bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IDEEA: information diffusion model for integrating gene expression and EEG data in identifying Alzheimer’s disease markers
Authors: Ozelbas Enes , Sevimoglu Tuba , Kahveci Tamer 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Understanding the genetic components of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) via transcriptome analysis often necessitates the use of invasive methods. This work focuses on overcoming the difficulties associated with the invasive process of collecting brain tissue samples in order to measure and investigate the transcriptome behavior of AD. Our approach called IDEEA (Information Diffusion model for integrating gene Expression and EEG data in identifying Alzheimer’s disease markers) involves systematically linking two different but complementary modalities: transcriptomics and electroencephalogram (EEG) data. We preprocess these two data types by calculating the spectral and transcriptional sample distances, over 11 brain regions encompassing 6 distinct frequency bands. Subsequently, we employ a genetic algorithm approach to integrate the distinct features of the preprocessed data. Our experimental results show that IDEEA converges rapidly to local optima gene subsets, in fewer than 250 iterations. Our algorithm identifies novel genes along with genes that have previously been linked to AD. It is also capable of detecting genes with transcription patterns specific to individual EEG bands as well as those with common patterns among bands. In particular, the alpha2 (10–13 Hz) frequency band yielded 8 AD-associated genes out of the top 100 most frequently selected genes by our algorithm, with a p-value of 0.05. Our method not only identifies AD-related genes but also genes that interact with AD genes in terms of transcription regulation. We evaluated various aspects of our approach, including the genetic algorithm performance, band-pair association and gene interaction topology. Our approach reveals AD-relevant genes with transcription patterns inferred from EEG alone, across various frequency bands, avoiding the risky brain tissue collection process. This is a significant advancement toward the early identification of AD using non-invasive EEG recordings.
Feasibility and acceptability of the HOLObalance telerehabilitation system compared with standard care for older adults at risk of falls: the HOLOBalance assessor blinded pilot randomised controlled study
Authors: Pavlou Marousa , Flavell Carol Ann , Gourtani Fariba Mostajeran , Nikitas Christos , Kikidis Dimitris , Bibas Athanasios , Gatsios Dimitris , Tsakanikas Vassilis , Fotiadis Dimitrios I , Koutsouris Dimitrios , Steinicke Frank , Walz Isabelle Daniela , Maurer Christoph , Papadopoulou Sofia , Tsoukatos Michalis , Pardalis Athanasios , Bamiou Doris-Eva 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundFalls have high socioeconomic costs. Information and communication technologies may support provision and monitoring of multisensory (MSR) physiotherapy programmes. The HOLOBalance platform used augmented reality holograms to provide patient-centred, individualised MSR.ObjectivesTo determine the platform’s safety, acceptability and feasibility, investigate functional gait and dynamic balance benefits and provide data for a definitive trial.Design and settingSingle-blinded pilot randomised controlled feasibility study. Interventions were conducted at clinical sites or participants’ homes in three European countries.ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling older adults (median age 73 years; 64.2% female) at risk of falls were enrolled (May 2020-August 2021).MethodsParticipants were randomised to an 8-week clinic or home-based telerehabilitation MSR or OTAGO (control group) programme. Compliance, satisfaction, and adverse events determined feasibility. Clinical outcomes, assessed (blinded) within one-week prior to and post-intervention, included functional gait assessment (FGA), Mini BESTest and cognitive function.ResultsRandomisation to completion rate was 76.15% with 109 participants recruited (n = 289 screened). Drop-out rate was similar between groups. Adverse events were reported (n = 3) in the control group. Sixty-nine percent would recommend the HOLOBalance intervention. Findings were similar for the home and clinic-based arms of each intervention; data was combined for analysis. FGA (95%CI [1.63, 4.19]) and Mini-BESTest (95%CI [1.46, 3.93]) showed greater improvement in the HOLOBalance group with a clinically meaningful change of 4/30 noted for the FGA.ConclusionsHOLObalance was feasible to implement and acceptable to older adults at risk of falls, with FGA and Mini-BEST improvements exceeding those for the OTAGO programme. A definitive trial is warranted.
Recover then aggregate: unified cross-modal deep clustering with global structural information for single-cell data
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Luo Peng , Xiao Mingming , Wang Boyang , Liu Tianyu , Sun Xiangyu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Single-cell cross-modal joint clustering has been extensively utilized to investigate the tumor microenvironment. Although numerous approaches have been suggested, accurate clustering remains the main challenge. First, the gene expression matrix frequently contains numerous missing values due to measurement limitations. The majority of existing clustering methods treat it as a typical multi-modal dataset without further processing. Few methods conduct recovery before clustering and do not sufficiently engage with the underlying research, leading to suboptimal outcomes. Additionally, the existing cross-modal information fusion strategy does not ensure consistency of representations across different modes, potentially leading to the integration of conflicting information, which could degrade performance. To address these challenges, we propose the ’Recover then Aggregate’ strategy and introduce the Unified Cross-Modal Deep Clustering model. Specifically, we have developed a data augmentation technique based on neighborhood similarity, iteratively imposing rank constraints on the Laplacian matrix, thus updating the similarity matrix and recovering dropout events. Concurrently, we integrate cross-modal features and employ contrastive learning to align modality-specific representations with consistent ones, enhancing the effective integration of diverse modal information. Comprehensive experiments on five real-world multi-modal datasets have demonstrated this method’s superior effectiveness in single-cell clustering tasks.
A-053 Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of Atellica CH Prealbumin and β2-Microglobulin Chemistry Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer
Authors: Huff J , Varhue W , Gupta P , Shalhoub V , Camacho J , Snyder J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The Atellica® CI Analyzer is an automated, mid-throughput, integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer utilizing both Atellica® CH and Atellica® IM assays. This study was designed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Atellica® CH Prealbumin (PALB) and β2-Microglobulin (B2M) Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer.

Methods
The Atellica CI PALB and B2M assays use the same reagents and calibrators as the Atellica CH assays. Precision and method comparison (MC) were used as performance indicators for the Atellica CI Analyzer. Precision studies were performed according to CLSI EP05-A3 using native, QC, and contrived human serum samples. One aliquot of each sample pool was tested in duplicate in two runs per day &gt;2 hours apart on each analyzer for 20 days. Method comparison (MC) studies were performed per CLSI EP09-A3. Individual serum samples were analyzed using the Atellica CH and Atellica CI Analyzers. Linearity and verification of detection capability studies were demonstrated for both assays.

Results
Representative precision, and MC results are presented in the table. Over the two assays tested, repeatability and within-lab %CVs were &lt;4.0% and &lt;4.6%, respectively. Slopes determined using the Deming linear regression model were approximately equal to 1. The Atellica CH PALB assay is linear from 3.0-70.0 mg/dL (30-700 mg/L); LoB, 1.1 mg/dL (11 mg/L); LoD. 1.9 mg/dL (19 mg/L); LoQ, 3.0 mg/dL (30 mg/L). The Atellica CH B2M assay is linear from 0.25-18.00 mg/L; LoB, 0.10 mg/L; LoD, 0.20 mg/L.

Conclusions
Atellica CH PALB and B2M Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer demonstrated good precision and equivalent performance to the same assays on the Atellica CH Analyzer.
A-080 Morning Cortisol for Rule-in and Rule-out of Adrenal Insufficiency in an Asian Population
Authors: Li B V , Lee A K , Hawkins R C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Short ACTH stimulation (Synacthen) tests are performed to investigate for adrenal insufficiency. Previous work suggests that morning cortisol concentrations can be used to rule in or out adrenal insufficiency to avoid performance of a Synacthen test.
This study aimed to determine the optimal cortisol concentration for rule-in or rule-out adrenal insufficiency based on 30-minute cortisol (COR30) for adequate response using the assay-specific cut-off from The Endocrine Society of Australia/The Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine/The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (ESA/AACB/RCPA) Harmonization of Endocrine Dynamic Testing - Adult (HEDTA), in an Asian population.

Methods
Synacthen tests performed at our institution from 2012-2024, with a baseline cortisol between 6 and 10 am (COR0(6-10)), were extracted from the laboratory database. Plasma cortisol concentrations were measured by Beckman Coulter DxI 800. Synacthen tests were classified as adequate or inadequate based on the Beckman Coulter specific HEDTA cut-off for COR30 of 420 nmol/L. Performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and area under receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve) of COR0(6-10) concentrations to predict adequate or inadequate response were calculated using Microsoft Excel.

Results
4609 Synacthen tests were included, 77% of which had adequate Synacthen response. COR0(6-10) &gt;300 nmol/L could exclude inadequate COR30 response with sensitivity 95%, specificity 48%, PPV 35%, NPV 97%; and COR0(6-10) &gt;364 nmol/L had sensitivity 99%, specificity 29%, PPV 29%, NPV 99%. COR0(6-10) &lt;155 nmol/L could rule-in inadequate COR30 response with sensitivity 53%, specificity 95%, PPV 76%, NPV 87%; and COR0(6-10) &lt;97 nmol/L had sensitivity 35%, specificity 99%, PPV 91%, NPV 84%. AUROC of COR0(6-10) for adequate COR30 response was 0.86. If patients with COR0(6-10) &lt;97 nmol/L and &gt;300 nmol/L did not proceed to Synacthen testing, up to 46% of tests could be avoided, while keeping misclassification under 5%.

Conclusions
Morning cortisol cut-offs were determined for rule-in and rule-out of adrenal insufficiency in an Asian population. Patients with morning cortisol &gt;300 nmol/L or &lt;97 nmol/L may be able to avoid Synacthen testing unless there is a strong suspicion of clinical discordance. Such a testing strategy could significantly decrease the number of Synacthen tests while keeping misclassification to a minimum.
A-085 Comparing CO2 stability in patient samples and proficiency testing material
Authors: Bolte K , Matthews J , Patel K , Poventud-Fuentes I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Total carbon dioxide (tCO2) measurements are important in the assessment of acid-base disorders. The collection and storage conditions of specimens are important preanalytical factors that can influence the accuracy of tCO2 measurements. Proficiency testing (PT) materials are used to assess the accuracy and reliability of a laboratory’s test performance. Unsuccessful performance on PT challenges can be an indicator of procedural issues. However, the stability of tCO2 in PT material compared to physiologic specimens is unknown and no guidance is provided to laboratories on how to handle PT samples for tCO2 measurement. This study aims to compare tCO2 stability in PT material with that of plasma samples when exposed to ambient air at room temperature.

Methods
Using enzymatic endpoint measurement on Vitros 4600 Chemistry System, tCO2 was measured in PT material (n = 5) and patient samples (n = 6) at baseline and after exposure to air for 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. 500μL of each sample was aliquoted into EZ-nest tube adapters and baseline measurements were immediately analyzed. Average percent difference from baseline was calculated and &gt;-10% bias was considered acceptable.

Results
The average percent difference from baseline in PT samples exceeded -10% as early as 30 minutes; whereas -3% bias was observed in patient samples at 60 minutes. Results are summarized in the table below.

Conclusions
The assessment of tCO2 stability ensures the reliability of laboratory measurements. Our results indicate tCO2 in PT material is not stable when exposed to air beyond 15 minutes, however tCO2 in most patient samples remained stable beyond 120 minutes. Understanding the stability limits of tCO2 in PT material allows us to devise workflows that prevent sample degradation during PT events. By establishing best practices for maintaining tCO2 integrity in PT material, laboratories can enhance the accuracy of proficiency testing results.
A-108 Re-evaluation of reference intervals for circulating albumin, total calcium, and magnesium levels among subjects in Dallas County
Authors: Hashim I , Agha A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Reference intervals are either directly established from normal volunteers, adopted from assay manufactures and verified as transferable to the normal population, or indirectly derived using patients’ archived laboratory data. This study describes indirect derivation of reference intervals for albumin, total calcium, and magnesium appropriate to the patient population of Dallas County. The tests were selected due to their often combine measurement in the assessment of calcium and bone mineral metabolism

Methods
Retrospective reported laboratory results during May 2022 for albumin (n=1342), total calcium (n=1945), and magnesium (n=2148) were obtained. Values were subjected to statistical analysis for nature of distribution, mean, and standard deviation as well as stratified for patients’ characteristics (gender, race, and age). Statistical analysis applied were Hoffman regression analysis, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey-Kramer tests.

Results
Following removal of outliers, statistically suggested reference intervals for albumin, total calcium, and magnesium were 5.5 to 2.4 g/dL, 10.5 to 7.5 mg/dL, and 2.6 to 1.6 mg/dL respectively. Although there was race specific differences in albumin and calcium levels (p=0.032) and (p=0.002) respectively, differences for magnesium were slightly nonsignificant (p=0.06). Similarly, significant differences due to age were observed for albumin, total calcium, and magnesium (P &lt;0.00 for all). The data suggests that albumin, magnesium, and calcium levels are unequivocally dependent on age and race for patients in Dallas County. The upper limits of population derived, and manufacturer verified reference intervals were 5.45 and 5.2 g/dL for albumin, 10.5 and 10.2 mg/dL for calcium, and 4.6, and 2.6 mg/dL for magnesium respectively, the lower limits were 2.4 and 3.5, 7.5 and 8.4, 1.4, and 1.6 mg/dL respectively.

Conclusions
Reference intervals for albumin, total calcium, and magnesium appropriate to the patient population of Dallas County were derived. Derived values were statistically different from the manufacturer verified values in use. The study although limited by the small number of acceptable samples, highlights the need for laboratories to derive their respective population-based reference intervals. The study will be expanded to other biochemical parameters utilizing much larger sample volume.
A-131 An External Laboratory Validation of the Atellica IM Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Assay
Authors: Abou-Diwan C , Shields M , Miller A , Kissel J , Nalayanda D , Troksa E , Shields A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) in serum is a promising biomarker for axonal injury with potential for use in neurodegenerative disease testing, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study validated the Siemens Healthineers Atellica® IM Serum Neurofilament Light Chain (sNfL) assay* for research applications.

Methods
Precision studies were performed using serum and plasma samples. Intra-assay precision comprised three levels of internal assay quality control (QC) and one plasma or serum pool (consisting of serum spiked with CSF). For plasma, one aliquot of each sample was tested in duplicate in two runs per day &gt;2 hours apart for up to &gt;20 days. Serum inter-assay involved three levels of internal assay QC run over 10 days (1 run/day). Sensitivity studies were performed to evaluate the limit of quantitation (LoQ) for serum and plasma using five low concentration samples. Each concentration was tested in 25 replicates for serum, and 50 replicates for plasma. Linearity studies involved five levels, each run three times in duplicate (plasma) or four times (serum). Method comparison studies were performed according to CLSI EP09-A3 using the Atellica® IM NfL laboratory developed test (LDT) offered by Siemens Healthcare Laboratory, LLC. 50 samples within the measuring interval of the LDT for each sample type (plasma and serum) were tested.

Results
Intra-assay coefficients of variation (%CVs) for internal QC ranged from 1.7-2.5% for concentrations spanning 12.75 to 147.22 pg/mL. Serum and plasma pool intra-assay %CV were 2.5% and 3.4%, respectively. Inter-assay precision of serum %CVs ranged from 2.9-16.1% for 13.4 to 150.8 pg/mL. Plasma inter-assay %CVs demonstrated a slightly improved precision versus serum across runs with %CV ranging from 2.4-12.8% with plasma concentrations ranging from 13.4 to 158.0 pg/mL. Serum and plasma LoQs, defined as the concentration at which CV is &lt;20%, were 2.5 pg/mL (serum/plasma). The assay was linear between 2.5 to 300 pg/mL for serum and plasma. The Atellica IM sNfL assay method comparison to the Atellica IM NfL LDT was analyzed using a Passing-Bablok linear regression model. The assays exhibited acceptable agreement with slopes in the range of 1.12-1.14 across the sample interval tested, 6.4 to 460 pg/mL for serum/plasma.

Conclusions
This external validation of the Atellica IM sNfL assay demonstrated performance characteristics suitable for research applications.
*For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
A-136 Icteric Interference is not Resolved with Sample Dilution in Serum Creatinine and Total Protein Assays
Authors: Zakrajsek J T , Zakrajsek J A , Spiesman A M , McShane A J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Icterus is a common endogenous interference that can cause falsely low results for serum creatinine and total protein. It can be defined by elevated unconjugated (indirect) and conjugated (direct) bilirubin levels and is most commonly associated with liver dysfunction. Recent literature suggests that dilutions can be a reliable method to reduce bilirubin interference. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the vendor’s on-board sample dilution can eliminate icteric interference with creatinine and total protein.

Methods
Creatinine (enzymatic) and total protein interference studies were performed on an automated chemistry analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, cobas c702). Low, mid, and high sample pools for each analyte were divided into four equal volumes. To achieve an icterus index (II) of approximately 40 (approximately 40 mg/dL of bilirubin), one sample pool was spiked with unconjugated bilirubin, and one pool was spiked with conjugated bilirubin. An equal amount of diluent was added into each control pool and remained at an II of approximately 0. The icteric and control samples were measured for conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin, serum indices, and the target analyte. Using the on-board dilution function, the icteric creatinine and total protein pools were diluted using a 1:4 and 1:3 dilution, respectively. All samples were analyzed in triplicate. Percent variance was found by calculating the difference between the average dilution result and control result and then dividing by the average control result.

Results

Conclusions
Only modest alleviation of icteric interference was noted with dilution. The average bias was 10% for creatinine and 24% with total protein, after dilution. The on-board sample dilution is not effective in eliminating icteric interference when measuring both creatinine and total protein.
A-165 Value Of Monocyte Distribution Width In Bacteremia Assessment In Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Cook B , Jaehne A K , Naiman M , Wilson I , Veryser D , Kelly W , Ghosh S , Rivers E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Monocyte distribution width (MDW) is an immune response biomarker and part of a CBC differential. MDW is derived from the distribution of monocyte volumes and elevated MDW values correlate with severe infections and sepsis in Emergency Department (ED) adult patients. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is predictive of infections and inflammatory stress. Evaluating these biomarkers could be valuable in bacteremia risk assessment. Bacteremia is the presence of viable bacteria in the bloodstream and is present in up to 20% of septic patients. Blood cultures establish pathogen identity but require culture time, potentially delaying appropriate treatment. Our goal was to characterize MDW and NLR clinical performance in ED patients with suspected bacteremia.

Methods
This was an observational cohort study of ED patients 18 years and older with CBC differential and blood cultures obtained. MDW values ≥20 is the published cut-off for increased infection risk. Clinical literature suggests that NLR ≥3 is abnormal. We assessed the diagnostic performance of MDW and NLR for positive blood cultures using SPSS Version 25.

Results
From 07/2021-09/2023, 9,400 blood cultures were ordered and 5174 patients had differential CBCs. The overall blood culture positivity rate was 14.4%. MDW and NLR performance for positive blood cultures is shown in Table 1.

Conclusions
Our analysis provides evidence that MDW and NLR may be useful for early recognition of bacteremia in ED patients. CBC differential results are reported sooner than culture results. MDW is directly reported, NLR can be readily calculated from the differential. Therefore both could contribute to earlier risk stratification and our findings suggest potentially distinct information from MDW and NLR. Combining MDW with other CBC parameters may provide additional diagnostic advantage. Further analysis will incorporate added clinical data for enhanced decision support in interpreting MDW values in the context of pending blood culture results.