bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing imputation approaches for immigration status in ED visits: Implications for using electronic medical records
Authors: Axeen Sarah , Gorman Anna , Schneberk Todd , Ro Annie 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to compare imputation approaches to identify the likely undocumented patient population in electronic health record (EHRs). EHR are a promising source of information on undocumented immigrants' medical needs and care utilization, but there is no verified way to identify immigration status in the data. Different approaches to approximating immigration status in EHR introduce unique biases, which in turn has major implications on our understanding of undocumented immigrant patients.Study setting and designWe used a dataset of all emergency department (ED) visits from 2016 to 2019 in the Los Angeles Department of Health Services (LADHS) merged across patient medical records, demographic data, and claims data. We included all ED visits from our patient groups of interest and limited to patients at or over the age of 18 years at the time of their ED visit and excluded empty encounter records (n = 1,106,086 ED encounters).Data sources and analytic sampleWe created three patient groups: (1) US‐born, (2) foreign‐born documented, and (3) undocumented using two different imputation approaches: a logical approach versus statistical assignment. We compared predicted probabilities for two outcomes: an ED visit related to a behavioral health (BH) disorder and inpatient admission/transfer to another facility.Principal findingsBoth approaches provide comparable estimates among the three patient groups for ED encounters for a BH disorder and inpatient admission/transfer to another facility. Undocumented immigrants are less likely to have a BH diagnosis in the ED and are less likely to be admitted or transferred compared to the US‐born.ConclusionsResearchers should consider expanding EHR with administrative data when studying the undocumented patient population and may prefer a logical approach to estimate immigration status. Researchers who rely on payer status alone (i.e., restricted Medicaid) as a proxy for undocumented immigrants in EHR should consider how this may bias their results. As Medicaid expands for undocumented immigrants, statistical assignment may become the preferred method.
Effectiveness and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange in neurological diseases: An 11‐year report from a tertiary care center
Authors: Korkmaz Gulten , Dagdas Simten , Saltoglu Tugce , Ceran Funda , Aydın Muruvvet Seda , Bektas Hesna , Subutay Nese , Dilek Imdat , Ozet Gulsum 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundTherapeutic plasma exchange has been a well‐known treatment method for many years and is widely available. It leads to the improvement of neurological symptoms in autoimmune neurological diseases by the removal of antibodies. The aim of this study was to present therapeutic plasma exchange responses and procedure‐related adverse events in patients with autoimmune neurological diseases based on our 11‐year experience.MethodA retrospective evaluation was conducted on adult patients who underwent a therapeutic plasma exchange procedure due to neurological diseases between January 2013 and January 2024. Data were gathered from electronic and written hospital and apheresis unit records.ResultsA total of 265 patients underwent 1274 procedures with a preliminary diagnosis of autoimmune neurological disease. Five patients were excluded from the analysis due to their final diagnoses. The most common clinical indications were Guillain‐Barré syndrome (45.4%), myasthenia gravis (26.1%), and multiple sclerosis (19.2%). The overall response rate was 81.3%, with 21.7% exhibiting a complete response and 59.6% demonstrating a partial response. With the exception of one patient (hypertensive crisis), no complications necessitating the termination of the procedure were observed. The most prevalent complication was an easily manageable allergic reaction.ConclusionTherapeutic plasma exchange has been demonstrated to be an efficacious and safe treatment option in autoimmune neurological diseases, with a favorable overall response rate and a manageable mild‐to‐moderate side effect profile.
New Zealand: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: BARKER FIONA , DREYER WILL 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe year 2023 was a year of substantial change in Aotearoa New Zealand. After the surprise resignation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern early in the year, new Labour Prime Minister Chris Hipkins struggled with opposition to his policy agenda, ministerial scandals and an acknowledged cost‐of‐living crisis. At the October 2023 general election, Labour's nationwide vote almost halved relative to its high point in the 2020 elections, and it performed especially poorly in Auckland where there was lingering resentment about the effects of multiple, prolonged COVID‐19 lockdowns. After protracted negotiations, a three‐way coalition government of the National Party, ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First was formed, with Christopher Luxon as Prime Minister. The shift in policy direction and tone from the Ardern and Hipkins eras was both striking and immediate. Before year's end, the coalition government had repealed several of Labour's flagship policy reforms and priorities, including in areas such as co‐governance, public health, environmental regulations, water governance and justice.
Risk‐stratification tools for emergency department patients with syncope: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of direct evidence for SAEM GRACE
Authors: Wakai Abel , Sinert Richard , Zehtabchi Shahriar , Souza Ian S. de , Benabbas Roshanak , Allen Robert , Dunne Eric , Richards Rebekah , Ardilouze Amelie , Rovic Isidora 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivesApproximately 10% of patients with syncope have serious or life‐threatening causes that may not be apparent during the initial emergency department (ED) assessment. Consequently, researchers have developed clinical decision rules (CDRs) to predict adverse outcomes and risk stratify ED syncope patients. This systematic review and meta‐analysis (SRMA) aims to cohere and synthesize the best current evidence regarding the methodological quality and predictive accuracy of CDRs for developing an evidence‐based ED syncope management guideline.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search according to the patient–intervention–control–outcome question: In patients 16 years of age or older who present to the ED with syncope for whom no underlying serious/life‐threatening condition was found during the index ED visit (population), are risk stratification tools (intervention), better than unstructured clinical judgment (i.e., usual care; comparison), for providing accurate prognosis and aiding disposition decision for outcomes within 30 days (outcome)? Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion and methodological quality. We performed statistical analysis using Meta‐DiSc. We used GRADEPro GDT software to determine the certainty of the evidence and create a summary of the findings (SoF) tables.ResultsOf 2047 publications obtained through the search strategy, 31 comprising 13 CDRs met the inclusion criteria. There were 13 derivation studies (17,578 participants) and 24 validation studies (14,845 participants). Only three CDRs were validated in more than two studies. The San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR) was validated in 12 studies: positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 1.15–4.70 and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) 0.03–0.64. The Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) was validated in five studies: LR+ 1.15–2.58 and LR− 0.05–0.50. The Osservatorio Epidemiologico sulla Sincope nel Lazio (OESIL) risk score was validated in five studies: LR+ 1.16–3.32 and LR− 0.14–0.46.ConclusionsMost CDRs for ED adult syncope management have low‐quality evidence for routine clinical practice use. Only three CDRs (SFSR, CSRS, OESIL) are validated by more than two studies, with significant overlap in operating characteristics.
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Hong , Shi Lixia , Shang Hui , Yang Huili 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTImmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) affects 1–3 out of every 10 000 pregnancies, posing significant risks to both mothers and newborns. The condition often requires careful management to prevent severe hemorrhagic events. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science searched for relevant literature until June 2024. A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of ITP on maternal and fetal outcomes. The results showed that antepartum hemorrhage occurred in 0.17 (95% CI = 0.12–0.25) of patients and postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 0.11 (95% CI = 0.07–0.16) of pregnant women with ITP. About 0.63 (95% CI = 0.50–0.74) of pregnant women needed treatment for ITP. The cesarean section (CS) rate was 0.48 (95% CI = 0.34–0.61), and the occurrence of preterm labor was 0.14 (95% CI = 0.07–0.24). A total of 0.32 of neonates had thrombocytopenia (95% CI = 0.18–0.52). The difference between the platelet count of those diagnosed with ITP before pregnancy and those diagnosed after pregnancy was significant (MD = –31.50, 95% CI = 51.29–11.72, p < 0.01). This meta‐analysis highlights the significant impact of ITP on pregnancy, estimating risks of bleeding, CS, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and neonatal thrombocytopenia. These findings underscore the need for vigilant monitoring and tailored management of pregnant women with ITP.
How First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area describe and discuss social and emotional well‐being
Authors: Webb Torres , Meldrum Kathryn , Wapau Chenoa , Sagigi Betty , Quigley Rachel , Strivens Edward , Russell Sarah 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study was the first phase of a broader project designed to develop a new tool to screen social and emotional well‐being (SEWB). Its objective was to identify words used by First Nations people living in the Torres Strait (Zenadth Kes) and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) to describe and discuss SEWB. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the First Nations peoples who took part in this project as holders of their cultural knowledge now and forevermore.SettingThis study took place in community and primary health care settings located on islands of the Torres Strait and NPA of Australia.ParticipantsTwelve yarns with 35 community members and health professionals were led by Torres Strait Islander members of the project team between August and December 2022.DesignThis study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Yarning, an Australian First Nations relational method, was used to share stories about SEWB. All but one yarn was audio recorded and subsequently professionally transcribed. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the yarns.ResultsWorry, sad and stress were the words most often used by participants to describe feelings of low SEWB. Signs of low SEWB included behaviour change, particularly significantly reduced community engagement.ConclusionsWorry is not a word that is used in Australian mainstream tools that screen for psychological distress. Findings of this study indicate that a question that asks about worries should be included when screening for low SEWB in Australian First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and NPA.
Investigation of the diagnostic accuracy of basophil activation test for allergic phenotypes of rhinitis
Authors: Testera‐Montes Almudena , Ariza Adriana , Sola‐Martinez Rosa Alba , Aranda Carlos Jose , Bentabol‐Ramos Guillermo , Sanchez‐Torralvo Dulce , Mayorga Cristobalina , Torres Maria Jose , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Rondon Carmen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionBasophil activation test (BAT) might be an alternative to nasal allergen challenge (NAC) to identify the allergic etiology in rhinitis patients. Here, we investigate the diagnostic performance of BAT for allergic phenotypes of rhinitis.MethodsRhinitis patients and healthy controls were subjected to NAC with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), Alternaria alternata (AA), grass (GP) and olive (OP) pollens. Rhinitis subjects also underwent skin prick test (SPT) with relevant allergens. Patients were classified into allergic rhinitis (AR, positive NAC and SPT), local allergic rhinitis (LAR, positive NAC and negative SPT), dual allergic rhinitis (DAR, defined as AR for ≥1 allergen and LAR for ≥1 allergen), and non‐allergic rhinitis (NAR, negative NAC and SPT) phenotypes. BAT with DP, AA, GP and OP was conducted in study individuals and compared with NAC results.ResultsA total of 47 AR, 31 DAR, 26 LAR, 12 NAR and 21 control subjects were recruited. The best positivity cut‐offs of BAT for DP‐, AA‐, GP‐ and OP‐driven allergy (all phenotypes) were a %CD63 cells of 8.650, 14.250, 26.200, and 12.780, respectively (AUC 0.851, 0.701, 0.887, and 0.921, respectively).Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of BAT (all phenotypes) ranged 43.5%(AA)‐83.3%(OP), 88.9%(GP)‐100%(AA), 87%(GP)‐100%(AA), and 61.1%(DP)‐80.0%(pollens), respectively. BAT identified 79%–100% of SPT‐positive allergies (AR and DAR), and 25%–75% of SPT‐negative allergies (LAR and DAR), while ≤10% of NAR/HC subjects tested positive. BAT positivity correlated with rhinitis severity in LAR patients (p = 0.018), and associated with conjunctivitis (p = 0.015) in allergic subjects.ConclusionBAT can replace NAC for AR confirmation, and limit the number of NAC required for LAR and DAR diagnosis. BAT can demonstrate sIgE in SPT‐negative allergies.
Effect of bariatric surgery on the pharmacokinetics of drugs used for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder—A case series
Authors: Krabseth Hege‐Merete , Strømmen Magnus , Helland Arne , Spigset Olav 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundChanges in gastrointestinal physiology following bariatric surgery may affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs. Data on the impact of bariatric surgery on drugs used for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are limited.MethodsIn patients treated with ADHD medication and undergoing bariatric surgery, serial drug concentrations were measured for 24 h preoperatively and one, six and 12 months postoperatively. Primary outcome was change in area under the concentration‐time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0–24), with other pharmacokinetic variables as secondary outcomes.ResultsEight patients treated with lisdexamphetamine (n = 4), dexamphetamine (n = 1), methylphenidate (n = 1) and atomoxetine (n = 2) were included. In total, 409 samples were analysed. Patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy (n = 5) and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (n = 3). AUC0–24 and Cmax of dexamphetamine increased after surgery in those using the prodrug lisdexamphetamine. There was no clear‐cut reduction in tmax postoperatively. For ritalinic acid and atomoxetine, no changes in AUC0–24 were observed, but for atomoxetine, a higher Cmax and a shorter tmax were observed postoperatively.ConclusionBariatric surgery may increase the systemic exposure of dexamphetamine after intake of lisdexamphetamine. Patients using lisdexamphetamine should be followed with regard to adverse drug reactions after bariatric surgery, and, if available, therapeutic drug monitoring should be considered.
The ethics of autonomous neurosurgical robots (ANRs)
Authors: Townsend Arturo Balaguer 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIt may only be a handful of years before fully autonomous neurosurgical robots (ANRs) are pushed into widespread clinical adoption. Nevertheless, whether it is ethical to greenlight the development and adoption of ANRs is still up for debate. On the one hand, the widespread adoption of ANRs may lead to unprecedented therapeutic effects, increase sterility, improve pain profiles, increase precision, and reduce complications over the long term. On the other hand, ANRs may lead to human neurosurgical skill atrophy, increased legal uncertainty, increased burnout rates, and may produce no significant effect on pain profiles or complication rates, all of which may put patients at novel levels of risk. At this watershed, it is critical for stakeholders to preemptively deliberate about whether they would ultimately agree to these ethical trade‐offs and decide to consciously support, thus help usher in the advent of autonomous neurosurgical technology.
A single‐session feedback training modifies interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choi Jisu , Kim Geunyoung , Yang Jae‐Won 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe ability to interpret facial expressions accurately is important to adaptive social functioning. Social anxiety disorder is associated with a biased interpretation of facial emotions. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of feedback training on modifying interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety.MethodsA total of 451 university students were screened, and 69 participants with high social anxiety were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 37) or a control (n = 32) group. Participants completed pre‐questionnaires on social anxiety and depression symptoms, then performed a single session of experiment, followed by post‐questionnaires on social anxiety symptoms. In the experiment, participants viewed an ambiguous facial expression and rated the intensity on a continuous scale. The training group received feedback that presented their ratings alongside the actual intensity, allowing them to accurately assess their emotional perception bias through trial‐by‐trial feedback. The control group received no feedback.ResultsThe training group showed a significant reduction in interpretation bias for happy and angry faces after the experiment, while the control group did not. However, although the training group's social anxiety symptoms decreased post‐experiment, the difference was not statistically significant compared to the control group.ConclusionsThese findings provide preliminary evidence that the feedback training targeting dimensional ratings of emotions may be a promising option for correcting interpretation bias in individuals with high social anxiety. Future research could implement multiple sessions of training to potentially reduce both interpretation bias and social anxiety symptoms and verify the long‐term effects.
Altered immune response is associated with sex difference in vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease in human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Wen Huiying , He Youzhe , Tang Yuanchun , Zhu Langjian , Tao Quyuan , Jin Bufan , Luo Ting , Peng Yujie , Wei Yanrong , Lei Junjie , Wang Lifang , Wang Fan , Ling Fei , Gao Yue , Han Lei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a higher risk incidence in females than in males, and there are also differences in AD pathophysiology between sexes. The role of sex in the pathogenesis of AD may be crucial, yet the cellular and molecular basis remains unclear. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis using four public transcriptome datasets of AD patients and age‐matched control individuals in prefrontal cortex, including bulk transcriptome (295 females and 402 males) and single‐nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA‐seq) data (224 females and 219 males). We found that the transcriptomic profile in female control was similar to those in AD. To characterize the key features associated with both the pathogenesis of AD and sex difference, we identified a co‐expressed gene module that positively correlated with AD, sex, and aging, and was also enriched with immune‐associated pathways. Using snRNA‐seq datasets, we found that microglia (MG), a resident immune cell in the brain, demonstrated substantial differences in several aspects between sexes, such as an elevated proportion of activated MG, altered transcriptomic profile and cell–cell interaction between MG and other brain cell types in female control. Additionally, genes upregulated in female MG, such as TLR2, MERTK, SPP1, SLA, ACSL1, and FKBP5, had high confidence to be identified as biomarkers to distinguish AD status, and these genes also interacted with some approved drugs for treatment of AD. These findings underscore the altered immune response in female is associated with sex difference in susceptibility to AD, and the necessity of considering sex factors when developing AD biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, providing a scientific basis for further in‐depth studies on sex differences in AD.
CRBN‐PROTACs in Cancer Therapy: From Mechanistic Insights to Clinical Applications
Authors: Thapa Riya , Bhat Asif Ahmad , Gupta Gaurav , Renuka Jyothi S. , Kaur Irwanjot , Kumar Sachin , Sharma Naveen , Prasad G. V. Siva , Pramanik Atreyi , Ali Haider 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCereblon (CRBN), a member of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, has gained significant attention as a therapeutic target in cancer. CRBN regulates the degradation of various proteins in cancer progression, including transcription factors and signaling molecules. PROTACs (proteolysis‐targeting chimeras) are a novel approach that uses the cell's degradation system to remove disease‐causing proteins selectively. CRBN‐dependent PROTACs work by tagging harmful proteins for destruction through the ubiquitin–proteasome system. This strategy offers several advantages over traditional protein inhibition methods, including the potential to overcome drug resistance. Recent progress in developing CRBN‐based PROTACs has shown promising preclinical results in both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Additionally, CRBN‐based PROTACs have enhanced our understanding of CRBN's role in cancer, potentially serving as biomarkers for patient stratification and predicting therapeutic responses. In this review, we delineate the mechanisms of action for CRBN‐dependent PROTACs (CRBN‐PROTACs), summarize recent advances in preclinical and clinical applications, and provide our perspective on future development.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Mechanistic Investigation of Quinazolin‐4(1H)‐One Linked Coumarin as a Potent Anticancer Agent
Authors: Singla Dinesh , Sharma Palak , Luxami Vijay , Paul Kamaldeep 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTQuinazolinone‐coumarin conjugates synthesized through Late‐Stage Functionalization approach are evaluated for their in vitro biological activity for 60 human cancer cell lines representing nine different cancer types. Among the synthesized compounds, eight displayed significant growth inhibitory activity across a spectrum of cancer types, with compound 23 demonstrating particularly notable cytotoxicity. Further investigation involved a five‐dose assay of compound 23 against NCI‐60 cancer cell lines, revealing its efficacy at different concentrations. Additionally, binding studies elucidated its interaction with Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and DNA. The results indicated a strong binding affinity of 23 with HSA, evidenced by a high binding constant (2.26 × 105 M−1). Moreover, its interaction with DNA occurred via intercalation, specifically between the base pairs of DNA strands, with a binding constant of 5.51 × 104 M−1. This suggests that compound 23 has the ability to bind to both DNA and transport proteins, making it a promising pharmacophore with potential therapeutic applications.