bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No association between hepatitis C virus infection and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Chang Cheng , Yan Hong-Mei , Liao Yan-Lin 
Published: June 2024

Background and aimThere is still uncertainty regarding whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to investigate the potential association between HCV infection and CRC through a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched from the beginning of their inception to October 2023 to find relevant cohort studies on the association between HCV infection and CRC risk. The random-effect, generic inverse variance method was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CRC outcome among individuals with HCV infection. We also performed subgroup and sensitivity analysis.ResultsA total of 8 cohort studies involving 1,939,164 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The result from the meta-analysis suggested that there was no statistically significant association between HCV and the risk of developing CRC (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.82–1.88, p = 0.88) with low statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 28%, p = 0.20). Subgroup analyses that were conducted based on study design, diagnosis of HCV infection, and publication year yielded similar results. Analyses of subgroups based on study areas revealed that there was no significant association between HCV infection and CRC risk in Asia (n = 2, HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.71–1.29, p = 0.79; I2 = 26%), Europe (n = 3, HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.83–1.37, p = 0.63; I2 = 0%), and North America (n = 2, HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.87–1.38, p = 0.44; I2 = 0%); however, a negative correlation was found in Oceania (n = 1, HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22–0.84, p = 0.01). Sensitivity analysis further reinforce the stability of our conclusion.ConclusionOur cohort-based meta-analysis showed insufficient evidence to support the association between HCV infection and an increased risk of CRC. To gain a clearer insight into the potential association between these two conditions, it would be beneficial to conduct large, well-designed, high-quality prospective cohort studies that consider different ethnic populations and potential confounding factors.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42023472688], https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023472688.
Assessment of drug-induced electrolyte disorders in intensive care units: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Ayhan Yunus Emre , İlerler Enes Emir , Sosyal Damla , Bektay Muhammed Yunus , Karakurt Sait , Daşkaya Hayrettin , Karaaslan Kazım , Sancar Mesut 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveElectrolyte disorder (ED) is frequently encountered critically ill patients during admission or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to determine the frequency of ED encountered in ICU patients to evaluate the relationship of ED with drugs.MethodsThis prospective, multicenter study was conducted in the medical and anesthesiology ICUs of two training and research hospitals and included patients with at least one ED during admission or hospitalization in the ICUs. The relationship between ED and the drug was evaluated by calculating the logistic probabilistic method scale (LPMS) and the expert panel’s evaluation. The correlation between EDs and LPMS was determined using Kendal tau. A binary logistic regression model was preferred in the analysis of factors related to ED. Statistical significance was set as p &lt; 0.05.ResultsA total of 117 patients were included in the study. A total of 165 EDs were detected, including at least one in 88 (75.2%) patients. According to the expert panel, 61 (21.7%) of EDs were drug-related, whereas according to the LPMS, 111 (39.6%) (p &lt; 0.001). Mortality (50% vs. 13.7%) and mechanical ventilation rates (52.2% vs. 17.2%) were significantly higher in patients with ED (p &lt; 0.001). Patients with ED had 8.352 times higher odds of exhibiting mortality (OR: 8.352, %95 CI: 1.598–43.648, p: 0.012) and need mechanical ventilation with higher odds of 3.229 (OR: 3.229 95% CI: 0.815–12.787 p: 0.045). Patient who required enteral or parenteral feeding were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting ED (respectively OR: 30.057, %95 CI: 2.265–398.892, p: 0.01, OR: 5.537, %95 CI: 1.406–21.800, p: 0.014).ConclusionEDs are very common in the ICU. Dysnatremia was detected more commonly in other EDs. It has also been found that patients with ED are more often under mechanical ventilation, have more prolonged hospitalizations, and have higher mortality rates than patients without ED. The suitability of LPMS for assessing ED-drug relationships in the ICU context is questioned.
Genetically supported causality between gut microbiota, immune cells, and ischemic stroke: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shuai Han , Wang Zi , Xiao Yinggang , Ge Yali , Mao Hua , Gao Ju 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies have highlighted a robust correlation between gut microbiota/immune cells and ischemic stroke (IS). However, the precise nature of their causal relationship remains uncertain. To address this gap, our study aims to meticulously investigate the causal association between gut microbiota/immune cells and the likelihood of developing IS, employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsOur comprehensive analysis utilized summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on gut microbiota, immune cells, and IS. The primary MR method employed was the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) approach. To address potential pleiotropy and identify outlier genetic variants, we incorporated the Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) technique, along with MR-Egger regression. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q-test. Additionally, leave-one-out analysis was conducted to pinpoint any individual genetic variant influencing the observed causal associations. Finally, a reverse MR analysis was performed to explore the potential of reverse causation.ResultsOur investigation revealed four gut microbial taxa and 16 immune cells with a significant causal relationship with IS (p &lt; 0.05). Notably, two bacterial features and five immunophenotypes were strongly associated with a lower IS risk: genus.Barnesiella.id.944 (OR: 0.907, 95% CI: 0.836–0.983, p = 0.018), genus.LachnospiraceaeNK4A136group.id.11319 (OR: 0.918, 95% CI: 0.853–0.983, p = 0.988), Activated &amp; resting Treg % CD4++ (OR: 0.977, 95% CI: 0.956–0.998, p = 0.028). Additionally, significant associations between IS risk and two bacterial features along with eleven immunophenotypes were observed: genus.Paraprevotella.id.962 (OR: 1.106, 95% CI: 1.043–1.172, p &lt; 0.001), genus.Streptococcus.id.1853 (OR: 1.119, 95% CI: 1.034–1.210, p = 0.005), CD127 on granulocyte (OR: 1.039, 95% CI: 1.009–1.070, p = 0.011). Our analyses did not reveal heterogeneity based on the Cochrane’s Q-test (p &gt; 0.05) nor indicate instances of horizontal pleiotropy according to MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO analyses (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, the robustness of our MR results was confirmed through leave-one-out analysis.ConclusionOur study provides further evidence supporting the potential association between gut microbiota and immune cells in relation to IS, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to this condition. These findings lay a solid foundation for future investigations into targeted prevention strategies.
Entertainment activities and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Lu Tianqi , Wang Lilin , Zheng Yunhua , Liu Hua , Liu Jianyu 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundEffective prevention is key to addressing the increasing prevalence and mortality of Alzheimer’s disease. Assessing the causal relationship between modifiable entertainment activity factors and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is important for developing public health measures, but establishing causal relationships in epidemiological data may be challenging.MethodsThis study using the two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis aimed to investigate the causal effect of entertainment activity factors on the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Summary statistics from publicly available genome-wide association studies were used to analyze 14 modifiable entertainment activity. The inverse variance weighted random effects method as the primary analytical method to estimate causal effects was used. Additionally performed MR-Egger, weighted median and weighted model methods to assess the robustness of the results. The reliability of our findings was validated through systematic sensitivity analyses and tests for heterogeneity.ResultsWe found significant correlation between time spent using computer (odds ratio 0.998; 95% confidence interval 0.996–0.999; p = 0.013) and Alzheimer’s disease, compared to other studied entertainment activities that had no significant causal relationship with Alzheimer’s disease.ConclusionOur findings support the hypothesis that increased computer use may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, providing potential strategic directions for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Association between admission serum potassium concentration and the island sign on cranial CT in HICH patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yanglingxi , Chen Peng , Liang Yidan , Deng Yongbing , Zhou Weiduo 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the correlation between serum potassium (K+) concentration upon admission and the presence of the Island Sign (IS) in cranial CT scans of patients diagnosed with Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage (HICH), including the potential presence of a non-linear relationship.MethodsThis investigation constituted a single-center cross-sectional study. We systematically gathered comprehensive general clinical characteristics, biological indicators, and imaging data from a cohort of 330 patients diagnosed with HICH. These patients received treatment within the neurosurgery department of Chongqing Emergency Medical Center during the period spanning from July 1, 2018, to July 7, 2023. Our primary objective was to scrutinize the potential connection between serum K+ concentration upon admission and the presence of the IS observed in cranial CT scans. To meticulously address this inquiry, we employed logistic regression modeling, thereby meticulously evaluating the correlation aforementioned. Moreover, in order to delve deeper into the intricacies of the relationship, we extended our analysis by employing a smoothed curve-fitting model to meticulously authenticate the potential non-linear interrelation between these two critical variables.ResultsIn this investigation, a total of 330 patients diagnosed with HICH were ultimately enrolled, exhibiting an average age of 58.4 ± 13.1 years, comprising 238 (72.1%) males and 92 (27.9%) females. Among these participants, 118 individuals (35.7%) presented with the IS upon admission cranial CT scans, while 212 patients (64.3%) did not exhibit this characteristic. Upon comprehensive multifactorial adjustments, a non-linear association was uncovered between serum K+ concentration and the presence of IS. Notably, an inflection point was identified at approximately 3.54 mmol/L for serum K+ concentration. Prior to the patient’s serum K+ concentration reaching around 3.54 mmol/L upon admission, a discernible trend was observed—every 0.1 mmol/L increment in serum K+ concentration was associated with an 8% decrease in the incidence of IS (OR: 0.914, 95% CI: 0.849–0.983, p = 0.015).ConclusionThe findings of this study underscore a negative association between reduced serum K+ concentration upon admission and the occurrence of the IS on cranial CT scans among patients diagnosed with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage. Furthermore, this negative correlation appears to manifest within the realm of a non-linear relationship. This study elucidates the potential significance of serum K+ concentration levels among patients with HICH, highlighting the role they play. Moreover, the maintenance of a physiological equilibrium in serum K+ concentrations emerges as a conceivable protective factor for individuals within the stroke population.
The importance of multimodal CT examination in stroke mimics diagnosis: design of prospective observational multicentre study
Authors: Dvorníková Kateřina , Kunešová Veronika , Ely Marcela , Ostrý Svatopluk , Čábal Martin , Reiser Martin , Machová Linda , Pavlínová Markéta , Kondé Adéla , Eliáš Pavel , Jonszta Tomáš , Havelka Jaroslav , Volný Ondrej , Bar Michal 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionNon-contrast computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography are the gold standard in neuroimaging diagnostics in the case of suspected stroke. CT perfusion (CTP) may play an important role in the diagnosis of stroke mimics (SM), but currently, it is not a standard part of the stroke diagnostic procedure. The project is a multicentre prospective observational clinical research focused on refining the diagnostics of stroke and stroke mimics (SM) in hospital care.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the degree of specificity and sensitivity of multimodal CT (NCCT, CTA, and CTP) in the diagnosis of SM versus stroke.MethodologyIn this study, we will include 3,000 patients consecutively admitted to the comprehensive stroke centres with a diagnosis of suspected stroke. On the basis of clinical parameters and the results of multimodal CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the diagnosis of stroke and SM will be established. To clarify the significance of the use of the multimodal CT scan, the analysis will include a comparison of the blinded results for each imaging scan performed by radiologists and AI technology and a comparison of the initial and final diagnosis of the enrolled patients. Based on our results, we will compare the economic indicators and costs that would be saved by not providing inadequate treatment to patients with SM.ConclusionThe expected outcome is to present an optimised diagnostic procedure that results in a faster and more accurate diagnosis, thereby eliminating the risk of inadequate treatment in patients with SM.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, NCT06045455.
Magnesium status modulating the effect of serum vitamin D levels on retinopathy: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2008
Authors: Xu Lei , Yuan Penghua , Liu Wanrong , Liu Linlin , Li Xiongfeng , Xie Lianfeng 
Published: June 2024

AimMagnesium levels may influence the effect of vitamin D levels on the body. This study aimed to assess the combined effect of magnesium status as reflected by magnesium depletion score (MDS) and vitamin D status on the risk of retinopathy.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included participants aged 40 years and older with complete information on vitamin D, MDS, and retinopathy assessment from the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic regression analysis was utilized to analyze the relationship of MDS and vitamin D with retinopathy and expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsOf these 4,953 participants included, 602 (9.53%) participants had retinopathy. Serum vitamin D levels ≤30 nmol/L (vs. &gt;30 nmol/L) (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.05–1.81) and MDS &gt;2 points (vs. ≤2 points) (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.01–2.16) were associated with higher odds of retinopathy. There was an interaction between MDS and vitamin D on the increased odds of retinopathy (OR = 2.29, 95%CI: 1.12–4.68, Pinteraction = 0.025). In different MDS groups, serum vitamin D levels ≤30 nmol/L increased the odds of retinopathy only in the MDS &gt;2 group (OR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.16–7.24), but not in the MDS ≤2 group (p = 0.293). Subgroups analyses demonstrated that the interaction between MDS and serum vitamin D on retinopathy was observed in males (OR = 6.88, 95%CI: 1.41–33.66, Pinteraction = 0.019), people with diabetes (OR = 3.43, 95%CI: 1.78–6.63, Pinteraction &lt; 0.001), and people with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 (OR = 2.46, 95%CI: 1.11–5.44, Pinteraction = 0.028).ConclusionMagnesium plays a moderating role in the relationship between serum vitamin D and retinopathy. The protective effect of vitamin D against retinopathy was primarily present among those with inadequate magnesium levels.
Microwave ablation with hydrodissection used for the treatment of vascular malformations: effectiveness and safety study
Authors: Wang Lu , Lu Man , Zhuang Min , Liang Ying , Wang Shi Shi , Li Jia Mi 
Published: June 2024

ObjectThe aim of the study was to investigate the safety, effectiveness, and peripheral nerve protection in ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (US-guided-MWA) for vascular malformations (VMs) closely related to peripheral nerve.Materials and methodsFrom August 2019 to February 2022, 31 patients with 39 VMs received US-guided-MWA. All lesions were confirmed to be closely related to the peripheral nerve by imaging evaluation. Hydrodissection was applied to protect surrounding normal tissue, including peripheral nerves. The patients were followed up at 1day, 2 days, 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months after operation. Measurements of lesion volume, volume reduction ratio (VRR), sensory and functional abnormalities of adjacent nerves, number of treatments, complication details, personal satisfaction, recurrence, and symptom improvement were recorded.ResultsAmong the 39 VMs, the maximum volume is 128.58ml, while the minimum volume is 0.99ml. After a mean follow-up of 13.06 ± 4.83 months, the mean numerical rating scale (NRS) score decreased from 5.13 ± 1.65 to 0.53 ± 0.83 (P&lt;0.0001). The mean mass volume was reduced from 18.34 ± 24.68 ml to 1.35 ± 2.09 ml (P=0.0001). The VRR of all lesions was 92.06%. However, the mean number of treatments was only 1.64 ± 0.87. All patients were satisfied with the technique, with a mean satisfaction score (SC) of 9.23 ± 1.13. There were no motor function abnormalities of the related nerves. 10 patients felt numbness in the ablation area after ablation, and gradually recovered after 1 month.ConclusionUS-guided-MWA serves as a novel alternative approach for patients with VMs. Preoperative evaluation of the relationship between VMs and peripheral nerves combined with intraoperative hydrodissection is an effective and safe method to prevent nerve injury.
Magnetic resonance image-guided adaptive radiotherapy enables safe CTV-to-PTV margin reduction in prostate cancer: a cine MRI motion study
Authors: Westley Rosalyne L. , Alexander Sophie E. , Goodwin Edmund , Dunlop Alex , Nill Simeon , Oelfke Uwe , McNair Helen A. , Tree Alison C. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionWe aimed to establish if stereotactic body radiotherapy to the prostate can be delivered safely using reduced clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margins on the 1.5T MR-Linac (MRL) (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden), in the absence of gating.MethodsCine images taken in 3 orthogonal planes during the delivery of prostate SBRT with 36.25 Gray (Gy) in 5 fractions on the MRL were analysed. Using the data from 20 patients, the percentage of radiotherapy (RT) delivery time where the prostate position moved beyond 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm in the left-right (LR), superior-inferior (SI), anterior-posterior (AP) and any direction was calculated.ResultsThe prostate moved less than 3 mm in any direction for 90% of the monitoring period in 95% of patients. On a per-fraction basis, 93% of fractions displayed motion in all directions within 3 mm for 90% of the fraction delivery time. Recurring motion patterns were observed showing that the prostate moved with shallow drift (most common), transient excursions and persistent excursions during treatment.ConclusionA 3 mm CTV-PTV margin is safe to use for the treatment of 5 fraction prostate SBRT on the MRL, without gating. In the context of gating this work suggests that treatment time will not be extensively lengthened when an appropriate gating window is applied.
Complete laparoscopic and Da Vinci robot esophagogastric anastomosis double muscle flap plasty for radical resection of proximal gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Dong , Liu Yuanlin , Meng Xiangyu , Xu Xing , Wang Chao , Zhang Meng , Zhang Tao 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of complete laparoscopy and Da Vinci robot esophagogastric anastomosis double muscle flap plasty in radical resection of proximal gastric cancer.MethodA retrospective descriptive study was used. The clinicopathological data of 35 patients undergoing radical operation for proximal gastric cancer admitted to Liaoning Cancer Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected. Variables evaluated: 1. Transoperative,2. Postoperative, 3. Follow-up. In relation to follow-up, esophageal disease status reflux, anastomosis, nutritional status score, serum hemoglobin, tumor recurrence, and metastasis were investigated. The trans and postoperative variables were obtained from the clinical records and the patients were followed up in outpatient department and by telephone.ResultAmong the 35 patients, 17 underwent robotic surgery and 18 underwent laparoscopic surgery. There were 29 males and 6 females. 1) Transoperative: Robotic surgery: The operation time was (305.59 ± 22.07) min, the esophagogastric anastomosis double muscle flap plasty time was (149.76 ± 14.91) min, the average number of lymph nodes cleared was 30, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 30 ml. Laparoscopic surgery: The mean operation time was 305.17 ± 26.92min, the operation time of esophagogastric anastomosis double muscle flap was (194.06 ± 22.52) min, the average number of lymph nodes cleared was 24, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 52.5 ml. 2) Postoperative: Robotic surgery: the average time for patients to have their first postoperative anal emission was 3 days, the average time to first postoperative feeding was 4 days, and the average length of hospitalization after surgery was 8 days. Laparoscopic surgery: the average time for patients to have their first postoperative anal emission was 5 days, the average time to first postoperative feeding was 6 days, the average length of hospitalization after surgery was 10 days. 3) Follow-up: The follow-up time ranged from 1 to 42 months, with a median follow-up time of 24 months.ConclusionComplete Da Vinci robot and laparoscopic esophagogastric anastomosis double muscle flap plasty for radical resection of proximal gastric cancer can minimize surgical incision, reduce abdominal exposure, accelerate postoperative recovery of patients, and effectively prevent reflux esophagitis and maintain good hemoglobin concentration and nutritional status. The advantages of robotic surgery is less intraoperative bleeding and faster post-surgical recovery, but it is relatively more expensive.