bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the care of people with epilepsy and predictors of epilepsy worsening: Aswan/upper Egypt hospital-based study
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Haridy Nourelhoda A. , Ahmed Gellan K. , Othman Mohamed Nemr , Elsoghier Abdelrahman S. , Al Fawal Bastawy M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
During the Coronavirus disease pandemic “COVID-19”, epilepsy was one of many chronic neurological diseases in which treatment was neglected. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on people with epilepsy and identify potential predictors of seizure worsening through a face-to-face hospital survey. During the study period, 245 participants were recruited: 124 people with epilepsy (PwE) and 121 people without epilepsy (PwoE) age and sex-matched. Both groups were compared using sociodemographic COVID-19-related questionnaires and Hamilton Anxiety and Depression scales. PwE also completed epilepsy-specific questionnaires. Subsequently, we subdivided the PwE group into people with worsening epilepsy (WPwE) and those without (NWPwE).

Results
Compared with PwoE, PwE had significantly higher rates of COVID-19 infection (59.7% versus 41.3%, p = 0.004), and 69.4% of them (86/124) reported WPwE. WPwE had significantly higher rates of COVID-19 infection (75.6% versus. 23.7%, p < 0.0001), emergency room visits (69.8% versus 42.1%, p = 0.004), delayed neurology appointments (69.8% versus 42.1%, p = 0.004), and difficulties accessing medication (69.8% versus 47.4%, p = 0.02) and being less likely to be vaccinated (39.5% versus 68.4%, p = 0.003) than NWPwE. Depression and anxiety rates increased significantly during the pandemic compared with prior pandemics in both PwE and PwoE (p < 0.0001 for each). Moreover, the WPwE showed a significant increase in depression rates (33.7–60.5%, p < 0.0001) and higher mean anxiety scores compared to the NWPwE (p = 0.029). A multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that having a COVID-19 infection (AOR: 12.086, p < 0.0001), being laid off (AOR: 0.024, p = 0.001), or having more seizures before the pandemic (AOR: 3.366, p = 0.009) were all strong predictors of seizures getting worse.

Conclusions
Nearly 69% of PwE experienced pandemic-related seizures worsening, along with deterioration of mental health. Factors such as personal COVID-19 infection, unemployment, work interruption, and higher pre-COVID seizure frequency were identified as key predictors of seizure worsening. Mitigating these predictors could strengthen resilience among PwE during future widespread crises.
Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05205590. Registered on October 25, 2021—Retrospectively registered, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05205590
The utility of pentraxin 3 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta as non-invasive biomarkers for prediction of cardiovascular risk in MAFLD patients
Authors: Badran Hanaa , Elsabaawy Maha , Magdy Mahmoud , Ghanem Samar , Said Mohammed , Torky Mohamed Hamdy , Samir Tamer 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as the predominant form of chronic liver disease globally linked with heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, the leading cause of mortality among affected individuals.

Aim
This study aims to assess serum PTX3 (pentraxin 3) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) as potential non-invasive biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular risk (CVR) in MAFLD patients.

Method
A case–control investigation encompassing 84 MAFLD patients without prior CVD history and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was conducted. Both cohorts underwent comprehensive laboratory and radiological evaluations. CVR was evaluated through common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), Framingham risk score, and QRISK 2 score. The efficacy of two ELISA biomarkers PTX3 and PDGFRβ was examined for correlation with CVR in MAFLD patients.

Results
MAFLD patients displayed significantly heightened levels of PTX3 and PDGFβ compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.016, respectively). PDGFβ exhibited a notably positive correlation with the Framingham score (P = 0.016), while no significant correlation was observed with pentraxin 3 (P = 0.061). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified diabetes mellitus (DM) (P < 0.001*), hypertension (P = 0.005), visceral fat (P < 0.001*), waist/hip circumference (P = 0.04), and PDGFβ (P = 0.03) as robust predictors of CVR, with PTX3 demonstrating limited prognostic utility.

Conclusion
PDGFβ emerged as a promising early non-invasive predictor of CVR in MAFLD patients, highlighting its potential role in guiding tailored preventive interventions, while PTX3 exhibited a modest impact warranting further investigation.
Redo isolated tricuspid valve replacement in a patient with isolated persistent left superior vena cava: a case report
Authors: Yamada Ryotaro , Okamura Homare , Iwasaki Rie , Yamaguchi Atsushi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Redo isolated tricuspid valve surgery has high in-hospital mortality and morbidity and is a challenging procedure. We report a successful case of redo isolated tricuspid valve replacement for structural valve deterioration of a bioprosthesis in a patient with isolated persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC).

Case presentation
An 81-year-old man with a history of tricuspid valve replacement using a porcine bioprosthetic valve 9 years previously presented with dyspnea on exertion. Right heart failure due to worsening transvalvular leakage in the bioprosthetic tricuspid valve was considered to be the cause of his symptoms, and the decision was made to replace the tricuspid valve. An isolated PLSVC is considered to be an obstacle in right-sided heart valve surgery. The PLSVC was located deep to the left of the pulmonary artery and, after some effort, was cannulated by obtaining an excellent surgical view using retraction sutures on the left side of the pericardium. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated after cannulation of the ascending aorta, PLSVC, and femoral vein. After cross-clamping of the ascending aorta, cold blood cardioplegic arrest was induced under moderate hypothermia, and the PLSVC and inferior vena cava were snared. The right atrium was opened and the prosthetic tricuspid valve was examined. One of the leaflets was shortened, which appeared to cause the transvalvular leak. The prosthetic valve was explanted, the annulus was trimmed, and a new bioprosthetic valve was implanted. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusions
It is important to treat structural valve deterioration of a prosthetic tricuspid valve in a timely manner. We hope that our intervention timing and surgical strategy can help surgeons to consider early intervention in similar cases, even if there are surgical obstacles such as isolated PLSVC.
Human Leukocyte Antigen Mismatching and Survival in Contemporary Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Arrieta-Bolaños Esteban , Bonneville Edouard F. , Crivello Pietro , Robin Marie , Gedde-Dahl Tobias , Salmenniemi Urpu , Kröger Nicolaus , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Crawley Charles , Choi Goda , Broers Annoek E.C. , Forcade Edouard , Carre Martin , Poiré Xavier , Huynh Anne , Lenhoff Stig , Ciceri Fabio , Tholouli Eleni , Schroeder Thomas , Deconinck Eric , Carlson Kristina , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Hoogenboom Jorinde D. , Malard Florent , Ruggeri Annalisa , Fleischhauer Katharina ,   on behalf of the Cellular Therapy and Immunobiology Working Party of the EBMT
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatching can reduce survival of patients with blood cancer after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). How recent advances in HCT practice, in particular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis by post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy), influence HLA risk associations is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study included 17,292 unrelated HCTs with 6-locus high-resolution HLA typing, performed mainly for acute leukemia or related myeloid neoplasms between 2016 and 2020, including 1,523 transplants with PTCy. HLA risk associations were evaluated by multivariable Cox regression models, with overall survival (OS) as primary end point.

RESULTS

OS was lower in HLA mismatched compared with fully matched transplants (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23 [99% CI, 1.14 to 1.33];
P
< .001). This was driven by class I HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C (HR, 1.29 [99% CI, 1.19 to 1.41];
P
< .001) but not class II HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 (HR, 1.07 [99% CI, 0.93 to 1.23];
P
= .19). Class I antigen-level mismatches were associated with worse OS than allele-level mismatches (HR, 1.36 [99% CI, 1.24 to 1.49];
P
< .001), as were class I graft-versus-host peptide-binding motif (PBM) mismatches compared with matches (HR, 1.42 [99% CI, 1.28 to 1.59];
P
< .001). The use of PTCy improved GVHD, relapse-free survival compared with conventional prophylaxis in HLA-matched transplants (HR, 0.77 [0.66 to 0.9];
P
< .001). HLA mismatching increased mortality in PTCy transplants (HR, 1.32 [1.04 to 1.68];
P
= .003) similarly as in non-PTCy transplants (interaction
P
= .43).

CONCLUSION
Class I but not class II HLA mismatches, especially at the antigen and PBM level, are associated with inferior survival in contemporary unrelated HCT. These effects are not significantly different between non-PTCy compared with PTCy transplants. Optimized HLA matching should still be considered in modern HCT.
Prospects for the use of plasmonic vortices to control nanosystems
Authors: Quinteiro Rosen G. F. , Tamborenea P. I. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Fueled by the rapid pace of technological advancements, the convergence of ideas from optics and solid-state physics is yielding valuable insights into the fundamental principles governing interactions between light and matter at the nanoscale, as well as paving the way for future technologies. In this review, we explore a burgeoning avenue that investigates the synergy between plasmonics and optical vortex concepts. The excitation of plasmon modes with phase dislocations, occasionally referred to as plasmonic vortices, has revealed novel facets of physics. One particularly promising expansion of this field pertains to the manipulation of nearby nanostructures. Consequently, we provide commentary on the associated research, which offers innovative solutions to a variety of technological challenges.
VitelloTag: a tool for high-throughput cargo delivery into oocytes
Authors: Clarke D. Nathaniel , Kane Akshay , Perillo Margherita , Lowe Christopher J. , Swartz S. Zachary 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
Delivering molecular tools into oocytes is essential for developmental and reproductive biology. Microinjection, the conventional method, is equipment intensive, often technically challenging and has a low yield, and is impractical in species with delicate oocytes or restricted spawning seasons. To overcome these limitations, we developed VitelloTag, a cost-effective, high-throughput system using vitellogenin-derived fusion proteins to enable efficient cargo delivery via receptor-mediated endocytosis. We demonstrate its utility by delivering Cas9/sgRNA complexes in two distantly related species for gene knockout.
The role of kinesin-1 in neuronal dense core vesicle transport, locomotion and lifespan regulation in C. elegans
Authors: Gavrilova Anna , Boström Astrid , Korabel Nickolay , Fedotov Sergei , Poulin Gino B. , Allan Victoria J. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
Fast axonal transport is crucial for neuronal function and is driven by kinesins and cytoplasmic dynein. Here, we investigated the role of kinesin-1 in dense core vesicle (DCV) transport in C. elegans, using mutants in the kinesin light chains (klc-1 and klc-2) and the motor subunit (unc-116) expressing an ida-1::gfp transgene that labels DCVs. DCV transport in both directions was greatly impaired in an unc-116 mutant and had reduced velocity in a klc-2 mutant. In contrast, the speed of retrograde DCV transport was increased in a klc-1 mutant whereas anterograde transport was unaffected. We identified striking differences between the klc mutants in their effects on worm locomotion and responses to drugs affecting neuromuscular junction activity. We also determined lifespan, finding that unc-116 mutant was short-lived whereas the klc single mutant lifespan was wild type. The ida-1::gfp transgenic strain was also short-lived, but surprisingly, klc-1 and klc-2 extended the ida-1::gfp lifespan beyond that of wild type. Our findings suggest that kinesin-1 not only influences anterograde and retrograde DCV transport but is also involved in regulating lifespan and locomotion, with the two kinesin light chains playing distinct roles.
Modern Methods Of Glucose Monitoring In The Context Of Physical Activity - Review Study
Authors: Jędrasek Aleksandra , Jędrasek Tomasz , Pogoda Julia , Piotrowski Jan , Hądzlik Izabela , Biały-Karbowniczek Julia , Słychan Katarzyna , Łuczak Blanka , Bulska Klaudia , Sławek Konrad 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: In the last few years, with over 422 million cases of diabetes worldwide and with an overload of healthcare, the development of new glucose monitoring approaches has become a crucial subject. This paper set out to explore the effectiveness of current glucose monitoring methods, their usage in the context of physical activity, and prospects for the future.
Review methods: We conducted our study as a literature review, with data being gathered via PubMed and Embase.
The state of knowledge: Currently, the two most popular methods of glucose monitoring are self-monitoring (SMBG) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with real-time devices such as Dexcom G6, and Medtronic Guardian Connect System, and intermittent devices such as Freestyle Libre 2. Both approaches are invasive and can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis. As a result, many researchers propose non-invasive methods including optical coherence tomography, spectroscopy, and fluorescence. The growing accessibility leads to the usage of CGM devices in everyday life not only by patients with diabetes melitus.
Conclusions: Advancements in diabetes technologies allow patients to maintain glucose homeostasis and improve their Quality of life. CGM devices are constantly being developed to be more accessible and easy to use, which may help adjust the training programs and diets for individual needs.
Distributed Ledgers and Secure Multiparty Computation for Financial Reporting and Auditing
Authors: Cao Sean Shun , Cong Lin William , Yang Baozhong 
Published: August 2024

To understand the disruption and implications of distributed ledger technologies for financial reporting and auditing, we analyze firm misreporting, auditor monitoring and competition, and regulatory policy in a unified model. A federated blockchain for financial reporting and auditing can improve verification efficiency not only for transactions in private databases but also for cross-chain verifications through privacy-preserving computation protocols. Despite the potential benefit of blockchains, private incentives for firms and first-mover advantages for auditors can create inefficient under-adoption or partial adoption that favors larger auditors. Although a regulator can help coordinate the adoption of technology, endogenous choice of transaction partners by firms can still lead to adoption failure. Our model also provides an initial framework for further studies of the costs and implications of the use of distributed ledgers and secure multiparty computation in financial reporting, including the positive spillover to discretionary auditing and who should bear the cost of adoption. This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance. Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge research support from the FinTech Laboratory at J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, the Center for Research in Security Prices at the University of Chicago, the Ripple University Blockchain Research Initiative, and the Smith AI Initiative for Capital Market Research at the University of Maryland. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.02577 .
Unsupervised clustering analysis of trauma/non-trauma centers using hospital features including surgical care
Authors: Sun Xiaonan , Liu Shan , Mock Charles , Vavilala Monica , Bulger Eileen , Maine Rebecca G. 
Published: August 2024

Background
Injuries are a leading cause of death in the United States. Trauma systems aim to ensure all injured patients receive appropriate care. Hospitals that participate in a trauma system, trauma centers (TCs), are designated with different levels according to guidelines that dictate access to medical and research resources but not specific surgical care. This study aimed to identify patterns of injury care that distinguish different TCs and hospitals without trauma designation, non-trauma centers (non-TCs).

Study design
We extracted hospital-level features from the state inpatient hospital discharge data in Washington state, including all TCs and non-TCs, in 2016. We provided summary statistics and tested the differences of each feature across the TC/non-TC levels. We then conducted 3 sets of unsupervised clustering analyses using the Partition Around Medoids method to determine which hospitals had similar features. Set 1 and 2 included hospital surgical care (volume or distribution) features and other features (e.g., the average age of patients, payer mix, etc.). Set 3 explored surgical care without additional features.

Results
The clusters only partially aligned with the TC designations. Set 1 found the volume and variation of surgical care distinguished the hospitals, while in Set 2 orthopedic procedures and other features such as age, social vulnerability indices, and payer types drove the clusters. Set 3 results showed that procedure volume rather than the relative proportions of procedures aligned more, though not completely, with TC designation.

Conclusion
Unsupervised machine learning identified surgical care delivery patterns that explained variation beyond level designation. This research provides insights into how systems leaders could optimize the level allocation for TCs/non-TCs in a mature trauma system by better understanding the distribution of care in the system.
Evaluating research ethics committees in Vietnam and Laos: Results of a validated self-assessment tool
Authors: Sattah Nathan Gabriel , D’Anniballe Vincent , Le Hoang Tu , Le Luyen Thi , Le Thanh Ngoc , Vu Thom Thi , Louangpradith Viengsakhone , Lee Walter T. 
Published: August 2024

Background
There is an increase in human subject research in developing countries and conducting them in an ethical manner depends on the research ethics oversight in these countries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the operational, financial, and educational characteristics of research ethics committees (RECs) at institutions in Vietnam and Laos.

Methods
A validated self-assessment tool designed to assess nine major characteristics of RECs was translated into Vietnamese and Laotian. The translated surveys were delivered to and completed by representatives from RECs at institutions in Vietnam and Laos. The surveys were collected, translated back into English, and scored. The data was analyzed to identify potential areas of strength and areas for improvement.

Results
The mean survey score for the 19 RECs surveyed was 165.3 out of a maximum of 200 points with a standard deviation of 22.9. Committees scored the highest in the review of specific protocol items (95.6%), submission arrangements and materials (89.5%), and the policies referring to review procedures (85.6%) domains. RECs scored the lowest in the resources domain (65.5%), with only 26.3% of committees having an annual budget. Nearly all RECs have standard operating procedures (94.7%) and policies for disclosing conflicts of interest (89.5%). Most committees use prior ethics training as a criterion to select REC chairs (78.9%) and members (73.7%), with the majority of committees requiring a training course in ethics (76.5%). 68.4% of committees have continuing education in ethics for members and only 42.1% of committees have a budget for member training.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that RECs in Vietnam and Laos have strong foundational review processes for research protocols. Important areas of improvement include improved institutional oversight, financial and administrative resources, and the continued ethics education for current committee members.
A Stool DNA-Based SDC2 Methylation Test for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer in an Asymptomatic, High-Risk Population: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Kim Chang Woo , Kim Hyunjin , Kim Hyoung Rae , Won Daeyeon David , Nam Woo Jung , Min Byung Soh , Oh Tae Jeong , An Sungwhan , Lee Suk-Hwan 
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Noninvasive stool DNA-based methylation testing has emerged as an effective strategy for the early colorectal cancer (CRC) detection. Syndecan-2 (SDC2) methylation frequently occurs in all stages of CRC; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a stool DNA-based SDC2 methylation test for detecting CRC in asymptomatic or high-risk CRC populations.

METHODS:
This multicenter prospective study was conducted to determine the clinical performance of the SDC2 methylation test on stool DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Stool samples were collected from asymptomatic individuals before colonoscopy, and the test results were independently analyzed through comparison with colonoscopic findings and pathological outcomes as reference standards.

RESULTS:
Of the 1,124 evaluable participants, 20 had CRC, 73 had advanced adenomatous polyps (≥1.0 cm), 469 had nonadvanced adenomatous polyps (<1.0 cm), 178 had non-neoplastic polyps, and 384 had negative colonoscopy results. The stool SDC2 methylation test had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.0% and 81.5%, respectively, for detecting CRC, while the sensitivity for detecting advanced adenomatous polyps and CRC was 58.1%. The rate of adenoma detection increased with polyp size (P < 0.01), and sensitivity was not associated with CRC stage (P = 0.864).

DISCUSSION:
The stool DNA-based SDC2 methylation test attained a high sensitivity for CRC detection in an asymptomatic high-risk population. Further large-scale clinical studies are required to validate the clinical utility of this test as a population-based CRC screening tool.