bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of the biceps curl test and proposed percentiles in schoolchildren living at moderate altitude in Peru
Authors: Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Vidal-Espinoza Ruben , Sulla-Torres Jose , de Campos Luis Felipe Castelli Correia , De Arruda Miguel , Olivares Pedro R. , Gomez-Campos Rossana , Torres-Paz Luis Edwin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

To verify the reliability of the biceps curl test in children and adolescents and to provide reference values according to chronological age and sex. A total of 1103 schoolchildren aged 6 to 17 years (500 boys and 603 girls) were evaluated. Weight and height were evaluated and Body Mass Index (BMI) and Tri Ponderal Index (TPI) were calculated. The right and left hand biceps curl was evaluated in 30 seconds. Children aged 6 to 11 years used a 1 kg dumbbell and those aged 12 to 17 years used a 2 kg dumbbell. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method. The values of the relative Technical Error of Measurement (TEM%) of the biceps curl test of both hands ranged from 0.48 to 2.89%. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) evidenced high values of 0.93 to 0.99. The Bland-Altman plot showed wide limits of agreement (-1.28 to 1.29 rep). It was verified that the biceps curl is a reliable test to evaluate strength endurance in children and adolescents. The values showed stability and wide limits of agreement. In addition, the proposed percentiles are useful to evaluate and monitor the strength endurance performance of both arms.
Comparison of ELAPSS score and computational fluid dynamics for predicting growth of small unruptured cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Tsuji Masanori , Ishida Fujimaro , Yasuda Ryuta , Miura Yoichi , Sato Takenori , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Okada Takeshi , Fukazawa Keiji , Umeda Yasuyuki , Toma Naoki , Suzuki Hidenori 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
ELAPSS score is commonly utilized for predicting growth of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. However, its application is unsuitable for small aneurysms with high demand for growth prediction. Consequently, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of semi-quantitative assessment using the ELAPSS score and hemodynamic parameters using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in small aneurysms.
Methods
A prospective observational study from January 2013 to February 2022 included 185 patients with 215 unruptured aneurysms with a maximum diameter of 3–5 mm. Aneurysms were classified into stable (186 aneurysms) and growth (29 aneurysms) groups based on repeated images. We calculated high shear area ratios (HSAR), high shear concentration ratio (HSCR), and flow concentration ratio (FCR) as hemodynamic parameters that we have already reported to be associated with small aneurysm growth in our previous study. The characteristics associated with the growth of small aneurysms were statistically investigated with morphological variables and hemodynamic parameters. The ELAPSS score was also calculated for the same aneurysm group to determine whether the growth risk was sufficiently assessed.
Results
In morphological variables, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. As for the hemodynamic parameters, the growth group had significantly lower FCR (0.61 vs 0.66, p = 0.016), lower HSAR (0.28 vs 0.33, p < 0.001), and higher HSCR (6.39 vs 5.01, p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the ELAPSS scores between the two groups.
Conclusions
CFD may offer more enhanced predictive capabilities compared to the ELAPSS score for identifying growth tendencies in small aneurysms.
CT Imaging in Differentiating Non-Solid Lung Adenocarcinoma with cycstic airspaces: A Clinical and Diagnostic Study
Authors: Shi Hengfeng , Liang Beibei , liu yan , Yang Yang , Chen Hao , Wang Hui , Yang Dengfa , Xie Zongyu , Liu Qianqian , Zhu Juan , Wang Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To study the correlation between clinical data, CT image characteristics, and histopathology of patients with three types of nodular lung adenocarcinoma.
Methods
In total, 2146 patients with pathologically confirmed nodular lung adenocarcinoma in 3 hospitals in Anhui and Zhejiang were retrospectively analyzed from July 2017 to June 2023. The patients were divided into three groups according to their status of lung adenocarcinoma associated with cystic airspaces (LACA): the LACA0 group (no cystic airspaces, 1821 patients), the LACA1 group (cystic airspace diameter of < 5 mm, 208 patients), and the LACA2 group (cystic airspace diameter of ≥ 5 mm, 117 patients). The relationships between the patients’ clinical data (e.g., sex, age, and smoking status), CT image characteristics (e.g., location, lobulation, and long-axis diameter), and postoperative histopathology were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results
In the LACA2 group, 66(56.4%) patients were male, 57(48.7%) patients’ lesions occurred in the lower lobe, 45(38.5%) patients’ lesions were associated with pulmonary (e.g., emphysema/bullae, ventilation–perfusion imbalance)disease, 99(84.6%) patients had lobulation signs, and 50(42.8%) patients had postoperative histopathology findings of papillary, solid, or micropapillary adenocarcinoma. Multivariate logistic regression showed that sex, lobulation, long-axis diameter, location, and pulmonary disease were independent risk factors for LACA2.
Conclusion
Follow-up time should be shortened for smoking male patients with lung disease who have lung nodules containing large cystic cavities (cystic airspaces ≥ 5 mm in diameter). Once the lesion shows signs of malignancy, such as lobulation, it is recommended that follow-up be discontinued, and elective surgery be performed.
Clinical Analysis and Identification of Pediatric Patients with Colonic Ulceration
Authors: You Yaying , Tao Yijing , Xu Yanwen , Cao Yi , Feng Haixia , Wu Qingqing , Wang Ying , Weihui Yan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
A wide variety of diseases mimic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to reduce the misdiagnosis among children with colonic ulcers, unfolding the pediatric disease profiles.
Methods
Eighty-six pediatric patients with colonic ulcers detected by colonoscopy were enrolled in the retrospective study. Children were divided into different groups according to the final diagnosis. The clinical characteristics, laboratory examinations and histopathological results were compared between the groups.
Results
IBD (n = 37) was just responsible for 43% of patients with colonic ulceration. Other diagnosis mainly included autoimmune diseases (n = 9), infectious enteritis (n = 13), gastrointestinal allergy (n = 8), and other diseases (n = 19). Comparing IBD and non-IBD groups, children with IBD had a higher frequency of symptoms like weight loss/failure to thrive (P < 0.001), perianal lesions (P = 0.001), and oral ulcers (P = 0.022), and higher expression levels of platelet (P = 0.006), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (P = 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), Immunoglobulin G (P = 0.012), Interleukin-1β (P = 0.003), IL-6 (P = 0.024) and TNF-α (P = 0.026). Otherwise, expression levels of hemoglobin (P < 0.001) and albumin (P = 0.001) were lower in IBD patients. Besides, a wider ulcer range distribution in the lower gastrointestinal tract was found in the IBD group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
We displayed potential indicators (like platelet, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and ulcer distribution character) to help diagnose pediatric IBD with colonic ulcers differentiating from other disorders more prudent.
Infrared spectroscopy and multivariate analysis applied to the differential diagnosis of leptospirosis and dengue
Authors: Zambrano Alejandra , Trilleras Jorge , Arana Victoria A. , Lima Kássio M. G. , Neves Ana C. O. , Morais Camilo L. M. , Romero Claudia , Falconar Andrew K. I. , Muñoz Boanegre S. , García Roberto , Carmona Carlos 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Dengue and leptospirosis are considered systemic and very dynamic illnesses in which a patient can rapidly progress from mild to severe conditions. Both diseases present very similar acute initial symptoms, a fact that may result in a challenging differential diagnosis at the initial phases. Herein, we present the application of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis to perform differential diagnosis of leptospirosis and dengue by analysing blood plasma. The spectra of 114 samples from patients in different phases of infection (n = 43 for leptospirosis and n = 71 for dengue) were analysed by either linear or quadratic discrimination in association with genetic algorithms, successive projection algorithms and principal component analysis for feature selection/extraction. The best model, GA-QDA, achieved outstanding results in terms of maximum (100%) sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for classifying both classes by using only 31 spectral variables. The ANOVA calculations, at a confidence level of 95%, highlighted a set of 10 variables selected by the GA-QDA model (1296 cm-1, 1612 cm-1, 1673 cm-1, 1677 cm-1, 1678 cm-1, 1689 cm-1, 1694 cm-1, 1711 cm-1, 1713 cm-1 and 1719 cm-1) with significant differences in the absorbance means between the Leptospirosis and Dengue classes. These specific wavenumbers represent the most useful spectral information accounting for the biochemical changes that mark a specific infection. These remarkable results obtained in this pilot study highlight the viability of this methodology to be applied in clinical practice to serve as a simple and accurate test for discriminating between the two illnesses.
Risk Identification Abstractly versus Concretely in Clinical Research in Japan: Randomized and Prospective Research on the Effect of Risk Reduction Activities in a Risk-based Approach
Authors: Kondo Hidenobu , Wei Chiu Shih , Hayashi Yukikazu , Takahashi Naoto , Yamaguchi Takuhiro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The risk-based approach (RBA) was first introduced into studies in 2011–2012. As an RBA, it is important to implement risk reduction activities that are proportionate to risk to effectively reduce avoidable quality problems and ensure that they are well adapted to achieving desired goals. However, there is no consistent methodology for identifying and evaluating risks and planning risk reduction activities. Currently, no research has been performed on identifying and evaluating risks and risk reduction activities. We aimed to evaluate risk reduction activities and their effects by using two risk identification and evaluation methods.
Methods
Among the risk identification and evaluation methods, the one with the least number of categories or questions for identifying risks [risk assessment form (RAF)] and the one with the highest number [risk assessment tool (RAT)] were selected. Each method was used to identify and evaluate risks and plan risk reduction activities to conduct “research on the blood concentration of ponatinib and treatment outcome in patients with chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CP-CML).” RAF is a method of identifying risk from abstract questions, and RAT is a method of identifying risks from a list of concrete risks. The sites were randomized into two groups to implement planned risk reduction activities using RAF and RAT and to compare the number of errors and protocol deviations per participant visit between the RAF and RAT groups.
Results
The number of errors per participant visit was lower in the RAF group than in the RAT group, and the number of protocol deviations per participant was lower in the RAF group than in the RAT group.
Conclusions
Our study reveals that risk reductions can be successfully implemented by using a method to identify and evaluate risks in a small number of abstract categories that are critical to the quality of clinical research.
The use of echocardiography in the management of shock in critical care: a prospective, multi-centre, observational study
Authors: Flower Luke , Waite Alicia , Boulton Adam , Peck Marcus , Akhtar Waqas , Boyle Andrew , Gudibande Sandeep , Ingram Thomas E , Johnston Brian , Marsh Sarah , Miller Ashley , Nash Amy , Olusanya Olusegun , Parulekar Prashant , Wagstaff Daniel , Wilkinson Jonathan , Collaborators NEAT-ECHO , Proudfoot Alastair 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Echocardiography is an essential tool in the assessment of patients with shock. The current provision of echocardiography in critical care is poorly defined. We sought to evaluate the utilisation of echocardiography in patients presenting to critical care with undifferentiated shock and its impact on decision making.
Methods
We conducted a prospective, multi-centre, observational study in 178 critical care units across the United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies. The study was led by the UK’s Trainee Research in Intensive Care Network. Consecutive adult patients (≥ 18 years) admitted with shock were followed up for 72 hours to ascertain whether they received an echocardiogram, the nature of any scan performed, and its effect on critical treatment decision making.
Results
1015 patients with undifferentiated shock were included. An echocardiogram was performed on 545 (54%) patients within 72 hours and 463 (43%) within 24 hours of admission. Most scans were performed by the critical care team (n = 314, 58%). Echocardiography was reported to either reduce diagnostic uncertainty or change management in 291 (54%) cases. Patients with obstructive, cardiogenic, or mixed shock had their management altered numerically more often by echocardiography (n = 15 [71%], n = 100 [58%] and n = 67 [58%]). 24% of echocardiograms performed adhered to current national information governance and image storage guidance.
Conclusion
Use of echocardiography in the assessment of patients with shock remains heterogenous. When echocardiography is used, it improves diagnostic certainty or changes management in most patients. Future research should explore barriers to increasing use of echocardiography in assessing patients presenting with shock.
Prediction and monitoring of adaptive radiation therapy timing using two-dimensional X-ray image-based water equivalent thickness
Authors: Hirotaki Kouta , Moriya Shunsuke , Tomizawa Kento , Wakabayashi Masashi , Motegi Atsushi , Ito Masashi , Sakae Takeji 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to predict and monitor the optimal timing for implementing adaptive radiation therapy (ART) using two-dimensional X-ray image-based water equivalent thickness (2DWET).
Methods
The study included 40 patients with oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent CT rescanning during the treatment period. An adaptive score (AS) was proposed as a quantitative indicator to facilitate the decision regarding when to implement ART. The AS was derived from changes in four key dose indices: target coverage, spinal cord dose, parotid gland dose, and over-dose volume. Delivered dose distributions were reviewed by two oncologists specializing in head and neck radiation therapy, and the need for ART was evaluated using a four-point score. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the AS cutoff value, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess 2DWET as a predictor of ART timing.
Results
The AS strongly correlated with the decisions made by the radiation oncologists, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.74 and 0.64. An AS cutoff value of 7.5 was identified as an indicator of the optimal time to implement ART, predicting two oncologists' decisions with sensitivities of 79.2% and 89.5% and specificities of 87.5% and 81.0%, respectively. The 2DWET method detected AS = 7.5 with a sensitivity of 63.2% and a specificity of 81.0%.
Conclusions
An adaptive score of 7.5 strongly correlated with the radiation oncologists' decision to implement ART and could therefore be used as a surrogate marker. Two-dimensional WET detected AS = 7.5 with high sensitivity and specificity and could potentially be used as a highly efficient and low-exposure tool for predicting and monitoring the optimal timing of ART implementation.
Application of Model-informed Drug Development (MIDD) in Regulatory Submissions for Drug Approval in Japan
Authors: Sasaki Tomohiro , Katsube Takayuki , Hayato Seiichi , Yamaguchi Shingo , Tanaka Jun , Yoshimatsu Hiroki , Nakanishi Yushi , Kitamura Atsushi , Watase Hirotaka , Suganami Hideki , Matsuoka Nobushige , Hasegawa Chihiro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Model-informed drug development (MIDD) is an approach to improve the efficiency of drug development. To promote awareness and application of MIDD in Japan, the Data Science Expert Committee of the Drug Evaluation Committee in the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association established a task force, which surveyed MIDD applications for approved products in Japan. This study aimed to reveal the trends and challenges in the use of MIDD by analyzing the survey results.
A total of 322 cases approved in Japan between January 2020 and March 2022 as medical products were included in the survey. Modeling analysis was performed in approximately half of the cases (47.8% [154/322]) and formed a major basis for the selection or justification of dosage and administration in approximately one-fourth of the cases [24.2% (78/322)]. Modeling analysis/model-based dose selection was frequently conducted in cases involving monoclonal antibodies, first indication, orphan drugs, and multi-regional trials. Moreover, the survey results indicated that modeling analyses contributed to dose optimization throughout the developmental phases, including changing dose levels from phase II to phase III and dose adjustment in special populations. Japanese data were included in most cases in which modeling analysis was used for dosage selection. Thus, modelling analysis may also address ethnic factors introduced in the ICH E5 and/or E17 guidelines. In summary, this survey is useful for understanding the current status of MIDD use in Japan and for future drug development.
Directional dependence of dysregulated eating, weight stigma, and psychological distress among children with overweight or obesity: a gaussian graphical model and Bayesian network approach
Authors: Shen Guanghui , Zou Fan , Wang Mengting , Pan Hong , Jian Wenqian , Chen Li , Zou Yang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Childhood obesity is a pressing global health concern, with its etiology involving complex interactions among dysregulated eating, weight stigma, and psychological distress. Elucidating the directional dependencies and potential causal pathways among these factors is crucial for intervention development.
Method
In this study, 572 obese or overweight children aged 10-17completed self-report measures assessing weight stigma, internalized stigma, dysregulated eating (restrained, emotional, and external eating), depression, social anxiety, and school bullying. Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) and Bayesian networks were used to investigate the intricate directional relationships among these variables.
Results
GGMs revealed weight stigma as the most central node in the network, exhibiting the highest strength and expected influence. Bayesian networks indicated that school bullying was a significant antecedent, directly influencing both weight stigma and depression. Weight stigma emerged as a crucial mediator, transmitting the effects of school bullying to internalized stigma, emotional eating, and psychological distress. Internalized stigma was the sole direct predictor of restrained eating. Depression, influenced by school bullying and internalized stigma, directly affected social anxiety.
Conclusion
This study emphasizes the importance of addressing weight stigma to alleviate dysregulated eating and psychological distress in obese or over weight children. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to combat weight stigma and its negative effects. Comprehending these complex directional dependencies offers a foundation for devising more effective strategies to tackle childhood obesity and related psychological comorbidities.
Use of a personalised early warning decision support system for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results of the ‘Predict &amp; Prevent’ phase III trial
Authors: Gkini Eleni , Mehta Rajnikant L , Tearne Sarah , Doos Lucy , Jowett Sue , Gale Nicola , Turner Alice M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Rationale Gold standard treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes a supported self-management plan to enable patients to recognise and treat acute exacerbations (AECOPD). The Predict & Prevent trial was designed to provide a definitive randomised clinical trial of a personalised early warning decision support system, COPDPredictTM.
Methods Adults with ≥1 AECOPD or COPD admission were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to use of a personalised early warning decision support system (COPDPredictTM) or standard self-management plans with rescue medication (RM) (control). The primary outcome was number of hospital admissions for AECOPD at 12 months post-randomisation (intention to treat). Quality of life and healthcare utilisation were also assessed.
Results 789 patients were screened, of whom 90 were enrolled. Hospital admissions due to AECOPD at 12 months were lower with COPDPredictTM: Incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.64 (95% CI 0.19 to 2.17) albeit with insufficient evidence of a treatment effect (p=0.48). Exploratory Bayesian analysis and sensitivity analyses saw similar results. No significant differences were seen in inpatient days, visits to accident & emergency visits, and number of exacerbations. COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score benefits occurred at 3 and 6 months with COPDPredictTM (adjusted mean difference -3.8 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6.3 to -1.2, p=0.004 and -3.0 points, 95% CI -5.7 to -0.4, p=0.025 respectively) but was non-significant at longer periods (p>0.22), though this could be observed by chance as indicated by the time-point by treatment interaction (p=0.269). There was not enough evidence to indicate a statistically significant treatment effect on the other outcomes
Conclusions The quality of life data (CAT scores) suggests that 6 months usage of COPDPredictTM period may be helpful to patients, with benefits exceeding the minimum clinically difference throughout that time.
Trial registration: NCT04136418
Psychological Impact and Clinical Correlates of Olfactory Dysfunction in Post- COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Patients: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yoo Jae Hyun , Kim Tae-Suk , Kim Ji Sun , Lee Seung Hoon , Seo Min Young 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has been reported in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Those with OD after COVID-19 (COVID-19 group) exhibited more severe psychiatric symptoms than those with OD from other etiologies (non-COVID-19 group). This study aimed to investigate the differences in psychological symptoms and related clinical factors between the two groups. Fifty-two participants (26 COVID-19 group; 26 non-COVID-19 group) were recruited. Both objective and subjective olfactory function were assessed. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress were measured using self-report scales. There were no significant differences in objective and subjective olfactory function or psychological symptoms between the groups, except for age and the short version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-negative statements (sQOD-NS). The sQOD-NS score was negatively correlated with the duration of OD only in the COVID-19 group. Both groups showed significant correlations between the sQOD-NS and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores. Mediation analysis showed that the duration of OD indirectly affected PHQ-9 scores via sQOD-NS in the entire sample and particularly in the COVID-19 group. The findings suggest that subjective distress from OD may mediate the relationship between duration of OD and depressive symptoms in COVID-19 patients, highlighting the need for targeted psychiatric interventions after COVID-19.