bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
4S‐AF scheme and ABC pathway guided management improves outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Guo Yutao , Imberti Jacopo F. , Kotalczyk Agnieszka , Wang Yutang , Lip Gregory Y. H. ,   the ChiOTEAF Registry Investigators
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe 4S‐AF scheme and the ABC pathway for integrated care have been proposed to better characterize and treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to evaluate the assessment of the 4S‐AF scheme and ABC pathway in Chinese AF patients.MethodsThe ChiOTEAF is a prospective, observational, multicentre registry. Consecutive AF patients from 44 centres across 20 Chinese provinces with available 1‐year follow‐up data were included.ResultsA total of 6419 patients were included, median age 76 years (interquartile range 67–83; 39.1% female). Of these, 3503 (59.8%) patients were not characterized using the 4S‐AF scheme and not management according to the ABC pathway (group 1); 1795 (28.0%) were characterized according to the 4S‐AF scheme but ABC pathway non‐adherent or vice versa (group 2); and 1121 (17.4%) characterized according to the 4S‐AF scheme and were ABC pathway adherent (group 3).As compared with group 1, group 2 and group 3 were independently associated with lower odds of the composite endpoint of all‐cause death/any thromboembolic event, with the greatest benefit observed in group 3 (OR: 0.19; 95% CI 0.12–0.31) [for group 2: OR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.20–0.37]. Similar results were observed for all‐cause death (group 2: OR: 0.18; 95% CI 0.12–0.27; group 3: OR: 0.14; 95% CI 0.07–0.25).ConclusionsIn a contemporary real‐word cohort of Chinese AF patients, it is feasible to characterize and manage AF patients using the novel 4S‐AF scheme and ABC pathway for integrated care. The use of both these tools is associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Relating self‐disorders to neurocognitive and psychopathological measures in first‐episode schizophrenia
Authors: Sandsten Karl Erik , Wainio‐Theberge Soren , Nordgaard Julie , Kjaer Troels Wesenberg , Northoff Georg , Parnas Josef 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimThe notion of a disturbed self as the core feature of schizophrenia dates back to the founding texts on the illness. Since the development of the psychometric tool for examination of anomalous self‐experience (EASE), self‐disorders have become accessible to empirical research. Empirical studies have shown that EASE measured self‐disorders predict schizophrenia spectrum in prospective studies and consistently show a selective hyper aggregation of self‐disorder in schizophrenia and schizotypal disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between self‐disorders cognitive deficits and symptoms in schizophrenia.MethodsThirty‐five non‐acute first‐episode patients with schizophrenia and 35 matched healthy controls were evaluated with EASE, cognitive deficits, and symptoms (PANSS positive, negative and general). [Correction added on 28 January 2022, after first online publication: the words, ‘evaluated with’ were missing and have now been added to the preceding sentence.]ResultsThe results show that self‐disorders and symptoms are correlated among patients with schizophrenia, but not with cognitive deficits. Moreover, with the exception of attentional deficits, neurocognitive impairment was not significantly higher among patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls.ConclusionsWe argue that this adds support to a view of schizophrenia as being characterized by specific traits of pre‐reflective self‐disturbance, which are related to the severity of symptoms, whereas neurocognitive impairment reflects a separate or distinct aspect of schizophrenia.
Pridopidine modifies disease phenotype in a SOD1 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Estévez‐Silva Héctor M. , Mediavilla Tomás , Giacobbo Bruno Lima , Liu Xijia , Sultan Fahad R. , Marcellino Daniel J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal and incurable neurodegenerative disease due to the loss of upper and lower motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis. Sigma‐1 receptor (σ‐1R) is a ligand‐operated protein that exhibits pro‐survival and anti‐apoptotic properties. In addition, mutations in its codifying gene are linked to development of juvenile ALS pointing to an important role in ALS. Here, we investigated the disease‐modifying effects of pridopidine, aσ‐1R agonist, using a delayed onset SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS. Mice were administered a continuous release of pridopidine (3.0 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks starting before the appearance of any sign of muscle weakness. Mice were monitored weekly and several behavioural tests were used to evaluate muscle strength, motor coordination and gait patterns. Pridopidine‐treated SOD1 G93A mice showed genotype‐specific effects with the prevention of cachexia. In addition, these effects exhibited significant improvement of motor behaviour 5 weeks after treatment ended. However, the survival of the animals was not extended. In summary, these results show that pridopidine can modify the disease phenotype of ALS‐associated cachexia and motor deficits in a SOD1 G93A mouse model.
Risk factors and prevention strategies for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in transplant recipients
Authors: Urso Brittany , Kelsey Andrew , Bordelon Jenna , Sheiner Patricia , Finch Justin , Cohen Joel L. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIt has been well established that organ transplant recipients (OTRs) are at an increased risk of skin cancer. Studies vary on the exact degree of this risk, but it is likely somewhere between 60 and 100 times more likely that an OTR patient will develop skin cancer. The management of skin cancer burden in OTRs requires a multidisciplinary approach with the transplant team, dermatologists, and oncology. In many major hospital systems, there are dedicated transplant dermatology clinics that allow for specialized and more frequent screenings of this high‐risk population. Here we discuss the pathogenesis, presentation, and treatment options used by dermatologists to prevent and treat commonly found skin cancers in this vulnerable population.
Japanese linguistic validation of the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire
Authors: Matsuzaki Junichi , Takahashi Sataoshi , Yamaguchi Akito , Wada Koichiro , Miyazaki Jun , Mugiya Soichi , Matsuda Tadashi , Nutahara Kikuo , Seki Susumu , Morimoto Takeshi , Yamamoto Shingo 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveWe validated the Japanese version of the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire in patients with an indwelling ureteric stent.MethodsThe English version of the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire was translated into Japanese using a multistep process by three urologists and two independent translators. A total of 70 patients with indwelling ureteral stents completed the Japanese ureteral stent symptom questionnaire, as well as validated instruments, namely, the International Prostate Symptom Score or Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and the EuroQoL 5‐dimension questionnaires. Patients completed questionnaires at 2 weeks after stent insertion and 4 weeks after stent removal. The second group included 87 healthy individuals who agreed to complete the questionnaires. The reliability of the Japanese version was evaluated for internal consistency using Cronbach’s α test. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were analyzed, and included convergent validity, sensitivity to change and discriminant validity.ResultsA total of 70 cases and 87 controls were suitable for the analysis. A comparison of patients with ureteric stents and healthy individuals was carried out, and the convergent validity determined by the correlation between other instruments and the corresponding ureteral stent symptoms questionnaire domains was satisfactory (P < 0.05). Internal consistencies (Cronbach’s α coefficients 0.73–0.80) were satisfactory, except for the sexual matters domain. Test–retest reliability was good, except for the sexual matters domain (Spearman’s coefficient 0.71–0.93).ConclusionsThe Japanese version of the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire proved to be a reliable and robust instrument for the evaluation of ureteral stent‐associated morbidity for both men and women.
Virtual reality distraction during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boonreunya Natapak , Nopawong Ekapong , Yongsiriwit Karn , Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and AimVirtual reality (VR) is an established and effective tool in reducing autonomic and somatic pain. We aimed to examine the analgesic effects of VR distraction during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial and enrolled patients who had indication for unsedated EGD with topical anesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to use Oculus GO with three‐dimensional specific software content (standalone VR headset), sham VR or without VR during EGD. The primary outcome was patient pain scores during EGD.ResultsA total of 96 patients undergoing diagnostic EGD were randomized to receive VR (n = 32), sham VR (n = 32), and no VR defined as the control group (n = 32). Patients in all groups reported no statistically different pain during esophageal intubation. The mean pain score was 2.7 ± 2.4 in the VR group, 2.7 ± 2.5 in the sham VR and 2.3 ± 2.3 in the control group, (P value = 0.751). No significant difference was observed in heart rate and blood pressure, and the endoscopists reported higher overall satisfaction scores in VR (4.3 ± 0.5) compared with the control group (4 ± 0.8) but without significance (P value = 0.156).ConclusionVirtual reality‐assisted anesthesia during EGD did not significantly reduce patient pain during esophageal intubation. There was no superiority in using VR distraction regarding patient's and endoscopist's satisfaction compared with standard EGD without VR Further studies are required to detect any true clinical advantage of VR distraction during EGD.
Global incidence and prevalence of bullous pemphigoid: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Lingling , Chen Linjiao , Xu Yujuan , Liu Aimin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundIntegrated information on the global prevalence and incidence of bullous pemphigoid (BP) is lacking.ObjectiveTo estimate the incidence and prevalence of BP in a systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsObservational studies were included by using databases of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Subgroup analysis was by continent, age, sex, and country income level. Random‐effects model was used. Between‐study heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.ResultsThe global incidence was 0.0419 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0414–0.0424). The incidence was 0.047 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0462–0.0477), 0.0419 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0411–0.0426), 0.0072 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0067–0.0078), 0.003 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0023–0.0039) in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, respectively; 0.0202 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0196–0.0208) and 0.0181 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0175–0.0188) females and males; 0.001 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.001–0.001), 0.002 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.001–0.002), 0.004 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.004–0.004); 0.007 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.007–0.008), 0.011 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.011–0.012), 0.017 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.015–0.018) for age <50, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80–89, and ≥90 years; 0.0038 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0036–0.004112) (I2 = 99%, p < .05) and 0.0456 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.0450–0.0462) (I2 = 100%, p < .05). The pooled clinic‐based prevalence was 0.79% (95% CI: 0.75%–0.84%), 1.13% (95% CI: 1.06%–1.21%), 0.21% (95% CI: 0.17%–0.26%), and 0.13% (95% CI: 0.1%–0.15%) for Asia, Africa, and Europe.ConclusionsThis study identified the global incidence and prevalence of BP in terms of spatial and population distributions and among various income level. A relatively higher incidence was in Europe, females, older people, and high‐income level country. The prevalence was higher in Asia. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity of included studies.
High‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment for excessive subcutaneous fat in abdomen, upper arms, and thigh: A pilot study
Authors: Lee Hyun Ji , Lee Ji Hyun , Bang Chul Hwan , Jung Joon‐Yong , Park Young Min 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been recently introduced as a non‐invasive therapeutic modality for controlling excessive subcutaneous fat.ObjectiveThe efficacy and safety of the HIFU device for sculpting the abdomen, upper arm, and thigh were evaluated.Materials and MethodsTen subjects with more than 10 mm of subcutaneous fat in the abdomen, upper arm, and/or thigh were recruited. We evaluate mean change in the thickness and circumference of subcutaneous fat of each treated area measured using ultrasound 12 weeks after the procedure, the degree of pain, and subject and practitioner satisfaction 12 weeks after the procedure.ResultsThe mean change of subcutaneous fat thickness in the abdomen, upper arm, and thigh measured using ultrasound 12 weeks after the procedure was −4.33 ± 2.42, −1.86 ± 1.35, and −1.86 ± 1.35 mm, respectively. Compared with pretreatment, subcutaneous fat thickness of the abdomen and upper arm was significantly reduced (p = 0.0020 and p = 0.0004, respectively), but not in the thigh (p = 0.0716). Highest patient satisfaction was for the abdomen. Pain was generally tolerable.ConclusionThe results from the present study indicate HIFU can be an effective and safe therapeutic modality for removing excessive subcutaneous fat in humans.
Heart rate variability increases following automated acoustic slow wave sleep enhancement
Authors: Diep Charmaine , Ftouni Suzanne , Drummond Sean P. A. , Garcia‐Molina Gary , Anderson Clare 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAcoustic stimulation has been shown to enhance slow wave sleep and in turn, cognition, and now cardiac outcomes in young adults. With the emergence of commercial acoustic devices in the home, we sought to examine the impact of an acoustic, slow wave enhancing device on heart rate variability in healthy, middle‐aged males (n = 24, 39.92 ± 4.15 years). Under highly controlled conditions, the participants were randomised to receive closed‐loop brain state‐dependent stimulation in the form of auditory tones (STIM), or no tones (SHAM), in a crossover design, separated by a 1 week washout period. STIM and SHAM were compared on measures of heart rate variability for the whole night and over the first three sleep cycles. We found an increase in slow wave activity following STIM compared with SHAM. There was a significant increase in high frequency power and standard deviation of the normalised RR‐intervals (SDNN) during the STIM condition compared with SHAM (p < 0.05), due to changes observed specifically during N3. In conclusion, heart rate variability appears to improve following acoustic slow wave sleep enhancement.
Perception of benefits and barriers associated with dementia prevention behaviors among people with diabetes
Authors: Pipatpiboon Noppamas , Koonrungsesomboon Nut , Suriyawong Wachira , Sripetchwandee Jirapas , Turale Sue 
Published: January 2022

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for developing dementia and a public health concern around the world. Identifying any predictive factors associated with diabetes‐related dementia prevention behaviors are of value in helping to prevent dementia. From six community hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 182 people aged 30–60 years were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study and completed a written questionnaire on dementia prevention behaviors and perceptions of health beliefs. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine possible associations between dementia prevention behaviors and health belief perceptions. A high level of preventive behavior was associated with high perceptions of the benefits of, and barriers to, dementia prevention and longer duration of patients' diabetes. Findings indicate the predictive role of the two factors in the perception of health beliefs about dementia prevention behaviors among the participants. Although further testing with different samples and in different locations is warranted, education programs for health practitioners that integrate the findings of this study would be beneficial to improvement of dementia prevention behaviors in people with diabetes.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on public University laboratories of oral and maxillofacial pathology: A Brazilian multicenter study
Authors: Caldeira Patrícia Carlos , Schuch Lauren Frenzel , Tavares Thalita Soares , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Pérez‐de‐Oliveira Maria Eduarda , de Almeida Oslei Paes , de Souza Lélia Batista , Gonzaga Amanda Katarinny Goes , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco , Sousa‐Neto Sebastião Silvério , Rivero Elena Riet Correa , Modolo Filipe , dos Santos Jean Nunes , Manieri Patrícia Rubia , Nonaka Cassiano Francisco Weege , Alves Pollianna Muniz , Libório‐Kimura Tatiana Nayara , Mendes Tássia Caroline da Costa , Etges Adriana , Tarquinio Sandra Beatriz Chaves , Gomes Ana Paula Neutzling , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Vasconcelos Ana Carolina Uchoa 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the number of diagnoses of oral and maxillofacial lesions in public laboratories after one year of COVID‐19 outbreak in Brazil.Material and MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study. Biopsies submitted to histopathologic examination from March 2019 to February 2020 (pre‐pandemic period) and from April 2020 to March 2021 (pandemic period) in nine Brazilian public oral pathology laboratories were retrieved and the number of diagnoses, types of lesion, and percentage changes during both periods were analyzed.ResultsThere were 7389 diagnoses in the pre‐pandemic period and 2728 in the pandemic era, indicating a reduction of 63.08%. The reduction was 64.23% for benign lesions and 49.48% for malignant lesions, with a 50.64% reduction in squamous cell carcinoma. The largest decreases were observed in April 2020 and January 2021.ConclusionAn important reduction in the diagnoses of benign and malignant lesions was noted in the Brazilian public oral pathology laboratories during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Metabolomics, Microbiomics, Machine learning during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bardanzellu Flaminia , Fanos Vassilios 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCOVID‐19 pandemic has a significant impact worldwide, from the point of view of public health, social, and economic aspects. The correct strategies of diagnosis and global management are still under debate. In the next future, we firmly believe that combining the so‐called 3 M's (metabolomics, microbiomics, and machine learning [artificial intelligence]) will be the optimal, accurate tool for the early diagnosis of COVID‐19 subjects, risk assessment and stratification, patient management, and decision‐making. If the currently available preliminary data obtain further confirms, through future studies on larger samples, simple biomarkers will provide predictive models for data analysis and interpretation, allowing a step toward personalized holistic medicine.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and neonates: Evidence‐based data after 18 months of the pandemic
Authors: Pietrasanta Carlo , Artieri Giacomo , Ronchi Andrea , Crippa Beatrice , Ballerini Claudia , Crimi Riccardo , Mosca Fabio , Pugni Lorenza 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAfter 18 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, data concerning SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pregnant women and their neonates are progressively taking the place of complete uncertainty. Here, we summarize updated evidence regarding several critical aspects of perinatal SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, including 1) vertical transmission of the virus in utero, which is possible but seems rare according to current epidemiological data; 2) how COVID‐19 during pregnancy can shape maternal and neonatal outcomes, either directly or indirectly; 3) how recommendations regarding the management of infected dyads have been progressively modified in light of new scientific evidence; and 4) how maternal infection or vaccination can induce the passive protection of fetuses and neonates against the infection, through the transfer of specific antibodies before and after birth.
Childhood multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID‐19 (MIS‐C): Distinct from Kawasaki disease or part of the same spectrum?
Authors: Santaniello Maria , Matucci‐Cerinic Caterina , Natoli Valentina , Trincianti Chiara , Ridella Francesca , Ravelli Angelo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOne of the most challenging and intriguing phenomena observed during the COVID‐19 pandemic has been the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C). Patients with this condition present with some clinical features similar to those of Kawasaki disease (KD) and display signs and symptoms that are uncommon or rarely occur in this disorder, such as gastrointestinal complaints and myocarditis, often leading to myocardial failure and shock. In addition, patients’ age is older than that of children with classic KD. Management is based on administering intravenous immunoglobulin, glucocorticoids, and anakinra in the most severe instances. It is still debated whether MIS‐C and KD are different illnesses or represent a disease continuum.
Impact of COVID‐19 in immunosuppressive drug‐naïve autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune gastritis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Santacroce Giovanni , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Aronico Nicola , Miceli Emanuela , Lovati Elisabetta , Lucotti Pietro Carlo , Coppola Luigi , Gentile Antonella , Latorre Mario Andrea , Di Terlizzi Francesco , Soriano Simone , Frigerio Chiara , Pellegrino Ivan , Pasini Alessandra , Ubezio Cristina , Mambella Jacopo , Canta Roberta , Fusco Alessandra , Rigano Giovanni , Di Sabatino Antonio 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFew conflicting data are currently available on the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in patients with autoimmune disorders. The studies performed so far are influenced, in most cases, by the treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, making it difficult to ascertain the burden of autoimmunity per se. For this reason, herein we assessed the susceptibility to COVID‐19 in immunosuppressive drug‐naïve patients with autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune gastritis (AIG), celiac disease (CD), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Telephone interviews were conducted on 400 patients—100 for each group—in May 2021 by looking at the positivity of molecular nasopharyngeal swabs and/or serology for SARS‐CoV‐2, the need for hospitalization, the outcome, and the vaccination status. Overall, a positive COVID‐19 test was reported in 33 patients (8.2%), comparable with that of the Lombardy general population (8.2%). In particular, seven patients with AIG, 9 with CD, 8 with T1D, and 9 with AITD experienced COVID‐19. Only three patients required hospitalization, none died, and 235 (58.7%) were vaccinated, 43 with AIG, 47 with CD, 91 with T1D, and 54 with AITD. These results seem to suggest that autoimmunity per se does not increase the susceptibility to COVID‐19. Also, COVID‐19 seems to be mild in these patients, as indicated by the low hospitalization rates and adverse outcomes, although further studies are needed to better clarify this issue.