bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Potential Key Genes for the Comorbidity of Myasthenia Gravis With Thymoma by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Hui , Liu Geyu , Guo Rongjing , Li Shuang , Chang Ting 
Published: September 2024

Background: Thymoma is a key risk factor for myasthenia gravis (MG). The purpose of our study was to investigate the potential key genes responsible for MG patients with thymoma. Methods: We obtained MG and thymoma dataset from GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined and functional enrichment analyses were conducted by R packages. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen out the crucial module genes related to thymoma. Candidate genes were obtained by integrating DEGs of MG and module genes. Subsequently, we identified several candidate key genes by machine learning for diagnosing MG patients with thymoma. The nomogram and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were applied to assess the diagnostic value of candidate key genes. Finally, we investigated the infiltration of immunocytes and analyzed the relationship among key genes and immune cells. Results: We obtained 337 DEGs in MG dataset and 2150 DEGs in thymoma dataset. Biological function analyses indicated that DEGs of MG and thymoma were enriched in many common pathways. Black module (containing 207 genes) analyzed by WGCNA was considered as the most correlated with thymoma. Then, 12 candidate genes were identified by intersecting with MG DEGs and thymoma module genes as potential causes of thymoma-associated MG pathogenesis. Furthermore, five candidate key genes ( JAM3, MS4A4A, MS4A6A, EGR1, and FOS) were screened out through integrating least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Random forest (RF). The nomogram and ROC curves (area under the curve from 0.833 to 0.929) suggested all five candidate key genes had high diagnostic values. Finally, we found that five key genes and immune cell infiltrations presented varying degrees of correlation. Conclusions: Our study identified five key potential pathogenic genes that predisposed thymoma to the development of MG, which provided potential diagnostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for MG patients with thymoma.
Tobacco in hotels: A study of smoke exposure and resident risk
Authors: Lewinson Terri , Dasgupta Abhirupa , Murphey James M. , Onsando W. Moraa , Nagovich Justice 
Published: September 2024

Objectives Extended-stay hotels (ESH) are a reliable and accessible housing option for low-income, minoritized renters, who are disproportionately exposed to secondhand and thirdhand cigarette smoke (SHS and THS). This study explores ESH residents’ perceptions of their SHS and THS exposure, harms related to this exposure, their willingness to mitigate these harms, and the contextual factors associated with smoking in hotels. Methods Eighty ESH renters from the metropolitan Atlanta region were recruited to complete a survey about the perceived harm and persistence of tobacco smoke, exposure experiences, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions to protect oneself. Eleven of these participants completed semi-structured interviews, during which they discussed their daily SHS and THS exposure at their ESHs in greater detail. Results Of the survey respondents, 62% reported being bothered by their level of smoke exposure, and 77% said they believed smoke particulates remained in their rooms even after housekeeping cleaned them. Approximately half of survey respondents had attempted to stop smoking in the 3 months prior to the study, and 29 of these individuals were still on their smoking cessation journeys. Most interview participants agreed that SHS and THS exposure exacerbated their existing chronic illnesses and could possibly result in death in the long term. Participants agreed with the benefits of smoke-free policies, but also acknowledged other priorities for ESH living—affordability, safety, and proximity to the workplace—that overshadowed their desires for such policies. Conclusion Overall, study findings suggest that ESH renters understand the dangers of smoking and SHS/THS and want to decrease their exposure, but the persistence of cultural and contextual factors prevents them from fully engaging with 100% smoke-free policies.
Invisible No More: Unmasking the Underestimated Female Labour Market Work
Authors: Malhi Fareena Noor 
Published: September 2024

This article utilizes a rare Time Use Survey (TUS), focusing on Pakistan, to uncover productive labour market activities that often go unnoticed in mainstream labour force surveys (LFS). Leveraging rich time use data along with labour force classification question, we identify and analyse the invisible workforce. Moreover, employing the multinomial logit model, I examine the determinants—such as human capital accumulation (or lack thereof), mobility constraints and financial well-being—of the invisible labour force among women and men aged 10–74 years in Pakistan. The findings reveal significant gender disparities within the invisible workforce, with women constituting a staggering 88% of its members. These women predominantly engage in part-time work concurrently with other activities within their own dwellings, particularly in sectors such as textiles, crafts and animal husbandry. Furthermore, I uncover that the lack of human capital and mobility constraints significantly increase the probability of participation in the invisible workforce. This article tackles the challenge of accurately measuring women’s engagement in productive work by identifying and examining the ‘invisible workforce’ through a unique survey method. Notably, this TUS stands out as the only one available in the South Asian context that integrates LFS questions to identify and study the invisible workforce. The implications of these findings extend to the development of more inclusive measurement frameworks and the promotion of gender equality in labour force participation. JEL Codes: J21, J24, J16, D13
Food insecurity in Norway: A cross-sectional study among patients visiting their general practitioner
Authors: Cioffi Noemi , Diaz Esperanza , Strømme Elisabeth M. , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Mildestvedt Thomas , Fadnes Lars T. 
Published: September 2024

Aims: We aim to address the knowledge gap surrounding food insecurity in general practice in Norway, focusing on its prevalence among patients, sociodemographic correlates and its relationship with chronic diseases across different age groups. Methods: This study is cross-sectional, collecting data through 69 general practice clinics in 2022 from patients >18 years old visiting their general practitioner. They answered an anonymous questionnaire with the Cornell–Radimer hunger scale. Questions addressed hunger, concerns about food access, financial difficulties purchasing food, impact on children, patient demographics, children, and use of medications for chronic disease. We present logistic regression models with odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals to examine associations between food insecurity and patient characteristics. Results: Among 2571 invited patients, 81.2% ( n=2089) participated in the study. Of the participants, 40.1% were considered food insecure. The questions in the Cornell–Radimer hunger scale indicated that most had a mild degree of food insecurity. Food insecurity ranged from 28.9% among those >70 years old to 68.0% among those <30 years old. Food insecurity was associated with age <30 years, being migrant, inversely associated with higher educational levels (OR 0.60, 0.41–0.87) or having own children (OR 0.24, 0.18–0.31). Food insecurity was higher among participants using medications for chronic disease (OR 1.33, 1.05–1.68). Conclusions: This study underscores the presence of food insecurity in high-income countries like Norway, particularly among specific groups such as young adults, migrants and patients with chronic diseases. These categories of patient could benefit from screening of food insecurity during medical contact.
A meta-analysis and modeling study for green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles effect on UV-protection for cotton fabrics
Authors: Nasirzadeh Nafiseh , Golbabaei Farideh , Monazzam Esmaielpour Mohammad Reza , Omari Shekaftik Soqrat 
Published: September 2024

Despite enormous benefits of UV radiation, exposure to it stimulates skin and eye damages. In occupational health sciences, modification of cotton fabrics by biodegradable nanomaterials is a new approach to overcome this problem. So, the aim of this study is to investigate green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles effect on UV-protection for nano-cotton fabrics using meta-analysis, computational method and simulation. This study was conducted based on Cochrane systematic review guideline. Meta-analysis was provided by CMA Software. Regression Model was applied to describe the relationship between the size of nanoparticles and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Also, Crystal Ball software was used for simulation. After screening, 15 studies were regarded as appropriate, until Jun 2023. Pearson’s coefficient confirmed a good correlation between UPF and size of nanoparticles ( p = 0.013). The results of meta-analysis showed that odd ratio (UPF) was 11.29 (confidence interval 95%) for treated cotton fabrics. Regression model for nanoparticles whose size ranges from 3.98 to 107 nm was predicted with UPF between 52.76 and 53.17 (Excellent protection), with a certainty of 78.015%. Estimations show that the nano-cotton fabrics have an excellent UPF value, and by optimizing the particle size in the synthesis process, the highest level of UPF can be achieved.
Delayed Cortical Responses During Reactive Balance After Stroke Associated With Slower Kinetics and Clinical Balance Dysfunction
Authors: Palmer Jacqueline A. , Payne Aiden M. , Mirdamadi Jasmine L. , Ting Lena H. , Borich Michael R. 
Published: September 2024

Background Slowed balance and mobility after stroke have been well-characterized. Yet the effects of unilateral cortical lesions on whole-body neuromechanical control is poorly understood, despite increased reliance on cortical resources for balance and mobility with aging. Objective. We tested whether individuals post stroke show impaired cortical responses evoked during reactive balance, and the effect of asymmetrical interlimb contributions to balance recovery and the evoked cortical response. Methods Using electroencephalography, we assessed cortical N1 responses evoked over fronto-midline regions (Cz) during backward support-surface perturbations loading both legs and posterior-lateral directions that preferentially load the paretic or nonparetic leg in individuals’ post-stroke and age-matched controls. We tested relationships between cortical responses and clinical balance/mobility function, as well as to center of pressure (CoP) rate of rise (RoR) during balance recovery. Results Cortical N1 responses were smaller and delayed after stroke ( P < .047), regardless of perturbation condition. In contrast to controls, slower cortical response latencies associated with lower clinical function in stroke (Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test: r = −.61, P = .007; Timed-Up-and-Go: r = .53, P = .024; walking speed: r = −.46, P = .055). Paretic-loaded balance recovery revealed slower CoP RoR ( P = .012) that was associated with delayed cortical response latencies ( r = −.70, P = .003); these relationships were not present during bilateral and nonparetic-loaded conditions, nor in the older adults control group. Conclusions Individuals after stroke may be limited in their balance ability by the slowed speed of their cortical responses to destabilization. In particular, paretic leg loading may reveal cortical response impairments that reflect reduced paretic motor capacity.
Memory benefits of daily-living-related contextual cueing for individuals with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Chien-hsiou , Li Kuan-yi , Liao Wan-wen , Chuang I-ching , Huang Yan-hua , Wu Ching-yi 
Published: September 2024

Objective We aimed to assess how daily-living-related contextual cueing (DLCC) affects memory performance in three groups: healthy older adults (HA), those with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while accounting for age and education. Methods After gathering demographic information, participants underwent neuropsychological assessments including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog-12), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Trail Making Test (TMT) to establish baseline characteristics. Participants were categorized into HA ( N = 47), SCD ( N = 54), and MCI ( N = 43) groups based on MoCA and ECog-12 scores. Memory performance was evaluated through two components of the Contextual Memory Test (CMT): one with non-contextual cues and the other with daily-living-related contextual cues. Results Interaction effects between contextual cueing and group for immediate recall ( p < .001), delayed recall ( p < .001), and total recall ( p < .001) were found. All recall scores were lower in the MCI group than in the other two groups in the contextual cueing, not non-contextual. The post-hoc results revealed that scores on immediate recall, delayed recall, and total recall were lower in the MCI group than in the other two groups in the contextual cueing condition but not in the non-contextual cueing one. Conclusions Daily-living-related contextual cueing benefited HA, SCD, and younger-adult MCI groups more than older-adult MCI group, particularly enhancing delayed and total memory performance.
Arterial spin labeling detects trapped labeled spins in flow-diverted aneurysms and it reflects intra-aneurysmal flow stasis
Authors: Oki Tatsuya , Tsuji Atsushi , Ishida Shota , Matsubayashi Jun , Yoshida Kazumichi , Watanabe Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2024

Background This study evaluated arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging findings in flow-diverted aneurysms (FD-ANs). Methods Twenty-one patients with internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with flow-diverter stent (FDS) were included. Time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) and ASL were performed before and after follow-up digital subtraction angiography (DSA) on the day, 6 months, and/or 1 year after treatment. Two radiologists rated the clarity of the depiction of FD-ANs for MRA on a 3-point scale and the ASL signal intensity of the aneurysm as negative or positive. A neurosurgeon assessed DSA findings using the O’Kelly–Marotta (OKM) grading scale, categorizing them into filling and stasis grades. The 23 examinations were classified according to the OKM grading scale, and the proportion of ASL-positive cases and the proportion of cases with MRA scores of 1–2 (detectable) were calculated for each grade. The relationship between the OKM grading scale and ASL positivity or MRA detectable was examined using Fisher's exact test. Results Of seven examinations where the statis grade was 1 or 2, no examinations showed ASL positivity. However, among the 16 examinations in which the stasis grade was 3, 9 examinations showed ASL positivity. A significant association was observed between stasis grade and ASL positivity ( p = 0.035). In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between the OKM grading scale and the MRA 3-point scale. Conclusion High-signal ASL in FD-ANs could reflect stasis within the aneurysm; therefore, noninvasive ASL can indicate reduction in intra-aneurysmal blood flow after treatment and reperfusion during posttreatment observation.
pRESET thrombectomy device outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hamouda Abdelrahman M , Cwajna Mark , Kobeissi Hassan , Kendall Nicholas , Elgazzar Tasnim , Ghozy Sherief , Brinjikji Waleed , Kallmes David F 
Published: September 2024

Background Many devices are used to perform mechanical thrombectomy in the setting of large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pRESET stent-retriever systems. Methods We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant studies up to March 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Results A total of 8 papers met the inclusion/exclusion criteria comprising a total of 1140 participants (average age 72.4 ± 11.9, female percentage (50%). Preintervention intravenous thrombolysis was utilized in 46.5% (range 32.9–65.4) of patients, with a median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at presentation of 15 (range 0–38). The middle cerebral artery was the most commonly affected artery, with a prevalence of 76.4% (range 62.8–100). The pRESET stent-retriever systems demonstrated a first-passing effect rate of 53.4% [95% confidence interval [CI] 44.8; 61.7] and a final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3 grade rate of 90.41% [95% CI 82.13; 95.08]. Ninety-day modified Rankin Scale (0–2) rate was 42.2% [95% CI 27.6; 58.4], and 90-day mortality rate was 15.1% [95% CI 9.8; 22.6]. Postintervention hemorrhage occurred at a rate of 28.6% [CI 17.2; 43.6]. Conclusion Our systematic review and meta-analysis describes the efficacy of the pRESET stent retriever system in managing acute ischemic stroke patients. The pRESET device was found to have a similar safety and efficacy profile to other mechanical thrombectomy devices currently in use.
Acute postoperative complications after spine deformity correction in patients with Down syndrome
Authors: Bonnyman Claire W , Klinkerman Lydia N , Ramo Brandon A , Johnson Megan E 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, is the most diagnosed chromosomal abnormality and is associated with multiple orthopedic concerns, including scoliosis. We sought to examine the surgical treatment of scoliosis associated with Down syndrome with an emphasis on specific complications in this population. Methods: A retrospective review of 13 patients with Down syndrome who underwent surgical intervention for spinal deformity between 2000 and 2018 were identified. Postoperative complications were classified using the modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink system. Perioperative and final follow-up radiographic data were analyzed. Results: The mean age at surgery was 14.2 years (11–19) with a mean follow-up of 3.6 years (0.4–6.2) at the time of data collection. Seven (54%) patients had postoperative complications, all related to wound healing. Three patients (23%) had major complications (Clavien-Dindo-Sink grade ≥3). These included one deep surgical site infection, one hematoma, and one seroma, all requiring surgical drainage. Four additional patients (31%) had minor complications (Clavien-Dindo-Sink grade ≤2). Discussion: Surgical intervention for scoliosis in patients with Down syndrome is associated with high complication rates despite the use of more modern surgical techniques and implant types. Complications in this cohort primarily involved wound healing, whereas previous studies described high rates of postoperative implant failure, pseudoarthrosis, and significant curve progression, which were not experienced by the patients in this study. Although the etiology of wound-related complications is unknown, awareness of this risk may help surgeons optimize surgical technique, postoperative monitoring, and preoperative counseling of families. Level of Evidence: IV—single-institution retrospective case series.
The efficacy and safety of third-party umbilical blood/umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell assisted related haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with acute leukemia: an observational study
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Minyuan , Liu Xin , Li Bohan , Gao Li , Wu Shuiyan , Ji Qi , Zhang Zhiqi , Zhang Senlin , Xiao Peifang , Lu Jun , Li Jie , Hu Shaoyan 
Published: September 2024

Background: There is limited data on third-party umbilical cord blood (UCB) or mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation-assisted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) in pediatric patients. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UCB and MSC transplantation-assisted haplo-HSCT in pediatric patients with acute leukemia (AL). Design: Observational study. Methods: Clinical data of 152 children with AL undergoing haplo-HSCT at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University between January 2020 and June 2022 were collected. The patients were divided into the haplo-HSCT + UCB group ( n = 76), haplo-HSCT + MSC group ( n = 31), and haplo-HSCT group ( n = 45). Hematopoietic reconstruction time, complications within 30 days after transplantation, and survival and recurrence at 3 years after transplantation were compared among the groups. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that haplo-HSCT with MSC and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching ⩾6/10 were independent factors reducing engraftment syndrome (ES) incidence. There were no significant differences among the groups in the hematopoietic reconstruction time or incidence of complications within 30 days after transplantation ( p > 0.05). Overall survival, relapse-free survival, cumulative incidence of relapse, cumulative incidence of hematological relapse, and 3-year transplant-related mortality were not significantly different ( p > 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the haplo-HSCT + UCB group was 97.3% within 4 h after UCB infusion, with a particularly high occurrence rate of 94.7% for hypertension. No transfusion-related adverse reactions occurred after the transfusion of umbilical cord MSC in the haplo-HSCT + MSC group. Conclusion: MSC-assisted haplo-HSCT can reduce ES incidence after transplantation in pediatric patients with AL. UCB infusion is associated with a high incidence of reversible hypertension. However, no adverse reactions were observed in umbilical cord MSC transfusion.
Management of isolated native tricuspid valve infective endocarditis by a multidisciplinary program: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Collis Bennett , Alnabelsi Talal , Hall Evan , Cao Chloe , Johnson Meredith , Gurley John , Strnad Luke , Reda Hassan , London Tessa , Ogburn Erinn , Sekela Michael , Stoner Bobbi Jo , El-Dalati Sami 
Published: September 2024

Background: Isolated native tricuspid valve infective endocarditis remains a challenging disease to treat given the large number of patients with substance use disorder. There is limited data on the optimal treatment strategy and the impact of a multidisciplinary endocarditis program on outcomes for this population. Objectives: To assess the clinical outcomes associated with management of native tricuspid valve infective endocarditis by a multidisciplinary team. Design: Single-center, retrospective cohort study. Methods: Patient cases were identified from the registry of the institutional multidisciplinary endocarditis team. Patients with left-sided endocarditis, multivalvular endocarditis, prosthetic tricuspid valves and cardiac implantable electronic devices were excluded. Results: Between September 7th, 2021 and February 1st, 2024 72 consecutive patients with isolated native tricuspid valve infective endocarditis were identified. Sixty-six (91.7%) patients were managed medically. Five patients underwent percutaneous mechanical aspiration of tricuspid valve vegetations and one patient underwent tricuspid valve replacement during the index hospitalization. In-hospital mortality was 1.4% and 90-day mortality was 2.8%. Nineteen (26.4%) patients discharged before medically advised and 25% were re-admitted within 30 days. Ten (13.9%) patients underwent elective tricuspid valve replacements after outpatient follow-up. Conclusion: Among 72 patients with isolated native tricuspid valve infective endocarditis managed by a multidisciplinary endocarditis program over a 2.5-year period, in-hospital, 90-day mortality and 1-year mortality were very low despite low rates of percutaneous mechanical aspiration and tricuspid valve surgery. Multidisciplinary follow-up can lead to elective tricuspid valve surgery in a delayed fashion.