bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual and drug use risk behaviour trajectories among people treated for recent HCV infection: the REACT study
Authors: Carson Joanne M. , Barbieri Sebastiano , Cunningham Evan , Mao Eric , van der Valk Marc , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Hellard Margaret , Kim Arthur , Bhagani Sanjay , Feld Jordan J. , Gane Ed , Thurnheer Maria C. , Bruneau Julie , Tu Elise , Dore Gregory J. , Matthews Gail V. , Martinello Marianne ,   the REACT study group
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionExploration of sexual and drug use behaviours following treatment for recent hepatitis C virus (HCV) is limited. This analysis modelled behavioural trajectories following treatment for recent HCV and assessed reinfection.MethodsParticipants treated for recent HCV in an international trial (enrolled 2017–2019) were followed at 3‐monthly intervals for up to 2 years to assess longitudinal behaviours. Population‐averaged changes were assessed using generalized estimating equations. Distinct behavioural trajectories were identified using group‐based trajectory modelling. HCV reinfection incidence was calculated using person‐years (PY) of observation.ResultsDuring the follow‐up of 212 participants (84% gay and bisexual men [GBM]; 69% HIV; 26% current injecting drug use [IDU]), behavioural trajectories for IDU and stimulant use (past month) did not change. However, population‐averaged decreases in the likelihood of daily IDU (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.83; 95% CI 0.72, 0.95) and opioid use (AOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75, 0.93) were observed. Among GBM, behavioural trajectories for chemsex did not change. Population‐averaged decreases in condomless anal intercourse with casual male partners (CAI‐CMP) (AOR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90, 0.99) and group‐sex (AOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.80, 0.93) were observed, but masked distinct trajectories. While a proportion had a decreased probability of CAI‐CMP (23%) and group‐sex (59%) post‐treatment, a substantial proportion retained a high probability of these behaviours. High HCV reinfection incidence was observed for the sustained high probability IDU (33.0/100 PY; 95% CI 17.7, 61.3) and chemsex (23.3/100 PY; 95% CI 14.5, 37.5) trajectories.ConclusionsLimited sexual and drug use behavioural change was observed following treatment for recent HCV, supporting access to surveillance and (re)treatment.
Quantitative Analysis of Whole‐Body MRI for Accessing the Degree of Diffuse Infiltration Patterns and Identifying High Risk Cases of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Sun Mengtian , Wang Linlin , Wang Chong , Ma Jie , Wang Weimin , Lin Liangjie , Ren Cuiping , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingliang 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundAccurate identification of high‐risk multiple myeloma (HRMM) is important for prognostication. The degree of diffuse infiltration patterns on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with patient prognosis in multiple myeloma. However, objective indexes to determine the degree of diffuse infiltration patterns are unavailable.PurposeTo investigate whether qualitative and quantitative evaluations of diffuse infiltration patterns on MRI could identify HRMM.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsTotally, 180 patients (79 HRMM and 101 standard‐risk MM) were assessed. The presence of del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), gain 1q, and/or p53 mutations was considered to indicate HRMM.Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T/diffusion‐weighted whole‐body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS), modified Dixon chemical‐shift imaging Quant (mDIXON Quant), and short TI inversion recovery (STIR).AssessmentQualitative analysis involved assessing the degree of diffuse marrow infiltration (mild, moderate, or severe), and quantitative analysis involved evaluating apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fat fraction (FF), and T2* values. Clinical data such as sex, age, hemoglobin, serum albumin, serum calcium, serum creatinine, serum lactate dehydrogenase, β2‐microglobulin, and bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) were also included.Statistical TestsUnivariate and multivariate analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe high‐risk group had significantly higher ADC and T2* and lower FF compared with the standard‐risk group. Multivariate analysis indicated BMPCs as a significant independent risk factor for HRMM (odds ratio (OR) = 1.019, 95% CI 1.004–1.033), while FF was a significant independent protective factor associated with HRMM (OR = 0.972, 95% CI 0.946–0.999). The combination of BMPCs and FF achieved the highest areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.732, with sensitivity and specificity of 70.9% and 68.3%, respectively.Data ConclusionCompared with qualitative analysis, FF value was independently associated with HRMM. The quantitative features of diffuse marrow infiltration on MRI scans are more effective in detecting HRMM.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Noninvasive Assessment of Diabetic Kidney Disease With MRI: Hype or Hope?
Authors: Zhao Kaixuan , Seeliger Erdmann , Niendorf Thoralf , Liu Zaiyi 
Published: September 2023

Owing to the increasing prevalence of diabetic mellitus, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is presently the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease worldwide. Early identification and disease interception is of paramount clinical importance for DKD management. However, current diagnostic, disease monitoring and prognostic tools are not satisfactory, due to their low sensitivity, low specificity, or invasiveness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is noninvasive and offers a host of contrast mechanisms that are sensitive to pathophysiological changes and risk factors associated with DKD. MRI tissue characterization involves structural and functional information including renal morphology (kidney volume (TKV) and parenchyma thickness using T1‐ or T2‐weighted MRI), renal microstructure (diffusion weighted imaging, DWI), renal tissue oxygenation (blood oxygenation level dependent MRI, BOLD), renal hemodynamics (arterial spin labeling and phase contrast MRI), fibrosis (DWI) and abdominal or perirenal fat fraction (Dixon MRI). Recent (pre)clinical studies demonstrated the feasibility and potential value of DKD evaluation with MRI. Recognizing this opportunity, this review outlines key concepts and current trends in renal MRI technology for furthering our understanding of the mechanisms underlying DKD and for supplementing clinical decision‐making in DKD. Progress in preclinical MRI of DKD is surveyed, and challenges for clinical translation of renal MRI are discussed. Future directions of DKD assessment and renal tissue characterization with (multi)parametric MRI are explored. Opportunities for discovery and clinical break‐through are discussed including biological validation of the MRI findings, large‐scale population studies, standardization of DKD protocols, the synergistic connection with data science to advance comprehensive texture analysis, and the development of smart and automatic data analysis and data visualization tools to further the concepts of virtual biopsy and personalized DKD precision medicine. We hope that this review will convey this vision and inspire the reader to become pioneers in noninvasive assessment and management of DKD with MRI.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 2
A comparison of bolus track and test bolus computed tomography pulmonary angiography and the implications on pulmonary and aortic vessel enhancement, effective dose and suboptimal scan rate
Authors: Murphy Aoife , White Helen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionBolus track and test bolus are the most commonly used contrast timing protocols to undertake computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). The aim of this study was to compare test bolus and bolus track contrast enhancement protocols in terms of enhancement of the pulmonary vessels and aorta, radiation dose and suboptimal scan rate to determine the optimal technique for CTPA.MethodsA total of 200 CTPA examinations (100 using each protocol) performed between January and February 2021 were assessed retrospectively. All scans were performed on a 2x128 Dual Source Siemens Drive Scanner. CT attenuation was measured in Hounsfield Units (HU), with measurements taken from the main pulmonary trunk, right pulmonary artery and left pulmonary artery, ascending and descending aorta. The mean effective dose was calculated from the dose‐length product (DLP). The suboptimal scan rate was calculated as the percentage of examinations below 210HU.ResultsThe average HU of the pulmonary arteries was 358 HU ± SD 129.2 in the test bolus group and increased to 394 HU ± SD 133.9 in the bolus track group with a P value of ≤0.05. The average HU of the aorta was 235 HU ± SD 82.8 in the test bolus group and increased to 319 HU ± SD 91.8 in the bolus track group with a P value of <0.001. Although not statistically significant, the mean effective dose was reduced by 4.2% for the bolus track protocol (2.4 mSv vs. 2.5 mSv, P > 0.05). Fewer suboptimal scans were performed with the bolus track protocol (5 scans <210HU Bolus Track vs. 9 scans <210HU Test Bolus).ConclusionThe bolus track protocol results in increased enhancement of the pulmonary arteries and aorta, with the added benefits of a lower suboptimal scan rate and lower effective dose.
Ethno‐demographic disparities in humoral responses to the COVID‐19 vaccine among healthcare workers
Authors: Ahluwalia Pankaj , Vashisht Ashutosh , Singh Harmanpreet , Sahajpal Nikhil Shri , Mondal Ashis K. , Jones Kimya , Farmaha Jaspreet , Bloomquist Ryan , Carlock Caroline Marie , Fransoso Drew , Sun Christina , Day Tyler , Prah Comfort , Vuong Trinh , Ray Patty , Bradshaw Danielle , Galvis Marisol Miranda , Fulzele Sadanand , Raval Girindra , Moore Justin Xavier , Cortes Jorge , James Jeffrey N. , Kota Vamsi , Kolhe Ravindra 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic had a profound impact on global health, but rapid vaccine administration resulted in a significant decline in morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. In this study, we sought to explore the temporal changes in the humoral immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2 healthcare workers (HCWs) in Augusta, GA, USA, and investigate any potential associations with ethno‐demographic features. Specifically, we aimed to compare the naturally infected individuals with naïve individuals to understand the immune response dynamics after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. A total of 290 HCWs were included and assessed prospectively in this study. COVID status was determined using a saliva‐based COVID assay. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) levels were quantified using a chemiluminescent immunoassay system, and IgG levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. We examined the changes in antibody levels among participants using different statistical tests including logistic regression and multiple correspondence analysis. Our findings revealed a significant decline in NAb and IgG levels at 8−12 months postvaccination. Furthermore, a multivariable analysis indicated that this decline was more pronounced in White HCWs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07−4.08, p = 0.02) and IgG (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.04−4.11, p = 0.03) among the whole cohort. Booster doses significantly increased IgG and NAb levels, while a decline in antibody levels was observed in participants without booster doses at 12 months postvaccination. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the dynamics of immune response and the potential influence of demographic factors on waning immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2. In addition, our findings emphasize the value of booster doses to ensure durable immunity.
Exploring the mechanisms of long COVID: Insights from computational analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 gene expression and symptom associations
Authors: Das Sanisha , Kumar Suresh 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLong coronavirus disease (COVID) has emerged as a global health issue, affecting a substantial number of people worldwide. However, the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the persistence of symptoms in long COVID remain obscure, impeding the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In this study, we utilized computational methods to examine the gene expression profiles of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and their associations with the wide range of symptoms observed in long COVID patients. Using a comprehensive data set comprising over 255 symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, we identified differentially expressed genes and investigated their functional similarity, leading to the identification of key genes with the potential to serve as biomarkers for long COVID. We identified the participation of hub genes associated with G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are essential regulators of T‐cell immunity and viral infection responses. Among the identified common genes were CTLA4, PTPN22, KIT, KRAS, NF1, RET, and CTNNB1, which play a crucial role in modulating T‐cell immunity via GPCR and contribute to a variety of symptoms, including autoimmunity, cardiovascular disorders, dermatological manifestations, gastrointestinal complications, pulmonary impairments, reproductive and genitourinary dysfunctions, and endocrine abnormalities. GPCRs and associated genes are pivotal in immune regulation and cellular functions, and their dysregulation may contribute to the persistent immune responses, chronic inflammation, and tissue abnormalities observed in long COVID. Targeting GPCRs and their associated pathways could offer promising therapeutic strategies to manage symptoms and improve outcomes for those experiencing long COVID. However, the complex mechanisms underlying the condition require continued study to develop effective treatments. Our study has significant implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying long COVID and for identifying potential therapeutic targets. In addition, we have developed a comprehensive website (https://longcovid.omicstutorials.com/) that provides a curated list of biomarker‐identified genes and treatment recommendations for each specific disease, thereby facilitating informed clinical decision‐making and improved patient management. Our study contributes to the understanding of this debilitating disease, paving the way for improved diagnostic precision, and individualized therapeutic interventions.
Reprocessable Vanillin‐Based Schiff Base Vitrimers: Tuning Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties by Network Design
Authors: Klein Florian C. , Vogt Malte , Abetz Volker 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBio‐based polymer building blocks derived from abundant biomass represent a promising class of monomers for the synthesis of sustainable high‐performance polymers. Lignin‐derived vanillin is used as a bio‐based, aromatic molecular platform for chemical modifications. The use of vanillin aldehyde derivatives as monomers with different alkyl chain length, cured with bio‐based and less‐toxic di‐ and triamines, leads to covalent adaptable Schiff base networks and thus enables sustainable and thermally reprocessable high‐performance materials without using highly toxic amines. A process is presented to prepare homogeneous films of crosslinked materials that are thermally reprocessable while maintaining their mechanical performance. The network structures, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the obtained polymeric sheets are characterized in detail. By systematically adjusting the composition of the network building blocks, the mechanical properties could be varied from tough materials with a high elastic modulus of 1.6 GPa to materials with high flexibility and elastomeric behavior with an elongation at break of 400%. Furthermore, the stress–relaxation behavior of stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric Schiff base vitrimers is investigated. The combination of bio‐based building blocks and the degradability of Schiff base networks under acidic conditions resulted in sustainable, environmentally friendly, chemically and thermomechanically recyclable vitrimers with self‐healing and shape‐memory properties.
Purine and purinergic receptors in health and disease
Authors: Ai Yanling , Wang Hengyi , Liu Lu , Qi Yulin , Tang Shiyun , Tang Jianyuan , Chen Nianzhi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurines and purinergic receptors are widely distributed throughout the human body. Purine molecules within cells play crucial roles in regulating energy metabolism and other cellular processes, while extracellular purines transmit signals through specific purinergic receptors. The ubiquitous purinergic signaling maintains normal neural excitability, digestion and absorption, respiratory movement, and other complex physiological activities, and participates in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and death. Pathological dysregulation of purinergic signaling can result in the development of various diseases, including neurodegeneration, inflammatory reactions, and malignant tumors. The dysregulation or dysfunction of purines and purinergic receptors has been demonstrated to be closely associated with tumor progression. Compared with other subtypes of purinergic receptors, the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) exhibits distinct characteristics (i.e., a low affinity for ATP, dual functionality upon activation, the mediation of ion channels, and nonselective pores formation) and is considered a promising target for antitumor therapy, particularly in patients with poor response to immunotherapy This review summarizes the physiological and pathological significance of purinergic signaling and purinergic receptors, analyzes their complex relationship with tumors, and proposes potential antitumor immunotherapy strategies from tumor P2X7R inhibition, tumor P2X7R overactivation, and host P2X7R activation. This review provides a reference for clinical immunotherapy and mechanism investigation.
Prediagnostic Blood Metal Levels and the Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Large European Prospective Cohort
Authors: Zhao Yujia , Ray Anushree , Broberg Karin , Kippler Maria , Lill Christina M. , Vineis Paolo , Katzke Verena A. , Rodriguez‐Barranco Miguel , Chirlaque María‐Dolores , Guevara Marcela , Gómez Jesús‐Humberto , Hansen Johnni , Panico Salvatore , Middleton Lefkos T. , Masala Giovanna , Pala Valeria , Vinagre‐Aragon Ana , Zibetti Maurizio , Vermeulen Roel , Peters Susan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundMetals have been postulated as environmental concerns in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), but metal levels are typically measured after diagnosis, which might be subject to reverse causality.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between prediagnostic blood metal levels and PD risk.MethodsA case‐control study was nested in a prospective European cohort, using erythrocyte samples collected before PD diagnosis.ResultsMost assessed metals were not associated with PD risk. Cadmium has a suggestive negative association with PD (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for the highest quartile, 0.70 [0.42–1.17]), which diminished among never smokers. Among current smokers only, lead was associated with decreased PD risk (0.06 [0.01–0.35]), whereas arsenic showed associations toward an increased PD risk (1.85 [0.45–7.93]).ConclusionsWe observe no strong evidence to support a role of metals in the development of PD. In particular, smoking may confound the association with tobacco‐derived metals. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A spot‐specific range uncertainty framework for robust optimization of proton therapy treatments
Authors: Cohilis Marie , Souris Kevin , Buti Gregory , Chang Chih‐Wei , Lin Liyong , Lee John A. , Sterpin Edmond 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeAn accurate estimation of range uncertainties is essential to exploit the potential of proton therapy. According to Paganetti's study, a value of 2.4% (1.5 standard deviation) is currently recommended for planning robust treatments with Monte Carlo dose engines. This number is based on a dominant contribution from the mean excitation energy of tissues. However, it was recently shown that expressing tissues as a mixture of water and “dry” material in the CT calibration process allowed for a significant reduction of this uncertainty. We thus propose an adapted framework for pencil beam scanning robust optimization. First, we move towards a spot‐specific range uncertainty (SSRU) determination. Second, we use the water‐based formalism to reduce range uncertainties and, potentially, to spare better the organs at risk.MethodsThe stoichiometric calibration was adapted to provide a molecular decomposition (including water) of each voxel of the CT. The SSRU calculation was implemented in MCsquare, a fast Monte Carlo dose engine dedicated to proton therapy. For each spot, a ray‐tracing method was used to propagate molecular I‐values uncertainties and obtain the corresponding effective range uncertainty. These were then combined with other sources of range uncertainties, according to Paganetti's study of 2012. The method was then assessed on three head‐and‐neck patients. Two plans were optimized for each patient: the first one with the classical 2.4% flat range uncertainty (FRU), the second one with the variable range uncertainty. Both plans were then compared in terms of target coverage and OAR mean dose reduction. Robustness evaluations were also performed, using the SSRU for both plans in order to simulate errors as realistically as possible.ResultsFor patient 1, it was found that the median SSRU was 1.04% (1.5 standard deviation), yielding, therefore, a very large reduction from the 2.4% FRU. All three SSRU plans were found to have a very good robustness level at a 90% confidence interval while sparing OAR better than the classical plan. For instance, in nominal cases, average reductions in the mean dose of 15.7, 8.4, and 13.2% were observed in the left parotid, right parotid, and pharyngeal constrictor muscle, respectively. As expected, the classical plans showed a higher but unnecessary level of robustness.ConclusionsPromising results of the SSRU framework were observed on three head‐and‐neck cases, and more patients should now be considered. The method could also benefit to other tumor sites and, in the long run, the variable part of the range uncertainty could be generalized to other sources of uncertainty in order to move towards more and more patient‐specific treatments.
A demand‐responsive feeder service with a maximum headway at mandatory stops
Authors: Galarza Montenegro Bryan David , Sörensen Kenneth , Vansteenwegen Pieter 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPublic transportation out of suburban or rural areas is crucial. Feeder transportation services offer a solution by transporting passengers to areas where more options for public transport are available. On one hand, fully flexible demand‐responsive feeder services (DRFSs) efficiently tailor their service to the needs of the passengers. On the other hand, traditional feeder services provide predictability and easier cost control. In this article, a semi‐flexible DRFS is considered, which combines positive characteristics of both traditional services as well as fully flexible services. This feeder service has two types of bus stops: mandatory bus stops and optional bus stops. Mandatory bus stops are guaranteed to be visited by a bus within a certain time interval. Optional stops are only visited when there is demand for transportation nearby. The performance of this feeder service is optimized with the use of a new type of metaheuristic framework, which we denote as parameter space search. Experimental results on small benchmark instances indicate that the heuristic performs on average 12.42% better than LocalSolver, a commercial optimization solver, with an average runtime of 2.1 s. Larger instances can also be solved, typically within 2 min.