bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovative prognostication: a novel nomogram for post-interventional aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients
Authors: Guo Qinyu , Chen Hongyi , Lin Shirong , Gong Zheng , Song Zhiwei , Chen Feng 
Published: August 2024

Background and purposeSpontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a common acute cerebrovascular disease characterized by severe illness, high mortality, and potential cognitive and motor impairments. We carried out a retrospective study at Fujian Provincial Hospital to establish and validate a model for forecasting functional outcomes at 6 months in aSAH patients who underwent interventional embolization.Methods386 aSAH patients who underwent interventional embolization between May 2012 and April 2022 were included in the study. We established a logistic regression model based on independent risk factors associated with 6-month adverse outcomes (modified Rankin Scale Score ≥ 3, mRS). We evaluated the model’s performance based on its discrimination, calibration, clinical applicability, and generalization ability. Finally, the study-derived prediction model was also compared with other aSAH prognostic scales and the model’s itself constituent variables to assess their respective predictive efficacy.ResultsThe predictors considered in our study were age, the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade of IV-V, mFisher score of 3–4, secondary cerebral infarction, and first leukocyte counts on admission. Our model demonstrated excellent discrimination in both the modeling and validation cohorts, with an area under the curve of 0.914 (p &lt; 0.001, 95%CI = 0.873–0.956) and 0.947 (p &lt; 0.001, 95%CI = 0.907–0.987), respectively. Additionally, the model also exhibited good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test: X2 = 9.176, p = 0.328). The clinical decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve showed favorable clinical applicability. In comparison to other prediction models and variables, our model displayed superior predictive performance.ConclusionThe new prediction nomogram has the capability to forecast the unfavorable outcomes at 6 months after intervention in patients with aSAH.
Consistency and stability of individualized cortical functional networks parcellation at 3.0 T and 5.0 T MRI
Authors: Yu Minhua , Rao Bo , Cao Yayun , Gao Lei , Li Huan , Song Xiaopeng , Xu Haibo 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundIndividualized cortical functional networks parcellation has been reported as highly reproducible at 3.0 T. However, in view of the complexity of cortical networks and the greatly increased sensitivity provided by ultra-high field 5.0 T MRI, the parcellation consistency between different magnetic fields is unclear.PurposeTo explore the consistency and stability of individualized cortical functional networks parcellation at 3.0 T and 5.0 T MRI based on spatial and functional connectivity analysis.Materials and methodsThirty healthy young participants were enrolled. Each subject underwent resting-state fMRI at both 3.0 T and 5.0 T in a random order in less than 48 h. The individualized cortical functional networks was parcellated for each subject using a previously proposed iteration algorithm. Dice coefficient was used to evaluate the spatial consistency of parcellated networks between 3.0 T and 5.0 T. Functional connectivity (FC) consistency was evaluated using the Euclidian distance and Graph-theory metrics.ResultsA functional cortical atlas consisting of 18 networks was individually parcellated at 3.0 T and 5.0 T. The spatial consistency of these networks at 3.0 T and 5.0 T for the same subject was significantly higher than that of inter-individuals. The FC between the 18 networks acquired at 3.0 T and 5.0 T were highly consistent for the same subject. Positive cross-subject correlations in Graph-theory metrics were found between 3.0 T and 5.0 T.ConclusionIndividualized cortical functional networks at 3.0 T and 5.0 T showed consistent and stable parcellation results both spatially and functionally. The 5.0 T MR provides finer functional sub-network characteristics than that of 3.0 T.
Abnormal large-scale resting-state functional networks in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Gong Xiarong , Wang Libo , Guo Yuanyuan , Ma Yingzi , Li Wei , Zhang Juanjuan , Chen Meiling , Wang Jiaojian , Meng Qiang , Chen Kexuan , Tian Yanghua 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPatients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis often experience severe symptoms. Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) has revealed widespread impairment of functional networks in patients. However, the changes in information flow remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) both within and between resting-state networks (RSNs), as well as the alterations in effective connectivity (EC) between these networks.MethodsResting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data were collected from 25 patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and 30 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, and educational level. Changes in the intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) within and between RSNs were analyzed using independent component analysis (ICA). The functional interaction between RSNs was identified by granger causality analysis (GCA).ResultsCompared to HCs, patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis exhibited lower performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), both in terms of correct numbers and correct categories. Additionally, these patients demonstrated decreased scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Neuroimaging studies revealed abnormal intra-FC within the default mode network (DMN), increased intra-FC within the visual network (VN) and dorsal attention network (DAN), as well as increased inter-FC between VN and the frontoparietal network (FPN). Furthermore, aberrant effective connectivity (EC) was observed among the DMN, DAN, FPN, VN, and somatomotor network (SMN).ConclusionPatients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis displayed noticeable deficits in both memory and executive function. Notably, these patients exhibited widespread impairments in intra-FC, inter-FC, and EC. These results may help to explain the pathophysiological mechanism of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
Prevalence of alternative lengthening of telomeres in pediatric sarcomas determined by the telomeric DNA C-circle assay
Authors: Burrow Trevor A. , Koneru Balakrishna , Macha Shawn J. , Sun Wenyue , Barr Frederic G. , Triche Timothy J. , Reynolds C. Patrick 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAlternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) occurs in sarcomas and ALT cancers share common mechanisms of therapy resistance or sensitivity. Telomeric DNA C-circles are self-primed circular telomeric repeats detected with a PCR assay that provide a sensitive and specific biomarker exclusive to ALT cancers. We have previously shown that 23% of high-risk neuroblastomas are of the ALT phenotype. Here, we investigate the frequency of ALT in Ewing’s family sarcoma (EFS), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and osteosarcoma (OS) by analyzing DNA from fresh frozen primary tumor samples utilizing the real-time PCR C-circle Assay (CCA).MethodsWe reviewed prior publications on ALT detection in pediatric sarcomas. DNA was extracted from fresh frozen primary tumors, fluorometrically quantified, C-circles were selectively enriched by isothermal rolling cycle amplification and detected by real-time PCR.ResultsThe sample cohort consisted of DNA from 95 EFS, 191 RMS, and 87 OS primary tumors. One EFS and 4 RMS samples were inevaluable. Using C-circle positive (CC+) cutoffs previously defined for high-risk neuroblastoma, we observed 0 of 94 EFS, 5 of 187 RMS, and 62 of 87 OS CC+ tumors.ConclusionsUtilizing the ALT-specific CCA we observed ALT in 0% of EFS, 2.7% of RMS, and 71% of OS. These data are comparable to prior studies in EFS and OS using less specific ALT markers. The CCA can provide a robust and sensitive means of identifying ALT in sarcomas and has potential as a companion diagnostic for ALT targeted therapeutics.
Association between preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the survival outcomes of esophageal cancer patients underwent esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xun , Liu SiJie , Li FengWei , Chen YingTai 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the association between preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the survival outcomes of esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy, the latest and comprehensive systematic review performed.MethodsRelated literature retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane before January 2024, according to the inclusion criteria. Outcomes measured were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).ResultsEighteen studies with 6,119 esophageal cancer patients were retained for analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated that OS (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.29, 1.67; P &lt; 0.00001), DFS (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.05; P &lt; 0.0001), and CSS (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.05; P &lt; 0.0001) were significantly shorter in the high NLR group compared with the low NLR group. In addition, meta-analysis revealed a similar RFS (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 0.92, 2.35; P = 0.10) among the two groups. Subgroup analysis of OS and DFS based on mean/median age, NLR cutoff, and region found that all subgroups remained significant difference between two groups.ConclusionAmong esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy, preoperative NLR can be used as prognostic factor independently. High-preoperative NLR is associated with poor prognosis. More large-scale, multicenter prospective clinical studies are needed to further validate the relationship between preoperative NLR and prognosis of esophageal cancer.
Imaging and histopathologic characteristics of typical pancreatic hamartoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Shunli , Yang Lei , Wu Jie , Lin Xin , Zhang Zaixian 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPancreatic hamartoma, a rare benign non-neoplastic condition, presents challenges in differentiating from other pancreatic diseases due to its atypical imaging and unreliable biopsy results. In this study, we present a case of pancreatic hamartoma and conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature to outline its characteristic features, aiming to underscore its clinical relevance and implications.Case presentationA 63-year-old man presented with a pancreatic mass, discovered during evaluation of abdominal pain and distension. Laboratory tests were largely unremarkable. Ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic mass in the head of the pancreas. Subsequent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an inhomogeneous mass with a clear boundary in the uncinate process of the pancreas. Furthermore, a distinct delayed enhancement pattern was noted on imaging. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic hamartoma.ConclusionsPreoperative diagnosis of pancreatic hamartoma remains challenging. Imaging modalities can play a crucial role in facilitating accurate diagnosis and potentially avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention in patients with this condition.
Prevalence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients at high-risk of failure after CAR T-cell therapy eligible for bridging radiation therapy
Authors: Danish Adnan , Della Pia Alexandra , Fogel Lindsay , Alkhatatneh Hassan , Zhao Charles , Varughese Tony , Al Feghali Karine A. , Pascual Lauren , Sinclaire Brittany , Marafelias Michael , Zenreich Joshua , Kuo Yen-Hong , Feldman Tatyana A. , Zhang Yi , Goy Andre H. , Ip Andrew , Rowley Scott D. 
Published: August 2024

Background and purposeThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) meeting high-risk criteria for early relapse after CD19 CAR T-cell therapy (CART) who have disease encompassable in a standard radiation therapy (RT) plan (defined as &lt;5 malignant lesions) and may benefit from bridging RT prior to CD19 CART.Materials and methodsThis is a single-center, retrospective study of patients with R/R NHL who received CD19 CART from 2018 to 2022. Eligible patients had pre-apheresis radiologic studies available. All patients were classified by number of lesions and history of high-risk disease criteria: bulky disease ≥10 cm, ≥1 extranodal (EN) sites, LDH ≥normal, or ≥1 lesion with SUVmax ≥10.ResultsA total of 81 patients with R/R NHL were evaluated. Based on our definition, 40 (49%) patients would have been eligible for bridging RT, including 38 patients who met high-risk criteria: 31 with ≥1 EN site, 19 had ≥1 lesion with SUVmax ≥10, 16 with bulky disease, and 3 with elevated LDH. At 3 months after CART, ORRs in high-risk patients with &lt;5 lesions, ≥5 lesions, and no lesions on pre-apheresis studies were 76% (CR 69%, PR 7%), 70% (CR 60%, PR 10%), and 80% (CR 80%), respectively.ConclusionApproximately 47% (38/81) of patients were classified as at high risk of relapse after CART with disease encompassable in a standard radiation plan and eligible for bridging RT studies.
Pathologic response evaluation of localized or locally advanced esophageal carcinoma to induction chemotherapy followed by preoperative concurrent chemotherapy and hypofractionated radiotherapy: a clinical trial
Authors: Emadi Torghabeh Ali , Aledavood Seyed Amir , Soltani Ehsan , Akbari Oryani Mahsa , Akhlaghi Saeed , Hosseini Sare , Fani Pakdel Azar , Taghizadeh Kermani Ali , Anvari Kazem , Shahidsales Soodabeh , Bahadorian Shahrzad , Mashreghi Moghaddam Shervin 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveEsophageal cancer is a therapeutic challenge in most healthcare systems. Most patients present with locally advanced disease at diagnosis. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. Since achieving a complete pathological response in postoperative specimens following neoadjuvant therapy is associated with improved patient survival, this study was designed to evaluate the pathologic response of localized or locally advanced esophageal carcinoma to induction chemotherapy followed by preoperative concurrent chemotherapy and hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFR).MethodsThis single-arm clinical trial (IRCT20210623051676N1) evaluated patients with squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, stage cT2-T4a N0 M0 or cT1-T4a N+ M0. Patients received 3-5 cycles of weekly induction chemotherapy with the paclitaxel (50 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC=2) regimen, followed by weekly concurrent CRT with the same chemotherapy regimen. The radiation dose was 40 Gy, delivered over 16 fractions, 5 days per week (2.5 Gray/fraction). Patients underwent surgery 4-6 weeks after completion of CRT. The surgical specimens were evaluated for pathological response. A p-value of &lt; 0.05 was considered significant in all analyses.ResultsOut of 54 patients enrolled in this study, 45 completed the neoadjuvant protocol. Of these 45 patients, 32 underwent surgery and were finally analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 59.9 ± 8.6 years (range, 37-75 years). The location of the tumor was in the mid-thoracic esophagus in most patients (21, 65.6%) and the most common histological type was SCC (29, 90.6%). The median number of induction and concurrent chemotherapy cycles was 5 (4.8 ± 1.3 course, range, 1-10) and 3 (2.6 ± 0.8 course, range, 0-4), respectively. Among 45 patients who completed the neoadjuvant protocol, the most common toxicities were grade 3 neutropenia (15.6%), acute renal failure (4.4%), and odynophagia (37.8%). Nearly two-thirds of the patients experienced complete or near-complete responses (71.9%, 23 patients). Partial response was reported in 6 patients (18.8%) and poor response in 3 patients (9.4%).ConclusionPreoperative induction chemotherapy followed by HFR with concurrent chemotherapy has low toxicity and side effects, good tolerance, and significant efficacy in the treatment of patients with esophageal cancer.Clinical trial registrationhttps://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/59930, identifier NCT05745545.
Impact of cold storage on the oxygenation and oxidation reactions of red blood cells
Authors: Kassa Tigist , Jana Sirsendu , Baek Jin Hyen , Alayash Abdu I. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Electrostatic binding of deoxyhemoglobin (Hb) to cytoplasmic domain of band 3 anion transport protein occurs as part of the glycolytic regulation in red blood cells (RBCs). Hb oxidation intermediates not only impact RBC’s oxygenation but also RBC’s membrane through the interaction with band 3. It is not known however whether these critical pathways undergo changes during the storage of RBCs.Methods and Results: Oxygen parameters of fresh blood showed a sigmoidal and cooperative oxygen dissociation curve (ODC) for the first week of storage. This was followed by a large drop in oxygen affinity (P50) (from 30 to 20 mmHg) which remained nearly unchanged with a slight elevation in Bohr coefficients and a significant drop in extracellular acidification rates (ECAR) at the 42-day storage. Oxidation of Hb increased with time as well as the formation of a highly reactive ferryl Hb under oxidative stress conditions. Ferryl Hb interacted avidly with RBC’s membrane’s band 3, but to lesser extent with old ghost RBCs.Discussion: The observed alterations in RBC’s oxygen binding may have been affected by the alterations in band 3’s integrity which are largely driven by the internal iron oxidation of Hb. Restoring oxygen homeostasis in stored blood may require therapeutic interventions that target changes in Hb oxidation and membrane changes.
Place-based, intersectional variation in caregiving patterns and health outcomes among informal caregivers in the United States
Authors: Cohen Steven A. , Nash Caitlin C. , Greaney Mary L. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionInformal caregiving is a critical component of the healthcare system despite numerous impacts on informal caregivers’ health and well-being. Racial and gender disparities in caregiving duties and health outcomes are well documented. Place-based factors, such as neighborhood conditions and rural–urban status, are increasingly being recognized as promoting and moderating health disparities. However, the potential for place-based factors to interact with racial and gender disparities as they relate to caregiving attributes jointly and differentially is not well established. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to jointly assess the variability in caregiver health and aspects of the caregiving experience by race/ethnicity, sex, and rural–urban status.MethodsThe study is a secondary analysis of data from the 2021 and 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multivariable logistic regression or Poisson regression models assessed differences in caregiver attributes and health measures by demographic group categorized by race/ethnicity, sex, and rural–urban status.ResultsRespondents from rural counties were significantly more likely to report poor or fair health (23.2% vs. 18.5%), have obesity (41.5% vs. 37.1%), and have a higher average number of comorbidities than urban caregivers. Overall, rural Black male caregivers were 43% more likely to report poor or fair health than White male caregivers (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.21, 1.69). Urban female caregivers across all racial groups had a significantly higher likelihood of providing care to someone with Alzheimer’s disease than rural White males (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, there were nuanced patterns of caregiving attributes across race/ethnicity*sex*rural–urban status subgroups, particularly concerning caregiving intensity and length of caregiving.DiscussionStudy findings emphasize the need to develop and implement tailored approaches to mitigate caregiver burden and address the nuanced needs of a diverse population of caregivers.
An analysis of trends in the use of animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research and toxicology publications
Authors: Taylor Katy , Modi Stephanie , Bailey Jarrod 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThere have been relatively few attempts to quantitatively assess if, and in which areas, the use of non-animal methods (NAMs) is increasing in biomedical research and importantly, how this compares to the use of live animals.MethodsWe conducted a bibliometric analysis of the relative publication of papers reporting the use of NAMs-only compared to those reporting the use of animals, even if they also reported the use of NAMs, over the period 2003 to 2022 across seven research areas (breast cancer, lung disease, blood cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and toxicology) and five regions (USA, China, France, Germany, United Kingdom).ResultsWe found that the relative number of publications of research using NAMs-only has been higher than animal-based research for the last 20 years for all research areas and is growing. Research areas differed in their relative publication of NAMs-only based work, with breast cancer and lung disease having consistently the highest ratio of NAMs-only to animal-based publications and heart disease, diabetes and toxicology showing the greatest change over the time period. A key period of change was 2016–18. By 2022 the UK had the highest NAMs-only to animal-based research ratio than any other country for five of the seven research areas and China the lowest for six, accounting for publication rate. Tissue and in silico-based methods were the most common of all NAMs-only publications; lab-on-a-chip and stem cell models are increasing in their use but at much lower levels and rate of increase.ConclusionWe found that proportionately the reliance on animals in these research areas is decreasing, which will be encouraging to those that support the replacement of animal experiments.