bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of the trisomy 21 local cutoff value evaluation for prenatal screening in the second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Yiming Chen , Chen Yijie , Sun Long , Li Liyao , Ning Wenwen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this work was to compare different local cutoff values (LCV) and inline cutoff values (ICV) in pregnant women in the second trimester at high risk for carrying fetuses with trisomy 21.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study analyzed prenatal screening outcomes in pregnant women (n = 311,561). The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic significance of the trisomy 21 risk value, alpha-fetoprotein, and free beta human chorionic gonadotropin multiple of the median for predicting trisomy 21 risk. The cutoff value corresponding to the maximal Youden index was taken as the LCV. The screening efficiency of both cutoff values was compared.

Results
The LCV cutoff value was lower than the ICV cutoff value (1/643 vs 1/270). The sensitivity increased by 19.80%, the positive predictive value decreased by 0.20%, and the false-positive rate increased by 6.50%.

Conclusion
The LCV should be used to determine trisomy 21 risk, which can increase the detection rate of trisomy 21 in the second trimester.
Role of rituximab in the treatment of systemic sclerosis: A literature review
Authors: Yoshifuji Hajime , Yomono Keina , Yamano Yasuhiko , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Yasuoka Hidekata 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
This literature review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rituximab (RTX) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). PubMed was searched for articles, published through 31 March 2022, on any controlled studies using RTX in the treatment of SSc. Of 85 identified articles, 9 were selected by title/abstract screening and full text examination. All nine articles reported outcomes of forced vital capacity (%FVC), and seven reported those of modified Rodnan skin scores (mRSS). The results showed that among the seven controlled studies evaluating skin lesions in patients with SSc, four showed a significant improvement of mRSS by RTX when compared with a control group, whereas three showed no significant effect. Among the nine controlled studies evaluating lung lesions, five showed a significant improvement of %FVC compared with a control group, whereas four showed no significant effect. In conclusion, RTX may be effective in the treatment of skin and lung lesions in patients with SSc. The profiles of SSc patients for whom RTX was indicated were unclear, although patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and those positive for anti-topoisomerase I antibody were considered potential targets. Additional studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of RTX in the treatment of patients with SSc.
Describing and explaining consciousness
Authors: Grinde Bjørn 
Published: April 2023

AbstractConsciousness is a property of advanced brains and as such a biological feature. Explaining biological features is somewhat different from explaining physical phenomena; in the former case, the key is to first define its functional role (the reason why it was selected) and then to outline the evolutionary trajectory leading to its presence. In the case of consciousness, there are reasonable models for both. Further research is required to substantiate these models, but they offer, arguably, the best explanatory framework.
Host Expression Profiling From Diagnostic Coronavirus Disease 2019 Swabs Associates Upper Respiratory Tract Immune Responses With Radiologic Lung Pathology and Clinical Severity
Authors: Kozak Robert A , Salvant Elsa , Chang Veronica , Oikonomou Anastasia , Biondi Mia J , Feld Jordan J , Armstrong Susan , Wasif Sumaiyah , Mubareka Samira , Nirmalarajah Kuganya , Seth Arun , Amemiya Yutaka , Wang Chao , Tsui Hubert 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 presents with a breadth of symptomatology including a spectrum of clinical severity requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. We investigated the mucosal host gene response at the time of gold standard COVID-19 diagnosis using clinical surplus RNA from upper respiratory tract swabs.

Methods
Host response was evaluated by RNA-sequencing, and transcriptomic profiles of 44 unvaccinated patients including outpatients and in-patients with varying levels of oxygen supplementation were included. Additionally, chest X-rays were reviewed and scored for patients in each group.

Results
Host transcriptomics revealed significant changes in the immune and inflammatory response. Patients destined for the ICU were distinguished by the significant upregulation of immune response pathways and inflammatory chemokines, including cxcl2 which has been linked to monocyte subsets associated with COVID-19 related lung damage. In order to temporally associate gene expression profiles in the upper respiratory tract at diagnosis of COVID-19 with lower respiratory tract sequalae, we correlated our findings with chest radiography scoring, showing nasopharygeal or mid-turbinate sampling can be a relevant surrogate for downstream COVID-19 pneumonia/ICU severity.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the potential and relevance for ongoing study of the mucosal site of infection of SARS-CoV-2 using a single sampling that remains standard of care in hospital settings. We highlight also the archival value of high quality clinical surplus specimens, especially with rapidly evolving COVID-19 variants and changing public health/vaccination measures.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Related Complications and Healthcare Costs Among a Medicare-Insured Population in the United States
Authors: DeMartino Jessica K , Lafeuille Marie-Hélène , Emond Bruno , Rossi Carmine , Wang Jingru , Liu Stephanie , Lefebvre Patrick , Krishnarajah Girishanthy 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Literature describing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–related complications in older adults in the United States is scarce. This study described risk factors of RSV-related complications and healthcare costs of Medicare-insured patients aged ≥60 years with medically attended RSV.

Methods
100% Medicare Research Identifiable Files (1 January 2007–31 December 2019) were used to identify adults aged ≥60 years with RSV (index: first diagnosis date). Predictors of ≥1 RSV-related complication (ie, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, congestive heart failure, hypoxia/dyspnea, non-RSV lower/upper respiratory tract infections, or chronic respiratory disease) during the up to 6-month post–RSV diagnosis period were identified. Patients with all aforementioned diagnoses during the 6 months pre-index could not be evaluated for a complication and were therefore ineligible for analyses. Differences between 6-month pre- and post-index total all-cause and respiratory/infection-related healthcare costs were assessed.

Results
Overall, 175 392 patients with RSV were identified. Post–RSV diagnosis, 47.9% had ≥1 RSV-related complication, with mean time-to-event of 1.0 month. The most common complications were pneumonia (24.0%), chronic respiratory disease (23.6%), and hypoxia or dyspnea (22.0%). Baseline predictors of ≥1 RSV-related complication included having previous diagnoses for complication/comorbidity listed in the Methods, hypoxemia, chemotherapy, chest radiograph, stem cell transplant, and anti-asthmatic and bronchodilator use. Total all-cause and respiratory/infection-related healthcare costs were $7797 and $8863 higher, respectively, post-index versus pre-index (both P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
In this real-world study, almost half of patients with medically attended RSV experienced an RSV-related complication within 1 month post–RSV diagnosis, and costs significantly increased post-diagnosis. Having a complication/comorbidity pre-RSV predicted a higher risk of developing a different complication post–RSV infection.
Selective inhibition of somatostatin-positive dentate hilar interneurons induces age-related cellular changes and cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Lyu Jinrui , Nagarajan Rajasekar , Kambali Maltesh , Wang Muxiao , Rudolph Uwe 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The cellular basis of age-related impairments of hippocampal function is not fully understood. In order to evaluate the role of somatostatin-positive (Sst+) interneurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) hilus in this process, we chemogenetically inhibited Sst+ interneurons in the DG hilus. Chronic chemogenetic inhibition (CCI) of these neurons resulted in increased c-Fos staining in the DG hilus, a decrease in the percentage of GAD67- and of Sst-expressing interneurons in the DG, and increased microglial activation in DG, CA3, and CA1. Total dendritic length and spine density were reduced in DG and CA1, suggesting reduced dendritic complexity. Behaviorally, the recognition index in an object recognition task and the percentage of spontaneous alternations in the Y-maze were decreased, while in both initial and reversal learning in the Morris water maze, the latencies to find the hidden platform were increased, suggesting cognitive dysfunction. Our findings establish a causal role for a reduced function of Sst+ interneurons in the DG hilus for cognitive decline and suggest that this reduced function may contribute to age-related impairments of learning and memory. Furthermore, our CCI mice may represent a cellularly defined model of hippocampal aging.
Investigation of the frequencies of various B cell populations in non-responder healthcare workers in comparison with responders to hepatitis B virus vaccination
Authors: Karimi Sara , Mehdipour Fereshteh , Sarvari Jamal , Ataollahi Mohammad Reza , Ramezani Amin , Meri Seppo , Kalantar Kurosh 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Hepatitis B is a major global health problem. More than 90% of hepatitis B-vaccinated immunocompetent adults become fully immune. The main purpose of vaccination is immunization. Whether non-responders have a lower percentage of total or antigen-specific memory B cells in comparison with responders is still controversial. We aimed to assess and compare the frequency of various B cell subpopulations in non-responders and responders.

Methods
Fourteen responders and 14 non-responders of hospital healthcare workers were enrolled in this study. We used flow cytometry to evaluate various CD19+ B cell subpopulations using fluorescent-labeled antibodies against CD19, CD10, CD21, CD27 and IgM and ELISA to evaluate total anti-HBs antibodies.

Results
We found no significant differences in the frequency of various B cell subpopulations between the non-responder and responder groups. Furthermore, the frequency of the isotype-switched memory B cell population was significantly higher in the atypical memory B cell subset compared with the classical memory B cell subset in the responder and total groups (p=0.010 and 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions
Responders and non-responders to HBsAg vaccine had comparable memory B cell populations. Whether anti-HBs Ab production has a correlation with the level of class switching in B lymphocytes in healthy vaccinated individuals needs further investigation.
Semi-infectious particles contribute substantially to influenza virus within-host dynamics when infection is dominated by spatial structure
Authors: Farrell Alex , Phan Tin , Brooke Christopher B , Koelle Katia , Ke Ruian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Influenza is an ribonucleic acid virus with a genome that comprises eight segments. Experiments show that the vast majority of virions fail to express one or more gene segments and thus cannot cause a productive infection on their own. These particles, called semi-infectious particles (SIPs), can induce virion production through complementation when multiple SIPs are present in an infected cell. Previous within-host influenza models did not explicitly consider SIPs and largely ignore the potential effects of coinfection during virus infection. Here, we constructed and analyzed two distinct models explicitly keeping track of SIPs and coinfection: one without spatial structure and the other implicitly considering spatial structure. While the model without spatial structure fails to reproduce key aspects of within-host influenza virus dynamics, we found that the model implicitly considering the spatial structure of the infection process makes predictions that are consistent with biological observations, highlighting the crucial role that spatial structure plays during an influenza infection. This model predicts two phases of viral growth prior to the viral peak: a first phase driven by fully infectious particles at the initiation of infection followed by a second phase largely driven by coinfections of fully infectious particles and SIPs. Fitting this model to two sets of data, we show that SIPs can contribute substantially to viral load during infection. Overall, the model provides a new interpretation of the in vivo exponential viral growth observed in experiments and a mechanistic explanation for why the production of large numbers of SIPs does not strongly impede viral growth. Being simple and predictive, our model framework serves as a useful tool to understand coinfection dynamics in spatially structured acute viral infections.
Neck Disability Index as a Prognostic Factor for Outcomes Following Cervical Disc Replacement
Authors: Hartman Timothy J. , Nie James W. , MacGregor Keith R. , Oyetayo Omolabake O. , Zheng Eileen , Singh Kern 
Published: April 2023

Study Design:
Retrospective review

Objective:
We aim to elucidate the potential relationship between neck disability index (NDI) and outcomes following cervical disk replacement (CDR).

Summary of Background Data:
The use of preoperative disability scores as predictors of outcomes following spine surgery has previously been studied, yet no literature has been published regarding its use in CDR.

Methods:
A retrospective database of a single orthopedic spine surgeon was searched for single-level CDR patients with preoperative NDI scores, excluding those with trauma, infection, or malignancy. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts by NDI score: Mild-Moderately Disabled (MD) (NDI<50) and Severely Disabled (NDI≥50). Patient-reported outcome measures were collected and compared within and between groups up to 1 year postoperatively and included Patient-reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function, 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score, visual analog scale (VAS) neck and arm pain, and NDI. MCID achievement rates were compared between the groups.

Results:
All PROM scores significantly improved for both cohorts at one or more postoperative time points compared with preoperative baseline (P≤0.049, all), with the exception of SF-12 Mental Component Score, which only significantly improved in the MD cohort at 2 postoperative points (P≤0.007, both). Between groups, the MD cohort reported significantly superior scores at one or more time points for all studied patient-reported outcome measures (P≤0.047, all). MCID achievement rate did not significantly vary for any outcome at any time between cohorts.

Conclusion:
Regardless of preoperative disability, both groups reported improvement in physical function, pain, and disability scores following CDR. While not finding significance, patients with severe disability preoperatively consistently demonstrated higher minimal clinically important difference achievement in NDI. These data do not promote the use of NDI as a prognostic factor for outcomes following CDR. Further study with larger patient populations may be useful to clarify this potential relationship.
Human hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote tendon repair in a rabbit Achilles tendinopathy model
Authors: Ma Yingyu , Lin Zhiwei , Chen Xiaoyi , Zhao Xin , Sun Yi , Wang Ji , Mou Xiaozhou , Zou Hai , Chen Jinyang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background:
Hair follicles are easily accessible and contain stem cells with different developmental origins, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), that consequently reveal the potential of human hair follicle (hHF)-derived MSCs in repair and regeneration. However, the role of hHF-MSCs in Achilles tendinopathy (AT) remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of hHF-MSCs on Achilles tendon repair in rabbits.

Methods:
First, we extracted and characterized hHF-MSCs. Then, a rabbit tendinopathy model was constructed to analyze the ability of hHF-MSCs to promote repair in vivo. Anatomical observation and pathological and biomechanical analyses were performed to determine the effect of hHF-MSCs on AT, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms through which hHF-MSCs affects AT. Furthermore, statistical analyses were performed using independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and one-way repeated measures multivariate ANOVA as appropriate.

Results:
Flow cytometry, a trilineage-induced differentiation test, confirmed that hHF-derived stem cells were derived from MSCs. The effect of hHF-MSCs on AT revealed that the Achilles tendon was anatomically healthy, as well as the maximum load carried by the Achilles tendon and hydroxyproline proteomic levels were increased. Moreover, collagen I and III were upregulated in rabbit AT treated with hHF-MSCs (compared with AT group; P < 0.05). Analysis of the molecular mechanisms revealed that hHF-MSCs promoted collagen fiber regeneration, possibly through Tenascin-C (TNC) upregulation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 downregulation.

Conclusions:
hHF-MSCs can be a treatment modality to promote AT repair in rabbits by upregulating collagen I and III. Further analysis revealed that treatment of AT using hHF-MSCs promoted the regeneration of collagen fiber, possibly because of upregulation of TNC and downregulation of MMP-9, thus suggesting that hHF-MSCs are more promising for AT.
Glaucoma-Related Risk Factors for Endothelial Cell Loss and Graft Failure After Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Takemori Hayato , Higashide Tomomi , Kobayashi Akira , Yokogawa Hideaki , Sugiyama Kazuhisa 
Published: April 2023

Précis:
Previous trabeculectomy and medical or surgical glaucoma treatment after Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) were significantly associated with endothelial cell loss and graft failure. The pupillary block was a significant risk factor for graft failure.

Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term risk factors associated with postoperative endothelial cell loss and graft failure after DSAEK in Japanese eyes, with special attention to glaucoma.

Patients and Methods:
This retrospective study involved 117 eyes of 110 consecutive patients with bullous keratopathy who had undergone DSAEK. The patients were classified into 4 groups: (1) no glaucoma group (n = 23 eyes), (2) primary angle closure disease group (n = 32 eyes), (3) glaucoma group that had previously undergone trabeculectomy (n = 44 eyes) (glaucoma with bleb), and (4) glaucoma group that had not previously undergone trabeculectomy (n = 18 eyes) (glaucoma without bleb).

Results:
The cumulative 5-year graft survival rate was 82.1%. The cumulative 5-year graft survival rate among the 4 groups is as follows: no glaucoma (73%), primary angle closure disease (100%), glaucoma with bleb (39%), and glaucoma without bleb (80%). Multivariate analysis revealed that additional glaucoma medication and glaucoma surgery after DSAEK were independent risk factors for endothelial cell loss. Conversely, glaucoma with blebs and pupillary block were independent risk factors for graft failure after DSAEK.

Conclusion:
Previous trabeculectomy and medical or surgical glaucoma treatment after DSAEK were significantly associated with endothelial cell loss and graft failure. Pupillary block was a significant risk factor for graft failure.
Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Following Transscleral Diode Cyclophotocoagulation
Authors: Bai Amelia , Sharma Abhishek , Chiang Mark Y. 
Published: April 2023

Précis:
Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation may trigger the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Our article demonstrates one such case leading to tractional macula-off retinal detachment in a child with aphakic glaucoma.

Purpose:
The purpose of this article is to describe a case of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) developing subsequent to transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (cyclodiode) in a pediatric patient with aphakic glaucoma. PVR most commonly occurs following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair; however, to the best of our knowledge, it has never been reported to appear after cyclodiode.

Methods:
Retrospective evaluation of case presentation and intraoperative findings.

Results:
A 13-year-old girl with aphakic glaucoma presented 4 months after cyclodiode of the right eye with a retrolental fibrovascular membrane and anterior PVR. The PVR extended posteriorly over the next month, after which the patient developed a tractional macula-off retinal detachment. Pars Plana vitrectomy was performed, confirming dense anterior and posterior PVR. A review of the literature suggests that an inflammatory cascade, similar to that seen in PVR development following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, may occur from the destruction of the ciliary body by cyclodiode. As a result, fibrous transformation may occur, likely accounting for the cause of PVR development in this case.

Conclusion:
The pathophysiology of PVR development remains unclear. This case demonstrates that PVR may occur following cyclodiode and should be considered during postoperative monitoring after this procedure.
Patient-Centered Outcomes After a Medication Adherence Intervention: a Pilot Study
Authors: Cho Juno , Song Melinda , Niziol Leslie M. , Heisler Michele , Resnicow Ken , Musch David C. , Lee Paul , Darnley-Fisch Deborah , Newman-Casey Paula Anne 
Published: April 2023

Précis:
Self-determination theory (SDT) guided behavioral interventions are effective in improving several patient-centered metrics, including glaucoma-related distress. However, whether improvement in patient-centered metrics can drive an improvement in medication-taking behavior remains to be seen.

Objective:
The 7-month Support, Educate, Empower (SEE) personalized glaucoma coaching program was previously shown to improve glaucoma medication adherence by 21 percent points. This study’s goal was to assess the impact of the SEE program on self-determination theory (SDT) metrics and other patient-centered outcome measures.

Participants and Methods:
Glaucoma patients (≥40 y old, taking ≥1 medication) self-reporting poor medication adherence were recruited at the University of Michigan. Eight surveys (with 10 subscales) were completed before and after the 7-month SEE program. Three surveys assessed changes in SDT (Treatment Self-regulation Questionnaire, Healthcare-Climate Questionnaire, Perceived Competence) while the others assessed participants’ Glaucoma Knowledge, Glaucoma Medication Self-efficacy, Glaucoma-related distress, Perceived benefits, confidence asking and getting questions answered.

Results:
Thirty-nine participants completed the SEE program. Significant improvements were in 7 subscales, including all three SDT tenets of competence (mean change =0.9, SD =±1.2, adjusted P=0.0002), autonomy (0.5, ±0.9, 0.044), and relatedness (P=0.002). Glaucoma-related distress (−2.0, ±3.2, 0.004), confidence in asking questions (1.1, ±2.0, 0.008), and confidence in getting questions answered (1.0, ±2.0, 0.009) also improved. Glaucoma-related distress was correlated with perceived competence (r=−0.56, adjusted P=0.005), and an increase in perceived competence was associated with a decrease in glaucoma-related distress (β=−0.43, 95% CI −0.67 - −0.20, adjusted P=0.007).

Conclusions:
The SEE program improved participants’ autonomous motivation, perceived support, perceived competence, glaucoma-related distress, and competence. These results point to the promising potential of SDT-guided behavioral interventions in improving patient-centered metrics.