bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No Association of Preablation Thyroglobulin Antibody Positivity and Outcome in Pediatric Patients With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yangmengyuan , Shi Lei , Wu Jie , Li Huilan , Wang Yu , Liu Bin 
Published: August 2023

Objective
This multicenter study was designed to evaluate the relationship between preablation thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) positivity and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods
In the period 2005–2020, all consecutive PTC patients 18 years or younger who underwent total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation at 3 tertiary hospitals in southwestern China were retrospectively included. Thyroglobulin antibody was measured before remnant ablation. Tumor characteristics and long-term outcomes were compared between TgAb-positive and TgAb-negative patients.

Results
One hundred thirty-two patients were analyzed. Preablation TgAb positivity was presented in 37.1% of patients. Tumor characteristics, lymph node metastases, and median duration of follow-up were similar between TgAb-positive and -negative patients. During follow-up, the percentage of patients with either surgical reintervention for lymph node metastases (4.1% vs 4.8%, P = 1.000) or repeated 131I therapy (14.3% vs 20.5%, P = 0.373) was similar between TgAb-positive and -negative patients. At the final follow-up visit, the rates of structural disease did not differ between the 2 groups (6.1% vs 4.8%, P = 0.710).

Conclusions
This multicentric study highlights no association of preablation TgAb positivity and clinical outcome in pediatric patients with PTC.
Application of Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography Combined With BRAFV600E Mutation for the Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Li , Haitao Ran , Li Zhou 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This prospective study aimed to investigate the combination of shear wave elastography (SWE) and BRAFV600E mutation testing for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). One hundred thyroid nodules with an American College of Radiology thyroid imaging reporting and data system classification of 4 or 5 were subjected to SWE measurement, BRAFV600E genotyping, fine-needle aspiration, and surgery. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare the differences in the elastic parameters and BRAF genotypes between benign and malignant thyroid nodules of PTC, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to compare the diagnostic efficacy. In addition, the correlations between elastic parameters and BRAFV600E mutation in PTC were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The SWE, BRAFV600E, and their combination exhibited sensitivities of 72.9%, 81.3%, and 85.4%, respectively, and specificities of 66.7%, 90.3%, and 86.5%, respectively, in the diagnosis of PTC (P < 0.05). The SWE, BRAFV600E, and their combination exhibited sensitivities of 50.0%, 24.1% and 56.3%, respectively, and specificities of 89.7%, 87.5% and 82.8%, respectively, in the diagnosis of central cervical lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The combined use of SWE and BRAFV600E detection had the largest area under the curve, indicating that this combination is more effective in diagnosing PTC and lymph node metastasis in the central region than either method alone. Furthermore, Emax was positively associated with the BRAFV600E genotype. In conclusion, the combination of SWE and BRAFV600E genotype detection can improve the diagnostic efficacy for PTC. Emax can predict the BRAFV600E mutation status.
Ultrasound Attenuation Imaging vs MRI-PDFF, Echogenicity and Liver Function for Assessing Degree of Steatosis in NAFLD and Non-NAFLD Patients
Authors: Thomas Matthew , Dighe Manjiri , Kolokythas Orpheus , Zecevic Mladen , Wilson Ann , Erpelding Todd , Dubinsky Theodore J. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a primary cause of parenchymal liver disease globally. There are currently several methods available to test the degree of steatosis in NAFLD patients, but all have drawbacks that limit their use.
The objective of this study is to determine if a new technique, ultrasound (US) attenuation imaging (ATI), correlates with magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction imaging and hepatic echogenicity as seen on gray scale US imaging.
Fifty-four patients were recruited at the University of Washington Medical Center from individuals who had already been scheduled for hepatic US or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All participants then underwent both hepatic MRI proton density fat fraction and US. Ultrasound images were then evaluated using ATI with 2 observers who individually determined relative grayscale echogenicity.
Analysis showed positive correlation between ATI- and MRI-determined fat percentage in the case group (Spearman correlation: 0.50; P = 0.015). Furthermore, participants with NAFLD tended to have a higher ATI than controls (median: 0.70 vs 0.54 dB/cm/MHz; P < 0.001).
This study demonstrates that US ATI combined with grayscale imaging is an effective way of assessing the degree of steatosis in patients with moderate to severe NAFLD.
Investigation of Childhood Pneumonia With Thoracic Ultrasound
Authors: Buz Yaşar Ayşenur , Tarhan Merve , Atalay Basak , Kabaalioğlu Adnan , Girit Saniye 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Childhood pneumonia is a common entity, and chest x-rays are widely used as an initial diagnostic step. To avoid radiation exposure in the pediatric age group, we assessed whether the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (US) imaging is sufficient in the diagnosis. One hundred thirty-three children with pneumonia (72 girls/61 boys) were participated to study between 2019 and 2021. All participants had a chest x-ray. Radiologists who perform the US scans and interpret the x-rays were blinded to each other. A comparative analysis was also done to assess US findings on pneumonia for different age groups. We compare the diagnostic accuracy of US and x-rays by McNemar test and receiver operating characteristic curves. Intraclass correlation coefficient values were calculated for the assessment of interobserver agreement of x-ray evaluation. The participants’ ages ranged from 1 month to 17 years and 8 months with a median age of 24 months (Q1: 8 and Q3: 66 months). Hospital stay lengths were longer, consolidation depths were greater, and presence of air bronchogram or pleural effusion was more frequent in school-age children. The proportion of consolidation seen on chest x-ray and transthoracic US scan was significantly different (P < 0.001). The area under the curve was greater in the US than in the chest x-ray (area under the curve, 0.94 and 0.76 respectively). There was a good agreement between the 2 interpreters on chest x-ray assessment (κ = 0.661). The thoracic US can be used as a safe and efficient imaging tool in the diagnosis of pediatric pneumonia.
THE IMPACT OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION ON LIPOPROTEIN SUB-CLASS PROFILES AMONG METABOLIC SYNDROME PATIENTS. FINDINGS OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Candás-Estébanez Beatriz , Fernández-Cidón Bárbara , Corbella Emili , Tebé Cristian , Fanlo-Maresma Marta , Esteve-Luque Virginia , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Fitó Montse , Riera-Mestre Antoni , Ros Emilio , Pintó Xavier 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with alterations of lipoprotein structure and function that can be characterized with advanced lipoprotein testing (ADLT). The effect of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and of body weight loss on the lipoprotein subclass profile has been scarcely studied. Within the PREDIMED-Plus randomized controlled trial, a sub-study conducted in one of its recruiting centers aimed to evaluate the effects on lipoproteins properties assessed by ADLT of an intensive weight loss program based on an energy-reduced MedDiet (er-MedDiet) and physical activity (PA) promotion (intervention group) compared with energy-unrestricted MedDiet recommendations (control group) on lipoprotein subclasses.Methods202 patients with MetS (n=107, Intervention; n=95, Control) were included in this study. Conventional lipid profile and ADLTs were performed at baseline, 6 months and one year. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effects of intervention on lipoprotein profiles.ResultsThe er-MedDiet+PA led to a significant decrease of body mass index by 1.5 Kg/m2at 6 months and 1.4 Kg/m2at 12 months and a reduction of waist circumference by 2.9 cm at 6 months and 2.2 cm at 12 months; an increase of 0.1 mmol/L of HDL-C at 12 months, and decreased triglycerides (Tg) at 6 months; and decreased LDL-C and non-HDL-C at 12 months. ADLT showed a decrease of small dense-LDL-C (sdLDL-C), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL)-C, and HDL-Tg, and an increase of large LDL-particles (P). The er-MedDiet+PA model predicted significant reductions of Tg, sdLDL-C, VLDL-Tg and large VLDL-P in the intervention group.ConclusionsIn comparison with MedDiet (control group), er-MedDiet+PA (intervention group) decreased plasma triglyceride, and triglyceride content in HDL and VLDL particles, decreased sdLDL-C, and increased large LDL particles, indicating beneficial changes against cardiovascular disease.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on International Business Travel and Associated Health Issues: A Survey of Japanese Public Companies
Authors: Tsukada Yayoi Teteuou , Okamura Ritsuko , Yasutake Masahiro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectivesCompared to long-term expatriates, the health issues of short-term international business travellers are less clear. Particularly, there are no reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored the changes in health challenges faced by Japanese international business travellers owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCross-sectional survey research using questionnairesSettingWe surveyed 3,845 listed public companies in Japan in September 2021.ParticipantsA total of 251 companies responded (response rate: 6.5%), of which 131 (52%) had foreign travel requirements for their business.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe survey included questions regarding company size, business type, necessity for foreign travel, destination and number of trips, common health issues that arise, and the importance of business travel before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsAmong the companies, 44% replied that they could not predict the number of foreign business trips after the pandemic. However, 64% of companies responded that business travel would continue to be important in the future. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important health concerns faced by business travellers were illness during travel (42%), followed by the prevention of infectious diseases and lifestyle disease management. Post-pandemic, 48% of the responses were for infectious diseases, including COVID-19, followed by 40% for travel-related diseases, and 25% for lifestyle-related diseases.ConclusionsOwing to global economic and social activities, business travel will continue to be necessary in the post-COVID-19 era. Comprehensive health management including prevention of infectious diseases is desirable for business travel.Strengths and limitations of this studyThis study provides valuable insights into the health problems of short-term expatriates, an area which has been left relatively unexplored compared to its long-term counterparts.The potentially transformative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of expatriates are also considered.This study will form a foundational document for reviewing the impact of the pandemic and establishing a healthcare system designed for business travellers in preparation for future pandemics.The survey was exclusively conducted among Japanese firms, which restricts its scope and generalisability.Because the survey was conducted from managers’ perspective, it did not provide an accurate assessment of the actual health status of business travellers.
Construction and validation of a predictive model of mortality of tuberculosis-destroyed lung patients requiring mechanical ventilation: A single-center retrospective case-control study
Authors: Cui Kunping , Mao Yi , Jiang Liangshuang , Zheng Yongli , Yang Lang , Yang Yixiang , Wu Guihui , Tang Shenjie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe mortality rate for intensive care unit (ICU) tuberculosis-destroyed lung (TDL) patients requiring mechanical ventilation remains high.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of adult TDL patients requiring mechanical ventilation who were admitted to the ICU of a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China from January 2019 to March 2023. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were conducted to determine independent patient prognostic risk factors that were used to construct a predictive model of patient mortality.ResultsFor the 331 study subjects, the median age was 63.0 (50.0-71.0) years, 262 (79.2%) were males and the mortality rate was 48.64% (161/331). Training and validation data sets were obtained from 245 and 86 patients, respectively. Analysis of the training data set revealed that a body mass index (BMI) of<18.5kg/m2, blood urea nitrogen level of ≥7.14mmol/L and septic shock were independent risk factors for increased mortality of TDL patients requiring mechanical ventilation. These variables were then used to construct a risk-based model for predicting patient mortality. Area under the curve,sensitivity and specificity values obtained using the model for the training data set were 0.808, 79.17% and 68.80%, respectively, and corresponding values obtained using the validation data set were 0.876, 95.12% and 62.22%. respectively. Results of concurrent correction curve and decision curve analyses verified the model possessed high predictiveability.ConclusionsThis model may facilitate early identification and classification-based clinical management of TDL patients requiring mechanical ventilation who are at high risk of death.
Gender gap for accelerometry-based physical activity across different age groups in five Brazilian cohort studies
Authors: Ricardo Luiza I. C. , Wendt Andrea , Tornquist Debora , Gonçalves Helen , Wehrmeister Fernando , da Silva Bruna Gonçalves C. , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana , Santos Iná , Barros Aluisio , Matijasevich Alicia , Hallal Pedro C. , Domingues Marlos , Ekelund Ulf , Bielemann Renata M. , Crohechemore-Silva Inácio 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the gender inequalities in accelerometer-based physical activity (PA) across different age groups using data from five Pelotas (Brazil) cohorts.MethodsThe data comes from four birth cohort studies, covering all live births in the urban area of Pelotas for each respective year (1982, 1993, 2004, and 2015), and the ‘Como vai?’ cohort study focusing on 60 years and above. Raw accelerometry data were collected on the non-dominant wrist using GENEActive/Actigraph devices and processed with the GGIR package. Overall PA was calculated at ages 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 15, 18, 23, 30, and 60+ years, while moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was calculated from six years onwards. Absolute (difference) and relative (ratio) gender inequalities were calculated and intersectionality between gender and wealth was also evaluated.ResultsThe sample sizes per cohort ranged from 965 to 3462 participants. The mean absolute gender gap was 19.3 minutes (95%CI: 12.7; 25.9), with the widest gap at 18 years (32.9 minutes; 95%CI: 30.1; 35.7) for MVPA. The highest relative inequality was found in older adults (ratio 2.0; 95%CI 1.92 to 2.08). Our intersectionality results showed that the poorest men being the most active group, accumulating around 60 minutes more MVPA per day compared with the wealthiest women at age 18.ConclusionMen were more physically active than women in all ages evaluated. PA gender inequalities start at an early age and intensifies in transition periods of life. Relative inequalities were marked among older adults.What is already known on this topicGender inequalities in physical activity have been reported globally, but most of the evidence is focused in adolescents and young adults. The literature lacks studies on children and older adults.What this study addsWe present gender inequalities in accelerometer-based physical activity across several age groups, from 1 year olds to older adults.How this study might affect research, practice or policyOu study provides a comprehensive description of gender inequalities, identifying key age groups for intervention.
Identifying proteomic risk factors for cancer using prospective and exome analyses: 1,463 circulating proteins and risk of 19 cancers in the UK Biobank
Authors: Papier Keren , Atkins Joshua R , Tong Tammy YN , Gaitskell Kezia , Desai Trishna , Ogamba Chibuzor F , Parsaeian Mahboubeh , Reeves Gillian K , Mills Ian G , Key Tim J , Smith-Byrne Karl , Travis Ruth C 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundProteins are essential for the development and progression of cancer and for the human body’s defense against tumor onset. The availability of a large panel of protein measurements and whole exome sequence data in the UK Biobank has enabled the simultaneous examination of plasma protein associations with risk across multiple cancer sites and their potential role in cancer etiology.MethodsWe investigated the associations of plasma proteins with incidence of 19 cancers and 9 cancer subsites in up to 44,645 middle-aged adults in the UK Biobank, who had measurements of 1,463 plasma proteins generated using Olink Explore Proximity Extension Assay in baseline blood samples (2006-2010). Using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression, we estimated the risk of each protein with each cancer overall and by time-to-diagnosis after correction for multiple-testing. Identified protein-cancer associations were further assessed in an analysis of cancer risk usingcis-pQTL and exome-wide protein genetic scores (exGS) in all UK Biobank participants (n=337,543).ResultsWe identified 371 proteins associated with the risk of at least one incident cancer, represented by a total of 621 protein-cancer associations. These proteins were associated with cancers of the blood (201 proteins), liver (131), kidney (51), lung (28), esophagus (22), colorectum (15), stomach (8), breast (5), prostate (3), endometrium (3), ovary (2), bladder (1), head and neck (1), and brain (1). 100 of these 621 protein-cancer associations persisted for cases diagnosed more than seven years after blood draw. Of these 621 associations, there was further support fromcis-pQTL analyses for the etiological role of TNFRSF14 in risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and from whole exome protein score (exGS) analyses for 28 other protein-cancer associations, including SRP14 and risk of leukemia. Proteins with directionally concordant evidence from long time-to-diagnosis analyses and from bothcis-pQTL and exGS analyses were SFTPA2 for lung cancer, TNFRSF1B and CD74 for NHL, and ADAM8 for leukemia.ConclusionsFor the first time using an integrated multi-omics and cross-cancer approach, we have comprehensively assessed the plasma proteome in relation to cancer risk and identified multiple novel etiological candidates. Differences in the levels of many circulating proteins were detectable more than seven years before cancer diagnosis; while some of these are likely to be markers of early cancer processes that may inform risk stratification, and/or risk factors, concordant evidence from genetic analyses suggests that some may have a role in cancer development.
Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation and comparative odds of hospital admission and severe outcomes with BQ.1, CH.1.1. and XBB.1.5 in England
Authors: Kirsebom Freja C M , Harman Katie , Lunt Rachel J , Andrews Nick , Groves Natalie , Aziz Nurin Abdul , Hope Russell , Stowe Julia , Chand Meera , Ramsay Mary , Dabrera Gavin , Kall Meaghan , Lopez Bernal Jamie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundSince the first emergence of Omicron BA.1 in England in November 2021, numerous sub-lineages have evolved. In September 2022, BA.5 dominated. The prevalence of BQ.1 increased from October, while the prevalence of CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5 increased from December 2022 and January 2023, respectively. Little is known about the effectiveness of the vaccines against hospitalisation with these sub-lineages, nor the relative severity.MethodsA test-negative case-control study was used to estimate the incremental effectiveness of the bivalent BA.1 booster vaccines against hospitalisation, relative to those with waned immunity where the last dose was at least 6 months prior. The odds of hospital admission for those testing PCR positive on the day of an attendance to accident and emergency departments and the odds of intensive care unit admission or death amongst COVID-19 admissions were compared between variants. Additionally, a Cox proportional hazards survival regression was used to investigate length of stay amongst hospitalised cases by variant.FindingsThere was no difference in incremental vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation with BQ.1, CH.1.1 or XBB.1.5, nor was there a difference in the severity of these variants. Effectiveness against hospitalisation was 48.0% (95% C.I.; 38.5-56.0%), 29.7% (95% C.I.; 7.5-46.6%) and 52.7% (95% C.I.; 24.6-70.4%) against BQ.1, CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5, respectively, at 5 to 9 weeks post booster vaccination. Compared to BQ.1, the odds of hospital admission were 0.87 (95% C.I.; 0.77-0.99) and 0.88 (95% C.I.; 0.75-1.02) for CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5 cases attending accident and emergency departments, respectively. There was no significant difference in the odds of admission to intensive care units or death for those with CH.1.1 (OR 0.96, 95% C.I.; 0.71–1.30) or XBB.1.5 (OR 0.67, 95% C.I.; 0.44-1.02) compared to BQ.1. There was also no significant difference in the length of hospital stay by variant.InterpretationTogether, these results provide reassuring evidence that the bivalent BA.1 booster vaccines provide similar protection against hospitalisation with BQ.1, CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5, and that the emergent CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5 sub-lineages do not cause more severe disease than BQ.1.FundingNone.