bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P038 Ultrasound scanning in gum clinics – is it feasible; is it valuable?
Authors: Suchak Tara , Taher Marjan , Schweitzer Margaritha Von 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionWith increasing financial constraint and commissioning pressures, GUM providers need to develop services to improve clinical care and cut costs. In order to provide fully integrated sexual health provision we introduced trans-vaginal ultrasound scanning to assess IUD/IUS position and placement as well as scanning for deep implants in August 2016 at a central London clinic.MethodsA member of staff trained in ultrasound was identified and a suitable portable machine sourced. From 11th August 2016, the new service was advertised to clinics within the trust and patients could be referred for assessment of coil/implant presence and position both for booked ‘sessions’ and on an ad hoc basis.ResultsTo 3rdMarch 2017, 127 TV scans have been performed. The indication for scanning was: 70 (55%) post insertion of inter-uterine contraception; 21 (17%) for lost threads; 9 (7%) bleeding problems and 27 (21%) other reasons.5% (6/127) devices were identified as incorrectly positioned and could be changed at the scanning appointment. Only 1 patient required onward referral for a departmental ultrasound scan.DiscussionUltrasound scanning in GUM clinics is feasible and has proven to be a valuable addition to current services offered. Consequently referrals for hospital based ultrasound scans have decreased, resulting in shorter waiting times for patients as well as providing a ‘one stop shop’ for patients.
P041 Disintegrating sexual and reproductive healthcare? our patients’ views
Authors: Bull Lauren , Rayment Michael , Jones Rachael , Cohen CE 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe drive for integrated sexual and reproductive health services has improved access for women. However, councils in our area indicate Level 3 services will only provide initial contraceptive scripts, redirecting women to primary care services thereafter. We canvassed service users’ opinions.MethodWomen dispensed with pill/patch/ring/injection prescriptions during February 2017 were invited to complete an anonymous online survey.ResultsThe response rate was 46% (92 responses over four weeks). Half lived locally. A majority were aged 18–34 years (77, 84%), of white ethnicity (73, 80%) and in full-time employment (78; 84%). Most were GP registered (77, 84%). Most were pill users (62, 67%). Over half sought a repeat prescription (52, 57%), 24 (26%) were new starters and 18 (20%) requested a sexual health screen.Two thirds (63, 69%) walked-in without an appointment. One third (32, 35%) stated they couldn’t be seen at their GP. Ease of access was the main driver for attendance (76, 77%). Other key reasons for choosing our service: access to their method of choice (50, 54%); professional advice about methods (34, 37%); to ask sexual health advice (18, 20%); to receive STI screening (21, 23%). 78 women (87%) cited they had concerns about the council’s proposal, with 69 (85%) stating access to primary care concerned them.DiscussionThis survey highlights the value to patients of easy access to skilled professionals who provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare. Significant concerns were raised about this proposal, which ignores both the need and value women place on integrated services like ours.
P043 Contraceptive use in HIV positive women. are effective methods being offered?
Authors: Bell Laura , Wilson Yvonne , Dinsmore Wallace , Donnelly Claire , Emerson Carol , McCarty Emma , Walker Eoin , Quah Say 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionBritish HIV Association (BHIVA) guidelines recommend that consistent condom use should be encouraged along with additional methods of contraception for women living with HIV. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptive.MethodsA retrospective chart review was carried out of all women under the age of 45 regularly attending the clinic (attended twice in the past year). Charts were reviewed to establish if the method of contraception used was discussed and documented within the past year, which method was being used and if there were any drug interactions.ResultsA total of 145 female patients were identified. The method of contraception used was documented in 75%, as shown in the table. Of the women reporting no contraceptive use 14 were not sexually active. 124 (86%) patients were prescribed HAART. Of those patients who were prescribed HAART and hormonal methods of contraception, 2 potential drug interactions were identified of which 1 had been discussed with patient. From 2014–2016 29 patients became pregnant (those diagnosed through antenatal services were excluded) of which 19 where prescribed HAART.DiscussionContraceptive methods should be discussed with HIV positive patients along with advice on consistent use of condoms in patients using hormonal methods of contraception and HAART. This will help prevent unplanned pregnancies as well as HIV transmission.Abstract P043 Table 1Contraceptive use in HIV positive womenMethod of ContraceptionCondomsNoneIUSIUDHysterectomy/SterilisedCOCPOPImplantDMPANot documentedNumber of Patients4636836421237
IL-15/IL-15Rα-Fc-Fusion Protein XmAb24306 Potentiates Activity of CD3 Bispecific Antibodies through Enhancing T-Cell Expansion
Authors: Li Ji , Clark Robyn , Slaga Dionysos , Avery Kendra , Liu Ke , Schubbert Suzanne , Varma Rajat , Chiang Eugene , Totpal Klara , Bernett Matthew J. , Holder Patrick G. , Junttila Teemu T. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
An insufficient quantity of functional T cells is a likely factor limiting the clinical activity of T-cell bispecific antibodies, especially in solid tumor indications. We hypothesized that XmAb24306 (efbalropendekin alfa), a lymphoproliferative interleukin (IL)-15/IL-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα) Fc-fusion protein, may potentiate the activity of T-cell dependent (TDB) antibodies. The activation of human peripheral T cells by cevostamab, an anti-FcRH5/CD3 TDB, or anti-HER2/CD3 TDB resulted in the upregulation of the IL-2/15Rβ (CD122) receptor subunit in nearly all CD8+ and majority of CD4+ T cells, suggesting that TDB treatment may sensitize T cells to IL-15. XmAb24306 enhanced T-cell bispecific antibody-induced CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell proliferation and expansion. In vitro combination of XmAb24306 with cevostamab or anti-HER2/CD3 TDB resulted in significant enhancement of tumor cell killing, which was reversed when T-cell numbers were normalized, suggesting that T-cell expansion is the main mechanism of the observed benefit. Pretreatment of immunocompetent mice with a mouse-reactive surrogate of XmAb24306 (mIL-15-Fc) resulted in a significant increase of T cells in the blood, spleen, and tumors and converted transient anti-HER2/CD3 TDB responses to complete durable responses. In summary, our results support the hypothesis that the number of tumor-infiltrating T cells is rate limiting for the activity of solid tumor-targeting TDBs. Upregulation of CD122 by TDB treatment and the observed synergy with XmAb24306 and T-cell bispecific antibodies support clinical evaluation of this novel immunotherapy combination.
The bi-directional relationships between diversified leisure activity participation and cognitive function in older adults in China: separating between-person effects from within-person effects
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Li Shaojie , Hu Yang , Ren Longbing , Jiang Yuling , Yu Mingzhi , Liu Zhouwei , Wu Yifei , Zhao Yejin , Zhang Jie , Li Jing , Yao Yao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
To examine the bi-directorial association between diversified leisure activity participation and cognitive function over a 7-year period.

Methods
Data analyzed was from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a large-scale longitudinal national study. The baseline survey was conducted in 2011 with follow-up every three years. We traced a total of 2718 participants over a period of 7 years. We used adjusted random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) to examine the bi-directorial associations between diversified leisure activity participation and cognitive function.

Results
We observed bi-directorial associations between diversity of leisure activity and cognitive function across waves at the between-person and within-person levels. The adjusted random intercept cross-lagged panel models fitted the data appropriately, and the 3-year cross-lagged effects of prior diversified leisure activity participation on cognitive function (β = 0.058, p < 0.01) and cognitive function on subsequent diversified leisure activity participation (β = 0.047, p < 0.05) were significant. The results remained after adjusting the model for baseline sex, age, educational level, marital status and current residence, the number of chronic diseases, ADL, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, smoking, and drinking.

Conclusion
This study suggests that a reciprocal causality relationship between diversified leisure activity participation and cognitive function, indicating a “positive circle” that further promotes cognition over time.
Association of prothrombin time, thrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time levels with preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alemayehu Ermiyas , Mohammed Ousman , Belete Melaku Ashagrie , Mulatie Zewudu , Debash Habtu , Gedefie Alemu , Weldehanna Daniel Gebretsadik , Eshetu Bruktawit , Shibabaw Agumas , Tekele Saba Gebremichael , Tilahun Mihret , Ebrahim Hussen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Preeclampsia (PE), an obstetric disorder, remains one of the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality worldwide. In individuals with PE, the coagulation-fibrinolytic system is believed to be among the most significantly impacted systems due to maternal inflammatory responses and immune dysfunction. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association of prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) levels with preeclampsia.

Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Articles relevant to the study, published from July 26, 2013, to July 26, 2023, were systematically searched across various databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Hinari. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Utilizing Stata version 14.0, a random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) along with the respective 95% CIs. The I2 statistics and Cochrane Q test were utilized to assess heterogeneity, while subgroup analyses were performed to explore its sources. Furthermore, Egger’s regression test and funnel plot were employed to assess publication bias among the included studies.

Results
A total of 30 articles, involving 5,964 individuals (2,883 with PE and 3,081 as normotensive pregnant mothers), were included in this study. The overall pooled SMD for PT, APTT, and TT between PE and normotensive pregnant mothers were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.65–1.29, p < 0.001), 1.05 (95% CI: 0.74–1.36, p < 0.001), and 0.30 (95% CI: -0.08-0.69, p = 0.11), respectively. The pooled SMD indicates a significant increase in PT and APTT levels among PE patients compared to normotensive pregnant mothers, while the increase in TT levels among PE patients was not statistically significant.

Conclusions
The meta-analysis underscores the association between PE and prolonged PT and APTT. This suggests that evaluating coagulation parameters like PT, APTT, and TT in pregnant women could offer easily accessible and cost-effective clinical indicators for assessing PE. However, multicenter longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness across various gestational weeks of pregnancy.
Third-generation sequencing identified a novel complex variant in a patient with rare alpha-thalassemia
Authors: Zhou Cong , Du Yepei , Zhang Haixia , Wei Xing , Li Rui , Wang Jing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Thalassemias represent some of the most common monogenic diseases worldwide and are caused by variations in human hemoglobin genes which disrupt the balance of synthesis between the alpha and beta globin chains. Thalassemia gene detection technology is the gold standard to achieve accurate detection of thalassemia, but in clinical practice, most of the tests are only for common genotypes, which can easily lead to missing or misdiagnosis of rare thalassemia genotypes.

Case presentation
We present the case of an 18-year-old Chinese female with abnormal values of routine hematological indices who was admitted for genetic screening for thalassemia. Genomic DNA was extracted and used for the genetic assays. Gap polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis were performed to detect HBA gene deletions, while PCR-reverse dot blot hybridization was used to detect point mutations in the HBA and HBB genes. Next-generation sequencing and third-generation sequencing (TGS) were used to identify known and potentially novel genotypes of thalassemia. We identified a novel complex variant αHb WestmeadαHb Westmeadαanti3.7/-α3.7 in a patient with rare alpha-thalassemia.

Conclusions
Our study identified a novel complex variant that expands the thalassemia gene variants spectrum. Meanwhile, the study suggests that TGS could effectively improve the specificity of thalassemia gene detection, and has promising potential for the discovery of novel thalassemia genotypes, which could also improve the accuracy of genetic counseling. Couples who are thalassemia carriers have the opportunity to reduce their risk of having a child with thalassemia.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and disease burden of febrile seizures in children with and without COVID-19
Authors: Jiang Zhongli , Fang Cuiyun , Peng Fengyimei , Fan Wei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common seizure disorder in children and a common neurologic complication in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to identify differences in clinical characteristics and disease burden between FS with and without COVID-19.

Materials and methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical data at our hospital from December 2019 to July 2023, focusing on hospitalized patients under the age of 14 diagnosed with FS who underwent COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were employed to compare the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups in terms of clinical characteristics and disease burden.

Results
A total of 514 patients were included, with 106 testing positive for COVID-19 and 408 testing negative. Patients with COVID-19 were older (34.87 ± 6.16 vs. 28.61 ± 11.35 months, P < 0.001) and had a higher proportion of males (79.2% vs. 62.3%, P = 0.001). The COVID-19 group had longer seizure durations (4.57 ± 4.38 vs. 3.22 ± 2.91 min, P = 0.006) and more complex FS (25.5% vs. 15.9%, P = 0.022). Laboratory tests showed lower lymphocyte counts in the COVID-19 group (1.87 ± 1.48 vs. 2.75 ± 1.51 × 103/µL, P < 0.001) and higher creatine kinase levels (158.49 ± 82.89 vs. 110.89 ± 56.11 U/L, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in hospital costs, length of hospitalization, and intensive care unit admissions.

Conclusion
Clinicians should be knowledgeable about the distinct clinical characteristics of FS in children with COVID-19. Despite distinct features, the prognosis remains favorable and does not require excessive intervention. Ongoing monitoring and research are needed to fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on FS and optimize management strategies.
Socioeconomic determinants of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in Norway: a registry study
Authors: Hilland Geir Haakon , Anthun Kjartan Sarheim 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous research has shown that socioeconomic status (SES) is a strong predictor of chronic disease. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no studies of how SES affects the risk of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) that has not been based upon self-reporting or retrospectively screening of symptoms. As far as we know, this is therefore the first study that isolate and describe socioeconomic determinants of ME/CFS and calculate how these factors relate to the risk of ME/CFS diagnosis by utilizing individual level registry data. This allows for objective operationalization of the ME/CFS population, and makes it possible to model SES affect the risk of ME/CFS diagnosis, relative to control groups.

Data and methods
We conduct a pooled cross-sectional analysis of registry data from all adult patients diagnosed with ME/CFS from 2016 to 2018 in Norway, coupled with socioeconomic data from statistics Norway from 2011 to 2018. We operationalize SES as household income and educational attainment fixed at the beginning of the study period. We compare the effects of SES on the risk of ME/CFS diagnosis to a population of chronically ill patients with hospital diagnoses that share clinical characteristics of ME/CFS and a healthy random sample of the Norwegian population. Our models are estimated by logistic regression analyses.

Results
When comparing the risk of ME/CFS diagnosis with a population consisting of people with four specific chronic diseases, we find that high educational attainment is associated with a 19% increase (OR: 1.19) in the risk of ME/CFS and that high household income is associated with a 17% decrease (OR:0.83) in risk of ME/CFS. In our second model we compare with a healthy population sample, and found that low educational attainment is associated with 69% decrease (OR:0.31) in the risk of ME/CFS and that low household income is associated with a 53% increase (OR: 1.53).

Conclusion
We find statistically significant associations between SES and the risk of ME/CFS. However, our more detailed analyses shows that our findings vary according to which population we compare the ME/CFS patients with, and that the effect of SES is larger when comparing with a healthy population sample, as opposed to controls with selected hospital diagnoses.
Trematode infection in ruminants and diversity of snail hosts across three agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia
Authors: Megersa Bekele , Hussein Bilisuma , Shemsu Jemila , Kassahun Redeat , Merera Olana , Moje Nebyou , Edao Bedaso Mammo , Waktole Hika , Ashenafi Hagos , Ayana Dinka 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe occurrence of trematodes among ruminants and their snail vectors is a major concern across various agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia. Trematodes pose significant threats to animals, causing considerable economic losses and impacting public health. In this study, we have investigated 784 ruminant fecal samples, and 520 abattoir samples, alongside the collection and identification of snail vectors from various agro-ecological regions. Fecal examinations revealed Fasciola, Paramphistomum and Schistosoma species infected 20.5% (95% CI: 17.6, 23.8), 11.7% (95% CI: 9.6, 14.2), and 6.3% (95% CI: 4.1, 9.1) of the animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of trematodes among ruminants was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.1%), with 6.0% (95% CI: 4.3, 7.7) showing mixed infections. Fasciola was more prevalent in Asela (26%) compared to Batu (19%) and Hawassa (11.5%), while a higher proportion of animals in Batu were infected with Paramphistomum. Schistosoma eggs were detected only in Batu (12.5%), but not in other areas. Sheep and cattle exhibited higher infection rates with Fasciola, Paramphistoma, and Schistosoma compared to goats. Significant associations were observed between trematode infections and risk factors including agro-ecology, animal species, body condition score, and deworming practices. About 20.8% and 22.7% of the slaughtered animals harbored Fasciola and Paramphistomum flukes, respectively, with a higher prevalence in Asela and Hawassa abattoirs compared to Batu abattoir. Additionally, a total of 278 snails were collected from the study areas and identified as lymnae natalensis, lymnae trancatula, Biomphalaria pffiferi, Biomphlaria sudanica, and Bulinus globosus. In conclusion, the study highlights the widespread occurrence of trematode infections, emphasizing the need for feasible control measures to mitigate their economic and public health impacts.
Quantitative MRI imaging of parenchyma and venation networks in Brassica napus leaves: effects of development and dehydration
Authors: Boulc’h Pierre-Nicolas , Collewet Guylaine , Guillon Baptiste , Quellec Stéphane , Leport Laurent , Musse Maja 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundCharacterisation of the structure and water status of leaf tissues is essential to the understanding of leaf hydraulic functioning under optimal and stressed conditions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is unique in its capacity to access this information in a spatially resolved, non-invasive and non-destructive way. The purpose of this study was to develop an original approach based on transverse relaxation mapping by Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the detection of changes in water status and distribution at cell and tissue levels inBrassica napusleaves during blade development and dehydration.ResultsBy combining transverse relaxation maps with a classification scheme, we were able to distinguish specific zones of areoles and veins. The tissue heterogeneity observed in young leaves still occurred in mature and senescent leaves, but with different distributions of T2values in accordance with the basipetal progression of leaf blade development, revealing changes in tissue structure. When subjected to severe water stress, all blade zones showed similar behaviours.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the great potential of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in assessing information on the structure and water status of leaves. The feasibility ofin plantaleaf measurements was demonstrated, opening up many opportunities for the investigation of leaf structure and hydraulic functioning during development and/or in response to abiotic stresses.
Preoperative fasting glucose value can predict acute kidney injury in non-cardiac surgical patients without diabetes but not in patients with diabetes
Authors: Pang Qianyun , Feng Yumei , Yang Yajun , Liu Hongliang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and costly complication after non-cardiac surgery. Patients with or without diabetes could develop hyperglycemia before surgery, and preoperative hyperglycemia was closely associated with postoperative poor outcomes, but the association between preoperative fasting blood glucose level and postoperative AKI is still unclear.

Methods
Data from patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery in Chongqing University Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2017, to May 31, 2023, were collected, preoperative glucose value and perioperative variables were extracted, the primary exposure of interest was preoperative glucose value, and the outcome was postoperative AKI.

Results
Data from 39,986 patients were included in the final analysis, 741(1.9%) patients developed AKI, 134(5.6%) in the cohort with DM, and 607(1.6%) in the cohort without DM(OR 1.312, 95% CI 1.028–1.675, P = 0.029). A significant non-linear association between preoperative glucose and AKI exists in the cohort without DM after covariable adjustment (P = 0.000), and every 1 mmol/L increment of preoperative glucose level increased OR by 15% (adjusted OR 1.150, 95% CI 1.078–1.227, P = 0.000), the optimal cut-point of preoperative fasting glucose level to predict AKI was 5.39 mmol/L (adjusted OR 1.802, 95%CI 1.513–2.146, P = 0.000). However, in the cohort with DM, the relation between preoperative glucose and postoperative AKI was not significant after adjusting by covariables (P = 0.437). No significance exists between both cohorts in the risk of AKI over the range of preoperative glucose values.

Conclusion
A preoperative fasting glucose value of 5.39 mmol/L can predict postoperative acute kidney injury after non-cardiac surgery in patients without diagnosed diabetes, but it is not related to AKI in patients with the diagnosis.