bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographical and Specialty-specific Variation in the Utilization of Laminoplasty for Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Alqazzaz Aymen , Zhuang Thompson , Dehghani Bijan , Barchick Stephen R. , Ozturk Ali K. , Khalsa Amrit S. , Casper David S. 
Published: September 2024

Study Design:
Level IV retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:
Despite the positive outcomes associated with laminoplasty, there is significant surgeon variability in the use of laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy in the United States. In this study, we explored how geographic and specialty-specific differences may influence the utilization of laminoplasty to treat cervical myelopathy.

Background:
We queried the Mariner 157 database (PearlDiver, Inc.), a national administrative claims database containing diagnostic, procedural, and demographic records from over 157 million patients from 2010 to 2021.

Patients and Methods:
Using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision/International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision and Current Procedural Terminology codes, we identified all patients with a diagnosis of cervical myelopathy who had undergone multilevel posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) or laminoplasty. We further analyzed patients’ demographics, comorbidities, geographical location, and specialty of the surgeon (neurosurgery or orthopedic spine surgery).

Results:
There were 34,432 patients with a diagnosis of cervical myelopathy, of which 4,033 (11.7%) underwent laminoplasty and 30,399 (88.3%) underwent multilevel PCDF. Northeast, South, and West regions had lower percentages of laminoplasty utilization compared with the Midwest in terms of total case mix between laminoplasty and PCDF. In addition, 2,300 (57.0%) of the laminoplasty cases were performed by orthopedic spine surgeons compared with 1,733 (43.0%) by neurosurgeons. Temporal trends in laminoplasty utilization were stable for orthopedic surgeons, whereas laminoplasty utilization decreased over time between 2010 and 2021 for neurosurgeons (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Utilization of laminoplasty in the United States is not well defined. Our results suggest a geographical and training-specific variation in the utilization of laminoplasty. Surgeons with orthopedic training were more likely to perform laminoplasty compared with surgeons with a neurosurgery training background. In addition, we found greater utilization of laminoplasty in the Midwest compared with other regions.
Antiseizure Medications in Adult Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Angriman Federico , Taran Shaurya , Angeloni Natalia , Devion Catherine , Lee Jong Woo , Adhikari Neill K. J. 
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES:
We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of any antiseizure medication on the incidence of early post-traumatic seizures among adult patients with traumatic brain injury.

DATA SOURCES:
MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2023.

STUDY SELECTION:
We included randomized trials of adult patients with traumatic brain injury evaluating any antiseizure medication compared with either placebo or another agent.

DATA EXTRACTION:
Two reviewers independently extracted individual study data and evaluated studies for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Our main outcome of interest was the occurrence of early seizures (i.e., within 7 d); secondary outcomes included late-seizures and all-cause mortality.

DATA SYNTHESIS:
Bayesian network meta-analyses were used to derive risk ratios (RRs) alongside 95% credible intervals (CrIs). We used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology to rate the certainty in our findings. Overall, ten individual randomized controlled trials (1851 participants) were included. Compared with placebo, phenytoin (RR, 0.28; 95% CrI, 0.13–0.57; moderate certainty) and levetiracetam (RR, 0.20; 95% CrI, 0.07–0.60; moderate certainty) were associated with a reduction in the risk of early seizures. Carbamazepine may be associated with a reduced risk of early seizures, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR, 0.41; 95% CrI, 0.12–1.27; very low certainty). Valproic acid may result in little to no difference in the risk of early seizures, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR, 0.97; 95% CrI, 0.16–9.00; very low certainty). The evidence is very uncertain about the impact of any antiseizure medication on the risk of late seizures or all-cause mortality at longest reported follow-up time.

CONCLUSIONS:
Phenytoin or levetiracetam reduce the risk of early seizures among adult patients with traumatic brain injury. Further research is needed to evaluate required duration of therapy and long-term safety profiles.
Lycopene exerts cytotoxic effects by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species–induced apoptosis in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Ko Huey-Jiun , Su Yu-Feng , Loh Joon-Khim , Tsai Cheng Yu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) faces challenges with standard treatments, prompting exploration into alternative approaches. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in cancer development, making antioxidants from natural sources, such as lycopene in tomatoes, promising candidates. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of lycopene in GBM.

Materials and Methods
The PAMPA-BBB assay predicted lycopene penetration. After treating GBM8401 and T98G GBM cells with lycopene, flow cytometry assessed cell cycle and apoptosis, while the CCK-8 assay measured antiproliferative efficacy. Colony formation assay examined cell growth, and intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels were quantified. Western blot analyzed protein levels of p-ERK/ERK, p53, and cyclin-related proteins.

Results
Our results demonstrated lycopene penetration across the blood-brain barrier and its induction of apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation in GBM8401 and T98G GBM cells. In addition, lycopene promoted p53 upregulation and suppressed cyclins B and cyclin D, leading to cell cycle arrest through ROS-activated ERK pathways.

Conclusions
In conclusion, our study focused on lycopene’s potential in GBM treatment, revealing its ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, and regulate the cell cycle through ROS-activated ERK pathways. These findings suggest lycopene as a promising candidate for preventing and treating GBM by targeting ROS-induced cell proliferation, paving the way for future research.
Impact of expected blood pressure reduction on patient preferences for pharmaceutical and renal denervation treatment
Authors: Pathak Atul , Weber Michael A. , Poulos Christine , Cohen Sidney A. , DeBruin Vanessa , Kandzari David E. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Effective patient-centered care requires an adequate understanding of patient preferences for different therapeutic options. We modelled patient preference for blood pressure (BP) management by pharmaceutical or interventional treatments such as renal denervation in patients with different profiles of uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods:
Modeling was based on the findings from a previously conducted quantitative discrete choice experiment (DCE). The likelihood of selecting either an interventional treatment option or additional antihypertensive medication option was calculated for three patient profiles that represent the range of patients with hypertension commonly encountered in clinical practice: treatment-naive, patients with uncontrolled BP while on one to three antihypertensive medications, and patients with drug-resistant hypertension. Variables in the preference model were treatment attributes from the DCE study: expected reduction in office SBP with each treatment, duration of treatment effect, risk of reversible drug side effects from drugs, and risk of temporary pain and/or bruising or vascular injury from interventions. Values of the variables were derived from published clinical studies or expert opinion.

Results:
The model predicted that the likelihood of choosing an intervention over initiating pharmacotherapy was 17.2% for previously untreated patients, 23.7% for patients with moderate hypertension currently on pharmacotherapy, and 41.8% for patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The dominant variable driving preference in these models was the expected BP reduction. Patient preferences for intervention are greater when drug nonadherence or increased SBP reduction at 3 vs. 1 year are included in the model. Baseline BP, drug side effects, or risks of the procedure had little influence on decisions.

Conclusion:
Modeling using patient preference weights predicts that a substantial minority of patients favor an interventional treatment such as renal denervation over initiation or escalation of medications. Awareness of a patient's interest in device-based versus pharmaceutical strategies should inform the shared decision-making process for hypertension treatment.
Investigation of Oral Candida Colonization in COVID-19 Patients With Dysgeusia
Authors: Oz Ali , Oz Yasemin , Demir Betul , Hamarat Hatice , Ermis Sevilay Sureyya , Alkan Tali Ozge , Fidan Vural , Metintas Selma 
Published: September 2024

Background
The mechanism of dysgeusia in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is also still debated. Although excess of Candida in the oral cavity can cause changes in the sense of taste, it is not known whether there is a relationship between Candida colonization on the surface of the tongue and dysgeusia occurred in COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the frequency and species distribution of Candida colonization on dorsum the tongue in patients with dysgeusia after COVID-19, in addition various factors that may be associated with dysgeusia and colonization.

Methods
This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for 3 months. Participants were divided into the following 3 groups: patients with dysgeusia who have had COVID-19 confirmed with PCR; patients with no dysgeusia who have had COVID-19 in the last 3 months; and healthy volunteers. Scraping samples from the surface of dorsum the tongue were obtained from all participants and used for direct microscopic examination and fungal culture.

Results
A total of 201 participants were analyzed. Any association between dysgeusia and the frequency of Candida colonization or species distribution did not observe. However, the vaccination with mRNA vaccine and tooth brushing habits reduced the frequency of dysgeusia. The frequency of Candida colonization on dorsum the tongue was significantly higher in the participants who smoke or have dentures (P < 0.05), independently COVID-19.

Conclusions
The results of this study may be useful to explain of the factors affecting dysgeusia or Candida colonization.
Assessing the Disruption of Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Adults Living With HIV by Age in Essex County, NJ: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Krause Kristen D. , Karr Anita G. , Aggarwal Juhi , Subramhanya Sanjana , DallaPiazza Michelle , Swaminathan Shobha , Valera Pamela , Halkitis Perry N. , Shiau Stephanie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians and researchers were concerned about its impact on the health of people living with HIV (PLWH). Although mitigation measures during the early part of the pandemic used telehealth, it was uncertain whether PLWH would be amenable to this type of care and whether health outcomes would be affected. PLWH actively seeking treatment at a large urban outpatient practice in Essex County, New Jersey, were interviewed from October 2020 to June 2021 about their health-related experiences during COVID-19. The sample was dichotomized by age (< 55 and ≥ 55). In all, participants (69.2%, n = 92) used telehealth during this period, 85.0% (n = 113) actively tested for COVID-19, with only 7% (n = 8) testing positive at the time of interview. Our findings demonstrate that PLWH who engaged with health care before the COVID-19 pandemic continued doing that and had relatively favorable health outcomes with few differences by age.
Risk factors for unclear margin in cold snare polypectomy for colorectal polyp
Authors: Ikeda Ryosuke , Kaneko Hiroaki , Sato Hiroki , Anan Hideyuki , Suzuki Yuichi , Ikeda Aya , Goda Yoshihiro , Sue Soichiro , Irie Kuniyasu , Maeda Shin 
Published: September 2024

Objectives
Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is a common, simple, and safe procedure; however, it has a high rate of unclear margins. We analyzed the risk factors for unclear margins of colorectal polyp.

Methods
We retrospectively investigated colorectal polyps treated with CSP between July 2021 and July 2022, excluding those that could not be retrieved or pathologically nonneoplastic and hyperplastic polyps without margin evaluation. The clinicopathological features and risk factors for unclear margins were analyzed. Furthermore, the polyps were divided into two groups: those resected by experts and those resected by trainees. A 1 : 1 propensity score matching was performed. After matching, the risk factors for unclear margins in each group were analyzed as secondary outcomes.

Results
We analyzed 237 patients with 572 polyps; the margins were negative in 58.6% (negative group) and unclear in 41.4% (unclear group). The unclear margin was significantly higher at straddling folds (P = 0.0001), flexure points (P = 0.005), and in the procedures performed by trainees (P < 0.0001). Altogether, 198 propensity score matched pairs were explored for secondary outcomes. There were no significant differences in risk factors for unclear margins in the expert group, while in the trainee group, the unclear margin was significantly higher at the straddling folds (P = 0.0004) and flexure points (P = 0.005).

Conclusions
We demonstrated that straddling folds, flexure points, and procedures performed by the trainees were significant risk factors for unclear margins, and we hypothesized that the rate of unclear margins will reduce as the trainees accumulate experience at difficult sites.
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Hirano Kenji , Sanga Katsuyuki , Natomi Hisayoshi , Niwa Kazuhiro 
Published: September 2024

Objective
The objective of this study is to clarify the clinical features of thyroid dysfunction observed in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

Methods
We repeatedly examined thyroid function in 74 patients with type 1 AIP (58 males, 16 females; average onset age of AIP 67 years). Clinical and serological findings in patients with thyroid dysfunction were analyzed.

Results
During follow-up, clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism were observed in 3 and 17 patients, respectively. Clinical and subclinical hyperthyroidism were observed in 5 and 1 patients, respectively. One patient showed clinical hyperthyroidism followed by subclinical hypothyroidism. All patients with clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism were asymptomatic and required no medical treatment, whereas four patients with clinical hyperthyroidism were symptomatic and received treatment with thiamazole.

Conclusion
Frequent hypothyroidism in AIP, which was previously reported, was confirmed. Moreover, in this study, the association between hyperthyroidism and AIP was demonstrated. Hyperthyroidism in AIP may be more clinically significant than hypothyroidism because patients frequently require medical treatment.
Long-term real-world data of ustekinumab in ulcerative colitis: the Stockholm Ustekinumab Study (STOCUSTE)
Authors: Sabhan Haider , Bello Francesca , Muhsen Samer , Borin Alexandra , Johansson Fredrik , Höög Charlotte , Forsberg Ole , Wennerström Christina , Lördal Mikael , Almer Sven , Söderman Charlotte 
Published: September 2024

Background
Ustekinumab (UST) is an anti-interleukin-12/23 antibody used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. This study includes patients treated at four hospitals in Stockholm to provide long-term real-world data.

Methods
Retrospective study including patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and treated with UST between the years 2019 and 2021. Patients were followed until withdrawal of treatment, or until a predefined end of study, 31 July 2021. Disease activity was assessed with Physician Global Assessment (PGA); Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS), laboratory parameters, and drug persistence. The primary outcome was steroid-free remission (PGA = 0) and response (decrease PGA ≥ 1 from baseline) at 3 and 12 months, respectively.

Results
A total of 96 patients, 44 women and 52 men were included. The patients had either extensive colitis (69%), left-sided colitis (29%), or proctitis (3%). All but two patients were anti-TNF-experienced; 94 (98%) had failed ≥1, 59 (61%) ≥ 2, and 34 (35%) had failed ≥ 3 anti-TNF drugs. In addition, 28 (29%) had failed vedolizumab. At inclusion, 92/96 patients (96%) had active disease and four patients were in remission. Among patients who were treated with UST, 9/71 (13%) were in steroid-free remission at 3 months, and 26/33 (78%) were at 12 months. Withdrawal rates at 3 and 12 months, were 12 and 26%, respectively, mainly due to persisting disease activity (20%).

Conclusion
In this group of patients with difficult-to-treat ulcerative colitis, UST was shown to be effective in the majority, with high drug persistence at 12 months in combination with a favorable safety profile.
Preserving Fertility in People With Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Leavitt Molly , Adeleye Amanda , Edens Cuoghi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Rheumatology patients historically were told they “can't” or “shouldn't” become pregnant. Improved rheumatic diagnostics and treatments have led to decreased morbidity and mortality and increased quality of life resulting in an opportunity to focus on fertility and its preservation. In the same vein as rheumatic disease care, assisted reproductive technology (ART), which includes freezing of egg and sperm as well as in vitro fertilization, has made considerable strides in the recent past. ART is safe for those with rheumatic diseases and has comparable outcomes to the general public, but may take additional effort due to optimal timing, rheumatic medications, and other nuances. In a specialty that treats chronic inflammatory diagnoses using teratogens and gonadotoxins, it is important to address family building desires with patients so their goals can be met.
Rheumatologists have little knowledge of ART and how it impacts or applies to their patients; however, patients want their rheumatologist to be the source of knowledge for this information (Arthritis Rheumatol. 2022;74:suppl 9). Many barriers to ART exist and will be explored, with the financial burden being paramount (Glob J Health Sci. 6;1:181–191). Future efforts to examine the future fertility of rheumatology patients in an era of biologics and “treat-to-target” are needed to better understand who would most benefit from this costly and not without risk medical treatment. Given the changing landscape of financial support for ART due to insurance mandates, rheumatologists should not modify counseling based on the anticipated ability of patients to afford care. Preservation should also be broached with patients without partners and those from the LGBTQAI+ community. In addition to expanding the education of rheumatologists regarding this topic and its incorporation into clinical care, advocacy for ART access and insurance coverage is a much-needed future direction.
18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging Findings in Adult-Onset Rasmussen Encephalitis
Authors: Tosunoğlu Zehranur , Alçın Göksel , Arslan Esra , Ergül Nurhan , Çermik Tevfik Fikret 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Rasmussen encephalitis is a rare condition characterized by chronic, progressive encephalitis. Typically, it involves one cerebral hemisphere and manifests through intractable epileptic seizures. Its occurrence in adults is notably infrequent. In this case, we presented the observations from an 18F-FDG PET/CT scan of a 70-year-old man diagnosed with Rasmussen encephalitis, where MRI displayed nonspecific findings.
Cross-Modality Image Translation From Brain 18F-FDG PET/CT Images to Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Images Using the CypixGAN Framework
Authors: Lee Sangwon , Jung Jin Ho , Choi Yong , Seok Eunyeong , Jung Jiwoong , Lim Hyunkeong , Kim Dongwoo , Yun Mijin 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
PET/CT and MRI can accurately diagnose dementia but are expensive and inconvenient for patients. Therefore, we aimed to generate synthetic fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images from 18F-FDG PET and CT images of the human brain using a generative adversarial network (GAN)–based deep learning framework called the CypixGAN, which combined the CycleGAN framework with the L1 loss function of the pix2pix.

Patients and Methods
Data from 143 patients who underwent PET/CT and MRI were used for training (n = 79), validation (n = 20), and testing (n = 44) the deep learning frameworks. Synthetic FLAIR images were generated using the pix2pix, CycleGAN, and CypixGAN, and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were then segmented. The performance of CypixGAN was compared with that of the other frameworks.

Results
The CypixGAN outperformed the pix2pix and CycleGAN in generating synthetic FLAIR images with superior visual quality. Peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index (mean ± standard deviation) estimated using the CypixGAN (20.23 ± 1.31 and 0.80 ± 0.02, respectively) were significantly higher than those estimated using the pix2pix (19.35 ± 1.43 and 0.79 ± 0.02, respectively) and CycleGAN (18.74 ± 1.49 and 0.78 ± 0.02, respectively) (P < 0.001). WMHs in synthetic FLAIR images generated using the CypixGAN closely resembled those in ground-truth images, as indicated by the low absolute percentage volume differences and high dice similarity coefficients.

Conclusions
The CypixGAN generated high-quality FLAIR images owing to the preservation of spatial information despite using unpaired images. This framework may help improve diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of PET/CT when MRI scan is unavailable.
Peritoneal Actinomycosis After Bariatric Surgery Mimicking a Peritoneal Carcinomatosis on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Fevrier Agathe , Bailly Matthieu , Delalande Flore , Metrard Gilles 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
A 54-year-old man with a history of bypass surgery 3 years ago presented with ascites, abdominal pain, and a decline in general health. CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT suggested peritoneal carcinomatosis, but histology revealed peritoneal actinomycosis. This rare peritoneal infection can occur after digestive surgeries, such as bariatric procedures, due to disruption of the digestive barrier, allowing actinomycosis to spread outside its typical anatomical location. Clinicians should consider this diagnosis after bariatric surgery, even years later, especially in the absence of neoplastic disease.
Simultaneous Metastatic Involvement of Bilateral Testes and Left Spermatic Cord in Prostate Cancer Detected on 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT
Authors: Aggarwal Piyush , Gupta Kirti , Sood Ashwani , Bora Girdhar Singh , Goyal Shikha , Singh Harmandeep , Mittal Bhagwant Rai 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Bilateral testicular involvement in prostate cancer is quite rare. It is often associated with widespread systemic disease and inadequate response to systemic therapy. We present a case of metastatic prostate cancer with bilateral testicular metastases and simultaneous involvement of the left spermatic cord detected on 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and confirmed on the histopathology of bilateral orchiectomy done for achieving the androgen deprivation status. Early detection of such unusual sites of metastases has poorer prognostic outcome and management implications.