bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract C118: Differences in cervical cancer incidence and screening rates in Guam
Authors: Dulana Louis , Teria Rodney , Bordallo Renata , Wilkens Lynne , Badowski Grazyna
Published: January 2023

Background: Guam population is 85.9% Asian-Pacific Islander. The cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher on Guam than in the US (9.8 vs 7.4 and 7.6 vs 2.3 respectively; per 100,000 women, aged adjusted, based on 2013-2017 cases and deaths). The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in cervical cancer incidence and screening among ethnic groups on Guam. Methods: This study included 171 in situ and 146 malignant cases reported to Guam Cancer Registry from 1998-2017 (N = 317) with known age and ethnicity. The negative binomial regressions were used to compare rates adjusted for age among CHamoru (N = 189), Filipino (N = 69), and Micronesian women (N = 63) by behavior. The 2012-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data was utilized to compare the Pap testing screening behaviors among three major ethnic groups on Guam; including 1077 Filipino, 1598 CHamoru, and 257 Micronesians women. The primary outcome was self-reported Pap testing within 3 years (yes/no). The multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the differences in Pap testing by ethnicity after adjusting for covariates. Results: The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of invasive cases was significantly higher for CHamoru and Micronesian women when compared to Filipino women (IRR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.19-3.49, and IRR=4.89, 95% CI: 2.69-8.86 respectively). For in-situ cases, only CHamoru women had significantly higher rates than Filipino women (IRR=2.17, 95% CI=1.23-3.86). Pap testing prevalence differed significantly between ethnic groups even after adjusting for age, income level, education level and marital status (p<0.001). Compared to Filipino women, CHamoru women were more likely to receive Pap test (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.30-1.87), and Micronesian women were less likely to be screened (OR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.52-0.94). Conclusions: There were significant differences in cervical cancer incidence and screening rates. Micronesian women had the highest invasive incidence rate but the lowest screening rates. There is a need for more outreach effort on Guam.

Citation Format: Louis Dulana, Rodney Teria, Renata Bordallo, Lynne Wilkens, Grazyna Badowski. Differences in cervical cancer incidence and screening rates in Guam [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr C118.
Abstract C124: Identifying cancer disparities in the University of Chicago catchment area
Authors: Ssepuuya Joel , Zhang Stephanie , Meador Kelsey , Tamayo Lizeth , Pierce Brandon
Published: January 2023

(a) Cancer statistics are vital for helping doctors and researchers track cancer cases and use the data to find trends in various populations and patterns of occurrences, and make important public health decisions on where to direct funding, screening programs, and other steps to take in high-rate areas. This data can also tell doctors and researchers how effective some treatments are, based on the rise or fall in incidence and mortality rates, and can also help them pinpoint areas that need more attention. (b) Disparities in cancer incidence and mortality have not been described for the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center’s (UCCCC) patient catchment area (CA), the region from which the center draws its patients. This research aimed to describe incidence and mortality rates (2013-2017) for leading cancers in the CA, which consists of Cook County, IL; DuPage County, IL; Lake County, IL; Will County, IL; and Lake County, IN. Age-adjusted rates (per 100,000) were calculated for leading cancers by sex for each county, the CA, U.S., and IL. Racial disparities were also examined by comparing Black rates to White rates. (c) Incidence rates were higher in the CA compared to the U.S for all cancers data was available for: all sites combined, breast, and prostate. For males, mortality rates of prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers were higher in the CA compared to the U.S. For females, mortality rates of breast, colorectal, myeloma, uterine, stomach, and bladder cancers, as well as all sites combined were higher in the CA compared to the U.S. By county, males experienced incidence rates of 8% to nearly 2.5 times higher and mortality rates 3% to over 1.5 times higher compared to the U.S. for various cancers. By county, females experienced incidence rates 5% to over 4 times higher and mortality rates 4% to over 1.5 times higher compared to the U.S. for various cancers. Lake County, IN generally had the highest incidence and mortality rates. Racial disparities in incidence and mortality were present for most cancers in the CA overall and by county. For males, racial disparities in mortality for prostate, stomach, and larynx are of greatest concern. For females, racial disparities in mortality for myeloma, cervical, and uterine are of greatest concern. (d) This research highlights important health inequities and priorities for the UCCC to reduce these disparities in the areas of cancer risk, prevention, and treatment.

Citation Format: Joel Ssepuuya, Stephanie Zhang, Kelsey Meador, Lizeth Tamayo, Brandon Pierce. Identifying cancer disparities in the University of Chicago catchment area [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr C124.
Abstract IA001: Ending cancer as we know it – for all
Authors: Lowy Douglas R.
Published: January 2023

Despite decades of remarkable progress in cancer research, the unfortunate truth is that the benefits of research have not reached all populations equitably. Without adequate representation, especially in therapeutic trials, cancer disparities are likely to increase as racial and ethnic populations, in particular, may not be able to fully benefit from cutting-edge treatments and the promises of precision medicine. In order to end cancer as we know it, it is essential that we advance health equity and ensure that cancer research benefits everyone affected by cancer. This requires more research to understand why disparities persist and how to properly address them, and significant efforts to overcome the structural barriers that have long stood in the way. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has long been a leader in advancing health equity in cancer research. NCI has a rich and large health disparities portfolio, which includes the work of its Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities, a substantial portion of its translational research portfolio and decades of training to empower researchers from diverse populations. In recent years, NCI has expanded its efforts and launched new programs to specifically address diversity, equity and inclusion in cancer research and build a cancer research workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and produces the best science. The Cancer Moonshot, launched in 2016, has accelerated scientific discovery in cancer, fostered greater collaboration, and improved the sharing of data. In the next phase of the Moonshot, NCI is leveraging the success of the initial Moonshot to further catalyze research progress, with the aim to benefit all patients equitably.

Citation Format: Douglas R. Lowy. Ending cancer as we know it – for all [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA001.
Abstract IA015: The Alaska Native Tumor Registry: Fifty years of cancer surveillance data for Alaska Native people
Authors: Roik Elena
Published: January 2023

Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death among Alaska Native (AN) people. Indigenous people throughout the Circumpolar North experience different patterns of cancer incidence and mortality. The Alaska Native Tumor Registry (ANTR) was established for cancer surveillance among Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people living in Alaska, with data available going back to 1969. Every 5 years, the ANTR releases a comprehensive report on cancer among AN people; latest study provides 50 years of cancer surveillance data. Methods: Cancer data were collected by the ANTR a population-based central cancer registry that records information on AN people. The ANTR has been collecting cancer information according to NCI SEER Program standards since 1969, and has been a full member of the SEER Program since 1999. Five-year annual-average age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated for time-periods ranging 1969–2018. AN data was compared with data for US whites (SEER 9). Mortality rates were calculated for 1994–2018 using data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Results: An estimated 144,274 Alaska Native/American Indian people resided in Alaska in 2015, comprising 19.5% of the Alaskan population. During 2014–2018, there were 2,401 cases of invasive cancer among AN people. The most commonly diagnosed cancers were colorectal (405 cases, 17% of all cancers), lung (373 cases, 16 cancers), and female breast (340 cases, 14% of all cancers). The majority of cancers (40%) were diagnosed at local stage, with 24% diagnosed at regional stage, and 30% at distant stage. However, the pattern varied by cancer site. Among colorectal cancers, just over one third were diagnosed at local and regional stages each, with one quarter diagnosed at distant stage. Over half of lung cancers were diagnosed at distant stage. Among the leading cancers, lung cancer mortality was 1.3 times higher among AN people, and colorectal cancer 2.8 times higher among AN people. Female breast cancer mortality rates were not significantly different between AN people and US White population. Conclusion: Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death, followed by colorectal and female breast cancers. These leading cancers are screenable, and preventable through lifestyle modifications. These data provide important information to support cancer prevention and control among AN people. Cancer surveillance has been a valuable tool throughout the Circumpolar North to support reducing the burden of cancer among Indigenous populations.

Citation Format: Elena Roik. The Alaska Native Tumor Registry: Fifty years of cancer surveillance data for Alaska Native people [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA015.
Covalent Rescue of Mutant p53
Authors: Lane David P. , Verma Chandra S.
Published: January 2023

p53 mutant proteins are widely expressed in human cancer. In this issue, Guiley and Shokat describe the development of compounds that rescue the function of the Y220C mutant p53 protein by forming covalent complexes with the target protein.

See related article by Guiley and Shokat, p. 56 (3).
Treatment Resistance in Schizophrenia Is Associated with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Gut Microbiota: A Genetic Correlation and Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cheng Bolun , Cheng Shiqiang , Li Chun’e , Wei Wenming , Liu Li , Meng Peilin , Yang Xuena , Jia Yumeng , Wen Yan , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Observational studies highlight associations of common diseases with individual schizophrenia symptoms. However, it is unclear whether these diseases are associated with individual treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). We aimed to explore the genetic associations between common immune diseases, metabolic diseases, psychiatric disorders, gut microbiota and TRS. Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of European participants (n = ∼456,327) included TRS, 11 psychiatric disorders, 23 immune and metabolic diseases, body mass index, height, and 211 gut microbiota. In this genetic correlation and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression was applied to infer genetic correlation estimates. Two-sample MR tested potential causal associations of genetic variants associated with common immune diseases, metabolic diseases, psychiatric disorders, and gut microbiota with TRS. Results: LDSC revealed candidate associations between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, intestinal infectious diseases, obesity and TRS (genetic correlation range, 0.230–0.702; p < 0.05). Two-sample MR analyses suggested that ADHD was positively associated with TRS (estimate [SE] = 0.204 [0.073], p = 0.005), a finding that remained stable across statistical models. Besides, schizophrenia and genus Barnesiella levels were causally associated with TRS but not consistent across MR approaches. Conclusion: This study reports genetic correlations between ADHD, schizophrenia, intestinal infectious diseases, obesity and TRS. The study also found that genus Barnesiella was associated with TRS. These findings may have clinical implications, highlighting the possible strategy for TRS prevention.
Risk of Atopic Diseases in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Gau Shuo-Yan , Chan Will Lung , Tsai Jeng-Dau
Published: January 2023

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and allergic diseases were considered to have different immune pathways involved. However, available evidences seemed to be inconsistent and the association was not well-developed yet. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between HS and atopic diseases, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. Methods: Search in databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed. Synonyms were determined based on MeSH terms and Emtree. Observational studies with proper comparative arm were selected. For quality evaluation of extracted studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was utilized. Odds ratio of atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis were evaluated in HS patients (comparing with non-HS people). I2 value was applied to evaluate the heterogeneity within studies. Results: After appraising 1,654 studies, in total, 12 studies were selected for data extraction. In adjusted models, people with HS is significantly associated with higher risk of having asthma, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.50 (95% CI, 1.24–1.81). Risk of presenting atopic dermatitis in HS patients was also increased, with an odd ratio of 4.10 (95% CI, 2.16–8.18). The association remained its significance in sensitivity models. Evidences were insufficient to support the association between HS and allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Conclusion: Current evidence supported that atopic dermatitis and asthma were associated with HS. Physicians should be aware of the reported association while caring people with HS and related screening of allergies comorbidities should be recommended.
Disparity Analysis of Clinical Features and Prognostic Evaluation of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Pediatric and Adult Patients: A Retrospective Multicenter Study of 525 Cases in HHLWG
Authors: Wang Xiangmin , Zhou Yi , Sun Qian , Zhou Hongyuan , Zhang Qing , Shen Ziyuan , Huang Jie , Xue Yao , Yan Dongmei , Fang Yongjun , Sang Wei
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare immune disorder with rapid progression and high mortality. There have been few large cohort study comparisons of pediatric and adult HLH until now. This study was designed to explore the disparity of clinical presentations and evaluate the prognosis in pediatric and adult HLH patients. Methods: Totally, 525 newly diagnosed HLH patients were included and divided into 4 groups according to age: <6, 6–18, 18–60, and >60 years (geriatric patients). Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, χ2 test, and Bonferroni’s adjustment were used to explore the difference between age groups. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by using Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the univariable and multivariable association between prognostic factors and OS. Results: Geriatric patients had the lowest levels of hemoglobin, platelet, albumin, and the highest level of creatinine, while patients <6 years of age had the lowest values of fibrinogen, IgA, IgM and highest values of triglyceride. The trigger of HLH in patients <18 years of age was mainly EBV infection. However, lymphoma and non-EBV-driven infection were the more frequent drivers in patients aged 18–60 and >60 years, respectively. Geriatric patients were associated with highest mortality (58.8%), and 5-year OS was 43%. By contrast, 5-year OS of patients <6, 6–18, and 18–60 years was 86.1%, 74%, and 58.9%, respectively. Additionally, among patients with different etiologies (EBV, non-EBV-driven infection, and uncertain causes) and treatment regimens (HLH-04, HLH-94, and glucocorticoid regimen), geriatric patients showed lowest 5-year OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that creatinine and alanine aminotransferase were independent risk factors affecting the survival of patients aged 0–6 years, while albumin and IgG were independent factors affecting survival of geriatric patients. Conclusion: Our study showed a wide heterogeneity of clinical presentations, etiology distribution, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes in pediatric and adult HLH patients.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Timing of Diagnosis and Clinical Services Received in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Mann Joshua R. , Zhang Yanan , McDermott Suzanne , Wang Yinding , Cai Bo , Conway Kristin M. , Paramsothy Pangaja , Royer Julie , Venkatesh Swamy , Howard Jr. James F. , Ciafaloni Emma ,   The MD STARnet
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Racial/ethnic differences in diagnostic and treatment services have been identified for a range of health conditions and outcomes. The current study aimed to analyze whether there are racial/ethnic differences in the timing of diagnostic testing and treatments for males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Diagnostic and clinical data for male individuals with DMD born during 1990–2010 were analyzed from eight sites (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Piedmont Region of North Carolina, Western New York, South Carolina, and Utah) of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STARnet). Seven milestones related to diagnosis/treatment experiences were selected as outcomes. Times to each milestone were estimated and compared by four racial/ethnic groups using Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox proportional-hazards models. Times between initial evaluation or diagnostic testing and later milestones were also compared by race/ethnicity. Results: We identified 682 males with definite or probable DMD of whom 61.7% were non-Hispanic white, 20.5% Hispanic, 10.6% other, and 7.2% non-Hispanic black. Seven milestone events were studied (initial evaluation, first neurology/neuromuscular visit, diagnosis, corticosteroid treatment first offered, corticosteroid treatment started, first electrocardiogram or echocardiogram, and first pulmonary function test). The first five milestone events occurred at an older age for non-Hispanic black individuals compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. Time to first offering of corticosteroids and initiation of corticosteroid therapy was later for Hispanic individuals compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. When accounting for timing of initial evaluation/diagnosis, offering of corticosteroids continued to occur later, but first pulmonary testing occurred earlier, among Hispanic individuals compared to non-Hispanic whites. No significant delays remained for non-Hispanic black individuals after accounting for later initial evaluation/diagnosis. Conclusion: We described racial/ethnic differences in ages at selected diagnostic and treatment milestones. The most notable differences were significant delays for five of seven milestones in non-Hispanic black individuals, which appeared to be attributable to later initial evaluation/diagnosis. Findings for Hispanic individuals were less consistent. Efforts to address barriers to early evaluation and diagnosis for non-Hispanic black children with DMD may promote more timely initiation of recommended disease monitoring and interventions.
Neuromechanical Dimorphism of Hypoglycemic Effect of Electroacupuncture
Authors: Liu Yun , Xu Tiancheng , Wang Xuan , Lu Mengjiang , Wang Yaling , Song Xin , Yuan Mingqian , Gong Meirong , Li Qian , Yu Zhi , Xu Bin
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Electroacupuncture (EA) has a favorable impact on blood glucose stability. Blood glucose homeostasis is linked to sexual dimorphism. The majority of research has, however, focused on male participants, and sex differences have not been adequately taken into account. Methods: Here, we investigated how EA intervention affected pancreatic metabolic stress and explored if there were any sex-related changes in the maintenance of pancreatic function following intraperitoneal injection of a 10 g/kg glucose solution. Results: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-β cell pathway of the male pancreas is vital to maintain glucose metabolism in mice. In contrast, there is a sex bias in TRPV1, which implies that female mice have additional routes for preserving glucose homeostasis. EA is ineffective on Trpv1-/- male mice. It also revealed that TRPV1 in male mice served as a crucial mediator for the EA control of blood glucose. Meanwhile, the sympathetic marker tyrosine hydroxylase showed higher expression in the male pancreas, while the cholinergic marker choline acetyltransferase is expressed predominantly in female mice. Injecting γ-aminobutyric acid into the paraventricular nucleus of male mice caused a disruption in blood glucose and a lack of response to EA. It verified that male mice had a more pronounced sympathetic innervation of the pancreas than female mice. Conclusion: Our research has demonstrated that the TRPV1 sensory afferent nerve and sympathetic efferent nerve are capable of maintaining glucose homeostasis, exhibiting a distinct sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, this regulation is contingent on the EA effect.
Few-shot Named Entity Recognition with Joint Token and Sentence Awareness
Authors: Wen Wen , Liu Yongbin , Lin Qiang , Ouyang Chunping
Published: January 2023

Few-shot learning has been proposed and rapidly emerging as a viable means for completing various tasks. Recently, few-shot models have been used for Named Entity Recognition (NER). Prototypical network shows high efficiency on few-shot NER. However, existing prototypical methods only consider the similarity of tokens in query sets and support sets and ignore the semantic similarity among the sentences which contain these entities. We present a novel model, Few-shot Named Entity Recognition with Joint Token and Sentence Awareness (JTSA), to address the issue. The sentence awareness is introduced to probe the semantic similarity among the sentences. The Token awareness is used to explore the similarity of the tokens. To further improve the robustness and results of the model, we adopt the joint learning scheme on the few-shot NER. Experimental results demonstrate that our model outperforms state-of-the-art models on two standard Few-shot NER datasets.
Living ostracods (Crustacea) from Algerian Sahara and High Plains: ecological data and new records
Authors: MENAIL AIMEN , SCHARF BURKHARD , AMAROUAYACHE MOUNIA
Published: January 2023

Between 2017 and 2018, in order to complete the list of the Algerian freshwater ostracods, 62 water bodies were sampled across the Sahara and the semi-arid High Plains. The physico-chemical parameters (salinity, temperature and pH) were measured, and the coordinates of the sites, their surface area and altitude were also recorded. A total of 24 ostracod species were identified, belonging to 4 different families (Darwinulidae, Ilyocyprididae, Cyprididae and Cytherideidae). The maximum number of species in a single site was six. The most common species was Heterocypris incongruens (24 records). Three species are new to Algeria: Darwinula stevensoni, Oncocypris muelleri and Candelacypris aragonica. The ecology of the new and the most common species is discussed. Moreover, in order to evaluate the relationship between the distribution of ostracods and environmental parameters (pH, salinity and temperature), a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was performed. The first two axes of the CCA diagram explain 92.97% of the cumulative variance of the relationship between species and physico-chemical parameters of the sites.
A review of the genus Tolpia Walker, 1863 in East Asia with descriptions of five new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypenodinae, Micronoctuini). Taxonomic study of Micronoctuini. Contribution VII
Authors: HAN HUI LIN , KONONENKO VLADIMIR S.
Published: January 2023

The genus Tolpia Walker 1863 is reviewed. Five new species: Tolpia ysbaei sp. n., T. qiongensis sp. n., T. subhainanensis sp. n., T. kohkonga sp. n. and T. michaeli sp. n. are described from South China, Cambodia and Malaysia. New collecting data for other species treated in the article are presented. Among them three species, Tolpia bhutani Fibiger, 2007, T. unguis Fibiger, 2007 and T. sikkimi Fibiger, 2007, are reported from China for the first time and T. multiprocessa Fibiger, 2008 is first reported from Cambodia. Keys for identifying species in the odor, unguis, peniculus, conscitulana and crispus species-groups are presented. The checklist of the genus Tolpia comprises 35 species including newly described species and four incertae sedis.
Validation of the Charlotte large artery occlusion endovascular therapy outcome score using Viz.ai-derived cerebral blood volume index
Authors: Karamchandani Rahul R , Yang Hongmei , Rhoten Jeremy B , Strong Dale , Satyanarayana Sagar , Asimos Andrew W
Published: January 2023

Background

The Charlotte large artery occlusion endovascular therapy outcome score (CLEOS) predicts poor 90-day outcomes for patients presenting with internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions. It incorporates RAPID-derived cerebral blood volume (CBV) index, a marker of collateral circulation. We validated the predictive ability of CLEOS with Viz.ai-processed computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging.

Methods

The original CLEOS derivation cohort was compared to a validation cohort consisting of all ICA and MCA thrombectomy patients treated at a large health system with Viz.ai-processed CTP. Rates of poor 90-day outcome (mRS 4–6) were compared in the derivation and validation cohorts, stratified by CLEOS. CLEOS was compared to previously described prediction models using area under the curve (AUC) analyses. Calibration of CLEOS was performed to compare predicted risk of poor outcomes with observed outcomes.

Results

One-hundred eighty-one patients (mean age 66.4 years, median NIHSS 16) in the validation cohort were included. The validation cohort had higher median CTP core volumes (24 vs 8 ml) and smaller median mismatch volumes (81 vs 101 ml) than the derivation cohort. CLEOS-predicted poor outcomes strongly correlated with observed outcomes ( R2 = 0.82). AUC for CLEOS in the validation cohort (0.72, 95% CI 0.64–0.80) was similar to the derivation cohort (AUC 0.75, 95% CI 0.70–0.80) and was comparable or superior to previously described prognostic models.

Conclusions

CLEOS can predict risk of poor 90-day outcomes in ICA and MCA thrombectomy patients evaluated with pre-intervention, Viz.ai-processed CTP.
Association of TIM-3 checkpoint receptor expression on T cells with treatment-free remission in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Irani Yazad D. , Kok Chung H. , Clarson Jade , Shanmuganathan Naranie , Branford Susan , Yeung David T. , Ross David M. , Hughes Timothy P. , Yong Agnes S. M.
Published: January 2023

Dysregulation of immune-checkpoint receptors has been reported at diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), however, their role in the maintenance of remission after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) cessation is unclear. We assessed programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), T-cell immunoglobulin, and mucin-domain containing protein-3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte-activation gene-3 (LAG-3), and T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domains (TIGIT) expression on T-cell subsets, regulatory T cells (T-regs), and natural killer (NK) cells at the time of TKI cessation in 44 patients (22 patients sustained treatment-free remission [TFR] and 22 experienced molecular relapse [MolR]). We confirmed our previous finding that absolute numbers of T-regs are increased in patients who experienced MolR compared with those who sustained TFR. The immune-checkpoint receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and TIGIT on T or NK cells were not differentially expressed between the MolR and TFR groups. However, TIM-3 was consistently upregulated on bulk T cells (CD3+) and T-cell subsets including, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and T-regs, in patients who relapsed in comparison with those who maintained TFR after discontinuation. Furthermore, gene expression analysis from publicly available data sets showed increased TIM-3 expression on CML stem cells compared with normal hematopoietic stem cells. These findings suggest that among the targetable immune-checkpoint molecules, TIM-3 blockade may potentially improve effector immune response in patients with CML stopping TKI, while concomitantly targeting leukemic stem cells and could be a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing relapse after cessation of TKI in patients with CML.
A trial of inhaled budesonide on airway responsiveness in smokers with chronic bronchitis
Authors: Engel T , Heinig JH , Madsen O , Hansen M , Weeke ER
Published: January 2023

The aim of the present randomized, double-blind study was to evaluate the effect of inhaled budesonide on daily symptoms, ventilatory capacity, and airway responsiveness in smokers with chronic bronchitis. Twenty-five subjects with a provocative concentration producing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second PC20(FEV1) less than 2.0 mg.ml-1, by bronchial histamine challenge, were included. Eighteen subjects accomplished the entire 12 week study, eight receiving inhaled budesonide 400 micrograms b.i.d. and ten receiving placebo. Cough decreased significantly in the actively treated group during the treatment period, but no change could be demonstrated in expectoration, dyspnoea, or sleep disturbances. No changes in any of these symptoms were found in the placebo group, and no differences in symptoms scores were found between the groups. No significant differences in ventilatory capacity or bronchial responsiveness could be demonstrated. In conclusion, a moderately high dose of inhaled steroid in eight subjects with chronic bronchitis did not improve the symptom scores, ventilatory capacity, or airway responsiveness to any clinically relevant degree.
The effect of anticholinergic and beta-agonist pretreatment on bronchoconstriction induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine
Authors: Peters MJ , Breslin AB , Berend N
Published: January 2023

N-Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), an acylated tripeptide bacterial neutrophil chemotactic factor, has been shown to be a bronchoconstrictor by inhalation in man in vivo. It thus has a putative role in the generation of bronchoconstriction associated with bacterial bronchial infection. We have investigated the effect of pretreatment with the anticholinergic agent, ipratropium bromide (IB), and the beta 2-agonist, fenoterol (F), on FMLP-induced bronchoconstriction. Ten non-asthmatic subjects aged 21-28 yrs performed dose-response curves to nebulized FMLP on 3 study days after pretreatment with saline, F or IB. Amongst the 8 subjects who bronchoconstricted by 20% to FMLP there was a significant increase in the provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (PC20FMLP) after both IB and F. F was significantly better than IB. When comparison was made using absolute fall in FEV1 and including all 10 subjects the same results were found. Partial inhibition of FMLP-induced bronchoconstriction by IB suggests that part of the effect of FMLP is vagally mediated. We suggest that F is acting via modulation of FMLP-induced rises in intracellular free calcium.
The effect of posture and abdominal binding on respiratory pressures
Authors: Koulouris N , Mulvey DA , Laroche CM , Goldstone J , Moxham J , Green M
Published: January 2023

We examined the effect of posture on the generation of respiratory pressures in 6 highly trained subjects. Transdiaphragmatic pressure was measured at FRC during bilateral percutaneous phrenic nerve stimulation (twitch Pdi) and maximal sniffs (sniff Pdi), with the abdomen bound and unbound. Maximum static inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory (PEmax) mouth pressures were measured with the abdomen unbound. Three postures were examined: seated (Se), semi-supine (30s), and supine (Su). Changes of posture did not significantly alter twitch Pdi. By contrast, sniff Pdi and static mouth pressures were significantly reduced in the Su posture. Abdominal binding significantly increased twitch Pdi only. We conclude that voluntary respiratory manoeuvres requiring activation, recruitment and coordination of different muscle groups are performed better in the Se position. We suggest that posture be standardised for serial comparative measurements of voluntary respiratory pressures in a given subject.
Psychosocial effects of continuous oxygen therapy in hypoxaemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Lahdensuo A , Ojanen M , Ahonen A , Laitinen J , Poppius H , Salorinne Y , Tammivaara R , Tukiainen P , Venho K , Vilkka V
Published: January 2023

Twenty six hypoxaemic patients with severe and stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were treated with continuous domiciliary oxygen for a six month period. The patients were evaluated 1, 3 and 6 months after the start of oxygen therapy. In addition to blood gas analysis, 15 coping skills were evaluated by the patient and by the nurse, who also rated the general activity of the patients. Depression was measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at the start of the trial and after six months' oxygen therapy. The general psychosocial response was meagre; no significant changes were observed in any psychosocial measures. The response was slightly better in younger and less hypoxaemic patients. We conclude that the psychosocial response to oxygen therapy in severely hypoxaemic COPD patients is limited.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma in the southwestern part of The Netherlands
Authors: van Gelder T , Hoogsteden HC , Versnel MA , van Hezik EJ , Vandenbroucke JP , Planteydt HT
Published: January 2023

This report is the result of an analysis of the medical records of 124 patients presenting with a malignant pleural mesothelioma. Information about asbestos exposure was available in 104 of them, which appeared to be positive in 95 (91%). The median duration of exposure was 34 yrs. The median latent period was 41 yrs. The median survival was 11 months while different ways of treatment could not prolong survival. The most common radiologic findings were pleural effusions, while in some patients contralateral effusions or pleural thickening was found. Pleural plaques or asbestosis were seen in a minority of the patients. In this series a relatively high percentage of mixed type mesotheliomas was found (56%). Large biopsies will often show both epithelial and connective tissue type elements. Concerning diagnostic procedures we recommend beginning with cytology of pleural fluid, which can easily be obtained together with an Abrams biopsy. If this does not give a definite diagnosis thoracoscopy or thoracotomy will be indicated.
Comparison of patient preferences and responsiveness among common patient-reported outcome measures for hand/wrist injuries or disorders
Authors: Chanthana Phongniwath , Atthakomol Pichitchai , Manosroi Worapaka , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Kraisarin Jirachart , Sananpanich Kanit
Published: January 2023

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were developed to examine patients’ perceptions of functional health. Most studies compare the responsiveness of each type of questionnaire. However, reports of patient preferences among PROMs commonly used with patients with hand/wrist injuries or disorders are limited. This study aimed to compare patient preferences, factors associated with those preferences and responsiveness among the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) and EQ-5D in patients with hand/wrist injuries or disorders.

Material and methods

This retrospective cohort study collected data on 183 patients with hand/wrist injuries or diseases who had visited a hand/wrist outpatient clinic or were hospitalized for surgery between 2017 and 2020. Patients had to be at least 18 years old and able to complete the four questionnaires included in the study. The four PROMs (DASH, MHQ, PRWHE and EQ-5D) were administered to the patients prior to treatment. After completing the questionnaires, patients were asked to answer two open-ended questions regarding their preferences. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors related to patient preferences. Results are presented as the relative risk ratio (RRR). The standardized response mean (SRM) was used to evaluate questionnaire responsiveness.

Results

Of the 183 patients, most preferred the PRWHE questionnaire (n = 74, 41%), with the main reasons cited being “specific to injuries/diseases and reflects hand/wrist function (n = 23, 31%)” and “easy to complete (n = 22, 30%).” Sex was found to be associated with patient preference after adjusting for demographic data and reasons for choosing a PROM as confounders (RRR = 0.46, P value = 0.049). The PRWHE had the highest SRM, followed by DASH (0.92 and 0.88, respectively).

Conclusions

The PRWHE is the most preferred by patients and is the most responsive questionnaire. It is recommended for use in clinical practice in situations where a clinician would like to use only one PROM for evaluating patients with various types of hand/wrist problems.

Level of evidence: Prognostic III.
A pseudo-value regression approach for differential network analysis of co-expression data
Authors: Ahn Seungjun , Grimes Tyler , Datta Somnath
Published: January 2023

Background

The differential network (DN) analysis identifies changes in measures of association among genes under two or more experimental conditions. In this article, we introduce a pseudo-value regression approach for network analysis (PRANA). This is a novel method of differential network analysis that also adjusts for additional clinical covariates. We start from mutual information criteria, followed by pseudo-value calculations, which are then entered into a robust regression model.

Results

This article assesses the model performances of PRANA in a multivariable setting, followed by a comparison to dnapath and DINGO in both univariable and multivariable settings through variety of simulations. Performance in terms of precision, recall, and F1 score of differentially connected (DC) genes is assessed. By and large, PRANA outperformed dnapath and DINGO, neither of which is equipped to adjust for available covariates such as patient-age. Lastly, we employ PRANA in a real data application from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify DC genes that are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to demonstrate its utility.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt of utilizing a regression modeling for DN analysis by collective gene expression levels between two or more groups with the inclusion of additional clinical covariates. By and large, adjusting for available covariates improves accuracy of a DN analysis.
Comparative network analysis reveals the dynamics of organic acid diversity during fruit ripening in peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch)
Authors: Jiang Xiaohan , Liu Kangchen , Peng Huixiang , Fang Jing , Zhang Aidi , Han Yuepeng , Zhang Xiujun
Published: January 2023

Background

Organic acids are important components that determine the fruit flavor of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch). However, the dynamics of organic acid diversity during fruit ripening and the key genes that modulate the organic acids metabolism remain largely unknown in this kind of fruit tree which yield ranks sixth in the world.

Results

In this study, we used 3D transcriptome data containing three dimensions of information, namely time, phenotype and gene expression, from 5 different varieties of peach to construct gene co-expression networks throughout fruit ripening of peach. With the network inferred, the time-ordered network comparative analysis was performed to select high-acid specific gene co-expression network and then clarify the regulatory factors controlling organic acid accumulation. As a result, network modules related to organic acid synthesis and metabolism under high-acid and low-acid comparison conditions were identified for our following research. In addition, we obtained 20 candidate genes as regulatory factors related to organic acid metabolism in peach.

Conclusions

The study provides new insights into the dynamics of organic acid accumulation during fruit ripening, complements the results of classical co-expression network analysis and establishes a foundation for key genes discovery from time-series multiple species transcriptome data.
Real-world evidence of switching P2Y12 receptor–inhibiting therapies to prasugrel after PCI in patients with ACS: results from EFF-K registry
Authors: Kang Jeehoon , Han Jung-Kyu , Yang Han-Mo , Park Kyung Woo , Kang Hyun-Jae , Koo Bon-Kwon , Choo Eun Ho , Lee Jong-Young , Park Sang-Don , Lim Young-Hyo , Kim Hyung-Min , Heo Ji-Hyun , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: January 2023

Background

Potent P2Y12 inhibitors are recommended for up to 12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the prescription pattern is diverse in real world practice, which includes various switching between antiplatelet regimens. In this study, we analyzed the prescription patterns of prasugrel, and assessed the safety and effectiveness of P2Y12 inhibitors switching patterns in a real world registry of patients subjected to PCI after ACS.

Methods

The EFF-K study included 3077 ACS patients receiving prasugrel-based dual antiplatelet therapy. The cohort was divided into those who were administered with prasugrel as the primary antiplatelet treatment (naïve cohort) or as a substitute agent after clopidogrel or ticagrelor pre-treatment (switch cohort). The primary endpoint was a net adverse clinical event (NACE; a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or TIMI major bleeding unrelated to coronary-artery bypass grafting).

Results

A total of 3077 patients diagnosed with ACS were included in the analysis. Among the total population, 726 patients (23.6%) were classed as the naïve cohort and 2351 patients (76.4%) as the switch cohort. Baseline characteristics showed that the switch cohort had more comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure and previous PCI. The major cause of switching to prasugrel in the switch cohort was the necessity for a more potent antiplatelet agent (56.3%). During a 12-month follow-up period, 51 patients (1.7%) experienced at least one NACE. The incidence of NACE did not differ between the naïve and switch cohort (1.5% vs. 1.7%, Hazard ratio 1.17, 95% Confidence interval 0.56–2.43, P = 0.677). In subgroup analysis, no significant interaction was observed between the treatment strategy and the incidence of NACE across various subgroups.

Conclusions

Dual antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel seems to be safe and effective both as a primary treatment and as a substitute for other P2Y12 inhibitors in a real world registry of Asian ACS patients receiving PCI.

Trial registration: KCT0002356, registered June 13, 2017.
Association of inflammation indices with left atrial thrombus in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zhou You , Song Xuewen , Ma Jifang , Wang Xianqing , Fu Haixia
Published: January 2023

Background

Inflammation has been implicated in the progressive exacerbation of valvular atrial fibrillation (VAF) and thrombogenesis. This study aimed to analyze the association of systemic inflammation as measured by six indices with left atrial thrombus (LAT) in patients with VAF.

Methods

This comparative cross-sectional analytical study included 434 patients with VAF. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the predictive value of LAT using six inflammation indices: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), white blood cell-to-mean platelet volume ratio, neutrophil-to-mean platelet volume ratio, systemic immune inflammation index, and systemic inflammation response index. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted, and the area under these curves (AUC) were calculated to evaluate the discriminative ability of the indices.

Results

Transesophageal echocardiography revealed LAT in 143 (32.9%) patients. All six indices reflected a positive correlation with C-reactive protein levels. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that these indices were independent predictors of LAT, and MLR appeared to perform best (odds ratio 12.006 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.404–42.347]; P < 0.001; AUC 0.639 [95% CI 0.583–0.694]; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Selected inflammatory indices were significantly and independently associated with LAT among patients with VAF.