bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Liver Imaging in Radiotherapy for Liver Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Pi-Xiao , Zhang Ying , Zhang Quan-Bin , Zhang Guo-Qian , Yu Hui , Zhang Shu-Xu 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundsFunctional liver imaging can identify functional liver distribution heterogeneity and integrate it into radiotherapy planning. The feasibility and clinical benefit of functional liver-sparing radiotherapy planning are currently unknown.MethodsA comprehensive search of several primary databases was performed to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric and clinical benefits of functional liver-sparing planning radiotherapy. Secondary objectives were to assess the ability of functional imaging to predict the risk of radiation-induced liver toxicity (RILT), and the dose-response relationship after radiotherapy.ResultsA total of 20 publications were enrolled in descriptive tables and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis found that mean functional liver dose (f-MLD) was reduced by 1.0 Gy [95%CI: (-0.13, 2.13)], standard mean differences (SMD) of functional liver volume receiving ≥20 Gy (fV20) decreased by 0.25 [95%CI: (-0.14, 0.65)] when planning was optimized to sparing functional liver (P &gt;0.05). Seven clinical prospective studies reported functional liver-sparing planning-guided radiotherapy leads to a low incidence of RILD, and the single rate meta-analysis showed that the RILD (defined as CTP score increase ≥2) incidence was 0.04 [95%CI: (0.00, 0.11), P &lt;0.05]. Four studies showed that functional liver imaging had a higher value to predict RILT than conventional anatomical CT. Four studies established dose-response relationships in functional liver imaging after radiotherapy.ConclusionAlthough functional imaging modalities and definitions are heterogeneous between studies, but incorporation into radiotherapy procedures for liver cancer patients may provide clinical benefits. Further validation in randomized clinical trials will be required in the future.
Galloway–Mowat Syndrome Type 3 Caused by OSGEP Gene Variants: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Xu Suhua , Hu Lan , Yang Lin , Wu Bingbing , Cao Yun , Zhang Rong , Xu Xin , Ma Haiyan , Zhou Wenhao , Cheng Guoqiang , Zhang Peng , Hu Liyuan 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundGalloway–Mowat syndrome type 3 (GAMOS3) is an extremely rare and severe autosomal-recessive disease characterized by early-onset nephrotic syndrome (NS), microcephaly and neurological impairment. Reported GAMOS cases have gradually increased since pathogenic OSGEP variants were identified as the aetiology in 2017.MethodsUsing whole-exome sequencing and a data analysis process established by Children's Hospital of Fudan University, the clinical and molecular features of 3 infants with OSGEP mutations were summarized. Literature regarding the clinical features of GAMOS3 caused by OSGEP variants was reviewed.ResultsThirty-seven individuals (3 from this study) from 34 families were included. Twenty-two different OSGEP variants were identified. The c.740G&gt;A (p.Arg247Gln) variant in OSGEP was detected in 15 families (44%), all from Asia. Most affected individuals (including patients I and II in this study) showed a typical phenotype, including microcephaly (92%) with brain anomalies (97%), developmental delay (81%), congenital NS (54%), and craniofacial (94%) and skeletal dysmorphism (84%). Renal manifestations varied from proteinuria (94%, median onset = 1.5 months) to NS (83%) and end-stage renal disease (48%, 11 months) during follow-up. Patients with congenital NS had a lower survival probability (median survival time = 3 months) than those without congenital NS (78 months) (P &lt; 0.01, log-rank test).ConclusionGAMOS3 is a progressive renal-neurological syndrome with a poor prognosis, especially with congenital NS. Microcephaly with dysmorphic features are vital clues to further evaluate renal impairment and brain anomalies. Timely molecular diagnosis is crucial for clinical decision-making, appropriate treatment and genetic counselling.
Impact of Growth Sites on the Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Three Algerian Mentha Species (M. pulegium L., M. rotundifolia (L.) Huds., and M. spicata L.)
Authors: Brahmi Fatiha , Lounis Nassima , Mebarakou Siham , Guendouze Naima , Yalaoui-Guellal Drifa , Madani Khodir , Boulekbache-Makhlouf Lila , Duez Pierre 
Published: June 2022

Research studies about the effect of environmental agents on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in medicinal plants are required to establish a set of optimal growth conditions. Hence, in this work, we considered the impact of habitat types, soil composition, climatic factors, and altitude on the content of phenolics in Mentha species [M. pulegium L. (MP), M. rotundifolia (L.) Huds. (MR), and M. spicata L. (MS)] grown in different regions of Algeria. The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities were analyzed using spectrophotometric and HPTLC methods. The harvesting localities differ by their altitudes and climates, but their soils are quite similar, characterized by slight alkalinity, moderate humidity, no-salinity, and high levels in organic matter. Both the contents in total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), and rosmarinic acid (RAC), and the antioxidant activities of Mentha samples collected from these Algerian localities are affected by the geographical regions of origin. The samples of MS and MP from the Khemis–Miliana region showed the highest concentration in TPC (MS, 7853 ± 265 mg GAE/100 g DW; MP, 5250 ± 191 mg GAE/100 g DW), while in Chemini, the MR samples were the richest in these compounds (MR, 3568 ± 195 mg GAE/100 g DW). Otherwise, the MP (from Tichy), MR (from Tajboudjth), and MS (from Khemis–Miliana) specimens exhibited the highest levels of TFC and RAC. The antioxidant levels in a total activity test (reduction of phosphomolybdate) appear correlated with the total phenolic contents, but this was not the case for most of the important ROS-scavenging and iron-chelating capacities for which the quality of polyphenols is probably more important than their amounts. A principal component analysis (PCA) score plot indicates that all of the Mentha samples can be divided into four groups. These discriminated groups appear comparatively similar in phenolic contents and antioxidant activities. As for the harvest localities, the Mentha samples were divided into four groups in which the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities were comparatively equivalent.
A Five-Dimensional Network Meta-Analysis of Chinese Herbal Injections for Treating Acute Tonsillitis Combined With Western Medicine
Authors: Huang Peiying , Li Yin , Huang Bixuan , Zhao Shuai , Chen Li , Guan Hansu , Chen Yan , Feng Yuchao , Huang Xiaoyan , Deng Yi , Lei Sisi , Wu Qihua , Zhang Haobo , Zeng Zhongyi , Zeng Linsheng , Chen Bojun 
Published: June 2022

Background: Acute tonsillitis has high morbidity. Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) were reported to be useful in treating acute tonsillitis and might reduce the probability of antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, the optimal strategy for combining CHIs with western medicine (WM) to treat acute tonsillitis remains unclear.Methods: We retrieved data from the following databases with retrieval time from inception to 11 January 2022: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Weipu Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB2) was used for evaluating the quality of the included studies. R 4.1.2, STATA 14.0, and Python 3.10.4 were employed for network meta-analysis, with 5-dimensional K-means cluster analysis, meta-regression analyses, sensitivity analyses, and subgroup analyses.Results: A total of 110 randomized controlled trials including 12,152 patients were included. All the studies were rated as “high risk” and “some concerns”. In terms of improving clinical effectiveness rate, Qingkailing injection + WM ranked ahead of other interventions (89.51%). Regarding reducing antipyretic time, Reduning injection + WM had the highest-ranking probability (68.48%). As for shortening sore throat relief time, Shuanghuanglian injection + WM ranked first (76.82%). Concerning shortening red and swollen tonsils relief time, Yanhuning injection + WM possessed the highest-ranking probability (89.17%). In terms of reducing tonsillar exudate relief time, Xuebijing injection + WM ranked ahead of the other interventions (94.82%). Additionally, the results of the cluster analysis suggested that Xuebijing injection + WM, Reduning injection + WM, and Yanhuning injection + WM were probably the best interventions. Furthermore, adverse drug reactions rate of Xuebijing injection + WM, Reduning injection + WM, Yanhuning injection + WM, Qingkailing injection + WM, and Shuanghuanglian injection + WM were individually 0.00%, 3.11%, 3.08%, 4.29%, and 4.62%.Conclusions: CHIs + WM have a better impact on patients with acute tonsillitis than WM alone. Xuebijing injection, Reduning injection, and Yanhuning injection might have potential advantages in treating the disease. Concerning adverse drug reactions, Xuebijing injection is presumably the optimal CHI. More high-quality studies are needed to further confirm our findings.Systematic Review Registration: CRD42022303243; URL= https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=303243
Reimbursed Medication Adherence Enhancing Interventions in European Countries: Results of the EUREcA Study
Authors: Ágh Tamás , Hadžiabdić Maja Ortner , Garuoliene Kristina , Granas Anne Gerd , Aarnio Emma , Menditto Enrica , Gregório João , Barnestein-Fonseca Pilar , Mevsim Vildan , Kardas Przemysław ,   European Network to Advance Best Practices and Technology on Medication Adherence (ENABLE)
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Current literature lacks detailed understanding of the reimbursement framework of medication adherence enhancing interventions (MAEIs). As part of the ENABLE COST Action, the EUREcA (“EUropen REimbursement strategies for interventions targeting medication Adherence”) study aimed to provide an in-depth overview of reimbursed MAEIs currently available in European countries at national and regional levels and to pave the way for further MAEIs to be implemented in the future.Methods: A web-based, cross-sectional survey was performed across 38 European countries and Israel. The survey questionnaire was developed as a result of an iterative process of discussion informed by a desk review. The survey was performed among invited ENABLE collaborators from June to July 2021. Besides descriptive analysis, association between country income and health care expenditure, and the availability of reimbursed MAEIs were also assessed.Results: The survey identified 13 reimbursed MAEIs in nine countries: multi-dose drug dispensing (n = 5), medication review (n = 4), smart device (n = 2), mobile application (n = 1), and patient education (n = 1). The median GDP per capita of countries having ≥1 reimbursed MAEI was significantly higher compared to countries having no reimbursed adherence intervention (33,888 EUR vs 16,620 EUR, respectively; p = 0.05).Conclusions: Our findings highlight that to date only a small number of MAEIs have been reimbursed in European countries. Comprehensive health technology assessment recommendations and multi-stakeholder collaboration could help removing barriers related to the implementation and reimbursement of MAEIs.
Relating Compulsivity and Impulsivity With Severity of Behavioral Addictions: A Dynamic Interpretation of Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Findings
Authors: Demetrovics Zsolt , van den Brink Wim , Paksi Borbála , Horváth Zsolt , Maraz Aniko 
Published: June 2022

Background and AimImpulsivity and compulsivity are two key temperament traits involved in behavior regulation. The aim of this study was to test several existing theories in explaining the role of impulsivity and compulsivity in symptom severity in various behavioral addictions.MethodsData were collected from a (representative) general population sample (N = 2,710, mean age:39.8 years (SD:13.6), 51% woman), and from people who are at increased risk of having a behavioral addiction (N = 9,528 in total, mean age: 28.11 (SD:8.3), 34.3% woman), including people with problematic gaming and internet use, pathological gambling, exercise dependence, compulsive buying and work addiction. Symptom severity, reward driven impulsivity and relief driven compulsivity were assessed.ResultsFor non-problematic groups, impulsivity is present to about the same extent as compulsivity, whereas for problematic groups, compulsivity dominates over impulsivity in all groups (except for gambling). The strength of the correlation between impulsivity and compulsivity is higher in more severe forms of the disorders (from r = 0.18 to r = 0.59 in the representative population).DiscussionBased on these data, it appears that relief-driven behavior (negative reinforcement) dominates over reward-driven behavior (positive reinforcement) in more severe cases of a behavioral addiction.ConclusionThis is the first large-scale study to find empirical support for the neuroscientific theory on the dominance of compulsivity (“needing”) over impulsivity (“wanting”) in more severe cases of a behavioral addiction. Although longitudinal research is needed, a possible shift from impulsivity to compulsivity takes place, similar to substance use addictions, which maintains the circle of addiction.
Serum Levels and in vitro CX3CL1 (Fractalkine), CXCL8, and IL-10 Synthesis in Phytohemaglutinin-Stimulated and Non-stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Subjects With Schizophrenia
Authors: Arabska Jaśmina , Wysokiński Adam , Brzezińska-Błaszczyk Ewa , Kozłowska Elżbieta 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionAlthough schizophrenia is a severe mental illness, whose etiology is still largely unknown, its pathogenesis may be associated with dysregulation of the immune mechanisms. The present study compares the levels of interleukin (IL)-10, interleukin-8 (CXCL8), and fractalkine (CX3CL1) between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. It also assesses the ability of peripheral peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to produce these cytokines spontaneously and following mitogen-stimulation.Materials and MethodsA prospective study was performed of 60 adult schizophrenia patients and 32 controls. CXCL8, IL-10, and fractalkine concentrations were measured in serum and supernatants from cultured PBMCs. Anthropometric (BMI, WHR) and body composition measurements were taken using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).Results and ConclusionThe schizophrenia patients demonstrated significantly higher levels of serum CXCL8 (schizophrenia: 13.4 ± 15.7 pg/mL, control: 6.9 ± 4.2 pg/mL,p= 0.001) and lower level of serum fractalkine (schizophrenia: 22.8 ± 9.9 pg/mL, control: 45.4 ± 84.5 pg/mL,p= 0.041). Serum IL-10 levels did not significantly differ. Noin vitrosynthesis of fractalkine was observed. Neither unstimulated or PHA-stimulated CXCL8 secretion differed between the two groups (p&gt;0.05). The patients not taking mood stabilizers (MS–) demonstrated significantly higher CXCL8 levels than those on mood stabilizers (MS+) (p= 0.03) and control (p&lt; 0.001). In addition, the MS- sub-group demonstrated significantly lower serum fraktalkine than controls (p= 0.009). These effects could be described as pseudo-normalization of CXCL8 and fractalkine in schizophrenia patients taking mood stabilizers.
Network Analysis of the Brief ICF Core Set for Schizophrenia
Authors: Nuño Laura , Guilera Georgina , Barrios Maite , Gómez-Benito Juana , Abdelhamid Gomaa Said Mohamed 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Core Sets (ICF-CSs) for schizophrenia are a set of categories for assessing functioning in persons with this health condition. This study aimed to: a) estimate the network structure of the Brief ICF-CS for schizophrenia, b) examine the community structure (categories strongly clustered together) underlying this network, and c) identify the most central categories within this network.MethodsA total of 638 health professionals from different backgrounds and with a significant role in the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia participated in a series of Delphi studies. Based on their responses we used the Ising model to estimate the network structure of the 25-category Brief ICF-CS, and then estimated the degree of centrality for all categories. Finally, the community structure was detected using the walktrap algorithm.ResultsThe resulting network revealed strong associations between individual categories within components of the ICF (i.e., Body functions, Activities and participation, and Environmental factors). The results also showed three distinct clusters of categories corresponding to the same three components. The categories e410 Individual attitudes of immediate family members, e450 Individual attitudes of health professionals, d910 Community life, and d175 Solving problems were among the most central categories in the Brief ICF-CS network.ConclusionThese results demonstrate the utility of a network approach for estimating the structure of the ICF-CSs. Implications of these results for clinical interventions and development of new instruments are discussed.
Anxiety, Stress and Depression in COVID-19 Survivors From an Italian Cohort of Hospitalized Patients: Results From a 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Gramaglia Carla , Gattoni Eleonora , Gambaro Eleonora , Bellan Mattia , Balbo Piero Emilio , Baricich Alessio , Sainaghi Pier Paolo , Pirisi Mario , Binda Valeria , Feggi Alessandro , Jona Amalia , Marangon Debora , Prosperini Pierluigi , Zeppegno Patrizia 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundMental health-related symptoms can persist over time beyond the most common respiratory clinical features of COVID-19. A recent meta-analysis underlined that mental health sequalae may be relevant for COVID-19 survivors and reported the following prevalence rates: 20% for post-traumatic stress disorder, 22% for anxiety, 36% for psychological distress, and 21% for depression. In the context of a multi-disciplinary follow-up project, we already investigated the mid-term (4 months) psychiatric outcomes in a sample of COVID-19 survivors. Patients were re-assessed after 1-year since hospital discharge.MethodsFollow-up conducted after 1 year involved 196 individuals recovered from COVID-19. Patients were assessed with a multi-disciplinary approach; including both a clinical interview performed by an experienced psychiatrist, trained in the use of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to assess the presence of anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms and the following self-administered questionnaires: Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Resilience Scale for Adults, Impact of Event Scale, and COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI).ResultsAnxiety (p &lt; 0.0001) and depressive (p &lt; 0.0003) symptoms registered at the clinical interview showed a significant improvement from the 4 to 12-months follow-up. Logistic regression model showed that female gender (p = 0.006), arterial hypertension (p = 0.01), obesity (0.04), anxiety (p &lt; 0.0001), and depressive (p = 0.02) symptoms at 4-months follow-up were associated with persistence of anxiety symptoms at 12 months. At logistic regression analysis female gender (p = 0.02) and depressive symptoms at 4-months follow-up (p = 0.01) were associated with depressive symptoms after 12 months.ConclusionSeverity of the disease in the acute phase, in this study, was not a determining factor in identifying subjects at risk of developing clinically relevant anxiety and depression as a consequence of COVID-19 disease. Findings from the logistic regressions suggest that the factors most affecting depression and anxiety in COVID survivors after 12 months were female gender, the presence of anxiety and depression after 4 months and some physical symptoms, not necessarily COVID-related. Impact of infection and consequent hospitalization for COVID-19 did no longer represent a relevant issue for depressive symptoms, compared to other general factors.
“Whatever is in the ARVs, is Also in the PrEP” Challenges Associated With Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Female Sex Workers in South Africa
Authors: Makhakhe Nosipho Faith , Sliep Yvonne , Meyer-Weitz Anna 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe national policy on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for female sex workers (FSWs) was instituted in South Africa in 2016. FSWs were targeted for PrEP due to a Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence of 57.7%, which is higher than the prevalence of 19.07% among the general population. Research from demonstration studies has shown that uptake of PrEP has been slower than anticipated, and the purpose of this study was to explore barriers to the uptake of PrEP among FSWs.MethodsAn in-depth qualitative study was conducted with 39 participants, 30 individual participants, and nine focus group participants. Eleven participants consisted of peer educators and two health workers from a sex work and PrEP distribution organization, the rest of the participants (1) were FSWs.ResultsThe majority of participants mentioned that little distinction was made between PrEP and antiretrovirals (ARVs) taken by FSWs living with HIV. PrEP was not distributed through public health care facilities, and health workers unknowingly labeled PrEP as ARVs. Consequently, health workers seen as experts created suspicion and contributed to the mistrust of PrEP among FSWs due to mixed messages, and equating PrEP to ARVs reduced uptake. Furthermore, failure to make a clear distinction between oral PrEP and ARVs resulted in accusations of lying, denialism, and deception leveled at users of PrEP by FSWs using ARVs, and sometimes by clients and intimate partners. FSWs using PrEP reported feeling stigmatized and thrust into interpersonal conflict with their peers after choosing PrEP, leading to broken relationships, and some resorting to taking PrEP privately or discontinuing PrEP altogether.ConclusionPre-exposure prophylaxis as an ARV targeted for the prevention of HIV among high-risk groups was found to be stigmatizing. The distinctive use of PrEP and ARVs should be correctly explained to users to minimize confusion, enable differentiation and reduce interpersonal conflict. Cohesion among sex work organizations and public health care facilities is needed to disseminate the correct knowledge on PrEP. A non-stigmatizing approach to the distribution of PrEP may serve to increase uptake and adherence.