bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deficits in the thalamocortical pathway associated with hypersensitivity to pain in patients with frozen shoulder
Authors: Li Tengshuai , Li Jie , Zhao Rui , Zhou Jiaming , Chu Xu 
Published: May 2023

Background and purposeFrozen shoulder (FS) is a chronic pain condition and has been shown to be associated with pain sensitization. However, the underyling brain mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we aimed to explore brain alterations and their association with pain sensitization in patients with FS.Materials and methodsA total of 54 FS patients and 52 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Here, we applied both structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to investigate brain abnormalities in FS patients. Voxel-wise comparisons were performed to reveal the differences in the gray matter volume (GMV) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) between FS patients and HCs. Furthermore, the region of interest (ROI) to whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) was calculated and compared between groups. Finally, Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed to reveal the association between clinical data and brain alterations.ResultsFour main findings were observed: (1) FS patients exhibited decreased thalamus GMV, which correlated with pain intensity and pain threshold; (2) relative to HCs, FS patients exhibited a higher level of ALFF within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the thalamus; (3) FS patients exhibited a significant increase in Tha-S1 FC compared to HCs; and (4) the effect of thalamus GMV on pain intensity was mediated by pain threshold in FS patients.ConclusionThe dysfunctional thalamus might induce pain hypersensitivity, which further aggravates the pain in FS patients.
Development and validation of radiomic signature for predicting overall survival in advanced-stage cervical cancer
Authors: Jha Ashish Kumar , Mithun Sneha , Sherkhane Umeshkumar B. , Jaiswar Vinay , Shah Sneha , Purandare Nilendu , Prabhash Kumar , Maheshwari Amita , Gupta Sudeep , Wee Leonard , Rangarajan V. , Dekker Andre 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundThe role of artificial intelligence and radiomics in prediction model development in cancer has been increasing every passing day. Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide, contributing to 6.5% of all cancer types. The treatment outcome of cervical cancer patients varies and individualized prediction of disease outcome is of paramount importance.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop and validate the digital signature for 5-year overall survival prediction in cervical cancer using robust CT radiomic and clinical features.Materials and MethodsPretreatment clinical features and CT radiomic features of 68 patients, who were treated with chemoradiation therapy in our hospital, were used in this study. Radiomic features were extracted using an in-house developed python script and pyradiomic package. Clinical features were selected by the recursive feature elimination technique. Whereas radiomic feature selection was performed using a multi-step process i.e., step-1: only robust radiomic features were selected based on our previous study, step-2: a hierarchical clustering was performed to eliminate feature redundancy, and step-3: recursive feature elimination was performed to select the best features for prediction model development. Four machine algorithms i.e., Logistic regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support vector classifier (SVC), and Gradient boosting classifier (GBC), were used to develop 24 models (six models using each algorithm) using clinical, radiomic and combined features. Models were compared based on the prediction score in the internal validation.ResultsThe average prediction accuracy was found to be 0.65 (95% CI: 0.60–0.70), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.63–0.81), and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.72–0.82) for clinical, radiomic, and combined models developed using four prediction algorithms respectively. The average prediction accuracy was found to be 0.69 (95% CI: 0.62–0.76), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72–0.86), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.62–0.80), and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.66–0.78) for LR, RF, SVC and GBC models developed on three datasets respectively.ConclusionOur study shows the promising predictive performance of a robust radiomic signature to predict 5-year overall survival in cervical cancer patients.
Development and validity of a short web-based semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire applicable in both clinical and research setting: an evolution over time
Authors: Verbeke Joke , Boedt Tessy , Matthys Christophe 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundAssessing dietary intake is valuable both in clinical practice and in research. In research and in clinical practice, long-term habitual dietary intake is most often of interest. Therefore, a web-based semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was developed to measure habitual intake of nutrients and foods.AimThis study aimed to assess content validity, convergent validity, and reliability of a 32-item semi-quantitative FFQ for adults.MethodsA total of three different cohorts of Flemish adults were recruited in the past 10 years. The first cross-sectional validation study took place in 2013, consequently in 2019 and 2021. Content validity was assessed in 2019 through a semi-structured cognitive interview. Convergent validity was assessed by examining mean differences, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman's correlation coefficients (SCC), and Bland–Altman analysis for energy, nutrient, and food group intake compared with a 3-day food record (FR). Additionally, consumers-only analysis was performed together with cross-classification analysis by assessing the ranking capabilities of the FFQ into quartiles and weighted kappa. Reliability was assessed through the evaluation of SCC and intra-class correlation (ICC) of test–retest assessment of the FFQ.ResultsSpearman's correlation coefficient (SCC) for energy and absolute nutrient intake between the FFQ and the FR ranged from 0.02 to 0.54. Compared with absolute macronutrients, higher SCC was found for the majority of the relative macronutrient intake and most food groups. Bland–Altman plots showed improved agreement and decreasing bias between the FFQ and the FR over time. Misclassification of the FFQ for nutrients was acceptable and decreased over time (7.4, 7.5, and 6.8% in 2013, 2019, and 2021, respectively), but weighted kappa remained mostly fair (κ ≤ 0.20). The reliability of the FFQ was good and improved over time (mean SCC of 0.65 and 0.66 p &lt;0.001 in 2013 and 2019).ConclusionThe short web-based FFQ is an easy, low-cost, and feasible tool with good reliability, low misclassification, and acceptable validity to compare nutrient densities and food group intake at the population level. The measurement of absolute intake remains debatable.
Dietary patterns and diabetes mellitus among people living with and without HIV: a cross-sectional study in Tanzania
Authors: Malindisa Evangelista , Dika Haruna , Rehman Andrea M. , Olsen Mette Frahm , Francis Filbert , Friis Henrik , Faurholt-Jepsen Daniel , Filteau Suzanne , PrayGod George 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundDue to the complexity of human diets, it is difficult to relate single foods to health outcomes. We aimed to identify the dietary patterns and associated factors and to assess the association of dietary patterns with prediabetes/diabetes among adults living with and without HIV in Tanzania.MethodsDiet data were collected by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR). The associations between dietary patterns and associated factors as well as with prediabetes/diabetes were assessed using multinomial logistic regression and presented by marginal plots.ResultsOf 572 recruited, 63% were people living with HIV. The mean (±SD) age was 42.6 (±11.7) years and 60% were females. The PCA identified two major dietary patterns, i.e., vegetable-rich pattern (VRP) and vegetable-poor pattern (VPP) whereas RRR identified one dietary pattern, i.e., carbohydrate-dense pattern (CDP). In comparison to females, males had higher adherence to VPP and CDP, but less to VRP. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with higher adherence to VRP and VPP but low adherence to CDP. Compared to HIV-negative participants, people living with HIV had higher adherence to VRP but less adherence to CDP. Compared to younger people, older people had lower adherence to VPP. High adherence to CDP or VRP was positively associated with prediabetes. Higher adherence to VRP was associated with a borderline decrease in diabetes. No association was observed between VPP with either prediabetes or diabetes.ConclusionOur findings suggest that dietary patterns may impact the risk of prediabetes and diabetes differently. Awareness of the health benefits of VRP should be encouraged in the community, especially for men who seem to consume fewer vegetables. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the contribution of dietary patterns to prediabetes/diabetes development in sub-Saharan Africa.
Food groups and urologic cancers risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Qi Jingyi , An Peng , Jin Dekui , Ji Yuting , Wan Sitong , Zhang Xu , Luo Yongting , Luo Junjie , Zhang Chengying 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundTo assess the association between 12 food groups intake and the risk of urologic cancers.MethodsWe scanned PubMed and Web of Science databases up to April 1st, 2023, and 73 publications met the inclusion criteria in the meta-analysis. We used a random effects model to estimate the summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsIn the linear dose–response meta-analysis, an inverse association was found between each additional daily 100 g of fruits [RR: 0.89, 95%CI = (0.83, 0.97)], 100 g of vegetables [RR: 0.92, 95%CI = (0.85, 0.99)], 12 g of alcohol [RR: 0.91, 95%CI = (0.88, 0.94)] and 1 cup of coffee [RR: 0.95, 95%CI = (0.83, 0.97)] intake and the risk of renal cell carcinoma. Conversely, each additional daily 100 g of red meat intake was positively associated with renal cell carcinoma [RR: 1.41, 95%CI = (1.03, 2.10)]. Inverse associations were observed between each additional daily 50 g of egg [RR: 0.73, 95%CI = (0.62, 0.87)] and each additional daily 1 cup of tea consumption and bladder cancer risk [RR: 0.97, 95%CI = (0.94, 0.99)]. There were no significant associations for nonlinear dose–response relationships between 12 food groups and urological cancers.ConclusionOur meta-analysis strengthens the evidence that appropriate intake of specific food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, alcohol, tea, and coffee, is associated with the risk of renal cell carcinoma or bladder cancer. More studies are required to fill the knowledge gap on the links between various food groups and urologic cancers because the evidence was less credible in this meta-analysis.Systematic Review RegistrationThis study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022340336).
Case report: Neuroendocrine breast carcinoma with a germline EGFR T790M mutation
Authors: Sagan Olivia A. , Rothstein Anna , Jambunathan Bhaghyasree , Hadziahmetovic Mersiha , Antoniolli Anita , Rashid M. Hammad 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) p.Thr790Met (T790M) mutation was discovered as a resistance mechanism in patients with lung cancer treated with first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Further studies revealed the EGFR T790M mutation in treatment-naive non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and as a rare germline mutation strongly associated with NSCLC. Somatic EGFR T790M mutations have been reported in a limited population of patients with triple-negative breast cancer. There are no previous reports of a germline EGFR T790M mutation found in a patient with breast cancer.Case presentationWe present a rare case of a 42-year-old woman with a rapidly progressing 8 cm mass in the right lateral breast. An additional right breast mass with multiple lymph nodes characteristic or suspicious of metastasis was found. Ultrasound-guided biopsy showed high-grade, poorly differentiated invasive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the right breast and metastatic carcinoma of a right axillary lymph node. Genetic testing revealed a germline EGFR T790M mutation. The patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, right mastectomy with lymph node dissection, adjuvant radiation to the right chest wall and axilla, and adjuvant chemotherapy.ConclusionThis is the first reported case of a patient with high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer and a germline EGFR T790M mutation. Further investigation is needed to find a possible correlation between the cancer in this patient and her mutation. Since there are no current guidelines, further research is also needed to define screening protocols for patients with germline EGFR T790M mutations. Additional treatment options and cancer risk could also be found with further research, which would benefit all patients with a germline EGFR T790M mutation.
Comparative efficacy and safety of molecular targeted agents combined with transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Long Jiaye , Chen Baoxiang , Liu Zhaohui 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveAt present, several molecular targeted agents(MTAs) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have been employed to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this meta-analysis, we compared the efficacy and safety of different MTAs combined with TACE to enable effective decision-making for the clinical treatment of unresectable HCC.MethodsPubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were retrieved to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different MTAs combined with TACE in cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to investigate the impact of various therapies on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival. However, the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), adverse events (AEs), and ≥grade-3 adverse events (≥G3-AEs) were calculated using odd ratios and 95% CIs. The node-splitting approach was used to test the heterogeneity. The funnel plot was utilized to analyze the publication bias. Additionally, according to the ranking plots, we ranked various treatments.ResultsA total of 45 studies involving 10,774 patients with 8 treatment strategies were included in our network meta-analysis. Our network meta-analysis showed that apatinib+TACE provided the highest OS (62.2%), ORR (44.7%), and DCR (45.6%), while and lenvatinib+TACE offered the best PFS (78.9%). Besides, there was no statistically significant difference in AEs and ≥G3-AEs among treatment options.ConclusionApatinib+TACE demonstrated the best OS, ORR, and DCR with no additional AEs and ≥G3-AEs. Therefore, for the treatment scheme of MTAs combined with TACE, apatinib+TACE may be the best option for patients with unresectable HCC.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023388609.
Testicular tumor arising from an intra-abdominal undescended testis in a 1-year-old child: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xia Qiongzhang , Kuang Tongshuai , Lin Xiaokun , Zhang Hua 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesTesticular tumors in the intra-abdominal undescended testis are rare in children, and their management remains challenging. The aim was to present a case report and review of the literature about diagnosis and treatment of testicular tumors arising from undescended intra-abdominal testis in children.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of a 1-year-old male patient admitted to pediatric surgery in March 2022 with a testicular tumor originating in the intra-abdominal undescended testis. Furthermore, medical literature published in English during the last three decades was systematically searched through the databases of Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar.ResultsThe patient underwent laparoscopic orchiopexy and tumor excision. The operation was uneventful, and the patient recovered well without complications. An 8-month follow-up showed no recurrence of the teratoma after postoperative pathology. The literature search resulted in the retrieval of 16 non-duplicate articles, and 16 patients were included in this review. The cases included six cases of left cryptorchidism and 10 cases of right cryptorchidism, with an average age of 15.3 months. The largest transverse diameter of the tumors ranged from 1.8 to 12.5 cm, with an average tumor length of 6.7 cm. All patients underwent surgical treatment, including three cases of laparoscopic orchiectomy, a sole case of a conversion of inguinal incision to laparotomy and orchiectomy, and 12 cases of laparotomy and orchiectomy. Postoperative pathology revealed 12 cases of mature teratoma, two cases of immature teratoma, one case of yolk sac tumor, and a single case of embryonic carcinoma combined with yolk sac tumor. 11 patients were followed up, and one of them recurred.ConclusionAbdominal ultrasound (US) or abdominal computer tomography (CT) should be performed in cases of undescended testis suspected to have testicular tumors on clinical findings. The most common type of intra-abdominal testicular tumor is mature teratomas. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention resulted in an excellent outcome.
Physical activity and combined hormonal contraception: association with female students’ perception of menstrual symptoms
Authors: Bougault Valérie , Schiano-Lomoriello Sandrine , Castanier Carole , Buisson Corinne , Ericsson Magnus , Teulier Caroline , Collomp Katia 
Published: May 2023

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) on female students’ self perceptio of their menstrual cycle symptoms.Methods: Healthy French female students (n = 834) completed an online questionnaire to assess their PA level (Group 1: non-active; Group 2: moderate physical activity; Group 3: high physical activity; Group 4: very high physical activity), menstrual status or contraception use, self-reported diet and medication, impact on engagement in some social activities, and self-assessment of perceived mental and physical symptoms during the week prior to menses (PM) for students with a normal menstrual cycle (NMC), and the week of menses (ME) for normal menstrual cycle students and those using combined hormonal contraception.Results: Whatever the conditions (PM and ME, NMC and CHC), fewer self-perceived symptoms and self-reported alteration in fat intake were reported by the students in Group 4, and more analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication use was reported by Group 1. Fewer self-perceived symptoms were also found in CHC vs NMC female students for all physical activity levels, but in a more marked way when associated with very high physical activity. In addition, less university and sports practice absenteeism was observed with high and very high physical activity.Conclusion: In conclusion, the perception of menstrual cycle symptoms was lower with very high physical activity, as with combined hormonal contraception. Moreover, female students training more than 5 h/week also reported less university absenteeism and impairment in physical activities. Further studies are necessary to establish the causal link of physical activity and combined hormonal contraception on menstrual symptoms.
Effects of achievement goals on learning interests and mathematics performances for kindergarteners
Authors: Wu Chung Chin 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundStudies have investigated the effects of achievement goals on learning interests and mathematics performance above the elementary-school level. However, few studies have explored this topic among kindergarteners based on sound theoretical frameworks.MethodsThrough the enrollment of 15 kindergarten teachers and 180 kindergarteners, this study re-validated newly developed measurements of kindergarteners’ achievement goals and learning interests and used these measures to further clarify the effects of achievement goals on learning interests and mathematics performances using structural equation modeling.ResultsThe results indicate that (1) task-approach goals have positive effects on situational interest and advanced arithmetic performance, whereas task-avoidance goals have positive effects on individual interest. (2) Self-based goals have null effects on most learning interests and mathematics performance, but they have significant negative effects on numbering and counting performance. However, most of these null effects represent negative tendencies. (3) Other-approach goals have positive effects on situational interest and basic arithmetic performance, whereas other-avoidance goals have null effects on these outcomes but have an almost significant positive effect on numbering and counting performance. (4) Task-based goals and self-approach goals are generally beneficial for learning interests and mathematics performance.ConclusionThese results suggest that task-based goals and other-approach goals may be implemented with consideration of the potential long-term detrimental effects of social comparison on learning outcomes. Furthermore, possible negative effects of self-based goals must be monitored to prevent them from undermining learning outcomes. This study revealed consistent, inconsistent, and new evidence that, respectively, verifies, complements, and contradicts findings on the learning outcomes of students above the elementary-school level.
Association of serum alkaline phosphatase and depression in US adults: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Liang Yujiang , Mao Yafei , Liang Weizhong , Liang Liping , Suo Min , Xue Juan , Yang Hui 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundDepression, a serious public health disorder, is increasingly prevalent worldwide. An association between alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and neurological disorders has been reported. However, data on ALP and depression risk are scarce, which warrants attention.MethodsWe assessed the association between ALP and risk of depression in adults from the 2007–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the association between ALP and risk of depression, and subgroup analyses were also performed.ResultsA total of 17,485 participants were included. The prevalence of depression was 9.3% (1,631/17,485) and ALP was significantly associated with the risk of depression when ALP was a categorical variable (quadratic or categorized by 79 U/L) in a multivariate logistic regression model after adjusting for confounding factors (≥79 U/L vs. &lt;79 U/L, adjusted OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.02–1.29). Each 1-unit increase in ALP (log2) was associated with a 20% increase in depression prevalence (adjusted OR, 1.20; 95%CI, 1.06–1.36) when ALP was used as a continuous variable. Subgroup analysis showed that ALP was positively associated with the risk of depression with different characteristics.ConclusionOur findings suggest that higher alkaline phosphatase levels, even within the normal range, are significantly associated with a higher risk of depression in US adults. Such findings require further prospective studies to provide more evidence.