bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy-Related Lymphopenia Is Associated With Worse Survival in Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lee Grace , Kim Daniel W. , Smart Alicia C. , Horick Nora K. , Eyler Christine E. , Roberts Hannah J. , Pathak Priyadarshini , Goyal Lipika , Franses Joseph , Heather James M. , Hwang William L. , Grassberger Clemens , Klempner Samuel J. , Drapek Lorraine C. , Allen Jill N. , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , Parikh Aparna R. , Ryan David P. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Hong Theodore S. , Wo Jennifer Y. 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of radiotherapy (RT)-related lymphopenia, its predictors, and association with survival in unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) treated with hypofractionated-RT (HF-RT).

Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 96 patients with unresectable ICC who underwent HF-RT (median 58.05 Gy in 15 fractions) between 2009 and 2022 was performed. Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) nadir within 12 weeks of RT was analyzed. Primary variable of interest was severe lymphopenia, defined as Grade 3+ (ALC <0.5 k/μL) per CTCAE v5.0. Primary outcome of interest was overall survival (OS) from RT.

Results:
Median follow-up was 16 months. Fifty-two percent of patients had chemotherapy pre-RT, 23% during RT, and 40% post-RT. Pre-RT, median ALC was 1.1 k/μL and 5% had severe lymphopenia. Post-RT, 68% developed RT-related severe lymphopenia. Patients who developed severe lymphopenia had a significantly lower pre-RT ALC (median 1.1 vs. 1.5 k/μL, P=0.01) and larger target tumor volume (median 125 vs. 62 cm3, P=0.02). In our multivariable Cox model, severe lymphopenia was associated with a 1.7-fold increased risk of death (P=0.04); 1-year OS rates were 63% vs 77% (P=0.03). Receipt of photon versus proton-based RT (OR=3.50, P=0.02), higher mean liver dose (OR=1.19, P<0.01), and longer RT duration (OR=1.49, P=0.02) predicted severe lymphopenia.

Conclusions:
HF-RT-related lymphopenia is an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with unresectable ICC. Patients with lower baseline ALC and larger tumor volume may be at increased risk, and use of proton therapy, minimizing mean liver dose, and avoiding treatment breaks may reduce RT-related lymphopenia.
Hurricane Harvey and the risk of spontaneous preterm and early-term birth
Authors: Liu Xinyue , Berberian Alique G. , Wang Sophia , Cushing Lara J. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Hurricane Harvey made landfall in August 2017 and resulted in catastrophic flooding in Houston, Texas. Prior studies of hurricanes and preterm birth have found conflicting results. We tested the hypotheses that exposure to Hurricane Harvey was associated with a higher risk of spontaneous pre- and early-term birth and assessed vulnerable subpopulations.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of singleton births using administrative birth records in the nine-county greater Houston area from 2015 to 2019. We estimated the likelihood of pre- and early-term births using logistic regression, comparing births occurring during or within 1, 2, or 4 weeks of Hurricane Harvey to unexposed reference periods encompassing the same dates 2 years prior and after. Stratified models assessed effect modification by degree of flooding, birth parent age, high- vs. low-risk pregnancy, race/ethnicity, and prenatal care.

Results:
Among 15,564 births, we found no association between exposure to Hurricane Harvey and spontaneous preterm birth within 1 week adjusted (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91, 1.25) but a 14% higher odds of spontaneous early-term birth (OR, 1.14; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.25). The odds of early-term birth were even higher in neighborhoods with severe flooding (OR, 1.21; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.38), segregated neighborhoods (OR, 1.23; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.47), and among foreign-born Hispanics (OR, 1.21; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.53) and pregnant people receiving no prenatal care (OR, 1.37; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.82). Effect estimates were attenuated or null when considering 2-week or 4-week lags to define exposure.

Conclusions:
Hurricane Harvey was associated with higher odds of spontaneous early-term birth up to 1 week later, especially among socially marginalized populations.
Oncologic Staging Computed Tomography with IV Contrast Has Similar Efficacy to Dedicated Computed Tomography Angiography for Preoperative DIEP Flap Planning
Authors: Brown Meghan S. , Mirhaidari Cyrus , Johnson Jordan , Larson Brandon M. , Cook Chad , Shue Robert , Ventimiglia Anthony J. , Cody Derek G. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Due to variations in perforator vasculature, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap preoperative imaging can minimize operative time required to locate the most suitable perforators. Dedicated computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been the gold standard; however, many patients have already undergone a staging computed tomography (CT) per oncologic workup. The benefits from CTA may also be realized with a staging CT or CT with IV contrast.

Methods:
Ten patients who underwent DIEP flap reconstruction with staging CT and CTA within 3 years of one another were included in this study. Reviewers evaluated axial views of both imaging modalities separately to identify each visible perforator in reference to the pubic symphysis from the xiphoid to the pubic symphysis. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine agreement in location of perforators between the two imaging studies. Statistical analysis was performed using an ICC and Wilcoxon signed rank-tests.

Results:
The identified perforators within the patient cohort had an excellent correlation between their location on CT and CTA based upon ICC. The mean number of perforators identified in the CT group was 15.3 (SD 4.9) and in the CTA group was 18.8 (SD 6.4), which was not statistically different (P = 0.247).

Conclusions:
CT has similar efficacy in identifying number of perforators and perforator location to dedicated CTA for preoperative planning in DIEP flaps. This has the potential for decreased patient contrast and ionizing radiation exposure as well as improved patient and healthcare resource utilization.
Dorso Proximal Interphalangeal Island Flap
Authors: Pereira Osvaldo J. , Ely Jorge B. , Bertelli Jaime A. , Vasconcellos Zulmar A. , Granemann Alfredo S. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical application of the dorsoproximal interphalangeal island flap as an alternative approach to skin graft or cross-finger flap to repair lesions at the ventral site at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) finger joint.

Methods:
Fifteen patients received flaps (11 men and four women, n = 25 flaps). The repair of volar contracture in finger sequelae after burn injuries was the main indication. Five patients underwent two or more flaps during the same surgical session. The mean patient age was 18 years (range, 7–56 years). Most patients presented with palmar finger contractures of the PIP joint. In three patients, six flaps were rotated to the lateral radial and ulnar proximal surfaces of the finger to treat syndactyly.

Results:
Most flaps survived and provided satisfactory functional and aesthetic improvement of palmar scar contracture in the PIP region. Postoperative donor site follow-up was normal. The color and pliability of the skin are similar to those of the surrounding area. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 12 years.

Conclusions:
Dorsoproximal interphalangeal island flaps are an option for repairing lesions that lack soft tissue and range in size from 10 × 15 to 12 × 18 mm at the volar site and around the PIP joint. The arch of rotation of this flap allows for lateral, ulnar, and radial rotations around the joint. The indication of six flaps in three patients to repair a proximal lack of tissue caused by syndactyly demonstrated its potential use in this anomaly.
Evaluation of Platelet-rich Plasma and Microneedling for Facial Skin Rejuvenation
Authors: Pincelli Thais P. , Zawawi Suha , Shapiro Shane A. , Heckman Michael G. , Hochwald Alexander P. , Arthurs Jennifer , Tolaymat Leila , Bruce Alison 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The regenerative properties of platelet growth factors make platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) an attractive modality for treatment of aging skin. The main objective of this study was to determine efficacy and safety of PRP injections and microneedling compared with saline injections in women with aging skin of the face.

Methods:
In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, 18 women with facial aging were randomized to receive either PRP injections to the unilateral face and saline injections to the contralateral side, or vice versa. Microneedling was performed after injections on the entire face. Physician assessment, photographs, and treatment satisfaction questionnaires were used for outcome assessment at baseline and 16- and 24-week follow-ups.

Results:
There was no evidence of improvement and suggestion of worsening in skin laxity and rhytides from baseline to weeks 4, 16, and 24 for PRP and saline (all P ≤ 0.004) and no notable difference in skin roughness between baseline and follow-up time points for PRP or saline (all P ≥ 0.19). The degree of change in skin laxity, rhytides, and skin roughness from baseline to follow-up time points was similar for PRP and saline. All patients experienced some degree of pain/discomfort and burning/stinging sensation at treatment weeks 4, 8, and 12 for both saline and PRP.

Conclusions:
PRP injections did not seem to be effective for treatment of aging skin of the face in women, with no notable macroscopic improvement in appearance when compared with baseline or saline injections. Advanced age of study participants (>45 years) and less-sensitive methods of evaluation may be potential contributing factors to the lack of detected response.
Fat-augmented Temporal Fascia Flap for Defect Coverage following External Auditory Canal Cancer Resection
Authors: Shikano Yusuke , Tashima Hiroki , Kuroda Kazuya , Otani Naoya , Seike Shien , Kubo Tateki 
Published: May 2024

Summary:
Malignant tumors of the external auditory canal are rare and require surgical interventions such as lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) for localized cases. This study introduces a novel approach, the lipofilling fascia flap technique, for external auditory canal reconstruction following LTBR or modified LTBR. The technique involves augmenting the temporal fascia flap with autologous fat grafting, aiming to enhance volume and improve outcomes. Two cases are presented, demonstrating successful reconstruction with minimal complications.
A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Lived Experiences of Free Tissue Transfer for Diabetic Foot Disease
Authors: Goodall Richard J. , Borsky Kim L. , Harrison Conrad J. , Mavromatidou Galini , Shirley Rebecca A. , Ellard David R. , Rodrigues Jeremy N. , Chan James KK. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Free tissue transfer (FTT) for reconstruction of diabetic foot disease (DFD) is an emerging field to preserve the lower limb within this patient group. The design of future quantitative research and clinical services in this area must consider the needs, expectations and concerns of patients. This qualitative study explores patient experiences of FTT for reconstruction of DFD.

Methods:
Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore patients’ lived experiences of FTT for DFD. A purposive sampling strategy identified six patients who underwent FTT for recalcitrant DFD between September 2019 and December 2021 in a single center in the United Kingdom.

Results:
Three experiential themes emerged. Theme 1: “negative lived experiences of living with DFD” included frustration with the chronic management of nonhealing ulcers and fear regarding limb amputation. Theme 2: “surgery related concerns” included fears of reconstructive failure and subsequent amputation, as well as foot cosmesis and donor-site morbidity. Theme 3: “positive lived experiences following reconstruction” included the positive impact the reconstruction had on their overall life and diabetic control. All patients would repeat the process to obtain their current results.

Conclusions:
This qualitative study provides first-hand insight into the lived experience of FTT for DFD, exploring both the negative and positive experiences and reasons for these. We found that FTT for DFD can be positively life-changing for affected individuals.
Intraocular Pressure Before and After Corneal Refractive Surgery: A Prospective Comparison of Corvis ST and Ocular Response Analyzer
Authors: Salouti Ramin , Azimi Ali , Meshksar Aidin , Takapouy Ramin , Ghoreyshi Maryam , Salouti Kia , Razeghinejad Reza , Nowroozzadeh Mohammad Hossein 
Published: May 2024

Précis:
The study showed that Corvis ST’s biomechanical intraocular pressure (bIOP) and ocular response analyzer's (ORA) cornea-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) do not agree well, before or after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and may not be used interchangeably. bIOP remained unchanged after PRK.

Objective:
To evaluate the agreement between the biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) measured by the Corvis ST and the IOPcc measured by the ORA before and after PRK.

Patients and Methods:
In this prospective interventional study, a total of 53 patients (53 eyes) were included. Measurements were acquired using both the Corvis ST and ORA devices before and 3 months post-PRK. The agreement between the 2 devices was evaluated using limits of agreement (LoA) and Bland-Altman plots.

Results:
The participants had a mean age of 29.6 ± 5.21 years (range: 21 to 40), with 41 (77.4%) of them being females. After the surgery, the average change in intraocular pressure (IOP) was 0.3 ± 1.7 mm Hg for bIOP and −1.6 ± 4.0 mm Hg for IOPcc. The corresponding 95% LoA were −3.5 to 4.2 mm Hg and −9.5 to 6.3 mm Hg, respectively. The 95% LoA between bIOP and IOPcc after PRK was −2.3 to 8.5 mm Hg. Notably, the bIOP values were higher for IOPs <20 mm Hg and lower for IOPs >20 mm Hg compared with IOPcc.

Conclusions:
The findings indicate a weak agreement between the Corvis ST-bIOP and the ORA-IOPcc both before and after PRK. These devices may not be used interchangeably for IOP measurement. bIOP exhibited less variation compared with the IOPcc, suggesting that the bIOP may be a better option for IOP reading after PRK.
Five-Year Treatment Outcomes of Resident-Performed Ahmed Valve Implantation for Glaucoma
Authors: Corzo-Camberos Fernanda , Hernandez-Oteyza Alejandra , Alvarez-Ascencio Daniela , Neaves-Mendez Jorge , Navarro-Arregui Diego , Garcia-Huerta Magdalena 
Published: May 2024

Précis:
Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation by residents showed similar complications, success, and failure rates, regardless of their level of expertise. Training programs must encourage ophthalmologists to perform this surgery to enhance competence in their future practices.

Purpose:
To describe outcomes of resident-performed Ahmed valve implantation over a 5-year period.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional observational study we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent resident-performed Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation over a 5-year period. The main outcomes were the number of surgeries performed by first-year, second-year, and third-year residents, intraoperative, and postoperative complications, and the association of level of training with outcomes and complications.

Results:
Totally, 160 eyes were included, with a mean age of 53.8±15.4 years, 63% were men. The most frequent type of glaucoma was neovascular glaucoma (67.5%). Mean follow-up was 23.2±19.6 months. Residents of higher years performed more surgeries and no relationship was found between the surgeon’s level of training and type of glaucoma operated on. After the surgical procedure, significant changes in best-corrected visual acuity were noted in surgeries performed by third-year residents (P=0.04). Intraocular pressure and number of medications were significantly reduced in all groups (P=0.01). Complications were registered in 60 eyes; the most frequent being the presence of a transient flat anterior chamber (27.45%).

Conclusions:
There were no significant differences in terms of IOP control and the number of complications in the 3 groups. There was no significant association between the resident’s experience and the outcomes of the surgery. The Ahmed valve implant is a procedure that appears to have similar results in surgeons with different levels of training.
The effect and mechanism of inulin on atherosclerosis is mediated by the characteristic intestinal flora and metabolites
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Xu Qingqing , Huangfu Ning , Cui Hanbin 
Published: May 2024

Background
Inflammation and hyperlipidemia can cause atherosclerosis. Prebiotic inulin has been proven to effectively reduce inflammation and blood lipid levels. Utilizing a mouse model induced by a high-fat diet, this study aimed to explore whether the characteristic intestinal flora and its metabolites mediate the effects of inulin intervention on atherosclerosis and to clarify the specific mechanism.

Methods
Thirty apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were randomly divided into three groups. They were fed with a normal diet, a high-fat diet or an inulin+high-fat diet for 16 weeks. The total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the three groups were compared. The gross aorta and aortic sinus of mice were stained with oil red O, and the area of atherosclerotic plaque was observed and compared. The diversity and structure of the mouse fecal flora were detected by sequencing the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and the levels of metabolites in mouse feces were assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and aortic inflammatory factors were measured by multi-index flow cytometry (CBA).

Results
ApoE−/− mice fed with the high-fat diet exhibited an increase of approximately 46% in the area of atherosclerotic lesions, and the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared with levels in the normal diet group. After inulin was added to the high-fat group, the area of atherosclerotic lesions, the level of serum LPS and aortic inflammation were reduced, and the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were decreased (P < 0.05). Based on 16S rRNA gene detection, we found that the composition of the intestinal microbiota, such as Prevotella, and metabolites, such as L-arginine, changed significantly due to hyperlipidemia, and the dietary inulin intervention partially reversed the relevant changes.

Conclusion
Inulin can inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which may be related to the changes in lipid metabolism, the composition of the intestinal microbial community and its metabolites, and the inhibition of the expression of related inflammatory factors. Our study identified the relationships among the characteristic intestinal microbiota, metabolites and atherosclerosis, aiming to provide a new direction for future research to delay or treat atherosclerosis by changing the composition and function of the host intestinal microbiota and metabolites.
A novel radiomics-based technique for identifying vulnerable coronary plaques: a follow-up study
Authors: Zheng Yan-li , Cai Ping-yu , Li Jun , Huang De-hong , Wang Wan-da , Li Mei-mei , Du Jing-ru , Wang Yao-guo , Cai Yin-lian , Zhang Rong-cheng , Wu Chun-chun , Lin Shu , Lin Hui-li 
Published: May 2024

Background
Previous reports have suggested that coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-based radiomics analysis is a potentially helpful tool for assessing vulnerable plaques. We aimed to investigate whether coronary radiomic analysis of CCTA images could identify vulnerable plaques in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Methods
This retrospective study included patients initially diagnosed with stable angina pectoris. Patients were randomly divided into either the training or test dataset at an 8 : 2 ratio. Radiomics features were extracted from CCTA images. Radiomics models for predicting vulnerable plaques were developed using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The model performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC); the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to compare the diagnostic performance using the two cohorts.

Results
A total of 158 patients were included in the analysis. The SVM radiomics model performed well in predicting vulnerable plaques, with AUC values of 0.977 and 0.875 for the training and test cohorts, respectively. With optimal cutoff values, the radiomics model showed accuracies of 0.91 and 0.882 in the training and test cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion
Although further larger population studies are necessary, this novel CCTA radiomics model may identify vulnerable plaques in patients with stable angina pectoris.
Hypoparathyroidism update
Authors: Chiang Cherie 
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review
Since the release of the 2022 Second International Workshop Evaluation and Management of Hypoparathyroidism Summary Statement and Guidelines, updates and advances are now available in the cause, complications, and treatment of adult chronic hypoparathyroidism (hypoPTH). This review aims to highlight these new findings and implications to patient care.

Recent findings
Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism remains the most common cause, immune-related hypoparathyroidism from checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging autoimmune cause. In a large retrospective cohort study of thyroidectomies, incident fracture was lower, particularly in the vertebra, in the hypoPTH cohort, compared with postthyroidectomy control group. Hypercalciuria increases risk for renal calculi in hypoPTH independent of disease duration and treatment dose. Quality of life is impaired in hypoPTH patients on conventional therapy, improvement was noted post-PTH replacement. TranCon PTH phase 3 RCT reported eucalcemia with reduced renal calcium excretion, normalization of bone turn-over markers, stable BMD and improved quality of life.

Summary
HypoPTH is a chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and poor Quality of Life. Awareness of treatment targets and follow-up investigations can alleviate patient anxiety regarding over-treatment and under-treatment. Progress in long-acting PTH replacement strategies might provide accessible, feasible alternatives to conventional therapy in brittle hypoPTH patients.
Viability assessment of the liver during ex-situ machine perfusion prior to transplantation
Authors: Groen Puck C. , van Leeuwen Otto B. , de Jonge Jeroen , Porte Robert J. 
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review
In an attempt to reduce waiting list mortality in liver transplantation, less-than-ideal quality donor livers from extended criteria donors are increasingly accepted. Predicting the outcome of these organs remains a challenge. Machine perfusion provides the unique possibility to assess donor liver viability pretransplantation and predict postreperfusion organ function.

Recent findings
Assessing liver viability during hypothermic machine perfusion remains challenging, as the liver is not metabolically active. Nevertheless, the levels of flavin mononucleotide, transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose and pH in the perfusate have proven to be predictors of liver viability. During normothermic machine perfusion, the liver is metabolically active and in addition to the perfusate levels of pH, transaminases, glucose and lactate, the production of bile is a crucial criterion for hepatocyte viability. Cholangiocyte viability can be determined by analyzing bile composition. The differences between perfusate and bile levels of pH, bicarbonate and glucose are good predictors of freedom from ischemic cholangiopathy.

Summary
Although consensus is lacking regarding precise cut-off values during machine perfusion, there is general consensus on the importance of evaluating both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte compartments. The challenge is to reach consensus for increased organ utilization, while at the same time pushing the boundaries by expanding the possibilities for viability testing.