bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Neurofilament Light Chain: A Marker of Nervous System Damage in Myopathies
Authors: Saak Annika , Benkert Pascal , Akgün Katja , Willemse Eline , Kuhle Jens , Ziemssen Tjalf , Jackson Sandra , Schaefer Jochen 
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Neurofilament light chain in serum (sNfL) has been suggested as a biomarker for the assessment of neuroaxonal damage. Since NfL are not expressed in muscle, elevated sNfL in patients with primary myopathies suggest additional nervous system involvement. To verify this hypothesis, we measured sNfL in a series of patients with myopathies.Methods: sNfL were determined in 62 patients with molecular proven primary myopathies in whom some nervous system involvement may be predicted: myotonic dystrophy type I and II (DM I, II) and mitochondrial disease. In addition, sNfL were measured in 8 patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and in a disease control group caused by genetic defects exclusively expressed in muscle.Results: sNfL values were significantly elevated in the DM I, the DM II and the mitochondrial group, with FSHD patients showing the lowest sNfL elevations. sNfL levels in the disease control group were not different from the healthy controls. A significant correlation between repeat length and sNfL levels was found in the DM I patients, but not in the DM II patients. Mitochondrial patients with encephalopathy showed significantly higher sNfL concentrations compared to patients with only muscular symptoms.Conclusion: sNfL levels are elevated in myopathies with, based on the underlying molecular defect or clinical features, established nervous system involvement, i.e., myotonic dystrophies and mitochondrial disorders. sNfL were also raised in FSHD, where involvement of the nervous system is not usually clinically apparent. Thus, sNfL concentrations may serve as a biomarker for additional neuronal damage in primary myopathies.
Development and Validation of a Plasma FAM19A5 and MRI-Based Radiomics Model for Prediction of Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease With Depression
Authors: Li Xue-ning , Hao Da-peng , Qu Mei-jie , Zhang Meng , Ma An-bang , Pan Xu-dong , Ma Ai-jun 
Published: December 2021

Background: Prediction and early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Parkinson’s disease with depression (PDD) are essential for the clinical management of PD.Objectives: The present study aimed to develop a plasma Family with sequence similarity 19, member A5 (FAM19A5) and MRI-based radiomics nomogram to predict PD and PDD.Methods: The study involved 176 PD patients and 181 healthy controls (HC). Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure FAM19A5 concentration in the plasma samples collected from all participants. For enrolled subjects, MRI data were collected from 164 individuals (82 in the PD group and 82 in the HC group). The bilateral amygdala, head of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and substantia nigra, and red nucleus were manually labeled on the MR images. Radiomics features of the labeled regions were extracted. Further, machine learning methods were applied to shrink the feature size and build a predictive radiomics signature. The resulting radiomics signature was combined with plasma FAM19A5 concentration and other risk factors to establish logistic regression models for the prediction of PD and PDD.Results: The plasma FAM19A5 levels (2.456 ± 0.517) were recorded to be significantly higher in the PD group as compared to the HC group (2.23 ± 0.457) (P &lt; 0.001). Importantly, the plasma FAM19A5 levels were also significantly higher in the PDD subgroup (2.577 ± 0.408) as compared to the non-depressive subgroup (2.406 ± 0.549) (P = 0.045 &lt; 0.05). The model based on the combination of plasma FAM19A5 and radiomics signature showed excellent predictive validity for PD and PDD, with AUCs of 0.913 (95% CI: 0.861–0.955) and 0.937 (95% CI: 0.845–0.970), respectively.Conclusion: Altogether, the present study reported the development of nomograms incorporating radiomics signature, plasma FAM19A5, and clinical risk factors, which might serve as potential tools for early prediction of PD and PDD in clinical settings.
Prognostic Value of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Prognostic Nutritional Index in Patients With Medulloblastoma Undergoing Surgical Resection
Authors: Zhu Sihan , Cheng Zhuqing , Hu Yuanjun , Chen Zhenghe , Zhang Ji , Ke Chao , Yang Qunying , Lin Fuhua , Chen Yinsheng , Wang Jian 
Published: December 2021

Background: The progression and metastasis of cancers are associated with systematic immune inflammation and nutritional dysfunction. The systemic immune-inflammation index and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) have shown a prognostic impact in several malignancies. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate immune inflammation and nutritional index prognostic significance in patients with medulloblastoma (MB).Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 111 patients with MB between 2001 and 2021 at our institution. The optimal cutoff values for systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte counts ration (MLR), and PNI were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Clinical characteristics and SII, NLR, MLR, and PNI were tested with the Pearson's chi-squared test. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate the effects of immune inflammation and nutritional index on overall survival (OS).Results: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the optimal SII, NLR, MLR, and PNI cutoff values of 2,278, 14.83, 0.219, and 56.5 that significantly interacts with OS and divided the patients into two groups. Comparative survival analysis exhibited that the high-SII cohort had significantly shorter OS (p = 0.0048) than the low-SII cohort. For the univariate analysis, the results revealed that preoperative hydrocephalus (p = 0.01), SII (p = 0.006), albumin–bilirubin score (ALBI) (p = 0.04), and coSII–PNI were predictors of OS. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative hydrocephalus (p &lt; 0.001), ALBI (p = 0.010), SII (p &lt; 0.001), and coSII–PNI as independent prognostic factors were significantly correlated with OS.Conclusion: The preoperative SII, ALBI, and coSII–PNI serve as robust prognostic biomarkers for patients with MB undergoing surgical resection.
Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio and Development of a Nomogram in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Yin Ying , Zhang Yong , Li Li , Zhang Shaotong , Liu Ning , Yuan Shuanghu 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThe objective of this study was to explore the prognostic significance of pretreatment hematologic parameters in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) of breast cancer patients.Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 440 breast cancer patients in Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute from 2003 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Through the results of blood routine before treatment, the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute monocyte count (AMC), and absolute platelet count (APC) in peripheral blood were collected. The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR) were calculated. Cox proportional hazard model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. The DFS was compared using Kaplan–Meier method. The prognostic nomogram of patients with breast cancer was developed.ResultsThe median DFS for all patients was 64.10 months. Univariate analysis showed that the DFS was associated with surgical approach, TNM stage, molecular subtype, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and LMR (p &lt; 0.05). TNM stage, molecular subtype, and LMR were independent prognostic factors of breast cancer in multivariate analysis (p &lt; 0.05). According to the Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis, patients with higher LMR (≥4.85) were associated with longer median DFS (median DFS, 85.83 vs. 60.90, p &lt; 0.001). The proposed nomogram that incorporated LMR, TNM stage, and molecular subtype got a concordance index (c-index) of 0.69 in predicting 5-year DFS.ConclusionIn breast cancer patients, higher LMR was associated with longer median DFS and the nomogram including LMR, TNM stage, and molecular subtype could accurately predict the prolonged 5-year DFS of breast cancer patients.
Longitudinal Follow-Up With Radiologic Screening for Recurrence and Secondary Hiatal Hernia in Neonates With Open Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia—A Large Prospective, Observational Cohort Study at One Referral Center
Authors: Zahn Katrin B. , Schaible Thomas , Rafat Neysan , Weis Meike , Weiss Christel , Wessel Lucas 
Published: December 2021

Objective: After neonatal repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) recurrence is the most severe surgical complication and reported in up to 50% after patch implantation. Previous studies are difficult to compare due to differences in surgical techniques and retrospective study design and lack of standardized follow-up or radiologic imaging. The aim was to reliably detect complication rates by radiologic screening during longitudinal follow-up after neonatal open repair of CDH and to determine possible risk factors.Methods: At our referral center with standardized treatment algorithm and follow-up program, consecutive neonates were screened for recurrence by radiologic imaging at defined intervals during a 12-year period.Results: 326 neonates with open CDH repair completed follow-up of a minimum of 2 years. 68 patients (21%) received a primary repair, 251 (77%) a broad cone-shaped patch, and 7 a flat patch (2%). Recurrence occurred in 3 patients (0.7%) until discharge and diaphragmatic complications in 28 (8.6%) thereafter. Overall, 38 recurrences and/or secondary hiatal hernias were diagnosed (9% after primary repair, 12.7% after cone-shaped patch; p = 0.53). Diaphragmatic complications were significantly associated with initial defect size (r = 0.26). In multivariate analysis left-sided CDH, an abdominal wall patch and age below 4 years were identified as independent risk factors. Accordingly, relative risks (RRs) were significantly increased [left-sided CDH: 8.5 (p = 0.03); abdominal wall patch: 3.2 (p &lt; 0.001); age ≤4 years: 6.5 (p &lt; 0.002)]. 97% of patients with diaphragmatic complications showed no or nonspecific symptoms and 45% occurred beyond 1 year of age.Conclusions: The long-term complication rate after CDH repair highly depends on surgical technique: a comparatively low recurrence rate seems to be achievable in large defects by implantation of a broad cone-shaped, non-absorbable patch. Longitudinal follow-up with regular radiologic imaging until adolescence is essential to reliably detecting recurrence to prevent acute incarceration and chronic gastrointestinal morbidity with their impact on prognosis. Based on our findings and literature review, a risk-stratified approach to diaphragmatic complications is proposed.
Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio at the Nexus of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Jia Jue , Liu Ruoshuang , Wei Weiping , Yu Fan , Yu Xiawen , Shen Yirong , Chen Caiqin , Cai Zhensheng , Wang Chenxi , Zhao Zhicong , Wang Dong , Yang Ling , Yuan Guoyue 
Published: December 2021

Background: Recently, monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) as a novel inflammatory biomarker has drawn lots of attention. This study was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to investigate the correlation between MHR and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).Methods: Totally, 1,051 patients with T2DM from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University were enrolled and classified as MAFLD (n = 745) group and non-MAFLD (n = 306) group according to the MAFLD diagnostic criteria. In contrast, patients were also separated into four groups based on MHR quartiles. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed. The visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) of participants were measured by dual bioelectrical impedance. Fatty liver was assessed by ultrasonography.Results: The MHR level of subjects in the MAFLD group was statistically greater than that in the non-MAFLD group (P &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, MHR was higher in the overweight or obese MAFLD group compared with that in the lean MAFLD group (P &lt; 0.05). The area under the ROC Curve (AUC) assessed by MHR was larger than that of other inflammatory markers (P &lt; 0.01). The cutoff value of MHR was 0.388, with a sensitivity of 61.74% and a specificity of 56.54%. For further study, binary logistic regression analyses of MAFLD as a dependent variable, the relationship between MHR and MAFLD was significant (P &lt; 0.01). After adjusting for many factors, the relationship still existed. In the four groups based on MHR quartiles, groups with higher values of MHR had a significantly higher prevalence of MAFLD (P &lt; 0.05). The percentage of patients with obese MAFLD increased as the MHR level increased (P &lt; 0.01). Among different quartiles of MHR, it showed that with the increasing of MHR, the percentage of patients with MAFLD who had more than four metabolic dysfunction indicators increased, which was 46.39, 60.52, 66.79, and 79.91%, respectively, in each quartile.Conclusion: Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is a simple and practicable inflammatory parameter that could be used for assessing MAFLD in T2DM. T2DM patients with higher MHR have more possibility to be diagnosed as MAFLD. Therefore, more attention should be given to the indicator in the examination of T2DM.
Differences in Immune Response During Competition and Preparation Phase in Elite Rowers
Authors: Bizjak Daniel Alexander , Treff Gunnar , Zügel Martina , Schumann Uwe , Winkert Kay , Schneider Marion , Abendroth Dietmar , Steinacker Jürgen Michael 
Published: December 2021

Background: Metabolic stress is high during training and competition of Olympic rowers, but there is a lack of biomedical markers allowing to quantify training load on the molecular level. We aimed to identify such markers applying a complex approach involving inflammatory and immunologic variables.Methods: Eleven international elite male rowers (age 22.7 ± 2.4 yrs.; VO2max 71 ± 5 ml·min−1·kg−1) of the German National Rowing team were monitored at competition phase (COMP) vs. preparation phase (PREP), representing high vs. low load. Perceived stress and recovery were assessed by a Recovery Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-76 Sport). Immune cell activation (dendritic cell (DC)/macrophage/monocytes/T-cells) was evaluated via fluorescent activated cell sorting. Cytokines, High-Mobility Group Protein B1 (HMGB1), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), creatine kinase (CK), uric acid (UA), and kynurenine (KYN) were measured in venous blood.Results: Rowers experienced more general stress and less recovery during COMP, but sports-related stress and recovery did not differ from PREP. During COMP, DC/macrophage/monocyte and T-regulatory cells (Treg-cell) increased (p = 0.001 and 0.010). HMGB1 and cfDNA increased in most athletes during COMP (p = 0.001 and 0.048), while CK, UA, and KYN remained unaltered (p = 0.053, 0.304, and 0.211). Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (p = 0.002), TNF-α (p &lt; 0.001), and the chemokine IL-8 (p = 0.001) were elevated during COMP, while anti-inflammatory Il-10 was lower (p = 0.002).Conclusion: COMP resulted in an increase in biomarkers reflecting tissue damage, with plausible evidence of immune cell activation that appeared to be compensated by anti-inflammatory mechanisms, such as Treg-cell proliferation. We suggest an anti-inflammatory and immunological matrix approach to optimize training load quantification in elite athletes.
The Association Between Suicide Attempts, Anxiety, and Childhood Maltreatment Among Adolescents and Young Adults With First Depressive Episodes
Authors: Chen Hui , Li Wen , Cao Xia , Liu Peiqu , Liu Jiali , Chen Xianliang , Luo Chenyuli , Liang Xiaoxi , Guo Huijuan , Zhong Shaoling , Wang Xiaoping , Zhou Jiansong 
Published: December 2021

Objective: Adolescents and young adults are susceptible to high-risk behaviors such as self-harm and suicide. However, the impact of childhood maltreatment on suicide attempts in adolescents and young adults with first episode of depression remains unclear. This study examined the association between suicide attempts and childhood maltreatment among adolescents and young adults with first depressive episodes.Methods: A total of 181 adolescents and young adults with first depressive episodes were included. The Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) were used to assess childhood maltreatment and the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. The suicide item in the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) 5.0 was used to assess the suicide attempts. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associated factors of suicide attempts.Results: The prevalence of SA in the total sample was 31.5% (95% CI = 24.9–38.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the diagnosis of bipolar disorder (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.07–4.40), smoking (OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.10–6.37), anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.08), and childhood maltreatment (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07) were potential associated factors of SA. In addition, anxiety symptoms had a mediating effect on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and SA.Conclusion: Adolescents and young adults with first depressive episodes and having experiences of childhood maltreatment are at a high risk of suicide. The severity of anxiety symptoms may mediate the relation between childhood maltreatment and suicide attempts in this group of patients.
Is Homeopathic Arnica Effective for Postoperative Recovery? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled and Active Comparator Trials
Authors: Gaertner Katharina , Baumgartner Stephan , Walach Harald 
Published: December 2021

Background:HomeopathicArnica montanais used in surgery as prevention or treatment for the reduction of pain and other sequelae of surgery. Our aim was to perform a metaanalysis of clinical trials to assess efficacy ofArnica montanato reduce the inflammatory response after surgery.Method:We conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis, following a predefined protocol, of all studies on the use of homeopathicArnica montanain surgery. We included all randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing homeopathicArnicato a placebo or to another active comparator and calculated two quantitative metaanalyses and appropriate sensitivity analyses. We used “Hegde's g,” an effect size estimator which is equivalent to a standardized mean difference corrected for small sample bias. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42020131300.Results:Twenty-three publications reported on 29 different comparisons. One study had to be excluded because no data could be extracted, leaving 28 comparisons. Eighteen comparisons used placebo, nine comparisons an active control, and in one caseArnicawas compared to no treatment. The metaanalysis of the placebo-controlled trials yielded an overall effect size of Hedge's g = 0.18 (95% confidence interval −0.007/0.373;p= 0.059). Active comparator trials yielded a highly heterogeneous significant effect size of g = 0.26. This is mainly due to the large effect size of nonrandomized studies, which converges against zero in the randomized trials.Conclusion:HomeopathicArnicahas a small effect size over and against placebo in preventing excessive hematoma and other sequelae of surgeries. The effect is comparable to that of anti-inflammatory substances.
La expansión Uruk y el proceso de urbanización: una perspectiva desde la Alta Mesopotamia
Authors: Constanze Lima Leandro 
Published: December 2021

En la región de la Alta Mesopotamia, durante el período que abarca el Calcolítico Tardío 4 y 5 (3600-3000 a.C.) se observa la aparición de diversos asentamientos con características urbanas. El surgimiento de estos sitios y el material arqueológico hallado en los mismos planteó diversas cuestiones respecto a su origen. En este artículo proponemos un relevamiento del acervo teórico, haciendo foco en los modelos que relacionan a estos centros urbanos con una dinámica de centro-periferia y el análisis desde la perspectiva de las redes de intercambio regionales, sin dejar de lado el desarrollo propio interno de cada asentamiento. Consideramos particularmente tres sitios específicos que presentan vertientes distintas de formación urbana donde la intensidad de la injerencia externa también es variable. En el yacimiento de Habuba Kabira observamos una fuerte presencia de población Uruk, lo que podría responder al asentamiento de una diáspora dominante proveniente de la Baja Mesopotamia. Mientras que en el sitio de Hacinebi Tepe parecen convivir una comunidad local y una comunidad foránea autónoma inserta en ella. Finalmente, en Tell Brak se manifiesta un centro autóctono independiente que, según nuestro parecer, se habría apropiado de ciertos rasgos culturales Uruk.
La destrucción de Jericó a fines de la Edad del Bronce Antiguo III: un análisis preliminar de diferentes interpretaciones
Authors: Kifer Katherine 
Published: December 2021

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar las perspectivas sobre las transformaciones ocurridas en Jericó a fines de la Edad del Bronce Antiguo III (ca. 2700/2650-2300 a.C.). Para esto se comparan brevemente los restos materiales correspondientes al Bronce Antiguo III y el período siguiente, el Bronce Antiguo IV (ca. 2300-1950 a.C.). Tras ello, se pretende debatir sobre si estos cambios deben interpretarse como un “colapso” del sistema o una “adaptación paulatina” a las nuevas condiciones y demandas regionales. Al respecto, cabe señalar que mientras muchos sitios eran abandonados, Jericó experimentó un tiempo de florecimiento económico y desarrollo urbano sin precedentes, pero que en torno al 2350 a.C. se vio interrumpido de manera abrupta: al parecer, ingresaron enemigos a la ciudad, saqueando todo lo que allí había, incluidas las riquezas del palacio y el templo. En simultáneo, es probable que incendiaran las murallas de la ciudad. Años después, el asentamiento sería rehabitado por grupos de pastores-guerreros procedentes, aparentemente, de la Alta Mesopotamia, quizás motivados a trasladarse por causa de las alteraciones medioambientales en sus tierras de origen.
Validez predictiva de una batería de pruebas de selección de personal con relación a la empleabilidad de los candidatos evaluados
Authors: Alegre Bravo Alberto , Sánchez Almonte Ana Lucia 
Published: December 2021

Este estudio buscó determinar la validez predictiva de una batería de pruebas de selección de personal, para ello se evaluó la capacidad predictiva del Inventario de Coeficiente Emocional de Baron, el Inventario de Discernimiento Personal, el Cuestionario de los Cinco Factores, la Prueba de Inteligencia General y Factorial, el Inventario de Competencias y la Prueba de Comunicación Corporativa en relación con la empleabilidad de los candidatos evaluados, es decir la probabilidad de ser contratado para un trabajo una vez que el candidato ha sido presentado por una empresa de servicios de personal. Se seleccionaron al azar 100 candidatos de una base de participantes en procesos de selección para mandos medios de una consultora que presta servicios a otras empresas. A partir de ello, se identificó que un rasgo de personalidad, el factor de Afabilidad se relacionó significativamente con la posterior contratación. Asimismo, se constató que muchos componentes de la batería carecen de capacidad predictiva.