bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fertility Knowledge Among Women Struggling to Conceive Without Medical Intervention: A Brief Report
Authors: Halleran Maria , Chernoff Andie , Gordon Jennifer L. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionApproximately 1 in 6 women experience infertility. Though medical treatments for infertility exist, they are very costly and highly burdensome for women. It is therefore desirable to optimize women's chances of conception without medical intervention by ensuring that they have adequate knowledge of the female menstrual cycle and the timing of the fertile window. The current study therefore aimed to assess the degree to which women struggling to conceive without medical intervention are knowledgeable about these topics.MethodsOne hundred and two women of reproductive age (18–45 years old) in Canada and the United States who had been struggling to conceive without medical intervention for ≥12 months completed an online survey including a questionnaire assessing knowledge related to reproduction and fertility.ResultsMean accuracy score on the Fertility Knowledge Questionnaire was 67%. Seventy-two women were not aware that the week before ovulation was associated with the highest chances of conception. Women using cervical mucus tracking to increase chances of conception were more knowledgeable (p = 0.02), as were women with more formal education (p = 0.01). Conversely, women who had been attempting to conceive for longer had lower fertility knowledge (p = 0.03). Age, number of children, and family income were unrelated to fertility knowledge (p &gt; 0.05).DiscussionOur findings suggest that women who are struggling to conceive would benefit from education related to the timing and identification of the fertile window. Reproductive and primary healthcare providers can play an important role in assessing fertility knowledge and addressing knowledge gaps to improve chances of successful conception.
Publication Trends for Sarcopenia in the World: A 20-Year Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Yuan Dongliang , Jin Hongfu , Liu Qianqi , Zhang Jinglve , Ma Boyan , Xiao Wenfeng , Li Yusheng 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundSarcopenia, an age-related degenerative disease, seriously affects the health and quality of life of the elder. The research of sarcopenia has changed dramatically around the world. This article aims to analyze global trends in this field over the past 20 years.Methods“Sarcopenia” was used as the search term to retrieve relevant publications from the WOS and PubMed databases. Co-occurrence, literature coupling, co-citation, and co-author analysis were performed by using the software VOS viewer. We analyzed the trends of sarcopenia research over the last 20 years from different aspects, such as the number of papers, total citations, average citations per item, h-index, research area, article types, institutions, country, journals, and funding.ResultsWe retrieved 13,421 research articles published on sarcopenia between 2001 and 2020. The results showed that the USA made the highest contributions to this field. Geriatrics gerontology is the most study classification of sarcopenia. Basic research on sarcopenia in geriatric gerontology accounts for approximately 16.496% of global publications. The Osteoporosis International published the largest number of sarcopenia-related studies. The United States Department of Health Human Services was the leading funding organization, which sponsored 1,604 articles.ConclusionGlobal sarcopenia research increased rapidly from 2001 to 2020, especially recently. The research leader of sarcopenia is the USA. In the future, the study of sarcopenia will continue to focus on aging, nutrition, and exercise and will delve deeper into molecular mechanisms. On the other hand, revealing the link between sarcopenia and other diseases will be the next research hotspot.
Clinical Features, Diagnostic Test Performance, and Prognosis in Different Subtypes of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Zhong Huanhuan , Wang Yaru , Gu Yu , Ni Yueyan , Wang Yu , Shen Kunlu , Shi Yi , Su Xin 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe clinical features in different subtypes of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA)-simple aspergilloma (SA), chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA), chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis (CFPA), aspergillus nodule (AN), and subacute invasive aspergillosis (SAIA), respectively, and identify long-term prognosis of CPA.MethodsWe reviewed patients diagnosed with different subtypes of CPA from 2002 to 2020 at Nanjing Jinling Hospital, China. We analyzed the clinical and survival information of five different subgroups. A Cox regression model was used to explore proper antifungal duration and long-term survival factors of CCPA and SAIA.ResultsA total of 147 patients with CPA were included, consisting of 11 SA, 48 CCPA, 5 CFPA, 12 AN, and 71 SAIA. The most common underlying pulmonary disease was pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 49, 33%), followed by bronchiectasis (n = 46, 31.3%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema (n = 45, 30.6%), while in SAIA and CFPA groups, the most common was COPD or emphysema (45.1 and 100%). Cough (85%), expectoration (70.7%), hemoptysis (54.4%), and fever (29.9%) were common symptoms, especially in CCPA, CFPA, and SAIA groups. The common imaging manifestations included cavitation (n = 94, 63.9%), fungal ball (n = 54, 36.7%), pleural thickening (n = 47, 32.0%), and bronchiectasis (n = 46, 31.3%). SAIA and CFPA groups had a lower value of hemoglobin (HB) and serum albumin (ALB) with higher C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The positive rate of sputum culture, serum galactomannan (GM), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid GM was 32.7% (36/110), 18.4% (18/98), and 48.7% (19/39), respectively. There were 64.6% (31/48) patients with CCPA and 25.4% (18/71) patients with SAIA who received surgery and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 92.1 and 66.6%, respectively. SAIA, old age, male, low body mass index (BMI), COPD or emphysema, multiple distribution, low serum ALB, and positive sputum culture were adverse prognosis factors for SAIA and CCPA group, and BMI ≤ 20.0 kg/m2 was independently associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 5.311, 95% CI 1.405–20.068, p = 0.014). Multivariable Cox regression indicated that surgery (HR 0.093, 95% CI 0.011–0.814, p = 0.032) and antifungal duration &gt;6 months (HR 0.204, 95% CI 0.060–0.696 p = 0.011) were related to improved survival.ConclusionThe clinical features and laboratory test performance are different among SA, CCPA, CFPA, AN, and SAIA. Low BMI was an independent risk factor for survival. Selective surgery and antifungal duration over 6 months were associated with improved survival.
Effect of Vitamin C on Clinical Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: An Observational Study and Subsequent Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gavrielatou Evdokia , Xourgia Eleni , Xixi Nikoleta A. , Mantelou Athina G. , Ischaki Eleni , Kanavou Aggeliki , Zervakis Dimitris , Routsi Christina , Kotanidou Anastasia , Siempos Ilias I. 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundWhether vitamin C provides any benefit when administered in critically ill patients, including those with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is controversial. We endeavored to estimate the effect of administration of vitamin C on clinical outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 by performing an observational study and subsequent meta-analysis.MethodsFirstly, we conducted an observational study of critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who consecutively underwent invasive mechanical ventilation in an academic intensive care unit (ICU) during the second pandemic wave. We compared all-cause mortality of patients receiving vitamin C (“vitamin C” group) or not (“control” group) on top of standard-of-care. Subsequently, we systematically searched PubMed and CENTRAL for relevant studies, which reported on all-cause mortality (primary outcome) and/or morbidity of critically ill patients with COVID-19 receiving vitamin C or not treatment. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. The meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO.ResultsIn the observational study, baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Mortality was 20.0% (2/10) in the vitamin C group vs. 47.6% (49/103; p = 0.11) in the control group. Subsequently, the meta-analysis included 11 studies (6 observational; five randomized controlled trials) enrolling 1,807 critically ill patients with COVID-19. Mortality of patients receiving vitamin C on top of standard-of-care was not lower than patients receiving standard-of-care alone (25.8 vs. 34.7%; RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.57–1.26; p = 0.42).ConclusionsAfter combining results of our observational cohort with those of relevant studies into a meta-analysis of data from 1,807 patients, we found that administration vitamin C as opposed to standard-of-care alone might not be associated with lower of mortality among critically ill patients with COVID-19. Additional evidence is anticipated from relevant large randomized controlled trials which are currently underway.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021276655.
Comparison of Volumetric Quantitative PET Parameters Before and After a CT-Based Elastic Deformation on Dual-Time 18FDG-PET/CT Images: A Feasibility Study in a Perspective of Radiotherapy Planning in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Maajem Meriem , Leclère Jean-Christophe , Bourhis David , Tissot Valentin , Icard Nicolas , Arnaud Laëtitia , Le Pennec Romain , Dissaux Gurvan , Gujral Dorothy M. , Salaün Pierre-Yves , Schick Ulrike , Abgral Ronan 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe use of 18FDG-PET/CT for delineating a gross tumor volume (GTV, also called MTV metabolic tumor volume) in radiotherapy (RT) planning of head neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) is not included in current recommendations, although its interest for the radiotherapist is of evidence. Because pre-RT PET scans are rarely done simultaneously with dosimetry CT, the validation of a robust image registration tool and of a reproducible MTV delineation method is still required.ObjectiveOur objective was to study a CT-based elastic registration method on dual-time pre-RT 18FDG-PET/CT images to assess the feasibility of PET-based RT planning in patients with HNSCC.MethodsDual-time 18FDG-PET/CT [whole-body examination (wbPET) + 1 dedicated step (headPET)] were selected to simulate a 2-times scenario of pre-RT PET images deformation on dosimetry CT. ER-headPET and RR-headPET images were, respectively, reconstructed after CT-to-CT rigid (RR) and elastic (ER) registrations of the headPET on the wbPET. The MTVs delineation was performed using two methods (40%SUVmax, PET-Edge). The percentage variations of several PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, MTV, TLG) were calculated between wbPET, ER-headPET, and RR-headPET. Correlation between MTV values was calculated (Deming linear regression). MTVs intersections were assessed by two indices (OF, DICE) and compared together (Wilcoxon test). Additional per-volume analysis was evaluated (Mann-Whitney test). Inter- and intra-observer reproducibilities were evaluated (ICC = intra-class coefficient).Results36 patients (30M/6F; median age = 65 y) were retrospectively included. The changes in SUVmax, SUVmean and SUVpeak values between ER-headPET and RR-headPET images were &lt;5%. The variations in MTV values between ER-headPET and wbPET images were −6 and −3% with 40%SUVmax and PET Edge, respectively. Their correlations were excellent whatever the delineation method (R2 &gt; 0.99). The ER-headPET MTVs had significant higher mean OF and DICE with the wbPET MTVs, for both delineation methods (p ≤ 0.002); and also when lesions had a volume &gt; 5cc (excellent OF = 0.80 with 40%SUVmax). The inter- and intra-observer reproducibilities for MTV delineation were excellent (ICC ≥ 0.8, close to 1 with PET-Edge).ConclusionOur study demonstrated no significant changes in MTV after an elastic deformation of pre-RT 18FDG-PET/CT images acquired in dual-time mode. This opens possibilities for HNSCC radiotherapy planning improvement by transferring GTV-PET on dosimetry CT.
Pre-Existing Non-Disabling Encephalomalacia Confers Risk to Stroke Outcomes After Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Li Zibao , Li Qiang , Ji Yachen , Chu Zhaohu , Zhao Shoucai , Ma Lingsong , Zhou Zhiming , Yang Qian , Huang Xianjun 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundPatients with previous stroke episodes tend to have poor outcomes after an endovascular treatment (EVT). Encephalomalacia (EM) is an objective indicator of previous strokes but has not been systematically investigated. The fundamental aim of this exploration is to investigate the effects of a pre-existing non-disabling EM on clinical outcomes after EVT.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing an EVT due to the anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes were enrolled in the study. The pre-existing EM was defined as the focal hypodense lesions (≥ 3 mm in maximum diameter) on a non-contrast cranial CT using axial images before EVT. The primary outcome was the 90-day functional assessment using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. The safety outcome was the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) defined as any hemorrhage within 24 h after an EVT, which is responsible for an increase of ≥ 4 points in the score of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).ResultsOf the 433 patients analyzed in this investigation, a pre-existing non-disabling EM was observed in 106 (24.5%) patients. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, patients with contralateral EM (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.13–6.31; P = 0.025) and with an EM+ &gt; 20 mm in maximum diameter (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.01–4.85; P =0.048) were substantially associated with unfavorable outcomes (mRS &gt; 2). For the sICH, we did not observe any association with the pre-existing EM (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsA pre-existing non-disabling EM is common and safe in patients undergoing EVT. However, a contralateral EM and the large size of EM may predict an unfavorable outcome at 90 days, which should receive more attention before EVT.
Derived Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ocaña Alberto , Chacón Jose Ignacio , Calvo Lourdes , Antón Antonio , Mansutti Mauro , Albanell Joan , Martínez María Teresa , Lahuerta Ainhara , Bisagni Giancarlo , Bermejo Begoña , Semiglazov Vladimir , Thill Marc , Chan Arlene , Morales Serafin , Herranz Jesús , Tusquets Ignacio , Chiesa Massimo , Caballero Rosalía , Valagussa Pinuccia , Bianchini Giampaolo , Alba Emilio , Gianni Luca 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundDerived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) is a biomarker associated with clinical outcome in breast cancer (BC). We analyzed the association of dNLR with pathological complete response (pCR) in triple-negative BC (TNBC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT).MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of two randomized studies involving early stage/locally advanced TNBC patients receiving anthracycline/taxane-based CT+/−carboplatin (GEICAM/2006-03) or nab-paclitaxel/paclitaxel followed by anthracycline regimen (ETNA). dNLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophils to the difference between total leukocytes and neutrophils in peripheral blood before CT (baseline) and at the end of treatment (EOT). Logistic regression analyses were used to explore dNLR association with pCR.ResultsIn total, 308 TNBC patients were analyzed, 216 from ETNA and 92 from GEICAM/2006-03. Baseline median dNLR was 1.61 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.25–2.04) and at EOT 1.53 (IQR: 0.96–2.22). Baseline dNLR showed positive correlation with increased tumor size (p-value = 1e−04). High baseline dNLR, as continuous variable or using median cutoff, was associated with lower likelihood of pCR in univariate analysis. High EOT dNLR as continuous variable or using quartiles was also associated with lower pCR rate in uni- and multivariate analyses.ConclusionsHigh baseline and EOT dNLR correlates with lower benefit from neoadjuvant CT in TNBC.
Effects of Combing Group Executive Functioning and Online Parent Training on School-Aged Children With ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chu Liting , Zhu Peiying , Ma Chenhuan , Pan Lizhu , Shen Li , Wu Danmai , Wang Yu , Yu Guangjun 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveThe acceptance of drug treatment for younger children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in China remains low. Here, we explored the clinical benefits of a non-pharmaceutical intervention method combining a group and executive function training and an online parent training program, termed group executive functioning and online parent training (GEF-OPT), for school-aged students with ADHD through a randomized controlled trial.MethodA total of 145 children (aged 6–8 years) were formally registered and randomized to the intervention group (n = 73) and waitlist group (n = 72). The enrolled children received eight sessions of GEF-OPT treatment, which consists of a hospital-based children executive function (EF) training program and an online parent training program. Treatment outcome was assessed by a parent/teacher report questionnaire and neurophysiological experiment.ResultsAfter eight sessions of intervention, children in the intervention group showed a significant improvement in inattentive symptom compared to the waitlist group (14.70 ± 4.35 vs. 16.03 ± 2.93; p = 0.024), but an insignificant difference in hyperactive-impulsivity (9.85 ± 5.30 vs. 10.69 ± 5.10; p = 0.913). Comorbid oppositional defiant disorder was significantly reduced in the intervention group (7.03 ± 4.39 vs. 8.53 ± 4.41; p = 0.035). Children in the intervention group had greater reduction in the scores of behavioral regulation index (inhibition, emotional control) and metacognition index (working memory, planning/organization, monitoring) in executive function than those in the waitlist group (p &lt; 0.05). Significant effects were also found in learning problem of Weiss Functional Impairment Scale–Parent form and parental distress between two groups at post-treatment (p &lt; 0.05). In line with this, the result of go/no-go task showed significant improvements in accuracy change (4.45 ± 5.50% vs. 1.76 ± 3.35%; p = 0.001) and reaction time change (47.45 ± 62.25 s vs. 16.19 ± 72.22 s; p = 0.007) in the intervention group compared with the waitlist group.ConclusionWe conclude that participants in the GEF-OPT program improved outcomes for inattentive symptom, executive function, learning problems, and parental distress. GEF-OPT is a promising non-pharmaceutical therapeutic option for younger children.Trial RegistrationChiCTR2100052803.
Comparing Adherence of Continuous and Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP and APAP) in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Children
Authors: Tovichien Prakarn , Kulbun Aunya , Udomittipong Kanokporn 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesThe treatment outcomes of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are affected by positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy adherence, which may be affected by the type of device used. Continuous PAP (CPAP) devices deliver a continuous and fixed air pressure level, whereas automatic PAP (APAP) devices automatically adjust the pressure to meet changing needs during sleep. The adherence, tolerance and consistency of OSA-children's use of CPAP and APAP devices were compared.Study designOne-year, observational cohort study.MethodsTwenty-seven OSA-children were enrolled. Fourteen (52%) used CPAP, and 13 (48%) used APAP. The adherence, tolerance, and consistency of the PAP usage by the two groups were compared.ResultsOverall, 11 of the 27 children (41%) showed good PAP adherence. The CPAP patients averaged 4.9 h of device usage on the days used, for 60% of days, with 6 of 14 (43%) demonstrating good adherence. In comparison, the APAP patients averaged 3.2 h for 55% of days, with 5 of 13 (38%) exhibiting good adherence. The 2 groups showed no differences in their adherence, tolerance, or consistency of device usage (P values, 0.816, 0.609, and 0.720, respectively). Although the adherence of both groups improved in the second 6 months, it was without statistical significance (P values, 0.400 and 0.724). Age, sex, baseline apnea-hypopnea index, comorbidities, prescribed period, device type, mask type, and caregiver education-level were not risk factors for poor PAP adherence.ConclusionsNo differences in the adherence, tolerance, or consistency of the children's use of CPAP and APAP were revealed in this small inhomogeneous cohort study with limited resources.
Effects of Shenkang Pills on Early-Stage Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice via Inhibiting AURKB/RacGAP1/RhoA Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Fujing , Fan Jia’er , Pei Tingting , He Zhuo’en , Zhang Jiaxing , Ju Liliang , Han Zhongxiao , Wang Mingqing , Xiao Wei 
Published: February 2022

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, so there is an urgent need to suppress its development at early stage. Shenkang pills (SKP) are a hospital prescription selected and optimized from effective traditional Chinese medicinal formulas for clinical treatment of DN. In the present study, liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) and total contents qualification were applied to generate a quality control standard of SKP. For verifying the therapeutic effects of SKP, db/db mice were administered intragastrically with SKP at a human-equivalent dose (1.82 g/kg) for 4 weeks. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of SKP were analyzed by the renal RNA sequencing and network pharmacology. LC-Q-TOF-MS identified 46 compounds in SKP. The total polysaccharide and organic acid content in SKP were 4.60 and 0.11 mg/ml, respectively, while the total flavonoid, saponin, and protein content were 0.25, 0.31, and 0.42 mg/ml, respectively. Treatment of SKP significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, improved renal function, and ameliorated glomerulosclerosis and focal foot processes effacement in db/db mice. In addition, SKP protected podocytes from injury by increasing nephrin and podocin expression. Furthermore, transcriptome analyses revealed that 430 and 288 genes were up and down-regulated in mice treated with SKP, relative to untreated controls. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes mainly involved in modulation of cell division and chromosome segregation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and network pharmacology analysis indicated that aurora kinase B (AURKB), Rac GTPase activating protein 1 (RacGAP1) and SHC binding, and spindle associated 1 (shcbp1) might be the core targets of SKP. This protein and Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) were found overexpression in db/db mice, but significantly decreased with SKP treatment. We conclude that SKP can effectively treat early-stage DN and improve renal podocyte dysfunction. The mechanism may involve down-regulation of the AURKB/RacGAP1/RhoA pathway.