bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of chemotherapy cycles on oncological outcomes in elders with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Tangkananan Aimwarin , Thongkhao Pitchaya , Janmunee Narumon , Hanprasertpong Jitti 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionTo investigate the association between chemotherapy (CMT) cycles and oncological outcomes in elders with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) who treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).MethodsWe retrospective studied 498 elders with LACC who treated with radiotherapy (RT) or CCRT between 2002 and 2018. Patients were divided into three groups: RT, CCRT with 1–4 and CCRT with 5–6 cycles of CMT. We compared progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among the three groups and explored survival prognostic factors via multivariate analysis and time‐varying analysis effect.ResultsThere were 453 eligible patients; 222, 119 and 112 patients who received RT, CCRT with 1–4 and CCRT with 5–6 cycles of CMT, respectively. Patients in the RT group had older age, poorer performance status, more treatment with conventional RT technique and earlier treatment year comparing with both CCRT groups. Patients who received 5–6 cycles of CMT were less to have underweight, comorbidities and anaemia compared with the RT group. There were patients with lower FIGO stage in 5–6 cycles than in 1–4 cycles of CMT and RT groups. The 5‐year PFS and OS between RT, CCRT with 1–4 and CCRT with 5–6 cycles of the CMT group were significantly different. Performance status, comorbidity, histology, FIGO stage and total received 5–6 CMT cycles were significant prognostic factors of PFS and OS. However, the benefits of receiving 5–6 CMT cycles were evidenced only within the first 2.5 years.ConclusionElders with LACC who received 5–6 cycles of CMT concurrently with RT can improve PFS and OS, but the benefit persisted only within the first 2.5 years.
Cognitive subgroups and their longitudinal trajectories in bipolar disorder
Authors: Ehrlich Tobin J. , Ryan Kelly A. , Burdick Katherine E. , Langenecker Scott A. , McInnis Melvin G. , Marshall David F. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionCognitive functioning in bipolar disorder is heterogeneous with evidence for multiple subgroups. However, cognitive subgroup change patterns over time remains unknown. While prior work suggests minimal differences in cognitive functioning patterns over time between those with bipolar disorder and controls, group‐based analyses may obscure unique subgroup‐based changes.Material and MethodsParticipants diagnosed with bipolar disorder (I, II, NOS; n = 568) and unaffected controls (n = 234) completed baseline, one‐ and five‐year neuropsychological assessments. Data reduction techniques were used to limit the number of neuropsychological variables. Bipolar disorder participant baseline neuropsychological data were entered into hierarchical cluster analyses and resultant clusters were entered in multilevel models, which tested for differences in baseline and longitudinal cognitive changes in cognition among the cluster groups and with controls.ResultsResults were consistent with bipolar disorder participants forming three subgroups with high (n = 209), mid (n = 259), and low (n = 100) cognition. These groups were associated with unique clinical characteristics. Multilevel models demonstrated that over a five‐year period, the low group improved, relative to the high and mid groups, and with controls, in auditory memory. Over the five‐year period, the mid group, in comparison with the high group, improved in visual memory; additionally, the high group remained stable, in comparison with a slight decline in the control group, in inhibitory control.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that cognition‐based subgroups of bipolar disorder participants have minimal differences in their longitudinal course in relation to each other and with unaffected controls.
Evaluation of endodontically treated teeth and related apical periodontitis using periapical and endodontic status scale: Retrospective cone‐beam computed tomography study
Authors: Şanal Çikman Ahter , Köse Taha Emre , Günaçar Dilara Nil , Çene Erhan , Arıcıoğlu Banu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical treatment quality and the status of apical pathology of endodontically treated teeth, as well as apical periodontitis (AP) prevalence, in a Turkish population using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). The CBCT images obtained between January 2018 and April 2020 were retrospectively examined. The quality of the endodontic treatments and the related periapical inflammatory lesions were classified according to the periapical and endodontic status scale (PESS). The data were statistically analysed using logistic regression, crosstabs and chi‐square tests. AP was detected in 41% of 429 endodontically treated teeth. The prevalence of AP was significantly higher in teeth with inadequate root canal treatment compared with those with adequate treatment, 70.8% and 29.3%, respectively. Inadequate canal length and homogeneity, and complications were significantly associated with the prognostic periapical status scores of higher risk.
Effects of 28 days of cannabis abstinence on cognition in major depressive disorder: A pilot study
Authors: Sorkhou Maryam , Rabin Rachel A. , Rabin Jennifer S. , Kloiber Stefan , McIntyre Roger S. , George Tony P. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesCannabis is a widely used substance that may impair select cognitive domains, including attention and memory. Problematic cannabis use is a common clinical problem among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Few studies have investigated the effects of cannabis abstinence on cognition in MDD. Thus, our study aimed to determine whether a 28‐day period of cannabis abstinence is associated with improvements in cognition in patients with MDD and comorbid cannabis use disorder (CUD).MethodsWe evaluated the effects of 28 days of cannabis abstinence on cognition in MDD patients with comorbid CUD facilitated by contingency management, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and coping‐skills training (N = 11). Primary outcomes included Baseline to Day 28 changes in verbal memory and learning, while secondary outcomes included Baseline to Day 28 changes in working memory, visuospatial working memory (VSWM), visual search speed, mental flexibility, response inhibition, attention, manual dexterity, and fine motor movement.ResultsEight participants (72.7%) met the pre‐specified criteria for cannabis abstinence and three participants significantly reduced their cannabis use (≥90%). Visual search speed, selective attention, and VSWM improved over the study period. These improvements were not associated with changes in cannabis metabolite levels from baseline to endpoint.Discussion and ConclusionsOur findings suggest that 28 days of cannabis abstinence may improve select cognitive domains in patients with MDD and comorbid CUD.Scientific SignificanceThis is the first study to longitudinally examine the effects of cannabis on cognition in MDD. Clinical trial: Effects of Cannabis Abstinence on Symptoms and Cognition in Depression (NCT03624933; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Combined assessment of S‐ and N‐specific IL‐2 and IL‐13 secretion and CD69 neo‐expression for discrimination of post–infection and post‐vaccination cellular SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific immune response
Authors: Kratzer Bernhard , Schlax Larissa C. , Gattinger Pia , Waidhofer‐Söllner Petra , Trapin Doris , Tauber Peter A. , Sehgal Al Nasar Ahmed , Körmöczi Ulrike , Rottal Arno , Feichter Melanie , Oberhofer Teresa , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Borochova Kristina , Dorofeeva Yulia , Tulaeva Inna , Weber Milena , Mühl Bernhard , Kropfmüller Anna , Negrin Bettina , Kundi Michael , Valenta Rudolf , Pickl Winfried F. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundAntibody‐based tests are available for measuring SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific immune responses but fast T‐cell assays remain scarce. Robust T cell‐based tests are needed to differentiate specific cellular immune responses after infection from those after vaccination.MethodsOne hundred seventeen individuals (COVID‐19 convalescent patients: n = 40; SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinees: n = 41; healthy controls: n = 36) were evaluated for SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific cellular immune responses (proliferation, Th1, Th2, Th17, and inflammatory cytokines, activation‐induced marker [AIM] expression) by incubating purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or whole blood (WB) with SARS‐CoV‐2 peptides (S, N, or M), vaccine antigens (tetanus toxoid, tick borne encephalitis virus) or polyclonal stimuli (Staphylococcal enterotoxin, phytohemagglutinin).ResultsN‐peptide mix stimulation of WB identified the combination of IL‐2 and IL‐13 secretion as superior to IFN‐γ secretion to discriminate between COVID‐19‐convalescent patients and healthy controls (p < .0001). Comparable results were obtained with M‐ or S‐peptides, the latter almost comparably recalled IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and IL‐13 responses in WB of vaccinees. Analysis 10 months as opposed to 10 weeks after COVID‐19, but not allergic disease status, positively correlated with IL‐13 recall responses. WB cytokine responses correlated with cytokine and proliferation responses of PBMC. Antigen‐induced neo‐expression of the C‐type lectin CD69 on CD4+ (p < .0001) and CD8+ (p = .0002) T cells informed best about the SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure status with additional benefit coming from CD25 upregulation.ConclusionAlong with N‐ and S‐peptide‐induced IL‐2 and CD69 neo‐expression, we suggest to include the type 2 cytokine IL‐13 as T‐cellular recall marker for SARS‐CoV‐2 specific T‐cellular immune responses after infection and vaccination.
The use of non‐transplant biologics in solid organ transplant recipients: A practical review for the frontline clinician
Authors: Szczepanik Amanda , Choi David , Brady Beth , Chandran Mary Moss , Diamond Adam , Do Vincent , Fredrick Stacy , Kaiser Tiffany , Khalil Karen , Laub Melissa R. , Leino Abbie , Park Jeong M. , Pierce Dana , Rendulic TrisAnn , Wiegel Joshua J. , Fose Jillian , Jorgenson Margaret R. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBiologics have become the forefront of medicine for management of autoimmune conditions, leading to improved quality of life. Many autoimmune conditions occur in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and persist following transplant. However, the use of biologics in this patient population is not well studied, and questions arise related to risk of infection and adjustments to induction and maintenance immunosuppression. Guidelines have been published highlighting management strategies of biologics around the time of elective surgical procedures, but this is not always feasible in urgent situations, especially with deceased donor transplantation. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature regarding the use of these agents in solid organ transplant recipients, and specifically address induction and maintenance immunosuppression, as well as the need for alternative infective prevention strategies to create a practical reference for the frontline clinician, when faced with this complex clinical scenario.
Factors influencing superficial and deep vein thrombosis after foam sclerotherapy in varicose veins
Authors: Danneil Olivia , Dörler Martin , Stockfleth Eggert , Stücker Markus 
Published: June 2022

SummaryBackgroundSide effects of foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins can include both deep (DVT) and superficial leg vein thrombosis (SVT). The risk factors that favor the development of SVT or DVT after foam sclerotherapy are still largely unclear. The aim of our retrospective analysis was to use a larger group of patients with thromboembolic complications to identify both patient‐related and procedure‐related risk factors for thromboembolic complications from foam sclerotherapy.Patients and methodsA total of 170 patients who received foam sclerotherapy were examined. With reference to a cut‐off date, March 17th, 2020, the 85 most recent patients with thromboembolic complications (study group A) were included and compared to the most recent 85 patients without thromboembolic complications (control group B), after sclerotherapy with foamed sclerosant.ResultsPatients with a thromboembolic complication were more likely to have thrombophilia (11/85 vs. 3/85). The mean BMI values in group A (25.9 ± 5.1) were significantly lower than in group B (28.0 ± 7.2) (P = 0.034). Thromboembolic complications were more likely to appear after foam sclerotherapy on the lower leg (61/105) than on the thigh (1/13) (P < 0.001), particularly after dorsal than after ventral foam sclerotherapy (39 of 47 vs. 5 of 40, P < 0.001). Of the 39 thromboembolic complications on the dorsal lower leg, 23 were muscle vein thromboses.ConclusionThe risk of muscle vein thrombosis after foam sclerotherapy is especially increased in slender patients with sclerosed, dorsal lower legs.
Prediabetes diagnosis is associated with the progression of coronary artery calcification: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study
Authors: Choi In Young , Chang Yoosoo , Cho Yoosun , Kang Jeonggyu , Jung Hyun‐Suk , Wild Sarah H. , Byrne Christopher D. , Ryu Seungho 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimTo investigate the associations between prediabetes defined by different diagnostic criteria and coronary artery calcification (CAC) and its progression over time.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 146 436 Korean adults without diabetes who underwent CAC estimation computed tomography (CT) during health examinations from 2011 to 2019. We used multinomial logistic regression models. The longitudinal study comprised 41 100 participants with at least one follow‐up cardiac CT and annual CAC progression rates and ratios were estimated. Prediabetes was categorized into three groups: isolated glucose prediabetes (fasting blood glucose [FBG] 100‐125 mg/dl, HbA1c < 5.7%), isolated HbA1c prediabetes (FBG < 100 mg/dl, HbA1c 5.7%‐6.4%) and prediabetes meeting both FBG and HbA1c criteria (FBG 100‐125 mg/dl, HbA1c 5.7%‐6.4%).ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, the prevalence ratios (95% CI) for CAC scores of more than 100 comparing isolated glucose prediabetes, isolated HbA1c prediabetes and prediabetes fulfilling both criteria with those of normoglycaemia were 1.12 (0.99‐1.26), 1.24 (1.11‐1.39) and 1.31 (1.18‐1.45), respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted ratio (CIs) of annual CAC progression rates comparing the corresponding groups with the normoglycaemia group were 1.031 (1.023‐1.039), 1.025 (1.019‐1.032) and 1.054 (1.047‐1.062), respectively.ConclusionsCAC risk and CAC progression were consistently highest in individuals meeting both glucose and HbA1c criteria, while all three prediabetes types showed a significantly increased risk of CAC progression. Atherosclerosis risk reduction management is necessary for prediabetes, especially in patients meeting both criteria.
Pulmonary artery acceleration time in young children is determined by heart rate and transpulmonary gradient but not by pulmonary blood flow: A simultaneous echocardiography—cardiac catheterization study
Authors: Tai Christiana , Hsieh Anyir , Moon‐Grady Anita J. , Keller Roberta L. , Teitel David , Nawaytou Hythem M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionPulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) is considered useful for the non‐invasive evaluation of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). PAAT is dependent on PAP, PVR, pulmonary artery compliance, stroke volume, and heart rate. Its relative dependency on these determinants may differ between young and older children, raising uncertainty regarding its utility in young children. We aim to identify the primary determinants of the PAAT in children less than 36 months undergoing cardiac catheterization and its utility for the diagnosis of elevated PVR.MethodsWe prospectively studied 42 children undergoing cardiac catheterization and simultaneous echocardiography. We determined the correlations of PAAT to the above‐mentioned determinants and evaluated receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for diagnosis of PVR indexed to body surface area (PVRi) ≥3 Wu*m2.ResultsMedian age was 11.5 (IQR 5.2, 21.2) months. Moderate correlations were found between PAAT and mean PAP (R = ‐.66, p < .001), PVRi (R = ‐.54, p = .004), pulmonary artery compliance (R = .65, p < .001), transpulmonary gradient (R = ‐.67, p < .001), stroke volume (R = .61, p = .002), and heart rate (R = ‐.63, p < .001). In multivariate regression modeling, only transpulmonary gradient and heart rate were independent determinants of PAAT. PAAT ≤77 msec had acceptable utility for diagnosing PVRi ≥ 3 Wu*m2 (AUC .8 [.64, .95], n = 36), low sensitivity (59%), and excellent specificity (94%).ConclusionTranspulmonary gradient and heart rate, but not pulmonary blood flow, are important determinants of PAAT in children <36 months undergoing cardiac catheterization. PAAT has low sensitivity for diagnosing elevated PVRi, therefore, should not be solely relied upon in screening for elevated PVRi in young children.
Relationship between pancreatic iron overload, glucose metabolism and cardiac complications in sickle cell disease: An Italian multicentre study
Authors: Pistoia Laura , Meloni Antonella , Allò Massimo , Spasiano Anna , Messina Giuseppe , Sorrentino Francesco , Gamberini Maria Rita , Ermini Angela , Renne Stefania , Fina Priscilla , Peritore Giuseppe , Positano Vincenzo , Pepe Alessia , Cademartiri Filippo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesEvidence about the cross‐talk between iron, glucose metabolism, and cardiac disease is increasing. We aimed to explore the link of pancreatic iron by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with glucose metabolism and cardiac complications (CC) in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.MethodsWe considered 70 SCD patients consecutively enrolled in the Extension‐Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia Network. Iron overload was quantified by R2* technique and biventricular function by cine images. Macroscopic myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by late gadolinium enhancement technique. Glucose metabolism was assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test.ResultsPatients with an altered glucose metabolism showed a significantly higher pancreas R2* than patients with normal glucose metabolism. Pancreatic siderosis emerged as a risk factor for the development of metabolic alterations (OddsRatio 8.25, 95%confidence intervals 1.51–45.1; p = .015). Global pancreas R2* values were directly correlated with mean serum ferritin levels and liver iron concentration. Global pancreas R2* was not significantly associated with global heart R2* and macroscopic myocardial fibrosis. Patients with history of CC showed a significantly higher global pancreas R2* than patients with no CC.ConclusionsOur findings support the evaluation of pancreatic R2* by MRI in SCD patients to prevent the development of metabolic and cardiac disorders.
Invasive brown widow spiders disperse aerially under a broad range of environmental conditions
Authors: Mowery Monica A. , Lubin Yael , Segoli Michal 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSpiders commonly disperse on silk lines as juveniles by means of rappelling or ballooning. These modes of dispersal, especially long‐distance dispersal via ballooning, can greatly increase the distance an individual can move and, at the population level, the speed of range expansion and likelihood of gene flow. Nevertheless, few studies have examined how spiders disperse under field conditions, and which environmental and meteorological conditions may affect their decision to disperse. We tested dispersal by spiderlings of the invasive brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) under field conditions in the Negev Desert of Israel. We documented pre‐dispersal (climbing and tiptoeing) and dispersal (short‐distance dispersal by rappelling and long‐distance dispersal by ballooning) behaviours during the day (n = 147 spiders) and night (n = 171 spiders), while recording wind speed, temperature and humidity. We found that spiders ballooned significantly more during the day (14.3%) compared with 1.8% of spiders ballooning at night. At night, spiders were more likely to disperse in conditions of higher wind speeds, lower temperature and higher humidity, whereas during the day, environmental factors were less predictive of dispersal behaviour. In addition, we found significant differences in the proportion of spiderlings showing pre‐dispersal and dispersal behaviour depending on family line. In conjunction with human‐mediated dispersal, ballooning and rappelling may be an important mechanism of range expansion in the brown widow spider. Understanding the environmental and genetic factors affecting dispersal may lead to better management of invasive species.
Parasite‐mediated sexual selection in a damselfly
Authors: Khan Md Kawsar , Herberstein Marie E. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSexual selection can improve population fitness and purge deleterious mutation from the gene pool by promoting condition‐dependent mate selection. One ecological factor that reduces individual condition is parasitism. Parasitism tends to increase hosts' mutation load and likely indicates inferior host genetic quality. Parasite‐mediated selection, therefore, should favour the mating success of parasite‐resistant individuals over parasitised individuals. We tested this hypothesis in male Agriocnemis pygmaea damselflies, which are parasitised by Arrenurus water mites. We calculated frequency (i.e. the proportion of parasitism) and intensity (i.e. the number of parasites per parasitised individual) of parasitism in free‐flying males and males in copula in seven natural populations. We predicted that males observed mating will be less likely to be parasitised than expected based on the frequency of parasitism in the population. We further predicted that parasite intensity would be lower in males caught in copula than single males. We found that parasitised males were significantly less likely to be found in copula than non‐parasitised males, independent of their occurrence frequency. However, there was no difference in the average parasite load between males captured in copula or free‐flying males. Our study shows that in addition to natural selection, sexual selection is a strong agent against parasitism and implies that it could promote local adaptation to counteract parasite driven extinction risks.