bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing malaria transmission in forest-going mobile and migrant populations in Lao PDR and Cambodia: protocol for stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Htike Win , Oo Win Han , Lynn Thet , Sovanda Lun , Agius Paul A. , Oo May Chan , Galau Naw Hkawng , Thu Kaung Myat , Zaw Aung Khine , Htwe Ei Phyu , Cutts Julia C. , Kearney Ellen A. , Scott Nick , O’Flaherty Katherine , Wang Bangyuan , Khamlome Boualam , Vilay Phoutnalong , Siv Sovannaroth , Fowkes Freya J. I. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region aim to achieve malaria elimination by 2030. In the region, malaria is concentrated in high-risk areas and populations such as forest-going mobile and migrant populations (MMPs). However, routine protective measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets do not prevent all infectious bites in these high-risk populations. Evidence for the effectiveness of a personal protection package tailored to forest-going MMPs which is acceptable, feasible, and cost-effective for reducing malaria transmission is required to inform the malaria elimination toolkit in the region.

Methods
A personal protection package consisting of long-lasting insecticidal hammock net, insect repellent and health communication pamphlet was developed in consultation with relevant implementing partners from Cambodia and Lao PDR. An open stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial will be conducted over a period of 12 months in a minimum of 488 villages (~ 428 in Lao PDR and ~ 60 in Cambodia) to evaluate the effectiveness of the personal protection package. Villages will be randomised into 11 blocks, with blocks transitioned in random order from control to intervention states at monthly intervals, following a 1-month baseline period. The primary outcome of the trial is the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test. Difference in prevalence of malaria infection will be estimated across intervention and control periods using generalized linear mixed modelling. Nested within the stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial is a mixed-methods study to explore the acceptability of the personal protection package, feasibility of implementing a personal protection package as a vector control intervention, and knowledge, attitude and practice of MMPs regarding malaria prevention; and cost-analysis to determine the cost-effectiveness of implementing a personal protection package.

Discussion
This study, using a rigorous design and mixed-methods methodology, will evaluate whether a personal protection package can reduce residual malaria transmission among forest-going MMPs in Cambodia and Lao PDR. It will also measure implementation research outcomes such as effectiveness of the intervention package, cost-effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility, in order to inform potential national and regional policy.
Trial registration This trial was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05117567) on 11th November 2021
Smoking status and SARS-CoV-2 infection severity among Lebanese adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hoballah Abbas , El Haidari Rana , Badran Rima , Jaber Ali , Mansour Samir , Abou-Abbas Linda 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
A paradoxical hypothesis about the effect of smoking on patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrom 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection still exists. Furthermore, gender-discrepancy in the impact of smoking on COVID-19 severity was given little attention. Thus, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of smoking and the COVID-19 infection severity in a sample of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and to explore the relationship between smoking status and SARS-CoV-2 infection severity in the overall sample and stratified by gender.

Methods
A retrospective analytical study was conducted on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 cases between December, 2020 and April, 2021 from three leading laboratories in Lebanon. Sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status and clinical symptoms were collected. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between smoking status and SARS-CoV-2 infection severity.

Results
A total of 901 confirmed COVID-19 cases participated in the study, 50.8% were females. The mean age of patients was 38.4 years (SD = 15.3). Of the total sample, 521(57.8%) were current smokers. Regarding infection severity, 14.8% were asymptomatic, 69.9% had mild symptoms, while 15.3% had severe infection. In the overall sample, smoking status, smoking types and dose–response were not significantly associated with infection severity. Upon stratifying the entire sample by gender, no association was found between all the considered variables with infection severity among females. However, a significant association was found among male with mild infection compared to their asymptomatic counterparts (OR = 1.78 95% CI (1.01–3.13)). Waterpipe smoking was found to be associated with infection severity among male with mild infection (OR 2.64 (95% CI 1.32–5.27)) and severe infection 2.79, 95% CI (1.19–6.53) compared to their asymptomatic counterparts.

Conclusion
Our fundings highlight sex differences in the association between tobacco smoking and COVID-19 severity. Current tobacco smoking was not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection severity among female patients, however, tobacco smoking, particularly waterpipe, was found to be associated with infection severity among male. Thus, the battle against smoking should continue by assisting smokers to successfully and permanently quit.
Pelvic and central nervous system tuberculosis complicated by a paradoxical response manifesting as a spinal tuberculoma: a case report
Authors: Zandvakili Arya , Kobayashi Takaaki , Kaewpoowat Quanhathai , Parsons Meredith G. , Ford Bradley , Barker Jason H. , Johnson Melinda 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe post-partum period is a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), possibly including the period after miscarriage as illustrated here. This case demonstrates how non-specific symptoms can hide widely disseminated TB.Case presentationA healthy 26-year-old female with a history of recent miscarriage presented to the emergency department with non-specific symptoms of headache, abdominal pain, and sub-acute fevers. She had immigrated to the United States from the Marshall Islands 9 years prior. Two months prior to presentation she had a miscarriage at 18 weeks of pregnancy. On admission, transvaginal ultrasound revealed retained products of conception and abdominal computed tomography revealed findings consistent with tubo-ovarian abscesses and peritonitis. The obstetrics and gynecology service performed dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove retained products of conception. Acid-fast bacilli cultures from cerebrospinal fluid as well as specimens from D&C and intra-abdominal abscesses subsequently all grew TB. She was diagnosed with TB meningitis, peritonitis, endometritis, and tubo-ovarian abscesses. Her treatment course was complicated by a paradoxical response resulting in a spinal tuberculoma causing lower extremity weakness. The tuberculoma was treated with surgical decompression as well as continuation of treatment with anti-tubercular chemotherapy and steroids.ConclusionDisseminated and extrapulmonary TB can present with non-specific symptoms. Recognition of risk factors for TB is critical for prompt diagnostic evaluation and treatment of this deadly disease. A paradoxical reaction needs to be taken into consideration when any new neurological symptoms occur during TB treatment.
Quality of life of cutaneous leishmaniasis suspected patients in the Ecuadorian Pacific and Amazon regions: a cross sectional study
Authors: Bezemer Jacob Machiel , Hinojosa Manuel Calvopiña , Zabala Andrea Estefania Corral , Pérez Fernando Ortega , Román Veronica Cristina Vargas , Schallig Henk Dirk Frederik Herman , de Vries Henry John Christiaan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Yearly, up to 1 million patients worldwide suffer from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In Ecuador, CL affects an estimated 5000 patients annually. CL leads to reduced Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) as a result of stigma in the Asian and Mediterranean contexts, but research is lacking for Ecuador. The objective of this study was to explore the influence of CL suspected lesions on the quality of life of patients in the Pacific and Amazon regions.

Methods
Patients for this study were included in the Amazonian Napo, Pastaza, and Morona Santiago provinces and the Pacific region of the Pichincha province. Participating centers offered free of charge CL treatment. All patients suspected of CL and referred for a cutaneous smear slide microscopy examination were eligible. This study applied the Skindex-29 questionnaire, a generic tool to measure HRQL in patients with skin diseases. All statistical analysis was done with SPSS Statistics version 28.

Results
The skindex-29 questionnaire was completed adequately by 279 patients who were included in this study. All patient groups from the Amazon scored significantly (P < 0.01) higher (indicating worse HRQL) on all the dimensions of the Skindex-29 questionnaire than Mestizo patients from the Pacific region. The percentage of patients with health seeking delay of less than a month was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the Amazon region (38%) than in the Pacific (66%).

Conclusions
The present study revealed that the influence of suspected CL lesions on the HRQL of patients in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Pacific depends on the geographic region more than on patient characteristics such as gender, age, number of lesions, lesion type, location of lesions, health seeking delay, or posterior confirmation of the Leishmania parasite. The health seeking delay in the Amazon might result from a lack of health infrastructure or related stigma. Together, the impaired HRQL and prolonged health seeking delay in the Amazon lead to prolonged suffering and a worse health outcome. Determinants of health seeking delay should be clarified in future studies and CL case finding must be improved. Moreover, HRQL analysis in other CL endemic regions could improve local health management.
Progressive sensory ataxia and breast implant rupture, an uncommon presentation of a debated concept: a case report
Authors: Van Assche Sofie , Parmentier Heleen , Varkas Gaelle , Peene Isabelle , Herdewyn Sarah 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA) is a concept introduced by Shoenfeld to group various disease entities believed to be triggered by an infection, silicone exposure or other external stimuli. A causal link between the use of silicone and the development of autoimmune diseases and lymphoma has been suggested in the past. Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is one of the autoimmune diseases that has been postulated as an example of ASIA syndrome. Although typically characterized by sicca, SS can manifest as a ganglionopathy as the primary presenting symptom. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in which a ganglionopathy unveiled an underlying SS in the context of a possible ASIA syndrome.

Case presentation
We describe a case of a 44-year-old woman who developed rapidly progressive sensory loss in the 4 limbs with a walking impairment due to the severe sensory ataxia. After extensive work-up, she was diagnosed with a ganglionopathy as the first symptom of SS, and the concurrent diagnosis of a bilateral breast implant leakage with severe inflammation due to silicone bleeding. After surgical removal of the prostheses and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, stabilization of symptoms was achieved.

Conclusion
This case report brings to attention the possibility of a sensory ganglionopathy as first and isolated symptom of SS. The occurrence of SS in the setting of ASIA stir up the discussion about the safety of silicone breast implants.
Protocol of the TREASURE study: Thoracic RadiothErapy with Atezolizumab in Small cell lUng canceR Extensive disease – a randomized, open-label, multicenter phase II trial
Authors: Bozorgmehr Farastuk , Christopoulos Petros , Chung Inn , Cvetkovic Jelena , Feißt Manuel , Krisam Johannes , Schneider Marc A. , Heußel Claus Peter , Kreuter Michael , Müller Daniel W. , Thomas Michael , Rieken Stefan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Recently, the combination of the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor atezolizumab with first-line chemotherapy has demonstrated to improve outcome for patients with advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC), leading to approval of this regimen. At the same time, accumulating (pre-)clinical data suggest synergisms of radiotherapy and immunotherapy via the radiation-mediated induction of anti-tumor immunogenicity. Combining the recent findings, the TREASURE trial aims at further enhancing response to upfront chemo-immunotherapy by the addition of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT).

Methods/design
The TREASURE trial is a randomized, multicenter, phase II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04462276). One hundred four patients suffering from extensive disease (ED) SCLC, with any response to the standard of care induction chemo-immunotherapy will be randomized to receive atezolizumab maintenance therapy with or without TRT. The primary endpoint of this study is overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints include further measures of efficacy, safety, and the collection of biomarker samples. A safety interim analysis will take place after n = 23 patients receiving TRT have been observed for three months after the end of TRT.

Discussion
This trial will investigate whether treatment efficacy can be improved by adding TRT to atezolizumab maintenance therapy in ED SCLC patients with any response after chemo-immunotherapy. Safety and feasibility of such a regimen will be evaluated, and biomaterials for a translational research project will be collected. Together, the results of this trial will deepen our comprehension of how checkpoint inhibition and radiotherapy interact and contribute to the evolving landscape of SCLC therapy.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04462276 (Date of initial registration: 8th July 2020), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04462276
Eudra-CT Number: 2019-003916-29 (Date of initial registration: 30th March 2020), https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-003916-29/DE
Real-world analysis of different intracranial radiation therapies in non-small cell lung cancer patients with 1–4 brain metastases
Authors: Chen Zhengting , Zhou Lingli , Zhao Min , Cao Ke , Li Yanqing , Liu Xiaoling , Hou Yu , Li Lan , Wang Li , Chang Li , Yang Mei , Li Wenhui , Xia Yaoxiong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become a standard approach for the treatment of patients with few metastatic brain lesions. However, the optimal treatment approach for the use radiotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases (BMs) remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the survival outcomes and intracranial local control in NSCLC patients with 1–4 BMs who are treated with SRS using linear accelerators (LINAC-SRS), whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), or WBRT plus radiotherapy boost (WBRT + RTB).

Materials and methods
We retrospectively analyzed 156 NSCLC patients with 1–4 BMs who received LINAC-SRS, WBRT, and WBRT + RTB. The median overall survival (OS), intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS), and distant brain failure-free survival (DBF-FS) and related prognostic factors were analyzed.

Results
The median follow-up period was 31.6 months. The median OS times in the LINAC-SRS, WBRT, and WBRT + RTB groups were not reached, 33.3 months and 27.9 months, respectively. The difference in survival rate was non-significant (P = 0.909). The 2-year iPFS and DBF-FS rates in the LINAC-SRS, WBRT and WBRT + RTB groups were 51.6% and 37.5%; 42.0% and 50.4%; and 51.1% and 56.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference in 2-year iPFS or DBF-FS among the three groups (P = 0.572 for iPFS, P = 0.628 for DBF-FS). Multivariate analysis showed that the independent adverse prognostic factors for OS, iPFS, and DBF-FS were neurological symptoms, recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class, and targeted therapy.

Conclusion
LINAC-SRS did not result in significantly superior survival times or intracranial local control compared to WBRT or WBRT + RTB in the treatment of NSCLC patients with 1–4 BMs.
Effect of thoracic radiotherapy dose on the prognosis of advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR mutations
Authors: Qin Hongyue , Ke Jiaojiao , Dong Shuai , Li Huani , Zhu Kunli , Fu Shuai , Shao Qian , Li Zhenxiang 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different thoracic radiotherapy doses on OS and incidence of radiation pneumonia which may provide some basis for optimizing the comprehensive treatment scheme of these patients with advanced EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods
Data from 111 patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma who received thoracic radiotherapy were included in this retrospective study. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoints of the study. Kaplan–Meier method was used for the comparison of OS. The Cox proportional-hazard model was used for the multivariate and univariate analyses to determine the prognostic factors related to the disease.

Results
The mOS rates of the patients, who received radiotherapy dose scheme of less than 50 Gy, 50–60 Gy (including 50 Gy), and 60 Gy or more were 29.1 months, 34.4 months, and 51.0 months, respectively (log-rank P = 0.011). Although trend suggested a higher levels of pneumonia cases with increasing radiation doses, these lack statistical significance (χ2 = 1.331; P = 0.514). The multivariate analysis showed that the thoracic radiotherapy dose schemes were independently associated with the improved OS of patients (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.606; 95% CI, 0.382 to 0.961; P = 0.033).

Conclusions
For the patients with advanced EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, the radical thoracic radiotherapy dose scheme (≥ 60 Gy) could significantly prolong the OS of patients during the whole course management.
Unilateral buphthalmos, corneal staphyloma and corneal fistula caused by pathogenic variant in the PITX3 gene: a case report
Authors: Zhou Lin , Xu Zhike , Wu Qianying , Wei Xin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction
PITX3 has been reported to be associated with congenital cataracts, anterior segment mesenchymal dysgenesis, Peters’ anomaly, and microphthalmia. In this case, an infant with unilateral buphthalmos, corneal staphyloma and corneal fistula carrying a variant in PITX3 was reported.

Case description
We describe a 4-month-old female infant who was referred to our Eye Clinic because of gradual enlargement of the eyeball in the right eye and whitish opacity in both eyes. Buphthalmos with long axial length (22.04 mm), macrocornea with diffuse corneal oedema and opacity (14.50 mm*14.50 mm) and high intraocular pressure (23.78 mmHg) were detected in the right eye. Microphthalmia with short axial length (16.23 mm), microcornea with diffuse corneal oedema and opacity (7.50 mm*6.50 mm) were detected in the left eye. A 360° trabeculotomy was performed for the right eye. However, corneal staphyloma and corneal fistula in the right eye were detected 6 months after the surgery. A variant in exon 4 of PITX3 (c.640_656dup (p. Gly220Profs*95)) was identified in the proband but was not detected in her healthy parents.

Conclusion
A novel phenotype characterized by unilateral buphthalmos, corneal staphyloma and corneal fistula in an infant were reported to be associated with PITX3 in our study. Our study expands the scope of the clinical heterogeneity of PITX3 variants. It also improves our understanding and increases the attention given to patients with PITX3 variants.
Uveitis and nail psoriasis in a patient without articular involvement: a case report
Authors: Pineda-Sierra Juan Sebastián , Peña-Pulgar Luisa Fernanda , Cifuentes-González Carlos , Rojas-Carabali William , de-la-Torre Alejandra 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to report a case of bilateral anterior non-granulomatous chronic non-infectious uveitis associated with isolated nail psoriasis without articular involvement.

Case presentation
A 55-year-old man with a history of open-angle glaucoma was referred to our uveitis and ocular immunology center with intraocular inflammation concordant with chronic non-infectious bilateral anterior non-granulomatous uveitis. At presentation, he had moderate inflammation in the anterior chamber bilaterally and lesions characteristic of nail psoriasis. Nail psoriasis was later confirmed by nail ultrasonography performed by a radiologist who specialized in psoriasis. Appropriate clinical and paraclinical assessments were conducted, ruling out all other possible causes of uveitis. The patient required dual systemic immunomodulatory therapy with methotrexate and adalimumab, topical anti-inflammatory drugs (steroidal and non-steroidal), and anti-glaucoma therapy to achieve satisfactory inflammatory and ocular pressure control.

Discussion and conclusions
This is the first report of non-infectious uveitis associated with nail compromise in a patient without other manifestations of psoriasis. Despite reports on the relationship between psoriatic disease and uveitis, there is insufficient information on clinical phenotypes associated with uveitis that could lead to later diagnosis and treatment of associated intraocular inflammation. Clinicians should be aware of all subtypes of psoriasis that increases a risk of developing uveitis in these patients.
Modified argon laser therapy for benign tumor of the eyelid
Authors: Han Jisang , Lee Shin-Hyo , Choi Chul Young , Khoramnia Ramin , Kim Jaemin , Shin Hyun Jin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
To report about the therapy of benign eyelid tumors with a modified argon laser technique as an alternative to surgery.

Methods
Nineteen benign tumors of the eyelid were included in this study. After staining the surface of the tumor with a violet marker, low-energy argon laser photoablation was performed. A mean number of 312 spots (spot size ranging from 150 to 500 μm) with a power of 200 to 400 mW, and a duration between 0.1 and 0.2 s were applied.

Results
The eyelid tumors were located mainly in the lower eyelid (58%). Dermal nevi and papilloma were the most frequently treated lesions. Over a mean follow-up period of 10.5 months (range 6–18 months), all eyelid tumors were successfully treated by a single session of laser therapy. All patients were satisfied with the laser therapy and the cosmetic result. No postoperative complications were observed. No relapses occurred during follow-up.

Conclusions
Our modified method of argon laser therapy utilizes the staining of the surface of the eyelid tumor to increase the amount of thermal laser energy absorbed by the target. This novel technique is simple and effective for treating benign eyelid tumors.