bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Achieving the Needed Correction in Vertebral Body Tethering: The Relationship Between Preoperative Flexibility, Intraoperative Correction, and First Erect Imaging
Authors: Todderud Julia , Milbrandt Todd A. , Potter D. Dean , Larson A. Noelle 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a nonfusion surgical treatment for scoliosis. Recent data have shown that intraoperative correction is critical for successful curve correction over time. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative correction. We hypothesize that preoperative flexibility will match first erect imaging, intraoperative correction will overestimate postoperative correction, and correction has improved over time with increased surgeon experience.

Methods:
This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent VBT at a single center between 2015 and 2023. Patient radiographs were reviewed preoperatively (standing and fulcrum bending), intraoperatively, and postoperatively first erect.

Results:
Our study included 157 patients: 127 females (81%) with a mean age of 13.2 years (range: 9 to 17) at surgery and a mean of 7.9 vertebrae instrumented (range: 5 to 12 vertebrae). Twenty-three had 2 curves instrumented (85% single curve). One hundred eight patients had thoracic curves (69%), 33 thoracolumbar (21%), and 16 lumbar (10%). Preoperative curve magnitude averaged 51 degrees (range: 36 to 72). The mean bending radiograph curve measurement was 24 degrees (53% correction). The mean intraoperative curve magnitude was 15 degrees (72% correction). Intraoperative curve magnitude and correction were significantly different between curve types, with increased correction in lumbar curves (7 degrees, 86% correction) and less correction in thoracic curves (16 degrees, 68% correction). On first erect postoperative imaging (mean 8 d post-op, range: 1 to 44), the curve magnitude was 26 degrees (49% correction). The R
2 correlation of the first erect radiograph was 0.209 for preoperative bending and 0.554 for intraoperative measurements. The mean difference in first erect curve magnitude was +2 degrees from preoperative flexibility radiographs and +11 degrees from intraoperative radiographs. Pre-2020, the intraoperative curve averaged 18 degrees, and >2020 averaged 13 degrees (P=0.001). Pre-2020, the first erect averaged 30 degrees, and >2020 improved to 24 degrees (P<0.001), despite equivalent preoperative metrics (both 51 degrees curves, P=0.98, with 54 vs. 52% flexibility, P=0.31).

Conclusions:
Our study indicates that preoperative bending films can provide a practical approximation of the correction on first erect imaging. Intraoperative correction has the strongest relationship and averages 11 degrees less than the postoperative standing curve magnitude. Further, our site’s intraoperative and postoperative correction has improved over time with increased surgeon experience.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—retrospective cohort.
Impact of Post-COVID-19 Condition on Health Status and Functional Capacity: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pereira Andreia , Amaral Luísa , Dias Inês , Magalhães André , Abreu Verónica , Esteves Mário , Vilarinho Rui , Cervaens Mariana 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To assess health status and functional capacity in adults with post-COVID-19 condition.

Methods:
Observational, retrospective cross-sectional study. Outpatients from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of the Hospital Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal, were included. A convenient sample included 54 participants aged over 18 years old (52.4 ± 15.5 years, 61% female), with diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 12 weeks before the study, persistent or new-onset symptomatology consistent with post-COVID-19 condition. Clinical assessment included the collection of symptoms (COVID-19 Questionnaire and Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea scale), lung function (spirometry), functional capacity (1-minute-sit-to-stand test and the 6-minute walk test), and emotional status (Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale).

Results:
A total of 46.3% of participants reported fatigue, 29.6% dry cough, 24.1% dyspnea, 24.1% myalgia, 22.2% weakness, and 20.4% memory loss. On functional capacity, 1-minute-sit-to-stand (20.1 ± 5.7) and 6-minute walk test (483.0 ± 110.3) performances were lower than the predicted values (P < .001).

Conclusions:
Adults with post-COVID condition in this study demonstrated evidence of reduced health status and functional capacity. These findings highlight the potential long-term effects of COVID-19.
Integrating Manual Therapy Techniques in the Treatment of Long COVID: A Case Report
Authors: Bates James , Gustavson Allison M. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
Growing evidence suggests long COVID in some can result in nervous system dysfunction, which translates to difficulty completing daily activities. Physical therapists play an important role in regulating the autonomic system through the use of manual techniques that can decrease sympathetic tone. The purpose of this case report was to outline the physical therapy management of a person with long COVID and associated autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
This case report discusses a patient who is a 70-year-old man referred to physical therapy for fatigue and shortness of breath related to physician-diagnosed long COVID.

Methods:
The following manual therapy techniques were applied at each treatment session to address rib cage dysfunctions, muscle hypertonicity, and sympathetic tone for improved breathing: suboccipital release, cervical paraspinal release, and rib raising. Concurrently, the patient was instructed and prescribed a diaphragmatic breathing home exercise program.

Results:
After 11 physical therapy visits over 20 weeks, the patient demonstrated functional improvement with an associated decrease in symptoms.

Conclusions:
Manual therapy techniques, in combination with other physical therapy interventions, may be a first-line, less invasive means of addressing sympathetic tone and the downstream effects of nervous system dysfunction on daily living.
Treatment of Long COVID With Enoxaparin
Authors: Wright Ciara , Kell Douglas , Pretorius Resia , Putrino David 
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose:
Long COVID is a complex multisystemic disease state, which represents a huge economic and health burden worldwide. Hypercoagulation and the formation of fibrinaloid microclots have been proposed as an underlying pathology, which may underpin a wide variety of presenting symptoms, via reduced blood flow and cellular energy production. Postexertional malaise (PEM) is common and exercise therapy should not be recommended without addressing the underlying pathology.

Case Presentation:
Patient was female, 43, with Long COVID for 21 months characterized primarily by extreme fatigue, exercise intolerance, PEM, cognitive dysfunction, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. She was unable to work or leave the house unless for essential medical appointments. Before her initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, she had no prior health conditions or comorbidities, a body mass index of 20.8, and engaged in regular vigorous exercise.

Intervention:
This case report describes a patient treated with enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin, at 20 mg per day subcutaneously, with assessment at 8 weeks.

Outcomes:
The patient's function and quality of life improved markedly, as reported subjectively, and with objective measurements at 8 weeks. Levels of activity improved markedly with no adverse events. The severity of PEM decreased dramatically, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome was better controlled. The FUNCAP score, used to measure functional capacity, increased from 3.3 (moderately affected) to 5.07 (mildly affected) after treatment.

Discussion:
It is recommended that this treatment should be further investigated to elucidate the role of enoxaparin in addressing underlying pathology in Long COVID, including hypercoagulation and microclots.
Esophageal cancer burden attributable to alcohol use and low consumption of vegetables from 1990 to 2021 across countries with different sociodemographic characteristics
Authors: Ma Yi-Kai , Zhou Yue-Ting , Liu Cai-Xia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a lethal malignancy. The sociodemographic index (SDI) is a critical factor influencing the disease burden of EC. Risk factors, including alcohol use and diet, vary significantly by SDI level, affecting the disease outcomes. This study utilized the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 database to determine the age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year rates (ASDRs) for EC attributable to alcohol use and a diet low in vegetables across countries with different SDI.

Methods
Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, covering from 1990 to 2021, were analyzed for 204 areas categorized into quintiles based on the SDI. Exposure levels for alcohol and vegetable intake were defined, and data were standardized using the global population structure to ensure comparability. Trend lines for the disease burden were plotted using R version 4.3.0 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Statistical analyses were conducted using Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 (The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, USA) regression to assess temporal trends in mortality and ASDRs, focusing on the annual percent change and average annual percent change across various SDI categories.

Results
From 1990 to 2021, the ASMR and ASDR for EC decreased globally across all SDI levels and in both sexes. The areas with a middle SDI initially had the highest rates but experienced the fastest declines, falling below high-middle–SDI countries by 2021. The ASMRs attributable to alcohol use generally declined, except in low-middle– and low-SDI nations. The greatest rates among males and the total population were found in high-middle–SDI nations, whereas high-SDI nations had the highest rates among females. The ASMRs associated with a diet low in vegetables decreased in all areas.

Conclusions
Despite the overall declining trend in the EC burden associated with alcohol use and diets low in vegetables, EC remains a significant global health concern. Strengthening the focus on key populations, implementing public health policies to reduce alcohol consumption, and promoting increased vegetable intake may collectively reduce the global burden of EC.
Comparing robotic, laparoscopic, and laparotomy in endometrial cancer: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Wen-Rui , Ou Xing-Yan , Fang Xing-Zi , Tang Xiao-Xuan , Chen Lei , Ling Jing , Song Wen-Cong , Du Xue-Lian 
Published: December 2024

Background:
This study aims to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), laparoscopy (LPS), and laparotomy (LPT) in improving perioperative indicators, lymph node dissection, and tumor survival outcomes in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) through a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA).

Materials and methods:
We searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, WeiPu, China Biology Medicine Disc, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies (CSs) involving RAS, LPS and LPT in individuals with EC. The NMA employed a Bayesian framework to integrate direct and indirect evidence, calculating odds ratios (OR) and mean difference (MD). Markov chain Monte Carlo methods generated posterior distributions, comparing and ranking treatments using surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) values. Regression and sensitivity analyses assessed the impact of different variables on the results.

Results:
37 eligible trials involving 3 surgical techniques and 6,558 participants were included in this NMA. Our data showed that RAS was the most effective way for reducing estimated blood loss (MD −193; 95% CI [−279.38 to −106.95]; SUCRA 80.3%), length of hospital stay (MD −3.8; 95% CI [−5.37 to −2.31]; SUCRA 90.2%), transfusion rate (OR 0.13; 95% CI [0.06 to 0.28]; SUCRA 87%), intraoperative complications (OR 0.23; 95% CI [0.06 to 0.8]; SUCRA 91.3%), postoperative complications (OR 0.29; 95% CI [0.18 to 0.51]; SUCRA 98.8%), and total complications (OR 0.24; 95% CI [0.1 to 0.61]; SUCRA 96%). However, the analysis showed no significant differences in the dissection of lymph nodes and tumor survival outcomes.

Conclusion:
Our results showed that RAS was the most effective surgical method for improving perioperative indicators in EC. If hospital resources are limited, LPS is a suitable alternative. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and ensure that the benefits of minimally invasive surgeries extend to long-term survival outcomes.
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses reveal heterogeneity characteristics and specific cell subtype regulators in growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Lifeng , Yi Xingcheng , Ma Xin , Wu Hongyu , Zhang Mingzhao , Yang Zhenqi , Ma Lizhen , Mi Zenghua , Zhi Weijia , Fu Cong , Liu Pinan , Yang Zhijun 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHPA) display diverse biological behaviors and clinical outcomes, necessitating the identification of tumor heterogeneity and prognostically relevant markers.

Methods:
In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on 10 GHPA samples, four of which also underwent spatial transcriptome sequencing, and used scRNA-seq data from four normal pituitary samples as controls. Cell subtype characterization in GHPA was analyzed using multiple algorithms to identify malignant bias regulators, which were then validated using a clinical cohort.

Results:
We constructed the first single-cell and spatial transcriptome profiles of GHPA, which contained 87 862 cells and revealed 16 tumor cell subtypes. Among the tumor cells, we identified distinct developmental trajectories and three malignant-biased subtypes (PIT1_C05, PIT1_C06, and PIT1_C10). The spatial distribution characteristics of these malignant-biased cells may influence the growth characteristics and prognosis of GHPA. We screened specific regulatory transcription factors, including FOXO1, GTF2IRD1, and MAX. Clinical cohort validation indicated that FOXO1 might be associated with tumor invasion and progression, while high expression of MAX could result in poor endocrine outcomes.

Conclusion:
GHPA exhibits rich heterogeneity and diverse cell subtypes, with specific transcription factors potentially regulating cell malignant bias, thereby influencing tumor characteristics and prognosis.
Preventing Community-Acquired Pressure Injury in Spinal Cord Injury: Simulation for Registered Nurses
Authors: Desmond Mary E. , Aguina Keith , Burkhart Elizabeth (Lisa) 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The study purpose was to develop and assess a simulation for registered nurses to apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes in conducting a focused assessment in the clinic setting to prevent community-acquired pressure injuries (CAPrIs) in individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods
Development, psychometric assessment, and pilot of a simulation for a nurse–patient clinic appointment to prevent CAPrIs at home. Evaluations were conducted via focus group.

Results
The simulation required one round with five experts in preventing CAPrIs in SCI to reach 80% agreement. The simulation with a standardized patient and companion checklist was piloted with (n = 4) post-baccalaureate registered nurse residents. Evaluation results indicated participants grew in knowledge, skills, and attitudes in conducting a focused assessment on prevention of CAPrIs.

Clinical Relevance
Evidence-based nursing education is needed for CAPrI prevention for individuals living with SCI in the community setting. The simulation is replicable.

Conclusions
The online educational program, simulation, and checklist for nurses promoted knowledge, skills, and attitudes in assessment of CAPrI prevention.
The Impact of Tranexamic Acid Administration in Reduction Mammaplasty
Authors: Pontes André , Barreiro Diogo , Costa-Ferreira António 
Published: December 2024

Background
Previous studies demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in several surgical specialties. Recent publications suggested that TXA may also be beneficial in plastic surgery, including breast procedures.

Objective
The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of TXA in reduction mammaplasty by assessing several intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and the safety of its administration.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines on several online databases. Studies evaluating the outcomes of TXA administration in patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty, regardless of TXA dose and administration route were eligible for inclusion. Only studies with a control group were included. Risk-of-bias assessment was conducted using Cochrane and MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies) tools.

Results
Our systematic review included 7 studies: 3 randomized controlled trials and 4 retrospective cohorts involving 1234 female patients (2232 breasts), 741 of whom received TXA (60%). Four studies used topical TXA, 2 used intravenous (IV) TXA, one used locally infiltrated TXA, and another combined locally infiltrated TXA with IV TXA. Four studies demonstrated benefits from TXA administration, whereas 3 studies did not. Topical TXA used just before wound closure resulted in a 42% reduction in drain fluid output and a 10-times reduction in major hematoma. The administration of IV TXA during induction resulted in a 12-times reduction in major and minor hematoma. The combined use of IV and locally infiltrated TXA reduced intraoperative blood loss. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions
There is scientific evidence suggesting TXA may be effective and safe in reduction mammaplasty.
Facial Thread Lifting Complications: Underlying Causes
Authors: Park Soo Yeon , Wan Jovian , Yoon Song-Eun , Kim Soo-Bin , Yi Kyu-Ho 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Thread lifting procedures are becoming increasingly popular for facial rejuvenation. However, various complications can arise during these procedures, many of which are influenced by anatomic factors.

Methods:
In this section, the authors explore the potential side effects associated with thread lifting and emphasize the anatomic structures that require careful attention. Techniques to mitigate these risks are also discussed, focusing on methods such as reticular cutis gathering and pinching techniques.

Results:
Complications from thread lifting can include dimpling, protrusion, skin penetration due to skin tagging, parotitis, and nerve damage. These issues often stem from anatomic causes. In addition, granulomas, infections, and excessive fibrosis may occur, sometimes necessitating thread removal as the safest course of action.

Discussion:
Proper techniques, such as reticular cutis gathering and pinching, can help minimize side effects and ensure the safe placement of threads within the intended layer. Aligning threads with tissue movement and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer is crucial to preventing complications or deep penetration.

Conclusion:
By focusing on anatomic structures and using careful techniques, the risks associated with thread lifting can be significantly reduced, leading to safer and more effective outcomes.
Long-term immune changes after COVID-19 and the effect of BCG vaccination and latent infections on disease severity
Authors: Bendíčková Kamila , Papatheodorou Ioanna , Blažková Gabriela , Helán Martin , Haláková Michaela , Bednář Petr , Spearing Erin , Obermannová Lucie , Štíchová Julie , Heroldová Monika Dvořáková , Tomáš Tomáš , Panovský Roman , Šrámek Vladimír , De Zuani Marco , Vlková Marcela , Růžek Daniel , Hortová-Kohoutková Marcela , Frič Jan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSeveral years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of trained immunity in COVID-19 remains controversial, and questions regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on immune cells remain unresolved. We investigated the roles of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination and latent infections in the progression of COVID-19 and sepsis.MethodsWe conducted a prospective analysis of 97 individuals recovering from mild-to-critical COVID-19 and 64 sepsis patients. Immune cell frequencies, expression of functional markers, and plasma titres of anti-Toxoplasma gondii/cytomegalovirus/BCG antibodies were assessed and their impact on disease severity and outcomes were determined. To examine monocyte responses to secondary challenge, monocytes isolated from COVID-19 convalescent patients, BCG vaccinated and unvaccinated volunteers were stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 and LPS.ResultsPost COVID-19 patients showed immune dysregulation regardless of disease severity characterized mainly by altered expression of activation and functional markers in myeloid (CD39, CD64, CD85d, CD11b) and lymphoid cells (CD39, CD57, TIGIT). Strikingly, post-critical COVID-19 patients showed elevated expression of CD57 in CD8+T cells compared to other severity groups. Additionally, a higher frequency of CMV andT. gondiiseropositive-alongside a lower frequency of BCG seropositive-patients were associated with severe and critical COVID-19. However, the monocyte response to stimulation was unaffected by the severity of COVID-19.ConclusionThese findings highlight the long-term alterations of immune cells in post-COVID-19 patients emphasizing the substantial impact of COVID-19 on immune function. However, our data showed no relationship between previous BCG vaccination and protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Alzheimer Disease Plasma Biomarkers in the Mid-Western Amish
Authors: Wang Ping , Song Yeunjoo E. , Lynn Audrey , Miskimen Kristy , Gulyayev Alex , Prough Michael B. , Dorfsman Daniel A. , Laux Renee A. , Fuzzell Sarada L. , Hochstetler Sherri D. , Zaman Andrew F. , Adams Larry D. , Caywood Laura J. , Clouse Jason E. , Herington Sharlene D. , Whitehead Patrice , Liu Yining , Moore Noel , Ogrocki Paula , Lerner Alan J. , Griswold Anthony J. , Vance Jeffery M. , Cuccaro Michael L. , Scott William K. , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Haines Jonathan L. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAlzheimer disease (AD) plasma biomarkers are noninvasive measures of the key amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathologies. Validation and generalization studies are needed to fully understand their potential for AD prediction and diagnosis in the elderly population.METHODSIn 1,067 Amish individuals aged ≥ 65, we measured plasma Aβ and tau to assess their relationships with AD-related outcomes.RESULTSAmong Amish individuals with AD, plasma p-tau181 was significantly higher (p= 0.04), and plasma Aβ42/p-tau181 ratio was significantly lower (p= 0.01) than cognitively normal individuals. The association of AD with elevated p-tau181 was driven by APOE ε4 carriers (OR = 6.02,p< 0.001). Cluster analysis identified two subgroups defined by differing Aβ and tau levels, with the high-risk cluster having more APOE ε4 carriers (p< 0.001).DISCUSSIONPlasma biomarkers, particularly p-tau181, Aβ42/Aβ40, and Aβ42/p- tau181 ratio, are promising surrogate biomarkers for AD-related pathology and clinical outcomes in the Amish.