bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mental Bandwidth is Associated with HIV and Viral Suppression Among Low-Income Women in Philadelphia
Authors: Richterman Aaron , Aitcheson Nancy , Durnwald Celeste , Curley Cara , Short William R. , Louis Mirabelle Jean , Momplaisir Florence , Thirumurthy Harsha 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBehavioral economics research suggests poverty may influence behavior by reducing mental bandwidth, increasing future discounting, and increasing risk aversion. It is plausible that these decision-making processes are further impaired in the context of HIV or pregnancy. In this cross-sectional study of 86 low-income women in Philadelphia, multivariable models showed that HIV was associated with decreased mental bandwidth (one of two measures) and lower risk aversion. Pregnancy was not associated with any decision-making factors. Viral suppression was associated with greater mental bandwidth (one of two measures), and antenatal care engagement with lower future discounting. Anti-poverty interventions may be particularly beneficial to improve health behaviors in the context of HIV.
Predictive modeling provides insight into the clinical heterogeneity associated withTARS1loss-of-function mutations
Authors: Meyer-Schuman Rebecca , Cale Allison R. , Pierluissi Jennifer A. , Jonatzke Kira E. , Park Young N. , Lenk Guy M. , Oprescu Stephanie N. , Grachtchouk Marina A. , Dlugosz Andrzej A. , Beg Asim A. , Meisler Miriam H. , Antonellis Anthony 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTAminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are ubiquitously expressed, essential enzymes that complete the first step of protein translation: ligation of amino acids to cognate tRNAs. Genes encoding ARSs have been implicated in myriad dominant and recessive phenotypes, the latter often affecting multiple tissues but with frequent involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system, liver, and lungs. Threonyl-tRNA synthetase (TARS1) encodes the enzyme that ligates threonine to tRNATHRin the cytoplasm. To date,TARS1variants have been implicated in a recessive brittle hair phenotype. To better understandTARS1-related recessive phenotypes, we engineered threeTARS1missense mutations predicted to cause a loss-of-function effect and studied these variants in yeast and worm models. This revealed two loss-of-function mutations, including one hypomorphic allele (R433H). We next used R433H to study the effects of partial loss ofTARS1function in a compound heterozygous mouse model (R433H/null). This model presents with phenotypes reminiscent of patients withTARS1variants and with distinct lung and skin defects. This study expands the potential clinical heterogeneity ofTARS1-related recessive disease, which should guide future clinical and genetic evaluations of patient populations.SUMMARY STATEMENTThis study leverages an engineered, hypomorphic variant of threonyl-tRNA synthetase (TARS1) to captureTARS1-associated recessive phenotypes. This strategy revealed both known and previously unappreciated phenotypes, expanding the clinical heterogeneity associated withTARS1and informing future genetic and clinical evaluations of patient populations.
Stakeholder Interviews to Inform Best Practice for Public Facing COVID-19 Wastewater Dashboards
Authors: Morales D. , Rhodes T. , O’Reilly K.M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundWW-based epidemiology is the detection of pathogens from wastewater, typically sewage systems. Its use gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as a rapid and non-invasive way to assess infection prevalence in a population. Public facing dashboards for SARS-CoV-2 were developed in response to the discovery that RNA biomarkers were being shed in faeces before symptoms. However, there is not a standard template or guidance for countries to follow. The aim of this research is to reflect on how currently available dashboards evolved during the pandemic and identify suitable content and rationale from these experiences.Methods and ResultsInterviews were carried out with implementers and users of dashboards for SARS-CoV-2 WW data across Europe and North America. The interviews addressed commonalities and inconsistencies in displaying epidemiological data of SARS-CoV-2, clinical parameters of COVID-19, data on variants, and data transparency. The thematic analysis identified WW dashboard elements that can facilitate standardization, or at least interoperability. These elements emphasise communication among developers under the same organization, open access for identified stakeholders, and data summarized with a time-intensive graphic analysis through normalizing at least by population. Simultaneous communication of clinical surveillance is recommended. More research is needed on flow and faecal indicators for normalization of WW data, and on the analysis and representation of variants.DiscussionWW dashboard development between 2020-2023 provided a ‘real-time’ iterative process of data representation, and several recommendations have been identified. Communication of data through dashboards has the potential to support early warning systems for infectious diseases.
Access to Anti-Obesity GLP-1s for Medicare-Aged Adults
Authors: Rodriguez Patricia J. , Zhang Vincent , Gratzl Samuel , Cartwright Brianna M Goodwin , Do Duy , Stucky Nicholas , Emanuel Ezekiel J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundObesity is common among older adults in the US, but Medicare policies prohibit coverage of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) and may limit access to effective treatment.ObjectiveTo describe first-time prescribing and dispensing of AOM glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) among eligible older adults, stratified by Medicare age eligibility.MethodsAdults aged 60-69 with overweight or obesity and without Type II diabetes (T2D) were identified from Truveta Data. Data included EHR (encounters, prescriptions, conditions, BMI) and medication dispensing for a collective of US healthcare systems. Eligibility required an outpatient office encounter between June 2021 and January 2024 with a BMI ≥ 27, a negative history of GLP-1 RA use, and a follow-up ≥60 days later. Patients were stratified by Medicare age eligibility (60-64 vs. 65-69) and the proportions prescribed and subsequently dispensed AOM GLP-1 RA were compared.ResultsIn total, 413,833 AOM eligible older adults were included in our cohort, with 208,067 (50.3%) Medicare-aged adults and 205,766 (49.7%) adults aged 60-64. Among eligible patients, 0.2% of Medicare-aged patients and 0.4% of patients aged 60-64 were prescribed AOM GLP-1 RA, a significant difference (p < 0.01). Among those prescribed AOM GLP-1 RA, 15.2% of Medicare-aged patients and 22.7% of patients aged 60-64 were dispensed AOM GLP-1 RA within 60 days, a significant difference (p<0.01). In both age groups, prescribing and dispensing were more common for females and those with higher BMI.ConclusionsFewer than 1% of older adults with overweight or obesity and without T2D were prescribed an AOM GLP-1 RA. New use of GLP-1 RA was significantly lower for Medicare-aged adults, compared to 60-64-year-olds, with differences occurring at both medication prescribing and dispensing stages. While coverage of AOMs is limited by many insurers, Medicare’s unique prohibition on AOM coverage may contribute to differentially lower use among Medicare-aged adults.
Design and Evaluation of Nanoscale Materials with Programmed Responsivity towards Epigenetic Enzymes
Authors: Ray Priyanka , Sedigh Abbas , Confeld Matthew , Alhalhooly Lina , Iduoku Kweeni , Casanola-Martin Gerardo M. , Pham-The Hai , Rasulev Bakhtiyor , Choi Yongki , Yang Zhongyu , Mallik Sanku , Quadir Mohiuddin 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTSelf-assembled materials capable of modulating their assembly properties in response to specific enzymes play a pivotal role in advancing ‘intelligent’ encapsulation platforms for biotechnological applications. Here, we introduce a previously unreported class of synthetic nanomaterials that programmatically interact with histone deacetylase (HDAC) as the triggering stimulus for disassembly. These nanomaterials consist of co-polypeptides comprising poly (acetyl L-lysine) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks. Under neutral pH conditions, they self-assemble into particles. However, their stability is compromised upon exposure to HDACs, depending on enzyme concentration and exposure time. Our investigation, utilizing HDAC8 as the model enzyme, revealed that the primary mechanism behind disassembly involves a decrease in amphiphilicity within the block copolymer due to the deacetylation of lysine residues within the particles’ hydrophobic domains. To elucidate the response mechanism, we encapsulated a fluorescent dye within these nanoparticles. Upon incubation with HDAC, the nanoparticle structure collapsed, leading to controlled release of the dye over time. Notably, this release was not triggered by denatured HDAC8, other proteolytic enzymes like trypsin, or the co-presence of HDAC8 and its inhibitor. We further demonstrated the biocompatibility and cellular effects of these materials and conducted a comprehensive computational study to unveil the possible interaction mechanism between enzymes and particles. By drawing parallels to the mechanism of naturally occurring histone proteins, this research represents a pioneering step toward developing functional materials capable of harnessing the activity of epigenetic enzymes such as HDACs.
Neural substrates and behavioral relevance of speech envelope tracking: evidence from post-stroke aphasia
Authors: De Clercq Pieter , Kries Jill , Vanthornhout Jonas , Gerrits Robin , Francart Tom , Vandermosten Maaike 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNeural tracking of the low-frequency temporal envelope of speech has emerged as a prominent tool to investigate the neural mechanisms of natural speech processing in the brain. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the functional role of neural envelope tracking. In this context, our study aims to offer a novel perspective by investigating the critical brain areas and behavioral skills required for neural envelope tracking in aphasia, a language disorder characterized by impaired neural envelope tracking.We analyzed an EEG dataset of 39 individuals with post-stroke aphasia suffering a left-hemispheric stroke who listened to natural speech. Our analysis involved lesion mapping, where left lesioned brain voxels served as binary features to predict neural envelope tracking measures. We also examined the behavioral correlates of receptive language, naming, and auditory processing (via rise time discrimination task) skills.The lesion mapping analysis revealed that lesions in language areas, such as the middle temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus and angular gyrus, were associated with poorer neural envelope tracking. Additionally, neural tracking was related to auditory processing skills and language (receptive and naming) skills. However, the effects on language skills were less robust, possibly due to ceiling effects in the language scores.Our ﬁndings highlight the importance of central brain areas implicated in language understanding, extending beyond the primary auditory cortex, and emphasize the role of intact auditory processing and language abilities in effectively processing the temporal envelope of speech. Collectively, these ﬁndings underscore the signiﬁcance of neural envelope tracking beyond mere audibility and acoustic processes.Signiﬁcance statementWhile some studies have proposed that neural envelope tracking primarily relates to audibility and acoustic speech processes, others have suggested its involvement in actual speech and language comprehension. By investigating the critical brain areas and behavioral skills essential in aphasia, we argue for a broader signiﬁcance of neural envelope tracking in language processing. Furthermore, our ﬁndings highlight a speciﬁcity among individuals with aphasia, indicating its correlation with lesions in temporal brain regions associated with receptive language functions. This addresses the signiﬁcant heterogeneity in lesion characteristics present among individuals with aphasia and suggests the potential of neural tracking as an EEG-based tool for speciﬁcally assessing receptive language abilities in this population.
Transport-based transfer learning on Electronic Health Records: Application to detection of treatment disparities
Authors: Li Wanxin , Park Yongjin P. , Duc Khanh Dao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMany healthcare systems increasingly recognize the opportunities Electronic Health Records (EHRs) promise. However, EHR data sampled from different population groups can easily introduce unwanted biases, rarely permit individual-level data sharing, and make the data and fitted model hardly transferable across different population groups. In this paper, we propose a novel framework that leverages unbalanced optimal transport to facilitate the unsupervised transfer learning of EHRs between different population groups using a model trained in an embedded feature space. Upon deriving a theoretical bound, we find that the generalization error of our method is governed by the Wasserstein distance and unbalancedness between the source and target domains, as well as their labeling divergence, which can be used as a guide for binary classification and regression tasks. Our experiments, conducted on experimental datasets from MIMIC-III database, show that our transfer learning strategy significantly outperforms standard and machine learning transfer learning methods, with respect to accuracy and computational efficiency. Upon applying our framework to predict hospital duration for populations with different insurance plans, we finally find significant disparities across groups, suggesting our method as a potential tool to assess fairness in healthcare treatment.
Frailty is associated with low physical activity and poor sleep quality in patients undergoing myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: A Fitbit® Pilot Study
Authors: Libbert Caryn R. , He Fiona , El Jurdi Najla , Fagrelius Helen , Juckett Mark , Maakaron Joseph , Juckett William , Evanoff Nicholas , Dengel Donald R. , Holtan Shernan G. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTAllogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is a vital therapy for various hematologic diseases, though it demands high physiological resilience. Frailty, a syndrome impacting the body’s ability to withstand stress, affects outcomes of alloHCT across all ages.This study examines the relationship between frailty and peri-transplant activity and sleep patterns using Fitbit® devices. In this pilot study, adults scheduled for their first myeloablative alloHCT at the University of Minnesota from June 2022 to January 2023 were included if they had a compatible device for the Fitbit® app. Participants were monitored for activity and sleep from admission to day +30 post-transplant. Frailty was assessed pre-transplant using Fried Phenotype criteria. Data were analyzed for activity and sleep patterns differences among not frail, pre-frail, and frail groups. Nine patients provided sufficient data for analysis, showing significant variances in activity levels and sleep patterns across frailty categories. Not frail patients exhibited significantly higher daily steps and active minutes than pre-frail and frail patients. Not frail patients also had the highest amount of restorative deep and rapid eye movement sleep. Due to Fitbit methodology and likely frequent interruptions, 28% of the days in the first month post-transplant had a recorded sleep time of 0 minutes. Although our sample size was small, our findings underscore the importance of frailty in influencing activity and sleep patterns among alloHCT recipients.
Rapid Biphasic Decay of Intact and Defective HIV DNA Reservoir During Acute Treated HIV Disease
Authors: Barbehenn Alton , Shi Lei , Shao Junzhe , Hoh Rebecca , Hartig Heather M. , Pae Vivian , Sarvadhavabhatla Sannidhi , Donaire Sophia , Sheikhzadeh Caroline , Milush Jeffrey , Laird Gregory M. , Mathias Mignot , Ritter Kristen , Peluso Michael J. , Martin Jeffrey , Hecht Frederick , Pilcher Christopher , Cohen Stephanie E. , Buchbinder Susan , Havlir Diane , Gandhi Monica , Henrich Timothy J. , Hatano Hiroyu , Wang Jingshen , Deeks Steven G. , Lee Sulggi A. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTDespite antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV persists in latently-infected cells (“the reservoir”) which decay slowly over time. Here, leveraging >500 longitudinal samples from 67 people with HIV (PWH) treated during acute infection, we developed a novel mathematical model to predict reservoir decay from peripheral CD4+ T cells. Nonlinear generalized additive models demonstrated rapid biphasic decay of intact DNA (week 0-5: t1/2∼2.83 weeks; week 5-24: t1/2∼15.4 weeks) that extended out to 1 year. These estimates were ∼5-fold faster than prior decay estimates among chronic treated PWH. Defective DNA had a similar biphasic pattern, but data were more variable. Predicted intact and defective decay rates were faster for PWH with earlier timing of ART initiation, higher initial CD4+ T cell count, and lower pre-ART viral load. These data add to our limited understanding of HIV reservoir decay at the time of ART initiation, informing future curative strategies targeting this critical time.
Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation in bipolar depression: an open-label treatment study of clinical outcomes, acceptability and adverse events
Authors: Ghazi-Noori Ali-Reza , Woodham Rachel D. , Rezaei Hakimeh , Sharif Mhd Saeed , Bramon Elvira , Ritter Philipp , Bauer Michael , Young Allan H. , Fu Cynthia H.Y. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCurrent treatments for bipolar depression have limited effectiveness, tolerability and acceptability. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation method that has demonstrated treatment efficacy for major depressive episodes. tDCS is portable, safe, and individuals like having sessions at home. We developed a home-based protocol with real-time remote supervision. In the present study, we have examined the clinical outcomes, acceptability and feasibility of home-based tDCS treatment in bipolar depression. Participants were 44 individuals with bipolar disorder (31 women), mean age 47.27+12.89 years, in current depressive episode of moderate to severe severity (mean Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score 24.59+2.64). tDCS was provided in a bilateral frontal montage, F3 anode, F4 cathode, 2mA, for 30 minutes, in a 6-week trial, for a total 21 sessions. Participants maintained their current treatment (psychotherapy, antidepressant or mood stabilising medication) or maintained being medication-free. A researcher was present by video call at each session. 93.2% participants (n=41) completed the 6-week treatment. There was a significant improvement in depressive symptoms following treatment (mean MADRS 8.77+5.37), the rate of clinical response was 77.3% (MADRS improvement of <=50% from baseline), and the rate of clinical remission was 47.7% (MADRS rating of <=9). Acceptability was endorsed as “very acceptable” or “quite acceptable” by all participants. No participants developed mania or hypomania. Due to the open-label design, efficacy findings are preliminary. In summary, home-based tDCS with real-time supervision was associated with significant clinical improvements and high acceptability in bipolar depression.
A nationwide Guillain-Barré syndrome epidemiological study in Spain during the COVID-19 years
Authors: Blanco-Ruiz Marina , Martín-Aguilar Lorena , Caballero-Ávila Marta , Lleixà Cinta , Pascual-Goñi Elba , Collet-Vidiella Roger , Tejada-Illa Clara , Turon-Sans Janina , Álvaro-Carbayo  , Llansó Laura , Cortés Elena , Pascasio Laura Amaya , Querol Luis 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo perform a nationwide epidemiological study of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Spain, analysing background incidences and seasonal variation and trying to identify incidence changes during the COVID-19 years.METHODSObservational study collecting all GBS diagnoses from National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE) collected by the Ministry of Health. Patients discharged with GBS as main diagnosis and admitted during 2018-2021 were included. Data on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccinations were obtained from the National Epidemiology Centre.RESULTSIn total, 3147 cases were included, 832 in 2018, 861 in 2019, 670 in 2020 and 784 in 2021. Nationwide hospital incidence was 1.78 in 2018, 1.71 in 2019, 1.41 in 2020 and 1.66 in 2021, with an increased frequency in males, elderly population, and in the winter season. Eleven percent of GBS patients needed ventilatory support. GBS and SARS-CoV-2 incidences did not correlate with one another (r=-0.29, p=0.36). GBS incidence decreased during 2020 and during COVID-19 lockdown period in comparison to the same months of 2018-2019. No relationship was found between vaccines and GBS cases during vaccination roll-out in 2021.INTERPRETATIONIncidence of GBS in Spain is similar to that of other countries. Despite prior reports describing a significant increase in COVID-19-associated GBS in Spain, we detected a significant drop of GBS incidence during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, probably due to prevention measures. No relationship was found between SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinations and GBS incidences at the population level but data on relationship of vaccinations and GBS at the individual level were not available.
Subtracting the background: Reducing cell-free DNA’s confounding effects onMycobacterium tuberculosisquantitation and the sputum microbiome
Authors: Naidoo Charissa C. , Venter Rouxjeane , Codony Francesc , Agustí Gemma , Kitchin Natasha , Naidoo Selisha , Monaco Hilary , Mishra Hridesh , Li Yonghua , Clemente Jose C. , Warren Robin M. , Segal Leopoldo N. , Theron Grant 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCharacterising DNA in specimens from people with tuberculosis (TB), a major cause of death, is critical for evaluating diagnostics and the microbiome, yet extracellular DNA, more frequent in people on chemotherapy, confounds results. We evaluated whether nucleic acid dyes [propidium monoazide (PMA), PEMAX] and DNaseI could reduce this. PCR [16SMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (Mtb) qPCR, Xpert MTB/RIF] was done on dilution series of untreated and treated (PMA, PEMAX, DNaseI)Mtb. Separately, 16S rRNA gene qPCR and sequencing were done on untreated and treated patients’ sputa before (Cohort A: 11 TB-negatives, 9 TB-positives; Cohort B: 19 TB-positives, PEMAX only) and after 24 weeks of chemotherapy (only Cohort B). PMA and PEMAX reduced PCR-detectedMtbDNA for both the dilution series and Cohort A sputum versus untreated controls, suggesting non-intactMtbis present before treatment start. PEMAX enabled sequencingMycobacterium-detection in 5/9 (59%; Cohort A) and 2/3 (67%; Cohort B week 0) TB-positive sputa where no reads otherwise occurred. In Cohort A, PMA- and PEMAX-treated versus untreated sputa had decreased α- and increased β-diversities. In Cohort B, α-diversity differences between untreated and PEMAX-treated sputa occurred only at 24-weeks and β-diversity differences between timepoints were only detected after PEMAX. DNaseI had negligible effects. PMA and PEMAX (but not DNaseI) reduced extracellular DNA, improving the proportion ofMycobacteriumreads and PCR detection. PEMAX detected chemotherapy-associated changes in the microbiome otherwise missed. Our findings suggest these dyes improve characterization of the microbiome, especially chemotherapy-associated changes, and should be included in respiratory microbiome research in TB.