bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of the Scottish inflammatory prognostic score with treatment-related adverse events and prognosis in esophageal cancer receiving neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Wang Liang , Yang Xun , Feng Jifeng , Chen Qixun 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between the Scottish inflammatory prognostic score (SIPS), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), and prognostication in patients with neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsA retrospective investigation was carried out on 208 ESCC patients treated with NICT. The relationships between the SIPS, TRAEs, and prognosis [disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)] were analyzed.ResultsThe patients, comprising 62 (29.8%) cases of SIPS0, 103 (49.5%) cases of SIPS1, and 43 (20.7%) cases of SIPS2, were categorized into three groups based on SIPS. Among patients with SIPS2, the oldest age (P=0.006), lowest BMI (P=0.001), longest tumor length (P=0.001), most advanced ypT stage (P=0.014), and ypN stage (P&lt;0.001) were identified. Pathological complete response (PCR) rates showed statistically significant variations between the three groups (SIPS0: 45.2%, SIPS1: 27.2%, SIPS2: 16.3%, P=0.004). All TRAEs were found in 63.9% (133 cases) of the cases, with serious TRAEs (grade 3-4) accounting for 13.9% (29 cases). TRAEs themselves were not linked with SIPS (P=0.668), while serious TRAEs had a significant correlation with SIPS (P=0.002). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that SIPS2 seemed to confer serious TRAEs [odds radio (OR)=4.044; 95% CI: 1.395-11.722; P=0.010]. For patients classified as SIPS0, 1, or 2, the 3-year DFS was 83.9%, 58.3%, and 39.5% (P&lt;0.001). The 3-year OS for those with SIPS0, 1, or 2 was 88.7%, 72.8%, and 53.5%, respectively (P&lt;0.001). SIPS was substantially correlated with DFS (but not with OS) and could be utilized as an independent predictor [SIPS2: hazard ratio (HR)=3.743, 95% CI: 1.770-7.914, P=0.001; SIPS1: HR=2.303, 95% CI: 1.149-4.616, P=0.019].ConclusionThe SIPS is associated with serious TRAEs and can be used as a predictor of serious TRAEs in ESCC receiving NICT. SIPS may be employed for pretreatment assessment since it was found to be substantially correlated with DFS.
Research on scallop shells transport of the Yantai coastal region in the Bohai Sea
Authors: Chen Le , Zhang Yibo , Liu Yongzhi , Cao Ruichen , Lv Xianqing 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionBivalve aquaculture is an important pillar of China's fisheries, with over 1 million tonnes of scallop shells produced annually. However, most of these shells are directly discarded into the sea, leading to continuous pollution of the marine and coastal environments, especially the coast of Yantai in the Bohai Sea where a large number of discarded scallop shell have accumulated.MethodsTo trace the fate of scallop shells in the ocean, this study established a model for the transport of scallop shells, coupling a two-dimensional tidal current model using the adjoint method with a Lagrangian particle model. By simulating nested tidal models, the distribution of tidal residual current in the Yantai coastal region was obtained. Then, a Lagrangian particle model was used to track the transport pathways of pollutants in the sea.ResultsDriven by the residual current calculated from the tidal model with the actual situation, possible pollutant release areas were inferred. The results of Lagrangian particle tracking experiments indicate that pollutants were released from the upstream accumulation area, specifically the area near Penglai Hulushan, confirming previous speculation.DiscussionThe scallop shells transport model can accurately simulate the spatiotemporal profile of scallop shells, which is helpful for managing scallop shell resources and improving the level of shell reuse.
Three levels of discrepancies in the records of trial sites in India, registered with the European Union Clinical Trials Register
Authors: Samanta Anwesha Dhal , Borah Rishima , Saberwal Gayatri 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionClinical trial registries serve a key role in tracking the trial enterprise. We are interested in the record of trials sites in India. In this study, we focused on the European Union Clinical Trial Registry (EUCTR). This registry is complex because a given study may have records from multiple countries in the EU, and therefore a given study ID may be represented by multiple records. We wished to determine what steps are required to identify the studies that list sites in India that are registered with EUCTR.MethodsWe used two methodologies. Methodology A involved downloading the EUCTR database and querying it. Methodology B used the search function on the registry website.ResultsDiscrepant information, on whether or not a given study listed a site in India, was identified at three levels: (i) the methodology of examining the database; (ii) the multiple records of a given study ID; and (iii) the multiple fields within a given record. In each of these situations, there was no basis to resolve the discrepancy, one way or another.DiscussionThis work contributes to methodologies for more accurate searches of trial registries. It also adds to the efforts of those seeking transparency in trial data.
Long COVID: cognitive, balance, and retina manifestations
Authors: Carmona-Cervelló Meritxell , León-Gómez Brenda Biaani , Dacosta-Aguayo Rosalia , Lamonja-Vicente Noemí , Montero-Alía Pilar , Molist Gemma , Ayet Aitana , Chacón Carla , Costa-Garrido Anna , López-Lifante Victor M. , Zamora-Putin Valeria , Liutsko Liudmila , García-Sierra Rosa , Fornés Antònia , Moreno-Gabriel Eduard , Massanella Marta , Muñoz-Moreno Jose A. , Rodríguez-Pérez M. Carmen , Mateu Lourdes , Prats Anna , Mataró Maria , Boigues Marc , Quirant Bibiana , Prado Julia G. , Martínez-Cáceres Eva , Violán Concepción , Torán-Monserrat Pere ,   the APC Collaborative Group
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe neurological symptoms of Long COVID (LC) and the impact of neuropsychological manifestations on people’s daily lives have been extensively described. Although a large body of literature describes symptoms, validating this with objective measures is important. This study aims to identify and describe the effects of Long COVID on cognition, balance, and the retinal fundus, and determine whether the duration of symptoms influences cognitive impairment.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved LC volunteers with cognitive complaint from public health centers in northern Barcelona who participated between January 2022 and March 2023. This study collected sociodemographic characteristics, information on substance use, comorbidities, and clinical data related to COVID-19. We measured five cognitive domains using a battery of neuropsychological tests. Balance was assessed through posturography and retinal vascular involvement by retinography.ResultsA total of 166 people with LC and cognitive complaints participated, 80.72% were women and mean age was 49.28 ± 8.39 years. The most common self-reported symptoms were concentration and memory deficit (98.80%), brain fog (82.53%) and insomnia (71.17%). The 68.67% presented cognitive deficit in at least one domain, with executive functions being the most frequent (43.98%). The 51.52% of the participants exhibited a dysfunctional pattern in balance, and 9.2% showed some alteration in the retina. There were no statistically significant differences between cognitive impairment and symptom duration.ConclusionOur findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the pathology associated with Long COVID. They highlight the diversity of self-reported symptoms, the presence of abnormal balance patterns, and some cognitive impairment. These findings underscore the necessity of addressing the clinical management of this condition in primary care through follow-up and the pursuit of multidisciplinary and comprehensive treatment.
Adherence to monitoring of patients treated with amiodarone: a nationwide study
Authors: Frenkel Amit , Smadar Shneyour Ruth , Shiloh Adi , Morad Mohammed , Shimoni-Rachmilev Orly , Dreiher Jacob 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the adherence to monitoring guidelines regarding amiodarone treatment.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of data recorded in Clalit Health Services, the largest healthcare organization in Israel. Included were individuals aged &gt;18 years; who were prescribed amiodarone and had a documented purchase of this drug, for a minimum of 200 consecutive days; and who had less than a 100-day gap between two consecutive purchases during 2013–2021. Adherence was assessed to testing for thyroid, liver function, and electrolytes, as determined by the performance of a test every 6 months.ResultsThe study included 24,094 individuals (mean age: 75 years, 53% male). The median follow-up was 2.3 years (total 73,727 person-years). The proportions of patients who performed baseline tests were: 43.4% for thyroid function, 58.3% for electrolytes, 48.6% for liver function, 20.6% for chest X-rays, and 14.9% for electrocardiograms. Adherence rates to semiannual monitoring of thyroid function, liver function, and electrolyte tests were: 70.4%, 79.4%, and 88.3%, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, the factors associated with higher adherence were male sex; older age; the presence of thyroid abnormalities, renal failure, and hypertension; and more frequent visits to the primary care physician.ConclusionsIn our country, adherence is low to monitoring risk factors for adverse effects of amiodarone therapy, especially prior to treatment initiation. Patient and primary care physicians should be educated about the importance of monitoring, particularly prior to initiation of amiodarone treatment.
Augmented reality-based software (Echo-QR) for guiding the echographic probe toward the acoustic window: a pilot study
Authors: Thevenon A. , Derache F. , Faucoz O. , Zuj K. , Chaput D. , Arbeille P. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionWith current technology, ultrasound imaging in remote conditions, such as the International Space Station, is performed with vocal guidance or using a teleoperated echograph controlled by an expert. Both methods require real-time communications between the novice operator and expert to locate the probe over the appropriate acoustic windows (AW). The current study presents the development and testing of a new augmented reality software (Echo-QR) that would allow novice operators (with no medical imaging background) to correctly locate the ultrasound probe over the AW of interest without expert assistance.MethodsOn the first day of the study, the positions of the probe over the AWs were identified for each organ by an expert sonographer and saved in the Echo-QR software. On the second day, the novices independently performed the ultrasound investigation using the Echo-QR software to correctly position the probe over each organ’s AW.ResultsUsing the Echo-QR software, novice operators found the AW in 73 (92%) of the 79 organs. The 2D images acquired by the novices “2D direct image” were acceptable for medical evaluation in 41% of the cases. However, when the “2D direct image” did not show the entire organ, a 3D capture of the volume below the probe was also performed, which allowed for the extraction of the appropriate 2D image “2D/3D image” for medical evaluation in 85% of the cases.DiscussionTherefore, in the absence of real-time communication between an isolated participant and an expert sonographer, novel software (Echo-QR) and automated 3D volume capture can be used to obtain images usable for ultrasound diagnostics.
Diet-derived circulating antioxidants and risk of epilepsy: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Shicun , Chen Yingqi , Wang Yiqing , Pan Shengjie , Lu Yeting , Gao Wei , Hu Xiaowei , Fang Qi 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest a link between diet-derived circulating antioxidants and epilepsy, but the causal relationship is unclear. This study aims to investigate the causal effect of these antioxidants on epilepsy.MethodsTo assess the causal link between dietary antioxidants and epilepsy risk, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. This involved examining antioxidants such as zinc, selenium, α- and γ-tocopherol, vitamin A (retinol), vitamin C (ascorbate), and vitamin E (α-tocopherol). We utilized instrumental variables (IVs) which were genetic variations highly associated with these commonly used antioxidants. Exposure data were sourced from a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS). We aggregated data from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Consortium sample, which included various types of epilepsy, as an outcome variable. Finally, we applied the inverse variance weighting method and conducted sensitivity analyses for further validation.ResultsBased on the primary MR estimates and subsequent sensitivity analyses, the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method revealed that a genetically predicted increase in zinc per standard deviation was positively associated with three types of epilepsy. This includes all types of epilepsy (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.11, p = 0.008), generalized epilepsy (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01–1.25, p = 0.030), and focal epilepsy (documented hippocampal sclerosis) (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02, p = 0.025). However, there is no evidence indicating that other antioxidants obtained from the diet affect the increase of epilepsy either positively or negatively.ConclusionOur research indicates that the risk of developing epilepsy may be directly linked to the genetic prediction of zinc, whereas no such association was found for other antioxidants.
Sex differences in the association between Body Mass Index and cognitive function in Parkinson disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang QiuShuang , Bian Jing , Sun Yi , Shi YaoZhou , Zhao ZiXuan , Zhao HuaShuo 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThis study utilized a binary logistic regression model to explore the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data were obtained from 1,005 Parkinson’s patients enrolled in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) from 2010 to 2023, including 378 females and 627 males. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, and the correlation between BMI and cognitive function was determined using binary logistic regression.ResultsThe median age of enrollment was 63.6 (56.2, 69.6) years old, including 378 (37.6%) females and 627 (62.4%) males. In the final adjusted model, a significant positive correlation was found between BMI and the prevalence of cognitive impairment in females (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01 ~ 1.12, p = 0.022), while no correlation was found in males (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.99 ~ 1.08, p = 0.165). The results after categorizing BMI indicate that, among females, the risk of cognitive impairment increases for both groups with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and those with 25 ≤ BMI &lt; 30 kg/m2 compared to the reference group with BMI &lt; 25 kg/m2, with a p for trend &lt;0.001 indicating a stable and strong association between BMI and cognitive impairment in females. In males, the results were not significant. The trend of linear fitting was consistent with the above results.ConclusionIn female Parkinson’s patients, there is a positive correlation between BMI and cognitive impairment, while no correlation was found in male patients. This study provides new evidence of sex differences in the correlation between BMI and cognitive impairment among Parkinson’s patients. The role of sex differences in the relationship between BMI and cognitive impairment should be considered in future research.
Global publication productivity and research trends on recurrent ovarian cancer: a bibliometric study
Authors: Xu Hua , Wang Lijuan , Xu Dianbo 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionRecurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) presents a dismal prognosis, persistently devoid of efficacious therapeutic strategies. Over the past decade, significant shifts have transpired in ROC management, marked by the identification of novel therapeutic targets and advancements in biomarker research and innovation. Since bibliometrics is an effective method for revealing scientific literature, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of literature pertaining to ROC. Our exploration encompassed identifying emerging research trends and common patterns, analyzing collaborative networks, and anticipating future directions within this clinical context.MethodsWe conducted a search in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) to acquire relevant articles as our dataset, which were then exported using R-Studio-2023.12.0–369 software. The Bibliometrix R package was utilized to perform visual analyses on countries, institutions, journals, authors, landmark articles, and keywords within this research field.ResultsA total of 1538 articles and 173 reviews published between 2014 and 2023 were eventually retrieved. The annual growth rate of scientific production was 4.27%. The USA led the way in the number of published works, total citations, and collaboration. Gynecologic Oncology was the most favoured journal in this research field. Vergote I from the University Hospital Leuven, was the most influential author. At last, the most prominent keywords were “chemotherapy” (n = 124), “bevacizumab” (n = 87), and “survival” (n = 65). Clinical outcomes (prognosis, survival), chemotherapy, bevacizumab, and PARP inhibitors (olaparib, niraparib) represented the basic and transversal themes, while antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and drug resistance were emerging themes. Cytoreduction surgical procedures and tamoxifen were niche themes, while immunotherapy and biomarkers were motor themes and had high centrality.ConclusionThe trends in the ROC research field over the past decade were revealed through bibliometric analysis. Platinum resistance, ADC, and immunotherapy have emerged as the current prominent research topics.
Effectiveness and safety of vascular intervention plus lenvatinib versus vascular intervention alone for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Tang Saikang , Gao Yingming , Yan Xue , Zhi Weihua , Han Yue 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of vascular intervention combined with lenvatinib versus vascular intervention alone in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), and to identify prognostic factors associated with the treatment outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 92 patients with advanced HCC and PVTT who were treated between February 2016 and February 2023. Among them, 56 patients underwent vascular intervention alone (transarterial chemoembolization, TACE), while 36 patients received vascular intervention (TACE or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy [HAIC]) combined with lenvatinib. The primary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR). Survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and confounders were adjusted using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Prognostic factors were determined through the Cox regression model.ResultsThe median follow-up duration was 20.07 months (interquartile range: 6.41–25.36). The combination therapy group had a significantly longer median PFS (11.00 vs. 5.00 months, P&lt;0.05) and OS (12.91 vs. 6.83 months, P&lt;0.05) in comparison to the monotherapy group, and these findings remained consistent after IPTW matching. Moreover, the combination therapy group showed a higher ORR (55.56% vs. 26.79%, P&lt;0.05) based on mRECIST criteria. Cox multivariate analysis identified extrahepatic metastasis and maximum tumor diameter as risk factors for PFS, while age, tumor number, and maximum tumor diameter influenced OS. Combined treatment emerged as a protective factor for OS. In the combination therapy group, hypertension was the most frequent adverse event, with grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurring rarely.ConclusionThe combination of vascular intervention with lenvatinib has demonstrated improved PFS and OS in advanced HCC patients with PVTT, and its safety profile appears to be acceptable. Adoption of this combined treatment strategy at an earlier stage may enhance patient outcomes.
Getting the dose right using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling: dexamethasone to prevent post-extubation stridor in children as proof of concept
Authors: van der Heijden Joyce E. M. , de Hoop-Sommen Marika , Hoevenaars Noa , Freriksen Jolien J. M. , Joosten Koen , Greupink Rick , de Wildt Saskia N. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionCritically ill patients show large variability in drug disposition due to e.g., age, size, disease and treatment modalities. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models can be used to design individualized dosing regimens taking this into account. Dexamethasone, prescribed for the prevention post-extubation stridor (PES), is metabolized by the drug metabolizing enzyme CYP3A. As CYP3A4 undergoes major changes during childhood, we aimed to develop age-appropriate dosing recommendations for children of dexamethasone for PES, as proof of concept for PBPK modeling to individualize dosing for critically ill patients.MethodsAll simulations were conducted in Simcyp™ v21 (a population-based PBPK modeling platform), using an available dexamethasone compound model and pediatric population model in which CYP3A4 ontogeny is incorporated. Published pharmacokinetic (PK) data was used for model verification. Evidence for the dose to prevent post-extubation stridor was strongest for 2–6 year old children, hence simulated drug concentrations resulting from this dose from this age group were targeted when simulating age-appropriate doses for the whole pediatric age range.ResultsDexamethasone plasma concentrations upon single and multiple intravenous administration were predicted adequately across the pediatric age range. Exposure-matched predictions of dexamethasone PK indicated that doses (in mg/kg) for the 2–6 years olds can be applied in 3 month-2 year old children, whereas lower doses are needed in children of other age groups (60% lower for 0–2 weeks, 40% lower for 2–4 weeks, 20% lower for 1–3 months, 20% lower for 6–12 year olds, 40% lower for 12–18 years olds).DiscussionWe show that PBPK modeling is a valuable tool that can be used to develop model-informed recommendations using dexamethasone to prevent PES in children. Based on exposure matching, the dose of dexamethasone should be reduced compared to commonly used doses, in infants &lt;3 months and children ≥6 years, reflecting age-related variation in drug disposition. PBPK modeling is an promising tool to optimize dosing of critically ill patients.