bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endobronchial optical coherence tomography or computed tomography for evaluating progression of bronchiectasis
Authors: Cheng Lin-ling , Guan Wei-jie , Zhong Chang-hao , Duan Chong-yang , Su Zhu-quan , Li Shi-yue , Zhong Nan-shan 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundThe early radiological signs of progression in bronchiectasis remain unclear. The objective of the present study was to compare endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT) and chest computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of radiological progression of bronchiectasisviastratification of the presence (TW+) or absence (TW−) of thickened-walled bronchioles surrounding dilated bronchi in patients with bronchiectasis based on CT, and determine the risk factors.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we performed both chest CT and EB-OCT at baseline and 5-year follow-up, to compare changes in airway calibre metrics. We evaluated bacterial microbiology, sputum matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels and free neutrophil elastase activity at baseline. We compared clinical characteristics and airway calibre metrics between the TW+and TW−groups. We ascertained radiological progression at 5 yearsviaCT and EB-OCT.ResultsWe recruited 75 patients between 2014 and 2017. At baseline, EB-OCT metrics (mean luminal diameter (p=0.017), inner airway area (p=0.005) and airway wall area (p=0.009) of seventh- to ninth-generation bronchioles) were significantly greater in the TW+group than in the TW−group. Meanwhile, EB-OCT did not reveal bronchiole dilatation (compared with the same segment of normal bronchioles) surrounding nondilated bronchi on CT in the TW−group. At 5 years, 53.1% of patients in the TW+group progressed to have bronchiectasis measured with EB-OCT, compared with only 3.3% in TW−group (p<0.05). 34 patients in the TW+group demonstrated marked dilatation of medium-sized and small airways. Higher baseline neutrophil elastase activity and TW+bronchioles on CT predicted progression of bronchiectasis.ConclusionThickened-walled bronchioles surrounding the dilated bronchi, identified with EB-OCT, indicates progression of bronchiectasis.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in fibromyalgia patients had comparable outcomes to a matched control group
Authors: Gurel Ron , Vidra Matias , Elbaz Etay , Factor Shai , Kazum Efi , Bivas Assaf , Maman Eran , Chechik Ofir , Rotman Dani 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Although fibromyalgia is associated with poor outcomes following orthopedic surgeries, several studies show some benefit from surgical intervention and nevertheless recommend operative treatment when indicated. There is sparse evidence of the effect of fibromyalgia on the outcomes of shoulder surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fibromyalgia on patient-reported outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

Methods
All patients with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia who underwent ARCR in one institution between 2010 and 2021 were included. Data retrieved from medical records included demographics, characteristics of the cuff tear and the surgical procedure, and preoperative and last follow-up (minimum 1 year) postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Subjective Shoulder score (SSV), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). A matched controlled group of patients without fibromyalgia who had undergone ARCR was selected according to age, sex, and preoperative DASH, SSV, and NPRS scores.

Results
There were no significant differences in demographics, cuff tear and surgical procedure characteristics, and preoperative scores between the fibromyalgia and control groups. The fibromyalgia patients’ postoperative scores for all 3 measurements showed significant improvement: SSV by 32.1 (P = 0.004), DASH by 20.3 (P = 0.016), and NPRS by 2.33 (P = 0.017). There were no significant differences in the postoperative DASH, SSV, and NPRS between the fibromyalgia and control groups.

Conclusion
Fibromyalgia patients with rotator cuff tears who undergo ARCR do not have inferior patient-reported outcomes compared with non-fibromyalgia controls. Fibromyalgia should not be a considered a contraindication for ARCR.
Level of evidence: III
Pan-cancer analysis of SYNGR2 with a focus on clinical implications and immune landscape in liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chunxun , Qu Zhaowei , Zhao Haoran , Wang Peng , Zhan Chao , Zhang Yubao 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Synaptogyrin-2 (SYNGR2), as a member of synaptogyrin gene family, is overexpressed in several types of cancer. However, the role of SYNGR2 in pan-cancer is largely unexplored.

Methods
From the TCGA and GEO databases, we obtained bulk transcriptomes, and clinical information. We examined the expression patterns, prognostic values, and diagnostic value of SYNGR2 in pan-cancer, and investigated the relationship of SYNGR2 expression with tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immune infiltration, and immune checkpoint (ICP) genes. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) software was used to perform pathway analysis. Besides, we built a nomogram of liver hepatocellular carcinoma patients (LIHC) and validated its prediction accuracy.

Results
SYNGR2 was highly expressed in most cancers. The high expression of SYNGR2 significantly reduced the overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free interval (DFI), and progression-free interval (PFI) in multiple types of cancer. Also, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that SYNGR2 showed high accuracy in distinguishing cancerous tissues from normal ones. Moreover, SYNGR2 expression was correlated with TMB, MSI, immune scores, and immune cell infiltrations. We also analyzed the association of SYNGR2 with immunotherapy response in LIHC. Finally, a nomogram including SYNGR2 and pathologic T, N, M stage was built and exhibited good predictive power for the OS, DSS, and PFI of LIHC patients.

Conclusion
Overall, SYNGR2 is a critical oncogene in various tumors. SYNGR2 participates in the carcinogenic progression, and may contribute to the immune infiltration in tumor microenvironment. Our study suggests that SYNGR2 can serve as a predictor related to prognosis in pan-cancer, especially LIHC.
Cis-regulatory atlas of primary human CD4+ T cells
Authors: Stefan Kurtis , Barski Artem 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCis-regulatory elements (CRE) are critical for coordinating gene expression programs that dictate cell-specific differentiation and homeostasis. Recently developed self-transcribing active regulatory region sequencing (STARR-Seq) has allowed for genome-wide annotation of functional CREs. Despite this, STARR-Seq assays are only employed in cell lines, in part, due to difficulties in delivering reporter constructs. Herein, we implemented and validated a STARR-Seq–based screen in human CD4+ T cells using a non-integrating lentiviral transduction system. Lenti-STARR-Seq is the first example of a genome-wide assay of CRE function in human primary cells, identifying thousands of functional enhancers and negative regulatory elements (NREs) in human CD4+ T cells. We find an unexpected difference in nucleosome organization between enhancers and NRE: enhancers are located between nucleosomes, whereas NRE are occupied by nucleosomes in their endogenous locations. We also describe chromatin modification, eRNA production, and transcription factor binding at both enhancers and NREs. Our findings support the idea of silencer repurposing as enhancers in alternate cell types. Collectively, these data suggest that Lenti-STARR-Seq is a successful approach for CRE screening in primary human cell types, and provides an atlas of functional CREs in human CD4+ T cells.
Exploring flexible polynomial regression as a method to align routine clinical outcomes with daily data capture through remote technologies
Authors: Filipow Nicole , Main Eleanor , Tanriver Gizem , Raywood Emma , Davies Gwyneth , Douglas Helen , Laverty Aidan , Stanojevic Sanja 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Clinical outcomes are normally captured less frequently than data from remote technologies, leaving a disparity in volumes of data from these different sources. To align these data, flexible polynomial regression was investigated to estimate personalised trends for a continuous outcome over time.

Methods
Using electronic health records, flexible polynomial regression models inclusive of a 1st up to a 4th order were calculated to predict forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) over time in children with cystic fibrosis. The model with the lowest AIC for each individual was selected as the best fit. The optimal parameters for using flexible polynomials were investigated by comparing the measured FEV1 values to the values given by the individualised polynomial.

Results
There were 8,549 FEV1 measurements from 267 individuals. For individuals with > 15 measurements (n = 178), the polynomial predictions worked well; however, with < 15 measurements (n = 89), the polynomial models were conditional on the number of measurements and time between measurements. The method was validated using BMI in the same population of children.

Conclusion
Flexible polynomials can be used to extrapolate clinical outcome measures at frequent time intervals to align with daily data captured through remote technologies.
Causes and risk factors of death among people who inject drugs in Indonesia, Ukraine and Vietnam: findings from HPTN 074 randomized trial
Authors: Dumchev Kostyantyn , Guo Xu , Ha Tran Viet , Djoerban Zubairi , Zeziulin Oleksandr , Go Vivian F. , Sarasvita Riza , Metzger David S. , Latkin Carl A. , Rose Scott M. , Piwowar-Manning Estelle , Richardson Paul , Hanscom Brett , Lancaster Kathryn E. , Miller William C. , Hoffman Irving F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Introduction
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 074 study demonstrated a positive effect of an integrated systems navigation and psychosocial counseling intervention on HIV treatment initiation, viral suppression, medication assisted treatment (MAT) enrollment, and risk of death among people who inject drugs (PWID). In this sub-study, we analyzed the incidence, causes, and predictors of death among HIV-infected and uninfected participants.

Methods
The HPTN 074 randomized clinical trial was conducted in Indonesia, Ukraine, and Vietnam. HIV-infected PWID with unsuppressed viral load (indexes) were recruited together with at least one of their HIV-negative injection partners. Indexes were randomized in a 1:3 ratio to the intervention or standard of care.

Results
The trial enrolled 502 index and 806 partner participants. Overall, 13% (66/502) of indexes and 3% (19/806) of partners died during follow-up (crude mortality rates 10.4 [95% CI 8.1–13.3] and 2.1 [1.3–3.3], respectively). These mortality rates were for indexes nearly 30 times and for partners 6 times higher than expected in a population of the same country, age, and gender (standardized mortality ratios 30.7 [23.7–39.0] and 5.8 [3.5–9.1], respectively). HIV-related causes, including a recent CD4 < 200 cells/μL, accounted for 50% of deaths among indexes. Among partners, medical conditions were the most common cause of death (47%). In the multivariable Cox model, the mortality among indexes was associated with sex (male versus female aHR = 4.2 [1.5–17.9]), CD4 count (≥ 200 versus < 200 cells/μL aHR = 0.3 [0.2–0.5]), depression (moderate-to-severe versus no/mild aHR = 2.6 [1.2–5.0]) and study arm (intervention versus control aHR = 0.4 [0.2–0.9]). Among partners, the study arm of the index remained the only significant predictor (intervention versus control aHR = 0.2 [0.0–0.9]) while controlling for the effect of MAT (never versus ever receiving MAT aHR = 2.4 [0.9–7.4]).

Conclusions
The results confirm that both HIV-infected and uninfected PWID remain at a starkly elevated risk of death compared to general population. Mortality related to HIV and other causes can be significantly reduced by scaling-up ART and MAT. Access to these life-saving treatments can be effectively improved by flexible integrated interventions, such as the one developed and tested in HPTN 074.
Incidence of HIV disclosure among HIV affected heterosexual partners using a community health worker led mechanism in rural Uganda; a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Lukyamuzi Zubair , Ssuna Bashir , Mirembe Ruth Nabisere , Mawanda Denis , Maena Joel , Nakalega Rita , Atuhaire Patience , Musoke Philippa , Butler Lisa M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
HIV disclosure is vital in HIV management. Community Health Workers (CHW) were reported to support partner disclosure among HIV affected heterosexual partners with disclosure difficulties. However, time to disclosure attributed to use of CHW led disclosure support mechanism was not documented. This study compared the incidence of sexual partner disclosure among adults living with HIV (ALHIV) with CHW support and those without in the greater Luwero region, Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a quasi-experimental study with two arms allocated by geographically determined clusters and adjusted for between-group differences; among ALHIV in the greater Luwero region of Uganda who had never disclosed to their current primary sexual partners. We allocated study clusters to either a CHW-led intervention or control arm. In both arms, we consecutively recruited participants; those in the intervention arm received CHW disclosure support in addition to routine care. The overall follow-up was six months, and the primary outcome was disclosure to the partner. We used survival analysis with proportional hazard ratios to determine the time to partner disclosure in both arms.

Results
A total of 245 participants were enrolled, and 230 (93.9%) completed the study; of these, 112 (48.7%) were in the intervention and 118 (51.3%) in the control arm. The mean age was 31 ± 8 years with a range of 18 to 55 years; the majority were females, 176 (76.5%). The cumulative incidence of disclosure was higher in the intervention arm, 8.76 [95% CI: 7.20–10.67] per 1,000 person-days versus 5.15 [95%CI: 4.85–6.48] per 1,000 person-days in the control arm, log-rank test, X2 = 12.93, P < 0.001.
Male gender, aHR = 1.82, tertiary education, aHR = 1.51, and relationship duration of > six months, aHR = 1.19 predicted disclosure. Prior disclosure to a relative, aHR = 0.55, and having more than one sexual partner in the past three months, aHR = 0.74, predicted non-disclosure.

Conclusion
CHW-led support mechanism increased the rate of sexual partner disclosure among ALHIV with disclosure difficulties. Therefore, to achieve the global targets of ending HIV, near location CHW-led disclosure support mechanism may be used to hasten HIV disclosure in rural settings.
Subsequent fertility after cesarean scar pregnancy: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Jin Xiaoxiao , Liu Manman , Zhang Panxi , Zheng Lingzhi , Qi Feng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) refers to the implantation and growth of the gestational sac at a uterine scarring site due to a previous cesarean section. The effects of CSP on subsequent fertility have emerged as a clinical issue of importance in gynecology and obstetrics in China owing to the increasing rate of cesarean section over the past 30 years in combination with the abolition of the national family planning policy, allowing for subsequent pregnancies. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of CSP treatment on subsequent fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods
The study consecutively enrolled 499 women treated for CSP at Taizhou Hospital between January 2009 and December 2018. The study outcomes were the rate of secondary infertility and pregnancy outcomes. Clinical information was collected at the time of admission for CSP treatment. Information on subsequent fertility and pregnancy outcomes was collected via telephonic follow-up.

Results
Among the 499 women who met the inclusion criteria for CSP, 48 were lost to follow-up. Most women (74.9%, 338/451) did not express the desire for a subsequent pregnancy after CSP treatment. Among the 113 women who initially desired a subsequent pregnancy, 62 finally abandoned fertility plans. Among the 51 women who pursued pregnancy, 48 pregnancies were recorded in 43 women, infertility secondary to CSP treatment was identified in 15.7% (8/51) of women, and 60.8% (31/51) of women achieved full-term pregnancy, with placenta accreta spectrum identified in two women, one requiring a hysterectomy during cesarean section due to massive bleeding. Among the 16 women treated with uterine artery embolization combined with uterine aspiration and 18 women treated by ultrasound-guided local lauromacrogol injection combined with uterine aspiration, a successful full-term pregnancy rate of 68.8% (11/16) and 88.9% (16/18), respectively, was achieved. There were five cases of recurrent CSP among all 76 pregnancies (6.6%).

Conclusion
Over a long-term follow-up of women after CSP treatment, a high successful fertility rate was identified, with also an increased CSP recurrence rate. Uterine artery embolization combined with uterine aspiration and ultrasound-guided local lauromacrogol injection combined with uterine aspiration showed high rates of successful post-treatment fertility and pregnancy.
The association between viewing cigarette health warning labels and intention to quit smoking among Chinese adult smokers: support for including health outcome content and culturally specific messages
Authors: Nian Qinghua , Hardesty Jeffrey J , Cohen Joanna E , Kennedy Ryan D 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Tailored themes of pictorial health warning labels (HWLs) that considers specific cultural dimensions and within a specific policy/historical context can motivate behavior change, such as provoking smokers to think about quitting. Currently in China, the HWLs on cigarettes are text-only. This study designed pictorial HWLs using different themes to explore and examine the association between viewing pictorial HWLs and participants’ intention to quit smoking. The themes included: (1) Self-harm from using cigarettes, (2) Harming family or children with secondhand smoke, (3) Complying with existing smoke-free policies, and (4) Cigarette gift giving practices.

Methods
A cross-sectional randomized experimental survey was conducted among 1,625 smokers in Beijing (n = 545), Shanghai (n = 541), and Shenzhen (n = 539) during 2017. Before and after viewing eight pictorial HWLs of one theme, participants were asked if they had plans to quit smoking within the next month, within the next 6 months, beyond the next 6 months, or not at all. Ordinal logistic regression, Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.

Results
After viewing the HWLs, 434 participants (26.9%) reported an intention to quit smoking sooner, 987 (61.2%) reported the same intention to quit, and 191 (11.8%) reported an intention to quit later. The pre-post change in intention to quit was statistically significant among all participants and participants under each theme (p > 0.05). Participants who rated the effectiveness of the HWL communicating how secondhand smoke harms children had 1.13 (95% CI 1.01–1.27) greater odds of reporting an intention to quit sooner compared to those viewing labels from the other themes, adjusting for covariates. Female participants and participants with annual household income more than 100,000RMB had 1.39 (95% CI 1.14–1.69) and 1.29 (95% CI 1.04–1.60) greater odds of reporting an intention to quit sooner compared to their counterparts across the entire sample.

Conclusions
Findings of this study provide evidence of an association between all four pictorial HWL themes and smokers’ intention to quit smoking. These findings can help inform what HWL themes might be appropriate when China implements pictorial health warning labels.
Novel external reinforcement device for gastrointestinal anastomosis in an experimental study
Authors: Hasegawa Hiro , Takeshita Nobuyoshi , Hyon Woogi , Hyon Suong-Hyu , Ito Masaaki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Anastomotic leakage has been reported to occur when the load on the anastomotic site exceeds the resistance created by sutures, staples, and early scars. It may be possible to avoid anastomotic leakage by covering and reinforcing the anastomotic site with a biocompatible material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel external reinforcement device for gastrointestinal anastomosis in an experimental model.

Methods
A single pig was used in this non-survival study, and end-to-end anastomoses were created in six small bowel loops by a single-stapling technique using a circular stapler. Three of the six anastomoses were covered with a novel external reinforcement device. Air was injected, a pressure test of each anastomosis was performed, and the bursting pressure was measured.

Results
Reinforcement of the anastomotic site with the device was successfully performed in all anastomoses. The bursting pressure was 76.1 ± 5.7 mmHg in the control group, and 126.8 ± 6.8 mmHg in the device group, respectively. The bursting pressure in the device group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p = 0.0006).

Conclusions
The novel external reinforcement device was safe and feasible for reinforcing the anastomoses in the experimental model.
Long-term outcomes of surgical repair of isolated coarctation of the aorta in different age groups
Authors: Al-Dairy Alwaleed 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects (5–8% of all CHD). Treatment of native CoA may be accomplished surgically, or through an interventional approach. Surgical repair of CoA remains an important option for treatment of aortic coarctation during childhood, although it is mostly performed in neonates and young infants.

Objectives
In this retrospective study, we sought to share the long-term outcomes of different surgical techniques for repair of coarctation of the aorta in different age groups.

Materials and methods
This is a retrospective single-center clinical study that included 228 consecutive patients (age: 1 day- 41years) in whom surgical repair of isolated native coarctation of the aorta was performed with different surgical techniques.

Results
Immediate results were excellent; however, the mortality rate were higher in the infants. Complications rate and incidence of recoarctation, both were comparable between different age groups and different surgical techniques.

Conclusions
Surgical repair of CoA remains an important option for treatment of aortic coarctation in different age groups with low morbidity and mortality. We did not find any significant difference between different surgical techniques regarding the development of recoarctation.