bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the role of sodium fluorescein in peripheral nerve sheath tumors and mimicking lesions surgery: An update after 142 cases
Authors: Nazzi Vittoria , Innocenti Niccolò , Castelli Nicolò , Tramacere Irene , Eoli Marica , Cojazzi Vittoria , Gatti Laura , Acerbi Francesco , Falco Jacopo , Vetrano Ignazio G. 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivePeripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) include mainly schwannomas and neurofibromas. Surgical resection represents the mainstay of treatment but due to their pathogenesis, distinguishing between intact functional nerve and the fibers from whence the PNST arose may not always be easy to perform, constituting the most relevant risk factor in determining a worsening in neurological condition. The introduction of intraoperative tools to better visualize these tumors could help achieve a gross-total resection. In this study, we analyzed the effect of sodium fluorescein (SF) on the visualization and resection of a large cohort of PNST.MethodsBetween September 2018 and December 2021, 142 consecutive patients harboring a suspected PNST underwent fluorescein-guided surgery at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy. All patients presented with a different degree of contrast enhancement at preoperative MRI. SF was intravenously injected after intubation at 1 mg/kg. Intraoperative fluorescein characteristics and postoperative neurological and radiological outcomes were collected, analyzed, and retrospectively compared with a historical series.Results142 patients were included (42 syndromic and 100 sporadic); schwannoma was the predominant histology, followed by neurofibroma (17 neurofibroma e 12 plexiform neurofibroma) and MPNST. Bright fluorescence was present in all cases of schwannomas and neurofibromas, although with a less homogeneous pattern, whereas it was significantly less evident for malignant PNST; perineurioma and hybrid nerve sheath tumors were characterized by a faint fluorescence enhancement. The surgical resection rate in the general population and even among the subgroups was about 66.7%; from the comparative analysis, we found a consistently higher rate of complete tumor removal in plexiform neurofibromas, 66% in the “fluorescent” group vs 44% in the “historical” group (p-value &lt; 0.05). The rate of complications and mean surgical time were superimposable among the two populations.ConclusionsSF is a valuable method for safe fluorescence-guided PNST and mimicking lesions resection. Our data showed a positive effect of fluorescein-guided surgery in increasing the rate of surgical resection of plexiform neurofibromas, suggesting a possible role in improving the functional and oncological outcome of these lesions.
Investigation of racial differences in survival from non-small cell lung cancer with immunotherapy use: A Texas study
Authors: Olateju Olajumoke A. , Zeng Zhen , Adenaiye Oluwasanmi O. , Varisco Tyler J. , Zakeri Marjan , Sujit Sansgiry S. 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe use of immunotherapy is associated with improved survival among patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and has gained widespread use in its management. However, there is limited information on whether the survival benefits associated with immunotherapy differ among races and ethnicities.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate racial differences in survival amongst patients with NSCLC who received immunotherapy as the first-line treatment in Texas.MethodsPatients with NSCLC who received immunotherapy between October 2015 to December 2018 were identified from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR). Disease-specific survival was evaluated and compared among patients across racial/ethnic categories using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank test, and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model following an inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity score analysis.ResultsA total of 1453 patients were included in the analysis. Median survival (in months) was longest among Asians (34, 95% CI: 15-Not Estimable), followed by African Americans (AAs) (23, 95% CI: 15-34), Hispanics (22, 95% CI: 16-26), and Whites (19, 95% CI: 17-22). The adjusted regression estimates had no statistically significant differences in survival among AAs (aHR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.78-1.20; P =0.77) and Hispanics (aHR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.77-1.19, P =0.73) when compared to White patients. Asians on the other hand, had 40% reduction in mortality risk compared to Whites (aHR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.39-0.94, P = 0.03).ConclusionsOur study indicated that African Americans and Hispanics do not have poorer survival compared to White patients when receiving immunotherapy as first-line treatment. Asians however had longer survival compared to Whites. Our findings suggest that existing racial disparity in NSCLC survival might be mitigated with the use of immunotherapy and should be considered in providing care to these minority groups.
SENP3 promotes tumor progression and is a novel prognostic biomarker in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Youzhi , Zhang Jiasheng , Yu Liangfei , Xu Sunwang , Chen Ling , Wu Kunlin , Kong Lingjun , Lin Wei , Xue Jiajie , Wang Qingshui , Lin Yao , Chen Xiangjin 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe clinical outcome of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is poor. Finding more targets for the treatment of TNBC is an urgent need. SENPs are SUMO-specific proteins that play an important role in SUMO modification. Among several tumor types, SENPs have been identified as relevant biomarkers for progression and prognosis. The role of SENPs in TNBC is not yet clear.MethodsThe expression and prognosis of SENPs in TNBC were analyzed by TCGA and GEO data. SENP3 coexpression regulatory networks were determined by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox univariate analyses were used to develop a risk signature based on genes associated with SENP3. A time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate a risk signature’s predictive accuracy and sensitivity. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed to facilitate clinical application.ResultsThe prognostic and expression effects of SENP family genes were validated using the TCGA and GEO databases. SENP3 was found to be the only gene in the SENP family that was highly expressed and associated with an unfavorable prognosis in TNBC patients. Cell functional experiments showed that knockdown of SENP3 leads to growth, invasion, and migration inhibition of TNBC cells in vitro. By using WGCNA, 273 SENP3-related genes were identified. Finally, 11 SENP3-related genes were obtained from Cox univariate analysis and LASSO regression. Based on this, a prognostic risk prediction model was established. The risk signature of SENP3-related genes was verified as an independent prognostic marker for TNBC patients.ConclusionAmong SENP family genes, we found that SENP3 was overexpressed in TNBC and associated with a worse prognosis. SENP3 knockdown can inhibit tumor proliferation, invasion, and migration. In TNBC patients, a risk signature based on the expression of 11 SENP3-related genes may improve prognosis prediction. The established risk markers may be promising prognostic biomarkers that can guide the individualized treatment of TNBC patients.
Landscape of pediatric cancer treatment refusal and abandonment in the US: A qualitative study
Authors: Benedetti Daniel J. , Hammack-Aviran Catherine M. , Diehl Carolyn , Beskow Laura M. 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo describe United States (US) pediatric oncologists’ experiences with treatment refusal or abandonment, exploring types and frequency of decision-making conflicts, and their impact.Study designWe conducted exploratory qualitative interviews of pediatric oncologists (n = 30) with experience caring for a pediatric patient who refused or abandoned curative treatment. Interviewees were recruited using convenience and nominated expert sampling, soliciting experiences from diverse geographic locations and institution sizes across the US. We analyzed transcripts using applied thematic analysis to identify and refine meaningful domains.ResultsMany oncologists reported multiple experiences with refusal and abandonment. Most anticipated case frequency would increase due to misinformation, particularly on the internet. Interviewees described cases of treatment refusal and abandonment, but also a wider variety of cases than previously described in existing publications, including cases involving: non-adherence; negotiations for different treatments; negotiations for complementary and alternative medicine; delayed treatment initiation; and refusal of a component of recommended therapy. Cases often involved multiple stages or types of conflicts. Recurring patient/family behaviors emerged: clear opposition to treatment from the outset; hesitancy about treatment despite initiating therapy; and psychosocial circumstances becoming an obstacle to treatment completion. Oncologists revealed substantial professional and personal repercussions of these cases.ConclusionOncologist interviews highlight a broad range of conflicts, yielding a taxonomy of treatment refusal, non-adherence and abandonment (TRNA) that accounts for the heterogeneity of situations described. Cases’ complexity and interrelatedness points to a functional model of TRNA that includes families’ behaviors. This preliminary taxonomy and model warrant further research and examination to refine the model and generate strategies to prevent and mitigate TRNA.
Neurofilament Light Chain serum levels after Hypoxia-Ischemia in a newborn piglet model
Authors: Kyng Kasper Jacobsen , Wellmann Sven , Lehnerer Verena , Hansen Lærke Hjøllund , Kuhle Jens , Henriksen Tine Brink 
Published: January 2023

AimNeurofilament light Chain (NfL) is a promising brain injury biomarker which may assist diagnosis and prognostication in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The aim of this study was to investigate serum NfL levels after hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in a newborn piglet model. Second, to characterize the influence of sex, weight, and treatment with remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPC) on NfL and the correlation between NfL, brain imaging and histologic brain injury.MethodsWe used serum from 48 newborn piglets of both sexes subjected to 45 min of global HI, and 4 sham piglets. Blood was collected pre-HI, 2 h post-HI and 72 h post-HI. NfL was measured by single-molecule array (Simoa™). We analysed the temporal profile of NfL after HI, and correlations between NfL, magnetic resonance spectroscopy brain Lac/NAA ratios and histologic brain injury 72 h after HI.ResultsMedian (IQR) NfL levels were: pre-HI: 66 pg/ml (45–87), 2 h post-HI: 105 pg/ml (77–140), and 72 h post-HI: 380 pg/ml (202–552). The increase in NfL after HI was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.0001, mixed-effects ANOVA). Median NfL levels in sham animals were 41.4 pg/ml at baseline and 92.4 pg/ml at 72 h (p = 0.11, paired t-test). Neither sex, nor treatment with RIPC influenced NfL levels. Weight had a small, not biologically important, influence. NfL levels at 72 h were moderately correlated with histologic brain injury and brain Lac/NAA ratios. NfL 72 h post-HI &gt; 330 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI, 57%–99%) and a specificity of 52% (95% CI, 34%–69%) for predicting basal ganglia Lac/NAA ratio in the highest quartile. NfL 72 h post-HI &gt; 445 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 90% (95% CI, 60%–99%) and a specificity of 74% (95% CI, 58%–86%) for predicting cortical brain histopathology injury in the highest quartile.ConclusionNfL increased after HI, with the largest values at 72 h post-HI. Early NfL was sensitive but not very specific, whereas NfL at 72 h was both highly sensitive and specific for exposure to moderate-severe HI in this model of HI-induced brain injury. This was supported by a moderate correlation of NfL at 72 h with brain Lac/NAA ratio and histopathology.
Valganciclovir is not associated with decreased EBV infection rate in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Cheyssac Elodie , Savadogo Hamidou , Lagoutte Nathan , Baudouin Véronique , Charbit Marina , Novo Robert , Sellier-Leclerc Anne-Laure , Fila Marc , Decramer Stéphane , Merieau Elodie , Zaloszyc Ariane , Harambat Jérôme , Roussey Gwenaelle 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionPrimary infection or reactivation of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric kidney transplantation. Valganciclovir (VGC) treatment is recommended for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection, but its role for the prevention of EBV infection remains controversial.Patients and methodsAll pediatric kidney transplant recipients aged &lt;18 years old were considered for inclusion in this retrospective study. EBV negative recipients with an EBV positive donor (a group at risk of primary infection) or EBV positive recipients (a group at risk of reactivation) were included. Severe infection was defined by post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), symptomatic EBV infection or by asymptomatic EBV infection with a viral load &gt;4.5 log/ml. Outcomes were compared between patients receiving VGC prophylaxis (group P+) and those not receiving VGC prophylaxis (group P−).ResultsA total of 79 patients were included, 57 (72%) in the P+ group and 22 (28%) in the P− group; 25 (31%) were at risk of primary infection and 54 (69%) at risk of reactivation. During the first year post-transplant, the occurrence of severe EBV infection was not different between the P+ group (n = 13, 22.8%) and the P− group (n = 5, 22.7%) (p = 0.99). Among patients at risk of primary infection, the rate of severe EBV infection was not different between the two groups (42.1% in P+ vs. 33.3% in P−). A higher frequency of neutropenia was found in the P+ group (66.6%) than in the P− group (33.4%) (p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionOur observational study suggests no effect of VGC for the prevention of EBV infection in pediatric kidney transplant recipients, irrespective of their EBV status. Adverse effects revealed an increased risk of neutropenia.
Are preterm birth and very low birth weight rates altered in the early COVID (2020) SARS-CoV-2 era?
Authors: Rodriguez Kayla , Nudelman Matthew J. , Jegatheesan Priya , Huang Angela , Devarajan Kamakshi , Haas Jessica E. , Cervantes Rosemarie , Falbo Kelle , Narasimhan Sudha Rani , Cormier Machelnil , Stewart Mary Beth , Patel Rupalee , Govindaswami Balaji 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveWe evaluated the prevalence of preterm birth (PTB) and very low birth weight (VLBW) during Jan-Dec 2,020 (early COVID era) at 5 hospitals (2 in West Virginia, 3 in California) compared to Jan 2017–Dec 2019 (pre-COVID) inclusive of 2 regional perinatal centers (1 in Huntington, WV and 1 in San Jose, CA) and 3 community hospitals (1 each in Cabell, Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties).Design/methodsWe examined PTB and VLBW rates of live births at 5 US hospitals from Jan 2017–Dec 2020. We compared PTB and VLBW rates in 2020 to 2017–2019 using Poisson regression and rate ratio with a 95% confidence interval. We stratified live births by gestational age (GA) (&lt;37, 33–36, and &lt;33 weeks) and birth weight (≤1,500 g, &gt;1,001 g to ≤1,500 g, ≤1,000 g). We examined PTB rates at 4 of the hospitals during Jan-Dec 2020 and compared them to the prior period of Jan 2017–Dec 2019 using Statistical Process Control (SPC) for quarterly data.ResultsWe examined PTB and VLBW rates in 34,599 consecutive live births born Jan 2017–Dec 2019 to rates of 9,691 consecutive live births in 2020. There was no significant change in PTB (&lt;37 weeks GA) rate, 10.6% in 2017–2019 vs. 11.0% in 2020 (p = 0.222). Additionally, there was no significant change when comparing VLBW rates in 2017–2019 to 2020, 1.4% in 2017–2019 vs. 1.5% in 2020 (p = 0.832).ConclusionWe found no significant change in the rates of PTB or VLBW when combining the live birth data of 5 US hospitals in 3 different counties.
Case report and literature review: An intrahepatic sewing needle in a child
Authors: Shi Hao , Lv Zhibao , Xu Weijue , Sheng Qingfeng , Huang Xiong , Xu Ting 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe presence of intrahepatic foreign bodies is a rare occurrence at the emergency department. Normally, foreign bodies reach the liver through migration. Incidence is lower among children than among adults, and the circumstances of children are often different. We report a 19-month-old boy with a sewing needle in the liver and review the previous reports of intrahepatic sewing needle in the PubMed database from the last three decades.Case presentationA 19-month-old boy was transferred to our center from a local hospital presenting intermittent cough and rhinorrhea. A chest radiograph to exclude pulmonary disease revealed an incidental finding of a high-density shadow in the hepatic region. On admission, the boy had no gastrointestinal symptoms. Abdominal physical examinations were unremarkable. His mother, a worker in a textile factory, denied any history of trauma. Abuse was excluded based on investigation. Preoperative routine test results were normal. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed that the sewing needle was located in hepatic segment IV and the tip had close relationship with intrahepatic portal vein. Initially, laparoscopy was performed without success. We eventually converted to laparotomy to completely remove the rusty sewing needle. The patient resumed feeding soon after the operation and was discharged in a few days.ConclusionsIntrahepatic sewing needle has high incidence among boys and developing countries. Combined with contrast-enhanced CT, knowledge of the pediatric patient's family background and medical history would help judge the route of entry and determine the management and surgical strategy. Laparoscopic procedure is not suitable for rusty sewing needles.
Clinical outcomes of dose modification during pirfenidone treatment for IPF: A nationwide post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Kang Jieun , Chung Man Pyo , Park Moo Suk , Oh In Jae , Lee Heung Bum , Kim Young Whan , Park Jong Sun , Uh Soo Taek , Kim Yun Seong , Jegal Yangjin , Song Jin Woo 
Published: January 2023

Background: Pirfenidone, an antifibrotic medication approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), often requires dose reduction owing to adverse events. In this study, we evaluated if pirfenidone’s reduced dose has any impact on clinical outcomes in patients with IPF.Methods: We used the data of a prospective post-marketing study of pirfenidone conducted at 10 hospitals in South Korea from 2014 to 2017. Dose reduction was defined when the pirfenidone dose was temporarily or permanently reduced to manage adverse events or when the treatment dose failed to reach the standard dose. Study patients were classified based on the most frequently administered dose during 48-week follow-up—1800 mg, 1,200 mg, and &lt;1,200 mg/days. The following clinical outcomes were compared between the groups: death, hospitalization, acute exacerbation, pulmonary function decline, and changes in severity of dyspnea and cough.Results: The median follow-up duration in all 143 patients was 11 months. During the study period, 70.6% experienced at least one dose reduction. Patients treated with standard-dose pirfenidone tended to be young and had the lowest diffusing capacity. Pulmonary function changes did not differ depending on the pirfenidone dose. The three groups were not significantly different in terms of the proportion of death, hospitalization, and acute exacerbation. The symptom changes were also similar between the groups.Conclusion: Reduced doses did not negatively impact clinical outcomes compared with the standard-dose pirfenidone in patients with IPF. Dose reduction may be a useful method to manage adverse events while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
A 206-nm all-solid-state deep-ultraviolet laser with 291 MW peak power
Authors: Ran Qiandong , Short Joel Stephen , Wang Qi Jie , Li Hao 
Published: January 2023

We successfully demonstrate the generation of an all-solid-state deep-ultraviolet (DUV) laser at 206 nm through the fifth (4 + 1)-harmonic generation using a 197-W, 10-kHz, 1.2-ps, 1,030-nm Yb:YAG laser. The DUV laser delivers 180 μJ–582 fs pulses with a peak power of 291 MW, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest peak power at 206 nm ever produced by all-solid-state kHz DUV laser sources driven at 1 μm wavelength. This corresponds to one order of magnitude improvement from early state-of-the-art record reported in the literature.
Human in vitro assay for irreversible electroporation cardiac ablation
Authors: Casciola Maura , Feaster Tromondae K. , Caiola Michael J. , Keck Devin , Blinova Ksenia 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Pulsed electric field (PEF) cardiac ablation has been recently proposed as a technique to treat drug resistant atrial fibrillation by inducing cell death through irreversible electroporation (IRE). Improper PEF dosing can result in thermal damage or reversible electroporation. The lack of comprehensive and systematic studies to select PEF parameters for safe and effective IRE cardiac treatments hinders device development and regulatory decision-making. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have been proposed as an alternative to animal models in the evaluation of cardiac electrophysiology safety.Methods: We developed a novel high-throughput in vitro assay to quantify the electric field threshold (EFT) for electroporation (acute effect) and cell death (long-term effect) in hiPSC-CMs. Monolayers of hiPSC-CMs were cultured in high-throughput format and exposed to clinically relevant biphasic PEF treatments. Electroporation and cell death areas were identified using fluorescent probes and confocal microscopy; electroporation and cell death EFTs were quantified by comparison of fluorescent images with electric field numerical simulations.Results: Study results confirmed that PEF induces electroporation and cell death in hiPSC-CMs, dependent on the number of pulses and the amplitude, duration, and repetition frequency. In addition, PEF-induced temperature increase, absorbed dose, and total treatment time for each PEF parameter combination are reported.Discussion: Upon verification of the translatability of the in vitro results presented here to in vivo models, this novel hiPSC-CM-based assay could be used as an alternative to animal or human studies and can assist in early nonclinical device development, as well as inform regulatory decision-making for cardiac ablation medical devices.