bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemic immune-inflammation index as a promising predictor of mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a real-world study
Authors: Su Gaofan , Zhang Ying , Xiao Ruyi , Zhang Tingting , Gong Binbin 
Published: May 2021

Objective Prognostic indicators in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) would aid in decision-making and identifying high-risk patients. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has good prognostic value in many diseases; however, its use has not been reported for ACS. We aimed to determine the associations between the SII and outcomes in patients with ACS, with adjustment for confounders. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we used the MIMIC-III (Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care) database and the eICU Collaborative Research Database. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the SII and patient outcomes, and we conducted subgroup analysis and smooth curve fitting. Results We identified 4699 patients with ACS: 1741 women and 2949 men, mean age 82.8±29.7 years, and mean SII 72.58±12.9. For 30-day all-cause mortality, the unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of SII <69.4 and SII >88.8 were 1.25 (1.04, 1.50) and 1.38 (1.15, 1.65), respectively. With SII >88.8, this association remained significant after adjustment for numerous potential confounders: HR 1.27 (1.06, 1.52). A similar relationship was observed for 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality. Conclusions SII is a promising prognostic indicator for unselected patients with ACS. This finding needs to be confirmed in prospective studies.
Different disease characteristics in young patients with colorectal cancer: a large retrospective study in a city in Romania
Authors: Gheju Adelina , Jurescu Aura , Tăban Sorina , Al-Jobory Diana , Lazăr Fulger , Dema Alis 
Published: May 2021

Objective In 2018, colorectal cancer (CRC) was the second most frequent malignancy in Romania after lung cancer. Although CRC is typically encountered in patients >50 years old, CRC's global incidence among younger adults has been increasing. We aimed to compare the disease characteristics of patients with CRC aged ≤50 years with those >50 years old. Methods We retrospectively evaluated data from patients with CRC who underwent standard surgery at “Pius Brinzeu” Emergency County Hospital, Timisoara, Romania. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (patients ≤50 years old) and Group 2 (patients >50 years old). Six parameters were analyzed (sex, residence location, age, tumor localization, microscopic findings, pathological staging). Results Data on age-related CRC were available for 1380 patients treated from January 2012 to December 2018. Group 1 included 120 patients while group 2 included 1260 patients. Significantly more Group 1 patients presented with advanced CRC compared with Group 2 patients (94.2% vs. 87.4%). Furthermore, CRC in younger adults was more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. Conclusions Monitoring the CRC incidence in younger adults is essential to assess whether screening practices require changes and to raise awareness among clinicians of the increasing CRC incidence among younger patients.
Plasma β-Amyloid in Mild Behavioural Impairment – Neuropsychiatric Symptoms on the Alzheimer’s Continuum
Authors: Miao Ruxin , Chen Hung-Yu , Gill Sascha , Naude James , Smith Eric E. , Ismail Zahinoor ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Simple markers are required to recognize older adults at higher risk for neurodegenerative disease. Mild behavioural impairment (MBI) and plasma β-amyloid (Aβ) have been independently implicated in the development of incident cognitive decline and dementia. Here we studied the associations between MBI and plasma Aβ42/Aβ40. Methods: Participants with normal cognition (n = 86) or mild cognitive impairment (n = 53) were selected from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. MBI scores were derived from Neuropsychiatric Inventory items. Plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratios were assayed using mass spectrometry. Linear regressions were fitted to assess the association between MBI total score as well as MBI domain scores with plasma Aβ42/Aβ40. Results: Lower plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 was associated with higher MBI total score ( p = 0.04) and greater affective dysregulation ( p = 0.04), but not with impaired drive/motivation ( p = 0.095) or impulse dyscontrol ( p = 0.29) MBI domains. Conclusion: In persons with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment, MBI was associated with low plasma Aβ42/Aβ40. Incorporating MBI into case detection may help capture preclinical and prodromal Alzheimer’s disease.
Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Pediatric Funeral Services: A National Survey of Funeral Professionals
Authors: James Kristin , Hawley Betsy , McCoy Carrie R. , Lindley Lisa C. 
Published: May 2021

Background: Funeral professionals offer a unique opportunity to support, educate, and advocate for grieving families after the death of a child. From the initial point of contact to the burial, funeral professionals shape the final moments and memories of a family and a community. And yet, little is known about the needs of funeral professionals to provide high quality services when a child dies. Objectives: To conduct a needs assessment among funeral professionals in conducting funeral services for children. Methods: Active National Funeral Directors Association members were surveyed on their experience and needs in providing pediatric funeral services. The survey contained 41 questions about experience, skills, and knowledge in providing pediatric funerals. The survey included multiple choice, yes/no, and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were generated from the survey items and comments/open-ended questions were coded and assessed for themes. Results: More than 200 responses were received. The respondents conducted 43 pediatric funeral services in a 5-year period (approx. 8 services/year). The top 5 self-identified training needs included grieving parents, grieving siblings, memorials, comforting the community, and outreach. Themes from the open-ended questions were (a) maintaining professionalism, (b) managing emotions and experiences, (c) assessing family dynamics, (d) managing professional skills, and (e) building collaborative networks. Conclusions: Specific training needs were identified that will inform the development of targeted training for funeral professionals to improve their skills and knowledge of pediatric funeral services.
Safety and discontinuation rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors used in patients with solid and hematological malignancies. A population based retrospective analysis
Authors: Shahbar Alaa , Alshamrani Majed , Aseeri Mohammed , Alfayea Turki , Alnatsheh Abdelmajid 
Published: May 2021

Background The discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors caused a paradigm shift in cancer treatment and led to a major improvement in clinical outcomes. However, they may induce inflammatory side effects that are known as immune-related adverse effect (iRAE). This study aimed to assess the safety profile and discontinuation rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients. Methods Adult cancer patients ≥18 years who received at least one dose of immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) were included. The primary endpoint was the rate of permanent discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors due to immune-related adverse effects. The secondary endpoints were rate and type of specific organ iRAEs, interventions used to treat specific organ iRAEs, and discontinuation rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors due to disease progression. Results A total of 75 patients were included in the study with a median age of 60 years [IQR: 46-72 years]. Of 75 patients, 7 patients (9.33%) have permanently discontinued ICIs due to immune-related adverse effects. Seven iRAEs occurred in the 7 patients who have permanently discontinued ICIs. Steroids were the main treatment used for 8 patients, followed by levothyroxine for 2 patients and one patient did not receive any medication. The discontinuation rate due to disease progression was reported in 32 patients (42.66%). Conclusion Immune checkpoint inhibitors were well tolerated in the majority of our patient population with a comparable rate of immunerelated adverse effects in comparison to the published data. Corticosteroids were fundamentally used to treat immune-related adverse effects.
Alectinib continuation during COVID 19 ‘antiviral’ treatment: Risk or benefit?
Authors: Akkus Mehmet Hadi , Kaman Omur , Dogan Mutlu 
Published: May 2021

Introduction Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2) has led to COVID 19 pandemic a year ago and it has not been globally taken under control yet. COVID 19 tends to have poorer prognosis in cancer patients. Additionally, we have no well-established guidelines for management of these patients during pandemic, in terms of treatment of ‘cancer’ and treatment of ‘COVID 19’. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are given without any break in cancer patients to have better survival outcomes in daily routine. However, there is no well-established data to continue or delay ALK inhibitors in lung cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV2. Concomittant use of ALK inhibitors and COVID 19 antiviral treatment is a dilemma because of the lack of data in this area. Case Report A 47-year old female metastatic ALK positive nonsquamous cell lung cancer patient on alectinib, a second generation ALK inhibitor was diagnosed with symptomatic COVID 19. She was given favipiravir for COVID 19 while continuing alectinib. Management and outcome: The patient continued alectinib during COVID 19 antiviral treatment without any break. She tolerated ‘concomittant’ alectinib & favipiravir. She had partial remission after three months of alectinib without any dose adjustment despite active COVID 19 medication. Discussion To best of our knowledge, this is the first case who continued alectinib without dose adjustment during antiviral COVID-19 medication without clinically worsening. There is limited data about ‘concomittant’ use of TKIs and antiviral COVID 19 medication in the literature. There are some case reports, but they generally tended to delay or suspend TKIs during COVID 19 antiviral medication. Our case differs from them in terms of continuation of alectinib without any break or additional side effects during favipiravir for symptomatic COVID 19. We consider that our case might contribute to the literature in terms of management of cancer patients on targeted therapy during COVID 19 antiviral treatment. However, clinical trials are needed in this area.
The Effects of Home-Based Self-Care Education on Blood Pressure and Self-Care Behaviors among Middle-Aged Patients with Primary Hypertension in Iran: A Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial
Authors: Hazrati Gonbad Sara , Zakerimoghadam Masoumeh , Pashaeypoor Shahzad , Haghani Shima 
Published: May 2021

Self-care education (SCE) through home visit is one of the methods with potential effects on self-care. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of home-based SCE on blood pressure and self-care behaviors among middle-aged patients with primary hypertension in Iran. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 110 middle-aged patients with hypertension recruited from public healthcare centers in the south of Tehran, Iran in September 2019. After convenience sampling, Participants were simple randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. Intervention group received a 2-month home-based SCE while control group received routine care services. Before and 2 months after the intervention, self-care behaviors were assessed using the Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects (H-SCALE). Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 16.0) at a significance level of less than .05. After 2 months, the posttest mean scores of self-care behaviors in medication adherence (17.42 ± 1.03 vs 14.49 ± 1.01, p = .04), physical activity (8.16 ± 0.39 vs 6.47 ± 0.52, p = .01), low-salt diet (52.51 ± 3.8 vs 35.36 ± 3.47, p = .001), and blood pressure control (3.47 ± 0.22 vs 2.42 ± 1.89, p = .001), in the intervention group were significantly greater than the control group. However, there were no significant between-group differences respecting the posttest mean scores of the weight management ( p = .06) and smoking cessation ( p = .2). Also, the mean blood pressure between the 2 groups changed after the intervention, but this difference was not statistically significant. This study suggests the effectiveness of home-based SCE in significantly improving self-care behaviors among patients with hypertension. But more studies are needed to measure the effectiveness of intervention on blood pressure. IRCT code: IRCT20190623043985N1. Registered 06/30/2019, https://fa.irct.ir/trial/40351 .
Videoconferenced Yoga Interventions for Cancer Patients and their Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report from a Clinician’s Perspective
Authors: Snyder Stella , Silva Rosangela F. , Whisenant Meagan S. , Milbury Kathrin 
Published: May 2021

Background: The acceptability of videoconferencing delivery of yoga interventions in the advanced cancer setting is relatively unexplored. The current report summarizes the challenges and solutions of the transition from an in-person (ie, face-to-face) to a videoconference intervention delivery approach in response to the Coronavirus Disease pandemic. Method: Participants included patient-family caregiver dyads who were enrolled in ongoing yoga trials and 2 certified yoga therapists who delivered the yoga sessions. We summarized their experiences using recordings of the yoga sessions and interventionists’ progress notes. Results: Out of 7 dyads participating in the parent trial, 1 declined the videoconferenced sessions. Participants were between the ages of 55 and 76 and mostly non-Hispanic White (83%). Patients were mainly male (83%), all had stage III or IV cancer and were undergoing radiotherapy. Caregivers were all female. Despite challenges in the areas of technology, location, and setting, instruction and personal connection, the overall acceptability was high among patients, caregivers, and instructors. Through this transition process, solutions to these challenges were found, which are described here. Conclusion: Although in-person interventions are favored by both the study participants and the interventionists, videoconference sessions were deemed acceptable. All participants had the benefit of a previous in-person experience, which was helpful and perhaps necessary for older and advanced cancer patients requiring practice modifications. In a remote setting, the assistance of caregivers seems particularly beneficial to ensure practice safety. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03948100; NCT02481349
Long-Term Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Repair for Aortic Arch Dissection Using Customized Single-Branched Fenestrated Stent-Graft
Authors: Li Xiaoye , Zhang Lei , Song Chao , Zhang Hao , Xia Shibo , Li Haiyan , Jing Zaiping , Lu Qingsheng 
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To report outcomes of thoracic endovascular repair using customized single-branched fenestrated stent-grafts in treatment of aortic arch dissections. Materials and Methods: Between November 2009 and November 2011, 16 patients with aortic arch dissections underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair utilizing customized unibody single-branched fenestrated stent-graft (UBFSG) in our institution. Results: All 16 patients were male with mean age of 54.50 ± 11.33. The technical success rate was 100%. 30-day mortality rate was 6.25% (n = 1). The median follow-up period was 98 months (range, 0-119). During follow-up, 4 nonaorta-related deaths were recorded. Two (2) cases of left subclavian artery occlusion were observed 12 and 14 months after the operation. Two (2) patients had another successful endovascular repair in time, including one case of type Ib endoleak occurred 100 months after the operation and one case of stent-graft induced new entry tear 38 months after the operation. No stroke and migration of stent-grafts were observed. Conclusions: The branched fenestrated stent-graft may be an effective alternative treatment for aortic arch dissections unfit for open surgery.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Plasty in High-Risk Young Adolescents: Revisions, Subjective Evaluation, and the Role of Surgical Timing on Meniscal Preservation
Authors: Grassi Alberto , Macchiarola Luca , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Mosca Massimilano , Caravelli Silvio , Zaffagnini Stefano 
Published: May 2021

Background: In adolescents, the rate of meniscal injury at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, the rate of ACL graft revision, and clinical outcomes has not yet been investigated. Hypothesis: In patients younger than 16 years, the rate of meniscal injuries at the time of ACL reconstruction increases with time from injury. The mid-term revision rate and reoperation rate after ACL reconstruction with hamstrings and lateral tenodesis are lower than those reported in literature for isolate ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Case series. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Patients younger than 16 years who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring and lateral tenodesis, with a follow-up ≥2 years were included. The number of meniscal lesions was stratified according to the delay between injury-to-surgery (<3, 3-12, >12 months). All reoperations, Lysholm score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales for pain (at rest and during activity), and return to sport were collected. Results: A total of 151 patients (mean age 14.8 ± 1.2 years) were included. Patients undergoing surgery at <3 months after injury had a lower meniscal injury rate (36%) than those treated at 3 to 12 months (55%) and >12 months (63%) after injury ( P = 0.04). Medial meniscal lesions were more likely to be repaired when surgery was performed <3 months after injury (91%). Subjective follow-up data were available for 132 patients, and 19 were lost to follow-up. At 6.0 ± 2.6 years, 6% of patients underwent ACL revision; 1 of 20 (5%) patients with posterior tibial slope ≥12° and 4 of 45 (9%) patients with Tegner level ≥8. Nine new meniscal procedures were performed; 19% of repaired menisci underwent meniscectomy. Good or excellent Lysholm score was reported by 88% of patients; 56% of patients with concurrent lateral meniscectomy had pain during activity, 91% returned to sport, and 79% were still participating at final follow-up. Conclusion: Patients younger than 16 years undergoing ACL reconstruction within 3 months from injury had the lowest rate of meniscal injuries. ACL reconstruction with lateral tenodesis had low revision rate (6%) and good or excellent clinical outcomes in 88% of young adolescents. Clinical Relevance: Sport physicians should be aware that adolescent patients undergoing ACL reconstruction within 3 months after injury have the lowest rate of meniscal injuries; the mid-term revision rate of ACL reconstruction with lateral plasty is lower than 10% and the patients’ perceived outcomes are good with almost all patients returning to sport activity.
In Search of a Better Outcome: Opting Into the Live Donor Paired Kidney Exchange Program
Authors: Vinson Amanda J. , Kiberd Bryce A. , Tennankore Karthik K. 
Published: May 2021

Background: Live donor (LD) kidney transplantation is the best option for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, this may not be the best option if a patient’s donor is older and considerably smaller in weight. Patient (A) with a less than ideal donor (Donor A) might enter into a live donor paired exchange (LDPE) program with the hopes of swapping for a better-quality organ. A second patient (B) who is in the LDPE may or may not benefit from this exchange with Donor A. Methods: This medical decision analysis examines the conditions that favor Patient A entering into the LDPE compared to directly accepting a kidney from their intended donor, as well as the circumstances where Patient B also benefits by accepting a lower-quality organ. Results: Under select circumstances, a paired exchange could benefit both Patients A and B. For example, a 30-year-old Patient A with a lower-quality donor might gain 1.201.521.84 quality adjusted life years (QALYs) by entering into a LDPE for a better-quality kidney, whereas a 60-year-old Patient B might gain 0.931.031.13 QALYs by accepting Donor A’s kidney rather than waiting longer in the LDPE. The net benefit (or loss) of entering the LDPE differs by recipient age, donor organ quality, likelihood of Patient B being transplanted in LDPE, and likelihood of Patient A finding an ideal donor in the LDPE. Conclusion: This study shows there are ways to increase live donor utilization and effectiveness that require further research and potentially changes to the LDPE process.
Association of Participation in Disease Management Programs and Health-Related Quality of Life in Korean Population: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV and V (2007-2012)
Authors: Lee Wonkyung , Han Euna , Choi Junjeong 
Published: May 2021

Background: The high prevalence of chronic diseases has been an ongoing public concern. The psychological factors, including lack of social support and perceived lack of control, were found to be highly associated with an increased risk of the diseases. In fact, the effect of disease management programs (DMP) in patients diagnosed with chronic diseases were assessed in multiple studies to measure health-related quality of life (HR = QoL), which measured in the EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D) index score, also known as self-perceived health. Methods: The study was conducted using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2007 to 2012 and through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to investigate the association of participation in DMP and the EQ-5D index score. Results: The results revealed that the subjects diagnosed with hypertension were shown to have a lower quality of life to those without the diagnosis ( P < .05). Moreover, in the hypertensive Korean population, DMP did not show any statistically significant impact on the EQ-5D index score ( P > .05). Conclusion: Our study has assessed the association of DMP and EQ-5D index score in hypertensive patients only although it is still uncertain the effect of DMP on other chronic diseases therefore, further studies should be conducted to investigate the importance of DMP in Korea for the patients with such diseases in improving their quality of life.