bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Sindbis Virus in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Fevers of Unknown Cause in South Africa, 2019–2020
Authors: Meno Kgothatso , Yah Clarence , Mendes Adriano , Venter Marietjie 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundSindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is widely distributed worldwide. Little is known about the febrile and neurological disease burden due to SINV in South Africa.Patients and MethodsClinical samples of patients with acute febrile disease of unknown cause (AFDUC) were collected through the African Network for Improved Diagnostics, Epidemiology and Management of Common Infectious Agents at three sentinel hospital surveillance sites in South Africa. In total, 639 patients were screened using a PCR-based macroarray that can simultaneously detect nucleic acids of 30 pathogens, including SINV, from January 2019 to December 2020. Serum samples were randomly selected from the arbovirus season (January–June) and also screened with a commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay for anti-SINV IgM. In addition, 31 paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from the same patients were screened for IgM. Micro-neutralization assays were performed on all IgM-positive samples.ResultsNone of the specimens tested positive for SINV by molecular screening; however, 38/197 (19.0%) samples were positive for SINV-specific IgM. A total of 25/38 (65.8%) IgM-positive samples tested positive for SINV-neutralizing antibodies, giving an overall incidence of 12.7%. Furthermore, 2/31 (6.5%) CSF specimens tested positive for IgM but were negative for neutralizing antibodies. There was a higher incidence of SINV-positive cases in Mpumalanga (26.0%) than Gauteng province (15.0%). The most significant months for IgM-positive cases were April 2019 (OR = 2.9, p &lt; 0.05), and May 2020 (OR = 7.7, p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionSINV or a closely related virus contributed to 12.7% of AFDUC cases in hospitalized patients during the late summer and autumn months in South Africa and was significantly associated with arthralgia, meningitis, and headaches.
The Impact of Preinjury Use of Antiplatelet Drugs on Outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Li , Cui Gaoliang , Yang Rong 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveThe study aimed to compare outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in patients on pre-injury antiplatelet drugs vs. those, not on any antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to 15th May 2021. All cohort studies comparing outcomes of TBI between antiplatelet users vs. non-users were included.ResultsTwenty studies were included. On comparison of data of 2,447 patients on pre-injury antiplatelet drugs with 4,814 controls, our analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in early mortality between the two groups (OR: 1.30 95% CI: 0.85, 1.98 I2 = 80% p = 0.23). Meta-analysis of adjusted data also revealed no statistically significant difference in early mortality between antiplatelet users vs. controls (OR: 1.24 95% CI: 0.93, 1.65 I2 = 41% p = 0.14). Results were similar for subgroup analysis of aspirin users and clopidogrel users. Data on functional outcomes was scarce and only descriptive analysis could be carried out. For the need for surgical intervention, pooled analysis did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference between the two groups (OR: 1.11 95% CI: 0.83, 1.48 I2 = 55% p = 0.50). Length of hospital stay (LOS) was also not found to be significantly different between antiplatelet users vs. non-users (MD: −1.00 95% CI: −2.17, 0.17 I2 = 97% p = 0.09).ConclusionOur results demonstrate that patients on pre-injury antiplatelet drugs do not have worse early mortality rates as compared to patients, not on any antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. The use of antiplatelets is not associated with an increased need for neurosurgical intervention and prolonged LOS.
The Effect of Brain–Computer Interface Training on Rehabilitation of Upper Limb Dysfunction After Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Zhang Xiaoyun , Li Zhenjing , Zhang Qiongfang , Xue Chunhua , Huai Yaping 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundUpper limb motor dysfunction caused by stroke greatly affects the daily life of patients, significantly reduces their quality of life, and places serious burdens on society. As an emerging rehabilitation training method, brain–computer interface (BCI)–based training can provide closed-loop rehabilitation and is currently being applied to the restoration of upper limb function following stroke. However, because of the differences in the type of experimental clinical research, the quality of the literature varies greatly, and debate around the efficacy of BCI for the rehabilitation of upper limb dysfunction after stroke has continued.ObjectiveWe aimed to provide medical evidence-based support for BCI in the treatment of upper limb dysfunction after stroke by conducting a meta-analysis of relevant clinical studies.MethodsThe search terms used to retrieve related articles included “brain-computer interface,” “stroke,” and “upper extremity.” A total of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 258 participants were retrieved from five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and Web of Science), and RevMan 5.3 was used for data analysis.ResultsThe total effect size for BCI training on upper limb motor function of post-stroke patients was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.29–0.83). Subgroup analysis indicated that the standard mean differences of BCI training on upper limb motor function of subacute stroke patients and chronic stroke patients were 1.10 (95% CI: 0.20–2.01) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.09–0.92), respectively (p = 0.24).ConclusionBrain–computer interface training was shown to be effective in promoting upper limb motor function recovery in post-stroke patients, and the effect size was moderate.
Treatment Response Prediction Using Ultrasound-Based Pre-, Post-Early, and Delta Radiomics in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yang Min , Liu Huan , Dai Qingli , Yao Ling , Zhang Shun , Wang Zhihong , Li Jing , Duan Qinghong 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a radiomics nomogram based on pre-treatment, early treatment ultrasound (US) radiomics features combined with clinical characteristics for early prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer.MethodA total of 217 patients with histological results of breast cancer receiving four to eight cycles of NAC before surgery from January 2018 to December 2020 were enrolled. Patients from the study population were randomly separated into a training set (n = 152) and a validation set (n = 65) at a ratio of 7:3. A total of 788 radiomics features were extracted from each region of interest in the US image at pre-treatment baseline (radiomic signature, RS1), early treatment (after completion of two cycles of NAC, RS2) and delta radiomics (calculated between the pre-treatment and post-treatment features, Delta RS). The Max-Relevance and Min-Redundancy (mRMR) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were applied for feature selection. The predictive nomogram was built based on the radiomics signature combined with clinicopathological risk factors. Discrimination, calibration, and prediction performance were further evaluated in the validation set.ResultsOf the 217 breast masses, 127 (58.5%) were responsive to NAC and 90 (41.5%) were non-responsive. Following feature selection, nine features in RS1, 11 features in RS2, and eight features in Delta RS remained. With multivariate analysis, the RS1, RS2, Delta RS, and Ki-67 expression were independently associated with breast NAC response. However, the performance of the Delta RS (AUCDelta RS = 0.743) was not higher than RS1 (AUCRS1 = 0.722, PDelta vs RS1 = 0.086) and RS2 (AUCRS2 = 0.811, PDelta vs RS2 =0.173) with the Delong test. The nomogram incorporating RS1, RS2, and Ki-67 expression showed better predictive ability for NAC response with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.866 in validation cohorts than either the single RS1 (AUC 0.725) or RS2 (AUC 0.793) or Ki-67 (AUC 0.643).ConclusionThe nomogram incorporating pre-treatment and early-treatment US radiomics features and Ki-67 expression showed good performance in terms of NAC response in breast cancer, thereby providing valuable information for individual treatment and timely adjustment of chemotherapy regimens.
A New Scoring System to Predict Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis After Surgery for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kang Wen-Zhe , Xiong Jian-Ping , Li Yang , Jin Peng , Xie Yi-Bin , Xu Quan , Zhong Yu-Xin , Tian Yan-Tao 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundLymph node metastasis is one of the most important factors affecting the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to develop a new scoring system to predict lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer using preoperative tests in various combinations of inflammatory factors and to assess the predictive prognosis value of the new scoring system for the postoperative gastric cancer patients.MethodThis study includes 380 gastric cancer patients, 307 in the training set and 73 in the validation set. We obtain three inflammatory markers, CRA (C-reactive protein/albumin), SIRI (systemic inflammatory response index), and PLR (platelets/lymphocytes), by calculating and comparing the results of preoperative laboratory tests. By using these three indicators, a new scoring system is developed to predict lymph node metastases, assess patients’ prognoses, and compare clinicopathological characteristics in different patient subgroups. A nomogram is constructed to show and assess the predictive efficacy of every index for lymph node metastasis and survival.ResultsIn the new scoring system, higher scores are associated with more advanced pathological stage (p &lt; 0.001), perineural invasion (p &lt; 0.001), and vascular invasion (p = 0.001). Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses show that perineural invasion, vascular invasion, smoking history, and high scores on the new scoring system are significant risk factors for OS and RFS. High-scoring subgroups as an independent prognostic factor could predict overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). High scores on the new scoring system are significantly associated with the degree of lymph node metastasis (p &lt; 0.001). CAR and PLR play very important roles in predicting lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. CAR is a vital major marker in the prediction of patient survival.ConclusionsThe new scoring system can effectively predict the patients’ lymph node metastasis with gastric cancer and can independently predict the prognosis of patients.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Landscape of Parathyroid Carcinoma Research Based on the PubMed (2000–2021)
Authors: Feng Chenzhe , Tian Chuwen , Huang Leyi , Chen Haolin , Feng Yeqian , Chang Shi 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to assess the landscape of parathyroid carcinoma research during the last 22 years using machine learning and text analysis.MethodIn November 2021, we obtained from PubMed all works indexed under the mesh subject line “parathyroid carcinoma”. The entire set of search results was retrieved in XML format, and metadata such as title, abstract, keywords, mesh words, and year of publication were extracted for bibliometric evaluation from the original XML files. To increase the specificity of the investigation, the Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling method was applied.ResultsThe paper analyzed 3578 papers. The volume of literature related to parathyroid cancer has been relatively flat over the past 22 years. In the field of parathyroid cancer research, the most important topic of clinical interest is the differential diagnosis. Ultrasound and MIBI are the most commonly used imaging methods for localization. In terms of basic research, the mechanisms of gene mutation and local tumor recurrence are the focus of interest.ConclusionThere are huge unmet research needs for parathyroid carcinoma. Improving the diagnosis rates of parathyroid cancer by clinicians and establishing new and reliable molecular pathological markers and new image localization techniques will continue to be the focus of future research.
Comparison of Ultrasound Guided and Conventional Techniques for Peripheral Venous Catheter Insertion in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ye Xiulan , Li Ming 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundUltrasound guided cannulation for peripheral venous insertion is a well-established methodology. However, there has never been a systematic review completed to synthesize evidence within the pediatric population. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was completed to compare the efficacy and safety profile of ultrasound guided peripheral cannulation against the conventional palpation technique within pediatric patients.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted within the digital databases including Medline, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Cochrane library from inception until August 2021. A meta-analysis was then completed with random-effects model and reported pooled risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsIn total, 9 studies were analyzed, which included 1,312 participants, and the majority of studies (5 out 9 studies) were considered high quality. Amongst efficacy outcomes, first attempt success rate had a pooled RR of 1.53 (95% CI: 1.14–2.04), overall success rate had a pooled RR of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.01–1.26), number of attempts before successful cannulation had a pooled SMD of −1.93 [95%CI: −3.44 to −0.42], time taken for successful cannulation had a pooled SMD of −0.46 [95%CI: −1.20 to 0.28], needle redirections before successful cannulation had a pooled SMD of −1.26 [95%CI: −2.47 to −0.06]. Amongst safety outcomes, venous extravasation had a pooled RR of 1.59 (95% CI: 0.99–2.54) and phlebitis had an RR of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.07–1.50).ConclusionWithin pediatric patients, ultrasound guided peripheral venous cannulation is more efficacious when compared to the conventional palpation technique.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021275305, identifier: CRD42021275305.
Combining Neprilysin Inhibitor With AT2R Agonist Is Superior to Combination With AT1R Blocker in Providing Reno-Protection in Obese Rats
Authors: Gray Elizabeth Alana , Patel Sanket N. , Doris Peter A. , Hussain Tahir 
Published: February 2022

Clinical use of the combination therapy of the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker valsartan is known to be associated with albuminuria. Albuminuria is both a risk factor for and an indicator of kidney injury. Earlier work from our laboratory reported that the agonist of angiotensin II type 2 receptor Compound 21 (C21) prevents proteinuria, albuminuria, and is reno-protective in obese Zucker rats fed high salt diet (HSD). Thus, we hypothesized that sacubitril/C21 combination provides superior reno-protection compared to sacubitril/valsartan. Male obese Zucker rats 10–11 weeks old were treated daily with vehicle, sacubitril + C21, or sacubitril + valsartan while fed HSD for 16 days. HSD-feeding caused kidney dysfunction, evident by significant increases in urinary protein, osteopontin, and cystatin C. HSD-feeding lowered plasma cystatin C and creatinine concentrations suggestive of hyperfiltration, which was not affected by either treatment. Unlike sacubitril/valsartan, sacubitril/C21 treatment significantly decreases proteinuria, albuminuria, the expression of nephrin, and kidney weight, independent of hyperfiltration, compared with HSD alone. Moreover, sacubitril/valsartan therapy increased plasma renin and did not prevent HSD-induced increases in renal angiotensin II, while sacubitril/C21 completely prevented these changes. Together, this study suggests that sacubitril/C21 afforded superior reno-protection compared to sacubitril/valsartan therapy in high salt-fed obese Zucker rats.
Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata): Rightfully Forgotten or Underutilized?
Authors: Brendler Thomas , Abdel-Tawab Mona 
Published: February 2022

Today, the term buchu refers to the two species in commerce, Agathosma betulina (P.J.Bergius) Pillans and Agathosma crenulata (L.) Pillans (Rutaceae). Its traditional use in urinary tract infections and related ailments made it a popular remedy, specifically in the US, in 19th century, but with the advent of antibiotics it became largely obsolete. Recent focus is on technological use and on the essential oil for use in the perfume and food-flavouring industry. A review of the scarce pharmacological research revealed moderate antimicrobial activity for a leaf extract but not the essential oil of both species in the MIC assay. In the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) assay the essential oil of both species revealed IC50 values of 50.37 ± 1.87 μg/ml and 59.15 ± 7.44 μg/ml, respectively. In another study 98% inhibitory activity was determined for 250 μg/ml of an ethanolic extract of A. betulina on cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and a 25% inhibitory activity on COX-2. Analgesic activity of an ethanolic extract of A. betulina was shown in mice. Moderate antioxidant activity was determined for methanol:dichlormethane extracts of A. betulina and A. crenulata and an aqueous extract of A. betulina showed a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of 11.8 µM Trolox. Recent in vitro studies with a commercial aqueous extract of buchu revealed increased uptake of glucose added to 3T3-L1 cell line, significant inhibition of the respiratory burst of neutrophils and monocytes, reduction in the expression of adhesion molecules and inhibition of the release of IL-6 and TNF-α. In diabetic rats the ingestion of aqueous buchu extract completely normalized the glucose level and in rats receiving a high fat diet the consumption of aqueous buchu extract resulted in less weight gain and less intraperitoneal fat gain as well as reduction of elevated blood pressure to normal associated with cardioprotective effects. Limitations in the hitherto conducted research lie in the undisclosed composition of the buchu extracts used and the difficulty in extrapolating data from animal studies to humans. Health claims for buchu products need to be substantiated by randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled studies. Only then can they be promoted for their true therapeutic potential.
Differentiating “Attachment Difficulties” From Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Qualitative Interviews With Experienced Health Care Professionals
Authors: Coughlan Barry , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Woolgar Matt , Weisblatt Emma J. L. , Duschinsky Robbie 
Published: February 2022

Objectives“Attachment difficulties” is an umbrella term often used to describe various forms of non-secure attachment. Differentiating “attachment difficulties” from autism spectrum disorder (hereafter autism) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been characterized as challenging. Few studies have explored how this happens in practice, from the perspective of professionals.DesignQualitative study.MethodsWe conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with (n= 17) healthcare professionals from five NHS Foundation Trusts in the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited using a combination of snowballing, convenience and purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach.ResultsWe identified six interrelated themes that might reflect difficulties with differential conceptualization. These include: a clinical lexicon of attachment; approaching attachment with caution; contextual factors; perceived characteristic behaviors; assessing attachment and adjacent supports; spotlighting intervention and dual conceptualization.ConclusionOur results indicate some of the ways suspicions around attachment are raised in practice. We advocate for more dialogue between research and practice communities on issues of differential conceptualization. We call for collaboration between a panel of experts consisting of attachment and neurodevelopmental orientated practitioners and researchers, to clarify issues around differentiating between attachment difficulties, ASD, and ADHD.
Countries Response for People With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lugo-Agudelo LH , Spir Brunal Maria A , Posada Borrero Ana M , Cruz Sarmiento Kelly M , Velasquez Correa Juan C , Di Dio Castagna Iannini Rosarita , Gonzalez Zuluaga Manuela , Ospina Victor A , Patiño Lugo Daniel F , Mesa Franco Luisa F , Gutenbrunner Christoph 
Published: February 2022

Background and ObjectivesDuring the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, isolation and prevention measures to reduce COVID-19 contagions are essential for the care of all people; these measures should comply with the principles of inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities (PWD), with all kinds of deficiencies and levels of dependency. Thereby, the aim of this article is to present the measures adopted for PWD or people with rehabilitation needs, for containment, mitigation, or suppression of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in different countries of all continents and of all income levels.MethodsA narrative approach was used in this article. First, a broad search was carried out in the 193 member states of the UN, and then 98 countries that issued any document, report, or information related to disability and COVID-19 were selected. Finally, 32 countries were included in this article because they presented official information. We considered official sources, the information available in the government, or on the health ministry page of the country. In this way, the countries that presented information which did not correspond to an official source were excluded. The search was conducted in August 2020 and updated in March 2021.ResultsFirst, the non-pharmacological general interventions for PWD included informative measures and general recommendations during the stay at home, isolation, and biosecurity measures, contagion prevention, detection of positive cases, mobilization measures, and measures implemented in institutions or residences of PWD. Second, we identified the economic and social benefits provided to PWD during the pandemic. Finally, we identified the measures taken by countries according to the type of impairment (visual, hearing, physical, mental, and cardiopulmonary impairment) during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 50% of countries from the five world regions created and implemented specific measures for PWD to containment, mitigation, or suppression of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There is very little specific information available about the measures to continue with the care of people with rehabilitation needs and the long-term follow-up of PWD, and for the prevention and response to violence, especially for women with disabilities.