bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Compare Clinically to Other Therapies in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Costa Lauro Augusto Veloso , Lenza Mário , Irrgang James J. , Fu Freddie H. , Ferretti Mário 
Published: March 2022

Background: There has been an increase in interest in the use of biological therapies in orthopaedic conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of these therapies, but it still lacks consistent results. Purpose: To evaluate the effects (benefits and harms) of PRP intra-articular injection compared with other nonsurgical methods for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi–randomized controlled trials; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Three electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies published before January 2021. The primary outcomes were pain, function, and failure of treatment. Risks of bias of all trials were assessed using a Cochrane risk of bias tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation System was used to assess the quality of evidence of included studies. Results: A total of 40 studies with 3035 participants were included. Analysis of this review focused on comparing PRP with hyaluronic acid, corticosteroid, and saline, as we believe they are the most relevant comparisons with the most studies available. At 6-month follow-up, PRP was as effective as and in some studies more effective than other therapies regarding pain, function, and stiffness. However, current evidence is of low or very low quality and is based on trials with high risk of bias and great heterogeneity among them. No significant difference among treatments was found concerning major adverse events and treatment failure. Conclusion: Although studies suggest that PRP may be more effective than or at least as effective as other modalities of nonsurgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis in terms of pain, function, and adverse events, serious limitations and methodological flaws are considerable in the current literature. Therefore, the authors are not able to make recommendations for clinical practice regarding PRP for knee osteoarthritis.
Stretch-Induced Healing of Injured Muscles Is Associated With Myogenesis and Decreased Fibrosis
Authors: Hu Ching-Fang , Chen Carl Pai-Chu , Tsui Po-Hsiang , Chen Chiao-Nan , Hsu Chih-Chin 
Published: March 2022

Background: Alghouth therapeutic stretching exercise has been applied to accelerate the healing of injured skeletal muscles, mechanisms behind the mechanical stretch-induced muscle recovery remain unclear. Purpose: To examine stretch-associated antifibrotic and myogenic responses in injured muscles and to evaluate the feasibility of the ultrasonic Nakagami parametric index (NPI) in assessing muscle morphology during recovery. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Skeletal muscle fibrosis was induced in the right hind legs of 48 rats by making a posterior transverse incision in the gastrocnemius muscle; the left hind legs remained intact as a comparative normal reference. After surgery, the 48 rats were randomly divided into the stretch (S) and control (C) groups. The S group received stretching interventions on the injured hind leg from week 3 to week 7 after surgery, while the C group did not receive stretching throughout the study period. The muscle fibrosis percentage and the ultrasonic NPI were examined sequentially after surgery. Relative expressions of myogenesis-related proteins, including myoblast determination protein 1 (MyoD), myogenin, and embryonic myosin heavy chain (MHCemb), were also evaluated during the follow-up. Results: Mean fibrosis percentages in the injured hind leg were approximately 25% at week 3 in both groups, but they were significantly decreased by approximately 20% from week 4 to the end of the follow-up in the S group only (all, P < .05). Upon injury, the NPI values of injured hind legs in both groups dramatically dropped. Within the S group, stretching increased the NPI values of injured hind legs, which approached those of control hind legs at weeks 6 and 7. The highest MyoD, myogenin, and MHCemb levels were observed at week 6 in both groups. The NPI values corresponded to the MyoD expression in the S group during the follow-up. Conclusion: Stretching induced a decrease in muscle fibrosis and an increase in myogenesis in injured muscles. The NPI values correspond to the myogenesis process. Clinical Relevance: The NPI may be capable of continuously monitoring the injured skeletal muscle morphology during the healing process in clinical settings.
Brazilian Buttock Lift for the Weight-Loss Patient
Authors: Arshad Samar , Sin Zachary , Flores David , Satey Sean , Mowlavi Arian 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Performing optimal gluteal augmentation using traditional methods in moderate to severe weight-loss patients poses a surgical challenge as such patients typically present with (1) significant skin redundancy, (2) soft tissues containing higher density of connective tissues, and (3) buttock ptosis. Materials and Methods: Excess skin redundancy and buttock check ptosis require consideration of supplemental excisional tucking to achieve optimal results. In addition, subcutaneous tissues that maintain more connective tissue pose difficulty with fat removal using traditional liposuction techniques. As such, we present a novel surgical technique to optimally augment and shape the buttock in patients who have undergone weight-loss. Results: This procedure uses a modified lateral thigh and buttock tuck excision not only to lift the buttock cheek complex but also to create a dermal fat flap that is transposed into the upper buttock pole to achieve upper buttock fullness. The remainder of the excised tissue undergoes novel ex-vivo liposuction, which allows for simultaneous repair of the created excision line while fat is being harvested. Discussion: We present a new Brazilian buttock lift (BBL) procedure for weight-loss patients using a novel modified lateral thigh and buttock tuck with a dermal fat flap as well as ex-vivo liposuction and fat transfer. The described ex-vivo liposuction technique provides several advantages that include (1) limiting operative time, (2) allowing for maximal fat removal while avoiding unnecessary trauma to the patient, and (3) providing improved quality of fat that is less blood tinged. The lateral thigh and buttock tuck with dermal fat flap is used to eliminate buttock ptosis and augment the upper buttock. The ex-vivo harvested fat to the middle and lower buttock to complete buttock augmentation for the Brazilian buttock lift in a seamless fashion. Conclusions: In summary, we present a novel Brazilian buttock lift technique to augment the buttock in weight-loss patients that maximizes both patient safety and efficacy.
Jaccoud-type lupus arthropathy
Authors: Santiago Mittermayer B 
Published: March 2022

Background: Jaccoud’s arthropathy (JA) is a condition characterized by joint deformities that have a “reducible” pattern, that is, they return to the normal appearance with a passive manoeuvre. JA was described in patients with rheumatic fever (RF) more than a century ago, and presently, the majority of the patients have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Purpose: The aim of this review is to draw one attention to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, histopathology, clinical features, imaging, and management of JA in patients with SLE (Jaccoud-type lupus arthropathy). Data collection: The search strategy included articles retrieved from PubMed utilizing the terms “lupus arthropathy”, “lupus deforming arthropathy”, “lupus hand”, “lupus foot”, “chronic postrheumatic arthropathy”, “Jaccoud’s” and “Jaccoud” from 1950 until March 2021, with no language restriction. Results: The prevalence of Jaccoud-type arthropathy in SLE is approximately 5%. The aetiopathogenic mechanisms of JA are not yet known. The most common joint deformities of JA, are ulnar deviation, swan neck, and the “z” of the thumb. Unfortunately, none of the proposed classification criteria for JA have been validated so far. Characteristically, there is no bone erosion on plain radiographs of the joints, but more sensitive imaging methods, magnetic resonance imaging or high-performance ultrasound may reveal small bone erosions. There is no preventive measure against JA development, specific clinical treatment or convincing surgical approach for correcting the deformities. Conclusion: As daily activities and quality of life are compromised in patients with JA, other studies are urgently needed in this area.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Attending Health Facilities in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Gebisa Tulu , Bala Elias Teferi , Deriba Berhanu Senbeta 
Published: March 2022

Background In Ethiopia, cervical cancer ranked as the second leading cause of female cancer and also stands as the most common cancer among women aged from 15 to 44 years old. Hence, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cervical cancer screening among women attending health facilities in central Ethiopia. Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EPI data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI and a P-value < .05 were used to declare statistical significance. Results Half, 50.7% of study participants had good knowledge. Less than half, 46.1% had a positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening. Only 6.3% of women have been screened for cervical cancer. Diploma and above education (AOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.32, 6.157), no idea about cervical cancer curable at an early stage (AOR: 6.23, 95% CI: 6.23 (2.77, 15.13) were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer screening. Diploma and above education (AOR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.74) and multiple sexual partners (AOR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.62) were factors associated with a negative attitude toward cervical cancer screening. Positive attitude about cervical cancer screening (AOR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.91, 6.20) was significantly associated with the practice of being screened. Conclusions Cervical cancer screening knowledge and attitudes were moderate, but practice was low. Educational status, considering cervical cancer is not curable at an early stage and not having an idea about its curability at an early stage, was significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer screening. Sexual partner status and educational status showed significant association with an attitude toward cervical cancer screening and having a positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening were significantly associated with the practice of cervical cancer screening. Health professionals need to disseminate cervical cancer screening information and offer cervical cancer treatment during health-care appointments.
Elevated serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Limon Utku , Bozkurt Erdinç , Bulut Sinan , Ilkay Betül , Akçay Sezgin 
Published: March 2022

Purpose To evaluate the serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios in patients with acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, and healthy control samples. Methods Serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios were assessed in patients with acute (Group-1, 30 eyes) and chronic (Group-2, 30 eyes) central serous chorioretinopathy, and compared with healthy control (Group-3, 30 eyes) samples. Results Fibrinogen/albumin ratios were significantly higher in Group-1 (104.72 ± 12.34) than in Group-2 (75.83 ± 10.06) and in Group-3 (72 ± 9.54) ( p = 0.001). No significant correlation was found between age, CMT, and BCVA with fibrinogen/albumin ratios in the Pearson correlation analysis. In the ROC curve analysis, the most appropriate cut-off value of the fibrinogen/albumin ratio for acute CSCR was ≥87.8 and the optimal cut-off value for the fibrinogen/albumin ratio for chronic CSCR was ≥68.6. Conclusion The fibrinogen/albumin ratio may be useful as an inflammatory biomarker to monitor the systemic inflammatory state during the treatment and follow-up in patients with acute CSCR.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Differential Gene and MicroRNA Expression in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Genetic Effects on Patient Prognosis, as Indicated by the TCGA Database
Authors: Sun Bingqing , Zhao Hongwen 
Published: March 2022

Objective: To investigate the differential expression of genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and the relationship between such changes and patient prognosis. Methods: We analyzed the expression levels of genes and miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA). We analyzed the function of the differentially expressed genes and miRNAs in a co-expression network. Finally, we performed survival analysis of differential genes and miRNAs in the co-expression network using clinical data from the TCGA database. Results: We successfully identified 6064 differentially expressed genes: 5324 upregulated genes and 740 downregulated genes. And we identified 161 differentially expressed miRNAs: 126 upregulated miRNAs and 35 downregulated miRNAs. We identified several genes that were related to each other in the co-expression network. Further analysis revealed that the high expression levels of G6PC, APOB, F2, PAQR9, and PAQR9-AS1 genes were associated with poor prognosis. However, there was no significant correlation between the expression of hsa-mir-122 with regards to patient prognosis. Conclusions: Our data showed that hsa-mir-122 and a number of related genes may affect the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma by regulating the cytoskeleton, thus promoting tumor angiogenesis and the metastasis of tumor cells. The high expression levels of some differentially expressed genes was associated with the low survival rate in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. However, the levels of hsa-mir-122 were not correlated with patient prognosis.
Prognostic Value of Post First-Line Chemotherapy Glasgow Prognostic Score in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Stokke Kristin , Sandvei Marie Søfteland , Grønberg Bjørn Henning , Slaaen Marit , Killingberg Kristin T , Halvorsen Tarje O 
Published: March 2022

Background: The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) is an established inflammatory prognostic index in cancer patients. Most studies have only measured GPS at baseline (B-GPS). Effective cancer therapy may reduce inflammation, and we investigated whether re-assessing GPS after first-line chemotherapy (E-GPS) provided more prognostic information than B-GPS in a phase III trial of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Glasgow prognostic score was assessed before and after carboplatin/vinorelbine chemotherapy. When assessing GPS, C-reactive protein (CRP) ⩾ 10 mg/L and albumin < 35 mg/L are defined as abnormal values. GPS 0: both values normal, GPS 1: one abnormal value, and GPS 2: both values abnormal. Results: Glasgow prognostic score at baseline and E-GPS were available in 138 patients. Median age was 67 years, 51% were women, and 94% had performance status 0-1. B-GPS was not a statistically significant prognostic factor (B-GPS 1 vs 0: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.9-2.0; B-GPS 2 vs 0: HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.9-2.3), while E-GPS was (E-GPS 1 vs 0: HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.0-2.4; E-GPS 2 vs 0: HR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.7-4.5). E-GPS was associated with treatment response ( P < .01), whereas B-GPS was not. Conclusion: Glasgow prognostic score at baseline after first-line chemotherapy provided more prognostic information than baseline GPS in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and was associated with treatment response. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02004184.
Comorbidity progression patterns of major chronic diseases: The impact of age, gender and time-window
Authors: Uddin Shahadat , Wang Shangzhou , Khan Arif , Lu Haohui 
Published: March 2022

Objective The presence of one chronic disease often leads to the development of one or more other chronic diseases. This study examines whether there are significant progressions between chronic diseases and identifies the risk factors that influence them. Methods This study used an administrative healthcare dataset sample from 29,280 hospitalized patients over 24 years (1995 to 2018, inclusive) to explore the progression of common chronic diseases and their major comorbidities. An Australian health insurance organization provided the dataset. We used the t-test to examine the statistical significance of progression between chronic diseases. A network analysis approach is followed to rank different chronic diseases contributing to disease progressions. Results We found that few chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular diseases and diabetes) have a high prevalence in progressing to other chronic diseases, which is statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. These progression frequencies significantly increase with time and age. We also found that patients’ sex differently affects the disease progressions. Discussion This study found that some chronic diseases have a high prevalence in comorbidity progressions. In addition, the progression statistics differ with time and age. The results of this study can help researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers gain insights into the disease transitions and act as a guiding tool to assess future disease burden and plan accordingly.
Patient and Clinician Perspectives on the use of Remote Patient Monitoring in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Talbot Benjamin , Farnbach Sara , Tong Allison , Chadban Steve , Sen Shaundeep , Garvey Vincent , Gallagher Martin , Knight John 
Published: March 2022

Background: Numerous factors influence patient recruitment to, and retention on, peritoneal dialysis (PD), but a major challenge is a perceived “inaccessibility” to treating clinicians. It has been suggested that remote patient monitoring (RPM) could be a means of improving such oversight and, thereby, uptake of PD. Objective: To describe patient and clinician perspectives toward RPM and the use of applications (Apps) suitable for mobiles, tablets, or computers to support the provision of PD care. Design: Qualitative design using semi-structured interviews. Setting: All patient participants perform PD treatment at home under the oversight of an urban PD unit in Sydney, Australia. Patient and clinician interviews were conducted within the PD unit. Participants: 14 participants (5 clinicians [2 nephrologists, 3 PD nurses] and 9 patients treated with PD). Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using interview guides tailored for clinician and patient participants. Transcripts were coded and analyzed by a single researcher using thematic analysis. Results: Six themes were identified: perceived benefits of RPM implementation (offering convenience and efficiency, patient assurance through increased surveillance, more complete data and monitoring adherence), uncertainty regarding data governance (protection of personal data, data reliability), reduced patient engagement (transfer of responsibility leading to complacency), changing patient-clinician relationships (reduced patient-initiated communication, the need to maintain patient independence), increased patient and clinician burden (inadequate technological literacy, overmanagement leading to frequent treatment changes), and clinician preference influencing patient behavior. Limitations: The interviews were conducted in English only and with participants from a single urban dialysis unit, which may limit generalizability. Conclusions: For patients and clinicians, advantages from the use of RPM in PD may include increased patient confidence and assurance, improved treatment oversight, more complete data capture, and overcoming barriers to data documentation. Careful patient selection and patient and clinician education may help to optimize the benefits of RPM, maintain patient independence, and reduce the risks of patient disengagement. The use of an App may support RPM; however, participants expressed concerns about increasing the burden on some patients through the use of unfamiliar technology. Human Research Ethics Committee Approval Number: CH62/6/2019-028
Philosophical Thought and Educational Implication of the Ideas of Zhong (中)
Authors: Tian (田宝宏) Baohong 
Published: March 2022

Highlights The ideas of Zhong (中) have profound cultural implications beyond the Chinese character of Zhong (中) in traditional Chinese culture. This study explores the philosophical significance of Zhong for education. This study is based on the textual research of the original meanings of Zhong, its wisdom, and explanations of Zhong philosophies in Chinese rites and music culture as well as various schools of thought, including Yi-ology, Confucianism, and Daoism. Zhong has significant influence on the ancient Chinese concept of education, and its views on the field of education coincide with many contemporary educational views. Studying the educational and philosophical significance of Zhong provides important guidance and reference for current basic education reforms.
Craniofacial Bones and Teeth in Spacefarers: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Moussa M.S. , Goldsmith M. , Komarova S.V. 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Estimating the risk of dental problems in long-duration space missions to the Moon and Mars is critical for avoiding dental emergencies in an environment that does not support proper treatment. Previous risk estimates were constructed based on the experience in short-duration space missions and isolated environments on Earth. However, previous estimates did not account for potential changes in dental structures due to space travel, even though bone loss is a known problem for long-duration spaceflights. The objective of this study was to systematically analyze the changes in hard tissues of the craniofacial complex during spaceflights. Methods: Comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, the NASA Technical Report Server, and other sources identified 1,585 potentially relevant studies. After screening, 32 articles that presented quantitative data for skull in humans (6/32) and for calvariae, mandible, and lower incisors in rats (20/32) and mice (6/32) were selected. Results: Skull bone mineral density showed a significant increase in spacefaring humans. In spacefaring rodents, calvariae bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV) demonstrated a trend toward increasing that did not reach statistical significance, while in mandibles, there was a significant decrease in BV/TV. Dentin thickness and incisor volume of rodent incisors were not significantly different between spaceflight and ground controls. Discussion: Our study demonstrates significant knowledge gaps regarding many structures of the craniofacial complex such as the maxilla, molar, premolar, and canine teeth, as well as small sample sizes for the studies of mandible and incisors. Understanding the effects of microgravity on craniofacial structures is important for estimating risks during long-duration spaceflight and for formulating proper protocols to prevent dental emergencies. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Avoiding dental emergencies in long-duration spaceflights is critical since this environment does not support proper treatment. Prior risk estimates did not account for changes in dental structures due to space travel. We reviewed and synthesized the literature for changes in craniofacial complex associated with spaceflight. The results of our study will help clinicians and scientists to better prepare to mitigate potential oral health issues in space travelers on long-duration missions.