bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture on Modifying Inflammatory Levels of Cytokines and Metabolites in Stroke Patients
Authors: Sandra Arriagada Rios , Fang Liao Yi , Lee Yu Chen , Lu Ming-Kuei , Tsai Sheng-Ta , Eyal Ben-Arie , Ho Wen-Chao 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe use of electroacupuncture (EA) in post-ischemic stroke and rehabilitation has been the subject of numerous studies; however, the effect of EA on cholesterol metabolites has not been thoroughly investigated. The inflammatory response in stroke has been associated with serum cholesterol, low HDL-Cc, and high LDL-Cc levels, and early intervention has been linked to improved post-stroke rehabilitation. This study aimed to assess the impact of EA on early ischemic stroke as a modulator of total cholesterol, HDL-c, and LDL-c in the blood, its anti-inflammatory effect, and its effect on pain and stroke scales in patients in the first few days after the onset of stroke.Data Access StatementThe datasets generated during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable requestMaterial and MethodA total of 90 patients with acute ischemic stroke and a first-time diagnosis of stroke will be randomized into one of three groups: an EA group, a sham EA group, and a sensory control group. All patients will receive the interventions three times a week for a total of six sessions over two weeks. Outcome measurements will include blood tests for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL with HDL-c cholesterol, LDL and LDL-c cholesterol, along with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Barthel Index (BI).Expected OutcomeThis study will help determine the effect of EA on ischemic stroke recovery, focusing on metabolic changes in patients with early stage stroke. EA treatment might modify risk indices (HDL-c), maintain or control (LDL-c), and generate localized reperfusion of the vascular areas involved in stroke.DiscussionThis randomized controlled trial will determine the ability of EA to support early stroke ischemic injury and neuro-endothelium damage, which could lead to a faster stroke recovery in stroke scales, and reveal whether the mechanism of EA is associated with a reduced inflammatory process via modulation of the levels of total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides. The results of this study will be of significant value in the treatment of ischemic stroke and could lead to more effective and personalized stroke rehabilitation therapies.Trial registryregistered study protocol onwww.clinicaltrial.gov(NCT05734976)
Bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines induce cross-reactive but not BA.5-specific antibodies in polyclonal serum
Authors: Carreño Juan Manuel , Singh Gagandeep , Abbad Anass , Yellin Temima , Srivastava Komal , Gleason Charles ,   PVI study group, van Bakel Harm , Simon Viviana , Krammer Florian 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe question if the bivalent mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccination, containing wild type and BA.5 spike, provides enhanced benefits against BA.5 and similar Omicron subvariants has been widely debated. One concern was an ‘original antigenic sin’-like effect which may redirect immune responses to the bivalent vaccine towards the wild type spike and may blockde novogeneration of BA.5 specific antibodies. Here, we characterized the response to the bivalent vaccine and we performed antibody depletion experiments. Interestingly, when we depleted serum of all antibodies to wild type RBD, we also removed all reactivity to BA.5 RBD. This suggests that all antibodies induced by the bivalent vaccine – at least with the limit of detection of our assay in polyclonal serum - are in fact cross-reactive. This further suggests that, on a serum antibody level, the bivalent vaccine did not induce ade novoresponse to BA.5.
Severity of Prior COVID-19 Infection is Associated with Postoperative Outcomes Following Major Inpatient Surgery
Authors: Verhagen Nathaniel B. , SenthilKumar Gopika , Jaraczewski Taylor , Koerber Nicolas K. , Merrill Jennifer R. , Flitcroft Madelyn A. , Szabo Aniko , Banerjee Anjishnu , Yang Xin , Taylor Bradley W. , Figueroa Castro Carlos E. , Yen Tina W.F. , Clarke Callisia N. , Lauer Kathryn , Pfeifer Kurt J. , Gould Jon C. , Kothari Anai N. ,   N3C Consortium
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the association between severity of prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and postoperative outcomes following major elective inpatient surgery.Summary Background DataSurgical guidelines instituted early in the COVID-19 pandemic recommended delay in surgery up to 8 weeks following an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given that surgical delay can lead to worse medical outcomes, it is unclear if continuation of such stringent policies is necessary and beneficial for all patients, especially those recovering from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19.MethodsUtilizing the National Covid Cohort Collaborative (N3C), we assessed postoperative outcomes for adults with and without a history of COVID-19 who underwent major elective inpatient surgery between January 2020 and February 2023. COVID-19 severity and time from SARS-CoV-2 infection to surgery were each used as independent variables in multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsThis study included 387,030 patients, of which 37,354 (9.7%) had a diagnosis of preoperative COVID-19. History of COVID-19 was found to be an independent risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes even after a 12-week delay for patients with moderate and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with mild COVID-19 did not have an increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes at any time point. Vaccination decreased the odds of mortality and other complications.ConclusionsImpact of COVID-19 on postoperative outcomes is dependent on severity of illness, with only moderate and severe disease leading to higher risk of adverse outcomes. Existing wait time policies should be updated to include consideration of COVID-19 disease severity and vaccination status.
Single Ventricle Reconstruction III: Brain Connectome and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: Design, Recruitment, and Technical Challenges of a Multicenter, Observational Neuroimaging Study
Authors: Schmithorst Vanessa , Ceschin Rafael , Lee Vince , Wallace Julia , Sahel Aurelia , Chenevert Thomas , Parmar Hemant , Berman Jeffrey I. , Vossough Arastoo , Qiu Deqiang , Kadom Nadja , Grant Patricia Ellen , Gagoski Borjan , LaViolette Peter , Maheshwari Mohit , Sleeper Lynn A. , Bellinger David , Ilardi Dawn , O’Neil Sharon , Miller Thomas A. , Detterich Jon , Hill Kevin D. , Atz Andrew M. , Richmond Marc , Cnota James , T.Mahle William , Ghanayem Nancy , Gaynor William , Goldberg Caren S. , Newburger Jane W. , Panigrahy Ashok ,   the Pediatric Heart Network SVRIII Brain Connectome Study Investigators
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTPatients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who have been palliated with the Fontan procedure are at risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, lower quality of life, and reduced employability. We describe the methods (including quality assurance and quality control protocols) and challenges of a multi-center observational ancillary study, SVRIII (Single Ventricle Reconstruction Trial) Brain Connectome. Our original goal was to obtain advanced neuroimaging (Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Resting-BOLD) in 140 SVR III participants and 100 healthy controls for brain connectome analyses. Linear regression and mediation statistical methods will be used to analyze associations of brain connectome measures with neurocognitive measures and clinical risk factors. Initial recruitment challenges occurred related to difficulties with: 1) coordinating brain MRI for participants already undergoing extensive testing in the parent study, and 2) recruiting healthy control subjects. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected enrollment late in the study. Enrollment challenges were addressed by 1) adding additional study sites, 2) increasing the frequency of meetings with site coordinators and 3) developing additional healthy control recruitment strategies, including using research registries and advertising the study to community-based groups. Technical challenges that emerged early in the study were related to the acquisition, harmonization, and transfer of neuroimages. These hurdles were successfully overcome with protocol modifications and frequent site visits that involved human and synthetic phantoms.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.govRegistration Number:NCT02692443
Multimodal analysis of methylomics and fragmentomics in plasma cell-free DNA for multi-cancer early detection and localization
Authors: Nguyen Van Thien Chi , Nguyen Trong Hieu , Doan Nhu Nhat Tan , Pham Thi Mong Quynh , Nguyen Giang Thi Huong , Nguyen Thanh Dat , Tran Thuy Thi Thu , Vo Duy Long , Phan Thanh Hai , Jasmine Thanh Xuan , Nguyen Van Chu , Nguyen Huu Thinh , Nguyen Trieu Vu , Nguyen Thi Hue Hanh , Huynh Le Anh Khoa , Tran Trung Hieu , Dang Quang Thong , Doan Thuy Nguyen , Tran Anh Minh , Nguyen Viet Hai , Nguyen Vu Tuan Anh , Ho Le Minh Quoc , Tran Quang Dat , Pham Thi Thu Thuy , Ho Tan Dat , Nguyen Bao Toan , Nguyen Thanh Nhan Vo , Nguyen Thanh Dang , Phu Dung Thai Bieu , Phan Boi Hoan Huu , Vo Thi Loan , Nai Thi Huong Thoang , Tran Thuy Trang , Truong My Hoang , Tran Ngan Chau , Le Trung Kien , Tran Thanh Huong Thi , Duong Minh Long , Bach Hoai Phuong Thi , Kim Van Vu , Pham The Anh , Tran Duc Huy , Le Trinh Ngoc An , Pham Truong Vinh Ngoc , Le Minh Triet , Vo Dac Ho , Tran Thi Minh Thu , Nguyen Minh Nguyen , Van Thi Tuong Vi , Nguyen Anh Nhu , Tran Thi Trang , Tran Vu Uyen , Le Minh Phong , Do Thi Thanh , Phan Thi Van , Nguyen Luu Hong Dang , Nguyen Duy Sinh , Cao Van Thinh , Do Thanh Thuy Thi , Truong Dinh Kiet , Tang Hung Sang , Giang Hoa , Nguyen Hoai Nghia , Phan Minh Duy , Tran Le Son 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDespite their promise, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based assays for multi-cancer early detection face challenges in test performance, due mostly to the limited abundance of ctDNA and its inherent variability. To address these challenges, published assays to date demanded a very high-depth sequencing, resulting in an elevated price of test. Herein, we developed a multimodal assay called SPOT-MAS (Screening for the Presence Of Tumor by Methylation And Size) to simultaneously profile methylomics, fragmentomics, copy number, and end motifs in a single workflow using targeted and shallow genome-wide sequencing (∼0.55X) of cell-free DNA. We applied SPOT-MAS to 738 nonmetastatic patients with breast, colorectal, gastric, lung and liver cancer, and 1,550 healthy controls. We then employed machine learning to extract multiple cancer and tissue-specific signatures for detecting and locating cancer. SPOT-MAS successfully detected the five cancer types with a sensitivity of 72.4% at 97.0% specificity. The sensitivities for detecting early-stage cancers were 62.3% and 73.9% for stage I and II, respectively, increasing to 88.3% for nonmetastatic stage IIIA. For tumor-of-origin, our assay achieved an accuracy of 0.7. Our study demonstrates comparable performance to other ctDNA-based assays while requiring significantly lower sequencing depth, making it economically feasible for population-wide screening.
A country-wide health policy in Chile for deaf adults using cochlear implants: analysis of health determinants and social impacts
Authors: Bustos-Rubilar Mario , Kyle Fiona , Luna Eliazar , Allel Kasim , Hormazabal Ximena , Tapia-Mora Daniel , Mahon Merle 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundPost-lingual deafness represents a critical challenge for adults’ well-being with substantial public health burdens. One treatment of choice has been cochlear implants (CI) for people with severe to profound hearing loss (HL). Since 2018, Chile has implemented a high-cost policy to cover CI treatment, the “Ley Ricarte Soto” (LRS) health policy. However, wide variability exists in the use of this device. To date, no study has been published on policy evaluation in Chile or other Latin American countries.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of the LRS policy on the treatment success and labour market inclusion among deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) adults using CI. We examined and characterised outcomes based on self-reports about treatment success and occupation status between 2018 and 2020.DesignWe performed a prospective study using hospital clinical records and an online questionnaire with 76 DHH adults aged >15 who had received CIs since the introduction of the LRS policy in 2018. Using univariate and multivariate regression models, we investigated the relationship between demographic, audiological, and social determinants of health and outcomes, including treatment success for social inclusion (International Outcome inventory for Hearing Aids and CIs assessment: IOI-HA) for social inclusion and occupation status for labour market inclusion.ResultsOur study showed elevated levels of treatment success in most of the seven sub-scores of the IOI-HA assessment. Similarly, around 70% of participants maintained or improved their occupations after receiving their CI. We found a significant positive association between treatment success and market inclusion. Participants diagnosed at younger ages had better results than older participants in both outcomes (P=0.078 and P= 0.011, respectively). Regarding social determinants of health, finding suggested participants with high social health insurance and a shorter commute time to the clinic (p=0.070 and p=0.086, respectively) had better results in treatment success. For labour market inclusion, participants with high education levels and better pre-CI occupation (p=0.069 and p=0.021, respectively) had better post-CI occupation status, and findings suggested an impact of high education levels.ConclusionsIn evaluating the LRS policy for providing CIs for DHH adults in Chile, we found positive effects relating to treatment success and occupation status. Our study supports the importance of age at diagnosis and social determinants of health, which should be assessed by integrating public services and bringing them near each beneficiary. Although evidence-based guidelines for candidate selection given by the LRS policy might contribute to good results, these parameters could limit the policy access to people who do not meet the requirements of the guidelines due to social inequalities.
Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and risk of preterm birth: a collaboration using large routine health datasets
Authors: Cornish RP , Magnus MC , Urhoj SK , Santorelli G , Smithers LG , Odd D , Fraser A , Håberg SE , Nybo Andersen A-M , Birnie K , Lynch JW , Tilling K , Lawlor DA 
Published: April 2023

AbstractImportancePreterm birth (PTB), is a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality. Objective: To examine the associations of maternal pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI) with any PTB, spontaneous (SPTB) and medically indicated PTB (MPTB).DesignA meta-analysis of eight population-based datasets.SettingThree UK datasets, two USA datasets, and one each from South Australia, Norway and Denmark, with different characteristics and sources of bias.ParticipantsAll pregnancies resulting in a live birth or stillbirth after 24 completed gestational weeks.ExposureMaternal pre-or early pregnancy BMI derived from self-reported or measured weight and height between 12 months pre-pregnancy and 15 weeks gestation.Main Outcome(s) and Measures(s)Any PTB (delivery <37 completed weeks), SPTB and medically indicated PTB. Fractional polynomial multivariable logistic regression was applied to eight datasets from different high-income countries and time periods. The results were combined using a random effects meta-analysis.ResultsWe found non-linear associations between pre-pregnant BMI and all three outcomes, across all datasets. The adjusted risk of any PTB and MPTB was elevated at both low and high BMIs, whereas the risk of SPTB was increased at lower levels of BMI but remained low or increased only slightly with higher BMI. In the meta-analysed data, the lowest risk of any PTB was at a BMI of 24.5 kg/m2(95% confidence interval: 23.1, 30.3), with a value of 21.3 kg/m2(20.8, 21.9) for MPTB; for SPTB, the risk remained roughly constant above a BMI of around 25-30 kg/m2.Conclusions and RelevanceConsistency of findings across different populations, despite differences between them in the time period covered, BMI distribution, missing data and control for key confounders, highlight the importance of promoting pre-conception BMI between 21 to 30 kg/m2 to prevent MPTB and SPTB
Reliability and Validity of self-reported Vascular Risk Factors in a Multi-Ethnic Community Based Study of Aging and Dementia
Authors: Lee Annie J. , Sanchez Didi , Reyes-Dumeyer Dolly , Brickman Adam M. , Lantigua Rafael A. , Vardarajan Badri N. , Mayeux Richard 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONThe reliability and validity of self-reported cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factors remains inconsistent in aging research.METHODSWe assessed the reliability, validity, sensitivity, specificity, and percent agreement of self-reported hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, in comparison with direct measures of blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and medication use in 1870 participants in a multiethic study of aging and dementia.RESULTSReliability of self-reported for hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease was excellent. Agreement between self-reports and clinical measures was moderate for hypertension (kappa: 0.58), good for diabetes (kappa: 0.76-0.79), and moderate for heart disease (kappa: 0.45) differing slightly by age, sex, education, and race/ethnic group. Sensitivity and specificity for hypertension was 88.6%-78.1%, for diabetes was 87.7%-92.0% (HbA1c>6.5%) or 92.7%-92.8% (HbA1c>7%), and for heart disease was 85.8%-75.5%.DISCUSSIONSelf-reported history of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are reliable and valid compared to direct measurements or medication use.
Understanding transmission risk and predicting environmental suitability for Mayaro Virus in the Americas
Authors: Celone Michael , Beeman Sean , Han Barbara A. , Potter Alexander M. , Pecor David B. , Okech Bernard , Pollett Simon 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundMayaro virus (MAYV) is a mosquito-borneAlphavirusthat is widespread in South America. MAYV infection often presents with non-specific febrile symptoms but may progress to debilitating chronic arthritis or arthralgia. Despite the pandemic threat of MAYV, its true distribution remains unknown. The objective of this study was to clarify the geographic distribution of MAYV using an established risk mapping framework. This consisted of generating evidence consensus scores for MAYV presence, modeling the potential distribution of MAYV across the Americas, and estimating at-risk population residing in areas suitable for MAYV transmission.MethodsWe compiled a georeferenced compendium of MAYV occurrence in humans, animals, and arthropods. Based on an established evidence consensus framework, we integrated multiple information sources to assess the total evidence supporting ongoing transmission of MAYV within each country in our study region. We then developed high resolution maps of the disease’s estimated distribution using a boosted regression tree approach. Models were developed using ten climatic and environmental covariates that are related to the MAYV transmission cycle. Using the output of our boosted regression tree models, we estimated the total population living in regions suitable for MAYV transmission.FindingsThe evidence consensus scores revealed high or very high evidence of MAYV transmission in Brazil (especially the states of Mato Grosso and Goiás), Venezuela, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Bolivia, and French Guiana. According to the boosted regression tree models, a substantial region of South America is suitable for MAYV transmission, including north and central Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname. Some regions (e.g., Guyana) with low or moderate evidence of transmission were identified as highly suitable for MAYV. We estimate that approximately 77 million people in the Americas live in areas that may be suitable for MAYV transmission, including 43·4 million people in Brazil. Our results can assist public health authorities in prioritizing high-risk areas for vector control, human disease surveillance and ecological studies.FundingThis work was financially supported by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division—Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (AFHSD-GEIS) under awards P0065_22_WR and P0050_23_WR. The activities undertaken at WRBU were performed in part under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and the Smithsonian Institution, with institutional support provided by both organizations.
Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Reduce Phantom Limb Pain in People with a Transtibial Amputation
Authors: Dalrymple Ashley N , Fisher Lee E , Weber Douglas J 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivePhantom limb pain (PLP) is debilitating and affects over 70% of people with lower-limb amputation. Other neuropathic pain conditions correspond with increased spinal excitability, which can be measured using reflexes and F-waves. Spinal cord neuromodulation can be used to reduce neuropathic pain in a variety of conditions and may affect spinal excitability, but has not been extensively used for treating phantom limb pain. Here, we propose using a non-invasive neuromodulation method, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), to reduce PLP and modulate spinal excitability after transtibial amputation.ApproachWe recruited three participants, two males (5- and 9-years post-amputation, traumatic and alcohol-induced neuropathy) and one female (3 months post-amputation, diabetic neuropathy) for this 5-day study. We measured pain using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, visual analog scale, and pain pressure threshold test. We measured spinal reflex and motoneuron excitability using posterior root-muscle (PRM) reflexes and F-waves, respectively. We delivered tSCS for 30 minutes/day for 5 days.Main ResultsAfter 5 days of tSCS, pain scores decreased by clinically-meaningful amounts for all participants from 34.0±7.0 to 18.3±6.8. Two participants had increased pain pressure thresholds across the residual limb (Day 1: 5.4±1.6 lbf; Day 5: 11.4±1.0 lbf). F-waves had normal latencies but small amplitudes. PRM reflexes had high thresholds (59.5±6.1 µC) and low amplitudes, suggesting that in PLP, the spinal cord is hypoexcitable. After 5 days of tSCS, reflex thresholds decreased significantly (38.6±12.2 µC; p<0.001).SignificanceOverall, limb amputation and PLP may be associated with reduced spinal excitability and tSCS can increase spinal excitability and reduce PLP.