bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting for Twins and Other Multiple Births in Perinatal Studies Conducted Using Healthcare Administration Data
Authors: Brown Jeremy P , Yland J Jennifer J , Williams Paige L , Huybrechts Krista F , Hernández-Díaz Sonia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe analysis of perinatal studies is complicated by twins and other multiple births even when they are not the exposure, outcome, or a confounder of interest. Common approaches to handling multiples in studies of infant outcomes include restriction to singletons, counting outcomes at the pregnancy-level (i.e., by counting if at least one twin experienced a binary outcome), or infant-level analysis including all infants and, typically, accounting for clustering of outcomes by using generalised estimating equations or mixed effects models. Several healthcare administration databases only support restriction to singletons or pregnancy-level approaches. For example, in MarketScan insurance claims data, diagnoses in twins are often assigned to a single infant identifier, thereby preventing ascertainment of infant-level outcomes among multiples. Different approaches correspond to different causal questions, produce different estimands, and often rely on different assumptions. We demonstrate the differences that can arise from these different approaches using Monte Carlo simulations, algebraic formulas, and an applied example. Furthermore, we provide guidance on the handling of multiples in perinatal studies when using healthcare administration data.
Safety and efficacy of management for intraprocedural rupture during endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Hirai Sakyo , Hanazawa Ryoichi , Yoshimura Masataka , Shigeta Keigo , Sato Yohei , Taira Naoki , Kawano Yoshihisa , Karakama Jun , Obata Yoshiki , Hara Mutsuya , Yamada Kenji , Ishii Yosuke , Sawada Kana , Imae Shogo , Wakabayashi Hikaru , Sagawa Hirotaka , Fujita Kyohei , Fujii Shoko , Takahashi Satoru , Hirakawa Akihiro , Nemoto Shigeru , Sumita Kazutaka 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough intraprocedural rupture (IPR) is rare, it is a devastating complication of endovascular treatment (EVT) for intracranial aneurysms. Very few studies have been conducted on IPR, and the safety and efficacy of management techniques of IPR have not been investigated.MethodsPatients who underwent IPR during EVT between 2013 and 2022 were enrolled from the multicenter observational registry. Focusing on the management of IPR, we examined its safety and efficacy using imaging markers, including increased hemorrhage and ischemic lesions evaluated using postoperative computed tomography and diffusion-weighted imaging, respectively.ResultsOf the 3269 EVT for intracranial aneurysms, 74 patients who underwent IPR (2.26%) were analyzed. Fifty-five patients (3.36%) experienced IPR in 1636 EVT cases for ruptured aneurysms. The multivariate analysis revealed that increased hemorrhage was significantly associated with poor outcomes (odds ratio [OR], 6.67 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–41.44], p=0.042), whereas ischemic lesions were not. Regarding management techniques of IPR, antihypertensive medication use was significantly associated with increased hemorrhage (OR, 13.17 [95% CI, 2.26–76.69], p=0.004). Heparin reversal was an independent factor for ischemic lesions (OR, 4.81 [95% CI, 1.09–21.14], p=0.038).ConclusionsEven though the setting of IPR may be miscellaneous, and optimal management varies depending on individual cases, heparin reversal might be associated with ischemic complications rather than being useful for controlling bleeding in IPR during EVT for ruptured aneurysms.
Zebrafish eye development and function is affected by crude oil exposure – line of evidence from underlying molecular effects to behavioral consequences
Authors: Mueller Leonie K. , Johann Sarah , Denecke Bernd , Abdallah Ali T. , Hecker Markus , Hollert Henner , Seiler Thomas-Benjamin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCrude oil can affect the normal eye development and swimming behavior of fish embryos. In this study 0-4 hours post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to low, sublethal concentrations of water-accommodated fractions (WAF) of a naphthenic North Sea crude oil alone and in combination with a third-generation chemical dispersant. Effects on eye development and function at the transcript, histological, morphological, and behavioral level were assessed relative to untreated control specimen at 119 hpf. Exposed embryos swam significantly less during the dark phases of the light/dark transition test. Eye size of zebrafish embryos was significantly smaller in groups exposed to crude oil WAFs. Zebrafish retina histology revealed that, among other structural alterations, the outer nuclear layer, containing photoreceptor cells relevant for normal visual functioning, was significantly thinner in exposed embryos. Transcriptome analysis revealed that several genes involved in eye development and function (opsins and crystallins) were dysregulated upon oil exposure. The molecular effects on gene expression and eye histology results form a novel line of evidence that explains the observed effects of crude oil on the swimming activity of exposed fish embryos. The present study is in line with recent findings highlighting the importance of ocular toxicity in developing embryos exposed to petroleum samples at environmentally relevant and non-lethal concentrations without visible malformations. The study suggests that oculotoxicity should be considered as a major toxicity pathway alongside to the well-established cardiotoxicity.
AutScore– An integrative scoring approach for prioritization of ultra-rare autism spectrum disorder candidate variants from whole exome sequencing data
Authors: Shil Apurba , Arava Noa , Levi Noam , Levine Liron , Golan Hava , Meiri Gal , Michaelovski Analya , Tsadaka Yair , Aran Adi , Menashe Idan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiscerning clinically relevant ASD candidate variants from whole-exome sequencing (WES) data is complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. To this end, we developedAutScore, an integrative prioritization algorithm of ASD candidate variants from WES data, and assessed its performance to detect clinically relevant variants.MethodsWe studied WES data from 581 ASD probands, and their parents registered in the Azrieli National Center database for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research. We focused on rare allele frequency <1%), high-quality proband-specific variants affecting genes associated with ASD or other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). We assigned a score (i.e.,AutScore) to each such variant based on their pathogenicity, clinical relevance, gene-disease association, and inheritance patterns. Finally, we compared theAutScoreperformance with the rating of clinical experts and the NDD variants prioritization algorithm,AutoCasC.ResultsOverall, 1161 ultra-rare variants distributed in 687 genes in 441 ASD probands were evaluated byAutScorewith scores ranging from -4 to 25, with a mean ± SD of 5.89 ± 4.18.AutScorecut-off of ≥ 12 outperformsAutoCasCin detecting clinically relevant ASD variants, with a detection accuracy rate of 72.3% and an overall diagnostic yield of 11.9%. Sixteen variants withAutScoreof ≥ 12 were distributed in fifteen novel ASD genes.ConclusionAutScoreis an effective automated ranking system for ASD candidate variants that could be implemented in ASD clinical genetics pipelines.
An International, Cross-Sectional Survey of Psychiatry Researchers and Clinicians: Perceptions of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y. , Kochhar Jassimar , Cramer Holger 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPsychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on mental, behavioural and emotional well-being. Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine has been an increasingly popular choice for patients with psychiatric disorders, therefore our study aimed to explore the perceptions of psychiatry researchers and clinicians on the use of CAIM.MethodsWe conducted an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey for researchers and clinicians who have published their work in psychiatry medical journals that are indexed in MEDLINE. 42,667 researchers and clinicians were sent the link to the survey after extraction of their email addresses from their respective publications. Respondents were asked numerous multiple-choice questions regarding their perceptions on various CAIM therapies, followed by an open-ended question where they could include any additional thoughts.ResultsThe survey was completed by 987 respondents, with a majority identifying as a researcher (n=447, 46.51%), or as both a researcher and a clinician (n=368, 38.29%) within the field of psychiatry. Most respondents (n=629, 78.04%) perceived mind-body therapies such as meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, and yoga to be the most promising CAIM therapy for the prevention, treatment, and management of psychiatric diseases. Many participants said that they agree (n=285, 38.14%) that most CAIM therapies in general are safe, however, many disagree that CAIM therapies are effective (n=245, 32.93%). Respondents indicated that there is value to conducting research on CAIM therapies (n=356, 47.91%), and that there should be more funding allocated to researching these therapies (n=265, 35.71%). Respondents are also in agreement that clinicians should receive training on CAIM therapies through formal education (n=295, 39.76%) or supplementary education (n=380, 51.28%).ConclusionsThe findings from this study showed that there is great interest and potential in researching CAIM within the field of psychiatry. This information can be used as a basis for further research and to develop tailored educational resources for researchers and clinicians in psychiatry.
Immunogenicity and vaccine-serotype carriage prevalence after full or fractional doses of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in Kenyan infants: an individually randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Gallagher Katherine E. , Lucinde Ruth , Bottomley Christian , Kaniu Mary , Suaad Badaud , Mutahi Mary , Mwalekwa Laura , Ragab Sarah , Twi-Yeboah Louise , Berkley James A. , Hamaluba Mainga , Karani Angela , Shangala Jimmy , Otiende Mark , Gardiner Elizabeth , Mugo Daisy , Smith Peter G. , Tabu Collins , Were Fred , Goldblatt David , Scott FMedSci J. Anthony G. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are the most expensive component of the routine immunisation schedule in Gavi-supported countries. As countries transition out of Gavi support, PCV programmes are at risk. We assessed whether immunogenicity was non-inferior after fractional doses of PCV10 (GlaxoSmithKline plc.) or PCV13 (Pfizer Inc.), when compared to full doses, and analysed vaccine serotype (VT) carriage prevalence.Methods2100 healthy infants were enrolled and randomised into seven equal-sized trial arms. Doses were delivered in the 2p+1 schedule (6, 14 weeks and 9-12 months) in six trial arms: A) Full dose PCV13, B) 40%-PCV13, C) 20%-PCV13, D) Full dose PCV10, E) 40%-PCV10, F) 20%-PCV10. Participants in the seventh trial arm received full dose PCV10 at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. Immunogenicity was assessed 4-weeks post-prime and 4-weeks post-boost. Carriage was assessed at 9 and 18 months of age.ResultsIn the per-protocol analysis, 40%-PCV13 met the non-inferiority criteria for 12/13 serotypes post-prime and 13/13 serotypes post-boost. 20%-PCV13 met the criteria for 9/13 serotypes post-prime and 10/13 serotypes post-boost. 40%-PCV10 met the criteria for 8/10 serotypes post-prime and 6/10 serotypes post-boost. 20%-PCV10 met the criteria for 7/10 serotypes post-prime and 1/10 serotype post-boost.ConclusionsA 3-dose schedule of 40%-PCV13 met the non-inferiority criteria at both timepoints and could be implemented by using 4-dose UNICEF vials as 10-dose vials. A 3-dose schedule of 40%-PCV13 would cost UNICEF 3.30 USD and represents the most affordable, effective PCV schedule option currently available for countries transitioning out of Gavi-support.ClinicalTrials.govID:NCT03489018.
Validity and reproducibility of a culturally tailored dietary screening tool for hypertension risk in Nigerian healthcare
Authors: Batubo Nimisoere P. , Auma Carolyn I. , Moore J. Bernadette , Zulyniak Michael A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFood frequency questionnaires (FFQ) are commonly used tools in dietary assessment but require validation. This study aimed to assess the relative validity and reproducibility of a culturally tailored FFQ for estimating food intake among Nigerian adults in clinical settings. The FFQ was administered to 58 patients at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, on two occasions, two weeks apart. Three repeat non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls (24DR) were also conducted as a reference method to evaluate the validity of the FFQ. Spearman’s rank correlations, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, cross-classification agreement, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis were performed in R to evaluate the relative validity and reproducibility. The trial was registered withClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05973760. The correlation coefficient (rs) between the FFQ and 24DR ranged from 0.20 for ‘fats and oils’ to 0.78 for vegetables, with an averagersof 0.60 (p<0.05). The Wilcoxon signed-rank tests indicated no significant differences in the 19 food groups queried (p>0.05), except for fats and oils (p<0.05). The exact agreement between FFQ and 24DR for classifying individuals into quartiles ranged from 17% for salt to 88% for processed meats and alcoholic drinks, with 90% of individuals classified into the same or neighbouring quartile. Additionally, the Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated acceptable agreement, with > 96% of observations within the acceptable limits of agreement for all food groups. For reproducibility, the ICC ranged from 0.31 for stew to 0.98 for fruit, with an average ICC of 0.77 between the FFQs delivered two weeks apart. These data demonstrate good agreement between our culturally tailored FFQ and 24DR, and moreover, robust reproducibility for quantifying intakes of food groups associated with hypertension in Nigeria. This confirms that this novel FFQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the intake of key food groups among Nigerian adults.
Modelling the Impact of Obesity Reduction on the Prevalence of Hypertension in India: A Discrete-Event Microsimulation Approach
Authors: Mustafa Akif 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObesity is one of the most significant risk factors of non-communicable diseases, disability, and premature death. Due to its profound impact on health, researchers have started classifying it as a disease rather than a mere abnormality. India, following the global trend, is experiencing a surge in obesity prevalence, posing a critical research question about the potential impact of obesity reduction on NCD incidence and related disorders. This study employs discrete-event dynamic microsimulation modelling to investigate how changes in BMI distribution in early years of life can influence the prevalence of hypertension, one of the most prevalent diseases in India. The microsimulation modelling approach enables the simulation of individual-level real-life behaviors and interactions within a given population. The model simulated the lives of 100,000 individuals aged 20 over the next 50 years till age 70. Baseline characteristics, prevalence rates, and transition probabilities were derived from diverse data sources, including Census 2011, the National Family Health Survey - V (NFHS-5), and the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI, 2017-18). The study explores the impact of two scenarios on hypertension prevalence: (i) a one-unit reduction in mean BMI level at baseline, and (ii) a one-unit reduction in the standard deviation of BMI distribution at baseline. Results indicate that a one-unit reduction in mean BMI level at baseline could lead to a 5% reduction in hypertension prevalence at age 70, while a one-unit reduction in the standard deviation of BMI distribution at baseline could result in a 7.5% reduction. These findings underscore the importance of targeting children and adolescents with elevated BMI values to mitigate the later-life prevalence of hypertension. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of promoting the use of microsimulation modelling in health research in the Indian context.
N-terminal signals in the SNX-BAR paralogs Vps5 and Vin1 guide coat complex formation
Authors: Shortill Shawn P. , Frier Mia S. , Davey Michael , Conibear Elizabeth 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEndosomal coat complexes assemble by incorporating membrane-binding subunits such as those of the sorting nexin (SNX) family. TheS. cerevisiaeSNX-BAR paralogs Vin1 and Vps5 are respective subunits of the endosomal VINE and retromer complexes that arose from a fungal whole genome duplication. Interactions mediated by the Vin1 and Vps5 BAR domains are required for protein complex assembly and membrane association. However, a degree of promiscuity is predicted for yeast BAR-BAR pairings, suggesting that another mechanism guides the formation of specific endosomal coat complexes. Previous work by our group and others has implicated the unstructured N-terminal domains of Vin1 and Vps5 in complex assembly. Here, we map N-terminal signals in both SNX-BAR paralogs that contribute to the formation and function of two distinct endosomal coatsin vivo. Whereas Vin1 leverages a polybasic region and adjacent hydrophobic motif to bind Vrl1 and form VINE, the N-terminus of Vps5 interacts with the retromer subunit Vps29 at two separate sites. We show that one of these Vps5 motifs binds to a conserved hydrophobic pocket in Vps29 that is shared with other accessory proteins and targeted by a bacterial virulence factor in humans. Lastly, we examined the sole isoform of Vps5 from the milk yeastK. lactisand found that ancestral yeasts may have used a nested N-terminal signal to form both VINE and retromer. Our results suggest that the specific assembly of Vps5-family SNX-BAR coats depends on inputs from unique N-terminal sequence features in addition to BAR domain coupling, expanding our understanding of endosomal coat assembly mechanisms.
Automatic, web-based typing ofClostridioides difficileribotypes using MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Blázquez-Sánchez Mario , Guerrero-López Alejandro , Candela Ana , Belenguer-Llorens Albert , Moreno José Miguel , Sevilla-Salcedo Carlos , Sánchez-Cueto María , Arroyo Manuel J. , Gutiérrez-Pareja Mark , Gómez-Verdejo Vanessa , Olmos Pablo M. , Mancera Luis , Muñoz Patricia , Marín Mercedes , Alcalá Luis , Rodríguez-Temporal David , Rodríguez-Sánchez Belén ,   the AutoCdiff Study Group, Martínez Mariela , Verdú Cristina , Soliveri Juan , Cuadros Juan , Pérez Felipe , Nieto Alberto , Ruiz Luís Moisés , Simón María , López Joan , Cuevas Óscar , Ezpeleta Carmen , Illescas Soledad 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTClostridioides difficileis a major cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea, posing significant clinical challenges due to its high morbi-mortality rates and its involvement in nosocomial outbreaks. Detecting its toxigenic ribotypes rapidly and accurately is crucial for effective outbreak control. This study aimed to create a rapid diagnostic methodology based on MALDI-TOF MS and Machine Learning algorithms to differentiate toxigenicC. difficileRTs.MALDI-TOF spectra were acquired from 379 clinical isolates sourcing from 10 Spanish hospitals and analysed using Clover MSDAS, a specific software for MALDI-TOF spectra analysis, considered as the state-of-the-art tool for this purpose, and AutoCdiff, anad hocsoftware developed in this study.Seven biomarker peaks were found to differentiate epidemic RT027 and RT181 strains from other RTs (2463, 3353, 4933, 4993, 6187, 6651 and 6710m/z). Two peaks (2463 and 4993m/z) were specifically found in RT027 isolates while combinations of the other 5 peaks allowed the differentiation of RT181 from other ribotypes. Automatic classification tools developed in Clover MSDAS and AutoCdiff using the specific peaks and the entire protein spectra, respectively, showed up to 100% balanced accuracy. Both methods allowed correct ribotype assignment for isolates sourcing from real-time outbreaks.The developed models, available from Clover MSDAS and the AutoCdiff website -https://bacteria.id-offerresearchers a valuable tool for quickC. difficileribotype determination based on MALDI-TOF spectra analysis. Although further validation of the models is still required, they represent rapid and cost-effective methods for standardizedC. difficileribotype assignment.
Dissociable neural signals for reward and emotion prediction errors
Authors: Heffner Joseph , Frömer Romy , Nassar Matthew R. , FeldmanHall Oriel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractReinforcement learning models focus on reward prediction errors (PEs) as the driver of behavior. However, recent evidence indicates that deviations from emotion expectations, termed affective PEs, play a crucial role in shaping behavior. Whether there is neural separability between emotion and reward signals remains unknown. We employ electroencephalography during social learning to investigate the neural signatures of reward and affective PEs. Behavioral results reveal that while affective PEs predict choices when little is known about how a partner will behave, reward PEs become more predictive overtime as uncertainty about a partner’s behavior diminishes. This functional dissociation is mirrored neurally by engagement of distinct event-related potentials. The FRN indexes reward PEs while the P3b tracks affective PEs. Only the P3b predicts subsequent choices, highlighting the mechanistic influence of affective PEs during social learning. These findings present evidence for a neurobiologically viable emotion learning signal that is distinguishable—behaviorally and neurally—from reward.SignificanceFor nearly a century, scientists have asked how humans learn about their worlds. Learning models borrowed from computer science—namely, reinforcement learning—provide an elegant and simple framework that showcases how reward prediction errors are used to update one’s knowledge about the environment. However, a fundamental question persists: what exactly is ‘reward’? This gap in knowledge is problematic, especially when we consider the multiplicity of social contexts where external rewards must be contextualized to gain value and meaning. We leverage electroencephalography to interrogate the role of emotion prediction errors—violations of emotional expectations—during learning. We observe distinct neural signals for reward and emotion prediction errors, suggesting that emotions may act as a bridge between external rewards and subjective value.