bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Zhiyuan , Liang Chen , Xu Qixuan , Yuan Zhen , Chen Miao , Li Rui , Zhou Sixin , Li Peiyu , Wei Bo , Zhao Xudong 
Published: August 2024

Background:
The extensive utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has achieved significant advancements in the treatment of diverse solid tumors. The present meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) plus PD-1 inhibitors for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC).

Methods:
An electronic search of PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify the clinical trials of NCT + PD-1 inhibitor vs. NCT in patients with LAGC. The retrieval period extended from the establishment of the corresponding database until April 2024, and meta-analysis was conducted using Stata (version 15) software. Subsequently, direct comparative analysis was used to compare pooled results of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) with NCT.

Results:
After screening, six phase II/III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine retrospective studies with 2953 patients were included. In meta-analysis, the NICT group demonstrated a significantly higher rate of pathological complete response (pCR) (P<0.001) and R0 resection (P=0.001), and a lower 2-year recurrence rate (P=0.001) compared to the NCT group. The NICT group, however, exhibited a higher incidence of severe treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) (P=0.044). Additionally, the NICT and NCT groups exhibited no statistical differences in terms of the number of harvested lymph nodes, the occurrence of total TRAEs and postoperative complications, as well as the duration of postoperative hospitalization.

Conclusions:
The combination of PD-1 inhibitor + NCT in LAGC patients enhances the likelihood of achieving radical surgery and improves prognosis, albeit to some extent increasing the risk of severe TRAEs. NICT is anticipated to emerge as the preferred neoadjuvant therapy option for patients diagnosed with LAGC.
Development and validation of a CT-based radiomics model to predict survival-graded fibrosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shi Siya , Liu Ruihao , Zhou Jian , Liu Jiawei , Lin Hongxin , Mo Junyang , Zhang Jian , Diao Xianfen , Luo Yanji , Huang Bingsheng , Feng Shi-Ting 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Tumor fibrosis plays an important role in chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, there remains a contradiction in the prognostic value of fibrosis. The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between tumor fibrosis and survival in patients with PDAC, classify patients into high- and low-fibrosis groups, and develop and validate a CT-based radiomics model to non-invasively predict fibrosis before treatment.

Materials and methods:
This retrospective, bicentric study included 295 patients with PDAC without any treatments before surgery. Tumor fibrosis was assessed using the collagen fraction (CF). Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of CF with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to determine the rounded threshold of CF. An integrated model (IM) was developed by incorporating selected radiomic features and clinical-radiological characteristics. The predictive performance was validated in the test cohort (Center 2).

Results:
The CFs were 38.22±6.89% and 38.44±8.66% in center 1 (131 patients, 83 males) and center 2 (164 patients, 100 males), respectively (P=0.814). Multivariable Cox regression revealed that CF was an independent risk factor in the OS and DFS analyses at both centers. ROCs revealed that 40% was the rounded cut-off value of CF. IM predicted CF with areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.829 (95% CI: 0.753-0.889) and 0.751 (95% CI: 0.677-0.815) in the training and test cohorts, respectively. Decision curve analyses revealed that IM outperformed radiomics model and clinical-radiological model for CF prediction in both cohorts.

Conclusions:
Tumor fibrosis was an independent risk factor for survival of patients with PDAC, and a rounded cut-off value of 40% provided a good differentiation of patient prognosis. The model combining CT-based radiomics and clinical-radiological features can satisfactorily predict survival-grade fibrosis in patients with PDAC.
The emerging role of fat-inducing transcript 2 in endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis and lipoprotein biogenesis
Authors: Brodsky Jeffrey L. , Iyer Anuradha , Fortounas Konstantinos I. , Fisher Edward A. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
This review examines the evolving role of the fat-inducing transcript 2 (FIT2) protein in lipid droplet (LD) biology and its broader implications in cellular physiology and disease. With recent advancements in understanding FIT2 function across various model systems, this review provides a timely synthesis of its mechanisms and physiological significance.

Recent findings
FIT2, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein, has been established as a critical regulator of LD formation in diverse organisms, from yeast to mammals. It facilitates LD biogenesis by sequestering diacylglycerol (DAG) and potentially influencing ER membrane dynamics. Beyond its role in lipid metabolism, FIT2 intersects with the ER-associated degradation (ERAD), is critical for protein homeostasis, and is linked to the unfolded protein response (UPR). Dysregulation of FIT2 has also been linked to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and lipodystrophy, highlighting its clinical relevance.

Summary
Insights into FIT2 function underscore its pivotal role in LD formation and lipid homeostasis. Understanding its involvement in ER proteostasis and very low density lipoprotein biogenesis has broad implications for metabolic diseases and cancer. Therapeutic strategies targeting FIT2 may offer novel approaches to modulate lipid metabolism and mitigate associated pathologies. Further research is needed to elucidate the full spectrum of FIT2's interactions within cellular lipid and protein networks, potentially uncovering new therapeutic avenues for metabolic and ER stress-related disorders.
Where are we in 2024 in the development of materials for surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence?
Authors: Chapple Christopher R. , Bullock Anthony J. , MacNeil Sheila 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
There is a long history of implantation of absorbable and nonabsorbable materials to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The focus of this review is to review the development of new materials for use in the surgical management of both pelvic conditions following an unacceptable level of severe complications in the use of polypropylene mesh (PPM). We discuss current concepts relating to the development of new materials with particular reference to our experience with polyurethane mesh.

Recent findings
Our review highlights the strategies that manufacturers and researchers are employing to improve PPM using collagen gels and stem cells, or to find alternatives. We conclude that current preclinical safety testing is inadequate, and the field requires better in vivo testing. Specifically, we highlight novel techniques demonstrating the degradation of polypropylene potentially elucidating the link between PPM degradation and induction of inflammation leading to adverse side effects.

Summary
This field badly needs innovation in developing new materials and in testing these to ensure materials will benefit patients. A collaboration between materials scientists and clinicians is needed to facilitate the translation of basic research and preclinical testing into patient benefit for the treatment of SUI and POP.
Factors Associated With Potentially Unnecessary Transfers for Children With Asthma
Authors: Peters Gregory A. , Cash Rebecca E. , Goldberg Scott A. , Gao Jingya , Escudero Taylor , Kolb Lily M. , Camargo Carlos A. 
Published: August 2024

Objective
Our objective was to identify the hospital- and community-related factors associated with the hospital-level rate of potentially unnecessary interfacility transfers (IFTs) for pediatric patients with asthma exacerbations.

Methods
We analyzed California Emergency Department (ED) data from 2016 to 2019 to capture ED visits where a pediatric patient (age, 2–17 years) presented with an asthma exacerbation and was transferred to another ED or acute care hospital. The primary outcome was hospital-level rate of potentially unnecessary IFTs, defined as a visit where length of stay after transfer was <24 hours and no advanced services (eg, critical care) were used. Hospital- and community-related characteristics included urbanicity, teaching hospital status, availability of pediatric resources in the sending facility and patient's community, pediatric patient volume, and Social Vulnerability Index. We described and compared hospitals in the top quartile of potentially unnecessary IFT rate versus all others and used a multivariable modified Poisson model to identify factors associated with potentially unnecessary IFT.

Results
A total of 325 sending hospitals were included, with a median 573 pediatric asthma visits (interquartile range, 183–1309) per hospital annually. Nearly half of the hospitals (145/325, 45%) sent a potentially unnecessary IFT. Most (90%) hospitals were urban, 9% were teaching hospitals, 5% had >500 beds, and 22% had a pediatric ED on-site. Factors associated with higher adjusted prevalence of potentially unnecessary IFT included availability of pediatric telehealth (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–2.0), increased pediatric volume (eg, <1800 vs ≥10,000 visits: PR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4–4.7), and higher community Social Vulnerability Index (PR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–1.9).

Conclusions
Several hospital- and community-related factors were associated with potentially unnecessary IFTs among pediatric patients presenting to the ED with asthma exacerbations. These findings provide insight into disparities in potentially unnecessary IFT across communities and can guide the development of future interventions.
User experience of passive hip flexion device in people with multiple sclerosis: Exploring improvements and overcoming barriers
Authors: Liguori Sara , Panizzolo Fausto A. , Marcolin Giuseppe , Micaglio Giovanni , Mendicino Margherita , Semplicini Claudio , Baricich Alessio , Molteni Franco , Guanziroli Eleonora , Ciotti Silvia , Zampolini Mauro , Castelli Enrico , Gervasoni Fabrizio , Campagnoli Marcello M. , Quercio Marco , Gimigliano Francesca 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that primarily affects young adults and causes disability by impairing the central nervous system. Gait impairments are common in people with MS (pwMS), and lower limb orthoses are often used to improve stability and mobility. However, compliance with orthotic devices can vary among individuals due to issues related to the appropriate prescription and lack of acceptability.

Objective:
In this observational, cross-sectional study, we aimed to explore the experience of wearing a passive hip flexion device in a cohort of pwMS.

Methods:
We included men and women >18 years old affected by MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale >4) who have been using a passive hip flexion device (ExoBand, Moveo srl) since 2020 for at least 15 days. The participants completed a phone survey that collected demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data, their perceptions of the device’s impact using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices (PIADS) questionnaire, and a qualitative part with an open-ended question.

Results:
A total of 41 patients completed the survey. The participants experienced improvements in all 3 areas of the PIADS questionnaire since using the ExoBand (P<0.001). The area of competence showed the highest improvement, particularly in terms of efficiency and usefulness. The majority of participants (85.4%) perceived an improvement from using the device, reporting better quality of movement and increased walking distance. Only a small percentage (26.8%) did not perceive any benefits, mainly due to discomfort and personal factors.

Conclusions:
This study highlighted the satisfaction among pwMS with the use of the ExoBand device and emphasized the importance of addressing individual needs during the orthotic prescription process. This study represents the first exploration of the perspective and perception of using a passive hip flexion device in pwMS. Our results support the need to assess user experience and the psychosocial impact of these devices on people’s lives to better understand the barriers and reasons behind their underutilization. Further research with a larger and heterogeneous population is recommended to gather more comprehensive data.
HIV Treatment Outcomes After 10 years on ART in the TREAT Asia Observational Database and Australian HIV Observational Database
Authors: Jiamsakul Awachana , Rupasinghe Dhanushi , Woolley Ian , Choi Jun Yong , Templeton David J. , Widhani Alvina , Petoumenos Kathy , Tanuma Junko ,   on behalf of the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) and the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD) of IeDEA Asia-Pacific
Published: August 2024

Background:
Increasing numbers of people with HIV have received prolonged antiretroviral therapy (ART). We assessed long-term immunological and survival outcomes among people with HIV from Asia (TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database) and Australia (Australian HIV Observational Database).

Methods:
People with HIV receiving ART for ≥10 years were included. Factors associated with CD4 counts in years 11–15 of ART were analyzed using repeated measures linear regression. Survival after 10 years was analyzed using competing risk regression.

Results:
There were 7139 people included: 4867 (68%) from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database and 2272 (32%) from the Australian HIV Observational Database. Higher CD4 levels after 10 years were observed if the nadir CD4 in the first decade was higher (CD4 (cells/µL) 101–200: difference = 35, 95% CI: 18 to 51; >200: difference = 125, 95% CI: 107 to 142) compared with ≤50. The same patterns were observed in those who achieved CD4 ≥500 cells/µL, which subsequently decreased to <500 (difference = 225, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 213 to 236), or in those who achieved and maintained CD4 ≥500 cells/µL (difference = 402, 95% CI: 384 to 420), compared with always <500 in the previous decade. Previous protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen (difference=−17, 95% CI −33 to −1) compared with no PI, and previous treatment interruptions (TI) of 14 days to 3 months and >6 months were associated with lower CD4 counts after 10 years (difference = −38, 95% CI −62 to −15 and difference=−44, 95% CI −61 to −27, respectively) compared with no TI. The mortality rate was 1.04 per 100 person-years. Virological failure was associated with subsequent mortality (subhazard ratio = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.71).

Conclusions:
Sustaining high CD4 levels and minimizing TI has far-reaching benefits well beyond the first decade of ART.
Abnormal Interhemispheric Functional Connectivity in Acute Pericoronitis: A Resting-State MRI Study
Authors: Li Xing , Qiu Luo-Yao , Shi Xue-Jiao , Zhu Yu-Ping , He Yu-Lin , Kuang Hong-Mei 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
Acute pericoronitis (AP) is a prevalent cause of odontogenic toothache which can significantly impact brain function. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on localized brain activity. However, the synergistic changes between brain hemispheres induced by toothache and resulting abnormal functional connectivity across the brain have not been comprehensively studied.

Methods:
A total of 34 patients with AP and 34 healthy individuals, matched for age, sex, and education were recruited for this study. All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-MRI) scans. The voxel mirror homotopic connectivity (VMHC) method was used to identify intergroup differences. Brain regions exhibiting statistically significant differences were selected as regions of interest for further functional connectivity analysis. The partial correlation method was utilized to assess the correlation between abnormal VMHC values in different regions and clinical parameters, with age and sex included as covariates.

Results:
Patients with AP exhibited reduced VMHC values in the thalamus and elevated VMHC values in the inferior frontal gyrus compared with healthy controls. Subsequent functional connectivity analyses revealed extensive changes in functional networks, predominantly affecting the default, frontoparietal, cerebellar, and pain networks.

Conclusion:
Changes in functional patterns across these brain networks offer novel insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying pain information processing.
Efficacy of Self-Expandable Absorbable Stents during Liver Transplant to Minimize Early Biliary Complications
Authors: Lopez-Lopez Victor , Kuemmerli Christoph , Iniesta Maria , Hiciano-Guillermo Alberto , Cascales-Campos Pedro , Baroja-Mazo Alberto , Antonio-Pons Jose , Sánchez-Esquer Ignacio , Ferreras David , Sánchez-Bueno Francisco , Ramírez Pablo , Robles-Campos Ricardo 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
We analyzed the use of a self-expandable absorbable biliary stent (SEABS) to reduce biliary complications in liver transplant (LT).

Background:
Complications related to biliary anastomosis are a still a challenge in LT with a high impact on the patient outcomes and hospital costs.

Methods:
This non-randomized prospective study was conducted between July 2019 and September 2023 in adult LT patients with duct-to-duct biliary anastomoses. The primary endpoint was to assess early biliary complications at 90 days in LT patients with intraoperative SEABS versus no SEABS. We also compared overall biliary complications, costs and SEABS- adverse effects related.

Results:
A total of 158 patients were included, 78 with SEABS and 80 no-SEABS (22 T-tube and 58 no-stent). There were no adverse effects related to SEABS. Early biliary complications (23.8 vs 2.6%, P <0.001) and hospital stay (19 vs 15 days, P= 0.001) were higher in no-SEABS. No-SEABS group required 63 ERCPs and 13 surgeries (including 2 LT) versus 35 ERCPs and 2 surgeries in SEABS group. After PSM between SEABS (n=58) vs no-SEABS (n=58), early biliary complications (40% vs 0%, P<.001) were higher in no-SEABS group. T-tube had more early biliary complications (22.7% vs 5%, P=0.23) compared SEABS high-risk biliary anastomosis. SEABS excess cost per patient was lower compared to T-Tube and no-stent (6.988€ vs 17.992€ vs 36.364€, P=0.036 and P=0.002, respectively).

Conclusions:
SEABS during biliary anastomosis in LT is feasible with no adverse effects and avoid the T-tube in high-risk biliary anastomoses. It use has been associated with less early biliary complications, hospital costs and reoperations or interventional treatments for biliary complications resolution.
Post-discharge Outcomes and Healthcare Utilization Among Hispanic/Latinx Injury Survivors
Authors: Valverde Madeline , Ilkhani Saba , Pinkes Nathaniel , Froehle Leah , Ortega Gezzer , Hwabejire John O. , Sanchez Sabrina E. , Haider Adil H. , Salim Ali , Anderson Geoffrey A. , Herrera-Escobar Juan P. 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
We sought to compare post-discharge outcomes and healthcare utilization between English-speaking non-Hispanic White (NHW), English-speaking Hispanic/Latinx (ESHL), and Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latinx (SSHL) survivors of traumatic injury.

Background:
While there is evidence of racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare utilization and post-discharge outcomes after injury, the role of English language proficiency in these disparities remains unclear.

Methods:
Moderate to severely injured adults from three level-1 trauma centers completed an interview in English or Spanish between 6-12 months post-injury to assess physical health-related quality of life (SF-12-PCS), return to work, and post-discharge healthcare utilization. The language used in the interview was used as a proxy for English-language proficiency, and participants were categorized as either NHW (reference), ESHL, or SSHL. Multivariable regression models estimated independent associations between language and race/ethnicity with SF-12-PCS, return to work, and post-discharge healthcare utilization outcomes.

Results:
3,304 injury survivors were followed: 2,977 (90%) NHW, 203 (6%) ESHL, and 124 (4%) SSHL. In adjusted analyses, no significant differences were observed between ESHL and NHW injury survivors for any outcomes at 6-12 months post-injury. However, SSHL injury survivors exhibited a lower mean SF-12-PCS (41.6 vs. 38.5), −3.07 (95% CI=−5.47, −0.66; P=0.012), decreased odds of returning to work (OR=0.47; CI=0.27 to 0.81; P=0.007), and were less likely to engage in non-injury related outpatient visits, such as primary care visits (OR=0.45; 95% CI 0.28, 0.73; P=0.001), compared to NHW patients.

Conclusion:
Hispanic/Latinx injury survivors have worse post-discharge outcomes and lower non-injury-related healthcare utilization than NHW if they have limited English-language proficiency. Addressing LEP-related barriers to care could help mitigate outcome and healthcare utilization disparities among Hispanic/Latinx injury survivors.
Evidence-informed decision-making in public health in Canada: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Romano Isabella , Clark Emily C. , Quiambao Janine , Horn Miranda , Dare Lynn , Rogers Kristin , Dobbins Maureen 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) plays a vital role in public health practice. Canada has invested in support for evidence-informed approaches in public health. Despite growing expectations for EIDM, evidence integration has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Objective:
This study explores EIDM within Canadian public health organizations before the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary objective is to explore how EIDM in public health was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:
Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected and analyzed from interviews with public health professionals across Canada.

Results:
From interviews with 20 participants in four Canadian provinces and one territory, all participants noted that EIDM was valued, but there was considerable variation in implementation. Participants reported differences in consistency of evidence use, resources available at their public health organizations to support EIDM, and staff knowledge and skills in EIDM. Leadership emerged as a strong influencer of EIDM; however, leadership investment in EIDM varied. Changes in evidence use during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed an urgency for decision-making amidst an influx of evidence and reallocated staff roles.

Conclusions:
Despite gains in the recognized value of EIDM, gaps remain in the integration of evidence into decision-making and adequate resource investment to support EIDM. Time, resources, and skills to adapt processes and implement EIDM are needed for public health organizations in Canada to fully integrate EIDM into all aspects of public health decision-making.

Spanish abstract:

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A249