bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction models for post-thrombectomy brain edema in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Lei , He Chun-yu , Yang Jia-xin , Zheng Si-ting , Zhou Jun , Kong Ye , Chen Wen-bo , Xie Yan 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to systematically evaluate prediction models for post-thrombectomy brain edema in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. This analysis aims to equip clinicians with evidence-based guidance for the selection of appropriate prediction models, thereby facilitating the early identification of patients at risk of developing brain edema post-surgery.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and Vip, aiming to identify studies on prediction models for post-thrombectomy brain edema in AIS patients up to January 2023. Reference lists of relevant articles were also inspected. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted data. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) and the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines were employed to assess study bias and literature quality, respectively. We then used random-effects bivariate meta-analysis models to summarize the studies.ResultsThe review included five articles, yielding 10 models. These models exhibited a relatively high risk of bias. Random effects model demonstrated that the AUC was 0.858 (95% CI 0.817–0.899).ConclusionDespite the promising discriminative ability shown by studies on prediction models for post-thrombectomy brain edema in AIS patients, concerns related to a high risk of bias and limited external validation remain. Future research should prioritize the external validation and optimization of these models. There is an urgent need for large-scale, multicenter studies to develop robust, user-friendly models for real-world clinical application.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk, unique Identifier: CRD42022382790.
Altered static and dynamic intrinsic brain activity in unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Li Jing , Yu Xiaocheng , Zou Yan , Leng Yangming , Yang Fan , Liu Bo , Fan Wenliang 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionSudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a critical otologic emergency characterized by a rapid decline of at least 30 dB across three consecutive frequencies in the pure-tone audiogram within a 72-hour period. This audiological condition has been associated with alterations in brain cortical and subcortical structures, as well as changes in brain functional activities involving multiple networks. However, the extent of cerebral intrinsic brain activity disruption in SSHL remains poorly understood. The aimed of this study is to investigate intrinsic brain activity alterations in SSHL using static and dynamic fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) analysis.MethodsResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired from a cohort of SSHL patients (unilateral, n = 102) and healthy controls (n = 73). Static and dynamic fALFF methods were employed to analyze the acquired fMRI data, enabling a comprehensive examination of intrinsic brain activity changes in SSHL.ResultsOur analysis revealed significant differences in static fALFF patterns between SSHL patients and healthy controls. SSHL patients exhibited decreased fALFF in the left fusiform gyrus, left precentral gyrus, and right inferior frontal gyrus, alongside increased fALFF in the left inferior frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, and right middle temporal gyrus. Additionally, dynamic fALFF analysis demonstrated elevated fALFF in the right superior frontal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus among SSHL patients. Intriguingly, we observed a positive correlation between static fALFF in the left fusiform gyrus and the duration of hearing loss, shedding light on potential temporal dynamics associated with intrinsic brain activity changes.DiscussionThe observed disruptions in intrinsic brain activity and temporal dynamics among SSHL patients provide valuable insights into the functional reorganization and potential compensatory mechanisms linked to hearing loss. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the underlying neural alterations in SSHL, which could pave the way for the development of targeted interventions and rehabilitation strategies aimed at optimizing SSHL management.
Differential optogenetic activation of the auditory midbrain in freely moving behaving mice
Authors: Rogalla Meike M. , Seibert Adina , Sleeboom Jana M. , Hildebrandt K. Jannis 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionIn patients with severe auditory impairment, partial hearing restoration can be achieved by sensory prostheses for the electrical stimulation of the central nervous system. However, these state-of-the-art approaches suffer from limited spectral resolution: electrical field spread depends on the impedance of the surrounding medium, impeding spatially focused electrical stimulation in neural tissue. To overcome these limitations, optogenetic activation could be applied in such prostheses to achieve enhanced resolution through precise and differential stimulation of nearby neuronal ensembles. Previous experiments have provided a first proof for behavioral detectability of optogenetic activation in the rodent auditory system, but little is known about the generation of complex and behaviorally relevant sensory patterns involving differential activation.MethodsIn this study, we developed and behaviorally tested an optogenetic implant to excite two spatially separated points along the tonotopy of the murine inferior colliculus (ICc).ResultsUsing a reward based operant Go/No-Go paradigm, we show that differential optogenetic activation of a sub-cortical sensory pathway is possible and efficient. We demonstrate how animals which were previously trained in a frequency discrimination paradigm (a) rapidly respond to either sound or optogenetic stimulation, (b) generally detect optogenetic stimulation of two different neuronal ensembles, and (c) discriminate between them.DiscussionOur results demonstrate that optogenetic excitatory stimulation at different points of the ICc tonotopy elicits a stable response behavior over time periods of several months. With this study, we provide the first proof of principle for sub-cortical differential stimulation of sensory systems using complex artificial cues in freely moving animals.
Efficacy of thoracoscopic segmentectomy versus lobectomy in the treatment of early invasive lung adenocarcinoma: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Ding Congyi , Jia Qiyu , Wu Zhongjie , Zhang Yanfei , Hu Yi , Wang Jingyu , Wei Dahai 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate and analyze the clinical application value of thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy in patients with invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma.Methods286 patients with invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma who underwent segmentectomy or lobectomy at the First Hospital of Jiaxing City from January 2018 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a thoracoscopic segmentectomy group(n=97) and a lobectomy group (n=189). Patients were compared after obtaining 1:1 propensity score-matched cohorts. Outcome indicators included surgery-related indicators, immune-inflammation-related indicators, postoperative complications, recurrence, and metastasis.ResultsAfter 1:1 propensity score matching, 93 patients were included in each group. We found that the volume of intraoperative blood loss in the segmentectomy group was significantly less than in the lobectomy group (P=0.014). The duration of postoperative drainage (P = 0.005) and hospitalization (P=0.002) in the segmentectomy group were significantly shorter than in the lobectomy group. In terms of immunoinflammatory response, compared with the lobectomy group, white blood cells, neutrophils, SII, and NLR in the segmentectomy group were significantly lower than in the lobectomy group (P&lt; 0.05). The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates in the segmentectomy and lobectomy were 80.5% and 88.2% at 1 year and 35.1% and 52.6% at 3 years, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). The segmentectomy group achieved similar outcomes to the lobectomy group at 1 year and 3 years (P &gt; 0.05). Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that CAR was an independent risk factor for RFS in patients undergoing invasive adenocarcinoma surgery.ConclusionCompared with lobectomy, thoracoscopic segmentectomy can effectively reduce the postoperative inflammatory response in patients with early invasive lung adenocarcinoma and promote patient recovery. Although segmentectomy is associated with a higher recurrence rate in the short term for patients with early invasive lung adenocarcinoma, the associated survival rate is similar to the lobectomy group. Segmentectomy should be considered in the treatment of early invasive lung adenocarcinoma. Meanwhile, postoperative CAR represents an independent risk factor for early postoperative recurrence in patients with IAC.
Temporal muscle thickness has no prognostic relevance in patients with high-grade glioma compared to functional scales
Authors: Klingenschmid Julia , Krigers Aleksandrs , Schön Victoria , Pinggera Daniel , Kerschbaumer Johannes , Grams Astrid E. , Thomé Claudius , Freyschlag Christian F. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundGBM research is constantly assessing potential valuable prognostic biomarkers to better understand the disease and prognosticate future outcomes. Measuring temporal muscle thickness (TMT) has appeared to be a promising new surrogate marker for skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia, which further indicates frailty and predicts overall survival (OS). The aim of this study was to determine its usefulness as a prognostic marker in patients with high-grade glioma compared to functional status scales.MethodsTMT was measured in preoperative axial T1-weighted contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images in 277 patients who received surgical treatment of newly diagnosed WHO III and IV gliomas in our institution between 2015 and 2020. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) were assessed preoperatively and during a follow-up visit.ResultsFemale gender has shown significant correlation with TMT, while TMT did not correlate with preoperative and follow-up functional scores, age, WHO classification, IDH mutation, MGMT promoter methylation, EGFR and ATRX expression, or 1p/19q co-deletion. No significant prognostic value of TMT could be shown in 6, 12, and 24 months OS, while changes in CFS and KPS proved to have a significant impact.ConclusionOnly female gender, but no other clinical, histological, or molecular marker showed any interrelation with TMT. Functional scores outclass measuring TMT as a reliable prognostic factor for predicting OS in patients with high-grade glioma.
Safety and economic analysis of the EasyEndo disposable endoscopic cutting and stapling device for VATS lobectomy or segmentectomy in lung cancer patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Han Ziyang , Lu Jieming , Chen Shuchen , Yu Shaobin , Zhang Peipei , Kang Mingqiang 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the safety and economic aspects of using the EasyEndo disposable endoscopic cutting and stapling device for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy or segmentectomy in patients with lung cancer. The choice between the two staplers was influenced by changes in our hospital’s procurement policy; Johnson EC45A was used before January 2022 and was then replaced by the EasyEndo stapler.MethodsWe reviewed and analyzed consecutive patients with lung cancer who underwent VATS segmentectomy from March 2021 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria included patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were eligible for surgical resection. The surgical procedures were performed using either the EasyEndo or Johnson EC45A staplers. Intraoperative variables, postoperative outcomes, and cost analysis were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 1556 patients were included in the study, with 775 patients in the Control group and 781 patients in the EasyEndo group. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Intraoperative variables, including blood loss, blood transfusion, and operation time, showed no significant differences between the groups. Postoperative outcomes, such as hospital stay, drainage tube placement time, and incidence of complications, were also comparable between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference in the cost of stapler usage, with the EasyEndo group showing a lower cost compared to the Control group.ConclusionThe EasyEndo disposable endoscopic cutting and stapling device demonstrated comparable safety and effectiveness to the Johnson EC45A stapler in VATS segmentectomy for lung cancer patients. Moreover, the use of the EasyEndo stapler resulted in cost savings, indicating its potential economic benefits for healthcare institutions.
Metabolic-suppressed cancer-associated fibroblasts limit the immune environment and survival in colorectal cancer with liver metastasis
Authors: Wu Chenghao , Yu Shaobo , Wang Yanzhong , Gao Yuzhen , Xie Xinyou , Zhang Jun 
Published: August 2023

Background: Colorectal cancer liver metastasis is a major risk factor of poor outcomes, necessitating proactive interventions and treatments. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play essential roles in metastasis, with a focus on metabolic reprogramming. However, knowledge about associations between Cancer-associated fibroblasts metabolic phenotypes and immune cell is limited. This study uses single-cell and bulk transcriptomics data to decode roles of metabolism-related subtype of Cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in liver metastasis, developing a CAF-related prognostic model for colorectal cancer liver metastases.Methods: In this study, Cancer-associated fibroblasts metabolism-related phenotypes were screened using comprehensive datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and gene expression omnibus (GEO). Cox regression and Lasso regression were applied to identify prognostic genes related to Cancer-associated fibroblasts, and a model was constructed based on the Cancer-associated fibroblasts subtype gene score. Subsequently, functional, immunological, and clinical analyses were performed.Results: The study demonstrated the metabotropic heterogeneity of Cancer-associated fibroblasts cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts cells with varying metabolic states were found to exhibit significant differences in communications with different immune cells. Prognostic features based on Cancer-associated fibroblasts signature scores were found to be useful in determining the prognostic status of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. High immune activity and an enrichment of tumor-related pathways were observed in samples with high Cancer-associated fibroblasts signature scores. Furthermore, Cancer-associated fibroblasts signature score could be practical in guiding the selection of chemotherapeutic agents with higher sensitivity.Conclusion: Our study identified a prognostic signature linked to metabotropic subtype of Cancer-associated fibroblasts. This signature has promising clinical implications in precision therapy for colorectal cancer liver metastases.
CU06-1004 as a promising strategy to improve anti-cancer drug efficacy by preventing vascular leaky syndrome
Authors: Park Songyi , Lee Sunghye , Kim Dongyeop , Kim Hyejeong , Kwon Young-Guen 
Published: August 2023

Background: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is the first cancer therapeutic agent with an immunomodulatory function. Although it has been experimentally proven to be effective against metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma, the clinical application of high-dose IL-2 (HDIL-2) has been limited because of its short half-life and severe side effects, such as vascular leakage syndrome (VLS) or capillary leaky syndrome (CLS). However, methods for overcoming this issue have not yet been identified.Methods: We discovered CU06-1004, an endothelial dysfunction blocker, through a previous study, and co-treated with IL-2 immunotherapy to confirm its inhibitory effect on HDIL-2-induced endothelial permeability. CU06-1004 was co-administered with HDIL-2 for 4 days in an in vivo mouse model. After drug injection, the mice were sacrificed, and Evans blue staining was performed.Results:In vitro, HDIL-2 treatment decreased HUVEC stability, which was rescued by co-treatment with CU06-1004. In our mouse model, co-administration of CU06-1004 and HDIL-2 prevented HDIL-2-induced vascular leakage by normalizing endothelial cells. Notably, the HDIL-2 and CU06-1004 combination therapy considerably reduced tumor growth in the B16F10 melanoma mouse model.Conclusion: Our data suggest that CU06-1004 acts as a potential anticancer drug candidate, not only by preventing HDIL-2-induced VLS but also by enhancing the anticancer effects of HDIL-2 immunotherapy.
A successful intervention to improve conceptual knowledge of medical students who rely on memorization of disclosed items
Authors: Heber Stefan , Grasl Matthaeus Ch , Volf Ivo 
Published: August 2023

Background: The mere memorization of isolated facts without the claim of integrating them is detrimental to the desired learning outcomes in medical education. The current study was conducted within an environment where items from summative assessments are regularly disclosed by the university and consequently collected into an item bank that is shared between students. Within this environment, we aimed to quantify 1) to which extent students use disclosed items for their preparation for the summative exam, 2) a putative mismatch between (isolated factual) knowledge regarding distinct questions from the item bank and conceptual knowledge, and 3) to which extent this mismatch can be ameliorated by a project aiming to steer student learning away from the memorization of isolated facts toward the acquisition of conceptual knowledge.Methods: This steering project in the midst of the first semester consisted of the implementation of an oral exam based on selected learning objectives, preceded by two seminars. After their summative exam at the end of semester, 135 students performed a voluntary exam for study purposes. Here, authentic (i.e., presumably preknown) physiology questions taken from the item bank were used to assess students’ ability to 1) recognize the correct answer in a multiple choice (MC) question, 2) recall the answer (short answer), or 3) display conceptual knowledge closely corresponding to the question presented in the other formats. Additionally, students received a questionnaire addressing their learning habits and attitudes.Results: The median reported percentage of learning time for the summative exam exclusively spent with this item bank was 80%. The results of the voluntary exam indicate that students frequently recognize and recall correct answers of included items without displaying knowledge of the underlying concept. Compared to recall of the correct answer, the probability of giving a correct answer regarding the corresponding basal physiologic concept was lower by 47 percentage points (p &lt;0.001) for topics not included in the steering project. Regarding topics included in the steering project, this discrepancy was reduced to 25.5% (p &lt;0.001).Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the influence of disclosed items on student learning and learning outcomes and suggest that a carefully implemented assessment is able to improve conceptual knowledge in physiology.
Assessment of the psychomotor fitness level of cadet pilots after a 6-month flight training period - pilot study
Authors: Wochyński Zbigniew , Skrzyńska-Rękawek Justyna , Kobos Zdzisław 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the impact of 6-month aviation practice on the improvement of physical fitness and cognitive abilities of cadet pilots.Materials and methodsTwenty cadet pilots (men) with an average age of 22 from the Polish Air Force Academy were tested. Two tests of effort were conducted: before (test I) and after (test II) practical flights. Test of physical effort relyed on the number of rotations of looping accomplished. When performing rotations on looping, in tests I and II, the percentage level of task performance was assessed using a diagnostic and training device. Tasks for the exerciser were sent wirelessly to the glasses from the operator’s position. The heart rate (HR) and blood pressure were measured with a camera-type Microlife AG.ResultsIn test II, there was a statistically significant improvement in the percentage of task completion (p &lt; 0.01) and an insignificant improvement in the performance of rotations on looping compared to test I. After Test I and II demonstrated a statistically significant increase in HR and systolic blood pressure when compared to before test values. Test II illustrated a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure after effort (p &lt; 0.05) with regard to test I.ConclusionThe study showed that cadet aviation practice ameliorated their physical fitness and cognitive skills, as well as helped to diminish their situational stress, which resulted in a decrease in systolic blood pressure after test II.
The relationship between performance appraisal interval and employees’ proactive working behavior – analysis based on time-gain effect and time-loss effect
Authors: Yang Jun , Ma Jun , Li Liping 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionPerformance appraisal is the most widely motivation means for employees’ initiative and work improvement. As a large number of organizations are moving from traditional annual performance appraisal to more frequent appraisals, there is little research to compare the motivational effect of different performance appraisal intervals.MethodsWe explore the relationship between performance appraisal interval (PAI) and positive work behavior (PWB) as well as how to improve the relationship between them. Drawing from the psychological momentum (PM) theory, we constructed a model of the dual effect (the time-gain effect and time-loss effect) of PAI on PWB as well as their boundary conditions.ResultsA cross-level analysis of 622 employees in 57 teams indicated that: (1) PAI exerted a positive but marginal decreasing effect on delay of gratification (DG), and then increase PWB indirectly (i.e., the time-gain effect). (2) PAI exerted a positive and marginal increasing effect on perceived uncertainty (PU), and then decrease PWB indirectly (i.e., the time-loss effect). (3) According to the additive principle of the benefit and cost proposed by Hanns et al (2016), the addition of the time-gain effect and time-loss effect leads to an inverted U-shape effect of PAI on PWB. (4) Supervisor developmental feedback (SDF) moderated the inverted U-shape effect of PAI on PWB.DiscussionThis research enriches the application of PM theory in performance appraisal research, advances employee proactivity research from a perspective of organizations’ time mechanisms, and also provides a theoretical basis for leaders to adopt developmental feedback as an optimization strategy.