bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-reported outcomes in large vessel vasculitis: insights from a retrospective analysis of disease activity and associated factors
Authors: Kernder A. , Rohde M. , Acar H. , Düsing C. , Fischer-Betz R. , Haase I. , Mucke J. , Sander O. , Richter J. G. , Filla T. , Schneider M. , Chehab G. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) play a crucial role in assessing rheumatic diseases, offering insights into disease evaluation and treatment efficacy. This study focuses on PRO assessment in large vessel vasculitides, including Takayasu Arteritis and Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA).

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed routine data from patients treated at our rheumatology clinic over a 10-year span. Patient and physician-rated global disease activity scale (G-DAS) scores, measured on a numeric rating scale (0–10 points), were collected at each visit. Clinical variables like age, sex, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, lab values, pain perception, and questionnaire responses were recorded. Linear regression and generalized additive linear regression (GAM analysis) examined associations between PROs and these factors.

Results
The study included 138 patients, primarily diagnosed with GCA (94.4%). Mean follow-up was 2.5 years (0-7.7). Patient and physician G-DAS exhibited a moderate correlation (Pearson R 0.19, CI 0.14–0.24, p < 0.001). Higher patient G-DAS correlated with younger age (CI -3.4 - -1.5, p < 0.001), increased pain (CI 3.5-4, p < 0.001), functional limitations (HAQ, CI 0.5–0.6, p < 0.001), reduced physical (CI 2.3–2.7, p ≤ 0.001) and psychological well-being (CI 2.1–2.5, p < 0.001), and higher BMI (CI 1.3–2.4, p < 0.001). Physician G-DAS correlated with Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (V3.0; R 0.42, p 0.046) and were significantly linked to serum CRP elevations (β = 0.04, CI 0.0-0.08, p 0.028).

Conclusions
These findings underscore the need to integrate PRO measures into vasculitis disease management strategies, enhancing the understanding of disease activity from the patient’s perspective.
Assessing regional hepatic function changes after hypertrophy induction by radioembolisation: comparison of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and 99mTc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy
Authors: Fabritius Matthias P. , Garlipp Benjamin , Öcal Osman , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Amthauer Holger , Geyer Thomas , Holzgreve Adrien , Ricke Jens , Kupitz Dennis , Grosser Oliver S. , Omari Jazan , Pech Maciej , Seidensticker Max , Grawe Freba , Seidensticker Ricarda 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
To compare Gd-ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 99mTc-labelled mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) as imaging-based liver function tests after unilateral radioembolisation (RE) in patients with primary or secondary liver malignancies.

Methods
Twenty-three patients with primary or secondary liver malignancies who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI within a prospective study (REVoluTion) were evaluated. REVoluTion was a prospective open-label, non-randomised, therapy-optimising study of patients undergoing right-sided or sequential RE for contralateral liver hypertrophy at a single centre in Germany. MRI and hepatobiliary scintigraphy were performed before RE (baseline) and 6 weeks after (follow-up). This exploratory subanalysis compared liver enhancement on hepatobiliary phase MRI normalised to the spleen (liver-to-spleen ratio (LSR)) and the muscle (liver-to-muscle ratio (LMR)) with mebrofenin uptake on HBS for the total liver (TL) and separately for the right (RLL) and left liver lobe (LLL).

Results
Mebrofenin uptake at baseline and follow-up each correlated significantly with LSR and LMR on MRI for TL (≤ 0.013) and RLL (≤ 0.049). Regarding the LLL, mebrofenin uptake correlated significantly with LMR (baseline, p = 0.013; follow-up, p = 0.004), whereas with LSR, a borderline significant correlation was only seen at follow-up (p = 0.051; p = 0.046).

Conclusion
LSRs and LMR correlate with mebrofenin uptake in HBS. This study indicates that Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and 99mTc-labelled mebrofenin HBS may equally be used to assess an increase in contralateral liver lobe function after right-sided RE.

Relevance statement
MRI may be a convenient and reliable method for assessing the future liver remnant facilitating treatment planning and monitoring of patients after RE-induced hypertrophy induction.

Key points
• Both MRI and HBS can assess liver function after RE.
• Liver enhancement on MRI correlates with mebrofenin uptake on HBS.
• MRI might be a convenient alternative for estimating future liver remnants after hypertrophy induction.

Graphical Abstract
Generalized antenna sequence spatial modulation (GASSM): a novel framework for enhanced PHY layer security and energy efficiency
Authors: Obadha Joseph A. , Akuon Peter O. , Oduol Vitalis K. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn antenna sequence spatial modulation (ASSM), the spatial and symbol domains are both used to encode information. The sequencing of the antennas’ transmissions within given time slots and the symbol carried in those time slots represent information in the spatial and symbol domains, respectively. The receiver’s task is to decode this sequence of transmission and to detect the symbol carried in the time slots, equal to the number of antennas. For better energy efficiency and greater security, we propose a generalized ASSM, GASSM. In the GASSM, while the information is contained in both the sequence and the symbols transmitted, different symbols can be transmitted within the time slots forming the frame. This expands the code domain since the symbol and the spatial information represent a longer code in the mapper table. As a special case, we present the case of three transmit antennas, transmitting within three time slots. A combination of the antennas’ sequence and the symbol carried in the time slots is used as a code for a bit sequence. Results obtained from simulation and analysis of the bit error rate performance and secrecy capacity are contrasted and presented. Comparing the GASSM to the standard spatial modulation (SM) and the ASSM, we deduce that the GASSM has a higher secrecy capacity and higher energy efficiency per bit and unlike conventional SM allows utilization of odd number of antennas.
Nipah virus strikes Kerala: recent cases and implications
Authors: Srivastava Shriyansh , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Gurjar Saurav , Kumar Sachin , Pandey Yogesh , Rustagi Sarvesh , Mohanty Aroop , Sah Ranjit 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Nipah virus, a highly pathogenic zoonotic pathogen, has once again surfaced in the state of Kerala, India, with recent cases reported in 2023. This article delves into the epidemiological details of these cases, shedding light on the two fatalities that occurred in September 2023 and August 2023 as well as the suspected cases that have undergone testing. Nipah virus, known for its severe neurological and respiratory disease manifestations, remains a formidable health threat due to the lack of specific treatments or vaccines. The government’s response to these recent cases, including mass testing and quarantine measures, is discussed, drawing lessons from past outbreaks in the region. Kerala has experienced multiple Nipah virus outbreaks since 2018, prompting a closer examination of environmental factors, such as deforestation and urbanization, which increase the risk of zoonotic transmission. This article underscores the global implications of Nipah virus resurgence in Kerala and emphasizes the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of emerging infectious diseases. The lessons learned from Kerala’s experience with Nipah virus outbreaks provide valuable insights for public health professionals and policymakers worldwide.
Correlation of obstructive sleep apnea severity and lipid profile level
Authors: Hendy Rasha Mohamed , Elawady Mona Ahmed , Nasr Hend Elsayed , Sarhan Rizk Sayed R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is accompanied by different metabolic disorders and is linked with a heightened incidence of cardiovascular diseases and death. The information actively engaged in relating obstructive sleep apnea and dyslipidemia is quite uncertain.This research intended to determine the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea severeness and lipid profile abnormalities. Our study involved 120 cases diagnosed with OSA, who came to the chest department: at Benha University Hospital from September 2021 to December 2022. Included patients indicated for polysomnography because of suspected sleep-breathing disorders. Full history and clinical examination, and full polysomnography and blood samples for lipid profile, were done for all the cases.Results A total of 120 patients were involved in the study. Most cases were severe OSA (70%). The mean age in severe obstructive sleep apnea was 44.04 years with SD 9.49, Males were 92.9% in severe OSA, and the mean BMI in severe OSA was 36.63 with SD 7.79. LDL was positively correlated with AHI and DI (significantly); triglycerides were positively correlated with AHI, DI, and min oxygen saturation (significantly); and HDL was negatively correlated with AHI and DI significantly. Among lipid profile variables, LDL was the most predictor for AHI severity.Conclusion Lipid abnormalities are associated with OSA severity. Patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea should be screened for lipid profile to correct any abnormality, hoping to prevent their harmful effects.
Isolation of a feline-derived feline panleukopenia virus with an A300P substitution in the VP2 protein and confirmation of its pathogenicity in dogs
Authors: Li Jiakang , Peng Jiajia , Zeng Yue , Wang Ying , Li Luying , Cao Yiran , Cao Longlong , Chen QingXiu , Ye Zijun , Zhou Dengyuan , Cao Shengbo , Li Qiuyan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFeline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a single-stranded DNA virus that can infect cats and cause feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and fatal disease in felines. The sequence of FPV is highly variable, and mutations in the amino acids of its capsid protein play crucial roles in altering viral virulence, immunogenicity, host selection, and other abilities. In this study, the epidemiology of FPV was studied using 746 gastrointestinal swab samples derived from cats that presented gastrointestinal symptoms specifically, diarrhea or vomiting during the period spanning from 2018 to 2022. The overall prevalence of FPV-positive patients among these samples was determined to be 45.4%. Capsid (virion) protein 2 (VP2) gene of each FPV-positive sample was sequenced and amplified, yielding 65 VP2 sequences. Among them, six VP2 gene sequences were detected in the majority of the samples test positive for FPV, and these positive samples originated from a diverse range of geographical locations. These isolates were named FPV-6, FPV-10, FPV-15, FPV-251, FPV-271 and FPV-S2. Additionally, the substitution of Ala300Pro (A300P) in VP2 was detected for the first time in feline-derived FPV (FPV-251). FPV-251 isolate, with this substitution in VP2 protein, exhibited stable proliferative capacity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and A72 cells. FPV-271 was selected as the FPV control isolate due to its single amino acid difference from VP2 protein of FPV-251 at position 300 (FPV-271 has alanine, while FPV-251 has proline). After oral infection, both FPV-251 and FPV-271 isolates caused feline panleukopenia, which is characterized by clinical signs of enterocolitis. However, FPV-251 can infect dogs through the oral route and cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms with lesions in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of infected dogs. This is the first report on the presence of an A300P substitution in VP2 protein of feline-derived FPV. Additionally, FPV isolate with a substitution of A300P at VP2 protein demonstrated efficient replication capabilities in canine cell lines and the ability to infect dogs.
A study to evaluate patient benefit/risk preferences for treatment of metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) in Hong Kong: A discrete choice experiment.
Authors: Ng Chi-Fai , Hong Yeuk-Lam , Wong Kenneth C.W. , Kong Wing-Yan , Leung Chi-ho , Lai Pui-Tak 
Published: January 2024

104 Background: The patient’s preference for treatment is dynamic across different cultures and at various stages of cancer. Yet little is known regarding their priorities in making treatment decisions. The study's primary objective is to examine the preference weightings in terms of risk/ benefit attributes of therapy in metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) patients in both the hormone-sensitive (mHSPC) and castration-resistant (mCRPC) settings. Methods: This is a non-interventional cross-sectional survey study. A discrete choice experiment was used to assess their priorities on treatment options. 300 consecutive patients with mPC (200 mHSPC and 100 mCRPC) diagnosed within 5 years were recruited from the specialty clinics of our hospital from Feb 2023 to Jul 2023. A facilitated group interview session of 5 patients was conducted to evaluate the importance and relevance of potential attributes selected from the literature search. Five attributes were adopted, and each has 3 levels compromised between real-life rates and expectations of patients from the interview session. Patients were randomized into 2 blocks by recruitment sequence and chose 1 medication profile out of 2 throughout the 9 questions in each block of the questionnaire. A mixed logit model was used for data analysis. Results: Median age was 75 (IQR:71-81). One hundred and seventy (56.7%) had no income, and 245 (81.7%) claimed to take care of themselves. The mean maximum amount affordable for treatment was US$20,456 (SD:43,568), and 160 (53.3%) said they would not consider further treatment if the cost exceeded their affordability. Compared to intravenous formulation, oral medication once/day had a non-statistically significant favorable preference (0.06 p:0.272), and oral medication twice/day had a negative statistically significant preference (-0.20 p:0.040). The percentage of retained self-care ability (4.37 p<0.001) and percentage of extension in life expectancy (2.83 p<0.001) had a statistically significant favorable preference. In contrast, the chance of adverse effects leading to complicated medication treatment or hospitalization (-6.97, p<0.001) and treatment cost (in HK$ million) (-3.14 p<0.001) had a negative statistically significant preference. The mCPRC group was more sensitive to changes in treatment cost (-3.61 vs. -2.97), percentage of extension in life expectancy (3.47 vs. 2.55) and the chance of adverse effects (-7.55 vs -6.80) than the mHSPC group. Those who could afford treatment were more sensitive to the percentage of retained self-care ability (4.89 vs. 4.02) and the chance of adverse effects (-7.57 vs -6.70) than those who could not. Conclusions: The chance of adverse effects took the largest weighting in treatment decisions, followed by the percentage of retained self-care ability.
Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in patients (pts) with BRCA1/2-altered metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving niraparib (NIRA) with abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AAP): Results from MAGNITUDE study.
Authors: Rathkopf Dana E. , Roubaud Guilhem , Chi Kim N. , Efstathiou Eleni , Attard Gerhardt , Olmos David , Small Eric J. , Saad Marniza , Castro Elena , Kim Won , Wu Daphne , Bertzos Kristi , Dibaj Shiva , Zhang Jenny , Francis Peter St. John , Smith Matthew Raymond 
Published: January 2024

105 Background: MAGNITUDE, an international phase 3 randomized double-blind study, demonstrated that mCRPC pts with BRCA1/2 alterations receiving NIRA + AAP had significantly improved radiographic progression-free survival, and clinically relevant prolongations in time to symptomatic progression and time to cytotoxic chemotherapy compared with placebo (PBO) + AAP. Here, we report PRO results (pain, health-related quality of life [HRQoL], and side effect bother) in the BRCA1/2 subset of mCRPC pts in the final analysis of MAGNITUDE. Methods: Pts were screened prospectively for homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene alterations. Eligible pts had ECOG status ≤1 and a Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form (BPI-SF) worst pain score ≤3 (scale of 0-10), and were randomized 1:1 to NIRA + AAP or PBO + AAP orally daily in 28-day cycles. PRO assessments on day 1 of specified cycles included BPI-SF and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Prostate (FACT-P). Time to deterioration (TTD) in pain (BPI-SF worst, average, and pain interference, and FACT-P pain-related scale [PRS]) were compared between treatment arms using proportional hazards regression models. Changes from baseline in HRQoL (FACT-P total, scale of 0-156) were compared using repeated measures analysis, and side-effect bother was assessed in both arms as a single item from FACT-P (GP5). Results: PRO compliance for FACT-P and BPI-SF was >85% in 225 pts with BRCA1/2-altered mCRPC. At baseline, mean BPI-SF pain scores was 1.09 (SD, 1.57) in NIRA + AAP and 1.35 (SD, 1.98) in PBO + AAP. Mean FACT-P Total in NIRA + AAP and PBO + AAP was 116.33 (SD, 18.42) and 114.8 (SD, 18.9), respectively. Median TTD in BPI-SF worst pain, pain interference, average pain, and FACT-P PRS were numerically longer for NIRA + AAP vs. PBO + AAP (Table). Repeated measures results showed HRQoL was maintained on treatment for the BRCA subgroup with no clinically meaningful differences in the FACT-P total score over time or between treatment arms. Analysis of FACT-P item GP5 in the BRCA subset showed side effect bother was rated “not at all” or “a little bit” by 87% of NIRA + AAP and 92% of PBO + AAP subjects across treatment cycles. Conclusions: In pts with BRCA1/2-altered mCRPC, NIRA + AAP maintained HRQoL. Pts experienced minimal bother from side effects associated with treatment. These data further support the benefit-risk profile of NIRA + AAP for the treatment of mCRPC pts with BRCA1/2 alterations. Clinical trial information: NCT03748641 . [Table: see text]
Preliminary data from a dose-escalation phase 1 study with HP518, an AR PROTAC degrader: Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and first assessment of anti-tumor activity in patients (Pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Azad Arun , Gurney Howard , Underhill Craig , Horvath Lisa , Voskoboynik Mark , Li Xinghai , King Ivan , Shao Lisa , Dai Yiyun , Perabo Frank 
Published: January 2024

124 Background: HP518 is an oral proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) protein degrader that target androgen receptor (AR) mutations for the treatment of mCRPC. To evaluate the safety, PK, and anti-tumor activity of HP518, and select a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), we conducted a first-in-human, Phase 1, open-label, multicenter, non-randomized, dose escalation study in pts with mCRPC. We report results of the ongoing Phase 1 study at five Australian sites. Methods: Pts with mCRPC with disease progression on at least 1 novel hormonal agent (NHA) and ≤ 1 line of chemotherapy received HP518 QD orally in sequential cohorts (25, 50, 100, 200, and 300, 400, 500 mg per day, Bayesian N-CRM design). Primary objectives were to assess HP518 safety and select the RP2D. Secondary objectives included evaluating the PK of HP518, PSA50 response and radiographic progression per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 and Prostate Cancer Working Group 3 (PCWG3) criteria. Exploratory objectives were to evaluate AR expression in CTCs before and after 12 weeks of treatment and conduct genomic profiling using cfDNA. Results: As of 08Sep2023, a total of 22 pts were enrolled, with current one-daily dosing of 500 mg HP518. Overall, HP518 was well tolerated, with cumulative 10 SAE (1 related/9 unrelated). No DLT was observed. There were 13 Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in 6 pts treated up to 500 mg; no grade ≥4 TEAEs. The most common TEAE in all cohorts was grade 1 or 2 vomiting and nausea which were well managed with prophylactic anti-emetics. Preliminary PK results were obtained from 18 pts dosed with 25 mg to 500 mg per day. Following multiple oral doses of HP518, median peak plasma concentrations were observed at 3 -12 hours post-dose. Over the 5-fold dose range (100 to 500 mg), the increase in Cmax and AUC0-last was approximately dose proportional on day 1. Steady state was reached between day 56 and day 84. Among 16 pts who finished the DLT period, a PSA50 response was seen in 3 pts. 2 pts had confirmed partial responses per RECIST criteria, with 8 pts remaining on treatment. 2 pts received HP518 for ≥24 weeks including 1 pt with a durable PSA50 response for 52 weeks, who also showed PR. Notably, this patient harbored an F877L, E873_F879del AR ligand-binding domain (LBD) mutations. Conclusions: HP518, a novel AR PROTAC degrader, demonstrates in this Phase 1a dose-escalation study, an acceptable safety/tolerability profile and a signal of efficacy in an unselected mCRPC patient population. The presence of AR LBD mutations may predict benefit from HP518, and merits further investigation in pts with mCRPC. Clinical trial information: NCT05252364 .
Long-term outcomes for patients with radiorecurrent prostate cancer treated with salvage combination IMRT and brachytherapy.
Authors: Dattoli Michael J. , Soni Arvind B. , Yanthis Lauren , Fay Jone , Lawrence Gregory 
Published: January 2024

125 Background: Effective salvage of locally recurrent prostate cancer after definitive radiation is typically disappointing and may be associated with significant complications. Methods: 133 consecutive prostate cancer patients (ages 46-78) with biopsy proven local failures were treated between 2001 and 2021 and followed, prospectively with respect to clinical and/or biochemical failure and toxicity. Pre-recurrence treatment had consisted of external beam radiation (Photons: 102 patients, Protons: 16 patients) or iodine 125 brachytherapy (15 patients). Prior to salvage treatment, an extensive workup ruled out gross extracapsular extension or distant disease spread. Salvage treatment consisted of an attenuated dose of IMRT to the prostate (1200 cGy/8 fxs) followed by an attenuated Pd-103 brachytherapy boost (median 9000 cGy) within 24-72 hours. The Pd-103 isotope was used given its steep radial dose fall off, thereby reducing dosage to previously irradiated surrounding tissues. All patients were treated with a median 6 months of androgen deprivation. Mean pretreatment PSA was 5.9 ng/mL (range 1.9 - 22.3, median 3.9) with 64 patients having a Gleason score of greater than or equal to 8, 61 patients having a Gleason score of 7, and 8 patients having a Gleason score of 6. Follow-up from date of implant ranged from 3 years to 20 years (median 14 years). Biochemical failure was defined using PSA greater than or equal to 0.2 and nadir +2 at last follow up. All biochemically failing patients underwent transperineal prostate biopsies (median 18 cores). Results: Overall, 72% (96/133 patients) have maintained a PSA less than or equal to 0.2 ng/mL at median 14 years. Biochemical freedom at 5 years was 91%. PSA prior to re-treatment was highly predictive of distant progression with no patient having a PSA greater than 15 being successfully salvaged. Prostate biopsies of failing patients revealed only 3 local failures. 4 patients required post-implant TURP and 2 TURP patients developed low volume stress incontinence, 2 patients developed urethral strictures which were successfully treated to resolution. No patient has developed rectal ulceration, prostatic-vesicorectal fistula, or chronic cystoproctitis. Conclusions: This study helps strengthen the rationale for the use of Brachytherapy-based regimens in the treatment of radiorecurrent prostate cancer. In view of its even steeper radial dose falloff, we are currently exploring the advantages of Cs-131 in these patients.