bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Macrophage-Like Cells in Retinal Vein Occlusion Using En Face Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Zeng Yunkao , Zhang Xiongze , Mi Lan , Gan Yuhong , Su Yongyue , Li Miaoling , Yang Ruijun , Zhang Yining , Wen Feng 
Published: March 2022

PurposeTo investigate the clinical features of a macrophage-like cell (MLC) obtained by en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) in retinal vein occlusion (RVO).MethodsThe study involved 36 patients with treatment-naïve unilateral acute RVO, including 21 branch RVO (BRVO) and 15 central RVO. Vessel density and macular thickness were quantified using OCT angiography. A 3-μm en face OCT slab on the inner limiting membrane in the optic nerve head (ONH) region or macular region was used to visualize the MLCs. The MLCs were binarized and quantified using a semiautomated method. The unaffected fellow eyes served as the control group.ResultsThe morphology of MLCs appeared larger and plumper in RVO eyes. The mean MLC density in the ONH and macular regions was 2.46 times and 2.86 times higher than their fellow eyes, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). The macular MLC density of the occlusive region was significantly lower than that of the unaffected region in BRVO (p = 0.01). The ONH and macular MLC densities in the non-perfused region were significantly lower than those in the perfused region in all RVO eyes (p &lt; 0.001). The ONH MLC density in RVO eyes was negatively correlated with radial peripapillary capillary vessel density (r = −0.413, p = 0.012). Both ONH and macular MLC densities were positively correlated with macular thickness (r = 0.505, p = 0.002; r = 0.385, p = 0.02, respectively).ConclusionThe increased density and changes of morphology characterized by OCT may indicate generalized activation and aggregation of MLCs in RVO. More MLCs are recruited in the perfused region rather than the non-perfused region. RVO eyes with a higher density of MLCs tend to suffer from the thicker macula.
Prevalence of Psychosomatic and Genitourinary Syndrome Among Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nik Hazlina Nik Hussain , Norhayati Mohd Noor , Shaiful Bahari Ismail , Nik Muhammad Arif Nik Ahmad 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionThe menopausal transition represents the passage from reproductive to non-reproductive life and is characterized by a number of menstrual disturbances. We systematically reviewed the evidence on the prevalence of psychosomatic and genitourinary syndrome among menopausal women and compared the risk of symptoms between premenopausal, perimenopausal, and post-menopausal women.MethodsWe performed a systematic search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect through March 2021. Case series/reports, conference papers and proceedings, articles available only in abstract form, editorial reviews, letters of communication, commentaries, systematic reviews, and qualitative studies were excluded. Two reviewers independently extracted and assessed the quality of data using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis. The outcomes were assessed with random-effects model using the Review Manager software.ResultsIn total, 29 studies had a low risk of bias and were included in the review. Our findings showed that the pooled prevalence of somatic symptoms in post-menopausal women (52.6%) was higher than in the premenopausal and perimenopausal stages (34.6 and 39.5%, respectively). There was a low prevalence of psychological symptoms in premenopausal women (28.4%). The genitourinary syndrome was highest among post-menopausal women (55.1%), followed by perimenopausal (31.9%) and premenopausal (19.2%) women.ConclusionPost-menopausal women have a higher risk of experiencing menopausal symptoms particularly genitourinary syndrome than premenopausal and perimenopausal women. It is pertinent for healthcare professionals to evaluate the symptoms in order to provide them with a better quality of life.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021235958
Thyroid Function Affects the Risk of Post-stroke Depression in Patients With Acute Lacunar Stroke
Authors: Guo Jianglong , Wang Jinjing , Xia Yue , Jiang Shiyi , Xu Pengfei , Tao Chunrong , Sun Wen , Liu Xinfeng 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether thyroid function profiles are associated with post-stroke depression (PSD) and evaluate the mediation effect of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) on the association of thyroid function profiles and PSD in patients with acute ischemic lacunar stroke.MethodsIn this study, 372 patients with confirmed acute ischemic lacunar stroke within 3 days of onset were consecutively recruited. Serum levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies were detected on admission. Lacunar infarcts, white matter lesions, cerebral microbleeds, and enlarged perivascular spaces were rated using validated scales. The severity of depression was scored with the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale in the hospital after a week of stroke onset. Multivariate regression was utilized to analyze the association of thyroid function profiles and PSD. Mediation analysis was employed to evaluate the effect of cSVD on the association of thyroid function profiles and PSD.ResultsA total of 87 (23.4%) participants were diagnosed with depression after stroke. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly higher in patients with PSD than in those without PSD, while free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) were not significantly different between the two groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, serum TSH levels were positively associated with the risk of PSD (OR = 1.228; 95% CI: 1.053–1.431, p = 0.009). A similar association was also found between the total cSVD burden score and PSD (OR = 2.137; 95% CI: 1.634–2.793, p &lt; 0.001). Further mediation analysis indicated that 26.37% of the association between TSH and PSD was mediated by cSVD.ConclusionsSerum TSH levels on admission can probably predict depression after acute ischemic lacunar stroke.
Multiparametric MRI-Based Radiomics Model for Predicting H3 K27M Mutant Status in Diffuse Midline Glioma: A Comparative Study Across Different Sequences and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Guo Wei , She Dejun , Xing Zhen , Lin Xiang , Wang Feng , Song Yang , Cao Dairong 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe performance of multiparametric MRI-based radiomics models for predicting H3 K27M mutant status in diffuse midline glioma (DMG) has not been thoroughly evaluated. The optimal combination of multiparametric MRI and machine learning techniques remains undetermined. We compared the performance of various radiomics models across different MRI sequences and different machine learning techniques.MethodsA total of 102 patients with pathologically confirmed DMG were retrospectively enrolled (27 with H3 K27M-mutant and 75 with H3 K27M wild-type). Radiomics features were extracted from eight sequences, and 18 feature sets were conducted by independent combination. There were three feature matrix normalization algorithms, two dimensionality-reduction methods, four feature selectors, and seven classifiers, consisting of 168 machine learning pipelines. Radiomics models were established across different feature sets and machine learning pipelines. The performance of models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) and compared with DeLong’s test.ResultsThe multiparametric MRI-based radiomics models could accurately predict the H3 K27M mutant status in DMG (highest AUC: 0.807–0.969, for different sequences or sequence combinations). However, the results varied significantly between different machine learning techniques. When suitable machine learning techniques were used, the conventional MRI-based radiomics models shared similar performance to advanced MRI-based models (highest AUC: 0.875–0.915 vs. 0.807–0.926; DeLong’s test, p &gt; 0.05). Most models had a better performance when generated with a combination of MRI sequences. The optimal model in the present study used a combination of all sequences (AUC = 0.969).ConclusionsThe multiparametric MRI-based radiomics models could be useful for predicting H3 K27M mutant status in DMG, but the performance varied across different sequences and machine learning techniques.
Thymidine Kinase 1 Drives Skin Cutaneous Melanoma Malignant Progression and Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Zuo Sipeng , Wang Huixue , Li Lin , Pan Hui , Lu Linna 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThymidine kinase 1 (TK1) is a cell cycle-dependent kinase that catalyzes the addition of a gamma-phosphate group to thymidine. The protumorigenic role of TK1 has been reported in various malignancies. However, the role of TK1 in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the molecular function of TK1 in SKCM progression.MethodsBioinformatics data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Subcutaneous xenografts were established to observe the effect of TK1 knockdown on the proliferation of SKCM cells in vivo. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq; deposited in Sequence Read Archive, SRX10950283-SRX10950285 for A375 control cells and SRX10950286-SRX10950288 for TK1-silenced A375 cells) and immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry (IP-MS) were used to analyze TK1-related genes and pathways. Seahorse XF Cell Mito tests and glycolysis stress assays were conducted for metabolic testing.ResultsTK1 was upregulated in malignant SKCM compared to that in normal tissues and cell lines. Elevated expression of TK1 was associated with poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that TK1 promoted the proliferation and migration of SKCM cells. Moreover, TK1 was strongly associated with multiple intracellular metabolic pathways, facilitating cell mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in SKCM malignant progression.ConclusionsTK1 drives SKCM malignant progression and supports metabolic reprogramming, indicating that TK1 serves as a therapeutic target for SKCM.
High-Grade Glioma Treatment Response Monitoring Biomarkers: A Position Statement on the Evidence Supporting the Use of Advanced MRI Techniques in the Clinic, and the Latest Bench-to-Bedside Developments. Part 1: Perfusion and Diffusion Techniques
Authors: Henriksen Otto M. , del Mar Álvarez-Torres María , Figueiredo Patricia , Hangel Gilbert , Keil Vera C. , Nechifor Ruben E. , Riemer Frank , Schmainda Kathleen M. , Warnert Esther A. H. , Wiegers Evita C. , Booth Thomas C. 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveSummarize evidence for use of advanced MRI techniques as monitoring biomarkers in the clinic, and highlight the latest bench-to-bedside developments.MethodsExperts in advanced MRI techniques applied to high-grade glioma treatment response assessment convened through a European framework. Current evidence regarding the potential for monitoring biomarkers in adult high-grade glioma is reviewed, and individual modalities of perfusion, permeability, and microstructure imaging are discussed (in Part 1 of two). In Part 2, we discuss modalities related to metabolism and/or chemical composition, appraise the clinic readiness of the individual modalities, and consider post-processing methodologies involving the combination of MRI approaches (multiparametric imaging) or machine learning (radiomics).ResultsHigh-grade glioma vasculature exhibits increased perfusion, blood volume, and permeability compared with normal brain tissue. Measures of cerebral blood volume derived from dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI have consistently provided information about brain tumor growth and response to treatment; it is the most clinically validated advanced technique. Clinical studies have proven the potential of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for distinguishing post-treatment related effects from recurrence, but the optimal acquisition protocol, mode of analysis, parameter of highest diagnostic value, and optimal cut-off points remain to be established. Arterial spin labeling techniques do not require the injection of a contrast agent, and repeated measurements of cerebral blood flow can be performed. The absence of potential gadolinium deposition effects allows widespread use in pediatric patients and those with impaired renal function. More data are necessary to establish clinical validity as monitoring biomarkers. Diffusion-weighted imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient analysis, diffusion tensor or kurtosis imaging, intravoxel incoherent motion, and other microstructural modeling approaches also allow treatment response assessment; more robust data are required to validate these alone or when applied to post-processing methodologies.ConclusionConsiderable progress has been made in the development of these monitoring biomarkers. Many techniques are in their infancy, whereas others have generated a larger body of evidence for clinical application.
Dosimetric Evaluation of Incidental Irradiation to the Internal Mammary Chain After Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Tao , Meng Yingtao , Xu Min , Zhang Yingjie , Shao Qian , Song Yuanfang , Li Jianbin 
Published: March 2022

Background and PurposeThe low rate of internal mammary node (IMN) recurrence was attributed to systemic therapy and internal mammary chain (IMC) coverage by the tangential fields of irradiation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidental irradiation dose to the IMC in breast cancer patients after surgery and to estimate the clinical predictive parameters affecting the magnitude of the IMC.Materials and MethodsA total of 138 patients treated with postmastectomy radiotherapy and 210 patients undergoing radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The mean dose (Dmean) to the IMC and the first to third intercostal spaces of IMC levels (ICS1–3) were evaluated. We evaluated the IMC coverage according to the type of surgery and whether the ipsilateral supraclavicular fossa (SCF) was included in the irradiation field.ResultsThe incidental radiation dose to the IMC was 29.69 Gy, and the dose delivered to the IMC, ICS1, and ICS2 showed a greater coverage in the modified radical mastectomy (MRM) group when compared with the BCS group (32.85 vs. 27.1 Gy, 26.6 vs. 12.5 Gy, 34.63 vs. 30.42 Gy). The dose delivered to ICS3 showed no difference between the MRM and BCS groups (37.41 vs. 36.24 Gy). Furthermore, 131 patients (37.64%) received radiotherapy to the chest wall and ipsilateral SCF. In the univariate analysis, both surgery type and SCF irradiation were parameters affecting the Dmean of incidental radiation to the IMC (r = −0.179, P = 0.001; r = −0.175, P = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, surgery type was the only correlative factor that affected incidental radiation dose to the IMC (r = –3.534, P = 0.000).ConclusionThe real influencing factor of incidental dose to the IMC was the surgery form rather than the accession of SCF irradiation.
NcRNA-Mediated High Expression of HMMR as a Prognostic Biomarker Correlated With Cell Proliferation and Cell Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Xiulin , Tang Lin , Yuan Yixiao , Wang Juan , Zhang Dahang , Qian Kebao , Cho William C. , Duan Lincan 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundHyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation in various cancers, including lung cancer. However, its function and biological mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unclear.MethodsData on HMMR expression from several public databases were extensively analyzed, including the prognosis of HMMR in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed using DAVID and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) software. The correlation between HMMR expression and immune cell infiltration was analyzed in the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, and the gene and protein networks were examined using the GeneMANIA and STRING databases. Experimentally, the expression of HMMR in LUAD and lung cancer cell lines was determined using immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR assays. Besides, the function of HMMR on cancer cell proliferation and migration was examined using cell growth curve and colony formation, Transwell, and wound healing assays.ResultsIn this study, we found that HMMR was elevated in LUAD and that its high expression was associated with poor clinicopathological features and adverse outcomes in LUAD patients. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the expression of HMMR was positively correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune modulation. Interestingly, diverse immune cell infiltration affects the prognosis of LUAD. In the functional assay, depletion of HMMR significantly repressed the cancer cell growth and migration of LUAD. Mechanically, we found that that the DNA methylation/TMPO-AS1/let-7b-5p axis mediated the high expression of HMMR in LUAD. Depletion of TMPO-AS1 and overexpression of let-7b-5p could result in the decreased expression of HMMR in LUAD cells. Furthermore, we found that TMPO-AS1 was positively correlated with HMMR, yet negatively correlated with let-7b-5p expression in LUAD.ConclusionsOur findings elucidated that the DNA methylation/TMPO-AS1/let-7b-5p axis mediated the high expression of HMMR, which may be considered as a biomarker to predict prognosis in LUAD.
Peripapillary Choroidal Vascularity and Visual Correlates in Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Lu Edward S. , Katz Raviv , Miller John B. , Gaier Eric D. 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionThe peripapillary choroid shares a blood supply with and is directly apposed to the optic nerve, and therefore may contribute to the pathogenesis of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Prior studies evaluating peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT) or choroidal vascularity index (CVI; the ratio of the perfused area to total choroid area) have produced mixed results. None investigated the relationship between PCT and CVI or demonstrated functional correlates. We hypothesized that greater PCT and lower CVI would correlate with visual function in patients presenting with NAION.MethodsSeventeen eyes with NAION (9 acute, 8 non-acute) and 6 unaffected “fellow” eyes in 13 patients, and 18 eyes in 18 age-matched control subjects were imaged using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) prospectively between 2017-2018. Mean PCT and CVI measurements were compared across groups and with respect to corresponding automated perimetric performance at the same visit.ResultsAnalysis of variance showed significantly greater PCT (NAION: 278 ± 65 μm, Fellow: 221 ± 50 μm, Control: 158 ± 27 μm, p&lt;0.001) and lower CVI (NAION: 0.35 ± 0.03, Fellow: 0.35 ± 0.04, Control: 0.38 ± 0.02, p&lt;0.005) in patients with NAION compared to control subjects. Bonferroni-corrected pairwise comparisons showed greater PCT and lower CVI in NAION-affected eyes compared to control eyes (p values&lt;0.008), and no significant differences in PCT or CVI between NAION and fellow eyes (p values&gt;0.06). PCT was negatively correlated with CVI among unaffected fellow eyes (r=-0.8, p&lt;0.05), but not among acute NAION eyes (r=-0.1, p&gt;0.7), non-acute NAION eyes (r=0.1, p&gt;0.7), or controls (r=-0.3, p&gt;0.2). Nasal CVI was positively correlated with mean deviation scores in non-acute NAION (r=0.8, p&lt;0.02), but not among fellow unaffected eyes (r=0.8, p&gt;0.05) or acutely affected NAION eyes (r=-0.3, p&gt;0.4). Mean and temporal PCT correlated with pattern standard deviation scores among unaffected fellow eyes (r=0.8, p&lt;0.04; r=0.9, p&lt;0.03), but not among acute NAION eyes (r=-0.2, p&gt;0.5; r=-0.1, p&gt;0.7) or non-acute NAION eyes (r=0.1, p&gt;0.7; r=0.05, p&gt;0.9).ConclusionNAION and unaffected fellow eyes demonstrate increased choroidal thicknesses and reduced vascular density. Perimetric performance is directly associated with vascular density among non-acutely affected eyes with NAION. Ongoing work will provide further insights into these structure-function relationships with pathogenic and pathophysiologic relevance.
Quantification of Fetal Renal Function Using Fetal Urine Production Rate and Its Reflection on the Amniotic and Fetal Creatinine Levels During Pregnancy
Authors: Ezuruike Udoamaka , Blenkinsop Alexander , Pansari Amita , Abduljalil Khaled 
Published: March 2022

Adequate prediction of fetal exposure of drugs excreted by the kidney requires the incorporation of time-varying renal function parameters into a pharmacokinetic model. Published data on measurements of fetal urinary production rate (FUPR) and creatinine at various gestational ages were collected and integrated for prediction of the fetal glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The predicted GFR values were then compared to neonatal values recorded at birth. Collected data for FUPR across different gestational ages using both 3D (N = 517) and 2D (N = 845) ultrasound methods showed that 2D techniques yield significantly lower estimates of FUPR than 3D (p &lt; 0.0001). A power law function was shown to best capture the change in FUPR with fetal age (FA) for both 2D (FUPR2D(mLmin)=0.000169 FA2.19); and 3D (FUPR3D (mLmin)= 3.21×10-7 FA4.21) data. The predicted FUPR based on the observed 3D data was shown to be strongly linearly related (R2 = 0.95) to measured values of amniotic creatinine concentration (N = 664). The FUPR3D data together with creatinine levels in the fetal urine and serum resulted in median predicted fetal GFR values of 0.47, 1.2, 2.5, and 4.9 ml/min at 23, 28, 33, and 38 weeks of fetal age (50% CV), respectively. These values are in good agreement with neonatal values observed immediately at birth. The derived FUPR and creatinine functions can be utilized to assess fetal renal maturation and predict fetal renal clearance.
Resistance Training of Inspiratory Muscles After Coronary Artery Disease May Improve Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation: RICAOS Study
Authors: Labeix Pierre , Berger Mathieu , Zellag Amandine , Garcin Arnauld , Barthelemy Jean-Claude , Roche Frederic , Hupin David 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 5% of the adult population and its prevalence is up to 13 times higher in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. However, OSA in this population is less symptomatic, leading to lower adherence to positive airway pressure (CPAP). While oropharyngeal exercise showed a significant decrease in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with moderate OSA, there have been no studies testing the impact of specific inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for these patients. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of IMT on AHI reduction in CAD patients with moderate OSA.MethodsWe included patients with CAD involved in a cardiac rehabilitation program and presenting an AHI between 15 and 30. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 allocation to a control group (CTL – classic training) or an IMT group (classic training + IMT). IMT consisted in 60 deep inspirations a day, 6 days a week, into a resistive load device set at 70% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). After 6 weeks, we compared AHI, neck circumference, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index, and quality of life with the 12-item Short Form Survey before and after rehabilitation.ResultsWe studied 45 patient (60 ± 9 y, BMI = 27 ± 6 kg.m−2). The IMT group (n = 22) significantly improved MIP ( p &lt; 0.05) and had a significant decrease in AHI by 25% (−6.5 ± 9.5, p = 0.02). In the CTL group (n = 23), AHI decreased only by 3.5% (−0.7 ± 13.1; p = 0.29). Between groups, we found a significant improvement in MIP ( p = 0.003) and neck circumference ( p = 0.01) in favor of the IMT group. However, we did not find any significant improvement of AHI in the IMT group compared to CTL ( p = 0.09).ConclusionA specific IMT during cardiac rehabilitation contributes to reduce significantly AHI in CAD patients with moderate OSA. Magnitude of the decrease in OSA severity could be enhanced according to implementation of specific IMT in this population.