bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between fibrinogen levels and stroke-associated pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Du Hui , Song Zhibin , Meiqi  , Zhang Guifeng , Yuan Suhua , Yuanfeng  , Wang Hui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Prior research had indicated a relationship between fibrinogen and stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP), yet the nature of this relationship had not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study was designed to elucidate the prognostic value of fibrinogen levels in forecasting the occurrence of SAP among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Patients and methods
In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, we included 1092 patients who had experienced AIS and were admitted to our facility within 72 h of the onset of their symptoms. Based on the SAP diagnostic criteria, patients were classified into two groups: SAP and non-SAP. The correlation between serum fibrinogen concentration and SAP was examined using univariate analysis. Curve fitting and multivariable logistic regression model were utilized for statistical evaluation.

Results
Out of the ischemic stroke patients included in the study, SAP was identified in 112 (10.26%) patients. A direct correlation was observed between fibrinogen levels and the incidence of SAP. An increase in fibrinogen levels corresponded with a heightened incidence of SAP. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a significant positive association between fibrinogen levels and SAP incidence (OR = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18, 1.99)).

Conclusion
A linear relationship between serum fibrinogen levels and the incidence of SAP in ischemic stroke patients was shown. The serum fibrinogen levels were positively and linearly correlated to SAP risk.
Switching from injectable to other Disease Modifying Therapies may improve sexual dysfunction in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ala Sara , Amirkafi Ali , Kohandel Kosar , Shahmohammadi Sareh , Sahraian Mohammad Ali 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundMultiple Sclerosis (MS) a central nervous system autoimmune disorder, mainly affecting young adults and more prevalent among women, can lead to sexual dysfunction (SD) among both males and females with MS. Female sexual dysfunction can be defined as dyspareunia, a lack of sexual desire, disorders in the arousal and orgasm phases, and sexual pain disorders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in sexual function among females with MS whose treatment was switched from first-line injectable medications to other agents after a six-month duration. And assess the changes in all three domains of SD.MethodsIn this longitudinal study females diagnosed with MS, aged between 18 and 50 years old, and were candidates for switching their treatment from interferon beta-1a (intra-muscular and subcutaneous), and Glatiramer Acetate (GA), to Fingolimod, Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF), or Natalizumab (NTZ) due to patients’ convenience and tolerability and adverse events were included. “Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19” was used to evaluate the SD changes before and six months after the new treatment initiation. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS V.24 software. Histograms and the Shapiro-Wilk test were used to assess the normality of the variables; due to the non-normal distribution of quantitative variables (except for age), the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the scores, before and six months after the medication change. The level of significance was considered less than 0.05.ResultsOut of 107 female participants (average age: 35.09 ± 5.61), The mean of overall MSISQ-19 scores, before and six months after the medication change were not significant (p-value = 0.091). However, considering the subdomains, the medication changes only affected the tertiary subdomain of MSISQ-19 (p-value = 0.017). Still, the scores of other subdomains did not change significantly (p-value = 0.761 for primary SD and 0.479 for secondary SD). Also, there wasn’t any significant difference between EDSS before and after the medication change (p-value = 0.461).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this was the first study, assessing the effect of MS medication change on the improvement of SD among patients. According to the results of the presented cross-sectional study, we found that during a six-month period, the tertiary subdomain of MSISQ-19 symptoms improved significantly, while the changes in other SD domains were not significant.
Peripartum outcomes and immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection in the third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Shen Qi , Dong Shuai , Shah Neelam Kumari , Liang Yuan , Wang Jie , Shan Yan-Hong , He Jin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women during the third trimester resulted in overall adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to non-infected controls and a unique humoral and cellular response at delivery. In this study we aimed to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on maternal/neonatal peripartum outcomes andimmunological profiles.

Method
In this study, we recruited 304 SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women and 910 SARS-CoV-2 non-infected pregnant women who were admitted for delivery. Peripartum and neonates’ outcomes response to SARS-CoV-2 infection were analyzed. Furthermore, we characterized the antibody and cytokines profile in SARS-CoV-2 infected maternal blood (MB) and cord blood (CB). We also assessed routine laboratory tests and liver function tests in MB before labor. Unpaired T test, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman test were used to analyze the data.

Results
SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women were significantly associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labor (13.8% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.033) and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (8.9% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.039). The risk of low birth weight (< 2500 g) (10.5% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.021) and Apgar score < 8 at 1-minute (9.2% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.049) significantly increased in newborns from COVID-19 positive mothers than their counterparts. Our results showed that antibodies were increased in adverse-outcome SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers and their neonates, and abnormal proportion of immune cells were detected in SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers. While the immune response showed no difference between adverse-outcome infected pregnant women and normal-outcome infected pregnant women. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester of pregnancy induced a unique humoral and cellular response at delivery.

Conclusion
SARS-CoV-2 infection closer to delivery could incline to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, the utmost care is required for SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women and their newborns.

Trial registration
The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the First Hospital of Jilin University with the approval code number 23K170-001, and informed consent was obtained from all enrolled patients prior to sample collection.
AT-0174, a novel dual IDO1/TDO2 enzyme inhibitor, synergises with temozolomide to improve survival in an orthotopic mouse model of glioblastoma
Authors: Bickerdike Michael J. , Nafia Imane , Bessede Alban , Chen Cheng-Bang , Wangpaichitr Medhi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer, usually of unknown etiology, and with a very poor prognosis. Survival from diagnosis averages only 3 months if left untreated and this only increases to 12–15 months upon treatment. Treatment options are currently limited and typically comprise radiotherapy plus a course of the DNA-alkylating chemotherapeutic temozolomide. Unfortunately, the disease invariably relapses after several months of treatment with temozolomide, due to the development of resistance to the drug. Increased local tryptophan metabolism is a feature of many solid malignant tumours through increased expression of tryptophan metabolising enzymes. Glioblastomas are notable for featuring increased expression of the tryptophan catabolizing enzymes indole-2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1), and especially tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase-2 (TDO2). Increased IDO1 and TDO2 activity is known to suppress the cytotoxic T cell response to tumour cells, and this has led to the proposal that the IDO1 and TDO2 enzymes represent promising immuno-oncology targets. In addition to immune modulation, however, recent studies have also identified the activity of these enzymes is important in the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.

Methods
In the current study, the efficacy of a novel dual inhibitor of IDO1 and TDO2, AT-0174, was assessed in an orthotopic mouse model of glioblastoma. C57BL/6J mice were stereotaxically implanted with GL261(luc2) cells into the striatum and then administered either vehicle control, temozolomide (8 mg/kg IP; five 8-day cycles of treatment every 2 days), AT-0174 (120 mg/kg/day PO) or both temozolomide + AT-0174, all given from day 7 after implantation.

Results
Temozolomide decreased tumour growth and improved median survival but increased the infiltration of CD4+ Tregs. AT-0174 had no significant effect on tumour growth or survival when given alone, but provided clear synergy in combination with temozolomide, further decreasing tumour growth and significantly improving survival, as well as elevating CD8+ T cell expression and decreasing CD4+ Treg infiltration.

Conclusion
AT-0174 exhibited an ideal profile for adjunct treatment of glioblastomas with the first-line chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide to prevent development of CD4+ Treg-mediated chemoresistance.
Clinical and genetic features in autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy in Chinese cohort
Authors: Zhao Dongsheng , Gu Victoria Y. , Wang Yafu , Peng Jie , Lyu Jiao , Fei Ping , Xu Yu , Zhang Xiang , Zhao Peiquan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To provide a genotype and phenotype characterization of the BEST1 mutation in Chinese patients with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) through multimodal imaging and next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods
Seventeen patients from 17 unrelated families of Chinese origin with ARB were included in a retrospective cohort study. Phenotypic characteristics, including anterior segment features, were assessed by multimodal imaging. Multigene panel testing, involving 586 ophthalmic disease-associated genes, and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify disease-causing variants.

Results
Among 17 ARB patients, the mean follow-up was 15.65 months and average onset age was 30.53 years (range: 9–68). Best corrected visual acuity ranged from light perception to 0.8. EOG recordings showed a typically decreased Arden ratio in 12 patients, and a normal or slightly decreased Arden ratio in two patients. Anterior features included shallow anterior chambers (16/17), ciliary pronation (16/17), iris bombe (13/17), iridoschisis (2/17), iris plateau (1/17), narrow angles (16/17) and reduced axial lengths (16/17). Sixteen patients had multiple bilateral small, round, yellow vitelliform deposits distributed throughout the posterior pole, surrounding the optic disc. Initial diagnoses included angle-closure glaucoma (four patients), Best disease (three patients), and central serous chorioretinopathy secondary to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) (one patient), with the remainder diagnosed with ARB. Fourteen patients underwent preventive laser peripheral iridotomy, four of whom also received combined trabeculectomy and iridotomy in both eyes for uncontrolled intraocular pressure. One patient received intravitreal conbercept for CNV. Overall, 15 distinct disease-causing variants of BEST1 were identified, with 14 (82.35%) patients having missense mutations. Common mutations included p. Arg255-256 and p. Ala195Val (both 23.68%), with the most frequent sites in exons 7 and 5.

Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive characterization of anterior segment and genetic features in ARB, with a wide array of morphological abnormalities. Findings are relevant for refining clinical practices and genetic counseling and advancing pathogenesis research.
Childhood vaccination among Polish immigrants in Norway: a qualitative study
Authors: Gleditsch Rebecca Nybru , Hynek Kamila , Hansen Bo T. , Ofitserova Trine Skogset , Winje Brita Askeland , Skogheim Thea Steen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Confidence in childhood vaccination is high in Norway and the Norwegian Childhood Immunization Programme (NCIP) achieves high overall coverage rates. However, lower coverage has been observed for some immigrant groups, including Polish immigrants who represent the largest immigrant group in Norway. Anti-vaccine sentiments and increased refusal of mandatory childhood vaccination has been on the rise in Poland, but it is unknown whether such attitudes also apply to Polish immigrants in Norway, as they experience a different vaccination policy and perhaps also different attitudes to vaccines. This qualitative study aims to explore attitudes towards childhood vaccination in Norway among Polish immigrants.

Methods
We interviewed 15 Polish parents living in Norway in 2022. We recruited the participants by purposive sampling and analyzed the interviews by reflexive thematic analysis.

Results
Three themes were identified: views of childhood vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, and differences in childhood vaccination between Poland and Norway. Overall, the participants favored childhood vaccination and viewed most of the vaccines included in the NCIP as safe and reliable. Human papilloma virus, meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines were declined by some of the parents. Comparisons of childhood vaccination in Poland and Norway was evident in many of the interviews, especially among parents whose children had received vaccines in both countries. The participants were well acquainted with the NCIP, favored voluntary childhood vaccination, and the majority expressed a high level of trust in Norwegian health authorities.

Conclusions
Polish immigrants to Norway generally expressed positive views about childhood vaccination. Non-vaccination was related to lack of knowledge and/or unfamiliarity with certain vaccines and not with anti-vaccine sentiments or conspiracy theories. The study highlights how parents’ knowledge, in combination with norms and trends from both birth country and country of residence, influence parents’ decision making about vaccination.
Long-term effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on weight status, eating habits, and lifestyle changes related to school-aged children in Bandar Abbas, Iran
Authors: Khamesan Behnaz , Khatibzade-Nasari Niloufar , Zare Shahram , Rostami-Gooran Narges , Baghestani-Koozehgar Roya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite the end of the COVID-19 lockdown and reopening of schools, the long-term effects of quarantine on the weight status, eating habits, and lifestyle of children and adolescents remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of the lockdown on the weight status, eating habits, and lifestyle changes of children and adolescents in Iran.

Method
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2022. The target population comprised one hundred students aged between 10 and 16 years old. Our study obtained students’ weight and height data from records maintained by school principals or physical education instructors before and after the quarantine period. The BMI z-score (zBMI) was calculated for each time point. The researchers also provided a questionnaire to collect the students’ demographic and lifestyle status changes during school closures.

Results
We found that the zBMI increased significantly from − 0.02 ± 1.64 to 0.36 ± 1.12, and the number of individuals with overweight and obesity increased by 3% during quarantine (P ≤ 0.05). These changes were more pronounced in males and students aged 14–16 years old. We also found that eating habits, sleeping time, sleeping patterns, screen time (time spent on social media per day), and physical activity had significant negative changes during quarantine, and a significant increase in zBMI was observed among students who experienced negative eating behaviors, altered sleeping patterns, and decreased physical activity during school closures.

Conclusion
As prolonged school closures due to the COVID-19 lockdown aggravated students’ health and lifestyle status, our findings can aid in proper planning to establish an appropriate framework for the diet, physical activity, and sleeping quality of students during extended school closures.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the caregiver self-efficacy in contributing to patient self-care scale in China
Authors: Lv Qingyun , Zhang Xiaonan , Wang Yaqi , Xu Xueying , Zang Xiaoying 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Caregiver self-efficacy is crucial in improving patient outcomes and caregiver well-being, but there is a lack of suitable scales to assess this concept within the context of Chinese culture. This study aimed to cross-culturally translate the Caregiver Self-Efficacy in Contributing to Patient Self-Care (CSE-CSC) Scale and evaluate its psychometric properties using classical test theory and item response theory.

Methods
The CSE-CSC scale was adapted using Brislin’s translation model after obtaining authorization from the original author. A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of this scale. Classical test theory was used to evaluate reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability), validity (content validity, structural validity, convergent validity), and floor and ceiling effects. Item response theory was employed to assess the fit of the rating scale model, reliability, item difficulties, and measurement invariance.

Results
The translation and cultural adaptation process was completed. Classical test theory demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.935) and test-retest reliability (ICC from 0.784 to 0.829, p<0.001). The I-CVI and K* of each item ranged from 0.875 to 1.00 and 0.871 to 1.00. The first-order 2-factor model fit well (χ2/df = 3.71, RMSEA = 0.082, SRMR = 0.032, CFI = 0.973, TLI = 0.60). Convergent validity showed that the CSE-CSC scores had a strong positive correlation with three separate scales of the CC-SC-CII. There was no floor and ceiling effect in this scale. Rasch analysis showed that the CSE-CSC scale demonstrated a good fit to the rating scale model and exhibited excellent reliability (person/item separation index>2, person/item reliability coefficients>0.8). The Wright map showed that item difficulty matched the respondents’ measured abilities. The analysis of differential item functioning (DIF) showed that all items were comparable in gender.

Conclusions
This study indicated that the CSE-CSC scale had good reliability, validity, difficulty degree, and measurement invariance. The CSE-CSC scale can be used to measure caregiver self-efficacy of Chinese patients with multiple chronic conditions.
Predicting return of lung function after a pulmonary exacerbation using the cystic fibrosis respiratory symptom diary-chronic respiratory infection symptom scale
Authors: Gill Eliana R. , Goss Christopher H. , Sagel Scott D. , Wright Michelle L. , Horner Sharon D. , Zuñiga Julie A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Pulmonary exacerbations (PExs) in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) are associated with increased healthcare costs, decreased quality of life and the risk for permanent decline in lung function. Symptom burden, the continuous physiological and emotional symptoms on an individual related to their disease, may be a useful tool for monitoring PwCF during a PEx, and identifying individuals at high risk for permanent decline in lung function. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the degree of symptom burden severity, measured by the Cystic Fibrosis Respiratory Symptom Diary (CFRSD)- Chronic Respiratory Infection Symptom Scale (CRISS), at the onset of a PEx can predict failure to return to baseline lung function by the end of treatment.

Methods
A secondary analysis of a longitudinal, observational study (N = 56) was conducted. Data was collected at four time points: year-prior-to-enrollment annual appointment, termed “baseline”, day 1 of PEx diagnosis, termed “Visit 1”, day 10–21 of PEx diagnosis, termed “Visit 2” and two-weeks post-hospitalization, termed “Visit 3”. A linear regression model was performed to analyze the research question.

Results
A regression model predicted that recovery of lung function decreased by 0.2 points for every increase in CRISS points, indicating that participants with a CRISS score greater than 48.3 were at 14% greater risk of not recovering to baseline lung function by Visit 2, than people with lower scores.

Conclusion
Monitoring CRISS scores in PwCF is an efficient, reliable, non-invasive way to determine a person’s status at the beginning of a PEx. The results presented in this paper support the usefulness of studying symptoms in the context of PEx in PwCF.
Triglyceride-glucose index and combined indicators: effective indicators for screening NAFLD in snoring patients
Authors: Cai Yuqing , Chen Jia , Deng Xiaoyu , Wang Biying , Huang Jiefeng , Lian Ningfang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Aims
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common complication in snoring patients, especially in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was a simple indicator of metabolic status and a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. This study aimed to explore the relationship between NAFLD and TyG index in snoring patients.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted. The successive snoring patients enrolled in the Sleep Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University and had abdominal ultrasonography were included. The clinical characteristics of patients in different quartile TyG groups were compared. The relationship of the TyG index and NAFLD were valued via logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analysis. The value of TyG index in predicting NAFLD was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve).

Results
A total of 463 NAFLD cases were found among the 654 snoring patients. TyG index was a risk factor of NAFLD in snoring patients (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.71–3.36). The risk of NAFLD was much higher in patients with the highest quartile of TyG index (OR = 5.12, 95% CI = 2.85–9.22), compared with the lowest quartile group. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis showed a significant dose-response relationship between TyG index and risk of NAFLD (p for non-linearity < 0.001). A combination of TyG, neck circumference and ESS score presented the acceptable AUC for the detection of NAFLD in snoring patients (0.746, 95% CI 0.701–0.790, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The TyG index was a risk factor of NAFLD in snoring patients. A combination of TyG, neck circumferences and ESS score could act as a convenient and effective indicator for screening NAFLD in snoring patients.