bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing Racial Disparities in Live Donor Kidney Transplantation Through Education and Advocacy Training
Authors: King Elizabeth A. , Ruck Jessica M. , Garonzik-Wang Jacqueline , Bowring Mary G. , Kumar Komal , Purnell Tanjala , Cameron Andrew , Segev Dorry L. 
Published: April 2021

Background.
The Live Donor Champion (LDC) program trains kidney transplant (KT) candidates and their family/friends (“champions”) as educator-advocates for live donor KT (LDKT). This program was created to empower patients and champions, particularly African American (AA) waitlist candidates that historically had lower access to LDKT. We assessed changes in knowledge about and comfort discussing live donation and donor referral associated with LDC participation, both overall and by participant race.

Methods.
We compared 163 adult KT candidates who were LDC participants from October 2013 to May 2016 with 489 matched controls, both overall and by race. We compared changes in comfort and knowledge post-LDC using rank-sum tests among participants by race. We compared time to first live donor referral for participants versus controls, by race, using Cox regression.

Results.
Post-LDC versus pre-LDC, participants had higher median knowledge (83% versus 63% on 12-question quiz; P < 0.001) and comfort (1.8 versus 1 on 4-point Likert scale; P < 0.001). Among participants, AAs had similar baseline and final knowledge (P = 0.9 and P = 0.1, respectively) and baseline comfort (P > 0.9) as non-AAs but higher final comfort (2 versus 1.4; P = 0.005) than non-AAs. LDC participants were 5.8 times as likely as controls to have a live donor referral (aHR 3.765.788.89; P < 0.001); the impact of LDC participation was similar among non-AAs and AAs (p-interaction = 0.6).

Conclusions.
The LDC program increased knowledge, comfort, and live donor referral for non-AA and AA participants, underscoring the effectiveness in the program in promoting LDKT in a population with historically lower access to LDKT.
Dynamics of neurotransmitter and extracellular vesicle-derived microRNA landscapes during heroin and methamphetamine withdrawal
Authors: Yu Juehua , Chen Fengrong , Xu Yu , Shi Kai , Zhang Zunyue , Peng Qingyan , Xie Zhenrong , Lu Jing , Wu Hongjin , Ma Yuru , Zou Lei , Zhou Yong , Chen Cheng , Yang Jiqing , Kuang Yiqun , Wang Yuan , Tan Tao , Zhu Mei , Robbins Trevor W. , Wang Kunhua 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCirculating miRNAs in small vesicles known as exosomes within blood have been emerging as a new research hotspot in the field of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this work was to characterize the changes in exosomal microRNA profiles, both short-term and long-term, during substance withdrawal using a cross-sectional study design. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, a series of known, conserved, and novel exosomal microRNAs were identified as being associated with withdrawal stage and key neurotransmitters GABA, choline, and serotonin. Bioinformatics analyses established that the differences in the miRNA profile target signaling pathways are associated with developmental and intellectual abnormalities. Notably, a set of dysregulated microRNA signatures including hsa-mia-451a and hsa-mir-21a resulted in an AUC of 0.966 and 0.861, respectively, for predicting patients with substance use disorders. Furthermore, hsa-miR-744a-5p was positively correlated with serotonin, and its important role in maintaining neuronal development and function was revealed using an in vitro human induced pluripotent stem cells derived neuronal model. Taken together, these data suggest that the microRNA content of circulating exosomes represent a biomolecular “fingerprint” of the progression of substance withdrawal and may uncover the putative mechanism of how these exosomal microRNAs contribute to central nervous system development and function.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is not significantly linked to COVID-19 vaccines or non-COVID vaccines in a large multi-state US health system
Authors: Pawlowski Colin , Rincón-Hekking John , Awasthi Samir , Pandey Viral , Lenehan Patrick , Venkatakrishnan AJ , Bade Sairam , O’Horo John C. , Virk Abinash , Swift Melanie D. , Williams Amy W. , Gores Gregory J. , Badley Andrew D. , Halamka John , Soundararajan Venky 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has been reported in a small number of individuals who have received the mRNA vaccines1or the adenoviral vector vaccines for COVID-19 in the US2and Europe3. Continued pharmacovigilance is integral to mitigating the risk of rare adverse events that clinical trials are underpowered to detect, however, these anecdotal reports have led to the pause or withdrawal of some vaccines in many jurisdictions and exacerbated vaccine hesitancy at a critical moment in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the frequencies of CVST seen among individuals who received FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech (n = 94,818 doses), Moderna (n = 36,350 doses) and Johnson & Johnson - J&J (n = 1,745 doses), and among individuals receiving one of 10 FDA-approved non-COVID-19 vaccines (n = 771,805 doses). Comparing the incidence rates of CVST in 30-day time windows before and after vaccination, we found no statistically significant differences for the COVID-19 vaccines or any other vaccines studied in this population. In total, we observed 3 cases of CVST within the 30 days following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination (2 females, 1 male; Ages (years): [79, 80, 84]), including one individual with a prior history of thrombosis and another individual with recent trauma in the past 30 days. We did not observe any cases of CVST among the patients receiving Moderna or J&J vaccines in this study population. We further found the baseline CVST incidence in the study population between 2017 and 2021 to be 45 to 98 per million patient years. Overall, this real-world evidence-based study highlights that CVST is rare and is not significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, there is a need for a concerted international effort to monitor EHR data across diverse patient populations and to investigate the underlying biological mechanisms leading to these rare clotting events.
Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on diabetes health checks and prescribing for people with type 2 diabetes: a UK-wide cohort study involving 618,161 people in primary care
Authors: Carr Matthew J. , Wright Alison K. , Leelarathna Lalantha , Thabit Hood , Milne Nicola , Kanumilli Naresh , Ashcroft Darren M. , Rutter Martin K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOBJECTIVETo compare rates of performing NICE-recommended health checks and prescribing in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), before and after the first COVID-19 peak in March 2020, and to assess whether trends varied by age, sex and deprivation.METHODSWe constructed a cohort of 618,161 people with T2D followed between March and December 2020 from 1744 UK general practices registered with the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD; Aurum and GOLD databases). We focused on the following six health checks and prescribing: HbA1c, serum creatinine, cholesterol, urinary albumin excretion, blood pressure and BMI assessment, comparing trends using regression models and 10-year historical data.RESULTSIn April 2020, in English practices, rates of performing health checks were reduced by 76-88% when compared to 10-year historical trends, with older people from deprived areas experiencing the greatest reductions. Between May and December 2020, the reduced rates recovered gradually but overall remained 28% and 47% lower compared to historical trends, with similar findings in other UK nations. In England, rates of prescribing of new medication fell during April with reductions varying from 10% (4-16%) for antiplatelet agents to 60% (58-62%) for antidiabetic medications. Overall, between March and December 2020, the overall rate of prescribing new diabetes medications was reduced by 19% (15-22%) and new antihypertensive medication by 22% (18-26%). Similar trends were observed in other UK nations, except for a reduction in new lipid-lowering therapy prescribing March to December 2020 (reduction: 16% (10-21%)).CONCLUSIONSOver the coming months, healthcare services will need to manage this backlog of testing and prescribing. Effective communications should ensure that patients remain engaged with diabetes services, monitoring and opportunities for prescribing, and make use of home monitoring and remote consultations.
Verification of the Abbott Alinity m Resp-4-Plex Assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Cheng Annie , Riedel Stefan , Arnaout Ramy , Kirby James E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCOVID-19 symptomology may overlap with other circulating respiratory viruses that may also cause severe disease and for which there are specific and potentially life-saving treatments. The Abbott Alinity m Resp-4-Plex assay is a multiplex PCR assay that simultaneously detects and differentiates infection with SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We characterized its accuracy, precision, and analytical sensitivity. All were found to be robust for measures examined. In the context of sample-to-answer, near random access automation on the Alinity m platform, we believe that the Resp-4-Plex assay offers significant utility in addressing the current needs of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and future needs during anticipated endemic circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses.
Evaluation of a novel, rapid antigen detection test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Thell Rainer , Kallab Verena , Weinhappel Wolfgang , Mueckstein Wolfgang , Heschl Lukas , Heschl Martina , Korsatko Stefan , Toedling Franz , Blaschke Amelie , Herzog Theresa , Klicpera Anna , Koeller Clara , Haugk Moritz , Kreil Anna , Spiel Alexander , Kreuzer Philipp , Krause Robert , Sebesta Christian , Winkler Stefan , Laky Brenda , Szell Marton 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently finally determined in laboratory settings by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase-chain-reaction (rt-PCR). However, simple testing with immediately available results are crucial to gain control over COVID-19. The aim was to evaluate such a point-of-care antigen rapid test (AG-rt) device in its performance compared to laboratory-based rt-PCR testing in COVID-19 suspected, symptomatic patients.MethodsFor this prospective study, two specimens each of 541 symptomatic female (54.7%) and male (45.3%) patients aged between 18 and 95 years tested at five emergency departments (ED, n=296) and four primary healthcare centres (PHC, n=245), were compared, using AG-rt (positive/negative/invalid) and rt-PCR (positive/negative and cycle threshold, Ct) to diagnose SARS-CoV-2. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and likelihood ratios (LR+/-) of the AG-rt were assessed.ResultsDifferences between ED and PHC were detected regarding gender, age, symptoms, disease prevalence, and diagnostic performance. Overall, 174 (32.2%) were tested positive on AG-rt and 213 (39.4%) on rt-PCR. AG correctly classified 91.7% of all rt-PCR positive cases with a sensitivity of 80.3%, specificity of 99.1%, PPV of 98.3, NPV of 88.6%, LR(+) of 87.8, and LR(-) of 0.20. The highest sensitivities and specificities of AG-rt were detected in PHC (sensitivity: 84.4%, specificity: 100.0%), when using Ct of 30 as cut-off (sensitivity: 92.5%, specificity: 97.8%), and when symptom onset was within the first three days (sensitivity: 82.9%, specificity: 99.6%).ConclusionsThe highest sensitivity was detected with a high viral load. Our findings suggest that AG-rt are comparable to rt-PCR to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 suspected symptomatic patients presenting both at emergency departments and primary health care centres.SUMMARYThe rapid SARS-Cov-2 antigen test (SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test (Roche Diagnostics), was compared in symptomatic patients with PCR testing both in emergency departments and primary health care centres. It showed an overall sensitivity of 80.3% and specificity of 99.1%; these were higher with lower PCR cycle threshold numbers and with a shorter onset of symptoms.
Impact of vaccination on new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the UK
Authors: Pritchard Emma , Matthews Philippa C. , Stoesser Nicole , Eyre David W. , Gethings Owen , Vihta Karina-Doris , Jones Joel , House Thomas , VanSteenHouse Harper , Bell Iain , Bell John I , Newton John N , Farrar Jeremy , Diamond Ian , Rourke Emma , Studley Ruth , Crook Derrick , Peto Tim , Walker A. Sarah , Pouwels Koen B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in preventing new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the general community is still unclear. Here, we used the Office for National Statistics (ONS) COVID-19 Infection Survey, a large community-based survey of individuals living in randomly selected private households across the UK, to assess the effectiveness of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca; ChAdOx1) vaccines against any new SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive tests, split according to self-reported symptoms, cycle threshold value (<30 versus ≥30) as a surrogate for viral load, and gene positivity pattern (compatible with B.1.1.7 or not). Using 1,945,071 RT-PCR results from nose and throat swabs taken from 383,812 participants between 1 December 2020 and 8 May 2021, we found that vaccination with the ChAdOx1 or BNT162b2 vaccines already reduced SARS-CoV-2 infections ≥21 days after the first dose (61%, 95% CI 54 to 68% versus 66%, 95% CI 60 to 71%, respectively) with greater reductions observed after a second dose (79%, 95% CI 65 to 88% versus 80%, 95% CI 73 to 85%, respectively). Largest reductions were observed for symptomatic infections and/or infections with a higher viral burden. Overall, COVID-19 vaccination reduced the number of new SARS-CoV-2 infections, with the largest benefit received after two vaccinations and against symptomatic and high viral burden infections, and with no evidence of difference between the BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 vaccines.
Inclusion of environmentally themed search terms improves Elastic Net regression nowcasts of regional Lyme disease rates
Authors: Kontowicz Eric , Brown Grant , Torner Jim , Carrel Margaret , Baker Kelly , Petersen Christine A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLyme disease is the most widely reported vector-borne disease in the United States. 95% of human cases are reported in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Human cases typically occur in the spring and summer months when an infected nymphIxodidtick takes a blood meal. Current federal surveillance strategies report data on an annual basis, leading to nearly a year lag in national data reporting. These lags in reporting make it difficult for public health agencies to assess and plan for the current burden of Lyme disease. Implementation of a nowcasting model, using historical data to predict current trends, provides a means for public health agencies to evaluate current Lyme disease burden and make timely priority-based budgeting decisions. The objective of this study was to develop and compare the performance of nowcasting models using free data from Google Trends and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention surveillance reports for Lyme Disease. We developed two sets of elastic net models for five regions of the United States first using monthly proportional hit data from 21 disease symptoms and tick related terms and second using monthly proportional hit data from all terms identified via Google correlate plus 21 disease symptom and vector terms. Elastic net models using the larger term list were highly accurate (Root Mean Square Error: 0.74, Mean Absolute Error: 0.52, R2: 0.97) for four of the five regions of the United States. Including these more environmental terms improved accuracy 1.33-fold while reducing error 0.5-fold compared to predictions from models using disease symptom and vector terms alone. Models using Google data similar to this could help local and state public health agencies accurately monitor Lyme disease burden during times of reporting lag from federal public health reporting agencies.
Altered Cortical Activation Associated with Mirror Overflow Driven by Non-Dominant Hand Movement in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Luo Yu , Chen Christine , Adamek Jack H , Crocetti Deana , Mostofsky Stewart H , Ewen Joshua B 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTMirror overflow is involuntary movement that accompanies unilateral voluntary movement on the opposite side of the body, and is commonly seen in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD show asymmetry in mirror overflow between dominant and non-dominant hand, yet there are competing mechanistic accounts of why this occurs. Using EEG during a sequential, unimanual finger-tapping task, we found that children with ADHD exhibited significantly more mirror overflow than typically developing (TD) controls, especially during the tapping of the non-dominant hand. Furthermore, source-level EEG oscillation analysis revealed that children with ADHD showed decreased alpha (8-12 Hz) event-related desynchronization (ERD) compared with controls in both hemispheres, but only during tapping of the non-dominant hand. Moreover, only the ERD ipsilateral to the mirror overflow during non-dominant hand movement correlated with both magnitude of overflow movements and higher ADHD symptom severity (Conners ADHD Hyperactivity/Impulsiveness scale) in children with ADHD. TD controls did not show these relationships. Our findings suggest that EEG differences in finger-tapping in ADHD are related primarily to voluntary movement in the non-dominant hand. Our results are also consistent with the Ipsilateral Corticospinal Tract (CST) Hypothesis, which posits that the atypical persistence of mirror overflow in ADHD may originate in the sensorimotor areas ipsilateral to mirror overflow and be transmitted via non-decussating CST fibers.
Identification of genetic mutations related to invasion and metastasis of acral melanoma via whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Lim Youngkyoung , Lee Dong‐Youn 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMany studies have analyzed the genes related to melanoma. However, only a limited number of studies have been conducted to identify the genes that are involved in the invasion and metastasis of acral melanoma (AM). Here, we attempted to investigate the genetic mutations associated with invasion and metastasis of AM. We analyzed five multi‐regional samples of primary and metastatic AM and histologically normal tissue adjacent to the tumor (NAT) in two AM patients by whole‐exome sequencing (WES). We identified single nucleotide variations and small indels present in tissue samples but not in saliva. We compared the sequencing results of superficial and deep lesions and primary and metastatic lesions of AM. We identified significantly deleterious mutations (SDM) that are likely to be related to invasion and metastasis of AM, respectively. SDM such as SKA3, MAST4, CNNM1, KIAA1549L, and SLC26A10 were found only in the deep lesion, but not in the superficial lesion. SDM present only in the metastatic lesion were ANO1, CPEB1, EP300, INADL, MAP1B, MAP7D1, MARCH6, NETO1, PRKCE, SBK1, TNRC6A, USP13, WDR74, and ZNF827. In conclusion, we applied multi‐region WES to investigate possible pathogenic mutations related to invasion and metastasis in AM. Several genes including CNNM1, USP13, ZNF827, WDR74, CPEB1, and EP300 might be related to invasion and metastasis of AM. This study might facilitate the exploration of the evolutionary pathogenesis of advanced AM.
Serum VEGF‐A and VEGFR‐1 levels in patients with adult immunoglobulin A vasculitis
Authors: Yücel Çiğdem , Sertoğlu Erdim , Fırat Oğuz Esra , Hayran Yıldız , Omma Ahmet , Özgürtaş Taner 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimImmunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is classified as a leukocytoclastic vasculitis characterized by immune deposits in endothelial walls of small vessels causing vascular endothelial injury. The aim of the present study is to evaluate levels of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) and VEGF receptor‐1 (VEGFR‐1) levels in adult IgAV patients.MethodThirty‐seven adult IgAV patients admitted to the Rheumatology Clinic meeting the IgAV American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and 32 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was categorized as “remission” or “active” according to Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS). Serum VEGF‐A, VEGFR‐1 levels and VEGFR‐1/VEGF‐A ratio were evaluated in patient and control groups.ResultsSerum median VEGF‐A, VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐1/VEGF‐A ratios were significantly higher in the patient group when compared to controls (235.9 [155‐308.4] pg/mL vs. 78.8 [29.7‐210.3] pg/mL, 400 [277.2‐724.3] pg/mL vs. 31.5 [12.5‐214.4] pg/mL and 1.85 [0.57‐2.97] vs. 0.46 [0.38‐0.63] respectively, all P values <.001). VEGFR‐1 had the strongest predictive value with a cut‐off value of 0.6 with 75% sensitivity and 73% specificity (P < .001).ConclusionThis study is the first report indicating elevated serum VEGF‐A, VEGFR‐1, and more importantly VEGFR‐1/VEGF‐A ratio can be good representatives of the inflammatory processes together with vascular endothelial injury in adult IgAV patients. VEGFR‐1 seems to be a more important indicator of the ongoing inflammation.
Persistent headache and low back pain after accidental dural puncture in the obstetric population: a prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study
Authors: Niraj G. , Mushambi M. , Gauthama P. , Patil A. , Kelkar A. , Hart E. , Nurmikko T. ,   the Accidental Dural Puncture Outcome Study Collaborative Group
Published: April 2021

SummaryAccidental dural puncture following epidural insertion can cause a post‐dural headache that is defined by the International Headache Society as self‐limiting. We aimed to confirm if accidental dural puncture could be associated with persistent headache and back pain when compared with matched control parturients. We performed a prospective multicentre cohort study evaluating the incidence of persistent headache following accidental dural puncture at nine UK obstetric units. Parturients who sustained an accidental dural puncture were matched with controls who had undergone an uneventful epidural insertion. Participants were followed‐up at six‐monthly intervals for 18 months. Primary outcome was the incidence of persistent headache at 18 months. Ninety parturients who had an accidental dural puncture were matched with 180 controls. The complete dataset for primary analysis was available for 256 (95%) participants. Incidence of persistent headache at 18 months was 58.4% (52/89) in the accidental puncture group and 17.4% (29/167) in the control group, odds ratio (95%CI) 18.4 (6.0–56.7), p < 0.001, after adjustment for past history of headache, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (depression) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (anxiety) scores. Incidence of low back pain at 18 months was 48.3% (43/89) in the accidental puncture group and 17.4% (29/167) in the control group, odds ratio (95%CI) 4.14 (2.11–8.13), with adjustment. We have demonstrated that accidental dural puncture is associated with long‐term morbidity including persistent headache in parturients. This challenges the current definition of post‐dural puncture headache as a self‐limiting condition and raises possible clinical, financial and medicolegal consequences.