Academic publishing is at a critical juncture. The challenges faced by the academics are mired in controversy. Among theseare three hotly debated concerns. First is the issue of whether technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI)improves research efficiency or if its use sacrifices research integrity.Another is the controversy between paywall publishingand open access. Lastly, adapting an appropriate business model for sustainability is a contentious issue and the choice betweena commercial or a university-based publishing platform is a difficult one.

Traditional models of scientific investigation relied on tedious intellectual calisthenics in all aspects of research —identifying research gaps, reviewing of published literature, devising valid methodology, collecting data, analysing results, and,finally, drawing conclusions. With the advent of powerful tools employing artificial intelligence, these heavy tasks are efficientlycarried out. The dilemma lies in determining which parts of the work can be attributed to the authors and which are ascribedto the output of large language models (LLMs) and other automated assistance employed.Despite requiring adequate vettingby experts of these AI-aided output, many in the scientific community still question these methods. Can research employingAI be considered honest work? Will full disclosure answer doubts as to the integrity of the scientific work?

Indeed, LLMs just gather information that is already out there, albeit more efficiently. After all, science progresses bystanding on the shoulder of giants. AI makes such work comprehensive and efficient. Standing on those proverbial shoulders,however, require access to prior work, hence our next challenge in academic publishing--open access versus paid access.Paywalls limit the benefits of valuable research to institutions and universities with the capacity to pay. Excluded from these arethose from low resourced countries, with nations from the global south being affected disproportionately. Additionally, whilenumerous authors appreciate the features of open access as it improves their impact and visibility, many feel unduly burdenedsince the cost of publishing in this format is passed on to them.

This brings us to our third issue: who bears the cost of academic publishing? Indeed, it is a lucrative industry, generatingan annual revenue of US$19 billion and an estimated 40 percent profit margin. Many, however, find fault in this businessmodel as concerns about the profit motives of the commercial publishers far overshadow their sustainability goals.

How do we navigate this landscape of controversies? We, at the ACTA, as part of the community of scholars, would needto clarify our mission. Our goals for this publication should be consistent with our values. These values, such as scientific rigor,integrity, and accountability, should be reflected in our policies. We should be cognizant of the role we play in national scientificdiscourse while we endeavor to make an impact in the global scene. We are accountable to our stakeholders — nurturingearly career scholars, supplying evidence to health policymakers, and being accountable to those who provide resources tosustain us. This stewardship is essential so that ACTA will stand shoulder to shoulder with the giants on which science buildsupon to benefit future generations.

Artificial Intelligence ; Commerce ; Costs And Cost Analysis ; Disclosure ; Drawing ; Efficiency ; Family Characteristics ; Forecasting ; Goals ; Gymnastics ; Health ; Health Resources ; Industry ; Intelligence ; Inventions ; Language ; Literature ; Methods ; Play And Playthings ; Policy ; Publications ; Publishing ; Research ; Residence Characteristics ; Role ; Science ; Shoulder ; Social Responsibility ; Universities ; Ursidae ; Volition ; Work ; World Health Organization

Bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis (BHD) is a rare cutaneous manifestation characterized by tense hemorrhagic bullae that appear at sites distant from low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injections, typically within seven days of exposure. As of March 2022, only 94 cases have been reported. It most commonly affects elderly males with predisposing factors for thromboembolism, such as carcinoma, and usually involves the extremities.

This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis (BHD) in patients receiving low molecular weight heparin, even beyond the typical 7-day window and in demographics not commonly affected. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending agent, as demonstrated in this atypical presentation involving a Filipino elderly woman with multiple comorbidities and no malignancy, can lead to favorable outcomes. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but reversible complication to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management.

Human ; Female ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Affect ; Aged ; Blister ; Carcinoma ; Causality ; Demography ; Diagnostic Errors ; Enoxaparin ; Extremities ; Heparin ; Heparin, Low-molecular-weight ; Index ; Injections ; Lead ; Male ; Molecular Weight ; Neoplasms ; Patients ; Research Report ; Skin Diseases ; Thromboembolism ; Women

BACKGROUND: The correlation between the morphological structure of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) and the severity of knee joint osteoarthritis (KOA) remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the severity of knee joint osteoarthritis and the alignment of patellofemoral and patellar height on radiographs. METHODS: This multi-center, retrospective study analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and anteroposterior radiographs of 534 adult outpatients with KOA. To evaluate the radiographic severity of KOA, anteroposterior radiographs of the knee and the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade were used. Knee MRI scans were used to measure the patellar length ratio (PLR), sulcus angle (SA), lateral patellar tilt angle (LPTA), and the distance between tibial tuberosity and trochlear groove (TT-TG). We examined the association between the configuration of the PFJ, arrangement, and harshness of the KOA. Information on participants' demographics, such as age, sex, side, height, and weight, was collected. A chi-squared test was used for the correlation of radiographic severity of KOA with sex and the affected side. Spearman correlation was used for patellofemoral alignment or morphology and the radiographic severity of lateral KOA. Multiple linear regression models were used for the association between LPTA, SA, TT-TG, and severity of KOA after accounting for demographic variables. RESULTS: The study comprised of 534 patients; of these, 339 (63%) were female. A total of 586 knees were evaluated in this study. Age showed a strong positive correlation with KOA severity ( r  = 0.516, P <0.01), whereas LPTA showed a strong negative correlation ( r  = -0.662, P <0.01). Additionally, SA ( r  = 0.616, P <0.05), and TT-TG showed a strong positive correlation ( r  = 0.770, P <0.01) with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (TFOA) severity. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that knee osteoarthritis severity (β = -2.946, P <0.001) and side (β = -0.839, P  = 0.001) was associated with LPTA; knee osteoarthritis severity (β = 5.032, P <0.001) and age (β = -0.095, P <0.001) was associated with SA; knee osteoarthritis severity (β = 2.445, P <0.001), sex (β = -0.326, P  = 0.041), body mass index (β = -0.061, P  = 0.017) and age (β = -0.025, P <0.001) was associated with TT-TG. CONCLUSION Radiographic severity of KOA was positively associated with age, SA, and TT-TG but negatively associated with LPTA.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology* ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Patellofemoral Joint/pathology* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Adult ; Patella/pathology* ; Radiography

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is still challenging to prevent or treat. Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and increased pyroptosis in chondrocytes may be responsible for cartilage degeneration. This study aims to investigate the effect of ER stress on chondrocyte pyroptosis and the upstream regulatory mechanisms, which have rarely been reported. METHODS: The expression of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), microRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p), and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and the levels of ER stress, pyroptosis, and metabolic markers in normal and OA chondrocytes were investigated by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, fluorescein amidite-tyrosine-valine-alanine-aspartic acid-fluoromethyl ketone (FAM-YVAD-FMK)/Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, and cell viability assessments. The effects of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 on ER stress and pyroptosis and the hierarchical regulatory relationship between them were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporters, gain/loss-of-function assays, and rescue assays in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced OA chondrocytes. The mechanistic contribution of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 to chondrocyte ER stress and pyroptosis and therapeutic prospects were validated radiologically, histologically, and immunohistochemically in surgically induced OA rats. RESULTS: Increased EZH2 and HMGB1, decreased miR-142-3p, enhanced ER stress, and activated pyroptosis in chondrocytes were associated with OA occurrence and progression. EZH2 and HMGB1 exacerbated and miR-142-3p alleviated ER stress and pyroptosis in OA chondrocytes. EZH2 transcriptionally silenced miR-142-3p via H3K27 trimethylation, and miR-142-3p posttranscriptionally silenced HMGB1 by targeting the 3'-UTR of the HMGB1 gene. Moreover, ER stress mediated the effects of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 on chondrocyte pyroptosis. In vivo experiments mechanistically validated the hierarchical regulatory relationship between EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 and their effects on chondrocyte ER stress and pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS A novel EZH2/miR-142-3p/HMGB1 axis mediates chondrocyte pyroptosis and cartilage degeneration by regulating ER stress in OA, contributing novel mechanistic insights into OA pathogenesis and providing potential targets for future therapeutic research.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/genetics* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology* ; Chondrocytes/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/physiology* ; HMGB1 Protein/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot is a complex condition with high incidence, recurrence, mortality, and disability rates. Current treatments for diabetic foot ulcers are often insufficient. This study was conducted to identify potential therapeutic targets for diabetic foot. METHODS: Datasets related to diabetic foot and diabetic skin were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R software. Enrichment analysis was conducted to screen for critical gene functions and pathways. A protein interaction network was constructed to identify node genes corresponding to key proteins. The DEGs and node genes were overlapped to pinpoint target genes. Plasma and chronic ulcer samples from diabetic and non-diabetic individuals were collected. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to verify the S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9), inflammatory cytokine, and related pathway protein levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to measure epidermal layer thickness. RESULTS: In total, 283 common DEGs and 42 node genes in diabetic foot ulcers were identified. Forty-three genes were differentially expressed in the skin of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The overlapping of the most significant DEGs and node genes led to the identification of S100A9 as a target gene. The S100A9 level was significantly higher in diabetic than in non-diabetic plasma (178.40 ± 44.65 ng/mL vs. 40.84 ± 18.86 ng/mL) and in chronic ulcers, and the wound healing time correlated positively with the plasma S100A9 level. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1, and IL-6) and related pathway proteins (phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase [ERK], phospho-p38, phospho-p65, and p-protein kinase B [Akt]) were also elevated. The epidermal layer was notably thinner in chronic diabetic ulcers than in non-diabetic skin (24.17 ± 25.60 μm vs. 412.00 ± 181.60 μm). CONCLUSIONS S100A9 was significantly upregulated in diabetic foot and was associated with prolonged wound healing. S100A9 may impair diabetic wound healing by disrupting local inflammatory responses and skin re-epithelialization.
Calgranulin B/therapeutic use* ; Diabetic Foot/metabolism* ; Humans ; Datasets as Topic ; Computational Biology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Animals ; Mice ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Immunohistochemistry

BACKGROUND

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a tool to measure muscle strength, which is an important component in sarcopenia and frailty. Grip strength (GS) in midlife can predict physical disability in senior years and help evaluate a patient's overall health.

OBJECTIVES

The general purpose of this study is to validate the HGS using an aneroid sphygmomanometer and Jamar dynamometer as a diagnostic tool for sarcpenia. The specific aims of this study are (a) to determine the concurrent criterion validity, (b) to determine the reliability, and (c) to measure the inter-rater agreement of the aneroid sphygmomanometer against the Jamar dynamometer in measuring HGS.

METHODS

This prospective validation study measures HGS using an aneroid sphygmomanometer and Jamar dynamometer obtained from seventy participants 50 years old and above. Statistical methods used in data analysis include Spearman Rho, univariate linear regression analyses, intra-class correlation, inter-rater reliability, intra-rater reliability, Bland-Altman plots, and Lin’s concordance.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation of HGS with the Jamar dynamometer and aneroid sphygmomanometer regardless of the rater [Spearman Rho (rs=0.762 to 0.778, p=0.001)]. Jamar GS is comparable to GS using a sphygmomanometer with the formula of [Jamar = 0.54 x sphygmomanometer (mmHg) - 45.12].

CONCLUSION

Aneroid sphygmomanometer can be used as an option to measure GS and has a valid value to predict the Jamar GS value. Hence, it can be an alternate tool for diagnosing sarcopenia.

Human ; Validation Study ; Grip Strength ; Hand Strength ; Sarcopenia

Human ; Male ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Madura Foot ; Mycetoma

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects using superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap （SCIA PF） and radial forearm free flap （RFF）. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 patients with head, neck, and maxillofacial tumors who were treated in our department from June 2019 to January 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical method used: the SCIA group（n=45）, who underwent reconstruction with SCIA PF, and the RFF group（n=45）, who received RFF reconstruction. Six months postoperatively, clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing flap swelling, flap survival rate, and patient satisfaction. Oral function was assessed using standardized scoring systems before surgery, at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. Hemorheological parameters, including high-shear viscosity（shear rate 200/s）, low-shear viscosity（shear rate 30/s）, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation index, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate（ESR）, were also measured at each time point. Results:Compared with the RFF group, the SCIA group showed significantly larger flap size, longer flap harvesting and reconstruction times, earlier nasogastric tube removal and oral intake initiation, higher scores in all aspects of oral function, reduced flap edema and faster resolution, higher flap survival rates, and greater overall satisfaction （all P<0.05）. During the follow-up period （preoperative, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery）, hemorheological indices including high-and low-shear viscosity, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation index, and ESR progressively decreased in the SCIA group （P<0.05）. In the RFF group, these parameters improved significantly by 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively and 1-week postoperatively, with a notable decrease in erythrocyte aggregation index at 6 months （P<0.05）. Conclusion:Compared with RFF, SCIA PF provides larger flaps, better functional recovery, higher patient satisfaction, improved flap survival, fewer complications, and more favorable hemorheological profiles following reconstructive surgery for oral and maxillofacial defects.
Humans ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Iliac Artery/transplantation* ; Forearm/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult

Objective:To compare the efficacy of gasless robotic surgery via transaxillary approach and combined axillary-retroauricular approach for unilateral N1b PTC, and to explore the safety and effectiveness of gasless robotic surgery via transaxillary approach for unilateral N1b PTC. Methods:Unilateral N1b PTC patients who underwent surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat sen University between July 2016 and December 2024 were included and analyzed. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the differences of surgical approaches, the patients were divided into the transaxillary approach（TA） group and the combined axillary-retroauricular approach（TARA） group. The demographic data, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative complications, shoulder function evaluation, postoperative visual analogue scale（VAS） of neck aesthetics and recurrence of the two groups were statistically analyzed. Results:A total of 88 patients undergoing gasless robotic surgery were included in this study, including 23 cases in the TA group and 65 cases in the TARA group. The proportion of males in the TA group was significantly higher than that in the TARA group（56.5% vs 21.5%, χ²=9.776, P=0.002）. The total operation time in the TA group was significantly lower than that in the TARA Group（180.00[155.00, 220.00]min vs 220.00[177.50, 272.50]min, z=-2.775, P=0.006）, and the postoperative blood loss in the TA group was significantly lower than that in the TARA Group（30.00[20.00, 50.00]ml vs 50.00[30.00, 60.00]ml, Z=-2.127, P=0.033）. The proportion of area Ⅱ-Ⅴ in the TA group and the TARA group was 87.0% and 70.8%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups（P>0.05）. There was no significant difference in lateral cervical lymph node dissection and central lymph node dissection between the two groups（P>0.05）. During the follow-up period, no recurrence was found in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups（P>0.05）. According to the stratification of dynamic recurrence risk assessment, it can be seen that the proportion of curative effect satisfaction in the TA group was as high as 95.7%, and that in the TARA group was as high as 81.5%, with no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference in VAS score of neck, Constant Shoulder Score and NDⅡ scale between the two groups（P>0.05）. Conclusion:Gasless robotic surgery via transaxillary approach for unilateral N1b PTC is safe and feasible, and the amount postoperative lymph node acquisition is equivalent to that of combined axillary-retroauricular approach, which can provide a new choice for the treatment of unilateral N1b PTC patients.
Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Axilla/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Operative Time ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Postoperative Complications

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of robot-assisted unilateral axillary approach for partial or total thyroidectomy without inflation. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 98 patients who underwent gasless unilateral axillary approach robot-assisted resection of bilateral thyroid lesions at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between October 2022 and October 2024. Perioperative indicators were recorded and compared among patients undergoing different surgical approaches（total thyroidectomy vs. bilateral partial thyroidectomy） and with different body mass index（BMI） values, including operative time, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph nodes dissected, incidence of postoperative hoarseness, incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia, and other postoperative complications. Results:A total of 98 patients were included, of whom 78.57% were female, with a median age of 39 years（interquartile range[IQR]: 35-49） and a median BMI of 24.08 kg/m²（IQR: 21.43-25.98）. The median intraoperative blood loss was 32.14 mL（IQR: 20.00-50.00）, the median operative time was 130.0 minutes（IQR: 104.80-150.30）, and the median hospital stay was 2.01 days（IQR: 1.00-2.00）. The most common postoperative complication was transient hypocalcemia, with an incidence of 16.32%. There were no cases of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or conversion to open surgery. Compared with the non-total thyroidectomy group, the total thyroidectomy group had a significantly longer operative time（135.10±33.28 min vs 120.30±30.53 min, P=0.033）. Subgroup analysis based on BMI showed no statistically significant differences in operative time, hospital stay, drainage volume, or incidence of hypocalcemia between patients with BMI≥25 kg/m² and those with BMI<25 kg/m². Conclusion:The gasless unilateral axillary approach for robot-assisted partial or total thyroidectomy demonstrates favorable safety, cosmetic outcomes, and feasibility. Appropriate selection of surgical techniques and meticulous protection of critical structures during the procedure can further reduce the risk of complications and optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Humans ; Thyroidectomy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Axilla/surgery* ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery* ; Thyroid Gland/surgery* ; Lymph Node Excision