bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Transthoracic Lung Biopsy: Optimizing Yield and Mitigating Risk
Authors: Azour Lea , Liu Shu , Washer Sophie L. , Moore William H. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Percutaneous computed tomography–guided transthoracic lung biopsy is an effective and minimally invasive procedure to achieve tissue diagnosis. Radiologists are key in appropriate referral for further workup, with percutaneous computed tomography–guided transthoracic lung biopsy performed by both thoracic and general interventionalists. Percutaneous computed tomography–guided transthoracic lung biopsy is increasingly performed for both diagnostic and research purposes, including molecular analysis. Multiple patient, lesion, and technique-related variables influence diagnostic accuracy and complication rates. A comprehensive understanding of these factors aids in procedure planning and may serve to maximize diagnostic yield while minimizing complications, even in the most challenging scenarios.
Quantitative Histogram Analysis of T2-Weighted and Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Images for Prediction of Malignant Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Morikawa Kazuhiko , Igarashi Takao , Shiraishi Megumi , Kano Rui , Misumi Shigeki , Ojiri Hiroya , Asano Hisatoshi 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
To assess the value of histogram analysis for differentiating a high-risk thymic epithelial tumor (TET) from a low-risk TET using T2-weighted images and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).

Methods
Forty-nine patients with histopathologically proven TET after thymectomy were enrolled in this study and retrospectively classified as having low-risk TET (low-risk thymoma) or high-risk TET (high-risk thymoma or thymic carcinoma). Twelve parameters were obtained from the quantitative histogram analysis. The histogram parameters were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Diagnostic efficacy was estimated by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results
Twenty-five patients were classified as having low-risk TET and 24 as having high-risk TET. The mean ADC value showed diagnostic efficacy for differentiating high-risk TET from low-risk TET, with an area under the curve of 0.7, and was better than when using conventional methods alone.

Conclusion
The ADC-based histogram analysis could help to differentiate between high-risk and low-risk TETs.
Texture Analysis of Computed Tomography Images in the Lung of Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Han Meng , Qi Yana , Cui Xiaoxiao , Li Ranran , Hou Ruigang , Dun Aishe 
Published: August 2021

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the texture features of lung computed tomography images were altered by primary breast cancer without pulmonary metastasis.

Methods
Texture analysis was performed on the regions of interest of lung computed tomography images from 36 patients with breast cancer and 36 healthy controls. Texture parameters between subjects with different clinical stages and hormone receptor (HR) statuses in patients with breast cancer were analyzed.

Results
Three texture parameters (mean, SD, and variance) were significantly different between patients with breast cancer and healthy controls and between preoperative and postoperative stages in patients with breast cancer. All 3 parameters showed an increasing trend under the tumor-bearing state. These parameters were significantly higher in the stage III + IV group than in the stage I + II group. The variance parameter was significantly higher in the HR-negative group than in the HR-positive group.

Conclusions
Texture analysis may serve as a novel additional tool for discovering conventionally invisible changes in the lung tissue of patients with breast cancer.
Ordinal Scoring of Coronary Artery Calcification by Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Aybay Muhsin Nuh , Peker Ahmet , Keskin Muhammed , Durmaz Mehmet Sedat , Tolu İsmet 
Published: August 2021

Objective
To assess coronary artery calcification (CAC) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and determine whether this correlates with right ventricular dilation (RVD) and mortality.

Methods
Computed tomography pulmonary angiography scans of 330 patients were used to perform retrospective assessment of the pulmonary artery computed tomography obstruction index (PACTOI), the right/left ventricle diameter ratio, the diameter of the pulmonary trunk, and the ordinal CAC score.

Results
Age (P < 0.001), urea level (P < 0.001), D-dimer level (P = 0.006), diameter of the pulmonary trunk (P < 0.001), and PACTOI (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the RVD-positive patient group. We found a significant relation between increased CAC score and increased mortality (P = 0.038). Left-sided CAC was detected much more often in RVD-positive patients (P = 0.008).

Conclusions
Coronary artery calcification is common in patients with acute pulmonary embolism, especially when those patients are also RVD-positive. A significant relation was found between RVD and left-sided CAC.
Structured Reporting of Computed Tomography Examinations in Post–Lung Transplantation Patients
Authors: Spiro Judith Eva , Ceelen Felix , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Sommer Wieland Heinrich , Schinner Regina , Dinkel Julien , Hesse Nina 
Published: August 2021

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits and potential of structured reports (SR) for chest computed tomography after lung transplantation.

Methods
Free-text reports (FTR) and SR were generated for 49 computed tomography scans. Clinical routine reports were used as FTR. Two pulmonologists rated formal aspects, completeness, clinical utility, and overall quality. Wilcoxon and McNemar tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results
Structured reports received significantly higher ratings for all formals aspects (P < 0.001, respectively). Completeness was higher in SR with regard to evaluation of bronchiectases, bronchial anastomoses, bronchiolitic and fibrotic changes (P < 0.001, respectively), and air trapping (P = 0.012), but not signs of pneumonia (P = 0.5). Clinical utility and overall quality were rated significantly higher for SR than FTR (P < 0.001, respectively). However, report type did not influence initiation of further diagnostic or therapeutic measures (P = 0.307 and 1.0).

Conclusions
Structured reports are superior to FTR with regard to formal aspects, completeness, clinical utility, and overall satisfaction of referring pulmonologists.
CT Radiomics for the Prediction of Synchronous Distant Metastasis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wen Rong , Huang Jing , Gao Rui-zhi , Wan Da , Qin Hui , Peng Yu-ting , Liang Yi-qiong , Li Xin , Wang Xin-rong , He Yun , Yang Hong 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The aim of this study was to construct and verify a computed tomography (CT) radiomics model for preoperative prediction of synchronous distant metastasis (SDM) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients.

Methods
Overall, 172 patients with ccRCC were enrolled in the present research. Contrast-enhanced CT images were manually sketched, and 2994 quantitative radiomic features were extracted. The radiomic features were then normalized and subjected to hypothesis testing. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied to dimension reduction, feature selection, and model construction. The performance of the predictive model was validated through analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Multivariate and subgroup analyses were performed to verify the radiomic score as an independent predictor of SDM.

Results
The patients randomized into a training (n = 104) and a validation (n = 68) cohort in a 6:4 ratio. Through dimension reduction using LASSO regression, 9 radiomic features were used for the construction of the SDM prediction model. The model yielded moderate performance in both the training (area under the curve, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.97) and the validation cohort (area under the curve, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.95). Multivariate analysis showed that the CT radiomic signature was an independent risk factor for clinical parameters of ccRCC. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant connection between the SDM and radiomic signature, except for the lower pole of the kidney subgroup.

Conclusions
The CT-based radiomics model could be used as a noninvasive, personalized approach for SDM prediction in patients with ccRCC.
Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Status Post–Solid Organ Transplant Presenting to the Emergency Department: Single Institute Experience
Authors: Rao Sanjay , Smith Daniel A. , Kikano Elias George , Tirumani Sree Harsha , Beck Rose , Ramaiya Nikhil H. 
Published: August 2021

Objective
The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathology findings associated with emergency department presentations of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after solid organ transplant (SOT).

Methods
Fifteen patients presenting to a single tertiary care center between 2004 and 2019 with PTLD after SOT were identified from a pathology database. Twelve patients presenting through the emergency department were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, imaging, pathology, treatment, and outcome data were reviewed.

Results
Among this 12 patient cohort (7 men; mean age, 44.2 years), transplant history included 4 combined kidney/pancreas, 4 kidney, 2 liver, 1 cardiac, and 1 lung. Mean time from transplant to diagnosis was 7.6 years. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder was identified on initial computed tomography scans in 10 of 12 patients. The most common sites for PTLD development were the gastrointestinal tract (4/12) and liver (3/12). Outcomes included resolution of PTLD in 9 of 12 patients, with 3 patients dying within 6 months of diagnosis.

Conclusions
Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a serious consequence of solid organ transplantation that can present in various locations and with varied symptomatology in the emergency setting. Other posttransplant complications may present similarly including chronic rejection and infection. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder should be considered in SOT patients presenting with worsening abdominal pain or constitutional symptoms, even with normal laboratory workup.
Open Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair, TREPP Versus TIPP in a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bökkerink Willem J. V. , Koning Giel G. , Vriens Patrick W. H. E. , Mollen Roland M. H. G. , Harker Mitchell J. R. , Noordhof Robin K. , Akkersdijk Willem L. , van Laarhoven Cees J. H. M. 
Published: August 2021

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) in patients with an inguinal hernia after the TransREctus Sheath PrePeritoneal (TREPP) and the TransInguinal PrePeritoneal Technique (TIPP).Background:The preperitoneal mesh position for inguinal hernia repair showed beneficial results regarding CPIP with low recurrence rates. Two open preperitoneal techniques, TREPP and TIPP, were compared in a randomized clinical trial with the hypothesis of fewer patients with CPIP after TREPP due to complete avoidance of nerve contact.Methods:Adult patients with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized to either TREPP or TIPP in four hospitals. Before the trial's start the study protocol was ethically approved and published. Outcomes included CPIP after 1 year (primary outcome) and recurrence rates, adverse events, and health-related quality of life (secondary outcomes). Follow-up was performed at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year.Results:Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Pain was less often present after TREPP at 2 weeks and 6 months, but CPIP at rest at 1 year was comparable: 1.9% after TREPP vs 1.4% after TIPP,P= 0.535). The overall recurrence rate was higher in the TREPP group, 8.9% vs 4.6%,P= 0.022). Corrected for a learning curve for TREPP, no significant difference could be assessed (TREPP 5.7% and TIPP 4.8%,P= 0.591).Conclusion:Both the TREPP and TIPP technique resulted in a low incidence of CPIP after 1-year follow-up. The TREPP method can be considered a solid method for inguinal hernia repair if expertise is present. The learning curve of the TREPP techniques needs further evaluation.Trial Registration:ISRCTN18591339
Comparison of Visual Evoked Potentials in Patients Affected by Optic Neuritis From Multiple Sclerosis or Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Filgueiras Thiago G. , Oyamada Maria K. , Hokazono Kenzo , Cunha Leonardo P. , Apóstolos-Pereira Samira L. , Callegaro Dagoberto , Monteiro Mário L. R. 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
To compare the visual evoked potentials (VEPs) of optic neuritis (ON) patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and controls. To evaluate correlations between VEP and optical coherence tomography (OCT), contrast sensitivity (CS), and automated perimetry.

Methods:
Fifty-five eyes with ON from 29 patients (MS = 14 and NMOSD = 15) and 57 eyes from 29 controls were evaluated using VEP, automated perimetry, CS, and optical coherence tomography. Three groups were analyzed: 1) MS eyes with history of ON (ON-MS), 2) NMOSD eyes with ON (ON-NMOSD), and 3) healthy controls. Groups were compared and associations between the parameters were tested.

Results:
Compared to controls, ON-MS eyes showed significantly delayed N75 and P100 latencies when using a medium-sized stimulus (30′), and delayed P100 latency when using a large stimulus (1.5°), but similar amplitudes. Compared to controls, ON-NMOSD eyes showed significantly lower N75/P100 amplitudes (both stimulus sizes) and P100/N135 amplitudes (with the 30′ stimulus), but latencies did not differ, except for a delayed P100 latency with the 30′ stimulus. When comparing the 2 ON groups using the 1.5° stimulus, there was significant delay in P100 latency in ON-MS eyes and a reduction in N75/P100 amplitude in ON-NMOSD eyes. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, macular inner retinal layers, and CS measurements were significantly smaller in ON patients than in controls. A strong correlation was found between VEP parameters and inner retinal layer thickness in ON-NMOSD eyes.

Conclusions:
ON-MS eyes had normal amplitude and delayed VEP latency, whereas ON-NMOSD eyes displayed reduced amplitude and preserved latency when elicited by checkerboard stimulus with large 1.5° checks. Under such conditions, VEP may help distinguish resolved MS-related ON from resolved NMOSD-related ON.
Airway recommendations for perioperative patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Grudzinski Alexa , Sun Billy , Zhang MengQi , Crnic Agnes , Djokhdem Abdul H , Hanna Mary , Montroy Joshua , Duggan Laura V , Hamilton Gavin M. , Fergusson Dean A , Boet Sylvain , McIsaac Daniel I , Lalu Manoj M 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeNumerous guideline recommendations for airway and perioperative management during the COVID-19 pandemic have been published. We identified, synthesized, and compared guidelines intended for anesthesiologists.SourceMember society websites of the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists and the European Society of Anesthesiologists were searched. Recommendations focused on perioperative airway management of patients with proven or potential COVID-19 disease were included. Accelerated screening was used; data extraction was performed by one reviewer and verified by a second. Data was organized into themes based on perioperative phase of care.Principal FindingsThirty unique sets of recommendations were identified. None reported methods for systematically searching or selecting evidence to be included. Four were updated following initial publication. For induction and airway management, most recommended minimizing personnel and having the most experienced anesthesiologist perform tracheal intubation. Significant congruence was observed amongst recommendations that discussed personal protective equipment. Of those that discussed tracheal intubation methods, most (96%) recommended video laryngoscopy, while discordance existed regarding use of flexible bronchoscopy. Intraoperatively, 23% suggested specific anesthesia techniques and most (63%) recommended a specific operating room for patients with COVID-19. Postoperatively, a minority discussed extubation procedures (33%), or care in the recovery room (40%). Non-technical considerations were discussed in 27% and psychological support for healthcare providers in 10%.ConclusionRecommendations for perioperative airway management of patients with COVID-19 overlap to a large extent. However, we also identified significant differences. This may reflect the absence of a coordinated response towards studying and establishing best-practices in perioperative patients with COVID-19.RegistrationOpen Science Framework (https://osf.io/a2k4u/)
A Master Autoantigen-ome Links Alternative Splicing, Female Predilection, and COVID-19 to Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Wang Julia Y. , Roehrl Michael W. , Roehrl Victor B. , Roehrl Michael H. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractChronic and debilitating autoimmune sequelae pose a grave concern for the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Based on our discovery that the glycosaminoglycan dermatan sulfate (DS) displays peculiar affinity to apoptotic cells and autoantigens (autoAgs) and that DS-autoAg complexes cooperatively stimulate autoreactive B1 cell responses, we compiled a database of 751 candidate autoAgs from six human cell types. At least 657 of these have been found to be affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection based on currently available multi-omic COVID data, and at least 400 are confirmed targets of autoantibodies in a wide array of autoimmune diseases and cancer. The autoantigen-ome is significantly associated with various processes in viral infections, such as translation, protein processing, and vesicle transport. Interestingly, the coding genes of autoAgs predominantly contain multiple exons with many possible alternative splicing variants, short transcripts, and short UTR lengths. These observations and the finding that numerous autoAgs involved in RNA-splicing showed altered expression in viral infections suggest that viruses exploit alternative splicing to reprogram host cell machinery to ensure viral replication and survival. While each cell type gives rise to a unique pool of autoAgs, 39 common autoAgs associated with cell stress and apoptosis were identified from all six cell types, with several being known markers of systemic autoimmune diseases. In particular, the common autoAg UBA1 that catalyzes the first step in ubiquitination is encoded by an X-chromosome escape gene. Given its essential function in apoptotic cell clearance and that X-inactivation escape tends to increase with aging, UBA1 dysfunction can therefore predispose aging women to autoimmune disorders. In summary, we propose a model of how viral infections lead to extensive molecular alterations and host cell death, autoimmune responses facilitated by autoAg-DS complexes, and ultimately autoimmune diseases. Overall, this master autoantigen-ome provides a molecular guide for investigating the myriad of autoimmune sequalae to COVID-19 and clues to the rare but reported adverse effects of the currently available COVID vaccines.
Epigenome-wide Association Study of Alcohol Use Disorder in Five Brain Regions
Authors: Zillich Lea , Frank Josef , Streit Fabian , Friske Marion M , Foo Jerome C , Sirignano Lea , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie , Dukal Helene , Degenhardt Franziska , Hoffmann Per , Hansson Anita C , Nöthen Markus M , Rietschel Marcella , Spanagel Rainer , Witt Stephanie H 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAlcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is closely linked to the brain regions forming the neurocircuitry of addiction. Postmortem human brain tissue enables the direct study of the molecular pathomechanisms of AUD. This study aims to identify these mechanisms by examining differential DNA-methylation between cases with severe AUD (n=53) and controls (n=58) using a brain region-specific approach, in which sample sizes ranged between 46 and 94. Samples of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), Brodmann Area 9 (BA9), caudate nucleus (CN), ventral striatum (VS), and putamen (PUT) were investigated. DNA-methylation levels were determined using the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC Beadchip. Epigenome-wide association analyses were carried out to identify differentially methylated CpG-sites and regions between cases and controls in each brain region. Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA), gene-set and GWAS-enrichment analyses were performed. Two differentially methylated CpG-sites were associated with AUD in the CN, and 18 in VS (q<.05). No epigenome-wide significant CpG-sites were found in BA9, ACC, or PUT. Differentially methylated regions associated with AUD case-/control status (q< .05) were found in the CN (n=6), VS (n=18) and ACC (n=1). In the VS, the WGCNA-module showing the strongest association with AUD was enriched for immune-related pathways. This study is the first to analyze methylation differences between AUD cases and controls in multiple brain regions and consists of the largest sample to date. Several novel CpG-sites and regions implicated in AUD were identified, providing a first basis to explore epigenetic correlates of AUD.
Neural representations of others’ traits predict social decisions
Authors: Kobayashi Kenji , Kable Joseph W. , Hsu Ming , Jenkins Adrianna C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo guide social interaction, people often rely on expectations about the traits of other people based on markers of social group membership, i.e., stereotypes. Although the influence of stereotypes on social behavior is widespread, key questions remain about how traits inferred from social group membership are instantiated in the brain and incorporated into neural computations that guide social behavior. Here, we show that the human lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) represents the content of stereotypes about members of different social groups in the service of social decision-making. During fMRI scanning, participants decided how to distribute resources across themselves and members of a variety of social groups in a modified Dictator Game. Behaviorally, we replicated our recent finding that perceptions of others’ traits, captured by a two-dimensional framework of stereotype content (warmth and competence), biased participants’ monetary allocation choices in a context-dependent manner: recipients’ warmth increased advantageous inequity aversion and their competence increased disadvantageous inequity aversion. Neurally, representational similarity analysis (RSA) revealed that perceptions of others’ traits in the two-dimensional space were represented in the temporoparietal junction and superior temporal sulcus, two regions associated with mentalizing, and in the lateral OFC, known to represent latent environmental features during goal-directed outcome inference outside the social domain. Critically, only the latter predicted individual choices, suggesting that the effect of stereotypes on behavior is mediated by inference-based, domain-general decision-making processes in the OFC.