bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of herpes virus infections after solid organ transplantation: a prospective study of immune function
Authors: Møller Dina Leth , Sørensen Søren Schwartz , Rezahosseini Omid , Rasmussen Daniel Bräuner , Arentoft Nicoline Stender , Loft Josefine Amalie , Perch Michael , Gustafsson Finn , Lundgren Jens , Scheike Thomas , Knudsen Jenny Dahl , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Rasmussen Allan , Nielsen Susanne Dam 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionHerpes virus infections are a major concern after solid organ transplantation and linked to the immune function of the recipient. We aimed to determine the incidence of positive herpes virus (cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type 1/2 (HSV-1/2), and varicella zoster virus (VZV)) PCR tests during the first year post-transplantation and assess whether a model including immune function pre-transplantation and three months post-transplantation could predict a subsequent positive herpes virus PCR.MethodsAll participants were preemptively screened for CMV, and EBV IgG-negative participants were screened for EBV during the first year post-transplantation. Herpes virus PCR tests for all included herpes viruses (CMV, EBV, HSV-1/2, and VZV) were retrieved from the Danish Microbiology database containing nationwide PCR results from both hospitals and outpatient clinics. Immune function was assessed by whole blood stimulation with A) LPS, B) R848, C) Poly I:C, and D) a blank control. Cytokine concentrations (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17A, IFN-α, and IFN-γ) were measured using Luminex.ResultsWe included 123 liver (54%), kidney (26%), and lung (20%) transplant recipients. The cumulative incidence of positive herpes virus PCR tests was 36.6% (95% CI: 28.1-45.1) during the first year post-transplantation. The final prediction model included recipient age, type of transplantation, CMV serostatus, and change in Poly I:C-induced IL-12p40 from pre-transplantation to three months post-transplantation. The prediction model had an AUC of 77% (95% CI: 61-92). Risk scores were extracted from the prediction model, and the participants were divided into three risk groups. Participants with a risk score &lt;5 (28% of the cohort), 5-10 (45% of the cohort), and &gt;10 (27% of the cohort) had a cumulative incidence of having a positive herpes virus PCR test at 5.8%, 25%, and 73%, respectively (p &lt; 0.001)ConclusionIn conclusion, the incidence of positive herpes virus PCR tests was high, and a risk model including immune function allowed the prediction of positive herpes virus PCR and may be used to identify recipients at higher risk.
Preparation of aldehyde-graphene quantum dots from glucose for controlled release of anticancer drug
Authors: Shi Shih-Chen , Liu Hsin-Hung , Chen Tao-Hsing , Chen Chih-Kuang , Ko Bao-Tsan 
Published: July 2023

In this study, we prepared graphene quantum dots (GQDs) via a green process using rice straw as a carbon source. The non-toxic nature of GQDs is suitable for application in human body-related research. Furthermore, GQDs possess biodegradability and biocompatibility characteristics, indicating high suitability for applications in the field of drug delivery. Based on the fact that acid-sensitive bonds between GQDs and the drug doxorubicin are formed by aldehyde groups on GQD surfaces, we adopted a semi-modified TEMPO method to partially oxidize the surface functional groups of GQDs without destroying the structure. This enabled an increase in the surface aldehyde group content, which in turn enhanced the drug loading capacity of GQDs. The aldehyde group content of the GQDs was measured via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, titration based on the Cannizzaro reaction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The drug loading effect of the GQDs was determined via absorbance measurements at 485 nm on a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the semi-modified TEMPO method significantly affected the introduction of surface aldehyde groups and the enhancement of the drug loading efficiency in GQDs. Finally, the polymeric material cationic poly (vinylcyclohexene carbonates) (CPVCHCs) was used for the encapsulation of GQDs and regulation of drug release. Under the premise that the total amount of drugs released remains unaffected, the initial burst release of the drug is effectively delayed, which aids in reducing harmful effects of the drug on the human body.
Brodalumab for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in a real-life setting: a 3 years multicenter retrospective study—IL PSO (Italian landscape psoriasis)
Authors: Gargiulo Luigi , Ibba Luciano , Malagoli Piergiorgio , Amoruso Fabrizio , Argenziano Giuseppe , Balato Anna , Bardazzi Federico , Burlando Martina , Carrera Carlo Giovanni , Damiani Giovanni , Dapavo Paolo , Dini Valentina , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Franchi Chiara , Gaiani Francesca Maria , Girolomoni Giampiero , Guarneri Claudio , Lasagni Claudia , Loconsole Francesco , Marzano Angelo Valerio , Megna Matteo , Sampogna Francesca , Travaglini Massimo , Costanzo Antonio , Narcisi Alessandra 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionBrodalumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the subunit A of the interleukin-17A receptor (IL17RA), inhibiting the signaling of various isoforms of the IL-17 family. It has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis after being evaluated in three Phase-3 trials. However, long-term data on brodalumab in a real-life setting are still limited.MethodsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of brodalumab in psoriasis. We also assessed the drug survival of brodalumab in a 3 years timespan. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study on 606 patients followed up at 14 Italian dermatology units, all treated with brodalumab according to Italian guidelines. Patients’ demographics and disease characteristics were retrieved from electronic databases. At baseline and weeks 12, 24, 52, 104 and 156, we evaluated the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score and investigated for adverse events. The proportions of patients reaching 75, 90 and 100% (PASI 75, PASI 90 and PASI 100, respectively) improvement in PASI, compared with baseline, were also recorded.ResultsAt week 12, 63.53% of the patients reached PASI 90 and 49.17% PASI 100. After 3 years of treatment, 65.22% of patients maintained a complete skin clearance, and 91.30% had an absolute PASI of 2 or less. Patients naïve to biological therapies had better clinical responses at weeks 12, 24 and 52. However, after 2 years of treatment, no significant differences were observed. Body mass index did not interfere with the effectiveness of brodalumab throughout the study. No new safety findings were recorded. After 36 months, 85.64% of our patients were still on treatment with brodalumab.ConclusionOur data confirm the effectiveness and the safety of brodalumab in the largest real-life cohort to date, up to 156 weeks.
The effect of cannabidiol on seizure features and quality of life in drug-resistant frontal lobe epilepsy patients: a triple-blind controlled trial
Authors: Ebadi Seyyed Reza , Saleki Kiarash , Adl Parvar Tanin , Rahimi Negin , Aghamollaii Vajiheh , Ranji Sara , Tafakhori Abbas 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundTreatment-resistant epileptic seizures are associated with reduced quality of life (QoL). As polypharmacy with routine antiseizure medications has many side effects, novel add-on treatments are necessary. Recent research showed the efficacy of add-on therapy by cannabidiol (CBD) on refractory epilepsy. We attempted to extend data on the efficacy and safety profile of CBD in patients with frontal lobe treatment-resistant epilepsy.MethodsA total of 27 patients were recruited into two CBD (n = 12) and placebo (n = 15) groups. The CBD group received a highly purified liposomal preparation of the drug in addition to routine antiseizure medications. The placebo group only received antiseizure medications. This experiment followed a triple-blinding protocol. Outcome measures were seizure frequency, the Chalfont seizure severity scale (CSSS), and the quality of life questionnaire score (QOLIE-31) assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.ResultsAt 4 weeks, results indicated that a higher fraction of patients in the CBD group (66.67%) showed improvement in seizure, compared to the placebo group (20.00%). Before–after comparison revealed that CBD, unlike routine ADEs, was effective in reducing the occurrence of seizures at the study's final timepoint [mean difference 45.58, 95% CI (8.987 to 82.18), p = 0.009]. Seizure severity was not affected by study groups or time intervals (repeated-measures ANOVA p &gt; 0.05). Post-hoc tests found that the QoLI-31 score was improved at 8 weeks compared to baseline [mean diff. −5.031, 95% CI (−9.729 to −0.3328), p = 0.032]. The difference in cases who experienced enhanced QoL was meaningful between the CBD and placebo groups at 8 weeks [RR: 2.160, 95% CI (1.148 to 4.741), p = 0.018] but not at 4 weeks (p = 0.653). A positive finding for QoL improvement was associated with a positive finding for seizure frequency reduction [r = 0.638, 95% CI (0.296 to 0.835), p = 0.001]. Interestingly, limiting the correlation analysis to cases receiving CBD indicated that QoL improvement was not linked with seizure parameters such as severity and frequency (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionThe present study suggests the benefit of a purified and highly efficient preparation of CBD for seizure frequency reduction and improvement of QoL in refractory frontal lobe epilepsy. Further study with longer follow-ups and larger sample size is advised.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.irct.ir/trial/56790, identifier: IRCT20210608051515N1.
Using an experiment among clinical experts to determine the cost and clinical impact of rapid whole exome sequencing in acute pediatric settings
Authors: Kapol Nattiya , Kamolvisit Wuttichart , Kongkiattikul Lalida , Huang-Ku Evan , Sribundit Namfon , Lochid-Amnuay Surasit , Samprasit Nathapol , Dulsamphan Thamonwan , Juntama Parntip , Suwanpanich Chotika , Boonsimma Ponghathai , Shotelersuk Vorasuk , Teerawattananon Yot 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveEvaluate the cost and clinical impacts of rapid whole-exome sequencing (rWES) for managing pediatric patients with unknown etiologies of critical illnesses through an expert elicitation experiment.MethodPhysicians in the intervention group (n = 10) could order rWES to complete three real-world case studies, while physicians in the control group (n = 8) could not. Costs and health outcomes between and within groups were compared.ResultsThe cost incurred in the intervention group was consistently higher than the control by 60,000–70,000 THB. Fewer other investigation costs were incurred when rWES could provide a diagnosis. Less cost was incurred when an rWES that could lead to a change in management was ordered earlier. Diagnostic accuracy and the quality of non-pharmaceutical interventions were superior when rWES was available.ConclusionIn acute pediatric settings, rWES offered clinical benefits at the average cost of 60,000–70,000 THB. Whether this test is cost-effective warrants further investigations. Several challenges, including cost and ethical concerns for assessing high-cost technology for rare diseases in resource-limited settings, were potentially overcome by our study design using expert elicitation methods.
A new group-based online job interview training program using computer graphics robots for individuals with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Yoshikawa Yuichiro , Muramatsu Taro , Sakai Kazuki , Haraguchi Hideyuki , Kudo Azusa , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Mimura Masaru , Kumazaki Hirokazu 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionJob interviews are a major barrier to employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). During the coronavirus pandemic, establishing online job interview training at home was indispensable. However, many hurdles prevent individuals with ASD from concentrating on online job interview training. To facilitate the acquisition of interview skills from home for individuals with ASD, we developed a group interview training program with a virtual conferencing system (GIT-VICS Program) that uses computer graphics (CG) robots.MethodsThis study investigated the feasibility of the GIT-VICS Program in facilitating skill acquisition for face-to-face job interviews in pre-post measures. In the GIT-VICS Program, five participants were grouped and played the roles of interviewees (1), interviewers (2), and human resources (2). They alternately practiced each role in GIT-VICS Program sessions conducted over 8 or 9 days over three consecutive weeks. Before and after the GIT-VICS Program, the participants underwent a mock face-to-face job interview with two experienced human interviewers (MFH) to evaluate its effect.ResultsFourteen participants completed the trial procedures without experiencing any technological challenges or distress that would have led to the termination of the session. The GIT-VICS Program improved their job interview skills (verbal competence, nonverbal competence, and interview performance).DiscussionGiven the promising results of this study and to draw clear conclusions about the efficacy of CG robots for mock online job interview training, future studies adding appropriate guidance for manner of job interview by experts are needed.
Hospitalization and emergency department visits associated with potentially inappropriate medication in older adults: self-controlled case series analysis
Authors: Lim Jaeok , Jeong Sohyun , Jang Suhyun , Jang Sunmee 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionPotentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and resulting adverse health outcomes in older adults are a common occurrence. However, PIM prescriptions are still frequent for vulnerable older adults. Here, we sought to estimate the risk of hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits associated with PIM prescriptions over different exposure periods and PIM drug categories.MethodsWe used the National Health Insurance Service-Elderly Cohort Database (NHIS-ECDB) to construct the cohort and implemented a Self-Controlled Case Series (SCCS) method. Hospitalization or ED visits during the exposure and post-exposure periods were compared to those during the non-exposure period, and six PIM drug categories were evaluated. A conditional Poisson regression model was applied, and the risk of outcomes was presented as the incidence rate ratio (IRR). All potential time-varying covariates were adjusted by year. A total of 43,942 older adults aged ≥65 y who had at least one PIM prescription and the events of either hospitalization or ED visits between Jan 2016 and Dec 2019 were selected..ResultsMean days of each exposure period was 46 d (±123); risk was highest in exposure1 (1–7 d, 37.8%), whereas it was similar during exposure2 (15–28 d), and exposure3 (29–56 d) (16.6%). The mean number of total PIM drugs administered during the study period was 7.34 (±4.60). Both hospitalization and ED visits were significantly higher in both exposure (adjusted IRR 2.14, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):2.11–2.17) and post-exposure periods (adjusted IRR 1.41, 95% CI:1.38–1.44) in comparison to non-exposure period. The risk of adverse health outcomes was highest during the first exposure period (1–14 d), but decreased gradually over time. Among the PIM categories, pain medication was used the most, followed by anticholinergics. All PIM categories significantly increased the risk of hospitalization and ED visits, ranging from 1.18 (other PIM) to 2.85 (pain medication). Sensitivity analyses using the first incidence of PIM exposure demonstrated similar results. All PIM categories significantly increased the risk of hospitalization and ED visits, with the initial period of PIM prescriptions showing the highest risk. In subgroup analysis stratified by the number of medications, PIM effects on the risk of hospitalization and ED visits remained significant but gradually attenuated by the increased number of medications.DiscussionTherefore, the development of deprescribing strategies to control PIM and polypharmacy collectively is urgent and essential.
Recommendations for patient involvement in health technology assessment in Central and Eastern European countries
Authors: Jakab Ivett , Dimitrova Maria , Houÿez François , Bereczky Tamás , Fövényes Miroslava , Maravic Zorana , Belina Ivica , Andriciuc Christian , Tóth Krisztina , Piniazhko Oresta , Hren Rok , Gutierrez-Ibarluzea Iñaki , Czech Marcin , Tesar Tomas , Niewada Maciej , Lorenzovici László , Kamusheva Maria , Manova Manoela , Savova Alexandra , Mitkova Zornitsa , Tachkov Konstantin , Németh Bertalan , Petykó Zsuzsanna Ida , Dawoud Dalia , Delnoij Diana , Knies Saskia , Goettsch Wim , Kaló Zoltán 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionMeaningful patient involvement in health technology assessment (HTA) is essential in ensuring that the interests of the affected patient population, their families, and the general public are accurately reflected in coverage and reimbursement decisions. Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries are generally at less advanced stages of implementing HTA, which is particularly true for patient involvement activities. As part of the Horizon2020 HTx project, this research aimed to form recommendations for critical barriers to patient involvement in HTA in CEE countries.MethodsBuilt on previous research findings on potential barriers, a prioritisation survey was conducted online with CEE stakeholders. Recommendations for prioritised barriers were formed through a face-to-face workshop by CEE stakeholders and HTx experts.ResultsA total of 105 stakeholders from 13 CEE countries completed the prioritisation survey and identified 12 of the 22 potential barriers as highly important. The workshop had 36 participants representing 9 CEE countries, and 5 Western European countries coming together to discuss solutions in order to form recommendations based on best practices, real-life experience, and transferability aspects. Stakeholder groups involved in both phases included HTA organisation representatives, payers, patients, caregivers, patient organisation representatives, patient experts, health care providers, academic and non-academic researchers, health care consultants and health technology manufacturers/providers. As a result, 12 recommendations were formed specified to the CEE region’s context, but potentially useful for a broader geographic audience.ConclusionIn this paper, we present 12 recommendations for meaningful, systematic, and sustainable patient involvement in HTA in CEE countries. Our hope is that engaging more than a hundred CEE stakeholders in the study helped to spread awareness of the importance and potential of patient involvement and that the resulting recommendations provide tangible steps for the way forward. Future studies shall focus on country-specific case studies of the implemented recommendations.
Real-World Utilization, Barriers, and Factors Associated With the Targeted Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients in China: A Multi-Center, Hospital-Based Survey Study
Authors: Liu Yin , Zhang Xi , Xu Hui-Fang , Shi Ji-Hai , Zhao Yu-Qian , Du Ling-Bin , Liu Yun-Yong , Wang Wen-Jun , Cao He-Lu , Ma Li , Huang Juan-Xiu , Cao Ji , Li Li , Fan Yan-Ping , Gu Xiao-Fen , Feng Chang-Yan , Zhu Qian , Wang Xiao-Hui , Du Jing-Chang , Zhang Jian-Gong , Zhang Shao-Kai , Qiao You-Lin 
Published: July 2023

Objectives: To explore the utilization, barriers, and factors associated with the targeted treatment of Chinese metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients.Methods: A total of 1,688 mCRC patients from 19 hospitals in 14 cities were enrolled from March 2020 to March 2021 using stratified, multistage cluster sampling. The use of targeted therapy and any barriers patients experienced were collected. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with initiating targeted treatment.Results: About 51.6% of the patients initiated targeted therapy, of whom 44.5%, 20.2%, and 35.2% started first-, second-, and third-line treatment, respectively. The most reported barriers were high medical costs and a lack of belief in the efficacy of targeted therapy. Patients treated in the general hospital, diagnosed at an older age, less educated, and who had a lower family income, no medical insurance, poor health-related quality of life, metastasis outside the liver/lung or systemic metastasis, a shorter duration of mCRC were less likely to initiate targeted therapy.Conclusion: Reduced medical costs and interventional education to improve public awareness could facilitate the use of targeted treatment for mCRC.
Topical Absorption of Glutathione–Cyclodextrin Nanoparticle Complex in Healthy Human Subjects Improves Immune Response against Mycobacterium avium Infection
Authors: Sasaninia Kayvan , Kelley Melissa , Abnousian Arbi , Badaoui Ali , Alexander Logan , Sheren Nisar , Owens James , Rajurkar Shlok , Razo-Botello Brianna , Chorbajian Abraham , Yoon Sonyeol , Dhama Sanya , Avitia Edith , Ochoa Cesar , Yutani Ray , Venketaraman Vishwanath 
Published: July 2023

Glutathione (GSH) is an important intracellular antioxidant responsible for neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our laboratory previously demonstrated that the oral administration of liposomal GSH improves immune function against mycobacterium infections in healthy patients along with patients with HIV and Type 2 diabetes. We aim to determine if the topical application of a glutathione–cyclodextrin nanoparticle complex (GSH-CD) confers a therapeutic effect against mycobacterium infections. In our study, healthy participants received either topical GSH-CD (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) treatment. Subjects were sprayed four times twice a day for three days topically on the abdomen. Blood draws were collected prior to application, and at 1, 4, and 72 h post-initial topical application. GSH, malondialdehyde (MDA), and cytokine levels were assessed in the processed blood samples of study participants. Additionally, whole blood cultures from study participants were challenged with Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) infection in vitro to assess mycobacterium survival post-treatment. Topical GSH-CD treatment was observed to elevate GSH levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and red blood cells and decrease MDA levels in PBMCs 72 h post-treatment. An increase in plasma IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, and TNF-α was observed at 72 h post-topical GSH-CD treatment. Enhanced mycobacterium clearance was observed at 4 h and 72 h post-topical GSH-CD treatment. Overall, topical GSH-CD treatment was associated with improved immune function against M. avium infection. The findings of this pilot study suggest GSH–cyclodextrin complex formulation can be used topically as a safe alternative mode of GSH delivery in the peripheral blood.
A Compact Ultra-Wideband Monocone Antenna with Folded Shorting Wires for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Applications
Authors: Lee Martin Wooseop , Abushakra Feras , Choffin Zachary , Kim Sangkil , Lee Hee-Jo , Jeong Nathan 
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a capacitively-fed, ultra-wideband (UWB), and low-profile monocone antenna is proposed for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications. The proposed antenna consists of a monocone design with an inner set of vias. Additionally, an outer ring is added with a small gap from the monocone and shorted with six folded wires of different lengths to extend the operating band. The proposed antenna covers the frequency range from 0.75 GHz to 7.6 GHz and has a 164% fractional bandwidth, with a gain value varying between 2 and 10 dBi. The dimensions of the antenna are 0.37λL × 0.37λL × 0.067λL. The antenna was fabricated using a 3D printer with low-cost polylactic acid plastic (PLA) material and then sprayed with aerosol copper nanoparticles. The efficiency was approximately 90% throughout the frequency bands of interest. Finally, the proposed antenna was installed on a vehicle and tested with an OBU (onboard unit) and a RSU (roadside unit) in the field. The results show a longer wireless communication range for V2X applications.