bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N39 Exploring the impact of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Biologics Nurse on the management of a biologics service
Authors: Scott G 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Biologics nurses play a critical role in the management of patients receiving treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).Their impact spans various facets of patient care and service management. Prior to December 2021 all patients who required biological therapy were reviewed by any member of the IBD nursing team. This review would entail a comprehensive history taken, screening bloods ordered and explained and a thorough ex[planation of the risks and benefits of the medication including a detailed explanation of the use of the drug. The nurses were also responsible for the preparation of biologic prescriptions and checking of bloods. With a number of nurses undertaking this can lead to duplication of work or patients not receiving medication timely.

Methods
A business was written to secure funding for extra nurses and was unsuccessful. At the time of the Covid pandemic workload escalated to an extent that the current IBD Helpline and nurse led clinics could not continue in their present form. Resulting in a suspension of nurse clinics which led to a backlog of reviewing patients who required biological therapy, thus delaying their treatment. A meeting was convened with the senior management team and staffing numbers were increased resulting in the development of a biologics nurse.

Results
A band 6 biologics nurse was employed who completely transformed the biologics service. One person completing a role independently assumes total responsibility for all of the tasks annexed to the role. This involved patients education and support, monitoring and assessment of patients, coordination and communication with patients and relevant departments. It also included quality improvement, patient advocacy, emotional support to patients and patient empowerment/ One person responsible for this role has now led to a reduction in complaints, more timely treatment, less missed treatment appointments and a single point of contact for patients and departments. Our biologics nurse has not only achieved all of these roles but has been fundamental in the biologic switch to more coast effective biological therapies.

Conclusion
The impact of a dedicated biologics nurse in an IBD service is significant. They enhance the overall quality of care, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the efficient functioning of the service by ensuring proper management, patient education, and support throughout the treatment journey. The team have had an increased number of praise and favourable comments from patients, families and departments that interact with our service such as the Medical Day Unit. The introduction of this role has been invaluable to our service has increased to such an amount that the team could do with a second nurse in post.
N45 Nurse intervention in patients with Inflammatory bowel disease: impact in their quality of life
Authors: Diaz Rodriguez D , Bernarte M J , Granados-Martín M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Physical inactivity is considered as a modifiable risk factor in chronic diseases1 and IBD. Regular physical activity could help patients with IBD by reducing some IBD complications, such as improving immune response, increasing muscle mass and strength, and improving bone density.
The aim of this study is to determine the impact of a Nurse intervention, on Physical Activity, in quality of life of IBD patients.

Methods
Quasi-experimental study before and after. 20 patients, both sex, with IBD from Hospital Universitario del Henares, 18-65 years old, in clinical remission or mild activity; IBD ≥ 6 months. Exclusion: physical impairment for daily activities (cardiac, orthopedic or cognitive impairment); pregnancy; surgery &lt; 3 months.
Nurse intervention on physical exercise: 4 group sessions of 60 minutes, 10 months follow-up. Training on strength and endurance exercises by a physiotherapist adapted to each patient’s special needs.
Data were collected in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire 32 (IBDQ-32), Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Variables: quality of life, physical activity, IBD activity, socio-demographic, health status and lifestyle. A descriptive analysis was carried out with qualitative and quantitative variables. Four dimensions of quality of life index and impact of exercise on quality of life were calculated, before and after intervention with Students-T.

Results
Quasi-experimental study before and after. 20 patients, both sex, with IBD from Hospital Universitario del Henares, 18-65 years old, in clinical remission or mild activity; IBD ≥ 6 months. Exclusion: physical impairment for daily activities (cardiac, orthopedic or cognitive impairment); pregnancy; surgery &lt; 3 months.
Nurse intervention on physical exercise: 4 group sessions of 60 minutes, 10 months follow-up. Training on strength and endurance exercises by a physiotherapist adapted to each patient’s special needs.
Data were collected in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire 32 (IBDQ-32), Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Variables: quality of life, physical activity, IBD activity, socio-demographic, health status and lifestyle. A descriptive analysis was carried out with qualitative and quantitative variables. Four dimensions of quality of life index and impact of exercise on quality of life were calculated, before and after intervention with Students-T.

Conclusion
There are non-significative differences in quality of life before and after intervention. Patients increased their physical activity after intervention. Regular physical activity is a useful tool for improving quality of life in patients with IBD.
ECCO Global Grant Genetic risk factors for IBD in its emergent phase in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Croft N M , Hodges P , Kelly P , Alatise O , Boateng K G A , Katsidzira L , Duduyemi B , Adeniyi F , Watermeyer G , Musa Y , Opio C , McGovern D P B 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is an idiopathic, chronic, and frequently disabling inflammatory disorder of the intestines characterized by a dysregulated mucosal immune response. The pathophysiology of the disease remains incompletely understood. Genetic factors affecting disease are under investigation, however, genetic studies in non-European populations are scarce and it is an urgent scientific, social, and ethical requirement that research in under-studied populations is prioritized. The objective of this study is to understand the genetics of IBD in sub-Saharan African ancestry populations and to identify genetic factors that affect pathogenesis of IBD in this region.

Methodology
A case-control study will be conducted from January 2024 to December 2025. Consecutive eligible subjects with IBD and controls will be invited to take part in the study. Data will be collected through chart review, structured interviews, and collection of saliva samples for genotyping using the H3Africa chip in the first instance. Genome-wide imputation and replication analysis will be done. Single-marker association analyses will be performed using the Cochran Armitage trend and logistic regression test after correction for population structure. We will look at known European ancestry and African American (AA) IBD-associated variants as well as variants that are unique to our populations (we will be able to look at local admixture in the AA population to see if these variants are replicated).

Anticipated Impact
This study will contribute significantly to knowledge of genetic risk factors for IBD in sub-Saharan Africa. It may also help to identify potential complications of treatments such as thiopurines which have been commonly used in European populations but where experience of use in sub-Saharan Africa is lacking.
ECCO Grant Dissecting the intestinal mucosa-associated HUMoral immune response in ileal Crohn’s Disease: the HUM-CD study
Authors: Uzzan Mathieu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
The pathophysiology of Crohn's disease (CD) is complex and not fully understood. While CD can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, it primarily affects the terminal ileum. The underlying mechanistic reasons for this preferential location are unknown. Patients with isolated ileal CD have higher levels of circulating IgG antibodies targeting flagellins. These antibodies are associated with the ileal location of CD as well as with a complicated phenotype (intestinal stenosis and fistulae). Cellular determinants of this humoral response in ileal CD are yet to be unraveled. Techniques to study B cells at the single-cell levels have tremendously evolved these recent years and our laboratory has developed expertise in most of these techniques. The objectives of our study are to comprehensively characterize the humoral B cell response in patients with ileal CD.

Methods
To fulfill our aim, we will use different approaches:
1. Extensive characterization of the B cell cellular and molecular landscape of the intestinal ileum in CD as compared to homeostasis states at the single-cell level
2. Dissection of the intestinal B cell antigen-specific response in CD and assess differences between inflamed and non-inflamed, and ileal and colonic mucosa and the cross-reactivity of the flagellin-specific response
3. Identification of the antigenic reactivity and clonal dynamics of memory B cells extracted from the terminal ileum of patients with CD.
We will work from human samples, collected from ileal, colonic biopsies, and blood of patients with CD and healthy controls using

Anticipated Impact
Using advanced B-cell-focused single-cell techniques, we will unravel the humoral response at the ileal level and its association with clinical outcomes. By doing so, we aim to identify the main antigenic drivers and putative therapeutic targets of ileal CD.
ECCO Grant Ablating perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease through genetically engineered patient specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived stromal cells
Authors: Molendijk I , Peppelenbosch M P , Fuhler G , de Vries A C , van Ruler O 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Despite the wide range of available therapies treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (pCD) remains challenging. Therefore, exploring new effective therapies is of crucial importance. Local injection of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells has been reported to be effective, however, application of these cells is hindered by their limited expandability and differences in therapeutic effect due to donor variations. To overcome these problems, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can be used to create stromal cells as iPSC can be propagated indefinitely in their undifferentiated state. Therefore, the aim of our study is to generate patient specific iPSC-derived stromal cells of patients with pCD. Furthermore, we will engineer programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-expressing cultures to enhance the immunomodulatory capacity of these stromal cells. Last, preclinical testing of these cells will be performed in experimental colitis models.

Methods
Ten patients with pCD will be included at the outpatient clinic in the Erasmus Medical Center (EMC). Patient specific iPSC will be generated from peripheral blood in the iPSC core facility of the EMC. iPSC cultures will be exposed to a low dose of retinoic acid creating stromal cells. The variety of stromal cells will be sorted using a FACS and a stromal specific sorting panel. In parallel, cultures will be engineered, using CRISPR-Cas technology, to express PD-L1. Mixed lymphocyte reactions will be performed to assess the ability of both transduced and non-transduced cultures to provoke the proliferation of non-MHC matched T-lymphocytes. Next, cultures will be generated to express murine PD-L1 to assess their immunomodulatory capacity in established experimental colitis models to provide essential knowledge for a future clinical trial.

Anticipated Impact
With this study, we are taking the first steps towards improved remission rates of perianal fistulas in the future. On the long-term, this will result in reduction of health care costs.
D-ECCO Grant Personalizing the dietetic strategy in children with IBD: exploring an antioxidant approach
Authors: Gatti S , Quattrini S , Galeazzi T , Monachesi C 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Diet is a key element in the pathogenesis and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Also, oxidative stress (OS) is involved in IBD onset and evolution. Our group is conducting a multicenter trial (the OxIBDiet study, NCT0451301) to explore the OS imbalance in both children and adults with IBD, compared to matched controls, the genetic variants of genes implicated in OS and the effects of an Antioxidant diet (AoD) on these patients. Preliminary results have shown a great imbalance in the total antioxidant capacity in IBD compared to healthy matched controls, particularly in IBD children, and a clear improvement of the antioxidant capacity and oxidant parameters after 3 months of AoD. Aims of this study are: 1. To identify IBD subjects’ responders to a specific dietetic treatment (on the basis of clinical, biochemical and genetic characteristics); 2. To evaluate the effect of antioxidant compounds on stem cell derived 3D models of the intestinal epithelium by organ-on-a-chip technology; 3. To characterize the effect of AoD and Mediterranean diet in terms of inflammatory pattern.

Methods
A machine-learning algorithm that integrates clinical parameters, anthropometrics, blood parameters and genetic data measured in OxIBDiet cohort will be generated and validated in a new cohort of 30 IBD children (15 CD and 15 UC). Human intestinal organoids will be generated from 10 patients, in which an endoscopy is planned for disease reassessment, and levels of interleukins and TNF-alfa will be measured, after stimulation with antioxidant compounds. Thirdly, cytokine analysis in serum from OxIBDiet cohort who performed dietetic sub-study will be evaluated.

Anticipated Impact
Results of this study will provide useful indications on factors that influence redox imbalance in IBD and will permit to identify patients who may benefit from a personalized dietetic approach, especially an AoD.
IIS Registry Grant Risk of relapse and retreatment success after vedolizumab discontinuation in IBD patients in long-standing remission
Authors: Dragoni Dr Gabriele 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Treatment withdrawal and “cycling” of anti-TNFs has been extensively investigated in the recent years. To date, none or scarce data are available for biological agents other than anti-TNFs, such as vedolizumab (VDZ), which is the first non-anti-TNF agent approved for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our aim will be to investigate the risk of relapse and retreatment success in IBD patients that discontinue vedolizumab due to sustained steroid-free remission.

Methods
This will be a prospective observational study in which two groups of patients in sustained remission will be formed, i.e., patients stopping vedolizumab and patients continuing the treatment. Differences regarding rates of disease flares, IBD-related hospitalisations and surgeries will be analysed. The rate of retreatment success in patients presenting a flare after discontinuation will also be recorded. In addition, potential predictive factors of disease relapse will be investigated to provide future guidance on the patient profile that might benefit the most from intermittent VDZ treatment. The study will last 3 years in total, with the first year dedicated to patient inclusions.

Anticipated Impact
Only few data are currently available regarding intermittent treatment with vedolizumab. Therefore, this study may provide insights on when to interrupt this biologic with high probability of maintaining remission, while also showing high-risk features that would suggest against stopping the treatment. The use of treatment cycles may represent an impactful cost reduction for our healthcare systems as well as a decrease of potential side effects that are an inevitable consequence of years of immunosuppression.
IIS Registry Grant Modelling Inflammatory Bowel Diseases trajectories combining dynamic, multifactorial, Artificial Intelligence-based approaches
Authors: Comoretto R I , Tavazzi E , Martinato M , Azzolina D 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
The aim of this project is to model Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) progression using an innovative approach that considers the manifestation of the disease from a dynamic and multifactorial point of view, with a focus on model explainability.

Methods
With the aim of modelling the course of IBD in the study population of the UR-CARE registry, an innovative approach will be applied consisting of the combined use of two different data-driven Artificial Intelligence techniques, namely dynamic Bayesian networks and Process Mining. Specifically, these two approaches will be jointly used to model IBD progression trajectories, providing a broader overview of the disease through the description of its patterns of progression (including clinical events, treatments and/or outcomes) and the interactions between clinical variables. The potential of the proposed methodology to address the predictive needs of chronic IBD progression, such as the forecasting of the next relapse, the effect of a therapy, or the impact of a risk factor, will also be explored.

Anticipated Impact
On the one side, IBD patients experience constant uncertainty regarding disease progression, while clinicians, on the other hand, need tools that can support them in understanding the multidimensionality of disease progression. In this scenario, AI can be the key to successfully satisfy these needs, effectively investigating the disease processes, allowing to describe pathological evolution over time, handling and capturing patients’ inter-variability, and providing tools to forecast disease evolution. By adopting an ad-hoc developed analytic approach, this project can help in better understanding IBD mechanisms and best care strategies, defining the relationships among the patient characteristics and the sequence of experienced clinical events, evaluating the impact of key elements on disease’s prognosis. These results would be useful not only to better manage the disease from a clinical and care point of view, but also in economic terms.
Knockdown of Kmt2d leads to growth impairment by activating the Akt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Shangguan Huakun , Huang Xiaozhen , Lin Jinduan , Chen Ruimin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The KMT2D variant–caused Kabuki syndrome (KS) is characterized by short stature as a prominent clinical characteristic. The initiation and progression of body growth are fundamentally influenced by chondrocyte proliferation. Uncertainty persists regarding the possibility that KMT2D deficiency affects growth by impairing chondrocyte proliferation. In this study, we used the CRISPR/Cas13d technique to knockdown kmt2d in zebrafish embryos and lentivirus to create a stable Kmt2d gene knockdown cell line in chondrocytes (ATDC5 cells). We also used CCK8 and flow cytometric studies, respectively, to determine proliferation and cell cycle state. The relative concentrations of phosphorylated Akt (ser473), phosphorylated β-catenin (ser552), and cyclin D1 proteins in chondrocytes and zebrafish embryos were determined by using western blots. In addition, Akt inhibition was used to rescue the phenotypes caused by kmt2d deficiency in chondrocytes, as well as a zebrafish model that was generated. The results showed that a knockdown of kmt2d significantly decreased body length and resulted in aberrant cartilage development in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, the knockdown of Kmt2d in ATDC5 cells markedly increased proliferation and accelerated the G1/S transition. In addition, the knockdown of Kmt2d resulted in the activation of the Akt/β-catenin signaling pathway in ATDC5 cells. Finally, Akt inhibition could partly rescue body length and chondrocyte development in the zebrafish model. Our study demonstrated that KMT2D modulates bone growth conceivably via regulation of the Akt/β-catenin pathway.
Longitudinal Studies of Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa: Review, Limitations, and Recommendations in Preparation of Projected Aging Population
Authors: Akinrolie Olayinka , Iwuagwu Anthony O , Kalu Michael E , Rayner Daniel , Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga , Ezulike Chigozie D , Okoh Augustine C , Makanju Adebayo O , Ugwuodo Ebere P , Ugwuja Immaculata A , John Makanjuola Osuolale , Adeleke Deborah , Egbumike Chukwuenyegom J , Anieto Ebuka Miracle , Anieto Ijeoma B , Alumona Chiedozie James , Onyeso Ogochukwu Kelechi , Ojembe Blessing , Omeje Chidinma A , Nwachukwu Ernest C , Ekediegwu Ezinne C , Onyeso Kelechi M , Adeboye Ademuyiwa , Ibekaku Michael , Akinrolie Omobolade , Onyekere Chukwuebuka P 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The United Nations has projected a 218% increase in older people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) between 2019 and 2050, underscoring the need to explore changes that would occur over this time. Longitudinal studies are ideal for studying and proffering solutions to these changes. This review aims to understand the breadth and use of longitudinal studies on aging in the SSA regions, proffering recommendations in preparation for the projected aging population.

Research Design and Methods
This paper is the third of a four-part series paper of a previous systematic mapping review of aging studies in SSA. We updated the search (between 2021 and 2023) and screened the titles/abstracts and full-text articles by a pair of independent reviewers. Data were extracted using a standardized data-charting form, identifying longitudinal studies in SSA.

Results
We identified 193 studies leveraging 24 longitudinal study data sets conducted at 28 unique sites. The World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (WHO-SAGE) (n = 59, 30.5%) and Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) (n = 51, 26.4%) were the most used longitudinal data sets. Four studies used more than one longitudinal study data set. Eighteen of the longitudinal study data sets were used only in 1–4 studies. Most (n = 150, 77.7%) of the studies used a cross-sectional analytical approach.

Discussion and Implications
Longitudinal studies on aging are sparingly being utilized in SSA. Most analyses conducted across the longitudinal data set were cross-sectional, which hindered the understanding of aging changes that occurred over time that could better inform aging policy and interventions. We call for funding bodies, such as WHO-SAGE, to develop funding competitions that focus on conducting longitudinal analyses, such as structural equation modeling, highlighting changes occurring among the aging population in SSA.
Bounds for the Bergman Kernel and the Sup-Norm of Holomorphic Siegel Cusp Forms
Authors: Das Soumya , Krishna Hariram 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We prove “polynomial in $k$” bounds on the size of the Bergman kernel for the space of holomorphic Siegel cusp forms of degree $n$ and weight $k$. When $n=1,2$ our bounds agree with the conjectural bounds, while the lower bounds match for all $n \ge 1$. For an $L^{2}$-normalized Siegel cusp form $F$ of degree $2$, our bound for its sup-norm is $O_{\epsilon } (k^{9/4+\epsilon })$. Further, we show that in any compact set $\Omega $ (which does not depend on $k$) contained in the Siegel fundamental domain of $\textrm {Sp}(2,\mathbb {Z})$ on the Siegel upper half space, the sup-norm of $F$ is $O_{\Omega }(k^{3/2 - \eta })$ for some $\eta&gt;0$, going beyond the “generic” bound in this setting.