bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous Glucose Monitoring System After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Torre Tiziano , Schlotterbeck Hervé , Ferraro Francesco , Klersy Catherine , Surace Giuseppina , Toto Francesca , Pozzoli Alberto , Ferrari Enrico , Demertzis Stefanos 
Published: March 2024

Background Blood glucose level variability has been associated with increased risk of complication in the postoperative setting of cardiovascular surgery. Although interesting for optimization of blood glucose management in this context, continuous blood glucose (CBG) devices can have a limited reliability in this context, in particular because of the use of paracetamol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of Dexcom G6®, a recently developed continuous glucose monitoring device. Methods We performed a prospective, observational, non-randomized, single-centre study comparing Dexcom G6® CBG level monitoring with the standard methods routinely used in this context. The standard blood glucose values were paired to the time corresponding values measured with Dexcom G6®. Agreement between the two methods and potential correlation in case of paracetamol use were calculated. Results From May 2020 to August 2021, 36 out of 206 patients operated for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled; 673 paired blood glucose level were analyzed. Global agreement (ρc) was 0.85 (95% C.I.: 0.84–0.86), intensive care unit agreement was 0.78 (95%C.I.: 0.74–0.82) and ward agreement was 0.91 (95%C.I.: 0.89–0.93). In the diabetic population, it was 0.87 (95%C.I.: 0.85–0.90). When paracetamol was used, the difference was 0.02 mmol/l (95%C.I.: 0.29–0.33). Conclusions Dexcom G6® provides good blood glucose level accuracy in the postoperative context of cardiac surgery compared to the standard methods of measurements. The results are particularly reliable in the ward where the need for repeated capillary glucose measurements implies patient discomfort and time-consuming manipulations for the nursing staff.
Wellbeing After Stroke (WAterS): Feasibility Testing of a Co-developed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention to Support Psychological Adjustment After Stroke
Authors: Patchwood Emma , Foote Hannah , Vail Andy , Cotterill Sarah , Hill Geoff ,   The WAterS PCPI Group, Bowen Audrey 
Published: March 2024

Objective Feasibility test a co-developed intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support psychological adjustment post-stroke, delivered by a workforce with community in-reach. Design Observational feasibility study utilising patient, carer, public involvement. Setting Online. UK. Participants Stroke survivors with self-reported psychological distress 4  +  months post-stroke. Interventions The co-developed Wellbeing After Stroke (WAterS) intervention includes: 9-weekly, structured, online, group sessions for stroke survivors, delivered via a training programme to upskill staff without Acceptance and Commitment Therapy experience, under Clinical Psychology supervision. Main measures Feasibility of recruitment and retention; data quality from candidate measures; safety. Clinical and demographic information at baseline; patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) via online surveys (baseline, pre- and post-intervention, 3 and 6 months after intervention end) including Mood (hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)), Wellbeing (ONS4), Health-Related Quality of Life (EQ5D5L), Psychological Flexibility (AAQ-ABI) and Values-Based Living (VQ). Results We trained eight staff and recruited 17 stroke survivors with mild-to-moderate cognitive and communication difficulties. 12/17 (71%) joined three intervention groups with 98% attendance and no related adverse events. PROMS data were well-completed. The HADS is a possible future primary outcome (self-reported depression lower on average by 1.3 points: 8.5 pre-group to 7.1 at 3-month follow-up; 95% CI 0.4 to 3.2). Conclusion The WAterS intervention warrants further research evaluation. Staff can be trained and upskilled to deliver. It appears safe and feasible to deliver online to groups, and study recruitment and data collection are feasible. Funding has been secured to further develop the intervention, considering implementation and health equality.
Expression and clinical role of PRDX6 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Zixin , Lin Junjun , Wang Huifang , Wang Jing , Zhang Zhou 
Published: March 2024

Objective To explore the levels of expression and clinical role of peroxiredoxin 6 ( PRDX6) in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods This retrospective study used a series of bioinformatics methods to detect the levels of expression of and mutations in the PRDX6 gene in a range of cancers and lung adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the levels of expression of PRDX6 protein in samples of lung adenocarcinoma compared with normal adjacent tissue. The effect of PRDX6 gene knockdown on the in vitro proliferation of a lung adenocarcinoma cell line was measured. Bioinformatics methods were used to determine the diagnostic value and impact on survival of the PRDX6 gene in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Results The results showed that the PRDX6 gene was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and there were five mutations at different sites on the gene. PRDX6 promoted the proliferation of the lung adenocarcinoma cell line. The survival duration of lung adenocarcinoma patients with high levels of PRDX6 gene expression was significantly shorter than that of patients with low PRDX6 gene expression. Conclusion PRDX6 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and higher levels of expression of the PRDX6 gene were associated with a poorer prognosis.
Predictors for anaemia, blood transfusion and outcome in plastic surgery patients
Authors: Țichil Ioana , Țichil Teodora , Haplea Ionuț Stefan , Tomuleasa Ciprian Ionuț , Fodor Lucian , Mitre Ileana 
Published: March 2024

Objective In patients undergoing plastic surgery, to identify specific risk factors for anaemia and use of blood products, and assess their impact on patient outcome. Method For this retrospective study, data were analysed from patients who attended the Plastic Surgery Department at our hospital over a three-year period (2018 to 2020). Adult patients who presented with traumatic injuries, oncologic patients who underwent reconstructive procedures, and patients with soft tissue infections (STIs) who required plastic surgery for tissue coverage were included. Demographic and injury data, hospital admission characteristics, surgical procedures, laboratory test results, transfusion events, and in-hospital complications were extracted from patient records. Results Of the 350 patients included in the study, 228 (65%) presented with trauma, 76 (22%) underwent reconstructive surgery for cancers and 46 (13%) had STIs. In total, 175 (50%) patients developed anaemia, and 37 (11%) received blood transfusions; these were 20 (54%), 5 (14%), and 12 (32%) patients in the trauma, cancer and STI groups, respectively. Associated comorbidities and upper and lower limb surgery were the most significant risk factors for anaemia, while the number of surgeries and NSTIs were identified as risk factors for blood transfusions. Direct wound closure was consistently a protective factor for both anaemia and blood transfusions. Blood transfusions were independently associated with a high risk of sepsis, wound complications, and prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion While transfusions are necessary and even lifesaving in surgical patients, blood is a finite resource and its use may negatively impact patient outcome. Therefore, ongoing research must focus on providing safe and restrictive clinical practices while developing sustainable and accessible alternatives.
New-Onset Vision Impairment in Children: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings by Age Groups
Authors: Çıvgın Esra , Duran Semra , Parlak Izzet Selçuk , Gülleroğlu Başak , Timur İnci Elif Erbahçeci , Dedeoğlu Özge , Ekşioğlu Ayşe Seçil Yücel 
Published: March 2024

Introduction Non-traumatic visual impairment is rare in the pediatric population, but early diagnosis and treatment of the cause is crucial to prevent long-term consequences affecting children's neurocognitive development. The authors aim to determine the most common causes of non-traumatic visual impairment in pediatric patients according to age groups by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Images of patients who underwent contrast-enhanced cranial and orbital MRI for new-onset visual impairment between June 2019 and June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. MRI findings were categorized as tumors, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, demyelinating disorders, infections, isolated optic neuritis, and others. The patients were grouped according to age as preschoolers, schoolchildren, and adolescents. Demographic features of patients and MRI findings were collected and compared among age groups. Results One hundred seventeen of the 238 patients had pathologic MRI findings. The most common pathologies were tumors (26.4%), idiopathic intracranial hypertension (24.7%), demyelinating disorders (18.8%), infections (11.1%), and isolated optic neuritis (7.6%). Tumors (69.2%) in preschool children, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (36.3%) in schoolchildren, and demyelinating disorders (32.7%) in adolescents were the most common cause of vision impairment by age group. Conclusion Children with acute vision impairment could have severe pathologies. Tumors in preschool children, idiopathic intracranial hypertension in schoolchildren, and demyelinating disorders in adolescents were the most common causes of new-onset vision impairment detected with MRI. Because of the difficulty of performing optimal ophthalmologic and neurologic examinations, especially in young children, cranial and orbital MRI should be considered to detect life-threatening pathologies.
Principle and power: The struggle to protect human rights
Authors: van Boven Theodoor C. 
Published: March 2024

Professor Theo van Boven sent this piece to the Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights as part of his reflections on the 75 years anniversary of the UDHR. Professor van Boven is the former Director of the UN Human Rights Secretariat between 1977 and 1982, about which the film “The Subversives” was made in 2019. He was a Dutch representative on the UN Commission on Human Rights, an expert member of the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, an expert Member on the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the UN Special Rapporteur against Torture, Consultant at the World Council of Churches and Professor of Human Rights at Maastricht University from 1982 to 1999. [Formula: see text]
Differences in socio-demographics status, risk behaviours, healthcare uptake and HIV/ sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between brothel-based and street-based female sex workers in Yunnan, China
Authors: Cai Guoxi , Liu Yufen , Zhuang Jinman , Chen Zishan , Lu Yixiao , Wu Jiwen , Hu Zhijian , Zhang Jianping , He Fei 
Published: March 2024

Background Heterosexual contact is the primary mode of HIV transmission in China and commercial sex is thought to play a crucial role in China’s epidemic. Female sex workers (FSWs) in China tend to be either brothel-based (BSWs) or street-based (SSWs), but few studies have investigated the differences between these important segments of this difficult-to-reach, high-risk population. Our aim was to explore the differences between SSWs and BSWs in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and risky practices, HIV/STI-related knowledge, health services, HIV/STI prevalence and other aspects. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yunnan Province of China in partnership with a local FSW-friendly non-governmental organization. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, sex work history, sexual behaviours, HIV/STI-related knowledge, HIV testing history, and healthcare services uptake. Blood samples were taken for HIV and syphilis testing, and urine samples for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate differences between SSWs and BSWs. Results A total of 185 BSWs and 129 SSWs were included in the study. SSWs were older and less educated, had more dependents and more clients, lower condom use and accessed fewer healthcare services. Moreover, 37.2% of SSWs and 24.9% of BSWs were found to have HIV/STI infection. Unfortunately, the awareness related to STIs was relatively low in both groups, especially SSWs. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that confirms the disproportionately high vulnerability of SSWs to HIV and other STIs, underscoring the urgent need for the Chinese health and public health sectors to prioritize outreach to SSWs. Awareness and educational programs, condom distribution, testing and health check-ups should be included in a comprehensive strategy for HIV/STI prevention in this high-risk population.
Effect of mass treatment on the long-term prevalence of gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis-a systematic review
Authors: Vanbaelen Thibaut , Manoharan-Basil Sheeba S , Kenyon Chris 
Published: March 2024

Background Selective mass treatment of STIs may lead to a durable reduction in the prevalence of STIs or a temporary reduction associated with an increased probability of antimicrobial resistance emerging. Methods We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies evaluating the impact of mass STI treatment on the long-term prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and chancroid. The primary outcomes were the long term (≥3 months post the intervention) impact of the intervention on prevalence/incidence of the STI and on antimicrobial resistance. Results Our search yielded 269 studies, of which 4 met the inclusion criteria. With the exception of the Carletonville study, where this was not assessed, three of the four studies found that intensive STI treatment was associated with a reduced prevalence of the targeted STI during or immediately after the intervention. In all four studies, there was no evidence that the intense treatment had a long-term effect on prevalence. In the only study where this was assessed, the intensive use of penicillin to reduce gonococcal prevalence was associated with the emergence of reduced susceptibility to penicillin in N. gonorrhoeae. Conclusion The available evidence suggests that mass treatment of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis in high prevalence populations is only associated with a temporary reduction in the prevalence of these infections and may select for antimicrobial resistance.
The gender-affirming model of care is incompatible with competent, ethical medical practice
Authors: Amos Andrew 
Published: March 2024

Objective To examine the compatibility of gender-affirming care with the principles and practices of psychiatry. Conclusions The assumption that there is no pathology involved in the development of gender diversity is a necessary precondition for the unquestioning affirmation of self-reported gender identity. Cases where psychosis is the undeniable cause of gender diversity demonstrate this assumption is categorically false. To protect this false assumption, gender-affirming guidelines forbid the application of the core psychiatric competencies of phenomenology and psychopathology to the assessment of gender diversity. They substitute the political goal of expanding personal liberty for the evidence-based medicine processes of clinical reasoning, rendering them incompatible with competent, ethical medical practice.
Longitudinal Associations Between Symptoms of ADHD and Life Success: From Emerging Adulthood to Early Middle Adulthood
Authors: Henning Colin T. , Summerfeldt Laura J. , Parker James D. A. 
Published: March 2024

Objective: To expand on current adult ADHD literature by investigating the stability of ADHD symptomatology (i.e., inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity) across a 15-year period (from emerging adulthood to early middle adulthood) and the relative contributions of ADHD symptomatology to life success. Method: A sample of 320 post-secondary students was initially assessed for ADHD symptomatology using the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS). Fifteen years later, participants were re-assessed using the CAARS and several measures of life success (e.g., relationship satisfaction, career satisfaction, and stress levels). Results: Inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms showed strong stability across the 15-year period. Additionally, inattention symptoms during emerging adulthood and early middle adulthood were consistently associated with poorer life success (i.e., lower relationship and career satisfaction), particularly for men. Associations for hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms were less consistent. Conclusion: ADHD symptomatology can be conceptualized as a stable, dimensional trait across adulthood, with important impacts on life success.
Bicavitary effusion in cats: retrospective analysis of signalment, clinical investigations, diagnosis and outcome
Authors: Hardwick Joshua J , Ioannides-Hoey Christopher S F K , Finch Natalie , Black Victoria 
Published: March 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and diagnostic findings and outcome of cats with bicavitary effusion presenting to a referral centre. Methods Medical records of cats presenting with bicavitary effusion were identified and their history, physical examination findings, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging findings, aetiology of bicavitary effusions (cardiac disease, neoplasia, infectious disease, sterile inflammatory disease, severe hypoalbuminaemia, trauma, coagulopathy or ‘open’ if no definitive diagnosis was reached) and outcome were recorded. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of death in cats with bicavitary effusion. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated for survival analysis. Results In total, 103 cats with bicavitary effusion were included. Neoplasia and cardiac disease were the most common aetiologies of bicavitary effusion, in 21 (20.4%) and 20 (19.4%) cats, respectively, followed by infectious disease (n = 11, 10.7%), trauma (n = 13, 12.6%), hypoalbuminaemia (n = 6, 5.8%), sterile inflammatory disease (n = 4, 3.9%) and coagulopathy (n = 1, 1.0%). The median survival time for all cats with bicavitary effusion was 3 days. Cats with a neoplastic aetiology had a 2.03 times greater risk of death compared with cats in which no diagnosis was achieved. Neoplasia ( P = 0.030) and pedigree breed status ( P = 0.016) were independent predictors of death in the multivariable Cox regression model. Conclusions and relevance This study highlights that bicavitary effusions in cats generally carry a guarded to poor prognosis, particularly if neoplasia is the underlying aetiology or if the cat is a pedigree breed. Cardiac disease appeared to be associated with a better prognosis, suggesting that assessment for congestive heart failure should be considered early when evaluating cats with bicavitary effusion. The prognosis for cats with feline infectious peritonitis is likely to be markedly improved by the advent of novel antiviral drugs, compared with the historical cohort of cats presented here.
Identification of Transcriptomic Signatures of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma–Derived Exosomes That Promote Macrophage M2 Polarization and Predict Prognosis: S100A9 Reveals Tumor Progression
Authors: Tan Siyuan , Tang Haodong , Zhang Zheng , Wang Yang , Li Haifeng , Shi Wenyuan , Ye Hao , Xie Peng , Zhou Jiahua 
Published: March 2024

Background: Exosomes play a role in intercellular communication and participate in the interaction between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and immune cells. Macrophages can receive tumor cell–derived exosomes to polarize into M2-type macrophages, which can enhance the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer, leading to poor prognosis. However, the mechanism by which pancreatic cancer cell–derived exosomes promote M2-type macrophages is still unclear. Methods: M2 macrophage–associated exosome-derived key module genes were identified by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis using exoRbase 2.0, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify key prognostic genes and obtain regression coefficients to establish prognostic signature. Immune infiltration, tumor mutations, and GSEA among different risk groups were compared. exoRbase 2.0, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), HPA, and TISCH2 databases were used to further analyze the expression pattern of S100A9 in pancreatic cancer. In vitro experiments, cell-derived exosome isolation, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, flow cytometry analysis, cell transfection, transwell assay, and CCK-8 assay were applied to investigate the roles of S100A9 in macrophage M2 polarization and tumor progression. Results: The key genes of PDAC-derived exosomes promoting M2-type macrophage polarization were identified, and a risk score model was established. The risk score is related to the expression of common immune checkpoints, immune score, and stromal score, and the tumor mutational burden and biological function of high- and low-risk groups were also different. S100A9 was positively correlated with M2-type macrophage marker. In addition, scRNA-seq data from the TISCH2 database revealed that S100A9 is predominantly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells and mono/macrophage cells, suggesting that S100A9 in pancreatic cancer cells could be received by macrophages, thereby inducing macrophage polarization. In vitro, we used exosomes from BxPC-3 cell lines to coculture macrophages and found that macrophages were mainly polarized toward M2 type, which further promoted the proliferation and metastasis of PDAC. Conclusions: Our study established a reliable risk score model for PDAC-derived exosomes and M2 macrophages, identified the important role of S100A9 in macrophage M2 polarization, which provides a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of PDAC, and strengthened the understanding of the mechanism of tumor development and metastasis.