bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab plus famitinib in advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer.
Authors: Ji Dongmei , Shen Weina , Kuang Muyu , Liu Ying , Li Huajun , Wang Yu , Ji Qinghai 
Published: June 2022

6085 Background: Many studies have confirmed that the combination with anti-vascular drugs can significantly improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor in a variety of tumors. Camrelizumab is a humanized anti-programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) antibody. Famitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor which exhibits anti-angiogenesis and antiproliferative effects via targeting VEGFR-2, c-Kit and PDGFR-β. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab plus famitinib in the treatment of advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer. Methods: A single-arm, open-label phase II study was conducted, patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer were recruited, including radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (group 1), differentiated thyroid cancer ineligible for 131I treatment (group 2), medullary thyroid cancer (group 3) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (group 4). Pts received camrelizumab 200mg i.v. on day 1 of each 21-day cycle and oral famitinib 20mg po qd in 21-day cycles until progressive disease or drug intolerance. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were safety, adverse events (AEs), duration of response (DoR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Between Jan 14, 2020 and Feb 9, 2022, 74 pts were enrolled. There were 12/26/5/31 pts in group 1/2/3/4 respectively. Median follow-up time was 11.4 months. In group 1, of 12 evaluable pts, confirmed ORR, ORR and DCR accounted for 33.3%, 41.7% and 100.0%, respectively. In group 2, of 25 evaluable pts, the confirmed ORR and DCR were 44.0% and 96.0%, respectively. In group 3, of 5 evaluable pts, the confirmed ORR and DCR were 40.0% and 100.0%, respectively. In group 4, of 24 evaluable pts, the confirmed ORR, ORR and DCR were 62.5%, 75% and 95.8%, respectively. PFS and OS were not yet mature for group 1-3, and in group 4, of all enrolled pts, estimated median PFS was 8.4 months and estimated median OS was 13.6 months. 73 pts were included in safety set. The most common treatment related AEs were diarrhea (37.0%), palmoplantiplanar swelling syndrome (34.2%), hypertension (31.5%) and fatigue (31.5%). Conclusions: Camrelizumab plus famitinib demonstrated promising anti-tumor efficacy with acceptable toxicity in pts with advcanced or metastatic thyroid cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT04521348.
The effect of anlotinib on unresectable differentiated thyroid cancer (T4): A retrospective study.
Authors: Wu Xin , Luo Han , Peng Xingchen , Li Peiheng , Kong Xiangyu , Tan Qiaoyue , Liu Jun , Huang Rui , Li Zhihui 
Published: June 2022

6096 Background: Though the majority of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients obtained a good prognosis after standardized therapy, approximately 15% of DTC patients will progress to unresectable disease. Part of locally advanced (T4) thyroid cancer patients with progressive invasion into vasculature/windpipe/esophagus lost the surgery opportunity because of difficult in achieving R0/R1 resection. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib in T4 PTC. Methods: Retrospectively included T4 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients from West China Hospital of Sichuan University between Sep. 2020 and Feb. 2022. The patients were prescribed with Anlotinib (12 mg orally daily, two weeks on/one week off) at least two courses. The tumor response was defined by RECIST v. 1.1. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Results: The study included 22 T4 PTC patients, including 8 patients with lung metastasis. The median age of patients was 59.2 years, 8/22 patients were male. The median follow-up was 5.5 months (2-13 months). Totally, the ORR was 68.2% (CR: 9.1%; PR: 59.1%), disease control rate (DCR) was 95.5% (SD: 27.3%), one patient progressed (PD). 8 patients with lung metastasis, the ORR was 75% (6/8). The average tumor shrinkage rate was 42.1%. And two female patients (T4aN1M1 and T4bN1M0 respectively) obtained CR. Additionally, one juvenile patient (14 y) also response to Anlotinib treatment with 55.2% tumor shrinkage, and no obvious AE was observed in this patient. Most adverse events (AEs) were grade 1 or 2. Common AEs of all grades were hypertension (68.2%), hypertriglyceridemia (36.4%), proteinuria (31.8%), and tended to discontinue when treatment ceased. Conclusions: Anlotinib demonstrated antitumor activity in the treatment of unresectable T4 PTC; Juvenile PTC patients also response to Anlotinib treatment; Anlotinib treatment was tolerable in T4 PTC patients.
Preanalytical Considerations and Outpatient Versus Inpatient Tests of Plasma Metanephrines to Diagnose Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Pommer Georg , Pamporaki Christina , Peitzsch Mirko , Remde Hanna , Deutschbein Timo , Nölting Svenja , Müller Lisa Marie , Braun Leah , Gruber Sven , Pecori Alessio , Hampson Stephanie , Davies Eleanor , Stell Anthony , Rossi Gian Paolo , Lenzini Livia , Ceccato Filippo , Timmers Henri J L M , Deinum Jaap , Amar Laurence , Blanchard Anne , Baron Stephanie , Fassnacht Martin , Dobrowolski Piotr , Januszewicz Andrzej , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Prejbisz Aleksander , Eisenhofer Graeme 
Published: June 2022

AbstractContextSampling of blood in the supine position for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) results in lower rates of false positives for plasma normetanephrine than seated sampling. It is unclear how inpatient vs outpatient testing and other preanalytical factors impact false positives.ObjectiveWe aimed to identify preanalytical precautions to minimize false-positive results for plasma metanephrines.MethodsImpacts of different blood sampling conditions on plasma metanephrines were evaluated, including outpatient vs inpatient testing, sampling of blood in semi- vs fully recumbent positions, use of cannulae vs direct venipuncture, and differences in outside temperature. A total of 3147 patients at 10 tertiary referral centers were tested for PPGL, including 278 with and 2869 without tumors. Rates of false-positive results were analyzed.ResultsOutpatient rather than inpatient sampling resulted in 44% higher plasma concentrations and a 3.4-fold increase in false-positive results for normetanephrine. Low temperature, a semi-recumbent position, and direct venipuncture also resulted in significantly higher plasma concentrations and rates of false-positive results for plasma normetanephrine than alternative sampling conditions, although with less impact than outpatient sampling. Higher concentrations and rates of false-positive results for plasma normetanephrine with low compared with warm temperatures were only apparent for outpatient sampling. Preanalytical factors were without impact on plasma metanephrines in patients with PPGL.ConclusionAlthough inpatient blood sampling is largely impractical for screening patients with suspected PPGL, other preanalytical precautions (eg, cannulae, warm testing conditions) may be useful. Inpatient sampling may be reserved for follow-up of patients with difficult to distinguish true- from false-positive results.
Mesenteric panniculitis: a clinical conundrum
Authors: Eze Vivienne N , Halligan Steve 
Published: June 2022

Mesenteric panniculitis is encountered frequently during abdominopelvic CT scanning, often as an incidental finding. The observation is problematic because an association with malignancy has been raised in the literature. This review will describe the CT appearances and examine the available evidence regarding the significance of this finding. Ultimately, the literature remains unclear regarding how these patients should be managed, if at all.
Morphologic evaluation of injured and contralateral uninjured ankles in patients with unilateral chronic ankle instability
Authors: Dai Meng , Liu Xiaoming , Yang Lian , Wang Jiazheng , Ye Fang , Zhao Hu , Duan Deyu , Liu Xi 
Published: June 2022

Objective: To compare the morphological anatomy and abnormalities of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) in unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods: 22 patients (men: women, 13:9; mean age, 28.95 ± 8.127 years) with unilateral CAI and 18 healthy volunteers (men: women, 9:9, mean age, 28.33 ± 3.678 years) were recruited. MRI scans were divided into Group 1 (22 injured ankles), Group 2 (22 contralateral uninjured ankles), and Group 3 (36 healthy volunteer ankles). The morphologic variables, MRI signal intensity (SI) values were evaluated. Results: The ATFL proximal, intermediate, and distal sites and the CFL proximal and distal sites in Group 3 were narrower than those in Group 1 (P ＜0.05). Both ATFL and CFL in Group 1 were thicker than those in Group 3 (P ＜0.01). The proximal and intermediate sites of the ATFL and the proximal site of the CFL in Group 3 were narrower than those in Group 2 (P ＜0.01). The intermediate site of the ATFL and the proximal and distal sites of the CFL in Group 2 were thicker than those in Group 3 (P ＜0.01). The mean SI values of the ATFL in Group 1 were higher than those in Groups 2 and 3 (P ＜0.01). The ATFL and CFL SI values were higher in Group 2 than those in Group 3 (P ＜0.05). Conclusion: Both the injured and contralateral uninjured ankles had wider ATFL and CFL, more thickness, and higher SI values compared with those of healthy volunteer ankles. Advances in knowledge: High-resolution three-dimensional MRI provides a potential tool assisting clinical decision on the treatment and rehabilitation therapy of patients with unilateral CAI.
Influence of head positioning during cone-beam CT imaging on the accuracy of virtual 3D models
Authors: van Eijnatten Maureen , Wolff Jan , Pauwels Ruben , Karhu Kalle , Hietanen Ari , der Sarkissian Henry , Koivisto Juha H 
Published: June 2022

Objective: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images are being increasingly used to acquire three-dimensional (3D) models of the skull for additive manufacturing purposes. However, the accuracy of such models remains a challenge, especially in the orbital area. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of four different CBCT imaging positions on the accuracy of the resulting 3D models in the orbital area. Methods: An anthropomorphic head phantom was manufactured by submerging a dry human skull in silicon to mimic the soft tissue attenuation and scattering properties of the human head. The phantom was scanned on a ProMax 3D MAX CBCT scanner using 90 and 120 kV for four different field of view positions: standard; elevated; backwards tilted; and forward tilted. All CBCT images were subsequently converted into 3D models and geometrically compared with a “gold-standard” optical scan of the dry skull. Results: Mean absolute deviations of the 3D models ranged between 0.15 ± 0.11 mm and 0.56 ± 0.28 mm. The elevated imaging position in combination with 120 kV tube voltage resulted in an improved representation of the orbital walls in the resulting 3D model without compromising the accuracy. Conclusions: Head positioning during CBCT imaging can influence the accuracy of the resulting 3D model. The accuracy of such models may be improved by positioning the region of interest (e.g. the orbital area) in the focal plane ( Figure 2a ) of the CBCT X-ray beam.
Managing the Market Portfolio
Authors: Hollstein Fabian , Prokopczuk Marcel 
Published: June 2022

We analyze the relation between time-series predictability and factor investing. We use a large set of financial, macroeconomic, and technical variables to time-series-manage the market portfolio. A combination of the out-of-sample market excess return forecasts of all variables yields a managed market portfolio that generates alphas relative to cross-sectional factor models that exceed 5% per annum. More broadly, the relation between time-series evaluation measures and (multifactor) alphas is weakly positive but complex. The variables’ predictability for future returns is more important than that for volatility. Finally, we document that managed market portfolios based on lagged factor realizations also perform well. This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4459 .
Distributionally Robust Optimization Approaches for a Stochastic Mobile Facility Fleet Sizing, Routing, and Scheduling Problem
Authors: Shehadeh Karmel S. 
Published: June 2022

We propose two distributionally robust optimization (DRO) models for a mobile facility (MF) fleet-sizing, routing, and scheduling problem (MFRSP) with time-dependent and random demand as well as methodologies for solving these models. Specifically, given a set of MFs, a planning horizon, and a service region, our models aim to find the number of MFs to use (i.e., fleet size) within the planning horizon and a route and time schedule for each MF in the fleet. The objective is to minimize the fixed cost of establishing the MF fleet plus a risk measure (expectation or mean conditional value at risk) of the operational cost over all demand distributions defined by an ambiguity set. In the first model, we use an ambiguity set based on the demand’s mean, support, and mean absolute deviation. In the second model, we use an ambiguity set that incorporates all distributions within a 1-Wasserstein distance from a reference distribution. To solve the proposed DRO models, we propose a decomposition-based algorithm. In addition, we derive valid lower bound inequalities that efficiently strengthen the master problem in the decomposition algorithm, thus improving convergence. We also derive two families of symmetry-breaking constraints that improve the solvability of the proposed models. Finally, we present extensive computational experiments comparing the operational and computational performance of the proposed models and a stochastic programming model, demonstrating when significant performance improvements could be gained, and derive insights into the MFRSP. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.1153 .
Individual and community-level factors associated with skilled birth attendants during delivery in Bangladesh: A multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys
Authors: Nahar Mst. Tanmin , Anik S. M. Farhad Ibn , Islam Md. Akhtarul , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful 
Published: June 2022

Background
Skilled birth attendants (SBAs) play a crucial role in reducing infant and maternal mortality. Although the ratio of skilled assistance at birth has increased in Bangladesh, factors associated with SBA use are unknown. The main goal of our study was to reveal the individual- and community-level factors associated with SBA use during childbirth in Bangladesh. We also showed the prevalence and trend of SBA use and related independent variables in Bangladesh over the past decade.

Methods
This study utilized the Bangladesh Health and Demographic Survey (BDHS) 2017–2018, a cross-sectional study. We used binary logistic regression to examine the extent of variation in SBA use attributable to the individual- and community-level variables.

Results
Overall, 53.35% of women received assistance from SBAs during childbirth. The average annual rate of increase (AARI) in the number of SBA-assisted births over the past 10 years was 8.88%. Respondents who gave birth at or above 19 years had 1.40 times (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.21–1.62) greater odds of having skilled delivery assistance than respondents aged 18 years old or less. Women and their husband’s education levels were significantly associated with using skilled assistance during delivery, with odds of 1.60 (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.45–2.01) and 1.41 (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.21–1.66), respectively compared to those with education up to primary level. Women from rich families and those receiving better antenatal care (ANC) visits were more likely to have professional delivery assistance. Community-level factors also showed significance towards having professional assistance while giving birth. Women from urban communities and those who utilized more than four ANC visits and had completed secondary or higher education showed a greater tendency to use an SBA during childbirth than their counterparts.

Conclusion
The use of SBAs during delivery was significantly associated with some individual- and community-level factors. To reduce maternal and child mortality, there is a need to focus on rural and uneducated people who are less likely to access these facilities. Special programs could increase awareness and help the poor community obtain the minimum facility in maternal care.
Assessment of the nail contamination with soil-transmitted helminths in schoolchildren in Jimma Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadege Bamlaku , Mekonnen Zeleke , Dana Daniel , Tiruneh Abebaw , Sharew Bizuwarek , Dereje Eden , Loha Eskindir , Ayana Mio , Levecke Bruno 
Published: June 2022

Background
Large-scale deworming programs have been successful in reducing the burden of disease due to soil-transmitted helminth (STH; Ascaris lumbricloides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm) infections, but re-infection in absence of other measures is unavoidable. We assessed the role of nail contamination as a source of infection with the goal to evaluate the potential of nail clipping as a simple measure to further reduce STH-attributable morbidity.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma Town (Ethiopia). Both stool samples and clipped nails were collected from 600 schoolchildren and microscopically screened for the presence of STHs. We also interviewed the children to gain insights into their hygiene practices. Subsequently, we explored any associations between infection, nail contamination and personal hygiene.

Results
Any STH infections were observed in 24.3% of the children (A. lumbricoides: 18.5%; T. trichiura: 9.8%; hookworm: 0.5%). The intensity of the infections was mainly low, only in a few cases a moderate-to-heavy intensity infection was observed (A. lumbricoides: 4.3%; T. trichiura: 0.2%). Other helminth species observed were Schistosoma mansoni (5.0%), Hymenolepis nana (2.7%), Taenia spp. and Enterobius vermicularis (<1.0%). The analysis of the nail material revealed the presence of A. lumbricoides (1.7%), Taenia spp. (1.0%), T. trichiura (0.5%), E. vermicularis (0.5%) and H. nana (0.2%). The odds of infection with any STH increased as the frequency of trimming decreased. The odds of nail contamination with any STH and A. lumbricoides were higher for younger children.

Conclusions
The presence of helminth eggs under the nails of children highlights a poor personal hygiene. The association between any STH infection and frequency of nail trimming needs to be explored in an intervention study. The recent prevalence of any STH infections indicated that scaling down of the frequency of deworming is justified but that STH is still a public health problem.
Menstrual changes following COVID-19 infection: A cross-sectional study from Jordan and Iraq
Authors: Al-Najjar Mohammad A. A. , Al-alwany Ruaa R. , Al-Rshoud Firas M. , Abu-Farha Rana K. , Zawiah Mohammed 
Published: June 2022

Purpose
COVID-19 infection is normally followed by several post-COVID effects. This study aimed to investigate to evaluate menstrual changes in females following COVID-19 infection, and to evaluate female perception about the effect of COVID-19 on their menstrual cycles.

Methods
During this cross-sectional survey-based study, a convenience sample of 483 women from Jordan and from Iraq, who had infected with COVID-19 were invited to fill-out the study questionnaire.

Results
The study was conducted on the females, with a median age 31 years old. Results showed that 47.2% of them (n = 228) suffered from a change in the number of days between two consecutive periods, as well as from a change in the amount of blood loss. Also, more than 50% of them believed that COVID-19 infection may cause changes in the amount of blood loss during the cycle (n = 375, 56.9%), and changes in the number of days between the two consecutive periods (n = 362, 54.2%).
Regression analysis showed that participants with higher educational level (bachelor or higher) (Beta = -0.114, P = 0.011), and those living in Iraq (Beta = -0.166, P<0.001) believed that COVID-19 has lower tendency to cause menstrual changes. In addition, non-married females (Beta = 0.109, P = 0.017), and those who are current smokers (Beta = 0.091, P = 0.048) believed that COVID-19 has higher tendency to cause menstrual changes.

Conclusion
his study revealed that COVID-19 infection could affect the menstrual cycle for the females. Further prospective studies should be done to confirm these findings and evaluate how long these menstrual irregularities lasted.
Follow-up PET/CT of alveolar echinococcosis: Comparison of metabolic activity and immunodiagnostic testing
Authors: Husmann Lars , Deibel Ansgar , Skawran Stephan , Ledergerber Bruno , Muehlematter Urs J. , Hasse Barbara , Huellner Martin W. , Reiner Caecilia S. , Muellhaupt Beat 
Published: June 2022

Purpose
To investigate the potential role of follow-up 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in therapy control of inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis.

Materials and methods
In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 48 PET/CT of 16 patients with confirmed alveolar echinococcosis were analysed. FDG-uptake of the most active echinococcosis manifestation was measured (i.e., maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and in relation to background activity in normal liver tissue (SUVratio)) and compared to immunodiagnostic testing. For clinical patient follow-up, patient demographics, laboratory data, including E. granulosus hydatid fluid (EgHF) antibody units (AU) as well as clinical and treatment information were assessed for all patients at the time of PET/CT, and at the last recorded clinical visit.

Results
Metabolic activity of PET/CT measured in the echinococcosis manifestation was significantly correlated with EgHF AU (p < 0.001). The differences in metabolic activity of echinococcosis manifestations between two consecutive PET/CT examinations of the same patient and differences in EgHF AU in the respective time intervals displayed a significant positive correlation (p = 0.01). A trend for a more rapid decline in SUVratio liver over time was found in patients who stopped benzimidazole therapy versus patients who did not stop therapy (p = 0.059).

Conclusion
In inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis, the course of metabolic activity in follow-up PET/CT is associated to the course EgHF antibody levels. Both parameters may potentially be used to evaluate the course of the disease and potentially predict the duration of benzimidazole therapy.