bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia Among Non-Hispanic White and Black Populations Aged 50-64 in the United States, 2006-2016
Authors: Wei Jingkai , Lohman Matthew C. , Brown Monique J. , Hardin James W. , Yang Chih-Hsiang , Merchant Anwar T. , Friedman Daniela B. 
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives Non-Hispanic Black populations (NHB) have a significantly higher prevalence of dementia than non-Hispanic Whites in the U.S., and the underlying risk factors may play a role in this racial disparity. We aimed to calculate risk scores for dementia among non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black populations aged 50-64 years over a period of 10 years, and to estimate potential differences of scores between NHW and NHB. Research Design and Methods The Health and Retirement Study from 2006 to 2016 was used to calculate the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) risk score, a validated score for predicting dementia risk. Weighted average CAIDE score, as well as CAIDE score for modifiable factors hypertension, obese, hypercholesterolemia, physical inactivity), and non-modifiable factors (age, sex, education) were calculated for adults aged 50-64 years with normal cognition for 2006-2008, 2010-2012, 2014-2016. The associations of race with CAIDE score and elevated CAIDE score were examined. Results A total of 10,871 participants were included in the analysis. The CAIDE score showed declining trends for NHB from 2006 to 2016, while NHB consistently had a higher total CAIDE score and CAIDE score for modifiable factors from 2006 to 2016, but not for non-modifiable factors. Discussion and Implications NHB had a higher level of dementia risk factors than NHW among adults aged 50-64 years in the U.S. from 2006 to 2016, and the difference is attributable to modifiable risk factors, which holds promise for risk reduction of dementia.
HIV and intersectional stigma among people living with HIV and healthcare workers and antiretroviral therapy adherence in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Kerr Jelani , Yigit Ibrahim , Long Dustin M , Paulino-Ramírez Robert , Waters John , Hao Jiaying , Nyblade Laura , Varas-Díaz Nelson , Naar Sylvie , Bond Christyenne L , Budhwani Henna , Turan Janet M 
Published: July 2024

Background HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and social marginalization undermines optimal HIV care outcomes. More research examining the impact of HIV-related stigma, discrimination, other interlocking forms of oppression, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is needed to optimize HIV treatment programming. This study uses data from two clinics in the Dominican Republic to examine client and healthcare worker (HCW) perceptions of HIV and intersectional stigmas among people living with HIV. Methods Surveys exploring demographics, HIV-related stigma, various dimensions of discrimination (race/ethnicity, HIV status, sexual orientation), healthcare engagement, and medication adherence were collected from 148 clients and 131 HCWs. Analysis of variance was conducted to examine differences in stigma by clinic and logistic regressions were used to determine predictors of optimal client medication adherence. Results Perceived discrimination in healthcare facilities due to clients’ sexual orientation retained significance in crude and multivariable logistic regression models and was negatively associated with ART adherence (aOR:0.79; 95% CI:0.66, 0.95). Discussion Findings highlight the importance of implementing strategies to address stigma, discrimination, and social marginalization, particularly within healthcare facilities.
A novel long noncoding RNA ENST00000597482 serves as a potential biomarker for disease activity and diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wang Cuicui , Yuan Shiwen , Zeng Yanting , Li Weinian , Ye Jinghua , Li Fangfei , He Zhixiang , Chen Yi , Lin Xiaojun , Liang Liuqin , Xu Hanshi , Cai Xiaoyan 
Published: July 2024

Objectives Emerging evidence indicate that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) however, the contribution of lncRNAs to SLE remains largely unclear. Our study aimed to explore the lncRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients. Methods LncRNA sequencing was used to detect differentially expressed genes in PBMCs from 5 SLE-MIX samples and 3 healthy controls (HC)-MIX samples, and the expression of selected lncRNAs was further verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR). The correlation of lncRNA expression with laboratory indicators as well the SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI‒2K) score from 72 SLE patients was assessed by Spearman’s test. The association between lncRNA ENST00000597482 and organ involvement in SLE patients was determined by the Mann‒Whitney U test. Moreover, lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood from SLE patients were measured by flow cytometry. In addition, the diagnostic value of lncRNAs in predicting SLE was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results The lncRNA expression profiles demonstrated 218 differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 121 upregulated genes and 97 downregulated genes, in PBMCs from SLE patients compared to HCs. Among the 10 candidate genes selected, only lncRNA ENST00000597482, which was lower in SLE PBMCs than in HCs, was consistent with the sequencing results. LncRNA ENST00000597482 expression was negatively correlated with SLEDAI-2K score and the titres of ANA antibodies and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies. Of note, SLE patients with lower expression of lncRNA ENST00000597482 were prone to develop organ involvement. Furthermore, lncRNA ENST00000597482 exhibited potential diagnostic value in differentiating SLE patients from HCs. Conclusions LncRNA ENST00000597482 expression was lower in PBMCs from SLE patients than HCs and was negatively correlated with the SLEDAI-2K score and autoantibody titres. In addition, lncRNA ENST00000597482 could act as a novel biomarker for disease activity and diagnosis of SLE.
PCSK2 can be Useful in a Panel Approach to Distinguish Foregut and Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Ladenheim Alexander , Zheng Jasper X. , Teklu Abebe , Matsukuma Karen 
Published: July 2024

A number of immunohistochemical stains have been examined for utility in establishing the site of origin for metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, distinguishing metastatic duodenal NETs from jejunoileal and other GI NETs is important for clinical work-up, prognosis, and therapy. A recent study indicated that prohormone convertase 2 (PCSK2 or PC2) had broad expression in small intestine and appendiceal NETs. Because the study did not include duodenal NETs, we examined PCSK2 expression in duodenal and other GI NETs. GI NETs (n = 69) and 13 corresponding lymph node metastases from stomach, duodenum, pancreas, ileum, appendix, and rectum were evaluated for the expression of PCSK2, along with ISL1, NKX2.2, CDX2, SATB2, and PAX8. Expression of each stain was evaluated using the H-score system, and differences in expression by site were evaluated by the chi square test. PCSK2 was expressed at similar frequency in duodenal (50%), pancreatic (59%), and ileal NETs (40%). PCSK2 was infrequently expressed in stomach (0%), appendiceal (8%), and rectal (25%) NETs. However, incorporating PCSK2 into a panel including ISL1, NKX2.2, CDX2, and SATB2 allowed development of an algorithm which had 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity for classification of ileal NETs; and 68% sensitivity and 98% specificity for pancreaticoduodenal NETs. In contrast to previous findings, PCSK2 does not show specificity for any particular GI site. An algorithmic approach incorporating the expression of PCSK2 with that of ISL1, NKX2.2, CDX2, and SATB2 is useful in discriminating pancreatic, duodenal, ileal, appendiceal, and rectal NETs.
Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis in a Young Man Undergoing Lung Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Mar Conde María d , Ramírez Luis E , Morales Eliana I , Sua Luz F , Trujillo Liliana F 
Published: July 2024

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease characterized by the deposition of microliths in the alveoli, attributed to mutations in the solute carrier family 34 member 2 ( SLC34A2) gene. Diagnosis is often incidental to chest imaging, most frequently occurring between the second and fourth decades of life. The disease follows a progressive course and manifests with a clinical-radiological dissociation. No effective treatment is known except for lung transplantation. We report on a 28-year-old Hispanic male patient with no relevant personal or family history, presenting with progressive exertional dyspnea and intermittent dry cough. He was referred for evaluation by pulmonology due to abnormal findings on chest x-ray. High-resolution computed tomography revealed diffuse lung opacities caused by multiple microcalcifications, suggesting pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with additional signs of pulmonary hypertension. Throughout his clinical course, he experienced a decline in functional class with severe impairment in pulmonary function tests. He underwent transplant evaluation, and the procedure was performed, with reported complications including airway stenosis, which were managed. Despite these challenges, the patient eventually showed positive progress and maintained an adequate functional class. Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease with a chronic clinical course and variable manifestations. Its progressive deterioration leads to chronic respiratory failure. A high index of suspicion is required when evaluating characteristic radiological findings and conducting relevant differential diagnoses. No specific treatment guidelines are available, and lung transplantation emerges as the only effective therapy, as illustrated in the described patient.
Patients’ perceptions of community pharmacists’ role: A cross-sectional study in Lebanon
Authors: Kalash Ali , Hatem Georges , Chaheen Mohammad , Awada Sanaa , Rachidi Samar , Ajrouche Roula 
Published: July 2024

Introduction Recognizing, fostering, and maintaining a favorable public image is crucial for developing strong connections between patients and pharmacists, ultimately enhancing the pharmacist’s influence on healthcare results. Consequently, this research seeks to evaluate how the community perceives the role of pharmacists in Lebanon. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Lebanese residents over 2 months. One-way analysis of variance assessed the relationship between the perception score and the general characteristics of the study sample. A multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression models to evaluate the combined effect of predictors on the perception score. Results The study comprised exclusively Lebanese participants, with a slightly higher proportion of males (53.4%) than females (46.6%) and a diverse age distribution, ranging from 18 to 65 years old, with 9.1% being 65 years or older. After adjusting for covariates, females scored 0.25 points lower than males (CI (−0.65, 0.15); p = .217), while individuals aged 40–49 and 50–65 had perception scores of 0.18 and 0.55 points lower than those aged 18–29, respectively (CI (−0.83, 0.48); p = .595 and CI (−1.29, 0.20); p = .153, respectively). Participants from Nabatiyeh had a perception score increase of 0.82 compared to those in Beirut (CI (0.15–1.49); p < .017), and those working in non-medical fields scored 0.90 points lower than others (CI (−1.49, −0.32); p = .002). Individuals with at least one comorbidity scored 0.83 points lower (CI (−1.44, −0.21); p = .008), while patients with public insurance and those with a treatment duration of 6 months had perception scores 0.57 and 0.66 points lower, respectively, compared to their counterparts (CI (−1.12, −0.03); p = .039 and CI (−1.29, −0.03); p = .040). Conclusion Findings stress the significance of tailored healthcare and consistent patient-pharmacist relationships, especially for managing complex conditions, underscoring the importance of understanding these dynamics to bolster trust and appreciation for community pharmacists in Lebanon.
Impact of nebulization versus metered-dose inhaler utilization on viral particle dispersion in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Clemency Brian M , Clay Candice , Varughese Renoj , Kennedy Carli , Yates Wayne , Lat Asma , Ling Ching Ai , Clark Doug , Lewin David , Chen Xianyi , Castro Mario 
Published: July 2024

Background Conflicting guidance exists regarding the characterization of nebulization as an aerosol-generating procedure and subsequent risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to healthcare workers. Aim/Objective This study sought to address whether SARS-CoV-2 viral load distribution was impacted by bronchodilator delivery via nebulizer versus metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Methods Adults infected with COVID-19 were enrolled and received a single dose of albuterol sulfate nebulized solution (2.5 mg/3 mL via breath-actuated nebulizer with filtered mouthpiece) or albuterol sulfate hydrofluoroalkane inhalation aerosol (90 µg/actuation; two puffs via MDI with spacer) in a randomized crossover sequence. Air and surfaces were sampled at predefined locations within patients’ hospital rooms to assess SARS-CoV-2 dispersion over three periods (baseline, MDI, and nebulizer). Findings/Results Eleven patients received crossover therapy. Six patients had detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA during one treatment period ( n = 3 each for MDI and nebulizer) and one during both treatment periods. No viral RNA was found in the rooms of four (36.4%) patients. Overall, few environmental samples (17/397; 4.3%) contained detectable viral RNA, with no meaningful differences in positivity rate across periods; RNA genome copy numbers were low in positive samples. No correlation between dispersion and patient clinical status or environmental parameters was observed. Discussion In this first prospective trial evaluating viral load distribution following use of nebulizer versus MDI in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, low environmental contamination was found regardless of administration method. Findings support the use of either device when needed to treat patients with COVID-19.
Multi-omics Mendelian randomization integrating GWAS, eQTL and pQTL data revealed GSTM4 as a potential drug target for migraine
Authors: Sun Xinyue , Chen Bohong , Qi Yi , Wei Meng , Chen Wanying , Wu Xiaoyu , Wang Qingfan , Li Jiahao , Lei Xiangyu , Luo Guogang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Migraine, as a complex neurological disease, brings heavy burden to patients and society. Despite the availability of established therapies, existing medications have limited efficacy. Thus, we aimed to find the drug targets that improve the prognosis of migraine.

Method
We used Mendelian Randomization (MR) and Summary-data-based MR (SMR) analyses to study possible drug targets of migraine by summary statistics from FinnGen cohorts (nCase = 44,616, nControl = 367,565), with further replication in UK Biobank (nCase = 26,052, nControl = 487,214). Genetic instruments were obtained from eQTLGen and UKB-PPP to verify the drug targets at the gene expression and protein levels. The additional analyses including Bayesian co-localization, the heterogeneity in dependent instruments(HEIDI), Linkage Disequilibrium Score(LDSC), bidirectional MR, multivariate MR(MVMR), heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and Steiger filtering were implemented to consolidate the findings further. Lastly, drug prediction analysis and phenome-wide association study(PheWAS) were employed to imply the possibility of drug targets for future clinical applications.

Result
The MR analysis of eQTL data showed that four drug targets (PROCR, GSTM4, SLC4A1, and TNFRSF10A) were significantly associated with migraine risk in both the FinnGen and UK Biobank cohorts. However, only GSTM4 exhibited consistent effect directions across the two outcomes(Discovery cohort: OR(95%CI) = 0.94(0.93–0.96); p = 2.70e − 10; Replication cohort: OR(95%CI) = 0.93(0.91–0.94); p = 4.21e − 17). Furthermore, GSTM4 passed the SMR at p < 0.05 and HEIDI test at p > 0.05 at both the gene expression and protein levels. The protein-level MR analysis revealed a strong correlation between genetically predicted GSTM4 with a lower incidence of migraine and its subtypes(Overall migraine: OR(95%CI) = 0.91(0.87–0.95); p = 6.98e-05; Migraine with aura(MA): OR(95%CI) = 0.90(0.85–0.96); p = 2.54e-03; Migraine without aura(MO): OR(95%CI) = 0.90(0.83–0.96); p = 2.87e-03), indicating a strong co-localization relationship (PPH4 = 0.86). Further analyses provided additional validation for the possibility of GSTM4 as a migraine treatment target.

Conclusion
This study identifies GSTM4 as a potential druggable gene and promising therapeutic target for migraine.
The prognostic value of postoperative platelet levels in elderly patients after valve replacement surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nong Yuxin , Wei Xuebiao , Lu Junquan , Yu Danqing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Further research is needed to assess the risk and prognosis after valve replacement surgery in elderly patients. This study aims to assess the prognostic value of platelet levels following valve replacement in elderly patients.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 3814 elderly individuals who underwent valve replacement surgery, categorized into quartiles based on postoperative platelet levels. Univariate and multiple regression analysis were used to assess the risk factors associated with postoperative platelet levels and in-hospital death.The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to establish the postoperative platelet level threshold indicative of in-hospital mortality risk, while the Kaplan-Meier curve compared the one-year postoperative survival among patients with differing postoperative platelet levels.

Results
The low postoperative platelet levels group had a higher incidence of massive bleeding (> 400 ml), necessitating platelet transfusion and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass during surgery (P < 0.001). However, postoperative occurrences of heart failure and stroke did not achieve statistical significance (P > 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis disclosed an association between postoperative platelet levels and in-hospital death (OR: 2.040, 95% CI: 1.372–3.034, P < 0.001). Over the one-year follow-up, patients with low platelet levels postoperatively had poorer overall survival than patients with higher platelet levels (P < 0.001)

Conclusion
Postoperative platelets can serve as a prognostic indicator after valve surgery in elderly patients as a simple and easily available biochemical indicator. Enhanced monitoring and management postoperative platelet level in the elderly may be beneficial to improve the survival outcome of patients
Efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin in the treatment of mild to moderate Covid-19 patients: a multi-centre double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wijewickrema Ananda , Banneheke Hasini , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Refai Fathima Wardha , Kauranaratne Malika , Malavige Neelika , Jeewandara Chandima , Ekanayake Mahendra , Samaraweera Dilhar , Thambavita Dhanusha , Galappatthy Priyadarshani 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Evidence on ivermectin as a treatment for Covid-19 is controversial. A Cochrane review concluded that the efficacy and safety of ivermectin is uncertain (evidence up to April 2022) and WHO recommended its use only in the setting of clinical trials. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin in hospitalized patients with mild to moderate Covid-19.

Trial design and methods
A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among RT-PCR-confirmed, adults, hospitalised within the first four days of symptoms. Patients received oral ivermectin 24 mg or placebo daily for five days. RT-PCR was repeated on days five and ten. Clinical progression was monitored using the World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale. Serum ivermectin levels were measured on days three, five, and seven. The primary outcome was the difference in the viral load between day zero and ten in the two groups.

Results
Out of 1699 patients screened, 249 underwent randomization and 127 received ivermectin, and 122 placebo. D10 median viral load for E gene (IQR) was 2,000 copies/mL (100 − 20,500) with ivermectin (n = 80) and 4,100 copies/mL (1,000–65,600) with placebo (n = 81, p = 0.028), per protocol analysis. The difference in Log viral load between day zero and ten between ivermectin and placebo was 3.72 and 2.97 respectively (p = 0.022). There was no significant difference in the WHO clinical progression scale or the adverse effects. Ivermectin blood levels taken before or with meals were not significantly different. Only 7 and 17 patients achieved blood levels above 160ng/ML and 100ng/ML respectively and they did not achieve a significantly lower viral load.

Conclusion
Although ivermectin resulted in statistically significant lower viral load in patients with mild to moderate Covid-19, it had no significant effect on clinical symptoms.

Trial registration number
SLCTR/2021/020, Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry. 19/07/2021.