bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yangyang , Kong Demin , Ding Yicheng , Wang Jinhuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionImmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by a decrease in platelet counts and can be triggered by various factors, such as viral infections and vaccinations. Concerns have emerged regarding potential links between the vaccines for COVID-19 and the worsening of ITP. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on patients with ITP, including associated risks and outcomes.Methods and AnalysisA thorough search will be conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, and CBM, to identify pertinent studies. This study will encompass randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case series that assess the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on individuals with ITP. The primary outcome will center on alterations in platelet count, while secondary outcomes will encompass the occurrence of thromboembolic events, bleeding complications, recurrence rate of ITP, impact of ITP exacerbation, and adverse events. The data will be synthesized and subjected to meta-analysis using Review Manager Software (RevMan) V.5.3. Additionally, subgroup analyses will be conducted to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity.Ethics and disseminationSince this study involves the analysis of previously published data, ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at relevant scientific conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023471315.Strengths and limitations of this studyAssessing the overall impact of COVID-19 vaccines on patients with ITPIncorporating a variety of study types to perform a thorough analysisImplementing a standardized methodology to evaluate and mitigate bias in the studies includedPossible restrictions in data accessibility and variations in heterogeneity among the studies consideredThe effects of different types of COVID-19 vaccines on patients with ITP may differ, leading to potential disparities in the outcomes.
Embedded deep-learning based sample-to-answer device for on-site malaria diagnosis
Authors: Bae Chae Yun , Shin Young Min , Kim Mijin , Song Younghoon , Lee Hong Jong , Kim Kyung Hwan , Lee Hong Woo , Kim Yong Jun , Kanyemba Creto , Lungu Douglas K , Kang Byeong-il , Han Seunghee , Beck Hans-Peter , Cho Shin-Hyeong , Woo Bo Mee , Lim Chan Yang , Choi Kyung-Hak 
Published: December 2023

AbstractImprovements in digital microscopy are critical for the development of a malaria diagnosis method that is accurate at the cellular level and exhibits satisfactory clinical performance. Digital microscopy can be enhanced by improving deep learning algorithms and achieving consistent staining results. In this study, a novel miLabTMdevice incorporating the solid hydrogel staining method was proposed for consistent blood film preparation, eliminating the use of complex equipment and liquid reagent maintenance. By leveraging deformable staining patches, miLabTMensures consistent, high-quality, and reproducible blood films across various hematocrits. Embedded-deep-learning-enabled miLabTMwas used to detect and classify malarial parasites from the autofocused images of stained blood cells by using an internal optical system. The results of this method were consistent with manual microscopy images. This method not only minimizes human error but also facilitates remote assistance and review by experts through digital image transmission. This method can set new paradigm for on-site malaria diagnosis. The miLabTMalgorithm for malaria detection achieved a total accuracy of 98.86% for infected red blood cell (RBCs) classification. Clinical validation performed in Malawi demonstrated an overall percent agreement of 92.21%. Thus, miLabTMcan become a reliable and efficient tool for decentralized malaria diagnosis.
Development of the Individual Participant Data (IPD) Integrity Tool for assessing the integrity of randomised trials using individual participant data
Authors: Hunter KE , Aberoumand M , Libesman S , Sotiropoulos JX , Williams J , Li W , Aagerup J , Mol BW , Wang R , Barba A , Shrestha N , Webster AC , Seidler AL 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTIntroductionIncreasing concerns about integrity in medical research have prompted the development of tools to detect untrustworthy studies. Existing tools focus on evaluating aggregate or published data, though some trustworthiness issues may only be detected upon scrutiny of individual participant data (IPD). To address this, we developed the IPD Integrity Tool for detecting integrity issues in randomised controlled trials with IPD available. This manuscript describes the development of this tool.MethodsWe conducted a literature review to collate and map existing integrity items. These were discussed with an expert advisory group, and agreed items were included in a standardised tool and automated where possible. We piloted this tool in two IPD meta-analyses, and conducted preliminary validation checks on 13 datasets with and without known integrity issues in a blinded manner.ResultsThe literature review identified 120 integrity items: 54 could be conducted at the publication or aggregate data (AD) level, 48 required IPD, and 18 were possible with aggregate data, but more comprehensive with IPD. Based on these items, an initial reduced tool was developed in a consensus process involving 13 advisors with different backgrounds (countries, profession, education). This initial tool included 11 items across four domains for AD, and 12 items across 8 domains requiring IPD. The tool was iteratively refined throughout piloting on two IPD meta-analyses including a total of 116 trials (73 with IPD, and 43 with only AD available), and preliminary validation using an additional 13 datasets. All five studies with known integrity issues were accurately identified during validation. The final version of the tool included seven domains with 13 items for AD and eight domains with 18 items requiring IPD.ConclusionsThe quality of evidence informing health care relies on trustworthy data. This manuscript describes the development of a tool to enable researchers, editors, and other stakeholders to detect integrity issues in randomised trials using IPD. Detailed instructions on the application of this tool will be published subsequently.
Consuming less ultra-processed food is associated with inadequate protein intake among vegan dieters
Authors: Leitão Alice Erwig , Esteves Gabriel P. , Mazzolani Bruna Caruso , Smaira Fabiana Infante , Santini Martin Hindermann , Santo André Heloísa C. , Gualano Bruno , Roschel Hamilton 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTImportanceMajor concerns regarding vegan dieters are whether they meet protein and essential amino acids (EAA) recommendations, and how reliant they are on ultra-processed foods (UPF).ObjectivesTo investigate whether vegan dieters meet protein and EAA recommendations. As secondary objectives, to determine UPF intake and potential predictors of inadequate protein intake in this population.DesignA survey conducted between September 2021 and January 2023.SettingBrazil.ParticipantsVegan dieters of both sexes, aged 18 years or older, following a vegan diet for at least 6 months.ExposureAdherence to a vegan diet, and unprocessed and minimally processed foods (UMPF) and UPF consumption.Main outcome measuresProtein and EAA intake, and food consumption according to processing level (Nova classification).ResultsOne thousand and fourteen participants completed the survey, and 774 confirmed vegan dieters with adequate food recalls were included in the analysis. Most participants (74%) met daily protein intake according to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) (median: 1.12 g·kg−1·day−1, 95%CI 1.05; 1.16). Median EAA intake was also above RDA (with 71–91% meeting recommendations). Median UMPF intake was 66.5% (95%CI 65.0; 67.9) of total energy intake (TEI), whereas UPF consumption was 13.2% TEI (95%CI 12.4; 14.4). Adjusted logistic regression models showed that consuming protein supplements or textured soy protein, higher caloric, and higher UPF intakes were associated with reduced odds of inadequate protein intake, and that higher UMPF intakes were associated with increased odds of inadequate protein intake.Conclusions and RelevanceThe majority of vegan dieters attained protein and EAA intake recommendations, largely based their diet on UMPF, and had a significantly lower proportion of UPF as compared to previous reports on vegans and overall Brazilian population. Importantly, participants consuming less UPF more likely exhibited inadequate protein intake, suggesting the importance of ultra-processed proteins for this population.Key pointsQuestionDo vegan dieters meet protein needs, and how reliant are they on ultra-processed foods (UPF)?FindingsIn this large survey including 774 vegan dieters, 74% had adequate daily protein intake. Unprocessed and minimally processed foods and UPF consumption accounted for 66.5% and 13.2% of total energy intake. Consuming protein supplements and textured soy protein, and higher caloric and UPF intakes were associated with reduced odds of inadequate protein intake, whereas higher UMPF intakes were associated with increased odds of inadequate protein intake.MeaningMost vegan dieters attain protein recommendations, while being less likely to do so when consuming less UPF.
Outcomes of Antiplatelet Therapy Continuation in Older Hypertensive Adults With Peptic Ulcer Disease
Authors: Lan Yi-Tsang , Lim Kar-Chun , Ho Chung-Yu , Chao Ying-Ting , Yen Tsung-Yi , Shih Ming-Feng , Chiang Chien-Hsieh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe appropriateness of continuation of antiplatelet therapy in older hypertensive aspirin users with documented peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is uncertain.MethodsThis multicenter cohort study screened adults aged 65 years or older, using aspirin for primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention between January 2014 and December 2018. Patients with panendoscopy-proven PUD and hypertension were identified. Subsequent antiplatelet strategies were categorized as aspirin discontinuation (AD), aspirin continuation (AC), and switch to clopidogrel (SC) groups. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was applied to balance baseline characteristics. The main outcomes were incident major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and hospitalizations for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), followed through 31 December 2020.Results735 eligible patients were analyzed. During a median follow-up of 39.7 months, 178 MACEs occurred. Compared with AD, SC was not related to the risk of incident MACEs, but AC increased the risk of incident MACEs (adjusted HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.04-2.38) in secondary prevention patients. On the other hand, 102 hospitalizations for UGIB occurred during a median follow-up of 43.4 months. Compared with AD, neither AC nor SC affected the risk of hospitalization for UGIB in secondary prevention patients. However, secondary prevention patients with chronic kidney disease were at increased risk of hospitalizations for UGIB (adjusted HR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.30-4.47).ConclusionsAC may increase the risk of incident MACEs in older hypertensive adults with PUD previously taking aspirin for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. The appropriateness of antiplatelet therapy continuation after PUD is diagnosed in older hypertensive adults warrants rigorous considerations.
Regional changes in cellular and molecular pathology in children with end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy: Correlation with regional and global cardiac performance
Authors: Pisesky Andrea , Chen Ching Kit , Sun Mei , Duaz John , Stephenson Elizabeth , Coles John , Friedberg Mark K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPaediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) carries a poor prognosis. We previously identified regional heterogeneity and patterns of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction that correlated with outcomes. In this project, we aimed to describe associations of regional myocardial performance with fibrosis and molecular signalling.MethodsWe prospectively studied children undergoing heart transplantation for DCM. Pre-transplant clinical and echocardiographic features were correlated with regional histological and molecular findings from explanted hearts. Ten LV and one right ventricular (RV) regions were assessed for fibrosis, myocyte area, and protein expression related to hypertrophy and fibrosis signalling (p38, ERK, phospho-JNK, phospho-GSK3β, SMA, cadherin, ILK), contractile function (myosin heavy chain), and calcium handling (SERCA2a, phospho-CamKII, phospholamban [PLN], and phospho-PLN).ResultsEight children were included [median age 2.0years (0.3–15.1years)], of whom six required mechanical circulatory support. There was no difference in fibrosis burden or myocyte area between LV segments, and between ventricles. LV dimensions, ejection fraction and diastolic parameters were not related to fibrosis, myocyte area or molecular signalling. Tricuspid annular systolic plane excursion was related to myocyte volume (r=0.89, p<0.01). There was an inverse relationship between fibrosis and segmental longitudinal strain for LV basal and mid-posterior segments (basal posterior, r=0.96, p<0.01; mid-posterior, r=0.74, p=0.05). Global longitudinal strain was related to expression of ILK (r=0.78, p=0.02) and SERCA2a (r=0.71, p=0.04).ConclusionIn paediatric end-stage DCM, regional cardiac function is associated with interstitial fibrosis and expression of calcium-cycling and contractile proteins. Phenotypic and molecular expression is variable. The RV shows similar injury and protein expression to the LV despite better myocardial function. These findings suggest that even with severely reduced LV function, paediatric DCM is a highly heterogeneous disease involving both ventricles.
Comparative transcriptomic analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with non-pneumonia and severe pneumonia at 1 year-Long-COVID-19
Authors: Kayalar Ozgecan , Cetinkaya Pelin Duru , Eldem Vahap , Baris Serap Argun , Koktürk Nurdan , Kuralay Selim Can , Rajabi Hadi , Konyalilar Nur , Mortazavi Deniz , Korkunc Seval Kubra , Erkan Sinem , Aksoy Gizem Tuşe , Eyikudamaci Gul , Deniz Pelin Pinar , Toprak Oya Baydar , Gulhan Pinar Yildiz , Sagcan Gulseren , Kose Neslihan , Erdem Aysegul Tomruk , Fakili Fusun , Ozturk Onder , Basyigit Ilknur , Boyaci Hasim , Azak Emel , Ciftci Tansu Ulukavak , Oguzulgen Ipek Kivilcim , Ozger Hasan Selcuk , Yildiz Pinar Aysert , Hanta Ismail , Ataoglu Ozlem , Ercelik Merve , Cuhadaroglu Caglar , Okur Hacer Kuzu , Tor Muge Meltem , Temel Esra Nurlu , Kul Seval , Tutuncu Yıldız , Itil Oya , Bayram Hasan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLong-COVID-19 manifests as a multisystemic condition with varied symptoms lingering beyond three weeks of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, though its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Aiming to decipher the long-term molecular impacts of COVID-19, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis on PBMCs from 1-year post-covid patients, including individuals without pneumonia (NP, n=10), those with severe pneumonia (SP, n=11), and healthy controls (C, n=13). Our extensive RNA sequencing revealed 4843 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1056 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) in “C vs NP,” 1651 DEGs and 577 DElncRNAs in “C vs SP,” 954 DEGs and 148 DElncRNAs in “NP vs SP,” with 291 DEGs and 70 DElncRNAs shared across all groups. We identified 14 hub genes from 291 DEGs, with functional enrichment analysis showing upregulated DEGs mainly linked to inflammation and osteoclast differentiation, and downregulated DEGs to viral infections and immune responses. These hub genes play central roles in inflammatory and immune processes and are significantly associated with pneumonitis and diverse lung diseases. Investigations revealed unique immune cell signatures across DEG categories, associating upregulated DEGs with neutrophils and monocytes, and downregulated DEGs with CD4 memory effector T cells. Analysis of 14 hub genes showed notable upregulation in the no pneumonia group versus healthy controls, displaying complex patterns in the severe pneumonia group. Our study uncovered potential idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis signals in Long-COVID-19 patients’ PBMC transcriptome, highlighting the urgency for thorough monitoring and extended research to understand COVID-19’s lasting effects. This study sheds light on COVID-19’s transcriptomic changes and potential lasting effects, guiding future research and therapeutic approaches for Long-COVID-19.
Elevated plasma matrix metalloproteinases associate withMycobacterium tuberculosisblood stream infection and mortality in HIV-associated tuberculosis
Authors: Walker NF , Schutz C , Ward A , Barr D , Opondo C , Shey M , Elkington PT , Wilkinson KA , Wilkinson RJ , Meintjes G 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMortality from HIV-associated tuberculosis (HIV-TB) is high, particularly among hospitalised patients. In 433 people living with HIV admitted to hospital with symptoms of TB, we investigated plasma matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and matrix-derived biomarkers in relation to TB diagnosis, mortality andMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)blood stream infection (BSI). Compared to other diagnoses, MMP-8 was elevated in confirmed TB and inMtb-BSI, positively correlating with extracellular matrix breakdown products. Baseline MMP- 3, -7, -8, -10 and procollagen III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) associated withMtb-BSI and 12-week mortality. These findings implicate MMP dysregulation in pathophysiology of advanced HIV-TB and support MMP inhibition as a host-directed therapeutic strategy for HIV- TB.
Late start of antenatal care in Burundi: Effect of socio-demographic, socio-cultural, and health system-related factors
Authors: Butoyi Jean M. , Sagam Caleb K. , Munezero Belyse , Nkeshimana Anatole , Coppieters Yves 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTDespite intensive international efforts to extend the coverage of primary healthcare services for women, pregnancy and childbirth still represent a high-risk period for both mother and child, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Lack of access to antenatal care and its inadequate use during pregnancy contribute to maternal mortality. This study aimed to establish the factors associated with late start of antenatal care (ANC) in Muramvya health district, Burundi. A cross– sectional study was carried out in six randomly selected health facilities of the Muramvya district. The study population consisted of pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics. A total of 280 women were included in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to measure the determinants of the late start of ANC after 12 weeks of gestation. ANC was initiated after 12 weeks of pregnancy in 72.50% of women, 58.6% and 13.9% respectively in the second and last trimester. Based on Multivariate logistic regression: Women between 20 and 35 years of age have a lower risk of starting ANC late than adolescents (AOR = 0.18; 95%CI:0.03-0.83). Lack of knowledge about the interventions offered during ANC (AOR = 2.37; 95%CI:1.32-4.25), late recognition of pregnancy status (AOR= 6.7; 95%CI:2.41-18.66), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 1.85 95%CI:1.01-3.40) and the time for women to reach the health facility: between 30minutes to 1 hour (AOR = 2.40 95%CI:1.25-4.59) and more than 1 hour of walking (AOR = 2.15; 95%CI:1.01-4.60) are associated with the late start of ANC. The results of the study show that most women start ANC late. There is a need for effective behavioral interventions and public awareness and education targeting adolescents and women to improve early initiation of ANC
Detecting Features of Protein Structure through their Mediator-Accessible Redox Activities
Authors: Motabar Dana , Kim Eunkyoung , Li Jinyang , Zhao Zhiling , Mouchahoir Trina , Gallagher D. Travis , Schiel John E. , Garige Mamatha , Sourbier Carole , Payne Gregory F. , Bentley William E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProtein function relies on sequence, folding, and post-translational modification, and molecular measurements are commonly used to reveal these structural features. Here, we report an alternative approach that represents these molecular features as readily measurable electronic patterns and validate this experimental approach by detecting structural perturbations commonly encountered during protein biomanufacturing. Specifically, we studied a monoclonal antibody standard (NISTmAb) and focused on the electronic detection of variants that have undergone interchain-disulfide bond reduction and methionine oxidation. Electronic detection of these structural perturbations is based on mediated electrochemical probing (MEP) that discerns patterns associated with the antibody’s mediator-accessible redox activity. We demonstrate that MEP can rapidly (within minutes) and quantitatively transduce the protein’s structural features into robust electronic signals that can enable bioprocess monitoring and control. More broadly, the ability to transduce information of a protein’s molecular structure into a more convenient electronic domain offers fundamentally new opportunities to apply the power of microelectronics and real-time data analytics to chemical and biological analysis.
Multistability driven by cooperative growth in microbial communities
Authors: Lopes William , Amor Daniel R. , Gore Jeff 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMicrobial communities often exhibit more than one possible stable composition for the same set of external conditions1-7. In the human microbiome, persistent changes in species composition and abundance are associated with health and disease states8. The main drivers of these alternative stable states remain relatively unknown9. Here we experimentally demonstrate that a cross-kingdom community, composed of six species relevant to the respiratory tract, displays four alternative stable states each dominated by a different species. In pairwise coculture, we observe widespread bistability among species pairs, providing a natural origin for the multistability of the full community. In contrast with the common association between bistability and antagonism, experiments reveal many positive interactions within and between community members. We find that multiple species display self-facilitation, or cooperative growth, and modeling predicts that this could drive the observed multistability within the community as well as non-canonical pairwise outcomes. A tailored biochemical screening assay reveals that glutamate supplementation either reduces or eliminates cooperativity in the growth of several species, and we confirm that such supplementation reduces the extent of bistability across pairs and reduces multistability in the full community. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation of how cooperative growth rather than competitive interactions can underlie multistability in microbial communities.