bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocols for inducing homeostatic plasticity reflected in the corticospinal excitability in healthy human participants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wittkopf Priscilla G. , Larsen Dennis B. , Graven‐Nielsen Thomas 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHomeostatic plasticity complements synaptic plasticity by stabilising neural activity within a physiological range. In humans, homeostatic plasticity is investigated using two blocks of non‐invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) with an interval without stimulation between blocks. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate the effect of homeostatic plasticity induction protocols on motor evoked potentials (MEP) in healthy participants. Four databases were searched (Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane library). Studies describing the application of two blocks of NIBS of the primary motor cortex with an interval of no stimulation between blocks reporting changes in corticospinal excitability by MEP amplitude were included. Thirty‐seven reports with 55 experiments (700 participants) were included. Study quality was considered poor overall, with heterogeneity in study size, sample and designs. Two blocks of excitatory stimulation at the primary motor cortex produced a homeostatic response (decreased MEP) between 0 and 30 min post‐protocols, when compared with a single stimulation block. Two blocks of inhibitory stimulation at the primary motor cortex using interval duration of 10 min or less produced a homeostatic response (increased MEP) between 0 and 30 min post‐protocols, when compared with a single stimulation block. There were no differences in MEPs when compared with baseline MEPs. In conclusion, homeostatic plasticity induction using two blocks of NIBS with an interval of 10 min or less without stimulation between blocks produces a homeostatic response up to 30 min post‐protocol. Improvements in participant selection, sample sizes and protocols of NIBS techniques are needed.
Local delivery of fingolimod through PLGA nanoparticles and PuraMatrix‐embedded neural precursor cells promote motor function recovery and tissue repair in spinal cord injury
Authors: Zeraatpisheh Zahra , Mirzaei Esmaeil , Nami Mohammad , Alipour Hamed , Mahdavipour Marzieh , Sarkoohi Parisa , Torabi Somayyeh , Azari Hassan , Aligholi Hadi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating clinical problem that can lead to permanent motor dysfunction. Fingolimod (FTY720) is a sphingosine structural analogue, and recently, its therapeutic benefits in SCI have been reported. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of fingolimod‐incorporated poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (nanofingolimod) delivered locally together with neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) transplantation in a mouse model of contusive acute SCI. Fingolimod was encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles by the emulsion–evaporation method. Mouse NS/PCs were harvested and cultured from embryonic Day 14 (E14) ganglionic eminences. Induction of SCI was followed by the intrathecal delivery of nanofingolimod with and without intralesional transplantation of PuraMatrix‐encapsulated NS/PCs. Functional recovery, injury size and the fate of the transplanted cells were evaluated after 28 days. The nanofingolimod particles represented spherical morphology. The entrapment efficiency determined by UV–visible spectroscopy was approximately 90%, and the drug content of fingolimod loaded nanoparticles was 13%. About 68% of encapsulated fingolimod was slowly released within 10 days. Local delivery of nanofingolimod in combination with NS/PCs transplantation led to a stronger improvement in neurological functions and minimized tissue damage. Furthermore, co‐administration of nanofingolimod and NS/PCs not only increased the survival of transplanted cells but also promoted their fate towards more oligodendrocytic phenotype. Our data suggest that local release of nanofingolimod in combination with three‐dimensional (3D) transplantation of NS/PCs in the acute phase of SCI could be a promising approach to restore the damaged tissues and improve neurological functions.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: Identifying relevant outcome factors
Authors: Lambert Nicolas , El Moussaoui Majdouline , Maquet Pierre 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an infectious brain disease caused by JC virus in immunocompromised individuals. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) recently emerged as a therapeutic hope for these patients but identification of those likely to respond to the treatment is still an unmet need.MethodWe performed a systematic PubMed search for reports of patients treated for PML using an ICI. Clinical, biological and radiological characteristics were contrasted between patients who responded to the treatment (RP) and those who did not (NRP).ResultsThirty‐five patients were included in the present study. Twenty‐one of them reportedly benefited from the treatment. Age, blood CD4+ cells count, pretreatment viral load in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), PML lesions localization, treatment delay since first PML symptoms, type of ICI used and immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) occurrence did not significantly differ between RP and NRP. By contrast, a history of therapeutic immune suppression and the use of an immunosuppressive therapy at treatment initiation were significantly associated with a poor response. Besides, reaching an undetectable viral load in the CSF and reduction of the lesion load on magnetic resonance imaging after ICI administration was associated with a good clinical response.ConclusionCurrent data suggest that patients with PML under immunosuppressive therapy are less likely to respond to ICIs and raises the issue of the optimal management of irAEs during ICI treatment in this setting.
Factors associated with long‐term outcomes in pediatric refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Gaínza‐Lein Marina , Barcia Aguilar Cristina , Piantino Juan , Chapman Kevin E. , Sánchez Fernández Iván , Amengual‐Gual Marta , Anderson Anne , Appavu Brian , Arya Ravindra , Brenton James Nicholas , Carpenter Jessica L. , Clark Justice , Farias‐Moeller Raquel , Gaillard William D. , Glauser Tracy A. , Goldstein Joshua L. , Goodkin Howard P. , Huh Linda , Kahoud Robert , Kapur Kush , Lai Yi‐Chen , McDonough Tiffani L. , Mikati Mohamad A. , Morgan Lindsey A. , Nayak Anuranjita , Novotny Edward , Ostendorf Adam P. , Payne Eric T. , Peariso Katrina , Reece Latania , Riviello James , Sannagowdara Kumar , Sands Tristan T. , Sheehan Theodore , Tasker Robert C. , Tchapyjnikov Dmitry , Vasquez Alejandra , Wainwright Mark S. , Wilfong Angus , Williams Korwyn , Zhang Bo , Loddenkemper Tobias ,   the Pediatric Status Epilepticus Research Group
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to describe long‐term clinical and developmental outcomes in pediatric refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and identify factors associated with new neurological deficits after RSE.MethodsWe performed retrospective analyses of prospectively collected observational data from June 2011 to March 2020 on pediatric patients with RSE. We analyzed clinical outcomes from at least 30 days after RSE and, in a subanalysis, we assessed developmental outcomes and evaluated risk factors in previously normally developed patients.ResultsFollow‐up data on outcomes were available in 276 patients (56.5% males). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow‐up duration was 1.6 (.9–2.7) years. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 4% (16/403 patients), and 15 (5.4%) patients had died after hospital discharge. One hundred sixty‐six (62.9%) patients had subsequent unprovoked seizures, and 44 (16.9%) patients had a repeated RSE episode. Among 116 patients with normal development before RSE, 42 of 107 (39.3%) patients with available data had new neurological deficits (cognitive, behavioral, or motor). Patients with new deficits had longer median (IQR) electroclinical RSE duration than patients without new deficits (10.3 [2.1–134.5] h vs. 4 [1.6–16] h, p = .011, adjusted odds ratio = 1.003, 95% confidence interval = 1.0008–1.0069, p = .027). The proportion of patients with an unfavorable functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale‐Extended score ≥ 4) was 22 of 90 (24.4%), and they were more likely to have received a continuous infusion.SignificanceAbout one third of patients without prior epilepsy developed recurrent unprovoked seizures after the RSE episode. In previously normally developing patients, 39% presented with new deficits during follow‐up, with longer electroclinical RSE duration as a predictor.
Vesicular hand eczema transcriptome analysis provides insights into its pathophysiology
Authors: Voorberg Angelique N. , Niehues Hanna , Oosterhaven Jart A. F. , Romeijn Geertruida L. E. , van Vlijmen‐Willems Ivonne M. J. J. , van Erp Piet E. J. , Ederveen Thomas H. A. , Zeeuwen Patrick L. J. M. , Schuttelaar Marie L. A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHand eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition of the hands whose pathogenesis is largely unknown. More insight and knowledge of the disease on a more fundamental level might lead to a better understanding of the biological processes involved, which could provide possible new treatment strategies. We aimed to profile the transcriptome of lesional palmar epidermal skin of patients suffering from vesicular hand eczema using RNA‐sequencing. RNA‐sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in lesional vs. non‐lesional palmar epidermal skin from a group of patients with vesicular hand eczema compared to healthy controls. Comprehensive real‐time quantitative PCR analyses and immunohistochemistry were used for validation of candidate genes and protein profiles for vesicular hand eczema. Overall, a significant and high expression of genes/proteins involved in keratinocyte host defense and inflammation was found in lesional skin. Furthermore, we detected several molecules, both up or downregulated in lesional skin, which are involved in epidermal differentiation. Immune signalling genes were found to be upregulated in lesional skin, albeit with relatively low expression levels. Non‐lesional patient skin showed no significant differences compared to healthy control skin. Lesional vesicular hand eczema skin shows a distinct expression profile compared to non‐lesional skin and healthy control skin. Notably, the overall results indicate a large overlap between vesicular hand eczema and earlier reported atopic dermatitis lesional transcriptome profiles, which suggests that treatments for atopic dermatitis could also be effective in (vesicular) hand eczema.
Fermatean fuzzy set extensions of SAW, ARAS, and VIKOR with applications in COVID‐19 testing laboratory selection problem
Authors: Gül Sait 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe multiple attribute decision‐making models are empowered with the support of fuzzy sets such as intuitionistic, q‐rung orthopair, Pythagorean, and picture fuzzy sets, and also neutrosophic sets, etc. These concepts generate varying representation opportunities for the decision‐maker's preferences and expertise. Pythagorean and Fermatean fuzzy sets are special cases of q‐rung orthopair fuzzy set when q = 2 and q = 3, respectively. From a geometric perspective, the latter provides a broader representation domain than the former does. In this study, the emerging concept of Fermatean fuzzy set is studied in detail and three well‐known multi‐attribute evaluation methods, namely SAW, ARAS, and VIKOR are extended under Fermatean fuzzy environment. In this manner, the decision‐makers will have more freedom in specifying their preferences, thoughts, and expertise, and the abovementioned decision approaches will be able to handle this new type of data. The applicability of the propositions is shown in determining the best Covid‐19 testing laboratory which is an important topic of the ongoing global health crisis. To validate the proposed methods, a benchmark analysis covering the results of the existing Fermatean fuzzy set‐based decision methods, namely TOPSIS, WPM, and Yager aggregation operators is presented.
Trajectories of relationship and individual functioning among waitlisted couples for an online relationship intervention
Authors: Barton Allen W. , Lavner Justin A. , Hawrilenko Matthew J. , Doss Brian D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTo inform research and practice with distressed couples, the current study was designed to examine patterns of change among distressed, help‐seeking couples prior to receiving an intervention. Data from this study originate from 221 couples assigned to the waitlist control condition of a randomized controlled trial for couples seeking online help for their relationship. All couples self‐selected into the online program and agreed to withhold seeking additional services for their relationship during the waitlist period. In contrast with prior findings, results from the current study indicated a general pattern of mean improvement in both self‐reported relationship functioning (e.g., increased relationship satisfaction, partner emotional support) and self‐reported individual functioning (i.e., decreased psychological distress, anger) over the six‐month waitlist period. Nonetheless, the majority of couples continued to remain relationally distressed despite these improvements. Findings from the study indicate that distressed couples can, in fact, exhibit some degree of improvement absent of intervention. At the same time, overall levels of distress remained elevated, indicating that these improvements are not sufficient to result in high levels of functioning and suggesting that many distressed couples may benefit from empirically supported programs to realize greater gains. These results also highlight and underscore the importance of including control conditions in studies examining the efficacy of relationship interventions with distressed couples to ensure that any observed improvements in relationship functioning are attributable to the intervention rather than to naturally occurring changes.
Efficacy of COVID‐19 vaccines: Several modes of expression should be presented in scientific publications
Authors: Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Biron Pierre , Sommet Agnès 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSeveral vaccines are being developed as part of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The results of clinical trials for these vaccines were published with efficacy values of more than 90%, using mainly relative risk (RR). In this paper, we decided to reanalyse the data using the different validated methods of risk expression. Using main publications, absolute risks (AR), AR reduction (ARR), number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated for five COVID‐19 vaccines (tozinameran Comirnaty®, Moderna, Vaxzevria®, Janssen, and Sputnik V vaccines). AR, ARR, NNT, and RR values varied according to COVID‐19 vaccines. The order of the different vaccines was not the same according to the chosen efficacy parameters. This is a further example of the need to express results of clinical trials, using not only RR, but also AR, ARR, and NNT in order to clearly present the clinical interest of drugs.
A performance evaluation of chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassays on the Sysmex CN‐6500 haemostasis analyser
Authors: Gardiner Chris , Lane Philip , Tailor Hitesh , Machin Samuel J. , Mackie Ian J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Sysmex CN‐6500 is a new haemostasis analyser with an integrated immunoassay module that performs chemiluminescence enzyme assay (CLEIA) in addition to coagulation, turbidimetric, chromogenic and platelet aggregation tests.AimsTo evaluate the analytical performance of the CN‐6500 against the predicate device (Sysmex HISCL‐800) for soluble thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin‐antithrombin (TAT), tissue plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 complex (tPAI‐C) and plasmin α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) assays.MethodsImprecision was assessed by testing two levels of quality control plasmas 10 times on 5 separate days. Comparability was studied in 230 plasmas from normal donors (n = 30), patients with suspected disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC, n = 100), sepsis (n = 20) or liver disease (n = 20), lipaemic (n = 20), haemolysed (n = 20) and icteric samples (n = 20). Limit of detection, limit of quantitation and linearity were determined by testing serial dilutions of normal plasma. Sample carryover was assessed by testing samples with high and low normal levels of the analytes concerned.ResultsThe CN‐6500 performed 21 CLEIA tests per hour, while simultaneously performing coagulation tests. Acceptable between‐run imprecision was obtained using commercial controls with normal and high activity for each analyte (%CV <4%), for all four assays. Excellent linearity was observed (slope 0.89‐1.03; r2 >0.99) across the measurement range. The lower limits of detection and quantitation were as follows: TM <0.3/0.6 TU/ml, TAT >0.1/<0.2 ng/ml, PIC <0.004/<0.008 µg/ml and tPAI‐C < 0.01/<0.1 ng/ml, respectively. All four assays showed excellent correlation between analysers and were unaffected by haemolysis, icterus or lipaemia. No carryover was observed.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that the performance of the CLEIA assays on the CN‐6500 is comparable to that of a stand‐alone immunoassay analyser.
Development, reliability and validity of the Nurses' Ethical Behaviours for Protecting Patient Rights Scale
Authors: Eyüboğlu Gülcan , Eyikara Evrim , Göçmen Baykara Zehra , Gül Şenay 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to develop a self‐assessment scale for nurses' ethical behaviours for protecting patients' rights and to determine its reliability and validity.MethodsThis was a methodological study. This study was conducted in public, private and university hospitals in Turkey between August 2018 and May 2019. The sample group consisted of 450 nurses. The item pool was formed with 44 items. After five experts' assessment for content validity, the draft scale was formed with 37 items with a 5‐point Likert‐type scale. The item‐total score correlation and exploratory factor analysis were used.ResultsThe scale included 28 items and five subscales (respect for right to information and decision making, providing fair care, providing benefit‐not harming, respect for patient values and choices, attention to privacy). Cronbach's alpha was 0.84 for the whole scale.ConclusionValidity and reliability have been demonstrated for a newly developed scale to measure nurses' ethical behaviours to protect patients' rights.
Gender diversity in recruitment: Influence of gender trouble on applicant attraction and evaluation
Authors: Klysing Amanda , Renström Emma A. , Gustafsson‐Sendén Marie , Lindqvist Anna 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe current research addresses gender trouble (acts that question the naturalness of a binary gender system) in two parts of the recruitment situation: applicant attraction and evaluation. Experiment 1 (N = 1,147) investigated how different Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) statements in an organization description influenced organizational evaluations. The EEO statements emphasized gender as binary (women and men), gender as diverse (multi‐gender), or gender as irrelevant (de‐gender; compared with no EEO statement). Gender minority participants experienced decreased identity threat in response to the multi‐gendered and the de‐gendered EEO statements, which increased organizational attractivity. There was no significant effect of EEO statement for gender majority participants. Multi‐gendered and de‐gendered EEO statements increased perceived gender diversity within the organization. Experiment 2 (N = 214) investigated how applicants with a normative or non‐normative gender expression were evaluated by HR‐specialists. Applicants with a non‐normative gender expression were rated as more suitable for the position and recommended a higher starting salary than applicants with a normative gender expression. Women with a non‐normative gender expression were rated as more likely to be employed than men with a non‐normative gender expression, while women applicants regardless of gender expression were rated as the most likely to acquire the position. This research indicates that gender minorities can be explicitly included in EEO statements without negative impact on gender majority groups and with a positive impact on gender minority groups. Furthermore, a non‐normative gender expression was not found to be a cause for biased evaluations in an initial recruitment situation.
A risk scoring system to predict the risk of new‐onset hypertension among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Chieh , Li Chia‐Ing , Liu Chiu‐Shong , Lin Chih‐Hsueh , Wang Mu‐Cyun , Yang Shing‐Yu , Li Tsai‐Chung 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHypertension (HTN), which frequently co‐exists with diabetes mellitus, is the leading major cause of cardiovascular disease and death globally. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk scoring system considering the effects of glycemic and blood pressure (BP) variabilities to predict HTN incidence in patients with type 2 diabetes. This research is a retrospective cohort study that included 3416 patients with type 2 diabetes without HTN and who were enrolled in a managed care program in 2001–2015. The patients were followed up until April 2016, new‐onset HTN event, or death. HTN was defined as diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 90 mm Hg, systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg, or the initiation of antihypertensive medication. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to develop the risk scoring system for HTN. Of the patients, 1738 experienced new‐onset HTN during an average follow‐up period of 3.40 years. Age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, type of DM treatment, family history of HTN, baseline SBP and DBP, variabilities of fasting plasma glucose, SBP, and DBP and macroalbuminuria were significant variables for the prediction of new‐onset HTN. Using these predictors, the prediction models for 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year periods demonstrated good discrimination, with AUC values of 0.70–0.76. Our HTN scoring system for patients with type 2 DM, which involves innovative predictors of glycemic and BP variabilities, has good classification accuracy and identifies risk factors available in clinical settings for prevention of the progression to new‐onset HTN.
Retrospective long‐term analysis of tooth loss over 20 years in a specialist practice setting: Periodontally healthy/gingivitis and compromised patients
Authors: Junge Timo , Topoll Heinz , Eickholz Peter , Petsos Hari 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess tooth loss (TL) in initially periodontally healthy/gingivitis (PHG) and periodontally compromised (PC) individuals during a 15‐ to 25‐year follow‐up in a specialist practice and to identify the factors influencing TL.Materials and methodsPatients were re‐examined 240 ± 60 months after active periodontal therapy (PC) or initial examination (PHG). PHG patients were periodontally healthy or had gingivitis, and PC patients exhibited at least stage II periodontitis. TL, patient‐related outcomes, and risk factors for TL were assessed at the patient level (group‐relation, gender, age, smoking, bleeding on probing, educational status, mean number of visits/year).ResultsFifty‐six PC patients receiving regular supportive periodontal care (12 female, mean age 49.1 ± 10.9 years, stage II: 10, stage III/IV: 46) lost 38 teeth (0.03 ± 0.05 teeth/year). Fifty‐one PHG patients (23 female, mean age 34.5 ± 12.4 years) following regular oral prevention lost 39 teeth (0.04 ± 0.05 teeth/year) (p = .631). Both PC and PHG groups did not show any significant differences regarding visual analogue scale measurements [aesthetics (p = .309), chewing function (p = .362), hygiene (p = .989)] and overall Oral Health Impact Profile (p = .484). Age at the start of follow‐up was identified as a risk factor for TL (p < .0001).ConclusionPC and PHG patients exhibited similarly small TL rates over 240 ± 60 months, which should, however, be interpreted with caution in view of the group heterogeneity.Clinical trial number: DRKS00018840 (URL: https://drks.de).