bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coil localization assisted wedge resection for pulmonary nodules in patients with malignant history
Authors: Xu Qing-Song , Wang Tao , Cao Wei , Rong Pan-Hao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We describe the clinical efficacy of coil localization (CL) assisted video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) wedge resection (WR) for pulmonary nodules (PNs) in patients having a history of malignancy.
In a total of 16 patients having PNs and malignant history, treatment was carried out using computed tomography (CT)-guided CL and subsequent VATS-guided WR procedures from November 2015 to December 2019. Technical success of CL, WR, and long-term outcomes was analyzed.
A total of 21 PNs were localized (1.3 PNs per patient). A 100% technical success rate was achieved in this study for CT-guided CL. Each PN was localized with 1 coil. Two and 2 patients experienced pneumothorax and hemoptysis, respectively. VATS-guided WR also achieved a 100% technical success rate. Additional lobectomy was performed in 2 patients due to the invasive adenocarcinoma. The final diagnoses of these 21 PNs were adenocarcinoma (T1N0M0, n = 8), adenocarcinoma in situ (n = 2), pre-cancerosis (n = 1), metastasis (n = 2), and benign (n = 8). All patients underwent CT follow-up for 6 to 48 months. All patients were alive during the follow-up. The cumulative 6-, 12, and 24-month disease-free survival rates were 100%, 92.9%, and 47.3%, respectively. The median disease-free survival was 27.9 months.
Pre-operative CT-guided CL can be safely and conveniently used to facilitate a high success rate of VATS-guided WR for PNs in patients with a malignant history. Among the PNs in patients with malignant history, primary lung cancer also occupied approximately half of the PNs.
Can older patients adopt and maintain a ketogenic diet? An observational study in support of clinical trials in older patients
Authors: Almodallal Yahya , Cook Kathryn , Lammert Lisa M. , Lee Minji , Le-Rademacher Jennifer G. , Jatoi Aminah 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Ketogenic diets appear promising for obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other illnesses. Because older patients are more likely to contend with such illnesses and because of a paucity of dietary outcomes among these patients, we examined ketogenic diets in older patients.
This multisite study focused on patients (≥65 years of age) on a ketogenic diet. Medical records were identified with the keywords “keto,” “ketogenic,” and “Atkins.” Records were reviewed in detail with extraction of direct quotations to substantiate observations.
We report on 200 consecutive patients with a median age of 70 years. Reasons for diet included weight loss, diabetes, and cancer; the majority remained on the diet for >1 month. In 134 (67%: 95% confidence interval: 60, 73%), the ketogenic diet appeared beneficial: 93 of 117 (79%) who sought weight loss lost weight (“She has lost 15 pounds and plans to lose another 8”); 36 of 67 (54%) who sought glucose control appeared to achieve the latter (“He has gone on a ketogenic diet and has been able to bring his sugars down significantly”); and 5 of 8 (63%) who sought improved cancer outcomes appeared to derive them (“He attributes part of the control of his cancer and increased QOL to adopting the keto for cancer diet”). Adverse events occurred in 30 patients (15%): dyslipidemia (n = 14), constipation (n = 9), sub-therapeutic international normalized ratio (n = 3), pancreatitis (n = 2), diarrhea (n = 1), and fatigue (n = 1).
Trials that test ketogenic diets for a variety of illnesses should enroll older adults.
Persisting Chemosensory Impairments in 366 Healthcare Workers Following COVID-19: An 11-Month Follow-up
Authors: Bussiere Nicholas , Mei Jie , Levesque-Boissonneault Cindy , Blais Mathieu , Carazo Sara , Gros-Louis Francois , Laforce Robert , De Serres Gaston , Dupre Nicolas , Frasnelli Johannes 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesOlfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (OD, GD) are prevalent symptoms following COVID-19 and persist in 6%-44% of individuals in the first months after the infection. As only few reports have described their prognosis more than 6 months later, the main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of OD and GD 11 months after COVID-19. We also aimed to determine test-retest reliability of subjective chemosensory ratings for the follow-up of chemosensory sensitivity, as this measure is often used for remote follow-up.MethodsInclusion criteria included a PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection; exclusion criteria were the presence of other respiratory infections and chronic sinusitis. To assess whether OD and GD had changed compared to pre-pandemic levels, we designed an observational study and distributed an online questionnaire assessing quantitative chemosensory function to healthcare workers 5 and 11 months after COVID-19. Specifically, we assessed olfaction, gustation, and trigeminal sensitivity (10-point visual analog scale) and function (4-point Likert scale) separately. We further assessed clinically relevant OD using the Chemosensory Perception Test, a psychophysical test designed to provide a reliable remote olfactory evaluation. Qualitative chemosensory dysfunction was also assessed.ResultsWe included a total of 366 participants (mean age of 44.8 years old (SD: 11.7)). They completed the last online questionnaire 10.6 months (SD: 0.7) after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Of all participants, 307 (83.9%) and 301 (82.2%) individuals retrospectively reported lower olfactory or gustatory sensitivity during the acute phase of COVID-19. Eleven months later, 184 (50.3%) and 163 (44.5%) indicated reduced chemosensory sensitivity, 32.2% reported impairment of olfactory function while 24.9% exhibited clinically relevant OD. Three variables predicted OD at follow-up, namely chest pain and GD during COVID-19 and presence of phantosmia at 5 months. Olfactory sensitivity ratings had a high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.818 (95% CI: 0.760 - 0.860))DiscussionThis study suggests that chemosensory dysfunctions persist in a third of COVID-19 patients 11 months after COVID-19. Subjective measures have a high test-retest reliability and thus can be used to monitor post-COVID-19 OD. OD appears to be a common long-term symptom of COVID-19 important to consider when treating patients.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among children and staff in German daycare centers: results from the COALA study
Authors: Loss Julika , Wurm Juliane , Varnaccia Gianni , Schienkiewitz Anja , Iwanowski Helena , Loer Anne-Kathrin Mareike , Allen Jennifer , Wess Barbara , Rosario Angelika Schaffrath , Damerow Stefan , Kuttig Tim , Perlitz Hanna , Hornbacher Anselm , Finkel Bianca , Krause Carolin , Wormsbächer Jan , Sandoni Anna , Kubisch Ulrike , Eggers Kiara , Nitsche Andreas , Radonic Aleksandar , Trappe Kathrin , Drechsel Oliver , Klaper Kathleen , Franke Andrea , Hüther Antje , Buchholz Udo , Haas Walter , Wieler Lothar H. , Jordan Susanne 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhereas the majority of children under 6 years of age attend daycare centers in Germany, evidence on the role of daycare centers in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is scarce.AimsThis study aims to investigate the transmission risk in daycare centers among children and staff and the spread of infections to associated households.Methods30 daycare groups with at least one recent laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 case (child or staff) were enrolled in the study (10/2020-06/2021). Close contacts within the daycare group and households were examined over a 12-day period (repeated SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests, genetic sequencing of viruses, documentation of symptoms). Households, local health authorities and daycare staff were interviewed to gain comprehensive information on each outbreak. We determined primary cases for all daycare groups.ResultsThe number of secondary cases varied considerably between daycare groups. The pooled secondary attack rate (SAR) across all 30 daycare centers was 9.6%. The SAR tended to be higher in daycare centers in which the Alpha variant of the virus was detected (15.9% vs. 5.1% with evidence of wild type). The SAR in households was 53.3%. Exposed children were less likely to get infected with SARS-CoV-2 in daycare centers, compared to adults (7.7% vs. 15.5%).ConclusionContainment measures in daycare programs are critical and become increasingly important with highly transmissible new variants to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission, especially to avoid spread to associated households. Virus variants may modify transmission dynamics in daycare programs.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Kaduna State, Nigeria during October/November 2021, following three waves of infection and immediately prior to detection of the Omicron variant
Authors: Chechet Gloria D. , Kwaga Jacob K.P. , Yahaya Joseph , MacLeod Annette , Adamson Walt E. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractNigeria is the most populated country in Africa with an estimated ∼213 million inhabitants. As of November 2021 there have been three waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nigeria but there has been only one seroprevalence survey conducted to assess the proportion of a population that have been infected, which was performed in December 2020 after the first wave of infection. To provide an update on seroprevalence in Nigeria, we conducted survey at one urban site (n=400) and one rural site (n=402) in Kaduna State, Nigeria during October and November 2021 following the third wave of infection. Seroprevalence for the urban and rural sites was 42.5% and 53.5% respectively (mean 48.0%). Symptoms associated with seropositivity were identified for each site. The overall seroprevalence among unvaccinated individuals was 45.4%. The data indicates an infection rate in Kaduna State at least 387 times greater than that derived from cases confirmed by PCR. Extrapolating to the whole of Nigeria, it would suggest there has been at least 96.7 million infections (compared to 206,138 confirmed cases at the time of surveillance). The work presented here will inform public health policy and deployment strategies for testing, treatment, and vaccination in Nigeria, and provide a baseline for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Nigeria immediately prior to the spread of the Omicron variant.
Antibody therapy reverses biological signatures of COVID-19 progression
Authors: Maher M. Cyrus , Soriaga Leah B. , Gupta Anil , di Iulio Julia , Ledoux Sarah , Smithey Megan J. , Cathcart Andrea L. , McKusick Kathleen , Sun David , Aldinger Melissa , Alexander Elizabeth , Purcell Lisa , Ding Xiao , Peppercorn Amanda , Austin Daren , Mogalian Erik , Yeh Wendy W. , Shapiro Adrienne E. , Corti Davide , Virgin Herbert W. , Pang Phillip S. , Telenti Amalio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUnderstanding who is at risk of progression to severe COVID-19 is key to effective treatment. We studied correlates of disease severity in the COMET-ICE clinical trial that randomized 1:1 to placebo or to sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several laboratory parameters identified study participants at greater risk of severe disease, including a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a negative SARS-CoV-2 serologic test and whole blood transcriptome profiles. Sotrovimab treatment in these groups was associated with normalization of NLR and the transcriptomic profile, and with a decrease of viral RNA in nasopharyngeal samples. Transcriptomics provided the most sensitive detection of participants who would go on to be hospitalized or die. To facilitate timely measurement, we identified a 10-gene signature with similar predictive accuracy. In summary, we identified markers of risk for disease progression and demonstrated that normalization of these parameters occurs with antibody treatment of established infection.
Genome-wide association study of Alzheimer’s disease brain imaging biomarkers and neuropsychological phenotypes in the EMIF-AD Multimodal Biomarker Discovery dataset
Authors: Homann Jan , Osburg Tim , Ohlei Olena , Dobricic Valerija , Deecke Laura , Bos Isabelle , Vandenberghe Rik , Gabel Silvy , Scheltens Philip , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Frisoni Giovanni , Blin Olivier , Richardson Jill C. , Bordet Regis , Lleó Alberto , Alcolea Daniel , Popp Julius , Clark Christopher , Peyratout Gwendoline , Martinez-Lage Pablo , Tainta Mikel , Dobson Richard J. B. , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Sleegers Kristel , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Wittig Michael , Franke Andre , Lill Christina M. , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Lovestone Simon , Streffer Johannes , ten Kate Mara , Vos Stephanie J. B. , Barkhof Frederik , Visser Pieter Jelle , Bertram Lars 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent neurodegenerative disease with an increasing prevalence in industrialized, ageing populations. AD susceptibility has an established genetic basis which has been the focus of a large number of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) published over the last decade. Most of these GWAS used dichotomized clinical diagnostic status, i.e. case vs. control classification, as outcome phenotypes, without the use of biomarkers. An alternative and potentially more powerful study design is afforded by using quantitative AD-related phenotypes as GWAS outcome traits, an analysis paradigm that we followed in this work. Specifically, we utilized genotype and phenotype data from n=931 individuals collected under the auspices of the European Medical Information Framework for Alzheimer’s Disease Multimodal Biomarker Discovery (EMIF-AD MBD) study to perform a total of 19 separate GWAS analyses. As outcomes we used five magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) traits and seven cognitive performance traits. For the latter, longitudinal data from at least two timepoints were available in addition to cross-sectional assessments at baseline. Our GWAS analyses revealed several genome-wide significant associations for the neuropsychological performance measures, in particular those assayed longitudinally. Among the most noteworthy signals were associations in or near EHBP1 (EH domain binding protein 1; on chromosome 2p15) and CEP112 (centrosomal protein 112; 17q24.1) with delayed recall in a memory performance test. On the X chromosome, which is often excluded in other GWAS, we identified a genome-wide significant signal near IL1RAPL1 (interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein like 1; Xp21.3). While polygenic score (PGS) analyses showed the expected strong associations with SNPs highlighted in relevant previous GWAS on hippocampal volume and cognitive function, they did not show noteworthy associations with recent AD risk GWAS findings. In summary, our study highlights the power of using quantitative endophenotypes as outcome traits in AD-related GWAS analyses and nominates several new loci not previously implicated in cognitive decline.
Humoral Immunogenicity of Three COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Doses in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Schell Trevor L. , Knutson Keith L. , Saha Sumona , Wald Arnold , Phan Hiep S , Almasry Mazen , Chun Kelly , Grimes Ian , Lutz Megan , Hayney Mary S. , Farraye Francis A. , Caldera Freddy 
Published: December 2021

SummaryHerein, we evaluated the humoral immunogenicity of a third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose in patients with IBD. All patients were seropositive and had higher antibody concentrations after the third dose than after completion of the two-dose primary series.
Disease severity related to VOC dominance in unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2 positive adults without risk factors in Sweden
Authors: Wahlström Erik , Bruce Daniel , Bennet Bark Anna M , Walther Sten , Hanberger Håkan , Strålin Kristoffer 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAlthough the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) have shown increasing transmissibility, their role for causing severe disease has not been fully clarified. Here, we studied changes in rates of hospitalisation and severe illness (subjection to high-flow nasal oxygen or admission to an intensive care unit during hospital stay) among all (n=685 891) unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2 positive adults without risk factors in Sweden from November 2020 to September 2021.After adjustment for age, sex, and socio-economic factors, and with November 2020 (non-VOC period) as reference, the odds ratios (OR) for hospitalisation were 1.6-1.7 in March-May 2021 (Alpha VOC dominance) and 2.4-3.0 in June-September 2021 (Delta VOC dominance), and the ORs for severe illness were 1.8-2.1 in March-May 2021 and 3.1-4.7 in June-September 2021. This study shows that unvaccinated adults without risk factors, have had a gradually increased risk for hospital admission and severe illness when infected with the Alpha and Delta VOCs, respectively.
Controlling the worldwide chaotic spreading of COVID-19 through vaccinations
Authors: Zheng Hua , Bonasera Aldo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe striking differences and similarities between the ‘Spanish-flu’ of 1918 and the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) are analyzed. Progress in medicine and technology and in particular the availability of vaccines has decreased the death probability from about 2% for the Spanish-flu, to about 10−4 in the UK and 10−3 in Italy, USA, Canada, San Marino and other countries for COVID-19. The logistic map reproduces most features of the disease and may be of guidance for predictions and future steps to be taken in order to contrast the virus. We estimate 6.4 × 107 deceases worldwide without the vaccines, this value decreases to 2.4 × 107 with the current vaccination rate. In November 2021, the number of deceased worldwide was 5.1 × 106. To reduce the fatalities further, it is imperative to increase the vaccination rate worldwide to at least 120 millions/day and the AstraZeneca vaccine due to its efficacity and cost is a possible route to accomplish this.
Vascular burden and cognition: Mediating roles of neurodegeneration and amyloid-PET
Authors: Ottoy Julie , Ozzoude Miracle , Zukotynski Katherine , Adamo Sabrina , Scott Christopher , Gaudet Vincent , Ramirez Joel , Swardfager Walter , Cogo-Moreira Hugo , Lam Benjamin , Bhan Aparna , Mojiri Parisa , Kang Min Su , Rabin Jennifer S. , Kiss Alex , Strother Stephen , Bocti Christian , Borrie Michael , Chertkow Howard , Frayne Richard , Hsiung Robin , Laforce Robert , Noseworthy Michael D. , Prato Frank S. , Sahlas Demetrios J. , Smith Eric E. , Kuo Phillip H. , Sossi Vesna , Thiel Alexander , Soucy Jean-Paul , Tardif Jean-Claude , Black Sandra E. , Goubran Maged ,   Medical Imaging Trials Network of Canada (MITNEC) and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2021

AbstractINTRODUCTIONIt remains unclear to which extent vascular burden promotes neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction in a cohort spanning low-to-severe small vessel disease (SVD) and amyloid-beta pathology.METHODSIn 120 subjects, we investigated 1) whether vascular burden, quantified as total or lobar white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes, is associated with different cognitive domains; and 2) whether the total WMH effect on cognition is mediated by amyloid (18F-AV45-PET), glucose metabolism (18F-FDG-PET), and/or cortical atrophy.RESULTSIncreased total WMH volume was associated with poorer performance in all cognitive domains tested, with the strongest effects observed for semantic fluency. These relationships were mediated mainly through cortical atrophy, particularly in the temporal lobe, and to a lesser extent through amyloid and metabolism. WMH volumes differentially impacted cognition depending on lobar location and amyloid status.DISCUSSIONOur study suggests mainly an amyloid-independent pathway in which vascular burden affects cognitive impairment through temporal lobe atrophy.
PDGRFA-mutant gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) in Eastern England: clinicopathological features and outcomes of 50 patients diagnosed between 2008-2021
Authors: Favara David M , Wong Han , Harrington Jennifer , Giger Olivier , Bulusu V Ramesh 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPDGRFA-mutant gastrointestinal tumours (GISTs) comprise approximately 10% of GISTs and are mostly gastric. Targeted therapies against these tumours have historically been limited by tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistance. We reviewed the characteristics and outcome of all PDGRFA-mutant patients seen at our centre over the last 13 years.MethodsAll PDGRFA-mutant patients seen at the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust GIST clinic from July 2008-July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and followed up.Results50 PDGRFA-mutant GIST patients were diagnosed during the 13-year period. 60% were male. Median tumour size was 5 cm and the majority were epithelioid (44%) or mixed (36%) type. Commonest primary location was the gastric body (52%). In non-metastatic patients the low-risk modified AFIP risk group was the most common (65.2%). PDGFRA exon 18 (86%) were the most common PDGFRA mutations, most being imatinib resistant. None harboured a KIT mutation. 38% of cases had high KIT expression (immunohistochemistry), whilst 48% had patchy expression and 14% were negative. Most were positive for DOG1 (94%). CD34 was highly expressed in 48% of cases. 13% developed metastases during the 13-year follow-up period: liver (80%) being the commonest site. 76% of all patients underwent radical resection. 14% received TKI therapy. After a median follow-up of 55.1 months, 82% remained alive: 6 patients died from metastatic GIST; 3 from other causes. Median time to metastatic disease was 30.1 months, and median time from metastatic diagnosis to death was 18.5 months. Patients who presented with metastatic disease had the poorest survival outcome (p=0.001)ConclusionTo date this is the largest single-centre European PDGRFA-mutant GIST cohort. Results highlight the generally indolent nature of PDGRFA-mutant disease (contrasted to the poor outcome of those who present with metastatic disease), male and gastric preponderance (unlike KIT-mutant GISTs), and variable KIT expression.HighlightsLargest single-centre European PDGFRA-mutant GIST series (n=50) to dateResults confirm the relative indolent nature of non-metastatic PDGFRA-mutant GISTsPDGFRA-mutant GISTs had variable levels of KIT protein expression (immunohistochemistry) despite being KIT-wild type.In contrast to KIT-mutant GISTs, PDGFRA-mutant GISTs were more common in males and less frequent in parts of the stomach where KIT-mutant GISTS occur.A minority of patients received TKI therapy. One patient with metastatic imatinib-resistant PDGFRA-mutant GIST had a 6 year response to imatinib.