bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the neuroconnective endophenotype questionnaire (NEQ): a new clinical tool for medicine and psychiatry resulting from the contribution of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Bulbena Antonio , Rosado Silvia , Cabaleiro Marina , Martinez María , Baeza-Velasco Carolina , Martin Luis-Miguel , Batlle Santiago , Bulbena-Cabré Andrea 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe link between anxiety disorders and joint hypermobility syndrome (now under hypermobility spectrum disorders, which include hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome) has been widely replicated over the past 30 years and has grown beyond the initial nosological limits. To integrate clinical and research progress in this field, a new neuroconnective endophenotype (NE) and its corresponding instrument, the Neuroconnective Endophenotype Questionnaire (NEQ), have been developed. This new clinical construct, created with the active participation of patients, includes both somatic and psychological dimensions and symptoms and resilience items.MethodsThe NE includes five dimensions: (1) sensorial sensitivity, (2) body signs and symptoms, (3) somatic conditions, (4) polar behavioral strategies, and (5) psychological and psychopathological dimensions. The NEQ information is collected through four self-administered questionnaires (sensorial sensitivity, body signs and symptoms, polar behavioral strategies, and psychological characteristics) and a structured diagnostic part that should be completed by a trained observer. This hetero-administered part incorporates (a) psychiatric diagnoses (using structured criteria, e.g., MINI), (b) somatic disorders diagnosis, using structured criteria, and (c) assessment of joint hypermobility criteria.ResultsIn a sample of 36 anxiety cases with 36 matched controls, the NEQ obtained high scores for test–retest, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency. As for predictive validity, cases and controls significantly differed in all five dimensions and hypermobility measurements.DiscussionWe can conclude that the NEQ has achieved acceptable reliability and validity values and, therefore, is ready to be used and tested in different samples. This original and consistent construct including somatic and mental items may improve clinical specificity, the search for more comprehensive therapies, and their genetic and neuroimaging bases.
Oral voriconazole monotherapy for fungal keratitis: efficacy, safety, and factors associated with outcomes
Authors: Cai Youran , Song Shimei , Chen Yiying , Xu Xuyang , Zou Wenjin 
Published: May 2023

PurposeTo provide preliminary data on the efficacy and safety of oral voriconazole (VCZ) as a primary treatment for fungal keratitis (FK).MethodWe performed a retrospective histopathological analysis of data on 90 patients with FK at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between September 2018 and February 2022. We recorded three outcomes: corneal epithelial healing, visual acuity (VA) improvement, and corneal perforation. Independent predictors were identified using univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictive factors associated with the three outcomes. The area under the curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of these factors.ResultsNinety patients were treated with VCZ tablets as the only antifungal drug. Overall, 71.1% (n = 64) of the patients had extreme corneal epithelial healing, 56.7% (n = 51) showed an improvement in VA, and 14.4% (n = 13) developed perforation during treatment. Non-cured patients were more likely to have large ulcers (≥5 × 5 mm2) and hypopyon.ConclusionThe results indicated that oral VCZ monotherapy was successful in the patients with FK in our study. Patients with ulcers larger than 5 × 5 mm2 and hypopyon were less likely to respond to this treatment.
Association of psoriasis with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jing Xu , Zhuyuan Wen , Aijun Chen , Jianxia Xiong , Kun Huang , Ping Wang 
Published: May 2023

Background and objectivePrevious studies have shown that patients with psoriasis are at higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared with general population; however, data on the differences in the occurrence of CKD and ESRD between patients with psoriasis and non-psoriatic controls are limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparison of the probability of suffering CKD and ESRD in patients with or without psoriasis by conducting a meta-analysis of cohort studies.MethodsCohort studies on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library by March, 2023 were searched for. The studies were screened according to pre-established inclusion criteria. Hazard ratios (HRs) and a 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the renal outcomes among patients with psoriasis were calculated using the random-effect, generic inverse variance method. Subgroup analysis was related to the severity of psoriasis.ResultsA total of seven retrospective cohort studies were included, including 738,104 psoriasis patients and 3,443,438 non-psoriasis subjects, published from 2013 to 2020. Compared to controls without psoriasis, patients with psoriasis had an increased risk of CKD and ESRD, with pooled hazard ratios of 1.65 (95% CI, 1.29–2.12) and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.14–1.64), respectively. Besides, the incidence of CKD and ESRD is positively correlated with the severity of psoriasis.ConclusionThis study showed that compared to patients without psoriasis, patients with psoriasis, especially those with severe psoriasis, had a significantly increased risk of developing CKD and ESRD. Considering the limitations of this meta-analysis, more high-quality and well-designed studies are needed in the future to validate our findings.
Sex-specific extracerebral complications in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Bögli Stefan Y. , Beham Sabrina , Hirsbrunner Laura , Nellessen Friederike , Casagrande Francesca , Keller Emanuela , Brandi Giovanna 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundExtracerebral complications in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) often occur during their stay at the neurocritical care unit (NCCU). Their influence on outcomes is poorly studied. The identification of sex-specific extracerebral complications in patients with aSAH and their impact on outcomes might aid more personalized monitoring and therapy strategies, aiming to improve outcomes.MethodsConsecutive patients with aSAH admitted to the NCCU over a 6-year period were evaluated for the occurrence of extracerebral complications (according to prespecified criteria). Outcomes were assessed with the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) at 3 months and dichotomized as favorable (GOSE 5–8) and unfavorable (GOSE 1–4). Sex-specific extracerebral complications and their impact on outcomes were investigated. Based on the results of the univariate analysis, a multivariate analysis with unfavorable outcomes or the occurrence of certain complications as dependent variables was performed.ResultsOverall, 343 patients were included. Most of them were women (63.6%), and they were older than men. Demographics, presence of comorbidities, radiological findings, severity of bleeding, and aneurysm-securing strategies were compared among the sexes. More women than men suffered from cardiac complications (p = 0.013) and infection (p = 0.048). Patients with unfavorable outcomes were more likely to suffer from cardiac (p &lt; 0.001), respiratory (p &lt; 0.001), hepatic/gastrointestinal (p = 0.023), and hematological (p = 0.021) complications. In the multivariable analysis, known factors including age, female sex, increasing number of comorbidities, increasing World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), and Fisher grading were expectedly associated with unfavorable outcomes. When adding complications to these models, these factors remained significant. However, when considering the complications, only pulmonary and cardiac complications remained independently associated with unfavorable outcomes.ConclusionExtracerebral complications after aSAH are frequent. Cardiac and pulmonary complications are independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Sex-specific extracerebral complications in patients with aSAH exist. Women suffered more frequently from cardiac and infectious complications potentially explaining the worse outcomes.
Bioinformatic identification of hub genes Myd88 and Ccl3 and TWS-119 as a potential agent for the treatment of massive cerebral infarction
Authors: Guo Ai , Gao Bin , Zhang Mengting , Shi Xiaoyu , Jin Weina , Tian Decai 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundMassive cerebral infarction (MCI) causes severe neurological deficits, coma and can even result in death. Here, we identified hub genes and pathways after MCI by analyzing microarray data from a murine model of ischemic stroke and identified potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of MCI.MethodsMicroarray expression profiling was performed using the GSE28731 and GSE32529 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Data from a sham group (n = 6 mice) and a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group (n = 7 mice) were extracted to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). After identifying gene interactions, we generated a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network with Cytoscape software. Then, the MCODE plug-in in Cytoscape was used to determine key sub-modules according to MCODE scores. Enrichment analyses were then conducted on DEGs in the key sub-modules to evaluate their biological functions. Furthermore, hub genes were identified by generating the intersections of several algorithms in the cytohubba plug-in; these genes were then verified in other datasets. Finally, we used Connectivity MAP (CMap) to identify potential agents for MCI therapy.ResultsA total of 215 common DEGs were identified and a PPI network was generated with 154 nodes and 947 edges. The most significant key sub-module had 24 nodes and 221 edges. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the DEGs in this sub-module showed enrichment in inflammatory response, extracellular space and cytokine activity in terms of biological process, cellular component and molecular function, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that TNF signaling was the most enriched pathway. Myd88 and Ccl3 were identified as hub genes and TWS-119 was identified as the most potential therapeutic agent by CMap.ConclusionsBioinformatic analysis identified two hub genes (Myd88 and Ccl3) for ischemic injury. Further analysis identified TWS-119 as the best potential candidate for MCI therapy and that this target may be associated with TLR/MyD88 signaling.
Best treatment options for occult breast cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Rong , Yang Hong-xin , Chen Jie , Huang Jian-jun , Lv Qing 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesOccult breast cancer (OBC) is a rare malignant breast tumor. Because of the rare cases and limited clinical experience, a huge therapeutic difference has existed all over the world and standardized treatments have yet been established.MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted using MEDLINE and Embase databases to identify the choice of OBC surgical procedures in all studies: (1) patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) only; (2) patients undergoing ALND with radiotherapy (RT); (3) patients undergoing ALND with breast surgery (BS); (4) patients undergoing ALND with RT and BS; and (5) patients undergoing observation or RT only. The primary endpoints were mortality rates, the second endpoints were distant metastasis and locoregional recurrence.ResultsAmong the 3,476 patients, 493 (14.2%) undergo ALND or SLNB only; 632 (18.2%) undergo ALND with RT; 1483 (42.7%) undergo ALND with BS; 467 (13.4%) undergo ALND RT and BS, and 401 (11.5%) undergo observation or RT only. After comparing the multiple groups, both groups 1 and 3 have higher mortality rates than group 4 (30.7% vs. 18.6%, p &lt; 0.0001; 25.1% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.007), and group 1 has higher mortality rates than groups 2 and 3 (30.7% vs.14.7%, p &lt; 0.00001; 30.7 vs. 19.4%, p &lt; 0.0001). Group (1 + 3) had a prognosis advantage over group 5 (21.4% vs. 31.0%, p &lt; 0.00001). There was no significant difference both in the distant recurrence rates and locoregional rates between group (1 + 3) and group (2 + 4) (21.0% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.06; 12.3% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.26).ConclusionOn the basis of this meta-analysis, our study indicates that BS including modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) combined RT may appear as the optimal surgical approach in patients with OBC. RT cannot prolong both the time of distant metastasis and the local recurrences.
The burden of congenital birth defects between 1990 and 2019 in China: an observational study
Authors: Zhao Yajun , Zhang Haonan , Peng Minghui , Zhou Yemei , Cheng Xuelin , Yang Shijia , Zhang Zhaoyu , Liu Ming , Li Xiaopan , Jiang Sunfang 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundCongenital birth defects (CBDs) are a major public health issue. This study aims to assess trends in the burden of CBDs between 1990 and 2019 across China based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019).MethodsIndicators of the burden of CBDs included incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Metrics included number, rate, and age-standardized rate with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Data were stratified by region [China, global, high-, middle-, low-socio-demographic index (SDI)], age, sex, and type of CBD. Average annual percentage changes (AAPC) and trends were evaluated.ResultsIn China, between 1990 and 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate for CBDs showed an increasing trend, with an AAPC of 0.26% (0.11% to 0.41%), reaching 148.12 per 105 person-years (124.03 to 176.33) in 2019. Most CBDs were congenital heart anomalies, with an AAPC of 0.12% (−0.08% to 0.32%). The age-standardized mortality rate for CBDs showed a decreasing trend, with an AAPC of −4.57% (−4.97% to −4.17%), reaching 4.62 per 105 person-years (3.88 to 5.57) in 2019. Most mortality was associated with congenital heart anomalies, with an AAPC of −3.77% (−4.35% to −3.19%). The age-standardized DALYs rate for CBDs showed a decreasing trend, with an AAPC of −3.74% (−3.95% to −3.52%), reaching 480.95 per 105 person-years (407.69 to 570.04) in 2019.ConclusionsMorbidity associated with CBDs increased in China between 1990 and 2019, accelerated by the adoption of the two-child policy, and ranked high globally. These findings emphasize the need for prenatal screening and primary and secondary prevention strategies.
Investigating the impact of fungicides and mungbean genotypes on the management of pod rot disease caused by Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium chlamydosporum
Authors: Buttar Harwinder Singh , Singh Amarjit , Sirari Asmita , Anupam  , Kaur Komalpreet , Kumar Abhishek , Lal Milan Kumar , Tiwari Rahul Kumar , Kumar Ravinder 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionMungbean is a vital pulse crop in India that can thrive in dry-land conditions and is grown in three seasons, with the added benefit of being used as green manure due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Recently, pod rot disease has emerged as a serious threat to mungbean cultivation in India.MethodsIn this study, morpho-molecular identification of associated pathogens and the bio-efficacy of systemic and non-systemic fungicides as well as genotype screening was performed during the years 2019 and 2020. The pathogens associated with this disease were confirmed on the basis of morphological and molecular characterization. For the molecular characterization, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1) gene sequences were amplified by using primers (EF1 and EF2).ResultsUnder in vitro conditions, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole 75% WG was found to be the most effective against Fusarium equiseti (ED50 2.39 μg ml−1) and Fusarium chlamydosporum (ED50 4.23 μg ml−1) causal agents of pod rot of mungbean. Under field conditions, three applications of trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole 75% WG at 0.07% as a foliar application at fortnightly intervals starting from the last week of July proved to be the most effective against pod rot disease on mungbean cultivars, i.e., ML 2056 and SML 668. To identify the potential resistance sources, 75 interspecific derivative and mutant lines of mungbean were screened for disease reaction to pod rot under natural epiphytotic conditions for the years 2019 and 2020. Genotypic differences were observed for resistance to pod rot disease. The study revealed that among the tested genotypes, ML 2524 exhibited resistance to pod rot disease, with a disease incidence of 15.62% and disease severity of 7.69%. In addition, 41 other genotypes were found to be moderately resistant (MR) to the disease.ConclusionAltogether, the identified management options will offer an immediate solution to manage this disease under recent outbreak conditions and pave a path for futuristic disease management using identified resistant sources in breeding programs.
Associations between biopsychosocial factors and transportation patterns of older adults residing in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Rosnu Nurul Syuhada , Ishak Wan Syafira , Abd Rahman Mohd Harimi , Shahar Suzana , Musselwhite Charles , Mat Ludin Arimi Fitri , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Abdul Latiff Abdul Rais , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionAging is associated with physiological changes in multiple systems in the body and may impact the transportation choices of older adults. In this study, we examine the associations between biopsychosocial factors and the transportation choices of Malaysian older adults.MethodsOne hundred and nineteen (119) older adults, aged 60 and above, living in Klang Valley, Malaysia were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Participants were interviewed face-to-face to obtain sociodemographic data, health status (whether there were and, if yes, the number of comorbidities), outdoor mobility and transportation patterns, Instrumental Activity Daily Living (IADL) status and cognitive function. Participants’ physical performance (dominant handgrip strength, 10-m walk, and timed up and go tests), hearing threshold (pure tone audiometry), and vision function (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity) were measured. Transportation patterns of older adults were categorized into three groups, that is, flexible (using public transport and/or private vehicles), using only private vehicles and restricted (relying on others or walking).ResultsFurther information is needed to enable such older adults as older women, those with comorbidities and poorer functional status to access transportation, especially to meet their health care needs.DiscussionThe majority (51%) of participants were in the ‘using only private vehicles’ group, followed by the ‘flexibles’ (25%) and the ‘restricted’ (24%). Factors significantly associated with the restricted transportation group were: (a) being female (AdjOR 15.39, 95% CI 0.86–23.39, p &lt; 0.001); (b) being Malay (AdjOR 21.72, 95% CI 0.36–16.12, p &lt; 0.001); (c) having higher number of comorbidities (AdjOR 14.01, 95% CI 0.20–13.21, p = 0.007); and (d) being dependent in IADL (AdjOR 13.48, 95% CI 0.51–1.78, p = 0.002).
Post CAR T-cell therapy outcomes and management in HSCT-naive patients: a single-center experience
Authors: Phillips Christine L. , Krupski Christa , Khoury Ruby , Dandoy Christopher E. , Nelson Adam S. , Galletta Thomas J. , Faulhaber Angela , Davies Stella M. , Rubinstein Jeremy D. 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundTisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) is increasingly being used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)-naive patients. Outcomes for HSCT patients following chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy demonstrate low relapse rates; however, a significant number of patients who receive tisa-cel can maintain remission without an HSCT. Multiple factors are considered when choosing whether or not to proceed with HSCT.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 31 patients who had received tisa-cel at our institution and who were transplant naive at the time of infusion. The aim was to determine the rate and timing of consolidative HSCT, factors that led to HSCT, and overall survival.ResultsThree of the 31 patients were non-responders to tisa-cel and ultimately died of disease. Twelve of the 28 responders remain alive with no evidence of disease (NED) without subsequent therapy. Of these patients, 5 of the 12 had isolated extramedullary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (CNS, n = 4; testes, n = 1) and 2 of the 12 had Down syndrome, so no transplantation was planned. In the remaining 5 of 12 patients, close monitoring for signs of relapsed ALL, using serial next-generation sequencing (NGS) minimal residual disease (MRD) and lymphocyte subpopulation measurements, was performed. Owing to continued negative findings, no HSCT was chosen. Ultimately, 43% (12 of 28) of responders proceeded to HSCT, with three receiving tisa-cel as a planned bridge to HSCT as a result of CD22 negativity and/or provider preference (two patients survived with NED); three proceeded to HSCT as a result of early loss of B-cell aplasia (BCA) (all survived with NED); and six had salvage HSCT following relapse (three patients survived with NED and one patient was alive in relapse). Three of the 28 patients died following relapse post CAR T-cell therapy without HSCT. The final patient had an isolated extramedullary soft tissue CD19+ relapse 1 year post tisa-cel treatment, and is now NED without HSCT and persistent BCA.ConclusionClose monitoring of NGS results and BCA, as well as consideration of the site of the disease, can spare a subset of patients HSCT with the maintenance of leukemia-free remission, while still allowing for later HSCT in others. In our cohort, only a small subset of patients was unable to proceed to HSCT following relapse post-CAR T-cell therapy.