bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EEG-based machine learning models for the prediction of phenoconversion time and subtype in isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Jeong El , Woo Shin Yong , Byun Jung-Ick , Sunwoo Jun-Sang , Roascio Monica , Mattioli Pietro , Giorgetti Laura , Famà Francesco , Arnulfo Gabriele , Arnaldi Dario , Kim Han-Joon , Jung Ki-Young 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Study Objectives
Isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is a prodromal stage of α-synucleinopathies and eventually phenoconverts to overt neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Associations of baseline resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) with phenoconversion have been reported. In this study, we aimed to develop machine learning models to predict phenoconversion time and subtype using baseline EEG features in patients with iRBD.

Methods
At baseline, resting-state EEG and neurological assessments were performed on patients with iRBD. Calculated EEG features included spectral power, weighted phase lag index, and Shannon entropy. Three models were used for survival prediction, and four models were used for α-synucleinopathy subtype prediction. The models were externally validated using data from a different institution.

Results
A total of 236 iRBD patients were followed up for up to 8 years (mean 3.5 years), and 31 patients converted to α-synucleinopathies (16 PD, 9 DLB, 6 MSA). The best model for survival prediction was the random survival forest model with an integrated Brier score of 0.114 and a concordance index of 0.775. The K-nearest neighbor model was the best model for subtype prediction with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.901. Slowing of the EEG was an important feature for both models.

Conclusions
Machine learning models using baseline EEG features can be used to predict phenoconversion time and its subtype in patients with iRBD. Further research including large sample data from many countries is needed to make a more robust model.
Heme oxygenase‐1 alleviates allergic airway inflammation by suppressing NF‐κB‐mediated pyroptosis of bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Lv Jiajia , Zhou Yao , Wang Jing , Wu Yujiao , Yu Qianying , Zhang Meng , Su Wen , Tang Zhiwei , Wu Qun , Wu Min , Xia Zhenwei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAllergic asthma development and pathogenesis are influenced by airway epithelial cells in response to allergens. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), an inducible enzyme responsible for the breakdown of heme, has been considered an appealing target for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Herein, we report that alleviation of allergic airway inflammation by HO‐1‐mediated suppression of pyroptosis in airway epithelial cells (AECs). Using house dust mite (HDM)‐induced asthma models of mice, we found increased gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the airway epithelium. In vivo administration of disulfiram, a specific inhibitor of pore formation by GSDMD, decreased thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) release, T helper type 2 immune response, alleviated airway inflammation, and reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). HO‐1 induction by hemin administration reversed these phenotypes. In vitro studies revealed that HO‐1 restrained GSDMD‐mediated pyroptosis and cytokine TSLP release in AECs by binding Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 RHD domain and thus controlling NF‐κB‐dependent pyroptosis. These data provide new therapeutic indications for purposing HO‐1 to counteract inflammation, which contributes to allergic inflammation control.
Successful Versus Failed Transition From Controlled Ventilation to Pressure Support Ventilation in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Polo Friz Melisa , Rezoagli Emanuele , Safaee Fakhr Bijan , Florio Gaetano , Carlesso Eleonora , Giudici Riccardo , Forlini Clarissa , Tardini Francesca , Langer Thomas , Laratta Matteo , Casella Giampaolo , Forastieri Molinari Andrea , Protti Alessandro , Cecconi Maurizio , Cabrini Luca , Biagioni Emanuela , Berselli Angela , Mirabella Lucia , Tonetti Tommaso , De Robertis Edoardo , Grieco Domenico Luca , Antonelli Massimo , Citerio Giuseppe , Fumagalli Roberto , Foti Giuseppe , Zanella Alberto , Grasselli Giacomo , Bellani Giacomo ,   for the COVID-19 Lombardy ICU Network
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES:
In patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure, controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) is often necessary during the acute phases of the disease. Weaning from CMV to pressure support ventilation (PSV) is a key objective when the patient’s respiratory functions improve. Limited evidence exists regarding the factors predicting a successful transition to PSV and its impact on patient outcomes.

DESIGN:
Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING:
Twenty-four Italian ICUs from February 2020 to May 2020.

PATIENTS:
Mechanically ventilated ICU patients with COVID-19-induced respiratory failure.

INTERVENTION:
The transition period from CMV to PSV was evaluated. We defined it as “failure of assisted breathing” if the patient returned to CMV within the first 72 hours.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Of 1260 ICU patients screened, 514 were included. Three hundred fifty-seven patients successfully made the transition to PSV, while 157 failed. Pao
2/Fio
2 ratio before the transition emerged as an independent predictor of a successful shift (odds ratio 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99–1.00; p = 0.003). Patients in the success group displayed a better trend in Pao
2/Fio
2, Paco
2, plateau and peak pressure, and pH level. Subjects in the failure group exhibited higher ICU mortality (hazard ratio 2.08; 95% CI, 1.42–3.06; p < 0.001), an extended ICU length of stay (successful vs. failure 21 ± 14 vs. 27 ± 17 d; p < 0.001) and a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (19 ± 18 vs. 24 ± 17 d, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS:
Our study emphasizes that the Pao
2/Fio
2 ratio was the sole independent factor associated with a failed transition from CMV to PSV. The unsuccessful transition was associated with worse outcomes.
Association of Epigenetic Age and Outcome in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Sharma-Oates Archana , Sullivan Jack , Pestana Daniel , dos Santos Claudia C. , Binnie Alexandra , Lord Janet M. 
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES:
DNA methylation can be used to determine an individual’s biological age, as opposed to chronological age, an indicator of underlying health status. This study aimed to assess epigenetic age in critically ill patients with and without sepsis to determine if higher epigenetic age is associated with admission diagnosis or mortality.

DESIGN:
Secondary analysis of whole blood DNA methylation data generated from a nested case–control study of critically ill septic and nonseptic patients.

SETTING:
Four tertiary care hospitals in Canada.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

PATIENTS:
Critically ill patients with and without sepsis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Epigenetic age was derived from DNA methylation data using the Hannum and PhenoAge algorithms and deviation from the patient’s chronological age in years was determined. Of the 66 patients with sepsis, 34 were male (51.5%), the mean age was 65.03 years and 25 patients (37.8%) died before discharge. Of the 68 nonseptic patients, 47 were male (69.1%), the mean age was 64.92 years and 25 (36.7%) died before discharge. Epigenetic age calculated using the PhenoAge algorithm showed a significant age acceleration of 4.97 years in septic patients (p = 0.045), but no significant acceleration in nonseptic patients. Epigenetic age calculated using the Hannum algorithm showed no significant acceleration in the septic or nonseptic patients. Similarly, in the combined septic and nonseptic cohorts, nonsurvivors showed an epigenetic age acceleration of 7.62 years (p = 0.004) using the PhenoAge algorithm while survivors showed no significant age acceleration. Survivor status was not associated with age acceleration using the Hannum algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS:
In critically ill patients, epigenetic age acceleration, as calculated by the PhenoAge algorithm, was associated with sepsis diagnosis and mortality.
Relevance of detection of RAF fusion transcripts in pan-negative melanoma in routine practice
Authors: Delzenne Guillaume , Boileau Marie , Jamme Philippe , Farchi Olivier , Mortier Laurent 
Published: February 2024

Background
Pan-negative melanomas account for 30% of melanomas. In case of immunotherapy failure, therapeutic options are limited. Oncogene fusions represent a target of interest in many solid cancers. In melanoma, the frequency of oncogene fusion is not well documented and not routinely investigated.

Methods
We conducted a single-center retrospective study. The objective was to determine the frequency of oncogene fusion detected by RNA sequencing, in patients with advanced or metastatic pan-negative melanoma. In parallel, an extended molecular alteration search was performed using extended targeted next-generation sequencing.

Results
We identified 59 patients with advanced pan-negative melanoma between January 2021 and January 2023. It was a cutaneous melanoma in 71.1% of the cases, a mucous melanoma in 15.2% of the cases. We identified nine patients with a RAF fusion, including seven BRAF gene fusion and two RAF1 fusion. Of the other molecular alterations, NF1 mutation was the most frequent molecular alteration identified. Among the nine patients with RAF fusions, all the patients initially received treatment with anti-PD1 ± anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy. After immunotherapy failure, five patients benefited from second-line targeted therapy (two with BRAF and MEK inhibitors combination, three MEK inhibitors alone). The response rate was 20%.

Conclusion
In a population of pan-negative melanoma, we detected 15.2% of RAF fusion. Fusion detection allowed the introduction of a second line of targeted therapy, in the absence of a validated therapeutic option in 55.5% of cases. This study suggests the relevance of detecting RAF fusion in a selected population.
A Comparison of Non–COVID-19 Hospital Mortality Rates During COVID-19 Surges Compared With Prepandemic Periods
Authors: Yun Adrienne , Zacharias Virginia , Szpunar Susan , Saravolatz Louis Donald 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A retrospective chart review comparing non–COVID-19–related diseases during the pandemic and prepandemic periods found no difference in the hospital mortality rate during the initial COVID-19 surge compared with pre–COVID-19 baseline. This difference from the literature may be because of assigning more physicians to the hospital during the COVID-19 surge.
Implications of endoplasmic reticulum stress and beta-cell loss in immunodeficient diabetic NRG-Akita mice for understanding monogenic diabetes
Authors: Rashwan Ahmed M. , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , Kandyel Ramadan , Choudhary Om P. , Soliman Rofaida M. , El Sharaby Ashraf , Nomir Ahmed G. 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Immunodeficient mice models have become increasingly important as in vivo models engrafted with human cells or tissues for research. The NOD-Rag1null Ins2Akita Il2r

null (NRG-Akita) mice is a model combined with immunodeficient NRG and monogenic diabetes Akita mice that develop spontaneous hyperglycemia with progressive loss of pancreatic insulin-producing beta-cells with age. This model is one of the monogenic diabetic models, which has been providing a powerful platform for transplantation experiments of stem cells-generated human β-cells. This research aimed to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying this monogenic diabetes, which remains incompletely understood.

Methods:
Histological and immunofluorescence analyses were conducted on endocrine pancreatic islets to compare NRG wild-type (Wt) controls with NRG-Akita mice. Our investigation focused on assessing the expression of endocrine hormones, transcription factors, proliferation, ER stress, and apoptosis.

Results:
Histological analyses on NRG-Akita mice revealed smaller islets at 6-weeks-old, due to fewer β-cells in the islets, compared to NRG-Wt controls, which further progressed with age. The proliferation rate decreased, and apoptosis was abundant in β-cells in NRG-Akita mice. Interestingly, our mechanistic analyses revealed that β-cells in NRG-Akita mice progressively accumulated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses, leading to a decreased expression of pivotal β-cell transcriptional factor PDX1.

Conclusions:
Altogether, our mechanistic insight into β-cell loss in this model could shed light on essential links between ER stress, proliferation, and cell identity, which might open the door to new therapeutic strategies for various diseases since ER stress is one of the most common features not only in diabetes but also in other degenerative diseases.
Medical thoracoscopy with cryobiopsy as diagnostic tool for pleural metastatic in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a rare case report
Authors: Tanamas Jimmy , Chionardes Melissa Angela , Handoyo Thomas , Kholis Fathur Nur , Farida  , Wibisono Banteng Hanang , Suryanto Agus , Tenda Eric Daniel , Singh Gurmeet , Pangarsa Eko Adhi , Satoto Bambang , Septarina Faiza Rizky , Puspasari Dik 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Distance metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) to pleural is rarely reported, and meets difficulties in diagnosing due to quality of pleural biopsy sample. This case presented a novel technique by using cryobiopsy to obtain adequate sample and was first conducted in our hospital.

Case presentation:
A 62-years-old man admitted to hospital with dyspnoea due to massive right pleural effusion. Lung multi-sliced computed tomography showed right lung pleural effusion with compression atelectasis as well as collapse of medial lobe and upper lobe, multiple solitary nodules on mediastinal, costal antero-posterior and right diaphragm pleural part. Medical thoracoscopy was performed to obtain pleural samples by using cryobiopsy and forceps biopsy. Pathological analysis with Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

Discussion:
Recurrence rate of cSCC remains high even after treatment, with worse prognosis. Distant metastasis to pleural is rarely reported. Clinical approach for malignant pleural effusion by using medical thoracoscopy has 80% sensitivity with minimal complication. Pleural cryobiopsy is a novel technique used for obtaining sample from pleural biopsy with significant larger size of the specimen, less crush artefacts, fragmented and better tissue integrity, although the diagnostic yield and bleeding severity between cryobiopsy and conventional forceps biopsy are not significant

Conclusion:
Medical thoracoscopy with cryobiopsy should be considered as a preferrable diagnostic tool for obtaining better sample specimen, especially for pleural metastatic.
Musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers
Authors: Conti Alessio , Albanesi Beatrice , Clari Marco 
Published: February 2024

Purpose of reviewMusculoskeletal disorders are one of the most relevant occupational problem. The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is found among healthcare workers, with potential adverse consequences for the provision of care and public health. The objective of this study is to identify and synthesize the most recent literature on musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers. This could be useful for healthcare decision makers in translating effective interventions into practice.Recent findingsThe prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is high among healthcare workers. The most studied population are nurses, surgeons, dental professionals, and physiotherapists. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in these professionals is high, especially in the low-back, neck, and shoulders body areas. Physical and technological interventions are effective in reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the aforementioned body areas.SummaryResearch on musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers is growing, even if mostly descriptive and assessing the point prevalence of this issue. Musculoskeletal disorders represent major public health problems that should be reduced through feasible, cost-effective technological and physical interventions. Future longitudinal and qualitative studies could be valuable in improving knowledge on this complex phenomenon.
Relationships between plasma neurofilament light chain protein, cognition, and brain aging in people with HIV
Authors: Cooley Sarah A. , Petersen Kalen J. , Tice Caitlin , Langford Dianne , Burdo Tricia H. , Roman June , Ances Beau M. 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) is a marker of neuronal injury and neurodegeneration. Typically assessed in cerebrospinal fluid, recent advances have allowed this biomarker to be more easily measured in plasma. This study assesses plasma NfL in people with HIV (PWH) compared with people without HIV (PWoH), and its relationship with cognitive impairment, cardiovascular risk, and a neuroimaging metric of brain aging [brain-age gap (BAG)].

Design:
One hundred and four PWH (HIV RNA <50 copies/ml) and 42 PWoH provided blood samples and completed a cardiovascular risk score calculator, neuroimaging, and cognitive testing.

Method:
Plasma NfL was compared between PWoH and PWH and assessed for relationships with age, HIV clinical markers, cardiovascular disease risk, cognition, and BAG (difference between a brain-predicted age and chronological age).

Results:
Plasma NfL was not significantly different between PWoH and PWH. Higher NfL related to increasing age in both groups. Plasma NfL was not associated with typical HIV disease variables. Within PWH, NfL was higher with higher cardiovascular risk, cognitive impairment and a greater BAG.

Conclusion:
Virally suppressed PWH who are cognitively normal likely do not have significant ongoing neurodegeneration, as evidenced by similar plasma NfL compared with PWoH. However, NfL may represent a biomarker of cognitive impairment and brain aging in PWH. Further research examining NfL with longitudinal cognitive decline is needed to understand this relationship more fully.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Preterm Infant: A Systematic Review on Clinical Procedure Safety
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Marino Silvia , Ganci Noemi , Leone Guido , Romano Catia , Tropea Angela , Romeo Placido , Mailo Janette , Ruggieri Martino 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Currently, there is no evidence that MRI produces harmful effects on premature newborns, as well as short-term and long-term safety issues regarding radiofrequency fields and loud acoustic environment, while the examination that is being performed has not been clearly investigated. MRI of the brain conducted on preterm infants should be part of the diagnostic workup, when necessary. This article is intended to evaluate the short-term safety of MRI performed in preterm infants, when required, by analyzing all vital parameters available before, during, and after the MRI procedures.

Methods:
We conducted a systematic review of the literature on electronic medical databases (PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov) following the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included all preterm infants who underwent MRI whose clinical, hemodynamic, and respiratory parameters were reported. The quality of the included articles was assessed using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) tool.

Results:
Six studies were included with a total of 311 preterm infants. No severe adverse event, such as death, occurred during MRI procedures. Vital signs remained stable in about two-thirds of all patients.

Conclusions:
Given the general clinical safety of MRI, we suggest it as a tool to be used in preterm infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, when necessary. We further suggest the development of standard protocols to guide the use of MRI in preterm infants to maximize the clinical safety of the procedure.
The Equipoise Ruler
Authors: Zychowski Karlie L. , Stalter Lily N. , Erb Bethany M. , Hanlon Bret M. , Bushaw Kyle J. , Buffington Anne , Bradley Taylor , Arnold Robert M. , Clapp Justin , Kruser Jacqueline M. , Schwarze Margaret L. 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
To understand professional norms regarding the value of surgery.

Background:
Agreed-upon professional norms may improve surgical decision-making by contextualizing the nature of surgical treatment for patients. However, the extent to which these norms exist among surgeons practicing in the United States is not known.

Methods:
We administered a survey with 30 exemplar cases asking surgeons to use their best judgment to place each case on a scale ranging from “definitely would do this surgery” to “definitely would not do this surgery.” We then asked surgeons to repeat their assessments after providing responses from the first survey. We interviewed respondents to characterize their rationale.

Results:
We received 580 responses, a response rate of 28.5%. For 19 of 30 cases, there was consensus (≥60% agreement) about the value of surgery (range: 63% to 99%). There was little within-case variation when the mode was for surgery and more variation when the mode was against surgery or equipoise. Exposure to peer response increased the number of cases with consensus. Women were more likely to endorse a nonoperative approach when treatment had high mortality. Specialists were less likely to operate for salvage procedures. Surgeons noted their clinical practice was to withhold judgment and let patients decide despite their assessment.

Conclusions:
Professional judgment about the value of surgery exists along a continuum. While there is less variation in judgment for cases that are highly beneficial, consensus can be improved by exposure to the assessments of peers.
Barriers and facilitators for implementation of automated home medication dispensers in home care from Dutch professionals’ perspective: a qualitative study
Authors: Mostert Cheryl , de Man-van Ginkel Janneke , van Dijk Monique , Ista Erwin 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction and aims:
Present-day home care needs to be more efficiently organized in view of the aging of the population and the current nursing shortages. Ensuring safe medication use is part of the challenge. The number of required visits could be reduced if automated home medication dispensers (AHMD) are adequately implemented. However, the barriers and facilitators for implementation are unknown. This project explored determinants (barriers, facilitators, or both) for implementing AHMD in home care, from Dutch home care nurses’ perspective.

Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 home care nurses. Determinants were identified through thematic content analysis. The first four transcripts were coded inductively. Then, a code tree was developed based on the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist, consisting of seven domains. Each code/determinant was then labelled as a barrier, facilitator, or both.

Results:
The most relevant domains were innovation factors, individual health professional factors, and patient factors. The most frequently mentioned barrier was the required unplanned visits when patients did not withdraw medication within the scheduled time limit (alarm). According to our respondents, carefully assessing patients’ eligibility (e.g., learnability) and properly instructing and guiding them will help prevent these alarms from occurring. Next to these determinants, motivating patients to start using an AHMD and professionals having sufficient knowledge and confidence were the most frequently mentioned facilitators.

Conclusion:
This project provided an overview of 78 determinants from nurses’ perspective for implementation of AHMD in home care. This can form the basis for developing strategies for implementing AHMD in home care. Further research is recommended to investigate the perceived determinants from the patients’, relatives’, and informal caregivers’ perspectives, and to prioritize the determinants from all perspectives.