bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rituximab, Omalizumab, and Dupilumab Treatment Outcomes in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cao Peng , Xu Wenjing , Zhang Litao 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundBullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease of the skin. First-line treatment of systemic corticosteroids may cause serious adverse events. Rituximab, omalizumab, and dupilumab should be explored as alternative treatment options to improve outcomes.ObjectiveTo systematically review the rituximab, omalizumab, and dupilumab treatment outcomes in bullous pemphigoid.MethodsA PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library search were conducted on March 10, 2022. A total of 75 studies were included using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.ResultsUse of rituximab (n=122), omalizumab (n=53) and dupilumab (n=36) were reported in 211 patients with BP. Rituximab led to complete remission in 70.5% (n=86/122) and partial remission in 23.8% (n=29/122) of patients within 5.7 months, with a recurrence rate of 20.5% (n=25/122). 9.0% (n=11/122) of patients died and infection (6.6%, n=8/122) was the most common adverse event. Omalizumab led to complete remission in 67.9% (n=36/53) and partial remission in 20.8% (n=11/53) of patients within 6.6 months, with a recurrence rate of 5.7% (n=3/53). 1.9% (n=1/53) of patients died and thrombocytopenia (1.9%, n=1/53) was observed as the most common adverse event. Dupilumab led to complete remission in 66.7% (n=24/36) and partial remission in 19.4% (n=7/36) of patients within 4.5 months of treatment without any reported adverse events, with a recurrence rate of 5.6% (n=2/36).ConclusionsRituximab, omalizumab, and dupilumab have similar clinical benefits for BP patients. However, rituximab resulted in higher recurrence rates, adverse events, and mortality rates.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022316454.
Mass Media Use to Learn About COVID-19 and the Non-intention to Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 in Latin America and Caribbean Countries
Authors: Bendezu-Quispe Guido , Benites-Meza Jerry K. , Urrunaga-Pastor Diego , Herrera-Añazco Percy , Uyen-Cateriano Angela , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Toro-Huamanchumo Carlos J. , Hernandez Adrian V. , Benites-Zapata Vicente A. 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region has been one of the regions most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with countries presenting some of the highest numbers of cases and deaths from this disease in the world. Despite this, vaccination intention is not homogeneous in the region, and no study has evaluated the influence of the mass media on vaccination intention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the use of mass media to learn about COVID-19 and the non-intention of vaccination against COVID-19 in LAC countries.MethodsAn analysis of secondary data from a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) survey was conducted in collaboration with Facebook on people's beliefs, behaviors, and norms regarding COVID-19. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated to evaluate the association between the use of mass media and non-vaccination intention using generalized linear models of the Poisson family with logarithmic link.ResultsA total of 350,322 Facebook users over the age of 18 from LAC countries were included. 50.0% were men, 28.4% were between 18 and 30 years old, 41.4% had a high school education level, 86.1% lived in the city and 34.4% reported good health condition. The prevalence of using the mass media to learn about COVID-19 was mostly through mixed media (65.8%). The non-intention of vaccination was 10.8%. A higher prevalence of not intending to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was found in those who used traditional media (aPR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.29–1.44; p &lt; 0.001) and digital media (aPR = 1.70; 95%CI: 1.24–2.33; p = 0.003) compared to those using mixed media.ConclusionWe found an association between the type of mass media used to learn about COVID-19 and the non-intention of vaccination. The use of only traditional or digital information sources were associated with a higher probability of non-intention to vaccinate compared to the use of both sources.
Effects of tDCS on Depression and Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Brain Function Imaging Case Report
Authors: Wu Yuwei , Tang Lin , Shi Xiaolong , Zhou Zhiqing , Li Yuanli , Shan Chunlei 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has proven effective for neuropsychiatric disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression are common psychiatric disorders that often are comorbid, meaning they occur simultaneously. Current evidence supports the value of tDCS for GAD. The objectives of this report is to explore the effect of tDCS on clinical symptoms and cerebral function in a patient with comorbid GAD and depression.MethodsOur subject was a semiprofessional athlete diagnosed with comorbid GAD and depression. Symptoms included palpitations, sweating, continuous tension, and anxiety. We designed a B-A-B experimental protocol and used the Beck Anxiety Index (BAI), Beck Depression Index (BDI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as assessment tools. Treatment consisted of 2 series of 15 days each, separated by a 3-week washout period. We collected functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data before and after both series, as well as fNIRS data immediately after the first treatment in both series. In addition, we collected functional magnetic resonance imaging data before and after the second series.ResultsAfter the first series, the scores of the three questionnaires (BAI, BDI and PSQI) decreased significantly, which showed the trend of improvement. The functional connection of bilateral prefrontal partial channels decreased significantly immediately after tDCS treatment. The results of the fNIRS before the second-series treatment showed that prefrontal connectivity returned to the state before the first intervention after the washout period. The results of the fNIRS after the second series treatment showed that the symptoms of depression and anxiety alleviated. The results of the fNIRS showed that the prefrontal connectivity decreased again.ConclusionIn the treatment of comorbid GAD and depression, tDCS can alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality and social behavior. Brain imaging is widely used to observe functional changes by tDCS such as fMRI and fNIRS. The study also showed that fNIRS can be a safe, simple, and efficient method to assess brain activity.
Treatment of Blood Blister Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery With Pipeline-Assisted Coil Embolization: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Liu Peng , Liu Lunxin , Zhang Changwei , Lin Sen , Wang Ting , Xie Xiaodong , Zhou Liangxue , Wang Chaohua 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundBlood blister aneurysm (BBA) is a complex and rare aneurysm that presents significant treatment challenges. The application of pipeline embolization device (PED)-assisted coiling in the treatment of ruptured BBA remains controversial. This study aimed to report on our experience and assess the safety and efficacy of this strategy.MethodsBetween February 2019 and February 2021, 12 patients with ruptured BBAs underwent PED-assisted coil embolization. We collected detailed data about each patient, including demographic information, aneurysmal data, technical details, antiplatelet strategy, operation-related complications, and follow-up outcomes.ResultsA total of 12 BBA patients were treated with single PED-assisted coil embolization. One patient experienced intraoperative rupture that was controlled by rapid coiling without clinical consequences. All the patients demonstrated complete occlusion on postoperative angiography. A total of three patients had postoperative complications: left hemiparesis, Broca's aphasia, and right hemiplegia due to vasospasm, and transient hemiparesis. Follow-up angiography revealed that all BBAs were completely occluded, except one with neck residue. All patients had favorable outcomes at discharge and the most recent clinical follow-up (mRS score ≤ 2).ConclusionEndovascular treatment of BBAs of the internal carotid artery using PED-assisted coil embolization is a safe and effective strategy. This has contributed to the understanding of BBA therapy and provides a potentially optimal treatment option for this intractable lesion.
Relationship Between TNF-α and the Risk of Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Baotian , Wang Fan , Wu De , Xu Xiaoyan , Yang Li , Zhu Jing , Yuan Jinjing , Tang Jiulai 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveWe performed a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between blood tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and the risk of cerebral palsy (CP) in children.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Ovid databases were searched from the date of database inception to 26 April 2022. Data were extracted and pooled from observational studies related to TNF-α and the risk of CP in children. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We used the inverse variance method with a random-effects model to estimate the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and stratified analyses and sensitivity analysis were utilized to analyse heterogeneity.ResultsNine studies with 1,117 cases and 3,563 controls were included in our meta-analysis. The quality of the literature was good, and no publication bias was noted. According to the random-effects model, blood TNF-α levels were associated with the risk of CP (OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.25–2.66) in a heterogeneous set of studies (I2 = 81.2%, p = 0.000).ConclusionOur findings indicate that elevated TNF-α levels in the blood are associated with an increased risk of CP. The association of TNF-α with CP requires further investigation.
Effects of Intestinal FXR-Related Molecules on Intestinal Mucosal Barriers in Biliary Tract Obstruction
Authors: Yan Meng , Hou Li , Cai Yaoyao , Wang Hanfei , Ma Yujun , Geng Qiming , Jiang Weiwei , Tang Weibing 
Published: June 2022

Background:The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key factor regulating hepatic bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. Repression of bile acid synthesis by the FXR is a potential strategy for treating cholestatic liver disease. However, the role of intestinal FXR on the intestinal barrier and intestinal microbiota needs further investigation.Materials:Intestinal tissues were collected from patients with biliary atresia or without hepatobiliary disease. Then, intestinal mRNA levels of FXR-related molecules were determined. To investigate the effect of FXR activation, bile-duct-ligation rats were treated with obeticholic acid [OCA (5 mg/kg/day)] or vehicle (0.5% methyl cellulose) per oral gavage for 14 days. The mRNA levels of intestinal FXR, SHP, TNF-α, FGF15 and bile acid transporter levels were determined. In addition, the intestinal permeability, morphologic changes, and composition of the intestinal microbiota were evaluated. Gut Microbiome was determined by 16S rDNA MiSeq sequencing, and functional profiling of microbial communities was predicted with BugBase and PICRUSt2. Finally, the role of OCA in injured intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and proliferation was examined by pretreatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Caco-2 cells.Results:The downstream of the FXR in ileum tissues was inhibited in biliary obstruction. Activation of the FXR signaling pathway by OCA significantly reduced liver fibrosis and intestinal inflammation, improved intestinal microbiota, and protected intestinal mucosa in BDL rats. OCA also altered the functional capacities of ileum microbiota in BDL rats. Significant differences existed between the controls and BDL rats, which were attenuated by OCA in the alpha diversity analysis. Principal coordinates analysis showed that microbial communities in BDL rats clustered separately from controls, and OCA treatment attenuated the distinction. Bugbase and PICRUSt2 analysis showed that OCA changed the composition and structure of the intestinal microbiota and improved the metabolic function of the intestinal microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and reducing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria. Moreover, OCA reduced the apoptosis induced by LPS in Caco-2 cells.Conclusion:The FXR agonist, OCA, activates the intestinal FXR signaling pathway and improves the composition and structure of the intestinal microbiota and intestinal barrier in BDL rats.
Longitudinal Stability of MRI QA up to Two Years on Eight Clinical 1.5 T MR-Linacs
Authors: Wetscherek Andreas , van der Bijl Erik , van Lier Astrid L. H. , Chick Joan , Jackson Steven , Gibson Stephen , van Pelt Vivian , Hasler Signe W. , Tijssen Rob H. N. 
Published: June 2022

MR-guided radiotherapy on hybrid MR-Linacs exploits the excellent soft-tissue contrast of MRI to deliver daily adaptive precision radiotherapy. Geometric fidelity and long-term stability of MRI components are essential, but their longitudinal performance under daily exposure to scattered ionizing radiation is unknown. We report on longitudinal stability of periodic MRI QA on eight clinical 1.5T MR-Linac systems. We provided measurement instructions for periodic MRI QA and received data from seven different centers within the Elekta MR-Linac consortium, which contributed data over acquisition periods ranging from 3–24 months. We tested B0 and B1 homogeneity using a 37 cm diameter cylindrical phantom, which was measured monthly in axial orientation, supplemented by quarterly sagittal and coronal acquisitions. We report average, standard deviation and peak-to-peak variation (99th-1st percentile) within a region of interest (ROI) of 35 cm diameter. Dependence of B0 on the gantry angle and gradient non-linearity were tested quarterly. We analyzed the longitudinal stability of selected metrics of the vendor-provided periodic image quality tests. We found high temporal stability of B0 and B1 measurements and good agreement between different MR-Linac systems. For all measurements, the standard deviation of B0 within the analyzed ROI was below 0.66/0.33/0.33 ppm for axial/sagittal/coronal orientation. The average standard deviation of the ratio between actual and nominal flip angle was 0.022/0.100/0.088 for axial/sagittal/coronal orientation. Systems exhibited distinctively different gantry angle dependencies of B0, with sensitivities of B0 to the gantry angle differing by factors of up to two between systems. Gradient non-linearity analysis yielded average radii of 172 and 242 mm for which 98% of the phantom markers had deviations below 1 and 2 mm, respectively. All analyzed periodic image quality tests were passed, but major events including a body coil replacement and ramp down were apparent in the time series. Overall we found very similar performance of the tested systems and our results could inform the implementation of MR imaging QA for MR-Linacs. While we found differences of the gantry angle dependence of B0 between systems, the high temporal stability found for all tests is a foundation for stereotactic radiotherapy and multi-center clinical trials involving quantitative MRI.
Yoga as a Preventive Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases and Associated Comorbidities: Open-Label Single Arm Study
Authors: Sharma Kaushal , Basu-Ray Indranill , Sayal Natasha , Vora Ariana , Bammidi Sridhar , Tyagi Rahul , Modgil Shweta , Bali Parul , Kaur Paramvir , Goyal Atul Kumar , Pal Deepak Kumar , Arvind Harshita , Jindal Khushboo , Garg Vincy , Matyal Bandu , Thakur Neha , Chhikara Amit , Kaur Navneet , Maanju Preety , Bhatia Kulsajan Singh , Pannu Viraaj , Gupta Vanita , Malik Neeru , Malik Rakesh , Kumar Raman , Kaur Ravneet , Bhatt Vinod , Bhalla Ashish , Mohanty Manju , Singh Gurmeet , Sharma Suresh Kumar , Sivapuram Madhava Sai , Mathur Deepali , Khanra Dibbendu , Anand Akshay 
Published: June 2022

AimCommon Yoga Protocol (CYP) is a standardized yoga protocol authored by experts from all over the world under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The potential of CYP can be determined as a cost-effective lifestyle modification to prevent the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD).MethodsIn this prospective trial, we compared the effect of CYP at baseline and after 1 month. A total of 374 yoga-naïve participants performed CYP under the supervision of experienced trainers. Physiological [body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, percent oxygen saturation], biochemical (fasting blood glucose and lipid profile), and neurocognitive parameters were measured before and after the intervention.ResultsAt day 30 of yoga practice, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were found significantly improved as compared to the baseline levels observed at the time of enrollment. Similarly, the lipid profile was also obtained from experienced trainers and found to be significantly different from those of yoga-naïve volunteers. When the intervention was compared between the healthy yoga-naïve participants with yoga-naïve participants suffering from medical issues, it was found that cholesterol profile improved significantly in the healthy-naive group as compared to the diseased group (hypertension, diabetes, underwent surgery, and CVD).ConclusionThese results highlight the need for further research to better understand the effects of yoga on the primary prevention of CVD.
Real-World Impact of Switching From Insulin Glargine (Lantus®) to Basaglar® and Potential Cost Saving in a Large Public Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlRuthia Yazed , Bahari Ohud H. , Alghnam Suliman , Alrumaih Ali M. , Asiri Hassan , Alshammari Mohammed , Alhowimel Mansour , Al-Abdulkarim Hana A. 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe advent of Basaglar®, which is a biosimilar insulin glargine formulation for Lantus® has brought hope that it will result in similar outcomes and lower costs. However, some health practitioners raised some concerns about the therapeutic equivalence of this new biosimilar. Therefore, we aimed to examine the clinical and financial impact of switching from Lantus® to Basaglar®.MethodsThis was a single–center retrospective chart review study of adult patients (e.g., ≥18 years) with diabetes mellitus (DM) who were treated with insulin glargine (Lantus®) for at least 12 months and then switched to Basaglar® for another 12 months. The potential cost savings for the years 2018 to 2021 and the cost avoidance for 2022 were estimated using different conversion ratios between the two insulin glargine products (Basaglar® and Lantus®) and acquisition prices.ResultsOne–hundred patients with DM who were previously treated with Lantus® and switched to Basaglar® were retrospectively recruited. About two–thirds of the patients (68%) had type 2 DM, and the male and female patients were equally represented. The mean glycated hemoglobin (A1C) at baseline was 9, and the mean difference in the A1C levels before and after switching to Basaglar® was not significant (0.18, p-value = 0.503, 95% CI [−0.36–0.72]). Although the difference in the total daily insulin units between Lantus® and Basaglar® was not significant, the difference was leaning toward statistical significance despite the small sample size (−1.88, P-value = 0.25, 95% CI [−5.15–1.38]). Switching from Lantus® to Basaglar® could have led to significant cost savings that would range from approximately 1.77 to 23.7 million United States Dollars (USD) for the years 2018 to 2021 assuming an equal conversion ratio. However, those cost savings might not be realized if the switching to Basaglar® required higher daily insulin units, and the difference in the public tender acquisition price between Lantus® and Basaglar® is less than 15%.ConclusionBasaglar® and potentially other biosimilar insulin glargine products can lead to significant cost savings without compromising the quality of care. However, their acquisition prices should be discounted.
Young Adults and Sick Leave Length of Mental Illnesses
Authors: Gavurova Beata , Tarhanicova Miriama 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesThe objective was to explore whether a sick leave length related to mental morbidity differs across different occupational categories.MethodsIn the analysis, registry of sick leaves was analyzed. Provided analysis is focused on the length of sick leaves related to mental diseases caused by substance use or other factors. Dependent variable is the sick leave length, and the independent variables are the categories of disease and occupation. Kruskal–Wallis test, Shapiro–Wilk test, and Brown–Forsythe (B–F) are used.ResultsThere are differences in mental sick leave lengths caused by substance use or other factors. In the case of mental illnesses attributable to drugs, differences in the sick leave duration among different working groups were not found. Considering mental disorders caused by other factors, there are differences in the sick leave duration among different working groups.ConclusionsThere is no evidence of longer sick leave in people diagnosed with mental disorder related to substance use. Differences in occupational categories do not relate to sick leave length.
Comparison of Five Expressions of Handgrip Strength for Predicting Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Chinese Middle-Aged Community Residents
Authors: Gao Yanan , Huang Huiming , Ni Chunxia , Feng Yong , Yu Junwu , Huang Yutong , Luo Lijun , Jiang Yongbao , Wang Aiwen 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo compare the predictive performance of five handgrip strengths for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.MethodsA total of 804 Chinese middle-aged community residents' health medical examinations were collected. The absolute handgrip strength was denoted as HGS. HGS/body weight (HGS/BW), HGS/body mass index (HGS/BMI), HGS/lean body mass (HGS/LBM), and HGS/muscle mass (HGS/MM) represented relative handgrip strength (RHGS). To assess predictive performance, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were constructed.ResultsHGS was not associated with most CVD risk biomarkers; however, RHGS showed a negative correlation trend after controlling for covariates (sex, age, smoking, and exercise). HGS/BMI and HGS/BW had better AUCs for predicting CVD risk factors than HGS/LBM or HGS/MM. HGS/BMI and HGS/BW can successfully predict all CVD risk factors in men with AUCs 0.55–0.65; similarly, women may effectively predict arteriosclerosis, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and metabolic syndrome with AUCs 0.59–0.64, all p &lt; 0.05. The optimal HGS/BW cut-off points for identifying different CVD risk factors were 0.59–0.61 in men and 0.41–0.45 in women, while the HGS/BMI were 1.75–1.79 in men and 1.11–1.15 in women.ConclusionsAlmost all CVD risk biomarkers and CVD risk factors were unrelated to HGS. There is, however, a significant inverse relationship between RHGS and CVD risk factors. HGS/BMI or HGS/BW should be recommended to be the best choice for predicting the risk of CVD risk factors in five expressions of handgrip strength. We also acquired the recommended optimal cut-off points of HGS/BMI and HGS/BW for predicting CVD risk factors.