bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Spatial Distribution of Cellular Voids in the Human Otic Capsule: An Unbiased Quantification of Osteocyte-Depleted Areas
Authors: Hansen Lars Juul , Bloch Sune Land , Sørensen Mads Sølvsten 
Published: August 2022

Objective
This study aimed to describe the spatial distribution of osteocyte-depleted areas, so-called cellular voids, in the human otic capsule and compare it with that of otosclerosis.

Background
Systematic histological studies of the bony otic capsule have revealed an osteoprotegerin (OPG)-mediated inhibition of normal bone remodeling around the inner ear. The resulting accumulation of bony degeneration and dead osteocytes has been thoroughly documented, and the spatial distribution of dead osteocytes and matrix microcracks resembles that of the human ear disease otosclerosis. Clusters of dead osteocytes that may interfere with osteocyte connectivity and thereby the OPG signaling pathway have been described in human temporal bones. It is possible that these cellular voids create disruptions in the antiresorptive OPG signal that may give rise to local pathological remodeling.

Methods
Recently, a method of detecting cellular voids was developed. This study uses unbiased stereology to document the spatial distribution of cellular voids in bulk-stained undecalcified human temporal bone.

Results
Cellular voids accumulate around the inner ear and increase in number and size with age. Furthermore, cellular voids are more frequently found in the anterior and lateral regions of the otic capsule, which are known predilection sites of otosclerosis.

Conclusion
This colocalization of cellular voids and otosclerosis suggests a causal relationship between focal degeneration and otosclerotic remodeling.
The impact of alfentanil supplementation on the sedation of bronchoscopy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ou Yan , Feng Malong , Hu Bingqing , Dong Yishan 
Published: August 2022

Background:
The efficacy of alfentanil supplementation for the sedation of bronchoscopy remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of alfentanil supplementation on the sedation during bronchoscopy.

Methods:
We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through December 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of alfentanil supplementation versus placebo for the sedation during bronchoscopy. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

Results:
Five RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for bronchoscopy, alfentanyl supplementation is associated with significantly reduced coughing scores (Std. MD = –0.55; 95% CI = –0.96 to –0.14; P = 0.009) and dose of propofol (Std. MD = –0.34; 95% CI = –0.64 to –0.04; P = 0.03), but reveals the increase in hypoxemia (RR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.17 to 2.08; P = 0.002).

Conclusions:
Alfentanyl supplementation benefits to reduce coughing scores and dose of propofol for bronchoscopy, but increases the incidence of hypoxemia. The use of alfentanyl supplementation for bronchoscopy should be with caution.
Efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Woo Sang Ha , Lee Hyun-Jong , Park Yu-kyeong , Han Jihoon , Kim Jae Soo , Lee Jung Hee , Park Chung A. , Choi Seong-Hun , Lee Woo Dong , Yang Chang Sop , Kim Min Ji , Han Chang-Hyun 
Published: August 2022

Background:
Thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) is a widely used clinical procedure for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. However, few clinical studies have been conducted on the efficacy and safety of TEA for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and data from randomized controlled trials are lacking. This randomized controlled pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting large-scale studies on the efficacy and safety of TEA for KOA.

Methods:
Forty participants were included in the study and randomly divided into 2 groups (TEA and acupuncture) of 20 each. The intervention period was 6 weeks. The experimental group received TEA once a week (total of 6 sessions) on 14 defined knee areas, and the control group received acupuncture twice a week (total of 12 sessions) on 9 defined acupuncture points. The primary outcome measure was the visual analogue scale score, and the secondary outcome measures were the short-form McGill pain questionnaire, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores. Participants were assessed prior to the intervention (baseline) and at 3, 6, and 10 weeks (4 weeks after the end of intervention). The adverse effects of TEA and acupuncture were documented. Hematological examination and biochemical tests were performed at the screening and at 6 weeks.

Results:
Of the 40 participants, 37 completed the study and 3 participants dropped out. Both the TEA and acupuncture groups showed a significant improvement in the visual analogue scale, short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores in a time-dependent manner. However, there was no significant interaction between group and time. No serious adverse events were reported in the groups, and no clinically significant changes were observed in the hematological and biochemical parameters.

Conclusion:
This pilot study suggests that TEA is a safe and effective procedure for relieving pain in patients with KOA. The results of this study provide basic data and indicate the feasibility of large-scale clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TEA for KOA.
An original method of analysis of the breast contour curve with 3-dimensional imaging: Case series
Authors: Otsuki Yuki , Ueda Koichi , Ichida Tatsuya , Nuri Takashi , Okada Masashi 
Published: August 2022

Introduction:
Postoperative assessment of breast reconstruction results has become increasingly important. In this paper, a unique analysis method with 3-dimensional surface images of patients who were treated with immediate breast reconstruction is presented.

Patient concerns:
Five Japanese women were suspected of having breast cancer and visited our hospital for treatment.

Diagnosis:
Breast cancer was diagnosed by biopsy, mammography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Interventions:
Five patients underwent nipple/skin-sparing mastectomy, concomitant sentinel lymph node biopsy, and immediate breast reconstruction in our hospital. Three cases were reconstructed by extended latissimus dorsi flaps, one was reconstructed by a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, and one was reconstructed by a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. Three-dimensional photographs were taken 1 year postoperatively. The similarity of the breast contours between the reconstructed breast and the nonaffected opposite breast obtained from 3-dimensional images was analyzed. The calculated value is called the breast contour score.

Outcomes:
No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period in any cases. All cases could be analyzed by breast contour score to evaluate the breast shapes.

Conclusion:
The scores become a relative value that ranges from 0 (completely different) to 100 (completely the same). By expressing the score as a relative value, the breast contour score could help us understand the degree of breast symmetry more intuitively.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the intensive care unit prevents muscle atrophy in critically ill older patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nonoyama Tadayoshi , Shigemi Hiroko , Kubota Masafumi , Matsumine Akihiko , Shigemi Kenji , Ishizuka Tamotsu 
Published: August 2022

Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) develop muscle atrophy and decreased physical function. Though neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy has been shown to be effective in preventing this, but its effect on older patients is unknown.
To examine the course of critically ill older patients treated with NMES in the ICU and to define the impact of its use.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using older ICU patients (≥65 years) categorized into a control group (n = 20) and an NMES group (n = 22). For subgroup analysis, each group was further classified into pre-old age (65–74 years) and old age (≥75 years).
The control group showed significant decrease in muscle thickness during ICU and hospital stay. The NMES group showed lower reduction in muscle thickness and showed decrease in muscle echo intensity during hospital stay, compared to the control group. NMES inhibited decrease in muscle thickness in the pre-old age group versus the old age group. The decreasing effect of NMES on echo intensity during hospital stay manifested only in the pre-old age group. We did not find much difference in physical functioning between the NMES and control groups.
Lower limb muscle atrophy reduces in critically ill older patients (≥65 years) with NMES and is pronounced in patients aged < 75 years. The impact of NMES on the physical functioning of older patients in ICU needs to be further investigated.
Factors associated with long-term smoking relapse in those who succeeded in smoking cessation using regional smoking cessation programs
Authors: Lee Seung Hun , Yi Yu Hyeon , Lee Young In , Lee Hyo Young , Lim Kyoung-Min 
Published: August 2022

It is known that approximately 10% of successful quitters relapse annually. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to long-term smoking relapse in individuals who succeeded in maintaining smoking cessation for 6 months after attending a regional smoking cessation program.
This study enrolled 943 individuals registered for the regional smoking cessation program at the Busan Smoking Cessation Center in 2018–2019 who maintained smoking cessation for 6 months. A survey was conducted using a smartphone link or through phone calls, and the data for 305 participants who finally completed the survey were analyzed. The questionnaire addressed individual, inter-individual, organizational, and community-level factors related to smoking relapse. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with smoking relapse by period. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for the factors associated with smoking relapse for the entire period.
The smoking relapse rate at the time of the survey was 25.4%. In the analysis of smoking relapse by period, relapse was associated with the belief that smoking relieves stress, the number of single-person households, and poor subjective health status. In the analysis of smoking relapse during the entire period, we observed a significant association with the belief that smoking relieves stress (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52–4.61), single-person households (HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.16–3.26), and high levels of emotional stress (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.04–2.85).
Long-term follow-up is necessary to prevent smoking relapse in single-person households, individuals who believe that smoking relieves stress, and those experiencing high levels of subjective emotional stress. Interventional therapies for stress relief and awareness improvement in smokers need to be developed.
Epidemiological survey of self-reported food allergy among university students in China
Authors: Feng Hua , Liu Yong , Xiong Xiujuan , Xu Qunying , Zhang Zhongwei , Wu Yongning , Lu Yuanan 
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported food allergy among university students in China.
A cluster-random sampling population-based cross-sectional study using self - administrated questionnaire was conducted with 2538 college students recruited from 6 universities in China. The questionnaire included data on age, sex, weight, height, FA, comorbid allergic diseases, family history, and understanding food allergy. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0 statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors related to self-reported food allergy and estimate the odds ratio.
A total of 2538 questionnaires were distributed to the undergraduate students and 2313 completely effective questionnaires were collected, the effective response rate was 91.1%. 834 males and 1479 females were recruited, and their age ranged from 18 to 25 years old. The prevalence of self-reported food allergy was 15.7%, and the rate of doctor-diagnosed food allergy was 8.4%. The leading food allergens included shrimp, shellfish, milk, egg, peach, mango, beef, and peanut, and the prevalence of shrimp allergy was the highest (5.8%). The main clinical manifestation included skin mucous membrane and respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of food allergy were statistically significant difference (P < .05) between different age groups, family history, sun exposure times, smoking, and antibiotic use. Over 45% college students know little about food allergy.
The prevalence of self-reported food allergy among Chinese college students was high (15.7%). Shrimp was the main allergenic food, followed by shellfish, milk, egg, peach, and mango. Family history, sun exposure, obesity, and using antibiotics may be the influencing factors of food allergy. The Chinese undergraduates lacked the knowledge about food allergy. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen the health education program on food allergy for college students in China and other middle high-income nations.
Bentall procedure for retrograde type A dissection after endovascular repair in type A aortic dissection: A case report
Authors: Ma Li , Liu Long , Yan Sheng , Yan Jun 
Published: August 2022

Rationale:
The management of retrograde type A dissection (RTAD) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type A aortic dissection (TAAD) has rarely been reported. We report the management of RTAD after TEVAR with in situ fenestration for TAAD.

Patient concerns:
A 59-year-old man with TAAD had undergone TEVAR with in situ fenestration 4 months prior to presenting to our emergency room complaining of acute chest and back pain. Computed tomography angiography showed RTAD starting from the proximal endograft and extending to the aortic root.

Diagnosis:
The patient was diagnosed with RTAD.

Interventions:
We performed only the Bentall procedure, and the patient did not require total arch replacement. We removed the bare spring of the proximal endograft and anastomosed the prosthetic graft with the endograft and the native ascending aortic wall.

Outcomes:
The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remained asymptomatic for 3 years after surgery. Computed tomography angiography at the 3-year follow-up showed no perivalvular or anastomotic leakage.

Lessons:
RTAD after TEVAR for TAAD was safely and effectively treated by anastomosing the prosthetic graft with the endograft and the native ascending aortic wall instead of total arch replacement.
Association of anxiety and depression with chronic liver diseases in patients with noncardiac chest pain: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chang Rei-Yeuh , Hsueh-Hua Ho Sheri , Tsai Han-Lin , Koo Malcolm 
Published: August 2022

Causes of chest pain can vary from benign to life-threatening conditions, and in many cases not necessary of cardiac origin. A possible reason for noncardiac chest pain could be anxiety or depression caused by chronic liver diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of anxiety and depression with chronic liver disease in patients with noncardiac pain.
Patients with chest tightness or pain referred for treadmill exercise testing were recruited from a regional hospital in southern Taiwan. Medical records of the patients were used to define the presence and type of chronic liver disease. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association of anxiety and depression with chronic liver disease.
A total of 2537 patients with liver function test results and abdominal sonography data were analyzed, and 1965 patients showed a negative treadmill exercise testing. The mean age of these 1965 patients was 51.9 years and 54.2% were male. The prevalence of alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and fatty liver disease was 10.6%, 10.9%, 3.7%, and 27.0%, respectively. Results from multiple logistic regression analyses showed that the risk of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.83, P < .001) and depression (aOR = 1.85, P < .001) was significantly higher in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Anxiety was significantly higher in patients with fatty liver disease (aOR = 1.30, P = .031), and the risk of depression was significantly higher in patients with chronic hepatitis C (aOR = 2.18, P = .005).
In conclusion, in patients with noncardiac chest pain, alcoholic liver disease was significantly associated with anxiety and depression, while those with fatty liver and chronic hepatitis C were associated with anxiety and depression, respectively. Clinicians should be vigilant to these correlations in their practice.
Characteristics and quality of life of substance users and their caregivers
Authors: Maksimovic Jadranka M. , Sbutega Olivera B. , Pavlovic Aleksandar D. , Vlajinac Hristina D. , Kavecan Ivana I. , Vujcic Isidora S. , Grujicic Sipetic Sandra B. 
Published: August 2022

The correlation between substance use and depression has been emphasized in the literature. Substance use disorders can also adversely affect the caregivers of drug-addicted persons.
A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Special Hospital for Addiction Diseases in Belgrade in 2015 to analyze the characteristics, consequences, and health-related quality of life of drug users and their caregivers. The sample comprised 136 users of various substances, and 136 caregivers. A questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), and Beck Depression Inventory were administered to all participants.
According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with caregivers, substance users were significantly more frequently male (P < .001), ≤ 39 years old (P < .001), and more frequently reported the use of sedatives (P = .009) and smoking (P < .001). Some level of depression was present in all participants, but severe forms were more frequent in substance users (P = .010). Among substance users, mean scores of SF-36 domains ranged from 56.62‒87.17, and among their caregivers, from 50.37‒75.07; however, the difference was significant only for the health change domain (P = .037), the score for which was lower in caregivers.
Substance users suffered from more severe forms of depression compared to their caregivers, who had lower SF-36 scores in the domain of health change.
The efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xing-Hui , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Mu Zhen-Yu , Zhu Li-Ping , Zhong Chong-Fu , Guo Shanchun 
Published: August 2022

Background:
We aim to assess the efficacy and safety profiles of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer using a meta-analysis.

Methods:
We extracted and examined data from phase I, II and III clinical trials from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, which included patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate several indexes of efficacy and safety, including the objective response rate, 1-year overall survival (OS) rate, prostate-specific antigen response rate, and adverse event rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The material data were calculated and pooled using The R Project for Statistical Computing and STATA 12.0 software.

Results:
We identified 12 clinical trials in our study. We assessed the pooled frequencies of all-grade AEs and grade ≥ 3 AEs first and showed 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.91, I2 = 94%, P < .01) and 0.42 (95% CI: 0.33–0.54, I2 = 96%, P < .01), respectively. The objective response rate was 0.10 (95% CI: 0.04–0.19, I2 = 70%, P < .01), and the 1-year OS and prostate-specific antigen response rate were 0.55 (95% CI: 0.45–0.67, I2 = 93%, P < .01) and 0.18 (95% CI: 0.16–0.20, I2 = 43%, P = .03), respectively.

Conclusion:
The immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy was well tolerated and showed potential to improve tumor responses in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
The method for termination of mid-trimester pregnancy with placenta previa: A case study
Authors: Long Qingyun , Wu Shiyao , Du Shuguo , Li Ruyan , Zhao Yun , Tang Fei 
Published: August 2022

Background:
Prenatal bleeding is very dangerous for pregnant women with placenta previa during termination of pregnancy in the mid-trimester. Traditionally, cesarean section or hysterectomy is used to stop bleeding. This study aims to investigate the method for termination of mid-trimester pregnancy with placenta previa, especially emergency uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with cervical double balloon (CDB).

Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted based on 261 cases of mid-pregnancy termination in our hospital, where 34 cases with placenta previa were set as the observation group, and the remaining 227 cases were set as control group. At first, the termination method of Mifepristone combined with Misoprostol/Ethacridine Lactate was adopted. If the volume of prenatal bleeding was up to 400 mL, emergency uterine artery embolization (UAE) was implemented to stop bleeding, then cervical double balloon (CDB) was used to promote cervical ripening. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was performed to assess the accuracy in predicting the length of placental edge crossed the cervical os for prenatal bleeding.

Results:
The number of gravidity/parities, the rate of cesarean section, the medical cost, the rate of previous cesarean section were all higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < .05). The volume of prenatal hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, the rate of puerperal morbidity, emergency UAE rate and ICU rate were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < .05). There were 4 cases showing prenatal hemorrhage up to 400 mL and undergoing emergency UAE + CDB in the observation group, while there were no such cases in the control group (P < .05). An optimal cut-off value of 1.7cm for the length of placental edge crossed the cervical os in diagnosing prenatal hemorrhage demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 75.0% and 86.7%, respectively (area under the ROC curve, 0.858).

Conclusion:
The combined therapy of mifepristone and Misoprostol/Ethacridine Lactate was useful for termination of mid-trimester pregnancy with placenta previa, and attention needs to be attached to prenatal hemorrhage during labor induction. Emergency UAE + CDB is a good combination method to treat prenatal hemorrhage and promote cervical ripening during the induction.