bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the scanning protocols for measuring bone mineral density by gemstone CT spectral imaging based on European spine phantom
Authors: Huang Shihao , Cui Xuan , Han Heli , Zhang Yuan , Gao Bing , Yu Wanjiang 
Published: December 2021

Background Gemstone spectral computed tomography (GSCT) has been used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in human vertebrae and animal models gradually. Purpose To investigate the effect of scanning protocols for BMD measurements by GSCT using the European spine phantom (ESP) and its accuracy and precision. Material and Methods The ESP number 145 containing three hydroxyapatite (HAP) inserts with densities of 50, 100, and 200 mg/cm3 were labeled as L1, L2, and L3, respectively. Quantitative CT (QCT) protocol and 14 groups of scanning protocols configured by GSCT were used to repeatedly scan the ESP 10 times. Their measurements were compared with the true values of ESP and their relative standard deviation and relative error were calculated. Results The measured values of the three inserts at different exposure levels were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The measured values in the 0.8 s/r 260 mA group, 0.5 s/r 630 mA group, and 0.6 s/r 640 mA group were not significantly different from the actual ESP values for L1 and L2. However, the measured values at all the parameters were significantly different from the actual values for the L3. Conclusion CT gemstone spectral imaging can accurately and quantitatively measure the HAP value of ESP, but the results of BMD will be affected by the scanning protocols. The best scanning parameter of ESP measured by GSCT was 0.8 s/r 260 mA, taking dose into consideration, and the measurement accuracy of vertebrae with low BMD was higher than that of QCT under this parameter.
Chronic cluster headache: A study of the telencephalic and cerebellar cortical thickness
Authors: Demichelis Greta , Pinardi Chiara , Giani Luca , Medina Jean Paul , Gianeri Ruben , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Becker Benjamin , Proietti Alberto , Leone Massimo , Chiapparini Luisa , Ferraro Stefania , Nigri Anna 
Published: December 2021

Purpose Previous studies on brain morphological alterations in chronic cluster headache revealed inconsistent findings. Method The present cross-sectional explorative study determined telencephalic and cerebellar cortex thickness alterations in a relatively wide sample of chronic cluster headache patients (n = 28) comparing them to matched healthy individuals. Results The combination of two highly robust state-of-the-art approaches for thickness estimation (Freesurfer, CERES), strengthened by functional characterization of the identified abnormal regions, revealed four main results: chronic cluster headache patients show 1) cortical thinning in the right middle cingulate cortex, left posterior insula, and anterior cerebellar lobe, regions involved in nociception's sensory and sensory-motor aspects and possibly in autonomic functions; 2) cortical thinning in the left anterior superior temporal sulcus and the left collateral/lingual sulcus, suggesting neuroplastic maladaptation in areas possibly involved in social cognition, which may promote psychiatric comorbidity; 3) abnormal functional connectivity among some of these identified telencephalic areas; 4) the identified telencephalic areas of cortical thinning present robust interaction, as indicated by the functional connectivity results, with the left posterior insula possibly playing a pivotal role. Conclusion The reported results constitute a coherent and robust picture of the chronic cluster headache brain. Our study paves the way for hypothesis-driven studies that might impact our understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition.
The impact of COVID-19 on surgical volume and surgical training at a high-volume pelvic oncology centre
Authors: Abou-Chedid Wissam , Nason Gregory J , Evans Andrew T , Yamada Kohei , Moschonas Dimitrios , Patil Krishna , Langely Stephen E , Perry Matthew JA 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has overwhelmed most health services. As a result, many surgeries have been deferred and diagnoses delayed. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic at a high-volume pelvic oncology centre. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of clinical activity from 2017 to 2020. We compared caseload for index procedures 2017–2019 (period 1) versus 2020 (period 2) to see the effect of the COVID pandemic. We then compared the activity during the first lockdown (March 23rd) to the rest of the year when we increased our theatre access by utilising a ‘clean’ site. Results: The average annual number of robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed during period 1 was 82 and 352 respectively. This reduced to 68 (17.1% reduction) and 262 (25.6% reduction) during period 2. The number of patients who underwent prostate brachytherapy decreased from 308 to 243 (21% reduction). The number of prostate biopsies decreased from 420 to 234 (44.3% reduction). The number of radical orchidectomies decreased from 18 to 11 (39% reduction). The mean number of RARC and RARP per month during period 2 was 5.5 and 22. This decreased to 4 and 9 per month during the first national lockdown but was maintained thereafter despite two further lockdowns. Conclusion: There has been a substantial decrease in urological oncology caseload during the COVID pandemic. The use of alternate pathways such as ‘clean’ sites can ensure continuity of care for cancer surgery and training needs.
Bevacizumab-induced isolated oculomotor nerve palsy in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Değerli Ezgi , Alkan Gülin , Öztaş Nihan Şentürk , Bedir Şahin , Derin Sümeyra , Demirci Nebi Serkan 
Published: December 2021

Introduction Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, is the standard treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. In addition to common systemic side effects of bevacizumab, there are rare cases of cranial nerve palsy. Case report We report a case of transient oculomotor nerve palsy after systemic administration of bevacizumab. Twenty-four hours after the systemic infusion of bevacizumab, transient oculomotor nerve palsy developed in a 49-year-old male patient. In the cranial MRI, there was no malignancy-related progression. Management and outcome Bevacizumab treatment was discontinued. Methylprednisolone was started considering that bevacizumab increased the inflammatory response. Oculomotor nerve palsy resolved in 14 days. Discussion There are many side effects of bevacizumab whose mechanisms of action have not been fully explained. Cranial nerve involvement is rarely reported. Our case is the first reported case of bevacizumab-induced oculomotor nerve palsy.
Early-onset delirium after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Marrama Federico , Kyheng Maéva , Pasi Marco , Pierre Rutgers Matthieu , Moulin Solène , Diomedi Marina , Leys Didier , Cordonnier Charlotte , Hénon Hilde , Casolla Barbara 
Published: December 2021

Objective This study aimed at identifying the incidence, predictors, and impact on long-term mortality and dementia of early-onset delirium in a cohort of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods We prospectively recruited consecutive patients in the Prognosis of InTra-Cerebral Hemorrhage (PITCH) cohort and analyzed incidence rate of early-onset delirium (i.e. during the first seven days after intracerebral hemorrhage onset) with a competing risk model. We used a multivariable Fine-Gray model to identify baseline predictors, a Cox regression model to study its impact on the long-term mortality risk, and a Fine-Gray model adjusted for pre-specified confounders to analyze its impact on new-onset dementia. Results The study population consisted of 248 patients (mean age 70 years, 54% males). Early-onset delirium incidence rate was 29.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.3–35.6). Multivariate analysis showed that pre-existing dementia (subhazard ratio (SHR) 2.08, 95%CI 1.32–3.32, p = 0.002), heavy alcohol intake (SHR 1.79, 95%CI 1.13–2.82, p = 0.013), and intracerebral hemorrhage lobar location (SHR 1.56, 95%CI 1.01–2.42, p = 0.049) independently predicted early-onset delirium. Median follow-up was 9.5 years. Early-onset delirium was associated with higher mortality rates during the first five years of follow-up (HR 1.52, 95%CI 1.00–2.31, p = 0.049), but did not predict new-onset dementia (SHR 1.31, 95%CI 0.60–2.87). Conclusion Early-onset delirium is a frequent complication after intracerebral hemorrhage; it is associated with markers of pre-existing brain vulnerability and with higher mortality risk, but not with higher dementia rates during long-term follow-up.
Psychological profiles in adults with knee OA-related pain: a replication study
Authors: Johnson Alisa J. , Laffitte Nodarse Chavier , Peraza Julio A. , Valdes-Hernandez Pedro A. , Montesino-Goicolea Soamy , Huo Zhiguang , Fillingim Roger B. , Cruz-Almeida Yenisel 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Psychological factors have been associated with knee osteoarthritis pain severity and treatment outcomes, yet their combined contribution to phenotypic heterogeneity is poorly understood. In particular, empirically derived psychological profiles must be replicated before they can be targeted or considered for treatment studies. The objectives of this study were to (1) confirm previously identified psychological profiles using unsupervised clustering methods in persons with knee osteoarthritis pain, (2) determine the replicability of profiles using supervised machine learning in a different sample, and (3) examine associations with clinical pain, brain structure, and experimental pain. Methods: Participants included two cohorts of individuals with knee osteoarthritis pain recruited as part of the multisite UPLOAD1 ( n = 270, mean age = 56.8 ± 7.6, male = 37%) and UPLOAD2 ( n = 164, mean age = 57.73 ± 7.8, male = 36%) studies. Similar psychological constructs (e.g. optimism, coping, somatization, affect, depression, and anxiety), sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and somatosensory function were assessed across samples. UPLOAD2 participants also completed brain magnetic resonance imaging. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis was first conducted in UPLOAD1 data to derive clusters, followed by supervised linear discriminative analysis to predict group membership in UPLOAD2 data. Associations among cluster membership and clinical variables were assessed, controlling for age, sex, education, ethnicity/race, study site, and number of pain sites. Results: Four distinct profiles emerged in UPLOAD1 and were replicated in UPLOAD2. Identified psychological profiles were associated with psychological variables ( ps < 0.001), and clinical outcomes ( ps = 0.001–0.03), indicating good internal and external validation of the cluster solution. Significant associations between psychological profiles and somatosensory function and brain structure were also found. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of considering the biopsychosocial model in knee osteoarthritis pain assessment and treatment.
Contemporary standards in UK nephrectomy practice: Analysis of the British Association of Urological Surgeons Complex Operations Reports, 2016–2018
Authors: Pascoe John , John Joseph , Fowler Sarah , Narahari Krishna , Challacombe Ben , Dickinson Andrew , McGrath John S 
Published: December 2021

Objective: To analyse the 2016–2018 British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Complex Operations Reports nephrectomy database, providing a comprehensive description of modern nephrectomy practice. Patients and Methods: Analysis of 2016–2018 data held on the BAUS Complex Operations Reports nephrectomy database was performed for 21,366 patients in England. Data are reported on patient, disease, operation and outcome variables. Results: Using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) as a comparator, the database captured an estimated 88% of nephrectomies. Benign nephrectomies (BNs) accounted for 11%, 51% were radical nephrectomies (RNs), 14% were nephroureterectomies (NUs) and 22% were partial nephrectomies (PNs). Of the 2399 BNs, 10% were performed for stone disease, 9% for allograft donation and 9% for infective pathology. Aetiology was not specified further than non-functioning kidney in 51% of cases; 80% of cases adopted minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Histology was benign in 96% of cases. Of 10,843 RNs performed, 77% were performed using MIS. Final histology was renal cell carcinoma in 87% of cases and benign histology confirmed in 9% of cases. Of 3038 NUs performed, 88% were performed using MIS. Histology confirmed malignancy in 94% of cases with transitional cell carcinoma accounting for 82% of cases overall. Of 4708 PNs performed, 74% were performed using MIS; 85% of cases were performed for T1 disease; 16% of cases overall returned benign histology. Across the cohort, 30-day mortality was 0.36%. Transfusion rates were 3.3%, 6.1%, 3.3% and 2.0% for BNs, RNs, NUs and PNs, respectively. In malignant disease, positive surgical margins were present in 0.7% of RNs, 1.2% of NUs and 7.3% of PNs. Conclusions: The BAUS nephrectomy dataset provides a real-world description of nephrectomy practice across England, enabling surgeons to compare their practice against a national average. This dataset allows surgeons to share data with patients enhancing informed consent and facilitating shared-decision making. Overall, MIS is widespread, and early mortality after nephrectomy is low. Level of evidence: 2B
Safety assessment of purine nucleosidase from Aspergillus luchuensis
Authors: Vo Trung D , Meetro Jwar , Floyd Seth , Lynch Barry , Tafazoli Shahrzad , Ichihara Akio , Chikamatsu Go 
Published: December 2021

Purine nucleosidase (EC 3.2.2.1) catalyzes the N-riboside hydrolysis of purine nucleosides to D-ribose and a purine base. This enzyme may be used in the production of beer and other alcoholic beverages to reduce the purine content of these products. Purine nucleosidase was obtained from Aspergillus luchuensis naturally occurring in grain sources. The safety profile of purine nucleosidase is not well documented in the scientific literature, and a series of toxicological studies were undertaken to investigate the safety of its use in food production. Purine nucleosidase from A. luchuensis was non-mutagenic and non-clastogenic in a standard Ames test and in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration assay. Administration of purine nucleosidase in a 90-day subchronic toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats did not elicit adverse findings on any hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, organ weight, or histopathological parameter at doses up to 1700 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight/day, the highest dose tested. The results suggest purine nucleosidase to lack systemic toxic effect. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was concluded to be 1700 mg TOS/kg body weight/day. The results of the toxicology studies support the safety of purine nucleosidase from a non-genetically modified strain of A. luchuensis when used in food production.
What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature
Authors: Caggiari Gianfilippo , Talesa Giuseppe Rocco , Toro Giuseppe , Jannelli Eugenio , Monteleone Gaetano , Puddu Leonardo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractEnergy spent during daily activities is recuperated by humans through sleep, ensuring optimal performance on the following day. Sleep disturbances are common: a meta-analysis on sleep quality showed that 15–30% of adults report sleep disorders, such as sleep onset latency (SOL), insufficient duration of sleep and frequently waking up at night. Low back pain (LBP) has been identified as one of the main causes of poor sleep quality. Literature findings are discordant on the type of mattress that might prevent onset of back pain, resulting in an improved quality of sleep. We conducted a systematic literature review of articles published until 2019, investigating the association of different mattresses with sleep quality and low back pain. Based on examined studies, mattresses were classified according to the European Committee for Standardization (2000) as: soft, medium-firm, extra-firm or mattresses customized for patients affected by supine decubitus. A total of 39 qualified articles have been included in the current systematic review. Results of this systematic review show that a medium-firm mattress promotes comfort, sleep quality and rachis alignment.
Transcription factor network analysis based on single cell RNA-seq identifies that Trichostatin-a reverses docetaxel resistance in prostate Cancer
Authors: Schnepp Patricia M. , Ahmed Aqila , Escara-Wilke June , Dai Jinlu , Shelley Greg , Keller Jill , Mizokami Atsushi , Keller Evan T. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Overcoming drug resistance is critical for increasing the survival rate of prostate cancer (PCa). Docetaxel is the first cytotoxic chemotherapeutical approved for treatment of PCa. However, 99% of PCa patients will develop resistance to docetaxel within 3 years. Understanding how resistance arises is important to increasing PCa survival.

Methods
In this study, we modeled docetaxel resistance using two PCa cell lines: DU145 and PC3. Using the Passing Attributes between Networks for Data Assimilation (PANDA) method to model transcription factor (TF) activity networks in both sensitive and resistant variants of the two cell lines. We identified edges and nodes shared by both PCa cell lines that composed a shared TF network that modeled changes which occur during acquisition of docetaxel resistance in PCa. We subjected the shared TF network to connectivity map analysis (CMAP) to identify potential drugs that could disrupt the resistant networks. We validated the candidate drug in combination with docetaxel to treat docetaxel-resistant PCa in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Results
In the final shared TF network, 10 TF nodes were identified as the main nodes for the development of docetaxel resistance. CMAP analysis of the shared TF network identified trichostatin A (TSA) as a candidate adjuvant to reverse docetaxel resistance. In cell lines, the addition of TSA to docetaxel enhanced cytotoxicity of docetaxel resistant PCa cells with an associated reduction of the IC50 of docetaxel on the resistant cells. In the PCa mouse model, combination of TSA and docetaxel reduced tumor growth and final weight greater than either drug alone or vehicle.

Conclusions
We identified a shared TF activity network that drives docetaxel resistance in PCa. We also demonstrated a novel combination therapy to overcome this resistance. This study highlights the usage of novel application of single cell RNA-sequencing and subsequent network analyses that can reveal novel insights which have the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
Non-academic factors influencing the development of empathy in undergraduate nursing students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Berduzco-Torres Nancy , Medina Pamela , San-Martín Montserrat , Delgado Bolton Roberto C. , Vivanco Luis 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundEmpathy is described as a core competence of nursing. There is abundant research evidence supporting that empathy varies according to personal characteristics and targeted training. The aim of this study was to characterize non-academic factors (personal and environmental) influencing the development of empathy in undergraduate nursing studies who are not receiving a targeted training in empathetic abilities in their nursing schools.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in the three nursing schools located in Cusco city, Peru (two private and one public). The Jefferson Scales of Empathy, Attitudes toward Physician-Nurse Collaboration, and Lifelong Learning, the Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, and the Scale of Life Satisfaction, were applied as the main measures. Also, information regarding gender, nursing school, and age, were collected. After psychometric properties were assessed, all measures were used in the development of a multivariate regression model to characterize factors of influence in empathy.ResultsIn a sample composed by 700 undergraduate nursing students (72 males and 628 females), a multivariate linear regression model was created. This model explained the 53% of variance of empathy and fitted all conditions necessary for inference estimations. Teamwork abilities, loneliness, age, sex, subjective well-being, and nursing school, appeared as factors influencing the development of empathy in patients’ care.ConclusionsFindings have indicated that, in absence of a targeted training, individual characteristics and characteristics associated with social and family environments play an important role of influence in the development of empathy in nursing students. These findings are also in consonance with others previously reported in different cultural settings including high-, middle- and low-income countries.
P-gp expression inhibition mediates placental glucocorticoid barrier opening and fetal weight loss
Authors: Ge Caiyun , Xu Dan , Yu Pengxia , Fang Man , Guo Juanjuan , Xu Dan , Qiao Yuan , Chen Sijia , Zhang Yuanzhen , Wang Hui 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Prenatal adverse environments can cause fetal intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and higher susceptibility to multiple diseases after birth, related to multi-organ development programming changes mediated by intrauterine overexposure to maternal glucocorticoids. As a glucocorticoid barrier, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is highly expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts; however, the effect of P-gp on the occurrence of IUGR remains unclear.

Methods
Human placenta and fetal cord blood samples of IUGR fetuses were collected, and the related indexes were detected. Pregnant Wistar rats were administered with 30 mg/kg·d (low dose) and 120 mg/kg·d (high dose) caffeine from gestational day (GD) 9 to 20 to construct the rat IUGR model. Pregnant mice were administered with caffeine (120 mg/kg·d) separately or combined with sodium ferulate (50 mg/kg·d) from gestational day GD 9 to 18 to confirm the intervention target on fetal weight loss caused by prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE). The fetal serum/placental corticosterone level, placental P-gp expression, and related indicator changes were analyzed. In vitro, primary human trophoblasts and BeWo cells were used to confirm the effect of caffeine on P-gp and its mechanism.

Results
The placental P-gp expression was significantly reduced, but the umbilical cord blood cortisol level was increased in clinical samples of the IUGR neonates, which were positively and negatively correlated with the neonatal birth weight, respectively. Meanwhile, in the PCE-induced IUGR rat model, the placental P-gp expression of IUGR rats was decreased while the corticosterone levels of the placentas/fetal blood were increased, which were positively and negatively correlated with the decreased placental/fetal weights, respectively. Combined with the PCE-induced IUGR rat model, in vitro caffeine-treated placental trophoblasts, we confirmed that caffeine decreased the histone acetylation and expression of P-gp via RYR/JNK/YB-1/P300 pathway, which inhibited placental and fetal development. We further demonstrated that P-gp inducer sodium ferulate could reverse the inhibitory effect of caffeine on the fetal body/placental weight. Finally, clinical specimens and other animal models of IUGR also confirmed that the JNK/YB-1 pathway is a co-regulatory mechanism of P-gp expression inhibition, among which the expression of YB-1 is the most stable. Therefore, we proposed that YB-1 could be used as the potential early warning target for the opening of the placental glucocorticoid barrier, the occurrence of IUGR, and the susceptibility of a variety of diseases.

Conclusions
This study, for the first time, clarified the critical role and epigenetic regulation mechanism of P-gp in mediating the opening mechanism of the placental glucocorticoid barrier, providing a novel idea for exploring the early warning, prevention, and treatment strategies of IUGR.