bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Course and Outcomes of Infants with Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus Gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Jaya-Bodestyne Sandra Lynn , Tan Yee Yin , Sultan Rehena , Yeo Kee Thai , Kong Juin Yee 
Published: April 2024

Background:

Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus (SGP), a subtype of Streptococcus bovis, is an uncommon but important cause of neonatal sepsis. Although uncommon, SGP infections during infancy have been associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.

Methods:
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature on the clinical course and outcomes of infants with SGP infection. Studies were identified using the following MeSH keywords: “Streptococcus gallolyticus,” “Streptococcus bovis,” “newborn” and “infant.” Data including perinatal factors, clinical presentation, investigations, treatment and outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

Results:
A total of 46 articles were identified (116 cases: 60 S. bovis, 56 SGP). The cases were predominantly term (52%), male (57%) and born via vaginal delivery (67%). The most common symptom was fever [67% (95% confidence interval (CI): 43%–84%)], lethargy [66% (95% CI: 32%–89%)], tachypnea [59% (95% CI: 27%–85%)] and irritability [59% (95% CI: 34%–79%)]. Infants with early-onset infections (<3 days of life) were more likely to have respiratory symptoms and bacteremia (73%), whereas late-onset infections presented predominantly with gastrointestinal symptoms. Four mortalities were reported which occurred before antibiotic administration. Isolated bacteria were mostly penicillin-susceptible [95% (95% CI: 78–99%)] and cases treated with penicillin derivative had good recovery.

Conclusions:
SGP is an important cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Penicillin derivative is an effective treatment for SGP, and outcomes appear to be favorable.
The Economic Consequences of Sirolimus Treatment in Patients With Vascular Malformations
Authors: Harbers Veroniek E. M. , Kievit Wietske , Duque Jimenez Raquel , Schultze Kool Leo J. , van Rijnsoever Ingrid M. P. , Verhoeven Bas H. , van der Vleuten Carine J. M. , te Loo D. Maroeska W. M. ,   Members of the Vascular Anomalies Working Group (VASCA WG) of the European Reference Network for Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases (VASCERN)—Project ID: 769036
Published: April 2024

Objectives:
Sirolimus is one of the first oral drugs for safe and effective treatment of patients with vascular malformations, and may save (expensive) interventions. Therefore the objective was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of sirolimus in vascular malformations.

Methods:
This cost-effectiveness analysis from a medical and societal perspective was performed alongside a clinical phase IIB effectiveness of sirolimus in patients with vascular malformations trial. Utility and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) were calculated using the short-form six-dimension in adults and pediatric quality of life inventory scores to express effectiveness in children. Total costs included medical and productivity costs. The net monetary benefit was calculated, given a range of willingness to pay (WTP) values within societies with nationalized health care.

Results:
After 6 months on sirolimus, the pediatric quality of life inventory increased by a mean of 12.10 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.64–16.37) in children, and the QALY increased by 0.07 (95% CI, 0.03–0.11) in adults. After 6 months on sirolimus, total costs per child were numerically increased by €110.88 (95% CI, −€1786.17–€2165.95). Per adult, sirolimus resulted in a numerical decrease of mean total cost of €426.84 (95% CI, −€2831.38–€1414.60). In adults, there was a 95% chance that sirolimus treatment would be cost-effective with a WTP of €50k per QALY gained.

Conclusion:
This first pharmacoeconomic analysis shows a substantial improvement in utility and health-related quality of life due to sirolimus treatment in patients with vascular malformations. It shows a high chance that sirolimus will be cost-effective in adults within the limits of acceptable WTP values within societies with nationalized health care. In children, sirolimus may become cost-effective in the future due to a possible decrease in interventions.
A Systematic Review on Prognostic DNA Methylation Markers for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Are We Moving Forward?
Authors: Odeh Selena , Tavelli Beatrice , Joosten Sophie C. , Aarts Maureen J. , Kerkhofs Thomas , van Roermund Joep G. , Marcelissen Tom , Schouten Leo J. , Matoso Andres , van Engeland Manon , Samarska Iryna , Smits Kim M. 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
In this study, we update 2 previously published systematic reviews on prognostic DNA methylation markers for renal cell carcinoma and provide a comprehensive overview of the latest markers and methylation signatures that merit further validation.

Materials and Methods:
We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science including all studies published after our previous systematic review (ie, between March 2017 and December 2021). Data extraction and evaluation using the Reporting Recommendations for Tumor Marker Prognostic Studies criteria and the level of evidence was performed for all 58 included studies. DNA methylation markers were considered promising when findings were validated in more than one study or within multiple cohorts.

Results:
We identified 11 promising single DNA methylation markers (ie, RUNX3, EVI2A, HHLA2, TACSTD2, KEAP1, LAG3, NSD1, ZNF492, GPR149, LEP, and LEPR), three multimarker panels (ie, (1) RAC2, PLCB2, VAV1 and PARVG; (2) NCKAP1L, EVI2A, and BATF; and (3) GREM1, GATA5, LAD1, NEFH, and NEURL) and 5 DNA methylation signatures. Remarkably, since our previous systematic review, only part of the markers recommended for validation were evaluated in subsequent validation efforts, emphasizing the lack of validation in this field.

Conclusion:
Validation studies for prognostic DNA methylation markers have been scarce despite previously published recommendations. Nevertheless, since then, other novel DNA methylation markers or signatures have been proposed as promising biomarkers emphasizing the current focus on expanding evidence instead of further building the evidence on specific markers with the aim of clinical translation.
Expert Perspectives on Controversies in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Management: Narrative Review and Report of the First US Prostate Cancer Conference Part 2
Authors: Bryce Alan H. , Crawford E. David , Agarwal Neeraj , Hussain Maha H. , Beltran Himisha , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Petrylak Daniel P. , Shore Neal , Spratt Daniel E. , Tagawa Scott T. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Aparicio Ana M. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Boike Thomas P. , Calais Jeremie , Carducci Michael A. , Chapin Brian F. , Cookson Michael S. , Davis John W. , Dorff Tanya , Eggener Scott E. , Feng Felix Y. , Gleave Martin , Higano Celestia , Iagaru Andrei , Morgans Alicia K. , Morris Michael , Murray Katie S. , Poage Wendy , Rettig Matthew B. , Sartor Oliver , Scher Howard I. , Sieber Paul , Small Eric , Srinivas Sandy , Yu Evan Y. , Zhang Tian , Koo Phillip J. 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Management strategies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have rapidly shifted in recent years. As novel imaging and therapeutic approaches have made their way to the clinic, providers are encountering increasingly challenging clinical scenarios, with limited guidance from the current literature.

Materials and Methods:
The US Prostate Cancer Conference (USPCC) is a multidisciplinary meeting of prostate cancer experts intended to address the many challenges of prostate cancer management. At the first annual USPCC meeting, areas of controversy and consensus were identified during a 2-day meeting that included expert presentations, full-panel discussions, and postdiscussion responses to questions developed by the USPCC cochairs and session moderators.

Results:
This narrative review covers the USPCC expert discussion and perspectives relevant to mCRPC, including neuroendocrine/aggressive-variant prostate cancer (NEPC/AVPC). Areas of broad agreement identified among USPCC experts include the benefits of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, the use of radioligand therapy in patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–positive mCRPC, and the need for clinical trials that address real-world clinical questions, including the performance of novel therapies when compared with modern standard-of-care treatment. Ongoing areas of controversy and uncertainty included the appropriateness of PARP inhibitors in patients with non-BRCA1/2 mutations, the optimal definition of PSMA positivity, and systemic therapies for patients with NEPC/AVPC after progression on platinum-based therapies.

Conclusions:
The first annual USPCC meeting identified several areas of controversy in the management of mCRPC, highlighting the urgent need for clinical trials designed to facilitate treatment selection and sequencing in this heterogeneous disease state.
Impact of iodine contrast media on gamma camera-based GFR and factors affecting the difference between serum creatinine-based estimated GFR and Gate’s GFR
Authors: Ishii Shiro , Sugawara Shigeyasu , Tanaka Yumi , Kawamoto Natsumi , Hara Junko , Yamakuni Ryo , Suenaga Hiroki , Fukushima Kenji , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: April 2024

Objective
We aimed to elucidate the factors underlying the difference between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from serum creatinine and Gate’s GFR (gGFR) measured using technetium-99m diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) scintigraphy.

Methods
This study was based on consecutive patients who underwent 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy at our hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 and whose blood serum creatinine data were obtained on the same day as the 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy. Relationships between the ratio of gGFR and eGFR (gGFR/eGFR) and age, sex, BMI, visceral fat, psoas muscle index (PMI), serum blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine level were investigated based on 75 patients. Additionally, for 44 patients who had two or more follow-up DTPA studies, we compared gGFR values for studies that used iodine contrast media (ICM) for computed tomography before same-day 99mTc-DTPA studies and those that did not in the same patients.

Results
Weak correlations were observed between gGFR/eGFR and PMI (r = 0.30), BMI (r = 0.24), and the visceral fat area (r = 0.33). Multi-regression analyses showed that gGFR/eGFR was correlated with PMI (β = 0.34, P < 0.01) and approached significance with the visceral fat area (β = 0.24, P = 0.05). A significant difference was observed in gGFR between patients who received ICM before the 99mTc-DTPA renogram and those who did not (P < 0.001, eGFR 80.5 ± 19.0 vs. 91.7 ± 27.8 ml/min).

Conclusion
ICM administration temporarily decreased gGFR, and increased muscle mass increased the difference between eGFR and gGFR values.
Which Features of Telehealth in HIV Care Are Most Important? A Mixed-Methods Study With HIV Care Providers and People Living With HIV in South Carolina
Authors: Gass Salome-Joelle , Yelverton Valerie , Ostermann Jan , Weissman Sharon , Albrecht Helmut 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Telehealth was rapidly implemented in HIV care during COVID-19 yet remains understudied. To assess the importance of telehealth features, we conducted a mixed-methods study with HIV care providers and people living with HIV. Qualitative interviews and ranking exercises revealed heterogeneity in preference-relevant features of telehealth in HIV care.
Family cancer caregiver use of and benefit from an internet-delivered insomnia intervention: results from a single-group feasibility trial
Authors: Shaffer Kelly M. , Glazer Jillian V. , Chow Philip I. , Ingersoll Karen S. , Ritterband Lee M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cancer caregivers are more likely to report clinically significant symptoms of insomnia than patients with cancer and the general population, yet research has been limited regarding cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) among this population.

Methods:
To better understand cancer caregivers' engagement with and benefit from CBT-I, cancer caregivers were enrolled in a nonrandomized pilot feasibility trial of an evidence-based Internet-delivered insomnia program. Thirteen caregivers completed mixed-methods assessments before receiving the insomnia program and after the nine-week intervention period.

Results:
Compared with the five caregivers who did not complete any intervention Cores, the eight caregivers who completed at least one of the intervention Cores tended to report more sleep impairment (insomnia symptom severity; minutes of sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset), less physical and emotional strain from caregiving, and less maladaptive sleep beliefs at the baseline assessment. These caregivers who used the program also showed large improvements in their insomnia symptoms. Caregivers' qualitative feedback about their experience with the program identified potential areas that might be modified to improve caregivers' engagement with and benefit from Internet-delivered insomnia programs.

Conclusions:
Findings suggest that family cancer caregivers can use and benefit from a fully automated Internet-delivered CBT-I program, even without caregiving-specific tailoring. Further rigorous research is needed to better understand whether and how program modifications may allow more caregivers to initiate and engage with this program.
Survivors of child and adolescent cancer experiences of bullying at school or work: self-report and parent proxy report
Authors: Fardell Joanna E. , Schilstra Clarissa , Hikila Jemima , Collins Daisy , Kelada Lauren , Lah Suncica , Cohn Richard J. , Wakefield Claire E. , Ellis Sarah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Childhood cancer survivors can face social difficulties on return to school after treatment. One such difficulty with significant consequences is bullying. This study aimed to describe the experiences of bullying among survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods:
We recruited survivors aged 8–25 years, 1–10 years posttreatment and their parents. Participants completed a survey, and we conducted semistructured interviews about their experiences with bullying and other social experiences on return to school or work.

Results:
A total of 73 survivors (52 children/adolescents and 21 young adults) and 61 parents (including 47 survivor-parent dyads) participated in a questionnaire. Nine survivors and 16 parents completed interviews. A large proportion of survivors experienced some form of bullying (44%) on survey, and one survivor and 7 parents reported experiencing some form of bullying during interview. There was low agreement between survivor self-reports and parent reports of bullying, with survivors more commonly reporting experiencing bullying. Bullying commonly included verbal teasing or social exclusion. Survivors and parents that reported bullying resulted from peer misunderstanding regarding survivors' physical or psychological differences or from survivors' poor social competence. Having proactive parents and close friendships were protective. Programs that increased peer understanding, facilitated friendships and directly targeted bullying reduced or prevented bullying of survivors.

Conclusions:
A significant proportion of young survivors experienced bullying on return to school which was associated with poor social and emotional functioning. A coordinated approach between young survivors, their families, treating team and school, combined with opportunities for socialization and peer education, is needed to reduce bullying.
Mechanical Ventilation and Outcomes of Children Who Undergo Ventricular Assist Device Placement: 2014–2020 Linked Analysis From the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network and Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium Registries
Authors: Perry Tanya , Rosenthal David N. , Lorts Angela , Zafar Farhan , Zhang Wenying , VanderPluym Christina , Dewitt Aaron G. , Reichle Garrett , Banerjee Mousumi , Schumacher Kurt R. 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES:
Placement of a ventricular assist device (VAD) improves outcomes in children with advanced heart failure, but adverse events remain important consequences. Preoperative mechanical ventilation (MV) increases mortality, but it is unknown what impact prolonged postoperative MV has.

DESIGN:
Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) and Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4) registries were used to identify and link children with initial VAD placement admitted to the cardiac ICU (CICU) from August 2014 to July 2020. Demographics, cardiac diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative CICU courses, and outcomes were compiled. Univariable and multivariable statistics assessed association of patient factors with prolonged postoperative MV. Multivariable logistic regression sought independent associations with outcomes.

SETTING:
Thirty-five pediatric CICUs across the United States and Canada.

PATIENTS:
Children on VADs included in both registries.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Two hundred forty-eight ACTION subjects were linked to a matching patient in PC4. Median (interquartile) age 7.7 years (1.5–15.5 yr), weight 21.3 kg (9.1–58 kg), and 56% male. Primary diagnosis was congenital heart disease (CHD) in 35%. Pre-VAD explanatory variables independently associated with prolonged postoperative MV included: age (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.96; p < 0.01); preoperative MV within 48 hours (IRR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.59–4.79; p < 0.01), 2–7 days (IRR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.15–2.89; p = 0.011), and greater than 7 days before VAD implant (IRR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.62–3.4; p < 0.01); and CHD (IRR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.48–2.59; p < 0.01). Each additional day of postoperative MV was associated with greater odds of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.09 per day; p < 0.01) in the full cohort. We identified an associated greater odds of mortality in the 102 patients with intracorporeal devices (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04–1.48; p = 0.014), but not paracorporeal devices (77 patients; OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.99–1.09; p = 0.115).

CONCLUSIONS:
Prolonged MV after VAD placement is associated with greater odds of mortality in intracorporeal devices, which may indicate inadequacy of cardiopulmonary support in this group. This linkage provides a platform for future analyses in this population.
The course of acute low back pain: a community-based inception cohort study
Authors: Pfeiffer Fabian , Luomajoki Hannu , Meichtry André , Hotz Boendermaker Sabina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Acute low back pain (LBP) is increasingly recognized for its potential recurrent nature and long-term implications.

Objectives:
This community-based inception cohort study aimed to delineate trajectories of acute LBP over one year and investigate associated biopsychosocial variables.

Methods:
One hundred seventy-six participants with acute LBP were monitored at 5 follow-up time points over 52 weeks. Pain trajectories were identified using a latent class linear mixed model, and their associations with baseline biopsychosocial factors were evaluated through multinomial logistic regression.

Results:
Four distinct LBP trajectories were discerned: “mild/moderate fluctuating pain” (54.0%), “delayed recovery by week 52” (6.2%), “persistent moderate pain” (33.0%), and “moderate/severe fluctuating pain” (6.8%). Increased baseline pain intensity and history of LBP episodes were significantly linked with less favorable trajectories. Contrary to expectations, psychological variables like stress, anxiety, and depression did not significantly associate with unfavorable trajectories.

Discussion:
This study underscores the heterogeneity of acute LBP's course over a year, challenging the conventionally benign perception of the condition. Recognizing these distinct trajectories might enable more tailored, effective clinical interventions for LBP patients. The small sample size of certain trajectories may influence the generalizability of the results.

Conclusion:
Acute LBP can manifest in different trajectories, with nearly half of the participants experiencing less favorable trajectories. Baseline pain intensity and previous episodes of LBP emerged as key factors, whereas psychological variables had no discernible influence. Recognition of these trajectories may be necessary for improved patient management and targeted interventions.
Non-obese lipedema patients show a distinctly altered quantitative sensory testing profile with high diagnostic potential
Authors: Dinnendahl Rebecca , Tschimmel Dominik , Löw Vanessa , Cornely Manuel , Hucho Tim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives:
Lipedema is a widespread severe chronic disease affecting mostly women. Characterized by painful bilateral fat accumulation in extremities sparing hands and feet, objective measurement-based diagnosis is currently missing. We tested for characteristic psychometric and/or sensory alterations including pain and for their potential for medical routine diagnosis.

Methods:
Pain psychometry was assessed using the German Pain Questionnaire. Sensory sensitivity toward painful and nonpainful stimuli was characterized in non-obese lipedema patients and matched controls using the validated quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocol of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain.

Results:
Lipedema patients showed no overt psychometric abnormalities. Pain was reported as somatic rather than psychosomatic aversive. All QST measurements were normal, but the z-score of pressure pain thresholds (PPT) was twofold reduced and the z-score of vibration detection thresholds (VDT) was two and a half times increased. Both thresholds were selectively altered at the affected thigh but not the unaffected hand. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the combination of PPT and VDT of thigh vs hand into a PVTH score (PPT, VDT, thigh, hand—score) shows high sensitivity and specificity, categorizing correctly 95.8% of the participants as lipedema patients or healthy controls. Bayesian inference analysis corroborated the diagnostic potential of such a combined PVTH score.

Conclusion:
We propose to assess PPT and VDT at the painful thigh and the pain-free hand. Combination in a PVTH score may allow a convenient lipedema diagnosis early during disease development.