bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Describing immune factors associated with Hepatitis B surface antigen loss: A nested case-control study of a Chinese sample from Wuwei City
Authors: Yuan Xiaojie , Fu Ting , Xiao Lixin , He Zhen , Ji Zhaohua , Seery Samuel , Zhang Wenhua , Ye Yancheng , Zhou Haowei , Kong Xiangyu , Zhang Shuyuan , Zhou Qi , Lin Yulian , Jia Wenling , Liang Chunhui , Tang Haitao , Wang Fengmei , Zhang Weilu , Shao Zhongjun 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundHepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is considered a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), however, several factors influence HBsAg loss.Methods29 CHB patients who had achieved HBsAg loss, were selected and 58 CHB patients with persistent HBsAg were matched, according to gender and age (+/- 3 years). Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) modelling were performed.ResultsMultivariate-adjusted logistic regression, based on stepwise selection, showed that baseline HBsAg levels negatively correlated with HBsAg loss (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98-0.99). Interferon treatment positively related with HBsAg loss (OR = 7.99, 95%CI = 1.62-44.88). After adjusting for age, HBsAg level, ALT level, HBeAg status and interferon treatment, MMP-1 (OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.44-0.97), CXCL9 (OR = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.93-0.99) and TNF-R1 (OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.94-0.99) baseline levels all negatively correlated with HBsAg loss. Our multivariate-adjusted RCS model showed that baseline CXCL10 was associated with HBsAg loss although the relationship was “U-shaped”.ConclusionsCytokines such as MMP-1, CXCL9, CXCL10 and TNF-R1 are important factors which influence HBsAg loss. It may be possible to develop a nomogram which intercalates these factors; however, further research should consider immune processes involved in HBsAg loss.
Characterization of cardiac bradyarrhythmia associated with LGI1-IgG autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Zhao-Fleming Hannah H. , Zahid Anza , Lu Tong , Sun Xiaojing , Pittock Sean J. , Lee Hon-Chi , Dubey Divyanshu 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate and characterize cardiac arrythmias associated with LGI1-IgG (Leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1–IgG) autoimmune encephalitis (AE).Patients and methodsIn this retrospective descriptive study, we identified Mayo Clinic patients (May 1, 2008 – December 31, 2020) with LGI1-IgG AE who had electrocardiogram proven bradyarrhythmias during the initial presentation. Inclusion criteria were 1) LGI1-IgG positivity with a consistent clinical syndrome; 2) electrocardiographic evidence of bradyarrhythmia; and 3) sufficient clinical details. We excluded patients who were taking negative ionotropic agents at the time of their bradyarrhythmias. We collected demographic/clinical data including details of bradyarrhythmia (severity, duration, treatments), and neurologic and cardiac outcomes.ResultsWe found that patients with LGI1-IgG AE had bradyarrhythmia at a frequency of 8% during the initial presentation. The bradyarrhythmia was often asymptomatic (6/11, 55%); however, the episode was severe with one patient requiring a pacemaker. Outcome was also generally favorable with the majority (8/11, 73%) having full resolution without further cardiac intervention. Lastly, we found that mouse and human cardiac tissues express LGI1 (mRNA and protein).ConclusionLGI1-IgG AE can be rarely associated with bradyarrhythmias. Although the disease course is mostly favorable, some cases may require pacemaker placement to avoid devastating outcomes.
The spatial-temporal consistency of chlorophyll-a and fishery resources in the water of the Zhoushan archipelago revealed by high resolution remote sensing
Authors: Cai Lina , Tang Rong , Yan Xiaojun , Zhou Yongdong , Jiang Jingjing , Yu Menghan 
Published: October 2022

Details of the chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) distribution in the water of the Zhoushan archipelago were analyzed based on data from the panchromatic multispectral sensor (PMS) of the GaoFen-6 (GF-6). A new Chl-a inversion model was built using in-situ Chl-a and the green-red bands of the 2 m spatial resolution GF-6/PMS image. Combined with fishery data, the relationship between Chl-a concentration and fish resources were revealed. The results show that: (1) High Chl-a concentration area was mainly concentrated in the nearshore intensive islands waters, and Chl-a concentration changes obviously with the change of tidal currents. Chl-a concentration around islands increases, especially downstream of islands. Seasonally, Chl-a concentration is higher in spring and summer, lower in autumn, and lowest in winter. (2) The change of fish eggs and larvae in the water of the Zhoushan archipelago shows consistency with the spatial distribution and seasonal variation of Chl-a. (3) The interaction between tidal currents and islands results in the diverse currents (upstream upwelling and downstream vortex currents) around the islands, promoting vertical water exchange and the uplifting of nutrients, resulting in a high overall Chl-a concentration in the waters around the islands. The diverse flow conditions, the ideal nutrient-rich environment, and the abundant phytoplankton attract a large number of fish to gather and breed in the waters around the islands. (4) Chl-a of intensive island waters is an essential indicator for fish spawning grounds.
Fire resistance of composite shear walls filled with demolished concrete lumps and self-compacting concrete
Authors: Xiong Yan , Chen Yaxin , Wu Bo , Zhao Guowei 
Published: October 2022

The recycling and reuse of waste concrete is conducive to promoting the sustainable development of resources and practicing the concept of green development. Demolished concrete lumps (DCLs) and self-compacting concrete (SCC) made from waste concrete take full advantage of their recyclability. In order to fully utilize the advantages of demolished concrete lumps and self-compacting concrete in construction, applying demolished concrete lumps and self-compacting concrete to composite shear wall structures is an effective way to reduce costs and improve industrial production. In this paper, a new composite shear wall filled with demolished concrete lumps and self-compacting concrete is proposed, and its fire performance is investigated. The shear wall combines edge constraints of concrete-filled steel tubes, demolished concrete lumps and self-compacting concrete. In order to facilitate the mass pouring of demolished concrete lumps, a cavity is formed between the steel tubes at the ends and the precast walls on both sides. A double-sided fire tests was conducted on three composite shear wall specimens filled with demolished concrete lumps and self-compacting concrete at a constant axial compression ratio, where the fire-retardant coating and the wall width-to-depth ratio were considered as the main test parameters. The specimens were able to steadily withstand the predetermined axial loads during the fire resistance time of 180 min and showed good fire resistance. The concrete temperature variation trends of the three specimens in the wall section were basically the same. The fire-retardant coating on the concealed column had a significant effect on the section temperature of the steel tube, while increasing the wall width-to-depth ratio had little effect. When the axial compression ratio was 0.19, the specimens were in the expansion stage within 180 min and no compression occurred. The results show that the expansion deformation of the shear wall sprayed with fire-retardant coating on the outer surface of the concealed column is smaller than that of the shear wall without fire-retardant coating, and the axial deformation of the composite shear wall infilled with demolished concrete lumps and self-compacting concrete is not affected by increasing the wall width-to-depth ratio.
Isolating together during COVID-19: Results from the Telehealth Intervention Program for older adults
Authors: Sekhon Harmehr , Lavin Paola , Vacaflor Blanca , Rigas Christina , Cinalioglu Karin , Su Chien-Lin , Bodenstein Katie , Dikaios Elena , Goodman Allana , Raymond Florence Coulombe , Ibrahim Marim , Bein Magnus , Gruber Johanna , Se Jade , Sasi Neeti , Walsh Chesley , Nazar Rim , Hanganu Cezara , Berkani Sonia , Royal Isabelle , Schiavetto Alessandra , Looper Karl , Launay Cyrille , McDonald Emily G. , Seitz Dallas , Kumar Sanjeev , Beauchet Olivier , Khoury Bassam , Bouchard Stephane , Battistini Bruno , Fallavollita Pascal , Miresco Marc , Bruneau Marie-Andrée , Vahia Ipsit , Bukhari Syeda , Rej Soham 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundA pressing challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond is to provide accessible and scalable mental health support to isolated older adults in the community. The Telehealth Intervention Program for Older Adults (TIP-OA) is a large-scale, volunteer-based, friendly telephone support program designed to address this unmet need.MethodsA prospective cohort study of 112 TIP-OA participants aged ≥60 years old was conducted in Quebec, Canada (October 2020–June 2021). The intervention consisted of weekly friendly phone calls from trained volunteers. The primary outcome measures included changes in scores of stress, depression, anxiety, and fear surrounding COVID-19, assessed at baseline, 4 and 8-weeks. Additional subgroup analyses were performed with participants with higher baseline scores.ResultsThe subgroup of participants with higher baseline depression scores (PHQ9 ≥10) had significant improvements in depression scores over the 8-week period measured [mean change score = −2.27 (±4.76), 95%CI (−3.719, −0.827), p = 0.003]. Similarly, participants with higher baseline anxiety scores (GAD7 ≥10) had an improvement over the same period, which, approached significance (p = 0.06). Moreover, despite peaks in the pandemic and related stressors, our study found no significant (p ≥ 0.09) increase in stress, depression, anxiety or fear of COVID-19 scores.DiscussionThis scalable, volunteer-based, friendly telephone intervention program was associated with decreased scores of depression and anxiety in older adults who reported higher scores at baseline (PHQ 9 ≥10 and GAD7 ≥10).
Cardiac sympathetic denervation could be associated with dysphagia in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Youn Jinyoung , Umemoto George , Oh Eungseok , Park Jinse , Jang Wooyoung , Oh Yoon-Sang , Kim Hee-Tae , Cho Jin Whan , Fujioka Shinsuke , Tsuboi Yoshio 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundDysphagia is an important non-motor symptom that is closely associated with quality of living and mortality in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the pathophysiology of dysphagia in PD remains inconclusive. We tried to confirm whether the occurrence of dysphagia could be related to sympathetic degeneration using cardiac 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy.MethodsWe prospectively recruited 27 PD patients and classified them into two groups (PD with dysphagia vs. PD without dysphagia) by Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) score and compared the clinical characteristics, videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) findings and parameters from cardiac MIBG scintigraphy.ResultsThe mean early and late H/M ratios were significantly lower in the PD with dysphagia group than those in the PD without dysphagia group (1.39 ± 0.21 vs. 1.86 ± 0.21, p &lt; 0.01; 1.26 ± 0.18 vs. 1.82 ± 0.29, p &lt; 0.01). In the correlation analysis, both the early and late H/M ratios were negatively correlated with the SDQ score and total VDS score (r = −0.65, p &lt; 0.01; r = −0.53, p &lt; 0.01; r = −0.65, p &lt; 0.01, r = −0.58, p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionWe confirmed that cardiac sympathetic denervation might be associated with the presence and severity of dysphagia. This finding indicates that dysphagia in PD could be associated with a nondopaminergic mechanism.
Delayed filling of the superficial middle cerebral vein in acute large artery occlusion
Authors: Xu Jingsi , Zhang Zheyu , Jin Bo , Geng Yu , Lin Longting , Zhang Sheng 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether baseline delayed filling of the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) was an independent cause of stroke prognosis in patients with acute anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO).MethodsConsecutive patients with acute LVO [middle cerebral artery M1 ± intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA)] between March 2019 and May 2020 were included. Delayed SMCV was defined as delayed filling of SMCV in the affected side compared with the normal side throughout the venous phase on four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (4D-CTA) reconstructed from CT perfusion imaging. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the prognosis of these patients 3 months after stroke.ResultsOf 54 patients in total, 47 (87.0%) patients presented with baseline delayed SMCV, and 36 (76.6%) patients achieved SMCV reversal (ipsilateral delayed SMCV reversed to bilateral symmetrical SMCV) after reperfusion therapy. Successful reperfusion was independently associated with SMCV reversal [odds ratio (OR) = 69.328, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.818–175.342]. A significant association between baseline SMCV delay and a 3-month poor outcome (OR = 19.623, 95% CI = 1.567–245.727, p = 0.021) was observed using a multivariable regression analysis. Compared with patients with persistent delayed SMCV, patients with reversed SMCV did not show a significant difference in the risk of a 3-month poor outcome (OR = 1.177, 95% CI = 0.147–9.448).ConclusionsIn patients with acute LVO, baseline delayed SMCV was an independent cause of poor stroke prognosis, and SMCV reversal cannot reverse the 3-month stroke prognosis. Therefore, the evaluation of baseline SMCV filling status should be strengthened in clinical practice.
Effects of acoustic stimulation intensity on air-conducted vestibular evoked myogenic potential in children
Authors: Xiao Qianwen , Zhang Qin , Wu Qiong , Shen Jiali , Wang Lu , Chen Yanfei , Lv Jingrong , Yang Jun , Jin Yulian , Zhang Qing 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of acoustic stimulation intensity on ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP and cVEMP) responses elicited by air-conducted sound (ACS) in healthy children.MethodsThirteen healthy children aged 4–10 years and 20 healthy adults aged 20-40 years with normal hearing and tympanometry were enrolled in this study. All subjects received oVEMP and cVEMP tests under different acoustic stimulation intensities (131, 126, 121, 116, 111 and 106 dB SPL). Mean n1 latency, p1 latency, interpeak latency, amplitude and response rate were investigated and analyzed.ResultsAs the acoustic stimulation intensity decreased, for oVEMP, the response rate of children decreased from 100% (131, 126 and 121 dB SPL) to 57.69% (116 dB SPL), 26.92% (111 dB SPL) and 11.54% (106 dB SPL). The response rate of adults decreased from 100% (131 and 126 dB SPL) to 95% (121 dB SPL), 55% (116 dB SPL), 12.5% (111 dB SPL) and 2.5% (106 dB SPL). There were lower n1 latency, p1 latency and higher amplitude in children when comparing by acoustic stimulation intensities (p &lt; 0.05). Regarding cVEMP, the response rate of children decreased from 100% (131, 126 and 121 dB SPL) to 88.46% (116 dB SPL), 53.85% (111 dB SPL) and 26.92% (106 dB SPL). The response rate of adults decreased from 100% (131 and 126 dB SPL) to 95% (121 dB SPL), 85% (116 dB SPL), 37.5% (111 dB SPL) and 7.5% (106 dB SPL). A statistically significant difference was found in amplitude at different acoustic stimulation intensities in both children and adults (p &lt; 0.05). When stimulated by 131 dB SPL acoustic stimulation, there were lower n1 latency, p1 latency and higher amplitude in children in oVEMP and cVEMP compared with adults (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe response rate and amplitude of oVEMP and cVEMP in children and adults presented significant differences with a decrease in acoustic stimulation intensity. In this study, using 121 dB SPL for children and 126 dB SPL for adults during VEMP test could be regarded as safer stimulation intensities and thus reduced sound exposure.
Increased urinary B2-microglobulin is associated with poor prognosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Han Jang Hee , Jeong Seung-hwan , Kim Si Hyun , Yuk Hyeong Dong , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Ku Ja Hyeon 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundKidney tubular damage markers are biomarkers of acute or chronic kidney injury. Hypothetically, upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC), which induces obstructive uropathy or direct invasion of the renal parenchyma, may also induce increased excretion of urinary tubular damage proteins. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of tubular damage biomarker as prognostic markers for UTUC.MethodsThe records of 417 surgically resected patients with UTUC were obtained from the Seoul National University Prospectively Enrolled Registry for urothelial cancer-upper tract urothelial cancer (SUPER-UC-UTUC) between January 2016 and December 2020. Patients with non-urothelial cancer or without urinary tubular injury marker measurement were excluded, and finally, 296 patients were finally included. B2-microglobulin (B2-MG) was an injury marker, and a value higher than 0.3 was considered abnormally elevated, according to previous studies.ResultsThe mean age was 70.9 years, and the male sex was predominant (n = 211, 71.3%). The incidences of renal pelvis and ureter cancer were similar (50.7% vs. 49.3%). Most patients had high-grade diseases (n = 254, 88.8%). The high urine B2-MG group was older, had decreased renal function, and had a higher pathologic T stage than did the low group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis of disease-free survival (DFS), open surgical method (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.52, p = 0.027), large tumor size (HR 1.06, p = 0.017), tumor multifocality (HR 1.90, p = 0.038), lymphovascular invasion (HR 2.19, p &lt; 0.001), and high urine B2-MG (HR 1.57, p = 0.021) were significantly associated with shortened metastasis-free survival (MFS). Kaplan–Meier curve analysis revealed short DFS (median survival 15.5 months vs. unattained, log-rank p = 0.001) and MFS (unattained median survival in both groups, log-rank p = 0.003) for the high urine B2-MG group compared to the low urine B2-MG group.ConclusionPatients with UTUC presenting with increased pre-operative urine B2-MG levels were associated with disease recurrence and metastasis. This biomarker may aid in performing pre-operative risk stratification and in assessing the individual prognosis of patients with UTUC.
Comparison of customized 3D-printed prosthesis and screw-rod-cage system reconstruction following resection of periacetabular tumors
Authors: Zhu Dongze , Wang Lei , Fu Jun , Guo Zheng , Wang Zhen , Fan Hongbin 
Published: October 2022

Background and purposeVarious operative methods are used for reconstructing pelvic girdle after resection of primary malignant periacetabular tumor has been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, effectiveness, and safety of customized three dimensional-printed prosthesis (3DP) in the reconstruction of bone defects compared with conventional reconstruction using the screw-rod-cage system.MethodsA retrospective case–control analysis of 40 patients who underwent pelvic tumor resection and reconstruction with a customized 3D-printed prosthesis (3DP), or screw-rod-cage system (SRCS) between January 2010 and December 2019 was performed. The minimum follow-up time for patients alive was 2 years. Blood loss, operation time, complications, surgical margin, local recurrence, distant metastases, status at time of latest follow-up, MSTS-93 score, Harris hip score, and postoperative radiographic parameters were recorded. Moreover, overall survival, tumor-free survival, and prosthesis survival rates in both groups were compared.ResultsCustomized 3DP reconstruction was performed in 15 patients, and SRCS reconstruction was done in 25 patients. The group of patients treated with customized 3DP reconstruction had significantly shorter operation time (323.7 ± 83.7 vs. 393.6 ± 98.8 min; P = 0.028) and more precise (all P &lt; 0.05) radiographic reconstruction parameters than patients in the SRCS group. Fewer complications (P = 0.026), better MSTS score (P = 0.030), and better Harris hip score (P = 0.016) were achieved in the 3DP group. Furthermore, the survival rate of prosthesis was also significantly better in the 3DP group (P = 0.039). However, blood loss, surgical margin, local recurrence, distant metastases, and status at time of latest follow-up had no significant difference between two groups.ConclusionCompared with the screw-rod-cage system reconstruction, the customized 3D-printed prosthesis reconstruction is equally safe and effective, but it is more accurate and time-saving and is associated with fewer complications.
Significant advantages for first line treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease – Data from the multicenter CEDATA-GPGE registry study
Authors: Claßen Merle , de Laffolie Jan , Claßen Martin , Schnell Alexander , Sohrabi Keywan , Hoerning André 
Published: October 2022

Background and aimsIn recent years, biological agents, such as anti-TNF-α blockers, have been introduced and have shown efficacy in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, the prescription mode differentiated into a first/second line application, and efficacy and side effects are evaluated beginning from 2004 until today.MethodsStatistical analyses of the prospective and ongoing CEDATA multicenter registry data from the Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (GPGE) were performed for patients receiving a biological agent at least once during the period from June 2004 until November 2020 (n = 487). The analyzed parameters were patient demographics, disease extent and behavior, prior or concurrent therapies, duration and outcome of biological therapy, disease-associated complications, drug-related complications, laboratory parameters and treatment response as determined by the Physician’s Global Assessment.ResultsCrohn’s disease (CD) was present in 71.5% of patients, and 52% were boys. Patients showed high disease activity when receiving a first-line TNF-α blocker. After 2016, patients who failed to respond to anti-TNF-α induction therapy were treated with off-label biologics (vedolizumab 4.3% and ustekinumab 2.1%). Propensity score matching indicated that patients with CD and higher disease activity benefitted significantly more from early anti-TNF-α therapy. This assessment was based on a clinical evaluation and lab parameters related to inflammation compared to delayed second-line treatment. Additionally, first-line treatment resulted in less treatment failure and fewer extraintestinal manifestations during TNF-α blockade.ConclusionFirst-line treatment with anti-TNF-α drugs is effective and safe. An earlier start significantly reduces the risk of treatment failure and is associated with fewer extraintestinal manifestations during longitudinal follow-up.