bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology: an insight into neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Patil Ajay D. , Biousse Valérie , Newman Nancy J. 
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review
The aging world population accounts for the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's which carry a significant health and economic burden. There is therefore a need for sensitive and specific noninvasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring. Advances in retinal and optic nerve multimodal imaging as well as the development of artificial intelligence deep learning systems (AI-DLS) have heralded a number of promising advances of which ophthalmologists are at the forefront.

Recent findings
The association among retinal vascular, nerve fiber layer, and macular findings in neurodegenerative disease is well established. In order to optimize the use of these ophthalmic parameters as biomarkers, validated AI-DLS are required to ensure clinical efficacy and reliability. Varied image acquisition methods and protocols as well as variability in neurogenerative disease diagnosis compromise the robustness of ground truths that are paramount to developing high-quality training datasets.

Summary
In order to produce effective AI-DLS for the diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative disease, multicenter international collaboration is required to prospectively produce large inclusive datasets, acquired through standardized methods and protocols. With a uniform approach, the efficacy of resultant clinical applications will be maximized.
Blinding and sham control methods in trials of physical, psychological, and self-management interventions for pain (article I): a systematic review and description of methods
Authors: Hohenschurz-Schmidt David , Draper-Rodi Jerry , Vase Lene , Scott Whitney , McGregor Alison , Soliman Nadia , MacMillan Andrew , Olivier Axel , Cherian Cybill Ann , Corcoran Daniel , Abbey Hilary , Freigang Sascha , Chan Jessica , Phalip Jules , Nørgaard Sørensen Lea , Delafin Maite , Baptista Margarida , Medforth Naomi R. , Ruffini Nuria , Skøtt Andresen Stephanie , Ytier Sylvain , Ali Dorota , Hobday Harriet , Santosa Anak Agung Ngurah Agung Adhiyoga , Vollert Jan , Rice Andrew S.C. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Blinding is challenging in randomised controlled trials of physical, psychological, and self-management therapies for pain, mainly because of their complex and participatory nature. To develop standards for the design, implementation, and reporting of control interventions in efficacy and mechanistic trials, a systematic overview of currently used sham interventions and other blinding methods was required. Twelve databases were searched for placebo or sham-controlled randomised clinical trials of physical, psychological, and self-management treatments in a clinical pain population. Screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate, and trial features, description of control methods, and their similarity to the active intervention under investigation were extracted (protocol registration ID: CRD42020206590). The review included 198 unique control interventions, published between 2008 and December 2021. Most trials studied people with chronic pain, and more than half were manual therapy trials. The described control interventions ranged from clearly modelled based on the active treatment to largely dissimilar control interventions. Similarity between control and active interventions was more frequent for certain aspects (eg, duration and frequency of treatments) than others (eg, physical treatment procedures and patient sensory experiences). We also provide an overview of additional, potentially useful methods to enhance blinding, as well as the reporting of processes involved in developing control interventions. A comprehensive picture of prevalent blinding methods is provided, including a detailed assessment of the resemblance between active and control interventions. These findings can inform future developments of control interventions in efficacy and mechanistic trials and best-practice recommendations.
Blinding and sham control methods in trials of physical, psychological, and self-management interventions for pain (article II): a meta-analysis relating methods to trial results
Authors: Hohenschurz-Schmidt David , Draper-Rodi Jerry , Vase Lene , Scott Whitney , McGregor Alison , Soliman Nadia , MacMillan Andrew , Olivier Axel , Cherian Cybill Ann , Corcoran Daniel , Abbey Hilary , Freigang Sascha , Chan Jessica , Phalip Jules , Sørensen Lea Nørgaard , Delafin Maite , Baptista Margarida , Medforth Naomi R. , Ruffini Nuria , Andresen Stephanie Skøtt , Ytier Sylvain , Ali Dorota , Hobday Harriet , Ngurah Agung Adhiyoga Santosa Anak Agung , Vollert Jan , Rice Andrew S.C. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Sham interventions in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of physical, psychological, and self-management (PPS) therapies for pain are highly variable in design and believed to contribute to poor internal validity. However, it has not been formally tested whether the extent to which sham controls resemble the treatment under investigation consistently affects trial outcomes, such as effect sizes, differential attrition, participant expectancy, and blinding effectiveness. Placebo- or sham-controlled RCTs of PPS interventions of clinical pain populations were searched in 12 databases. The similarity of control interventions to the experimental treatment was rated across 25 features. Meta-regression analyses assessed putative links between employed control interventions, observed effect sizes in pain-related outcomes, attrition, and blinding success. The sample included 198 unique control interventions, dominated by manual therapy and chronic musculoskeletal pain research. Meta-analyses indicated small-to-moderate benefits of active treatments over control interventions, across subgroups of manual therapies, exercise, and rehabilitation, and psychological intervention trials. Multiple meta-regression modelling demonstrated that similarity between sham control and tested interventions predicted variability in pain-related outcomes, attrition, and blinding effectiveness. Influential variables were differences relating to the extent of intervention exposure, participant experience, and treatment environments. The results support the supposed link between blinding methods and effect sizes, based on a large and systematically sourced overview of methods. However, challenges to effective blinding are complex and often difficult to discern from trial reports. Nonetheless, these insights have the potential to change trial design, conduct, and reporting and will inform guideline development.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with pemphigus exposed to rituximab before or during pregnancy
Authors: Dehghanimahmoudabadi Azin , Kianfar Nika , Akhdar Marwa , Dasdar Shayan , Balighi Kamran , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Daneshpazhooh Maryam 
Published: July 2022

Background:
Rituximab (RTX) is an effective treatment for pemphigus; however, the drug labeling recommends not to use RTX within 1 year before conception.

Objectives:
To report pregnancy outcomes of patients with pemphigus who were treated with RTX before or during pregnancy.

Methods:
We identified 19 pregnancies with RTX exposure before or during pregnancy. All had previously been advised not to get pregnant within 1 year of RTX administration. The cases were categorized into 3 groups of exposure of within 6 months (group A), between 6 and 12 months (group B), and longer than 12 months of conception (group C). The pregnancy outcomes of different RTX exposure intervals were compared.

Results:
Group A included 9 pregnancies, of which 3 had received RTX accidentally after conception. Group B and C included 4 and 6 pregnancies, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding pregnancy outcomes. Overall, there were 17 live births, 1 spontaneous abortion, and 1 termination. Of the live births, 3 preterm deliveries and 4 low-birth-weight neonates were noted. Moreover, 1 neonate was hospitalized due to early-onset neonatal sepsis, and 1 had hydronephrosis. Disease flare-up occurred in 5 patients during pregnancy (4 minor and 1 major relapses) and in 5 patients after delivery (3 minor and 2 major relapses).

Conclusions:
Except for 1 case of neonatal sepsis which survived following medical treatment, no serious relevant adverse pregnancy outcome that could be attributed to RTX exposure before and during early pregnancy in women with pemphigus was detected. Nevertheless, RTX should not be administered within 1 year before planned pregnancy, as not enough data is available yet.
Board Certification in Cosmetic Surgery: An Analysis of Punitive Actions
Authors: Gabrick Kyle , Makhoul Alan T. , Riccelli Vincent , Perdikis Galen , Janis Jeffrey E. , Drolet Brian C. 
Published: July 2022

Background:
American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) Diplomates complete training in aesthetic surgery through an ACGME-accredited program. American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) diplomates complete residency training in a “related” specialty, some historically non-surgical, followed by an American Association of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) fellowship. Unlike the ABPS, the ABCS is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as an equivalent certifying board. This study evaluated differences in the rates of punitive action against Diplomates of the ABPS and the ABCS.

Methods:
Diplomats were accessed from their respective society's websites (ABCS&ABPS). Punitive action data were obtained by search of publicly available state medical board databases. A comparative analysis was performed between ABPS and ABCS.

Results:
One thousand two-hundred and eight physicians were identified for comparative analysis. Two hundred and sixty-six (22%) were members of the ASPS, 549 (49%) were members of the TAS. ABCS Diplomates had significantly higher rates of disciplinary administrative action by their respective state medical boards [31 (9.0%)] when compared with ABPS members [TAS: 26 (4.4%) and ASPS: 8 (3.1%); p=0.003] with a higher; proportion of repeat offenders. In addition, ABCS Diplomates had more public letters of reprimand [ABCS:12 (3.5%) vs. TAS: 6 (1.2%) and ASPS: 2 (0.8%); p=0.015].

Conclusions:
ABCS Diplomates have significantly higher rates of punitive actions than ABPS Diplomates. Although the reasons for this discrepancy warrant further investigation, punitive data should be transparently and publicly available to aid patients in informed decision-making.
The Usefulness of Computer-Aided Detection of Brain Metastases on Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Using Single-Shot Multibox Detector: Observer Performance Study
Authors: Sakamoto Naoya , Amemiya Shiori , Takao Hidemasa , Kato Shimpei , Yamashita Hiroshi , Fujimoto Kotaro , Nakaya Moto , Kanemaru Noriko , Miyo Rintaro , Hosoi Reina , Mizuki Masumi , Abe Osamu 
Published: July 2022

Objective
This study aimed to test the usefulness of computer-aided detection (CAD) for the detection of brain metastasis (BM) on contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Methods
The test data set included whole-brain axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography images of 25 cases with 62 BMs and 5 cases without BM. Six radiologists from 3 institutions with 2 to 4 years of experience independently reviewed the cases, both in conditions with and without CAD assistance. Sensitivity, positive predictive value, number of false positives, and reading time were compared between the conditions using paired t tests. Subanalysis was also performed for groups of lesions divided according to size. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
With CAD, sensitivity significantly increased from 80.4% to 83.9% (P = 0.04), whereas positive predictive value significantly decreased from 88.7% to 84.8% (P = 0.03). Reading time with and without CAD was 112 and 107 seconds, respectively (P = 0.38), and the number of false positives was 10.5 with CAD and 7.0 without CAD (P = 0.053). Sensitivity significantly improved for 6- to 12-mm lesions, from 71.2% without CAD to 80.3% with CAD (P = 0.02). The sensitivity of the CAD (95.2%) was significantly higher than that of any reader (with CAD: P = 0.01; without CAD: P = 0.005).

Conclusions
Computer-aided detection significantly improved BM detection sensitivity without prolonging reading time while marginally increased the false positives.
Adenoidal-Nasopharyngeal Ratio in Healthy Adults on Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Chan King Chong , Vasilyeva Daria , Bansal Tarika , Moonis Gul 
Published: July 2022

Objective
This study aimed to quantify the adenoidal-nasopharyngeal ratio (ANR) in a cohort of healthy adults on cone beam computed tomography (CT) using the Fujioka method, which is a reproducible measure of adenoid size and nasopharyngeal patency.

Methods
Electronic health records and maxillofacial cone beam CT in 202 consecutive patients aged 16 years and older were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a history of adenoidectomy, sinonasal disease, lymphoproliferative disorders, and cleft palate were excluded from the study. The midsagittal reconstructed cone beam CT image was used to determine the ANR. Statistical analysis was conducted using 1-way analysis of variance.

Results
Of the 202 subjects, 131 were female and 71 were male. The mean ± SD subject age was 45.43 ± 20.79 years (range, 16–91 years). The mean ± SD ANR in all subjects was 0.22 ± 0.13 (range, 0.03–0.75) and in each decade of adult life was as follows: younger than 21 years, 0.39 ± 0.12; 21 to 30 years, 0.29 ± 0.11; 31 to 40 years, 0.21 ± 0.09; 41 to 50 years, 0.20 ± 0.07; 51 to 60 years, 0.16 ± 0.10; 61 to 70 years, 0.13 ± 0.05; 71 to 80 years, 0.12 ± 0.05; 81 to 90 years, 0.11 ± 0.04; and 91 years or older, 0.10 ± 0. The differences in mean ANR among the age subgroups were statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The mean ANR gradually decreased from 0.39 in the second decade of life to 0.16 in the sixth decade of life and plateaued at approximately 0.10 thereafter.
Cytocapsular cancer evolution analyses of 311 kinds of cancers
Authors: Yi Tingfang , Wagner Gerhard 
Published: July 2022

AbstractCancer is a leading cause of human lethality. Cytocapsular tube, a newly discovered cancer cell specific organelle in vivo, plays pleiotropic biological functions and its generation distinguishes incomplete from complete cancer cells. It is essential for complete malignant tumor growth, cancer metastasis, conventional cancer drug pan-resistance, and cancer relapse. However, mechanisms of cytocapsular cancer evolution are still elusive. Here, we investigated cytocapsular cancer evolution in 311 kinds/subtype of cancers, including 265 types/subtypes of solid cancers and 46 types/subtypes of liquid/hematological cancers. We analyzed 9,856 pieces of annotated clinical tissue samples from 9,682 cancer patients in the asymptotic early stage, Stages I-IV, and before, during and after cancer treatments. We discovered that cytocapsular cancer evolution in solid cancers includes: transformation, formation of incomplete cancer cells, transition to complete cancer cells surrounded by cytocapsulae (CC), merging of complete cancer cells by devolution, formation of cytocapsular tubes (CCTs) and complete malignant tumors in superlarge CC. This is followed by generation of CCT networks, cancer metastasis, CCT network-tumor system (CNTS), CCT degradation and decomposition, and spatiotemporal moving CNTS. In addition, cytocapsular cancer evolution related to liquid (hematological) cancers including bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen, mirrors the process in solid cancers, except that cancer cells in the blood only form CCs but not CCTs. In summary, our study established a cytocapsular cancer evolution atlas, which may pave an avenue for the research on therapy of both solid and liquid cancers.
Microbubbles for improved nucleic acid extraction in wastewater samples for viral RNA detection
Authors: Wegner Casey , Roussey Jon , Carey Maureen , Macintyre Brittany , Snow Tiffany , Sieglaff Douglas , Bridi Aline , Battiste Shauntina , Livi Carolina B. , McNaughton Brandon 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTThe use of wastewater-based epidemiology has increased in recent years due to the publication of COVID-19 online trackers and the focus of the media on the pandemic. Yet the analysis of viromes in wastewater has been widely applied for several decades in conjunction with traditional chemical analysis approaches. However, even though real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) based molecular detection methods are now mainstream in large and small labs alike, wastewater sampling and nucleic acid extraction procedures are not yet standardized or optimized to enable routine and robust analysis and results interpretation. Here, we employ a flotation-based nucleic acid extraction method using microbubbles that allows for simple direct collection and lysis of total wastewater samples without the requirement for pasteurization or filtration of solid components prior to analysis. An additional advantage discovered during testing was reduced sample input needs while maintaining sensitivity compared to precipitation and ultrafiltration-based methods. Microbubbles designed to bind nucleic acids enable convenient workflows, fast extraction, and concentration and purification of RNA and DNA that is compatible with downstream genomic analyses.SUMMARYMicrobubble-based capture of nucleic acids from raw (unpasteurized) and unfiltered (containing solids) wastewater with subsequent elution offers several advantages over existing methods. Using microbubbles, the required sample input and protocol duration are reduced while sensitivity of downstream genomic analysis is increased.
A RT-qPCR system using a degenerate probe for specific identification and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variants of Concern
Authors: Jessen Randi , Nielsen Line , Larsen Nicolai Balle , Cohen Arieh Sierra , Gunalan Vithiagaran , Marving Ellinor , Alfaro-Núñez Alonzo , Polacek Charlotta ,   The Danish COVID-19 Genome Consortium (DCGC), Fomsgaard Anders , Spiess Katja 
Published: July 2022

AbstractFast surveillance strategies are needed to control the spread of new emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and gain time for evaluation of their pathological potential. This was essential for the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) that replaced the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) and is currently the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating worldwide. RT-qPCR strategies complement whole genome sequencing, especially in resource lean countries, but mutations in the targeting primer and probe sequences of new emerging variants can lead to a failure of the existing RT-qPCRs. Here, we introduced an RT-qPCR platform for detecting the Delta- and the Omicron variant simultaneously using a degenerate probe targeting the key ΔH69/V70 mutation in the spike protein. By inclusion of the L452R mutation into the RT-qPCR platform, we could detect not only the Delta and the Omicron variants, but also the Omicron sub-lineages BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5. The RT-qPCR platform was validated in small- and large-scale. It can easily be incorporated for continued monitoring of Omicron sub-lineages, and offers a fast adaption strategy of existing RT-qPCRs to detect new emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants using degenerate probes.
Development of an Accurate and Rapid Antigen Assay for COVID-19 Diagnostics Using Saliva
Authors: Troup Camille , Mukhopadhyay Debnath , Chakrabarty Tania , Madan Anup , Satyanarayana Sri , Mehta Shreefal , Dwarakanath Su 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe global outbreak of COVID-19 highlighted the need for rapid and accurate diagnostic testing to control the spread of this highly contagious disease (1-5). Here, we describe the nCoVega COVID-19 antigen rapid test (∼ 15min) that can detect the presence of the SARS-COV-2 virus particles from saliva sample on a portable device. The portable reader instrument, the Vega-200, has a small footprint and is designed for use at point of care settings. The test detects the fluorescence signal using wide-field illumination from antigen-antibody complexes captured on a special filter matrix (6). Results of this clinical evaluation of 183 subjects demonstrates that the nCoVega COVID-19 test performs at par with qRT-PCR tests (7) (gold standard) for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, with a strong inverse correlation between RFU (relative fluorescence units) and Ct counts (from RT-PCR) maintaining detection accuracy even at very low viral loads. The test has an analytical performance of 15.3 TCID50/mL, and 100% specificity for COVID-19 as compared to other human respiratory viruses, including other human coronaviruses. The working principle of this assay and test system can be used for developing other rapid, inexpensive antigen assays and it can offer an end-to-end, point-of-care solution to meet the continuous demand in tackling existing and emerging infectious diseases across the globe.
The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture kinesitherapy after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary heart disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Di , Lu Huaimin , Jin Song , Guo Hong , Liu Xiaoxiao , Xiao Wensheng , Li Hongpeng , Ma Jiang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundCoronary heart disease(CHD) is a common disease of the cardiovascular system. Percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) has been proven an effective treatment. Various complications after PCI may further affect the long-term efficacy of PCI. Previous trials have showed that both kinesitherapy(KT) and acupuncture are beneficial to patients with CHD, but need further confirmation. Acupuncture kinesitherapy(AKT) is a kind of combination therapy of acupuncture with exercise training. In this study, we plan to conduct a randomized controlled trial(RCT) to confirm the superior efficacy of AKT compared to KT and conventional medical therapy(MT) in post-PCI rehabilitation for CHD patients, and to further guide the clinical strategy.MethodsThis is a single-center randomized controlled trial with 3 parallel arms. We will recruit 102 CHD patients after PCI and randomly assign them to 3 groups. Participants in 3 groups will receive 2-week MT. Besides, participants in AKT and KT groups will also receive acupuncture kinesitherapy and kinesitherapy alone, respectively. They will be treated once a day, 5-day a week, and the treatment course will last for a total of 2-week with a 2-day off during the course. The primary outcome is the changes in cardiac function. The secondary outcomes include aerobic capacity, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, mental status, and activity of daily living. All outcomes will be measured at baseline and 2-week after treatment. Adverse events also will be recorded. The cardiac function and activities of daily living will be followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment.DiscussionWe expect findings of trial will provide important insight into application of AKT as a safety and more effective method for CHD patients. Successful completion of this proposed study will also contribute to promotion of AKT in the clinic in the future.Trial registrationChinese clinical trial registry (Register Number: ChiCTR2100048960) http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.