bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric neurobrucellosis: a systematic review with case report
Authors: Dhar Debjyoti , Jaipuriar Ravi Shekhar , Mondal Mahammad Samim , Shunmugakani Siva Prakash , Nagarathna S , Kumari Pratima , Mahale Rohan , Mailankody Pooja , Mathuranath P S , Padmanabha Hansashree 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPediatric neurobrucellosis represents a common anthropozoonosis in endemic areas but only anecdotal reports are available till date. Using appropriate search terms in the database platforms of MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences, we performed a systematic review of all the cases of pediatric neurobrucellosis published in the medical literature till date, in the light of a case report. The protocol was registered under PROSPERO (CRD42022333907). Our search strategy yielded 187 citations of which 51 citations were included. A total of 119 cases were reviewed. Of these cases, eight of them had insufficient data. The most common presentation was meningitis with or without encephalitis (n = 79, 71.2%). A high prevalence of cranial neuropathies (n = 22, 20.7%) was observed in the pediatric population in which abducens palsy was the most common (n = 9, 8.1%). Diagnosis was based on multimodal investigations including standard agglutination test (n = 44, 39.6%), Rose Bengal test (n = 37, 33.3%), blood culture (n = 23, 20.7%), serology (n = 20, 18.0%) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture (n = 11, 9.9%). Rifampicin-based triple drug regimen was the most commonly employed (83/102, 81.4%). Pediatric neurobrucellosis was associated with greater frequency of sequalae (5.4%), deafness (2.7%) and mortality (2.7%), when compared to that of general population. Neurobrucellosis mimics neuro-tuberculosis in various aspects. The review highlights several unique aspects of this entity in children. A high index of suspicion can ensure prompt diagnosis, timely initiation of management and favorable outcomes.
A short-term follow-up study on breastfeeding practices, growth parameters and immunization practices among babies born to COVID-19 positive mothers in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Maria Arti , Singh Bhawana Komal , Agrawal Payal , Bandyopadhyay Tapas 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
We aimed to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate and routine follow-up practices including immunization. A total of 62 neonates born to COVID-19 positive mothers and an equal number of neonates born to COVID-19 negative mothers were prospectively evaluated for EBF rate and routine neonatal follow-up practices including delay (&gt;7 days) in routine immunization at 3 months follow-up. We further tried to compare the results across two epochs (epoch 1, March–June 2020 and epoch 2, July–November 2020). There was significantly lesser number of babies born to COVID-19 positive mothers on EBF at 3 months of age when compared with the control group (45.1% vs. 96.7%, p = 0.00) as well it was significantly lesser in epoch 1 when compared with epoch 2 (16% vs. 74%, p = 0.00). Further, a significantly higher number of babies born to COVID-19 positive mothers had their routine immunization delayed with no significant difference across the epochs. There was no significant difference in growth parameters between babies born to COVID-19 positive mother when compared with the control group as well as across the epochs. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the EBF rates as well as hampered the routine immunization practices among babies born to COVID-19 positive mothers. Although such practices got improved after the implementation of evidence-based national guidelines, but it is still much below when compared with those born to COVID-19 negative mother.
The Versatility of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score in Determination of Popliteal Artery Branches Patency in Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Kongkunnavat Natthapong , Tianrungroj Jirapat , Yodrabum Nutcha 
Published: January 2023

Background:
The atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score is used to estimate coronary artery disease and stroke risk. Atherosclerosis affects arteries throughout the body, including the legs, causing peripheral arterial disease. Atherosclerosis causes luminal stenosis in popliteal artery branches, which affects operative decisions such as intravascular surgery, and lower limb reconstruction. The objective was to investigate the relationship between the ASCVD risk score and degree of stenosis among the popliteal artery and its branches.

Methods:
The data regarding all patients who underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the legs during 2016–2021 with complete data for ASCVD risk score assessment were recruited. The association between luminal stenosis from CTA and calculated ASCVD risk score was analyzed.

Results:
A total of 383 limbs of 117 men and 81 women, averaged 66.5 years old, were studied. Common comorbidities included hypertension (84.3%), diabetes mellitus (61.1%), and chronic kidney disease (34.3%). Average 10-year ASCVD risks in the greater than or equal to 50% stenosis group of popliteal, anterior tibial, and posterior tibial arteries were significantly higher than the less than 50% stenosis group (P < 0.01). The peroneal artery had no significant difference between stenosis groups. The popliteal artery had significantly higher lifetime ASCVD risks than in the greater than or equal to 50% stenosis group (P < 0.01), but the other arteries showed no statistically significant difference.

Conclusions:
The 10-year ASCVD risks showed significant higher values in the greater than or equal to 50% stenosis group of popliteal, anterior tibial, and posterior tibial arteries. These findings can establish the further study on how ASCVD risks can be applied to predict the stenosis of these arteries and guide the rationale of preoperative leg CTA for FFF harvest.
Comparison of Psychiatric and Clinical Profiles Between People Who Use Synthetic Cathinones and Methamphetamine
Authors: Lin Chia-Heng , Chen Jiahn-Jyh , Chan Chia-Hsiang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Synthetic cathinones are the most used novel psychoactive substances in Taiwan because they exhibit psychoactive effects similar to those of methamphetamine, inducing acute psychosis, violence, and self-harm. However, the differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with synthetic cathinone and methamphetamine intoxication admitted to psychiatric emergency departments (EDs) remain unclear.

Methods
This study recruited patients with stimulant intoxication who were admitted to a psychiatric ED from April 2019 to May 2020. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychopathological data were collected through face-to-face interviews and evaluated. Immunoassay tests and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry were performed to detect substances in urine specimens. The patients were matched by sex and age (in 5-year intervals). The associations between the 2 groups and physical complications were analyzed through logistic regression.

Results
Twenty-four patients with synthetic cathinone intoxication were identified and matched with 48 patients with methamphetamine intoxication. The 2 groups exhibited similar clinical severity of psychotic symptoms and high risks of violence and self-harm. Both groups were predominated by unmarried patients, unemployed patients, and habitual smokers and drinkers. However, family histories of substance use and criminal records were less prevalent among the patients with synthetic cathinone intoxication, but they had a higher rate of physical complications (odds ratio, 8.55; 95% confidence interval, 2.15–34.03), compared with patients with methamphetamine intoxication.

Conclusions
Compared with patients intoxicated with methamphetamine, those intoxicated with synthetic cathinones may have similar tendencies toward psychosis, violence, and self-harm but higher risks of physical complications, which are prioritized in psychiatric EDs.
Using Social Media Platforms to Enhance the Delivery of a Childbirth Education Program
Authors: Hatamleh Reem , AbdelMahdi AbuAbed Asma'a Shaker , Abujilban Sanaa , Joseph Rachel 
Published: January 2023

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a childbirth education program on self-efficacy and state anxiety among first-time Jordanian mothers.

Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted using pretest/posttest design with 128 low-risk, first-time Jordanian mothers. The experimental group (N = 64) received a childbirth education program, while those in the control group (N = 64) received standard care in antenatal clinics. Data were collected at two different time points: at recruitment and 3 weeks after attending the program.

Results:
The mean score of the experimental group on outcome expectancy (posttest) (139.91, SD = 15.586) was significantly higher than that of the control group (110.16, SD = 28.33) (F = 72.356, P = .003, partial Eta squared = .37). On the efficacy expectancy, the mean score of the experimental group (133.33, SD = 16.246) was also higher than that of the control group (92.06, SD = 27.07) (F = 144.282, P = .000, partial eta squared = .54). On the state anxiety scale, the mean score of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the experimental group (F = 89.715, P = .002, partial eta squared = .42).

Conclusion:
The childbirth education program improved the coping ability of mothers during childbirth and decreased their state of anxiety.
Roid Rage: Historical Perspective on the Emergence of Oral Steroids as a Treatment of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Song Yohan , Warinner Chloe B. , Suresh Krish , Naples James G. 
Published: January 2023

Objectives
To review the historical circumstances that led to the emergence of corticosteroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and to discuss how this history has influenced current perspectives on the condition.

Methods
PubMed and Google scholar were used to identify articles of ISSNHL and oral corticoid steroid use. Historical articles accessed through our institutional medical library were also reviewed.

Results
The use oral corticosteroids as a treatment for ISSNHL was seemingly influenced by three key historical circumstances that, together, provided the substrate for the treatment’s use in ISSNHL. First, ISSNHL was a frustrating condition with uncertainty regarding its etiology and few reliable treatment options. Second, the discovery of corticosteroids was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1950, which led to widespread application of this therapy. Third historical circumstance was the evolution and emergence of more rigorous methodological study designs in clinical research. In 1980, these events culminated in a double-blind study evaluating the effectiveness of oral steroids for treatment of ISSNHL. Interestingly, this study is often misrepresented as a randomized controlled trial, which ultimately contributed to adoption of a new standard for treatment in ISSNHL. Research subsequent to these historical events has challenged the notion of corticosteroids as a gold standard but has not altered the historically established paradigm of corticosteroid treatment.

Conclusions
The use of steroids as a treatment for ISSNHL evolved from our specialty’s need to address a complex condition, a novel therapeutic discovery, and a landmark study that met emerging methodological standards. Despite these strong historical foundations, ISSNHL remains a condition with an unknown etiology and the therapeutic value of corticosteroids remains unpredictable despite their gold standard label.
Outcomes After Transcutaneous Bone-Conduction Implantation in Adults and Children
Authors: Harris Micah K. , Kaul Vivian F. , Bergman Maxwell , Dodson Edward E. , Ren Yin , Adunka Oliver F. 
Published: January 2023

Objective
To evaluate clinical and audiometric outcomes of adult and pediatric patients implanted with a semi-implantable transcutaneous active bone-conduction implant.

Study Design
Retrospective chart review.

Setting
Two tertiary referral centers.

Patients
Subjects implanted with the semi-implantable transcutaneous active bone-conduction implant called BoneBridge.

Intervention
Implantation of the BoneBridge and audiometric evaluations.

Main Outcome Measures
Audiometric, clinical, and surgical outcomes as well as complications.

Results
Forty-two adults and 20 children were implanted for conductive or mixed hearing loss as well as single-sided deafness. Implantation significantly improved mean air-conduction pure-tone average from 72.8 ± 22.3 to 35 ± 9 dB in adults and from 65.7 ± 24.3 to 19.6 ± 8.2 dB in children (both p < 0.001). Word recognition score improved from 63.7 ± 38.8% to 85.6 ± 10.6% in adults and 57.8 ± 38% to 89.3 ± 10.1% in children (both p < 0.05). The rate of revision surgery was 11.3%, with four patients (6.5%) undergoing removal for device-related complications, two (3.2%) for complications associated with implantation, and one (1.6%) for device failure secondary to external trauma.

Conclusions
In a large retrospective series consisting of both pediatric and adult patients, implantation with a transcutaneous active bone-conduction implant was found to be a reliable aural rehabilitation option for a variety of hearing loss etiologies.
Comparing the Use of High-Dose to Standard-Dose Corticosteroids for the Treatment of Bell’s Palsy in Adults—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gupta Keshav Kumar , Balai Edward , Tang Ho Tsun , Ahmed Abiya Amna , Doshi Jayesh R. 
Published: January 2023

Objective
Bell’s palsy is typically treated with oral corticosteroids (40–60 mg daily). Concomitant antivirals are currently not recommended. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effect of high-dose versus standard-dose corticosteroids, without antivirals, in the management of Bell’s palsy.

Databases Reviewed
Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing high-dose (≥80 mg) or standard-dose (40–60 mg) corticosteroid therapy for Bell’s palsy were included. Exclusion criteria were coexisting antiviral treatment, nonoral drug delivery, and facial palsy due to other causes. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. A weighted estimate of treatment effects across trials as odds ratios (OR) using a Mantel–Haenzel random-effects model was calculated.

Results
Three articles were included in the analysis, representing 485 patients. There was a significant decrease in nonrecovery with high-dose, compared with standard-dose, corticosteroids at 6 months follow-up (OR = 0.17, 95% confidence interval = 0.05–0.56, p = 0.004). Overall adverse events were 5.8% (n = 28), all reported in one study in the high-dose group (transient elevated liver enzymes and fecal occult blood).

Conclusions
Our analysis shows a favorable effect of high-dose corticosteroid in the treatment of Bell’s palsy. It is the first to evaluate this effect without the use of antivirals in keeping with current treatment recommendations. As all included studies had a serious risk of bias, future research should focus on larger trials with more robust methodology. This will allow for more up-to-date and large-scale analyses where more valid conclusions can be drawn that may potentially influence treatment protocols.
What does quantitative HBsAg level mean in chronic hepatitis D infection?
Authors: Ebik Berat , Cangul M. Sadik , Yalçin Kendal 
Published: January 2023

Objective
In hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection, which is an important etiological cause of chronic liver disease, the relationship between serum quantitative HBsAg level and fibrosis and histological activity was investigated.

Methods
Between 2014 and 2020, 98 patients with chronic HDV infection (53 noncirrhotic, 45 cirrhotic) participated in this prospectively designed study. Quantitative HBsAg levels of the patients were measured and their relationship with the stage of chronic liver disease was compared with histological activity index (HAI), fibrosis score and HDV RNA, model for end-stage liver disease score and other biochemical parameters.

Results
All patients were infected with genotype 1 (100%). HBeAg was positive in 8 (8.1%) of the patients. A correlation was found between quantitative HBsAg level and HDV RNA level in patients with both cirrhotic (r = 0.568; P < 0.001) and noncirrhotic (r = 0.644; P < 0.001) HDV infection. Alanine transaminase (P = 0.001; r = 0.495) and aspartate transaminase (P = 0.001; r = 0.511) levels correlated with quantitative HBsAg levels, more prominently in noncirrhotic patients. There was a correlation between quantitative HBsAg level and histological activity index (HAI) in patients with noncirrhotic HDV infection (P < 0.001; r = 0.664). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, both quantitative HBsAg (for cutoff: 1000; sensitivity 76%; specificity 17%; P = 0.335) and HDV RNA (for cutoff: 100000; sensitivity 2%; specificity 98%; P = 0.096) were not predictive markers for cirrhosis.

Conclusion
Quantitative HBsAg level can be evaluated as an indicator of viral replication and histological activity in patients with chronic delta hepatitis without cirrhosis. We think that quantitative HBsAg level will be useful in the management of chronic HDV infection, especially in noncirrhotic patients.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma in noncirrhotic liver – results from the prospective multicentre DEGUM CEUS HCC study
Authors: Schellhaas Barbara , Jesper Daniel , Strobel Deike ,   DEGUM CEUS HCC Study Group.
Published: January 2023

Objectives
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has a high diagnostic accuracy for the noninvasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis. However, as HCC in noncirrhosis becomes an emerging clinical concern, our study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of CEUS and the CEUS algorithms CEUS LI-RADS and ESCULAP in noncirrhotic liver in a prospective multicentre real-life setting.

Methods
High-risk patients for HCC with focal liver lesions upon B-mode ultrasound were recruited prospectively in a multicentre real-life approach to undergo standardized CEUS. Diagnostic accuracies of CEUS and the CEUS algorithms were assessed for the sub-collective of noncirrhotic patients. Histology, MRI and CT served as the reference standard.

Results
In total 47/517 patients were noncirrhotic. The reference standard of the lesions showed 30 HCCs (63.8%), four intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (iCCAs), two other malignancies and 11 benign lesions. HCCs in noncirrhosis showed a tendency towards larger tumor size and better differentiation. A typical CEUS pattern of arterial phase hyperenhancement and late-onset (>60 s), mild washout occurred in 22/30 HCCs (73.3%). Very late onset of washout > 4–6 min was not seen in noncirrhotic liver. The CEUS algorithm ESCULAP showed a perfect sensitivity (100 vs. 68% with CEUS LI-RADS), whereas CEUS LI-RADS had a superior specificity (83 vs. 53%). The positive predictive value was high with both algorithms.

Conclusion
The CEUS patterns of HCCs in noncirrhotic liver resembled those in cirrhosis. Our findings suggest that although designed for the application in cirrhosis only, the diagnostic accuracies of the CEUS algorithms in noncirrhotic liver seem comparable to the findings in cirrhosis.
Nomogram model for predicting esophsagogastric varices in hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Daoming , Deng Junjian , Guo Xufeng , Zheng Yongfa , Xu Ximing 
Published: January 2023

Background/aims
The prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cirrhosis is poor. The risk of death also increases in patients with esophagogastric varices (EGV). Based on routine clinical features and related noninvasive parameters, a nomogram prediction model was developed in this study to facilitate the early identification of EGV in HCC patients.

Methods
A retrospective cohort analysis of patients with HCC in the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from 2020 to 2021 was performed. Clinical and noninvasive parameters closely related to EGV risk were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and integrated into a nomogram. The nomogram was validated internally and externally by calibration, receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results
A total of 165 patients with HCC-related cirrhosis were recruited. In the raining cohort, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified platelet (PLT) [odds ratio (OR), 0.950; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.925–0.977; P < 0.001], D-dimer (OR. 3.341; 95% CI, 1.751–6.376, P < 0.001), spleen diameter (SD) (OR, 2.585; 95% CI, 1.547–4.318; P < 0.001) as independent indicators for EGV. The nomogram for predicting EGV risk was well calibrated with a favorable discriminative ability and an area under curve of 0.961. In addition, the nomogram showed better net benefits in the DCA. The results were validated in the validation cohort.

Conclusions
The proposed nomogram model based on three indicators (PLT, D-dimer and SD) showed an excellent predictive effect, leading to the avoidance of unnecessary esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Infectious mononucleosis is associated with an increased incidence of Crohn’s disease: results from a cohort study of 31 862 outpatients in Germany
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Kostev Karel , Schöler David , Orth Hans-Martin , Freise Noemi F. , Jensen Björn-Erik Ole , May Petra , Bode Johannes G. , Roderburg Christoph , Luedde Tom 
Published: January 2023

Objective
The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been fully uncovered to date. Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV) infection has recently been associated with the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, suggesting a general link between EBV and autoimmune diseases. However, data on an association between EBV and IBD have remained inconclusive. This study aims at evaluating an association between EBV and the development of IBD.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 15 931 patients with and 15 931 matched patients without infectious mononucleosis from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA) between 2000 and 2018. Incidences of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis were evaluated using Cox regression models.

Results
Within 5 years of the index date, the cumulative incidence of IBD was 124 and 90 cases per 100 000 person-years among patients with and without infectious mononucleosis, respectively (P = 0.040). In regression analyses, infectious mononucleosis was significantly associated with IBD [hazard ratios (HR), 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.81]. Subgroup analyses revealed an association between infectious mononucleosis and Crohn’s disease (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.22–3.05) but not ulcerative colitis (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.70–1.51). This association was strongest in patients between 14 and 20 years (HR, 4.50; 95% CI, 1.55–13.13) and was only observed in females (HR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.39–4.53).

Conclusion
Infectious mononucleosis is significantly associated with an increased incidence of Crohn’s disease but not ulcerative colitis, especially in young female patients. Our data support the hypothesis of a pathophysiological involvement of EBV in the development of Crohn’s disease and should trigger molecular research to further dissect the pathophysiology of IBD.