bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and audiological outcome in a case series of tertiary therapy of sudden hearing loss with a biodegradable drug delivery implant for controlled release of dexamethasone to the inner ear
Authors: Plontke Stefan K. , Liebau Arne , Lehner Eric , Bethmann Daniel , Mäder Karsten , Rahne Torsten 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundIntratympanic injections of glucocorticoids have become increasingly common in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). However, due to their fast elimination, sustained applications have been suggested for local drug delivery to the inner ear.Materials and methodsThe study is based on a retrospective chart review of patients treated for ISSHL at a single tertiary (university) referral center. We included patients who were treated with a solid, biodegradable, poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based drug delivery system providing sustained delivery of dexamethasone extracochlear into the round window niche (n = 15) or intracochlear into scala tympani (n = 2) for tertiary therapy of ISSHL in patients without serviceable hearing after primary systemic and secondary intratympanic glucocorticoid therapy. We evaluated the feasibility and safety through clinical evaluation, histological examination, and functional tests [pure-tone threshold (PTA), word recognition scores (WRS)].ResultsWith adequate surgical preparation of the round window niche, implantation was feasible in all patients. Histologic examination of the material in the round window niche showed signs of resorption without relevant inflammation or foreign body reaction to the implant. In patients where the basal part of scala tympani was assessable during later cochlear implantation, no pathological findings were found. In the patients with extracochlear application, average preoperative PTA was 84.7 dB HL (SD: 20.0) and 76.7 dB HL (SD: 16.7) at follow-up (p = 0.08). The preoperative average maximum WRS was 14.6% (SD: 17.9) and 39.3% (SD: 30.7) at follow-up (p = 0.11). Six patients (40%), however, reached serviceable hearing. The two patients with intracochlear application did not improve.ConclusionThe extracochlear application of the controlled release system in the round window niche and – based on limited observations - intracochlear implantation into scala tympani appears feasible and safe. Due to the uncontrolled study design, conclusions about the efficacy of the treatment are limited. These observations, however, may encourage the initiation of prospective controlled studies using biodegradable controlled release implants as drug delivery systems for the treatment of inner ear diseases.
Probiotics, a promising therapy to reduce the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis in women? a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chieng Wei Keong , Abdul Jalal Muhammad Irfan , Bedi Jashveerdeep Singh , Zainuddin Ani Amelia , Mokhtar Mohd Helmy , Abu Muhammad Azrai , Chew Kah Teik , Nur Azurah Abdul Ghani 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe evidence for probiotic efficacy in preventing bacterial vaginosis (BV) recurrences among women aged 18 years and above is sparse. We aimed to ascertain the efficacy of probiotics in preventing BV recurrences after at least one menstrual cycle in this population.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid interface), Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, Cochrane Library databases and registries comprised of Open Science Framework (OSF) preprints registry, the ClinicalTrials.gov (USA), WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP), International Standard RCT Number (ISRCTN) registry, limited to randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in English published between January 2000 and December 2021. The inclusion criteria were trials that administered probiotics to BV-positive women in an experimental arm of at least 20 samples. The usage of probiotics should be preceded with standard antibiotic regimen and followed by a reassessment of BV status after at least a single menstrual cycle. Risk of bias assessment was completed using revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). The PROSPERO registration number of the review is CRD42022302044.ResultsFrom 8,162 identified records, we included 10 studies (n = 1,234 participants) for final analysis; 7 trials compared probiotics vs. placebo, whereas 3 trials compared probiotics vs. metronidazole alone. Using random-effects meta-analysis, probiotics were shown to reduce the risk of BV recurrences by 45% compared to either placebo or metronidazole [14.8 vs. 25.5%, RR: 0.55 (95%CI: 0.33, 0.91), p = 0.03, I2 = 45.4% (95%CI: 0, 73.7%)]. Sensitivity analysis revealed the robustness of results upon removal of studies with high risk of bias [RR: 0.54 (95%CI: 0.38, 0.77), p = 0.006] and reporting bias (RR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.39, 0.74, p = 0.002). Meta-regression demonstrated that the route of administration (pvaginal = 0.67; poral = 0.44), the total dosage of probiotics (p = 0.17), cumulative days of probiotic administration (p = 0.76), and the number of species in probiotic preparation (p = 0.40) were not linked to BV recurrences.InterpretationProbiotics were associated with more than twofold reduction in BV recurrences when BV status was assessed after at least 1-month postintervention. Further high-quality and methodologically standardized RCTs should evaluate probiotic efficacy for BV prevention in a diverse community setting.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021290613], identifier [CRD42021290613].
The relationship between processed meat, red meat, and risk of types of cancer: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Kaiwen , Liu Lei , Shu Tao , Li Aoshuang , Xia Demeng , Sun Xiaobin 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundObservational studies have suggested processed and red meat may increase the risk of cancer. However, the causal effects and direction between them were still unclear. We conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the causal effect of processed meat and red meat on the risk of nine common types of cancer, namely, lung, ovarian, endometrial, breast, kidney, gastric, prostate, skin, and oropharyngeal cancer.MethodsGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) for processed meat and red meat (pork, beef, and mutton) were obtained from the UK Biobank. GWAS of types of cancer in this study were extracted from the genetic consortia and the FinnGen consortium. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) was carried out as the main method for two-sample MR analysis. Sensitivity analyses were used to assess the robustness of the results.ResultsGenetically predicted processed meat intake was causally associated with increased risk of lung cancer (OR [odds ratio] = 1.923, 95% CI = 1.084–3.409, P = 0.025). There is no convincing evidence for the associations between genetically determined processed meat, red meat, and the risk of other cancers we studied.ConclusionOur results suggested that intake of processed meat may increase the risk of lung cancer. These findings provided no evidence to support that consumption of processed and red meat has a large effect on the risk of other cancers we studied. Further research is needed to clarify the results.
Association between tea consumption and frailty among Chinese older adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Shaojie , Cui Guanghui , Yin Yongtian , Lv Faqin , Yao Yao 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundChronic inflammation is considered one of the main mechanisms leading to frailty. It has been demonstrated that tea consumption reduces chronic inflammation. Few epidemiological studies have investigated the association between tea consumption and frailty.ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the association between tea consumption and frailty in Chinese older adults.MethodsBetween March and May 2021, we enrolled 2,144 older adults aged ≥60 years in Jinan City, Shandong Province, China, using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. We assessed tea consumption and frailty in older adults using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and the frequency of tea consumption, respectively. We applied multiple logistic regression analysis to examine the association between tea consumption and frailty, controlling for a set of potential covariates.ResultsThe prevalence of frailty among older Chinese adults was 38.3% (821/2,144). Tea consumption was categorized as daily (30.4%), occasionally (20.9%), and rarely or never (48.7%). As indicated by the fully adjusted model, daily tea consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of frailty (OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.57–0.94). However, this association only applied to men, younger older adults aged 60–79 years, rural residents, and regular participants in community activities. In addition, we observed a linear relationship between tea consumption and the prevalence of frailty (P for trend = 0.017).ConclusionsHigher tea consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of frailty in older adults, especially those men, older adults aged 60–79, rural residents, and individuals who regularly participated in community activities. Further longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to determine the causation between tea consumption and frailty.
LGBTQI cancer patients’ quality of life and distress: A comparison by gender, sexuality, age, cancer type and geographical remoteness
Authors: Ussher Jane M. , Allison Kimberley , Perz Janette , Power Rosalie ,   The Out with Cancer Study Team
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThere is growing acknowledgement of the psycho-social vulnerability of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or intersex (LGBTQI) people with cancer. The majority of research to date has focused on cisgender adults with breast or prostate cancer.Study AimThis study examined psycho-social factors associated with distress and quality of life for LGBTQI cancer patients and survivors, across a range of sexualities and gender identities, intersex status, tumor types, ages and urban/rural/remote location using an intersectional theoretical framework.Method430 LGBTQI people with cancer completed an online survey, measuring distress, quality of life (QOL), and a range of psycho-social variables. Participants included 216 (50.2%) cisgender women, 145 (33.7%) cisgender men, and 63 (14.7%) transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people. Thirty-one (7.2%) participants reported intersex variation and 90 (20%) were adolescents or young adults (AYA), aged 15-39. The majority lived in urban areas (54.4%) and identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual (73.7%), with 10.9% identifying as bisexual, and 10.5% as queer, including reproductive (32.4%) and non-reproductive (67.6%) cancers.ResultsForty-one percent of participants reported high or very high distress levels, 3-6 times higher than previous non-LGBTQI cancer studies. Higher rates of distress and lower QOL were identified in TGD compared to cisgender people, AYAs compared to older people, those who identify as bisexual or queer, compared to those who identify as lesbian, gay or homosexual, and those who live in rural or regional areas, compared to urban areas. Elevated distress and lower QOL was associated with greater minority stress (discrimination in life and in cancer care, discomfort being LGBTQI, lower outness) and lower social support, in these subgroups. There were no differences between reproductive and non-reproductive cancers. For the whole sample, distress and poor QOL were associated with physical and sexual concerns, the impact of cancer on gender and LGBTQI identities, minority stress, and lack of social support.ConclusionLGBTQI people with cancer are at high risk of distress and impaired QOL. Research and oncology healthcare practice needs to recognize the diversity of LGBTQI communities, and the ways in which minority stress and lack of social support may affect wellbeing.
Radiomics-based nomogram as predictive model for prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis receiving radiotherapy
Authors: Huang Yu-Ming , Wang Tsang-En , Chen Ming-Jen , Lin Ching-Chung , Chang Ching-Wei , Tai Hung-Chi , Hsu Shih-Ming , Chen Yu-Jen 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThis study aims to establish and validate a predictive model based on radiomics features, clinical features, and radiation therapy (RT) dosimetric parameters for overall survival (OS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with RT for portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 131 patients. Patients were randomly divided into the training (n = 105) and validation (n = 26) cohorts. The clinical target volume was contoured on pre-RT computed tomography images and 48 textural features were extracted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to determine the radiomics score (rad-score). A nomogram based on rad-score, clinical features, and dosimetric parameters was developed using the results of multivariate regression analysis. The predictive nomogram was evaluated using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), area under the curve (AUC), and calibration curve.ResultsTwo radiomics features were extracted to calculate the rad-score for the prediction of OS. The radiomics-based nomogram had better performance than the clinical nomogram for the prediction of OS, with a C-index of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.67–0.79) and an AUC of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.62–0.79). The predictive accuracy was assessed by a calibration curve.ConclusionThe radiomics-based predictive model significantly improved OS prediction in HCC patients treated with RT for PVTT.
Detection of thyroglobulin in fine-needle aspiration for diagnosis of metastatic lateral cervical lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Duan Yuansheng , Li Hong , Yue Kai , Liu Jin , Lai Qingchuan , Zhou Mengqian , Ye Beibei , Wu Yue , Zhu Jiajia , Chen Peng , Jing Chao , Wu Yansheng , Wang Xudong 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveWe analysed the diagnostic performance of thyroglobulin in fine-needle aspiration (FNA-Tg) in the suspicious lateral cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), proposed the best cutoff value and discussed the factors that may affect the diagnostic value of FNA-Tg.MethodsIn the present study, a retrospective analysis of 403 patients with PTC with 448 suspected lateral CLNs metastasis from October 2019 to May 2021 was performed. The cutoff value according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was determined, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to evaluate the correlation between FNA-Tg and factors.ResultsAccording to the ROC curve, the cutoff value of FNA-Tg was 3.69 ng/ml (sensitivity, 92.48%; specificity, 75.00%). Patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were excluded. Compared with US and FNAC, the diagnostic performance of FNA-Tg was the greatest, especially for small CLNs (diameter ≤ 1 cm), cystic CLNs, and patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). Moreover, FNA-Tg levels were correlated with the presence of HT (p = 0.003), the anti-thyroglobulin antibody (Tg-Ab) (p &lt; 0.001), the ratio of metastatic lateral CLNs (p = 0.004) and Tg assay kits (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsFNA-Tg measurement is sensitive enough for diagnosing lateral CLN metastases from PTC, but its diagnostic value is compromised by a number of factors.
Nomogram for the prediction of triple-negative breast cancer histological heterogeneity based on multiparameter MRI features: A preliminary study including metaplastic carcinoma and non- metaplastic carcinoma
Authors: Kong Qing-cong , Tang Wen-jie , Chen Si-yi , Hu Wen-ke , Hu Yue , Liang Yun-shi , Zhang Qiong-qiong , Cheng Zi-xuan , Huang Di , Yang Jing , Guo Yuan 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease, and different histological subtypes of TNBC have different clinicopathological features and prognoses. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a nomogram model to predict the histological heterogeneity of TNBC: including Metaplastic Carcinoma (MC) and Non-Metaplastic Carcinoma (NMC).MethodsWe evaluated 117 patients who had pathologically confirmed TNBC between November 2016 and December 2020 and collected preoperative multiparameter MRI and clinicopathological data. The patients were randomly assigned to a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 3:1. Based on logistic regression analysis, we established a nomogram model to predict the histopathological subtype of TNBC. Nomogram performance was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve. According to the follow-up information, disease-free survival (DFS) survival curve was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method.ResultsOf the 117 TNBC patients, 29 patients had TNBC-MC (age range, 29–65 years; median age, 48.0 years), and 88 had TNBC-NMC (age range, 28–88 years; median age, 44.5 years). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lesion type (p = 0.001) and internal enhancement pattern (p = 0.001) were significantly predictive of TNBC subtypes in the training set. The nomogram incorporating these variables showed excellent discrimination power with an AUC of 0.849 (95% CI: 0.750−0.949) in the training set and 0.819 (95% CI: 0.693−0.946) in the validation set. Up to the cutoff date for this analysis, a total of 66 patients were enrolled in the prognostic analysis. Six of 14 TNBC-MC patients experienced recurrence, while 7 of 52 TNBC-NMC patients experienced recurrence. The DFS of the two subtypes was significantly different (p=0.035).ConclusionsIn conclusion, we developed a nomogram consisting of lesion type and internal enhancement pattern, which showed good discrimination ability in predicting TNBC-MC and TNBC-NMC.
mRNA-miRNA networks identify metabolic pathways associated to the anti-tumorigenic effect of thyroid hormone on preneoplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Serra Marina , Pal Rajesh , Puliga Elisabetta , Sulas Pia , Cabras Lavinia , Cusano Roberto , Giordano Silvia , Perra Andrea , Columbano Amedeo , Kowalik Marta Anna 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThyroid hormones (THs) inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through different mechanisms. However, whether microRNAs play a role in the antitumorigenic effect of THs remains unknown.MethodsBy next generation sequencing (NGS) we performed a comprehensive comparative miRNomic and transcriptomic analysis of rat hepatic preneoplastic lesions exposed or not to a short-term treatment with triiodothyronine (T3). The expression of the most deregulated miRs was also investigated in rat HCCs, and in human hepatoma cell lines, treated or not with T3.ResultsAmong miRs down-regulated in preneoplastic nodules following T3, co-expression networks revealed those targeting thyroid hormone receptor-β (Thrβ) and deiodinase1, and Oxidative Phosphorylation. On the other hand, miRs targeting members of the Nrf2 Oxidative Pathway, Glycolysis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Proline biosynthesis – all involved in the metabolic reprogramming displayed by preneoplastic lesions– were up-regulated. Notably, while the expression of most miRs deregulated in preneoplastic lesions was not altered in HCC or in hepatoma cells, miR-182, a miR known to target Dio1 and mitochondrial complexes, was down-deregulated by T3 treatment at all stages of hepatocarcinogenesis and in hepatocarcinoma cell lines. In support to the possible critical role of miR-182 in hepatocarcinogenesis, exogenous expression of this miR significantly impaired the inhibitory effect of T3 on the clonogenic growth capacity of human HCC cells.ConclusionsThis work identified several miRNAs, so far never associated to T3. In addition, the precise definition of the miRNA-mRNA networks elicited by T3 treatment gained in this study may provide a better understanding of the key regulatory events underlying the inhibitory effect of T3 on HCC development. In this context, T3-induced down-regulation of miR-182 appears as a promising tool.
Glycosyltransferase-related long non-coding RNA signature predicts the prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Wu Yinan , Mu Jiayi , Xin Dijia , Wang Luyao , Fan Yili , Zhang Suzhan , Xu Yang 
Published: September 2022

PurposeColon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the most common type of colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with poor prognosis. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that glycosylation by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was associated with COAD progression. To date, however, the prognostic values of glycosyltransferase (GT)-related lncRNAs in COAD are still largely unknown.MethodsWe obtained the expression matrix of mRNAs and lncRNAs in COAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then, the univariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify 33 prognostic GT-related lncRNAs. Subsequently, LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed, and 7 of 33 GT-related lncRNAs were selected to conduct a risk model. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze gene signaling pathway enrichment of the risk model. ImmuCellAI, an online tool for estimating the abundance of immune cells, and correlation analysis were used to explore the tumor-infiltrating immune cells in COAD. Finally, the expression levels of seven lncRNAs were detected in colorectal cancer cell lines by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).ResultsA total of 1,140 GT-related lncRNAs were identified, and 7 COAD-specific GT-related lncRNAs (LINC02381, MIR210HG, AC009237.14, AC105219.1, ZEB1-AS1, AC002310.1, and AC020558.2) were selected to conduct a risk model. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the median of risk score. The prognosis of the high-risk group was worse than that of the low-risk group, indicating the good reliability and specificity of our risk model. Additionally, a nomogram based on the risk score and clinical traits was built to help clinical decisions. GSEA showed that the risk model was significantly enriched in metabolism-related pathways. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that five types of immune cells were significantly different between groups, and two types of immune cells were negatively correlated with the risk score. Besides, we found that the expression levels of these seven lncRNAs in tumor cells were significantly higher than those in normal cells, which verified the feasibility of the risk model.ConclusionThe efficient risk model based on seven GT-related lncRNAs has prognostic potential for COAD, which may be novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COAD patients.