bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Neurofilament Light and Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery: A Preplanned Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Khalifa Céline , Robert Annie , Cappe Maximilien , Lemaire Guillaume , Tircoveanu Robert , Dehon Valérie , Ivanoiu Adrian , Piérard Sophie , de Kerchove Laurent , Jacobs Sariyar Aurélie , Teunissen Charlotte Elisabeth , Momeni Mona 
Published: January 2024

Background
Impaired cognition is a major predisposing factor for postoperative delirium, but it is not systematically assessed. Anesthesia and surgery may cause postoperative delirium by affecting brain integrity. Neurofilament light in serum reflects axonal injury. Studies evaluating the perioperative course of neurofilament light in cardiac surgery have shown conflicting results. The authors hypothesized that postoperative serum neurofilament light values would be higher in delirious patients, and that baseline concentrations would be correlated with patients’ cognitive status and would identify patients at risk of postoperative delirium.

Methods
This preplanned secondary analysis included 220 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. A preoperative cognitive z score was calculated after a neuropsychological evaluation. Quantification of serum neurofilament light was performed by the Simoa (Quanterix, USA) technique before anesthesia, 2 h after surgery, on postoperative days 1, 2, and 5. Postoperative delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit, the Confusion Assessment Method, and a chart review.

Results
A total of 65 of 220 (29.5%) patients developed postoperative delirium. Delirious patients were older (median [25th percentile, 75th percentile], 74 [64, 79] vs. 67 [59, 74] yr; P < 0.001) and had lower cognitive z scores (–0.52 ± 1.14 vs. 0.21 ± 0.84; P < 0.001). Postoperative neurofilament light concentrations increased in all patients up to day 5, but did not predict delirium when preoperative concentrations were considered. Baseline neurofilament light values were significantly higher in patients who experienced delirium. They were influenced by age, cognitive z score, renal function, and history of diabetes mellitus. Baselines values were significantly correlated with cognitive z scores (r, 0.49; P < 0.001) and were independently associated with delirium whenever the patient’s cognitive status was not considered (hazard ratio, 3.34 [95% CI, 1.07 to 10.4]).

Conclusions
Cardiac surgery is associated with axonal injury, because neurofilament light concentrations increased postoperatively in all patients. However, only baseline neurofilament light values predicted postoperative delirium. Baseline concentrations were correlated with poorer cognitive scores, and they independently predicted postoperative delirium whenever patient’s cognitive status was undetermined.

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Cortical Auditory Evoked Potential Indices of Impaired Sensory Gating in People With Chronic Tinnitus
Authors: Morse Kenneth , Vander Werff Kathy R. 
Published: January 2024

Objectives:
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) evidence of impaired sensory gating in individuals with tinnitus. On the basis of the proposed mechanism of tinnitus generation, including a thalamocortical inhibitory deficit, it was hypothesized that individuals with tinnitus would lack the normal inhibitory effect on the second CAEP response in a paired-click sensory gating paradigm, resulting in larger sensory gating ratios in individuals with tinnitus relative to age-, sex-, and hearing-matched controls. Further, this study assessed the relative predictive influence of tinnitus presence versus other related individual characteristics (hearing loss, age, noise exposure history, and speech perception in noise) on sensory gating.

Design:
A paired-click CAEP paradigm was used to measure sensory gating outcomes in an independent group’s experimental design. Adults who perceived chronic unilateral or bilateral tinnitus were matched with control group counterparts without tinnitus by age, hearing, and sex (n = 18; 10 females, eight males in each group). Amplitude, area, and latency sensory gating ratios were determined for measured P1, N1, and P2 responses evoked by the first and second click in the paradigm and compared between groups by independent t tests. The relative influence of tinnitus (presence/absence), age (in years), noise exposure history (subjective self-report), hearing loss (pure-tone audiometric thresholds), and speech perception in noise (signal to noise ratio-50) on sensory gating was determined based on the proportional reduction in error associated with each variable using multiple regression.

Results:
A significantly larger

was identified in the tinnitus group relative to the control group, consistent with the hypothesis of poorer sensory gating and poorer thalamocortical inhibition in individuals with chronic tinnitus. On the basis of the proportional reduction in error, the influence of tinnitus presence better predicted

compared with other related individual characteristics (age, noise exposure history, hearing loss, and speech perception in noise).

Conclusions:
Results consistent with poorer sensory gating, including a larger

, were found for the tinnitus group compared with the controls. This finding supported a thalamocortical inhibitory deficit in the tinnitus group and suggests that individuals with tinnitus may have poorer sensory gating. However, the tinnitus group did differ from controls in meaningful ways including having worse pure-tone thresholds in the extended high-frequency region, lower high-frequency distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and poorer speech perception in noise. Although tinnitus best predicted sensory gating outcomes, the specific effects of tinnitus presence versus absence and other individual characteristics on sensory gating cannot be completely separated.
Electrophysiological Measures of Listening-in-Noise With and Without Remote Microphone System Use in Autistic and Non-Autistic Youth
Authors: Key Alexandra P. , Thompson Emily C. , Benítez-Barrera Carlos , Feldman Jacob I. , Woynaroski Tiffany , Picou Erin , Tharpe Anne Marie 
Published: January 2024

Objectives:This study examined the neural mechanisms by which remote microphone (RM) systems might lead to improved behavioral performance on listening-in-noise tasks in autistic and non-autistic youth.Design:Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) were recorded in autistic (n = 25) and non-autistic (n = 22) youth who were matched at the group level on chronological age (M= 14.21 ± 3.39 years) and biological sex. Potentials were recorded during an active syllable identification task completed in quiet and in multi-talker babble noise with and without the use of an RM system. The effects of noise and RM system use on speech-sound-evoked P1-N1-P2 responses and the associations between the cortical responses and behavioral performance on syllable identification were examined.Results:No group differences were observed for behavioral or CAEP measures of speech processing in quiet or in noise. In the combined sample, syllable identification in noise was less accurate and slower than in the quiet condition. The addition of the RM system to the noise condition restored accuracy, but not the response speed, to the levels observed in quiet. The CAEP analyses noted amplitude reductions and latency delays in the noise compared with the quiet condition. The RM system use increased the N1 amplitude as well as reduced and delayed the P2 response relative to the quiet and noise conditions. Exploratory brain-behavior correlations revealed that larger N1 amplitudes in the RM condition were associated with greater behavioral accuracy of syllable identification. Reduced N1 amplitude and accelerated P2 response were associated with shorter syllable identification response times when listening with the RM system.Conclusions:Findings suggest that although listening-in-noise with an RM system might remain effortful, the improved signal to noise ratio facilitates attention to the sensory features of the stimuli and increases speech sound identification accuracy.
The Effect of Hearing Loss and Working Memory Capacity on Context Use and Reliance on Context in Older Adults
Authors: Shen Jiayuan , Sun Jiayu , Zhang Zhikai , Sun Baoxuan , Li Haitao , Liu Yuhe 
Published: January 2024

Objectives:
Older adults often complain of difficulty in communicating in noisy environments. Contextual information is considered an important cue for identifying everyday speech. To date, it has not been clear exactly how context use (CU) and reliance on context in older adults are affected by hearing status and cognitive function. The present study examined the effects of semantic context on the performance of speech recognition, recall, perceived listening effort (LE), and noise tolerance, and further explored the impacts of hearing loss and working memory capacity on CU and reliance on context among older adults.

Design:
Fifty older adults with normal hearing and 56 older adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss between the ages of 60 and 95 years participated in this study. A median split of the backward digit span further classified the participants into high working memory (HWM) and low working memory (LWM) capacity groups. Each participant performed high- and low-context Repeat and Recall tests, including a sentence repeat and delayed recall task, subjective assessments of LE, and tolerable time under seven signal to noise ratios (SNRs). CU was calculated as the difference between high- and low-context sentences for each outcome measure. The proportion of context use (PCU) in high-context performance was taken as the reliance on context to explain the degree to which participants relied on context when they repeated and recalled high-context sentences.

Results:
Semantic context helps improve the performance of speech recognition and delayed recall, reduces perceived LE, and prolongs noise tolerance in older adults with and without hearing loss. In addition, the adverse effects of hearing loss on the performance of repeat tasks were more pronounced in low context than in high context, whereas the effects on recall tasks and noise tolerance time were more significant in high context than in low context. Compared with other tasks, the CU and PCU in repeat tasks were more affected by listening status and working memory capacity. In the repeat phase, hearing loss increased older adults’ reliance on the context of a relatively challenging listening environment, as shown by the fact that when the SNR was 0 and −5 dB, the PCU (repeat) of the hearing loss group was significantly greater than that of the normal-hearing group, whereas there was no significant difference between the two hearing groups under the remaining SNRs. In addition, older adults with LWM had significantly greater CU and PCU in repeat tasks than those with HWM, especially at SNRs with moderate task demands.

Conclusions:
Taken together, semantic context not only improved speech perception intelligibility but also released cognitive resources for memory encoding in older adults. Mild-to-moderate hearing loss and LWM capacity in older adults significantly increased the use and reliance on semantic context, which was also modulated by the level of SNR.
Health-related Quality of Life in Idiopathic Toe Walkers: A Multicenter Prospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Morrow Eileen , Harris Jennifer , Gelfer Yael , Cashman John , Kothari Alpesh ,   on behalf of the FOOTT-UK Collaborators
Published: January 2024

Objective:
Despite idiopathic toe walking (ITW) being a significant source of stress and anxiety for children and parents alike, little is known about the effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The primary research question for this study was “Is ITW associated with impaired HRQoL, and is the degree of equinus contracture related to the degree of impairment?”

Methods:
Twelve pediatric orthopaedic centers across the United Kingdom participated in this prospective, cross-sectional observational study of children younger than 18 years with ITW. Data were collected between May 2022 and July 2022. Using a standardized, piloted proforma, data collected included: demographics, toe-walking duration, passive ankle range of motion (Silfverskiold test), associated autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, previous and planned treatments, and Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children scores. Domain scores were compared with a healthy control group and correlation was made to plantarflexion contracture using standard nonparametric statistical methods.

Results:
Data were collected from 157 children. Significant reductions in physical, school and play, and emotional domain scores were noted compared with healthy controls. A significant moderate correlation was noted between passive ankle dorsiflexion and physical domain scores. There were no significant differences in Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children scores among patient groups by treatment.

Conclusions:
ITW in children is associated with an impairment in HRQoL, not only across the physical domain but also the school and play and emotional domains. The more severe the equinus contracture, the worse the physical domain scores.

Level of Evidence:
Level II—prospective cross-sectional observational study.
Allogenic Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation: An Approach to Bilateral Recurrent Pterygia and Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Mazumdar Shefali , Singh Samya , Asija Nandini , Madhur Lavi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
A 44-year-old man presented with bilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency after multiple failed surgeries for recurrent pterygia in both eyes over the last 11 years. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in both eyes at the time of presentation was hand movement, projection of rays accurate. Owing to bilateral involvement, allogenic simple limbal epithelial transplantation (Allo SLET) was performed in the right eye. The limbal biopsy was taken from the wife of the patient. Complete ocular surface epithelialization was achieved in 26 days. The patient has completed 15 months of postoperative follow-up with stable ocular surface and BCVA 6/12 in the RE. He is on systemic and topical immunosuppressants with no side effects to date.
Cell therapy for retinal disease
Authors: Yalla Goutham R. , Kuriyan Ajay E. 
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review
This review presents an update on completed stem cell therapy trials aimed at retinal diseases.

Recent findings
In recent years, several clinical trials have been conducted examining the safety and role of cell therapy in diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt's macular dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Studies have utilized a variety of cell lines, modes of delivery, and immunosuppressive regimens. The prevalence of fraudulent cell therapy clinics poses threats to patients.

Summary
Clinical trials have begun to characterize the safety of cell therapy in retinal disease. While studies have described the potential benefits of cell therapy, larger studies powered to evaluate this efficacy are required to continue progressing toward preventing retinal disease. Nonapproved cell therapy clinics require regulation and patient education to avoid patient complications.
Acceptance and Factors Associated With Participation in Functional Cure–Related Trials Among People Living With HIV: A Cross-sectional Study in Southern China
Authors: Deng Zhaomin , Shi Minjuan , Yuan Yue , Cao Guangjin , Wen Chunyan , Chen Lijuan , Fan Xueying , Wu Linan , Yuan Jianhui , Zou Huachun , Li Linghua , Sun Caijun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
HIV remains a global health challenge, and research efforts directed towards a functional cure require people living with HIV (PLHIV) involvement in clinical trials. Our study assessed willingness to participate in HIV functional cure–related clinical trials and associated factors among PLHIV in Guangzhou, China, using a questionnaire survey approach. We analyzed responses from 718 questionnaires, finding that 71.2% were willing to participate in Phase III trials, while 51.7% were willing to participate in Phase I trials and 42.9% expressed acceptability for analytic treatment interruption. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that male PLHIV, those with awareness of functional cure, and PLHIV, who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for less than 1 year, were more willing to participate in Phase III trials. Those with a body mass index greater than 24, and those without resistance to ART drug were more willing to participate in Phase I trials. The major motivations for participation in Phase III trials were access to cutting-edge treatments (62.6%) and supporting research (55.3%). Safety was the main concern contributing to hesitancy. Our study revealed a high willingness to participate in HIV functional cure–related trials among PLHIV in Guangzhou, China, and willingness varied across different trial phases and was influenced by multiple factors. This study provides valuable references for future clinical trial recruitment strategies and public health policy formulation.
The Crohn’s Disease–Health Index
Authors: Varma Anika , Weinstein Jennifer , Seabury Jamison , Rosero Spencer , Wagner Ellen , Zizzi Christine , Kaat Aaron , Luebbe Elizabeth , Dilek Nuran , Heatwole John , Saubermann Lawrence , Temple Larissa , Rogoff Scott , Heatwole Chad 
Published: January 2024

Objective:
We sought to develop and validate the Crohn’s Disease–Health Index (CD-HI), a disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure that serially measures Crohn’s disease (CD) symptomatic burden in adults with CD.

Background:
As therapeutic interventions are tested among patients with CD, responsive outcome measures are needed to track disease progression and therapeutic gain during clinical trials.

Patients and Methods:
We conducted a national cross-sectional study of individuals with CD to identify the most prevalent and impactful symptoms of CD. The most relevant symptoms were included in the CD-HI. We used factor analysis, qualitative patient interviews, test-retest reliability evaluation, and known group validity testing to evaluate and optimize the CD-HI.

Results:
The CD-HI contains 12 subscales that comprehensively measure CD burden using the patient’s perspective. Fifteen adults with CD beta tested the CD-HI and found the instrument to be clear, easy to use, and relevant to them. Twenty-three adults with CD participated in an assessment of test-retest reliability, which indicated high reliability of individual questions, subscales, and the full instrument (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.84 for the full instrument). The CD-HI and its subscales demonstrated a high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.98 for the full instrument). The CD-HI distinguished between groups of individuals with CD known to differ in disease severity.

Conclusions:
This research supports the use of the CD-HI as a valid, sensitive, reliable, and relevant patient-reported outcome to determine the multifactorial disease burden of those with CD, assess the relevance and merit of future CD therapies, and support drug labeling claims.
Efficacy, Feasibility, and Safety of the X-Tack Endoscopic HeliX Tacking System
Authors: Canakis Andrew , Dawod Sanad Maher , Dawod Enad , Simons Malorie , Di Cocco Bianca , Westerveld Donevan Richard , Trasolini Roberto Paolo , Berzin Tyler M. , Marshall Christopher A. , Abdelfattah Ahmed Maher , Marya Neil B. , Smallfield George B. , Kaspar Matthew , Campos Guilherme M. , Skef Wasseem , Kedia Prashant , Smith Terrence A. , Aihara Hiroyuki , Moyer Matthew T. , Sampath Kartik , Mahadev Srihari , Carr-Locke David L. , Sharaiha Reem Z. 
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims:
The application of endoscopic suturing has revolutionized defect closures. Conventional over-the-scope suturing necessitates removal of the scope, placement of the device, and reinsertion. A single channel, single sequence, through-the-scope suturing device has been developed to improve this process. This study aims to describe the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of a through-the-scope suturing device for gastrointestinal defect closure.

Methods:
This was a retrospective multicenter study involving 9 centers of consecutive adult patients who underwent suturing using the X-Tack Endoscopic HeliX Tacking System (Apollo Endosurgery). The primary outcomes were technical success and long-term clinical success. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, recurrence, and reintervention rates.

Results:
In all, 56 patients (mean age 53.8, 33 women) were included. Suturing indications included fistula repair (n=22), leak repair (n=7), polypectomy defect closure (n=12), peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) site closure (n=7), perforation repair (n=6), and ulcers (n=2). Patients were followed at a mean duration of 74 days. Overall technical and long-term clinical success rates were 92.9% and 75%, respectively. Both technical and clinical success rates were 100% for polypectomies, POEM-site closures, and ulcers. Success rates were lower for the repair of fistulas (95.5% technical, 54.5% clinical), leaks (57.1%, 28.6%), and perforations (100%, 66.7%). No immediate adverse events were noted.

Conclusion:
This novel, through-the-scope endoscopic suturing system, is a safe and feasible method to repair defects that are ≤3 cm. The efficacy of this device may be better suited for superficial defects as opposed to full-thickness defects. Larger defects will need more sutures and probably a double closure technique to provide a reinforcement layer.
The Role of Intraoperative Pancreatoscopy in the Surgical Management of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Grewal Mahip , Habib Joseph R. , Paluszek Olivia , Cohen Steven M. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Javed Ammar A. 
Published: January 2024

Objectives
Most patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are diagnosed with a solitary lesion; however, the presence of skip lesions, not appreciable on imaging, has been described. Postoperatively, these missed lesions can continue to grow and potentially become cancerous. Intraoperative pancreatoscopy (IOP) may facilitate detection of such skip lesions in the remnant gland. The aim of this scoping review was to appraise the evidence on the role of IOP in the surgical management of IPMNs.

Materials and Methods
Studies reporting on the use of IOP during IPMN surgery were identified through searches of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Data extracted included IOP findings, surgical plan modifications, and patient outcomes. The primary outcome of interest was the utility of IOP in surgical decision making.

Results
Ten studies reporting on the use of IOP for IPMNs were identified, representing 147 patients. A total of 46 skip lesions were identified by IOP. Overall, surgical plans were altered in 37% of patients who underwent IOP. No IOP-related complications were reported.

Conclusions
The current literature suggests a potential role of integration of IOP into the management of patients with IPMNs. This tool is safe and feasible and can result in changes in surgical decision making.