bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NKG2C/KLRC2tumor cell expression enhances immunotherapeutic efficacy against glioblastoma
Authors: de Dios Olaya , Ramírez-González M Angeles , Gómez-Soria Irene , Segura-Collar Berta , Manosalva Juliana , Megías Diego , De Andrea Carlos E , Fernández-Rubio Leticia , Hernández-Laín Aurelio , Sepúlveda-Sánchez Juan M , Rodriguez-Ruiz Maria E , Pérez-Núñez Ángel , Wainwright Derek A , Gargini Ricardo , Sánchez-Gómez Pilar 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundActivating and inhibitory receptors of natural killer (NK) cells such as NKp, NKG2, or CLEC are highly relevant to cold tumors including glioblastoma (GBM). Here, we aimed to characterize the expression of these receptors in GBM to gain insight into their potential role as modulators of the intratumoral microenvironment.MethodsWe performed a transcriptomic analysis of several NK receptors with a focus on the activating receptor encoded byKLRC2,NKG2C, among bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing GBM data sets. We also evaluated the effects of KLRC2-overexpressing GL261 cells in mice treated with or without programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Finally, we analyzed samples from two clinical trials evaluating PD-1 mAb effects in patients with GBM to determine the potential of NKG2C to serve as a biomarker of response.ResultsWe observed significant expression of several inhibitory NK receptors on GBM-infiltrating NK and T cells, which contrasts with the strong expression of KLRC2 on tumor cells, mainly at the infiltrative margin. NeoplasticKLRC2expression was associated with a reduction in the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and with a higher level of tumor-resident lymphocytes. A stronger antitumor activity after PD-1 mAb treatment was observed in NKG2Chigh-expressing tumors both in mouse models and patients with GBM whereas the expression of inhibitory NK receptors showed an inverse association.ConclusionsThis study explored the role of neoplastic NKG2C/KLRC2expression in shaping the immune profile of GBM and suggests that it is a predictive biomarker for positive responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in patients with GBM. Future studies could further validate this finding in prospective trials.
Higher proceduralist stroke thrombectomy volume is associated with reduced inpatient mortality
Authors: Koo Andrew B , Renedo Daniela , Ney John , Amllay Abdelaziz , Kanzler Matthew , Stogniy Sasha , Alawieh Ali M , Sujijantarat Nanthiya , Antonios Joseph , Al Kasab Sami , Malhotra Ajay , Hebert Ryan , Matouk Charles , de Havenon Adam 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) proceduralist volume on in-hospital mortality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using the 2020 Florida State Inpatient Database, including adult patients who had a diagnosis of AIS and underwent EVT during the same admission. The primary study outcome was in-hospital death. We used Youden’s Index to define an optimal threshold for number of EVTs/year/provider. Based on this cut-point, the cohort was dichotomized into low and high proceduralist volume groups. We fit logistic regression models to mortality in the full cohort, both as univariate analyses and after adjusting for covariates.ResultsAmong 3143 AIS patients who underwent EVT, 1907 patients across 59 hospitals and 106 providers met our inclusion criteria. Among the providers, the median number of EVTs performed was 13.5 (IQR 7–25). The optimal cut-point was 17 EVTs. Demographics and comorbidities were similar between the cohorts. The high volume strata had a lower rate of in-hospital mortality (low volume 11.0% vs high volume 7.2%, P=0.005). After adjusting for potential confounders, high proceduralist volume remained significantly associated with lower odds of in-hospital death (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.76, P=0.001). The difference in absolute risk of death was 4.8% (P=0.005).ConclusionsWe found that high proceduralist volume, defined by ≥18 EVTs/year, was associated with reduced in-hospital morality. Further research is necessary to understand the effects of proceduralist experience and benchmarks for technical proficiency in stroke care.
Flow diverter braid deformation following treatment of cerebral aneurysms: incidence, clinical relevance, and potential risk factors
Authors: Popica Dan Adrian , Cortese Jonathan , Oliver Alexander A , Plaforet Vincent , Molina Diaz Ignacio , Rodriguez-Erazú Fernanda , Ikka Léon , Mihalea Cristian , Chalumeau Vanessa , Kallmes David F , Caroff Jildaz , Spelle Laurent 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundAlthough flow diverters (FDs) have benefited from several technical improvements, recently concerns have arisen regarding the braid stability after implantation. Thus, we investigated frequency, predictive factors, and clinical impact of the phenomenon of FD braid deformation (FDBD).MethodsConsecutive intracranial aneurysms (IAs) treated with various FDs, between January 2018 and July 2023, were reviewed to identify FDBD (defined as the deformation of a FD without any external force applied to it). Patient, aneurysm, procedural, and FD characteristics were retrieved and analyzed using univariate and multivariable analyses. Morbidity is defined as a score of +1 in the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months.ResultsIn total, 245 FD procedures (271 FDs implanted; 25 multiple IAs treated with 1 FD) in 228 patients; FDBD was observed in 36/245 cases (14.7%), mainly at follow-up angiography (32/36, 88.9%); fish-mouthing was the most frequent FDBD. Morbidity was related to fish-mouthing and braid collapse and was significantly higher in the FDBD group after retreatment (p=0.04). Drawn filled tubing with platinum (DFT) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=7.0, 95% CI 3.0 to 17.5; p<0.001) and FD diameter (aOR=2.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.1; p<0.01) were identified as independent predictors of FDBD. The metal alloy composing the FD (p=0.13) and coated surfaces were not significantly associated with FDBD (p=0.54 in multivariable analysis).ConclusionsFDBD is a frequent phenomenon observed in about 15% of cases, and it was responsible for higher morbidity. Only FD characteristics (DFT and FD diameter) were independent determinants of FDBD. Future research should focus on the impact of novel braid configurations and materials on braid stability.
Predictors of malignant swelling in space-occupying cerebellar infarction
Authors: Baki Enayatullah , Baumgart Lea , Kehl Victoria , Hess Felix , Wolff Andreas Wolfgang , Wagner Arthur , Hernandez Petzsche Moritz Roman , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Hemmer Bernhard , Meyer Bernhard , Gempt Jens , Wunderlich Silke 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMalignant swelling is a fatal complication that can occur abruptly in space-occupying cerebellar infarction. We aimed to establish markers that predict malignant swelling in cerebellar infarction.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed data of stroke patients who were treated in our hospital between 2014 and 2020. Malignant swelling was defined as a mass effect in the posterior cranial fossa, accompanied by a decrease in consciousness due to compression of the brainstem and/or the development of obstructive hydrocephalus. Statistical analyses were performed on multiple variables to identify predictors of malignant swelling.ResultsAmong 7284 stroke patients, we identified 487 patients with an infarct in the cerebellum. 93 patients were suitable for analysis having space-occupying cerebellar infarction. 33 of 93 (35.5%) patients developed malignant swelling. Multivariable analysis revealed infarct volume as the main predictor being independently associated with the development of malignant swelling with a cut-off infarct volume of 38 cm3being associated with a swelling rate of >50% (OR 32.0, p<0.001). Higher NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score on admission (median NIHSS 12 vs 4, OR 1.078; p=0.008) and the presence of additional brainstem infarction (51.5% vs 16.7%, OR 5.312; p=0.013) were associated with the development of malignant swelling in univariate analyses. 13 of 33 (39.4%) cases of malignant swellings occurred after more than 3 days.ConclusionsInfarct volume was the key significant predictor of malignant swelling in space-occupying cerebellar infarction. With many cases of malignant swelling occurring after more than 72 hours, we advocate prolonged neurological monitoring.
Statistical mechanics description of an empirical scenario in which gravity was discussed when coupled to a harmonic oscillator
Authors: Hameeda Mir , Plastinor A. , Rocca M. C. 
Published: August 2024

We attempt to construct a (two-dimensional) statistical mechanics description of the scenario in which the experiment in [T. Westphal et al., Nature 591, 225 (2021)] was made. It includes two masses that, simultaneously, (1) interact classically via the Newton gravitation and (2) harmonically vibrate. Within the strictures of Gibbs canonical ensemble at the temperature T, our treatment is exact.
Analysis of Spontaneously Reported Adverse Drug Events: Towards Developing Systems for Preventability
Authors: Ketor Courage Edem , Benneh Charles Kwaku , Sarkodie Emmanuel , Anaglo Juliet Ama , Mensah Adelaide , Somuah Samuel Owusu , Akakpo Selorm , Woode Eric 
Published: August 2024

Background: Analysing data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in health facilities is an essential step to help develop effective strategies to reduce their incidence. The objective was to analyse spontaneous ADR reports sent to the Ghanaian Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) by two reporting health facilities over 5 years.Methods: Data from duplicate spontaneous ADR reports sent to the FDA (Ghana) from 2014 to 2018 were extracted. The relationship between independent variables such as age, sex, and source of drugs and ADR outcomes was assessed with either chi‐square or a Cramer’s V test for association where appropriate.Results: Type A reactions (65.2%) were the most prevalent of the ADRs, followed by Type B (34.1%), with the majority (80%) of patients affected recovering fully. The majority of Type A reactions (54.1%) occurred in the clinic, while the majority of Type B reactions (43.5%) occurred in the hospital. The skin and central nervous system (CNS) were the most affected (70.8%) organs. A higher incidence of CNS and skin‐related ADRs was recorded in patients older than 30 (RR = 1.28 (1.07–1.53)). Also, females were more likely to experience a CNS‐related ADR. The seriousness of the ADR was found to be significantly associated with the (1) type of prescriber, (2) whether the drug was prescribed, or (3) whether the drug regimen prescribed was appropriate. Even though, in 86% of cases, the offending drug was withdrawn within the first 5 days, it exceeded 20 days in about 6% of cases. The record of allergy status in a patient’s folder and the source of the drug were significantly associated with the chance that the offending drug was withdrawn. However, recording ADRs did not influence whether the offending drug was stopped.Conclusion: Most of the ADRs experienced by patients could be avoided if the current systems are improved to prevent the rechallenge of offending drugs. Efforts to improve and update patient medication records and steps to ensure continuity of care are essential in preventing these adverse drug events.
RecommendRift: a leap forward in user experience with transfer learning on netflix recommendations
Authors: Anuradha Surabhi , Jyothi Pothabathula Naga , Sivakumar Surabhi , Sheshikala Martha 
Published: August 2024

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, streaming movies and series on platforms like Netflix is a valued recreational activity. However, users often spend considerable time searching for the right content and receive irrelevant recommendations, particularly when facing the “cold start problem” for new users. This challenge arises from existing recommender systems relying on factors like casting, title, and genre, using term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) for vectorization, which prioritizes word frequency over semantic meaning. To address this, an innovative recommender system considering not only casting, title, and genre but also the short description of movies or shows is proposed in this study. Leveraging Word2Vec embedding for semantic relationships, this system offers recommendations aligning better with user preferences. Evaluation metrics including precision, mean average precision (MAP), discounted cumulative gain (DCG), and ideal cumulative gain (IDCG) demonstrate the system’s effectiveness, achieving a normalized DCG (NDCG)@10 of 0.956. A/B testing shows an improved click-through rate (CTR) of recommendations, showcasing enhanced streaming experience.
Group Coordination Catalyzes Individual and Cultural Intelligence
Authors: Wu Charley M. , Dale Rick , Hawkins Robert D. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
A large program of research has aimed to ground large-scale cultural phenomena in processes taking place within individual minds. For example, investigating whether individual agents equipped with the right social learning strategies can enable cumulative cultural evolution given long enough time horizons. However, this approach often omits the critical group-level processes that mediate between individual agents and multi-generational societies. Here, we argue that interacting groups are a necessary and explanatory level of analysis, linking individual and collective intelligence through two characteristic feedback loops. In the first loop, more sophisticated individual-level social learning mechanisms based on Theory of Mind facilitate group-level complementarity, allowing distributed knowledge to be compositionally recombined in groups; these group-level innovations, in turn, ease the cognitive load on individuals. In the second loop, societal-level processes of cumulative culture provide groups with new cognitive technologies, including shared language and conceptual abstractions, which set in motion new group-level processes to further coordinate, recombine, and innovate. Taken together, these cycles establish group-level interaction as a dual engine of intelligence, catalyzing both individual cognition and cumulative culture.
Prevalence of HLA-B27, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in children with enthesitis-related arthritis
Authors: Jittawattanarat Boonsiri , Charuvanij Sirirat , Tangcheewinsirikul Sirikarn , Sukharomana Maynart 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) is a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with high disease burden. The objectives of this study were to explore the prevalence of HLA-B27, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes in children with ERA and compare the differences between HLA-B27 positive and negative patients.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study at a pediatric rheumatology clinic in a tertiary referral hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, including ERA patients with at least 6 months of follow-up (July 2011-April 2022) was performed. Data were collected from medical records from diagnosis to recent follow-up, assessing disease activity and treatment outcomes, with an analysis comparing HLA-B27 positive and negative patients. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results
There were 59 ERA patients with mean age ± SD at diagnosis 11.2 ± 2.5 years, 53 males (89.8%), and positive HLA-B27 in 38 patients (64.4%). The HLA-B27 positive group had significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers at initial diagnosis (p = 0.001), lower baseline hemoglobin (p = 0.001) and hematocrit (p = 0.002), higher disease activity assessed by the Juvenile Spondyloarthritis Disease Activity score at 6 and 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.028 and 0.040, respectively), increased utilization of bridging systemic corticosteroids (60.5% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.001) and anti-TNF (39.5% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.018), and longer duration of methotrexate (median[IQR] 1.7[1.1–3.1] vs. 1.3[0.6–1.9] years, p = 0.040). The HLA-B27 negative group had more prevalent hip arthritis than the positive group at initial diagnosis (66.7% vs. 28.9%, p = 0.005) and during the course of the disease (71.4% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.011).

Conclusion
Most of the ERA patients tested positive for HLA-B27. Throughout the follow-up period, these patients demonstrated greater disease activity, greater use of corticosteroids and anti-TNF, and longer duration of methotrexate to control the disease.
Innovative molecular and immunological approaches of heterophyiasis infecting some Egyptian marketed fishes
Authors: Mahdy Olfat A. , Ramadan Reem M. , Salem Mai A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHeterophyiasis is a highly endemic disease in the Nile Delta, Egypt, where people consume raw or undercooked Oreochromis niloticus and Mugil cephalus. Birds and rats play a crucial role in fish-borne zoonotic trematode transmission since they serve as natural and experimental hosts. This study aimed to update the epidemiological information, morphological description, molecular identification and gene expression of two distinct heterophyid metacercariae in Giza, Wadi Al-Rayan, and Lake Manzala, Egypt, whereas various heterophyid infections could be expected. The present Centrocestus formosanus, Heterophyes heterophyes, and Heterophyes nocens with accession numbers OR947651.1, OR947700.1, and OR947719.1, respectively, matched with those recorded in the GenBank. Findings of the current investigation indicated that various cytokines like IL-1β, MHC-II, and TNF-α rapidly elevated in the infected pigeon’s intestines. Additionally, the infection expanded due to the parasite’s ejection from the host and the host’s clinical affliction, which induced humoral immune responses. Interestingly, investigation of other trematode species is in extreme demand in terms of zoonoses. We suggest controlling snails, managing migratory birds, and examining and frying fishes to the point when the encysted metacercariae is destroyed.
Development of a novel patient reported outcome measure for health-related quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PROQuALS): study protocol
Authors: Carlton Jill , Powell Philip , Rowen Donna , Williams Claire , Griffiths Alys Wyn , Hobson Esther , McDermott Christopher 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be used to assess the impact of health conditions upon an individual’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Whilst PROMs have been used to quantify the HRQoL impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), existing instruments may not fully capture what matters to people living with ALS (plwALS) or be appropriate to be used directly to inform the cost-effectiveness of new treatments. This highlights a need for a new condition-specific PROM that can both capture what’s important to plwALS and be used in economic evaluation. This study has two key aims: 1) to produce a novel PROM for measuring HRQoL in plwALS (PROQuALS). 2) to value a set of items from the novel PROM to generate an associated preference-weighted measure (PWM) that will enable utility values to be generated.

Methods
A mixed-methods study design will be conducted across three stages. Stage 1 involves concept elicitation and the generation of draft PROM content from a robust and comprehensive systematic review of HRQoL in ALS, with input from plwALS. Stage 2 consists of cognitive debriefing of the draft PROM content to ascertain its content validity (Stage 2a), followed by a psychometric survey (Stage 2b) to assess statistical performance. Evidence from Stage 2 will be used to make decisions on the final content and format of the novel PROM. Stage 3 will involve valuation and econometric modeling using health economics methods to generate preference weights, so a PWM derived from the novel PROM can be used in the cost-effectiveness analyses of treatments. Patient and clinical advisory groups will have critical, collaborative input throughout the project.

Discussion
The novel PROM will be designed to comprehensively assess important aspects of HRQoL to plwALS and to quantify HRQoL in terms of subjective impact. The PROQuALS measure will be available for use in research and healthcare settings. The associated PWM component will extend and enable the use of PROQuALS in cost-effective analyses of new treatments for ALS.

Trial registration
Not applicable.
No evidence of spread of Linda pestivirus in the wild boar population in Southern Germany
Authors: Schulz Doreen , Aebischer Andrea , Wernike Kerstin , Beer Martin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLateral-shaking inducing neuro-degenerative agent virus (LindaV) is a novel member of the highly diverse genus Pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae. LindaV was first detected in Austria in 2015 and was associated with congenital tremor in piglets. Since then, the virus or specific antibodies have been found in a few further pig farms in Austria. However, the actual spatial distribution and the existence of reservoir hosts is largely unknown. Since other pestiviruses of pigs such as classical swine fever virus or atypical porcine pestivirus can also infect wild boar, the question arises whether LindaV is likewise present in the wild boar population. Therefore, we investigated the presence of neutralizing antibodies against LindaV in 200 wild boar samples collected in Southern Germany, which borders Austria. To establish a serological test system, we made use of the interchangeability of the surface glycoproteins and created a chimeric pestivirus using Bungowannah virus (species Pestivirus australiaense) as synthetic backbone. The E1 and E2 glycoproteins were replaced by the heterologous E1 and E2 of LindaV resulting in the chimera BV_E1E2_LV. Viable virus could be rescued and was subsequently applied in a neutralization test. A specific positive control serum generated against the E2 protein of LindaV gave a strong positive result, thereby confirming the functionality of the test system. All wild boar samples, however, tested negative. Hence, there is no evidence that LindaV has become highly prevalent in the wild boar population in Southern Germany.
Neurocognitive function and medical care utilization in Veterans treated for substance use disorder
Authors: Bjork James M. , Reisweber Jarrod , Perrin Paul B. , Plonski Paul E. , Dismuke-Greer Clara E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Veterans with substance use disorder (SUD) are at high risk for cognitive problems due to neurotoxic effects of chronic drug and alcohol use coupled in many cases with histories of traumatic brain injury (TBI). These problems may in turn result in proneness to SUD relapse and reduced adherence to medical self-care regimens and therefore reliance on health care systems. However, the direct relationship between cognitive function and utilization of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) SUD and other VHA health care services has not been evaluated. We sought initial evidence as to whether neurocognitive performance relates to repeated health care engagement in Veterans as indexed by estimated VHA care costs.

Methods
Neurocognitive performance in 76 Veterans being treated for SUD was assessed using CNS-Vital Signs, a commercial computerized cognitive testing battery, and related to histories of outpatient and inpatient/residential care costs as estimated by the VHA Health Economics Resource Center.

Results
After controlling for age, an aggregate metric of overall neurocognitive performance (Neurocognition Index) correlated negatively with total VHA health care costs, particularly with SUD-related outpatient care costs but also with non-mental health-related care costs. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale scores also correlated positively with total VHA care costs.

Conclusions
In Veterans receiving SUD care, higher impulsivity and lower cognitive performance were associated with greater health care utilization within the VHA system. This suggests that veterans with SUD who show lower neurocognitive performance are at greater risk for continued health problems that require healthcare engagement. Cognitive rehabilitation programs developed for brain injury and other neurological conditions could be tried in Veterans with SUD to improve their health outcomes.