bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased serum level of IL-1β is associated with sarcopenia in elderly people
Authors: Xu Qun , Li Fangzhou , Shen Shanshan , Yu Xiyan , Zhou Jun , Chen Xujiao 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background

Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in muscle mass, strength and physical performance with age, which can cause many hazards to the elderly. The etiology of sarcopenia is complex and diverse, including chronic inflammation and neuromuscular junction damage. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia is still unclear. This study attempts to identify biomarkers related to sarcopenia from the above two aspects.

Methods

From March 2019 to March 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological survey of 127 elderly patients at Zhejiang Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang University. This study compared demographic data, living habits, nutritional status, disease status, frailty grade and anthropometric data of sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia participants, and measured serum interleukin-6(IL-6), Interleukin-10(IL-10), Interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and C-terminal agrin fragment(CAF) levels using commercial ELISA kits.

Results

Our study revealed significant differences in age, marital status, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, nutritional status, frailty, and body mass index(BMI) in the elderly between the sarcopenia and nonsarcopenia groups. IL-1β levels in the sarcopenia group were significantly higher than those in the non-sarcopenia group. Moreover, IL-1β was associated with sarcopenia, low skeletal muscle index (SMI), low grip strength, and and low gait speed. IL-6 was associated with low grip strength, and IL-10 was associated with low grip strength, and and low gait speed. CAF was associated with low grip strength. In multivariate analysis, IL-1β was the independent risk factor for sarcopenia low grip strength and low gait speed, and CAF was the independent risk factors for low grip strength.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that plasma level of IL-1β maybe a promising biomarker for sarcopenia but further study is needed to comfirm the findings and the physiological role of IL-1β in sarcopenia.
Clinical assessment and Continuum of Care of chronic hepatitis B patients in a Subsaharan African setting
Authors: Eloumou Servais Albert Fiacre Bagnaka , Nga Tatiana Winnie Bekolo , Djapa Guy Roger Nsenga , Ndam Antonin Ndjitoyap , Gouajio Gael Gilles Aghoagni , Ngongang Kevine Sorele Kapgang , Malongue Agnes , Noah Dominique Noah , Andoulo Firmin Ankouane , Tzeuton Christian , Namme Henry Luma 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a major public health problem in the world. Cameroon has a high prevalence, estimated at about 11.2%. In Cameroon the management of CHB remains very challenging. The study aims at assessing the clinical assessment and the steps of the Continuum of Care (CoC) of chronic hepatitis B patients.
Methods: A hospital based retrospective cohort study reviewing files of CHB patients who attended care from January 2014- December 2017 in the Douala General Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Cameroon. The CoC was assessed As follows step 1- enrolment in care, step 2-basic work up done, step 3- antiviral treatment uptake, step 4- viral load suppression.
Descriptive statistics was used to represent proportions, the Kaplan Meier curve estimated retention in care and multivariate analysis identified independent association with treatment uptake.
Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 33.7 (±12.0) years, males were predominant with 59.4%. The characteristics of the CoC were as follows: were enrolled in care 1033 patients, 492 (47.6%) completed the basic work up, were initiated on treatment 121 (11.7%); and viral load suppression was achieved in 53 (5.1%). Sociodemographic characteristics such as male gender (aOR: 2.1, CI: 1.2- 3.5), older age > 34 years (aOR 0.03, CI: 0.003-0.33), having a medical insurance (aOR: 5.7, CI: 3.0-10.9) were independently associated with treatment uptake.
Conclusion: The study clearly showed a decreasing proportions of patients at various steps of the CoC, with treatment uptake mostly influenced by some sociodemographic factors. The real need to develop strategies to improve the CoC of CHB in Cameroon is therefore very apparent.
Development and validation of a model predicting patient-reported shoulder function after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in a Swiss setting
Authors: Stojanov Thomas , Aghlmandi Soheila , Müller Andreas Marc , Scheibel Markus , Flury Matthias , Audigé Laurent 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background. Prediction models for outcomes after orthopedic surgery provide patients with evidence-based post-operative outcome expectations. Our objectives were (1) to identify prognostic factors associated with the post-operative shoulder function outcome of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and (2) to develop and validate a prediction model for post-operative OSS.
Methods. Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) were prospectively documented at a Swiss orthopedic tertiary care center. The first primary ARCR in adult patients with a partial or complete rotator cuff tear were included between October 2013 and June 2021. Twenty-two potential prognostic factors were used for prediction model development. Three sets of factors were compared in terms of overall performance (using Akaike’s Information Criterion and model bias) and discriminative ability (using R squared and Root Mean Squared Error).
Results. A complete-case analysis of 1,310 patients was performed. Set 3 retained the following factors: age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, number of pre-operative steroid infiltrations, baseline OSS, baseline level of depression and anxiety, infraspinatus tear, tendon delamination and acromioclavicular joint resection. Linear regression and Tobit models had similar performance on both the training (R squared = 0.201 and 0.201, respectively) and test sets (R squared = 0.119 and 0.123, respectively). The Tobit model was slightly more consistent than the linear regression model after bootstrap validation (R squared = 0.189 compared to 0.161).
Conclusion. A prediction model for patients undergoing ARCR was developed to provide patients and surgeons with individualized expectations for post-operative shoulder function outcomes.
Resection in the coexistence of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Authors: INAN Kubilay , YILDIZ Özgur Ömer 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical perspective on the coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Methods:
Lung cancer and COPD are two diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. In the present study, we present our experience with a total of 21 patients with both COPD and lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment in our center. This retrospective study included 21 patients with COPD and lung cancer who underwent preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation between 2019 and 2020 in our center. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 15 package program.
Results:
This study included a total of 21 patients. The disease duration for patients diagnosed with COPD was 2–9 years. Positive correlations were noted between time since COPD diagnosis and intensive and nonintensive care hospitalization durations (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was noted between preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation period and clinic stay (p = 0.05).
Conclusion:
Meticulous preoperative evaluation in patients with both COPD and lung cancer is crucial to avoid negative outcomes. Furthermore, preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation increases the chance of resection for patients with COPD and should be considered.
Perspectives on consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness from brain injury: Group concept mapping study across clinic, research, and families
Authors: Blond Niklas , Andersen Lise Marie , Wæhrens Eva Elisabeth , Høybye Mette Terp 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
An effective healthcare system is dependent on interactions between clinic, research, and patient/relatives. Such interactions may at their core be challenged by misalignments of concepts and the practices that constitute them. The concept of consciousness and what is experienced and understood as signs of consciousness in patients with severe acquired brain injury is one of these potential areas of misalignment.
Different perspectives and experiences of consciousness are challenging the delivery of care and the high-stake decision-making process on the potential withdrawal of treatment. The enhanced uncertainties call for reflections on how consciousness is perceived and identified by key stakeholders in current clinical encounters and practice.
The study provides a first step towards a future framework for the difficult process of decision-making concerning a segment of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC).
Methods
The study empirically explores the actual experiences and conceptions of consciousness in relation to patients with DoC from the perspectives of researchers, health professionals, and relatives of patients, to understand the challenges of the diversity of understandings of consciousness. Engaging the stakeholders by employing Group Concept Mapping methodology, the study developed a situated conceptual map, which reflects nuances and importance of perspectives on and signs of consciousness.
Results
The conceptual mapping demonstrates an extensive overlap in perspectives on consciousness among participants, prioritizing signs that are observable at the bedside.
Based on the analysis of rating of perspectives and a validation workshop a situated conceptual map was develop to guide conceptual alignment when encountering divergent perspectives on consciousness in patients with DoC.
Conclusions
The study highlights the importance of repeatable signs of consciousness observed at the bedside and the patient’s ability to participate in social interactions, while also considering the importance of non-clinically observable signs of consciousness.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Health Experiences of Asylum Seekers to the United States
Authors: Singer Elizabeth , Molyneux Kevin Kevin , Gogerly-Moragoda Mahalya , Kee Dustin , Baranowski Kim Baranowski 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated preexisting barriers to accessing healthcare and social services faced by asylum seekers to the United States. This study aimed to uncover the impact of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on asylum seekers, including socio-economic stressors and access to medical information, healthcare, and testing.
Method
We conducted 15 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with adult asylum seekers to the U.S. and systematically analyzed the resulting transcripts using a consensual qualitative research approach.
Results
The transcripts yielded six domains: (1) knowledge and understanding of COVID-19; (2) attitudes and practices relating to COVID-19 precautions; (3) experience of COVID-19 symptoms; (4) current physical and mental health; (5) access to and interaction with health care; (6) discrimination based on asylum status.
Conclusions
Although participants had knowledge about COVID-19’s communicability and regularly used masks, their living conditions frequently hindered their ability to quarantine and isolate, and their lack of insurance was often a deterrent to them seeking medical care. Notably, immigration status was not a significant factor discouraging participants from seeking care during the pandemic. The findings build on existing knowledge about this community and may help define areas where support and services can be expanded in current and future pandemics.
Difficulty in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer based on the initial CT report: A retrospective study
Authors: Shionoya Kento , Koizumi Kazuya , Masuda Sakue , Makazu Makomo , Kubota Jun , Jinushi Ryuhei , Kimura Karen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
The role of computed tomography (CT) in the initial diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) is well-known. CT reports made by radiologists are important as not all patients with PC are examined by specialists; however, some cases are not identified based on CT reports. Diagnosis via imaging of PC is sometimes difficult, and the diagnostic rate of PC and other pancreatic diseases can vary across radiologists. This study examined the diagnostic rate of PC in initial CT reports and the details of cases with diagnostic difficulties.
Methods
Clinical data of 198 patients with histologically diagnosed PC were retrospectively collected between January 2018 and April 2022. Out of these contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 192 cases (124 men and 68 women) and these cases were examined.
Results
In the reports, PC was not reported as the main diagnosis in 18 patients (9.4%; 11 men and 7 women; mean age, 69.7 years). Among these 18 cases, intrapancreatic mass lesions were detected in 3 (1.6%), indirect findings such as bile duct/pancreatic duct stenosis or dilation were detected in 5 (2.6%), and no PC-related findings were found in 10 (5.2%). The specialists suspected PC in 15 of these 18 cases based on initial CT reports. Seventeen cases were confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and one by biopsy after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Conclusions
To improve accuracy of the diagnosis of the PC, it is important that specialists provide feedback to diagnostic radiologists regarding the findings they did not report. Additionally, non-specialists should be aware of the importance to seek the advice of specialists when such indirect findings or any kind of pancreatic mass are present. EUS-FNA should be performed by specialists when there is clinical information which indicates pancreatic disease of any kind.
Immuno-oncologic profiling of pediatric CNS tumors reveals major clinical significance of the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Levine Adrian , Nobre Liana , Das Anirban , Milos Scott , Bianchi Vanessa , Johnson Monique , Fernandez Nicholas , Stengs Lucie , Ryall Scott , Ku Michell , Rana Mansuba , Laxer Benjamin , Sheth Javal , Sbergio Stefanie-Grace , Fedoráková Ivana , Ramaswamy Vijay , Bennett Julie , Tabori Uri , Siddaway Robert , Hawkins Cynthia 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

With the increasing use of immunotherapy in cancer, understanding the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has become increasingly important. There has been great success in treatment of some pediatric high-grade gliomas with immune checkpoint inhibition, however overall, the immune microenvironment in pediatric brain tumors remains poorly understood. Accordingly, we developed a clinical immune-oncology gene expression assay and used it to profile a diverse range of pediatric brain tumors with detailed clinical and molecular annotation, including a total of 1379 cases. Our findings demonstrate the critical importance of understanding the TIME to guide the prognosis and management of pediatric brain tumors. In pediatric low-grade gliomas we identified distinct patterns of immune activation with prognostic significance in BRAF V600E mutant tumors. In pediatric high-grade gliomas, we observed elevated inflammation and T cell infiltrates in tumors that have historically been considered immune cold, as well as genomic correlates of inflammation levels. In our cohort of mismatch repair deficient high-grade gliomas treated with immune checkpoint inhibition, we found that high tumor inflammation signature was a significant predictor of treatment response. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential for multimodal biomarkers to improve the treatment stratification of these patients. Importantly, while overall patterns of immune activation were observed for histologically and genomically defined tumor types, there was nonetheless significant variability within each diagnostic entity, indicating that the immune response must be evaluated as an independent feature. In sum, in addition to the histology and molecular profile, this work establishes the importance of assessing and reporting on the tumor immune microenvironment as an essential axis of cancer diagnosis in the era of personalized medicine.
Stabilizer codes for Open Quantum Systems
Authors: Pereira Francisco Revson F. , Mancini Stefano , Guardia Giuliano G. La 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The Lindblad master equation describes the evolution of a large variety of open quantum systems. An important property of some open quantum systems is the existence of decoherence-free subspaces. A quantum state from a decoherence-free subspace will evolve unitarily. However, there is no procedural and optimal method for constructing a decoherence-free subspace. In this paper, we develop tools for constructing decoherence-free stabilizer codes for open quantum systems governed by Lindblad master equation. This is done by pursuing an extension of the stabilizer formalism beyond the celebrated group structure of Pauli error operators. We then show how to utilize decoherence-free stabilizer codes in quantum metrology in order to attain the Heisenberg limit scaling with low computational complexity.
Differential and phase-diverse electrooptic modulators
Authors: Ordouie Ehsan , Jiang Tianwei , Zhou Tingyi , Juneghani Farzaneh Arab , Eshaghi Mahdi , Vazimali Milad Gholipour , Fathpour Sasan , Jalali Bahram 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Bandwidth and noise are fundamental considerations in all communication and signal processing systems. The group-velocity dispersion of optical fibers creates nulls in their frequency response, limiting the bandwidth and hence the temporal response of communication and signal processing systems. Intensity noise is often the dominant optical noise source for semiconductor lasers in data communication. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a new class of electrooptic modulators that is capable of mitigating both of these problems. Fabricated in thin-film lithium niobate, the modulator simultaneously achieves phase diversity and differential operations. The former compensates for the dispersion penalty of the fiber, and the latter overcomes the intensity noise and other common mode fluctuations. Applications of the so-called four-phase electrooptic modulator in time-stretch data acquisition and in optical communication are demonstrated.
Low Intensity mental health Support via a Telehealth Enabled Network for adults with diabetes (LISTEN): Protocol for a hybrid type 1 effectiveness implementation trial
Authors: Holloway Edith E , Gray Shikha , Mihalopoulos Catherine , Versace Vincent L , Gautier Roslyn Le , Chatterton Mary Lou , Hagger Virginia , Halliday Jennifer , Henshaw Kim , Harrap Benjamin , Manallack Sarah , Black Taryn , Bruggen Natasha Van , Hines Carolyn , O’Neil Adrienne , Skinner Timothy C , Speight Jane , Hendrieckx Christel 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Mental health problems are common among people with diabetes. However, evidence-based strategies for the prevention and early intervention of emotional problems in people with diabetes are lacking. Our aim is to assess the real-world effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of a Low Intensity mental health Support via a Telehealth Enabled Network (LISTEN), facilitated by diabetes health professionals (HPs).
Methods
A hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation trial, including a two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial, alongside mixed methods process evaluation. Recruited primarily via the National Diabetes Services Scheme, Australian adults with diabetes (N = 394) will be eligible if they are experiencing elevated diabetes distress. Participants are randomised (1:1 ratio) to LISTEN - a brief, low-intensity mental health support program based on a problem-solving therapy framework and delivered via telehealth (intervention) or usual care (web-based resources about diabetes and emotional health). Data are collected via online assessments at baseline (T0), 8 weeks (T1) and 6 months (T2, primary endpoint) follow-up. The primary outcome is between group differences in diabetes distress at T2. Secondary outcomes include the immediate (T1) and longer-term (T2) effect of the intervention on psychological distress, general emotional well-being, and coping self-efficacy. A within-trial economic evaluation will be conducted. Implementation outcomes will be assessed using mixed methods, according to the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Data collection will include qualitative interviews and field notes.
Discussion
It is anticipated that LISTEN will reduce diabetes distress among adults with diabetes. The pragmatic trial results will determine whether LISTEN is effective, cost-effective, and should be implemented at scale. Qualitative findings will be used to refine the intervention and implementation strategies as required.
Trial registration
: This trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN: ACTRN12622000168752) on the 1 February, 2022.
Differential impact of transfusion guidelines on blood transfusion practices within a health network
Authors: Balafas Spyros , Gagliano Vanessa , Serio Clelia , Guidugli Giuglia , Saporito Andrea , Gabutti Luca , Ferrari Paolo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Whether clinical practice guidelines have a significant impact on practice is unclear. The effect of guideline recommendations on clinical practice often a lags behind the date of publication. We evaluated by means of a data-driven approach if and when the guidelines on red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) issued by Swiss Smarter Medicine in 2016 had an impact on RBCTs practice within a hospital network, where awareness of guidelines was promoted mainly among internal medicine specialties. Data on RBCTs performed in a Swiss hospital network from January 2014 to April 2021 were analyzed by hospital site and specialty to assess whether guidelines led to a decrease in inappropriate RBCTs. RBCTs were defined as “inappropriate” if patients had a hemoglobin level ≥ 70g/L without or ≥ 80g/L with significant cardiovascular comorbidities. Changes in the rate of inappropriate transfusions were analyzed with an advanced statistical approach that included generalized additive models. Overall prior to March 2017 there were more inappropriate than appropriate RBCTs, but after October 2017 the opposite could be observed. A change-point in the time trend was estimated from transfusion data to occur in the time interval between March and October 2017. This change was mainly driven by practice changes in the medical wards, while no significant change was observed in the critical care, surgical and oncology wards. Change in practice varied by hospital site. In conclusion, our results show that a significant change in the RBCTs practice at the hospital level occurred approximately 18 months after national guidelines were issued.