bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced tidal volume-inflection point and elevated operating lung volumes during exercise in females with well-controlled asthma
Authors: Brotto Andrew R , Phillips Devin B , Rowland Samira D , Moore Linn E , Wong Eric , Stickland Michael K 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionIndividuals with asthma breathe at higher operating lung volumes during exercise compared with healthy individuals, which contributes to increased exertional dyspnoea. In health, females are more likely to develop exertional dyspnoea than males at a given workload or ventilation, and therefore, it is possible that females with asthma may develop disproportional dyspnoea on exertion. The purpose of this study was to compare operating lung volume and dyspnoea responses during exercise in females with and without asthma.MethodsSixteen female controls and 16 females with asthma were recruited for the study along with 16 male controls and 16 males with asthma as a comparison group. Asthma was confirmed using American Thoracic Society criteria. Participants completed a cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise test to volitional exhaustion. Inspiratory capacity manoeuvres were performed to estimate inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and dyspnoea was evaluated using the Modified Borg Scale.ResultsFemales with asthma exhibited elevated dyspnoea during submaximal exercise compared with female controls (p<0.05). Females with asthma obtained a similar IRV and dyspnoea at peak exercise compared with healthy females despite lower ventilatory demand, suggesting mechanical constraint to tidal volume (VT) expansion. VT-inflection point was observed at significantly lower ventilation andV̇O2in females with asthma compared with female controls. Forced expired volume in 1 s was significantly associated with VT-inflection point in females with asthma (R2=0.401; p<0.01) but not female controls (R2=0.002; p=0.88).ConclusionThese results suggest that females with asthma are more prone to experience exertional dyspnoea, secondary to dynamic mechanical constraints during submaximal exercise when compared with females without asthma.
Does mixing inhaler devices lead to unchecked inhaler technique errors in patients with COPD? Findings from the cross-sectional observational MISMATCH study
Authors: Dijk Lars , Kerkhof Marjan , Driessen Merijn , Gerritsma Yoran H , Bosnic-Anticevich Sinthia , Correia-de-Sousa Jaime , Dekhuijzen P N Richard , Leving Marika , Price David B , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Usmani Omar , Kerstjens Huib A M , Kocks Janwillem W H 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be prescribed multiple inhalers that require different techniques for optimal performance. Mixing devices has been associated with poorer COPD outcomes suggesting that it leads to inappropriate inhaler technique. However, empirical evidence is lacking.AimsCompare the nature and frequency of dry powder inhaler (DPI) technique errors in patients with COPD using (1) a single DPI or (2) mixed-devices (a DPI and pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI)).MethodsData from the PIFotal study—a cross-sectional study on Peak Inspiratory Flow in patients with COPD using a DPI as maintenance therapy, capturing data from 1434 patients on demographic characteristics, COPD health status and inhaler technique—were used to select 291 patients using mixed-devices. Frequency matching based on country of residence and DPI device type was used to select 291 patients using a DPI-only for comparison. Predetermined checklists were used for the evaluation of DPI video recordings and complemented with additional errors that were observed in ≥10%. Error proportions were calculated for the (1) individual and total number of errors, (2) number of critical errors and (3) number of pMDI-related errors.ResultsThe study sample contained 582 patients (mean (SD) age 69.6 (9.4) years, 47.1% female). DPI technique errors were common, but not significantly different between the groups. The majority of patients made at least one critical error (DPI-only: 90.7% vs mixed-devices: 92.8%). Proportions of total, ‘pMDI-related’ and critical errors did not significantly differ between the groups.ConclusionThe nature and frequency of inhaler technique errors did not substantially differ between patients prescribed with a single DPI and mixed-devices. Currently, ‘pMDI-related errors’ in DPI use are not accounted for in existing checklists.Trial registration numberENCEPP/EUPAS48776.
Identification of pan-cancer/testis genes and validation of therapeutic targeting in triple-negative breast cancer: Lin28a-based and Siglece-based vaccination induces antitumor immunity and inhibits metastasis
Authors: Carter Jason A , Matta Bharati , Battaglia Jenna , Somerville Carter , Harris Benjamin D , LaPan Margaret , Atwal Gurinder S , Barnes Betsy J 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundCancer–testis (CT) genes are targets for tumor antigen-specific immunotherapy given that their expression is normally restricted to the immune-privileged testis in healthy individuals with aberrant expression in tumor tissues. While they represent targetable germ tissue antigens and play important functional roles in tumorigenesis, there is currently no standardized approach for identifying clinically relevant CT genes. Optimized algorithms and validated methods for accurate prediction of reliable CT antigens (CTAs) with high immunogenicity are also lacking.MethodsSequencing data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Genomic Data Commons (GDC) databases was used for the development of a bioinformatic pipeline to identify CT exclusive genes. A CT germness score was calculated based on the number of CT genes expressed within a tumor type and their degree of expression. The impact of tumor germness on clinical outcome was evaluated using healthy GTEx and GDC tumor samples. We then used a triple-negative breast cancer mouse model to develop and test an algorithm that predicts epitope immunogenicity based on the identification of germline sequences with strong major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) and MHCII binding affinities. Germline sequences for CT genes were synthesized as long synthetic peptide vaccines and tested in the 4T1 triple-negative model of invasive breast cancer with Poly(I:C) adjuvant. Vaccine immunogenicity was determined by flow cytometric analysis of in vitro and in vivo T-cell responses. Primary tumor growth and lung metastasis was evaluated by histopathology, flow cytometry and colony formation assay.ResultsWe developed a new bioinformatic pipeline to reliably identify CT exclusive genes as immunogenic targets for immunotherapy. We identified CT genes that are exclusively expressed within the testis, lack detectable thymic expression, and are significantly expressed in multiple tumor types. High tumor germness correlated with tumor progression but not with tumor mutation burden, supporting CTAs as appealing targets in low mutation burden tumors. Importantly, tumor germness also correlated with markers of antitumor immunity. Vaccination of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice with Siglece and Lin28a antigens resulted in increased T-cell antitumor immunity and reduced primary tumor growth and lung metastases.ConclusionOur results present a novel strategy for the identification of highly immunogenic CTAs for the development of targeted vaccines that induce antitumor immunity and inhibit metastasis.
Association of indicators of extensive disease and rifampin-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes: an individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Campbell Jonathon R , Brode Sarah K , Barry Pennan , Bastos Mayara Lisboa , Bonnet Maryline , Guglielmetti Lorenzo , Kempker Russell , Klimuk Dzmitry , Laborín Rafael Laniado , Milanov Vladimir , Singla Rupak , Skrahina Alena , Trajman Anete , van der Werf Tjip S , Viiklepp Piret , Menzies Dick 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundIndicators of extensive disease—acid fast bacilli (AFB) smear positivity and lung cavitation—have been inconsistently associated with clinical rifampin-resistant/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) outcomes. We evaluated the association of these indicators with end-of-treatment outcomes.MethodsWe did an individual participant data meta-analysis of people treated for RR/MDR-TB with longer regimens with documented AFB smear and chest radiography findings. We compared people AFB smear-negative without cavities to people: (1) smear-negative with lung cavities; (2) smear-positive without lung cavities and (3) AFB smear-positive with lung cavities. Using multivariable logistic regression accounting for demographic, treatment and clinical factors, we calculated adjusted ORs (aOR) for any unfavourable outcome (death, lost to follow-up, failure/recurrence), and mortality and treatment failure/recurrence alone.ResultsWe included 5596 participants; included participants significantly differed from excluded participants. Overall, 774 (13.8%) were AFB smear-negative without cavities, 647 (11.6%) only had cavities, 1424 (25.4%) were AFB smear-positive alone and 2751 (49.2%) were AFB smear-positive with cavities. The median age was 37 years (IQR: 28–47), 3580 (64%) were male and 686 (12.5%) had HIV. Compared with participants AFB smear-negative without cavities, aOR (95% CI) for any unfavourable outcome was 1.0 (0.8 to 1.4) for participants smear-negative with lung cavities, 1.2 (0.9 to 1.5) if smear-positive without cavities and 1.6 (1.3 to 2.0) if AFB smear-positive with lung cavities. Odds were only significantly increased for mortality (1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.1) and failure/recurrence (2.2, 95% CI 1.5 to 3.3) among participants AFB smear-positive with lung cavities.ConclusionOnly the combination of AFB smear-positivity and lung cavitation was associated with unfavourable outcomes, suggesting they may benefit from stronger regimens.
Heavy quark fragmentation function in two-dimensional QCD in $$N_c\rightarrow \infty $$ limit
Authors: Jia Yu , Mo Zhewen , Xiong Xiaonu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe carry out a comprehensive study of the quark-to-meson fragmentation function in the ’t Hooft model, i.e., the two-dimensional quantum chromodynamics (QCD) in $$N_c\rightarrow \infty $$

N
c

→
∞

limit, following the operator definition pioneered by Collins and Soper. We apply the Hamiltonian approach as well as the diagrammatic approach to construct the functional form of the quark-to-meson fragmentation function in terms of the meson’s light-cone wave function. For the sake of comparison, we also investigate the heavy quark fragmentation into quarkonium in two-dimensional QCD within the framework of the nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) factorization, at the lowest order in quark velocity. In the heavy quark limit, the quark fragmentation function obtained from the ab initio method agrees well, both analytically and numerically, with that obtained from the NRQCD approach. This agreement might be regarded as a nontrivial justification for the validity of both field-theoretical approaches to compute the heavy quark fragmentation function.
Emergency Medical Services Compliance With Prehospital Stroke Quality Metrics Is Associated With Faster Stroke Evaluation and Treatment
Authors: Oostema J. Adam , Nickles Adrienne , Allen Justin , Ibrahim Ghada , Luo Zhehui , Reeves Mathew J. 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:
Emergency medical services (EMS) is an important link in the stroke chain of recovery. Various prehospital quality metrics have been proposed for prehospital stroke care, but their individual impact is uncertain. We sought to measure associations between EMS quality metrics and downstream stroke care.

METHODS:
This is a retrospective analysis of a cohort of EMS-transported stroke patients assembled through a linkage between Michigan’s EMS and stroke registries. We used multivariable regression to quantify the independent associations between EMS quality metric compliance (dispatch within 90 seconds of 911 call, prehospital stroke screen documentation [Prehospital stroke scale], glucose check, last known well time, maintenance of scene times ≤15 minutes, hospital prenotification, and intravenous line placement) and shorter door-to-CT times (door-to-CT ≤25), accounting for EMS recognition, age, sex, race, stroke subtype, severity, and duration of symptoms. We then developed a simple EMS quality score based on metrics associated with early CT and examined its associations with hospital stroke evaluation times, treatment, and patient outcomes.

RESULTS:

Five thousand seven hundred seven EMS-transported stroke cases were linked to prehospital records from January 2018 through June 2019. In multivariable analysis, prehospital stroke scale documentation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4 [1.2–1.6]), glucose check (1.3 [1.1–1.6]), on-scene time ≤15 minutes (1.6 [1.4–1.9]), hospital prenotification ([2.0 [1.4–2.9]), and intravenous line placement (1.8 [1.5–2.1]) were independently associated with a door-to-CT ≤25 minutes. A 5-point quality score (1 point for each element) was therefore developed. In multivariable analysis, a 1-point higher EMS quality score was associated with a shorter time from EMS contact to CT (−9.2 [−10.6 to −7.8] minutes;
P
<0.001) and thrombolysis (−4.3 [−6.4 to −2.2] minutes;
P
<0.001), and higher odds of discharge to home (adjusted odds ratio, 1.1 [1.0–1.2];
P
=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS:
Five EMS actions recommended by national guidelines were associated with rapid CT imaging. A simple quality score derived from these measures was also associated with faster stroke evaluation, greater odds of reperfusion treatment, and discharge to home.
Omega-3 Blood Levels and Stroke Risk: A Pooled and Harmonized Analysis of 183 291 Participants From 29 Prospective Studies
Authors: O’Keefe James H. , Tintle Nathan L. , Harris William S. , O’Keefe Evan L. , Sala-Vila Aleix , Attia John , Garg G. Manohar , Hure Alexis , Bork Christian Sørensen , Schmidt Erik Berg , Venø Stine Krogh , Chien Kuo-Liong , Chen Yun-Yu (Amelia) , Egert Sarah , Feldreich Tobias Rudholm , Ärnlöv Johan , Lind Lars , Forouhi Nita G. , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Pertiwi Kamalita , Imamura Fumiaki , de Mello Laaksonen Vanessa , Uusitupa W. Matti , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Laakso Markku , Lankinen Maria Anneli , Laurin Danielle , Carmichael Pierre-Hugues , Lindsay Joan , Leander Karin , Laguzzi Federica , Swenson Brenton R. , Longstreth William T. , Manson JoAnn E. , Mora Samia , Cook Nancy R. , Marklund Matti , Melo van Lent Debora , Murphy Rachel , Gudnason Vilmundur , Ninomiya Toshihara , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Qian Frank , Sun Qi , Hu Frank , Ardisson Korat Andres V. , Risérus Ulf , Lázaro Iolanda , Samieri Cecilia , Le Goff Mélanie , Helmer Catherine , Steur Marinka , Voortman Trudy , Ikram M. Kamran , Tanaka Toshiko , Das Jayanta K. , Ferrucci Luigi , Bandinelli Stefania , Tsai Michael , Guan Weihua , Garg Parveen , Verschuren W.M. Monique , Boer Jolanda M.A. , Biokstra Anneke , Virtanen Jyrki , Wagner Michael , Westra Jason , Albuisson Luc , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Siscovick David S. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Mozaffarian Dariush 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:
The effect of marine omega-3 PUFAs on risk of stroke remains unclear.

METHODS:
We investigated the associations between circulating and tissue omega-3 PUFA levels and incident stroke (total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic) in 29 international prospective cohorts. Each site conducted a de novo individual-level analysis using a prespecified analytical protocol with defined exposures, covariates, analytical methods, and outcomes; the harmonized data from the studies were then centrally pooled. Multivariable-adjusted HRs and 95% CIs across omega-3 PUFA quintiles were computed for each stroke outcome.

RESULTS:

Among 183 291 study participants, there were 10 561 total strokes, 8220 ischemic strokes, and 1142 hemorrhagic strokes recorded over a median of 14.3 years follow-up. For eicosapentaenoic acid, comparing quintile 5 (Q5, highest) with quintile 1 (Q1, lowest), total stroke incidence was 17% lower (HR, 0.83 [CI, 0.76–0.91];
P
<0.0001), and ischemic stroke was 18% lower (HR, 0.82 [CI, 0.74–0.91];
P
<0.0001). For docosahexaenoic acid, comparing Q5 with Q1, there was a 12% lower incidence of total stroke (HR, 0.88 [CI, 0.81–0.96];
P
=0.0001) and a 14% lower incidence of ischemic stroke (HR, 0.86 [CI, 0.78–0.95];
P
=0.0001). Neither eicosapentaenoic acid nor docosahexaenoic acid was associated with a risk for hemorrhagic stroke. These associations were not modified by either baseline history of AF or prevalent CVD.

CONCLUSIONS:
Higher omega-3 PUFA levels are associated with lower risks of total and ischemic stroke but have no association with hemorrhagic stroke.
Interest and barriers to research in obstetric haematology – findings from a national survey in the United Kingdom
Authors: Roberts Lara N , Bryan Michael , Daru Jahnavi , Hunt Beverley J , Kazi Sajida , Lester Will , Myers Bethan , Pavord Sue , Thomas Mari , Tower Clare , Swallow Gillian 
Published: December 2023

Introduction In 2021, the steering committee members of British Society of Haematology Obstetric Haematology Special Interest Group noted difficulties in opening research studies. This led to the development of a survey to further evaluate this issue. Method An electronic survey was distributed to all members of the British Society of Haematology Obstetric Haematology Special Interest Group and to relevant specialty leads of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Clinical Research Network for further dissemination within these networks. Results Responses were received from 65 participants (73% consultant grade); mainly haematologists (52%) or obstetricians (39%). Less than a third of participants reported dedicated time for research in their job plan, with only five participants reporting no challenges in opening research studies in obstetric haematology. Discussion The survey confirmed significant interest in obstetric haematology research, with barriers to participation. We propose further actions to facilitate increased research.
A Scoping Review of Pediatric Healthcare Built Environment Experiences and Preferences Among Children With Disabilities and Their Families
Authors: Yu Clarissa , Wong Emi , Gignac Juliana , Walker Meaghan , Ross Timothy 
Published: December 2023

Background: Some children with disabilities (CWD) frequently visit pediatric healthcare settings for appointments. Their age, disability, and regular visits mean that they have unique experiences in healthcare settings. While previous research has explored the clinical experiences of CWD, little is known about their experiences of pediatric healthcare built environments, even though these environments may play an important role in shaping their perceptions of care. Given the significant time that some CWD and chronic illnesses (e.g., cancer) spend in healthcare environments and the impact that these settings can have on their experiences, the knowledge gap concerning how they view, and experience healthcare built environments demands attention. Objective: To explore how CWD and their families experience pediatric healthcare built environments. Methods: A scoping review was conducted by searching five health science and interdisciplinary literature databases using terms related to children, disability, healthcare, and built environment. The search identified 5,397 records that were screened independently by three reviewers. Results: Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria and were considered in the final review. Findings indicate that CWD and their families value healthcare built environment features that support social engagement, patient privacy, and parental presence. Further, the age of a child was highlighted as an important factor that influences the built environment preferences of CWD. Conclusions: CWD and their families prefer certain healthcare built environment features to optimize their experiences in these settings. Healthcare designers can leverage these findings to advance more inclusive pediatric healthcare spaces to improve care and the quality of life for CWD and their families.
Comparison of the antihypertensive effects of folic acid and resveratrol in spontaneously hypertensive rats combined with hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Lu Yi , Zhang Lihua , Wang Chunli , Gong Chunbo 
Published: December 2023

Objectives: Studies have found that both folic acid and resveratrol have potential benefits in reducing complications of hypertension. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of resveratrol and folic acid on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats combined with hyperhomocystinemia, and to explore their potential mechanisms. Methods: Twenty-four male specific pathogen free (SPF) SPF grade spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into four groups: the SHR group, the hypertension combined with hyperhomocystinemia group (SHR + HHcy), the folic acid intervention group (SHR + HHcy + FA), and the resveratrol intervention group (SHR + HHcy + Res). The rat model of hypertension combined with hyperhomocystinemia was constructed, and then folic acid or resveratrol were given by gavage. Rat tail artery blood pressure, serum homocysteine concentration, superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde levels, and mRNA transcription and protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and angiotensin II were detected. Result: Compared with the SHR group, the SHR + HHcy group significantly increased hyperhomocystinemia and malondialdehyde levels, and inhibited superoxide dismutase activity and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression. Compared with the SHR + HHcy group, the SHR + HHcy + FA group significantly reduced hyperhomocystinemia and malondialdehyde levels, and significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression; the SHR + HHcy + Res group also inhibited malondialdehyde levels and promoted endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, but did not reduce hyperhomocystinemia. When comparing between the SHR + HHcy + FA group and the SHR + HHcy + Res group, folic acid significantly decreased hyperhomocystinemia and increased superoxide dismutase activity, while resveratrol significantly decreased blood pressure and angiotensin II expression. Conclusions: Both resveratrol and folic acid reduced the levels of oxidative stress and promoted the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in SHRs combined with hyperhomocystinemia. Moreover, resveratrol exhibited superior antihypertensive efficacy compared to folic acid, potentially attributed to its ability to inhibit angiotensin II expression.