonical pathways associated with ALMS1-IT1.Immune infiltration analysis was performed to identify the significantly involved functions of ALMS1-IT1. Starbase database was used to predict miRNAs and RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that may interact with ALMS1-IT1. Increased ALMS1-IT1 expression in COAD was associated with N stage (P < .001), M stage (P = .003), Pathologic stage (P = .002), and Primary therapy outcome (P = .009). Receiver operating characteristic curve suggested the significant diagnostic and prognostic ability of ALMS1-IT1 (area under curve = 0.857). High ALMS1-IT1 expression predicted a poorer overall-survival (P = .005) and poorer progression-free interval (PFI) (P = .012), and ALMS1-IT1 expression was independently correlated with PFI in COAD patients (hazard ratio (HR) :1.468; 95% CI: 1.029–2.093; P =.034) (HR: 1.468; 95% CI: 1.029–2.093; P = .034). GO, KEGG, GSEA, and immune infiltration analysis showed that ALMS1-IT1 expression was correlated with regulating the function of DNA and some types of immune infiltrating cells. ALMS1-IT1 expression was significantly correlated with poor survival and immune infiltrations in COAD, and it may be a promising prognostic biomarker in COAD.
Clomiphene citrate mild stimulation improved follicular development outcomes in PCOS women with high luteinizing hormone and poor ovarian response: A case report
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Jiang Meiyan , Deng Miao , Zhang Huanhuan , Lin Zhenyun , Fei Xiaoyang , Zhang Hongyan
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a main cause of anovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. About 30% to 50% of patients with PCOS has high serum basal luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and almost 5% of PCOS women with high LH have poor ovarian response (POR). We reported a case of a PCOS woman with high basal LH levels who canceled due to POR during two consecutive controlled ovarian stimulation treatments, which was considered to be related to the suppression of LH levels during downregulation. Clomiphene citrate (CC) combined with human menopausal urinary gonadotropin (HMG) mild regimen did not affect LH levels and obtained good follicular development, providing a new treatment insight for patients with PCOS combined with POR.

Patient concerns:

A 28-year-old PCOS woman with high basal LH levels, underwent IVF assisted pregnancy treatment in our hospital, whom canceled due to POR during two traditional controlled ovulation induction program. Follicular development was finally achieved with CC milder protocol.

Diagnosis:

This patient with the diagnosis of PCOS was undergone IVF assisted pregnancy treatment in our hospital.

Interventions:

CC protocol supports the development of follicular.

Outcomes:

CC protocol resulted in better follicular development and high-quality embryos due to the continuous maintenance of an elevated LH levels.

Conclusion:

PCOS women with poor ovarian response required relatively higher LH to maintain the normal development of follicles.
Prognostic factors in diabetes: Comparison of Chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID) decision tree technology and logistic regression
Authors: Choi Hae-Young , Kim Eun-Yeob , Kim Jaeyoung
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to develop a diabetes prediction model. The model performance was compared with logistic regression, and the decision tree Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) was used to predict diabetes.

In total, 3233 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 589 patients with diabetes and 2644 patients without diabetes were included after analyzing the study sample from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)-8 data. In this study, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) diagnosis prediction was compared with logistic regression and prediction through machine learning (ML) using the CHAID decision classification tree. We performed statistical analysis using the CHAID method with International Business Machine (IBM) statistical program SPSS®.

We performed logistic regression analysis to predict the classification of diabetes accurately, and the total classification accuracy of the analysis was 81.7%, and the CHAID decision tree classification accuracy was 81.8%. A diabetes diagnosis decision tree was created, which included seven terminal nodes and three depth levels. This analysis showed that a blood pressure problem and hospital visits were the most decisive variables at the time of classification, and two risk levels were created for diabetes diagnosis.

The suggested method is a valuable tool for predicting diabetes. Patients who visit the hospital because of blood pressure problems are more likely to develop diabetes than under-treating hyperlipidemia. The diabetes prediction model can help doctors make decisions by detecting the possibility of diabetes early; however, it is impossible to diagnose diabetes using only the model without the doctor’s opinion.
Diagnostic performance of corona virus disease 2019 chest computer tomography image recognition based on deep learning: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Qiaolan , Ma Jingxuan , Zhang Luoning , Xie Linshen
Published: October 2022

Background:

To analyze the diagnosis performance of deep learning model used in corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) computer tomography(CT) chest scans. The included sample contains healthy people, confirmed COVID-19 patients and unconfirmed suspected patients with corresponding symptoms.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WAN FANG DATA, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles. Three researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data. Any differences will be resolved by consulting the third author to ensure that a highly reliable and useful research paper is produced. Data were extracted from the final articles, including: authors, country of study, study type, sample size, participant demographics, type and name of AI software, results (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, ROC, and predictive values), other outcome(s) if applicable.

Results:

Among the 3891 searched results, 32 articles describing 51,392 confirmed patients and 7686 non-infected individuals met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity, the pooled specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and the pooled diagnostic odds ratio (OR) is 0.87(95%CI [confidence interval]: 0.85, 0.89), 0.85(95%CI: 0.82, 0.87), 6.7(95%CI: 5.7, 7.8), 0.14(95%CI: 0.12, 0.16), and 49(95%CI: 38, 65). Further, the AUROC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) is 0.94(95%CI: 0.91, 0.96). Secondary outcomes are specific sensitivity and specificity within subgroups defined by different models. Resnet has the best diagnostic performance, which has the highest sensitivity (0.91[95%CI: 0.87, 0.94]), specificity (0.90[95%CI: 0.86, 0.93]) and AUROC (0.96[95%CI: 0.94, 0.97]), according to the AUROC, we can get the rank Resnet > Densenet > VGG > Mobilenet > Inception > Effficient > Alexnet.

Conclusions:

Our study findings show that deep learning models have immense potential in accurately stratifying COVID-19 patients and in correctly differentiating them from patients with other types of pneumonia and normal patients. Implementation of deep learning-based tools can assist radiologists in correctly and quickly detecting COVID-19 and, consequently, in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
The clinical prognostic value of lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 in cancer patients: A meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis based on TCGA datasets
Authors: Shu Qiang , Liu Xiaoling , Yang Jushu , Mou Tinggang , Xie Fei
Published: October 2022

Background:

The mortality and recurrence of patients with cancer is of high prevalence. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (FOXP4-AS1) is a promising lncRNA. There is increasing evidence that lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 is abnormally expressed in various tumors and is associated with cancer prognosis. This study was designed to identify the prognostic value of lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 in human malignancies.

Methods:

We searched electronic databases up to April 29, 2022, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Eligible studies that evaluated the clinicopathological and prognostic role of lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 in patients with malignant tumors were included. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated to assess the role of lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 using Stata/SE 16.1 software.

Results:

A total of 6 studies on cancer patients were included in the present meta-analysis. The combined results revealed that high expression of lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 was significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65–2.39, P < .00001), and poor disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.54–2.13, P < .00001) in a variety of cancers. In additional, the increase in lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 expression was also correlated with tumor size ((larger vs smaller) (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 2.12–4.71, P < .00001), alpha-fetoprotein (≥400 vs <400) (OR = 3.81, 95%CI: 2.38–6.11, P = .83), lymph node metastasis (positive vs negative) (OR = 2.93, 95%CI: 1.51–5.68, P = .001), and age (younger vs older) (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.41–3.00, P = .00002) in patients with cancer. Furthermore, analysis results using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset showed that the expression level of lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 was higher in most tumor tissues than in the corresponding normal tissues, which predicted a worse prognosis.

Conclusions:

In this meta-analysis, we demonstrate that high lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 expression may become a potential marker to predict cancer prognosis.
Crowd inputs in reward-based and equity-based crowdfunding: a latent Dirichlet allocation approach on their potential for innovation
Authors: Crocco Edoardo , Giacosa Elisa , Yahiaoui Dorra , Culasso Francesca
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Crowdfunding platforms are important innovations that allow nascent entrepreneurs to gain access to financial resources and crowd inputs to better refine and develop their business idea. The purpose of this paper is to investigate user-generated content (UGC) from both reward-based and equity-based crowdfunding platforms, in order to determine its implications for open and user innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A total sample of 200 most funded technology products was extracted from four distinct crowdfunding platforms. A latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) analysis was performed in an attempt to identify critical latent factors. The analysis was carried out through the theoretical lens of innovation literature, in an attempt to uncover the implications for open and user innovation.

Findings

The authors were able to highlight the implications of crowd inputs for open and user innovation, as backers provided nascent entrepreneurs with several types of feedback, ranging from product co-development to strategy and marketing. Furthermore, the study provided an overview of the key differences emerging between reward-based and equity-based crowdfunding platforms in terms of crowd inputs.

Research limitations/implications

The present study features intrinsic limitations of the LDA approach being adopted. More specifically, it only provides a “snapshot” in time of the current sample, rather than investigating its development over time.

Practical implications

The present study solidifies the value of UGC as a resource to mine for trends and feedback.

Originality/value

The study contributes to both the innovation literature and the crowdfunding literature. It bridges several gaps found in both literature streams, by providing empirical evidence to test and verify pre-existing exploratory research.
Precedents of the compulsive use of a credit card: an analysis of university students' buying behavior
Authors: Felipe Israel José dos Santos , Silva Michelle Machado , Ceribeli Harrison Bachion
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the precedents of compulsively using a credit card, analyzing the influence of the following factors: power–prestige, anxiety, distrust and materialism.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was performed by the survey method, while the structural equation modeling technique was used for data analysis, adopting the confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis.

Findings

The impact that anxiety has on compulsive use of credit cards was confirmed. Furthermore, the influence of materialism present in an individual on the compulsive use of a credit card was also proven.

Research limitations/implications

As a limitation, the power–prestige construction did not obtain satisfactory average variance extracted in the modeling. Other limitations can be pointed out; for instance, it was a sample composed of university students and with geographic restrictions.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of promoting public policies oriented toward the conscious use of credit cards. Interference in the approach of financial institutions aimed at attracting new clients in universities is also necessary.

Social implications

This study aggregates information about the buying behavior of university students, how the precedents affect credit card use behavior and the harmful effects of compulsive use of credit cards.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is in offering a new approach to credit cards by analyzing their usage behavior, more specifically, the compulsive use of credit cards.
Caregiving fathers and the negotiation of crossroads: Journeys of continuity and change
Authors: Hodkinson Paul , Brooks Rachel
Published: October 2022

This article addresses the sustainability of extensive paternal involvement in caregiving by applying a temporal approach to understandings of the journeys of primary‐ and equal‐carer fathers and their families. Drawing on a second phase of interviews with UK fathers first spoken to 5 years earlier, we explore continuities and changes in their roles, identities and outlooks as their caregiving journeys progressed and their children became older. Specifically, we explore how fathers and their families negotiated significant moments of change that had the potential to prompt reflection or reorientation, moments that we termcaregiving crossroads. Through doing so, we highlight how, in spite of shifts in their arrangements and understandings, the embeddedness of fathers' caregiving routines, bonds and identities had apparently enabled their commitment to counter‐normative roles to endure through such crossroads. We also outline, however, how gendered limitations to some aspects of the scope of their caregiving seemed also to persist as their journeys as fathers progressed.
The effects of dietary patterns and food groups on symptomatic osteoarthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Zeng Jiayu , Franklin Daniella Kate , Das Arpita , Hirani Vasant
Published: October 2022

Aim

To systematically review current literature to determine the association between symptomatic osteoarthritis and dietary patterns, diet quality and food groups in adults aged ≥45 years.

Methods

The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021270891). Cochrane Central Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Medline and Web of Science databases were searched. A total of 3816 records were identified. Eligible articles involved populations aged ≥45 years with symptomatic osteoarthritis, assessing dietary patterns, diet quality or food groups, with pain in joints as outcomes. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists were used for quality assessment. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results

Six cohort studies were included. The Prudent dietary pattern and the Mediterranean dietary pattern reduced the progression of osteoarthritis symptoms. The Western dietary pattern increased symptomatic osteoarthritis progression. Increased total fibre consumption reduced symptomatic osteoarthritis progression and pain worsening, but the effects of fibre from each food group were inconclusive. Diet with high inflammatory potential increased risk of new onset symptomatic osteoarthritis, but the effects of overall diet quality were inconclusive.

Conclusions

The Prudent dietary pattern showed the highest protection on symptomatic osteoarthritis in adults aged 45 years and over. The body of evidence is limited, suggesting that further research is needed to corroborate the estimated effect at a high certainty of evidence, and to incorporate previously unstudied dietary patterns and food groups. Identifying the most beneficial dietary pattern may inform future guidelines for reducing symptomatic osteoarthritis in middle aged and older adults.
Abutment margin levels and residual cement occurrence in cement‐retained implant restorations: An observational study
Authors: Kim Hyun Ju , Karasan Duygu , Park Koungjin , Kwon Ho‐Beom , Han Jung‐Suk , Lee Jae‐Hyun
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the association between different vertical levels of the abutment margin and residual cement prevalence in cement‐retained implant restorations with customized abutments.

Methods

One hundred and nine single‐unit cement‐retained implant restorations with a screw‐access channel were included. The crowns were intraorally cemented on the abutments, and excess cement was removed. The abutment–crown complex was unscrewed, and the abutment–crown complex and peri‐implant tissue were photographed. Residual cement presence was recorded by dividing the abutment–crown complex and peri‐implant tissue into four quadrants: mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual. The prevalence of residual cement was compared according to the height of the custom abutment margin of the corresponding quadrant. A multilevel model was used for statistical analysis (α = .05).

Results

Cement remnants were discovered on 72.48% of the dental implants. When the restoration quadrants were compared, cement remnants were present on 51.38%, 39.45%, 20.18%, and 17.43% of the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual surfaces, respectively (p < .01). Regarding the abutment margin level, cement residues were found in 60.22% and 61.4% of the 0.5 mm subgingival and ≥1 mm subgingival margin groups, respectively, which were significantly more than those in the supragingival (23.65%) and equigingival (26.59%) margin groups (p < .01). After adjustment for confounding factors, the adjusted odds ratio (with 95% confidence interval) for residual cement in the subgingival margin groups was 3.664 (1.71, 7.852) when compared to the supragingival and equigingival margin groups.

Conclusions

The risk of residual cement occurrence was 3.66‐fold higher with a subgingival abutment margin than with supragingival and equigingival abutment margins.
Linking changes in species composition and biomass in a globally distributed grassland experiment
Authors: Ladouceur Emma , Blowes Shane A. , Chase Jonathan M. , Clark Adam T. , Garbowski Magda , Alberti Juan , Arnillas Carlos Alberto , Bakker Jonathan D. , Barrio Isabel C. , Bharath Siddharth , Borer Elizabeth T. , Brudvig Lars A. , Cadotte Marc W. , Chen Qingqing , Collins Scott L. , Dickman Christopher R. , Donohue Ian , Du Guozhen , Ebeling Anne , Eisenhauer Nico , Fay Philip A. , Hagenah Nicole , Hautier Yann , Jentsch Anke , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg S. , Komatsu Kimberly , MacDougall Andrew , Martina Jason P. , Moore Joslin L. , Morgan John W. , Peri Pablo L. , Power Sally A. , Ren Zhengwei , Risch Anita C. , Roscher Christiane , Schuchardt Max A. , Seabloom Eric W. , Stevens Carly J. , Veen G.F. (Ciska) , Virtanen Risto , Wardle Glenda M. , Wilfahrt Peter A. , Harpole W. Stanley
Published: October 2022

Global change drivers, such as anthropogenic nutrient inputs, are increasing globally. Nutrient deposition simultaneously alters plant biodiversity, species composition and ecosystem processes like aboveground biomass production. These changes are underpinned by species extinction, colonisation and shifting relative abundance. Here, we use the Price equation to quantify and link the contributions of species that are lost, gained or that persist to change in aboveground biomass in 59 experimental grassland sites. Under ambient (control) conditions, compositional and biomass turnover was high, and losses (i.e. local extinctions) were balanced by gains (i.e. colonisation). Under fertilisation, the decline in species richness resulted from increased species loss and decreases in species gained. Biomass increase under fertilisation resulted mostly from species that persist and to a lesser extent from species gained. Drivers of ecological change can interact relatively independently with diversity, composition and ecosystem processes and functions such as aboveground biomass due to the individual contributions of species lost, gained or persisting.
Immunoparalysis in critically ill children
Authors: Neves Filipa Loureiro , Amaral Mariana Nunes Gonçalves Afonso , da Silva Sandra Filomena Durães , Silva Isabel Maria Melo , Laranjeira Paula Margarida dos Santos , Pinto Carla Regina de Jesus , Paiva Artur Augusto , Dias Andrea Sofia da Silva , Coelho Maria Leonor Almeida Carvalho Vieira
Published: October 2022

Immunoparalysis is associated with poorer outcomes in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) setting. We aimed to determine the group of patients with higher chances of immunoparalysis and correlate this status with increased risks of nosocomial infection and adverse clinical parameters. We conducted an exploratory study with prospective data collection in a university‐affiliated tertiary medical, surgical, and cardiac PICU. Fifteen patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were included over a period of 6 months. Monocyte's human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR expression and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6 production were measured by flow‐cytometry at three time points (T1 = 1–2 days; T2 = 3–5 days; T3 = 6–8 days). Using the paediatric logistic organ dysfunction‐2 score to assess initial disease severity, we established the optimal cut‐off values of the evaluated parameters to identify the subset of patients with a higher probability of immunoparalysis. A comparative analysis was performed between them. Sixty per cent were males; the median age was 4.1 years. Considering the presence of two criteria in T1 (classical monocytes mean fluorescence intensity [MFI] for HLA‐DR ≤ 1758.5, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.775; and frequency of monocytes producing IL‐6 ≤ 68.5%, AUC = 0.905) or in T3 (classical monocytes MFI of HLA‐DR ≤ 2587.5, AUC = 0.675; and frequency of monocytes producing TNF‐α ≤ 93.5%, AUC = 0.833), a variable to define immunoparalysis was obtained (100% sensitivity, 81.5% specificity). Forty per cent of patients were assigned to the immunoparalysis group. In this: a higher frequency of nosocomial infection (p = 0.011), vasoactive inotropic score (p = 0.014) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.036) was observed. In the subgroup with the diagnosis of sepsis/septic shock (n = 5), patients showed higher percentages of non‐classical monocytes (p = 0.004). No mortality was recorded. A reduction in classical monocytes HLA‐DR expression with lower frequencies of monocytes producing TNF‐α and IL‐6 during the first week of critical illness, appears to be a good marker of immunoparalysis; these findings relate to an increased risk of nosocomial infection and deleterious outcomes. The increased frequency of non‐classical monocytes in patients with sepsis/septic shock is suggestive of a better prognosis.
Phytoremediation of isoproturon‐contaminated sites by transgenic soybean
Authors: Kong Xiangkun , Lv Na , Liu Songmeng , Xu Hui , Huang Junwei , Xie Xiangting , Tao Qing , Wang Baozhan , Ji Rong , Zhang Qun , Jiang Jiandong
Published: October 2022

The widespread application of isoproturon (IPU) can cause serious pollution to the environment and threaten ecological functions. In this study, the IPU bacterial N‐demethylase gene pdmAB was transferred and expressed in the chloroplast of soybean (Glycine max L. ‘Zhonghuang13’). The transgenic soybeans exhibited significant tolerance to IPU and demethylated IPU to a less phytotoxic metabolite 3‐(4‐isopropylphenyl)‐1‐methylurea (MDIPU) in vivo. The transgenic soybeans removed 98% and 84% IPU from water and soil within 5 and 14 days, respectively, while accumulating less IPU in plant tissues compared with the wild‐type (WT). Under IPU stress, transgenic soybeans showed a higher symbiotic nitrogen fixation performance (with higher total nodule biomass and nitrogenase activity) and a more stable rhizosphere bacterial community than the WT. This study developed a transgenic (TS) soybean capable of efficiently removing IPU from its growing environment and recovering a high‐symbiotic nitrogen fixation capacity under IPU stress, and provides new insights into the interactions between rhizosphere microorganisms and TS legumes under herbicide stress.
Belief as emotion
Authors: McCormick Miriam Schleifer
Published: October 2022

It is commonly held that (i) beliefs are revisable in the face of counter‐evidence and (ii) beliefs are connected to actions in reliable and predictable ways. Given such a view, many argue that if a mental state fails to respond to evidence or doesn't result in the kind of behavior typical or expected of belief, it is not a belief after all, but a different state. Yet, one finds seeming counter examples of resilient beliefs that fail to respond to evidence, or that do not connect to action in the way that is expected. I offer a view of belief that does not force us to exclude states as realbeliefs that we pre‐reflectively think of as beliefs, and that does not require us to “outsource” the work belief seems to do to other mental states. I propose that we view belief as a type of emotion where emotions are understood a irreducibly blended states, containing representational, motivational and phenomenological elements.
Peltate trichomes in the dormant shoot apex of Metrodorea nigra, a Rutaceae species with rhythmic growth
Authors: Machado S. R. , de Deus Bento K. B. , Canaveze Y. , Rodrigues T. M.
Published: October 2022

In Metrodorea nigra, a Rutaceae species with rhythmic growth, the shoot apex in the dormant stage is enclosed by modified stipules. The young organs are fully covered with peltate secretory trichomes, and these structures remain immersed in a hyaline exudate within a hood‐shaped structure. Our study focused on the morpho‐functional characterization of the peltate trichomes and cytological events associated with secretion.

Shoot apices were collected during both dormant and active stages and processed for anatomical, cytochemical and ultrastructural studies.

Trichomes initiate secretion early on, remain active throughout leaf development, but collapse as the leaves expand; at which time secretory cavities start differentiation in the mesophyll and secretion increases as the leaf reaches full expansion. The subcellular apparatus of the trichome head cells is consistent with hydrophilic and lipophilic secretion. Secretion involves two vesicle types: the smaller vesicles are PATAg‐positive (periodic acid/thiocarbohydrazide/silver proteinate) for carbohydrates and the larger ones are PATAg‐negative. In the first phase of secretory activity, the vesicles containing polysaccharides discharge their contents through exocytosis with the secretion accumulating beneath the cuticle, which detaches from the cell wall. Later, a massive discharge of lipophilic substances (lipids and terpenes/phenols) results in their accumulation between the wall and cuticle. Release of the secretions occurs throughout the cuticular microchannels.

Continued protection of the leaves throughout shoot development is ensured by replacement of the collapsed secretory trichomes by oil‐secreting cavities. Our findings provide new perspectives for understanding secretion regulation in shoot apices of woody species with rhythmic growth.