bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agreement between clinical measures to classify foot posture in asymptomatic adults
Authors: Hunsawong Torkamol , Motantasuta Phornchanok , Mato Lugkana , Donpunha Wanida 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Various clinical measures of static foot posture have been developed and used. However, consensus among clinical measures to classify foot posture remains to be established. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of agreement as a reliability component between two common clinical methods in asymptomatic adults: the normalised navicular height truncated (NNHt) and the Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6).

Methods
The NNHt and FPI-6 were conducted on 102 asymptomatic adults. The measurement sequence was randomly arranged for each participant. Weighted Kappa (Kw) was used to determine the agreement between the methods.

Results
Both the NNHt and FPI-6 achieved similar foot posture distributions: approximately 40–50% of the participants had a normal foot, approximately 40% had a pronated foot and approximately 10–20% had a supinated foot. The agreement between the methods to classify foot posture was excellent (Kw = 0.84).

Conclusions
The present study found excellent agreement between two commonly used clinical measures. This finding highlights the NNHt and FPI-6 consensus for foot posture classification in asymptomatic adults.
Health data privacy through homomorphic encryption and distributed ledger computing: an ethical-legal qualitative expert assessment study
Authors: Scheibner James , Ienca Marcello , Vayena Effy 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Increasingly, hospitals and research institutes are developing technical solutions for sharing patient data in a privacy preserving manner. Two of these technical solutions are homomorphic encryption and distributed ledger technology. Homomorphic encryption allows computations to be performed on data without this data ever being decrypted. Therefore, homomorphic encryption represents a potential solution for conducting feasibility studies on cohorts of sensitive patient data stored in distributed locations. Distributed ledger technology provides a permanent record on all transfers and processing of patient data, allowing data custodians to audit access. A significant portion of the current literature has examined how these technologies might comply with data protection and research ethics frameworks. In the Swiss context, these instruments include the Federal Act on Data Protection and the Human Research Act. There are also institutional frameworks that govern the processing of health related and genetic data at different universities and hospitals. Given Switzerland’s geographical proximity to European Union (EU) member states, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may impose additional obligations.

Methods
To conduct this assessment, we carried out a series of qualitative interviews with key stakeholders at Swiss hospitals and research institutions. These included legal and clinical data management staff, as well as clinical and research ethics experts. These interviews were carried out with two series of vignettes that focused on data discovery using homomorphic encryption and data erasure from a distributed ledger platform.

Results
For our first set of vignettes, interviewees were prepared to allow data discovery requests if patients had provided general consent or ethics committee approval, depending on the types of data made available. Our interviewees highlighted the importance of protecting against the risk of reidentification given different types of data. For our second set, there was disagreement amongst interviewees on whether they would delete patient data locally, or delete data linked to a ledger with cryptographic hashes. Our interviewees were also willing to delete data locally or on the ledger, subject to local legislation.

Conclusion
Our findings can help guide the deployment of these technologies, as well as determine ethics and legal requirements for such technologies.
Role of microRNA-34b-5p in cancer and injury: how does it work?
Authors: Bai Xuechun , Zheng Lianwen , Xu Ying , Liang Yan , Li Dandan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a class of noncoding single-stranded RNAs that can regulate gene expression by binding to the untranslated sequences at the 3 ' end of messenger RNAs. The microRNA-34 family is dysregulated in various human diseases. It is considered as a tumor-suppressive microRNA because of its synergistic effect with the well-known tumor suppressor p53. As a member of the miRNA-34 family, miR-34b-5p serves as a powerful regulator of a suite of cellular activities, including cell growth, multiplication, development, differentiation, and apoptosis. It promotes or represses disease occurrence and progression by participating in some important signaling pathways. This review aimed to provide an overview and update on the differential expression and function of miR-34b-5p in pathophysiologic processes, especially cancer and injury. Additionally, miR-34b-5p‐mediated clinical trials have indicated promising consequences for the therapies of carcinomatosis and injury. With the application of the first tumor-targeted microRNA drug based on miR-34a mimics, it can be inferred that miR-34b-5p may become a crucial factor in the therapy of various diseases. However, further studies on miR-34b-5p should shed light on its involvement in disease pathogenesis and treatment options.
HDACs/mTOR inhibitor synergizes with pyrotinib in HER2-positive pancreatic cancer through degradation of mutant P53
Authors: Mao Tiebo , Zhang Xiaofei , Xu Haiyan , Zhang Xiao , Ge Weiyu , Li Shumin , Ma Jingyu , Yue Ming , Xue Shengbai , Cui Jiujie , Wang Liwei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as a highly lethal malignancy with high mortality, lacks of effective treatment. Canonical therapeutic targets in PDAC demand further verification among which HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor pyrotinib as treatment targets has not be decided.

Methods
Anti-PDAC efficacy of pyrotinib was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using both cell lines and patient-derived xenografts. By screening a large-scale library of 1453 compounds, we identified HDACs/mTOR inhibitor 1 as a promising candidate to synergize with pyrotinib. The combination therapy was evaluated in vitro and in vivo in multiple cell lines and animal models. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis was performed to reveal the latent molecular mechanism of combination therapy.

Results
In our study, pyrotinib monotherapy was found to be inefficient to anti-PDAC which exhibited limited anti-proliferation effect in vitro and in vivo. Through therapy combined with HDACs/mTOR inhibitor 1, pyrotinib triggered intense apoptosis in PDAC both in cell lines and animal models. Mechanistic analyses revealed that mutant P53 degradation mediated by HDAC inhibition synergized with HER2 and mTOR inhibition.

Conclusions
In conclusion, identification of HDACs/mTOR inhibitor as a synergistic inhibitor, provides a potent therapeutic strategy that targets HER2-positive pancreatic cancer.
Acquisition of antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax antigens in pregnant women living in a low malaria transmission area of Brazil
Authors: Kassa Meseret W. , Hasang Wina , Barateiro André , Damelang Timon , Brewster Jessica , Dombrowski Jamille G. , Longley Rhea J. , Chung Amy W. , Wunderlich Gerhard , Mueller Ivo , Aitken Elizabeth H. , Marinho Claudio R. F. , Rogerson Stephen J. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Pregnant women have increased susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum malaria and acquire protective antibodies over successive pregnancies. Most studies that investigated malaria antibody responses in pregnant women are from high transmission areas in sub-Saharan Africa, while reports from Latin America are scarce and inconsistent. The present study sought to explore the development of antibodies against P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax antigens in pregnant women living in a low transmission area in the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods
In a prospective cohort study, plasma samples from 408 pregnant women (of whom 111 were infected with P. falciparum, 96 had infections with P. falciparum and P. vivax, and 201 had no Plasmodium infection) were used to measure antibody levels. Levels of IgG and opsonizing antibody to pregnancy-specific variant surface antigens (VSAs) on infected erythrocytes (IEs), 10 recombinant VAR2CSA Duffy binding like (DBL domains), 10 non-pregnancy-specific P. falciparum merozoite antigens, and 10 P. vivax antigens were measured by flow cytometry, ELISA, and multiplex assays. Antibody levels and seropositivity among the groups were compared.

Results
Antibodies to VSAs on P. falciparum IEs were generally low but were higher in currently infected women and women with multiple P. falciparum episodes over pregnancy. Many women (21%-69%) had antibodies against each individual VAR2CSA DBL domain, and antibodies to DBLs correlated with each other (r ≥ 0.55, p < 0.0001), but not with antibody to VSA or history of infection. Infection with either malaria species was associated with higher seropositivity rate for antibodies against P. vivax proteins, adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) ranged from 5.6 (3.2, 9.7), p < 0.0001 for PVDBPII-Sal1 to 15.7 (8.3, 29.7), p < 0.0001 for PvTRAg_2.

Conclusions
Pregnant Brazilian women had low levels of antibodies to pregnancy-specific VSAs that increased with exposure. They frequently recognized both VAR2CSA DBL domains and P. vivax antigens, but only the latter varied with infection. Apparent antibody prevalence is highly dependent on the assay platform used.
Breast metastasis of signet ring cell carcinoma from the colon: a case report
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhang Haibo , Lu Yanwei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Colon cancer is one of the most common diagnosed malignancies. Despite the use of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other comprehensive treatments, distant metastasis is still one of the main causes for dying of colon cancer. The common metastatic site of colon cancer is the liver, lung, and bone. In this article, we report a rare case of breast metastasis of signet ring cell carcinoma from the colon.

Case presentation
A 44-year-old woman was diagnosed with colon cancer and received a radical surgery of colon cancer in 2019. Combined with postoperative pathological and computed tomography (CT) images, a diagnosis of cT3N2M0 mucinous adenocarcinoma of colon (according to AJCC cancer staging manual, Version 8) was established. Adjuvant chemotherapy (XELOX: oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 plus capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks for 18 weeks) was performed followed by surgical resection. Fourteen months later, the patient underwent mastectomy for breast mass, which was diagnosed pathologically as metastasis of signet ring cell carcinoma from the colon. XELOX chemotherapy regimen (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 plus capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks for 24 weeks) combined with bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg on day 1) was used after the mastectomy. The patient had stable disease according to her last examination (RECIST criteria).

Conclusion
It is rare to find a report of a patient of colon cancer that metastasizes to breast. We hope to increase treatment experience for patients with this rare metastasis.
Low diffusion capacity of the lung predicts pneumothorax and chest drainage after CT-guided lung biopsy
Authors: Ruud Espen Asak , Heck Sigurd , Stavem Knut , Søyseth Vidar , Geitung Jon Terje , Ashraf Haseem 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Complications after CT-guided lung biopsy is a burden both for the individual patient and for the overall healthcare. Pneumothorax is the most common complication. This study determined the association between lung function tests and pneumothorax and chest drainage following CT-guided lung biopsy in consecutive patients in a large university hospital.

Results
We prospectively registered 875 biopsy procedures from 786 patients in one institution from January 27th 2012 to March 1st 2017 and recorded complications including pneumothorax with or without chest drainage. Lung function data from 637 patients undergoing 710 of the procedures were available. The association of lung function measures with pneumothorax with or without chest drainage was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) below 4.70 mmol/min/kPa was associated with increased occurrence of pneumothorax and chest drainage after CT guided lung biopsy. We found no association between FEV1, RV and occurrence of pneumothorax and chest drainage. We found low DLCO to be a risk factor of pneumothorax and chest drainage after CT-guided lung biopsy. This should be taken into account in planning and performing the procedure.
Effect of Inactivated and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination on Thyroid Function Among Patients Treated for Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Wong Chun Ho , Leung Eunice Ka Hong , Tang Lawrence Chi Kin , Lee Chi Ho , Fong Carol Ho Yi , Lee Alan Chun Hong , Woo Yu Cho , Tan Kathryn Choon Beng , Lui David Tak Wai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractContextReports of thyroid dysfunction following COVID-19 vaccination included cases of relapse of Graves' disease and worsening of pre-existing Graves' disease. Little is known about the thyroid-specific outcomes among patients treated for hyperthyroidism who have received COVID-19 vaccination.ObjectiveAmong patients treated for hyperthyroidism, we evaluated factors associated with not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination and whether COVID-19 vaccination was associated with thyroid function instability.MethodsWe included consecutive patients treated for hyperthyroidism attending the thyroid clinic at a teaching hospital between January and September 2021. They were categorized into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. The index date was the date of first-dose vaccination for the vaccinated group, and the first date of attendance in the inclusion period for the unvaccinated group. They were followed up until March 2022 or occurrence of thyroid function instability (worsening of thyroid function/increase in antithyroid drug dosage), whichever was earlier.ResultsA total of 910 patients were included (mean age 51.6 years; 82.1% female). Of these, 86.2% had Graves disease and 67.3% were vaccinated (67.3% BNT162b2; 30.6% CoronaVac; 2.1% heterologous). Abnormal thyroid function and cardiovascular comorbidities were independently associated with unvaccinated status. Upon median follow-up of 5.3 months, thyroid function instability occurred in 15.9% of patients. COVID-19 vaccination did not increase risks of thyroid function instability (hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.56-1.09, P = .151); this was consistent in Graves disease, both types of vaccines, and regardless of whether baseline thyroid function was normal. Twenty-seven patients overtly thyrotoxic at the time of vaccination received COVID-19 vaccines without triggering a thyroid storm or difficulty in subsequent thyroid function control.ConclusionAmong patients treated for hyperthyroidism, abnormal thyroid function was a factor predicting unvaccinated status. Our results should encourage patients treated for hyperthyroidism to receive COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves from adverse outcomes and potential long-term sequelae of COVID-19.
Dynamic Testing for Differential Diagnosis of ACTH-Dependent Cushing Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ceccato Filippo , Barbot Mattia , Mondin Alessandro , Boscaro Marco , Fleseriu Maria , Scaroni Carla 
Published: December 2022

AbstractContextDiagnostic accuracy of testing currently used for the differential diagnosis of Cushing disease (CD) vs ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion (EAS) is difficult to interpret.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to identify and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test, the desmopressin test, and the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) when used to establish a CD or EAS diagnosis.MethodsThis study is a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, OVID, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published between 1990 and 2021. Articles included described at least 1 test(s) (CRH, desmopressin, or HDDST) and the diagnostic reference standard(s) (histopathology, petrosal sinus sampling, surgical remission, imaging, and long-term follow-up) used to establish a CD or EAS diagnosis.ResultsSixty-two studies were included: 43 reported the use of the HDDST; 32, the CRH test; and the 21, the desmopressin test. The CRH test was found to have the highest sensitivity in detecting CD (ACTH 86.9%, 95% CI 82.1-90.6, cortisol 86.2%, 95% CI 78.3-91.5) and the highest specificity in detecting EAS (ACTH 93.9%, 95% CI 87-98.3, cortisol 89.4%, 95% CI 82.8-93.7). This resulted in a high diagnostic odds ratio (58, 95% CI 43.25-77.47), large area under the curve, and a receiver operating characteristic of 0.934. The diagnostic accuracy of the HDDST and desmopressin test was lower than that of the CRH test.ConclusionThe meta-analysis indicates that a patient with a positive ACTH response after a CRH test is highly likely to have CD. Further studies analyzing role of dynamic testing in addition to imaging are needed.
GABA Signaling in the Posterodorsal Medial Amygdala Mediates Stress-induced Suppression of LH Pulsatility in Female Mice
Authors: McIntyre Caitlin , Li Xiao Feng , de Burgh Ross , Ivanova Deyana , Lass Geffen , O’Byrne Kevin T 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Psychological stress is linked to infertility by suppressing the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator. The posterodorsal subnucleus of the medial amygdala (MePD) is an upstream regulator of GnRH pulse generator activity and displays increased neuronal activation during psychological stress. The MePD is primarily a GABAergic nucleus with a strong GABAergic projection to hypothalamic reproductive centers; however, their functional significance has not been determined. We hypothesize that MePD GABAergic signalling mediates psychological stress–induced suppression of pulsatile LH secretion. We selectively inhibited MePD GABA neurons during psychological stress in ovariectomized (OVX) Vgat-cre-tdTomato mice to determine the effect on stress-induced suppression of pulsatile LH secretion. MePD GABA neurons were virally infected with inhibitory hM4DGi-designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) to selectively inhibit MePD GABA neurons. Furthermore, we optogenetically stimulated potential MePD GABAergic projection terminals in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and determined the effect on pulsatile LH secretion. MePD GABA neurons in OVX female Vgat-cre-tdTomato mice were virally infected to express channelrhodopsin-2 and MePD GABAergic terminals in the ARC were selectively stimulated by blue light via an optic fiber implanted in the ARC. DREADD-mediated inhibition of MePD GABA neurons blocked predator odor and restraint stress-induced suppression of LH pulse frequency. Furthermore, sustained optogenetic stimulation at 10 and 20 Hz of MePD GABAergic terminals in the ARC suppressed pulsatile LH secretion. These results show for the first time that GABAergic signalling in the MePD mediates psychological stress–induced suppression of pulsatile LH secretion and suggest a functionally significant MePD GABAergic projection to the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator.
Effects of continuous renal replacement therapy on Apache-II score, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels in patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Hou Huihui , Li Lingzhi 
Published: December 2022

Objective: To analyze the effects of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on acute physiology and chronic health scoring system II (APACHE-II) score, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).
Methods: Medical records of 79 patients with AKI treated in Shandong Provincial Third Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively divided into two groups based on the received treatment. Of them 37 patients received intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) treatment (control group) and 42 patients received CRRT (observation group). Clinical efficacy, survival rate, severity of disease, renal function and serum electrolytels and fluid balance were analyzed.
Results: After the treatment, the total efficacy of the observation group was 95.24%, and the 6-month survival rate was 97.62%, which was higher than 81.08% and 83.78% in the control group, respectively (P<0.05). The Apache-II score of the observation group was (15.76±4.29), which was lower than that of the control group (23.62±5.37). Levels of creatinine, urea nitrogen, and serum levels of potassium (K+), chlorine (Cl-) and sodium (Na+) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: CRRT can achieve significant results in the treatment of patients with AKI, help to improve the curative effect, survival rate, alleviate the severity of the disease, recovery of renal functions, the recovery of serum electrolytels and fluid balance.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6591
How to cite this: Hou H, Li L. Effects of continuous renal replacement therapy on Apache-II score, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels in patients with acute kidney injury . Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):50-54. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6591
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.