bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic and Sex Diversity in Academic Plastic Surgery: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tolson Hannah C. , Raikar Danielle-Aditi H. , Morris Bryn E. , Ferguson Elizabeth M. N. , Shahriary Eahsan
Published: June 2023

Background:

Ethnic, racial, and sex disparities continue to persist in medicine despite efforts to diversify the profession. In competitive surgical specialties such as plastic surgery, those disparities are particularly pronounced. This study aims to evaluate racial, ethnic, and sex diversity in academic plastic surgery.

Methods:

We compiled a list of major plastic surgery professional societies, plastic surgery journal editorial boards, and plastic surgery accreditation boards to evaluate ethnic and sex diversity in society, research, and accreditation domains, respectively. Demographic data were collected and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results:

White individuals are significantly overrepresented across the professional and research domains, and Asian individuals are overrepresented in the professional domain when compared to non-white races. White individuals make up a total of 74% of the society domain, 67% of the research domain, and 86% of the accreditation domain when compared to all non-white surgeons. Male surgeons made up 79% of the society domain, 83% of the research domain, and 77% of the accreditation domain when compared to all non-male surgeons.

Conclusions:

Ethnic, racial, and sex disparities persist in academic plastic surgery. This study, which looked at societies, editorial boards, and accreditation boards, demonstrated a persistent ethnic, racial, and sex homogeneity among leadership. Changes are required to continue to diversify the field and provide women and underrepresented minorities the tools needed to succeed.
Technical Strategies for Harvest of the Subtotal Pedicled Fillet of Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of External Hemipelvectomy and Hemicorporectomy Defects
Authors: Foglio Aaron M. , McNamara Colin T. , Lindeque Bennie G. , Greyson Mark A.
Published: June 2023

External hemipelvectomy and hemicorporectomy have been described in the literature for a variety of indications. A commonly used reconstructive technique is the pedicled anterior subtotal fillet of thigh flap. However, there are few descriptions regarding the technical pearls of harvest and inset of this flap. Here, we describe our step-by-step technique, as performed in three patients. The flap is pedicled on the common femoral artery and extends longitudinally to the knee to achieve the length required to extend past the midline and resurface sacral pressure ulcers, which are commonly found in patients who undergo this procedure for refractory pelvic osteomyelitis. Additionally, we describe a potential salvage option with late division of the popliteal artery to preserve the option for free tissue transfer of a subtotal fillet of lower leg flap.
Donor Lymphocyte Infusion and Molecular Monitoring for Relapsed Myelofibrosis After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Gagelmann Nico , Wolschke Christine , Badbaran Anita , Janson Dietlinde , Berger Carolina , Klyuchnikov Evgeny , Ayuk Francis , Fehse Boris , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: June 2023

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative approach for myelofibrosis patients, but relapse is a major cause of treatment failure. We investigated the effect of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) in 37 patients with molecular (n = 17) or hematological relapse (n = 20) after HCT. Patients received median of 2 (range, 1–5) cumulative DLI (total of 91 infusions). Median starting dose was 1 × 106 cells/kg, escalated by half-log ≥6 weeks if no response nor graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) occurred. Median time to first DLI was 40 weeks for molecular relapse versus 145 weeks for hematological relapse. Overall molecular complete response (mCR) at any time was 73% (n = 27) and was significantly higher for initial molecular relapse (88%) versus hematological relapse (60%; P = 0.05). The 6-year overall survival was 77% versus 32% (P = 0.03). Acute GvHD 2–4 occurred in 22% and half of the patients achieved mCR without any GvHD. All patients who relapsed from mCR achieved after first DLI could be salvaged with subsequent DLI, showing long-term survival. No second HCT was needed for molecular relapse versus 6 for hematological relapse. This comprehensive and largest study to date suggests molecular monitoring together with DLI as standard of care and a crucial approach to achieve excellent outcomes in relapsed myelofibrosis.
Injection of kaolin/carrageenan in the rat knee joint induces progressive experimental knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Amorim Diana , Fonseca-Rodrigues Diana , David-Pereira Ana , Costa Octávia , Lima Antónia Palhares , Nogueira Rosete , Cruz Rute , Martins Ana Sofia , Sousa Liliana , Oliveira Francisco , Pereira Hélder , Pirraco Rogério , Pertovaara Antti , Almeida Armando , Pinto-Ribeiro Filipa
Published: June 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common joint disorder worldwide, is characterized by progressive degeneration of articular and periarticular structures, leading to physical and emotional impairments that greatly affect the quality of life of patients. Unfortunately, no therapy has been able to halt the progression of the disease. Owing to the complexity of OA, most animal models are only able to mimic a specific stage or feature of the human disorder. In this work, we demonstrate the intraarticular injection of kaolin or carrageenan leads to the progressive degeneration of the rat's knee joint, accompanied by mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia, gait impairments (reduced contact area of the affected limb), and radiological and histopathological findings concomitant with the development of human grade 4 OA. In addition, animals also display emotional impairments 4 weeks after induction, namely, anxious and depressive-like behaviour, important and common comorbidities of human OA patients. Overall, prolonging kaolin or carrageenan-induced monoarthritis mimics several important physical and psychological features of human OA in both male and female rodents and could be further applied in long-term studies of OA-associated chronic pain.
The elevator speech: An overlooked networking tool
Authors: Hicks Rodney W.
Published: June 2023

One of the overlooked professional networking tools is the elevator speech. Nurse practitioners (NPs) should consider the elevator speech as equally important as their current curriculum vitae and professional biosketch. With advanced planning and practice, NPs can convey the who, what, why, and findings in less than 150 words to expand their network.
Factors Associated With Difficult Endoscopic Ultrasonography-guided Biliary Drainage
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsuru , Takagi Tadayuki , Suzuki Rei , Waragai Yuichi , Konno Naoki , Asama Hiroyuki , Sato Yuki , Irie Hiroki , Nakamura Jun , Takasumi Mika , Hashimoto Minami , Kato Tsunetaka , Yanagita Takumi , Hikichi Takuto , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims:

When endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided biliary drainage is challenging, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) can be used as an alternate treatment; however, this method requires operator expertise. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the factors that are associated with a difficult EUS-BD.

Patients and Methods:

Patients who successfully underwent EUS-BD were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into the easy group and difficult group depending on whether the procedural time was more than 60 minutes, which was the cutoff value elicited from past reports. Patient characteristics and procedural factors were compared between the two groups. The factors associated with difficult procedures were also investigated.

Results:

The patient characteristics were not significantly different between the easy group (n=22) and the difficult group (n=19). The diameter of the punctured bile duct was significantly different between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, the diameter of the punctured bile duct was the only factor associated with a difficult EUS-BD (odds ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.46-0.91, P value=0.012). The cutoff value for the diameter of the punctured bile duct in predicting a difficult EUS-BD was 7.0 mm (area under the curve: 0.83, sensitivity 84.2%, specificity 86.4%).

Conclusions:

A nondilated bile duct might be a predictive factor for a difficult EUS-BD. For beginners of EUS-BD, the cutoff value for the punctured bile duct diameter found in this study, 7.0 mm, might become a barometer for puncture point selection.
Agave tequilana Fructans Versus Psyllium plantago for Functional Constipation
Authors: Coss-Adame Enrique , García-Cedillo Maria F. , Bustillo-Armendáriz Gustavo , Huerta-de la Torre Maria F. , Delgado-Bautista Melisa K. , Arenas-Martinez Josealberto , Cassis-Nosthas Lorena
Published: June 2023

Goal:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of supplementation with Agave tequilana Weber blue variety fructans (Predilife) in the improvement of symptoms in functional constipation.

Background:

Fiber supplementation is the first-line treatment for constipation. Fibers-like fructans have a known prebiotic effect.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized, double-blind, study comparing agave fructans (AF) against psyllium plantago (PP). Four groups were randomized. Group 1: AF 5 g (Predilife), group 2: AF 10 g (Predilife), group 3: AF 5 g (Predilife)+10 g maltodextrin (MTDx), and group 4: PP 5 g+10 g MTDx. The fiber was administered once daily for 8 weeks. All fibers were similarly flavored and packaged. Patients kept their usual diet and fiber sources were quantified. Responders were defined as ≥1 complete spontaneous bowel movement from baseline to 8 weeks. Adverse events were reported. The study was registered in Clinicaltrials.gov with registration number NCT04716868.

Results:

Seventy-nine patients were included (group 1: 21, group 2: 18, group 3: 20, and group 4: 20), of which 62 (78.4%) were women. The responders were similar across groups (73.3%, 71.4%, 70.6%, and 69%, P>0.050). After 8 weeks, all groups significantly increased complete spontaneous bowel movements, showing the greatest increase in spontaneous bowel movements in group 3 (P=0.008). All groups improved in symptoms, stool consistency, and quality of life. Diet and fiber intake were similar between groups. Adverse events were mild and similar between groups.

Conclusions:

AF (Predilife) are as effective at different doses and combined with MTDx as PP and are a feasible option for the treatment of functional constipation.
Medical imaging in the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Alcantara Juan Manuel A. , Idoate Fernando , Labayen Idoia
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review

The prevalence of obesity has exponentially increased during the past years. The assessment of human adipose tissue distribution enables the identification of diverse ectopic adipose tissue depots, and helps to explain its relationship with cardiovascular health status. In this review, we summarize the current methods used in the assessment of human adipose tissue distribution, and we discuss the relationship between ectopic adipose tissue distribution and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and metabolic complications.

Recent findings

The reference instruments to assess human adipose tissue distribution nowadays are the computed tomography and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Today, MRI is the preferred imaging technique and enables the measurement of variations in the distribution of body adipose tissue among different phenotypes and individuals. This technique has helped to better understand the relationship between different ectopic adipose tissue depots and its relationship with cardiometabolic health among individuals.

Although body composition can be assessed by simple techniques, these calculations can provide erroneous results and conclusions, requiring complex interpretations when diverse metabolic situations are concomitantly engaged. Contrarily, medical imaging techniques (e.g. MRI) enables to objectively and unbiasedly measure changes that may occur during longitudinal studies (e.g. pharmacological drug interventions).
The acceptance and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccination among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients
Authors: Wang Ting , Bai Yang , Bai Lele , Wang Ning
Published: June 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), causes severe clinical outcomes in old individuals and patients with underlying diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Considering vaccination is still the most effective method to prevent COVID-19-associated death, it is imperative to evaluate COPD patients’ attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine. This cross-sectional design study was conducted to assess vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among 212 COPD patients who attended the outpatient department from January 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022. All of the patients were not vaccinated and had undertaken lung function test at the time of our survey. Of 212 participants, 164 (77.4%) were willing to be vaccinated immediately while 48 (22.6%) were hesitant to be vaccinated. Compared with the acceptance group, patients who did not accept the vaccination instantly tended to have more comorbidities, like hypertension, coronary heart disease, recent cancers, and higher Modified British Medical Research Council score, or more frequent acute exacerbation. For the patients willing to be vaccinated, the main factors motivating them were an authorities-endorsed vaccine, free vaccination, and no obvious adverse reactions. For the hesitant group, no recommendation from the treating physician was the biggest obstacle for them to accept vaccination. Our results provide useful guidance for making intervention measures to enhance COPD patients’ acceptance of a new COVID-19 vaccine. For those patients with comorbidities, treating physicians promoting messages framing the safety of vaccination is necessary to increase immunization rates.
Knowledge mapping of diabetic foot research based on Web of Science database: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Peng , Li Da , Li Cui-Liu , Zhang Yun-Na , Zhao Nai-Rui , Xu Jin-Xiu
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To take a systematic bibliometric analysis and generate the knowledge mapping of diabetic foot research, basing on big data from Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database.

Methods:

Two authors retrieved the WoSCC independently, to obtain publications in field of diabetic foot. CiteSpace was used to detect the co-occurrence relationships of authors, keywords, institutions, and countries/regions, co-citation relationships of authors, references, and journals, and distribution of WoS category.

Results:

A total of 10,822 documents were included, with 39,541 authors contributed to this field. “Armstrong DG,” “Lavery LA,” and “Lipsky BA” are the top 3 productive authors, and “Armstrong DG,” “Boulton AJM,” and “Lavery LA” were most commonly cited. The United States, England and China are the most productive countries, and Univ Washington, Univ Manchester and Harvard Univ published the largest quantity of articles. “Diabetes Care,” “Diabetic Med,” and “Diabetologia” are the most frequently cited journals, providing the greatest knowledge base. Clustering analysis of keywords co-occurrence map presented the following hotspots: #1 diabetic wound healing, #2 diabetic polyneuropathy, #3 plantar pressure, #4 diabetic foot infection, #5 endovascular treatment, and #6 hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Conclusion:

This study performed a global overview of diabetic foot research using bibliometric and visualization methods, which would provide helpful references for researchers focusing on this area to capture the future trend.
Amantadine-associated delirium in patients with maintenance dialysis: Insomnia-associated recovery and uneven seasonal distribution
Authors: Li Jing , Si Bolin , Chao Jun , He Jianqiang
Published: June 2023

Amantadine hydrochloride is a risky drug for triggering delirium in dialysis patients; however, it is often administered casually. Furthermore, little is known regarding the recovery and prognosis of dialysis patients with amantadine-associated delirium. Data of this retrospective cohort study were collected from a local hospital database for hospitalizations between January 2011 and December 2020. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: early recovery (recovery within 14 days) and delayed recovery (recovery more than 14 days). The cases were analyzed together with the intermonth temperature using descriptive statistics. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve and binary logistic regression were applied for the analyses of prognoses and factors. A total of 57 patients were included in this study. The most common symptoms were hallucinations (45.61%) and muscle tremors (43.86%). Early recovery was observed in 63.16% of the patients. Only 3.51% of the cases occurred in local summer (June, July, and August). Better prognoses for survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.066, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.021–0.212) and hospitalization costs (7968.42 ± 3438.43 CNY vs 12852.38 ± 9361.13 CNY, P = .031) were observed in patients with early recovery than in those with delayed recovery. In the multivariate logistic regression adjusted by 1:1 propensity score matching, delayed recovery was independently caused by insomnia (P = .022,

= 10.119, 95% CI = 1.403–72.990) and avoided in patients with urine volume over 300 mL (P = .029,

= 0.018, 95% CI = 0.006–0.621). The increment (per 100 mg) of cumulative dose (P = .190,

= 1.588, 95% CI = 0.395–3.172) tended to be a risk of delayed recovery. The area under curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.867, with a sensitivity of 90.5% and a specificity of 82.4% at the cutoff point (cutoff = 0.432). For amantadine-associated delirium in dialysis patients with uneven seasonal distribution, early recovery with better prognosis should be the aim of treatment by giving priority to the remedy of insomnia.
Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary with a grossly visible, completely developed intestinal loop: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Cao Yuanyuan , Wang Bihui , Jia A-Ran , Li Xuejian , Yang Liuqing , Jia Zanhui
Published: June 2023

Rationale:

The mature cystic teratoma of the ovary (MCTO), is composed of mature differentiated elements, thus showing highly differentiated tissue and highly morphological heterogeneity. Although gastrointestinal epithelium can be identified in 7% to 13% of cases of MCTO, the occurrence of visible, functional, and fully developed loop tissue is rare in clinical practice.

Patient concerns:

A 17-year-old female patient presented with persistent abdominal pain.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed with MCTO where a visible, functional intestinal loop was observed during laparoscopic surgery. Microscopy of the intestinal structure indicated a well-organized, intact layer of intestinal wall.

Interventions:

An emergency single-port laparoscopic excision of the right ovarian cyst and histopathology were performed.

Outcomes:

After 2 years of follow-up, there were no signs of recurrence in the patient.

Lessons:

The immune signature of CK7−/CK20+ is characteristic of tumors of gastrointestinal origin and can be used to distinguish tumors associated with mature cystic teratoma. Besides, gynecologists should keep an eye on the possibility of malignant transformation malignant transformation of MCTO.
Analysis on 1481 case of medical complaints in a Tertiary Hospital in Fujian Province: A 5-year retrospective study
Authors: Jiang Jian , Huang Fanqian , Li Huiting
Published: June 2023

This study aims to review the 1481 cases of medical complaints from Fujian Provincial Jinshan Hospital in the past 5 years for providing a reference for new hospitals to deal with medical complaints, optimize medical procedures, improve medical quality, and enhance patient experience. The medical complaint information received by the hospital’s medical department and service center accepted and transferred by the health administrative department in the past 5 years was systematically reviewed and statistically analyzed by using hierarchical clustering method. The transfer of the health administration department (61.5%) and the acceptance of the service center (28.9%) were the main sources of medical complaints in hospital. The incidence of medical complaints per 10,000 patients in the hospital was between 3 and 6. The maximum number of complaints was 2017 (5.28 cases/10,000 population), and the least was in 2019 (3.2 cases/10,000 population). The median of complaints was 25, and May to Sep was the period of high incidence of medical complaints each year. In 5 years, the month with the largest number of complaints was May 2020 (41 cases), followed by August 2017(40 cases), and the month with the least number was November 2020 (11 cases). In the past 5 years, the hospital’s medical complaints were mainly in 4 aspects: medical process (n = 329, 22.2%), medical environment (n = 282, 19%), humanistic care (n = 277, 18.7%), and medical management (n = 209, 14.1%). The most frequent complaints were in clinical departments, among which the emergency, outpatient, and pediatric departments accounted for more than 50%. The top 3 complaints were doctors (n = 778, 53%), logistics (n = 284, 19%), and nurses (n = 239, 16%). The main way to resolve complaints was letter and telephone feedback (n = 1372, 92.6%). Our research recommends that new hospitals change their concepts, pay more attention to the services and quality of medical resources and logistical support, follow the best practices of patient-centered, perfect various medical complaint channels, and establish multiple methods. They should also properly accept and dispose medical complaints, improve the timeliness and feedback efficiency of responding to medical complaints, strengthen communication, exchange, and dialogue, and improve patients’ medical experience and sense of gain.
Efficacy observation and prognosis analysis of EGFR-TKIs alone versus EGFR-TKIs plus chemotherapy in advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR Exon 19 Deletion, Exon 21 L858R mutation: A historical cohort study
Authors: Zhou Jinhua , Qin Hongya , Miao Jianlong , Liu Ruijuan , Wang Wei
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and determine the prognostic value of Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs) alone versus EGFR-TKIs plus chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR Exon 19 Deletion(19Del), Exon 21 L858R (L858R) mutation. The demographic and clinical characteristics of 110 newly diagnosed metastatic lung adenocarcinoma patients with the EGFR 19Del, L858R mutation from June 2016 to October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Total remission rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression-free survival (mPFS), and patient 1-year/2-year survival between EGFR-TKIs combined with first-line platinum-containing double-drug chemotherapy (Observation) group and an EGFR-TKIs alone (Control) group were evaluated and analyzed. For lung adenocarcinoma patients with the EGFR 19Del, L858R mutation, the Observation group had a better ORR (81.4% vs 52.2%), mPFS (12.0 vs 9 months), and 2-year survival (72.1% vs 52.2%) than the Control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05), but DCR (95.3% vs 88.1%) and 1-year survival (90.7% vs 83.6%) were not significantly different between the groups (P > .05). For lung adenocarcinoma with the EGFR 19Del mutation, the Observation group showed a better ORR (81.8% vs 54.3%), and mPFS (14.5 vs 11.0 months) than the Control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05), but DCR (95.5% vs 91.4%), 1-year survival (90.9% vs 85.7%), and 2-year survival (72.7% vs 60.0%) were not significantly different (P > .05). For lung adenocarcinoma with the EGFR L858R mutation, the Observation group showed a better ORR (81.0% vs 50.0%), mPFS (12.0 vs 9.0 months), and 2-year survival (71.4% vs 43.8%) than the Control group (P < .05), but DCR (95.2% vs 84.4%) and 1-year survival (90.5% vs 81.3%) were not significantly different (P > .05). Compared to EGFR-TKIs alone, EGFR-TKIs combined with chemotherapy improved ORR and mPFS in cases of advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR 19Del, L858R mutation. In particular, patients with the EGFR L858R mutation showed a long-term survival benefit trend. EGFR-TKIs combined chemotherapy may therefore be a viable treatment method for delaying targeted drug resistance.
Analysis of effectiveness and outcome of traumatic brain injury treatment in ED during COVID-19 pandemic: A multicenter in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wei-Chao , Chen Yin-Ju , Lee Ming-Hsueh , Kuo Ting-Yu , Lin Meng-Hung , Lin Martin Hsiu-Chu
Published: June 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 has become a threat to global healthcare because of its rapid spread and evolution. In severe cases, the initial management of the disease is mainly supportive therapy and mechanical ventilation. Therefore, we investigated whether a modified emergency department workflow affects the efficacy will influence the efficacy and patient outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Taiwan. This retrospective observational study used the Chang Gung Research Database in Taiwan from 7 hospitals in the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital System. Clinical index parameters and treatment efficiencies were analyzed between the locally transmitted period (January 20, 2020–June 7, 2020, period 2) and the community spread period (May 19, 2021–July 27, 2021, period 4) with the same interval of the pre-pandemic in 2019 as a reference period. During the locally transmitted period, only the time interval for patients who had to wait for a brain CT examination was, on average, 7.7 minutes shorter, which reached statistical significance. In addition, the number of TBI patients under 18 years of age decreased significantly during the community spread period. The “Door to the operating room (OR),” with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, was on average 109.7 minutes slower than without the PCR testing in the reference period 2019. TBI treatment efficiency was delayed because of the PCR test. However, the surgical volume and functional outcome during these 2 periods were statistically insignificant compared to the pre-pandemic period because the spread of the virus was well controlled and hospital capacity was increased.
Increased expression of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 in astrocytomas of ascending grades
Authors: İzci Emir Kaan , Keskin Fatih , Erdi Fatih , Kaya Bulent , Karatas Yasar , Feyzioglu Bahadir , Findik Siddika , Kalkan Erdal , Esen Hasan , Guney Önder
Published: June 2023

Background:

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway controls the monitoring and degradation of important proteins and is involved in several cellular processes, such as development, differentiation, and transcriptional regulation. Recent evidence has shown that ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), a member of the deubiquitinating enzyme family that removes ubiquitin from protein substrates, is overexpressed in many types of cancer.

Aim:

This study thus examined the expression of UCH-L1 in human astrocytoma tissues.

Material and methods:

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded astrocytoma samples were obtained from 40 patients, after which histopathological examination, typing, and grading were performed. The study group included 10 histologically normal brain tissues, which served as the control group, and 10 WHO grade II, 10 WHO grade III, and 10 WHO grade IV (glioblastoma) samples. Normal brain tissue samples were obtained from the histologically normal, non-tumoral portion of the pathology specimens. UCH-L1 expression was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Astrocytoma tissues exhibited higher UCH-L1 expression compared to the control group. UCH-L1 overexpression increased significantly together with the increase in astrocytoma grades (from II to IV).

Conclusion:

UCH-L1 could be a good diagnostic and therapeutic marker for determining astrocytoma development and progression.
Posterior sclerectomy for persistent serous retinal detachment with secondary glaucoma in Sturge–Weber syndrome: A case report
Authors: Nurtania Ariyanie , Kiuchi Yoshiaki , Muhlisah Aisyah , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Okada Naoki , Onoe Hiromitsu , Tokumo Kana
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

A serous retinal detachment is one of the most likely ocular manifestation of Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). This finding can frequently occur as a complication after filtering surgery to maintain the intraocular pressure (IOP). Proper treatment has been approached with choroidal hemangioma as an organ target. To the best of our knowledge, various treatments for SRD are associated with diffuse choroidal hemangioma has been approached. However, a second retinal detachment following radiation therapy has worsened the situation. Here, we report an unexpected serous retina and choroidal detachment after non penetrating trabeculectomy. Although radiation therapy has been proposed for previous detachment to the ipsilateral eye in this case, repetition radiation therapy was not suggested concerning the health and quality of life especially in for young subjects. However, the kissing choroidal detachment in this case necessitated immediate intervention. Thus, posterior sclerectomy was performed for the recurrent retinal detachment. We believe that an intervention for a SWS case related complication will remain a significant and important to share as a public health contribution.

Case presentation:

A 20 year-old male confirmed with SWS with no known family history was diagnosed with SWS. He was gain from another hospital for glaucoma therapy. On the left brain MRI showed severe hemiatrophy in the frontal and parietal lobes and leptomeningeal angioma. Although his right (RE) eye had 3 gonio surgeries, 2 Baerveldt tube shunts and Micropulse trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation, his IOP remained uncontrollable when he was 20 years old. RE IOP was in controlled after non-penetrating filtering surgery hence, his RE developed a recurrent serous retinal detachment. A posterior sclerectomy was performed in 1 quadrant of the globe to drain subretinal fluid.

Conclusion:

Sclerectomies to the inferotemporal quadrant of the globe for serous retinal detachment associated with SWS are considered efficient for optimal drain subretinal fluid, resulting in complete regression of detachment.
Finite element analysis of minimally invasive nail placement and traditional nail placement in the treatment of lumbar 1 vertebral compression fracture
Authors: Huang Chunbo , Zhang Chunling , Su Feng , Su Liu , Ma Pengpeng , Zong Zhiguo , Zhang Xin , Li Wei , Cai Ming
Published: June 2023

Using the finite element analysis method to help us better understand the biomechanical changes of the spine after surgery and the changes in the stress distribution around the screw implantation area. The finite element model of L1 vertebral compression fracture was constructed by using a large number of finite element programs. On the fracture model, 2 kinds of internal fixation devices are set up, namely: the first type of 4 screws across the injured vertebra through the adjacent upper and lower vertebrae + transverse connector; the second type of 4 screws crosses the injured vertebra through the adjacent upper and lower vertebrae + non-transverse connector. To study the distribution of the maximum displacement and von Mises stress of the intramedullary pedicle screws and rods of the 2 types of internal fixation devices after implantation in the spine under certain loading conditions. In traditional open pedicle screw fixation, the maximum stress in the pedicle screw fixation system in the direction of 3D movement is higher than in percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. There is no significant difference in the Von Mises stress of the pedicle screw between the 2 procedures when the spine performs flexion-extension and lateral flexion activities. When the spine is rotating axially, the Von Mises stress of the pedicle screw in conventional open surgery is significantly less than that of the screw in percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Traditional open internal fixation produces stress peaks of 891.7 MPa and 886.34 MPa at the transverse joint during axial rotation. Only when the spine is rotating in the axial direction, the maximum displacement of traditional open pedicle screw fixation is smaller than that of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. There is no significant difference in the maximum displacement between the 2 procedures when the spine is moving in other directions. Traditional open pedicle screw fixation can strengthen the stability of the spine in the direction of axial rotation, and can also be greater to reduce the maximum stress of the pedicle screw axial rotation, so the clinical treatment of unstable fractures of the thoracolumbar spine instability is of great significance.
Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for secondary sleep disorders: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Liu Shiping , Liu Jie , Su Jinfeng , Zhang Fuli
Published: June 2023

Background:

To explore the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for secondary insomnia through a meta-analysis and a systematic review.

Methods:

The CNKI, Wanfang, VIP database, Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were retrieved. The retrieval date was February 28, 2023. Two independent reviewers conducted literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias (ROB) assessment. The revised Cochrane ROB tool was used to assess the ROB in included studies. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 15.0.

Results:

Thirteen randomized controlled studies were included, involving 820 patients, including 414 patients in EA group and 406 patients in the control group. Compared with the control group, EA could improve secondary insomnia overall responses (relative risk = 3.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.87, 8.13], P < .001), reduce Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (mean difference [MD] = −2.26, 95% CI [−4.14, −0.37], P = .02), reduce Athens Insomnia Scale score (MD = −0.57, 95% CI [−2.70, 1.56], P = .60), prolonged total sleep time (MD = 2.63, 95% CI [−0.59, 5.86], P = .11), and not increase adverse events (relative risk = 0.50, 95% CI [0.18, 1.44], P = .20).

Conclusion:

EA may be a promising treatment for secondary sleep disorders; however, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Risk factors for post-stroke depression in patients with mild and moderate strokes
Authors: Liao Wenxiang , Chen Danlei , Wu Jing , Liu Kaixiang , Feng Junlin , Li Hao , Jiang Jingzi
Published: June 2023

To determine the possible risk factors for post-stroke depression in patients with mild and moderate acute strokes. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 129 patients with mild and moderate acute strokes. The patients were divided into post-stroke depression and non-depressed stroke groups according to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for Depression-17 item and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item assessments. All participants were evaluated based on clinical characteristics and a battery of scales. Patients with post-stroke depression had an increased stroke frequency, severe stroke symptoms and poor performance in activities of daily living (ADL), cognitive function, sleep quality, interest in pleasurable activities, negative life events, and utilization of social support compared to stroke patients without depression. The Negative Life Event Scale (LES) score was significantly and independently associated with an increased probability of depression in stroke patients. Negative life events were shown to be independently associated with the incidence of depression in patients with mild and moderate acute strokes, likely mediating the influence of other predictors of depression, such as a history of stroke, decreased ADL ability, and utilization of support.
Identifying immune cell infiltration and diagnostic biomarkers in heart failure and osteoarthritis by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wen Bo , Liu Mengna , Qin Xianyun , Mao Zhiyou , Chen Xuewei
Published: June 2023

Heart failure (HF) and osteoarthritis (OA) are medical conditions that can significantly impact daily activities. Evidence has shown that HF and OA may share some pathogenic mechanisms. However, the underlying genomic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanism and identify diagnostic biomarkers for HF and OA. With the cutoff criteria of fold change (FC) > 1.3 and P < .05, 920, 1500, 2195, and 2164 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in GSE57338, GSE116250, GSE114007, and GSE169077, respectively. After making the intersection of DEGs, we obtained 90 upregulated DEGs and 51 downregulated DEGs in HF datasets and 115 upregulated DEGs and 75 downregulated DEGs in OA datasets. Afterward, we conducted genome ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and hub genes screening based on DEGs. Then, 4 common DEGs (fibroblast activation protein alpha [FAP], secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4), Thy-1 cell surface antigen (THY1), matrix remodeling associated 5 [MXRA5]) between HF and OA were screened and validated in GSE5406 and GSE113825 datasets, based on which we established the support vector machine (SVM) models. The combined area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of THY1, FAP, SFRP4, and MXRA5 in the HF training and test sets reached 0.949 and 0.928. While in the OA training set and test set, the combined AUC of THY1, FAP, SFRP4, and MXRA5 reached 1 and 1, respectively. The analysis of immune cells in HF revealed high levels of dendritic cell (DC), B cells, natural killer T cell (NKT), Type 1 regulatory T cell (Tr1), cytotoxic T cell (Tc), exhausted T cell (Tex), and mucosal-associated invariant T cell (MAIT), while displaying lower levels of monocytes, macrophages, NK, CD4 + T, gamma delta T (γδ T), T helper type 1 (Th1), T helper type 2 (Th2), and effector memory T cell (Tem). Moreover, the 4 common DEGs were positively correlated with DCs and B cells and negatively correlated with γδ T. In OA patients, the abundance of monocyte, macrophage, CD4 + naïve, and natural T regulatory cell (nTreg) was higher, while the infiltration of CD8 + T, γδ T, CD8 + naïve, and MAIT was lower. The expression of THY1 and FAP was significantly correlated with macrophage, CD8 + T, nTreg, and CD8 + naïve. SFRP4 was correlated with monocyte, CD8 + T, γδ T, CD4 + naïve, nTreg, CD8 + naïve and MAIT. MXRA5 was correlated with macrophage, CD8 + T, nTreg and CD8 + naïve. FAP, THY1, MXRA5, and SFRP4 may be diagnostic biomarkers for both HF and OA, and their correlation with immune cell infiltrations suggests shared immune pathogenesis.
Depression and macrophages: A bibliometric and visual analysis from 2000 to 2022
Authors: Zhou Xiayun , Luo Fei , Shi Guoao , Chen Ruiming , Zhou Peng
Published: June 2023

Background:

Macrophages are closely related to the occurrence and development of depression, but there are few bibliometric studies on the role of macrophages in depression. We aim to examine the current state and frontier trends of the research on macrophages in depression from 2000 to 2022 in this study, so as to establish a new direction for follow-up research.

Methods:

The literature scan covering the period 2000 to 2022 was performed on macrophages in depression, which were analyzed with Citespace 6.1.R2 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 after manual screening, including country publications, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and references.

Results:

This study included 387 papers in total. There has been an increase in the number of published papers since 2009. In terms of productivity, the United States and Ohio State University are the most productive countries and institutions. The most cited author is Maes M, cited 173 times, which has made a great contribution to the study of macrophages in depression. In terms of publications, Pariante CM, Drexhage HA. have the largest number, each author with five. Brain Behavior and Immunity is the most published and cited journals. The highest burst intensity keyword is microglia, and the highest burst intensity reference is Dowlati Y, 2010.

Conclusion:

Research hotspots and trends are analyzed and predicted in this study, which will facilitate the development of macrophage research in depression, so as to provide a reference for further research in this field.
Prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Bayraktaroglu Mesut , Yildiz Birsen Pinar
Published: June 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by diagnosis at an advanced stage, low rate of operability and poor survival. Therefore, there is a need for a biomarker in NSCLC patients to predict the likely outcome and to accurately stratify the patients in terms of the most appropriate treatment modality. To evaluate prognostic value of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in NSCLC. A total of 124 NSCLC patients (mean ± standard deviation age: 60.7 ± 9.3 years, 94.4% were males) were included in this retrospective study. Data were retrieved from the hospital records. The association of NLR and PLR with clinicopathological factors and overall survival was analyzed. One-year, 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 59.2%, 32.0%, and 16.2%, respectively. Median duration of survival was shorter in patient groups with elevated NLR and PLR. Five-year survival rate was quite lower in patient groups with elevated NLR and PLR. Hazard rate (HR) for mortality was 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–2.61, P = .005) for NLR ≥ 3 over NLR < 3. HR was 1.64 (95%CI: 1.11–2.42, P = .013) for PLR ≥ 150 over PLR < 150. Cox-regression analysis revealed that, when adjusted for other independent predictors of survival, NLR and PLR still remain significant predictors of poorer survival. Our findings indicate that elevated pretreatment NLR and PLR are associated with advanced disease and poor survival in NSCLC patients, NLR and PLR values are correlated with each other.
Clinical characteristics and establishment of a 2-year-OS predictive model of EGFR mutation-positive patients with pleural invasion of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kong Qing , Wang Wei , Wang Qingqing , Yang Yuxia , Chen Gengye , Jiang Tingshu
Published: June 2023

To investigate the differences between lung adenocarcinoma with the pleural invasion that has EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) 19-del or 21L858R mutations in terms of clinical characteristics and outcomes. EGFR mutation-positive patients with pleural metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed in the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Yuhuangding Hospital of Yantai City, Shandong Province, from January 2014 to January 2022 were selected. The clinical data of the patients were collected to retrospectively analyze whether the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with 19-del or 21L858R mutation subtype were different and analyze the impact of clinical characteristics on the prognosis of patients. The difference in clinical characteristics between the 2 groups was analyzed by SPSS, P < .05. There was statistical significance. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed with R soft. To establish a 2-year overall survival predictive model for patients with EGFR gene 19-del and 21L858R mutations in patients with pleural invasion of lung adenomas and to provide predictive model maps. Receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the value of the prediction model in this study. Of the 74 patients included, the 19-del mutation group had a higher incidence of pleural thickening (P = .023) and a lower Ki-67 level (P = .035). There was no difference in 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival between the 2 mutations. There were differences in pleural thickening and Ki-67 index between the 2 groups, but no differences in disease outcome between the 2 groups. The nomogram model established based on gender, treatment regimen, CEA, lymph node metastasis, and pleural changes is accurate and feasible.
Exploring the active ingredients and mechanism of Shenzhi Tongxin capsule against microvascular angina based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Xuan Xiaoyu , Zhang Shiliang
Published: June 2023

Background:

Microvascular angina (MVA) substantially threatens human health, and the Shenzhi Tongxin (SZTX) capsule demonstrates a remarkable cardioprotective effect, making it a potential treatment option for MVA. However, the precise mechanism of action for this medication remains unclear. This study utilized network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to investigate the active components and potential mechanisms underlying the efficacy of the SZTX capsule in alleviating MVA.

Methods:

The main ingredients of the SZTX capsule, along with their targets proteins and potential disease targets associated with MVA, were extracted from public available databases. This study utilized the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software to establish a protein–protein interaction network and determine key signaling pathway targets. Subsequently, the DAVID database was utilized to conduct Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses on the intersection targets. To further investigate the molecular interactions, Autodock and PyMOL software were employed to perform molecular docking and visualize the resulting outcomes.

Results:

A total of 130 and 142 bioactive ingredients and intersection targets were identified respectively. Six core targets were obtained through protein–protein interaction network analysis. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that 610 biological processes, 75 cellular components, and 92 molecular functions were involved. The results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated that SZTX capsule molecular mechanism in the treatment of MVA may be related to several pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinases, PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, and others. The results of molecular docking showed that the 7 key active ingredients of SZTX capsule had good binding ability to 6 core proteins.

Conclusion:

SZTX capsule potentially exerts its effects by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. This multi-target approach enables SZTX capsule to inhibit inflammation, alleviate oxidative stress, regulate angiogenesis, and enhance endothelial function.