bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical study evaluating the efficacy of ivermectin in COVID‐19 treatment: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Abd‐Elsalam Sherief , Noor Rasha A. , Badawi Rehab , Khalaf Mai , Esmail Eslam S. , Soliman Shaimaa , Abd El Ghafar Mohamed S. , Elbahnasawy Mohamed , Moustafa Ehab F. , Hassany Sahar M. , Medhat Mohammed A. , Ramadan Haidi Karam‐Allah , Eldeen Maii A. S. , Alboraie Mohamed , Cordie Ahmed , Esmat Gamal 
Published: June 2021

AbstractResearchers around the world are working at record speed to find the best ways to treat and prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin for the treatment of hospitalized mild to moderate COVID‐19 infected patients. This was a randomized open‐label controlled study that included 164 patients with COVID‐19. Patients were randomized into two groups where Group 1 (Ivermectin group) included patients who received ivermectin 12 mg once daily for 3 days with standard care and Group 2 (control group) included patients who received standard protocol of treatment alone for 14 days. The main outcomes were mortality, the length of hospital stay, and the need for mechanical ventilation. All patients were followed up for 1 month. Overall, 82 individuals were randomized to receive ivermectin plus standard of care and 82 to receive standard of care alone. Patients in the ivermectin group had a shorter length of hospital stay (8.82 ± 4.94 days) than the control group (10.97 ± 5.28 days), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.085). Three patients (3.7%) in each group required mechanical ventilation (p = 1.00). The death rate was three patients in the ivermectin group (3.7%) versus four patients (4.9%) in the control group without any significant difference between the two groups (p = 1.00). Although there was no statistically significant difference in any endpoints by ivermectin doses (12 mg/day for 3 days); there was an observed trend to reducing hospital stay in the ivermectin‐treated group.
The consequences of self‐reporting biases: Evidence from the crash preventability program
Authors: Scott Alex , Balthrop Andrew T. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRelying on firms to self‐report information is an information‐gathering mechanism that often results in biased measures due to the incentives of the reporting firms. What is less commonly understood is that using self‐reported information for decision‐making results in endogenous selection bias, which creates spurious associations between the measure being reported and factors that influence reporting. Thus, conditioning on self‐reported information can lead to inaccurate evaluations of firms and bias predictions of future performance, even when the self‐reported measure is not intentionally misrepresented. We examine endogenous selection bias in self‐reporting regimes using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). We illustrate the problem using data from a policy change by the U.S. Department of Transportation that allowed firms to report not‐at‐fault for accidents. We find that large for‐hire firms are much more likely to report not‐at‐fault for accidents—over 40 times more likely than independent drivers—even after controlling for time, location, and weather. When comparing independent drivers with large firms, the reporting disparities make large firms appear 25% safer when using at‐fault accidents versus all accidents while providing no improvement in predicting future accidents. This study highlights the consequences of poorly designed information‐gathering mechanisms and the usefulness of DAGs for understanding causality in supply chain research.
Periodontitis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A nationwide study of 1,990 patients
Authors: Bolstad Anne Isine , Sehjpal Pria , Lie Stein Atle , Fevang Bjørg‐Tilde Svanes 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and periodontitis in Norway during a 10‐year period from 2008 through 2017.MethodsIn this population‐based study, 1,990 patients were included in the SLE‐cohort based on diagnostic codes registered in the Norwegian Patient Registry. The control group (n = 170,332) comprised patients registered with diagnostic codes for non‐osteoporotic fractures or hip or knee replacement because of osteoarthritis. The outcome was periodontitis, defined by procedure codes registered in the Control and Payment of Health Refunds database. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate odds ratio for periodontitis in patients versus controls adjusted for potential covariates.ResultsPeriodontitis was significantly more common in SLE patients compared to controls (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.47‐2.14) and the difference was highest in SLE‐patients 20 to 30 years of age (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.23 – 8.52). The periodontitis rate in SLE patients was in the same range as for patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.ConclusionsPatients with SLE had an almost doubled risk of periodontitis compared with the control population, and the difference was most accentuated in the young patients. These findings warrant an increased focus on dental health in SLE‐patients.
Comparison between robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery and traditional laparoscopic low anterior resection for middle and low rectal cancer: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Feng Qingyang , Ng Simon S. M. , Zhang Zhiyuan , Lin Songbin , Niu Zhengchuan , Wei Ye , He Guodong , Chang Wenju , Zhu Dexiang , Xu Jianmin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThis study aimed to find the advantages of robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) for middle and low rectal cancer, compared with traditional laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR).MethodsPatients receiving robotic NOSES or traditional laparoscopic LAR were retrospectively enrolled from 2013‐10 to 2019‐06, with middle and low rectal cancer, maximum diameter ≤ 5 cm, pT1–3 or ypT1–3 stage, no distant metastases. The baseline of the two groups was balanced using the propensity score matching method. Surgical quality, postoperative recovery, and long‐term oncological outcomes were compared.ResultsTotally 137 eligible patients with robotic NOSES and 137 matched patients with traditional laparoscopic LAR were enrolled. Robotic NOSES had a significantly lower open conversion rate (0 vs. 4.4%, p = .030), less intraoperative hemorrhage (50 ml vs. 80 ml, p < .001) and longer distance from distal resection margin of low rectal cancer (1.5 cm vs. 1.0 cm, p = .030). Robotic NOSES significantly reduced the 30‐day postoperative complication rate of Clavien‐Dindo grade II or higher (17.5% vs. 31.4%, p = .008), promoted gastrointestinal and urinary function recovery, reduced postoperative pain and hospital stay (6.0 vs. 7.0 d, p = .022). The two groups were similar in long‐term survival.ConclusionsCompared with traditional laparoscopic LAR, robotic NOSES had significant advantages in improving surgical quality and promoting postoperative recovery.
Is there a difference in utilization of a perioperative treatment approach for gastric cancer between safety net hospitals and tertiary referral centers?
Authors: Turgeon Michael K. , Lee Rachel M. , Keilson Jessica M. , Ju Michelle R. , Porembka Matthew R. , Alterio Rodrigo E. , Kronenfeld Joshua , Datta Jashodeep , Goel Neha , Wang Annie , Lee Ann Y. , Fernandez Manuel , Richter Harry , Maker Ajay V. , Maithel Shishir K. , Russell Maria C. 
Published: June 2021

Background and ObjectivesPerioperative therapy is a favored treatment strategy for gastric cancer. We sought to assess utilization of this approach at safety net hospitals (SNH) and tertiary referral centers (TRC).Materials and MethodsPatients in the US Safety Net Collaborative (2012–2014) with resectable gastric cancer across five SNH and their sister TRC were included. Primary outcomes were receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and perioperative therapy.ResultsOf 284 patients, 36% and 64% received care at SNH and TRC. The distribution of Stage II/III resectable disease was similar across facilities. Receipt of NAC at SNH and TRC was similar (56% vs. 46%, p = 0.27). Compared with overall clinical stage, 38% and 36% were pathologically downstaged at SNH and TRC, respectively. Among patients who received NAC, those who also received adjuvant chemotherapy at SNH and TRC were similar (66% vs. 60%, p = 0.50). Asian race and higher clinical stage were associated with receipt of perioperative therapy (both p < 0.05) while treatment facility type was not.ConclusionsThere was no difference in utilization of a perioperative treatment strategy between facility types for patients with gastric cancer. Pathologic downstaging from NAC was similar across treatment facilities, suggesting similar quality and duration of therapy. Treatment at an SNH is not a barrier to receiving standard‐of‐care perioperative therapy for gastric cancer.
Comparison between short and long‐term outcomes after minimally invasive versus open primary liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma: A 1:1 matched analysis
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Syn Nicholas , Koh Ye‐Xin , Teo Jin‐Yao , Cheow Peng‐Chung , Jeyaraj Prema R. , Chow Pierce K. H. , Ooi London L. P. J. , Chung Alexander Y. F. , Chan Chung‐Yip 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to compare the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) versus open liver resection (OLR) for nonrecurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsReview of 204 MILR and 755 OLR without previous LR performed between 2005 and 2018. 1:1 coarsened exact matching (CEM) and 1:1 propensity‐score matching (PSM) were performed.ResultsOverall, 190 MILR were well‐matched with 190 OLR by PSM and 86 MILR with 86 OLR by CEM according to patient baseline characteristics. After PSM and CEM, MILR was associated with a significantly longer operation time [230 min (interquartile range [IQR], 145–330) vs. 160 min (IQR, 125–210), p < .001] [215 min (IQR, 135–295) vs. 153.5 min (120–180), p < .001], shorter postoperative stay [4 days (IQR, 3–6) vs. 6 days (IQR, 5–8), p = .001)] [4 days (IQR, 3–5) vs. 6 days (IQR, 5–7), p = .004] and lower postoperative morbidity [40 (21%) vs. 67 (35.5%), p = .003] [16 (18.6%) vs. 27 (31.4%), p = .036] compared to OLR. MILR was also associated with a significantly longer median time to recurrence (70 vs. 40.3 months, p = .014) compared to OLR after PSM but not CEM. There was no significant difference in terms of overall survival and recurrence‐free survival.ConclusionMILR is associated with superior short‐term postoperative outcomes and with at least equivalent long‐term oncological outcomes compared to OLR for HCC.
Enantioseparation of phenethylamines by using high‐performance liquid chromatography column permanently coated with methylated β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Terashima Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Atsushi , Aizawa Sen‐ichi , Taga Atsushi , Mikami Ikko , Ishihara Yoshimi , Kodama Shuji 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCyclodextrins and their derivatives have been used for chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography selectors, while they are costly to use as mobile phase additives in high‐performance liquid chromatography. Here, we report application of phenyl column coated permanently with methylated β‐cyclodextrin for chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography. A 0.1% (v/v) phosphoric acid solution containing 1 M NaCl and 0.5% (w/v) methylated β‐cyclodextrin was subjected to a phenyl column at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min at 30°C for 2 h. Using the precoating phenyl column, all the enantiomers of the four phenethylamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, octopamine, and synephrine) were successfully separated simultaneously by high‐performance liquid chromatography with a mobile phase without methylated β‐cyclodextrin at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min at 30°C. The enantioseparation ability was retained for successive analyses during 1 week. It is suggested that inclusion complex of methylated β‐cyclodextrin with a phenyl group on the surface of the stationary phase could be formed and that the inclusion complex could form the ternary complex with the injected analytes. The longer retention time of (S)‐enantiomers of analytes than corresponding (R)‐enantiomers for high‐performance liquid chromatography could be explained from the higher stability of the methylated β‐cyclodextrin complexes with (S)‐enantiomers, which were confirmed by capillary electrophoresis and 1H NMR spectroscopy experiments.
Locoregional Recurrence in p16‐Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma After TORS
Authors: Carey Ryan M. , Brody Robert M. , Shimunov David , Shinn Justin R. , Mady Leila J. , Rajasekaran Karthik , Cannady Steven B. , Lin Alexander , Lukens John N. , Bauml Joshua M. , Cohen Roger B. , Basu Devraj , O'Malley Bert W. , Weinstein Gregory S. , Newman Jason G. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo analyze the patterns, risk factors, and salvage outcomes for locoregional recurrences (LRR) after treatment with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC).Study DesignRetrospective analysis of HPV+ OPSCC patients completing primary TORS, neck dissection, and NCCN‐guideline‐compliant adjuvant therapy at a single institution from 2007 to 2017.MethodsFeatures associated with LRR, detailed patterns of LRR, and outcomes of salvage therapy were analyzed. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated for subgroups of patients receiving distinct adjuvant treatments.ResultsOf 541 patients who completed guideline‐indicated therapy, the estimated 5‐year LRR rate was 4.5%. There were no identifiable clinical or pathologic features associated with LRR. Compared to patients not receiving adjuvant therapy, those who received indicated adjuvant radiation alone had a lower risk of LRR (HR 0.28, 95% CI [0.09–0.83], P = .023), but there was no difference in DFS (P = .21) and OS (P = .86) between adjuvant therapy groups. The 5‐year OS for patients who developed LRR was 67.1% vs. 93.9% for those without LRR (P < .001). Patients who initially received adjuvant chemoradiation and those suffering local, in‐field, and/or retropharyngeal node recurrences had decreased disease control after salvage therapy.ConclusionLRR rates are low for HPV+ OPSCCs completing TORS and guideline‐compliant adjuvant therapy. Patients without indication for adjuvant therapy more often suffer LRR, but these recurrences are generally controllable by salvage therapy. Improved understanding of the patterns of recurrence most amenable to salvage therapy may guide treatment decisions, counseling, and adjuvant therapy de‐escalation trials.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2865–E2873, 2021
A science of collaborative learning health systems
Authors: Seid Michael , Hartley David M. , Margolis Peter A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionImproving the U.S. healthcare system and health outcomes is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Previously described Collaborative Learning Health Systems (CLHSs) are a promising approach to outcomes improvement. In order to fully realize this promise, a deeper understanding of this phenomenon is necessary.MethodsWe drew on our experience over the past decade with CLHSs as well as qualitative literature review to answer three questions: What kind of phenomena are CLHSs? and what is an appropriate scientific approach? How might we frame CLHSs conceptually? What are potential mechanisms of action?ResultsCLHSs are complex adaptive systems in which all stakeholders are able to collaborate, at scale, to create and share resources to satisfy a variety of needs. This is accomplished by providing infrastructure and services that enable stakeholders to act on their inherent motivations. This framing has implications for both research and practice.ConclusionArticulating this framework and potential mechanisms of action should facilitate research to test and refine hypotheses as well as guide practice to develop and optimize this promising approach to improving healthcare systems.
α‐Synuclein Deposition in Sympathetic Nerve Fibers in Genetic Forms of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Isonaka Risa , Goldstein David S. , Zhu William , Yoon Esther , Ehrlich Debra , Schindler Alice B. , Kokkinis Angela D. , Sabir Marya S. , Scholz Sonja W. , Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Gonzalez‐Alegre Pedro , Lopez Grisel , Sidransky Ellen , Narendra Derek P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundCytoplasmic inclusions of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) in brainstem neurons are characteristic of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). PD also entails α‐syn buildup in sympathetic nerves. Among genetic forms of PD, the relative extents of sympathetic intraneuronal accumulation of α‐syn have not been reported.ObjectiveThis cross‐sectional observational study compared magnitudes of intraneuronal deposition of α‐syn in common and rare genetic forms of PD.Methodsα‐Syn deposition was quantified by the α‐syn‐tyrosine hydroxylase colocalization index in C2 cervical skin biopsies from 65 subjects. These included 30 subjects with pathogenic mutations in SNCA (n = 3), PRKN [biallelic (n = 7) and monoallelic (n = 3)], LRRK2 (n = 7), GBA (n = 7), or PARK7/DJ1 [biallelic (n = 1) and monoallelic (n = 2)]. Twenty‐five of the mutation carriers had PD and five did not. Data were also analyzed from 19 patients with idiopathic PD and 16 control participants.Resultsα‐Syn deposition varied as a function of genotype (F = 16.7, P < 0.0001). It was above the control range in 100% of subjects with SNCA mutations, 100% with LRRK2 mutations, 95% with idiopathic PD, 83% with GBA mutations, and 0% with biallelic PRKN mutations. α‐Syn deposition in the biallelic PRKN group was significantly higher than in the control group. In addition, patients with biallelic PRKN mutations had higher α‐syn deposition than their unaffected siblings.ConclusionsIndividuals with SNCA, DJ‐1, LRRK2, or GBA mutations have substantial intraneuronal α‐syn deposition in sympathetic noradrenergic nerves in skin biopsies, whereas those with biallelic PRKN mutations do not. Biallelic PRKN patients may have mildly increased α‐syn deposition compared with control subjects. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Interleaved water and fat MR thermometry for monitoring high intensity focused ultrasound ablation of bone lesions
Authors: Lena Beatrice , Bartels Lambertus W. , Ferrer Cyril J. , Moonen Chrit T. W. , Viergever Max A. , Bos Clemens 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo demonstrate that interleaved MR thermometry can monitor temperature in water and fat with adequate temporal resolution. This is relevant for high intensity focused uUltrasounds (HIFU) treatment of bone lesions, which are often found near aqueous tissues, as muscle, or embedded in adipose tissues, as subcutaneous fat and bone marrow.MethodsProton resonance frequency shift (PRFS)‐based thermometry scans and T1‐based 2D variable flip angle (2D‐VFA) thermometry scans were acquired alternatingly over time. Temperature in water was monitored using PRFS thermometry, and in fat by 2D‐VFA thermometry with slice profile effect correction. The feasibility of interleaved water/fat temperature monitoring was studied ex vivo in porcine bone during MR‐HIFU sonication. Precision and stability of measurements in vivo were evaluated in a healthy volunteer under non‐heating conditions.ResultsThe method allowed observing temperature change over time in muscle and fat, including bone marrow, during MR‐HIFU sonication, with a temporal resolution of 6.1 s. In vivo, the apparent temperature change was stable on the time scale of the experiment: In 7 min the systematic drift was <0.042°C/min in muscle (PRFS after drift correction) and <0.096°C/min in bone marrow (2D‐VFA). The SD of the temperature change averaged over time was 0.98°C (PRFS) and 2.7°C (2D‐VFA).ConclusionsInterleaved MR thermometry allows temperature measurements in water and fat with a temporal resolution high enough for monitoring HIFU ablation. Specifically, combined fat and water thermometry provides uninterrupted information on temperature changes in tissue close to the bone cortex.
Tocilizumab is safe and tolerable and reduces C‐reactive protein concentrations in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients
Authors: Milligan Carol , Atassi Nazem , Babu Suma , Barohn Richard J. , Caress James B. , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Evora Armineuza , Hawkins Gregory A. , Wosiski‐Kuhn Marlena , Macklin Eric A. , Shefner Jeremy M. , Simmons Zachary , Bowser Robert P. , Ladha Shafeeq S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsWe tested safety, tolerability, and target engagement of tocilizumab in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.MethodsTwenty‐two participants, whose peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profile reflected high messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of inflammatory markers, were randomized 2:1 to three tocilizumab or placebo treatments (weeks 0, 4, and 8; 8 mg/kg intravenous). Participants were followed every 4 wk in a double‐blind fashion for 16 wk and assessed for safety, tolerability, plasma inflammatory markers, and clinical measures. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected at baseline and after the third treatment. Participants were genotyped for Asp358Ala polymorphism of the interleukin 6 receptor (IL‐6R) gene.ResultsBaseline characteristics, safety, and tolerability were similar between treatment groups. One serious adverse event was reported in the placebo group; no deaths occurred. Mean plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) level decreased by 88% in the tocilizumab group and increased by 4% in the placebo group (−3.0‐fold relative change, P < .001). CSF CRP reduction (−1.8‐fold relative change, P = .01) was associated with IL‐6R C allele count. No differences in PBMC gene expression or clinical measures were observed between groups.DiscussionTocilizumab treatment was safe and well tolerated. PBMC gene expression profile was inadequate as a predictive or pharmacodynamic biomarker. Treatment reduced CRP levels in plasma and CSF, with CSF effects potentially dependent on IL‐6R Asp358Ala genotype. IL‐6 trans‐signaling may mediate a distinct central nervous system response in individuals inheriting the IL‐6R C allele. These results warrant further study in ALS patients where IL‐6R genotype and CRP levels may be useful enrichment biomarkers.
Photophysics of the electronic states S0 and S1 for the coplanar molecular structures of the α,ω‐diphenylpolyenes DPH and DPO
Authors: Catalán Javier 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSpectroscopy of the monoclinic and orthorhombic crystalline forms of all‐trans‐diphenylhexatriene (DPH) and all‐trans‐diphenyloctatetraene (DPO) show absorption and emission bands that do not generate the widely known Stokes shift of the polyene compounds, discovered by Hausser et al. in 1953 and repeatedly studied over the last 60 years. It can be concluded from our study that the crystallization system, whether in a monoclinic or orthorhombic system, does not significantly influence the photophysics of DPH and DPO in the crystal phase.