bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oculomotor, vestibular, reaction time, and cognitive tests as objective measures of neural deficits in patients post COVID-19 infection
Authors: Kelly Kevin M. , Anghinah R. , Kullmann A. , Ashmore R. C. , Synowiec A. S. , Gibson L. C. , Manfrinati L. , Araújo A. de , Spera R. R. , Brucki S. M. D. , Tuma R. L. , Braverman A. , Kiderman A. 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveAn alarming proportion (&gt;30%) of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) continue to experience neurological symptoms, including headache, dizziness, smell and/or taste abnormalities, and impaired consciousness (brain fog), after recovery from the acute infection. These symptoms are self-reported and vary from patient to patient, making it difficult to accurately diagnose and initiate a proper treatment course. Objective measures to identify and quantify neural deficits underlying the symptom profiles are lacking. This study tested the hypothesis that oculomotor, vestibular, reaction time, and cognitive (OVRT-C) testing using eye-tracking can objectively identify and measure functional neural deficits post COVID-19 infection.MethodsSubjects diagnosed with COVID-19 (n = 77) were tested post-infection with a battery of 20 OVRT-C tests delivered on a portable eye-tracking device (Neurolign Dx100). Data from 14 tests were compared to previously collected normative data from subjects with similar demographics. Post-COVID subjects were also administered the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) for symptom evaluation.ResultsA significant percentage of post COVID-19 patients (up to 86%) scored outside the norms in 12 out of 14 tests, with smooth pursuit and optokinetic responses being most severely affected. A multivariate model constructed using stepwise logistic regression identified 6 metrics as significant indicators of post-COVID patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.89, the estimated specificity was 98% (with cutoff value of 0.5) and the sensitivity was 88%. There were moderate but significant correlations between NSI domain key variables and OVRT-C tests.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of OVRT-C testing to provide objective measures of neural deficits in people recovering from COVID-19 infection. Such testing may serve as an efficient tool for identifying hidden neurological deficits post COVID-19, screening patients at risk of developing long COVID, and may help guide rehabilitation and treatment strategies.
A scientometric analysis of the 100 most cited articles on magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound
Authors: Garg Kanwaljeet , Ranjan Manish , Krishna Vibhor , Singh Manmohan , Rezai Ali 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundDiagnostic ultrasound has long been a part of a physician’s armamentarium, but transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging treatment of neurological disorders. Consequently, the literature in this field is increasing at a rapid pace.ObjectiveThis analysis was aimed to identify the top-cited articles on FUS to discern their origin, spread, current trends highlighting future impact of this novel neurosurgical intervention.MethodsWe searched the Web of Science database on 28th May 2021 and identified the top 100 cited articles. These articles were analyzed with various scientometric parameters like the authors, corresponding authors, country of corresponding author, journal of publication, year of publication. Citation based parameters including total citations, mean citations per article and mean citations, citation count, and the citation per year, citations per year and co-authors per document were studied as well in addition to Hirsch h-index, g-index, m-index, Bradford’s Law, Lotka’s law and Collaboration index.ResultsThe 100 top-cited articles were published between 1998 and 2019 in 45 different journals. The average citations per document and citations per document per year were 97.78 and 12.47, respectively. The most prolific authors were Hynynen K (Medical Biophysics—Toronto), Elias WJ (Neurosurgery—Virginia), Zadicario (InSightec). The Journal of Neurosurgery published the most top-cited articles (n = 11), and most articles originated from the United States, followed by Canada. Among individual institutions, the University of Toronto was the most productive.ConclusionFUS is an emerging treatment of neurological disorders. With its increasing application, the FUS literature is increasing rapidly. Eleven countries contributed to the top 100 cited articles, with the top 2 countries (the United States and Canada) contributing to more than half of these articles.
Effectiveness of Microecological Preparations for Improving Renal Function and Metabolic Profiles in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tan Jiaxing , Zhou Huan , Deng Jiaxin , Sun Jiantong , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Tang Yi , Qin Wei 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundDetermining whether microecological preparations, including probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, are beneficial for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been debated. Moreover, determining which preparation has the best effect remains unclear. In this study, we performed a network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to address these questions.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Eligible RCTs with patients with CKD who received intervention measures involving probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics were included. The outcome indicators included changes in renal function, lipid profiles, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress factors.ResultsTwenty-eight RCTs with 1,373 patients were ultimately included. Probiotics showed greater effect in lowering serum creatinine [mean difference (MD) −0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.34, −0.09] and triglycerides (MD −9.98, 95% CI −19.47, −0.49) than the placebo, with the largest surface area under the cumulative ranking curve, while prebiotics and synbiotics showed no advantages. Probiotics were also able to reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) (MD −0.54, 95% CI −0.96, −0.13) and increase glutathione (MD 72.86, 95% CI 25.44, 120.29). Prebiotics showed greater efficacy in decreasing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (MD −2.06, 95% CI −3.79, −0.32) and tumor necrosis factor-α (MD −2.65, 95% CI −3.91, −1.39). Synbiotics showed a partially synergistic function in reducing MDA (MD −0.66, 95% CI −1.23, −0.09) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (MD −2.01, 95% CI −3.87, −0.16) and increasing total antioxidant capacity (MD 145.20, 95% CI 9.32, 281.08).ConclusionThe results indicated that microbial supplements improved renal function and lipid profiles and favorably affected measures of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with CKD. After thorough consideration, probiotics provide the most comprehensive and beneficial effects for patients with CKD and might be used as the best choice for microecological preparations.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022295497, PROSPERO 2022, identifier: CRD42022295497.
Harnessing the pillars of institutions to drive environmentally sustainable hospital foodservices
Authors: Carino Stefanie , Collins Jorja , Malekpour Shirin , Porter Judi 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe cultural-cognitive, normative and regulative pillars of institutions influence the ability of hospitals to change how they function at an organizational and operational level. As more hospitals and their foodservices instigate changes to address their environmental footprint and impact on food systems, they move through the “sustainability phase model” from no response through to high level action and leadership. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the pillars of institutions between hospitals in different stages of achieving environmentally sustainable foodservices (business-as-usual vs. exemplar hospitals).MethodsFor this qualitative inquiry study, interviews were conducted with 33 hospital staff from 3 business-as-usual hospitals in Melbourne, Australia and 21 hospital staff from 14 exemplar hospitals across 9 countries. Participants were asked questions about their perspectives on environmental sustainability in foodservices and the barriers, enablers and drivers they experienced. Each data set was analyzed thematically and then compared.FindingsThere was a clear and distinct difference in responses and behaviors within each pillar between the exemplar and business-as-usual hospitals. The cultural-cognitive pillar identified a similarity in personal belief in the importance of addressing environmental impacts of foodservices, but difference in how staff saw and acted on their responsibility to drive change. The normative pillar uncovered a supportive culture that encouraged change in exemplar hospitals whilst business-as-usual hospital staff felt disheartened by the difficult processes and lack of support. The regulative pillar reflected business-as-usual hospital staff feeling restricted by government policy vs. exemplar hospital participants who were motivated to internalize government policy in different ways and work with other hospitals to advocate for better policy.InterpretationThese findings highlight strategies related to each of the three pillars of institutions that can be used to drive effective, sustainable long term change within hospitals. This includes staff education and training, revisiting hospital culture and values around environmental sustainability, embedding sustainable foodservices in internal policies, and a comprehensive government policy approach to sustainable healthcare.
Amide proton transfer weighted imaging combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in predicting lymphovascular space invasion and deep stromal invasion of IB1-IIA1 cervical cancer
Authors: Song Qingling , Tian Shifeng , Ma Changjun , Meng Xing , Chen Lihua , Wang Nan , Lin Liangjie , Wang Jiazheng , Song Qingwei , Liu Ailian 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate the value of amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) imaging combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in predicting intermediate-risk factors of deep stromal invasion (DSI) and lymphovascular vascular space invasion (LVSI) in cervical cancer.MethodsSeventy patients with cervical cancer who underwent MRI before operation from July 2019 to February 2022 were retrospectively included in this study. Clinical information including age, histologic subtype etc. were recorded for patients. ATPw imaging parameter APTmean and DCE-MRI parameters Ktrans, Kep and Ve were measured and analyzed. The independent-sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Chi-square test was used to compare the differences of parameters between DSI/LVSI positive and negative groups. Logistic analysis was used to develop a combined predictive model. The receiver operating characteristic curve was for predictive performance. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the differences of consecutive parameters among multiple groups.ResultsKtrans and SCC-Ag were independent factors in predicting DSI; Ktrans+SCC-Ag had the highest AUC 0.819 with sensitivity and specificity of 71.74% and 91.67%, respectively. APTmean and Ktrans were independent factors in predicting LVSI; APTmean+Ktrans had the highest AUC 0.874 with sensitivity and specificity of 92.86% and 75.00%, respectively. Ktrans and Ve could discriminate coexistence of DSI and LVSI from presence of single one, APTmean could discriminate the presence of DSI or LVSI from no risk factor presence.ConclusionThe combination of APTw and DCE-MRI is valuable in predicting intermediate-risk factors of DSI and LVSI in cervical cancer.
A novel nomogram for decision-making assistance on exemption of axillary lymph node dissection in T1–2 breast cancer with only one sentinel lymph node metastasis
Authors: Liu Lei , Lin Yaoxin , Li Guozheng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xin , Wu Jiale , Wang Xinheng , Yang Yumei , Xu Shouping 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundT1–2 breast cancer patients with only one sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis have an extremely low non-SLN (NSLN) metastatic rate and are favorable for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) exemption. This study aimed to construct a nomogram-based preoperative prediction model of NSLN metastasis for such patients, thereby assisting in preoperatively selecting proper surgical procedures.MethodsA total of 729 T1–2 breast cancer patients with only one SLN metastasis undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy and ALND were retrospectively selected from Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between January 2013 and December 2020, followed by random assignment into training (n=467) and validation cohorts (n=262). A nomogram-based prediction model for NSLN metastasis risk was constructed by incorporating the independent predictors of NSLN metastasis identified from multivariate logistic regression analysis in the training cohort. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by the calibration curve and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Finally, decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to determine the clinical utility of the nomogram.ResultsOverall, 160 (21.9%) patients had NSLN metastases. Multivariate analysis in the training cohort revealed that the number of negative SLNs (OR: 0.98), location of primary tumor (OR: 2.34), tumor size (OR: 3.15), and lymph-vascular invasion (OR: 1.61) were independent predictors of NSLN metastasis. The incorporation of four independent predictors into a nomogram-based preoperative estimation of NSLN metastasis demonstrated a satisfactory discriminative capacity, with a C-index and area under the ROC curve of 0.740 and 0.689 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curve showed good agreement between actual and predicted NSLN metastasis risks. Finally, DCA revealed the clinical utility of the nomogram.ConclusionThe nomogram showed a satisfactory discriminative capacity of NSLN metastasis risk in T1–2 breast cancer patients with only one SLN metastasis, and it could be used to preoperatively estimate NSLN metastasis risk, thereby facilitating in precise clinical decision-making on the selective exemption of ALND in such patients.
Fibroblasts mediate the angiogenesis of pheochromocytoma by increasing COX4I2 expression
Authors: Mao Yongxin , Zhuo Ran , Ma Wenming , Dai Jun , Alimu Parehe , Fang Chen , Xu Danfeng , Ye Lei , Wang Weiqing , Sun Fukang 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveOur previous work found COX4I2 was associated with angiogenesis in pheochromocytoma. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of COX4I2 in regulating angiogenesis in pheochromocytoma.MethodsDistribution of COX4I2 was evaluated by scRNA-seq in one case of pheochromocytoma and the findings were verified by immunostaining. COX4I2 was further knocked down in target cells. Changes of angiogenesis-related genes were evaluated by qPCR in target cells.ResultsThe scRNA-seq revealed high mRNA expression of COX4I2 in fibroblasts rather than tumor cells. Immunostaining of COX4I2 confirmed its distribution in fibroblasts. Knocking down COX4I2 in NIH3T3 cell line led to significant reduction of angiogenesis-related genes, especially ANG1 and HGF.ConclusionsFibroblasts mediate the angiogenesis of pheochromocytoma by increasing COX4I2 expression, possibly by affecting ANG1 and HGF.
Safety and efficacy of lenvatinib combined with camrelizumab plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A two-center retrospective study
Authors: Sun Bo , Zhang Lijie , Sun Tao , Ren Yanqiao , Cao Yanyan , Zhang Weihua , Zhu Licheng , Guo Yusheng , Gui Yuxi , Liu Fengyong , Chen Lei , Xiong Fu , Zheng Chuansheng 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesTo compare the safety and efficacy of lenvatinib (LEN) combined with camrelizumab plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE-LEN-C) and TACE combined with LEN (TACE-LEN) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).MethodsEighty-three patients with uHCC treated with TACE-LEN-C or TACE-LEN from September 2018 to May 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local tumor response, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the factors affecting survival.ResultsThere were 31 patients in the TACE-LEN-C group and 52 patients in the TACE-LEN group. The median follow-up period was 14.2 months (range 7.2–25.2 months) in the whole study. The combination of triple therapy was found to significantly prolong the PFS (12.5 months vs. 6.6 months, P&lt;0.001) and OS (18.9 months vs. 13.9 months, P&lt;0.001. In terms of tumor response, the combination demonstrated a higher objective response rate (71% vs. 42.3% by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, P=0.023) without a statistically significant difference in the disease control rate (93.5% in TACE-LEN-C, 80.8% in TACE-LEN, P=0.195). In the multivariate analysis, two independent factors affecting PFS were identified: number of tumors and treatment. Three independent factors affected OS: number of tumors, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, and treatment. All the AEs were tolerable.ConclusionTACE-LEN-C is a safe and effective treatment for patients with uHCC, and could be a potential treatment option.
Palliative radiotherapy combined with stent insertion to relieve dysphagia in advanced esophageal carcinoma patients: A systematic review and meta−analysis
Authors: Xu Zhiyuan , Liu Haonan , Li Shengli , Han Zhengxiang , Chen Jingjing , Liu Xiangting , Li Qiang , Mu Hong , Yuan Jiaqi , Lu Hailong , Jin Peisheng , Yan Xianliang 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionEsophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies with limited treatment options, thus resulting in high morbidity and mortality. For patients with advanced esophageal cancer, the median survival is 3–6 months, with the majority requiring intervention for dysphagia.ObjectiveTo compare the relief of dysphagia in patients with incurable esophageal cancer treated with stenting alone or a combination of stenting and palliative radiotherapy.MethodsThe protocol of this study was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022337481). We searched PubMed, Wan Fang, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The literature search, quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently. The primary endpoints included median overall survival and dysphagia scores. Bleeding events, stent migration, and pain events were secondary outcomes. The meta-analysis results (the primary and secondary outcomes) were pooled by means of a random-effect model or a fixed-effects model.ResultsNine studies with a total of 851 patients were included in this meta-analysis, consisting of 412 patients in the stenting alone group and 439 patients in the palliative radiotherapy after esophageal cancer stenting (ROCS) group. The ROCS group could significantly improve dysphagia scores (SMD: −0.77; 95% CI: −1.02 to −0.51) and median overall survival (SMD: 1.70; 95% CI: 0.67–2.72). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the two groups in bleeding events, pain events, and stent migration.ConclusionPatients with dysphagia in advanced esophageal cancer may benefit further from ROCS in median overall survival and dysphagia scores. However, there was no significant advantage in improving bleeding events, pain events, and stent migration. Therefore, it is urgent to find a better therapy to improve adverse events in the future.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022337481.
Visceral adipose tissue and cardiometabolic risk factors in young Hispanic and non-Hispanic girls
Authors: Bland Victoria L. , Kindler Joseph M. , Blew Robert M. , Morrill Kristin E. , Roe Denise J. , Going Scott B. 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundRisk factors for cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease) can begin developing in childhood. Elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with greater likelihood of developing such diseases; however, this relationship varies by race and ethnicity. Notably, Hispanics tend to have high rates of obesity and are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine if visceral adiposes tissue (VAT) is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors (i.e., triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, and blood pressure), independent of BMI percentile, in a sample of primarily Hispanic adolescent girls.Methods and resultsA total of 337 girls (73% Hispanic) took part in the cross-sectional study. Hispanic girls generally had greater BMI percentile, VAT, and cardiometabolic risk factors compared to non-Hispanic girls. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationships between Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)-derived VAT and cardiometabolic outcomes, controlling for BMI percentile (&lt;85th percentile or ≥85th percentile), age, ethnicity (Hispanic/non-Hispanic), and Tanner stage. Significant interactions between VAT and BMI percentile were identified for almost all cardiometabolic outcomes. Upon stratification, the association between VAT and cardiometabolic outcomes was strongest in girls ≥85th BMI percentile, as compared to girls &lt;85th percentile. However, VAT was only significantly associated with higher triglycerides (girls ≥85th percentile) and higher insulin resistance (both BMI percentiles) after stratification.ConclusionVAT was associated with increased triglycerides and insulin resistance in girls with overweight or obesity. These findings warrant further investigation between VAT and cardiometabolic health in Hispanic adolescents who tend to accumulate more adipose tissue during adolescence.