bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants to the ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block in arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wei Xiu-Min , Liu Zheng , Lv Lian-Chao , Wu Guang-Han , Sun Peng-Yu , Gu Chang-Ping , Shi Peng-Cai 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionInterscalene block (ISB) is widely regarded as the gold standard treatment for acute pain following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, a single injection of a local anesthetic for ISB may not offer sufficient analgesia. Various adjuvants have been demonstrated to prolong the analgesic duration of the block. Hence, this study aimed to assess the relative efficacy of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine as adjuncts to prolong the analgesic duration for a single- shot ISB.MethodsThe efficacy of adjuvants was compared using a network meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted with a search deadline of March 1, 2023. Various adjuvant prevention randomized controlled trials have been conducted in patients undergoing interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder arthroscopic surgery.ResultsTwenty-five studies enrolling a total of 2,194 patients reported duration of analgesia. Combined dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone (MD = 22.13, 95% CI 16.67, 27.58), dexamethasone administered perineurally (MD = 9.94, 95% CI 7.71, 12.17), high-dose intravenous dexamethasone (MD = 7.47, 95% CI 4.41, 10.53), dexmedetomidine administered perineurally (MD = 6.82, 95% CI 3.43, 10.20), and low-dose intravenous dexamethasone (MD = 6.72, 95% CI 3.74, 9.70) provided significantly longer analgesic effects compared with the control group.DiscussionThe combination of intravenous dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine provided the greatest effect in terms of prolonged analgesia, reduced opioid doses, and lower pain scores. Furthermore, peripheral dexamethasone in prolonging the analgesic duration and lowering opioid usage was better than the other adjuvants when used a single medication. All therapies significantly prolonged the analgesic duration and reduced the opioid dose of a single-shot ISB in shoulder arthroscopy compared with the placebo.
Percutaneous angioplasty and/or stenting versus aggressive medical therapy in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: a 1-year follow-up study
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Qin Xiaodan , Liu Chengfang , Zhu Lin , Wang Meng , Jiang Teng , Liu Yukai , Li Shuo , Shi Hongchao , Sun Huiling , Deng Qiwen , Zhou Junshan 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundSymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) is one of the common causes of ischemic stroke. However, the treatment of sICAS remains a challenge in the past with unfavorable findings. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of stenting versus aggressive medical management on preventing recurrent stroke in patients with sICAS.MethodsWe prospectively collected the clinical information of patients with sICAS who underwent percutaneous angioplasty and/or stenting (PTAS) or aggressive medical therapy from March 2020 to February 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to ensure well-balanced characteristics of two groups. The primary outcome endpoint was defined as recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 1 year.ResultsWe enrolled 207 patients (51 in the PTAS and 156 in the aggressive medical groups) with sICAS. No significant difference was found between PTAS group and aggressive medical group for the risk of stroke or TIA in the same territory beyond 30 days through 6 months (P = 0.570) and beyond 30 days through 1 year (P = 0.739) except for within 30 days (P = 0.003). Furthermore, none showed a significant difference for disabling stroke, death and intracranial hemorrhage within 1 year. These results remain stable after adjustment. After PSM, all the outcomes have no significant difference between these two groups.ConclusionThe PTAS has similar treatment outcomes compared with aggressive medical therapy in patients with sICAS across 1-year follow-up.
Stroke death in patients receiving radiation for head and neck cancer in the modern era
Authors: Hardy Sara J. , Bandyopadhyay Sanjukta , Yang Hongmei , Williams Annalynn , Gudina Abdi , Cummings Michael A. , Zhang Hong , Singh Deepinder P. , Chen Yuhchyau , Mohile Nimish A. , Janelsins Michelle C. , Milano Michael T. 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesHead and neck cancer is a common malignancy frequently treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Studies have shown an increased risk of stroke with the receipt of radiotherapy, but data on stroke-related mortality are limited, particularly in the modern era. Evaluating stroke mortality related to radiotherapy is vital given the curative nature of head and neck cancer treatment and the need to understand the risk of severe stroke in this population.MethodsWe analyzed the risk of stroke death among 122,362 patients (83,651 patients who received radiation and 38,711 patients who did not) with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) diagnosed between 1973 and 2015 in the SEER database. Patients in radiation vs. no radiation groups were matched using propensity scores. Our primary hypothesis was that radiotherapy would increase the hazard of death from stroke. We also examined other factors impacting the hazard of stroke death, including whether radiotherapy was performed during the modern era when IMRT and modern stroke care were available as well as increased HPV-mediated cancers of the head and neck. We hypothesized that the hazard of stroke death would be less in the modern era.ResultsThere was an increased hazard of stroke-related death in the group receiving radiation therapy (HR 1.203, p = 0.006); however, this was a very small absolute increase, and the cumulative incidence function of stroke death was significantly reduced in the modern era (p &lt; 0.001), cohorts with chemotherapy (p=0.003), males (p=0.002), younger cohorts (p&lt;0.001) and subsites other than nasopharynx (p=0.025).ConclusionsWhile radiotherapy for head and neck cancer increases the hazard of stroke death, this is reduced in the modern era and remains a very small absolute risk.
Anticancer properties of sulforaphane: current insights at the molecular level
Authors: Asif Ali Muhammad , Khan Noohela , Kaleem Nabeeha , Ahmad Waqas , Alharethi Salem Hussain , Alharbi Bandar , Alhassan Hassan H. , Al-Enazi Maher M. , Razis Ahmad Faizal Abdull , Modu Babagana , Calina Daniela , Sharifi-Rad Javad 
Published: June 2023

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate with multiple biomedical applications. Sulforaphane can be extracted from the plants of the genus Brassica. However, broccoli sprouts are the chief source of sulforaphane and are 20 to 50 times richer than mature broccoli as they contain 1,153 mg/100 g. SFN is a secondary metabolite that is produced as a result of the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin (a glucosinolate) by the enzyme myrosinase. This review paper aims to summarize and understand the mechanisms behind the anticancer potential of sulforaphane. The data was collected by searching PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This paper concludes that sulforaphane provides cancer protection through the alteration of various epigenetic and non-epigenetic pathways. It is a potent anticancer phytochemical that is safe to consume with minimal side effects. However, there is still a need for further research regarding SFN and the development of a standard dose.
The epidemic of acute lymphoid leukemia in China: current trends and future prediction
Authors: Zhu Wenxuan , Liu Shixuan , Shi Ying , Tang Qingyu , Sun Jianzhong , Bai Ruhai , Sun Zhonghe , Du Zhaoqing 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundChina has experienced one of the fastest increases in the incidence of acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term trends of the incidence and mortality of ALL in mainland China between 1990 and 2019 and to project these trends through 2028.MethodsData on ALL were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019; population data were extracted from World Population Prospects 2019. An age–period–cohort framework was used in the analysis.ResultsThe net drift for the incidence of ALL was 7.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.1%, 7.8%) per year in women and 7.1% (95% CI: 6.7%, 7.6%) in men, and local drift was found to be higher than 0 in every studied age group (p&lt;0.05). The net drift for mortality was 1.2% (95% CI: 1.0%, 1.5%) in women and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.7%, 2.3%) in men. Local drift was lower than 0 in boys aged 0–4 years and girls aged 0–9 years and higher than 0 in men aged 10–84 years and women aged 15–84 years. The estimated period relative risks (RRs) for both incidence and mortality showed increasing trends in the recent period. The cohort RRs for incidence showed increasing trends in both sexes; however, the cohort RR for mortality was decreased in the recent birth cohort (women born after 1988–1992 and men born after 2003–2007). Compared with that in 2019, the incidence of ALL in 2028 is projected to increase by 64.1% in men and 75.0% in women, and the mortality is predicted to decrease by 11.1% in men and 14.3% in women. The proportion of older adult/adults individuals with incident ALL and ALL-related death was projected to increase.ConclusionsOver the last three decades, the incidence and mortality rates of ALL have generally increased. It is projected that the incidence rate of ALL in mainland China will continue to increase in the future, but the associated mortality rate will decline. The proportion of older adult/adults individuals with incident ALL and ALL-related death was projected to increase gradually among both sexes. More efforts are needed, especially for older adult/adults individuals.
Screening and evaluation of drought resistance traits of winter wheat in the North China Plain
Authors: Bao Xiaoyuan , Hou Xiaoyang , Duan Weiwei , Yin Baozhong , Ren Jianhong , Wang Yandong , Liu Xuejing , Gu Limin , Zhen Wenchao 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundDrought-resistant varieties are an important way to address the conflict between wheat’s high water demand and the scarcity of water resources in the North China Plain (NCP). Drought stress impacts many morphological and physiological indicators in winter wheat. To increase the effectiveness of breeding drought-tolerant varieties, choosing indices that can accurately indicate a variety’s drought resistance is advantageous.ResultsFrom 2019 to 2021, 16 representative winter wheat cultivars were cultivated in the field, and 24 traits, including morphological, photosynthetic, physiological, canopy, and yield component traits, were measured to evaluate the drought tolerance of the cultivars. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to transform 24 conventional traits into 7 independent, comprehensive indices, and 10 drought tolerance indicators were screened out by regression analysis. The 10 drought tolerance indicators were plant height (PH), spike number (SN), spikelet per spike(SP), canopy temperature (CT), leaf water content (LWC), photosynthetic rate (A), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), peroxidase activity (POD), malondialdehyde content (MDA), and abscisic acid (ABA). In addition, through membership function and cluster analysis, 16 wheat varieties were divided into 3 categories: drought-resistant, drought weak sensitive, and drought-sensitive.ConclusionJM418, HM19,SM22, H4399, HG35, and GY2018 exhibited excellent drought tolerance and,therefore, can be used as ideal references to study the drought tolerance mechanism in wheat and breeding drought-tolerant wheat cultivars.
Huntington disease exacerbates action impulses
Authors: Shiino Shuhei , van Wouwe Nelleke Corine , Wylie Scott A. , Claassen Daniel O. , McDonell Katherine E. 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundImpulsivity is a common clinical feature of Huntington disease (HD), but the underlying cognitive dynamics of impulse control in this population have not been well-studied.ObjectiveTo investigate the temporal dynamics of action impulse control in HD patients using an inhibitory action control task.MethodsSixteen motor manifest HD patients and seventeen age-matched healthy controls (HC) completed the action control task. We applied the activation-suppression theoretical model and distributional analytic techniques to differentiate the strength of fast impulses from their top-down suppression.ResultsOverall, HD patients produced slower and less accurate reactions than HCs. HD patients also exhibited an exacerbated interference effect, as evidenced by a greater slowing of RT on non-corresponding compared to corresponding trials. HD patients made more fast, impulsive errors than HC, evidenced by significantly lower accuracy on their fastest reaction time trials. The slope reduction of interference effects as reactions slowed was similar between HD and controls, indicating preserved impulse suppression.ConclusionOur results indicate that patients with HD show a greater susceptibility to act rapidly on incorrect motor impulses but preserved proficiency of top-down suppression. Further research is needed to determine how these findings relate to clinical behavioral symptoms.
The digital edge: examining the relationship between digital competency and language learning outcomes
Authors: Cao Jiafan , Bhuvaneswari G. , Arumugam Thangaraja , Aravind B. R. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionTechnology in education, including language learning, is on the rise. Digital competency is essential for teachers to effectively integrate technology and enhance language teaching. It enables access to authentic materials, interactive exercises, and collaboration opportunities. However, integrating technology poses challenges for teachers.ObjectiveThis empirical research aimed to investigate the impact of digital competency on language learning outcomes in the context of “smart education,” which incorporates sustainable practices and digital technologies in the language classroom.MethodsThe study adopted a quantitative approach to collect and analyze data. The sample population for the study comprised of 344 language teachers at various language schools in a metropolitan city. The data collection carried out with a digital competency questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate technique, i.e., structural equation modeling.FindingsThe study found that digital competency positively correlated with language proficiency outcomes. Participants with higher levels of digital competency achieved better language learning outcomes compared to those with lower levels of digital competency. Additionally, the study found that incorporating sustainable practices, such as digitalized learning materials and virtual classrooms, positively contributed to language learning outcomes. The findings of this study suggest that digital competency plays a vital role in language learning outcomes in the context of “smart education.”Discussion &amp; RecommendationTeachers should consider incorporating digital tools and sustainable practices into their language teaching to enhance language learning outcomes. The study recommends that language educators should focus on developing digital competency and integrating sustainable practices into their language classroom to promote effective language learning.
The associations of Positive and Negative Valence Systems, Cognitive Systems and Social Processes on disease severity in anxiety and depressive disorders
Authors: Förstner Bernd R. , Böttger Sarah Jane , Moldavski Alexander , Bajbouj Malek , Pfennig Andrea , Manook André , Ising Marcus , Pittig Andre , Heinig Ingmar , Heinz Andreas , Mathiak Klaus , Schulze Thomas G. , Schneider Frank , Kamp-Becker Inge , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Padberg Frank , Banaschewski Tobias , Bauer Michael , Rupprecht Rainer , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Rapp Michael A. , Tschorn Mira 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundAnxiety and depressive disorders share common features of mood dysfunctions. This has stimulated interest in transdiagnostic dimensional research as proposed by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) approach by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) aiming to improve the understanding of underlying disease mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the processing of RDoC domains in relation to disease severity in order to identify latent disorder-specific as well as transdiagnostic indicators of disease severity in patients with anxiety and depressive disorders.MethodsWithin the German research network for mental disorders, 895 participants (n = 476 female, n = 602 anxiety disorder, n = 257 depressive disorder) were recruited for the Phenotypic, Diagnostic and Clinical Domain Assessment Network Germany (PD-CAN) and included in this cross-sectional study. We performed incremental regression models to investigate the association of four RDoC domains on disease severity in patients with affective disorders: Positive (PVS) and Negative Valance System (NVS), Cognitive Systems (CS) and Social Processes (SP).ResultsThe results confirmed a transdiagnostic relationship for all four domains, as we found significant main effects on disease severity within domain-specific models (PVS: β = −0.35; NVS: β = 0.39; CS: β = −0.12; SP: β = −0.32). We also found three significant interaction effects with main diagnosis showing a disease-specific association.LimitationsThe cross-sectional study design prevents causal conclusions. Further limitations include possible outliers and heteroskedasticity in all regression models which we appropriately controlled for.ConclusionOur key results show that symptom burden in anxiety and depressive disorders is associated with latent RDoC indicators in transdiagnostic and disease-specific ways.
Effects of social factors on the COVID-19 cases and its evolution in Hubei, China
Authors: Yin Shuqi , Du Lijing , Meng Dongmei 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionIn order to study the impact of social factors on the evolution of the epidemic, this paper takes the COVID-19 in Hubei Province of China as an example to study the impact of social factors such as the permanent population, universities, hospitals, the distance between Wuhan seafood market and 17 cities in Hubei Province, and the distribution of medical supplies on the COVID-19. This is of great significance for helping to develop effective prevention and control measures and response strategies, ensuring public health and social stability.MethodsTime series regression analysis is used to study the impact of various factors on the epidemic situation, multidimensional scale analysis is used to assess the differences among provinces, and Almon polynomial is used to study the lag effect of the impact.ResultsWe found that these cities can be divided into three groups based on the number of confirmed cases and the time course data of the cases. The results verify that these factors have a great impact on the evolution of the COVID-19.DiscussionWith the increase in the number of universities, the number of confirmed cases and new cases has significantly increased. With the increase in population density, the number of new cases has significantly increased. In addition, the farther away from the Wuhan seafood market, the fewer confirmed cases. It is worth noting that the insufficient increase in medical supplies in some cities still leads to a significant increase in new cases. This impact is regional, and their lag periods are also different. Through the comparison with Guangdong Province, it is concluded that social factors will affect COVID-19. Overall, promoting the construction of medical schools and ensuring the reasonable distribution of medical supplies is crucial as it can effectively assist decision-making.
Association between living environmental quality and risk of arthritis in middle-aged and older adults: a national study in China
Authors: Liu Ri , Zhou Yuefei , Liu Yang , Guo Run , Gao Lishu 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThe association between combined environmental factors and the risk of arthritis is still scarcely studied. The present study performed cross-sectional and cohort studies to explore the association between risk score of living environment quality and the risk of arthritis in middle-aged and older adults in China.MethodsThe study was based on China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and it recruited 17,218 participants in the cross-sectional study and 11,242 participants in the seven-year follow-up study. The living environment quality was measured by household fuel types, household water sources, room temperature, residence types, and ambient concentration of PM2.5. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression models were utilized to examine the association between the living environment quality and the risk of arthritis. Competing risk models and stratified analyses were applied to further verify our results.ResultsCompared with individuals in the suitable environment group, people who lived in moderate (OR:1.28, 95%CI: 1.14–1.43) and unfavorable environments (OR:1.49, 95%CI:1.31–1.70) showed higher risks of arthritis when considering the multiple living environmental factors (P for trend &lt;0.001) in the cross-sectional analysis. In the follow-up study, similar results (P for trend = 0.021), moderate environment group (HR:1.26, 95%CI:1.01–1.56) and unfavorable environment group (HR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.07–1.74), were founded.ConclusionInferior living environment might promote the development of arthritis. It is necessary for the public, especially old people, to improve the living environment, which may be the key to the primary prevention of arthritis.
The present and the future of benzydamine: expert opinion paper
Authors: Bossi Paolo , Gurizzan Cristina , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Hainarosie Razvan , Lancini Davide 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesBenzydamine is a compound indicated in the treatment of symptoms of irritation/inflammation of the oropharyngeal cavity, including those associated with pain. Objectives of this expert opinion narrative review is to summarize current indicated benzydamine applications and elicit further ones to be explored.Materials and methodsIn this expert opinion paper, evidences underlying the mechanism of action and clinical application of benzydamine are reviewed. Insights are also provided on possible new clinical applications of the drug and new formulations.ResultsCurrent recognized indications of benzydamine include: relief of symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions of the mouth and oropharynx, symptomatic treatment of gingivitis and stomatitis, oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and post operative sore throat. In addition, among new applications that need to be explored experts embed: oral lichen planus, burning mouth syndrome, post intubation sore throat, antifungal action and new anticancer target agents induced mucositis.ConclusionsBenzydamine is a very versatile compound able to play an auxiliary and adjuvant role in the prevention and treatment of oral cavity/oropharynx disorders. According to experts’ opinion there is the need to design clinical trials to highlight novel possible applications of benzydamine and implemented translational analyses to fine-tune patients’ selection and open future research scenarios.