bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Vulnerability Index and Dental Caries in Children: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Pellegrom J. , Pickett K. , Kostbade G. , Tiwari T. 
Published: October 2024

Objective: This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the association between caries outcomes in a pediatric population visiting a dental clinic and the social vulnerability index, an area-based measure capturing 4 main social determinants of health: socioeconomic status, household composition/disability, minority status/language, and housing/transportation. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and electronic dental record data of children (0 to 18 y) reporting a caries diagnosis at the Children’s Hospital Colorado in 2020 were extracted for 9,201 children. Logistic regressions were used to test the association between SVI and the presence or absence of dental caries, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and race. Results: Children with a caries diagnosis had a greater mean overall SVI percentile (62.0, standard deviation [SD] = 29.1) compared with patients without a caries diagnosis (59.1, SD = 29.8; P < 0.001). With each 10-point increase in the overall SVI percentile, having a caries diagnosis visit was 2.7% more likely compared with having a visit without a caries diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.027, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.012, 1.042; P = 0.0004). Those with an overall SVI percentile between 51 and 75 were 23% more likely to have a caries diagnosis compared with those with a percentile ≤25 (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07, 1.42; P = 0.003), and those with a percentile >75 were 23.6% more likely to have a caries diagnosis compared with those with a percentile ≤25 (OR 1.236, 95% CI 1.09, 1.40; P = 0.001). Conclusion: Children (0 to 18 y) living in socially vulnerable environments or areas were more likely to have a caries diagnosis at their dental exam. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This study showed an association between social determinants of health demonstrating social vulnerability and dental caries in children. Ultimately, understanding upstream factors for children living in socially vulnerable areas could support policymakers in creating more effective policies to support socially vulnerable populations.
Intensified post-stroke care improves long-term dysphagia recovery after acute ischemic stroke: Results from the STROKE CARD trial
Authors: Karisik Anel , Bader Vincent , Moelgg Kurt , Buergi Lucie , Dejakum Benjamin , Komarek Silvia , Boehme Christian , Toell Thomas , Mayer-Suess Lukas , Sollereder Simon , Rossi Sonja , Meier Patricia , Schoenherr Gudrun , Willeit Johann , Willeit Peter , Lang Wilfried , Kiechl Stefan , Knoflach Michael , Pechlaner Raimund 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Dysphagia is common after acute ischemic stroke and entails considerable morbidity and mortality. Here, we investigated the impact of intensified care on swallowing recovery after stroke. Patients and methods: In this secondary analysis of STROKE-CARD, a randomized intervention trial of intensified post-stroke care, dysphagia was assessed by speech therapists at admission for acute ischemic stroke, at hospital discharge, and after 12-months. Patients randomized to STROKE-CARD care additionally received a detailed dysphagia follow-up at 3-months, including a standardized dysphagia examination, instructions on further exercises and compensation mechanisms and, if necessary, referral for further speech therapy. Results: Dysphagia was present initially after stroke in 236 (16.6%; median age 82 (73–88), 44.1% female) of 1419 patients, with similar prevalence in both study groups at hospital admission ( p = 0.239) and discharge ( p = 0.870). At follow up, 14 (9.5%) of 147 in the intervention group and 18 (20.2%) of 89 in the control group suffered from persistent dysphagia ( p = 0.020). There was better dysphagia recovery in the intervention group also under multivariable adjustment for age, sex, functional disability at 12-months, severe dysphagia at hospitalization, mode of feeding, cognitive impairment, thrombolysis, and stroke localization (odds ratio, 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.17 to 0.96). Discussion and conclusion: Intensified post-stroke care improved dysphagia recovery within 1 year after acute ischemic stroke, highlighting the potential of targeted interventions for enhancing stroke outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of digital nerve block for pain management during sharp debridement of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: A prospective observational study
Authors: Bixio Riccardo , Mastropaolo Francesca , Nava Francesca , Veliaj Olta , Fracassi Elena , Viapiana Ombretta , Rossini Maurizio , Idolazzi Luca 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities, often leading to the development of digital ulcers (DUs). DUs are painful and debilitating, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Effective pain management during debridement is crucial, yet there is no consensus on the optimal approach. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of digital nerve block (DNB) using lidocaine and mepivacaine for pain control during sharp debridement of DUs in SSc patients. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from September 2023 to May 2024 at the Rheumatology Operating Unit, University of Verona. Patients were randomized to receive either 1 mL of 2% lidocaine or 2% mepivacaine for DNB. Pain levels were assessed using a categorical grading scale during the injection and debridement. The outcomes were pain control and performance of lidocaine versus mepivacaine. Results: The cohort developed 46 ulcers. The pain was abolished in almost all patients. Lidocaine achieved faster anaesthesia (127.92 ± 34.32 s) compared with mepivacaine (252.65 ± 49.89 s, p < 0.001). Mepivacaine resulted in less pain during injection ( p = 0.006). No significant difference in pain levels during debridement was observed between the two anaesthetics. Three mild adverse effects (Raynaud’s phenomenon) were reported. All procedures were completed successfully, and 35 ulcers healed with a mean time of 6.1 ± 7.77 weeks. Conclusions: DNB with mepivacaine provides effective pain control during DU debridement in SSc patients, with lower injection site pain and comparable efficacy to lidocaine. The procedure is safe, well-tolerated and facilitates successful ulcer healing. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm these findings.
Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: Immunohistochemical Classification According to Hans Algorithm and Association With Outcome in A Moroccan Institution
Authors: Taybi M , Bourkhime H , Khammar Z , Alami Drideb N , Berrady R , Benmiloud S , Elfakir S , Bouguenouch L , Tahiri L , Chbani L , Hammas N 
Published: October 2024

Background: The most prevalent subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-germinal center B-cell (non GCB) are the two main biologically different molecular subtypes identified utilizing an immunohistochemistry-based approach. Aim: Our objective in this study is to analyze the impact of immunohistochemical subtypes of DLBCL (GCB or non GCB) on demographic and clinicopathological parameters, response to chemotherapy and survival outcomes. Subjects and methods: This is a retrospective study including 106 cases of DLBCL collected in the department of pathology, Hassan II university hospital, Fez (Morocco), over a period of 12 years (January 2010-September 2022). The subtypes of DLBCLs were defined according to Hans algorithm, using immunohistochemistry by three biomarkers (CD10, BCL6, MUM1). Statistical analysis used: Independent t tests and analyses of variance were used for the comparison of mean values. We employed the SPSS 26.0 program to achieve this. A statistically significant value was set at P < .05. Results: Seventy-five patients (71%) were non-GCB subtype, while thirty-one patients (29%) had the GCB immunosubtype. We have found a significant ( P < .05) correlations between DLBCL immunosubtypes and treatment responses on one hand and survival in the other hand. In the GCB subtype, the response rate and survival were significantly improved. A significant association was found between Ki 67 expression and survival on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, we note a correlation between Ki 67 expression, DLBCL immunohistochemical subtypes and survival outcome. Conclusion: Non GCB subtype is associated with poor response to treatment and inferior survival outcome compared to GCB subtype in Moroccan context, especially when combined with high expression of Ki 67 marker.
Genetic alteration of class I HLA in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Kwang Alexa C. , Duran George E. , Fernandez-Pol Sebastian , Najidh Safa , Li Shufeng , Bastidas Torres Armando N. , Wang Erica B. , Herrera Melba , Bandali Tarek I. , Kurtz David M. , Kim Youn H. , Khodadoust Michael S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Abnormalities involving class I HLA are frequent in many lymphoma subtypes but have not yet been extensively studied in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs). We characterized the occurrence of class I HLA abnormalities in 65 patients with advanced mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome. Targeted DNA sequencing, including coverage of HLA loci, revealed at least 1 HLA abnormality in 26 of 65 patients (40%). Twelve unique somatic HLA mutations were identified across 9 patients, and loss of heterozygosity or biallelic loss of HLA was found to affect 24 patients. Although specific HLA alleles were commonly disrupted, these events did not associate with a decrease in the total class I HLA expression. Genetic events preferentially disrupted HLA alleles capable of presenting greater numbers of putative neoantigens. HLA abnormalities co-occurred with other genetic immune evasion events and were associated with worse progression-free survival. Single-cell analyses demonstrated that HLA abnormalities were frequently subclonal. Through analysis of serial samples, we observed that disrupting class I HLA events change dynamically over the disease course. The dynamics of HLA disruption are highlighted in a patient who received pembrolizumab and in whom resistance to pembrolizumab was associated with the elimination of an HLA mutation. Overall, our findings show that genomic class I HLA abnormalities are common in advanced CTCL and may be an important consideration in understanding the effects of immunotherapy in CTCL.
Targeted DNase treatment of obstructive lung disease: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Negewo Netsanet A. , Niessen Natalie M. , Baines Penelope J. , Williams Evan J. , Fibbens Naomi , Simpson Jodie L. , McDonald Vanessa M. , Berthon Bronwyn S. , Gibson Peter G. , Baines Katherine J. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSputum extracellular DNA (eDNA) is associated with disease severity in asthma and COPD and therefore emerging as a potential therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 10 days of recombinant human DNase (rhDNase) treatment of eDNA-high asthma and COPD on sputum eDNA levels, neutrophil-related inflammation, lung function and symptoms.MethodsAdults with asthma (n=80) or COPD (n=66) were screened for the presence of high (>20 µg·mL−1) sputum eDNA and those eligible (n=18 asthma, n=17 COPD) were randomised to a two-period crossover controlled trial consisting of daily nebulised rhDNase (2.5 mg/2.5 mL) or placebo (5 mL 0.9% saline) for 10 days, with a 2-week washout period. The primary outcome was sputum eDNA, and secondary outcomes included sputum neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)-related biomarkers, inflammatory cell counts, lung function and respiratory symptoms.ResultsAt screening, high eDNA was associated with significantly higher sputum total cell count, sputum colour score and inflammation (HNP1-3, LL-37 and interleukin-1β) in both asthma and COPD compared to low eDNA groups. In asthma, participants with high eDNA were older and had poorer lung function and asthma control compared to low eDNA. Administration of nebulised rhDNase significantly reduced sputum eDNA levels in both asthma (median (Q1–Q3) Pre: 48.4 (22.1–74.1); Post: 17.0 (5.0–31.0) µg·mL−1; p=0.022) and COPD (median (Q1–Q3) Pre: 39.3 (36.7–55.6); Post: 25.4 (11.3–38.6) µg·mL−1; p=0.044) compared to placebo. Symptoms, lung function and NET biomarkers remained unchanged. In asthma, there was a reduction in banded blood neutrophils (3.2 (0–7.7) to 0.0 (0.0–1.5); p=0.044).ConclusionTargeted rhDNase treatment for 10 days effectively reduced sputum eDNA in eDNA-high asthma and COPD.
A Review on Combined Strategy of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation and Robotic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Leiyu , Chang Yawei , Zhang Feiran , Li Jianfeng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractStroke is a major cause of death and disability among adults in China, and an efficient rehabilitation strategy has been an urgent demand for post-stroke rehabilitation. The non-invasive brain stimulation (NBS) can modulate the excitability of the cerebral cortex and provide after-effects apart from immediate effects to regain extremity motor functions, whereas robotic therapy provides high-intensity and long-duration repetitive movements to stimulate the cerebral cortex backward. The combined strategy of the two techniques is widely regarded as a promising application for stroke patients with dyskinesia. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) are important methods of NBS. Their recovery principles, stimulation parameters, and clinical applications have been summarized. The combined treatments of rTMS/tDCS and robotic therapy are analyzed and discussed to overcome the application barriers of the two techniques. The future development trend and the key technical problems are expounded for the clinical applications.
Gender-different effect of Src family kinases antagonism on photophobia and trigeminal ganglion activity
Authors: Huang Zhuoan , Yao Junyu , Nie Lingdi , Nie Xinchen , Xiong Xuechunhui , Kõks Sulev , Quinn John P. , Kanhere Aditi , Wang Minyan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Src family kinases (SFKs) contribute to migraine pathogenesis, yet its role in regulating photophobia behaviour, one of the most common forms of migraine, remains unknown. Here, we addressed whether SFKs antagonism alleviates photophobia behavior and explored the underlying mechanism involving hypothalamus and trigeminal ganglion activity, as measured by the alteration of neuropeptide levels and transcriptome respectively.

Methods
A rapid-onset and injury-free mouse model of photophobia was developed following intranasal injection of the TRPA1 activator, umbellulone. The role of SFKs antagonism on light aversion was assessed by the total time the mouse stays in the light and transition times between the dark and light compartments. To gain insight to the preventive mechanism of SFKs antagonism, hypothalamic neuropeptides levels were assessed using enzyme linked immunofluorescent assay and trigeminal ganglion activity were assessed using RNA-sequencing and qPCR analysis.

Results
SFKs antagonism by a clinically relevant SFKs inhibitor saracatinib reduced the total time in light and transition times in male mice, but not in females, suggesting SFKs play a crucial role in photophobia progressing and exhibit a male-only effect. SFKs antagonism had no effect on hypothalamic calcitonin gene-related peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide levels of all mice investigated, suggesting the gender-different effect of saracatinib on light aversion appears to be independent of these hypothalamic neuropeptide levels. In trigeminal ganglion of male mice, photophobia is associated with profound alteration of differentially expressed genes, part of which were reversed by SFKs antagonism. Subsequent qPCR analysis showed SFKs antagonism displayed gender-different modulation of expression in some candidate genes, particularly noteworthy those encoding ion channels (trpm3, Scn8a), ATPase signaling (crebbp, Atp5α1) and kinase receptors (Zmynd8, Akt1).

Conclusions
In conclusion, our data revealed that SFKs antagonism reduced photophobia processing in male mice and exhibited gender-different modulation of trigeminal ganglion activity, primarily manifesting as alterations in the transcriptome profile. These findings underscore the potential of SFKs antagonism for allieving photophobia in males, highlighting its value in the emerging field of precision medicine.
Effectiveness of community-based Baduanjin exercise intervention for older adults with varying frailty status: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tou Nien Xiang , Goh Siew Fong , Harding Susana , Tsao Mary Ann , Ng Tze Pin , Wee Shiou-Liang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Due to poorer exercise tolerance, it may be challenging for frail older adults to engage in moderate- or vigorous-intensity exercise. While low-intensity exercise interventions may be more feasible, its effectiveness for such population group remains unclear. We examined the effectiveness and implementation of community-based Baduanjin Qigong, a low-intensity exercise program in older adults with varying frailty status.

Methods
A two-arm, multicenter assessor-blind parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted at three local senior activity centers. Fifty-six community-dwelling older adults with low handgrip strength were randomly allocated to either the intervention (IG) or wait-list control (CG) group. The IG underwent a supervised 16-week Baduanjin exercise program at a frequency of 2–3 × 60 min sessions/week. The CG was instructed to maintain their usual activity and received a monthly health education talk. The primary outcome measures were knee extension strength, vital exhaustion, and fear of falling. Secondary outcome measures include physiological falls risk, handgrip strength, gait speed, timed up and go test, 30-second sit-to-stand, quality of life, depression, and frailty. All outcome measures were assessed at baseline and 4-month follow-up.

Results
Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in all outcome measures between CG and IG at 4-month follow-up. However, in exploratory compliance analysis, a statistically significant group x time interaction was found for vital exhaustion (B = -3.65, 95% CI [-7.13, -0.16], p = .047) among participants with at least 75% attendance. In post-hoc within-group comparisons, IG showed improved vital exhaustion by 4.31 points (95% CI [1.41, 7.20], d = 0.60). The average participant attendance rate was 81.3%. No major adverse events occurred, and all participants reported positive experiences with the exercise intervention.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that Baduanjin is a safe, feasible, and acceptable exercise program that can be successfully implemented in community settings for older adults with varying frailty status. With good adherence, Baduanjin exercise could potentially be effective in alleviating vital exhaustion. However, the effectiveness of Baduanjin on physical performance, psychological measures and frailty in community-dwelling older adults remains equivocal.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04549103. Registered September 16, 2020.
Rapid growth rate of Enterobacter sp. SM3 determined using several methods
Authors: Pollack-Milgate Sophie , Saitia Sanchi , Tang Jay X. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Bacterial growth rate, commonly reported in terms of doubling time, is frequently determined by one of two techniques: either by measuring optical absorption of a growing culture or by taking samples at different times during their growth phase, diluting them, spreading them on agar plates, incubating them, and counting the colonies that form. Both techniques require measurements of multiple repeats, as well careful assessment of reproducibility and consistency. Existing literature using either technique gives a wide range of growth rate values for even the most extensively studied species of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. This work aims to apply several methods to reliably determine the growth rate of a recently identified species of Enterobacteriaceae, called Enterobacter sp. SM3, and to compare that rate with that of a well-known wildtype E. coli strain KP437.

Results
We extend conventional optical density (OD) measurements to determine the growth rate of Enterobacter sp. SM3. To assess the reliability of this technique, we compare growth rates obtained by fitting the OD data to exponential growth, applying a relative density method, and measuring shifts in OD curves following set factors of dilution. The main source of error in applying the OD technique is due to the reliance on an exponential growth phase with a short span. With proper choice of parameter range, however, we show that these three methods yield consistent results. We also measured the SM3 division rate by counting colony-forming units (CFU) versus time, yielding results consistent with the OD measurements. In lysogeny broth at 37oC, SM3 divides every 21 ± 3 min, notably faster than the RP437 strain of E. coli, which divides every 29 ± 2 min.

Conclusion
The main conclusion of this report is that conventional optical density (OD) measurements and the colony-forming units (CFU) method can yield consistent values of bacterial growth rate. However, to ensure the reproducibility and reliability of the measured growth rate of each bacterial strain, different methods ought to be applied in close comparison. The effort of checking for consistency among multiple techniques, as we have done in this study, is necessary to avoid reporting variable values of doubling time for particular species or strains of bacteria, as seen in the literature.