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Objective: To screen the key genes affecting the prognosis and treatment of gastric cancer (GC) patients and to analyze the value of the key gene microfibrillar-associated protein 2 (MFAP2) in suggesting the prognosis and the sensitivity of immunotherapy of GC patients. Methods: The expression profile data and clinical information of gastric cancer and paracancerous tissues were downloaded from the TCGA database. Genes significantly associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer were screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and univariate Cox regression analysis. Multiple patient cohorts were used to assess the prognostic value of the key gene MFAP2 and analyze its efficacy and clinicopathological correlation. Multiple online databases and algorithms were used to analyze the correlation between MFAP2 and the tumor immune microenvironment. Immunophenotyping score (IPS) combined with immunotherapy patient cohort was used to analyze the value of MFAP2 in predicting the responsiveness of immunotherapy. Differential expression of MFAP2 in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues was verified with multiple datasets. Results: The blue module showed the highest correlation with survival outcomes of GC patients (R=0.17, P<0.001). Further intersections were taken with prognosis-related genes, and a total of 20 key genes were screened. High expression of the key gene MFAP2 suggested poor prognosis and pathological progression of GC (HR>1, P<0.05). MFAP2 was closely associated with cancer-associated fibroblasts, and GC patients with high expression of MFAP2 were more insensitive to immunotherapy. The high expression of MFAP2 mRNA in GC was verified by multiple datasets (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: High expression of MFAP2 is a predictive factor for poor prognosis and response to immunotherapy in GC patients. MFAP2 is expected to serve as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic indicator for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates scholars' citation behaviors from a fine‐grained perspective. Specifically, each scholarly citation is considered multidimensional rather than logically unidimensional (i.e., present or absent). Thirty million articles from PubMed were accessed for use in empirical research, in which a total of 15 interpretable features of scholarly citations were constructed and grouped into three main categories. Each category corresponds to one aspect of the reasons and motivations behind scholars' citation decision‐making during academic writing. Using about 500,000 pairs of actual and randomly generated scholarly citations, a series of Random Forest‐based classification experiments were conducted to quantitatively evaluate the correlation between each constructed citation feature and citation decisions made by scholars. Our experimental results indicate that citation proximity is the category most relevant to scholars' citation decision‐making, followed by citation authority and citation inertia. However, big‐name scholars whose h‐indexes rank among the top 1% exhibit a unique pattern of citation behaviors—their citation decision‐making correlates most closely with citation inertia, with the correlation nearly three times as strong as that of their ordinary counterparts. Hopefully, the empirical findings presented in this paper can bring us closer to characterizing and understanding the complex process of generating scholarly citations in academia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Literature still lacks meta-analytical evidence clarifying the effects of Otago exercise program on physical function in older adults. • The Otago exercise program have significant positive effects on balance, lower body strength and mobility in older adults. • No clear benefits of Otago exercise program are found for upper body strength in older adults. • The Otago exercise program conducted in video-supported, more than 30 min and 4 to 12 weeks may have a greater improvement in physical function among older adults. Maintaining physical function is critical for older adults to achieve healthy aging. The Otago exercise program (OEP) has been widely used to prevent falls for older adults. However, the effects of OEP on physical function remain controversial and the possible effects modifiers have not been assessed. To evaluate the effects of OEP on physical function in older adults and to explore potential moderators underlying the effects of OEP. We searched five electronic databases and relevant systematic reviews to identify studies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of OEP as a single intervention on physical function among older adults aged 65 and over. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Standardized mean differences (SMD) for physical function changes, pertinent to balance, strength, and mobility, were outcome measures. Subgroup analyses on exercise protocol and participants' characteristics were performed. Thirteen RCTs consisting of 2402 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results indicated a significant effect of OEP on balance (SMD = 0.59, 95 % CI: 0.22∼0.96), lower body strength (SMD = 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.31∼1.55), and mobility (SMD = –0.59, 95 % CI: –0.95∼–0.22) against control groups. No significant OEP effects were found on upper body strength (MD = 1.48, 95 % CI: –0.58∼3.55). Subgroup analysis revealed that the video-supported delivery mode was more effective for improving balance (P = 0.04) and mobility (P = 0.02) than the face-to-face mode. Session durations over 30 min was more effective on lower body strength (P < 0.001) and mobility (P < 0.001) than those 1–30 min. Program period of 13–26 weeks was more effective on mobility (P = 0.02) than those of 4–12 weeks. However, the effects of OEP on physical function were not associated with age groups, and baseline falling risks. The OEP could improve physical function including balance, lower body strength, and mobility in older adults. Implementing the OEP in video-supported, more than 30 min per session and 4–12 weeks may be the most appropriate and effective exercise protocol for improving physical function among older adults. More RCTs with rigorous design and larger scale are needed to further assess the effectiveness of diverse OEP protocols and quantify the dose–effect relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To compare the total corneal astigmatism (TCA) measured by IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam and to investigate the consistency of corneal keratometry (CK) measured by IOLMaster and Pentacam. Methods. Cataract patients were retrospectively enrolled in March and April, 2021. Retrospective analysis was performed on those patients with binocular and monocular CK measured by IOLMaster and Pentacam. Results. A total of 102 patients (204 eyes) were included, 64 of whom were female (62.75%). The flat (K1) and steep (K2) CK of anterior corneal surface (ACS) and flat (TK1) and steep (TK2) of total cornea measured with IOLMaster 700 were 44.16 ± 1.60 D , 45.09 ± 1.68 D , 44.12 ± 1.62 D , and 45.14 ± 1.69 D , respectively. Those measured with Pentacam were 44.31 ± 1.57 D , 45.22 ± 1.65 D , 44.15 ± 1.67 D , and 45.19 ± 1.82 D , respectively. The astigmatism of ACS and TCA were − 0.94 ± 0.63 D and − 1.02 ± 0.69 D (p < 0.01) in the IOLMaster group and − 0.90 ± 0.59 D and − 1.05 ± 0.81 D in the Pentacam group, respectively (p < 0.01). TCA measurement results of IOLMaster and Pentacam were consistent (Pearson = 0.710 , p < 0.01), and there was no significant difference (p = 0.591). Conclusions. Total corneal astigmatism measured by IOLMaster was consistent with that measured by Pentacam. The difference between the astigmatism of anterior corneal surface and total cornea was detected in the measurement of IOLMaster and Pentacam, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the specific predictive role of the preoperative Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) in oligometastatic prostate cancer (OM-PC) patients, who have undergone cytoreductive radical prostatectomy (cRP), and explored its prognostic index values. A total 89 OM-PC patients, who were identified between 2013 and 2019, were included in the present study. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to separately assess the prostate specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival (PFS). Overall accuracy was determined by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The analysis of patients in these three different groups indicated that patients with lower NRI values were significantly associated with a higher Gleason score and more neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (P < 0.05). In addition, the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that OM-PC patients in the preoperative high-risk group had shorter PSA-PFS (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the multivariate analysis further predicted that the high-risk NRI value is a common independent prognostic factor for shorter PSA-PFS (P < 0.001). Moreover, it was also observed that the AUC value of the NRI score was higher than other conventional nutritional indicators. The present study suggests that NRI can potentially be used as a new prognostic indicator for PSA-PFS for patients with OM-PC after cRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glucocorticoid treatment is used in children with Graves' disease (GD) only in cases of exophthalmos. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of glucocorticoid pulse therapy on thyroid function and thyroid antibodies in children with GD. Methods: Twenty children who were treated by intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) followed by oral prednisolone administration and antithyroid drugs were included in the pulse group. Twenty children who were treated with antithyroid drugs alone were included in the control group. Serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), and thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) were recorded at baseline and 10 days, 30 days, and 60 days after treatment. Results: Significant differences in FT3, FT4, TSH, TPOAb, TGAb, and TRAb levels were found in the pulse group and the control group from baseline to follow-up time points (all p < 0.05). On the 30th day, the TRAb level in the pulse group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.023). However, the level of TRAb rose on the 60th day. For values of TRAb at baseline, 10 days, and 60 days after treatment, there were no significant differences respectively between the pulse group and the control group (all p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in FT3, FT4, TSH, TPOAb, and TGAb levels between the pulse group and the control group (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggested that the effect of intravenous MPT followed by oral prednisolone on TRAb level was temporary in children with GD. Glucocorticoid pulse therapy was not beneficial for the sustained recovery of thyroid function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Flubendazole is an anthelmintic and categorized in benzimidazole. Previous evidence indicates its suppression on proliferation of colon cancer and breast cancer cells. Our study aims to explore the effects of flubendazole on non-small cell lung cancer A549 and H460 cell lines and the underlying mechanism. Methods CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of flubendazole at different concentrations on viability of both cell lines A549 and H460. We used western blot to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins p62 and LC3 after flubendazole treatment. Cells were transfected with tandem fluorescent adenovirus (mRFP-GFP-LC3), and the impact of flubendazole treatment on autophagic flux were analyzed. Results Cell viability analysis showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on proliferation of both A549 and H460, comparing to cells without flubendazole treating (P<0.001). Level of p62 decreased and LC3 II/I ratio increased in cells treated with 2 µmol/L flubendazole for 24 h and 48 h, compared to control groups (P<0.005). Red fluorescence signals increased in mRFP-GFP-LC3 transfected cells after flubendazole treating, suggesting an elevation in autophagic flux. Conclusion Flubendazole may inhibit the proliferation of A549 and H460 cells and promote autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the role of Cystatin C (Cys-C) in tumorigenesis and progression of prostate cancer (PCa), we retrospectively collected the clinical information from the records of 492 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 48 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and 173 PCa patients, whose disease was newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed. Pretreatment serum Cys-C levels were compared across the various groups and then analyzed to identify relationships, if any, with clinical and pathological characteristics of the PCa patient group. There were no significant differences in serum Cys-C levels among the three groups (P > 0.05). In PCa patients with normal SCr levels, patient age was correlated with serum Cys-C level (P ≤ 0.001) but did not correlate with alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, or bone metastasis status (P > 0.05). Age and SCr contributed in part to the variations in serum Cys-C levels of PCa patients (r = 0.356, P ≤ 0.001; r = 0.520, P ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, serum Cys-C levels predict renal function in patients with prostate neoplasia, but were not a biomarker for the development of prostate neoplasia, and were not correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Clinically, what is the best time for age-related cataract (ARC) patients to receive surgeries and get the most benefits is important. We explored the relationship between age and presenting postoperative visual acuity (POVA) in patients from rural China. Methods. Three Lifeline Express Hospital Eye-Train missions of Peking University People’s Hospital were chosen. At the first day after surgery, 3452 ARC eyes with the presenting POVA ≥ 6/60 were enrolled. The relationship between age and POVA was analyzed statistically. Results. In these three missions, there were more female patients than males; the ratio of females to males was 1.71. The average age of females was older than males. Overall, the percentages of patients with good visual outcomes (≥6/18) were significantly decreased with aging. Different regions had variations, but the trends were the same. There was weak linear correlation between age and POVA. The correlations of females were stronger than males in Yuncheng and Sanmenxia and weaker than males in Zhoukou. Conclusion. The good visual outcomes of presenting POVA were significantly decreased with aging and there were weak linear correlations between age and POVA in rural China. The linear correlation might be influenced by the difference of gender and region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Xian-ling-gu-bao (XLGB) is a traditional Chinese prescription commonly used to treat osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, aseptic bone necrosis, climacteric syndrome, and bone fracture. However, there is limited toxicological information available on XLGB in preclinical animal model studies. It has also been recently reported that XLGB may be related to liver injury in humans. Aim of study: This study was designed to determine the potential toxic effects of XLGB, particularly hepatotoxicity, in Sprague-Dawley rats following oral administration for up to 26 weeks. Materials and methods: Male and female rats were administered XLGB by oral gavage at doses of 0, 100, 300, and 1000mg/kg for 26 weeks followed by a recovery period of 4 weeks. Clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmology, hematology, coagulation, serum chemistry, urinalysis, bone mineral density, hormone concentration, organ weights and histopathology were examined at the end of 13- and 26-week dosing period as well as after the recovery period. Results: Neither hepatotoxicity nor any other toxic effects were observed in the XLGB treated rats at doses up to 1000mg/kg for 26 weeks except for a slight increase in the organ weight of the uterus in female rats at doses higher than 300mg/kg on week 26. Conclusions: In this study, we found the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for XLGB in Sprague-Dawley rats was 1000mg/kg, a dose that was equivalent to 3.3 times human dose based on body surface area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To estimate the prevalence and incidence of needlestick injuries associated with insulin injection among nurses working in hospitals in China and to quantify the direct healthcare costs associated with insulin injection-related needlestick injuries. We conducted a large online survey among hospital nurses from 31 provinces, municipal cities, and autonomous regions in China from October 2016 to February 2017. The survey covered a wide range of questions, including geographical location, years of experience, insulin injection practice, number of insulin injection-related needlestick injuries in the past 12 months, interventions for needlestick injuries, and treatment costs. We developed a cost estimate model and categorized costs into two major components: infection prevention and treatment of infections. We received a total of 10,447 questionnaires, of which 9873 were complete and validated. 39.1% of the nurses reported at least one needlestick injury while administering diabetic injections at some point in the past. The incidence of needlestick injuries involving injection pens was 139.5 per 1000 nurses per year and, with adjustment for exposure, 10.2 needlestick injuries per 100,000 injections. Among the respondents, 3.2% reported of having hepatitis B virus infection and 0.9% having hepatitis C virus infection as a result of needlestick injuries. The total costs of one insulin injection-related needlestick injury was estimated to range from ¥1,884 - ¥2,389. Insulin injection-related needlestick injuries were common in nurses working in hospitals in China and imposed a significant economic burden. More resources should be allocated for preventive efforts for needlestick injuries, including adoption of injection devices with advanced safety features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of patients with diabetes has been increasing rapidly according to a 2017 report by the International Diabetes Federation. Diabetes has become one of the most challenging public health problems, and there will be an estimated 143 million patients with diabetes in China by 2035. This puts considerable pressure on nurses who specialize in the care of patients with diabetes in China and increases related social and financial burdens. Clinical practice has proven that strengthening the core competencies of nurses and establishing an evaluation system of core competencies improve both healthcare quality and patient quality of life. However, no core-competence system framework currently addresses the unique characteristics of nurses in China. Purposes: The purpose of this study was to construct a core-competence system framework for primary nurse specialists in diabetes care. Methods: A brainstorming approach was conducted that worked to conceptualize the core competencies of nurse specialists in diabetes care in China. Next, a study group organized this information and conducted a seminar; 50 experts and patients with diabetes were invited to develop the first draft of the framework. Afterward, 50 experts were selected to participate in the Delphi survey. Most indicators were retained after a three-round Delphi process, and the superiority chart was used to determine the weights of the six dimensions. Results: Forty-seven experts completed the consultation. The experts' rate of response ranged from 94% to 100%, the authority coefficient was.91, and the Kendall's coefficients of concordance in Grades 1–3 were.793,.418, and.542, respectively. An increasingly detailed, three-grade system framework was developed, including six first-grade indicators (diabetes professional knowledge, diabetes-related knowledge, communication skills and health education ability, specialized skills, clinical judgment, and specialty development capacity), 23 second-grade indicators, and 87 third-grade indicators. The weights of the six first-grade indicators were.221,.149,.192,.209,.160, and.069, respectively. Conclusions: The core-competence system framework includes six core competencies, which represent the main characteristics of primary nurse specialists in diabetes care who are highly recommended by experts. It is important to keep in mind that this is only a theoretical framework and thus must be further tested in clinical practice settings in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]