bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Durability of response to immune checkpoint blockade following treatment discontinuation and efficacy of rechallenge in advanced Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Ramadoss Tanya , Nichols Matthew , Palacios Christian , Eroglu Zeynep , Markowitz Joseph , Karapetyan Lilit , Tarhini Ahmad A , Wuthrick Evan J , Sondak Vernon K , Khushalani Nikhil I , Tsai Kenneth Y , Brohl Andrew S 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAdvanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has a high response rate to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, but the durability of responses once treatment is discontinued remains unclear. We therefore reviewed the long-term outcomes of advanced patients with MCC who discontinued ICB treatment after achieving favorable initial response.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of advanced patients with MCC treated at a single high-volume referral center, including all patients who received at least one dose of anti-programmed death receptor 1 (ligand) monotherapy for unresectable or metastatic disease, achieved stable disease (SD) or better, and discontinued treatment for a reason other than disease progression.ResultsOf 195 advanced patients with MCC treated with ICB, we identified 45 who met the study criteria. Of these, 21 (46.6%) had a complete response (CR) to initial ICB treatment, 23 (51.1%) a partial response and 1 (2.2%) SD. 25 (55.6%) patients discontinued ICB electively and 20 (44.4%) discontinued due to toxicity. In total, 21 of the 45 patients (46.6%) experienced disease progression at a median of 11.3 months (range 2.1–22.7 months) from ICB cessation. There was a lower rate of progression in patients who achieved CR versus non-CR (23.8% vs 66.7%, p=0.006) and a trend towards a lower rate in those who discontinued electively versus due to toxicity (36.0% vs 60.0%, p=0.14). There was a higher risk for progression in patients with viral positive MCC compared with viral negative MCC (75.0 vs 30.8%, p=0.02). 16 of the 21 patients who experienced progression were retreated subsequently with ICB therapy, including both single-agent rechallenge (12) and escalation to combination ICB (4). 11 of 15 evaluable ICB-retreated patients (73.3%) achieved an objective response.ConclusionsPatients with advanced MCC have a substantial risk of disease progression following treatment discontinuation despite initial favorable ICB response, particularly in those that achieve less than a CR. Most of these patients maintain sensitivity to retreatment with the same drug class. Virus-positive MCC may be a risk factor for post-discontinuation relapse, which should be validated in future studies.
Learning from serum markers reflecting endothelial activation: longitudinal data in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bergkamp Sandy C , Bergkamp Nick D , Wahadat Mohamed Javad , Gruppen Mariken P , Nassar-Sheikh Rashid Amara , Tas Sander W , Smit Martine J , Versnel Marjan A , van den Berg J Merlijn , Kamphuis Sylvia , Schonenberg-Meinema Dieneke 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesIn childhood-onset SLE (cSLE), patients have an increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. The pathophysiological mechanisms for this premature atherosclerosis are not yet completely understood, but besides traditional risk factors, the endothelium plays a major role. The first aim of this study was to measure levels of SLE-associated markers involved in endothelial cell (EC) function and lipids in a cSLE cohort longitudinally in comparison with healthy controls (HC). Next aim was to correlate these levels with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and nailfold capillaroscopic patterns.MethodsBlood serum samples, videocapillaroscopy images and patient characteristics were collected in a multicentre longitudinal cSLE cohort and from age and sex comparable HC. Disease activity was evaluated by SLEDAI. A total of 15 EC markers and six lipids were measured in two longitudinal cSLE samples (minimum interval of 6 months) and in HC. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy images were scored according to the guidelines from the EULAR Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases.ResultsIn total, 47 patients with cSLE and 42 HCs were analysed. Median age at diagnosis was 15 years (IQR 12–16 years). Median time between t=1 and t=2 was 14.5 months (IQR 9–24 months). Median SLEDAI was 12 (IQR 6–18) at t=1 and 2 (IQR 1–4) at t=2. Serum levels of angiopoietin-2, CCL2, CXCL10, GAS6, pentraxin-3, thrombomodulin, VCAM-1 and vWF-A2 were elevated in cSLE compared with HC at t=1. While many elevated EC markers at t=1 normalised over time after treatment, several markers remained significantly increased compared with HC (angiopoietin-2, CCL2, CXCL10, GAS6, thrombomodulin and VCAM-1).ConclusionIn serum from patients with cSLE different markers of endothelial activation were dysregulated. While most markers normalised during treatment, others remained elevated in a subset of patients, even during low disease activity. These results suggest a role for the dysregulated endothelium in early and later phases of cSLE, possibly also during lower disease activity.Trial registration numberNL60885.018.17.
Inflammatory biomarkers predicting long-term remission and active disease in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a population-based study of the Nordic JIA cohort
Authors: Glerup Mia , Kessel Christoph , Foell Dirk , Berntson Lillemor , Fasth Anders , Myrup Charlotte , Nordal Ellen , Rypdal Veronika , Rygg Marite , Arnstad Ellen Dalen , Peltoniemi Suvi , Aalto Kristiina , Schleifenbaum Susanne , Høllsberg Malene Noer , Bilgrau Anders Ellern , Herlin Troels 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesTo assess the ability of baseline serum biomarkers to predict disease activity and remission status in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at 18-year follow-up (FU) in a population-based setting.MethodsClinical data and serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers were assessed in the longitudinal population-based Nordic JIA cohort study at baseline and at 18-year FU. A panel of 16 inflammatory biomarkers was determined by multiplexed bead array assay. We estimated both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models on binary outcomes of disease activity and remission with baseline variables as explanatory variables.ResultsOut of 349 patients eligible for the Nordic JIA cohort study, 236 (68%) had available serum samples at baseline. We measured significantly higher serum levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-13, MMP-3, S100A9 and S100A12 at baseline in patients with active disease at 18-year FU than in patients with inactive disease. Computing receiver operating characteristics illustrating the area under the curve (AUC), we compared a conventional prediction model (gender, age, joint counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein) with an extended model that also incorporated the 16 baseline biomarkers. Biomarker addition significantly improved the ability of the model to predict activity/inactivity at the 18-year FU, as evidenced by an increase in the AUC from 0.59 to 0.80 (p=0.02). Multiple regression analysis revealed that S100A9 was the strongest predictor of inactive disease 18 years after disease onset.ConclusionBiomarkers indicating inflammation at baseline have the potential to improve evaluation of disease activity and prediction of long-term outcomes.
The polarized photon distribution function
Authors: de Florian Daniel , Palma Conte Lucas , Volonnino Gabriel Fernando 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe employ the LuxQED approach to compute the polarized photon PDF (photon pPDF). This approach expresses the pPDF in terms of the structure functions $$g_1$$

g
1

and $$g_2$$

g
2

. Different models for the structure functions are employed according to the parameter space region. The resulting pPDF is approximately of the order of x times the unpolarized PDF. The relative uncertainty in the photon pPDF reaches up to 50% for $$x \sim 10^{-3}$$

x
∼

10

-
3

, decreasing to approximately 10% for higher values of x. The computation of the photon pPDF will be essential for improving the precision of polarized calculations and will have fundamental implications for studies at the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).
Evaluating Preferences of Hospitalized Diabetes Patients for Hospital‐Wide Glycemic Control Programme: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Dai Jing , He Ting , He Xiaodie , Li Huaying , Li Lintong , Sun Jie , Pan Jie , Ji Cheng 
Published: September 2024

Background: Effective glycemic control is crucial for hospitalized patients, leading to benefits such as shorter hospital stays and reduced postoperative infection rates. While previous studies have emphasized the effectiveness of multidisciplinary collaborative stewardship for hospital‐wide hyperglycemia management, patient perspectives and preferences have not been adequately considered.Objective: To identify factors influencing treatment preferences of Chinese hospitalized diabetes patients using discrete choice experiments (DCEs) and provide practical insights for the construction of a hospital‐wide glycemic control programme.Methods: A face‐to‐face survey was conducted among diabetes patients admitted to nonendocrine departments in a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, China. The attributes and levels were determined based on DCE principles, and a conditional logit model was used to quantify patients’ preferences.Results: A total of 157 respondents were analyzed. Antihyperglycemic effectiveness, healthcare providers, treatment regimen, monitoring frequency, and adverse reactions were the five attributes that significantly influenced patient preference (p < 0.05). Notably, an 80% glycemic control rate (β = 2.009) and a multidisciplinary management team involving clinical pharmacists (β = 1.346) had the greatest impact. Negative effects were observed for hypoglycemia (β = −1.008), insulin pump use (β = −0.746), and frequent glucose monitoring (β = −0.523). Female patients exhibited higher concern for healthcare providers (β = 1.172) compared to males. Younger and shorter‐course patients prioritized antihyperglycemic effectiveness (β = 3.330, β = 1.510), while older patients preferred multidisciplinary management (β = 1.186) and opposed increased monitoring frequency (β = −0.703). Patients with higher educational backgrounds showed greater acceptance of continuous glucose monitoring (β = 1.983), and those with higher annual income placed more emphasis on glycemic control rate.Conclusion: Treatment preferences of hospitalized diabetes patients are mainly influenced by antihyperglycemic effectiveness, adverse reactions, healthcare providers, and individual characteristics. Comprehensive consideration and an individualized therapy strategy should be given when constructing a hospital‐wide glycemic control programme.
Tone language experience enhances dimension-selective attention and subcortical encoding but not cortical entrainment to pitch
Authors: Kachlicka Magdalena , Symons Ashley E. , Saito Kazuya , Dick Frederic , Tierney Adam T. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
What factors determine the importance placed on different sources of evidence during speech and music perception? Attention-to-dimension theories suggest that, through prolonged exposure to their first language (L1), listeners become biased to attend to acoustic dimensions especially informative in that language. Given that selective attention can modulate cortical tracking of sounds, attention-to-dimension accounts predict that tone language speakers would show greater cortical tracking of pitch in L2 speech, even when it is not task-relevant, as well as an enhanced ability to attend to pitch in both speech and music. Here, we test these hypotheses by examining neural sound encoding, dimension-selective attention, and cue-weighting strategies in 54 native English and 60 Mandarin Chinese speakers. Our results show that Mandarin speakers, compared to native English speakers, are better at attending to pitch and worse at attending to duration in verbal and non-verbal stimuli; moreover, they place more importance on pitch and less on duration during speech and music categorization. The effects of language background were moderated by musical experience, however, with Mandarin-speaking musicians better able to attend to duration and using duration more as a cue to phrase boundary perception. There was no effect of L1 on cortical tracking of acoustic dimensions. Nevertheless, the frequency-following response to stimulus pitch was enhanced in Mandarin speakers, suggesting that speaking a tone language can boost processing of early pitch encoding. These findings suggest that tone language experience does not increase the tendency for pitch to capture attention, regardless of task; instead, tone language speakers may benefit from an enhanced ability to direct attention to pitch when it is task-relevant, without affecting pitch salience.
Sent “Without Ordre”: John Dunton, the London Book Trade, and the Provincialized Reader of Late Seventeenth-Century New England
Authors: Garcia John J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This essay argues that a cohort of London booksellers who visited colonial New England fashioned readers as unsophisticated provincials. It focuses on the English bookseller John Dunton, who visited Boston in the 1680s. on marginalia in colonial books, and on the circumstances which undermined the publication of Magnalia Christi Americana.
Comparative analysis of noise and music exposure on inflammatory responses on lipopolysaccharide-induced septic rats
Authors: Liu Hu , Peng Xing-guo , Gao Ran , Yang Kai , Zhao Yan-bo 
Published: September 2024

Objective Environmental factors such as noise and music can significantly impact physiological responses, including inflammation. This study explored how environmental factors like noise and music affect lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, with a focus on systemic and organ-specific responses. Materials and Methods 24 Wistar rats were divided into four groups ( n = 6 per group): Control group, LPS group, noise-exposed group, and music-exposed group. All rats, except for the Control group, received 10 mg/kg LPS intraperitoneally. The rats in the noise-exposed group were exposed to 95 dB noise, and the music-exposed group listened to Mozart’s K. 448 music (65–75 dB) for 1 h daily over 7 days. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), in serum and tissues (lung, liver, and kidney). Western blot examined the phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in organ tissues. Results Compared with the Control group, LPS-induced sepsis rats displayed a significant increase in the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum, lung, liver, and kidney tissues, as well as a remarkable elevation in the p-NF-κB p65 protein expression in lung, liver, and kidney tissues. Noise exposure further amplified these inflammatory markers, while music exposure reduced them in LPS-induced sepsis rats. Conclusion Noise exposure exacerbates inflammation by activating the NF-κB pathway, leading to the up-regulation of inflammatory markers during sepsis. On the contrary, music exposure inhibits NF-κB signaling, indicating a potential therapeutic effect in reducing inflammation.
The Impact of Internet Addiction on Academic Performance Among Medical Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study and the Potential Role of Yoga#
Authors: Afrin Sumaiya , Rahman Nur-A-Safrina , Tabassum Tahsin Tasneem , Abdullah Faisal , Rahman Md. Istiakur , Simu Sumona Haque , Kumar Lakshya , Noor Khutaija , Vishal FNU , Podder Vivek 
Published: September 2024

Background Excessive internet use is a growing concern globally, and internet addiction negatively impacts academic performance. Limited research has been conducted on this topic among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh. Purpose This study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction and its impact on academic performance among medical students in Bangladesh, with a focus on the role of yoga in reducing Internet addiction as a proposed intervention. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among third-year medical students in four colleges in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select participants, and data were collected using pretested questionnaires and a checklist for office records through face-to-face interviews. SPSS version 25 was used for data processing and analysis. Results Out of 312 students, 84% were addicted to the internet, and only 16% were normal. In total, 64.4% had good results in the first professional examination, while 35.6% had poor results. In total, 85.9% had good attendance, while 14.1% had poor attendance. The association between internet addiction level and first professional examination results and class attendance was highly significant. Conclusion This study highlights the high prevalence and negative impacts of internet addiction among medical students in Bangladesh. The study suggests that promoting awareness about healthy technology use, establishing a better balance between internet usage and academic study, and encouraging the practice of yoga can help alleviate this problem. Further research and interventions are needed to tackle this emerging public health issue. Encouraging students to use the internet for academic purposes and providing education and resources can help promote healthy technology use. Healthcare professionals should also be aware of the risks and encourage seeking help if needed.
A qualitative study on the experiences of women undergoing surgery for developmental breast asymmetry
Authors: Ho Lorraine Kit Ying , Jafari Sahima , Crittenden Tamara , van Essen Phillipa , Smallman Andrea , Dean Nicola R. 
Published: September 2024

Background: Developmental breast asymmetry (DBA) is a largely underreported condition where the natural growth of one breast is smaller than the other. While some degree of asymmetry or difference in size and shape is present in most women, DBA can result in more profound differences that can impact a woman’s psychosocial well-being. Objectives: This study aims to better understand the experiences of women living with DBA, their experiences seeking treatment, and their reconstructive surgical journey and outcomes. Design: This was a qualitative study involving in-depth, one-on-one semi-structured interviews with women diagnosed with DBA. Methods: Participants were women seeking treatment for DBA through the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit at Flinders Medical Centre, a tertiary healthcare centre in Adelaide, South Australia. Interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Fourteen interviews were conducted with 14 women; 13 women had completed their reconstruction and 1 was undergoing reconstruction at the time of their interview. Interviews highlighted the significant psychosocial impact of DBA, the different experiences in seeking help for DBA, the information received or lack thereof, the need for medical and social support throughout the surgical process, and the varied satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Conclusion: This study highlighted the subjective experiences of women who have grown up with DBA, improving our understanding of the significant psychosocial impact of DBA. Not all participants experienced post-operative improvements in psychosocial well-being due to surgical complications or unmet expectations. This study also demonstrated the need to raise awareness about DBA and the importance of additional medical and social support for women throughout their surgical journey.
Increasing Identification and Follow-Up of Cognitive Impairment in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Pilot Study
Authors: Uomoto Keirstin E. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Beyond our population growing older and living longer, there is an increased risk of developing a cognitive disorder. Standardized screening during a routine visit in primary care may be ideal for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and follow-up for cognitive changes. Aim: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to determine the impact of implementing the Mini-Cog© quick screening for early dementia detection to identify and follow up on the cognitive impairment of older adults in a primary care clinic setting. Methods: Implementation started in February 2024 in a primary care clinic in Southern California. Data was collected for this project over a total of 16 weeks. This QI project implemented a routine cognitive screening using the Mini-Cog©. Cognitive impairment was identified, and if indicated by the Mini-Cog© scores, follow-up for a cognitive assessment and care plan services were initiated. Data were obtained from the project site’s electronic medical record on a total sample size of 471 participants (n = 382 in the pre-implementation group and n = 89 in the post-implementation group). Results: Pearson’s chi-square test indicated a statistically significant improvement in the identification rate of cognitive impairment, increasing from 11.8% (n = 45 out of 382) at pre-implementation to 34.8% (n = 31 out of 89) at post-implementation, and specifically, mild cognitive impairment increased from zero identified in pre-implementation to 12.4% (n = 11 out of 89) post-implementation. Lastly, follow-up rates improved from 91.1% (n = 41 out of 45) to 100% (n = 31 out of 31) in post-implementation, and clinical significance was evident based on the phi-coefficient ( φ = 0.196), indicating a small effect size and a 100% follow-up rate. Conclusions: The findings of this project suggest older adults should receive cognitive screenings to help identify early cognitive impairment and increase follow-up for further evaluation, treatment, and advanced care planning.
Soil pH enhancement and alterations in nutrient and Bacterial Community profiles following Pleioblastus amarus expansion in tea plantations
Authors: Fan Lili , Chen Shuanglin , Guo Ziwu , Hu Ruicai , Yao Liangjin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The expansion of bamboo forests increases environmental heterogeneity in tea plantation ecosystems, affecting soil properties and microbial communities. Understanding these impacts is essential for developing sustainable bamboo management and maintaining ecological balance in tea plantations.

Methods
We studied the effect of the continuous expansion of Pleioblastus amarus into tea plantations, by establishing five plot types: pure P. amarus forest area (BF), P. amarus forest interface area (BA), mixed forest interface area (MA), mixed forest center area (TB), and pure tea plantation area (TF). We conducted a comprehensive analysis of soil chemical properties and utilized Illumina sequencing to profile microbial community composition and diversity, emphasizing their responses to bamboo expansion.

Results
(1) Bamboo expansion significantly raised soil pH and enhanced levels of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, particularly noticeable in BA and MA sites. In the TB sites, improvements in soil nutrients were statistically indistinguishable from those in pure tea plantation areas. (2) Continuous bamboo expansion led to significant changes in soil bacterial diversity, especially noticeable between BA and TF sites, while fungal diversity was unaffected. (3) Bamboo expansion substantially altered the composition of less abundant bacterial and fungal communities, which proved more sensitive to changes in soil chemical properties.

Conclusion
The expansion of bamboo forests causes significant alterations in soil pH and nutrient characteristics, impacting the diversity and composition of soil bacteria in tea plantations. However, as expansion progresses, its long-term beneficial impact on soil quality in tea plantations appears limited.