bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging with postoperative pathology results in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Akgül Özgür , Martlı Hüseyin Fahri , Göktaş Abidin , Pak Mehmet Ali , Tez Mesut 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundLocally advanced rectal cancer often requires neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) before surgical intervention. This study aimed to assess the concordance between preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and postoperative pathology results after NAT in rectal cancer patients.MethodA retrospective analysis of 52 patients who underwent NAT and subsequent surgery at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between May 2019 and May 2023 was conducted. Demographics, preoperative MRIs, time intervals between NAT, MRI, and surgery, and postoperative pathology were assessed.ResultsThe median age of the cohort was 59 years, with a male predominance (76.9%). Tumour T stage (κ = 0.157), lymph node stage (κ = 0.138), and circumferential resection margin (κ = 0.138) concordance showed poor agreement between post‐neoadjuvant treatment (PNT) MRI and pathology. PNT MRI demonstrated a limited correlation with postoperative pathology.ConclusionsWhile preoperative MRI is commonly used for restaging after NAT in rectal cancer, our study highlights its limited concordance with postoperative pathology. The sensitivity and specificity metrics, although reported in the literature, should be interpreted alongside concordance assessments for a comprehensive evaluation.
Retinal oximetry and microvascular assessment after hypertensive pregnancy complications
Authors: Hoel Sissel , Moe Kjartan , Sugulle Meryam , Petrovski Goran , Veiby Nina Charlotte B. B. , Staff Anne Cathrine 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeWomen with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased risk of developing premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). The mechanisms behind this are not fully understood, but microvascular alterations have been documented in retinal arterioles and venules. The aim of this study was to use non‐invasive retinal imaging to investigate the structural and functional properties of arterioles, venules and capillaries in this patient group.MethodsWe examined 27 women with previous HDP and 23 controls at 3 years postpartum. The retinal microvasculature was assessed by vessel calibre measurements, retinal oximetry and optical coherence tomography angiography. Differences were analysed using non‐parametric tests and multiple regression analyses, adjusted for age and body mass index.ResultsMedian arteriolar oxygen saturation (SaO2; 94.2% vs. 93.0%), venular oxygen saturation (SvO2; 60.1% vs. 62.4%) and arteriovenous saturation difference (AV‐difference; 32.8% vs. 32.3%) were similar across groups. Capillary vessel density (VD; 46.2% vs. 46.3%), skeletonised VD (VSD; 21.3 vs. 21.1 mm/mm2) and vessel diameter index (21.65 vs. 21.86) were also comparable. In the HDP group, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was positively correlated with AV‐difference (R2 = 0.209) and negatively correlated with arteriolar diameter (CRAE; r2 = 0.382).ConclusionsStructural microvascular alterations appear not to be key biomarkers for CVD risk after HDP as early as 3 years postpartum in otherwise healthy women. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether such changes occur later in life. MAP was associated with AV‐difference only in the HDP group, suggesting specific mechanisms affecting functional microvascular properties in these women.
Hydromorphone hydrochloride preconditioning combined with postconditioning attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats by improving mitochondrial function and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Qiu Liuji , Yan Yan , Zhong Guocheng , Hou Zhiqi , Ye Yongcai , Lin Jiaying , Luo Dexing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThrombolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention for myocardial infarction often cause myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) and poor prognosis of patients. This study aimed to explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of hydromorphone hydrochloride (HH) on MIRI. Fifty Sprague–Dawley male rats were randomly divided into Sham group, I/R group, HH‐pre group, HH‐post group, and HH‐pre + post group. Except Sham group, MIRI models were established by ligating and relaxing the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by tail vein injection of HH (0.3 μmol/L) 10 min before ligation (HH‐pre group), 10 min after reperfusion (HH‐post group), and twice at the above two time points (HH‐pre + post group). After intervention, the cardiac function of rats was evaluated by echocardiography, and the levels of myocardial injury markers, oxidative stress indicators, and mitochondrial function indicators were detected. Next, the myocardial infarction area was evaluated by 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, mitochondrial biogenesis, and phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway by western blot. Compared with the I/R group, HH intervention improved cardiac function, decreased myocardial infarction area, reduced serum myocardial injury markers, alleviated oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, up‐regulated mitochondrial biogenesis, and activated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, the HH‐pre + post group was superior to the HH‐pre and HH‐post groups in the above aspects. Collectively, HH had protective effect on MIRI rats, and HH preconditioning combined with postconditioning showed optimal efficacy. Such efficacy may be achieved by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis to improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress, and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Ophthalmic sequelae of prematurity in late childhood and adulthood: A review
Authors: Downes Rachel A. , Rachitskaya Aleksandra V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdvances in the care of premature infants have resulted in unprecedented rates of survival of these infants into adulthood, including those born at very low gestational ages. Ophthalmologists have historically followed premature infants to assess for the presence of and potential need for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity. However, a growing body of literature suggests that the ophthalmic consequences of prematurity extended beyond retinopathy of prematurity and that ophthalmic sequelae of prematurity can endure through adulthood even among formerly preterm adults who were never diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity. These abnormalities can include a range of both anterior segment and posterior segment sequelae, including higher rates of corneal aberrations, ocular hypertension, strabismus, foveal anomalies, and retinal tears and detachments. This review aims to summarise this literature, underscoring the importance of lifelong examinations and regular monitoring for these complications among adults who were born prematurely.
Assessing the impact of psychiatric genetic counseling on psychiatric hospitalizations
Authors: Morris Emily , McGrail Kimberlyn , Cressman Sonya , Stewart S. Evelyn , Austin Jehannine 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPsychiatric genetic counseling (pGC) can improve patient empowerment and self‐efficacy. We explored the relationship between pGC and psychiatric hospitalizations, for which no prior data exist. Using Population Data BC (a provincial dataset), we tested two hypotheses: (1) among patients (>18 years) with psychiatric conditions who received pGC between May 2010 and Dec 2016 (N = 387), compared with the year pre‐pGC, in the year post‐pGC there would be fewer (a) individuals hospitalized and (b) total hospital admissions; and (2) using a matched cohort design, compared with controls (N = 363, matched 1:4 for sex, diagnosis, time since diagnosis, region, and age, and assigned a pseudo pGC index date), the pGC cohort (N = 91) would have (a) more individuals whose number of hospitalizations decreased and (b) fewer hospitalizations post‐pGC/pseudo‐index. We also explored total days in hospital. Within the pGC cohort, there were fewer hospitalizations post‐pGC than pre‐ pGC (p = 0.011, OR = 1.69), and total days in hospital decreased (1085 to 669). However, when compared to matched controls, the post‐pGC/pseudo index change in hospitalizations among pGC cases was not statistically significant, even after controlling for the higher number of hospitalizations prior. pGC may lead to fewer psychiatric hospitalizations and cost savings; further studies exploring this are warranted.
Efficacy of the iron‐chelating agent, deferiprone, in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Negida Ahmed , Hassan Nafisa M. , Aboeldahab Heba , Zain Youmna E. , Negida Yasmin , Cadri Shirin , Cadri Nivin , Cloud Leslie J. , Barrett Matthew J. , Berman Brian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionSeveral studies have reported iron accumulation in the basal ganglia to be associated with the development of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Recently, a few trials have examined the efficacy of using the iron‐chelating agent Deferiprone (DFP) for patients with PD. We conducted this meta‐analysis to summarize and synthesize evidence from published randomized controlled trials about the efficacy of DFP for PD patients.MethodsA comprehensive literature search of four electronic databases was performed, spanning until February 2023. Relevant RCTs were selected, and their data were extracted and analyzed using the RevMan software. The primary outcome was the change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS‐III).ResultsThree RCTs with 431 patients were included in this analysis. DFP did not significantly improve UPDRS‐III score compared to placebo (Standardized mean difference −0.06, 95% CI [−0.69, 0.58], low certainty evidence). However, it significantly reduced iron accumulation in the substantia nigra, putamen, and caudate as measured by T2*‐weighted MRI (with high certainty evidence).ConclusionCurrent evidence does not support the use of DFP in PD patients. Future disease‐modification trials with better population selection, adjustment for concomitant medications, and long‐term follow up are recommended.
SF‐CORNER (splenic flexure colorectal cancer): an international survey of operative approaches and outcomes for cancers of the splenic flexure
Authors: Sekhar H. , Dyer M. , Khan M. , Mitchell P. J. , West N. P. , Moug S. , Vimalachandran D. ,   the SF‐CORNER collaborative study group
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimThe optimum surgical approach to splenic flexure cancers (SFCs) remains uncertain. The aim of this survey was to explore the opinions of an international surgical community on the management and outcomes of SFC.MethodA questionnaire was constructed comprising five sections (information about respondents; definition and prognosis of SFC; operative approach; approach in specific scenarios; outcomes) and circulated through an international dissemination committee and social media.ResultsThe survey received 576 responses over 4 weeks across 50 countries. There was no consensus regarding the definition of the splenic flexure, whilst the proportion of respondents who did and did not think that patients with SFC had a worse outcome was equal. The overall preferred operative approach was left hemicolectomy [203 (35.2%)], followed by segmental resection [167 (29%)], extended right hemicolectomy [126 (21.9%)] and subtotal colectomy [7 (12%)]. The stated pedicles for ligation varied between resection types and also within the same resection. One hundred and sixty‐six (28.8%) respondents thought a segmental resection was associated with the worst survival and 190 (33%) thought it was associated with the best quality of life.ConclusionThis survey confirms a lack of consensus across all aspects SFC treatment. The differing approaches described are likely to represent different beliefs around the variable anatomy of this region and the associated lymphatic drainage. Future studies are required to address such inconsistencies and identify the optimum surgical strategy, whilst also incorporating quality‐of‐life metrics and patient‐reported outcomes. A one‐size‐fits‐all approach is probably not appropriate with SFC, and a more bespoke approach is required.
Utilizing venous occlusion plethysmography to assess vascular effects: A study with buloxibutid, an angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist
Authors: Rein‐Hedin Erik , Sjöberg Folke , Ganslandt Cecilia , Skoog Johan , Zachrisson Helene , Bengtsson Thomas , Dalsgaard Carl‐Johan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBuloxibutid (also known as C21) is a potent and selective angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) agonist, in development for oral treatment of fibrotic lung disease. This phase I, open‐label, pharmacodynamic study investigated vascular effects of buloxibutid in five healthy male volunteers. Subjects were administered intra‐arterial infusions of buloxibutid for 5 min in ascending doses of 3, 10, 30, 100, and 200 μg/min, infused sequentially in the forearm. Infusions of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) solution in doses of 0.8–3.2 μg/min were administered as a positive control. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. Safety and tolerability of intra‐arterial administrations of buloxibutid were evaluated. Following infusion of buloxibutid in doses of 3–200 μg/min, the range of increase in FBF was 27.8%, 17.2%, 37.0%, 28.5%, and 60.5%, compared to the respective baseline. The largest increase was observed in the highest dose group. Infusions of SNP as a positive control, increased FBF 230–320% compared to baseline. Three adverse events (AEs) of mild intensity, not related to buloxibutid or SNP, were reported for two subjects. Two of these AEs were related to study procedures. There were no clinically relevant changes in arterial blood pressure during the study period. Intra‐arterial infusion of buloxibutid in low, ascending doses increased FBF, indicating that buloxibutid may be effective in conditions associated with endothelial dysfunction. Venous occlusion plethysmography was found to be a useful method to explore pharmacodynamic vascular effects of novel AT2R agonists, while avoiding systemic adverse effects.
Differences in stigma reduction related to injection drug use between people expressing conservative, moderate and progressive values following an online intervention
Authors: Caruana Theresa , Brener Loren , Calabrese Sarah K. , Cama Elena , Treloar Carla , Broady Timothy 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionContact interventions have shown short‐term effectiveness in reducing stigmatising attitudes and behaviours of the public towards marginalised population groups, including people who inject drugs. We theorised that the effectiveness of an intervention differs according to peoples' underlying social values and undertook a study to test this.MethodsWe recruited participants from the Australian public by social media and measured their attitudes, desire to maintain personal distance, and support for structural stigma towards people who inject drugs before and after a brief online video intervention (n = 314). We divided participants into tertile groups according to their responses to a conservatism scale and compared group differences in post‐intervention stigma scores (n = 242–244), controlling for pre‐intervention scores and demographic variables.ResultsAdjusting for baseline levels, the post‐intervention scores in all measures showed significant improvement but scores of the moderate group were consistently most improved. Stigmatising attitudes in the moderate group were significantly reduced when compared with the conservative and progressive groups. However, reductions in desire for personal distance and support for structural stigma did not significantly differ by conservatism group.Discussion and ConclusionsA brief online contact intervention showed immediate effectiveness in reducing stigma towards people who inject drugs. As people with moderate values were found to be more amenable to changing their perspectives, audience social values may need consideration when designing and evaluating stigma interventions. More research is needed to understand how to influence people with more conservative values, and how to increase public support for policies and practices that reduce stigma.
Photosensitizing antihypertensive medication and risk of skin cancer among postmenopausal women
Authors: Hou Alexander , Li Yueyao , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Han Jiali , Eaton Charles B. , Qureshi Abrar , Cho Eunyoung 
Published: February 2024

SummaryBackgroundFew prospective studies exist with an evaluation of a dose‐response relationship between use of some photosensitizing antihypertensive medications and skin cancer.Patient and MethodsWe used prospective data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study to investigate the association between antihypertensive use and risk of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma in postmenopausal women aged 50–79 years at baseline (n = 64,918). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.Results8,777 NMSC and 1,227 melanoma cases were observed. Use of antihypertensives (HR [95% CI]: 1.12 [1.07–1.18]), ACE inhibitors (1.09 [1.01–1.18]), calcium channel blockers (1.13 [1.05–1.22]), diuretics (1.20 [1.12–1.27]), loop diuretics (1.17 [1.07–1.28]), and thiazides (1.17 [1.03–1.33]) were each associated with higher NMSC risk. NMSC risk linearly increased with use of multiple antihypertensives (p‐trend = 0.02) and with longer duration of use (p‐trend < 0.01). Antihypertensives (1.15 [1.00–1.31]), angiotensin‐II receptor blockers (1.82 [1.05–3.15]), and diuretics (1.34 [1.13–1.59]) were each associated with elevated melanoma risk. Effect modification by solar radiation exposure was found between antihypertensive use and incidence of melanoma (p‐interaction = 0.02).ConclusionsUse of antihypertensives overall, and several individual classes thereof, were associated with higher incidence of NMSC and melanoma with dose‐response relationship.
FGF‐stimulated tendon cells embrace a chondrogenic fate with BMP7 in newt tissue culture
Authors: Sugiura Nao , Agata Kiyokazu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNewts can regenerate functional elbow joints after amputation at the joint level. Previous studies have suggested the potential contribution of cells from residual tendon tissues to joint cartilage regeneration. A serum‐free tissue culture system for tendons was established to explore cell dynamics during joint regeneration. Culturing isolated tendons in this system, stimulated by regeneration‐related factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and platelet‐derived growth factor, led to robust cell migration and proliferation. Moreover, cells proliferating in an FGF‐rich environment differentiated into Sox9‐positive chondrocytes upon BMP7 introduction. These findings suggest that FGF‐stimulated cells from tendons may aid in joint cartilage regeneration during functional elbow joint regeneration in newts.
An assistive listening device improves hearing following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Gaastra Ben , Whyte Stuart , Hankin Bethan , Bulters Diederik , Galea Ian , Campbell Nicole 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeHearing impairment is common following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Previous studies have demonstrated that auditory processing disorder (APD) is the primary underlying pathology. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) can be used to manage APD but have not been explored in aSAH. The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of an ALD for patients reporting hearing difficulty after aSAH.MethodsThis was a prospective pilot single‐arm intervention study of an ALD for APD following aSAH. Patients who reported subjective hearing difficulty following aSAH were identified from the Wessex Neurological Centre aSAH database. Speech‐in‐noise was evaluated using the Bamford−Kowal−Bench (BKB) test under 60 and 65 dB noise conditions. BKB performance was compared with and without an ALD. Cognition was assessed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination‐III.ResultsFourteen aSAH patients with self‐reported hearing loss were included in the analysis. Under both noise conditions the ALD significantly improved BKB performance (60 dB, Z = −3.30, p < 0.001; 65 dB, Z = −3.33, p < 0.001). There was no relationship between cognition and response to the ALD.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the marked benefit of ALDs to manage APD following aSAH, regardless of cognitive status. This finding has implications for the management of this common yet disabling deficit which impacts quality of life and employment. A further trial of ALDs in this patient group is needed to test whether these large, short‐term benefits can be practically translated to the community for long‐term benefit when used at home.
Ocular motor and vestibular dysfunction in central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Lee Suk‐Min , Choi Seo Young , Choi Jae‐Hwan , Oh Eun Hye , Yoo Dallah , Lee Sun‐Uk , Kim Hyo Jung , Choi Jeong‐Yoon , Kim Ji‐Soo , Choi Kwang‐Dong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeDiagnosis of lymphoma involving the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging. This study aimed to explore the abnormal vestibular and ocular motor findings in CNS lymphoma.MethodsA retrospective search of the medical records identified 30 patients with CNS lymphoma presenting ocular motor and vestibular abnormalities from four neurology clinics of university hospitals in South Korea (22 men, age range 14–81 years, mean 60.6 ± 15.2). The demographic and clinical features and the results of laboratory, radiological and pathological evaluation were analyzed.ResultsPatients presented with diplopia (13/30, 43%), vestibular symptoms (15/30, 50%) or both (2/30, 7%). In 15 patients with diplopia, abnormal ocular motor findings included ocular motor nerve palsy (n = 10, 67%), internuclear ophthalmoplegia (n = 2, 13%), external ophthalmoplegia (n = 2, 13%) and exophoria (n = 1, 7%). The vestibular abnormalities were isolated in 14 (82%) of 17 patients with vestibular symptoms and included combined unilateral peripheral and central vestibulopathy in three from lesions involving the vestibular nuclei. CNS lymphoma involved the brainstem (53%), cerebellum (33%), leptomeninges (30%), deep gray nuclei (23%) or cranial nerves (17%). Two patients showed the “double‐panda” sign by involving the midbrain.ConclusionsThis study expands the clinical and radiological spectra of CNS lymphoma. Neuro‐ophthalmological and neuro‐otological evaluation may guide the early diagnosis of CNS lymphoma.