bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The safety and effectiveness of high-calorie therapy for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Qiaochu , Xu Dandan , Huang Hai , Li Dong , Yang Dan , Zhou Jing , Zhao Yan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the upper and lower motor neurons, which can lead to death from respiratory failure within 3–5 years after the onset of this disease. Nowadays, no drug can effectively slow down the progression of this disease. High-calorie therapy, an emerging complementary alternative treatment, has been reported in studies to prolong the survival time of patients, prevent muscle atrophy and provide a better prognosis. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to summarize the evidence of this therapy. This meta-analysis comprehensively evaluates the effectiveness and safety of high-calorie therapy for treating ALS.

Methods
We searched the electronic databases from inception to 1 April 2023: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Ovid/Medline, and ProQuest. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria were performed by meta-analysis. All statistical analyses were performed in STATA software.

Results
A total of six eligible RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, involving 370 ALS patients. The meta-analyses showed that high-calorie therapy had superiority in improving body weight (SMD = 1, 95% CI 0.36, 1.65) and BMI (SMD = 0.83, 95% CI 0.02, 1.63). With respect to safety, there was no difference between the high-calorie therapy and the control group regarding the number of adverse events (RR = 3.61, 95% CI 0.08, 162.49). However, ALSFRS-R scores (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI − 0.4, 1.08), survival rate (RR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.98, 1.55), and lipid profile (LDL: SMD = 0.21, 95% CI − 0.33, 0.75; HDL: SMD = 0.17, 95% CI − 0.37, 0.71; TC: SMD = 0.21, 95% CI − 0.33, 0.75), CRP (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI − 1.37, 3.06) showed no significant difference compared to the control groups.

Conclusions
High-calorie therapy is effective in gaining weight and BMI with few side effects. However, no significant superiority was detected in ALSFRS-R scores, survival time, lipid profile, and CRP indicator. The overall quality of the included studies is high, and the results have some credibility, but future corroboration by high-quality RCTs is also expected.
Distress in parents of children with first-onset steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Veltkamp Floor , van Oers Hedy A. , Teela Lorynn , Mak-Nienhuis Elske M. , Haverman Lotte , Bouts Antonia H. M. ,   on behalf of the LEARNS consortium, Bael Anna , Bouts Antonia H. M. , Buter Nynke , van der Deure Hans , Dorresteijn Eiske , Florquin Sandrine , Gracchi Valentina , Engels Flore , Kloosterman-Eijgenraam Francis , Levtchenko Elena , Mak-Nienhuis Elske , Mathôt Ron , Oversteege Floor , de Pont Saskia , van Rooij-Kouwenhoven Roos , Schreuder Michiel , Schriemer Rixt , Vos Paul , Walle Johan Vande , van Wijk Joanna 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) is associated with a relapsing–remitting course that can be stressful for parents. As little is known of parental distress at the first onset of SSNS, this study aims to describe parental distress and everyday problems in mothers and fathers of a child with newly diagnosed SSNS participating in a randomized controlled trial of levamisole added to corticosteroids.

Methods
To assess distress, the Distress Thermometer for Parents (DT-P) was used, which includes questions on distress (thermometer score 0–10, ≥ 4 “clinical distress”) and presence of everyday problems in six domains: practical, social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and parenting. The DT-P was completed 4 weeks after the onset of SSNS. Total sum and individual items of everyday problems were compared with reference data from mothers and fathers of the Dutch general population.

Results
There was no difference in clinically elevated parental distress between SSNS mothers (n = 37) and fathers (n = 25) and reference parents. Compared to reference fathers, fathers of a child with SSNS scored significantly higher on emotional problems (P = 0.030), while mothers experienced more parenting problems (P = 0.002). Regression analyses showed that lower parental age and having a girl with SSNS were significantly associated with more practical problems and higher distress thermometer scores, respectively.

Conclusions
Four weeks after onset, SSNS mothers and fathers experience equal distress as reference parents. However, both parents endorsed significantly more everyday problems. Therefore, monitoring parental distress, even in the first weeks of the disease, could contribute to timely interventions and prevent worsening of problems.

Clinical trial registry
Dutch Trial Register (https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/27331).

Graphical abstract
Clinical course of congestive hepatopathy pre/post heart transplantation
Authors: Balcar Lorenz , Semmler Georg , Scheiner Bernhard , Stättermayer Albert Friedrich , Ćosić Stefan , Schwabl Philipp , Kazem Niema , Mandorfer Mattias , Hülsmann Martin , Zuckermann Andreas , Reiberger Thomas 
Published: June 2023

Summary
Background and aims
Heart failure (HF) might lead to increased hepatic venous pressure, thereby impairing hepatic blood outflow and subsequently inducing congestive hepatopathy. We aimed to evaluate prevalence of congestive hepatopathy in patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTX) as well as their post-transplant course.

Methods
Patients undergoing HTX from 2015–2020 at the Vienna General Hospital were included (n = 205). Congestive hepatopathy was defined by hepatic congestion on abdominal imaging and hepatic injury. Laboratory parameters, ascites severity, and clinical events were assessed and post-HTX outcomes evaluated.

Results
At listing, 104 (54%) patients showed hepatic congestion, 97 (47%) hepatic injury, and 50 (26%) had ascites. Congestive hepatopathy was diagnosed in 60 (29%) patients, who showed more often ascites, lower serum sodium and cholinesterase activity, and higher hepatic injury markers. Mean albumin-bilirubin (ALBI)-score as well as (modified)-model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)-scores were higher in patients with congestive hepatopathy. Median levels of laboratory parameters/scores normalised after HTX, and ascites resolved in most patients with congestive hepatopathy (n = 48/56, 86%). The post-HTX (median follow-up 55.1 months) survival was 87% and liver-related events were rare (3%). Severe ascites, low cholinesterase, and MELD/MELD-XI were associated with ascites persistence/death 1‑year after HTX. Age, male sex, and severe ascites were the only independent predictors of post-HTX mortality. Both ALBI and MELD-scores were robust indicators of post-HTX survival when measured 4 weeks after HTX (ALBI log-rank test p < 0.001; MELD log-rank test p = 0.012).

Conclusion
Congestive hepatopathy and ascites were mostly reversible after HTX. Liver-related scores and ascites improve prognostication in patients after HTX.
Alterations in short-term blood pressure variability related to disease severity and autonomic symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Zawadka-Kunikowska Monika , Rzepiński Łukasz , Cieślicka Mirosława , Klawe Jacek J. , Tafil-Klawe Małgorzata 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objectives
We aimed to evaluate beat-to-beat blood pressure variability (BPV) during head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with mild and moderate myasthenia gravis (MG) compared to healthy controls (HCs), and its association with the severity of autonomic symptoms.

Methods
A total of 50 MG patients and 30 HCs were evaluated. Patients were stratified into 2 groups regarding Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification: mild (I,II MGFA), moderate form (III MGFA). Autonomic symptoms were assessed by COMPASS-31 questionnaire. Cardiovascular parameters, indices of very short-term systolic (SBPV), and diastolic blood pressure (BP) variability (DBPV) were assessed at rest, and during HUTT.

Results
Moderate MG patients were characterized by an overall shift of sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic predominance, either at rest and during HUTT, as well as lower values of high frequency (HFnu) of DBPV during HUTT, compared to HCs and mild MG. Similarly, moderate MG showed higher resting low frequency (LFnu) of DBPV (p=0.035), higher COMPASS-31 score (p=0.031), and orthostatic intolerance sub-score (p=0.019) than mild MG patients. Compared to HCs, mild MG patients showed lower Δmean BP (p=0.029), Δdiastolic BP (p=0.016). Autonomic symptoms were associated with lower BP values, at rest and during HUTT, and lower LF BPV parameters during HUTT.

Conclusion
MG patients present significant alterations in BPV, both at rest and in response to orthostatic stress, which are related to autonomic symptoms and disease severity. This study confirms the importance of monitoring BPV when evaluating cardiovascular autonomic function and its evolution over the course of MG disease.
Psychometric properties and general population reference values for PROMIS Global Health in Hungary
Authors: Bató Alex , Brodszky Valentin , Mitev Ariel Zoltán , Jenei Balázs , Rencz Fanni 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–Global Health (PROMIS-GH) is a widely used generic measure of health status. This study aimed to (1) assess the psychometric properties of the Hungarian PROMIS-GH and to (2) develop general population reference values in Hungary.

Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among the Hungarian adult general population (n = 1700). Respondents completed the PROMIS-GH v1.2. Unidimensionality (confirmatory factor analysis and bifactor model), local independence, monotonicity (Mokken scaling), graded response model fit, item characteristic curves and measurement invariance were examined. Spearman’s correlations were used to analyse convergent validity of PROMIS-GH subscales with SF-36v1 composites and subscales. Age- and gender-weighted T-scores were computed for the Global Physical Health (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) subscales using the US item calibrations.

Results
The item response theory assumptions of unidimensionality, local independence and monotonicity were met for both subscales. The graded response model showed acceptable fit indices for both subscales. No differential item functioning was detected for any sociodemographic characteristics. GMH T-scores showed a strong correlation with SF-36 mental health composite score (rs = 0.71) and GPH T-scores with SF-36 physical health composite score (rs = 0.83). Mean GPH and GMH T-scores of females were lower (47.8 and 46.4) compared to males (50.5 and 49.3) (p < 0.001), and both mean GPH and GMH T-scores decreased with age, suggesting worse health status (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
This study established the validity and developed general population reference values for the PROMIS-GH in Hungary. Population reference values facilitate the interpretation of patients’ scores and allow inter-country comparisons.
Features of ductal carcinoma in situ ultrasound images
Authors: Watanabe Takanori 
Published: June 2023

AbstractUltrasound images of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) show a wide range of variations from mass to non-mass lesions. This article describes the characteristics of ultrasound images of DCIS based on the BC-02 study conducted by The Japanese Association of Breast and Thyroid Sonology (JABTS). In the BC-02 study, ultrasound images of 705 DCIS cases were classified by imaging findings. The results showed that non-mass abnormalities accounted for 60% of all lesions and masses for 40%. Looking at each subclassification, hypoechoic areas in the mammary gland were the most common (50% of the total), followed by solid masses (31%), mixed masses (9%), and abnormalities of the ducts (8%). These four classifications accounted for 98% of the total. Echogenic foci without a hypoechoic area, architectural distortion, and clustered microcysts were very rare, accounting for about 1% of the total. The ultrasound images of DCIS were characterized by a wide range of variations from masses to non-masses abnormalities, with hypoechoic areas in the mammary gland being the most common, followed by solid masses.
Managing surgical waiting lists through dynamic priority scoring
Authors: Powers Jack , McGree James M. , Grieve David , Aseervatham Ratna , Ryan Suzanne , Corry Paul 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPrioritising elective surgery patients under the Australian three-category system is inherently subjective due to variability in clinician decision making and the potential for extraneous factors to influence category assignment. As a result, waiting time inequities can exist which may lead to adverse health outcomes and increased morbidity, especially for patients deemed to be low priority. This study investigated the use of a dynamic priority scoring (DPS) system to rank elective surgery patients more equitably, based on a combination of waiting time and clinical factors. Such a system enables patients to progress on the waiting list in a more objective and transparent manner, at a rate relative to their clinical need. Simulation results comparing the two systems indicate that the DPS system has potential to assist in managing waiting lists by standardising waiting times relative to urgency category, in addition to improving waiting time consistency for patients of similar clinical need. In clinical practice, this system is likely to reduce subjectivity, increase transparency, and improve overall efficiency of waiting list management by providing an objective metric to prioritise patients. Such a system is also likely to increase public trust and confidence in the systems used to manage waiting lists.
BMP-2 (and partially GDF-5) coating significantly accelerates and augments bone formation close to hydroxyapatite/tricalcium-phosphate/brushite implant cylinders for tibial bone defects in senile, osteopenic sheep
Authors: Sachse André , Hasenbein Ines , Hortschansky Peter , Schmuck Klaus D. , Maenz Stefan , Illerhaus Bernhard , Kuehmstedt Peter , Ramm Roland , Huber René , Kunisch Elke , Horbert Victoria , Gunnella Francesca , Roth Andreas , Schubert Harald , Kinne Raimund W. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBilateral defects (diameter 8 mm) in the medial tibial head of senile, osteopenic female sheep (n = 48; 9.63 ± 0.10 years; mean ± SEM) were treated with hydroxyapatite (HA)/beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)/dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD; brushite) cylinders coated with BMP-2 (25 or 250 micrograms) or growth differentiation factor (GDF)-5 (125 or 1250 micrograms; left side); cylinders without BMP served as controls (right side). Three, 6, and 9 months post-operation (n = 6 each group), bone structure and formation were analyzed in vivo by X-ray and ex vivo by osteodensitometry, histomorphometry, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) at 3 and 9 months. Semi-quantitative X-ray evaluation showed significantly increasing bone densities around all implant cylinders over time. High-dose BMP-2-coated cylinders (3 and 9 months) and low-dose GDF-5-coated cylinders (3 and 6 months) demonstrated significantly higher densities than controls (dose-dependent for BMP-2 at 3 months). This was confirmed by osteodensitometry at 9 months for high-dose BMP-2-coated cylinders (and selected GDF-5 groups), and was again dose-dependent for BMP-2. Osteoinduction by BMP-2 was most pronounced in the adjacent bone marrow (dynamic histomorphometry/micro-CT). BMP-2 (and partially GDF-5) significantly increased the bone formation in the vicinity of HA/TCP/DCPD cylinders used to fill tibial bone defects in senile osteopenic sheep and may be suitable for surgical therapy of critical size, non-load-bearing bone defects in cases of failed tibial head fracture or defect healing.
Graphical Abstract
Quantitative Full-Field Data Fusion for Evaluation of Complex Structures
Authors: Callaghan J. S. , Crump D. , Nielsen A. S. , Thomsen O. T. , Dulieu-Barton J. M. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Validation of models using full-field experimental techniques traditionally rely on local data comparisons. At present, typically selected data fields are used such as local maxima or selected line plots. Here a new approach is proposed called full-field data fusion (FFDF) that utilises the entire image, ensuring the fidelity of the techniques are fully exploited. FFDF has the potential to provide a direct means of assessing design modifications and material choices.

Objective
A FFDF methodology is defined that has the ability to combine data from a variety of experimental and numerical sources to enable quantitative comparisons and validations as well as create new parameters to assess material and structural performance. A section of a wind turbine blade (WTB) substructure of complex composite construction is used as a demonstrator for the methodology.

Methods
The experimental data are obtained using the full-field experimental techniques of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA), which are then fused with each other, and with predictions made using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). In addition, the FFDF method enables a new high-fidelity validation technique for FEA utilising a precise full-field point by point similarity assessment with the experimental data, based on the fused data sets and metrics.

Results
It is shown that inaccuracies introduced because of estimation of comparable locations in the data sets are eliminated, The FFDF also enables inaccuracies in the experimental data to be mutually assessed at the same scale regardless of differences in camera sensors. For example, the effect of processing parameters in DIC such as subset size and strain window can be assessed through similarity assessment with the TSA.

Conclusions
The FFDF methodology offers a means for comparing different design configurations and material choices for complex composite substructures, as well as quantitative validation of numerical models, which may ultimately reduce dependence on expensive and time-consuming full-scale tests.
Neuromodulatory role of L-arginine: nitric oxide precursor against thioacetamide-induced-hepatic encephalopathy in rats via downregulation of NF-κB-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Sedik Ahmed A. , Hassan Azza , Saleh Dalia O. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of arginine (ARG), a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in rats by injection of TAA (100 mg/kg, i.p) three times per week for six consecutive weeks. TAA-injected rats were administered ARG (100 mg/kg; p.o.) concurrently with TAA for the six consecutive weeks. Blood samples were withdrawn, and rats were sacrificed; liver and brain tissues were isolated. Results of the present study demonstrated that ARG administration to TAA-injected rats revealed a restoration in the serum and brain ammonia levels as well as serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels as well as behavioral alterations evidenced by restoration in locomotor activity, motor skill performance, and memory impairment. ARG showed also improvement in the hepatic and neuro-biochemical values, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress biomarkers. All these results were confirmed by histopathological evaluation as well as ultrastructural imaging of the cerebellum using a transmission electron microscope. Furthermore, treatment with ARG could ameliorate the immunological reactivity of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and cleaved caspase-3 proteins in the cerebellum and hepatic tissues. From all the previous results, it can be fulfilled that ARG showed a beneficial role in modulating the adverse complications associated with TAA-induced HE in rats via reducing hyperammonemia and downregulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated apoptosis.
A meta-analysis on the heavy metal uptake in Amaranthus species
Authors: Tőzsér Dávid , Yelamanova Ayash , Sipos Bianka , Magura Tibor , Simon Edina 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMetals can accumulate in different parts of plant species in high concentrations, which gives the basis for the plant-based technology called phytoremediation. Among annual species, Amaranthus is a well-studied, potential metal accumulator genus; however, some conflicts are found among published results. Thus, we studied the metal (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) accumulation potential of Amaranthus plant parts (root, stem, and leaf) by meta-analysis, furthermore, by calculation of bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values. After the extensive literature search and the calculation of relative interaction intensity (RII) values, we found significant accumulation for each metal by Amaranthus individuals growing on contaminated soils compared to plants collected from uncontaminated ones. Differences among plant parts were significant for Cu and Fe, minor for Ni, Pb, and Zn, and negligible for Cd. The BAF values indicated high accumulation in the leaf, moderate in root and stem for Cd, moderate in each plant part for Pb, and very low in each plant part for Fe, Ni, and Zn. We highlight that Amaranthus species are good prospects for metal phytoremediation projects, although, due to specific plant part-metal patterns, special attention should be paid to the harvesting practice.
Automated wound segmentation and classification of seven common injuries in forensic medicine
Authors: Zimmermann Norio , Sieberth Till , Dobay Akos 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn forensic medical investigations, physical injuries are documented with photographs accompanied by written reports. Automatic segmentation and classification of wounds on these photographs could provide forensic pathologists with a tool to improve the assessment of injuries and accelerate the reporting process. In this pilot study, we trained and compared several preexisting deep learning architectures for image segmentation and wound classification on forensically relevant photographs in our database. The best scores were a mean pixel accuracy of 69.4% and a mean intersection over union (IoU) of 48.6% when evaluating the trained models on our test set. The models had difficulty distinguishing the background from wounded areas. As an example, image pixels showing subcutaneous hematomas or skin abrasions were assigned to the background class in 31% of cases. Stab wounds, on the other hand, were reliably classified with a pixel accuracy of 93%. These results can be partially attributed to undefined wound boundaries for some types of injuries, such as subcutaneous hematoma. However, despite the large class imbalance, we demonstrate that the best trained models could reliably distinguish among seven of the most common wounds encountered in forensic medical investigations.