bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder Engagement to Identify Implementation Strategies to Overcome Barriers to Delivering Chronic Pain Treatments: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project
Authors: Haun Jolie N. , Nakase-Richardson Risa , Cotner Bridget A. , Agtarap Stephanie D. , Martin Aaron M. , Tweed Amanda , Hanks Robin A. , Wittine Lara , Bergquist Thomas F. , Hoffman Jeanne M.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the process of stakeholder-engaged intervention mapping approach to identify implementation strategies to overcome data-driven prioritized barriers to receiving chronic pain services for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Healthcare providers (n = 63) with 2 or more years' experience treating persons with TBI, interviewed between October 2020 and November 2021 provided data for identification of barriers. TBI, chronic pain, and qualitative research subject matter experts (SMEs) participated in the mapping approach.

Design:

Participatory-based research design, using descriptive and intervention mapping approaches.

Results:

Four barriers to accessing chronic pain treatment by persons with TBI which emerged from provider interviews were prioritized for intervention mapping: cognitive deficits of patients (67%); patient comorbidities (63%); mental health and/or substance abuse issues (59%); and patient participation (62%). SMEs used prioritized barriers to develop 4 primary objectives and implementation strategies designed to: (1) engage consumers to validate and identify strategies; (2) tailor pain treatment and delivery to overcome barriers; (3) develop and disseminate guidelines and best practices when delivering care to persons with TBI to support spread; and (4) increase awareness, skills, and readiness of workforce to deliver pain treatment to persons with TBI. SMEs used an evidence-based approach to develop a mapping matrix of the prioritized barriers, implementation objectives, and aligned implementation strategies to impact change.

Conclusion:

Implementation science is needed to facilitate knowledge translation into practice for this complex population to overcome barriers to care. Implementation strategies to address barriers to accessing chronic pain care for individuals with TBI were chosen through a participatory approach to engaging SMEs to support these rehabilitation implementation efforts. Future work includes gathering input from individuals with TBI and chronic pain and to move the intervention (implementation) mapping matrix forward to inform future implementation research, policy, and practice.
Associations of Chronic Pain With Psychosocial Outcomes After Traumatic Brain Injury: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project
Authors: Hanks Robin , Ketchum Jessica M. , Peckham Mackenzie , Sevigny Mitch , Sander Angelle M. , Martin Aaron M. , Agtarap Stephanie , Beaulieu Cynthia L. , Callender Librada , Hammond Flora M. , Lengenfelder Jean , Rabinowitz Amanda R. , Walker William C. , Hoffman Jeanne M. , Harrison-Felix Cynthia , Nakase-Richardson Risa
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To examine the differences in participation, life satisfaction, and psychosocial outcomes among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) endorsing current, past, or no chronic pain.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Three thousand eight hundred four TBI Model Systems participants 1 to 30 years of age postinjury classified into 1 of 3 groups based on their pain experience: current pain, past pain, no pain completed a Pain Survey at their usual follow-up appointment which on average was approximately 8 years postinjury.

Design:

Multisite, cross-sectional observational cohort study.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Sociodemographic and injury characteristics and psychosocial outcomes (ie, satisfaction with life, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], sleep quality, community participation).

Results:

Persons with current chronic pain demonstrated higher scores on measures of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and the lower scores on measures of sleep quality, community participation and satisfaction with life. Those with resolved past pain had mean scores for these outcomes that were all between the current and no chronic pain groups, but always closest to the no pain group. After adjusting for sociodemographic and function in multivariate analysis, having current chronic pain was associated with more negative psychosocial outcomes. The largest effect sizes (ES; in absolute value) were observed for the PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality measures (ES = 0.52-0.81) when comparing current pain to past or no pain, smaller ES were observed for life satisfaction (ES = 0.22-0.37) and out and about participation (ES = 0.16-0.18). When comparing past and no pain groups, adjusted ES were generally small for life satisfaction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality (ES = 0.10-0.23) and minimal for participation outcomes (ES = 0.02-0.06).

Conclusions:

Chronic pain is prevalent among individuals with TBI and is associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes, especially for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. The results from this study highlight the presence of modifiable comorbidities among those with chronic pain and TBI. Persons who experience persistent pain following TBI may be at greater risk for worse psychosocial outcomes.
Towards an Imaging-centric Definition of Non-paraneoplastic Autoimmune Retinopathy
Authors: Xu Lucy T. , Zheng Andrew , Shantha Jessica G. , Yeh Steven , Yan Jiong , Hubbard G. Baker , Patel Purnima S. , Waltuck Jonathan , O’Keefe Ghazala , Jain Nieraj
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

We explored characteristic imaging features of npAIR to augment diagnostic criteria.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with npAIR evaluated at the Emory Eye Center between 2013-2019. Multimodal fundus images were evaluated to characterize the evolution of the disease.

Results:

Twenty-one eyes of 12 patients were classified as having npAIR. Five (42%) patients were female, with median (range) age of 59 years (45-85 years). Median baseline visual acuity was 20/30 (20/20 - HM). Disease was asymmetric in 11 (92%) subjects. Common imaging findings included absence of bone spicules (86% of affected eyes), presence of attenuated vessels (86%) and speckled hypoautofluorescence in perimacular and perivenular regions. Three eyes were noted to present early with subtle splotchy FAF abnormality, ultimately developing characteristic speckled perimacular hypoautofluorescence. On OCT imaging, 18 (86%) eyes had loss of outer retinal bands with relative foveal sparing and a tapered transition zone.

Conclusion:

Many eyes with npAIR exhibit a subacute, asymmetric generalized photoreceptor degeneration featuring outer retinal atrophy with relative foveal sparing, retinal vascular attenuation, absence of bone spicules, and speckled hypoautofluorescence often in a perimacular and perivenular distribution. Our findings augment diagnostic criteria to improve specificity and accessibility of testing for npAIR.
Modulation of beta-hydroxybutyrate in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Arora Niraj , Shastri Dhaval Hitendrakumar , Patel Utsav Prakashbhai , Bhatia Kunal
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality rates in the United States. Current management strategies primarily focus on symptomatic approaches and prevention of secondary complications. However, recent research highlights the potential role of ketone bodies, particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), in modulating cellular processes involved in TBI. This article reviews the metabolism of BHB, its effect in TBI, and its potential therapeutic impact in TBI.

Recent findings

BHB can be produced endogenously through fasting or administered exogenously through ketogenic diets, and oral or intravenous supplements. Studies suggest that BHB may offer several benefits in TBI, including reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, controlling excitotoxicity, promoting mitochondrial respiration, and supporting brain regeneration. Various strategies to modulate BHB levels are discussed, with exogenous ketone preparations emerging as a rapid and effective option.

BHB offers potential therapeutic advantages in the comprehensive approach to improve outcomes for TBI patients. However, careful consideration of safety and efficacy is essential when incorporating it into TBI treatment protocols. The timing, dosage, and long-term effects of ketone use in TBI patients require further investigation to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations.
Folliculin gene-negative Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome: a case report
Authors: Dwikat Mohammad F. , Azar Jehad , Rabayah Rama , Salameh Ruba , Abdeljaleel Fatima , Almadhoun Waseem , Ayyad Alaa , Ibraik Farah , Safarini Omar
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) is a rare genetic disorder that results from a mutation in the folliculin (FLCN) gene. Manifestations include pulmonary cysts, fibrofolliculomas, renal tumors, and pneumothoraces. Genetic testing can be used to confirm the diagnosis when suspected. BHD syndrome is diagnosed in patients with negative FLCN gene results using diagnostic criteria.

Case presentation:

A male in his 20s presented with recurrent pneumothoraces. A physical examination revealed bumps on his face and upper body. A chest computed tomography scan revealed cystic lesions. Blood tests, ESR, and CRP levels were unremarkable. Punch skin biopsy revealed fibrofolliculomas. Genetic testing for the FLCN mutation returned negative. His history, physical exam, imaging, and histopathology suggested BHD syndrome despite having a negative family history and genetic analysis. Eventually, the patient was diagnosed with FLCN gene-negative BHD syndrome.

Clinical discussion:

More than a hundred families have been identified to have BHD worldwide. There are a few cases in the literature describing patients phenotypically presenting with BHD despite having a negative genetic analysis. One study in Japan found 16 out of 157 individuals having a clinical presentation of BHD with no mutations. Also, decreased expression of the FLCN mRNA may lead to BHD.

Conclusion:

BHD syndrome can present with a negative FLCN gene mutation; however, patients must meet the known diagnostic criteria such as criteria made by Menko et al., Gupta et al., and Schmidt et al. in order to have a diagnosis of BHD syndrome. Also, a qualitative decrease of FLCN with the absence of mutations may also lead to BHD.
Comparison of salpingectomy and tubal occlusion for hydrosalpinx in in-vitro fertilization outcome
Authors: Tjahyadi Dian , Udayana IGNB Surya , Nisa Aisyah Shofiatun , Rachmawati Anita , Djuwantono Tono
Published: January 2024

The occurrence of hydrosalpinx can reduce the success rate of assisted reproductive technology. The laparoscopic salpingectomy and tubal occlusion have been shown to improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in this disease. The primary goal of this review was to assess and compare the IVF outcome following salpingectomy or tubal occlusion in the published literature. The authors included studies with at least one of the following outcomes: days of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, retrieved oocyte number, fertilization rates, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, or ectopic pregnancy rate. In conclusion, proximal tubal occlusion outperforms salpingectomy in terms of fertilization rate while offering no evident advantages in terms of days of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, retrieved oocytes number, IVF results, or problems in treating hydrosalpinx patients prior to IVF. These data may help clinicians choose the best therapy for patients with hydrosalpinx prior to IVF.
Role of PCSK9 inhibition during the inflammatory stage of SARS-COV-2: an updated review
Authors: Arsh Hina , Manoj Kumar FNU , Simran FNU , Tamang Sweta , Rehman Mahboob ur , Ahmed Gulfam , Khan Masood , Malik Jahanzeb , Mehmoodi Amin
Published: January 2024

The potential role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition in the management of COVID-19 and other medical conditions has emerged as an intriguing area of research. PCSK9 is primarily known for its impact on cholesterol metabolism, but recent studies have unveiled its involvement in various physiological processes, including inflammation, immune regulation, and thrombosis. In this abstract, the authors review the rationale and potential implications of PCSK9 inhibition during the inflammatory stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by an uncontrolled inflammatory response, often referred to as the cytokine storm, which can lead to widespread tissue damage and organ failure. Preclinical studies suggest that PCSK9 inhibition could dampen this inflammatory cascade by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibition may protect against acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through its effects on lung injury and inflammation. COVID-19 has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or dyslipidemia. PCSK9 inhibitors are known for their ability to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by enhancing the recycling of LDL receptors in the liver. By reducing LDL cholesterol, PCSK9 inhibition might protect blood vessels from further damage and lower the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Moreover, PCSK9 inhibitors have shown potential antithrombotic effects in preclinical studies, making them a potential avenue to mitigate the increased risk of coagulation disorders and thrombotic events observed in COVID-19. While the potential implications of PCSK9 inhibition are promising, safety considerations and possible risks need careful evaluation. Hypocholesterolemia, drug interactions, and long-term safety are some of the key concerns that should be addressed. Clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in COVID-19 patients and to determine the optimal timing and dosing for treatment. Future research opportunities encompass investigating the immune response, evaluating long-term safety, exploring combination therapy possibilities, and advancing personalized medicine approaches. Collaborative efforts from researchers, clinicians, and policymakers are essential to fully harness the therapeutic potential of PCSK9 inhibition and translate these findings into meaningful clinical outcomes.
Factor Xa inhibitors versus warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zahoor Mohammad M. , Mazhar Saad , Azhar Aima , Mand Khan Fasih , Anees Usama , Vohra Rimsha R. , Ejaz Umer , Jawad Sayed
Published: January 2024

Background:

Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with diabetes face increased stroke and cardiovascular risks. This study compares factor Xa inhibitors and warfarin using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for RCTs comparing the risk of efficacy and safety of any factor Xa inhibitors with dose-adjusted warfarin by diabetes status. Incidence of stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, all-cause mortality, risk of hemorrhagic stroke, and myocardial infarction were among the outcomes of interest. A generic inverse-weighted random-effects model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

After applying exclusion criteria, four RCTs containing 19 818 patients were included in the analysis. Compared with warfarin, meta-analysis showed statistically significant reduction in incidence of stroke/systemic embolism (HR 0.80 [95% CI 0.69–0.92]; P=0.002), intracranial hemorrhage (HR 0.49 [95% CI 0.37–0.65]; P<0.001), and risk of hemorrhagic stroke (HR 0.37 [95% CI 0.20–0.66]; P=0.001) in patients on factor Xa inhibitors. However, there was no discernible difference between two treatment arms in incidence of major bleeding (HR 0.93 [95% CI 0.84–1.04]; P=0.19), ischemic stroke (risk ratio (RR) 0.90 [95% CI 0.73–1.12; P=0.34), myocardial infarction (RR 0.88 [95% CI 0.67–1.15]; P=0.35), and all-cause mortality (RR 0.89 [95% CI 0.79–1.01]; P=0.06).

Conclusion:

Factor Xa inhibitors show a favorable balance between efficacy and safety compared with warfarin, which is consistent across a wide range of patients with atrial fibrillation known to be at high risk for both ischemic and bleeding events.
Small bowel obstruction due to a meat bolus bezoar: the second case report in literature
Authors: Albostani Ammar , Kfelati Fadi , Alsaadi Wafaa , Faraman Rufaida Ahmad , Farman Aasem
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Small bowel obstruction is a difficult emergency condition that may be caused due to many factors. However, bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction accounts for only 0.4–4.8% of all intestinal impaction patients. Bezoars are an entity of undigested materials classified into four types: phytobezoar, trichobezoar, pharmacobezoar, lactobezoar. Meat bolus bezoar is not named under any of these classifications.

Case presentation:

A 75-year-old man presented with abdominal distention, vomiting, and constipation. On radiological imaging, a mass in the terminal ileum was detected. After 2 days of ineffective conservative therapy, the authors decided to perform an open surgery. Enterotomy approach was chosen after failing to milk the object into the colons. The foreign body impacting the bowels was identified as a meat bolus bezoar. The patient improved after the surgery. The authors recorded no recurrence or complications with our patient after 18 months of follow-up.

Discussion:

Patients with small bowel obstruction usually present with acute abdominal pain and distension despite the blockage cause. Computed tomography is the most effective diagnostic tool in such cases. In bezoar-induced intestinal blockage, surgical management is mandatory if conservative therapy fails.

Conclusion:

It is important to consider bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction as a potential cause of impaction in cases of acute abdominal pain accompanied with risk factors of bezoar formation, despite the bezoar type.
Ulcerative colitis and pyoderma gangrenosum refractory to treatment successfully managed with pentoxifylline: a case report
Authors: Jiménez-Luévano Miguel A. , Jiménez-Partida Ana E. , Jiménez-Partida Miguel A. , Hernández-Flores Georgina , Cerda-Cruz César R. , Bravo-Cuellar Alejandro , Villaseñor-García María M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an unusual inflammatory pathology, with neutrophilic dermatosis, of unknown etiology. It is associated with diseases such as bowel disease. Generally, it is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antibodies against tumor necrosis factor, but relapse and adverse effects are persistent. Pentoxifylline is a drug with immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

Case presentation:

A 47-year-old male with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis initially managed favorably for 7 years with mesalazine. At 3 years of treatment, he presented a sudden ulcer that affected skin and subcutaneous tissue (13×10 cm) in the lower right limb. During the last 2 years, he was treated with mesalazine and infliximab with partial results and permanent relapses. Therefore, pentoxifylline was added to his treatment.

Clinical discussion:

The justification for the addition of pentoxifylline is mainly its action as an inhibitor of Nuclear Factor-kappa Beta (NF-κB) transcription, which stimulates the expression of proinflammatory interleukin genes such as IL-1, IL-6, IL- 8, and TNF-α and showing immunoregulatory and antioxidant activities.

Conclusion:

With pentoxifylline, this lesion healed at 6 weeks without relapses after 2 years.
Effect of calcitriol supplementation on infectious biomarkers in patients with positive systemic inflammatory response: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sistanizad Mohammad , Salarian Sara , Kouchek Mehran , Shojaei Seyedpouzhia , Miri MirMohammad , Masbough Farnoosh
Published: January 2024

Background:

Sepsis is one of the common causes of hospitalization of patients in intensive care units. A significant role for vitamin D in sepsis has been proposed, which is due to its active metabolite, calcitriol.

Aims:

Evaluate the effect of calcitriol supplementation on infectious biomarkers, including procalcitonin and presepsin.

Methods:

Patients with sepsis were divided into intervention and control group. Patients in the intervention group received intravenous calcitriol daily for 3 days. The serum levels of procalcitonin and presepsin were evaluated on days 0, 3, and 5 after administration.

Results:

Fifty-two SIRS-positive patients were evaluated. Baseline characteristics, changes in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and blood levels of vitamin D were not significantly different between the two groups. Procalcitonin levels on day 5 and the differences between day 5 and 0 were significantly lower in the intervention group (P = 0.02). Presepsin on the third and fifth days in the intervention group was reduced, but in the control group, there was an ascending trend. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups on days 3 and 5 (P = 0.17 and P = 0.06, respectively) or between days 3 as well as 5 and the baseline presepsin level (P = 0.93 and P = 0.92, respectively). The ICU length of stay and 28-day mortality did not differ significantly either between the two arms of the study.

Conclusions:

Finally, the results of this study showed that the administration of intravenous calcitriol could reduce the levels of procalcitonin but did not have a significant effect on presepsin.
Acetazolamide-responsive myotonia with a novel Ile239Thr mutation in SCN4A gene: a case report
Authors: Yadav Jashpal , Barnwal Ritesh , Kumar Mandal Sujit , Prajapati Bina
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Sodium channel myotonia (SCM) belongs to the group of sodium channelopathies with mutations involving SCN4A gene. The main feature of sodium channel myotonia is pure myotonia without episodes of weakness or paralysis. One of the sodium channel myotonia has been classified as acetazolamide-responsive myotonia because of the effectiveness of acetazolamide as an antimyotonic drug.

Case presentation:

The child presented with generalized muscle hypertrophy and stiffness involving arms, thighs, calves, chest, and back muscles with unusually prominent trapezius muscle. The parents described the warm-up phenomenon as an improvement in stiffness as the day passes and with repetitive action. Percussion myotonia was illustrated in the thenar eminence and trapezius muscle. Characteristic ‘dive-bomber’ sound was present in electromyography, and whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel Ile239Thr mutation in the SCN4A gene. Acetazolamide was prescribed for the condition, and regular follow-up shows an excellent clinical response.

Clinical discussion:

This case presents a pure myotonic phenotype without episodes of weakness or paralysis. Generalized myotonia with muscle hypertrophy and demonstrating warm-up phenomenon resembles myotonia congenita (a chloride channelopathy). However, genetic analysis revealed a novel Ile239Thr mutation involving SCN4A gene indicating this case to be a sodium channelopathy.

Conclusion:

This case limelight sodium channel myotonia with a novel Ile239Thr mutation in SCN4A gene that phenotypically resembles myotonia congenita but genetically belongs to sodium channelopathy highlighting the poor correlation between genotypes and phenotypes in non-dystrophic myotonia. Acetazolamide can be a safe and cost-effective antimyotonic drug in sodium channel myotonia.
The effect of different taping techniques on transtibial amputation walking parameters: A case report
Authors: Ekinci Yasin , Erbahçeci Fatih , Düger Tülin
Published: January 2024

Buerger disease is a nonatherosclerotic, segmental inflammatory disease of the occlusive tract, often involving medium-sized muscular and small-diameter arteries and veins of the extremities. If medical treatment is not successful, amputation is inevitable. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different kinesiological taping techniques on walking parameters of transtibial amputee with knee extension limitation. Two different kinesiological taping methods (Kinesio Tape and Dynamic Tape) were applied to the transtibial patient with knee extension limitation. Walking performance of patients was assessed with The Biodex Gait Trainer 2. Gait parameters without tape were as follows: average walking speed 0.38 m/s, average step cycle 0.48 cyl/s, average left step length 50 cm, average right step length 43 cm, coefficient of variation 9% at the left, and coefficient of variation 9% at the right. After applying Kinesio Tape and Dynamic Tape, these values were measured as follows: average walking speed 0.50.56 m/s, average step cycle 0.51.56 cyl/s, average left step length 61–60 cm, average right step length 53–54 cm, coefficient of variation 6%–5% at the left, and coefficient of variation 6%–4% at the right side. Dynamic Tape and Kinesio Tape both had positive effects on active joint motion and walking parameters. Regarding walking speed and step length, Dynamic Tape was found to be more effective than Kinesio Tape. Taping methods applied to amputees have positive effects on range of motion, which in return causes improvements on walking parameters.
Changes in activities-specific balance confidence of active unilateral transtibial prosthesis users after provision of a self-aligning ankle foot
Authors: Davie-Smith Fiona , Powell Lynne , Porteous Nikki , Carse Bruce
Published: January 2024

Background:

Self-aligning ankle feet have an increased range of motion and are marketed to improve compliance over uneven terrain and increase function and balance; however, much of the existing literature focuses on the biomechanical aspect of these prostheses as opposed to patient-reported measures.

Objective:

To compare activities-specific balance confidence (ABC), health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), perceived mobility, gait speed, and step length before and after provision of a self-aligning ankle foot in the active unilateral transtibial prosthesis user.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Methods:

Patient-reported and functional measures were captured for 85 users who were provided with a self-aligning ankle foot. Measures were recorded immediately before self-aligning ankle foot provision and again at 6 months afterward. The primary outcome was the ABC Score, along with the following secondary measures; HR-QoL using EQ-5D-5L Health Index Prosthetic Limb User Survey of Mobility and 10-meter timed walk test.

Results:

The median age of the cohort was 55.2 years old and 71% were males, with the majority having their transtibial amputation due to trauma. There was a statistically significant improvement in ABC from 76 to 86% (p < 0.001) with a medium effect size. There was no statistically significant improvement in HR-QoL (p = 0.051), Prosthetic Limb User Survey of Mobility (p = 0.043), time taken to walk 10 m (p = 0.15) and step length (p = 0.003).

Conclusions:

Self aligning ankle feet increased ABC and step length with no detrimental effect on HR-QoL, perceived mobility or walking speed in those with a unilateral trans-tibial amputation.
18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging of Isolated Myeloid Sarcoma in the Right Humerus
Authors: Xie Hangyu , Zhang Hanfei , Xiao Liu , Li Lin
Published: January 2024

Myeloid sarcoma is a neoplastic mass formed by the infiltration of primitive or immature myeloid cells into organs and tissues outside the bone marrow. It may occur before, at the same time, or manifest as the recurrence of acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and chronic myeloproliferative syndromes. It may involve any organ or tissue, including skin, soft tissue, lymph nodes, and gastrointestinal tract and bone. Isolated humerus involvement is extremely rare. Herein, we present the FDG PET/CT findings of a rare case of isolate myeloid sarcoma in the right humerus, which showed only increased bone density with moderate FDG uptake.
Intense FDG Uptake in Leiomyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata With Fumarate Hydratase Deficiency
Authors: Wang Yang , Dong Aisheng , Cai Meiling
Published: January 2024

A 35-year-old woman with a history of laparoscopic myomectomy presented with repeated abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced abdominal and pelvic CT showed multiple enhancing solid or mixed cystic and solid peritoneal masses, and an enhancing uterine mass. All these masses showed intense FDG uptake on FDG PET/CT. The intraperitoneal and uterine masses were surgically removed. The histological and immunohistochemical findings of the peritoneal lesions were consistent with leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata with fumarate hydratase deficiency, and the uterine mass was adenomyosis. This case indicates fumarate hydratase-deficient extrauterine leiomyoma can show intense FDG uptake mimicking malignancy.
The Great Imitator
Authors: Usmani Sharjeel , Al Riyami Khulood , Jain Anjali , Selvakumar Rajesh Joseph , Jayakrishan Vipin V.
Published: January 2024

Primary pulmonary paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors and are often discovered incidentally as nonfunctioning masses. We report a case of 58-year-old woman recently diagnosed with multifocal right breast cancer and suspicious right axillary lymph nodes. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed a well-defined marginated lesion in the lower lobe of the right lung with intense FDG uptake. Findings were suspicious for pulmonary metastases. CT-guided biopsy results were consistent with a paraganglioma. Paragangliomas can mimic metastases, especially if they are large or have a high degree of FDG uptake, and careful evaluation of imaging features and clinical findings can help differentiate these entities. Most of the time biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Multiple Lymphaticovenular Anastomoses for Chyluria in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
Authors: Miyashita Kayo , Kadota Hideki , Hanada Masuo , Inatomi Yusuke , Oryoji Chikafumi , Morishita Aki , Yoshida Sei , Oda Yoshinao , Kinoshita Izumi
Published: January 2024

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is characterized by port-wine stains, mixed vascular malformations, and soft tissue and bone hypertrophy. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is occasionally complicated by chyluria, for which there is no effective treatment currently. We report a case of KTS complicated by intractable chyluria and hematuria due to a lymphatic-ureteral fistula. The patient was successfully treated with multiple lymphaticovenular anastomoses (LVAs).

A 66-year-old woman with an enlarged left lower extremity since childhood was diagnosed with KTS. At 60 years of age, she developed chyluria (urine albumin, 2224 μg/mL) and hematuria. Lymphoscintigraphy showed a lymphatic-ureteral fistula near the ureterovesical junction. Conservative treatment was ineffective. She also developed left lower extremity lymphedema, which gradually worsened. Leg cellulitis and purulent pericarditis developed because of hypoalbuminemia (minimum serum albumin level, 1.3 g/dL).

We performed 14 LVAs in 2 surgeries to reduce lymphatic fluid flow through the lymphatic-ureteral fistula. The chyluria and hematuria resolved soon after the second operation, and the urine albumin level decreased (3 μg/mL). After 28 months, she had no chyluria or hematuria recurrence and her serum albumin level improved (3.9 g/dL). Multiple LVAs can definitively treat chyluria caused by a lymphatic-ureteral fistula in patients with KTS.
Subchondral Radial and Ulnar K-Wire Positioning With Cancellous Bone Graft Shortens Union Time in Scaphoid Waist Nonunion
Authors: Lee Seung Hoo , Shin Hyun Dae , Cha Soo Min , Kim Yun Ki
Published: January 2024

Background

Bone grafting in patients with scaphoid waist nonunion can present several technical challenges. In this study, we aimed to present a modified surgical technique for scaphoid waist nonunion, which consisted of subchondral radial and ulnar K-wires positions with cancellous bone graft, and to compare the clinical outcome of this modified technique with the conventional method.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 72 patients with scaphoid waist nonunion who had been surgically treated between January 2011 and December 2020. Of these, 34 patients were treated with the modified method and 38 with the conventional method. Debridement of the nonunion site was performed using a curette, rongeur, and microburr. Two or 3 K-wires were inserted along the cancellous portion of the scaphoid in the conventional method. In the modified method, 2 K-wires were inserted along the ulnar and radial subchondral portion of the scaphoid to increase the space for bone grafting in the cancellous portion of the scaphoid. The autologous cancellous bone grafted in both the methods. Demographic, radiological, and clinical outcomes were reviewed and compared between the groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in demographics and characteristics of nonunion between the 2 groups of patients. The modified method group showed significantly shorter union time than the conventional method group (conventional group: 13.0 ± 1.3 weeks, modified group: 11.4 ± 1.1 weeks; P < 0.001). The bony union rate was 97.1% for the modified method and 89.5% for the conventional method. Satisfactory clinical outcomes (excellent and good Mayo wrist scores) were achieved in 27 cases (81.8%) using the modified method and 22 cases (64.7%) using the conventional method.

Conclusion

Subchondral radial and ulnar K-wire positioning with cancellous bone graft (modified method) can improve the union time with satisfactory clinical outcomes in the treatment of scaphoid waist nonunion.
Reconstruction With Flow-Through Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Flap Combining Vascularized Fibular Bone Graft for Extensive Composite Tissue Defect of the Forearm
Authors: Hsieh Hua-Hsin , Shieh Shyh-Jou
Published: January 2024

The management of critical limb trauma is challenging because limb salvage is preferable to amputation. For upper limb reconstruction, the surgical restoration of functionality, and appearance, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. We report the case of an extensive composite tissue defect of the forearm caused by a machine-crushing injury that was repaired by a flow-through chimeric anterolateral thigh flap with a vascularized fibular graft. Reconstruction was performed as a single-stage procedure; no complications occurred, and both functional and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory.
Managing chronic pain after breast cancer treatments: are web-based interventions the future?
Authors: Hartup Sue , Briggs Michelle
Published: January 2024

Purpose of the review

Chronic post-treatment pain in breast cancer affects a high proportion of patients. Symptom burden and financial costs are increasingly impacting patients and healthcare systems because of improved treatments and survival rates. Supporting long-term breast cancer symptoms using novel methodology has been examined, yet few have explored the opportunity to utilise these interventions for prevention. This review aims to explore the need for, range of, and effectiveness of such interventions.

Recent findings

Three papers describe risk factors for chronic pain, with six recent papers describing the use of interventions for acute pain in the surgical setting. The evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions to improve pain management in this setting is limited but tentatively positive. The results have to take into account the variation between systems and limited testing.

Multiple types of intervention emerged and appear well accepted by patients. Most assessed short-term impact and did not evaluate for reduction in chronic pain. Such interventions require rigorous effectiveness testing to meet the growing needs of post-treatment pain in breast cancer. A detailed understanding of components of web-based interventions and their individual impact on acute pain and chronic pain is needed within future optimisation trials. Their effectiveness as preventative tools are yet to be decided.
Social Determinants of Health in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Markowitz Daniel , Aamodt Whitley W. , Hamedani Ali G.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) disproportionately affects women from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, but specific social determinants of health have not been examined.

Methods:

We used data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program, an ongoing nationwide study of more than 300,000 diverse individuals in the United States. Height and weight were measured at baseline, and participants completed questionnaires about demographics, health care access, and quality of life. Women aged 18–50 years with IIH were identified through electronic health record data, excluding those with venous thrombosis, meningitis, hydrocephalus, or central nervous system neoplasms. We used logistic regression to compare questionnaire responses for IIH cases and controls, adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, annual income, and body mass index (BMI).

Results:

We included 416 women with IIH and 107,111 women without IIH. The mean age was 38 years, and 49.3% identified as non-White. After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and BMI, women with IIH were more likely to be unemployed (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 1.14–1.71) and report delaying care because of difficulty affording copays (OR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02–2.10) or specialist care (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.06–2.18). They also delayed care because of rural residence (OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.25–3.47) and transportation limitations (OR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.55–3.20). Although women with IIH were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.32–2.09), this association lost significance when controlling for BMI and income (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 0.96–1.68).

Conclusions:

Women with IIH experience adverse social determinants of health beyond those associated with obesity alone.
Bifurcations of an elastic disc coated with an elastic inextensible rod
Authors: Gaibotti M. , Mogilevskaya S. G. , Piccolroaz A. , Bigoni D.
Published: January 2024

An analytical solution is derived for the bifurcations of an elastic disc that is constrained on the boundary with an isoperimetric Cosserat coating. The latter is treated as an elastic circular rod, either perfectly or partially bonded (with a slip interface in the latter case) and is subjected to three different types of uniformly distributed radial loads (including hydrostatic pressure). The proposed solution technique employs complex potentials to treat the disc’s interior and incremental Lagrangian equations to describe the prestressed elastic rod modelling the coating. The bifurcations of the disc occur with modes characterized by different circumferential wavenumbers, ranging between ovalization and high-order waviness, as a function of the ratio between the elastic stiffness of the disc and the bending stiffness of its coating. The presented results find applications in various fields, such as coated fibres, mechanical rollers, and the growth and morphogenesis of plants and fruits.
The evolutionary ecology of bird–ant interactions: a pervasive but under-studied connection
Authors: Avilés Jesús M.
Published: January 2024

Birds and ants are among the most ubiquitous taxa co-occurring in terrestrial ecosystems, but how they mutually interact is almost unknown. Here, the main features of this neglected interaction are synthetized in a systematic literature review. Interaction with ants has been recorded in 1122 bird species (11.2% of extant species) belonging to 131 families widely distributed across the globe and the avian phylogeny. On the other hand, 47 genus of ants (14.4% of extant genus) belonging to eight subfamilies interact with birds. Interactions include competition, antagonism (either ant–bird mutual predation or parasitism) and living together commensally or mutualistically. Competition (48.9%) and antagonism (36.1%) were the most common reported interactions. The potential for engaging in commensalism and competition with ants has a phylogenetic structure in birds and was present in the birds' ancestor. Interaction is better studied in the tropics, in where the network is less dense and more nested than in temperate or arid biomes. This review demonstrates that ant–bird interactions are a pervasive phenomenon across ecological domains, playing a key role in ecosystem function. Future studies need to combine sensible experimentation within anthropogenic disturbance gradients in order to achieve a better understanding of this interaction.
Infratemporal Abscess: A Rare Complication of a Common Procedure
Authors: Kotagiri Rajesh , Repp Matthew Leonard , Kim Michael , Stipho Faissal
Published: January 2024

The infratemporal fossa (ITF) is an anatomically complex cavity that houses a variety of muscular and neurovascular structures at the base of the skull. Infections involving the ITF, though uncommon, can be fatal due to the difficulties of accessing this anatomical space and its proclivity to evolve into a cavernous venous thrombosis (CVT). As a result, a multi-disciplinary approach involving several surgical and medical subspecialists is often warranted. We present a case of an infratemporal fossa abscess (IFA) after wisdom tooth extraction with a very complicated clinical course and a distinct microbiologic profile.
Theoretical study of the
B+→D−Ds+π+
reaction
Authors: Luo Xuan , Li Ruitian , Sun Hao
Published: January 2024

Prompted by the recent discoveries of Tcs¯0(2900)++ in the Ds+π+ invariant mass distribution of B+→D−Ds+π+ process, we present a model that hopes to help us investigate the nature of Tcs¯0(2900)++ by reproducing the mass distribution of D−π+, Ds+π+, and D−Ds+ in B+→D−Ds+π+ decays. The structure of the triangular singularity peak generated from the χc1D*+K*+ loop near the D*+K*+ threshold is considered in our model may be the experimentally discovered resonancelike state structure Tcs¯0(2900)++. In addition, we employ a coupled-channel approach to describe the dominant contribution of the Dπ S-wave amplitude, and also consider other excitations. Our model provides a well fit to the invariant mass distributions of D−π+, Ds+π+, and D−Ds+ simultaneously.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effective Lagrangian for the macroscopic motion of fermionic matter
Authors: Selch Maik , Abramchuk Ruslan A. , Zubkov M. A.
Published: January 2024

We consider macroscopic motion of quantum field systems. The Zubarev statistical operator allows us to describe several types of motion of such systems in thermal equilibrium. We formulate the corresponding effective theory on the language of a functional integral. The effective Lagrangian is calculated explicitly for the fermionic systems interacting with dynamical gauge fields. Possible applications to physics of quark-gluon plasma are discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
UV dispersive effects on Hawking radiation
Authors: Akhmedov Emil T. , Chau Tin-Long , Ho Pei-Ming , Kawai Hikaru , Shao Wei-Hsiang , Wang Cheng-Tsung
Published: January 2024

We revisit the connection between Hawking radiation and high-frequency dispersions for a Schwarzschild black hole following the work of [R. Brout, S. Massar, R. Parentani and P. Spindel, ]. After confirming the robustness of Hawking radiation for monotonic dispersion relations, we consider nonmonotonic dispersion relations that deviate from the standard relation only in the trans-Planckian domain. Contrary to the common belief that Hawking radiation is insensitive to UV physics, it turns out that Hawking radiation is subject to significant modifications after the scrambling time. Depending on the UV physics at the singularity, the amplitude of Hawking radiation could diminish after the scrambling time, while the Hawking temperature remains the same. Our finding is thus not contradictory to earlier works regarding the robustness of the Hawking temperature.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Error-robust quantum signal processing using Rydberg atoms
Authors: Zeytinoğlu Sina , Sugiura Sho
Published: January 2024

Rydberg atom arrays have recently emerged as one of the most promising platforms for quantum simulation and quantum information processing. However, as is the case for other experimental platforms, the longer-term success of the Rydberg atom arrays in implementing quantum algorithms depends crucially on their robustness to gate-induced errors. Here we show that, for an idealized biased-error model based on Rydberg atom dynamics, the implementation of quantum signal processing (QSP) protocols can be made error robust, in the sense that the asymptotic scaling of the gate-induced error probability is slower than that of gate complexity. Moreover, our numerical results that use experimentally accessible parameters indicate that QSP iterates made out of more than 100 gates can be implemented with constant error probability. To showcase our approach, we provide a concrete blueprint to implement QSP-based near-optimal Hamiltonian simulation on the Rydberg atom platform. The proposed protocol substantially improves both the scaling and the overhead of gate-induced errors in comparison to those protocols that implement a fourth-order product formula.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Magnetic boson peak in classical spin glasses
Authors: Kofu Maiko , Ohira-Kawamura Seiko , Murai Naoki , Ishii Rieko , Hirai Daigorou , Arima Hiroshi , Funakoshi Kenichi
Published: January 2024

We revisited spin dynamics in archetypical classical spin-glass (SG) systems, such as Cu1−xMnx (x=0.017, 0.034, and 0.067) dilute alloys and iron aluminosilicate glass, using a modern neutron scattering spectrometer with high neutron flux. The former is crystalline, and the latter is amorphous, where their SG state is well separated from magnetically ordered phases. Bose-scaled localized magnetic excitations were observed in both compounds below the spin-freezing temperature (Tf). The spectrum exhibits a maximum at low energy and a broad tail on the high-energy side. The excitation energy tends to be higher for the material with higher Tf. Above Tf, the spectrum considerably changes with temperature, thereby indicating the emergence of the magnetic relaxation process. The magnetic excitation in the SG state has much in common with the boson peak in structural glasses. We consider that the Bose-scaled broad excitation peak is an elementary excitation inherent in disordered systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Detecting virtual photons in ultrastrongly coupled superconducting quantum circuits
Authors: Giannelli L. , Paladino E. , Grajcar M. , Paraoanu G. S. , Falci G.
Published: January 2024

Light-matter interaction and understanding the fundamental physics behind is essential for emerging quantum technologies. Solid-state devices may explore new regimes where coupling strengths are “ultrastrong”, i.e., comparable to the energies of the subsystems. New exotic phenomena occur the common root of many of them being the fact that the entangled vacuum contains virtual photons. They herald the lack of conservation of the number of excitations which is the witness of ultrastrong coupling breaking the U(1) symmetry. Despite more than a decade of research, the detection of ground-state virtual photons still awaits demonstration. In this work, we recognize the “conspiring” set of experimental challenges show how to overcome them, thus providing a solution to this long-standing problem. We find that combining a superinductor-based unconventional “light fluxonium” qudit and coherent control yields a highly efficient, faithful, and selective conversion of virtual photons into real ones. This enables their detection with resources available to present-day quantum technologies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024