bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infections in children following chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy for B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Diamond Yonatan , Gilsenan Maddie , Wang Stacie Shiqi , Hanna Diane , Conyers Rachel , Cole Theresa , Hughes David , Fleming Jacqueline , Meyran Deborah , Toro Claudia , Malalasekera Vajiranee , Khaw Seong Lin , Haeusler Gabrielle M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundCD19‐directed chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy is transforming care for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). There are limited pediatric‐specific data concerning the infection risks associated with CD19 CAR‐T therapy and the adequacy of current antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines for these patients.MethodsWe describe the antimicrobial prophylaxis used and the types of infectious occurring in the first 100 days following CAR‐T therapy for relapsed or refractory B‐cell ALL in children and adolescents (≤18 years) at our centre.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients received their first CAR‐T infusion (CTI) during the study period. Almost all patients (96%) had a comprehensive Infectious Diseases review prior to CTI, which informed a personalised prophylaxis or fever/sepsis plan in six (22%). Overall, six (22%) patients had one or more infections during the study period including five (19%, 0.9 per 100 days‐at‐risk) from days 0–30 and three (n = 20, 15%, 0.6 per 100 days‐at‐risk) from days 31–100. Bacterial blood stream infections were the most common type of infection encountered during both time periods, and one patient had probable pulmonary aspergillosis. There were no infection‐related deaths.ConclusionOur study contributes important information on the spectrum of infections encountered in pediatric patients with B‐ALL post CAR‐T therapy. Overall, the burden of infectious complications post CAR‐T therapy in our cohort is lower than previously reported in the literature. Results suggest that our prophylaxis recommendations are effective in this population.
Qualitative analysis of Canadian blood and plasma donors' views on expanding donor screening eligibility for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
Authors: Woo Hyunjin , Fisher William , Kohut Taylor , Haw Jennie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn many countries, sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) continue to be screened based on their sex or gender and the sex or gender of their sexual partner. However, there is growing support that screening based on specific sexual behaviors that pose risk of transfusion transmissible infection is a better approach to donor screening.Study Design and MethodsThis paper reports results from Phase 1 (qualitative) of a mixed‐methods study on Canadian blood and plasma donors' views on expanding eligibility for gbMSM by changing to sexual behavior‐based screening. Semistructured interview data with 40 donors (whole blood = 20, plasma = 20; male = 21, female = 18, nonbinary = 1; mean age = 46.2; 10% participation rate) in Canada were analyzed using a thematic approach.ResultsAll participants, except one, supported the change as they anticipated that at least one of three outcomes would be achieved: increasing blood supply, enhancing equity, and improving or maintaining the safety of blood supply. One donor who was more skeptical of the change questioned the scientific evidence for the change and indicated mistrust of state institutions. The discussion considers implications for blood operators' communication strategies that can be used to reduce donor discomfort with the changes to donor screening.ConclusionIn a nonrandom, purposive sample of 40 Canadian blood and plasma donors, most participants held favorable views regarding expanding the eligibility of gbMSM donors based on sexual risk behavior. Understanding donors' views on increasing eligibility may inform Canadian Blood Services and other blood operators as they develop their communications plans.
Estimating the landlocked penalty for international trade
Authors: Gyawali Pratistha 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper studies the effect of being landlocked on international trade flows in the manufacturing sector. The study overcomes the empirical challenge of using a country‐specific variable ‘landlocked’, within a structural gravity framework in the presence of importer and exporter fixed effects. Results show that the impact of being landlocked for manufactured goods trade is highly negative and statistically significant. Such effect is higher for low‐income landlocked countries compared to high‐income landlocked countries. The impact of being landlocked on manufactured goods trade declined in 2005 compared to 1980. A series of robustness checks further confirm the estimates.
Child mask mandates for COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Sandlund Johanna , Duriseti Ram , Ladhani Shamez N , Stuart Kelly , Noble Jeanne , Høeg Tracy Beth 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundMask mandates for children during the COVID-19 pandemic varied in different locations. A risk-benefit analysis of this intervention has not yet been performed. In this study, we performed a systematic review to assess research on the effectiveness of mask wearing in children.MethodsWe performed database searches up to February 2023. The studies were screened by title and abstract, and included studies were further screened as full-text references. A risk-of-bias analysis was performed by two independent reviewers and adjudicated by a third reviewer.ResultsWe screened 597 studies and included 22 in the final analysis. There were no randomised controlled trials in children assessing the benefits of mask wearing to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection or transmission. The six observational studies reporting an association between child masking and lower infection rate or antibody seropositivity had critical (n=5) or serious (n=1) risk of bias; all six were potentially confounded by important differences between masked and unmasked groups and two were shown to have non-significant results when reanalysed. Sixteen other observational studies found no association between mask wearing and infection or transmission.ConclusionsReal-world effectiveness of child mask mandates against SARS-CoV-2 transmission or infection has not been demonstrated with high-quality evidence. The current body of scientific data does not support masking children for protection against COVID-19.
Does Hispanic ethnicity play a role in outcomes for diverticular surgery in the USA?
Authors: Kelley Jesse K , Kelly Kathrine , Reed Charles , Winkler Nathan , Parker Jessica , Ogilvie James 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate whether origins of ethnicity affect the outcomes of surgery for diverticulitis in the USA.DesignThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Programme database from 2008 to 2017 was used to identify patients undergoing colectomy for diverticulitis. Patient demographics, comorbidities, procedural details and outcomes were captured and compared by ethnicity status.ResultsA total of 375 311 surgeries for diverticulitis were included in the final analysis. The average age of patients undergoing surgery for diverticulitis remained consistent over the time frame of the study (62 years), although the percentage of younger patients (age 18–39 years) rose slightly from 7.8% in 2008 to 8.6% in 2017. The percentage of surgical patients with Hispanic ethnicity increased from 3.7% in 2008 to 6.6% of patients in 2017. Hispanic patients were younger than their non-Hispanic counterparts (57 years vs 62 years, p<0.01) at time of surgery. There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of laparoscopic cases (51% vs 49%, p<0.01), elective cases (62% vs 66%, p<0.01) and the unadjusted rate of postoperative mortality (2.8% vs 3.4%, p<0.01) between Hispanic patients compared with non-Hispanic patients, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models did not identify Hispanic ethnicity as a significant predictor for increased morbidity (p=0.13) or mortality (p=0.80).ConclusionDespite a significant younger population undergoing surgery for diverticulitis, Hispanic ethnicity was not associated with increased rates of emergent surgery, open surgery or postoperative complications compared with a similar non-Hispanic population.
Naturally nutrient rich (NNR) score and the risk of colorectal cancer: a case-control study
Authors: Hassanpour Ardekanizadeh Naeemeh , Mousavi Mele Mahdi , Mohammadi Saeideh , Shekari Soheila , Zeinalabedini Mobina , Masoumvand Mohammad , Mousavi Shalmani Seyedeh Hayedeh , Askarpour Seyed Ali , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Vahid Farhad , Doaei Saeid 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and nutrients has been studied frequently. However, the association of nutrient density of diets with the risk of CRC has been less studied. This study aimed to investigate the association between CRC and naturally nutrient rich (NNR) score in Iranian adults.MethodThis case-control study included 160 patients with colorectal cancer and 320 controls aged 35–70 years in Tehran, Iran. Dietary intake was assessed using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. The NNR score was obtained by calculating the average daily value of 14 nutrients including protein, vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B12, calcium, zinc, iron, folate, potassium and unsaturated fatty acids.ResultsRegarding dietary intake of the components of NNR score, the case group had a lower intake of polyunsaturated fat (15.41±4.44 vs 16.54±4.20 g/day, p=0.01), vitamin E (10.15±4.16 vs 13.1±5.33; p=0.001), vitamin B1(2±0.86 vs 2.19±0.84 mg/day, p=0.03) and folate (516.45±96.59 vs 571.05±80.31; p=0.001) and a higher intake of oleic acid (8.21±5.46 vs 5.59±3.17 g/day, p=0.01) compared with the control group. Colorectal cancer risk was inversely associated with the NNR score after adjusting for the confounders (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97; p=0.03).ConclusionLow NNR scores may be linked to CRC. If confirmed by future longitudinal research, this result may help prevent CRC by recommending nutrient-rich diets.
10-year follow-up results of the European Achalasia Trial: a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing pneumatic dilation with laparoscopic Heller myotomy
Authors: Boeckxstaens Guy , Elsen Stefanie , Belmans Ann , Annese Vito , Bredenoord Albert J , Busch Olivier R , Costantini Mario , Fumagalli Uberto , Smout André J P M , Tack Jan , Vanuytsel Tim , Zaninotto Giovanni , Salvador Renato 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveAs achalasia is a chronic disorder, long-term follow-up data comparing different treatments are essential to select optimal clinical management. Here, we report on the 10-year follow-up of the European Achalasia Trial comparing endoscopic pneumodilation (PD) with laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM).DesignA total of 201 newly diagnosed patients with achalasia were randomised to either a series of PDs (n=96) or LHM (n=105). Patients completed symptom (Eckardt score) and quality-of-life questionnaires, underwent functional tests and upper endoscopy. Primary outcome was therapeutic success defined as Eckardt score<3 at yearly follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the need for retreatment, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, oesophageal emptying, gastro-oesophageal reflux and the rate of complications.ResultsAfter 10 years of follow-up, LHM (n=40) and PD (n=36) were equally effective in both the full analysis set (74% vs 74%, p=0.84) and the per protocol set (74% vs 86%, respectively, p=0.07). Subgroup analysis revealed that PD was superior to LHM for type 2 achalasia (p=0.03) while there was a trend, although not significant (p=0.05), that LHM performed better for type 3 achalasia. Barium column height after 5 min at timed barium oesophagram was significantly higher for patients treated with PD compared with LHM, while other parameters, including gastro-oesophageal reflux, were not different.ConclusionsPD and LHM are equally effective even after 10 years of follow-up with limited risk to develop gastro-oesophageal reflux. Based on these data, we conclude that PD and LHM can both be proposed as initial treatment of achalasia.
HPV testing as an effective triage strategy in the follow-up after fertility-sparing treatment for glandular lesions of the uterine cervix
Authors: Dostalek Lukas , Freitag Pavel , Slovackova Miroslava , Zima Tomas , Komarc Martin , Fricova Lenka , Fucik Tomas , Nemejcova Kristyna , Cibula David , Brynda Daniel , Slama Jiri 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThe management and surveillance of glandular pre-cancerous lesions of the uterine cervix present distinct challenges compared with squamous lesions, primarily attributed to the lower effectiveness of diagnostic methods such as cytology or colposcopy. This study aimed to investigate the long-term safety of fertility-sparing treatment for adenocarcinoma in situ and microinvasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix, while identifying factors associated with recurrence, with a particular emphasis on the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from all patients with histopathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma in situ or microinvasive cervical adenocarcinoma who received treatment at a single center between 2002 and 2023. The study involved the examination of consecutive surgical specimens and the follow-up details. Factors associated with recurrence were assessed in a subgroup of patients with available long-term follow-up data (at least 6 months).ResultsIn total, 143 patients (112 with adenocarcinoma in situ and 31 with adenocarcinoma) were included in the analysis. Among the 86 patients who underwent fertility-sparing treatment, the recurrence rate was 9% (12% for adenocarcinoma in situ and 4% for adenocarcinoma) during a median follow-up period of 56.6 months (range 7–179). No patients who were HPV negative experienced recurrence during the follow-up period. In contrast, among patients who were HPV positive, the recurrence rate was 38%. Additionally, HPV 16/18 positivity displayed a notable association with a higher risk of recurrence compared with the other high-risk genotypes, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (83% vs 10%; p=0.083, log-rank).ConclusionOur retrospective study demonstrated a significant association between the risk of recurrence and HPV status during the follow-up period. Consequently, long-term follow-up utilizing HPV testing and genotyping appears to be a secure alternative to a hysterectomy.
Primary results from the CLEAR study of a novel stent retriever with drop zone technology
Authors: Yoo Albert J , Geyik Serdar , Froehler Michael T , Maurer Christoph Johannes , Kass-Hout Tareq , Zaidat Osama O , Nogueira Raul G , Hanel Ricardo A , Pierot Laurent , Spelle Laurent , Lopes Demetrius , Hassan Ameer , Širvinskas Audrius , Lin Eugene , Ribo Marc , Blasco Jordi , Taqi Muhammad Asif , Badruddin Aamir , Siddiqui Adnan H , Miller Timothy R , Hussain Shazam M , Haussen Diogo C , Woodward Keith , Groden Christoph , Consoli Arturo , Chaudry M Imran , Ramsey Christian , Maud Alberto , Bentley Joshua , Bajrami Arsida , Sahnoun Maher , Fiehler Jens , Gupta Rishi 
Published: December 2023

Background
Challenges to revascularization of large vessel occlusions (LVOs) persist. Current stent retrievers have limited effectiveness for removing organized thrombi. The NeVa device is a novel stent retriever designed to capture organized thrombi within the scaffold during retrieval.

Objective
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of revascularization of acute LVOs with the NeVa device.

Methods
Prospective, international, multicenter, single-arm, Investigational Device Exemption study to evaluate the performance of the NeVa device in recanalizing LVOs including internal carotid artery, M1/M2 middle cerebral artery, and vertebrobasilar arteries, within 8 hours of onset. Primary endpoint was rate of expanded Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia (eTICI) score 2b–3 within 3 NeVa passes, tested for non-inferiority against a performance goal of 72% with a −10% margin. Additional endpoints included first pass success and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2. Primary composite safety endpoint was 90-day mortality and/or 24-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).

Results
From April 2021 to April 2022, 139 subjects were enrolled at 25 centers. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 16 (IQR 12–20). In the primary analysis population (n=107), eTICI 2b–3 within 3 NeVa passes occurred in 90.7% (97/107; non-inferiority P<0.0001; post hoc superiority P<0.0001). First pass eTICI 2b–3 was observed in 73.8% (79/107), with first pass eTICI 2b67–3 in 69.2% (74/107) and eTICI 2c–3 in 48.6% (52/107). Median number of passes was 1 (IQR 1–2). Final eTICI 2b–3 rate was 99.1% (106/107); final eTICI 2b67–3 rate was 91.6% (98/107); final eTICI 2c–3 rate was 72.9% (78/107). Good outcome (90-day mRS score 0–2) was seen in 65.1% (69/106). Mortality was 9.4% (13/138) with sICH in 5.0% (7/139).

Conclusions
The NeVa device is highly effective and safe for revascularization of LVO strokes and demonstrates superior first pass success compared with a predicate performance goal.

Trial registration number

NCT04514562
.
Effect of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol on plasma concentrations of neuroinflammatory biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: results from the CENTAUR trial
Authors: Bowser Robert , An Jiyan , Mehta Lahar , Chen Junliang , Timmons Jamie , Cudkowicz Merit , Paganoni Sabrina 
Published: December 2023

Background
An oral sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol combination (PB and TURSO) significantly reduced functional decline in people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the CENTAUR trial. Biomarkers linking clinical therapeutic effect with biological changes are of high interest in ALS. We performed analyses of neuroinflammatory biomarkers associated with ALS in the literature, including YKL-40 (also known as chitinase-3-like protein 1), chitinase 1 (CHIT1) and C reactive protein (CRP), in plasma samples collected in CENTAUR.

Methods
Log10-transformed plasma biomarker measurements were analysed using a linear mixed-effects model. Correlation between paired biomarker concentrations and ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) total scores was assessed via Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results
By week 24, geometric least squares mean YKL-40 plasma concentration decreased by approximately 20% (p=0.008) and CRP by 30% (p=0.048) in the PB and TURSO versus placebo group. YKL-40 (r of –0.21; p<0.0001) and CRP (r of –0.19; p=0.0002) concentration correlated with ALSFRS-R total score. CHIT1 levels were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions
YKL-40 and CRP plasma levels were significantly reduced in participants with ALS receiving PB and TURSO in CENTAUR and correlated with disease progression. These findings suggest YKL-40 and CRP could be treatment-sensitive biomarkers in ALS, pending further confirmatory studies.

Trial registration number

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03127514
Premorbid brain structure influences risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Thompson Alexander G , Taschler Bernd , Smith Stephen M , Turner Martin R 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of the motor network associated with brain structure and functional connectivity alterations that are implicated in disease progression. Whether such changes have a causal role in ALS, fitting with a postulated influence of premorbid cerebral architecture on the phenotypes associated with neurodegenerative disorders is not known.MethodsThis study considered causal effects and shared genetic risk of 2240 structural and functional MRI brain scan imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) on ALS using two sample Mendelian randomisation, with putative associations further examined with extensive sensitivity analysis. Shared genetic predisposition between IDPs and ALS was explored using genetic correlation analysis.ResultsIncreased white matter volume in the cerebral hemispheres was causally associated with ALS. Weaker causal associations were observed for brain stem grey matter volume, parieto-occipital white matter surface and volume of the left thalamic ventral anterior nucleus. Genetic correlation was observed between ALS and intracellular volume fraction and isotropic free water volume fraction within the posterior limb of the internal capsule.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that premorbid brain structure, in particular white matter volume, contributes to the risk of ALS.
Decline in prevalence of tuberculosis following an intensive case finding campaign and the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban Ugandan community
Authors: Kendall Emily A , Kitonsa Peter J , Nalutaaya Annet , Robsky Katherine O , Erisa Kamoga Caleb , Mukiibi James , Cattamanchi Adithya , Kato-Maeda Midori , Katamba Achilles , Dowdy David 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundSystematic screening is a potential tool for reducing the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and counteracting COVID-19-related disruptions in care. Repeated community-wide screening can also measure changes in the prevalence of TB over time.MethodsWe conducted serial, cross-sectional TB case finding campaigns in one community in Kampala, Uganda, in 2019 and 2021. Both campaigns sought sputum for TB testing (Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra) from all adolescents and adults. We estimated the prevalence of TB among screening participants in each campaign and compared characteristics of people with TB across campaigns. We simultaneously enrolled and characterised community residents who were diagnosed with TB through routine care and assessed trends in facility-based diagnosis.ResultsWe successfully screened 12 033 community residents (35% of the estimated adult/adolescent population) in 2019 and 11 595 (33%) in 2021. In 2019, 0.94% (95% CI: 0.77% to 1.13%) of participants tested Xpert positive (including trace). This proportion fell to 0.52% (95% CI: 0.40% to 0.67%) in 2021; the prevalence ratio was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.40 to 0.75)). There was no change in the age (median 26 vs 26), sex (56% vs 59% female) or prevalence of chronic cough (49% vs 54%) among those testing positive. By contrast, the rate of routine facility-based diagnosis remained steady in the 8 months before each campaign (210 (95% CI: 155 to 279) vs 240 (95% CI: 181 to 312) per 100 000 per year).ConclusionsFollowing an intensive initial case finding campaign in an urban Ugandan community in 2019, the burden of prevalent TB as measured by systematic screening had decreased by 45% in 2021, despite the intervening COVID-19 pandemic.
Early Lexical Development by English–Chinese Bilinguals
Authors: Kuo Jenny Yi-Chun 
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the lexical development of English–Chinese bilingual children in a Chinese immersion program in the US. Cross-linguistic Lexical Tasks in American English and Mandarin Chinese were given to 20 English–Chinese bilingual six-year-olds. They did better in English than in Chinese, even with Chinese-speaking parents. Their proficiency in Chinese is comparable to that of two- or three-year-old native speakers after one year of Chinese exposure. Lexical development correlates with both the learner’s Age of Acquisition and the estimated age of acquisition of the target words. The results of this study will enhance our understanding of bilingual lexical development and give us insight into providing support to foster bilingual lexical development.