bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between programmed cell death ligand 1 expression and thyroid cancer
Authors: Wan Baoyu , Deng Pengyi , Dai Wenli , Wang Peng , Dong Zhizhi , Yang Chaojun , Tian Jinling , Hu Tao , Yan Kai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background:
Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is highly expressed in a variety of malignant tumors, is closely related to clinicopathological features and prognosis. However, there are few studies on the potential effects of PD-L1 on thyroid carcinoma, the incidence of which has shown an upward trend worldwide. This study aimed to explore the association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis of thyroid cancer.

Methods:
An elaborate retrieval was performed using Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, WanFang databases, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to determine the association between PD-L1 expression and disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and clinicopathological features in patients with thyroid cancer. Study selection, data extraction, risk assessment, and data synthesis were performed independently by 2 reviewers. In this meta-analysis, RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.1 were used for bias risk assessment and data synthesis.

Results:
After a detailed search, 2546 cases reported in 13 articles were included in this meta-analysis. The outcomes revealed that high expression of PD-L1 in patients with thyroid cancer was associated with poor DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.54–4.48, P < .00001) and OS (HR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.20–5.32, P = .01). High PD-L1 expression was associated with tumor size ≥2 cm, tumor recurrence, extrathyroidal extension, concurrent thyroiditis, unifocal tumor, and absence of psammoma body (P < .05). Subgroup analysis showed that positive expression of PD-L1 was related to poor prognosis for DFS of non-medullary thyroid carcinoma, and the overexpression of PD-L1 in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) was related to tumor recurrence, concurrent thyroiditis, extrathyroidal extension, unifocal DTC, late stage DTC, and BRAFV600E mutation in DTC.

Conclusion:
PD-L1 is a significant predictor of prognosis and malignancy of thyroid cancer (especially DTC), and PD-L1 inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic option for refractory thyroid cancer in the future.
Ultrasonographic features of eccrine spiradenoma
Authors: Xing Yuanyuan , Wu Xiaojing , Xu Caina , Sun Li , Li Huiying , Zhang Yafei , Xue Hongyuan , Ye Yuquan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Rationale:
Eccrine spiradenoma (ES) is a rare benign skin adnexal tumor originating from eccrine sweat glands. The features of ES on ultrasonography (US) have received little attention. Therefore, we report the sonographic findings in a case of an ES that originated from the abdominal wall and discuss the previously reported cases.

Patient concerns:
A 53-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of a painful nodule on the right side of her abdominal wall of 1-year duration.

Diagnoses:
The mass on the right side of abdominal wall was diagnosed as ES by histopathological examination.

Interventions:
The patient subsequently underwent total excision of the mass.

Outcomes:
The patient recovered well and had no complications during the 1-year follow-up.

Lessons:
As eccrine spiradenoma (ES) is rare and most of the tumors are excised without prior imaging studies. Little is known regarding the features of ES on ultrasonography (US). Familiarizing with the clinical and US features of this rare tumor may increase awareness of the disease among sonographers and clinicians.
Herbal medicine for the prevention of sarcopenia
Authors: Jeong Jin-Ho , Hwang Ji Hye 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background:
Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by a gradual and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength leading to physical disability, poor quality of life, and possible death. The disease impacts the steadily increasing aging population worldwide. In this systematic review protocol, we aim to investigate the effects and safety of herbal medicines on skeletal muscle health, specifically focusing on possible treatments for preventing sarcopenia.

Methods:
Nine electronic databases will be comprehensively searched from inception to the present date. Clinical studies reporting on the effects and safety of herbal medicines associated with skeletal muscle health and the prevention of sarcopenia will be included. The primary outcome will be determined by five categories: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy, muscle damage prevention, anti-fatigue effect, muscle-atrophy prevention, and muscle regeneration and differentiation. Two independent researchers will perform the research selection, data extraction, and quality assessment processes. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool will be used to assess the methodological quality and design of the included studies. We will place no restrictions on publication status or language, and the results of the systematic review will be disseminated electronically and in print by publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Results:
The present study will evaluate the effects and safety of herbal medicines for the prevention of sarcopenia.

Conclusion:
Our findings will provide guidance on the use of herbal medicines to prevent sarcopenia. This knowledge is valuable for elderly people, clinicians treating patients with sarcopenia, policy makers, and researchers.

Registration number:
Reviewregistry1113 (URL: https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#registryofsystematicreviewsmeta-analyses/registryofsystematicreviewsmeta-analysesdetails/604a1e5ef176d2001b557750/).
Demographic Characteristics Driving Disparities in Receipt of Long-term Services and Supports in the Community Setting
Authors: Travers Jasmine L. , Naylor Mary D. , Coe Norma B. , Meng Can , Li Fangyong , Cohen Andrew B. 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Research suggests that growth in Black and Hispanic (minority) older adults’ nursing home (NH) use may be the result of disparities in access to community-based and alternative long-term services and supports (LTSS).

Objective:
We aimed to determine whether minority groups receiving care in NHs versus the community had fewer differences in their functional needs compared with the differences in nonminority older adults, suggesting a disparity.

Methods:
We identified respondents aged 65 years or above with a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease or dementia in the 2016 Health and Retirement Study who reported requiring LTSS help. We performed unadjusted analyses to assess the difference in functional need between community and NH care. Functional need was operationalized using a functional limitations score and 6 individual activities of daily living. We compared the LTSS setting for minority older adults to White older adults using difference-in-differences.

Results:
There were 186 minority older adults (community=75%, NH=25%) and 357 White older adults (community=50%, NH=50%). Between settings, minority older adults did not differ in education or marital status, but were younger and had greater income in the NH versus the community. The functional limitations score was higher in NHs than in the community for both groups. Functional needs for all 6 activities of daily living for the minority group were greater in NHs compared with the community.

Conclusion:
Functional need for minority older adults differed by setting while demographics varied in unexpected ways. Factors such as familial and financial support are important to consider when implementing programs to keep older adults out of NHs.
Perceptions of Care Coordination Among Homeless Veterans Receiving Medical Care in the Veterans Health Administration and Community Care Settings
Authors: Jones Audrey L. , Gordon Adam J. , Gabrielian Sonya E. , Montgomery Ann Elizabeth , Blosnich John R. , Varley Allyson L. , deRussy Aerin J. , Austin Erika L. , Hoge April E. , Kim Young-il , Gelberg Lillian , Kertesz Stefan G. 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Initiatives to expand Veterans’ access to purchased health care outside Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities (“community care”) present care coordination challenges for Veterans experiencing homelessness.

Objective:
Among Veterans with homeless experiences, to evaluate community care use and satisfaction, and compare perceptions of care coordination among Veterans using VHA services and community care to those using VHA services without community care.

Research Design:
Cross-sectional analysis of responses to a 2018 mailed survey.

Subjects:
VHA outpatients with homeless experiences.

Measures:
Self-reported use of community care, Likert-style ratings of satisfaction with that care, and Access/Coordination experiences from the Primary Care Quality-Homeless (PCQ-H) survey.

Results:
Of 4777 respondents, 1325 (26.7%) reported using community care; most of this subsample affirmed satisfaction with the community care they received (83%) and its timeliness (75%). After covariate adjustment, Veteran characteristics associated with greater community care use included female sex, being of retirement age and nonmarried, and having higher education, more financial hardship, ≥3 chronic conditions, psychological distress, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Satisfaction with community care was lower among patients with travel barriers, psychological distress, and less social support. Compared with those using the VHA without community care, Veterans using VHA services and community care were more likely to report unfavorable access/coordination experiences [odds ratio (OR)=1.34, confidence interval (CI)=1.15–1.57]. This included hassles following referral (OR=1.37, CI=1.14–1.65) and perceived delays in receiving health care (OR=1.38, CI=1.19–1.61).

Conclusions:
Veterans with homeless experiences value community care options. Potential access benefits are balanced with risks of unfavorable coordination experiences for vulnerable Veterans with limited resources.
Comparison of Patient Experience Between Primary Care Settings Tailored for Homeless Clientele and Mainstream Care Settings
Authors: Kertesz Stefan G. , deRussy Aerin J. , Kim Young-il , Hoge April E. , Austin Erika L. , Gordon Adam J. , Gelberg Lillian , Gabrielian Sonya E. , Riggs Kevin R. , Blosnich John R. , Montgomery Ann E. , Holmes Sally K. , Varley Allyson L. , Pollio David E. , Gundlapalli Adi V. , Jones Audrey L. 
Published: April 2021

Background:
More than 1 million Americans receive primary care from federal homeless health care programs yearly. Vulnerabilities that can make care challenging include pain, addiction, psychological distress, and a lack of shelter. Research on the effectiveness of tailoring services for this population is limited.

Objective:
The aim was to examine whether homeless-tailored primary care programs offer a superior patient experience compared with nontailored (“mainstream”) programs overall, and for highly vulnerable patients.

Research Design:
National patient survey comparing 26 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers’ homeless-tailored primary care (“H-PACT”s) to mainstream primary care (“mainstream PACT”s) at the same locations.

Participants:
A total of 5766 homeless-experienced veterans.

Measures:
Primary care experience on 4 scales: Patient-Clinician Relationship, Cooperation, Accessibility/Coordination, and Homeless-Specific Needs. Mean scores (range: 1–4) were calculated and dichotomized as unfavorable versus not. We counted key vulnerabilities (chronic pain, unsheltered homelessness, severe psychological distress, and history of overdose, 0–4), and categorized homeless-experienced veterans as having fewer (≤1) and more (≥2) vulnerabilities.

Results:
H-PACTs outscored mainstream PACTs on all scales (all P<0.001). Unfavorable care experiences were more common in mainstream PACTs compared with H-PACTs, with adjusted risk differences of 11.9% (95% CI=6.3–17.4), 12.6% (6.2–19.1), 11.7% (6.0–17.3), and 12.6% (6.2–19.1) for Relationship, Cooperation, Access/Coordination, and Homeless-Specific Needs, respectively. For the Relationship and Cooperation scales, H-PACTs were associated with a greater reduction in unfavorable experience for patients with ≥2 vulnerabilities versus ≤1 (interaction P<0.0001).

Conclusions:
Organizations that offer primary care for persons experiencing homelessness can improve the primary care experience by tailoring the design and delivery of services.
Successful Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in 4 Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Patients
Authors: Benakli Malek , Ahmed Nacer Redhouane , Mehdid Farih , Rahmoune Nadia , Baazizi Mounira , Ait Ouali Dina , Bouarab Hanane , Zerkout Sara , Harieche Farida , Hamladji Rose-Marie 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potential curative treatment in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). Here, we analyzed the outcomes in 4 WAS patients who underwent this procedure with peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) in our center.

Patients and Methods:
Four patients with severe WAS phenotype have received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between January 2014 and December 2019 from matched sibling donors with PBSC. Two different preparative conditioning regimens were provided: the first associated busulfan-cyclophosphamide (2 patients) and the second with busulfan-fludarabine administered to the others. Cyclosporine gave as preferred graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis with a short course of methotrexate.

Results:
All patients achieved engraftment after PBSC with a median CD34+ cell count: 13.6×106/kg (8 to 24.9×106/kg). Chronic graft-versus-host disease developed in 2 patients treated by cyclosporine-steroids with complete resolution. Chimerism for all the patients was fully donor (>95% donor). After a median follow-up of 41 months (8 to 74 mo), all patients (100%) are alive, healthy, with complete clinical, immunologic, and hematologic recovery, without signs of WAS.

Conclusion:
This limited study with high-dose PBSC transplantation approach for WAS, demonstrated a safe and effective treatment option, with rapid engraftment, without complications, excellent long-term outcomes, independent of conditioning regimen.
Advanced Imaging and New Cardiac Biomarkers in Long-term Follow-up After Childhood Cancer
Authors: Sitte Vanessa , Burkhardt Barbara , Weber Roland , Kretschmar Oliver , Hersberger Martin , Bergsträsser Eva , Christmann Martin 
Published: April 2021

Objectives:
Pathologic ejection fraction (EF), shortening fraction (FS), and standard heart failure biomarkers (high sensitive troponin T and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide) during follow-up after childhood cancer have been associated with irreversible cardiac damage. We aimed to evaluate strain imaging values by echocardiography and new biomarkers for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) as potential more sensitive parameters for cardiac deterioration in childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

Materials and Methods:
Prospective study with 50 CCS (median 16.2 y) at a median follow-up of 13 years. In addition to standard echo and laboratory parameters for heart failure, strain measurements and new biomarkers, including myocardial inflammation (interleukin 6), extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling (C-telopeptide for type I collagen, intact N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen), and other heart failure biomarkers (galectin 3, solutable ST2, growth differentiation factor 15), were obtained and compared with 50 healthy controls.

Results:
No significant differences in EF, FS, high sensitive troponin T, N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide, interleukin 6, solutable ST2, and galectin 3 were found between study and control groups. In contrast, strain imaging showed significant differences between both groups (global longitudinal strainGLS −16.1% vs. −20.4%, P<0.0001; global circumferential strain −14.3 vs. −21.4%, P<0.0001), detecting 66% (global longitudinal strain) and 76% (global circumferential strain) of patients with pathologic values in contrast to 6% (EF) and 16% (FS) for standard parameters. Markers for disturbances of ECM remodeling (C-telopeptide for type I collagen, intact N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen, each P<0.0001) and growth differentiation factor 15 (P<0.0001) were significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion:
Strain imaging and new cardiac biomarkers used in HFpEF focusing on ECM remodeling appear to be more sensitive in detecting early remodeling processes in CCS than standard echo and laboratory parameters.
Solitary Fibrous Tumors of the Pleura Shown on 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT
Authors: Zhang Annan , Zhang Huiyuan , Zhou Xin , Li Zhongwu , Li Nan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A 52-year-old man complained of pain in the right lower chest wall for a month. Chest CT found a subpleural mass, but failed to identify the nature of the tumor. The 18F-FDG PET/CT was conducted for further diagnosis and staging, which showed the mass in the lower lobe of the right lung with mild radioactive uptake of 18F-FDG. The patient was subsequently enrolled in an ongoing clinical trial using 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 (fibroblast activation protein inhibitor) PET/CT. The mass showed intensive 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 uptake, which was subsequently confirmed as solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura by pathology. Our case demonstrated that the 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 might have excellent tumor affinity of solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura.
Academic Leadership
Authors: Esfahani Shadi A. , Subramaniam Rathan M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Culture of inclusion is of utmost need in today’s practice of radiology and nuclear medicine. This article briefly describes the importance of establishing and enriching the culture of embracing different talents, perspectives, and expertise with consideration of differences in sex, ethnic, color, and socioeconomic background toward building high-performance research and clinical practice teams in academic nuclear medicine and radiology.
Patient Selection for Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bunch Paul M. , Patwa Hafiz S. , Hughes Ryan T. , Porosnicu Mercedes , Waltonen Joshua D. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an excellent treatment strategy for well-selected patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Potential benefits of TORS are greatest among patients for whom surgical resection will reduce or eliminate the need for adjuvant therapy. Proper patient selection largely depends on imaging, which is used to determine tumor resectability, to inform expected morbidity and functional outcome, to assess the potential need for adjuvant therapy, to evaluate for vascular or other anatomic contraindications, and to gauge adequacy of transoral access to the tumor. This article provides the radiologist with a practical and accessible approach to interpreting preoperative imaging among patients with oropharyngeal cancer, emphasizing what the surgeon wants to know to inform the determination of whether the patient is a TORS candidate and why this information is important. By accurately reporting this information, the radiologist facilitates the multidisciplinary care team's selection of a treatment regimen optimized for the circumstances of the individual patient.
New Zealand Emergency Department COVID-19 Preparedness Survey
Authors: Howard Michael J. , Chambers Charlotte , Mohr Nicholas M. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveOur objective was to assess the level of COVID-19 preparedness of emergency departments (EDs) in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) through the views of emergency medicine specialists working in district health boards around the country. Given the limited experience NZ hospitals have had with SARS-CoV-2, a comparison of current local practice with recent literature from other countries identifying known weaknesses may help prevent future healthcare worker infections in NZ.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of NZ emergency specialists in November 2020 to evaluate preparedness of engineering, administrative policy, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use.ResultsA total of 137 surveys were completed (32% response rate). More than 10% of emergency specialists surveyed reported no access to negative pressure rooms. N95 fit testing had not been performed in 15 (12%) of respondents. Most specialists (77%) work in EDs that cohort COVID-19 patients, about one-third (34%) do not use spotters during PPE doffing, and most (87%) do not have required space for physical distancing in non-patient areas. Initial PPE training, simulations and segregating patients were widespread but appear to be waning with persistent low SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. PPE shortages were not identified in NZ EDs, yet 13% of consultants do not plan to use respirators during aerosol generating procedures on COVID-19 patients. Available treatments including non-invasive ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula were common.ConclusionsNew Zealand emergency specialists identified significant gaps in COVID-19 preparedness, and they have a unique opportunity to translate lessons from other locations into local action. These data provide insight into weaknesses in hospital engineering, policy, and PPE practice in advance of future SARS-CoV-2 endemic transmission.Strengths and limitations of this studySurvey responses specifically identified existing breakdowns in engineering, administrative policy and personal protective equipment in New Zealand emergency departments, potentially increasing healthcare worker nosocomial infection risk upon reintroduction of SARS-CoV-2Survey included emergency specialists from all 20 of New Zealand’s district health boards but the electronic convenience sample may not be representative of all ED consultants in NZSome survey questions asked respondents to recall experiences or project how they would practice if they were caring for a COVID-19 patient and those motivated to respond may feel they have more or less access to protective policies and equipment than non-respondents