bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy analysis of rituximab in treating patients with primary membranous nephropathy dependent on calcineurin inhibitors
Authors: Li Zhuo , Zhao Tingting , Zhang Shasha , Huang Jing , Wang Honggang , Sun Yujiao , Wang Rong , Chen Bing 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThis study evaluated the efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) patients with incomplete remission and drug dependence after long-term use of calmodulin inhibitors (CNIs). It aims for complete clinical and immunological remission, and cessation of CNI dependence.MethodsThirty-six patients were enrolled in the study with two groups: drug-dependent and partial remission or immune non-remission group. Both groups underwent RTX therapy with gradual CNI tapering to end CNI dependency and induce complete remission. The primary outcome was overcoming CNI dependency and achieving complete remission after 12 months of RTX therapy. Secondary outcomes included immunological remission and recurrence rates.ResultsThe drug-dependent group (20 patients) achieved significant proteinuria reduction compared to the partial remission or immune non-remission group (16 patients) (P=0.016). After 12 months of RTX treatment, all drug-dependent patients overcame CNI dependency (average withdrawal period: 5.3 ± 3.7 months), with complete remission rates increased from 10% to 70.0% and complete immunological remission rates rose from 35.0% to 90.0%. In the partial remission or immune non-remission group, 14 patients discontinued CNI (average period: 4.6 ± 4.5 months), with complete remission rates increasing from 5.0% to 68.8% and complete immunological remission rates from 6.3% to 68.8%. During follow-up, serum albumin increased, and anti-PLA2R antibodies, 24-hour proteinuria, and CD19+ cell numbers reduced, while creatinine remained stable. Three patients relapsed, four encountered adverse events, and no malignancies or other fatal adverse events were reported.ConclusionsRTX effectively achieves complete clinical and immunological remission in PMN patients dependent on or partially responsive to long-term CNI therapy, reducing recurrence and minimizing prolonged immunosuppressive therapy risks.
Effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor time-of-day infusion on survival in advanced biliary tract cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Zheng Yichen , Shi Fanfan , Sun Lingqi , Guo Jiamin , Ren Tonghui , Ma Ji 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCircadian rhythms in the immune system and anti-tumor responses are underexplored in cancer immunotherapy. Despite the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating advanced biliary tract cancers (BTCs), not all patients benefit. This study examined whether the timing of ICI administration affects outcomes in advanced BTC patients.MethodsWe included advanced BTC patients from West China Hospital of Sichuan University who received ≥2 ICI treatments from October 2019 to September 2023, with follow-up until May 2024. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS), with secondary outcomes including progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs). Propensity score matching (1:2 ratio, caliper width 0.1) mitigated confounding factors. Cox proportional hazards regression analyzed the impact of ICI timing (post-16:30) on OS and PFS. Chi-square test assessed ORR and AE differences.ResultsAmong 221 patients, 51 received ≥20% of ICIs after 16:30; 170 received &lt;20%. Post-matching, 49 late-infusion patients had significantly shorter OS (median 10.1 vs. 14.5 months, HR=1.80, P=0.012) compared to 90 early-infusion patients. Pre-matching, late-infusion patients also had shorter OS (median 9.8 vs. 13.7 months, HR=1.68, P=0.010) and PFS (median 4.9 vs. 8.1 months, HR=1.62, P=0.006). Multivariate analysis confirmed these results. No significant differences were found in ORR (χ^2 = 1.53, P=0.215) or AEs (all P&gt;0.050). Sensitivity analyses supported these findings.ConclusionTiming of ICI administration affects efficacy in advanced BTC, with pre-16:30 infusions linked to better survival. Larger, prospective studies are needed to validate these results.
3D-printed porous titanium versus polyetheretherketone cages in lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of subsidence
Authors: Liu Shu-Xin , Zeng Teng-Hui , Chen Chien-Min , He Li-Ru , Feng An-Ping , Jhang Shang-Wun , Lin Guang-Xun 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCage subsidence frequently complicates lumbar fusion procedures, including lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), potentially leading to recurrent pain, impaired fusion, and accelerated degeneration of adjacent segments. A critical factor influencing cage subsidence is the selection of material. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and three-dimensional printed titanium (3D-Ti) cages are commonly used in LLIF procedures, each offering distinct advantages. However, these materials possess inherent property differences that may translate into divergent settling rates. To contribute to this discourse and offer insights, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the rates of cage subsidence between 3D-Ti and PEEK cages in LLIF.MethodsA meticulous systematic search that employs distinct MeSH terms was conducted in major electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) up to December 20, 2023. The quality of inclusion was measured using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for non-randomized trials. The primary outcome measure was cage subsidence, while the secondary outcome involved evaluating subsidence within each treatment segment using the Marchi classification.ResultsThe review included 265 patients (441 segments) from three studies. All with NOS ratings exceeding 5 stars. In the analysis, 189 segments (42.9%) underwent LLIF with 3D-Ti cages, while 252 segments (57.1%) participated in LLIF with PEEK cages. Overall, the cage subsidence rate was significantly lower with 3D-Ti compared to PEEK (p &lt; 0.00001, OR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.44). Specifically, the 3D-Ti group exhibited a markedly lower subsidence rate, categorized by grade I, II, and III, compared to the PEEK group (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of severe subsidence was significantly reduced in the 3D-Ti group compared to the PEEK group (p = 0.0004, OR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.46).ConclusionThe study concludes that the subsidence rate associated with 3D-Ti cages in LLIF is notably lower than that observed with PEEK cages, underscoring the potential advantages of 3D-Ti cages in mitigating cage subsidence.
Measuring traveling wave velocity in the basilar membrane as a potential indicator of endolymphatic hydrops in definite Ménière’s disease: a narrative review
Authors: Shen Xingqian , Pan Hui , Wang Linlin , Xie Wen , Leng Yangming , Liu Bo , Xiao Hongjun 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe pathological hallmark of Ménière’s disease is endolymphatic hydrops, which can lead to an increase in basilar membrane stiffness and, consequently, an acceleration of the traveling wave of sound. The cochlear hydrops analysis masking procedure (CHAMP), which is an auditory brainstem response test masked at various frequencies with high-pass noise masking, uses the principle of the traveling wave velocity theory to determine the presence of endolymphatic hydrops.PurposeThis study aimed to review the previous results of the CHAMP, expound the principles and key indicators, and discuss its clinical significance in diagnosing Ménière’s disease.MethodsA narrative review was performed to revisit the principles of the CHAMP test, procedures, and clinical application results in diagnosing Ménière’s disease.ResultsAccording to the published literature, the CHAMP has a specificity of 31–100%, a sensitivity of 28–100%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 30–100% for the diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, including patients with definite, probable, or possible Ménière’s disease in various studies. These inconsistent results were due to subject inclusion criteria, variable settings, waveform identification, and other factors. Nevertheless, as an electrophysiological technique, the CHAMP may have a relatively high diagnostic value in patients with a definite Ménière’s disease.ConclusionThe CHAMP is still potentially useful for studying the pathophysiology of hydropic ear diseases since the procedure can measure the traveling wave velocity of the basilar membrane in the era of imaging to detect endolymphatic hydrops for Ménière’s disease.
Individual metabolic brain network abnormalities associated with drug-resistant mTLE vary in surgical outcomes
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Zhang Pan , Lin Dandan , Zhao Chunlei , Huang Zhifeng , Chen Ziqian , Li Hui , Xu Shangwen 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to elucidate alterations in metabolic brain network connectivity in drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (DR-MTLE) patients, relating these changes to varying surgical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 87 DR-MTLE patients who underwent selective amygdalohippocampectomy was analyzed. Patients were categorized based on Engel surgical outcome classification into seizure-free (SF) or non-seizure-free (NSF) groups. Additionally, 38 healthy individuals constituted a control group (HC). Employing effect size (ES) methodology, we constructed individualized metabolic brain networks and compared metabolic connectivity matrices across these groups using the DPABINet toolbox.ResultsCompared to HCs, both SF and NSF groups exhibited diminished metabolic connectivity, with the NSF group showing pronounced reductions across the whole brain. Notably, the NSF group demonstrated weaker metabolic links between key networks, including the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and visual network (VN), in comparison to the SF group.ConclusionIndividual metabolic brain networks, constructed via ES methodology, revealed significant disruptions in DR-MTLE patients, predominantly in the NSF group. These alterations, particularly between limbic structures and cognitive networks like the DMN, suggested impaired and inefficient information processing across the brain’s networks. This study identified abnormal brain networks associated with DR-MTLE and, importantly, contributed novel insights into the mechanisms underlying poor postoperative seizure control, and offered potential implications for refining preoperative assessments.
Association between psychiatric disorders and the risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Hu Zhonghou , Sun Weishan , Cui Enxiu , Chen Bo , Zhang Mi 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPsychiatric disorders may be associated with an elevated risk of stroke; however, the existence of variations in this association between different populations remains controversial. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the magnitude of the relationship between psychiatric disorders and the risk of stroke.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify eligible studies from inception to April 2024. The aggregated findings were expressed as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the combined analysis was performed using a random-effects modeling approach. Further exploratory analyses were also performed using sensitivity and subgroup analyses.ResultsA total of 36 cohort studies, involving 25,519,635 individuals, were selected for analysis. We noted that depression (RR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.34–1.68; p &lt; 0.001), schizophrenia (RR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.36–2.24; p &lt; 0.001), and bipolar disorder (RR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.27–2.14; p &lt; 0.001) were associated with an elevated risk of stroke. Further exploratory analyses found that the association between depression and the risk of stroke differed according to the adjusted level (RR ratio: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61–0.98; p = 0.034), and the association between schizophrenia and the risk of stroke differed according to the outcome definition (RR ratio: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52–0.90; p = 0.006). Moreover, the association between bipolar disorder and the risk of stroke differed according to the study design (RR ratio: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.55–0.84; p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe significant association between psychiatric disorders and an elevated risk of stroke highlights the importance of enhanced monitoring and stroke prevention in patients with psychiatric disorders.Systematic review registrationOur study was registered on the INPLASY platform (number: INPLASY202450049).
The effect of pressing needle therapy on depression, anxiety, and sleep for patients in convalescence from COVID-19
Authors: Liang Ruilong , Tang Lin , Li Lutong , Zhao Na , Yu Xintong , Li Jinjin , Wang Qianqian , Cun Haifeng , Gao Xiaolin , Yang Wenjia 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of pressing needle therapy on depression, anxiety, and sleep in patients recovering from COVID-19, and to provide a more effective and convenient treatment for the sequelae of COVID-19.MethodsA total of 136 patients recovering from COVID-19 were randomized into a treatment group (68 cases) and a control group (68 cases, with one case dropping out). The treatment group received pressing needle therapy, while the control group received sham pressing needle therapy, three times a week for 4 weeks. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to evaluate patients’ emotional states and sleep quality. These scales were assessed before, after, and at a 1-month follow-up.ResultsCompared to before treatment, the treatment group showed a significant decrease in PHQ-9 scores (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d = 1.26), GAD-7 scores (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d = 1.10), and ISI scores (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.94) after treatment. Similarly, at the 1-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in PHQ-9 scores (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d = 1.11), GAD-7 scores (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.88), and ISI scores (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.94). In contrast, the control group demonstrated no statistically significant differences in PHQ-9, GAD-7, or ISI scores after treatment or at the 1-month follow-up (p &gt; 0.05). Between the two groups, statistically significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in PHQ-9 scores (Cohen’s d = 1.47), GAD-7 scores (Cohen’s d = 1.61), and ISI scores (Cohen’s d = 1.06) after treatment. At the 1-month follow-up, statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between the two groups were also noted in PHQ-9 scores (Cohen’s d = 1.10), GAD-7 scores (Cohen’s d = 0.87), and ISI scores (Cohen’s d = 0.92).ConclusionPressing needle therapy significantly improves the mental health and sleep quality of patients recovering from COVID-19. It enhances their quality of life, promotes early recovery, and is simple and easy to administer, making it a treatment worthy of clinical application.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/.
Quantitative evaluation of electrographic response to electroconvulsive therapy in super-refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Christin Raphaël , Hines Harrison , Hophing Lauren , Khambhati Ankit N. , Amorim Edilberto , Hegde Manu , Guterman Elan L. , Kleen Jonathan K. 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been occasionally applied as a treatment for super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). However, the effects of ECT on electrographic activity and related clinical outcomes are largely unknown. Here, we use quantitative approaches on electroencephalography (EEG) data to evaluate the neurophysiological influences of ECT and how they may relate to patient survival.MethodsThis was a single center study of adult patients who underwent bi-frontal ECT for treatment of SRSE between 2007 and 2021. Continuous scalp EEG data obtained before and after each ECT session was converted using a linelength transform and projected into low-dimensional space using complementary linear and non-linear dimensionality reduction techniques (principal component analysis and separately uniform manifold approximation). Differences between before versus after ECT were quantified using silhouette scores. Mixed effects models evaluated whether changes in mean scores were related to time (across sessions, and separately within sessions up to 1 h after treatment) and patient outcomes (survival).ResultsEight patients underwent ECT for SRSE, ranging from 3 to 12 sessions each. Four patients survived with chronic epilepsy and varying cognitive sequelae, and four died while hospitalized. Projecting EEG data into low-dimensional space revealed several sessions with visualizable differences in electrographic activity before versus after ECT treatment. Silhouette scores significantly increased as time elapsed up to 60 min after ECT and higher scores were related to survival, though there was no significant change in scores across successive ECT sessions.DiscussionECT is associated with changes in electrographic activity in certain patients, and such changes may be associated with survival, although our study was underpowered to detect more definitive treatment-related effects. Further quantitative neurophysiology studies, and potentially clinical trials, in larger groups of patients are warranted to study direct influences of ECT treatment given the devastating and often deadly outcomes of SRSE.
6-Hydroxyflavanone treats anxiety and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Akbar Shehla , Subhan Fazal , Qamar Rida , Akbar Aroosha , Shahbaz Naila , Aamir Muhammad , Siddique Nayyer , Islam Salman Ul 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCancer remains a predominant cause of death worldwide. The advent of effective chemotherapy has enormously decreased the mortality rate and increased the life expectancy of cancer patients. However, the adverse effects allied with chemotherapy contribute to the development of neurotoxicity, anxiety, and depression.ObjectiveThe dual effects of a novel flavanone, 6-hydroxyflavanone (6-HF), were investigated in treating chemotherapy-induced neuropathy along with anxiolytic propensity.MethodsThe anti-neuropathy propensity of 6-HF was evaluated utilizing the cisplatin-induced neuropathy (CIN) model, whereas its anxiolytic activity was evaluated utilizing anxiety models, such as the elevated plus maze test (EPM), the staircase test, and the open-field paradigm.ResultCisplatin administration induced static and dynamic allodynia in the rats. Concomitant administration of 6-HF and cisplatin for four successive weeks remarkably reduced the chemotherapy-induced mechanical allodynia, evident from an elevation in the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL). The anxiolytic-like activity of 6-HF in the EPM apparatus was confirmed by the increased number of entries in the open arm and time spent at the central platform, which was further confirmed by the enhanced head-dipping frequency in the same assay. A decrease in rearing behavior of the mice without suppression of the steps ascended further assured the anxiolytic-like potential of 6-HF. Additionally, the animals under investigation spent more time at the intersection of the open-field apparatus, further confirming the anxiolytic potential of 6-HF.Conclusion6-HF might be considered a potential therapeutic agent for counteracting two common adverse effects of chemotherapy, neurotoxicity and anxiety.
Quantity of spontaneous touches to body and surface in very preterm and healthy term infants
Authors: Stupperich Sophie , Dathe Anne-Kathrin , DiMercurio Abigail , Connell John P. , Baumann Nicole , Jover Marianne , Corbetta Daniela , Jaekel Julia , Felderhoff-Mueser Ursula , Huening Britta 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundSpontaneous movements are a crucial part of early motor development. Healthy term infants may produce up to 200 spontaneous touches to their body and surface in 10 minutes with their hands. The existing literature shows differences in early motor development between very preterm (&lt;32 weeks gestation) and healthy term infants. It is not known whether the quantity of spontaneous touches differs between very preterm infants and healthy term infants.AimsThis study investigates whether the overall quantity of spontaneous touches to body and surface is lower among low-risk very preterm infants compared with healthy term infants.MethodsVideos of 25 low-risk very preterm infants (10 female) at a mean corrected age of 13 weeks [Mean = 12.76, Standard Deviation (SD) = 1.07] were recorded during clinical routine and compared with videos of five healthy term infants (chronological mean age = 9.00, SD = 0.63). Spontaneous touches of both hands were coded, assessing number and location of each touch (i.e., body vs. surface).ResultsVery preterm infants showed significantly fewer overall touches per minute (Mean = 8.87, SD = 4.13) than healthy term infants (Mean = 13.19, SD = 4.28), 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = [0.00, 6.84] (p = 0.029).Discussion and conclusionThis study shows that low-risk very preterm infants, on average, produce fewer spontaneous touches than healthy term infants at three months of corrected age. The present study provides important exploratory evidence for further studies, particularly longitudinal investigations of all dimensions of development.
The relations between parents’ acceptance/rejection and undergraduate adjustment to college: the moderating role of undergraduate collectivism
Authors: Niu Hua , Liu Jie , Duan Wenji , Li Shuna 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe present study examined the moderating effects of undergraduate collectivism in the relations between parents’ acceptance/rejection and undergraduate adjustment to college in Chinese societies.MethodsA survey was conducted covering 5,444 Chinese undergraduates and involved the use of the Parental Acceptance and Rejection Questionnaires (PARQ-short form), the College Student Adaptability Inventory (CSAI), and the Individualism-Collectivism Scale (ICS).ResultsFindings revealed that undergraduate’s collectivism moderated the relations between acceptance/rejection and undergraduate adjustment to college for fathers, but not for mothers. Compared to low collectivism undergraduates, those undergraduates high in collectivism experienced stronger positive impacts from fathers’ acceptance and more pronounced negative effects from fathers’ rejection.DiscussionFindings from this study highlight the importance of considering how the cultural value (such as collectivism) may influence the relation between parenting and child development.