bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Predictive Scoring System for In-hospital Death in Patients With Intra-Abdominal Infection: A Single-Center 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Xue Gaici , Liang Hongyi , Ye Jiasheng , Ji Jingjing , Chen Jianyu , Ji Bo , Liu Zhifeng 
Published: November 2021

Objective: To develop and validate a scoring system to predict the risk of in-hospital death in patients with intra-abdominal infection (IAI).Materials and Methods: Patients with IAI (n = 417) treated at our hospital between June 2010 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for in-hospital death were identified by logistic regression analysis. The regression coefficients of each risk factor were re-assigned using the mathematical transformation principle to establish a convenient predictive scoring system. The scoring system was internally validated by bootstrapping sample method.Results: Fifty-three (53/417, 12.7%) patients died during hospitalization. On logistic regression analysis, high APACHE II score (P = 0.012), pneumonia (P = 0.002), abdominal surgery (P = 0.001), hypoproteinemia (P = 0.025), and chronic renal insufficiency (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for in-hospital death. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the composite index combining these five risk factors showed a 62.3% sensitivity and 80.2% specificity for predicting in-hospital death (area under the curve: 0.778; 95% confidence interval: 0.711–0.845, P &lt; 0.001). The predictive ability of the composite index was better than that of each independent risk factor. A scoring system (0–14 points) was established by re-assigning each risk factor based on the logistic regression coefficient: APACHE II score (10–15 score, 1 point; &gt;15 score, 4 points); pneumonia (2 points), abdominal surgery (2 points), hypoproteinemia (2 points), and chronic renal insufficiency (4 points). Internal validation by 1,000 bootstrapping sample showed relatively high discriminative ability of the scoring system (C-index = 0.756, 95% confidence interval: 0.753–0.758).Conclusions: The predictive scoring system based on APACHE II score, pneumonia, abdominal surgery, hypoproteinemia, and chronic renal insufficiency can help predict the risk of in-hospital death in patients with IAI.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and COVID-19 Pandemic: Good Compliance With Treatment, Reluctance to Return to School
Authors: Quéré Baptiste , Lemelle Irene , Lohse Anne , Pillet Pascal , Molimard Julie , Richer Olivier , Sordet Christelle , Despert Véronique , Rossi-Semerano Linda , Borocco Charlotte , Kone-Paut Isabelle , Gervais Elisabeth , Guellec Dewi , Devauchelle-Pensec Valérie 
Published: November 2021

Objective: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has induced an exceptional sanitary crisis, potentially having an impact on treatment continuation, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies. After national lockdowns, many patients were also concerned about their safety at school. We evaluated the impact of the pandemic on the optimal continuation of treatment and on the return to school in JIA patients.Methods: JIA patients under 18 years of age, usually treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were prospectively included during their outpatient visit and completed a standardized questionnaire. The primary outcome was DMARD treatment modification in relation to the context of the pandemic but we also evaluated the pandemic's impact on the schooling.Results: One hundred and seventy three patients from 8 different expert centers were included between May and August 2020. Their mean age was 11.6 years (± 4.1 years), and most of them 31.2% (54/173) had a rheumatoid factor-negative polyarticular JIA. Fifty percent (86/172) were treated with methotrexate, and 72.5% (124/171) were treated with bDMARDs. DMARD treatment modification in relation to the pandemic was observed in 4.0% (7/173) of participants. 49.1% (81/165) of the patients did not return to school due to a personal/parental decision in 69.9% (55/81) of cases. Two patients were diagnosed positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection.Conclusion: This study suggests that JIA patients treated with DMARDs continued their treatment during the pandemic and were rarely affected by symptomatic COVID-19. In contrast, parents' reluctance was a major obstacle for returning to school. Therefore, more solidified school reopening strategies should be developed.
Systematic Characterization of High-Power Short-Duration Ablation: Insight From an Advanced Virtual Model
Authors: Petras Argyrios , Moreno Weidmann Zoraida , Leoni Massimiliano , Gerardo-Giorda Luca , Guerra Jose M. 
Published: November 2021

Background: High-power short-duration (HPSD) recently emerged as a new approach to radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation. However, basic and clinical data supporting its effectiveness and safety is still scarce.Objective: We aim to characterize HPSD with an advanced virtual model, able to assess lesion dimensions and complications in multiple conditions and compare it to standard protocols.Methods: We evaluate, on both atrium and ventricle, three HPSD protocols (70 W/8 s, 80 W/6 s, and 90 W/4 s) through a realistic 3D computational model of power-controlled RF ablation, varying catheter tip design (spherical/cylindrical), contact force (CF), blood flow, and saline irrigation. Lesions are defined by the 50°C isotherm contour. Ablations are deemed safe or complicated by pop (tissue temperature &gt;97°C) or charring (blood temperature &gt;80°C). We compared HPSD with standards protocols (30–40 W/30 s). We analyzed the effect of a second HPSD application.Results: We simulated 432 applications. Most (79%) associated a complication, especially in the atrium. The three HPSD protocols performed similarly in the atrium, while 90 W/4 s appeared the safest in the ventricle. Low irrigation rate led frequently to charring (72%). High-power short-duration lesions were 40–60% shallower and smaller in volume compared to standards, although featuring similar width. A second HPSD application increased lesions to a size comparable to standards.Conclusion: High-power short-duration lesions are smaller in volume and more superficial than standards but comparable in width, which can be advantageous in the atrium. A second application can produce lesions similar to standards in a shorter time. Despite its narrow safety margin, HPSD seems a valuable new clinical approach.
Viable Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Isolates Exhibit Higher Correlation With Rapid Antigen Assays Than Subgenomic RNA or Genomic RNA
Authors: Tariq Misbah , Kim Dong-Min , Kim Choon-Mee , Bang Mi-Seon , Lee You Mi , Seo Jun-Won , Kim Da Young , Yun Na Ra 
Published: November 2021

Background: Rapid identification and effective isolation are crucial for curbing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To meet this requirement, antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) are essential.Methods: Between February 2020 and August 2020 we performed a cohort study of patients with confirmed COVID-19. The clinical performance of Ag rapid fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) and Ag Gold was evaluated and compared in parallel with genomic and subgenomic real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and cell culture-based assays.Results: In total, 150 samples were tested. Of these, 63 serial samples were obtained from 11 patients with SARS-CoV-2 and 87 from negative controls. Serial respiratory samples were obtained 2 days prior to symptom onset (-2) up to 25 days post-symptom onset. Overall, for rRT-PCR-positive samples (n = 51), the detection sensitivity of Ag rapid FIA and Ag Gold was 74.5% and 53.49%, respectively, with a specificity of 100%; however, for samples with low cycle threshold (Ct) values, Ag rapid FIA and Ag Gold exhibited a sensitivity of 82.61% (Ct ≤ 30, 5.6 log10RNA copies/mL) and 80% (Ct ≤ 25, 6.9 log10RNA copies/mL), respectively. Despite low analytical sensitivity, both Ag-RDTs detected 100% infection in cell culture-positive samples (n = 15) and were highly effective in distinguishing viable samples from those with subgenomic RNA (66.66%). For both Ag-RDTs, all samples that yielded discordant results (rRT-PCR + ve/Ag-RDT -ve) were also negative by culture.Conclusion: The data suggest that Ag-RDTs reliably detect viable SARS-CoV-2; thus, they may serve as an important tool for rapid detection of potentially infectious individuals.
Age Matching Is Essential for the Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid sTREM2 Levels and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Shimin , Pan Na , Liu Chunyan , Wang Yuping , Zhang Tingting 
Published: November 2021

Background: Both the genetic and pathological studies link Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). A large number of studies have explored the value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) levels as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prediction of AD; however, the findings are inconsistent. We aimed to review the studies that investigated the association of CSF sTREM2 levels and AD risk, and to provide the recommendations for future research.Methods and Results: A systematic literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science (all databases) databases. The meta-analysis for the association between the CSF sTREM2 levels and AD risk included 15 studies (17 comparisons) with a total of 1,153 cases and 1,626 controls. The total results showed that the higher CSF sTREM2 levels and AD risk were associated [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.428, 95% CI (0.213, 0.643), I2 = 81.1%]. However, the analysis of the subgroup of “age difference ≤ 2 years” indicated that sTREM2 was not associated with AD [SMD = 0.090, 95% CI (−0.092, 0.272), I2 = 27.4%] and had a significantly lower heterogeneity. Combining the results of the “age difference of 5–10 years” [SMD = 0.497, 95% CI (0.139, 0.855), I2 = 82.5%] and “age difference &gt; 10 years” [SMD = 0.747, 95% CI (0.472, 1.023), I2 = 50.0%] subgroups showed that the difference in CSF sTREM2 between the AD and control groups was positively correlated with the age difference. A meta-regression analysis showed that the age difference can explain 33.4% of the between-study variance. By conducting further subgroup analyses of the five age-matched studies (495 cases and 364 controls) according to the measurement method, and whether inclusion criteria containing the requirement for pathological evidence of AD, no changes were observed in the corresponding pooled SMD or in the significance of the results. The meta-analysis result of “age difference ≤ 2 years” group was robust in the sensitivity analysis.Conclusion: The available high-quality evidence does not yet support an association between the CSF sTREM2 levels and AD risk. Age matching between the patients with AD and cognitively unimpaired controls was a major influencing factor in the results.
Screening Computed Tomography Angiography to Identify Patients at Low Risk for Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Nguyen Andrew M. , Williamson Craig A. , Pandey Aditya S. , Sheehan Kyle M. , Rajajee Venkatakrishna 
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) occurs during a risk period of 3–21 days following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and is associated with worse outcomes. The identification of patients at low risk for DCI might permit triage to less intense monitoring and management. While large-vessel vasospasm (LVV) is a distinct clinical entity from DCI, the presence of moderate-to-severe LVV is associated with a higher risk of DCI. Our hypothesis was that the absence of moderate-to-severe LVV on screening computed tomographic angiography (CTA) performed within the first few days of the DCI risk period will accurately identify patients at low risk for subsequent DCI.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Our institutional SAH outcomes registry was queried for all aSAH patients admitted in 2016–2019 who underwent screening CTA brain between days 4 and 8 following ictus. We excluded patients diagnosed with DCI prior to the first CTA performed during this time period. All variables are prospectively entered into the registry, and outcomes including DCI and LVV are prospectively adjudicated. We evaluated the predictive value and accuracy of moderate-to-severe LVV on CTA performed 4–8 days following ictus for the prediction of subsequent DCI.Results: A total of 243 aSAH patients were admitted during the study timeframe. Of the 54 patients meeting the eligibility criteria, 11 (20%) had moderate-to-severe LVV on the screening CTA study performed during the risk period. Seven of the 11 (64%) patients with moderate-to-severe LVV on the days 4–8 screening CTA vs. six of 43 (14%) patients without, subsequently developed DCI. On multivariate analysis, the presence of LVV on days 4–8 screening CTA was an independent predictor of DCI (odds ratio 10.26, 95% CI 1.69–62.24, p = 0.011). NPV for the subsequent development of DCI was 86% (95% CI 77–92%). Sensitivity was 54% (25–81%), specificity 90% (77–97%), and positive predictive value 64% (38–83%).Conclusions: The presence of moderate-to-severe LVV on screening CTA performed between days 4 and 8 following aSAH was an independent predictor of DCI, but achieved only moderate diagnostic accuracy, with NPV 86% and sensitivity 54%. Complementary risk-stratification strategies are likely necessary.
Associations of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism With Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and Energy Intake in Youth With Obesity: Findings From the HEARTY Study
Authors: Goldfield Gary S. , Walsh Jeremy , Sigal Ronald J. , Kenny Glen P. , Hadjiyannakis Stasia , De Lisio Michael , Ngu Mathew , Prud’homme Denis , Alberga Angela S. , Doucette Steve , Goldfield Diana B. , Cameron Jameason D. 
Published: November 2021

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism is functionally related to BDNF, and is associated with obesity and metabolic complications in adults, but limited research exists among adolescents. This study comparatively examined carriers and non-carriers of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on body composition, energy intake, and cardiometabolic profile among adolescents with obesity. The sample consisted of 187 adolescents with obesity; 99 were carriers of the homozygous Val (G/G) alleles and 88 were carriers of the Val/Met (G/A) or Met (A/A) alleles. Cardiometabolic profile and DNA were quantified from fasted blood samples. Body composition was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Compared to carriers of the homozygous Val (G/G) allele, carriers of the Val/Met (G/A) or Met/Met (A/A) variants exhibited significantly higher protein (p = 0.01) and fat (p = 0.05) intake, C-Reactive protein (p = 0.05), and a trend toward higher overall energy intake (p = 0.07), fat-free mass (p = 0.07), and lower HDL-C (p = 0.07) Results showed for the first time that among youth with obesity, carriers of the Val66Met BDNF Met-alleles exhibited significantly higher C-reactive protein and energy intake in the form of fat and protein compared to Val-allele carriers, thereby providing support for the possible role of BDNF in appetite, weight, and metabolic regulation during adolescence.Clinical Trial Registration:http://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT00195858.
Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Family Communication Scale in the Chinese Population
Authors: Guo Ningyuan , Ho Henry C. Y. , Wang Man Ping , Lai Agnes Y. , Luk Tzu Tsun , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Chan Sophia S. , Lam Tai Hing 
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the 10-item Family Communication Scale (FCS) in the Chinese population.Methods: Study 1 was a population-based survey [N = 687, 61.1% female; mean age (SD) 56.6 (19.1)]. Study 2 was a community-based intervention (N = 1983, 76.7% female; 57.8% aged 20–59 years). We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in Study 1 and replicated the model by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Study 2. Psychometric properties were evaluated, including internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and known-group validity. We identified how the FCS scores differed by sociodemographic characteristics and communication methods including face to face and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Study 1.Results: The EFA and CFA supported a one-factor structure. The Chinese FCS showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91; McDonald’s Omega = 0.91) and was stable over 1-month (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.69, P &lt; 0.001). Convergent validity was supported by positive correlations of FCS with the Subjective Happiness Scale, Family Adaption, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve (APGAR) Scale, family health, harmony, and happiness, and perceived family communication sufficiency and quality (All P &lt; 0.001). Discriminant validity was supported by the stronger correlation of FCS with Short Form-12 Health Survey Version 2 Mental Component than that with Physical Component (P &lt; 0.001). Higher household income, frequent face-to-face communication, and frequent use of phone calls, instant messaging, and social networking sites were associated with higher FCS scores.Conclusion: The one-factor structure of the Chinese FCS can be a reliable and valid measurement of positive family communication, in the context of ICT integration into family communication.Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT02563613].
Self-Medication for Chronic Pain Using Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Future Research
Authors: Bornemann Julia , Close James B. , Spriggs Meg J. , Carhart-Harris Robin , Roseman Leor 
Published: November 2021

Background:Chronic Pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide with up to 60% of patients suffering from comorbid depression. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has recently been found effective in treating a host of mental health issues including depression and has historically been found to be useful in treating pain. Reports of self-medication for chronic pain using psychedelic drugs have been widely documented, with anecdotal evidence indicating widespread success in a range of pathologies.Aims:In preparation for an upcoming trial, to better understand how those with lived experience of chronic pain self-medicate with psychedelic drugs, and to establish, in detail, their therapeutic protocols and practices for success.Methods:As part of patient-involvement (PI) for an upcoming trial in this population, 11 individuals who reported self-medicating with psychedelic drugs took part in a 1-h semi-structured discussion, which was then transcribed and thematically analyzed.Results:Across a range of psychedelic substances and doses, reported pain scores improved substantially during and after psychedelic experiences. Two processes, Positive Reframing and Somatic Presence, were reliably identified as playing a role in improvements in mental wellbeing, relationship with pain, and physical (dis)comfort. Inclusion of other strategies such as mindfulness, breathwork, and movement were also widely reported. Due to the data's subjective nature, this paper is vulnerable to bias and makes no claims on causality or generalisability. Together, these results have been used to inform study design for a forthcoming trial.Conclusion:This pre-trial PI work gives us confidence to test psychedelic therapy for chronic pain in a forthcoming controlled trial. The results presented here will be instrumental in improving our ability to meet the needs of future study participants.
Preliminary Study on Changes of Sleep EEG Power and Plasma Melatonin in Male Patients With Major Depressive Disorder After 8 Weeks Treatment
Authors: Wang Xue-Qin , Wang De-Quan , Bao Yan-Ping , Liu Jia-Jia , Chen Jie , Wu Shao-Wei , Luk Hsuan-Nu , Yu Ling , Sun Wei , Yang Yong , Wang Xue-Hua , Lu Lin , Deng Jia-Hui , Li Su-Xia 
Published: November 2021

Objective: To clarify the effects of escitalopram on sleep EEG power in patients with Major depressive disorder (MDD).Method: Polysomnography (PSG) was detected overnight, and blood samples were collected at 4 h intervals over 24 h from 13 male healthy controls and 13 male MDD patients before and after treatment with escitalopram for 8 weeks. The outcome measures included plasma melatonin levels, sleep architecture, and the sleep EEG power ratio.Results: Compared with healthy controls, MDD patients presented abnormalities in the diurnal rhythm of melatonin secretion, including peak phase delayed 3 h and a decrease in plasma melatonin levels at night and an increase at daytime, accompanied by sleep disturbances, a decrease in low-frequency bands and an increase in high-frequency bands, and the dominant right-side brain activity. Several of these abnormalities (abnormalities in the diurnal rhythm of melatonin secretion, partial sleep architecture parameters) persisted for at least the 8-week testing period.Conclusions: Eight weeks of treatment with escitalopram significantly improved subjective sleep perception and depressive symptoms of patients with MDD, and partially improved objective sleep parameters, while the improvement of circadian rhythm of melatonin was limited.
Brain Entropy Study on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Resting-State fMRI
Authors: Jiang Xi , Li Xue , Xing Haoyang , Huang Xiaoqi , Xu Xin , Li Jing 
Published: November 2021

Object: Brain entropy is a potential index in the diagnosis of mental diseases, but there are some differences in different brain entropy calculation, which may bring confusion and difficulties to the application of brain entropy. Based on the resting-state function magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) we analyzed the differences of the three main brain entropy in the statistical significance, including approximate entropy (ApEn), sample entropy (SampEn) and fuzzy entropy (FuzzyEn), and studied the physiological reasons behind the difference through comparing their performance on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the healthy control (HC).Method: We set patients with OCD as the experimental group and healthy subjects as the control group. The brain entropy of the OCD group and the HC are calculated, respectively, by voxel and AAL region. And then we analyzed the statistical differences of the three brain entropies between the patients and the control group. To compare the sensitivity and robustness of these three kinds of entropy, we also studied their performance by using certain signal mixed with noise.Result: Compare with the control group, almost the whole brain's ApEn and FuzzyEn of OCD are larger significantly. Besides, there are more brain regions with obvious differences when using ApEn comparing to using FuzzyEn. There was no statistical difference between the SampEn of OCD and HC.Conclusion: Brain entropy is a numerical index related to brain function and can be used as a supplementary biological index to evaluate brain state, which may be used as a reference for the diagnosis of mental illness. According to an analysis of certain signal mixed with noise, we conclude that FuzzyEn is more accurate considering sensitivity, stability and robustness of entropy.