bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Fine Motor and Visual Motor Skills in Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome
Authors: Cusack Stacy V. , Gavazzi Francesco , de Barcelos Isabella Peixoto , Modesti Nicholson B. , Woidill Sarah , Formanowski Brielle , DeMauro Sara B. , Lorch Scott , Vincent Ariel , Jawad Abbas F. , Estilow Timothy , Glanzman Allan M. , Vanderver Adeline , Adang Laura A. 
Published: March 2024

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is a genetic inflammatory disorder resulting in dispersed neurologic dysfunction. Despite a recognition of overall motor impairment, fine and visual motor skills are undercharacterized. We hypothesize that there is a spectrum of fine and visual motor skills in the Aicardi-Goutières syndrome population as captured by a standard outcome measure, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS-2), which will be proportional to overall disease severity. In a cohort of 74 subjects, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–2 grasping and visual-motor integration subtests were administered concurrently with the Aicardi-Goutières syndrome Severity Scale (severe [range 0-3], moderate [range 4-8], and attenuated [range 9-11]). The cohort was also compared by genotype and performance as defined by raw scores. The distribution of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–2 scores within a genotype was assessed by interquartile ranges (IQRs). Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–2 grasping and visual-motor integration performance was the least variable in the TREX1-cohort (IQR: 10.00-12.00) versus the SAMHD1 and IFIH1 cohorts (IQR: 51.00-132.00 and 48.50-134.00, respectively). Neurologic severity highly correlated with both fine and visual motor skills (Spearman correlation: r = 0.87, 0.91, respectively). A floor effect (lowest 10% of possible scores) was observed within the severe cohort (n = 32/35), whereas a ceiling effect (top 10%) was observed in the attenuated cohort (n = 13/17). This study characterized the spectrum of fine and visual motor function in the Aicardi-Goutières syndrome population, which correlated with overall neurologic dysfunction. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–2 grasping and visual-motor integration showed promise as potential assessment tools in moderate and attenuated Aicardi-Goutières syndrome cohorts. A better understanding of fine and visual motor function in this population will benefit clinical care and clinical trial design.
Homocysteine modifies the association of coronary stenosis and HIV infection in an inner city African American population
Authors: Leucker Thorsten M , Harb Tarek , Gerstenblith Gary , Celentano David D , Ziogos Efthymios , Treisman Glenn , Mandler Raul N , Khalsa Jag , Charurat Man , Lai Shenghan , Lai Hong 
Published: March 2024

Background and aims People with HIV (PWH) whose disease is controlled on anti-retroviral regimens remain at an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Traditional cardiovascular risk factors do not fully explain the residual risk in PWH suggesting contributions from nontraditional factors. Homocysteine (Hcy) may be one of these as prior work in adults without HIV demonstrate that Hcy may impair endothelial function by decreasing the availability of nitric oxide, promoting the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, plasma Hcy levels are higher in PWH than in individuals living without HIV. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Hcy levels influence the association between HIV and coronary stenosis in an inner city African American population. Methods African Americans from the Heart Study in Baltimore, with and without HIV, recruited from inner-city Baltimore between June 2004 and February 2015, were included in this analysis. Participants underwent coronary CT angiography to evaluate the presence of coronary stenosis, defined as luminal stenosis >10%. Hcy was measured from stored serum samples. Results In this analysis, the median [IQR] age of the 664 participants was 56 [50–66] years; 68.1% were living with HIV and 43.1% were women. Elevated Hcy (>15 µmol/L) was more prevalent in those with coronary stenosis (23.3%, 95% CI: 18.4%–28.2%) than in those without coronary stenosis (13.1%, 95% CI: 9.7%–16.5%) ( p = 0.0007), and HIV was associated with coronary stenosis in those participants with an elevated Hcy (Prevalence Ratio: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.04-3.64, p = 0.0038) and not in those with a Hcy ≤15 µmol/L (Prevalence Ratio: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.83-1.25, p = 0.87). Conclusions Our data suggest an association between elevated Hcy levels (>15 µmol/L) and the prevalence of coronary stenosis in PWH from this inner city African American population.
Subgingival Plaque as a Potential Reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ashokkumar Lekha , Ravindran Deepak Moses , S. K. Balaji 
Published: March 2024

Background Subgingival plaque biofilm is a potential harboring site for bacteria and viruses, serving as a source of entry into the bloodstream. The presence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) in subgingival plaque could be a possible source for cross infection due to aerosol contamination during dental procedures. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the subgingival plaque biofilm of patients who recovered from COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods Ten subjects visiting the Outpatient clinic with a previous history of COVID-19 infection were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Subgingival plaque sample was collected from all four quadrants using a sterile curette. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were taken from all the subjects. Reverse transcriptase real-time qualitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using BAG SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kit targeting E gene, RdRp gene, and internal control. Results Ten participants (seven females and three males) with a previous history of COVID-19 infection were included in the study. Six participants previously presented with mild COVID-19 infection (uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection, mild fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headache, without evidence of breathlessness or hypoxia), and four participants previously presented with moderate COVID-19 infection (dyspnea and or hypoxia, fever, cough, SpO2 90%–94% on room air, respiratory rate more or equal to 24 per minute) according to clinical management protocol for COVID-19, Government of India. The nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and subgingival plaque samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusion The absence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the subgingival plaque sample of patients recovered from COVID-19 infection suggests that dental plaque could not be a potential reservoir of the virus. However, clinicians should take at most precautions while treating the patients recovered from COVID-19 infection and should anticipate a change in subgingival environment leading to alteration in periodontal disease progression.
Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Prognostic Model of m5C Related immune Genes in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cao Xiong , Ji Yuxing , Li Jiajia , Liu Zhikang , Chen Chang 
Published: March 2024

Background The aim of this retrospective research was to develop an immune-related genes significantly associated with m5C methylation methylation (m5C-IRGs)-related signature associated with lung adenocarainoma (LUAD). Methods We introduced transcriptome data to screen out m5C-IRGs in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUAD dataset. Subsequently, the m5C-IRGs associated with survival were certificated by Kaplan Meier (K-M) analysis. The univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and xgboost.surv tool were adopted to build a LUAD prognostic signature. We further conducted gene functional enrichment, immune microenvironment and immunotherapy analysis between 2 risk subgroups. Finally, we verified m5C-IRGs-related prognostic gene expression in transcription level. Results A total of 76 m5C-IRGs were identified in TCGA-LUAD dataset. Furthermore, 27 m5C-IRGs associated with survival were retained. Then, a m5C-IRGs prognostic signature was build based on the 3 prognostic genes (HLA-DMB, PPIA, and GPI). Independent prognostic analysis suggested that stage and RiskScore could be used as independent prognostic factors. We found that 4104 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the 2 risk subgroups were mainly concerned in immune receptor pathways. We found certain distinction in LUAD immune microenvironment between the 2 risk subgroups. Then, immunotherapy analysis and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity results indicated that the m5C-IRGs-related gene signature might be applied as a therapy predictor. Finally, we found significant higher expression of PPIA and GPI in LUAD group compared to the normal group. Conclusions The prognostic signature comprised of HLA-DMB, PPIA, and GPI based on m5C-IRGs was established, which might provide theoretical basis and reference value for the research of LUAD. Public Datasets Analyzed in the Study TCGA-LUAD dataset was collected from the TCGA ( https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov/ ) database, GSE31210 (validation set) was retrieved from GEO ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ ) database.
Identifying the Best Candidate for Primary Tumor Resection in Patients With Advanced Osteosarcoma
Authors: Li Zhengjiang , Yang Xingyao , Xing Shuxing 
Published: March 2024

Objectives Not all patients with stage III and IV osteosarcoma who undergo surgery to remove the primary tumor will benefit from surgery; therefore, we developed a nomogram model to test the hypothesis that only a subset of patients will benefit from surgery. Methods 412 patients were screened from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Subsequently, 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was used to screen and balance confounders. We first made the hypothesis that patients who underwent the procedure would benefit more. A multivariate Cox model was used to explore the independent influencing factors of CSS in two groups (benefit group and non-benefit group) and constructed nomograms with predicted prognosis. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to verify the performance of the nomogram. Results Of these patients, approximately 110 did not undergo primary tumour resection. After passing PSM, they were divided into a surgical group and a non-surgical group. Age, primary site and chemotherapy as calculated independent factors were used to construct a nomogra. The predicted nomogram showed good consistency in terms of the ROC curve and the calibration curve, and the DCA curve showed a certain clinical utility. Finally, dividing the surgical patients into surgical beneficiaries and surgical non-beneficiaries, a Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the nomogram can identify patients with osteosarcoma who can benefit from surgery. Conclusion A practical predictive model was established to determine whether patients with stage III or IV osteosarcoma would benefit from surgery.
A real-world multicentre evaluation of atezolizumab plus platinum-etoposide chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer in Italy
Authors: Musicco Felice , Fulgenzio Chiara , Malfa Antonia La , Jannitti Nicoletta , Vitiello Antonietta , Carpano Silvia , Fusco Francesca , Cappuzzo Federico , Terrenato Irene , Sperduti Isabella , Polidori Piera , Tarantino Domenico , Cerbo Lidia Di , Pani Marcello , Isgrò Valentina , Lasala Ruggero 
Published: March 2024

Introduction The aim of this study was to analyze real-life data from a cohort of adult patients receiving atezolizumab in combination with carboplatin and etoposide for first-line treatment of ES-SCLC, in order to assess relative dose intensity (RDI), time-to-treatment discontinuation (TTD), time-to-treatment failure (TTF), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) of treatments as well as the correlation between these outcomes. Methods An observational retrospective study was conducted. All patients treated with atezolizumab combined with carboplatin and etoposide for first-line treatment of ES-SCLC were included. Median TTD, TTF, PFS and OS were calculated in our cohort of patient by the Kaplan Meier method. Results The curves obtained with the Kaplan Meier method of TTF and TTD are substantially similar, indicating a good concordance of the information extracted by the two different data sources. This tendency was confirmed also when the TTD versus PFS curves were compared. The median OS registered was 11.8 months. Patients with no liver metastases showed a longer median time of OS than patients with liver metastases. The mean value of RDI for the entire cohort was 87.4%. Conclusions Our study showed that TTD, calculated from the administration data is a useful proxy of TTF as registered in the clinical chart. TTD is a real-world outcome that can be used to demonstrate the efficacy of drugs used for administered therapies. It can be used as an end point for RWE studies, where the evaluation is less structured and standardized.
“It’s Opened My Eyes to a Whole New World”: Positive Behaviour Support Training for Staff and Family Members Supporting Residents With Dementia in Aged Care Settings
Authors: Fisher Alinka C. , Reschke Katrina , Shah Nijashree , Cheung Sau , O’Connor Claire , Piguet Olivier 
Published: March 2024

Objectives This study examined the acceptability and usefulness of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) training in enhancing the capabilities of support staff and family members providing behaviour support to residents with dementia in residential aged care (RAC). Methods A mixed-methods pilot study was conducted across 3 RAC organisations, involving pre- and post-training questionnaire assessments for clinical leaders (n = 8), support staff (n = 37) and family members (n = 18). Results Findings indicated increased confidence among support staff and family members in providing behaviour support, with 96% indicating it would support their practices across settings. Key training benefits included identifying and addressing underlying causes of challenging behaviours. A majority (89%) expressed the need for further behaviour support training. Conclusion Recommendations focus on developing systems to enable effective and collaborative behaviour support practices. Further research is needed to examine application of PBS principles and planning for residents living with dementia.
Are comorbidities associated with differences in healthcare charges among lung cancer patients in US hospitals? Focusing on variances by patient and socioeconomic factors
Authors: Park Jeong-Hui , Kim Sun Jung , Medina Mar , Prochnow Tyler , Min Kisuk , Chang Jongwha 
Published: March 2024

Objective The clinical aspects of lung cancer patients are well-studied. However, healthcare charge patterns have yet to be explored through a large-scale representative population-based sample investigating differences by socioeconomic factors and comorbidities. Aim To identify how comorbidities associated with healthcare charges among lung cancer patients Methods We examined the characteristics of the patient sample and the association between comorbidity status (diabetes, hypertension, or both) and healthcare charge. Multivariate survey linear regression models were used to estimate the association. We also investigated sub-group association through various patient and socioeconomic factors. Results Of 212,745 lung cancer patients, 68.5% had diabetes and/or hypertension. Hospital charges were higher in the population with comorbidities. The results showed that lung cancer patients with comorbidities had 9.4%, 5.1%, and 12.0% (with diabetes, hypertension, and both, respectively) higher hospital charges than those without comorbidities. In sub-group analysis, Black patients also showed a similar trend across socioeconomic (i.e. household income and primary payer) and racial (i.e. White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander) factors. Discussion Black patients may be significantly financially burdened because of the prevalence of comorbidities and low-income status. More work is required to ensure healthcare equality and promote access to care for the uninsured, low-income, and minority populations because comorbidities common in these populations can create more significant financial barriers.
A randomized controlled trial of medication adherence and management of risk factors for secondary prevention of stroke (MaMoRS) using a smartphone-based application
Authors: Babu Veena , Sylaja PN , Soman Biju , Varma Ravi Prasad , MS Manju , GL Geethu , Kumar B Suresh 
Published: March 2024

Background: There are little data on the use of smartphone-based applications for medication adherence and risk-factor control for the secondary prevention of stroke in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Aims: The aim was to determine whether a smartphone-based app improved medication adherence, risk-factor control, and provided health education to stroke survivors for lifestyle and behavioral modifications. Methods: An unblinded, single-center randomized controlled double arm trial with 1:1 allocation among stroke survivors was performed in South India. The primary outcome was medication adherence, with co-primary outcomes of lifestyle and behavioral factors and control of vascular risk factors, at 3 and 6 months. Results: Among 351 stroke survivors screened, 209 were recruited. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of the intervention (n = 105) group was 60 (12) years and that of the control (n = 104) group was 60 (10) years. In the primary outcome, mean medication adherence significantly improved in the intervention group with a between group difference of 0.735 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.419 to 1.050), p < 0.001. Being in intervention group (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.3 to 8.9), stroke recurrence (OR = 3.3 (95% CI = 1.9 to 7.8)), and regular physician visits (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.0 to 4.4) were significant predictors of good medication adherence. Considering the co-primary outcomes, compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group had a greater improvement in self-reported healthy diet intake (p = 0.003), intake of fruits (p = 0.005), and were physically more active (p = 0.001). At 6 months, mean fasting blood sugar (p = 0.005) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol higher (p = 0.024) in the intervention group. Conclusions: The use of a mobile app is an effective method to improve medication adherence and risk-factor control in stroke survivors and is feasible in LMICs like India. Data access statement: Data used during the study are available from the corresponding author on request. Trial registration: The study is registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2022/06/042980).
Outcomes of glenohumeral dysplasia after brachial plexus birth injury using the Sup-ER orthosis
Authors: Khabyeh-Hasbani Nathan , Feretti Ann Marie , Ferrante Victoria , Joshi Manisha , Gotleib-Horowitz Megan , Koehler Steven M. 
Published: March 2024

We investigated the efficacy of the supination-external rotation (‘Sup-ER’) orthosis, designed as a non-operative treatment to maintain normal anatomical growth of the shoulder, on the progression of glenohumeral dysplasia in patients with brachial plexus birth injuries. The Sup-ER orthosis was fabricated for 20 infants diagnosed with glenohumeral dysplasia after brachial plexus birth injuries and its success in correcting glenohumeral dysplasia was confirmed by objective calculations of the alpha angle on serial ultrasound findings and improvement in Active Movement Scale scores. Of the 20 patients, 14 had successful resolution of glenohumeral dysplasia, confirmed by shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, external rotation and supination, Active Movement Scale scores and improving alpha angle measurements. Failure to rectify glenohumeral dysplasia, evidenced by worsening ultrasound findings and Active Movement Scale scores, necessitated a change to operative management in six patients. Level of evidence: IV
Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Essential Oil From the Leaves of Vernonia volkameriifolia DC.
Authors: Thinh Bui B. , Thin Dau B. , Ogunwande Isiaka A. 
Published: March 2024

Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the essential oil (EO) extracted from the leaves of Vernonia volkameriifolia DC., a Vietnamese plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. The focus was on determining the chemical composition of the EO and assessing its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Methods The EO obtained from V. volkameriifolia underwent comprehensive analysis using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify its chemical constituents. Antimicrobial activity was determined against eight microorganisms using the broth microdilution susceptibility method, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values calculated. Additionally, antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH and ABTS assays, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values indicating the potency of the EO. Results The main components of the V. volkameriifolia EO were identified as β-bisabolene (25.2%), β-pinene (19.1%), germacrene D (13.1%), and cis-β-elemene (11.4%). The EO exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with a MIC value of 200 μg/mL against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Additionally, it displayed activity against Candida albicans with a MIC value of 100 μg/mL. In antioxidant tests, the EO demonstrated notable potential, with IC50 values of 144.1 μg/mL and 179.8 μg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively. Conclusion This study represents the inaugural investigation into the EO extracted from the leaves of V. volkameriifolia. The identified chemical components, along with the demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, contribute valuable insights into the potential applications of V. volkameriifolia EO in pharmaceutical and therapeutic contexts. Further research can build upon these findings to uncover additional properties and applications of this EO.