bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Truncation effect reduction for fast iterative reconstruction in cone-beam CT
Authors: Aootaphao Sorapong , Thongvigitmanee Saowapak S. , Puttawibul Puttisak , Thajchayapong Pairash 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Iterative reconstruction for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been applied to improve image quality and reduce radiation dose. In a case where an object’s actual projection is larger than a flat panel detector, CBCT images contain truncated data or incomplete projections, which degrade image quality inside the field of view (FOV). In this work, we propose truncation effect reduction for fast iterative reconstruction in CBCT imaging.

Methods
The volume matrix size of the FOV and the height of projection images were extrapolated to a suitable size. These extended projections were reconstructed by fast iterative reconstruction. Moreover, a smoothing parameter for noise regularization in iterative reconstruction was modified to reduce the accumulated error while processing. The proposed work was evaluated by image quality measurements and compared with conventional filtered backprojection (FBP). To validate the proposed method, we used a head phantom for evaluation and preliminarily tested on a human dataset.

Results
In the experimental results, the reconstructed images from the head phantom showed enhanced image quality. In addition, fast iterative reconstruction can be run continuously while maintaining a consistent mean-percentage-error value for many iterations. The contrast-to-noise ratio of the soft-tissue images was improved. Visualization of low contrast in the ventricle and soft-tissue images was much improved compared to those from FBP using the same dose index of 5 mGy.

Conclusions
Our proposed method showed satisfactory performance to reduce the truncation effect, especially inside the FOV with better image quality for soft-tissue imaging. The convergence of fast iterative reconstruction tends to be stable for many iterations.
A head-to-head comparison of fast-SENC and feature tracking to LV long axis strain for assessment of myocardial deformation in chest pain patients
Authors: Siry Deborah , Riffel Johannes , Salatzki Janek , André Florian , Weberling Lukas Damian , Ochs Marco , Atia Noura A. , Hillier Elizabeth , Albert David , Katus Hugo A. , Giannitsis Evangelos , Frey Norbert , Friedrich Matthias G. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Myocardial strain imaging has gained importance in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in recent years as an even more sensitive marker of early left ventricular dysfunction than left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). fSENC (fast strain encoded imaging) and FT (feature tracking) both allow for reproducible assessment of myocardial strain. However, left-ventricular long axis strain (LVLAS) might enable an equally sensitive measurement of myocardial deformation as global longitudinal or circumferential strain in a more rapid and simple fashion.

Methods
In this study we compared the diagnostic performance of fSENC, FT and LVLAS for identification of cardiac pathology (ACS, cardiac-non-ACS) in patients presenting with chest pain (initial hscTnT 5–52 ng/l). Patients were prospectively recruited from the chest pain unit in Heidelberg. The CMR scan was performed within 1 h after patient presentation. Analysis of LVLAS was compared to the GLS and GCS as measured by fSENC and FT.

Results
In total 40 patients were recruited (ACS n = 6, cardiac-non-ACS n = 6, non-cardiac n = 28). LVLAS was comparable to fSENC for differentiation between healthy myocardium and myocardial dysfunction (GLS-fSENC AUC: 0.882; GCS-fSENC AUC: 0.899; LVLAS AUC: 0.771; GLS-FT AUC: 0.740; GCS-FT: 0.688), while FT-derived strain did not allow for differentiation between ACS and non-cardiac patients. There was significant variability between the three techniques. Intra- and inter-observer variability (OV) was excellent for fSENC and FT, while for LVLAS the agreement was lower and levels of variability higher (intra-OV: Pearson > 0.7, ICC > 0.8; inter-OV: Pearson > 0.65, ICC > 0.8; CoV > 25%).

Conclusions
While reproducibility was excellent for both FT and fSENC, it was only fSENC and the LVLAS which allowed for significant identification of myocardial dysfunction, even before LVEF, and therefore might be used as rapid supporting parameters for assessment of left-ventricular function.
Ramadan fasting outcome among high-risk patients
Authors: Baynouna AlKetbi Latifa , Nagelkerke Nico , AlZarouni Amal , Al Kuwaiti Mouza , Al Ghafli Mona , Al Qahtani Salama , Al Kaabi Bushra , Al Kaabi Mariam , Al Ahbabi Ali , Al Zeyodi Yousif , Al Ketheri Kholoud , Al Nabooda Khawla , Al Tenaji Khadija , AlAlawi Ali , Abdelbaqi Hanan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
There is a growing literature on guidelines regarding Ramadan fasting for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, most studies only consider the impact of fasting on renal function. This study additionally aims to assess factors influencing Ramadan fasting in patients with CKD.

Method
This is a prospective before and after cohort study. CKD patients were counseled regarding fasting and followed-up post-Ramadan for renal function status, actual fasting behavior, and other relevant outcomes.

Results
Of the 360 patients who attended the pre-Ramadan consultation, 306 were reachable after Ramadan of whom 55.3% were female. Of these 306 67.1% reported that they had fasted, 4.9% had attempted to fast but stopped, and 28% did not fast at all. Of these 74 has a post-fasting kidney test. Of the patients, 68.1% had stage 3A CKD, 21.7% had stage 3B, 7.9% stage 4, and only 2% stage 5. Of those who fasted, 11.1% had a drop in Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) of 20% or more. Those who did not fast (16.7%) presented a similar drop. Conversely, among the few who attempted to fast and had to stop, half showed a drop in eGFR of more than 20%. In linear regression, fasting was not associated with post-Ramadan eGFR, when controlling for age and baseline eGRF. There were 17 (5.6%) significant events, including one death. More significant events occurred among the group who fasted some of Ramadan days, 26.7% of the subjects experienced an adverse event—while 4.7% of the group who did not fast had a significant adverse event compared to 4.4% among those who fasted all Ramadan.

Conclusion
Fasting was not a significant determining factor in renal function deterioration in the study’s population, nor did it have any significant association with adverse events.
Safety and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with nephrotic syndrome: a report of 21 cases
Authors: Kelddal Sarah , Hvas Anne-Mette , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Birn Henrik 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events (TE) adding to the morbidity and mortality. International guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with NS and high risk of TE, but no studies have identified the optimal type of anticoagulation in NS. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) by analyzing the thromboembolic and bleeding events in NS patients prescribed DOAC as primary prophylaxis to prevent TE or as treatment for TE occurring in relation to NS.

Methods
We performed a single-center, retrospective study including patients with NS, a plasma albumin less than 25 g/L and prophylactic anticoagulation treatment with DOAC at the Department of Renal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark from July 2016 to June 2021. Patients treated with DOAC as thromboprophylaxis for other indications than NS were excluded. Baseline characteristics and outcomes, including TE, bleeding and other adverse effects associated with DOAC were obtained from medical records.

Results
We identified 268 patients treated with DOAC of which 21 patients with NS were included in the study. Nineteen patients were prescribed DOAC as thromboprophylaxis and two patients received DOAC due to previous TE, which was considered associated with the NS. The type of DOAC prescribed was apixaban (n = 10) and rivaroxaban (n = 11). No patients experienced TE during DOAC treatment, while five patients had a minor bleeding episode. Patients who experienced bleeding episodes were older (median 62 vs 51 years), more often female (80%) and had been on DOAC for a longer period (204 days vs 47 days). Neither the HAS-BLED score nor GN-risk-score predicted the risk of minor bleedings in this population.

Conclusions
In this case series, no new TE and only minor bleeding complications were observed among adult NS patients treated with DOAC.
Facilitators and barriers influencing weight management behaviours during pregnancy: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Escañuela Sánchez Tamara , Meaney Sarah , O’Connor Caroline , Linehan Laura , O’Donoghue Keelin , Byrne Molly , Matvienko-Sikar Karen 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Obesity and overweight are considered risk factors for a range of adverse outcomes, including stillbirth. This study aims to identify factors reported by women influencing weight management behaviours during pregnancy.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted in five databases from inception to 2019 and updated in 2021. Qualitative studies involving pregnant or post-partum women, from high-income countries, examining women’s experiences of weight management during pregnancy were included. Meta-ethnography was used to facilitate the meta-synthesis of 17 studies.

Results
Three themes were identified during the analysis: (1) Awareness and beliefs about weight gain and weight management, which included level of awareness and knowledge about dietary and exercise recommendations, risk perception and decision balance, perceived control over health and weight gain and personal insecurities. (2) Antenatal healthcare, women’s experiences of their interactions with healthcare professionals during the antenatal period and the quality of the education received had an effect on women’s behaviour. Further, our findings highlight the need for clear and direct information, and improved interactions with healthcare professionals, to better support women’s weight management behaviours. (3) Social and environmental influence, the social judgement and stigmatization associated with overweight and obesity also acted as a negative influence in womens’ engagement in weight management behaviours.

Conclusion
Interventions developed to promote and maintain weight management behaviours during pregnancy should consider all levels of influence over women’s behaviours, including women’s level of awareness and beliefs, experiences in antenatal care, education provision and social influence.
Prognostic impact of activin subunit inhibin beta A in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinomas
Authors: Staudacher J. J. , Arnold Alexander , Kühl A. A. , Pötzsch M. , Daum S. , Winterfeld M. , Berg E. , Hummel M. , Rau B. , Stein U. , Treese C. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Adenocarcinomas of the esophagus (AEG) and stomach (AS) are among the most common cancers worldwide. Novel markers for risk stratification and guiding treatment are strongly needed. Activin is a multi-functional cytokine with context specific pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of activin tumor protein expression in AEG/ASs.

Methods
Tissue from a retrospective cohort of 277 patients with AEG/AS treated primarily by surgery at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin was collected and analyzed by immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody to the activin homodimer inhibin beta A. Additionally, we evaluated T-cell infiltration and PD1 expression as well as expression of PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry as possible confounding factors. Clinico-pathologic data were collected and correlated with activin protein expression.

Results
Out of 277 tumor samples, 72 (26.0%) exhibited high activin subunit inhibin beta A protein expression. Higher expression was correlated with lower Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage and longer overall survival. Interestingly, activin subunit expression correlated with CD4+ T-cell infiltration, and the correlation with higher overall survival was exclusively seen in tumors with high CD4+ T-cell infiltration, pointing towards a role of activin in the tumor immune response in AEG/ASs.

Conclusion
In our cohort of AEG/AS, higher activin subunit levels were correlated with longer overall survival, an effect exclusively seen in tumors with high CD4+ cell infiltration. Further mechanistic research is warranted discerning the exact effect of this context specific cytokine.
Promoter methylation of transient receptor potential melastatin-related 7 (TRPM7) predicts a better prognosis in patients with Luminal A breast cancers
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Lu Rong , Chen Pu , Cui Rongrong , Ji Meiju , Zhang Xiaozhi , Hou Peng , Qu Yiping 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common female tumors arising worldwide, and genetic and epigenetic events are constantly accumulated in breast tumorigenesis. The melastatin-related transient receptor potential 7 channel (TRPM7) is a nonselective cation channel, mainly maintaining Zn2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ homeostasis. It is also involved in regulating proliferation and migration in various cancers including breast cancer. However, epigenetic alterations (such as promoter methylation) of TRPM7 and their correlation with clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that TRPM7 was highly expressed in the luminal A subtype of breast cancers but no other subtypes compared with GTEx (Genotype-Tissue Expression Rad) or normal samples by analyzing the TCGA database. Correspondingly, TRPM7 was methylated in 42.7% (93 of 219) of breast cancers. Further studies found that promoter methylation of TRPM7 were significantly associated with better clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients, especially in the Luminal A subtype. Besides, methylated TRPM7 was correlated with less number of metastatic lymph nodes and longer local failure free survival time in this subtype. In summary, our data indicate that promoter methylation of TRPM7 may predict poor prognosis in patients with luminal A breast cancer.
Sintilimab plus docetaxel as second-line therapy of advanced non-small cell lung cancer without targetable mutations: a phase II efficacy and biomarker study
Authors: Zhang Yongchang , Song Lianxi , Zeng Liang , Xiong Yi , Liu Li , Zhou Chunhua , Yang Haiyan , Wang Zhan , Xia Qing , Jiang Wenjuan , Xu Qinqin , Yang Nong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Single-agent immunotherapy is currently the recommended second-line therapy for patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without targetable mutations; however, the objective response rate (ORR) remains low. This phase II study evaluated the efficacy of the combination therapy of sintilimab plus docetaxel and explored potential biomarkers for efficacy prediction.

Methods
Thirty patients with NSCLC without targetable mutations whose disease progressed from first-line platinum-based chemotherapy from October 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled in this single-arm, single-center, phase II trial. Sintilimab (200 mg) and docetaxel (75 mg/m2) were administered every 3 weeks until progression. The primary endpoint was ORR. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Biomarker analyses of blood and tissue samples were also performed.

Results
Among 30 patients, 11 patients had partial response, resulting in an ORR of 36.7%. The median PFS was 5.0 months (95%CI: 3.9–6.1) and OS was 13.4 months (95%CI: 5.6–21.2). The most common immune-related adverse event of any grade was hepatitis, observed in 23.3% (7/30) of patients. Treatment-emergent adverse events were manageable. Patients detected with high PD-L1 expression in circulating tumor cells (cutoff value ≥32.5% based on the median CTC-PD-L1 expression) achieved significantly higher ORR (60% versus 13.3%, p = 0.021) and significantly longer median PFS (6.0 versus 3.5 months, p = 0.011) and median OS (15.8 versus 9.0 months, p = 0.038) than those with low CTC-PD-L1 level. Patients detected with PD-L1 < 1% and CD8 ≥ 1% expression from their baseline tissue samples had significantly higher ORR (83.3% versus 12.5%, p = 0.026) but similar PFS (p = 0.62) and OS (p = 0.15).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of sintilimab plus docetaxel as a second-line treatment of NSCLC without targetable mutations after progression from first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

Trial registration
This study was registered in the Clinical trials registry with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03798743 (SUCCESS).
Central serous chorioretinopathy and angioid streaks: coincidental?
Authors: Penas Susana Costa , Resende José António , Sousa Amândio Rocha , Carneiro Ângela Veloso , Reis Fernando Falcão 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
To report an unusual case of central serous chorioretinopathy in a patient with angioid streaks.

Case presentation
The authors describe a case report of a 26-year old male patient presenting acute scotoma and metamorphopsia in OD. He had been diagnosed with angioid streaks complicated with choroidal neovascularization and referred to us for treatment. The patient presented an ETDRS score of 85 letters (20/20) in OD and in OS. The anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Fundoscopy revealed bilateral angioid streaks (AS) and peau d’orange, as well as a small neurosensory retinal detachment in the macula of OD. A multimodal retinal analysis, including fundus photography, infra-red and fundus autofluorescence imaging, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography was performed. The diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy was made in the absence of any identifiable choroidal neovascularization. He was submitted to half-dose photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. One month later, he reported no visual complaints, his vision was 85 letters (20/20) in OD and a complete resolution of the sub-retinal fluid was registered. No signs of choroidal neovascularization were detected on the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). A complete medical workup evaluation was made to exclude systemic diseases usually associated with AS.

Conclusions
To the authors’ knowledge, this is the second reported case of CSC associated with angioid streaks. The focal abnormalities in the Bruch’s membrane and the irregular vascular choriocapillary network associated with AS might predispose to CSC.
A novel variant in the ROR2 gene underlying brachydactyly type B: a case report
Authors: Shao Jiaqi , Liu Yue , Zhao Shuyang , Sun Weisheng , Zhan Jie , Cao Lihua 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Brachydactyly type B is an autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by hypoplasia of the distal phalanges and nails and can be divided into brachydactyly type B1 (BDB1) and brachydactyly type B2 (BDB2). BDB1 is the most severe form of brachydactyly and is caused by truncating variants in the receptor tyrosine kinase–like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) gene.

Case presentation
Here, we report a five-generation Chinese family with brachydactyly with or without syndactyly. The proband and her mother underwent digital separation in syndactyly, and the genetic analyses of the proband and her parents were provided. The novel heterozygous frameshift variant c.1320dupG, p.(Arg441Alafs*18) in the ROR2 gene was identified in the affected individuals by whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. The c.1320dupG variant in ROR2 is predicted to produce a truncated protein that lacks tyrosine kinase and serine/threonine- and proline-rich structures and remarkably alters the tertiary structures of the mutant ROR2 protein.

Conclusion
The c.1320dupG, p.(Arg441Alafs*18) variant in the ROR2 gene has not been reported in any databases thus far and therefore is novel. Our study extends the gene variant spectrum of brachydactyly and may provide information for the genetic counselling of family members.
Alterations of functional connectivity of the lateral habenula in subclinical depression and major depressive disorder
Authors: Yang Lei , Jin Chaoyang , Qi Shouliang , Teng Yueyang , Li Chen , Yao Yudong , Ruan Xiuhang , Wei Xinhua 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common cause of disability and morbidity, affecting about 10% of the population worldwide. Subclinical depression (SD) can be understood as a precursor of MDD, and therefore provides an MDD risk indicator. The pathogenesis of MDD and SD in humans is still unclear, and the current diagnosis lacks accurate biomarkers and gold standards.

Methods
A total of 40 MDD, 34 SD, and 40 healthy control (HC) participants matched by age, gender, and education were included in this study. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance images (rs-fMRI) were used to analyze the functional connectivity (FC) of the posterior parietal thalamus (PPtha), which includes the lateral habenula, as the region of interest. Analysis of variance with the post hoc t-test test was performed to find significant differences in FC and clarify the variations in FC among the HC, SD, and MDD groups.

Results
Increased FC was observed between PPtha and the left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) for MDD versus SD, and between PPtha and the right ITG for SD versus HC. Conversely, decreased FC was observed between PPtha and the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG) for MDD versus SD and MDD versus HC. The FC between PPtha and the middle frontal gyrus (MFG) in SD was higher than that in MDD and HC. Compared with the HC group, the FC of PPtha-ITG (left and right) increased in both the SD and MDD groups, PPtha-MTG (right) decreased in both the SD and MDD groups and PPtha-MFG (right) increased in the SD group and decreased in the MDD group.

Conclusion
Through analysis of FC measured by rs-fMRI, the altered FC between PPtha and several brain regions (right and left ITG, right MTG, and right MFG) has been identified in participants with SD and MDD. Different alterations in FC between PPtha and these regions were identified for patients with depression. These findings might provide insights into the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of SD and MDD, especially related to PPtha and the lateral habenula.