bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 who are using hormonal contraception: a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Hansen Katie , Cohen Megan A , Ramanadhan Shaalini , Paynter Robin , Edelman Alison , Henderson Jillian T 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events. Individuals with COVID-19 using hormonal contraception could be at additional risk for thromboembolism, but evidence is sparse.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review on the risk of thromboembolism with hormonal contraception use in women aged 15–51 years with COVID-19. We searched multiple databases through March 2022, including all studies comparing outcomes of patients with COVID-19 using or not using hormonal contraception. We applied standard risk of bias tools to evaluate studies and GRADE methodology to assess certainty of evidence. Our primary outcomes were venous and arterial thromboembolism. Secondary outcomes included hospitalisation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, intubation, and mortality.ResultsOf 2119 studies screened, three comparative non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) and two case series met the inclusion criteria. All studies had serious to critical risk of bias and low study quality. Overall, there may be little to no effect of combined hormonal contraception (CHC) use on odds of mortality for COVID-19-positive patients (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.4). The odds of hospitalisation for COVID-19-positive CHC users may be slightly decreased compared with non-users for patients with body mass index <35 kg/m2(OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.97). Use of any type of hormonal contraception may have little to no effect on hospitalisation rates for COVID-19-positive individuals (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.44).ConclusionsNot enough evidence exists to draw conclusions regarding risk of thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 using hormonal contraception. Evidence suggests there may be little to no or slightly decreased odds of hospitalisation, and little to no effect on odds of mortality for hormonal contraception users versus non-users with COVID-19.
Mechanical thrombectomy for in-hospital stroke: data from the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke
Authors: Naldi Andrea , Pracucci Giovanni , Cavallo Roberto , Saia Valentina , Boghi Andrea , Lochner Piergiorgio , Casetta Ilaria , Sallustio Fabrizio , Zini Andrea , Fainardi Enrico , Cappellari Manuel , Tassi Rossana , Bracco Sandra , Bigliardi Guido , Vallone Stefano , Nencini Patrizia , Bergui Mauro , Mangiafico Salvatore , Toni Danilo 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe benefit, safety, and time intervals of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with in-hospital stroke (IHS) are unclear. We sought to evaluate the outcomes and treatment times for IHS patients compared with out-of-hospital stroke (OHS) patients receiving MT.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke (IRETAS) between 2015 and 2019. We compared the functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores) at 3 months, recanalization rates, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after MT. Time intervals from stroke onset-to-imaging, onset-to-groin, and onset-to-end MT were recorded for both groups, as were door-to-imaging and door-to-groin for OHS. A multivariate analysis was performed.ResultsOf 5619 patients, 406 (7.2%) had IHS. At 3 months, IHS patients had a lower rate of mRS 0–2 (39% vs 48%, P<0.001) and higher mortality (30.1% vs 19.6%, P<0.001). Recanalization rates and sICH were similar. Time intervals (min, median (IQR)) from stroke onset-to-imaging, onset-to-groin, and onset-to-end MT were favorable for IHS (60 (34–106) vs 123 (89–188.5); 150 (105–220) vs 220 (168–294); 227 (164–303) vs 293 (230–370); all P<0.001), whereas OHS had lower door-to-imaging and door-to-groin times compared with stroke onset-to-imaging and onset-to-groin for IHS (29 (20–44) vs 60 (34–106), P<0.001; 113 (84–151) vs 150 (105–220); P<0.001). After adjustment, IHS was associated with higher mortality (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.35, P<0.001) and a shift towards worse functional outcomes in the ordinal analysis (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.66, P=0.015).ConclusionDespite favorable time intervals for MT, IHS patients had worse functional outcomes than OHS patients. Delays in IHS management were detected.
Abelian charge inspired by family number
Authors: Van Dong Phung , Ngoc Hung Tran , Van Loi Duong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractQuark has an electric charge either $$-1/3$$

-
1
/
3

or 2/3 and a baryon number 1/3, where the divisions 3’s match the color number. Although the electric charge and the baryon number have a nature distinct from the color charge, the matching is necessary for the standard model or a relevant $$B-L$$

B
-
L

extension consistent at quantum level, since the relevant anomaly $$[SU(2)_L]^2U(1)_A$$

[
S
U

(
2
)

L

]

2

U

(
1
)

A

for $$A=Y$$

A
=
Y

or $$B-L$$

B
-
L

must vanish. If elementary particles have a new U(1) charge differently from A, such anomaly is not cancelled for each family. However, if we demand that the anomaly is cancelled over all families, this relates the color number to the family number instead of the electric charge and baryon number, and interestingly the family number guides us to a novel U(1) theory. We will discuss the implication of this theory for neutrino mass, recent W-boson mass anomaly, FCNC, and particle colliders.
Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of Preoperative Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy in Patients with Early-onset Rectal Cancer
Authors: Badesha Jasleen K. , Zhou Marilyn , Arif Arif A. , Gill Sharlene , Speers Caroline , Peacock Michael , De Vera Mary A. , Stuart Heather C. , Brown Carl J. , Donellan Fergal , Loree Jonathan M. 
Published: March 2023

Preoperative radiotherapy for early-stage rectal cancer has risks and benefits that may impact treatment choice in young patients. We reviewed radiotherapy use and outcomes for rectal cancer by age. Patients with early-stage rectal cancer in the Canadian province of British Columbia from 2002 to 2016 were identified (n = 6,232). Baseline characteristics, treatment response, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and locoregional recurrence rate (LRR) were compared between patients &lt;50 (early-onset; n = 532) and ≥50 years old (average-onset; n = 5,700). Early-onset patients were more likely to receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy than short-course radiotherapy [OR, 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.67–2.89; P &lt; 0.0001], but also had higher nodal (P = 0.00096) and overall clinical staging (P = 0.033). Cancer downstaging and pathologic complete response rates were similar in those receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy by age. Early-onset and average-onset patients had similar DSS (P = 0.91) and DFS (P = 0.27) in multivariate analysis unless non-colorectal deaths, which were higher in older patients, were censored in the DFS model (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01–1.68; P = 0.042). LRR also did not differ between age groups (P = 0.88). Outcomes did not differ based on radiotherapy type. Young patients with rectal cancer are more likely to present with higher staging and receive long-course chemoradiotherapy. DSS did not differ by age group; however, young patients had worse DFS when we censored competing risks of death in older patients.Significance:This population-based study suggests younger patients are more likely to receive chemoradiotherapy, potentially due to higher stage at diagnosis, and response is comparable by age.
Cinema as Cultural Diplomacy and the Cold War: U.S. Participation in International Film Festivals behind the Iron Curtain, 1959–1971
Authors: Frost Jennifer 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
During the Cold War, international film festivals proliferated on both sides of the Iron Curtain. The United States and the Soviet Union recognized these festivals as important venues for “cinematic diplomacy” and the pursuit of broader foreign policy goals. This article explores how the U.S. government, together with the U.S. motion picture industry, made use of its participation in the Moscow and Karlovy Vary International Film Festivals in the 1950s and 1960s. It confirms many of the findings of earlier studies of Cold War cultural diplomacy but also expands our historical understanding of this phenomenon. Specifically, it reveals the extent of cooperation and conflict—as well as an interchangeability of roles—among public officials in Washington and private citizens in Hollywood, with implications for both the formulation at home and reception abroad of U.S. cinematic diplomacy.
ADHD Symptoms Increased During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rogers Maria A. , MacLean Jaidon 
Published: March 2023

Objective: Emerging research suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately and adversely affected children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to consolidate the findings from studies that examined changes in ADHD symptoms from before to during the pandemic. Method: Database searches of PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, and ProQuest were used to identify relevant studies, theses, and dissertations. Results: A total of 18 studies met specific inclusion criteria and were coded based on various study characteristics. Twelve studies examined ADHD symptoms longitudinally and six studies assessed ADHD symptoms retroactively and during the pandemic. Data from 6,491 participants from 10 countries were included. Results indicated that many children and/or their caregivers reported an increase in child ADHD symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusions: This review points to a global increase in ADHD symptoms and has implications for the prevalence and management of ADHD during the post-pandemic recovery.
Comparison of two protocols of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma
Authors: Koronis Spyridon , Matsou Artemis , Tzamalis Argyrios , Dermenoudi Maria , Ziakas Nikolaos , Anastasopoulos Eleftherios 
Published: March 2023

Introduction Diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (DLTSCPC) remains the most commonly used cyclodestructive procedure. Nonetheless, there is no common consensus on a standardized technique. Methods In this prospective randomized pilot study we compare the “pop”-titrated and “slow-burn” DLTSCPC techniques for a follow-up period of 3 months. The major outcomes of this study were intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after the procedure and the incidence of adverse events. Furthermore, postoperative pain, postoperative intraocular inflammation and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were evaluated. Results Mean baseline IOP decreased from 37.9 ± 12.7 mmHg in the pop group and 41.2 ± 9.6 mmHg in the slow-burn group to 20.3 ± 13.9 mmHg and 21.3 ± 13.4 mmHg at the final follow-up visit, corresponding to a 45.8 ± 31.7% and 46.3 ± 32.6% reduction respectively. 64.3% and 57.1% of patients had IOP ≥6 and≤ 21 mmHg in the pop and slow-burn groups respectively. The occurrence of adverse events was similar in both groups, with 1 case of hyphema in the pop group and 2 cases in the slow-burn group, and 1 case of hypotony in each group. Mean CDVA remained unchanged until the end of follow-up from 2.05 ± 0.84 to 2.04 ± 0.8 logMAR in the pop group and from 1.93 ± 0.78 to 1.89 ± 0.7 logMAR in the slow-burn group. Nonetheless, 4 eyes in each group encountered CDVA loss. Postoperative pain and inflammation were also similar between groups. Discussion At the 3rd postoperative month, safety and efficacy was similar in the two techniques. The relative ease of the slow-burn technique may make its application more appealing to ophthalmic surgeons beyond glaucoma specialists.
Hippocampal vulnerability to hyperhomocysteinemia worsens pathological outcomes of mild traumatic brain injury in rats
Authors: Tchantchou Flaubert , Hsia Ru-ching , Puche Adam , Fiskum Gary 
Published: March 2023

Background Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) generally resolves within weeks. However, 15-30% of patients present persistent pathological and neurobehavioral sequelae that negatively affect their quality of life. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) is a neurotoxic condition derived from homocysteine accumulation above 15 μM. HHCY can occur in diverse stressful situations, including those sustained by U.S. active-duty service members on the battlefield or during routine combat practice. Mild-TBI accounts for more than 80% of all TBI cases, and HHCY exists in 5-7% of the general population. We recently reported that moderate HHCY exacerbates mTBI-induced cortical injury pathophysiology, including increased oxidative stress. Several studies have demonstrated hippocampus vulnerability to oxidative stress and its downstream effects on inflammation and cell death. Objective This study aimed to assess the deleterious impact of HHCY on mTBI-associated hippocampal pathological changes. We tested the hypothesis that moderate HHCY aggravates mTBI-induced hippocampal pathological changes. Methods HHCY was induced in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with a high methionine dose. Rats were then subjected to mTBI by controlled cortical impact under sustained HHCY. Blood plasma was assessed for homocysteine levels and brain tissue for markers of oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier integrity, and cell death. Endothelial cell ultrastructure was assessed by Electron Microscopy and working memory performance using the Y maze test. Results HHCY increased the hippocampal expression of nitrotyrosine in astroglial cells and decreased tight junction protein occludin levels associated with the enlargement of the endothelial cell nucleus. Furthermore, HHCY altered the expression of apoptosis-regulating proteins α-ii spectrin hydrolysis, ERK1/2, and AKT phosphorylation, mirrored by exacerbated mTBI-related hippocampal neuronal loss and working memory deficits. Conclusion Our findings indicate that HHCY is an epigenetic factor that modulates mTBI pathological progression in the hippocampus and represents a putative therapeutic target for mitigating such physiological stressors that increase severity.
Potential of the omnidirectional walking platform with virtual reality as a rehabilitation tool
Authors: Soon Benjamin , Lee Nicholas , Lau Jilene , Tan Nicodemus , Cai Congcong 
Published: March 2023

Introduction The combination of virtual reality (VR) with an omnidirectional walking platform (ODWP) may have potential in rehabilitation settings. However, its use, acceptance, safety, and effectiveness are unclear. This preliminary study aims to understand the feasibility, safety, and user experience (including investigating the onset of cybersickness) while walking on the ODWP with fully immersive VR. Methods Participants engaged with eight immersive VR walking scenarios. The scenarios were created using 360-degree videos and were programmed to run with the ODWP. Safety modifications for the ODWP were made, with the addition of parallel bars. Quantitative feedback on the perceived safety and acceptance of using VR with an ODWP for rehabilitation was collected. Cybersickness was evaluated using the Simulation Symptoms Questionnaire (SSQ). Results Thirty-five participants ( n = 8 physiotherapists, n = 27 healthy adults) were recruited for this study. The mean perceived safety score was 78.9/100 and acceptance was 64.5/100. Seventy-one percent of participants experienced mild to moderate symptoms of cybersickness as reported on the SSQ. The SSQ scores were not correlated to participant age or simulation exposure time. Conclusion VR while using ODWP has the potential for rehabilitation, however, more consideration is needed to address acceptance and cybersickness.
The L3 Flexion Angle Predicts Failure of Non-Operative Management in Patients with Tandem Spondylolithesis
Authors: Dalton Jonathan F. , Fourman Mitchell S. , Rynearson Bryan , Wawrose Rick , Cluts Landon , Shaw Jeremy D. , Lee Joon Y. 
Published: March 2023

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective Determine impact of standard/novel spinopelvic parameters on global sagittal imbalance, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores, and clinical outcomes in patients with multi-level, tandem degenerative spondylolisthesis (TDS). Methods Single institution analysis; 49 patients with TDS. Demographics, PROMIS and ODI scores collected. Radiographic measurements—sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), PI-LL mismatch, sagittal L3 flexion angle (L3FA) and L3 sagittal distance (L3SD). Stepwise linear multivariate regression performed using full length cassettes to identify demographic and radiographic factors predictive of aberrant SVA (≥5 cm). Receiver operative curve (ROC) analysis used to identify cutoffs for lumbar radiographic values independently predictive of SVA ≥5 cm. Univariate comparisons of patient demographics, (HRQoL) scores and surgical indication were performed around this cutoff using two-way Student’s t-tests and Fisher’s exact test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results Patients with increased L3FA had worse ODI (P = .006) and increased rate of failing non-operative management (P = .02). L3FA (OR 1.4, 95% CI) independently predicted of SVA ≥5 cm (sensitivity and specifity of 93% and 92%). Patients with SVA ≥5 cm had lower LL (48.7 ± 19.5 vs 63.3 ± 6.9 mm, P < .021), higher L3SD (49.3 ± 12.9 vs 28.8 ± 9.2, P < .001) and L3FA (11.6 ± 7.9 vs −3.2 ± 6.1, P < .001) compared to patients with SVA ≤5 cm. Conclusions Increased flexion of L3, which is easily measured by the novel lumbar parameter L3FA, predicts global sagittal imbalance in TDS patients. Increased L3FA is associated with worse performance on ODI, and failure of non-operative management in patients with TDS.
Acute triage of childhood stroke in Denmark
Authors: Bindslev Julie Brix , Hansen Klaus , Laugesen Nicolaj Groenbaek , Benndorf Goetz , Hoei-Hansen Christina Engel , Truelsen Thomas 
Published: March 2023

Objective: This 2-year observational study aimed to test the feasibility of implementing a pediatric stroke triage-setup that connected frontline providers with vascular neurologists and to examine final diagnoses in children triaged for suspected stroke. Methods: Prospective, consecutive registration of children with suspected stroke triaged by a team of vascular neurologists from Jan 1st, 2020 and through Dec 2021, Eastern Denmark (census 530,000 children). Based on the provided clinical information, the children were triaged to either assessment at the Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) in Copenhagen or to a pediatric department. All included children were retrospectively followed-up for clinical presentations and final diagnosis. Results: A total of 163 children with 166 suspected stroke events were triaged by the vascular neurologists. Cerebrovascular disease was present in 15 (9.0%) suspected stroke events; one child had intracerebral hemorrhage, one had subarachnoid hemorrhage, two children presented with three TIA events and nine children presented with 10 ischemic stroke events. Two children with ischemic stroke were eligible for acute revascularization treatment of which both were triaged to the CSC. The sensitivity of the triage by acute revascularization indication was 1.00 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.15–1.00) and specificity 0.65 (95% CI: 0.57–0.73). Non-stroke neurological emergencies were present in 34 (20.5%) children, including seizures in 18 (10.8%) and acute demyelinating disorders in 7 (4.2%). Conclusion: Implementing regional triage-setup that connected frontline providers to vascular neurologists was feasible; this system was activated for the majority of children with ischemic stroke according to an expected incidence and led to identification of children eligible for revascularization treatments.
Expected Risk as basis for assessment of safe use of chemicals
Authors: van de Meent Dik , de Zwart Dick , Struijs Jaap , Hermens Joop L. M. , van Straalen Nico M. , den Haan Klaas H. , Parsons John R. , de Voogt Pim , van Leeuwen Kees 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper describes a straightforward modeling procedure to derive ‘expected risk’ (ER) of chemical substances. Starting from proposed use volumes, intended uses, physical and chemical substance properties and toxicity information, the procedure combines multimedia environmental fate modeling with species sensitivity modeling to derive the probability that exposure concentrations exceed critical effect concentrations. The procedure was tested on 1977 so-called mono-constituent organic chemicals that had been registered to be marketed in the EU, after ‘possibility to be used safely’ had been demonstrated by showing that the possible Risk Quotients (RQ) defined as PEC/PNEC ratios (Predicted Exposure Concentration & Predicted No Effect Concentration) were expected to remain below the value of 1, as required by REACH. It appears from this study that (i) RQ and ER of chemicals can be calculated readily, reliably, transparently and reproducibly, that (ii) both RQ and ER can be used to assess whether a new chemical may exceed a chosen acceptability level, but that (iii) in addition ER can be straightforwardly used to rank chemicals according to expected environmental safety. In conclusion, the paper states that modeling ER of chemicals (instead of estimating RQ values), could strengthen the scientific basis of environmental risk assessment for use in REACH. The paper further recommends that more robust environmental risk calculation can be done by using acute EC50, instead of chronic NOEC as critical effect concentration.
Doxorubicin-loaded liposomes surface engineered with the matrix metalloproteinase-2 cleavable polyethylene glycol conjugate for cancer therapy
Authors: Askarizadeh Anis , Mashreghi Mohammad , Mirhadi Elaheh , Mirzavi Farshad , Shargh Vahid Heravi , Badiee Ali , Alavizadeh Seyedeh Hoda , Arabi Leila , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer is one of the prominent leading causes of fatality worldwide. Despite recent advancements within the field of cancer therapy, the cure rates and long-term survivals of patients suffering from colorectal cancer have changed little. The application of conventional chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin is limited by some drawbacks such as cardiotoxicity and hematotoxicity. Therefore, nanotechnology has been exploited as a promising solution to address these problems. In this study, we synthesized and compared the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin-loaded liposomes that were surface engineered with the 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) cleavable peptide-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate. The peptide linker was used to cleave in response to the upregulated MMP-2 in the tumor microenvironment, thus exposing a positive charge via PEG-deshielding and enhancing liposomal uptake by tumor cells/vasculature. Liposomal formulations were characterized in terms of size, surface charge and morphology, drug loading, release properties, cell binding and uptake, and cytotoxicity.

Results
The formulations had particle sizes of ~ 100–170 nm, narrow distribution (PDI ˂ 0.2), and various surface charges (− 10.2 mV to + 17.6 mV). MMP-2 overexpression was shown in several cancer cell lines (C26, 4T1, and B16F10) as compared to the normal NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells by gelatin zymography and qRT-PCR. In vitro results demonstrated enhanced antitumor efficacy of the PEG-cleavable cationic liposomes (CLs) as compared to the commercial Caelyx® (up to fivefold) and the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay showed their great antiangiogenesis potential to target and suppress tumor neovascularization. The pharmacokinetics and efficacy studies also indicated higher tumor accumulation and extended survival rates in C26 tumor-bearing mice treated with the MMP-2 cleavable CLs as compared to the non-cleavable CLs with no remarkable sign of toxicity in healthy tissues.

Conclusion
Altogether, the MMP-2-cleavable CLs have great potency to improve tumor-targeted drug delivery and cellular/tumor-vasculature uptake which merits further investigation.