bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delays in sexual health care among patients attending New York City Sexual Health Clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic, March 2020 to February 2021
Authors: Tang Jennifer , Crawley Addie , Jamison Kelly , Wong Athena , Eng Stephen , Zhang Caroline , Navia Isabella , Cubas Carlos , Pathela Preeti 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Public health emergencies can lead to reduced or suspended services in sexual health clinics (SHCs), raising questions about optimal ways to maintain access to care. We examined changes in sexual behaviors, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, telehealth preference, and correlates of delayed sexual health care among patients attending New York City (NYC) publicly funded SHCs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
470 patients from four SHCs (July-September 2021) completed a self-administered survey that collected data on access to sexual health care, overall and over three distinct time periods [Spring 2020 (COVID-19 wave 1), Summer 2020, Fall 2020/Winter 2021 (COVID-19 wave 2)]. We used log-binomial models to examine factors associated with delayed sexual health care.

Results
Participants reporting multiple in-person sexual contacts increased from 28% to 57% (P < 0.0001) between the first and second wave. Almost half of participants (35/72) taking HIV PrEP cited decreased use. Over 90% (423/460) of participants preferred in-person clinic visits over telehealth. Overall, delays in routine and urgent sexual health care were reported by 34% (129/375) and 12% (46/373) of participants, respectively. More men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender/gender non-conforming/nonbinary (TGNCNB) individuals experienced delayed care compared with women [MSM: aPR 1.43 (95% CI, 1.00-2.03); TGNCNB: 1.67 (1.04-2.69)]. Compared with participants who primarily sought sexual health care from private providers, those who primarily used SHCs experienced significantly more delayed care [1.72 (1.14-2.59)].

Conclusions
Delays in sexual health care access can have serious implications for certain patient populations. Additional resources are needed to maintain access to sexual health clinic services.
A Novel Macroglossia Severity Index for Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Authors: Romeo Dominic J. , Banala Manisha , Wu Meagan , Ng Jinggang J. , Massenburg Benjamin B. , George Andrew , DeMarchis Madison , Liao Eric C. , Kalish Jennifer M. , Taylor Jesse A. 
Published: April 2024

Objective/ Summary Background Data:
We propose the first classification scheme for macroglossia in patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS), the BWS Index of macroGlossia (BIG).

Methods:
Patients with molecularly confirmed BWS seen from 2004-2023 were included to develop this system. Relationships among BIG scores, tongue reduction surgery, BWS clinical score, percent mosaicism, and polysomnography findings were examined.

Results:
Patients were classified from BIG0 to BIG3. BIG0 includes those without macroglossia; BIG1 includes those with macroglossia not protruding beyond the teeth/alveolus; BIG2 includes those with tongue protrusion past the teeth/alveolus to the lips but that can be contained within the mouth; and BIG3 includes those with tongues that protrude beyond the teeth/alveolus and lips but that cannot be closed within the mouth. Of the 459 patients with molecularly confirmed BWS, 266 (58.0%) patients were scored. One hundred and eleven (41.7%) were BIG0, 44 (16.5%) were BIG1, 90 (33.8%) were BIG2, and 21 (7.9%) were BIG3. As scores increased, patients had an increased incidence of tongue reduction surgery (BIG0: 0% versus BIG1: 20.5% versus BIG2: 51.1% versus BIG3: 100%; r=0.66, P<0.01). Higher BIG scores were associated with elevated BWS clinical scores (r=0.68, P<0.01) and increased tissue mosaicism (r=0.50, P<0.01) as well as trends towards worse obstructive apnea-hypopnea indices (r=0.29, P=0.02) and lower SpO2 nadirs (r=−0.29, P=0.02).

Conclusion:
In this large series of patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, increased BIG score correlates with undergoing tongue reduction surgery and increased phenotypic severity. Adoption of the BIG scoring system may facilitate communication and risk stratification across institutions.
The Relevance of Differential Assessment Between Campimetry Deficit and Neglect in Hospitalized Neurologic Patients
Authors: Garella Paolo , Battaglino Andrea , Gargano Stefano , Alonso-Pérez José Luis , Villafañe Jorge Hugo 
Published: April 2024

Background:
This study investigates the clinical impact of visual system diseases and neuropsychological deficits on individualized rehabilitation programs for hospitalized neurologic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of visual system diseases and neuropsychological deficits on individualized rehabilitation programs for hospitalized neurologic patients.

Methods:
An observational study was conducted on adult inpatients with neurologic disorders who were admitted to the neurology ward between February 2022 and January 2023. These patients underwent comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments as well as clinical orthoptic evaluations. We collected data pertaining to demographics, medical history, diagnoses, and rehabilitation reports. All participants met specific eligibility criteria, including age, cognitive status, and clinical stability.

Results:
Initially, 120 patients, 68 ±13 years old, were included in the full cohort. Subsequently, after excluding patients with low interview reliability, those lacking campimetry defects, or those solely presenting neglect, a final cohort of 7 patients remained for qualitative analysis. This final group exhibited a broad age range, predominantly had vascular diagnoses, and experienced prolonged hospital stays. These patients were notable for the presence of campimetry disorders and frequently faced challenges associated with spatial neglect.

Conclusions:
Visual system diseases and neuropsychological deficits significantly impact the planning and execution of rehabilitation programs for hospitalized neurologic patients. A multidisciplinary approach, with the orthoptist's expertise, is essential to address visual impairments, improving the quality of life and functional outcomes of stroke survivors.
Assessing the Influence of Unstable Footwear on Lower Limb Lymphedema
Authors: Robledo-Donascimento Yolanda , López-Mesa Mario Manuel , Rubio-Alonso Margarita , Varela-Donoso Enrique , Abuín-Porras Vanesa , Romero-Morales Carlos , de-la-Cueva-Reguera Mónica , Villafañe Jorge Hugo 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Unstable shoes may benefit lower limb lymphedema patients by reducing foot volume and relieving symptoms.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of unstable shoes versus conventional sports shoes in managing lower limb lymphedema, focusing on changes in foot volume, circumference, and symptom relief.

Methods:
We conducted an 8-week clinical trial, recruiting patients with lower limb lymphedema. Participants were divided into 2 groups: one using unstable shoes and the other using conventional sports shoes. Measurements of foot volume and circumference were taken at the beginning and end of the trial. Additionally, participants were asked to report any changes in leg cramps and paraesthesia during the study period.

Results:
The results indicated a nonstatistically significant tendency toward a decrease in foot volume and circumference in the intervention group using unstable shoes. In contrast, the control group using conventional sports shoes showed a tendency toward an increase in foot volume and a statistically significant increase in foot circumference. Moreover, participants in the unstable shoes group reported a decrease in leg cramps and paraesthesia, indicating potential symptom relief.

Conclusions:
This study suggests that unstable shoes have the potential to offer benefits to individuals with lower limb lymphedema, particularly in terms of foot volume reduction and symptom relief. The use of unstable shoes may be suitable for activities such as walking and extended periods of standing. However, further research is necessary to explore their full potential and effectiveness in managing lymphedema symptoms comprehensively.
Multicomponent Exercise Program to Avoid Productivity Loss Due to COVID-19
Authors: Artiles-Sánchez Justo , Fernández-Carnero Josué , Sánchez-Romero Eleuterio A. , Cuenca-Zaldívar Juan Nicolás , Martínez-Lozano Pedro , Meléndez-Oliva Erika , Alonso-Perez José Luís , Villafañe Jorge Hugo 
Published: April 2024

Objective:
To evaluate and quantify the mitigation of productivity deficits in individuals recovering from post-COVID-19 conditions by implementing a multicomponent exercise program (MEP).

Methods:
Thirty-nine post-COVID-19 patients meeting specific criteria participated in a 7-week intervention program involving cycloergometer interval training, strength exercises, and respiratory physiotherapy. Follow-up assessments occurred 2 weeks post-intervention and 23 months later via telephone interviews. The study computed the average avoided loss of productivity to estimate indirect costs.

Results:
Over 2 years, 51.4% had persistent symptoms and 48.7% reported complex issues. Age differences were observed between retired and employed individuals. Multinomial regression revealed a 91.849 times higher likelihood of simple signs in employed individuals and a 1.579 times higher likelihood of being older in retirees. Simple symptoms were associated with a 90 000 times higher likelihood of returning to work. Sensitivity analysis indicated potential productivity gains from €117 955 to €134 004 per patient over a 4-year horizon.

Conclusion:
The MEP is a safe and effective post-COVID recovery intervention, notably aiding workforce reintegration for individuals with simple signs. Patients with such signs were significantly more likely to return to work, highlighting potential productivity gains and emphasizing the need for further research on the program's cost-effectiveness and broader societal benefits.
Effect of motivational interviewing on lifestyle modification among patients with hypertension attending the family medicine clinics of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria – A randomized controlled trial (MILMAPH Study)
Authors: Oseni Tijani Idris Ahmad , Oku Afiong Oboko , Monye Ifeoma N , Ahmed Sulaiman Dazumi , Duke Roseline Ekanem , Otaigbe Osahon , Udonwa Ndifreke Ekpo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundLifestyle modification has been shown to improve blood pressure (BP) control, but its practice is poor among patients with hypertension. Thus, measures that would help patients with hypertension achieve positive lifestyle modification would improve BP control. The study aimed to determine the effect of motivational interviewing on lifestyle modification and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension attending the Family Medicine Clinics of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Nigeria.MethodsThe study was a randomised control trial (PACTR202301917477205) of 250 hypertensive adults between 18 and 65 years presenting to the Family Medicine Clinics of ISTH randomised into intervention and control groups. Those in the intervention group were given monthly motivational interviewing (MI) on lifestyle modification in addition to standard care for the management of hypertension while those in the control group got standard care only for 6 months. Both groups were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Data was analysed with Stata version 17 (StataCorp LLC) with level of significance at 0.05. Primary outcome was lifestyle modification while secondary outcome was BP control both at 6 months.ResultsThe age of the participants ranged from 24 to 65 years with a mean age of 51.5 ± 10.0 years. The blood pressure control at baseline was 24%. At the end of the six-month study, there was a statistically significant improvement in the lifestyle pattern of the intervention group compared to control except smoking in which the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.150). Blood pressure control significantly improved from 24% at baseline to 48% post-intervention (p=0.014).ConclusionThe study found a significant positive association between motivational interviewing and lifestyle modification. The study also found a significant improvement in blood pressure control following motivational interviewing. There is a need to incorporate motivational interviewing into the management of hypertension for better outcomes.
Cytosolic S100A8/A9 promotes Ca2+supply at LFA-1 adhesion clusters during neutrophil recruitment
Authors: Napoli Matteo , Immler Roland , Rohwedder Ina , Lupperger Valerio , Pfabe Johannes , Gonzalez Pisfil Mariano , Yevtushenko Anna , Vogl Thomas , Roth Johannes , Salvermoser Melanie , Dietzel Steffen , Slak Rupnik Marjan , Marr Carsten , Walzog Barbara , Sperandio Markus , Pruenster Monika 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTS100A8/A9 is an endogenous alarmin secreted by myeloid cells during many acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. Despite increasing evidence of the proinflammatory effects of extracellular S100A8/A9, little is known about its intracellular function. Here, we show that cytosolic S100A8/A9 is indispensable for neutrophil post-arrest modifications during outside-in signaling under flow conditions in vitro and neutrophil recruitment in vivo, independent of its extracellular functions. Mechanistically, genetic deletion of S100A9 in mice (Mrp14−/−, functionalS100a8/a9−/−) caused dysregulated Ca2+signatures in activated neutrophils resulting in reduced Ca2+availability at the formed LFA-1/F-actin clusters with defective β2integrin outside-in signaling during post-arrest modifications. Consequently, we observed impaired cytoskeletal rearrangement, cell polarization and spreading, as well as cell protrusion formation inMrp14−/−compared to WT neutrophils, makingMrp14−/−cells more susceptible to detach under flow, thereby preventing efficient neutrophil recruitment and extravasation into inflamed tissue.One-sentence summaryintracellular S100A8/A9 is indispensable for firm leukocyte adhesion under flow
Maize stigmas react differently to self-/cross-pollination and fungal invasion
Authors: Begcy Kevin , Mondragón-Palomino Mariana , Zhou Liang-Zi , Seitz Patricia-Lena , Márton Mihaela-Luiza , Dresselhaus Thomas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDuring sexual reproduction in flowering plants, rapid tip-growing pollen tubes travel from the stigma inside the maternal tissues of the pistil towards ovules. In maize, the stigma is highly elongated forming thread-like strands known as silks. Only compatible pollen tubes are supported to penetrate and to grow successfully through the transmitting tract of the silk to reach the ovules. Like pollen, fungal spores germinate at the surface of silks and generate tube-like structures (hyphae) penetrating silk tissue. To elucidate commonalities and differences between silk responses to various invaders, we compared growth behavior of the various invaders as well as the silk transcriptome after self-pollination, cross-pollination and infection using two different fungi. We report that self-pollination triggers especially senescence genes, while incompatible pollination usingTripsacum dactyloidesleads to downregulation of rehydration genes, microtubule and modulation of cell wall-related genes explaining slower pollen tube growth and their arrest. Invasion by the ascomyceteFusarium graminearumtriggers numerous defense responses including the activation of monolignol biosynthesis and NAC as well as WRKY transcription factor genes, while responses to the basidiomyceteUstilago maydisare generally much weaker. Cell wall and phytoalexin biosynthesis pathways were selected as examples to demonstrate usability of the data sets provided.One sentence summaryData sets are provided and analyzed to elucidate how maize stigmas (silks) respond to different biotic invaders including own and alien pollen tubes as well as hyphae of two different fungi.
The splicing factor kinase SRPK1 is a therapeutic target for Peripheral Vascular Disease
Authors: Bhalla Sohni Ria , Wahid Mussarat , Amartey Jason O , Zawia Amira , Riu Federica , Gao Yizhuo , Agrawal Jyoti , Lynch Amy P , Machado Maria JC , Hawtrey Tom , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Green Kathryn R , Teboul Lydia , Allen Claire , Blackley Zoe , Rajaji Keerthana , Marsden Daisy , Batson Jennifer , Harper Steven J , Oltean Sebastian , Amoaku Winfried , Benest Andrew V , Morris Jonathan C , Braithwaite Bruce , Bates David O 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn peripheral arterial disease (PAD) anti-angiogenic VEGF-A165b isoform overexpression in monocytes contributes to impaired collateralisation. Serine-arginine protein-kinase-1 (SRPK1) regulates VEGF splicing. To determine whether SRPK1 controlled monocytic VEGF, impairing collateralisation, we investigated SRPK1 inhibition and monocyte-specific knockout in mouse models of and in human monocytes from PAD.MethodsVEGF-A165b activity was measured by co-culture of PAD patients’ monocytes with endothelial cells with SRPK1 inhibition. Mice with impaired revascularisation due to soluble-frizzled-related-protein-5 knockout (Sfrp5-/-), monocyte-specific Wnt5a gain-of-function (LysM-Wnt5aGOF), or obese mice on a high-fat high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet were subjected to femoral artery ligation and treated with SRPK1 inhibitor. We generated an SRPK1 conditional knockout and crossed it with monocyte-specific (LysM-Cre) driver line to specifically knockout SRPK1 in monocyte lineages. Blood flow was measured by Laser Speckle Imaging before, and for 28 days after surgery.ResultsMonocytes from PAD patients significantly inhibited endothelial cell migration, which was reversed by an anti-VEGF-A165b antibody. Surprisingly, migration was stimulated by SRPK1 inhibition, switching splicing from VEGF-A165b to VEGF-A165a. In Sfrp5-/-, LysM-Wnt5aGOFand HF/HS mouse models of PAD, blood flow was improved by SRPK1 inhibition. Impaired revascularisation in LysM-Wnt5aGOFmice was rescued in LysM-Wnt5aGOF:SRPK1MoKOmice, which had a phenotypic shift towards M2 macrophages. Impaired blood flow recovery was also rescued in obese-SRPK1MoKOmice.ConclusionVEGF splicing in monocytes is regulated differently from VEGF splicing in epithelial or cancer cells suggesting that control of splicing is dependent on cell type and/or environment. SRPK1 inhibition enhances collateralisation in mice, and in humanin vitromodels of monocyte-dependent impaired angiogenesis.New and NoteworthyA novel potential treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is described. Inhibition of SRPK1, or knockout in monocytes, induces angiogenesis by preventing splicing to anti-angiogenic VEGF (VEGF-A165b) in patients and animal models. In PAD, monocyte splicing control is different from other cell types and SRPK1 inhibition by drug like compounds can alter macrophage phenotype and reverse PAD in mice using a new cell specific SRPK1-LoxP mouse.
Outcome of community onset severe sepsis, Sepsis-3 sepsis, and bacteremia in Sweden – a prospective population-based study
Authors: Ljungström Lars , Andersson Rune , Jacobsson Gunnar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundRegister-based studies are common in sepsis epidemiology. Chart review is considered gold standard but is time consuming. This is one of few such studies.MethodsIn a 9-month prospective and consecutive study conducted in 2011-12, chart review was used to investigate outcomes in patients with severe sepsis, Sepsis-3 sepsis, and bacteremia in a population of 256,700 inhabitants in southwest Sweden. All adult patients aged ≥18 years admitted to hospital and given intravenous antibiotic treatment within 48 hours were evaluated, N=2,196. Cohort mortality was calculated up to 10 years after admission.ResultsAmong 2,072 adults with any infection, 429 patients had severe sepsis of which 59 had septic shock. The 28-day case fatality rate (CFR) was 25%, 41% in those with septic shock. Sepsis-3 sepsis was diagnosed in 1,299 patients. The 28-day CFR was 12%. Among the 1,299, 393 also had severe sepsis. In 906 patients with Sepsis-3 sepsis but not severe sepsis, the 28-day CFR was 6%. For both sepsis definitions, the 28-day CFR increased 10-fold between the youngest and the oldest age groups. Age >75 years, and renal dysfunction were the strongest independent risk factors for 28-day case fatality. Bacteremia occurred in 283/2,072 (13%) patients. The 28-day CFR was 13% overall, 25% in severe sepsis and 4% in non-severe sepsis. Even 10 years after admission, the mortality rate was higher in sepsis patients by either definition.ConclusionsThe 28-day case fatality rate (CFR) in patients with Sepsis-3 sepsis, 12%, is the result of a large group of patients with a low 28-day CFR, 6%, camouflaging a group with severe sepsis and a high 28-day CFR, 25%. Age >75 years is an independent risk factor for case fatality. The 28-day CFR in patients with bacteremia is a function of severe sepsis, not bacteremiaper se. Even after ten years, mortality is increased in both sepsis groups.
Personality traits vary in their association with brain activity across situations
Authors: Hardikar Samyogita , McKeown Brontë , Turnbull Adam , Xu Ting , Valk Sofie L. , Bernhardt Boris C. , Margulies Daniel S. , Milham Michael P. , Jefferies Elizabeth , Leech Robert , Villringer Arno , Smallwood Jonathan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHuman cognition supports complex behaviour across a range of situations, and traits (such as personality) influence how we react in these different contexts. Although viewing traits as situationally grounded is common in social sciences it is often overlooked in neuroscience. Often studies focus on linking brain activity to trait descriptions of humans examine brain-trait associations in a single task, or, under passive conditions like wakeful rest. These studies, often referred to as brain wide association studies (BWAS) have recently become the subject of controversy because results are often unreliable even with large sample sizes. Although there are important statistical reasons why BWAS yield inconsistent results, we hypothesised that results are inconsistent because the situation in which brain activity is measured will impact the power in detecting a reliable link to a specific trait. To examine this possibility, we performed a state-space analysis in which tasks from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) were organized into a low-dimensional space based on how they activated different large-scale neural systems. We examined how individuals’ observed brain activity across these different contexts related to their personality. Our analysis found that for multiple personality traits (including Agreeableness, Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness) stronger associations with brain activity emerge in some tasks than others. These data establish that for specific personality traits there are situations in which reliable associations with brain activity can be identified with greater accuracy, highlighting the importance of context-bound views of understanding how brain activity links to trait variation in human behaviour.Significance statementAs a species humans act efficiently in many contexts, however, as individuals our personality makes us more specialised in some situations than others. This “if-then” view of personality is widely accepted in the social sciences but is often overlooked in neuroscience. Here we show adopting a situationally bound view of human traits provides more meaningful descriptions of a brain-trait associations than are possible in traditional brain wide association studies (BWAS) that measure brain activity in a single situation. Our results demonstrate multiple personality traits (including Agreeableness, Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness) show stronger associations with brain activity in some tasks than others, explaining why studies focusing on changes in brain activity at rest can lead to weak or contradictory results.