bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bevacizumab reduces cerebral radiation necrosis due to stereotactic radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases: an inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Yu Jiayi , Yang Dan , Jiang Leilei , Dong Xin , Liu Zhiyan , Yu Rong , Yu Huiming , Shi Anhui 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundCerebral radiation necrosis (RN), a severe complication of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), has been shown to significantly decrease patient survival time and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether bevacizumab can prevent or reduce the occurrence of SRT-induced cerebral RN in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of NSCLC patients with brain metastases from March 2013 to June 2023 who were treated with SRT. Patients were divided into two groups: those in the bevacizumab group received SRT with four cycles of bevacizumab, and patients in the control group received SRT only. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed based on a multinomial propensity score model to balance the baseline characteristics. The chi-square test was used. A Cox model was used to evaluate overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 80 patients were enrolled, namely, 28 patients in the bevacizumab group and 52 patients in the control group. The possibility of developing cerebral RN and/or symptomatic edema (RN/SE) was significantly decreased in patients treated with bevacizumab compared to those who did not receive bevacizumab before IPTW (p=0.036) and after IPTW (p=0.015) according to chi-square analysis. The IPTW-adjusted median OS was 47.7 months (95% CI 27.4-80.8) for patients in the bevacizumab group and 44.1 months (95% CI 36.7-68.0) (p=0.364) for patients in the control group.ConclusionThe application of bevacizumab concurrent with SRT may prevent or reduce the occurrence of cerebral RN in NSCLC patients with brain metastases.
HBHA induces IL-10 from CD4+ T cells in patients with active tuberculosis but IFN-γ and IL-17 from individuals with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Izumida Mai , Jobe Haddijatou , Coker Edward G. , Barry Amadou , Rashid Momodou , Manneh Ismaila L. , Daffeh Georgetta K. , Ariyoshi Koya , Sutherland Jayne S. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundTo effectively control tuberculosis (TB), it is crucial to distinguish between active TB disease and latent TB infection (LTBI) to provide appropriate treatment. However, no such tests are currently available. Immune responses associated with active TB and LTBI are dynamic and exhibit distinct patterns. Comparing these differences is crucial for developing new diagnostic methods and understanding the etiology of TB. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pro- and anti-inflammatory CD4+ cytokine production following stimulation with two types of latency-associated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) antigens to allow differentiation between active TB and LTBI.MethodsCryopreserved PBMCs from patients with active TB disease or LTBI were stimulated overnight with replication-related antigen [ESAT-6/CFP-10 (E/C)] or two latency-associated antigens [heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA) and alpha-crystallin-like protein (Acr)]. Responses were analyzed using multiparameter flow cytometry: active TB disease (n=15), LTBI (n=15) and ELISA: active TB disease (n=26) or LTBI (n=27).ResultsCD4+ central memory T cells (Tcm) specific to E/C and CD4+ effector memory T cells specific to Acr and HBHA were higher in LTBI than in TB patients. IFN-γ+Tcm and IL-17+ Tem cells was higher in the LTBI group (p= 0.012 and p=0.029 respectively), but IL-10+ Tcm was higher in the active TB group (p= 0.029) following HBHA stimulation. Additionally, following stimulation with HBHA, IL-10 production from CD4+ T cells was significantly elevated in patients with active TB compared to those with LTBI (p= 0.0038), while CD4+ T cell production of IL-17 and IFN-γ was significantly elevated in LTBI compared to active TB (p= 0.0076, p&lt; 0.0001, respectively). HBHA also induced more CCR6+IL-17+CD4Tcells and IL-17+FoxP3+CD25+CD4Tcells in LTBI than in TB patients (P=0.026 and P=0.04, respectively). HBHA also induced higher levels of IFN-γ+IL-10+CD4+ T cells in patients with active TB (Pp=0.03) and higher levels of IFN-γ+IL-17+ CD4+ T cells in those with LTBI (p=0.04). HBHA-specific cytokine production measured using ELISA showed higher levels of IFN-γ in participants with LTBI (P=0.004) and higher levels of IL-10 in those with active TB (P=0.04).ConclusionStimulation with HBHA and measurement of CD4+ T cell production of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-17 could potentially differentiate active TB from LTBI. The characteristics of cytokine-expressing cells induced by HBHA also differed between participants with active TB and LTBI.
Teaching medical students hematopathology: a randomized crossover study comparing direct inspection by light microscope versus projected images
Authors: Alqahtani Sultan , Al-Nasser Sami , Agha Sajida , Mohamud Mohamud S. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundStudents’ ability to diagnose various blood disorders could be substantially improved by continuously reviewing approaches toward teaching hematology. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of light microscopes and projected images on students’ learning and determine medical students’ perception of these teaching methods.MethodsA randomized trial was conducted using a crossover design. Two groups, each with 30 students, were subjected to teaching methods based on light microscopes and projected images alternatively.ResultsNo differences were found in the two study groups’ baseline characteristics, such as median age, sex, and prior academic performance, as well as in the pre-test scores. Post-test scores were significantly higher among students subjected to the projection method than in the control group (Mean ± SD = 9.8 ± 1.7 vs. 5.1 ± 1.3, p &lt; 0.001). In the post-cross-over assessment, 85% (n = 51) of students reported their satisfaction for the projected images, and 78% (n = 47) of students were willing to be taught by projection. Students perceived that the projection method facilitated participation and better involvement in discussions, improved learning, provided greater motivation, and eventually increased comprehension and efficiency.ConclusionThe projection-based teaching method is more effective in improving knowledge and achieving intended learning outcomes. Students tend to prefer the projection method over the laboratory-based method and perceive it as an effective method to enhance their learning of hematology.
Association of the protective effect of telmisartan on hearing loss among patients with hypertension
Authors: Cha Jung-Joon , Yum Yunjin , Kim Yong Hyun , Kim Eung Ju , Rah Yoon Chan , Park Euyhyun , Im Gi Jung , Song Jae-Jun , Chae Sung-Won , Choi June , Joo Hyung Joon 
Published: August 2024

AimHearing loss, affecting a significant portion of the global population, is prevented with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonism. Understanding potential protective treatments is crucial for public health. We examine the effect of telmisartan, an antihypertensive drug and partial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist, on hearing loss in patients with hypertension.Method and resultsThis retrospective cohort analysis used data from the OMOP Common Data Model database, encompassing information from three tertiary institutions in South Korea. The study included a substantial sample size of 860,103 people diagnosed with hypertension. The study included individuals who had been medically diagnosed with hypertension and had been prescribed antihypertensive drugs, including telmisartan. The study design was established to evaluate the comparative effects of telmisartan and other hypertension medications on hearing loss. We used propensity score matching (PSM) to create a balanced cohort, reducing potential biases between the telmisartan and non-telmisartan groups. From the initial 860,103 patients with hypertension, a propensity score matched cohort was derived from 20,010 patients, with 2,193 in the telmisartan group. After PSM, lower incidence of total hearing loss was observed in the telmisartan group compared to the non-telmisartan group during the 3-year follow-up (0.5% vs. 1.5%, log-rank p = 0.005). In subgroup analysis, this study showed consistent results that lower incidence of total hearing loss was higher in the telmisartan group than in the non-telmisartan group.ConclusionTelmisartan was associated with reducing certain types of hearing loss in patients with hypertension. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms.
Effects of body weight support training on balance and walking function in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxiang , Zhang Xinxin , Fu Qian , Tao Yimin 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate the impact of body weight support training (BWST) on balance and gait function in stroke patients based on an evidence-based basis and to identify the most effective intervention strategies.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and Chinese SinoMed Database were searched until November 25, 2023. Quality assessment and meta-analysis were performed using RevMan 5.2 and Stata 14.0 software.ResultsA total of 31 randomized controlled trials involving 1,918 patients were included in the study. The meta-analysis demonstrated that body weight support training (BWST) significantly improved Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores (MD = 3.60; 95% CI: 1.23 to 5.98; p = 0.003), gait speed (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.15; p &lt; 0.0001), and step length (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.72; p = 0.0008) in stroke patients compared to conventional rehabilitation. For enhancing balance function, the most effective interventions were identified as a disease duration of 3–6 months (MD = 5.16; 95% CI: 0.76 to 9.57; p = 0.02), intervention time of 4–8 weeks (MD = 5.70; 95% CI: 2.90 to 8.50; p &lt; 0.0001), a maximum body weight support level above 30% (MD = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.48 to 6.13; p = 0.001), and a maximum training walking speed of 0.2 m/s or more (MD = 4.66; 95% CI: 0.37 to 9.70; p = 0.03). For improving walking function, the optimal interventions were also a disease duration of 3–6 months (gait speed: SMD = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.03; p = 0.008; step length: SMD = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.56; p = 0.04), intervention time of 4–8 weeks (gait speed: SMD = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.44 to 1.59; p = 0.0006; step length: SMD = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.12; p &lt; 0.00001), a maximum body weight support level above 30% (gait speed: SMD = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.22; p = 0.0003; step length: SMD = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.47 to 1.11; p &lt; 0.00001), and a maximum training walking speed of 0.2 m/s or more (gait speed: SMD = 1.26; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.90; p = 0.0001; step length: SMD = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.31; p = 0.0003).ConclusionCompared with conventional rehabilitation training, BWST demonstrates superior efficacy in enhancing balance and walking function in stroke patients, with a consistent optimal intervention strategy. The most effective program includes a disease duration of 3–6 months, an intervention period of 4–8 weeks, a maximum body weight support of 30% or more, and a maximum training walking speed of 0.2 m/s or greater.Systematic review registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022358963.
Investigating the effects of context, visual working memory, and inhibitory control in hybrid visual search
Authors: Barbosa Alessandra , Ruarte Gonzalo , Ries Anthony J. , Kamienkowski Juan E. , Ison Matias J. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIn real-life scenarios, individuals frequently engage in tasks that involve searching for one of the distinct items stored in memory. This combined process of visual search and memory search is known as hybrid search. To date, most hybrid search studies have been restricted to average observers looking for previously well-memorized targets in blank backgrounds.MethodsWe investigated the effects of context and the role of memory in hybrid search by modifying the task’s memorization phase to occur in all-new single trials. In addition, we aimed to assess how individual differences in visual working memory capacity and inhibitory control influence performance during hybrid search. In an online experiment, 110 participants searched for potential targets in images with and without context. A change detection and go/no-go task were also performed to measure working memory capacity and inhibitory control, respectively.ResultsWe show that, in target present trials, the main hallmarks of hybrid search remain present, with a linear relationship between reaction time and visual set size and a logarithmic relationship between reaction time and memory set size. These behavioral results can be reproduced by using a simple drift-diffusion model. Finally, working memory capacity did not predict most search performance measures. Inhibitory control, when relationships were significant, could account for only a small portion of the variability in the data.DiscussionThis study provides insights into the effects of context and individual differences on search efficiency and termination.
The effect of nutritional risk management program on the growth and development of infants and toddlers with congenital heart disease after discharge
Authors: Huang Ya-Li , Luo Wen-Yi , Wang Xie-Lei , Zheng Feng , Gao Jian-Hua , Chen Ming-Xia , Pan Yang-Dong 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of nutritional risk management program on the growth and development of infants and toddlers with congenital heart disease (CHD) after discharge.MethodsInfants and toddlers with CHD discharged from a children's specialized hospital in southeast China were selected as the research subjects. The subjects were divided into the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group underwent a nutritional risk management program combined with traditional follow-up after discharge, whereas the control group received traditional follow-up after discharge. The primary outcome measure were the height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) at different time point and the percentage of growth and development curves were also recorded and analyzed.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in general characteristics between the two groups. However, in the intervention group, the percentages of HAZ &lt; −2, WAZ &lt; −2, and WHZ &lt; −2 were lower than those in the control group at 3rd and 6th months after discharge (P &lt; 0.05). The percentage of growth and development curves (3%–97%) was higher than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The readmission rate within 6 months after discharge in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionImplementing nutritional risk management program for infants and toddlers with CHD after discharge can help improve postoperative malnutrition, promote growth and development and achieve catch-up growth as soon as possible.
Improving lupus care index documentation in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Barbar-Smiley Fatima A. , Yildirim-Toruner Cagri , Akoghlanian Shoghik , AlAhmed Ohoud , Ardoin Stacy P. , Leone Ashlee , Oberle Edward , Sivaraman Vidya 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionChildhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) presents unique challenges due to increased risk for severe morbidity and mortality compared to adult-onset SLE. Effective disease management relies on accurate disease assessment and documentation. Our project aimed to improve the documentation of the Lupus Care Index (LCI), a disease assessment bundle, by implementing a quality improvement (QI) initiative.MethodsA QI project was conducted at Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH), targeting patients with c-SLE. The LCI, comprising the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2k) Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and patient-reported pain score, was introduced to capture comprehensive disease assessment. Interventions included provider education, standardization of documentation procedures, and electronic health record (EHR) modifications. Automated reports tracked documentation rates, and Pareto charts identified areas for targeted interventions.ResultsBaseline analysis revealed incomplete documentation of LCI components in only one-third of c-SLE patients. Following interventions, documentation rates improved from 38% to 90%, with sustained improvement over at least a year.DiscussionEnhancing documentation of LCI in patients with c-SLE is crucial for optimizing disease management. Our quality improvement initiative demonstrated the feasibility of improving documentation practices through targeted interventions and system modifications. Future research should explore the impact of comprehensive documentation on clinical outcomes in pediatric lupus patients. Improving documentation of LCI in patients with c-SLE is essential for optimizing care delivery and clinical outcomes; our QI initiative highlights the effectiveness of systemic interventions in enhancing documentation practices and underscores the importance of continued efforts to improve pediatric lupus care.
Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq-Saposhnikovia divaricata decoction alleviates atopic dermatitis via downregulating macrophage TRPV1
Authors: Li Hongmin , Liang Jinyu , Li Peifeng , Li Xiangzheng , Liu Qing , Yang Songxue , Zhang Chunlei , Liu Shun , He Yuan , Tan Cheng 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveSchizonepeta tenuifolia -Saposhnikovia divaricata (Jingjie-Fangfeng, JF) has been used for years to treat allergic inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, but the specific effects and mechanisms of JF are still unclear.PurposeWe aim to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of JF in MC903-induced atopic dermatitis-like model.MethodsJF decoction was subjected to rigorous HPLC and GC analysis. The JF decoction was then freshly prepared and administered to MC903-induced atopic dermatitis -like mice models to investigate its therapeutic effects. Our evaluation focused on several markers of inflammation including the TEWL index, ear thickness, swelling, and specific inflammation indicators such as TSLP, IL33, IgE, and immune cell presence at the lesion sites. We measured Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expression levels through immunofluorescent staining in skin tissue from both atopic dermatitis patients and the MC903-treated mice. Furthermore, TRPV1 expression and macrophage activation markers were measured in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated Raw264.7 and THP-1 cell models in vitro. Additionally, we developed cell lines that overexpress TRPV1 and investigated how JF treatment affects NF-κB p65 phosphorylation in these cells to understand better the role of TRPV1 in atopic dermatitis.ResultsThe JF decoction met the standards outlined in the Chinese pharmacopeia. The JF decoction significantly alleviated inflammatory skin symptoms and helped restore skin barrier function. Additionally, it reduced the levels of IgE and pro-inflammatory cytokines TSLP, IL-33, and IL-4. There was also a noticeable decrease in mast cell infiltration and degranulation. Notably, JF decoction reduced infiltrated macrophages with limited affection on T cell infiltration. It also decreased F4/80+/TRPV1+ cells in atopic dermatitis mice and TRPV1 expression in LPS/IFNγ-stimulated microphages. Additionally, we observed that CD68+/TRPV1+ cells increased in human atopic dermatitis tissue. Further studies showed that JF water extract (JF-WE) suppressed TRPV1 expression in macrophages, potentially by affecting NF-κB p65 phosphorylation rather than the JAK-STAT6 pathway.ConclusionThis study offers initial evidence of the effectiveness of JF-WE in suppressing inflammation in atopic dermatitis. The therapeutic effect might stems from its ability to downregulate TRPV1 expression and subsequent NF-κB p65 phosphorylation in macrophages.
Chlomito: a novel tool for precise elimination of organelle genome contamination from nuclear genome assembly
Authors: Song Wei , Li Chong , Lu Yanming , Shen Dawei , Jia Yunxiao , Huo Yixin , Piao Weilan , Jin Hua 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAccurate reference genomes are fundamental to understanding biological evolution, biodiversity, hereditary phenomena and diseases. However, many assembled nuclear chromosomes are often contaminated by organelle genomes, which will mislead bioinformatic analysis, and genomic and transcriptomic data interpretation.MethodsTo address this issue, we developed a tool named Chlomito, aiming at precise identification and elimination of organelle genome contamination from nuclear genome assembly. Compared to conventional approaches, Chlomito utilized new metrics, alignment length coverage ratio (ALCR) and sequencing depth ratio (SDR), thereby effectively distinguishing true organelle genome sequences from those transferred into nuclear genomes via horizontal gene transfer (HGT).ResultsThe accuracy of Chlomito was tested using sequencing data from Plum, Mango and Arabidopsis. The results confirmed that Chlomito can accurately detect contigs originating from the organelle genomes, and the identified contigs covered most regions of the organelle reference genomes, demonstrating efficiency and precision of Chlomito. Considering user convenience, we further packaged this method into a Docker image, simplified the data processing workflow.DiscussionOverall, Chlomito provides an efficient, accurate and convenient method for identifying and removing contigs derived from organelle genomes in genomic assembly data, contributing to the improvement of genome assembly quality.
Measuring the harm of sugar sweetened beverages and internalities associated with it
Authors: Ding Ningxin , Desai Jaikishan 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionObesity, which is partly driven by the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), significantly increases the risk of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, leading to substantial health and economic burdens.MethodsThis study aims to quantify the monetary value of health harms caused by SSB consumption, along with the associated internalities, through a contingent valuation survey. The results are crucial for determining the socially optimal tax rate.ResultsWe surveyed 293 residents of Wellington, New Zealand, to assess their willingness to pay (WTP) for reductions in the risks of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease associated with SSB intake. Logistic regression analysis revealed the marginal WTP for a 1% risk reduction in diabetes, stroke, and heart disease to be NZ$404.86, NZ$809.04, and NZ$1,236.84, respectively. Based on these values, we estimate the marginal harm from SSB consumption to be approximately NZ$17.37 per liter in New Zealand, with internalities amounting to NZ$6.43 per liter, suggesting an optimal tax rate of NZ$6.49 per liter.DiscussionImplementing such a tax is feasible and would likely double or triple the price of SSBs in New Zealand.