bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of apoptosis in spinal cord injury: a bibliometric analysis from 1994 to 2023
Authors: Wang Siqiao , Cheng Liming 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundApoptosis after spinal cord injury (SCI) plays a pivotal role in the secondary injury mechanisms, which cause the ultimate neurologic insults. A better understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of apoptosis in SCI allows for improved glial and neuronal survival via the administrations of anti-apoptotic biomarkers. The knowledge structure, development trends, and research hotspots of apoptosis and SCI have not yet been systematically investigated.MethodsArticles and reviews on apoptosis and SCI, published from 1st January 1994 to 1st Oct 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science™. Bibliometrix in R was used to evaluate annual publications, countries, affiliations, authors, sources, documents, key words, and hot topics.ResultsA total of 3,359 publications in accordance with the criterions were obtained, which exhibited an ascending trend in annual publications. The most productive countries were the USA and China. Journal of Neurotrauma was the most impactive journal; Wenzhou Medical University was the most prolific affiliation; Cuzzocrea S was the most productive and influential author. “Apoptosis,” “spinal-cord-injury,” “expression,” “activation,” and “functional recovery” were the most frequent key words. Additionally, “transplantation,” “mesenchymal stemness-cells,” “therapies,” “activation,” “regeneration,” “repair,” “autophagy,” “exosomes,” “nlrp3 inflammasome,” “neuroinflammation,” and “knockdown” were the latest emerging key words, which may inform the hottest themes.ConclusionsApoptosis after SCI may cause the ultimate neurological damages. Development of novel treatments for secondary SCI mainly depends on a better understanding of apoptosis-related mechanisms in molecular and cellular levels. Such therapeutic interventions involve the application of anti-apoptotic agents, free radical scavengers, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, which can be targeted to inhibit core events in cellular and molecular injury cascades pathway.
Decreased phrenic nerve compound muscle action potential, inspiratory muscle strength, and exercise capacity after COVID-19
Authors: Vonbank Karin , Nics Helena , Zwick Ralf Harun , Maasz Julia , Sabic Benjamin , Potzmann Marijan , Brandhofer Georg , Fuchs Julia , Yeghiazaryan Lusine , Burtscher Martin , Paternostro-Sluga Tatjana 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesRespiratory muscle weakness with higher ventilatory demands were reported even in patients recovering from only mild COVID-19 symptoms. Aim of this study was to assess the function of phrenic nerve and inspiratory respiratory muscle as well as cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in patients with prolonged exertional dyspnea after COVID-19 infection.MethodsIn this observational exploratory study, electrophysiological examination of the phrenic nerve, inspiratory muscle capacity as well as lung function test, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and cardiopulmonary exercise test, have been performed in 22 patients post COVID-19 diagnosis (post-CoV).ResultsExercise capacity (peak workload, Wpeak % predicted and peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak % predicted) were significantly affected in the post-CoV patients (61.8 ± 23.3 Wpeak % and 70.9 ± 22.3 VO2peak %). Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) was reduced (60.1 ± 25.5 mbar). In 6 of the 22 patients the electrophysiological response of the phrenic nerve was pathologically decreased (reduced compound muscle action potential, CMAP), while nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was normal, which corresponds to reduced muscle fiber contraction capacity. Positive relationships were demonstrated between 6MWD and MIP (rs = 0.88) as well as quality of life questionnaire (CRQ) and MIP (rs = 0.71) only in patients with reduced CMAP.DiscussionRespiratory muscle weakness and exercise capacity is associated with reduced phrenic nerve CMAP without signs of neuropathy. This indicates that muscle fiber pathology of the diaphragm may be one pathophysiological factor for the prolonged respiratory symptoms after COVID-19 infections.
Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion blockade – patient positioning is everything: a case report demonstrating the efficacy of a modified out-of-plane approach
Authors: Mo Ke , Qian Liang , Tian Jingling , Liao Junling , Tan Fang , Kong Weirong , Yu Xianjun , Chi Xinjin 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundInsomnia has become increasingly prevalent in modern society and is notoriously difficult to treat. Many patients exhibit a poor response to pharmacological interventions. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) has emerged as an effective method for managing insomnia; however, its efficacy may be compromised in some patients, primarily due to a variant vertebral artery anatomy.Case presentationThis case report describes a patient with severe insomnia accompanied by anxiety. Through cervical ultrasound scanning, we identified richly branched cervical arteries at the C6−C7 segment of the vertebral artery, along with anatomical variations, which could pose a heightened risk for the traditional SGB procedure. Therefore, after carefully adjusting the patient’s positioning, we proceeded with ultrasound-guided SGB using a lateral paravein out-of-plane approach. Clinical signs of successful insomnia symptoms alleviation were consistently observed after each block utilizing this alternative technique multiple times in a single patient.ConclusionOur report reveals a new lateral paravein out-of-plane approach for ultrasound-guided SGB to treat insomnia, which might be considered an alternative method. More studies should be carried out to confirm the efficacy of this new approach.
An assessment of PET and CMR radiomic features for the detection of cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Mushari Nouf A. , Soultanidis Georgios , Duff Lisa , Trivieri Maria G. , Fayad Zahi A. , Robson Philip , Tsoumpas Charalampos 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundVisual interpretation of PET and CMR may fail to identify cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) with high specificity. This study aimed to evaluate the role of [18F]FDG PET and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-CMR radiomic features in differentiating CS from another cause of myocardial inflammation, in this case patients with cardiac-related clinical symptoms following COVID-19.Methods[18F]FDG PET and LGE-CMR were treated separately in this work. There were 35 post-COVID-19 (PC) and 40 CS datasets. Regions of interest were delineated manually around the entire left ventricle for the PET and LGE-CMR datasets. Radiomic features were then extracted. The ability of individual features to correctly identify image data as CS or PC was tested to predict the clinical classification of CS vs. PC using Mann–Whitney U-tests and logistic regression. Features were retained if the P-value was &lt;0.00053, the AUC was &gt;0.5, and the accuracy was &gt;0.7. After applying the correlation test, uncorrelated features were used as a signature (joint features) to train machine learning classifiers. For LGE-CMR analysis, to further improve the results, different classifiers were used for individual features besides logistic regression, and the results of individual features of each classifier were screened to create a signature that included all features that followed the previously mentioned criteria and used it them as input for machine learning classifiers.ResultsThe Mann–Whitney U-tests and logistic regression were trained on individual features to build a collection of features. For [18F]FDG PET analysis, the maximum target-to-background ratio (TBRmax) showed a high area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy with small P-values (&lt;0.00053), but the signature performed better (AUC 0.98 and accuracy 0.91). For LGE-CMR analysis, the Gray Level Dependence Matrix (gldm)-Dependence Non-Uniformity showed good results with small error bars (accuracy 0.75 and AUC 0.87). However, by applying a Support Vector Machine classifier to individual LGE-CMR features and creating a signature, a Random Forest classifier displayed better AUC and accuracy (0.91 and 0.84, respectively).ConclusionUsing radiomic features may prove useful in identifying individuals with CS. Some features showed promising results in differentiating between PC and CS. By automating the analysis, the patient management process can be accelerated and improved.
Furosemide in pediatric intensive care: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Gaetani Melany , Parshuram Christopher S. , Redelmeier Donald A. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionFurosemide is the most commonly used medication in pediatric intensive care. Growing data indicates improved hemodynamic stability and efficacy of furosemide infusions compared to intermittent injections, thereby suggesting furosemide infusions might be considered as first line therapy in critically ill, paediatric patients. The objective of this study is to examine furosemide treatment as either continuous infusions or intermittent injections and subsequent patient outcomes.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort analysis of patients treated in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) over a nine year period (July 31st 2006 and July 31, 2015). Eligible patients were admitted to either the general pediatric or cardiac specific ICU for a duration of at least 6 hours and who received intravenous furosemide treatment.ResultsA total of 7,478 patients were identified who received a total of 118,438 furosemide administrations for a total of 113,951 (96%) intermittent doses and 4,487 (4%) infusions running for a total of 1,588,750 hours. A total of 5,996 (80%) patients received exclusively furosemide injections and 1,482 (20%) patients received at least one furosemide infusion. A total of 193 patients died during ICU admission, amounting to 87 (6%) of the 1,482 patients who received an infusion and 106 (2%) of the 5,996 who received intermittent injections. Multivariable regression analysis showed no statistically significant decrease in adjusted mortality for patients who received furosemide injections compared to furosemide infusions (aOR 1.20, CI 0.76–1.89).DiscussionThis retrospective study observed similar mortality for patients who received furosemide infusions compared to furosemide injections. More research on furosemide in the ICU could provide insights on fluid management, drug effectiveness, and pharmacologic stewardship for critically ill children.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting pulmonary infection in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs
Authors: Luo Chuxuan , Zhang Yue , Zhang Jiajie , Jin Chen , Ye Xiaolan , Ren Yan , Shen Huajuan , Chen Maosheng , Li Yiwen , He Qiang , Xu Guangbiao , Shao Lina 
Published: January 2024

Objective: Pulmonary infection (PI), a severe complication of immunosuppressive therapy, affects patients’ prognosis. As part of this study, we aimed to construct a pulmonary infection prediction (PIP) model and validate it in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs).Methods: Totally, 7,977 patients being treated with ISDs were randomised 7:3 to the developing (n = 5,583) versus validation datasets (n = 2,394). Our predictive nomogram was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate COX regression analyses. With the use of the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve, the prediction performance of the final model was evaluated.Results: Among the patients taking immunosuppressive medication, PI was observed in 548 (6.9%). The median time of PI occurrence after immunosuppressive therapy was 123.0 (interquartile range: 63.0, 436.0) days. Thirteen statistically significant independent predictors (sex, age, hypertension, DM, malignant tumour, use of biologics, use of CNIs, use of methylprednisolone at 500 mg, use of methylprednisolone at 40 mg, use of methylprednisolone at 40 mg total dose, use of oral glucocorticoids, albumin level, and haemoglobin level) were screened using the LASSO algorithm and multivariate COX regression analysis. The PIP model built on these features performed reasonably well, with the developing C-index of 0.87 (sensitivity: 85.4%; specificity: 81.0%) and validation C-indices of 0.837, 0.829, 0.832 and 0.830 for predicting 90-, 180-, 270- and 360-day PI probability, respectively. The decision curve analysis (DCA) and calibration curves displayed excellent clinical utility and calibration performance of the nomogram.Conclusion: The PIP model presented herein could aid in the prediction of PI risk in individual patients who receive immunosuppressive treatment and help personalise clinical decision-making.
Exposure–response analysis using time-to-event data for bevacizumab biosimilar SB8 and the reference bevacizumab
Authors: Park Suemin , Jung Jin Ah , Ju Sungil , Lim Hyeong-Seok 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This analysis aimed to characterize the exposure–response relationship of bevacizumab in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and evaluate the efficacy of SB8, a bevacizumab biosimilar, and Avastin®, the reference bevacizumab sourced from the European Union (EU), based on the exposure reported in a comparative phase III efficacy and safety study (EudraCT, 2015-004026-34; NCT 02754882).Materials and methods: The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) data from 224 patients with steady-state trough concentrations (Css,trough) were analyzed. A parametric time-to-event (TTE) model was developed using NONMEM®, and the effects of treatments (SB8 and bevacizumab-EU) and patient demographic and clinical covariates on OS and PFS were evaluated. Simulations of median OS and PFS by bevacizumab Css,trough were conducted, and concentrations required to achieve 50% and 90% of the maximum median TTE were computed.Results: A log-logistics model with Css,trough best described the OS and PFS data. Treatment was not a predictor of the hazard for OS or PFS. Simulations revealed steep exposure–response curves with a phase of rapid rise before saturating to a plateau. The median Css,trough values of SB8 and bevacizumab-EU reported from the clinical study were on the plateaus of the exposure–response curves. The concentrations required to achieve 50% and 90% of the maximum effect were 82.4 and 92.2 μg/mL, respectively, for OS and 79.7 and 89.1 μg/mL, respectively, for PFS.Conclusion: Simulations based on the constructed TTE models for OS and PFS have well described the exposure–response relationship of bevacizumab in advanced NSCLC. The analysis demonstrated comparable efficacy between SB8 and bevacizumab-EU in terms of OS and PFS based on their exposure levels.
Seasonal variations for newly prescribed urate-lowering drugs for asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout in Japan
Authors: Kurajoh Masafumi , Akari Seigo , Nakamura Takashi , Ihara Yasutaka , Imai Takumi , Morioka Tomoaki , Emoto Masanori 
Published: January 2024

Background: Urate-lowering drugs (ULDs) have been approved for treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout in Japan. Although serum urate levels and rates of gout onset are known to have seasonal variations, no survey results regarding the seasonality of ULD prescriptions for asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout have been reported.Methods: A large-scale database of medical claims in Japan filed between January 2019 and December 2022 was accessed. In addition to total size of the recorded population for each month examined, the numbers of patients every month with newly prescribed ULDs for asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout were noted, based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes E79.0 and M10.Results: The results identified 201,008 patients with newly prescribed ULDs (median age 49.0 years, male 95.6%). Of those, 64.0% were prescribed ULDs for asymptomatic hyperuricemia and 36.0% for gout. The proportion of new ULD prescriptions was seasonal, with that significantly (p &lt; 0.001) higher in summer (June–August) [risk ratio (RR) 1.322, 95% CI 1.218 to 1.436] and autumn (September–November) (RR 1.227, 95% CI 1.129–1.335) than in winter (December–February), whereas the proportion in spring (March–May) was not significantly different from winter. There was no significant difference after stratification by drug type (uric acid production inhibitor/uricosuric agent) or size of the medical institution, nor subgrouping by age or sex (p for interaction = 0.739, 0.727, 0.886, and 0.978, respectively). On the other hand, the proportions of new ULD prescriptions for asymptomatic hyperuricemia were significantly lower and for gout significantly higher in spring than winter, while those were similar in summer and autumn for both groups (p for interaction&lt;0.001).Conclusion: The present findings indicate that new prescriptions for ULDs to treat asymptomatic hyperuricemia or gout in Japan show seasonal differences, with higher rates noted in summer and autumn as compared to winter.
Therapeutic aphorisms for paranoid personality disorder and paranoid ideation treatment: psychological opposites and complementaries in brief therapy
Authors: Paoli Bernardo 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundIn brief therapy (BT), aphorisms (As) have been considered a privileged element in therapeutic language. With a handful of words, they arouse emotions and different perspectives.Theoretical proposalIn As, a specific structure—the implicit and explicit symmetry of opposites (SoO)—allows a surprise effect, which in turn allows a therapeutic effect. Therefore, a carefully selected SoO (based on psychological complementaries) underlies the desired therapeutic reframing, which can be identified as a core goal of the psychotherapeutic intervention.Research questionIs it possible to identify As with therapeutic value in treating paranoid personality disorder (PPD) and high paranoid ideation (hPI) cases?MethodStarting from an initial collection of 369 original As created on the spot in 2,335 BT sessions, As used during on-line psychotherapy on 55 patients with PPD and/or an hPI measured with the SCL-90-R were identified.ResultsThirty-three As were selected and organised according to effective and ineffective strategies, the target of the BT intervention for PPD and hPI cases.
Train to sustain: a randomised controlled trial evaluation of a vitality training employing behaviour-change techniques
Authors: Plant Bernice R. C. , Van Leeuwen Mattheis L. , Peters Pascale , Van der Heijden Beatrice I. J. M. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis paper reports on the effects of a 9-week vitality training that employed behaviour-change techniques and was evaluated using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in three large companies based in the Netherlands.MethodsA total of 84 adult employees from three participating organisations in the Netherlands were enrolled in the study. A parallel group RCT design was employed and participants were assigned using individual random assignment to either an intervention (n = 38) or a waitlist control group (n = 46). The intervention consisted of a 9-week vitality training employing the behaviour-change techniques of self-persuasion, implementation intentions, and self-efficacy, which was delivered in-house over five fortnightly 2-hour sessions. Primary outcomes (i.e., reported energy and stress) and secondary outcomes (i.e., reported daily life satisfaction and work capacity) were assessed prior to, immediately after, and 3 months following the intervention.ResultsA mixed MANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect between treatment group and time period for the combination of reported energy, stress, daily life satisfaction, and work capacity. Subsequent univariate ANOVAs revealed significant interactions between treatment group and time period for reported energy, stress, and daily life satisfaction; however, not for reported work capacity. Improvements in outcomes were observed for both groups following their completion of the vitality training; however, not all improvements reached statistical significance. Reported self-efficacy regarding managing work-life balance was found to mediate the relationship between the effects of the intervention and reported energy; however, such an effect was not found for stress.DiscussionAn intervention drawing upon evidence-based behaviour-change techniques shows promise for improving indicators associated with burnout; although, it is recommended that in future research a larger-scale evaluation be conducted over a longer time period with an active control group to establish effectiveness.Clinical trial registration:https://www.anzctr.org.au/, ACTRN12622001268730.
Comparing depression, anxiety, and quality of life in individuals with cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain
Authors: Zarean Elham , Samani Zahra Bahrami , Kheiri Soleiman , Torkian Samaneh 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundPsychological factors are often overlooked as potential contributors to cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression, anxiety, and quality of life with chest pain origin.MethodThis cross-sectional study was performed from 2019 to 2020 and included participants from multiple medical centers across Shahrekord, Iran. Participants were recruited through advertisements in medical centers. Participants were divided into three groups: healthy control (n = 67), chest pain with cardiac origin (CCP) (n = 70), and chest pain with non-cardiac origin (NCCP) (n = 73). Data were collected using the Beck’s Anxiety scale, Beck’s Depression scale, and Short-Form Health Survey questionnaires. The chi-square, exact test, t-test, Kruskal–Wallis, and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. All analysis was performed using SPSS 26.ResultsThe mean scores of depression and anxiety in the NCCP group (depression = 17.03 ± 11.93, anxiety = 17.18 ± 11.37) were significantly higher than those in the CCP (depression = 9.73 ± 5.76, anxiety = 8.77 ± 5.96) and healthy (depression = 7.00 ± 7.61, anxiety = 6.18 ± 7.63) groups (p &lt; 0.05). The mean score of quality of life in the NCCP group (54.87 ± 12.66) was significantly lower than that in the CCP (76.31 ± 12.49) and healthy (80.94 ± 15.78) groups (p &lt; 0.05). Patients with NCCP had higher odds of having depression (adjusted OR = 4.39, 95% CI: 1.25, 15.35) and lower odds for having mental quality of life scores than the CCP and health groups, respectively (adjusted OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.94).ConclusionOur findings suggest that collaboration between psychiatrists and other specialists may be necessary to improve patients’ health conditions and quality of life.