bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Auricle Reconstruction Using Tissue Expanders With Skin Grafting and Auricle Reconstruction Using Tissue Expanders Without Skin Grafting: A Single-Arm Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Zhao Shanbaga , Wang Changchen , Pan Bo 
Published: October 2021

Objective:
The authors conducted this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting and auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting by comparing the 6 major evaluation indicators.

Methods:
The databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP information databases were searched.

Results:
By comparison, the authors found that, the satisfaction rate, the incidence of postoperative hematoma, the incidence of postoperative incision infection, and the incidence of cartilage framework exposure of patients with auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting were all lower than those with auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting. However, the incidence of postoperative skin necrosis, the incidence of leakage or exposure of expanders in patients with auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting were all higher than those with auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting.

Conclusions:
Auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting has advantages in reducing the incidence of postoperative hematoma, the incidence of postoperative incision infection, and the incidence of cartilage framework exposure. Auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting has advantages in improving the satisfaction rate, reducing the incidence of postoperative skin necrosis, and the incidence of leakage or exposure of expanders. From the comparison of specific data, there is no significant difference in the treatment effect between the 2 surgical methods.
Underlying conditions contributing to breathlessness in the population
Authors: Sandberg Jacob , Olsson Max , Ekström Magnus 
Published: October 2021

Purpose of review
Assessment of underlying conditions that contribute to breathlessness is fundamental for symptom management. This review aims to summarize the knowledge from the past two years on the most common underlying conditions among individuals with breathlessness in the general population and to identify research gaps.

Recent findings
Nine studies from the last two years were included in the review; two studies systematically assessed underlying conditions among breathless individuals in the general population. The modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale was used in eight of nine studies. Respiratory diseases were the main underlying condition (40–57%), of which asthma was the most common (approx. 25%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was particularly strongly associated with breathlessness. Other conditions prevalent among breathless individuals included heart diseases, anxiety, depression, and obesity, and several conditions often co-existed.

Summary
Breathlessness in the general population is common and associated with several underlying conditions. Respiratory disease is the most commonly reported underlying condition. Refined methods such as machine learning could be useful to study the complex interplay between multiple underlying causes of breathlessness and impact on outcomes such as quality of life and survival.
Metastasectomy in kidney cancer: current indications and treatment approaches
Authors: Prunty Megan , Bukavina Laura , Psutka Sarah P. 
Published: October 2021

Purpose of review
Although systemic agents for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have improved survival, remission and cure for mRCC remains rare with systemic therapy alone. However, there is a body of observational evidence supporting a survival benefit in mRCC among patients who undergo complete surgical consolidation including resection of the primary tumor and all metastatic deposits. In this review, we aim to synthesize recent evidence regarding metastasectomy (MTS), with or without concurrent systemic therapy, in mRCC.

Recent findings
MTS is a critical component of mRCC patient care, alongside modern systemic therapy. Presently, there is a robust body of observational data supporting the association between surgical MTS and improved oncologic outcomes, especially when complete MTS is feasible.

Summary
Among a retrospective, observational body of literature, MTS is associated with improved oncologic outcomes. However, it is impossible to discern to what degree these findings are biased by favorable tumor biology and patient selection, as opposed to being related to surgical MTS itself.
Multivariate Analysis of Immune Reconstitution and Relapse Risk Scoring in Children Receiving Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Leukemias
Authors: Spadea Manuela , Saglio Francesco , Tripodi Serena I. , Menconi Mariacristina , Zecca Marco , Fagioli Franca 
Published: October 2021

Background.
A timely and effective immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is of crucial importance to enhance graft-versus-leukemia reaction in hematological malignancies. Several factors can influence the yield of this process, and new mathematical models are needed to describe this complex phenomenon.

Methods.
We retrospectively analyzed immune reconstitution in the early post-HSCT period in a multicenter cohort of 206 pediatric patients affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome who received their first allo-HSCT. All patients were in complete morphological remission at transplantation and were followed-up at least 26 mo post-HSCT. Blood samples for analysis of lymphocyte subset numbers were collected at day 100 (±20 d).

Results.
The 2-y cumulative incidence of relapse was 22.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3-27). Using principal component analysis, we identified based on 16 input variables a new multivariate model that enables patients’ description in a low-dimensional model, consisting of the first 2 principal components. We found that the numbers of CD3+/CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte subsets at day 100 post-HSCT and acute graft-versus-host disease had the greatest impact in preventing relapse. We ultimately derived a risk score defining high- or medium-low–risk groups with 2-y cumulative incidence of relapse: 35.3% (95% CI, 25.6-45) and 15.6% (95% CI, 10.1-20.7), respectively (P
= 0.001*).

Conclusions.
Our model describes immune reconstitution and its main influencing factors in the early posttransplantation period, presenting as a reliable model for relapse risk prediction. If validated, this model could definitely serve as a predictive tool and could be used for clinical trials or for individualized patient counseling.
Safety and Efficacy of Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Pretransplant Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective, Single-center, Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Analysis of 85 Transplant Patients
Authors: Hisadome Yu , Mei Takanori , Noguchi Hiroshi , Ohkuma Toshiaki , Sato Yu , Kaku Keizo , Okabe Yasuhiro , Nakamura Masafumi 
Published: October 2021

Background.
Whether sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can be used effectively and safely in kidney transplant (KT) recipients with pretransplant type 2 diabetes as the primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains unclear. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors compared with other oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) in KT recipients with pretransplant type 2 diabetes as the primary cause of ESRD.

Methods.
In this retrospective, observational, single-center, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis study, we compared the outcomes of SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2 group) and other OHAs (control group) following KT. A total of 85 recipients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy as the major cause of ESRD before KT who were treated at our institute between October 2003 and October 2019 were screened and included. The variables considered for IPTW were recipient age, sex, body mass index, history of cardiovascular disease, ABO incompatibility, insulin therapy, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at the initiation of additional OHAs. Primary endpoints were changes in HbA1c, body weight, and eGFR 1 y after the initiation of additional OHAs.

Results.
After IPTW analysis, there were 26 patients in the SGLT2 group and 59 patients in the control group (n = 85 overall). The body weights were significantly reduced in the SGLT2 group. There was no statistical difference in changes in HbA1c and eGFR. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the incidence of urinary infection, acute rejection, or other side effects between the groups.

Conclusions.
Our findings suggested that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the body weight of KT recipients and were used safely without increasing side effects.
Poking COVID-19: insights on genomic constraints among immune-related genes between Qatari and Italian populations
Authors: Mbarek Hamdi , Cocca Massimiliano , Al Sarraj Yasser , Saad Chadi , Mezzavilla Massimo , AlMuftah Wadha , Cocciadiferro Dario , Novelli Antonio , Quinti Isabella , AlTawashi Azza , Salvaggio Salvino , AlThani Asma , Novelli Giuseppe , Ismail Said 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHost genomic information, specifically genomic variations, may characterize susceptibility to disease and identify people with a higher risk of harm, leading to better targeting of care and vaccination. Italy was the epicentre for the spread of COVID-19 in Europe, the first country to go into a national lockdown and has one of the highest COVID-19 associated mortality rates. Qatar, on the other hand has a very low mortality rate. In this study, we compared whole-genome sequencing data of 14398 adults and Qatari-national to 925 Italian individuals. We also included in the comparison whole-exome sequence data from 189 Italian laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases. We focused our study on a curated list of 3619 candidate genes involved in innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction. Two population-gene metric scores, the Delta Singleton-Cohort variant score (DSC) and Sum Singleton-Cohort variant score (SSC), were applied to estimate the presence of selective constraints in the Qatari population and in the Italian cohorts. Results based on DSC SSC metrics demonstrated a different selective pressure on three genes (MUC5AC, ABCA7, FLNA) between Qatari and Italian populations. This study highlighted the genetic differences between Qatari and Italian populations and identified a subset of genes involved in innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction.
Multi-Omics Signatures of Alcohol Use Disorder in the Dorsal and Ventral Striatum
Authors: Zillich Lea , Poisel Eric , Frank Josef , Foo Jerome C. , Friske Marion M. , Streit Fabian , Sirignano Lea , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie , Heimbach André , Hoffmann Per , Degenhardt Franziska , Hansson Anita C. , Bakalkin Georgy , Nöthen Markus M. , Rietschel Marcella , Spanagel Rainer , Witt Stephanie H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a major contributor to global mortality and morbidity. Postmortem human brain tissue enables the investigation of molecular mechanisms of AUD in the neurocircuitry of addiction. We aimed to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes in the ventral and dorsal striatum between individuals with AUD and controls, and to integrate the results with findings from genome- and epigenome-wide association studies (GWAS/EWAS) to identify functionally relevant molecular mechanisms of AUD. DNA-methylation and gene expression (RNA-seq) data was generated from postmortem brain samples of 48 individuals with AUD and 51 controls from the ventral striatum (VS) and the dorsal striatal regions caudate nucleus (CN) and putamen (PUT). We identified DE genes using DESeq2, performed gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and tested enrichment of DE genes in results of GWASs using MAGMA. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed for DNA-methylation and gene expression data and gene overlap was tested. Differential gene expression was observed in the dorsal (FDR<0.05), but not the ventral striatum of AUD cases. In the VS, DE genes at FDR<0.25 were overrepresented in a recent GWAS of problematic alcohol use. TheARHGEF15gene was upregulated in all three brain regions. GSEA in CN and VS pointed towards cell-structure associated GO-terms and in PUT towards immune pathways. The WGCNA modules most strongly associated with AUD showed strong enrichment for immune response and inflammation pathways. Our integrated analysis of multi-omics data sets provides further evidence for the importance of immune-and inflammation-related processes in AUD.
Procedural time reduction associated with active esophageal cooling during pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Joseph Chris , Sherman Jacob , Ro Alex , Fisher Wes , Nazari Jose , Metzl Mark 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundActive esophageal cooling is increasingly utilized as an alternative to luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring for protection against thermal injury during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) when treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Published data demonstrate the efficacy of active cooling in reducing thermal injury, but impacts on procedural efficiency are not as well characterized. LET monitoring compels pauses in ablation due to heat stacking and temperature overheating alarms that in turn delay progress of the PVI procedure, whereas active esophageal cooling allows avoidance of this phenomenon.ObjectiveMeasure the change in PVI procedure duration after implementation of active esophageal cooling as a protective measure against esophageal injury.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review under IRB approval of patients with AF undergoing PVI between January 2018 to February 2020. For each patient, we recorded age, gender, and total procedure time. We then compared procedure times before and after the implementation of active esophageal cooling as a replacement for LET monitoring.ResultsA total of 373 patients received PVI over the study period. LET monitoring using a multi-sensor probe was performed in 198 patients, and active esophageal cooling using a dedicated device was performed in 175 patients. Patient characteristics did not significantly differ between groups (mean age of 67 years, and gender 37.4% female). Mean procedure time was 146 minutes in the LET monitored patients, and 110 minutes in the actively cooled patients, representing a reduction of 36 minutes, or 24.7% (p<.001). Median procedure time was 141 minutes in the LET monitored patients and 100 minutes in the actively cooled patients, for a reduction of 41 minutes, or 29.1% (p<.001).ConclusionsImplementation of active esophageal cooling for protection against esophageal injury during PVI was associated with a significantly large reduction in procedure duration.
Profiling of mature stage human breastmilk cells identifies host-defense lactocyte sub-populations
Authors: Gleeson John P. , Chaudhary Namit , Doerfler Rose , Fein Katherine C. , Hredzak-Showalter Trish , Whitehead Kathryn A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBreastmilk is chock-full of nutrients, immunological factors, and cells that aid infant development. Maternal cells are the least studied breastmilk component, and their unique properties are difficult to identify using traditional techniques. Here, we characterized the cells in mature stage breastmilk from healthy donors at the protein, gene, and transcriptome levels. Holistic analysis of flow cytometry, qPCR, and single cell RNA sequencing data identified the predominant cell population as epithelial with smaller populations of macrophages and T cells. Two percent of epithelial cells expressed four stem cell markers: SOX2, TRA-1-60, NANOG, and SSEA4. Furthermore, milk contained six distinct epithelial lactocyte sub-populations, including three previously unidentified sub-populations programmed towards host-defense and intestinal development. Pseudotime analysis delineated the differentiation pathways of epithelial progenitors. Together, these data define healthy human maternal breastmilk cells and provide a basis for their application in maternal and infant medicine.
Is the infection of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant associated with the outcomes of COVID-19 patients?
Authors: Gunadi  , Hakim Mohamad Saifudin , Wibawa Hendra , Marcellus  , Setiawaty Vivi , Slamet  , Trisnawati Ika , Supriyati Endah , Khair Riat El , Iskandar Kristy , Afiahayati  , Siswanto  , Irene  , Anggorowati Nungki , Daniwijaya Edwin Widyanto , Agung Nugrahaningsih Dwi Aris , Puspadewi Yunika , Puspitarani Dyah Ayu , Tania Irene , Vujira Khanza Adzkia , Ardlyamustaqim Muhammad Buston , Gabriela Gita Christy , Eryvinka Laudria Stella , Nirmala Bunga Citta , Geometri Esensi Tarian , Darutama Abirafdi Amajida , Kuswandani Anisa Adityarini , Lestari  , Irianingsih Sri Handayani , Khoiriyah Siti , Lestari Ina , Ananda Nur Rahmi , Arguni Eggi , Nuryastuti Titik , Wibawa Tri 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundSARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) has been responsible for the current increase in COVID-19 infectivity rate worldwide. We compared the impact of the Delta variant and non-Delta variant on the COVID-19 outcomes in patients from Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces, Indonesia.MethodsWe ascertained 161 patients, 69 with the Delta variant and 92 with the non-Delta variant. The Illumina MiSeq next-generation sequencer was used to perform the whole genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2.ResultsThe mean age of patients with Delta and the non-Delta variant was 27.3 ± 20.0 and 43.0 ± 20.9 (p=3×10−6). The patients with Delta variant consisted of 23 males and 46 females, while the patients with the non-Delta variant involved 56 males and 36 females (p=0.001). The Ct value of the Delta variant (18.4 ± 2.9) was significantly lower than the non-Delta variant (19.5 ± 3.8) (p=0.043). There was no significant difference in the hospitalization and mortality of patients with Delta and non-Delta variants (p=0.80 and 0.29, respectively). None of the prognostic factors was associated with the hospitalization, except diabetes with an OR of 3.6 (95% CI=1.02-12.5; p=0.036). Moreover, the patients with the following factors have been associated with higher mortality rate than patients without the factors: age ≥65 years, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease with the OR of 11 (95% CI=3.4-36; p=8×10−5), 27 (95% CI=6.1-118; p=1×10−5), 15.6 (95% CI=5.3-46; p=6×10−7), 12 (95% CI=4-35.3; p=1.2×10−5), and 6.8 (95% CI=2.1-22.1; p=0.003), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥65 years, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension were the strong prognostic factors for the mortality of COVID-19 patients with the OR of 3.6 (95% CI=0.58-21.9; p=0.028), 16.6 (95% CI=2.5-107.1; p=0.003), 5.5 (95% CI=1.3-23.7; p=0.021), and 5.8 (95% CI=1.02-32.8; p=0.047), respectively.ConclusionsWe show that the patients infected by the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant have a lower Ct value than the patients infected by the non-Delta variant, implying that the Delta variant has a higher viral load, which might cause a more transmissible virus among humans. However, the Delta variant does not affect the COVID-19 outcomes in our patients. Our study also confirms the older age and comorbidity increase the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients.
Internalizing Problems Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Dutch Children and Adolescents with and without Pre-Existing Mental Health Problems
Authors: Fischer Karen , Tieskens Jacintha M. , Luijten Michiel A. J. , Zijlmans Josjan , van Oers Hedy A. , de Groot Rowdy , van der Doelen Daniël , van Ewijk Hanneke , Klip Helen , van der Lans Rikkert M. , De Meyer Ronald , van der Mheen Malindi , van Muilekom Maud M. , Ruisch I. Hyun , Teela Lorynn , van den Berg Germie , Bruining Hilgo , van der Rijken Rachel , Buitelaar Jan , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Lindauer Ramón , Oostrom Kim J. , Staal Wouter , Vermeiren Robert , Cornet Ronald , Haverman Lotte , Bartels Meike , Polderman Tinca J. C. , Popma Arne 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess internalizing problems before and during the pandemic with data from Dutch consortiumChild and adolescent mental health and wellbeing in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, consisting of two Dutch general population samples (GS) and two clinical samples (CS) referred to youth/psychiatric care. In each sample, measures of internalizing problems were obtained from ongoing data collections pre-pandemic (NGS= 35,357;NCS= 4,487) and twice during the pandemic, in Apr.–May 2020 (NGS= 3,938; clinical:NCS= 1,008) and in Nov.–Dec. 2020 (NGS= 1,489;NCS= 1,536), in children and adolescents (8-18 years) with parent- (Brief Problem Monitor) and/or child reports (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®). Results show significantly greater proportions of worrisome internalizing problems (based on validated cut-offs) and significantly higher internalizing problems mean levels from pre-pandemic to pandemic measurements in the general population. These levels stabilized or decreased over the course of the pandemic. In the clinical sample, we found an increase in child-reported internalizing problems measures over the course of the pandemic, but parents reported no differences in internalizing problems measures over the course of the pandemic, nor from pre-pandemic to during the pandemic. Overall, the findings indicate that children and adolescents of both the general and clinical population were affected negatively by the pandemic in terms of their internalizing problems. Attention is therefore warranted to investigate what long-term effects this may cause and to monitor if internalizing problems return back to pre-pandemic levels or if they remain elevated post-pandemic.
An assessment of a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in Bangladesh
Authors: Kawser Zannat , Hossain Mohabbat , Suliman Sara , Lockman Shahin , Gitaka Jesse , Bandawe Gama , Rahmat Redwan , Hasan Imrul , Siddik Abu Bakar , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Miller Glenn , Walt David R. , Ivers Louise C. , LaRocque Regina C. , Harris Jason B. , Qadri Firdausi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEarly detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a commercial rapid antigen detection test, BD Veritor, and compared this (and another rapid test, Standard Q) against a gold-standard of nasopharyngeal (NP) swab tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in prospectively-recruited adults in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of the two rapid antigen tests against RT-PCR results in 130 symptomatic and 130 asymptomatic adults. In addition, we evaluated the suitability and ease-of-use of the BD Veritor test in a subsample of study participants (n=42) and implementers (n=5). The sensitivity of the BD Veritor rapid antigen test was 70% in symptomatic (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51-85%) and 87% (95% CI: 69-96%) in asymptomatic individuals with positive SARSCoV-2 RT-PCR, for overall sensitivity of 78% (95% CI: 66-88%). The sensitivity of the Standard Q rapid antigen test was 63% (95% CI: 44-80%) in symptomatic and 73% (95% CI: 54-87%) in asymptomatic individuals. One false positive in BD Veritor test (specificity 99.5) and no false positive in Standard Q tests were observed (specificity 100%). The BD Veritor rapid antigen test was 78% sensitive when compared with RT-PCR irrespective of the cycle threshold (Ct) levels in this evaluation in Bangladesh. The implementation evaluation data showed good acceptability in the field settings. This warrants large field evaluation as well as use of the rapid antigen test for quick assessment of SARS-CoV-2 for containment of epidemics in the country.