bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-transplant T-cell Clonality
Authors: Jones Stephen L. , Moore Linda W. , Li Xian C. , Mobley Constance M. , Fields Paul A. , Graviss Edward A. , Nguyen Duc T. , Nolte Fong Joy , Saharia Ashish , Hobeika Mark J. , McMillan Robert R. , Victor David W. , Minze Laurie J. , Gaber A. Osama , Ghobrial R. Mark 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
This study investigated the ability of pre-transplant T-cell clonality to predict sepsis after liver transplant (LT).

Summary Background Data:
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in LT recipients. Currently, no biomarkers predict sepsis before clinical symptom manifestation.

Methods:
Between December 2013 and March 2018, our institution performed 478 LTs. After exclusions (eg, patients with marginal donor livers, autoimmune disorders, nonabdominal multi-organ, and liver retransplantations), 180 consecutive LT were enrolled. T-cell characterization was assessed within 48 hours before LT (immunoSEQ Assay, Adaptive Biotechnologies, Seattle, WA). Sepsis-2 and Sepsis-3 cases, defined by presence of acute infection plus ≥2 SIRS criteria, or clinical documentation of sepsis, were identified by chart review. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses determined optimal T-cell repertoire clonality for predicting post-LT sepsis. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard modeling assessed outcome-associated prognostic variables.

Results:
Patients with baseline T-cell repertoire clonality ≥0.072 were 3.82 (1.25, 11.40; P = 0.02), and 2.40 (1.00, 5.75; P = 0.049) times more likely to develop sepsis 3 and 12 months post-LT, respectively, when compared to recipients with lower (<0.072) clonality. T-cell repertoire clonality was the only predictor of sepsis 3 months post-LT in multivariate analysis (C-Statistic, 0.75). Adequate treatment resulted in equivalent survival rates between both groups: (93.4% vs 96.2%, respectively, P = 0.41) at 12 months post-LT.

Conclusions:
T-cell repertoire clonality is a novel biomarker predictor of sepsis before development of clinical symptoms. Early sepsis monitoring and management may reduce post-LT mortality. These findings have implications for developing sepsis-prevention protocols in transplantation and potentially other populations.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Electronic Outpatient Symptom Monitoring After Ambulatory Cancer Surgery
Authors: Pusic Andrea L. , Temple Larissa K. , Carter Jeanne , Stabile Cara M. , Assel Melissa J. , Vickers Andrew J. , Niehaus Kate , Ancker Jessica S. , McCready Taylor , Stetson Peter D. , Simon Brett A. 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
We implemented routine daily electronic monitoring of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for 10 days after discharge after ambulatory cancer surgery, with alerts to clinical staff for worrying symptoms. We sought to determine whether enhancing this monitoring by adding immediate automated normative feedback to patients regarding expected symptoms would further improve the patient experience.

Summary of Background Data:
PRO monitoring reduces symptom severity in cancer patients. In ambulatory cancer surgery, it reduces potentially avoidable urgent care center (UCC) visits, defined as those UCC visits without readmission.

Methods:
Patients undergoing ambulatory cancer surgery (n = 2624) were randomized to receive standard PRO monitoring or enhanced feedback. The primary study outcome was UCC visits without readmission within 30 days; secondary outcomes included patient anxiety and nursing utilization.

Results:
There was no significant difference in the risk of a potentially avoidable UCC visit [1.0% higher in enhanced feedback, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.2–3.1%; P = 0.12]. There were similarly no significant differences in UCC visits with readmission or readmission overall (P = 0.4 for both). Patients randomized to enhanced feedback demonstrated a quicker reduction in anxiety (P < 0.001) and required 14% (95% CI 8–19%; P < 0.001) and 10% (95% CI 5–16%, P < 0.001) fewer nursing calls over 10 and 30 days postoperatively.

Conclusions:
Providing patients with feedback about symptom severity during recovery from ambulatory cancer surgery reduces anxiety and nursing workload without affecting UCC visits or readmissions. These results support wider incorporation of normative feedback in systems for routine PRO monitoring.
CYP2C19 polymorphisms are associated with severity of depression at initial evaluation and after the treatment independently of the prescribed medications: 4 weeks prospective study
Authors: Strumila Robertas , Lengvenyte Aiste , Ambrozaityte Laima , Balkeliene Danute , Utkus Algirdas , Dlugauskas Edgaras 
Published: June 2021

Background
The cytochrome P-450 2C19 (CYP2C19) enzyme is involved in the metabolism of numerous antidepressants. It also metabolises some endogenous substrates, which could also confer to vulnerability. We aimed to establish whether the severity of depression and treatment response are associated with the genetically predicted CYP2C19 phenotype.

Methods
We assessed the CYP2C19 genotype-predicted metabolic phenotypes (normal, intermediate or ultrarapid, there were no poor metabolisers) in patients with moderate or severe depression. We used the self-rated Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scale and the clinician-rated Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks of an empirical treatment trial. Patients and clinicians were blind to the genetic testing results.

Results
Seventy-six patients participated in the present study. At baseline, impaired CYP2C19 metabolisers, compared to normal metabolisers, had higher BDI-II (P = 0.046; ηp
2 = 0.08) but not MADRS score. Intermediate metabolisers more often had a diagnosis of severe depression than normal metabolisers (P = 0.003). After 4 weeks of empirical treatment, intermediate metabolisers had significantly higher MADRS and BDI-II scores than normal metabolisers (P = 0.006; ηp
2  = 0.131 and P = 0.030; ηp
2 = 0.091). These differences were independent of the use of CYP2C19-metabolised medications in the treatment trial, as well as the treatment discrepancy status.

Conclusions
Intermediate CYP2C19 polymorphism-predicted activity was associated with more severe depression after an empirical treatment trial. The lack of association between the prescription of CYP2C19-metabolised drugs and treatment response calls for a further look into the role of endogenous substrates of CYP2C19.
Mutation of SLC7A14 Causes Auditory Neuropathy and Retinitis Pigmentosa Mediated by Lysosomal Dysfunction
Authors: Giffen Kimberlee , Li Yi , Liu Huizhan , Zhao Xiao-Chang , Zhang Chang-Jun , Shen Ren-Juan , Wang Tianying , Janesick Amanda , Chen Bo-Pei , Gong Shu-Sheng , Kachar Bechara , Jin Zi-Bing , He David Z 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTLysosomes contribute to cellular homeostasis via processes including phagocytosis, macromolecule catabolism, secretion, and nutrient sensing mechanisms. Defective proteins related to lysosomal macromolecule catabolism are known to cause a broad range of lysosomal storage diseases. It is unclear, however, if mutations in genes in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway can cause syndromic disease. Here we show that SLC7A14, a transporter protein mediating lysosomal uptake of cationic amino acids, is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrate mechanosensitive hair cells and highly expressed in lysosomes of mammalian cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) and retinal photoreceptors. Autosomal recessive mutation of SLC7A14 caused loss of IHCs and photoreceptors, leading to pre-synaptic auditory neuropathy and retinitis pigmentosa in mice and humans. Loss of function mutation altered protein trafficking and disrupted lysosomal homeostasis, resulting in dysregulation of basal autophagy and progressive cell degeneration. This study is the first to implicate autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction in syndromic hearing and vision loss in mice and humans.
Walking Activities during the Acute Stroke Hospital Stay May Benefit Cerebrovascular Health
Authors: Whitaker Alicen A. , Henry Madison L. , Morton Allegra , Ward Jaimie L. , Eickmeyer Sarah M. , Abraham Michael G. , Billinger Sandra A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposePhysical activity within the hospital post-stroke is recommended for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, but no studies have examined cerebrovascular health. We hypothesized individuals who walked farther distances (FARhigh) in the hospital would have a higher resting middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) and a greater cerebrovascular response (CVR) to moderate-intensity exercise at 3-months post-stroke, compared to individuals who walked shorter distances (FARlow).MethodsAt 3-month post-stroke, we recorded 90-seconds of baseline (BL) MCAv followed by 6-minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. We calculated CVR as the change in MCAv from BL to steady-state exercise. We collected farthest distance walked from the electronic medical record. We divided individuals based on average farthest walking distance, (FARhigh or FARlow).ResultsParticipants (n = 20) were 63 ± 15 years. BL MCAv was not different between groups (p = 0.07). In comparison to FARlow, we report a higher CVR in FARhigh’s ipsilesional (vs, p = 0.02) and contralesional hemisphere (vs, p = 0.04).ConclusionsPhysical activity during the hospital stay post-stroke may support cerebrovascular health after discharge. Prospective studies are needed to support this finding.
Measurement Invariance and Criterion Validity of Comprehensive Knowledge about HIV/AIDS Prevention Scale in the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey Tool
Authors: Ariapa Martin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundLimited information exists on the functioning of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention scale in the Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys.ObjectivesThis paper aimed to: (i) examine measurement invariance of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention scale across men and women groups in Uganda; and (ii) evaluate the criterion related validity of the scale using HIV testing as an outcome variable.MethodsThe study was based on cross-sectional Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data of 2016. Measurement invariance was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis in the framework of structural equation modelling while criterion-related validity was investigated by fitting a binary logistic regression model that explained the relationship between HIV testing and comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention.ResultsThe results show that, the construct is invariant across men and women groups at the dimensional, metric and scalar levels, however, all models presented poor fit. Furthermore, criterion-related validity of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention with HIV testing, was confirmed.ConclusionsThe findings of this study underscore the need to revise items included in the comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention scale in order to improve its performance.
Patterns of physical activity among the students of an Indian university and their perceptions about the curricular content concerned with health
Authors: Verma Arun Kumar , Singh Girish , Patwardhan Kishor 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundUniversity students are at risk of losing their focus on maintaining healthy levels of physical activity because of their engagements with curricular and co-curricular activities. In India, the physical activity levels of adult population have been reported to be declining in the recent years. However, large studies focusing on university students pertaining to their physical activity are not there in Indian context. ‘Do the curricula in higher education promote physical activity?’ is another question that has not been addressed well.ObjectivesOur work aims at describing the physical activity levels of the students in a large public-funded central university located in northern India. The study also aims at capturing the student perceptions about the emphasis their curricular activities receive in connection with leading a physically active lifestyle.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional descriptive study and uses International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Long form) to record physical activity among 4586 students. Stratified sampling method was used to enroll the students from each stream (faculty). About 15% of all enrolled students from each faculty were included in the study. The study was conducted in between 2016 and 2019. To capture the student perceptions, we have used a 5-item newly developed scale.Results2828 (61.7%) male and 1758 (38.3%) female students participated in the study. The mean age of our sample was 22.34 ± 3.12 years. Our results indicate that about 14.5% of all students in the study fall under ‘Inactive’ category. Further, the perception about the curricular content pertaining to physical activity varied widely between the students of different streams.DiscussionOur sample reported a better physical activity pattern in comparison to the reported overall physical activity levels of adult population of India. Our results also suggest that health-related topics are inadequately represented in many of the streams of higher education in the university.
Grouping theory of epidemiology
Authors: Zhang Chaohui , Ling Wenyu 
Published: June 2021

Background (traditional theory)there are general and principle models and calculation formulas for epidemics, mainly the basic reproduction number R0 of a certain epidemic disease such as COVID-19, the newly confirmed number Cn=Rn-1Cn-1, The threshold of herd immunity is (R0-1)/R0.Innovation theoryBased on the fact that there are groups of different tends (that is, different R0 or Rk), a grouping model of epidemiology is proposed, and a complete and detailed calculation formula is given. The basic relationship is that the overall infection numbers of is equal to the sum of the infection number of groups, namely: Rt=∑(fkRk), where fk is the population proportion of each group, and Rk is the basic reproduction number of each groups. Its important application is the grouping strategy in which prevention and control measures are inclined to high-risk groups. The basic relationship is that the basic reproduction number of each group is equal to the product of the control coefficient of its measures and the original basic reproduction number, namely: Rk=ζkR0k. Compared with the traditional strategy of equal treatment, the grouping strategy has the characteristics of high efficiency, low consumption, and low threshold of herd immunity.
Relative perceived importance of different settings for SARS-CoV2 acquisition in England and Wales: Analysis of the Virus Watch Community Cohort
Authors: Beale Sarah , Byrne Thomas , Fragaszy Ellen , Kovar Jana , Nguyen Vincent , Aryee Anna , Fong Wing Lam Erica , Geismar Cyril , Patel Parth , Shrotri Madhumita , Patni Nicholas , Braithwaite Isobel , Navaratnam Annalan M D , Aldridge Robert W , Hayward Andrew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe aimed to assess the relative importance of different settings for SARS-CoV2 transmission in a large community cohort. We demonstrate the importance of home, work and education as venues for transmission. In children, education was most important and in older adults essential shopping was of high importance. Our findings support public health messaging about infection control at home, advice on working from home and restrictions in different venues.
Reconstruction of a large-scale outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Iceland informs vaccination strategies
Authors: Hjorleifsson Kristjan E , Rognvaldsson Solvi , Jonsson Hakon , Agustsdottir Arna B , Andresdottir Margret , Birgisdottir Kolbrun , Eiriksson Ogmundur , Eythorsson Elias S , Fridriksdottir Run , Georgsson Gudmundur , Gudmundsson Kjartan R , Gylfason Arnaldur , Haraldsdottir Gudbjorg , Jensson Brynjar O , Jonasdottir Adalbjorg , Jonasdottir Aslaug , Josefsdottir Kamilla S , Kristinsdottir Nina , Kristjansdottir Borghildur , Kristjansson Thordur , Magnusdottir Droplaug N , Palsson Runolfur , Roux Louise le , Sigurbergsdottir Gudrun M , Sigurdsson Asgeir , Sigurdsson Martin I , Sveinbjornsson Gardar , Thorarensen Emil Aron , Thorbjornsson Bjarni , Thordardottir Marianna , Helgason Agnar , Holm Hilma , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Jonsson Frosti , Magnusson Olafur T , Masson Gisli , Norddahl Gudmundur L , Saemundsdottir Jona , Sulem Patrick , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Melsted Pall , Stefansson Kari 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe spread of SARS-CoV-2 is dependent on several factors, both biological and behavioral. The effectiveness of various non-pharmaceutical interventions can largely be attributed to changes in human behavior, but quantifying this effect remains challenging. Reconstructing the transmission tree of the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Iceland using contact tracing and viral sequence data from 2522 cases enables us to compare the infectiousness of distinct groups of persons directly. We find that people diagnosed outside of quarantine are 89% more infectious than those diagnosed while in quarantine, and infectiousness decreases as a function of the time spent in quarantine. Furthermore, we find that people of working age, 16-66 years old, are 47% more infectious than those outside that age range. Lastly, the transmission tree enables us to model the effect that given population prevalence of vaccination would have had on the third wave had they been administered before that time using several different strategies. We find that vaccinating in order of ascending age or uniformly at random would have prevented more infections per vaccination than vaccinating in order of descending age.
Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes of 180 Egyptian COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Quarantine Hospitals of Ain Shams University: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Taha Sara Ibrahim , Samaan Sara Farid , Shata Aalaa Kamal , Baioumy Shereen Atef , Abdalgeleel Shaimaa Abdalaleem , Youssef Mariam Karam 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and study aimCOVID-19 mortality, severity, and recovery are major global concerns, but they are still insufficiently understood, particularly in the Middle East. This study focused on evaluating if there was a link between COVID-19 patients’ clinical and laboratory findings at hospital admission and disease severity and mortality.Patients and methodsA total of 180 adult Egyptian COVID-19 patients were included in this study then were categorized and compared.ResultsOf all, 27.8% had severe disease, and 13.9% died during their hospital stay. Diabetes (46.7%), hypertension (36.1%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (33.3%) were the most frequent associated co-morbidities. Severe patients and non-survivors were significantly older compared to their corresponding groups. Their neutrophil count, PCT, ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP), AST, ALT, LDH, D-dimer, and ferritin levels were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). In contrast, their absolute lymphocyte count was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). COPD (OR: 3.294; 95% CI: 1.199-9.053), diabetes (OR: 2.951; 95% CI:1.070- 8.137), ferritin ≥ 350 ng/mL (OR: 11.08; 95% CI: 2.796-41.551), AST ≥ 40 IU/L (OR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.842-7.991), CT-scoring system (CT-SS) ≥ 17 (OR: 1.205; 95% CI: 1.089-1.334) and lymphocyte count < 1×103/µL (OR: 4.002; 95% CI: 1.537-10.421), were all linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 severity. While mortality was predicted by dyspnea (OR: 4.006; 95% CI: 1.045-15.359), CT-SS ≥ 17 (OR: 1.271; 95% CI: 1.091-1.482) and AST ≥ 40 IU/L (OR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.091-7.661).ConclusionsClinical and laboratory data of COVID-19 patients at their hospital admission may aid in identifying early risk factors for severe illness and a high mortality rate.
Assessing the level and determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence in Kenya
Authors: Orangi Stacey , Pinchoff Jessie , Mwanga Daniel , Abuya Timothy , Hamaluba Mainga , Warimwe George , Austrian Karen , Barasa Edwine 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTThe government of Kenya has launched a phased rollout of COVID-19 vaccination. A major barrier is vaccine hesitancy; the refusal or delay of accepting vaccination. This study evaluated the level and determinants of vaccine hesitancy in Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional study administered through a phone-based survey in February 2021 in four counties of Kenya. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify individual perceived risks and influences, context-specific factors, and vaccine-specific issues associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Kenya was high: 60.1%. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included: older age, lower education level, perceived difficulty in adhering to government regulations on COVID-19 prevention, less adherence to wearing of face masks, not having ever been tested for COVID-19, no reported socio-economic loss as a result of COVID public-health restriction measures, and concerns regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness. There is a need for the prioritization of interventions to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine confidence as part of the vaccine roll-out plan. These messaging and/or interventions should be holistic to include the value of other public health measures, be focused and targeted to specific groups, raise awareness on the risks of COVID-19 and effectively communicate the benefits and risks of vaccines.
Validation of motor and functional scales for the evaluation of adult patients with 5q spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Vázquez-Costa Juan F , Povedano Mónica , Nascimiento-Osorio Andrés E , Escribano Antonio Moreno , Garcia Solange Kapetanovic , Dominguez Raul , Exposito Jessica M , González Laura , Marco Carla , Castillo Julita Medina , Muelas Nuria , de Benito Daniel Natera , Ñungo Garzón Nancy Carolina , Castellano Inmaculada Pitarch , Sevilla Teresa , Hervás David 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess in adult spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients the construct validity and responsiveness of several outcome measures.MethodsPatients older than 15 years and followed-up at least for 6 months, between October 2015 and August 2020, with one motor function scale (Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded, HFMSE; Revised Upper Limb module, RULM) in five referral centers were included. Bedside functional scales (Egen Klassification, EK2; Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale, ALSFRS-R) were also collected when available. Correlations and regression models were performed to evaluate the construct validity. The monthly slopes of change were used to calculate their responsiveness.ResultsThe study included 79 SMA patients, followed up for a mean of 16 months. All scales showed strong or very strong correlations with each other. A floor effect in motor function scales was found in weakest patients (HFMSE < 5 and RULM<10), and a ceiling effect in stronger patients (with HFMSE >55 and RULM > 35), when compared with other scales. ALSFRS-R (B=0.72) showed a strong discriminating ability between walkers, sitters, and non-sitters, and HFMSE (B=0.86) between walkers and sitters. The responsiveness was overall low, although in treated patients a moderate responsiveness was found for ALSFRS-R and HFMSE in walkers (0.69 and 0.61 respectively), and for EK2 in sitters (0.65) and non-sitters (0.60).ConclusionsThis study shows the validity in SMA adult patients of commonly used scales. Overall, bedside functional scales showed some advantages over motor function scales, although all scales showed low responsiveness in untreated patients.