bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical usefulness of combination therapy with polidocanol injection and argon plasma coagulation for gastric antral vascular ectasia
Authors: Tamari Hirosato , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Hiyama Yuichi , Ninomiya Yuki , Kotachi Takahiro , Boda Tomoyuki , Yuge Ryo , Urabe Yuji , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and AimGastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) causes gastrointestinal bleeding. The initial treatment for GAVE bleeding is endoscopic hemostasis, and currently, the most performed technique to achieve hemostasis is argon plasma coagulation (APC). However, APC is associated with a high recurrence rate. To overcome this limitation, we examined the outcomes of the combination therapy of APC and polidocanol injection (PDI) for treating GAVE.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 15 consecutive GAVE patients treated with PDI + APC at Hiroshima University Hospital between November 2011 and September 2019 with respect to clinical characteristics, hemostatic efficacy, complications related to treatment, and recurrence rate.ResultsThe mean age of patients (4 men and 11 women) was 74 ± 8.4 years. Patients had comorbidities of liver cirrhosis (seven patients, 47%), chronic renal failure (seven patients, 47%), and autoimmune diseases (seven patients, 47%). Endoscopic hemostasis with PDI + APC was performed in all patients (n = 15). The mean number of PDIs attempted to stop bleeding was 1.5 ± 0.8 (1–4), and the mean number of APCs attempted was 2.1 ± 1.2 (1–5). Complications related to treatment occurred in two patients (14%): ulceration in one patient and hematoma in another patient, both of whom were treated conservatively. Two patients (13%) had recurrences during the follow‐up period (average period, 42 months). Both were cured with additional treatment of PDI only.ConclusionThe combination therapy of PDI and APC is effective for GAVE with a low recurrence rate.
Whole Brain Adiabatic T1rho and Relaxation Along a Fictitious Field Imaging in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Initial Findings
Authors: Jambor Ivan , Steiner Aida , Pesola Marko , Liimatainen Timo , Sucksdorff Marcus , Rissanen Eero , Airas Laura , Aronen Hannu J. , Merisaari Harri 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundIn preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS), both adiabatic T1rho (T1ρadiab) and relaxation along a fictitious field (RAFF) imaging have demonstrated potential to noninvasively characterize MS.PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of whole brain T1ρadiab and RAFF imaging in healthy volunteers and patients with MS.Study TypeSingle institutional clinical trial.Subjects38 healthy volunteers (24–69 years) and 21 patients (26–59 years) with MS. Five healthy volunteers underwent a second MR examination performed within 8 days. Clinical disease severity (The Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] and The Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score [MSSS]) was evaluated at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up (FU).Field Strength/SequenceRAFF in second rotating frame of reference (RAFF2) was performed at 3 T using 3D‐fast‐field echo with magnetization preparation, RF amplitude of 11.74 μT while the corresponding value for T1ρadiab was 13.50 μT. T1‐, T2‐, and FLAIR‐weighted images were acquired with reconstruction voxel size 1.0 × 1.0 × 1.0 mm3.AssessmentThe parametric maps of T1ρadiab and RAFF2 (TRAFF2) were calculated using a monoexponential model. Semi‐automatic segmentation of MS lesions, white matter (WM), and gray matter (GM), and WM tracks was performed using T1‐, T2‐, and FLAIR‐weighted images.Statistical TestsRegression analysis was used to evaluate correlation of T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 with age and disease severity while a Friedman test followed by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for differences between tissue types. Short‐term repeatability was evaluated on voxel level.ResultsBoth T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 demonstrated good short‐term repeatability with relative differences on voxel level in the range of 6.1%–11.9%. Differences in T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 between the tissue types in MS patients were significant (P < 0.05). T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 correlated (P < 0.001) with baseline EDSS/MSSM and disease progression at FU (P < 0.001).Data ConclusionWhole brain T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 at 3 T was feasible with significant differences in T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 values between tissues types and correlation with disease severity.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 1
Nucleoside‐modified messenger RNA COVID‐19 vaccine platform
Authors: Roncati Luca , Corsi Lorenzo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOn March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) a pandemic; from that date, the vaccine race has begun, and many technology platforms to develop a specific and effective COVID‐19 vaccine have been launched in several clinical trials (protein subunit, RNA‐based, DNA‐based, replicating viral vector, nonreplicating viral vector, inactivated virus, live attenuated virus, and virus‐like particle). Among the next‐generation strategies, nucleoside‐modified messenger RNA vaccines appear the most attractive, not only to counteract emerging pathogens but also for the possible applications in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. However, exactly as all innovative drugs, they deserve careful pharmacovigilance in the short and long term.
Study protocol: A cross‐sectional study on instrumental support for transitional care among older adults with chronic diseases
Authors: Hua Jianing , Shi Xiaoliu , Cui Min , Xiao Yuhua , Xie Juan , Geng Guiling 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsIn this paper, we present a study aiming to develop a questionnaire on instrumental support for transitional care as a tool for investigating services, staff, equipment and supplies, and funds of transitional care and conduct a cross‐sectional study on the current instrumental support for transitional care in older adults with chronic diseases.DesignA cross‐sectional study combining instrumental support with transitional care through a mixed‐method approach.MethodsData are collected through two sources: distribution of the questionnaire to older adults with chronic diseases and interviews with experts from different specialties such as nursing, clinical medicine, geriatrics, sociology and government.ResultsThe developed questionnaire and expert interviews will be used to investigate the current instrumental support for transitional care among older adults with chronic diseases in China. These findings can help leaders identify areas for improvement in transitional care and contribute to the long‐term positive development of transitional care.
Validity of bariatric surgery codes in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD compared with Hospital Episodes Statistics
Authors: Burkard Theresa , Rauch Marlene , Jick Susan S. , Meier Christoph R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess completeness and validity of bariatric surgery codes in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD compared with Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES).MethodsWe conducted a validation study among patients in the UK‐based CPRD GOLD with linkage to HES (1998 to 2017). Since the same surgery codes are used for bariatric and other gastrointestinal surgery we assessed code distribution patterns used in patients with bariatric versus other gastrointestinal surgery by presence of other conditions such as obesity and gastrointestinal cancer. We developed algorithms to identify bariatric surgery and calculated validity measures (ie, positive/negative predictive value [PPV/NPV], sensitivity, and specificity) of each in CPRD GOLD compared with HES (gold standard).ResultsAmong 7 357 007 available patients we identified 10 190 patients who had a total of 14 046 potential bariatric surgery codes in CPRD GOLD and/or HES. Surgery code patterns differed between bariatric surgery and assumed other gastrointestinal surgery. The sensitivity of CPRD GOLD bariatric surgery coding improved from an overall of 56% to 69–71% when applying stricter algorithms (ie, in obese patients or obese, gastrointestinal disease/complication free patients) but PPVs remained at 53%–55%. NPVs and specificities of CPRD GOLD bariatric surgery coding achieved ≥99.8% for all algorithms.ConclusionOur results suggest that using CPRD GOLD and HES data and a wide selection of surgery codes will result in the most complete and accurate capture of bariatric surgery events. Validity measures of CPRD GOLD bariatric surgery codes were identical in obese patients and more restrictive populations.
Effects of mirror therapy on oedema, pain and functional activities in patients with poststroke shoulder‐hand syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saha Sourov , Sur Mainak , Ray Chaudhuri Gargi , Agarwal Shabnam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo study the effectiveness of mirror therapy along with a Stroke rehabilitation program on oedema, pain intensity and functional activities in patients with shoulder‐hand syndrome (SHS) after stroke.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingsOut‐patient rehabilitation center.MethodsThirty‐eight SHS patients after stroke, were randomly allocated into two groups; both the groups received a 4‐week stroke rehabilitation program, 30 min a day for 5 days a week. Control group patients performed all the exercises of stroke rehabilitation program, while directly visualizing their both limbs. Experimental group patients performed same exercises of stroke rehabilitation program in front of the mirror.Outcome MeasuresOedema (figure‐of‐eight measurement method), pain intensity (0–10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale [0–10 NPRS]), functional activities (Functional Independence Measure [FIM]).ResultsAfter intervention, both groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement for all measures (oedema measurement, 0–10 NPRS and FIM). Improvements were more significant (p < 0.05) in the experimental group with mirror therapy for all three measures compared to the control group. Mean differences between groups were 1.40 cm for oedema measurement, 0.87 for NPRS score and 12.20 for FIM score. At 2‐week follow‐up, the improvements were sustained.ConclusionThe current study may indicate mirror therapy as an effective central neuromodulatory rehabilitative program to reduce pain, improves functional activities. More distinctively, this preliminary study suggests a decrease in oedema by mirror therapy for SHS after stroke. Improvement of upper limb in SHS after stroke will be more perceptible with the decrease in oedema, being the characteristic sign, following mirror therapy. Clinically, patients during their daily functional activities, shall be more confident to use their upper limb following mirror therapy after reduction in oedema along with pain.
A process calculus BigrTiMo of mobile systemsand its formal semantics
Authors: Xie Wanling , Zhu Huibiao , Xu Qiwen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we present a process calculus called BigrTiMo that combines the rTiMo calculus and the Bigraph model. BigrTiMo calculus is capable of specifying a rich variety of properties for structure-aware mobile systems. Compared with rTiMo, our BigrTiMo calculus can specify not only time, mobility and local communication, but also remote communication. We then investigate the operational semantics of the BigrTiMo calculus and develop an executable formal specification of our BigrTiMo calculus in a declarative language called Maude. In addition, we verify safety properties and liveness properties of the mobile systems described by BigrTiMo using state exploration and LTL model checking in Maude. Based on Hoare and He's Unifying Theories of Programming (UTP), we study the semantic foundation of this highly expressive modelling language and propose a denotational semantic model and a set of algebraic laws for it. The semantic model in this paper covers time, location, communication and global shared variable at the same time. We also demonstrate the proofs of some algebraic laws based on our denotational semantics. Moreover, we explore how the algebraic semantics relates with the operational semantics and denotational semantics, which is conducted by the study of deriving the operational semantics and denotational semantics from algebraic semantics. We prove the equivalence between the derived transition system (e.g., the operational semantics) and the derivation strategy, which indicates that the operational semantics is sound and complete.
Factors predicting biochemical response and survival benefits following radioligand therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer: a review
Authors: Manafi-Farid Reyhaneh , Harsini Sara , Saidi Bahare , Ahmadzadehfar Hojat , Herrmann Ken , Briganti Alberto , Walz Jochen , Beheshti Mohsen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers in men. Although the overall prognosis is favorable, the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients is challenging. Usually, mCRPC patients with progressive disease are considered for radioligand therapy (RLT) after exhaustion of other standard treatments. The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) labeled with Lutetium-177 ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA) has been widely used, showing favorable and successful results in reducing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, increasing quality of life, and decreasing pain, in a multitude of studies. Nevertheless, approximately thirty percent of patients do not respond to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT. Here, we only reviewed and reported the evaluated factors and their impact on survival or biochemical response to treatment to have an overview of the potentialprognostic parameters in [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT.

Methods
Studies were retrieved by searching MEDLINE/PubMed and GoogleScholar. The search keywords were as follows: {(“177Lu-PSMA”) AND (“radioligand”) AND (“prognosis”) OR (“predict”)}. Studies discussing one or more factors which may be prognostic or predictive of response to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT, that is PSA response and survival parameters, were included.

Results
Several demographic, histological, biochemical, and imaging factors have been assessed as predictive parameters for the response to thistreatment; however, the evaluated factors were diverse, and the results mostly were divergent, except for the PSA level reduction after treatment, which unanimously predicted prolonged survival.

Conclusion
Several studies have investigated a multitude of factors to detect those predicting response to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT. The results wereinconsistent regarding some factors, and some were evaluated in only a few studies. Future prospective randomized trials are required to detect theindependent prognostic factors, and to further determine the clinical and survival benefits of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT.
The validation status of blood biomarkers of amyloid and phospho-tau assessed with the 5-phase development framework for AD biomarkers
Authors: Ashton N. J. , Leuzy A. , Karikari T. K. , Mattsson-Carlgren N. , Dodich A. , Boccardi M. , Corre J. , Drzezga A. , Nordberg A. , Ossenkoppele R. , Zetterberg H. , Blennow K. , Frisoni G. B. , Garibotto V. , Hansson O. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The development of blood biomarkers that reflect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology (phosphorylated tau and amyloid-β) has offered potential as scalable tests for dementia differential diagnosis and early detection. In 2019, the Geneva AD Biomarker Roadmap Initiative included blood biomarkers in the systematic validation of AD biomarkers.

Methods
A panel of experts convened in November 2019 at a two-day workshop in Geneva. The level of maturity (fully achieved, partly achieved, preliminary evidence, not achieved, unsuccessful) of blood biomarkers was assessed based on the Biomarker Roadmap methodology and discussed fully during the workshop which also evaluated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positron emission tomography (PET) biomarkers.

Results
Plasma p-tau has shown analytical validity (phase 2 primary aim 1) and first evidence of clinical validity (phase 3 primary aim 1), whereas the maturity level for Aβ remains to be partially achieved. Full and partial achievement has been assigned to p-tau and Aβ, respectively, in their associations to ante-mortem measures (phase 2 secondary aim 2). However, only preliminary evidence exists for the influence of covariates, assay comparison and cut-off criteria.

Conclusions
Despite the relative infancy of blood biomarkers, in comparison to CSF biomarkers, much has already been achieved for phases 1 through 3 – with p-tau having greater success in detecting AD and predicting disease progression. However, sufficient data about the effect of covariates on the biomarker measurement is lacking. No phase 4 (real-world performance) or phase 5 (assessment of impact/cost) aim has been tested, thus not achieved.
Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Emergency Laparotomy Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations: Part 1—Preoperative: Diagnosis, Rapid Assessment and Optimization
Authors: Peden Carol J. , Aggarwal Geeta , Aitken Robert J. , Anderson Iain D. , Bang Foss Nicolai , Cooper Zara , Dhesi Jugdeep K. , French W. Brenton , Grant Michael C. , Hammarqvist Folke , Hare Sarah P. , Havens Joaquim M. , Holena Daniel N. , Hübner Martin , Kim Jeniffer S. , Lees Nicholas P. , Ljungqvist Olle , Lobo Dileep N. , Mohseni Shahin , Ordoñez Carlos A. , Quiney Nial , Urman Richard D. , Wick Elizabeth , Wu Christopher L. , Young‐Fadok Tonia , Scott Michael 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundEnhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols reduce length of stay, complications and costs for a large number of elective surgical procedures. A similar, structured approach appears to improve outcomes, including mortality, for patients undergoing high‐risk emergency general surgery, and specifically emergency laparotomy. These are the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of these patients using an ERAS approach.MethodsExperts in aspects of management of the high‐risk and emergency general surgical patient were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE database searches on English language publications were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta‐analyses and large cohort studies, and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on non‐emergency patients when appropriate. The Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. The guideline has been divided into two parts: Part 1—Preoperative Care and Part 2—Intraoperative and Postoperative management. This paper provides guidelines for Part 1.ResultsTwelve components of preoperative care were considered. Consensus was reached after three rounds.ConclusionsThese guidelines are based on the best available evidence for an ERAS approach to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Initial management is particularly important for patients with sepsis and physiological derangement. These guidelines should be used to improve outcomes for these high‐risk patients.
Giant central nervous system tuberculoma in pediatric patients: surgical case series
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Li Qiang , Ju Yan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCentral nervous system tuberculoma is rare and challenging situation. Clinical records of patients with pathologically proven tuberculoma were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical presentation, lesion location, radiological characteristics, perioperative and surgical management, and outcome is summarized and analyzed. Eight patients were included and there was one girl. Age ranged from 3 to 14 years with mean age 9.8 years. Clinical duration ranged from 20 days to 2 years, and 3 patients had previous lung tuberculosis with anti-TB treatment. The lesion was in cerebellum in 6 cases, including 1 involving basal ganglia and 1 involving thalamus. The lesion was in basal ganglia, thalamus, and third ventricle in 1 case, and in T12-L1 spinal cord in another. Cerebellar lesion was resected via paramedian suboccipital approach in 5 patients, basal ganglia lesion via trans-cortical frontal horn approach in 2 patients, and intra-spinal lesion via trans-laminar approach in 1 patient. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 24 months. Of the 8 patients, 6 returned to normal life. One patient had cerebellar lesion resected and the thalamic lesion reduced in size after anti-TB treatment. One patient died from TB spreading. Our data showed that most patients can be successfully treated by resection of the lesion. Low T2 signal, ring shaped enhancement and peripheral edema strongly suggest tuberculoma. Empirical anti-TB treatment should be initiated perioperatively.
Who is who in cardiovascular research? What a review of Nobel Prize nominations reveals about scientific trends
Authors: Drobietz Marie , Loerbroks Adrian , Hansson Nils 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSince 1901, at least 15 scholars who contributed to cardiovascular research have received a Nobel prize in physiology or medicine.MethodsUsing the Nobel nomination database (nobelprize.org), which contains 5950 nominations in the accessible period from 1901 to 1953 in physiology or medicine, we listed all international nominees who contributed to cardiovascular research. We subsequently collected nomination letters and jury reports of the prime candidates from the archive of the Nobel Committee in Sweden to identify shortlisted candidates.ResultsThe five most frequently nominated researchers with cardiovascular connections from 1901 to 1953 were, in descending order, the surgeon René Leriche (1879–1955) (FR) with a total of 79 nominations, the physiologist and 1924 Nobel laureate Willem Einthoven (1860–1927) (NL) (31 nominations), the surgeon Alfred Blalock (1899–1964) (US) (29 nominations), the pharmacologist and 1936 Nobel laureate Otto Loewi (1873–1961) (DE, AT, US) (27 nominations) and the paediatric cardiologist Helen Taussig (1898–1986) (US) (24 nominations). The research of these scholars merely hints at the width of topics brought up by nominators ranging from the physiological and pathological basics to the diagnosis and (surgical) interventions of diseases such as heart malformation or hypertension.ConclusionWe argue that an analysis of Nobel Prize nominations can reconstruct important scientific trends within cardiovascular research during the first half of the twentieth century.