bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using national electronic health records for pandemic preparedness: validation of a parsimonious model for predicting excess deaths among those with COVID-19–a data-driven retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mizani Mehrdad A , Dashtban Ashkan , Pasea Laura , Lai Alvina G , Thygesen Johan , Tomlinson Chris , Handy Alex , Mamza Jil B , Morris Tamsin , Khalid Sara , Zaccardi Francesco , Macleod Mary Joan , Torabi Fatemeh , Canoy Dexter , Akbari Ashley , Berry Colin , Bolton Thomas , Nolan John , Khunti Kamlesh , Denaxas Spiros , Hemingway Harry , Sudlow Cathie , Banerjee Amitava ,   on behalf of the CVD-COVID-UK Consortium
Published: November 2022

Objectives To use national, pre- and post-pandemic electronic health records (EHR) to develop and validate a scenario-based model incorporating baseline mortality risk, infection rate (IR) and relative risk (RR) of death for prediction of excess deaths. Design An EHR-based, retrospective cohort study. Setting Linked EHR in Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD); and linked EHR and COVID-19 data in England provided in NHS Digital Trusted Research Environment (TRE). Participants In the development (CPRD) and validation (TRE) cohorts, we included 3.8 million and 35.1 million individuals aged ≥30 years, respectively. Main outcome measures One-year all-cause excess deaths related to COVID-19 from March 2020 to March 2021. Results From 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021, there were 127,020 observed excess deaths. Observed RR was 4.34% (95% CI, 4.31–4.38) and IR was 6.27% (95% CI, 6.26–6.28). In the validation cohort, predicted one-year excess deaths were 100,338 compared with the observed 127,020 deaths with a ratio of predicted to observed excess deaths of 0.79. Conclusions We show that a simple, parsimonious model incorporating baseline mortality risk, one-year IR and RR of the pandemic can be used for scenario-based prediction of excess deaths in the early stages of a pandemic. Our analyses show that EHR could inform pandemic planning and surveillance, despite limited use in emergency preparedness to date. Although infection dynamics are important in the prediction of mortality, future models should take greater account of underlying conditions.
Trabecular bone microstructure analysis on data from a novel twin robotic X-ray device
Authors: Klintström Eva , Klintström Benjamin , Spångeus Anna , Sandborg Michael , Woisetschläger Mischa 
Published: November 2022

Background Bone strength is related to both mineral density (BMD) and the bone microstructure. However, only the assessment of BMD is available in clinical routine care today. Purpose To analyze and study the correlation of trabecular bone microstructure from the imaging data of a prototype Multitom Rax system, using micro-computed tomography (CT) data as the reference method (Skyscan 1176). Material and Methods Imaging data from 14 bone samples from the human radius were analyzed regarding six bone structure parameters, i.e. trabecular nodes, separation, spacing, and thickness as well as bone volume (BV/TV) and structural model index (SMI). Results All six structure parameters showed strong correlations to micro-CT with Spearman correlation coefficients in the range of 0.83–0.93. BV/TV and SMI had a correlation >0.90. Two of the parameters, namely, separation and number, had mean values in the same range as micro-CT. The other four were either over- or underestimated. Conclusion The strong correlation between micro-CT and the clinical imaging system, indicates the possibility for analyzing bone microstructure with potential to add value in fracture assessment using the studied device in a clinical workflow.
Comparison of T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging for the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum abnormality
Authors: Prakash Adity , Kumar Ishan , Verma Ashish , Shukla Ram C 
Published: November 2022

Background Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is feasible in prenatal imaging, and it exhibits better contrast between the placenta and the myometrium compared to T2-weighted (T2W) images. Purpose To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of placenta accreta on T2W and DW imaging. Material and Methods In this retrospective study, 42 pregnant patients who underwent prenatal MRI were included. MRI was performed on a Siemens 1.5-T scanner. T2W and DWI sequences in the axial, sagittal, and/or coronal planes were compiled for review. Two radiologists independently interpreted T2W and DW images for placenta accreta. T2W and DWI scores were calculated based on the presence of features and graded as low, intermediate, and high risk. The association between imaging features and placental invasion on pathology was calculated using chi-square tests. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (NPV) were compared between T2W and DWI interpretations. Inter-reader agreement between the two radiologists for T2W and DWI scores was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results Out of 42 pregnant patients, 10 were pathologically/surgically proven to have placenta accreta. There were no significant differences between T2W and DWI interpretations. Considering a cutoff >6 as positive, the T2W score had higher sensitivity (90% vs. 80%) and NPV (96.9% vs. 94.1%) than the DWI score. The specificity and positive predictive value were 100% for both scores. The inter-reader agreement of T2W score was higher (k = 0.943 vs. 0.882). Conclusion T2W and DWI are comparable in diagnosing placenta accreta spectrum. T2W sequences have higher sensitivity, NPV, and inter-reader agreement than DWI.
Persistently elevated alkaline phosphatase could be related to Paget’s disease of bone in a patient receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Aubert Arthur , Berger Jean-Luc , Hittinger Roux Ambre , N’Guyen Yohan , Bani-Sadr Firouzé 
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) reaches 1–2% of all adults aged ≥55 years old. However, reports describing PDB among HIV positive patients are extremely rare. We report here the case of a HIV positive person receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF)-based antiretroviral therapy and who had persistently elevated alkaline phosphatase (AP) revealing PDB. It is well established that tenofovir-DF use is associated with reversible increases in serum AP levels. Clinicians should bear in mind that persistently elevated AP in a person receiving tenofovir DF-based cART could be related to PDB, in particular in person older than 50 years with no other notable biological abnormalities related to kidney tubular dysfunction.
Minimum 5-Year Follow-up Results: CROSSBAT (Combined Randomised and Observational Study of Surgery vs No Surgery for Type B Ankle Fracture Treatment)
Authors: O’Keefe Ryan , Naylor Justine M. , Symes Michael J. , Harris Ian A. , Mittal Rajat 
Published: November 2022

Background: Isolated Weber B, AO (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation) type 44B ankle fractures with no fracture to the medial side are the most common type of ankle fracture and may be treated with internal fixation or without surgery. This study aimed to determine if surgery is superior to nonsurgical management for the treatment of these fractures after a minimum 5-year follow-up. Methods: Design: A pragmatic, multicenter, single-masked, randomized controlled trial with minimum 5-year follow-up. Setting/participants/interventions: Participants between 18 and 65 years with AO type 44B ankle fracture and minimal talar shift were recruited from 22 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Participants willing to be randomized were randomly allocated to undergo surgical fixation followed by mobilization in a walking boot for 6 weeks. Those treated nonsurgically were managed in a walking boot for 6 weeks. Outcome assessors were masked for the treatment allocation. Primary outcomes: Patient-reported ankle function using the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Outcomes Questionnaire (FAOQ) and the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-12v2 General Health Survey at 12 months postinjury and at minimum 5 years post injury. Primary analysis was intention-to-treat. Results: Of the 160 (80 surgical, 80 nonoperative) randomized patients included in the CROSSBAT analysis, 77 (40 surgical, 37 nonoperative) were followed up for repeat analysis at minimum 5-year follow-up (mean 7.3 years, range 5.1-8.9). This cohort demonstrated that surgery was not associated with clinically or statistically significant differences compared to nonoperative management for the FAOQ (51.7 vs 49.6; mean difference 2.1, 95% CI –2.1 to 6.2, P = .95), or the PCS (51.5 vs 49.1; mean difference 2.3, 95% CI –2.0 to 6.7, P = .54). The surgical cohort had a higher rate of any adverse events (odds ratio 3.7, 95% CI 1.2-11.6, P = .04). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that surgical management is not superior to nonsurgical management in type B ankle (fibula) fractures with minimal talar shift over a 5-year period and is associated with increased adverse events. Level of Evidence: Level II, randomized clinical trial.
The Prognostic Value of Preoperative Serum D-dimer Levels After Surgical Resection of Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Huang Yang-Yu , Liu Xuan , Liang Shen-Hua , Hu Yu , Ma Guo-Wei 
Published: November 2022

Introduction Thymic epithelial tumors are the most common mediastinal tumors. Despite the high survival rate after surgery, some patients still require postoperative adjuvant therapy and closer follow-up. Hematological indicators such as biochemical routines and coagulation indicators have been reported to be independently associated with the prognosis of various malignancies. Therefore, we included hematological indicators in the analysis. Methods The data of 105 patients with thymic epithelial tumors were retrospectively collected from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, and the patients with missing preoperative hematological indicators were excluded. X-tile software was used to obtain the best cutoff value of each preoperative hematological indicator, and COX regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to demonstrate statistically significant results. Results COX univariate regression analysis of all patients showed that Masaoka stage, T stage, WHO histologic types, D-dimer, albumin-fibrinogen ratio (AFR), Fibrinogen (Fbg) were associated with postoperative overall survival ( P < .05). T stage, WHO histologic types, D-dimer, and AFR were associated with postoperative recurrence-free survival ( P < .05). Finally, multivariate regression analysis showed that T stage, D-dimer levels were independently associated with postoperative overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with thymic epithelial tumors. Conclusions For thymic epithelial tumors, higher preoperative D-dimer levels predict poorer survival and shorter recurrence-free survival. This may help guide postoperative adjuvant therapy and follow-up patterns in patients with thymic epithelial tumors.
Implementing a Machine-Learning-Adapted Algorithm to Identify Possible Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Mitchell Joshua D , Lenihan Daniel J , Reed Casey , Huda Ahsan , Nolen Kim , Bruno Marianna , Kannampallil Thomas 
Published: November 2022

Background: Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a frequently under-recognized cause of heart failure (HF) in older patients. To improve identification of patients at risk for the disease, we initiated a pilot program in which 9 cardiac/non-cardiac phenotypes and 20 high-performing phenotype combinations predictive of wild-type ATTR-CM were operationalized in electronic health record (EHR) configurations at a large academic medical center. Methods: Inclusion criteria were age >50 years and HF; exclusion criteria were end-stage renal disease and prior amyloidosis diagnoses. The different Epic EHR configurations investigated were a clinical decision support tool (Best Practice Advisory) and operational/analytical reports (Clarity™, Reporting Workbench™, and SlicerDicer); the different data sources employed were problem list, visit diagnosis, medical history, and billing transactions. Results: With Clarity, among 45 051 patients with HF, 4006 patients (8.9%) had ⩾1 phenotype combination associated with increased risk of wild-type ATTR-CM. Across all data sources, 2 phenotypes (cardiomegaly; osteoarthrosis) and 2 combinations (carpal tunnel syndrome + HF; atrial fibrillation + heart block + cardiomegaly + osteoarthrosis) generated the highest proportions of patients for wild-type ATTR-CM screening. Conclusion: All EHR configurations tested were capable of operationalizing phenotypes or phenotype combinations to identify at-risk patients; the Clarity report was the most comprehensive.
The GENICA project – a prospective cohort of heart failure patients with a comprehensive ambulatory approach aiming better outcomes: study protocol
Authors: Martins Carla Sofia de Almeida , de Carvalho João Abranches Figueiredo Simões , Vaz da Silva Manuel , Martins Luís 
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome increasing worldwide, and literature shows that the hospitalizations are associated with greater mortality rates. A patient-centered method combined with optimized medical treatment and palliative care may improve HF outcomes, and some advocate a multifaceted approach to achieve a perfect management of chronic HF (CHF). Objective: The objective of this study was to present the study protocol of GENICA project which aims to optimize the ambulatory approach of CHF patients, and reduce their re-hospitalization, emergency readmission, and global death rate. Design: Prospective cohort including patients referred to HF consultation and collecting sociodemographic, clinical, and analytical variables among others. The outcomes will be mortality, re-hospitalization, and emergency readmission rates. The association between the independent variables and outcomes will be assessed by logistic regression. Comparison between GENICA patients and controls will be made by χ2 test. Significance at p level of less than 0.05. Results: GENICA will offer a wide range of longitudinal data with evidence that will influence future healthcare of CHF patients at an ambulatory basis. Discussion: GENICA will provide practical evidence of real HF patient’s profile and develop workable decision algorithms, which will influence future ambulatory care of CHF. HF patients will be safer at home and will keep stability for longer periods, consuming less health resources and slow the progression of the disease. Being a matched cohort, GENICA benefits from an accuracy similar to that of randomized controlled trials, without the need to perform a rigorous allocation of the intervention. Being prospective there’s no problem about response bias. Conclusion: CHF should be approached with a multidisciplinary and multifaceted strategy privileging the outpatient setting, including home monitoring, and GENICA is the paramount protocol enabling this. GENICA may come to show health policy makers that the asset is not to divide and rule, but to converge strategies, therapies, and knowledge.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors plus chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: a multicentric real-world study
Authors: Zhou Fei , Guo Haoyue , Zhou Xiaolong , Xie Huikang , Tian Tian , Zhao Wencheng , Gao Guanghui , Xiong Anwen , Wang Lei , Li Wei , Chen Xiaoxia , Zhang Yan , Fan Jue , Wu Fengying , Zhang Yongchang , Zhou Caicun 
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated promising efficacy as monotherapy in patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC). We performed the current multi-institutional, real-world study to assess the efficacy of ICIs plus chemotherapy in patients with PSC. Methods: All consecutive patients with locally advanced or metastatic PSC from three centers treated with ICIs between January 2018 and July 2021 were enrolled. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was stained and evaluated using immunohistochemical with 22C3. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed in two patients with PSC and two patients with adenocarcinoma to understand the cell-type-specific transcriptome landscape of cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) of PSC. Results: A cohort of 42 PSC patients was identified. In the overall population, the objective response rate (ORR) was 73.8%, median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 10.3 months and median overall survival was not reached and 2-year survival rate was 51.2%. For 34 treatment-naïve patients who received first-line ICIs plus chemotherapy, the ORR was 70.6%, mPFS was 10.3 months and 2-year survival rate was 57.8%. In patients with PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) < 1%, 1–49%, and ⩾50%, the ORR was 33.3%, 72.7%, and 85.7% and mPFS was 6.0, 6.7, and 10.3 months, respectively. Notably, two patients with transformed PSC from lung adenocarcinoma after epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment also responded well to ICIs plus chemotherapy. scRNA-seq revealed immune-cell-inflamed TME, lower intratumoral heterogeneity, and activated immune response pathway in PSC. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated remarkable efficacy of ICIs plus chemotherapy as first-line therapy for patient with locally advanced or metastatic PSC.
Blood pressure measurement in the elderly with atrial fibrillation: an observational study comparing different noninvasive sphygmomanometers
Authors: Mai Shaojun , Zhu Hailan , Li Meijun , Zeng Yanfang , Zhang Yang , Huo Yanchang , Pan Xiong-Fei , Huang Yuli 
Published: November 2022

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has affected millions of adults in the world. It is important to monitor and manage blood pressure (BP) in AF patients. The accuracy of BP monitoring in AF patients with noninvasive methods remains questionable, however. Objectives: To compare the accuracy of different noninvasive BP devices (oscillographic sphygmomanometer and pulse wave device) for BP measurement in elderly patients with AF, with a mercury sphygmomanometer as a reference. Design: This study was an observational study. Methods: Patients with AF from the inpatient department of cardiology were included from 1 January to 31 December 2020. BP measurements were performed by two trained nurses using a tee junction connection on the cuff to connect three sphygmomanometers. The Bland–Altman plot analysis was conducted to compare the agreement of BP measurements. We also compared the agreement of BP measurements through metrics such as accuracy, bias, and precision. Results: A total of 202 patients (54.5% female) were included. The Bland–Altman plot analysis showed that the lower and upper limits of agreement (LoAs) of pulse wave/reference were similar to the predefined acceptable clinical limits (10/5 mmHg). The bias and precision in both systolic and diastolic BP were significantly less in pulse wave/reference (a bias of 1.8 and 0.77 mmHg and a precision of 5.20 and 4.66 mmHg, respectively), with corresponding higher accuracy readings (98.51% for P10 in systolic BP and 85.64% for P5 in diastolic BP). Conclusion: A novel noninvasive sphygmomanometer – pulse wave device has a good concordance with a mercury sphygmomanometer in BP monitoring, and may be applicable to perform BP measurements in the elderly with AF.
Acute ECG changes in a woman presenting to coronary care with fluctuating consciousness
Authors: Parker Hannah , El-Medany Ahmed , Crossley Robert 
Published: November 2022

Summary We present the case of a 67-year-old woman brought into the coronary care unit (CCU) with a suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to lateral ST-segment elevation on her 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and a significant troponin rise, but no reported chest pain and a fluctuating consciousness level. Whilst in CCU, she deteriorated further with a reduction in consciousness and sluggish pupillary reflexes, warranting urgent computed tomography (CT) of her brain, which confirmed extensive subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) with early evidence of hydrocephalus. She was therefore transferred to the local tertiary neurosurgical centre for endovascular coiling. ECG changes alongside a raised troponin are not uncommon findings in SAH and clinicians should exercise vigilance and consider urgent brain imaging in the absence of chest pain and presence of neurological deficit, to prevent adverse events from unnecessary antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, and invasive coronary angiography. SAH is a medical emergency and prompt recognition and referral for neurosurgical intervention is integral for optimal patient outcome.
Human-like tele-health robotics for older adults – A preliminary feasibility trial and vision
Authors: Jafari Nooshin , Lim Michael , Hassani Aida , Cordeiro Jennifer , Kam Crystal , Ho Kendall 
Published: November 2022

Introduction The global increase of the aging population presents major challenges to healthcare service delivery. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed older adults’ vulnerability to rapid deterioration of health when deprived of access to care due to the need for social distancing. Robotic technology advancements show promise to improve provision of quality care, support independence for patients and augment the capabilities of clinicians to perform tasks remotely. Aim This study explored the feasibility and end-user acceptance of using a novel human-like tele-robotic system with touch feedback to conduct a remote medical examination and deliver safe care. Method Testing of a remotely controlled robot was conducted with in-person clinician support to gather ECG readings of 11 healthy participants through a digital medical device. Post-study feedback about the system and the remote examinations conducted was obtained from study participants and study clinicians. Results The findings demonstrated the system’s capability to support remote examination of participants, and validated the system’s perceived acceptability by clinicians and end-users who all reported feeling safe interacting with the robot and 72% preferred remote robotic exam over in-person examination. Conclusion This paper discusses potential implications of robot-assisted telehealth for patients including older adults who are precluded from having in-person medical visits due to geographic distance or mobility, and proposes next steps for advancing robot-assisted telehealth delivery.