bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of 2 frequencies of application of photobiomodulation on facial rejuvenation: Controlled, randomized, and double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Bragato Erick Frank , Pires Jefferson André , Momolli Marcos , Guerra Marina Bertoni , Paisano Adriana Fernandes , Ferrari Raquel Agnelli Mesquita , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Motta Lara Jansiski , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos 
Published: February 2023

Introduction:
Skin aging is an irreversible, slow and progressive process, mainly influenced by age, but also by external factors such as ultraviolet radiation, smoking, and alcohol, among others. It is increasingly common to look for procedures that slow down skin aging by limiting or hiding its effects on appearance. Studies have shown the benefits of photobiomodulation (PBM) for the skin, especially with the use of red light-emitting diodes. However, there is a high level of variability in the treatment parameters and frequency of application.

Methods and analysis:
The objective of this study is to compare the effects of PBM with a light-emitting diode mask (660 nm, 6.4 mW/ cm², 8,02 J/ cm², 5.02 mW, 21 minutes) on facial rejuvenation using 2 frequency applications for 4 weeks: one group will receive PBM application on the face, twice a week and another group will receive PBM application 3 times a week. A group with simulated PBM applied twice a week for 4 weeks will be used as a control. The treatment will be performed on female participants aged between 45 and 60 years. After 4 weeks, evaluations of photographic images by specialists (Wrinkle Assessment Scale) as well as the quantitative analysis of the wrinkle size by the Image J software, the depth and width of wrinkles (assessment of face impressions by optical coherence tomography) and the level of Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall will be compared with data collected before the start of the study. All data will be analyzed statistically according to their distribution, seeking a level of statistical significance of 0.05.

Ethics and dissemination:
This protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Nove de Julho University (acceptance number: 4.365.565). This trial has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04911140). This study is recruiting.
Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome in highly myopic eye in which fundus autofluorescence was diagnostically useful: A case report
Authors: Harada Sumine , Kato Kumiko , Matsui Yoshitsugu , Sugimoto Masahiko , Matsubara Hisashi , Kondo Mineo 
Published: February 2023

Rationale:
Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is characterized by multiple white dots in the posterior pole of the eye, but its diagnosis can be difficult in cases when the white dots are not visible. We report an atypical case of MEWDS that developed in pathologic myopia.

Patient concern:
A 42-year-old woman presented with floater and reduced and distorted vision in the right eye that she noted 3 days earlier.

Diagnosis:
The right eye was highly myopic at -17.0 diopters, and her decimal best-corrected visual acuity was reduced to 0.2 (20/100). Fundus examinations revealed no abnormalities other than myopic fundus changes and previous laser photocoagulation spots. However, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) showed multiple hyperfluorescent dots, and optical coherence tomography showed a high reflective lesion on the retinal pigmental epithelium at the fovea. Adjustments of the brightness and contrast of the conventional fundus images revealed white dots in the same location as the hyperfluorescent spots seen in the FAF images. We diagnosed her with MEWDS.

Interventions:
We treated her with systemic administration of 20 mg prednisolone and the dose of prednisolone was reduced by 5 mg every 4 weeks.

Outcomes:
The optical coherence tomography and FAF findings gradually normalized, and 5 months later, her decimal visual acuity was restored to 1.0 (20/20).

Lessons:
It was suggested that white dots typical to MEWDS may not be evident in pathologic myopia, and FAF images and the brightness and contrast adjustment of fundus images were useful in the diagnosis of atypical MEWDS.
Identification and validation of an angiogenesis-related signature associated with preeclampsia by bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Ma Jiancai , Wu Hong , Yang Xiaofang , Zheng Lulu , Feng Haiqin , Yang Liping 
Published: February 2023

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder with high morbidity and mortality rates for both mothers and newborns. This study explores potential diagnostic indicators of PE.
We downloaded the messenger ribonucleic acid profiles of the GSE75010 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and used placenta samples to carry out different analyses including differential expression, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was constructed and the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the model. An external validation was conducted to prove the stability of the risk model.
We found 140 angiogenesis-related genes and identified 29 angiogenesis-related genes between the 2 groups, including 12 upregulated genes and 17 downregulated genes. In addition, we established a 12-gene risk signature, which has a high accuracy in predicting PE during pregnancy (area under curve = 0.90). The immune infiltration characteristics are differentially distributed in the 2 groups, which may be the cause of hypertension during pregnancy. The external validation with the GSE25906 dataset confirmed the high accuracy of our model (area under curve = 0.87).
Our results outline the characteristics of a set of genes potentially involved in PE and its subgroups, contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PE.
Outcome analysis of ICSI assisted pregnancy using testicular sperm versus ejaculated sperm in man with severe oligozoospermia in the same ART cycle: A case report
Authors: Li Liang , Zhao Shi bin 
Published: February 2023

Rationale:
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become the most common method for couples with male factor infertility, and source of sperm for the procedure have evolved over time. but few have examined testicular sperm extraction vs. ejaculated sperm use for severe oligozoospermia in the same assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle.

Patient concerns:
Here, we evaluated the clinical outcomes after ICSI with testicular sperm or ejaculated in man with severe oligozoospermia in the same ART cycle. A couple who had failed the first ART cycle with ejaculated sperm, using the freshly ejaculated sperm and testicular sperm for ICSI during the second ART cycle by lack of enough sperm to fertilize in an ICSI attempt.

Diagnoses:
The patient was diagnosed with severe oligozoospermia, and routine semen analysis revealed sperm concentration is less than 2 million/mL.

Interventions:
The patient using testicular sperm versus ejaculated sperm with ICSI assisted pregnancy in the same ART cycle.

Outcomes:
We found that superior cleavage rate, number of embryos transferred and blastocyst rate with the use of testicular rather than ejaculated sperm-ICSI in the couple. The results described here suggest that use of testicular sperm may improve biologic outcomes, especially for couples with male-partner oligozoospermia who previous ICSI failures.

Lessons:
Our case report supported the efficacy of testicular sperm preference over ejaculated sperm for ICSI in men with severe male factor infertility. It is a paradigm shift concerning the use of ejaculated sperm as the preferable source of sperm for ICSI, add to the small amount of literature on testicular sperm extraction vs. ejaculated sperm use for severe oligozoospermia in the same ART cycle.
The gastric double-stripe sign of chronic mesenteric ischemia: A case report
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Toru 
Published: February 2023

Rationale:
Atherosclerotic chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is caused by stenosis or occlusion of mesenteric arteries and can progress to potentially life-threatening acute mesenteric ischemia if left untreated. However, correct diagnosis and timely treatment remain a challenge due to a lack of awareness, variable symptoms, and inconclusive diagnostic testing.

Patient concerns:
An 82-year-old man with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including chronic kidney disease, presented with dyspnea, anorexia, and oliguria. Laboratory results revealed severe renal dysfunction (raised serum blood urea nitrogen of 83.8 mg/dL, serum creatinine levels of 8.20 mg/dL, and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate of 5.5 mL/min/1.73 m2), hypoalbuminemia, and moderate anemia. A provisional diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic kidney disease was made and the patient required tentative intermittent hemodialysis, received blood transfusions, and was eventually placed on maintenance hemodialysis. However, the patient’s symptoms did not improve. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed longitudinal gastric ulcers on the anterior and posterior walls of the stomach, which were named “a gastric double-stripe sign” because the lesions corresponded to the watershed areas of the stomach. No Helicobacter pylori infection or malignancy was identified, and increasing the dose of lansoprazole had no beneficial effects. Doppler ultrasound revealed high peak systolic velocity (270 cm/s) of the celiac artery (CA), suggesting CA stenosis, which was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography.

Diagnosis:
Final diagnosis of CMI was made based on patient’s symptoms, EGD findings, Doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance angiography.

Interventions:
Endovascular revascularization for CA stenosis was performed.

Outcomes:
The patient obtained symptomatic relief concomitant with the resolution of the gastric ulcers. The post-procedural course of the patient was uneventful and he remained healthy at the 1-year follow-up.

Lessons:
This is the first case of CMI with EGD finding of a gastric double-stripe sign specific for gastric ischemia. This case highlights the clinical importance of this endoscopic finding in patients with suspected atherosclerotic CMI.
Correlation of Adenoviral Titers with Severity of Adenoviral Conjunctivitis and Time to Viral Clearance over 21 Days
Authors: Morettin Christina E. , Harthan Jennifer S. , Huecker Julia B. , Perera Chamila D. , Than Tammy , Whiteside Meredith , Johnson Spencer D. , Shorter Ellen , Migneco Mary K. , Olson Christian K. , Alferez Christopher S. , Camp Devon , Hartwick Andrew T.E. , Gordon Mae O. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Significance
This investigation reports the correlation of conjunctival viral titers in adenoviral conjunctivitis with patient-reported symptoms and clinician-graded signs over 21 days of follow-up.

Purpose
Adenoviral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious viral eye infection with significant morbidity and economic impact. This study investigates whether severity of signs and symptoms and time to viral clearance are correlated with conjunctival viral titers at baseline and during 21 days of follow-up.

Methods
The Reducing Adenoviral Patient Infected Days (RAPID) study was a pilot study of the efficacy of a single in-office administration of ophthalmic 5% povidone-iodine. This manuscript outlines longitudinal analyses after the primary outcomes report. Of 212 participants screened, 28 participants with qPCR confirmed adenoviral conjunctivitis were randomized and had follow-up visits on days 1-2, 4, 7, 14 and 21. At each visit, clinician-graded signs, participant-reported symptoms, and a conjunctival swab for qPCR analysis were obtained. The correlation of viral titers with symptoms and signs was calculated: 1. cross-sectionally at each visit; and 2. longitudinally over 21 days using a repeated measures mixed effects model.

Results
Twenty-five of 28 participants had sufficient data for this report. Higher viral titers over 21 days were correlated with greater severity of symptoms (tearing, matting, and redness, r ≥ 0.70; P < .02), greater severity of clinical signs (bulbar redness and serous discharge, r ≥ 0.60; P < .01). Eyes with highest baseline viral titers required longer time to viral clearance (r = 0.59, P = .008). Signs and symptoms persisted in approximately half of the eyes even after viral clearance.

Conclusions
Higher conjunctival viral titers across 21 days were strongly correlated with more severe signs and symptoms, and longer time to viral clearance. Our results also indicate that symptoms and signs can persist after viral clearance.
Heterologous inactivated virus/mRNA vaccination response to BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1
Authors: Zuo Fanglei , Sun Rui , Abolhassani Hassan , Du Likun , Wang Yating , Vlachiotis Stelios , Bertoglio Federico , Schubert Maren , Rezaei Nima , Chavoshzadeh Zahra , Guerra Concetta , Cavalli Andrea , Andréll Juni , Kumagai-Braesch Makiko , Xue Yintong , Cao Yunlong , Hust Michael , Robbiani Davide F. , Xie Xiaoliang Sunney , Hammarström Lennart , Marcotte Harold , Pan-Hammarström Qiang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe emergence of highly immune-escape Omicron variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), such as BQ and XBB, has led to concerns about the efficacy of vaccines. Using lentivirus-based pseudovirus neutralizing assay, we showed that heterologous vaccination involving parental mRNA vaccine as a booster or second booster in individuals that received two or three doses of inactivated vaccines strongly augments the neutralizing activity against emerging Omicron subvariants, including BF.7, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1, by 4.3-to 219-folds. Therefore, a heterologous boosting strategy with mRNA-based vaccines should be considered in populations where inactivated vaccines were primarily used.
Associations of COVID-19 Symptoms with Omicron Subvariants BA.2 and BA.5, Host Status, and Clinical Outcomes: A Registry-Based Observational Study in Sapporo, Japan
Authors: Nakakubo Sho , Kishida Naoki , Okuda Kenichi , Kamada Keisuke , Iwama Masami , Suzuki Masaru , Yokota Isao , Ito Yoichi M. , Nasuhara Yasuyuki , Boucher Richard C. , Konno Satoshi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, coupled to rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, have modified COVID-19 clinical manifestations. We characterized clinical symptoms of COVID-19 individuals in omicron BA.2 and BA.5 Japanese pandemic periods to identify omicron and subvariant associations between symptoms, immune status, and clinical outcomes.MethodsIndividuals registered in Sapporo’s web-based COVID-19 information system entered 12 pre-selected symptoms, days since symptom onset, vaccination history, SARS-CoV-2 infection history, and background. Symptom frequencies, variables associated with symptoms, and symptoms associated with progression to severe disease were analysed.ResultsFor all omicron-infected individuals, cough was the most common symptom (62.7%), followed by sore throat (60.7%), nasal discharge (44.3%), and fever (38.8%). Omicron BA.5 infection was associated with a higher symptom burden than BA.2 in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Omicron breakthrough-infected individuals with ≥ 3 vaccinations or previous infection were less likely to exhibit systemic symptoms, but more likely to exhibit upper respiratory symptoms. Infected elderly individuals had lower odds for all symptoms, but, when symptoms were manifest, systemic symptoms were associated with an increased risk, whereas upper respiratory symptoms with a decreased risk, of severe disease.ConclusionHost immunological status, omicron subvariant, and age were associated with a spectrum of COVID-19 symptoms and outcomes. BA.5 produced a greater symptom burden than BA.2. Vaccination and prior infection mitigated systemic symptoms and improved outcomes, but increased upper respiratory tract symptom burden. Systemic, but not upper respiratory, symptoms in the elderly heralded severe disease.
The Business of Quality: Evaluating the Impact of Healthcare Quality Improvements on Staff Numbers and Patient Utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gómez-Pérez Gloria P. , Brals Daniëlla , de Graaff Aafke E. , Dada Ibironke , Agyei Bonifacia Benefo , Risha Peter , Bonareri Elizabeth , Dekker John T. , Rinke de Wit Tobias F. , Spieker Nicole , Janssens Wendy 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTEvery year an estimated 5 to 8 million people die in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to poor-quality care. Although quality improvements in healthcare facilities in LMICs are well-possible with tailored implementation plans, costs are often mentioned as a prohibiting factor. However, if quality improvements increase trust among patients, this might translate into increased visits and higher revenues for providers and enable them to further invest in quality. This paper assesses the potential business case of quality improvements in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It focuses on both the public and private sector since the latter provides at least half of all health services in SSA. The analysis is based on a dataset including multiple assessments of quality and business performance indicators for almost 500 health facilities in Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and other SSA-countries. We studied the association between changes in quality assessment scores and subsequent changes in numbers of patient visits and staff as proxies for business growth. We found that quality improvements significantly improved business performance indicators, but only for those facilities that had already reached a certain level of quality to begin with. These findings suggest an S-shaped relationship between quality and business performance, leading to the existence of a ‘low-quality trap’. Substantial financial investments might be needed initially to support facilities at the bottom of the distribution in reaching a basic level of quality, after which further quality investments may start translating into increased revenues, enhancing business performance.Key messagesMillions of people die every year in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to low quality of careTo reach Universal Health Coverage, drastic quality improvements are essentialAchieving quality of care in LMICs is possible but challenging because it requires substantial financial investments, specialized skills and sufficient human resourcesWe found there is a business case for quality investments in SSA, as quality improvements are associated with a significant increase in the number of patient visits and staff over time, indicative of greater revenue streams and financial capacityTargeted financing programmes together with technical assistance to healthcare facilities are critical to drive quality investments, especially for facilities at the beginning of their quality improvement journeys
Is vestibular function related to human hippocampal volume?
Authors: Bosmans Joyce , Gommeren Hanne , Eulenburg Peter zu , Gilles Annick , Mertens Griet , Ombergen Angelique Van , Cras Patrick , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Rompaey Vincent Van 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOBJECTIVESRecent studies implicate the effect of vestibular loss on cognitive decline, including hippocampal volume loss. As hippocampal atrophy is an important biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease, exploring vestibular dysfunction as a risk factor for dementia and its role in hippocampal atrophy is of interest. The main objective is to replicate previous literature on whole-brain and hippocampal volumes in a group with bilateral vestibulopathy (BV).DESIGNHippocampal and whole-brain MRI volumes were compared in adults aged between 55 and 83 years: (1) to substantiate previous literature, participants with BV (n=16) were compared to healthy controls (n=19), (2) to correct for a potential confounding effect of concomitant hearing loss, participants with BV were compared to healthy controls matched on age, sex, and hearing status (n=16), (3) to additionally evaluate the isolated effect of hearing loss on brain structure, participants with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL; n=15) were compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, (4) to delineate otolith influence on hippocampal volume in a population with preserved vestibular function (healthy controls and SNHL combined; n=34), the role of saccular function was investigated.RESULTSWhole-brain and targeted hippocampal approaches using volumetric and surface-based measures yielded no significant differences in either of three comparisons: (1) BV versus controls, (2) BV versus matched controls, and (3) SNHL versus controls. Binary support vector machines were unable to classify inner ear health status above chance level. (4) Otolith parameters were not associated with hippocampal volume in a population with preserved vestibular function.CONCLUSIONSNo significant differences in whole-brain or hippocampal volume were found when comparing BV participants with healthy controls, nor did concomitant SNHL confound this relationship. Saccular parameters in subjects with preserved vestibular function were not associated with hippocampal volume changes.Key pointsRecent research suggests an association between vestibular function and cognition.Hippocampal atrophy is an important biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease.Bilateral vestibular loss did not modulate hippocampal or whole-brain volume.
Development of a Novel Score to Predict Urgent Mechanical Circulatory Support in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Karacsonyi Judit , Stanberry Larissa , Simsek Bahadir , Kostantinis Spyridon , Allana Salman S. , Rempakos Athanasios , Okeson Brynn , Alaswad Khaldoon , Basir Mir B. , Jaffer Farouc , Poommipanit Paul , Khatri Jaikirshan , Patel Mitul , Mahmud Ehtisham , Sheikh Abdul , Wollmuth Jason R. , Yeh Robert W , Chandwaney Raj H. , ElGuindy Ahmed M , AbiRafeh Nidal , Schimmel Daniel R. , Benzuly Keith , Burke M. Nicholas , Rangan Bavana V. , Mastrodemos Olga C. , Sandoval Yader , Ungi Imre , Brilakis Emmanouil S. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundEstimating the likelihood of urgent mechanical circulatory support (MCS) can facilitate procedural planning and clinical decision making in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsWe analyzed 2,784 CTO PCIs performed between 2012 and 2021 at 12 centers. The variable importance was estimated by a bootstrap applying a random forest algorithm to a propensity-matched sample (a ratio of 1:5 matching cases with controls on center). The identified variables were used to predict the risk of urgent MCS. The performance of the risk model was assessed in-sample as well as on 2411 out-of-sample procedures who did not require urgent MCS.ResultsUrgent MCS was used in 62 (2.2%) of cases. Patients who required urgent MCS were older (70 [63, 77] vs. 66 [58, 73] years, p=0.003) compared with those who did not require urgent MCS. Technical (68% vs. 87%, p<0.001) and procedural successes (40% vs. 85%, p<0.001) were lower in the urgent MCS group compared with no urgent MCS cases. The risk model for urgent MCS use included retrograde crossing strategy, left ventricular ejection fraction, and lesion length. The resulting model demonstrated good calibration and discriminatory capacity with AUC (95%CI) of 0.79 (0.73, 0.86) and specificity and sensitivity of 86% and 52%, respectively. On the out-of-sample set, the specificity of the model was 87%.ConclusionThe PROGRESS CTO MCS score can help estimate the risk of urgent MCS use during CTO PCI.What Is Known?Estimating the likelihood of urgent mechanical circulatory support (MCS) can facilitate procedural planning and clinical decision making in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).What the Study Adds?We developed a risk model for urgent MCS use during CTO PCI using retrograde crossing strategy, left ventricular ejection fraction, and lesion length.Use of the PROGRESS CTO urgent MCS score may facilitate patient selection for prophylactic hemodynamic support optimizing the risk benefit ratio of the procedure.