bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mixed methods protocol to examine the acceptability and clinical characteristics of a remote monitoring programme for delivery of COVID-19 care, among healthcare staff and patients
Authors: Fox Robert , Mulcahy Symmons Sophie , De Brún Aoife , Joyce David , Muldoon Eavan G , McGinty Tara , O"Reilly Katherine M A , O’Connor Eileen , McAuliffe Eilish 
Published: September 2021

IntroductionThe use of remote monitoring technology to manage the care of patients with COVID-19 has been implemented to help reduce the burden placed on healthcare systems during the pandemic and protect the well-being of both staff and patients. Remote monitoring allows patients to record their signs and symptoms remotely (eg, while self-isolating at home) rather than requiring hospitalisation. Healthcare staff can, therefore, continually monitor their symptoms and be notified when the patient is showing signs of clinical deterioration. However, given the recency of the COVID-19 outbreak, there is a lack of research regarding the acceptance of remote monitoring interventions to manage COVID-19. This study will aim to evaluate the use of remote monitoring for managing COVID-19 cases from the perspective of both the patient and healthcare staff.Methods and analysisDischarged patients from a large urban teaching hospital in Ireland, who have undergone remote monitoring for COVID-19, will be recruited to take part in a cross-sectional study consisting of a quantitative survey and a qualitative interview. A mixed methods design will be used to understand the experiences of remote monitoring from the perspective of the patient. Healthcare staff who have been involved in the provision of remote monitoring of patients with COVID-19 will be recruited to take part in a qualitative interview to understand their experiences with the process. Structural equation modelling will be used to examine the acceptance of the remote monitoring technology. Latent class analysis will be used to identify COVID-19 symptom profiles. Interview data will be examined using thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the ethical review boards at University College Dublin and the National Research Ethics Committee for COVID-19-related Research. Findings will be disseminated via publications in scientific journals, policy briefs, short reports and social media.
Scaling-up social needs screening in practice: a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of data from electronic health records from Bronx county, New York, USA
Authors: Fiori Kevin P , Heller Caroline G , Flattau Anna , Harris-Hollingsworth Nicole R , Parsons Amanda , Rinke Michael L , Chambers Earle , Hodgson Sybil , Chodon Tashi , Racine Andrew D 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesThere has been renewed focus on health systems integrating social care to improve health outcomes with relatively less related research focusing on ‘real-world’ practice. This study describes a health system’s experience from 2018 to 2020, following the successful pilot in 2017, to scale social needs screening of patients within a large urban primary care ambulatory network.SettingAcademic medical centre with an ambulatory network of 18 primary care practices located in an urban county in New York City (USA).ParticipantsThis retrospective, cross-sectional study used electronic health records of 244 764 patients who had a clinical visit between 10 April 2018 and 8 December 2019 across any one of 18 primary care practices.MethodsWe organised measures using the RE-AIM framework domains of reach and adoption to ascertain the number of patients who were screened and the number of providers who adopted screening and associated documentation, respectively. We used descriptive statistics to summarise factors comparing patients screened versus those not screened, the prevalence of social needs screening and adoption across 18 practices.ResultsBetween April 2018 and December 2019, 53 093 patients were screened for social needs, representing approximately 21.7% of the patients seen. Almost one-fifth (19.6%) of patients reported at least one unmet social need. The percentage of screened patients varied by both practice location (range 1.6%–81.6%) and specialty within practices. 51.8% of providers (n=1316) screened at least one patient.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate both the potential and challenges of integrating social care in practice. We observed significant variability in uptake across the health system. More research is needed to better understand factors driving adoption and may include harmonising workflows, establishing unified targets and using data to drive improvement.
Clinical relevance of MRI knee abnormalities in Australian rules football players: a longitudinal study
Authors: Aitken Dawn , Balogun Saliu , Foong Yi Chao , Humphries David , Laslett Laura , Pitchford Nathan , Khan Hussain , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Abram Francois , Jin Xingzhong , Jones Graeme , Winzenberg Tania 
Published: September 2021

Background/AimThe clinical relevance of MRI knee abnormalities in athletes is unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MRI knee abnormalities in Australian Rules Football (ARF) players and describe their associations with pain, function, past and incident injury and surgery history.Methods75 male players (mean age 21, range 16–30) from the Tasmanian State Football League were examined early in the playing season (baseline). History of knee injury/surgery and knee pain and function were assessed. Players underwent MRI scans of both knees at baseline. Clinical measurements and MRI scans were repeated at the end of the season, and incident knee injuries during the season were recorded.ResultsMRI knee abnormalities were common at baseline (67% bone marrow lesions, 16% meniscal tear/extrusion, 43% cartilage defects, 67% effusion synovitis). Meniscal tears/extrusion and synovial fluid volume were positively associated with knee symptoms, but these associations were small in magnitude and did not persist after further accounting for injury history. Players with a history of injury were at a greater risk of having meniscal tears/extrusion, effusion synovitis and greater synovial fluid volume. In contrast, players with a history of surgery were at a greater risk of having cartilage defects and meniscal tears/extrusion. Incident injuries were significantly associated with worsening symptoms, BML development and incident meniscal damage.ConclusionsMRI abnormalities are common in ARF players, are linked to a previous knee injury and surgery history, as well as incident injury but do not dictate clinical symptomatology.
Leveraging the Treg-intrinsic CTLA4–PKCη signaling pathway for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Hsin-Yu , Pedros Christophe , Kong Kok-Fai , Canonigo-Balancio Ann J , Xue Wen , Altman Amnon 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundOur previous studies revealed a critical role of a novel CTLA4-protein kinase C-eta (PKCη) signaling axis in mediating the suppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in antitumor immunity. These studies have employed adoptive transfer of germline PKCη-deficient (Prkch−/−) Tregs into Prkch+/+ mice prior to tumor implantation. Here, we extended these findings into a biologically and clinically more relevant context.MethodsWe have analyzed the role of PKCη in antitumor immunity and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in intact tumor-bearing mice with Treg-specific or CD8+ T cell-specific Prkch deletion, including in a therapeutic model of combinatorial treatment. In addition to measuring tumor growth, we analyzed the phenotype and functional attributes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, particularly Tregs and dendritic cells (DCs).ResultsUsing two models of mouse transplantable cancer and a genetically engineered autochthonous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model, we found, first, that mice with Treg-specific Prkch deletion displayed a significantly reduced growth of B16–F10 melanoma and TRAMP-C1 adenocarcinoma tumors. Tumor growth reduction was associated with a less immunosuppressive TME, indicated by increased numbers and function of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ effector T cells and elevated expression of the costimulatory ligand CD86 on intratumoral DCs. In contrast, CD8+ T cell-specific Prkch deletion had no effect on tumor growth or the abundance and functionality of CD8+ effector T cells, consistent with findings that Prkch−/− CD8+ T cells proliferated normally in response to in vitro polyclonal or specific antigen stimulation. Similar beneficial antitumor effects were found in mice with germline or Treg-specific Prkch deletion that were induced to develop an autochthonous HCC. Lastly, using a therapeutic model, we found that monotherapies consisting of Treg-specific Prkch deletion or vaccination with irradiated Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L)-expressing B16–F10 tumor cells post-tumor implantation significantly delayed tumor growth. This effect was more pronounced in mice receiving a combination of the two immunotherapies.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the potential utility of PKCη inhibition as a viable clinical approach to treat patients with cancer, especially when combined with adjuvant therapies.
In vitro evaluation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs against rheumatoid arthritis associated pathogens of the oral microflora
Authors: Kussmann Manuel , Obermueller Markus , Spettel Kathrin , Winkler Stefan , Aletaha Daniel 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesIn the past, the human microbiome has consistently been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and disease activity. Here, we investigate the antimicrobial activity of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) against typical representatives of the oral microflora that have been associated with RA.MethodsDMARDs were screened for antimicrobial activity against bacteria that are associated with the pathogenesis of the disease and/or frequently isolated from the oral microflora of patients with RA. Screening was done by an agar diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antimicrobial active substances were then determined by broth dilution.ResultsAurothiomalate and sulfasalazine demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, but with MICs ranging from 18 to >280 µg/mL and 150 to >600 µg/mL, respectively, only at supratherapeutic concentrations. Methotrexate showed antimicrobial activity only against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Viridans streptococci. The corresponding MICs were 3.75 to >30 µg/mL and 0.5–15 µg/mL, respectively, thus at least for streptococci, within the therapeutically achievable range. No other DMARD tested showed antimicrobial activity in the agar diffusion screening assay.ConclusionMethotrexate, sulfasalazine and aurothiomalate showed antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of RA associated pathogens of the oral microflora. While methotrexate showed relevant antimicrobial activity, and to a more limited extent aurothiomalate, sulfasalazine was active only at far supratherapeutic systemic concentrations. Nevertheless, given the highly species-dependent antimicrobial activity and the multiple ways it can affect the human microbiome, our results suggest a link between antimicrobially active antirheumatic drugs and their potential effect in the treatment of RA.
Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress combined with activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: novel approach for the prevention of endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Sankrityayan Himanshu , Kale Ajinath , Gaikwad Anil Bhanudas 
Published: September 2021

Persistent hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes triggers numerous signaling pathways, which may prove deleterious to the endothelium. As hyperglycemia damages the endothelial layer via multiple signaling pathways, including enhanced oxidative stress, downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 signaling, and exacerbation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, it becomes difficult to prevent injury using monotherapy. Thus, the present study was conceived to evaluate the combined effect of ER stress inhibition along with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activation, two major contributors to hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, in preventing endothelial dysfunction associated with type 1 diabetes. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals were treated with either diminazene aceturate (5 mg·kg−1 per day, p.o.) or tauroursodeoxycholic acid, sodium salt (200 mg·kg−1 per day i.p.), or both for 4 weeks. Endothelial dysfunction was evaluated using vasoreactivity assay, where acetylcholine-induced relaxation was assessed in phenylephrine pre-contracted rings. Combination therapy significantly improved vascular relaxation when compared with diabetic control as well as monotherapy. Restoration of nitrite levels along with prevention of collagen led to improved vasodilatation. Moreover, there was an overall reduction in aortic oxidative stress. We conclude that by simultaneously inhibiting ER stress and activating angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 deleterious effects of hyperglycemia on endothelium were significantly alleviated. This could serve as a novel strategy for the prevention of endothelial dysfunction.
On classical and quantum deformations of gauge theories
Authors: Buchbinder I. L. , Lavrov P. M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe elaborate the generalizations of the approach to gauge-invariant deformations of the gauge theories developed in our previous work (Buchbinder and Lavrov in JHEP 06:097, 2021). In the given paper we construct the exact transformations defying the gauge-invariant deformed theory on the base of initial gauge theory with irreducible open gauge algebra. Like in [1], for the theories with open gauge algebras these transformations are the shifts of the initial gauge fields $$A \rightarrow A+h(A)$$

A
→
A
+
h
(
A
)

, with the help of the arbitrary and in general non-local functions h(A). The results are applied to study the quantum aspects of the deformed theories. We derive the exact relation between the quantum effective actions for the above classical theories, where one is obtained from another with the help of the deformation.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Decision-Making and Psychosocial Behavior in Women Seeking Fertility Treatment in APAC—an ASPIRE Patient Experience Report
Authors: Wiweko Budi , Ho Tuong M. , Tanaka Atsushi , Raggio Vanessa , Lee Jung-Ryeol , Patil Milind , Chan Carina Chi-Wai , Wutayavanich Teraporn , Diao Feiyang , Nair Suresh , Mendiola Rudie Frederick 
Published: September 2021

Background: ASPIRE (Asia-Pacific Initiative on Reproduction) aims to develop a “patient-centered” guide to provide fertility treatment based on patient preferences, needs, and concerns during and beyond the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. Methods: Women, aged 20–45 years old, trying to conceive for more than 6 months and contemplating for pregnancy including IVF treatment. A country wise analysis of patient behavior, attitudes and concerns, reasons for disruption of treatment and availability of assistance from fertility clinics during SARS-Cov-2 pandemic was performed. Six problem statements addressing patient concerns were identified and corresponding solutions to improve patient experience were formulated. A two-tier recommendation was developed. Tier 1 comprises recommendations in which the rate of “absolutely agree” responses were [Formula: see text]60%, whereas tier 2 refers to recommendations in which the rate of “absolutely agree” plus “agree” together was >60%. Results: Women in countries that have better infection control and are living a new normal were less worried about the pandemic influencing their lifestyle and finances. The proportion of women choosing not to continue IVF/IUI treatment during COVID-19 was similar across countries. Sixty-five percent of women in Group A intend to continue treatment during COVID-19 pandemic. Nine out of 10 patients are expected to resume or start treatment once fertility clinics are accessible. A patient-centered guide focusing on management of patient safety concerns, reduction in difficulty of access to hospitals, prioritization of patients, provision of emotional support, and improvement in patient education and acceptance of remote health services was developed. Conclusion: This ASPIRE patient experience report highlights a patient-centered guide on provision of safe fertility treatment across the Asia-Pacific region, which can be adapted to suit country-specific requirements depending on the stage of the pandemic, local restrictions, and availability of resources.
Higher Doses of FSH Used for Superovulation Do Not Adversely Affect Embryonic Ploidy: A Randomized Controlled Trial (STimulation Resulting in Embryonic Aneuploidy using Menopur (STREAM) Trial)
Authors: Shyamsunder Akshara , Hardy Tristan , Yazdani Anusch , Polyakov Alex , Norman Robert , Hart Roger , Agresta Franca , Rombauts Luk , Boothroyd Clare , Chapman Michael , Sweeten Prudence , Somerville Eleanor , Jose Rachel , Wand Handan , Ledger William L. 
Published: September 2021

Research Question: Does the dose of gonadotropin used for superovulation in IVF affect the proportion of euploid blastocysts obtained after fertilization? Study Design: Multicentre randomized controlled trial recruiting 57 women who were treated with ovarian stimulation using either 150 or 300 IU Menopur per day. Both groups received GnRH antagonist from day 5 of ovarian stimulation and final oocyte maturation was induced using a leuprolide GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) agonist trigger when three or more follicles reached 17 mm diameter. Oocyte collection was scheduled 36–38 hours post trigger. In vitro fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) were performed according to individual unit protocol and embryos were cultured to blastocyst stage. A trophectoderm biopsy was performed on day 5 of embryo culture and used for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Euploid embryos were transferred in subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycles with appropriate endometrial preparation. Results: The number of oocytes obtained from women randomized to 150 IU Menopur was between 3 and 17 (mean = 9), whereas the number of oocytes obtained from women randomized to 300 IU Menopur was between 3 and 24 (mean = 11). There was a positive linear relationship between serum AMH concentration and oocyte yield in both the 150 and 300 IU Menopur groups ([Formula: see text] = 0.3359, [Formula: see text] = 0.1129 and [Formula: see text] = 0.3741, [Formula: see text] = 0.1399). The percentage of euploid to aneuploid embryos in the 150 IU Menopur group was 63% and in the 300 IU Menopur group, the proportion was 75%, which was not significantly different ([Formula: see text] = 0.17). Conclusion: The higher dose ovarian stimulation protocol did not significantly increase the number of oocytes retrieved, nor did the higher dose protocol reduce the proportion of euploid embryos created. This study does not support the hypothesis that use of higher doses of gonadotropin for ovarian stimulation results in a reduction in the proportion of euploid embryos obtained after IVF.
Geodetic observations for constraining mantle processes in Antarctica
Authors: Scheinert Mirko , Engels Olga , Schrama Ernst J. O. , van der Wal Wouter , Horwath Martin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Geodynamic processes in Antarctica such as glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) and post-seismic deformation are measured by geodetic observations such as global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and satellite gravimetry. GNSS measurements have comprised both continuous measurements and episodic measurements since the mid-1990s. The estimated velocities typically reach an accuracy of 1 mm a
−1
for horizontal velocities and 2 mm a
−1
for vertical velocities. However, the elastic deformation due to present-day ice-load change needs to be considered accordingly.

Space gravimetry derives mass changes from small variations in the inter-satellite distance of a pair of satellites, starting with the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite mission in 2002 and continuing with the GRACE-FO (GRACE Follow-On) mission launched in 2018. The spatial resolution of the measurements is low (about 300 km) but the measurement error is homogeneous across Antarctica. The estimated trends contain signals from ice-mass change, and local and global GIA signals. To combine the strengths of the individual datasets, statistical combinations of GNSS, GRACE and satellite altimetry data have been developed. These combinations rely on realistic error estimates and assumptions of snow density. Nevertheless, they capture signals that are missing from geodynamic forward models such as the large uplift in the Amundsen Sea sector caused by a low-viscous response to century-scale ice-mass changes.
A first approach to a Quaternary geomorphological map of the German seas
Authors: Breuer Sonja , Asch Kristine 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Our paper presents the first draft of a geomorphological map of the German North Sea and Baltic Sea. The inspiration for this map comes from the international collaboration of marine researchers within the European
EMODnet Geology Project
(
https://www.emodnet-geology.eu/
). The current climate change intensifies the natural processes of change in nature. Within the framework of various nature conservation projects, the importance of marine sediment structures on marine fauna and their reproductive cycles, sedimentation conditions, currents, etc. has been investigated. In order to be able to make statements for the German seas and document changes, the current state must first be recorded.
Values of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Classification and Diagnosis of Common Bile Duct and Superficial Organ Lesions under Compression Algorithm
Authors: Li Yezhao , Zhao Caihong , Qin Minpei , Zhang Xia , Liao Haizhen , Su Haiqing 
Published: September 2021

This work aimed to investigate values of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) under DEFLATE in the classification and diagnosis of the common bile duct and superficial lymphoid lesions. 88 patients with lower common bile duct lesions and 126 patients with superficial lymphoid lesions were selected as the subjects investigated and examined by CEUS under DEFLATE to compare characteristics and diagnostic efficiency of CEUS in different types of lesions. The time-intensity curve (TIC) was for quantitative analysis on CEUS results. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the comparison of time to peak (TTP), area under the curve (AUC), and gradient (Grad) of common bile duct walls in patients from the malignant group (

P

< 0.05), while the comparison of three indicators of patients in the benign group was not statistically remarkable (

P

> 0.05). In addition, there were statistically great differences in TTP, AUC, and Grad among patients in the benign and malignant groups (

P

< 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive/negative predictive value of CEUS + ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lymph nodes were 92.83%, 87.14%, 89.54%, 91.23%, and 86.43%, respectively. The values of maximal intensity (Imax) in the reactive hyperplasia group (group A), lymphoma group (group B), and metastatic lymph nodes group (group C) were compared, showing statistical differences (

P

< 0.05). The TTP and AUC of group B were higher than those of groups A and C, respectively (

P

< 0.05), and the base-to-peak ascending slope (KUP) and the absolute value of the semidescending slope (KDOWN) in group C increased hugely compared to group A (

P

< 0.05). It indicated that CEUS examination under DEFLATE could be applied in the qualitative diagnosis of lower common bile duct lesions and superficial lymphoid lesions, which was worthy of clinical application.