bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between nutritional status and biochemical markers among hematopoietic stem cell transplant candidates: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zahedi Hoda , Parkhideh Sayeh , Sadeghi Omid , Mehdizadeh Mahshid , Roshandel Elham , Cheraghpour Makan , Hajifathali Abbas , Shadnoush Mahdi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aim
Candidates of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) may be at nutritional risk due to decreased oral intake, high nutritional requirements and nutrient malabsorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between nutritional status and blood biomarkers in candidates of HSCT.

Methods
A total of 278 patients aged 18–65 years old were recruited and their baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. All subjects underwent nutritional status analysis using Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002). Blood biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), hemoglobin, albumin and total protein as well as CRP-albumin ratio (CAR) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured and compared between two groups based on Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002) within 24 h of admission in Bone Marrow Transplant ward.

Results
The results showed that undernourished patients (NRS ≥ 3) had significantly higher inflammatory markers including ESR, CRP and CAR as well as lower BMI and serum albumin and hemoglobin concentrations (P < 0.05); however, no significant association was observed in terms of total protein even after adjusting for confounders (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
This study revealed that BMI combined with biochemical markers are the appropriate parameters for assessment of nutritional status in HSCT candidates. Furthermore, the nutritional status was verified to be significantly associated with systematic inflammation.
Experiences of social support by participants with morbid obesity who participate in a rehabilitation program for health-behavior change: a qualitative study
Authors: Jøranli Karoline Thomlevold , Vefring Linn Tennefoss , Dalen Maria , Garnweidner-Holme Lisa , Molin Marianne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Obesity is a global public health concern with significant implications for individuals’ physical health and overall well-being. Health-behavior change programs are crucial for addressing obesity and its associated health risks. Social support plays a central role in facilitating successful outcomes in these programs, yet limited qualitative research exists on the experiences of individuals with morbid obesity participating in such interventions. Thus, this study explores how participants with morbid obesity experienced social support in a group-based rehabilitation program for health-behavior change.

Methods
Fourteen participants in a group-based rehabilitation health-behavior change program in Norway were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed with thematic analysis.

Results
The thematic analysis revealed three primary sources of social support: support from other participants in the group, social support from family and friends, and support from the interdisciplinary team. The participants emphasized the significance of ongoing social support throughout their health-behavior change program. Participants appreciated fostering a sense of community and regular interaction with other members of the program to ensure ongoing social support.

Conclusions
Participants outlined the importance of maintaining a sense of community in the group and appreciated platforms for facilitating ongoing interactions and support among group participants. Future studies should focus on long-term interventions, tailored approaches for individuals with diverse needs involving family and friends, and the impact of enhanced peer support. By understanding the role of social support in health-behavior change programs, interventions can be optimized to better support individuals with morbid obesity.
External validation of the five domains of negative symptoms: Focus on cognition, functional capacity, and real-world functioning
Authors: Giordano Giulia M. , Sanmarchi Francesco , Mucci Armida , Rucci Paola , Brando Francesco , Caporusso Edoardo , Giuliani Luigi , Melillo Antonio , Pezzella Pasquale , Bucci Paola , Rocca Paola , Rossi Alessandro , Bertolino Alessandro , Rossi Rodolfo , Pergola Giulio , Galderisi Silvana , Maj Mario ,   Italian Network for Research on Psychoses
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The conceptualization of negative symptoms (NS) in schizophrenia is still controversial. Recent confirmatory factor-analytic studies suggested that the bi-dimensional model (motivational deficit [MAP] and expressive deficit [EXP]) may not capture the complexity of NS structure, which could be better defined by a five-factor (five NS domains) or a hierarchical model (five NS domains as first-order factors, and MAP and EXP, as second-order factors). A validation of these models is needed to define the structure of NS. To evaluate the validity and temporal stability of the five-factor or the hierarchical structure of the brief negative symptom scale (BNSS) in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ), exploring associations between these models with cognition, social cognition, functional capacity, and functioning at baseline and at 4 years follow-up.

Methods
Clinical variables were assessed using state-of-the-art tools in 612 SCZ at two-time points. The validity of the five-factor and the hierarchical models was analyzed through structural equation models.

Results
The two models had both a good fit and showed a similar pattern of associations with external validators at the two-time points, with minor variations. The five-factor solution had a slightly better fit. The associations with external validators favored the five-factor structure.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that both five-factor and hierarchical models provide a valid conceptualization of NS in relation to external variables and that five-factor solution provides the best balance between parsimony and granularity to summarize the BNSS structure. This finding has important implications for the study of pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of new treatments.
Cobimetinib Plus Vemurafenib in Patients With Solid Tumors With BRAF Mutations: Results From the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study
Authors: Meric-Bernstam Funda , Rothe Michael , Mangat Pam K. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Gutierrez Rodolfo , Ahn Eugene R. , Cannon Timothy L. , Powell Steven , Krauss John C. , Reynolds Christopher M. , von Mehren Margaret , Behl Deepti , Calfa Carmen J. , Duvivier Herbert L. , Kaplan Henry G. , Livingston Michael B. , Sharma Manish R. , Urba Walter J. , Grantham Gina N. , Hinshaw Dominique C. , Gregory Abigail , Halabi Susan , Schilsky Richard L. 
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE The Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study is a phase II basket study evaluating antitumor activity of commercially available targeted agents in patients with advanced cancers with genomic alterations known to be drug targets. The results in a cohort of patients with solid tumors with BRAF mutations treated with cobimetinib plus vemurafenib are reported. METHODS Eligible patients had measurable disease (RECIST v.1.1), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2, adequate organ function, and no standard treatment options. The primary end point was disease control (DC), defined as complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) or stable disease of at least 16-weeks duration (SD16+). Low-accruing histology-specific cohorts with BRAF mutations treated with cobimetinib plus vemurafenib were collapsed into a single histology-pooled cohort for this analysis. The results were evaluated on the basis of a one-sided exact binomial test with a null DC rate of 15% versus 35% (power, .82; α, .10). The secondary end points were objective response (OR), progression-free survival, overall survival, duration of response, duration of stable disease, and safety. RESULTS Thirty-one patients with solid tumors with BRAF mutations were enrolled. Twenty-eight patients were evaluable for efficacy. Patients had tumors with BRAF V600E (n = 26), K601E (n = 2), or other (n = 3) mutations. Two patients with CR (breast and ovarian cancers; V600E), 14 with PR (13 V600E, one N581I), and three with SD16+ (two V600E, one T599_V600insT) were observed with a DC rate of 68% ( P < .0001; one-sided 90% CI, 54 to 100) and an OR rate of 57% (95% CI, 37 to 76). Nineteen patients experienced ≥one drug-related grade 3-5 adverse event or serious adverse event including one death attributed to treatment-related kidney injury. CONCLUSION Cobimetinib plus vemurafenib showed antitumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutations; additional study is warranted to confirm the antitumor activity in tumors with non-V600E BRAF mutations.
Redistribute Toxicity
Authors: Ektander Caroline , Stuck Jonas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRedistribute Toxicity was a commissioned art piece created by visual artist Jonas Staal in close collaboration with environmental historian Jonas Stuck and curator and researcher Caroline Ektander, and later enriched by the knowledge and practices of seed librarian, artist, and activist Zayaan Khan for the exhibition The Long Term You Cannot Afford: On the Distribution of the Toxic at SAVVY Contemporary in Berlin in 2019. Informed by historical research on the trade of hazardous waste between the two Germanys during the Cold War—with a particular focus on the landfill Vorketzin, which served as West Berlin’s primary hazardous waste disposal site during the division—the art commission asked us to consider what an act of redistribution of a toxic past could look like. Similar to other waste practices premised on systems of externalization, the one that transpired between a divided Germany resulted in an asymmetrical impact on human, animal, and plant lives populating the former East—effects that are till this day hard to account for. The research process generated a series of designs that exposed the various practical and ethical issues entangled with acts of retribution and helped shape a project that became less concerned with correcting the past and more committed to reconfiguring toxic relations in the present. The final installation design propagated seeds from the wetland vegetation surrounding the landfill. This wild vegetation had not only become implicated in Germany’s toxic history as silent witnesses but had also helped remediate the soils over time.
Air Quality Mapping and Urban Planning for Sustainable Urban Ecology: A Case Study of Chandigarh, India
Authors: Saharan Shubham , Deswal Surinder , Pal Mahesh 
Published: December 2023

In the fast urbanizing world, it has become vital to study urban ecology so as to understand where and how anthropogenic activities impair the urban environment, including air quality; and how living conditions can be improved by urban planning without mortifying urban ecology. This may require innovative technological ideas to efficiently and judiciously utilize the limited urban space. Air quality mapping using Geographic Information System (GIS) provides one such effective tool to urban planners to identify and target specific areas for air quality management in urban setting. In the present study, the air quality mapping of a well-planned city of Chandigarh (India) with proper environmental management zoning has revealed that the air quality index (AQI) of the city falls under “Moderately Polluted (101-200)” category primarily due to annual average concentrations of (range: 44.17-68.87; overall: 56.64) and (range: 99.32-129.39; overall: 111.92) being higher than the permissible levels of 40 and 60 respectively as per Indian standards at all locations as well as for overall city. The study has identified vehicular traffic as the primary reason responsible for the moderately polluted air quality of the city that has the highest vehicle density (878 per 1,000 population) in India. The paper has also suggested measures that may be incorporated during designing and developing the physical and social infrastructures in the city so as to judiciously and efficiently utilize the limited urban space.
Sampling Bias in Entrepreneurial Experiments
Authors: Cao Ruiqing , Koning Rembrand , Nanda Ramana 
Published: December 2023

Using data from a prominent online platform for launching new digital products, we document that “sampling bias”—defined as the difference between a startup’s target customer base and the actual sample on which early “beta tests” are conducted—has a systematic and persistent impact on the venture’s success. Specifically, we show that products with a female-focused target market launching on a typical day, when nine in 10 users on this platform are men, experience 45% less growth a year after launch than those for whom the target market is more male-focused. By isolating exogenous variation in the composition of beta testers unrelated to the characteristics of launched products on that day, we find that on days when there are unexpectedly more women beta testers on the platform—reducing the amount of sampling bias for female-focused products—the gender performance gap shrinks toward zero. Our results highlight how sampling bias can lead to fewer successfully commercialized innovations for consumers who are underrepresented among early users. This paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business strategy. Funding: This work was supported by the Harvard Business School, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation [Grant 201708-2801]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.01740 .
Prior abdominal surgery as a potential risk factor for colonic diverticulosis or diverticulitis
Authors: Ariam Eran , Richter Vered , Bermont Anton , Sandler Yael , Cohen Daniel L , Shirin Haim 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Abnormal colonic pressure profiles have been associated with an increased risk of colonic diverticulosis. A surgical history is a known risk factor for abdominal adhesions and these may lead to increased intraluminal colonic pressure.
AIM
To assess whether previous abdominal surgery is associated with colonic diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
METHODS
We analyzed data from a study of patients undergoing colonoscopy for different indications from 2020 through 2021. Patients completed a structured questionnaire concerning previous abdominal surgeries, dietary and lifestyle exposures including smoking, alcohol use and co-morbidities.
RESULTS
Three hundred and fifty-nine patients were included in the study. The mean age was 67.6 and 46% were females. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure, and body mass index were similar in the diverticulosis and control groups. The overall prevalence of colonic diverticulosis was 25% (91/359) and 48% of the patients had previous abdominal surgery. As expected, the prevalence of diverticulosis increased with age. There was no difference in the rate of previous abdominal surgery between patients with or without diverticulosis (49% vs 47%, P = 0.78). In regards to specific surgeries, inguinal hernia repair was significantly associated with diverticulosis (52% vs 20%, P = 0.001), but not diverticulitis. In contrast, appendectomy was not associated with diverticulosis (6% vs 14%, P = 0.048).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that post-operative abdominal adhesions inducing high colonic intraluminal pressures do not appear to be the mechanism for diverticula formation. Rather, inguinal hernia and diverticulosis may share similar connective tissue pathologies with no causative relationship between them.
Balloon venoplasty for disdialysis syndrome due to pacemaker-related superior vena cava syndrome with chylothorax post-bacteraemia: A case report
Authors: Yamamoto Satomi , Kamezaki Michitsugu , Ooka Junichi , Mazaki Toru , Shimoda Yoshiaki , Nishihara Takaaki , Adachi Yoko 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Although superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome has also been reported as a late complication of pacemaker (PM) implantation, acute onset of SVC syndrome caused by disdialysis syndrome in patients with PM implantation is very rare. There are no specific therapies or guidelines.
CASE SUMMARY
A 96-year-old woman receiving dialysis was implanted with a PM due to sick sinus syndrome. She was referred to our facility for chest discomfort experienced during dialysis. Upon examination, unilateral pleural effusion on the right side was cloudy with a foul odour. The patient was diagnosed with pyothorax and treated with antibiotics. After the effusion was reduced, it gradually reaggravated and remained cloudy. In this case, SVC syndrome, which is generally considered a late complication after PM implantation, rapidly developed following the bacteraemia, resulting in impaired venous return, chylothorax, and disdialysis syndrome. After catheter intervention for SVC stenosis, the patient’s symptoms promptly improved. The patient has been recurrence-free for a year.
CONCLUSION
Acute SVC syndrome can cause dysdialysis in PM-implanted patients. Catheter intervention alone has improved this condition for a traceable period.
Multifocal papillary thyroid cancer in Graves’ disease: A case report
Authors: Alzaman Naweed 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Thyroid cancer is not commonly observed in patients with Graves’ disease (GD). The presence of thyroid nodules in GD is not uncommon. However, a link between these two entities has been reported. Herein, we report the case of a patient with GD and thyroid cancer in Saudi Arabia, which has not been reported previously in our region.
CASE SUMMARY
A 26-year-old male patient with GD, receiving carbimazole for 2 years, presented to our hospital. His hyperthyroidism was controlled clinically and biochemically. On clinical examination, he was found to have a left-sided thyroid nodule. Ultrasound revealed a 2.6 cm hypoechoic nodule with high vascularity. He was then referred for fine needle aspiration which showed that the nodule was highly suspicious for malignancy. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and was diagnosed with multifocal classical micropapillary thyroid cancer. Post thyroidectomy he received radioactive iodine ablation along with levothyroxine replacement therapy.
CONCLUSION
Careful preoperative assessment and thyroid gland ultrasound might assist in screening and diagnosing thyroid cancer in patients with GD.
Anlotinib in combination with pembrolizumab for low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the pancreas: A case report
Authors: Wu Rong-Ting , Zhang Ji-Cheng , Fang Cheng-Nan , Qi Xiao-Yu , Qiao Jin-Fei , Li Ping , Su Li 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a rare spindle cell sarcoma especially in the pancreas, with myofibroblastic differentiation. Hitherto, only a few cases have been reported.
CASE SUMMARY
Herein, we report a case involving the discovery of a pancreatic mass detected during a routine physical examination. Subsequent imaging and pathological tests of the patient led to the diagnosis of LGMS of the pancreas. Following surgical intervention, the patient experienced recurrence and metastasis. Conventional treatment is not effective for postoperative recurrent pancreatic LGMS with multiple metastases. After communicating with the patients and their families, informed consent was obtained for the treatment of anlotinib combined with pembrolizumab. Evaluation of imaging and clinical symptoms post-treatment revealed a relatively favorable response to the combination of anlotinib and pembrolizumab.
CONCLUSION
Based on the comprehensive literature review, our report aimed to provide evidence for a better understanding of the disease characteristics, diagnostic criteria, imaging findings, and identification of LGMS. And explore novel treatment strategies for this disease.
Ankle and toe weakness caused by calcified ligamentum flavum cyst: A case report
Authors: Jung Ho-Young , Kim Geon-U , Joh Yong-Won , Lee Jun-Seok 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Ligamentum flavum cysts, which are most common in mobile junctional levels of the spine, can be a rare cause of spinal stenosis. There have been several case reports of ligamentum flavum cysts. However, there is yet to be a documented case report of a calcified ligamentum flavum cyst. Herein, we report the first case of a calcified ligamentum flavum cyst causing ankle and toe weakness.
CASE SUMMARY
A 66-year-old male visited our hospital complaining of claudication as well as thigh and calf pain in his left leg, all beginning two weeks prior. Physical examination revealed motor weakness of the left ankle dorsiflexion and great toe dorsiflexion. Lumbar spinal computed tomography scans showed spinal stenosis combined with a calcified mass at the left side of the L4-5 level. Magnetic resonance imaging showed dural sac compression caused by the calcified mass at the left ligamentum flavum of the L4-5 level. We performed decompressive laminectomy and excision of the calcified mass combined with posterior lumbar interbody fusion at the L4-5 level. Intra-operatively, we found a firm and nodule like mass originating from the ventral surface of ligamentum flavum. Pathological examination suggested a calcified pseudocyst without a capsular lining. After the operation, the patient’s motor weakness in the ankle and great toe improved gradually.
CONCLUSION
The patient’s ankle and great toe weakness were improved successfully after surgical removal of the calcified cyst.
Inflammatory cutaneous metastases originating from gastric cancer: A case report
Authors: Tian Lei , Ye Zhi-Bin , Du Yun-Lei , Li Qiao-Fang , He Li-Ya , Zhang Hong-Zhen 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Cutaneous metastasis with gastric cancer (GC) origin is extremely rare and associated with poor prognosis. Nodular type is the most common type, while other forms are extremely rare.
CASE SUMMARY
This study describes severe skin redness, swelling, pain, and fever in a 65-year-old man diagnosed with GC, whose left chest wall, left upper limb, and left back were mainly affected. Firstly, the patient was diagnosed with “lymphangitis” and treated to promote lymphatic return. However, the symptoms were constantly deteriorating, and skin thickening and scattered small nodules gradually appeared. Finally, the skin biopsy confirmed cutaneous metastases, and the patient died 7 d later.
CONCLUSION
Our case highlights that cutaneous metastasis should be considered when skin lesions appear in patients with GC.
Abemaciclib-induced lung damage leading to discontinuation in brain metastases from breast cancer: A case report
Authors: Yamashiro Hiroyasu , Morii Nao 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
This case report addresses the dearth of effective therapeutic interventions for central nervous system metastases in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer. It presents a unique case of a woman with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer who developed brain metastasis. The report highlights her initial favorable response to abemaciclib and letrozole therapy prior to the discontinuation due to drug-induced lung damage (DILD).
CASE SUMMARY
In this comprehensive case summary, we present the clinical course of a woman in her 60s, who 11 years following primary breast cancer surgery, was diagnosed with multiple brain metastases. As a third-line systemic therapy, she underwent treatment with abemaciclib and letrozole. This treatment approach yielded a near-partial response in her metastatic brain lesions. However, abemaciclib administration ceased due to the emergence of DILD, as confirmed by a computed tomography scan. The DILD improved after 1 mo of cessation. Despite ongoing therapeutic efforts, the patient’s condition progressively deteriorated, ultimately resulting in death due to progression of the brain metastases.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the challenge of managing adverse events in responsive brain metastasis patients, given the scarcity of therapeutic options.