bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation and optimization of AFP-based biomarker panels for early HCC detection in Latin America and Europe
Authors: Beudeker Boris J.B. , Fu Siyu , Balderramo Domingo , Mattos Angelo Z. , Carrera Enrique , Diaz Javier , Prieto Jhon , Banales Jesus , Vogel Arndt , Arrese Marco , Oliveira Jeffrey , Groothuismink Zwier M.A. , van Oord Gertine , Hansen Bettina E. , de Man Robert A. , Debes José D. , Boonstra Andre 
Published: September 2023

Background:
HCC is a major cause of cancer death worldwide. Serum biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), protein induced by vitamin K absence-II, and the Gender, Age, AFP-L3, AFP, Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (GALAD) score have been recommended for HCC surveillance. However, inconsistent recommendations in international guidelines limit their clinical utility.

Methods:
In this multicenter study, over 2000 patient samples were collected in 6 Latin American and 2 European countries. The performance of the GALAD score was validated in cirrhotic cases, and optimized versions were tested for early-stage HCC and prediagnostic HCC detection.

Results:
The GALAD score could distinguish between HCC and cirrhosis in Latin American patients with an AUC of 0.76, sensitivity of 70%, and specificity of 83% at the conventional cutoff value of −0.63. In a European cohort, GALAD had an AUC of 0.69, sensitivity of 66%, and specificity of 72%. Optimizing the score in the 2 large multicenter cohorts revealed that AFP-L3 contributed minimally to early-stage HCC detection. Thus, we developed a modified GALAD score without AFP-L3, the ASAP (age, sex, AFP, and protein induced by vitamin K absence-II), which showed promise for early-stage HCC detection upon validation. The ASAP score also identified patients with cirrhosis at high risk for advanced-stage HCC up to 15 months before diagnosis (p < 0.0001) and differentiated HCC from hemangiomas, with a specificity of 100% at 71% sensitivity.

Conclusion:
Our comprehensive analysis of large sample cohorts validates the GALAD score’s utility in Latin American, Spanish, and Dutch patients for early-stage HCC detection. The optimized GALAD without AFP-L3, the ASAP score, is a good alternative and shows greater promise for HCC prediction.
Aspirin is associated with a reduced incidence of liver disease in men
Authors: Vell Mara Sophie , Krishnan Arunkumar , Wangensteen Kirk , Serper Marina , Seeling Katharina Sophie , Hehl Leonida , Rendel Miriam Daphne , Zandvakili Inuk , Vujkovic Marijana , Scorletti Eleonora , Creasy Kate Townsend , Trautwein Christian , Rader Daniel James , Alqahtani Saleh , Schneider Kai Markus , Schneider Carolin Victoria 
Published: September 2023

Background:
The hepatoprotective effects of aspirin have been observed in individuals with viral hepatitis; however, its impact on the general population remains uncertain. Understanding the association between aspirin use and the development of liver diseases is crucial for optimizing preventive strategies.

Methods:
We identified individuals with aspirin use in the UK Biobank and the Penn Medicine Biobank, as well as propensity-score-matched controls. Outcome measures included new liver disease development, diagnosed by MRI or “International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems” coding, and incidences of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

Results:
In the UK Biobank cohort, regular aspirin use was associated with an 11.2% reduction in the risk of developing new liver diseases during the average 11.84 ± 2.01-year follow-up period (HR=0.888, 95% CI = 0.819–0.963; p = 4.1 × 10-3). Notably, the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (ICD-10 K76.0) and MRI-diagnosed steatosis was significantly lower among aspirin users (HR = 0.882−0.911), whereas no increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers was observed. These findings were replicated in the Penn Medicine Biobank cohort, in which the protective effect of aspirin appeared to be dependent on the duration of intake. The greatest risk reduction for new liver disease development was observed after at least 1 year of aspirin use (HR = 0.569, 95% CI = 0.425−0.762; p = 1.6 × 10-4). Intriguingly, when considering general risk factors, only men exhibited a lower risk of MRI-confirmed or ICD-coded steatosis with aspirin use (HRs = 0.806−0.906), while no significant protective effect of aspirin was observed in females.

Conclusion:
This cohort study demonstrated that regular aspirin use was associated with a reduced risk of liver disease in men without an elevated risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate potential sex-related differences in the effects of aspirin and to inform tailored preventive strategies for liver diseases.
Uric acid and left ventricular hypertrophy: a gender-based meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies
Authors: Gherbesi Elisa , Faggiano Andrea , Sala Carla , Carugo Stefano , Grassi Guido , Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare 
Published: September 2023

Aim:
Gender-based evidence on the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), as assessed by echocardiography, is still based on single studies. Thus, we performed a systematic meta-analysis of echocardiographic studies in order to provide an updated and comprehensive information on this issue.

Methods:
The PubMed, OVID-MEDLINE, and Cochrane library databases were analyzed to search English-language articles published from the inception up to March 31, 2023. Studies were identified by using MeSH terms and crossing the following search items: ‘uric acid’, ‘hyperuricemia’, ‘left ventricular mass’, ‘left ventricular hypertrophy’, ‘echocardiography’, ‘female’, ‘male’.

Results:
Six studies including 2791 normotensive and hypertensive individuals were considered for the analysis. In women, increasing values of SUA were associated with progressively higher values of age, body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). This was not the case for men. In women, the meta-analysis comparing LV mass index (LVMI) in low versus high SUA group showed a greater pooled LVMI in the high SUA group [standard means difference (SMD): 0.81 ± 0. 24, confidence interval (CI) 0.34–1.27, P < 0.0001]. On the contrary, in men no statistical difference was found between the low group and high SUA group (SMD: 0.27 ± 0.27, CI: −0.27/0.81, P = 0.32).

Conclusions:
Our meta-analysis suggests that hyperuricemia portends the likely presence of increased LVMI in women but not in men. However, as hyperuricemia in the female pooled population, different from men, was associated with older age, higher BMI and SBP, the present findings do not support an independent role of the SUA in LV remodelling process in women.
Clinical Investigation of Flat Pack Toric Contact Lenses and Wearer Attitudes to Environmental Impact
Authors: Ghorbani-Mojarrad Neema , Rountree Lindsay , Terry Louise , Bruce Heather , Hallam Emily , Jolly Louise , Retallic Neil , Evans Katharine 
Published: September 2023

Objectives:
To investigate the performance of a novel flat pack toric daily disposable contact lens compared with traditionally packaged toric lenses in a randomized, crossover study. Environmental attitudes to contact lens wear were also explored.

Methods:
Habitual contact lens wearers were recruited to wear a hioxifilcon A (Miru 1 day Flat Pack Toric, Menicon, Nagoya, Japan) test lens and a control lens: either nelfilcon A (Dailies AquaComfort Plus, Alcon, Geneva, Switzerland) or etafilcon A (1-Day Acuvue Moist, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ). Objective lens performance was assessed at fitting, and participants wore lenses in a randomized order for three consecutive days. Subjective measures of lens performance (comfort, vision, and handling) were then assessed by a questionnaire, with further questions on overall lens preference and environmental perceptions.

Results:
Objective measures of lens fit were similar for the test and control lenses, except for distance VA which was better with the control lenses (P<0.05; difference of two logMAR letters). End of day comfort was greater with the test lens, but this did not reach significance. Both lenses demonstrated similar scores for overall satisfaction. 87.5% of participants indicated the environmental impact of contact lenses to be important/extremely important to them, with 100% of participants identifying the flat pack packaging as having a smaller environmental impact.

Conclusion:
Overall, the lenses used in the study performed to similar levels. Environmental credentials are important to contact lens wearers, which may contribute to overall lens preference.
Comparison of Effects of Prefabricated Soft Wrist Orthosis and Conventional Wrist Thermoplastic Splint on Symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Chan Sam Chi Chung , Tsoi Tom Chun Wai , Yip Chiu Tai , Ho Lisa , Chen William Pang Wai , Cheung Don Hoi Lam , Ho Toby Sheung Lai , Ng Anthony Hoi Kwan , Ng Zeke Ka Hin , Wong Samuel Chi Ho 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The aim of this study was to examine the short-term effectiveness of a prefabricated wrist orthosis compared with a custom-made wrist orthosis and its long-term effectiveness on alleviating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms.

Materials and Methods
A total of 109 patients with mild and moderate CTS were prescribed with either a prefabricated wrist or a custom-made wrist orthosis, and the changes in their mean scores on the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale (CTSSSS) at baseline and the eighth week follow-up. The changes in CTSSSS scores of those prescribed with the prefabricated wrist orthosis were compared with the 32nd week postintervention.

Results
Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant effect at both mean CTSSSS and subscale scores (P < 0.001). Both prefabricated wrist orthosis (n = 88) and custom-made wrist orthosis (n = 21) were shown to alleviate CTS symptoms at the first follow-up. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant differences after the long-term application of the prefabricated wrist orthosis (n = 62) in terms of CTSSSS score, daytime numbness, nighttime numbness, and nocturnal awakening (P = 0.005–0.029).

Clinical Relevance
Along with the conventional thermoplastic splint, the prefabricated soft wrist orthosis could serve as an appropriate alternative to alleviate neurological symptoms of CTS due to its better long-term compliance.
Re-sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and sensible intervention in selected patients - retrospective cohort study
Authors: El Khoury Lionel , Catheline Jean-Marc , Taher Malak , Roussel Joel , Bendacha Yasmina , Romero Rodolfo , Dbouk Rami , Cohen Regis 
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a good treatment intervention to control metabolic syndrome in patients with obesity worldwide. However, weight regain is of great concern and would usually necessitate a re-intervention. In recent years, re-sleeve gastrectomy (ReSG) has been proposed to treat weight regain in the context of a large residual stomach. Our objective was to analyze the long-term results and safety profile of this intervention in a large case series.

Methods:
From September 2010 to March 2021, a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary non-university hospital was performed. Seventy-nine patients received a ReSG by laparoscopy. Pre-operative radiologic imaging showed a dilation of the gastric pouch exceeding 250 cc in all cases.

Results:
A total of seventy-nine patients (87% females) with a mean age of 44.8 years old and a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40.0 kg/m2 were enrolled in the study. The mean follow-up was 44.8 months. The ReSG indication was insufficient weight loss in 37 patients (46.8%) and weight regain in 39 patients (53.2%). We noticed a 10.1% complications rate: gastric stenosis (5.1%), bleeding (2.5%), and incisional site hernia in 2.5%, with no death. There was no gastric fistula detected. The mean BMI decreased to 33.1 kg/m2 after ReSG (a decrease of 6.9 kg/m2).

Conclusion:
After insufficient weight loss or weight regain following sleeve gastrectomy and in presence of localized or global gastric tube dilation, ReSG seems to be a good treatment choice and a safe procedure.
The role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Haidar Mohamad , Kassas Mutaz , Chehade Feras , Chahinian Rita , Abi-Ghosn Jean , Haddad Marwan M. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction
In previous literature, 18F-FDG-PET/ CT imaging significantly impacted differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) therapy. Low thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and negative Iodine-131 (131I) whole-body scan (WBS), along with negative 18F-FDG-PET/ CT, suggested a lesser likelihood of active illness. Positive 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings, however, were associated with a variety of signs of local recurrence and regional or distant metastases in patients with suspected WBS. We aim to evaluate the utility of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in managing DTC patients with negative 131I post-therapy WBS and elevated Tg.

Material and methods
We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients with DTC (76% papillary and 24% follicular). Patients underwent total thyroidectomy or several radioactive iodine (RAI) treatments or both. WBS was performed 5–7 days after RAI treatment. Inclusion criteria were elevated serum Tg, negative anti-Tg auto-antibodies (AbTg) during long-term follow-up, presence of 18F-FDG-PET/CT images, and negative or suspicious WBS.

Results
54% of 18F-FDG-PET/CTs detected at least one lesion, mainly, cervical lymph nodes (49.9%), mediastinal lymph nodes (40.4%), local recurrence (34%), and bone or tissue metastasis (36.2%). The three major sites of metastasis were lung, bone, and liver. 18F-FDG-PET/CT identified recurrence or metastasis in 45% of patients with high serum Tg and negative WBS, modifying therapeutic management in half the patients for suitable treatment modality (surgery vs. tyrosine kinase inhibitor).

Conclusion
The findings redemonstrate that elevated Tg with negative or suspicious WBS necessitates 18F-FDG-PET/CT for localization of recurrence.18F-FDG-PET/CT is useful in managing locally recurrent or metastatic DTC with high Tg levels. It influences treatment and accurately assesses disease severity.
Whole Foods Introduction Associated With Symptomatic Anastomotic Ulceration in Children With Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Zong Wenjing , Salich Juan , Kastl Arthur , Kirsch Jacqueline , Albenberg Lindsey , Bales Christina 
Published: September 2023

Objectives:
Anastomotic ulceration (AU) is a rare but life-threatening complication of pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS). AUs may be challenging to detect and refractory to treatment. This study aimed to identify features associated with symptomatic bleeding AUs in children with SBS and factors that may impact resolution of bleeding. The relationship between dietary changes and symptomatic anastomotic hemorrhage was also explored.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 381 patients cared for in the Intestinal Rehabilitation Program at our center from 2013 to 2022. Patients with symptomatic AUs were identified based on at least 1 endoscopic procedure showing AUs and evidence of clinically significant gastrointestinal bleeding. We collected patient demographics, clinical characteristics, dietary history, radiologic imaging, and histopathology. We used descriptive statistics to identify patterns of presentation.

Results:
AUs were identified in 22 patients who were followed for a median duration of 2.9 years after anastomotic ulcer identification. AUs uniformly evolved years after the initial anastomosis (median 3.2 years). Characteristics included bowel stricture (4/22), small bowel-colon anastomosis (19/22), partial colectomy (17/22), and an increase in whole foods fraction (12/18). Bleeding resolved with operative intervention in the majority with anastomotic stricture (3/4). Recurrent bleeding was common in those without stricture (13/18). In a subset of patients without stricture, whole food reduction was associated with improvement or resolution of bleeding (5/6).

Conclusions:
We observed a higher proportion of patients with AUs who responded to surgical intervention in the subset of children with definitive anastomotic strictures versus those without, suggesting that careful characterization of intestinal anatomy may be critical to predicting response to therapy. We also observed that bleeding from AU typically first manifested within 1 year of a shift from elemental or hydrolyzed enteral formula to a whole food-based diet (including commercial blenderized feeds), which may indicate that components of the enteral diet play a role in the pathogenesis of AU. Further studies are needed to validate these hypotheses.
Could trochanteric pelvic stabilization be removed from the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis brace? A prospective pilot study
Authors: Peuchot Charline , Cassoudesalle Hélène , David Romain , Jourdan Louca , Glize Bertrand , de Seze Mathieu 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common musculoskeletal deformity in children. There is a dose-response relationship between compliance and improvement in scoliosis. The literature revealed that esthetic considerations have negative consequences on the quality of life (QOL) of patients and consequently on wearing time of the brace. To minimize esthetic problems and then increase QOL and wearing time, we proposed a new relay brace named “corset Collerette” without a pelvic-trochanteric base.

Methods:
A prospective cohort study was conducted in the rehabilitation department of Bordeaux University Hospital. Patients consulting for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were registered in a prospective hospital database. The patients expressing unwillingness to wear the usual brace or who had decreased compliance were offered the corset Collerette and were included in a 3-month follow-up. Outcome measures assessed at baseline and at 3 months were Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire (SRS-22) and Brace Questionnaire scales and wearing time. Cobb's angle evolution since the start of bracing was also collected. The primary end point was the QOL assed by the SRS-22 scale at 3 months of follow-up.

Results:
The first 38 patients agreeing to wear the corset Collerette were included in the study. The QOL assessed by the SRS-22 was significantly improved with the corset Collerette (p < 0.05). There was no significant increase in wearing time and thoracic Cobb's angles between baseline and follow-up (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:
The switch to the corset Collerette allowed an improvement in the QOL of the patients and avoid a decrease in compliance with wearing the brace and maintain the same in-brace Cobb's angles.
Trends in Time Spent Viremic Among Persons Newly Diagnosed With HIV in San Francisco
Authors: Hughes Alison J. , Nimbal Vani , Hsu Ling , Schwarcz Sandra , Scheer Susan 
Published: September 2023

Objective:
To examine trends in time spent viremic and initiation into antiretroviral treatment (ART) among persons newly diagnosed with HIV in San Francisco.

Methods:
Using HIV surveillance data, we included persons diagnosed with HIV during 2012–2020, a San Francisco resident at HIV diagnosis, alive 12 months after HIV diagnosis, and had ≥2 viral load tests within 12 months after diagnosis. Percent person-time spent (pPT) >200, pPT >1500, and pPT >10,000 copies per milliliter was calculated during the 12 months after HIV diagnosis. Multivariate regression models assessed the year of diagnosis and time spent above each viral threshold and year of diagnosis and ART initiation within 0–7 days (rapid), 8–365 days (delayed), or no ART initiation.

Results:
Of 2471 new HIV diagnoses in San Francisco from 2012 to 2020, 1921 (72%) were included. Newly diagnosed persons spent a mean of 40.4% pPT >200, 32.4% pPT >1,500%, and 23.4% pPT >10,000 copies per milliliter; 33.8% had rapid ART initiation, 57.3% delayed, and 9% had no ART initiation. After adjustment, persons diagnosed in years 2014–2015, 2016–2017, 2018–2019, and 2020 were associated with less time spent above all viral thresholds and lower risk of delayed or no ART initiation compared with those diagnosed in 2012–2013. Greater time above thresholds correlated with injection drug use, ages 25–29 and 30–39 years, and homelessness.

Conclusions:
Percent time spent above each viremic level decreased significantly, whereas rapid ART initiation increased among newly diagnosed persons from 2014 through 2020 compared with 2012–2013. Population differences in time spent unsuppressed highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce new HIV infections and improve health.
Developing an Inclusive Generation of HIV Researchers Through Diversity and Community
Authors: Flores Justino J. , Huang Shihui , Sawyer Simone , Thomas Miracle , Venegas Luz , Burke Mark W. , Blankenship Kim M. , Wutoh Anthony K. 
Published: September 2023

Background:
The DC Center for AIDS Research Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI) is designed to increase the number of underrepresented minority (URM) students engaged in HIV research by providing an opportunity to participate in research and developing a sense of self-efficacy and community.

Setting:
Currently in its second year, the program provides high school (HS) and undergraduate (UG) URM students (CFAR scholars) HIV mentored-research opportunities, and a range of professional development, outreach, and volunteer opportunities meant to build a sense of community and promote self-efficacy. A near-peer mentoring program, led by graduate students leads (GSL), was added in the second year to enhance community building.

Methods:
We conducted a descriptive evaluation of the program using both individual surveys distributed to program participants and a series of focus groups conducted with current HS and UG scholars, and GSL.

Results:
Based on initial evaluation results, this program was able to recruit a diverse group of scholars who have persisted in mentored HIV research, increased interests in pursuing careers in HIV research and care, developed research competencies, and increased confidence and self-efficacy.

Conclusion:
Our long-term goal is to build on this program by annually recruiting new cohorts, providing multiyear support to UG scholars, and developing additional evaluation tools to measure program impacts on the career trajectories of program participants, and identify program characteristics associated with those impacts.