bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tube shunt implantation and trabeculectomy for glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Nachuan , Liu Miaowen , Hao Meiqi , Xu Ruoxin , Wang Fei , Zhang Wenxiong 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of tube shunt implantation with trabeculectomy in the treatment of patients with glaucoma.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed for studies comparing tube with trabeculectomy in patients with glaucoma (final search date: 27 February 2022). Comparisons between tube and trabeculectomy were grouped by the type of tube (Ahmed, Baerveldt, Ex-PRESS and XEN). The primary endpoints included intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP reduction (IOPR), IOPR percentage (IOPR%), complete success rate (CSR), qualified success rate (QSR) and adverse events (AEs).ResultsForty-nine studies were included in this meta-analysis and presented data for 3795 eyes (Ahmed: 670, Baerveldt: 561, Ex-PRESS: 473, XEN: 199, trabeculectomy: 1892). Ahmed and Ex-PRESS were similar to trabeculectomy in terms of IOP outcomes and success rate (Ahmed vs trabeculectomy: IOPR%: mean difference (MD)=1.34 (–5.35, 8.02), p=0.69; Ex-PRESS vs trabeculectomy: IOPR%: MD=0.12 (–3.07, 3.31), p=0.94). The IOP outcomes for Baerveldt were worse than those for trabeculectomy (IOPR%: MD=−7.51 (–10.68, –4.35), p<0.00001), but the QSR was higher. No significant difference was shown for the CSR. XEN was worse than trabeculectomy in terms of IOP outcomes (IOPR%: MD=−7.87 (–13.55, –2.18), p=0.007), while the success rate was similar. Ahmed and Ex-PRESS had a lower incidence of AEs than trabeculectomy. Baerveldt had a lower incidence of bleb leakage/wound leakage, hyphaema and hypotonic maculopathy than trabeculectomy but a higher incidence of concurrent cataracts, diplopia/strabismus and tube erosion. The incidence of AEs was similar for the XEN and trabeculectomy procedures.ConclusionCompared with trabeculectomy, both Ahmed and Ex-PRESS appear to be associated with similar ocular hypotensive effects and lower incidences of AEs. However, Baerveldt and XEN cannot achieve sufficient reductions in IOP outcomes similar to those of trabeculectomy.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021257852.
Long-term impact on cardiopulmonary function and quality of life among patients recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection in a 6-month follow-up period in Lima, Peru: FUNCTION cohort study protocol
Authors: Cachay Rodrigo , Watanabe-Tejada Takashi , Cuno Katiuska , Gil-Zacarias Marcela , Coombes Carolina , Ballena Isabel , Mejia Fernando , Medina Felix , Gayoso Oscar , Seas Carlos , Otero Larissa , Gotuzzo Eduardo 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionThe sequelae of COVID-19 have been described as a multisystemic condition, with a great impact on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems with abnormalities in pulmonary function tests, such as lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) levels and pathological patterns in spirometry; persistence of radiological lesions; cardiac involvement such as myocarditis and pericarditis; and an increase in mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Several factors, such as infection severity during the acute phase as well as vaccination status, have shown some variable effects on these post-COVID-19 conditions, mainly at a clinical level such as symptoms persistence. Longitudinal assessments and reversibility of changes across the spectrum of disease severity are required to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19.Methods and analysisA prospective cohort study aims to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiopulmonary function and quality of life after the acute phase of the disease over a 6-month follow-up period. Sample size was calculated to recruit 200 participants with confirmatory COVID-19 tests who will be subsequently classified according to infection severity. Four follow-up visits at baseline, month 1, month 3 and month 6 after discharge from the acute phase of the infection will be scheduled as well as procedures such as spirometry, DLco test, 6-minute walk test, chest CT scan, echocardiogram, ECG, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement and RAND-36 scale. Primary outcomes are defined as abnormal pulmonary function test considered as DLco <80%, abnormal cardiovascular function considered as left ventricular ejection fraction <50% and abnormal quality of life considered as a <40 score for each sphere in the RAND-36-Item Short Form Health Survey.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (SIDISI 203725) and the Ethics Committee of the Hospital Cayetano Heredia (042-2021). Protocol details were uploaded in ClinicalTrials.gov. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences and open-access social media platforms.Trial registration numberNCT05386485.
Scoping review of methods for engaging long-term care residents living with dementia in research and guideline development
Authors: McArthur Caitlin , Alizadehsaravi Niousha , Quigley Adria , Affoo Rebecca , Earl Marie , Moody Elaine 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesTo describe: (1) methods used to engage long-term care (LTC) residents living with dementia in research and guideline development; (2) the outcomes of engagement; and (3) barriers and facilitators to engagement.DesignScoping review.Search strategyWe conducted searches in Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), APA PsychInfo (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), Medline (OVID), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science and the Cochrane database, and a structured grey literature search in July 2021 and updated in March 2023. We included studies that described or evaluated resident engagement, defined as including residents living with dementia in the process of developing healthcare guidelines or research which could include collaborators or partners in planning, execution or dissemination of the guideline or research. Title, abstracts and full-texts were screened for eligibility by two team members using a pilot-tested process. Data were extracted from included studies independently and in duplicate by two team members using a pre-tested data extraction form. Results were narratively synthesised according to the research question they addressed.ResultsWe identified three studies for inclusion. Residents were engaged at the beginning of the research projects through interviews, focus groups, and consultations. None of the included articles described the outcomes of engagement. Barriers to engagement were predominantly at the resident level, including impaired verbal communication limiting resident’s abilities to participate in discussions, while increased time to support engagement was reported as a barrier at the resident and research team levels.ConclusionsWe found a small body of literature describing the engagement of LTC residents in health research and guideline development. Future work should explore alternative methods to engage LTC residents living with dementia, including art-based methods, and the effect of including resident engagement. Guideline developers and researchers should ensure adequate time and human resources are allocated to support engagement.
Low-dose AtropIne for Myopia Control in Children (AIM): protocol for a randomised, controlled, double-blind, multicentre, clinical trial with two parallel arms
Authors: Farassat Navid , Böhringer Daniel , Küchlin Sebastian , Molnár Fanni E , Schwietering Anne , Seger Dorina , Hug Martin J , Knöbel Anja-Birte , Schneider-Fuchs Sabine , Ihorst Gabriele , Wabbels Bettina , Beisse Christina , Ziemssen Focke , Schuettauf Frank , Hedergott Andrea , Ring-Mangold Theresia , Schuart Claudia , Wolf Armin , Schmickler Stefanie , Biermann Julia , Eberwein Philipp , Hufendiek Karsten , Eckstein Anja , Gusek-Schneider Gabriele , Schittkowski Michael , Lischka Thomas , Lagrèze Wolf A 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionMyopia is a major cause of degenerative eye disease and increases the risk of secondary visual impairment. Mitigating its progression therefore has great potential of clinically relevant benefit as shown by using highly diluted atropine eye drops in children of Asian origin. However, limited evidence is available regarding the efficacy and safety of low-dose atropine therapy in non-Asian populations. Hence, the Low-dose AtropIne for Myopia Control in Children (AIM) study will test the efficacy and safety of 0.02% atropine vs placebo in a German population.Methods and analysisAIM is a national, multicentre, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with two parallel arms. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of atropine 0.02% eyedrops for myopia control in children of Caucasian origin. The primary outcome is the change in cycloplegic refraction after 1 year of treatment (D/year). Secondary and tertiary outcome measures comprise the change in axial length (mm/year) in children treated with 0.02% atropine compared with placebo, the myopic progression of participants treated with 0.01% compared with 0.02% atropine (D/year and mm/year), and the safety profile of both 0.02% and 0.01% atropine. Furthermore, the myopic progression 1 year after cessation of therapy with 0.02% atropine will be evaluated. Inclusion criteria are an age of 8–12 years and myopia of −1 D to −6 D with an estimated annual myopia progression of ≥0.5 D. After randomisation, patients will receive either atropine 0.02% (arm A) or placebo eye drops (arm B) in the first year of treatment. In the second year, they will continue to receive atropine 0.02% (arm A) or switch to atropine 0.01% (arm B). In the third year, they will switch to placebo (arm A) or continue with atropine 0.01% (arm B). To achieve a statistical power of 80%, the calculated sample size is 300. The trial has started in October 2021 with a planned recruitment period of 18 months.Ethics and disseminationAIM has been approved by the Central Ethics Committee of the University Medical Center Freiburg (21-1106), local ethics committees of each participating centre and the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (61-3910-4044659). It complies with the Declaration of Helsinki, local laws and ICH-GCP. Results and underlying data from this trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT03865160.
Symptoms and signs of lung cancer prior to diagnosis: case–control study using electronic health records from ambulatory care within a large US-based tertiary care centre
Authors: Prado Maria G , Kessler Larry G , Au Margaret A , Burkhardt Hannah A , Zigman Suchsland Monica , Kowalski Lesleigh , Stephens Kari A , Yetisgen Meliha , Walter Fiona M , Neal Richard D , Lybarger Kevin , Thompson Caroline A , Al Achkar Morhaf , Sarma Elizabeth A , Turner Grace , Farjah Farhood , Thompson Matthew J 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveLung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in the USA. While most patients are diagnosed following symptomatic presentation, no studies have compared symptoms and physical examination signs at or prior to diagnosis from electronic health records (EHRs) in the USA. We aimed to identify symptoms and signs in patients prior to diagnosis in EHR data.DesignCase–control study.SettingAmbulatory care clinics at a large tertiary care academic health centre in the USA.Participants, outcomesWe studied 698 primary lung cancer cases in adults diagnosed between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2019, and 6841 controls matched by age, sex, smoking status and type of clinic. Coded and free-text data from the EHR were extracted from 2 years prior to diagnosis date for cases and index date for controls. Univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression were used to identify symptoms and signs associated with lung cancer at time of diagnosis, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months before the diagnosis/index dates.ResultsEleven symptoms and signs recorded during the study period were associated with a significantly higher chance of being a lung cancer case in multivariable analyses. Of these, seven were significantly associated with lung cancer 6 months prior to diagnosis: haemoptysis (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.9 to 5.3), cough (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.4 to 4.0), chest crackles or wheeze (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.3 to 4.1), bone pain (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.1 to 3.6), back pain (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 3.2), weight loss (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.8) and fatigue (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.1).ConclusionsPatients diagnosed with lung cancer appear to have symptoms and signs recorded in the EHR that distinguish them from similar matched patients in ambulatory care, often 6 months or more before diagnosis. These findings suggest opportunities to improve the diagnostic process for lung cancer.
Impact of COVID-19 on delivery of oncology services in Northern Tanzania: a cross-sectional study of community health workers and patients undergoing cancer treatment at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
Authors: Pumphrey India , Serventi Furaha , Kahakwa Atukuzwe , Massawe Anna , Henke Antje Annaliese , Henke Oliver 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveTo ascertain how the COVID-19 pandemic was perceived by oncology patients and community health workers (CHWs) and whether this contributed to disruptions in cancer care.DesignCross-sectional study using (1) structured telephone interviews with patients and (2) structured questionnaires completed by CHWs.SettingOutpatient and community care at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre’s Cancer Care Centre (KCMCCCC), Northern Tanzania.Participants300 oncology patients (158 men and 142 women) who had attended KCMCCCC between January and April 2020 and 78 CHWs (16 men and 62 women) in the KCMC regional palliative care network who conducted home visits to patients with cancer during the period January to April 2020.Primary outcome measuresFor patients, missed appointments and fear of COVID-19 more than postponement of their treatment. For CHWs, no primary outcome (a broad range of questions on perception of the pandemic were asked).Results30% of patients said they missed appointments due to the pandemic, the most commonly cited reasons being financial problems (37%) and fear of acquiring COVID-19 infection during travel and/or in the hospital (37%). Only 12.7% of patients said they feared COVID-19 more than postponement of cancer treatment. 88% of CHWs noticed differences in delivering home care since the start of the pandemic, with 58% saying they had noticed more patients dying and 74% saying that more patients were relying on local healers. 31% of CHWs said they feared home visits because of COVID-19 and 46% perceived patients feared home visits due to COVID-19. However, 92% felt home visits should continue.ConclusionThese results indicated that while there was a significant degree of disruption and fear around the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of patients and CHWs did not fear of COVID-19 more than disruption to cancer care. This highlights the importance to these groups of maintaining access to vital cancer services.
Applications to medical and surgical specialist training in the UK National Health Service, 2021–2022: a cross-sectional observational study to characterise the diversity of successful applicants
Authors: Aggarwal Dinesh , Roy-Chowdhury Meera , Xiang Nicola , Peacock Sharon J. 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesTo compare success of applicants to specialty training posts in the UK by gender, ethnicity and disability status.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingNational Health Service, UK.ParticipantsAll specialty training post applications to Health Education England, UK, during the 2021–2022 recruitment cycle.InterventionNil.Primary and secondary outcome measuresComparison of success at application to specialty training posts by gender, ethnicity, country of qualification (UK vs non-UK) and disability. The influence of ethnicity on success was investigated using a logistic regression model, where country of qualification was included as a covariate.Results12 419/37 971 (32.7%) of applicants to specialty training posts were successful, representing 58 specialties. The difference in percentage of successful females (6480/17 523, 37.0%) and males (5625/19 340, 29.1%) was 7.9% (95% CI 6.93% to 8.86%), in favour of females. Segregation of applications to specialties by gender was observed; surgical specialties had the highest proportion of male applicants, while obstetrics and gynaecology had the highest proportion of female applicants. The proportion of successful recruits to specialties largely reflected the number of applications. 11/15 minority ethnic groups (excluding ‘not stated’) had significantly lower adjusted ORs for success compared with white-British applicants. ‘Mixed white and black African’ (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.61, p≤0.001) were the least successful minority group in our study, while non-UK graduates had an adjusted ORs for success of 0.43 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.46, p≤0.001) compared with UK graduates. The difference in percentage of success by disabled applicants (179/464, 38.6%) and non-disabled applicants (11 940/36 418, 32.8%) was 5.79% (95% CI 1.23% to 10.4%), in favour of disabled applicants. No disabled applicants were accepted to 21/58 (36.2%) of specialties.ConclusionsDespite greater success by female applicants overall, there is an attraction issue to specialties by gender. Further, most ethnic minority groups are less successful at application when compared with white-British applicants. This requires continuous monitoring and evaluation of the reasons behind observed differences.Trial RegistrationNot applicable.
Systolic blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Rao Shishir , Nazarzadeh Milad , Li Yikuan , Canoy Dexter , Mamouei Mohammad , Salimi-Khorshidi Gholamreza , Rahimi Kazem 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveIn individuals with complex underlying health problems, the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cardiovascular disease is less well recognised. The association between SBP and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was investigated.Methods and analysisIn this cohort study, 39 602 individuals with a diagnosis of COPD aged 55–90 years between 1990 and 2009 were identified from validated electronic health records (EHR) in the UK. The association between SBP and risk of cardiovascular end points (composite of ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke and cardiovascular death) was analysed using a deep learning approach.ResultsIn the selected cohort (46.5% women, median age 69 years), 10 987 cardiovascular events were observed over a median follow-up period of 3.9 years. The association between SBP and risk of cardiovascular end points was found to be monotonic; the lowest SBP exposure group of <120 mm Hg presented nadir of risk. With respect to reference SBP (between 120 and 129 mm Hg), adjusted risk ratios for the primary outcome were 0.99 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.05) for SBP of <120 mm Hg, 1.02 (0.97 to 1.07) for SBP between 130 and 139 mm Hg, 1.07 (1.01 to 1.12) for SBP between 140 and 149 mm Hg, 1.11 (1.05 to 1.17) for SBP between 150 and 159 mm Hg and 1.16 (1.10 to 1.22) for SBP ≥160 mm Hg.ConclusionUsing deep learning for modelling EHR, we identified a monotonic association between SBP and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with COPD.
Tumor and immune remodeling following radiotherapy in human renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chow Jacky , Khan Adil , Gaudieri Madeline , Wasik Brianna J , Conway Alexis , Soh Kah Teong , Repasky Elizabeth A , Schwaab Thomas , Wallace Paul K , Abrams Scott I , Singh Anurag K , Muhitch Jason B 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundStudies evaluating peripheral patient samples show radiation can modulate immune responses, yet the biological changes in human tumors particularly at the cellular level remain largely unknown. Here, we address how radiation treatment shapes the immune compartment and interactions with cancer cells within renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patient tumors.MethodsTo identify how radiation shaped the immune compartment and potential immune interactions with tumor cells we evaluated RCC tumors from patients treated only with nephrectomy or with radiation followed by nephrectomy. Spectral flow cytometry using a 35-marker panel was performed on cell suspensions to evaluate protein expression within immune subsets. To reveal how radiation alters programming of immune populations and interactions with tumor cells, we examined transcriptional changes by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq).ResultsSpectral flow cytometry analysis revealed increased levels of early-activated as well as effector programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)+CD8 T-cell subsets within irradiated tumors. Following quality control, scRNAseq of tumor samples from nephrectomy-only or radiation followed by nephrectomy-treated patients generated an atlas containing 34,626 total cells. Transcriptional analysis revealed increased transition from stem-like T-cell populations to effector T cells in irradiated tumors. Interferon (IFN) pathways, that are central to radiation-induced immunogenicity, were enriched in irradiated lymphoid, myeloid, and cancer cell populations. Focused cancer cell analysis showed enhanced antigen presentation and increased predicted TRAIL-mediated and IFN-mediated interactions between tumor cells and the same effector T-cell subsets increased by radiation. TRAIL and IFN pathways enriched in irradiated tumors were associated with survival in patients treated with immunotherapy.ConclusionsThese findings identify the source of IFN enrichment within irradiated RCC and reveal heightened levels of PD-1+CD8+T-cell subsets and increased probability of interactions with tumor cells following standalone radiation treatment. This study provides a window into the irradiated tumor-immune microenvironment of patients and rationale for treatment combinations.
Computer-assisted microcatheter shaping for intracranial aneurysm embolization: evaluation of safety and efficacy in a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Heng , Ni Wei , Xu Liquan , Geng Jiewen , He Xuying , Ba Huajun , Yu Jianjun , Qin Lan , Yin Yin , Huang Yufei , Zhang Hongqi , Gu Yuxiang 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, stability, and safety of computer-assisted microcatheter shaping (CAMS) in patients with intracranial aneurysms.MethodsA total of 201 patients with intracranial aneurysms receiving endovascular coiling therapy were continuously recruited and randomly assigned to the CAMS and manual microcatheter shaping (MMS) groups. The investigated outcomes included the first-trial success rate, time to position the microcatheter in aneurysms, rate of successful microcatheter placement within 5 min, delivery times, microcatheter stability, and delivery performance.ResultsThe rates of first-trial success (96.0% vs 66.0%, P<0.001), successful microcatheter placement within 5 min (96.04% vs 72.00%, P<0.001), microcatheter stability (97.03% vs 84.00%, P=0.002), and ‘excellent’ delivery performance (45.54% vs 24.00%, P<0.001) in the CAMS group were significantly higher than those in the MMS group. Additionally, the total microcatheter delivery and positioning time (1.05 minutes (0.26) vs 1.53 minutes (1.00)) was significantly shorter in the CAMS group than in the MMS group (P<0.001). Computer assistance (OR 14.464; 95% CI 4.733 to 44.207; P<0.001) and inflow angle (OR 1.014; 95% CI 1.002 to 1.025; P=0.021) were independent predictors of the first-trial success rate. CAMS could decrease the time of microcatheter position compared with MMS, whether for junior or senior surgeons (P<0.001). Moreover, computer assistance technology may be more helpful in treating aneurysms with acute angles (p<0.001).ConclusionsThe use of computer-assisted procedures can enhance the efficacy, stability, and safety of surgical plans for coiling intracranial aneurysms.