bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T-Cell Immunity Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Measured by an Interferon-γ Release Assay Is Strongly Associated With Patient Outcomes in Vaccinated Persons Hospitalized With Delta or Omicron Variants
Authors: Fernández-González Marta , Agulló Vanesa , García José Alberto , Padilla Sergio , García-Abellán Javier , de la Rica Alba , Mascarell Paula , Masiá Mar , Gutiérrez Félix 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
We measured T-cell and antibody responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vaccinated patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and explored their potential value to predict outcomes.

Methods
This was a prospective, longitudinal study including vaccinated patients hospitalized with Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. TrimericS-IgG antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response were measured using a specific quantitative interferon-γ release assay (IGRA). Primary outcome was all-cause 28-day mortality or need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Cox models were used to assess associations with outcomes.

Results
Of 181 individuals, 158 (87.3%) had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 92 (50.8%) showed SARS-CoV-2–specific T-cell responses, and 87 (48.1%) had both responses. Patients who died within 28 days or were admitted to ICU were less likely to have both unspecific and specific T-cell responses in IGRA. In adjusted analyses (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]), for the entire cohort, having both T-cell and antibody responses at admission (0.16 [.05–.58]) and Omicron variant (0.38 [.17–.87]) reduced the hazard of 28-day mortality or ICU admission, whereas higher Charlson comorbidity index score (1.27 [1.07–1.51]) and lower oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (2.36 [1.51–3.67]) increased the risk.

Conclusions
Preexisting immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is strongly associated with patient outcomes in vaccinated individuals requiring hospital admission for COVID-19. Persons showing both T-cell and antibody responses have the lowest risk of severe outcomes.
Effect of China’s long-term care insurance on health outcomes of older disabled people: role of institutional care
Authors: Zhou Jin-Qiu , Zhu Bin , Yan Yu-Hua , Hou Li-Sha , Wu Jin-Hui , Dong Bi-Rong , Dou Qing-Yu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Since the public long-term care insurance (LTCI) system was piloted in Chengdu, China, in October 2017, there has been considerable growth of LTC institutions in China. This study aimed to evaluate the health value effect of LTCI in older patients with severe disabilities in an LTC institution. This prospective study was based on data from 985 severe disability patients with or without LTCI from October 2017 to May 2021 in the Eighth People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China. The Cox proportional hazard model estimated LTCI’s health value, including survival probability and risk of pneumonia/pressure ulcers. Subgroup analysis was performed for sex, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and the number of drugs. In the analysis, 519 and 466 patients in LTCI and non-LTCI groups were included, respectively. In adjusted Cox analyses, the LTCI group had a significantly elevated survival rate compared with the non-LTCI groups at 12 months (P &lt; .001, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.758, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.300–2.376). At 40 months, the adjusted survival rate was 62.6% in the LTCI group, which was significantly higher (53.7%; P = .003, HR = 1.438, 95% CI 1.131–1.831). The subgroups of patients aged 60 to 79 years (interaction P = .007) and with CCI ≥ 3 (interaction P = .026) were more significantly associated with survival improvement than those aged &gt;80 years and with CCI&lt; 3. The LTCI group was also at lower risk for hospital-acquired pneumonia (P = .016, HR 0.622, 95% CI 0.422–0.917) and pressure ulcers (P = .008, HR 0.695, 95% CI 0.376–0.862). The improved survival of LTCI remained stable in sensitivity analyses. For older patients with severe disabilities, in a LTC institution, LTCI significantly improved their health profile and longevity after a year, suggesting the large role and development potentiality of institution care in the LTCI system of China.
Viral etiology of acute respiratory tract infection among children under 5 years of age in Kunming City, China: a matched case–case–control study
Authors: Li Ming , Li Cuilian , Jian Xiaoli , Han Dingrui , Zhao Jinglin , Jiang Li 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Aims
Nucleic acid-based molecular techniques in current laboratory practice allow the identification of a broad range of respiratory viruses. However, due to asymptomatic carriage, the detection of viruses in the respiratory tract does not necessarily indicate disease. The study aimed to investigate infections of different viruses that colonize the airways, the viral combinations in coinfection, and the viral association with the occurrence of either upper respiratory tract infection (AURTI) or lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in children.

Methods and results
A matched case–case–control study included ALRTI cases, AURTI cases, and healthy controls was conducted at Kunming Children’s Hospital. Oropharyngeal swabs from the three groups were collected for eight viral pathogens detection by multiplex RT-PCR. The association of each pathogen with disease status was determined by comparing the results between cases and controls. From 1 March 2021 through 28 February 2022, 278 participants in each group were investigated. Viral infection was detected in 54.0%, 37.1%, and 12.2% of the ALRTI cases, AURTI cases, and healthy controls, respectively. Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), and parainfluenza virus-3 (PIV-3) were the most frequently documented viruses. RSV/ADV was the most frequent combination detected in coinfection. When compared to healthy controls, RSV and PIV-3 were independently associated with both ALRTI and AURTI.

Conclusions
RSV and PIV-3 were causes of both ALRTI and AURTI cases. These results provide initial evidence of the potential of microbiota-based diagnostics for the differential diagnosis of severe acute respiratory infections using oropharyngeal swab samples.
A lifecycle framework illustrates eight stages necessary for realizing the benefits of patient-centered clinical decision support
Authors: Sittig Dean F , Boxwala Aziz , Wright Adam , Zott Courtney , Desai Priyanka , Dhopeshwarkar Rina , Swiger James , Lomotan Edwin A , Dobes Angela , Dullabh Prashila 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe design, development, implementation, use, and evaluation of high-quality, patient-centered clinical decision support (PC CDS) is necessary if we are to achieve the quintuple aim in healthcare. We developed a PC CDS lifecycle framework to promote a common understanding and language for communication among researchers, patients, clinicians, and policymakers. The framework puts the patient, and/or their caregiver at the center and illustrates how they are involved in all the following stages: Computable Clinical Knowledge, Patient-specific Inference, Information Delivery, Clinical Decision, Patient Behaviors, Health Outcomes, Aggregate Data, and patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) Evidence. Using this idealized framework reminds key stakeholders that developing, deploying, and evaluating PC-CDS is a complex, sociotechnical challenge that requires consideration of all 8 stages. In addition, we need to ensure that patients, their caregivers, and the clinicians caring for them are explicitly involved at each stage to help us achieve the quintuple aim.
Categories of resistance in cotton genotypes,Gossypiumspp. against cotton-melon aphid,Aphis gossypii(Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Uthirapathy Pirithiraj , Marimuthu Murugan , Venkatasamy Balasubramani , Kannan Senguttuvan , Boopathi N Manikanda , Selladurai Hari Ramakrishnan , Nallathambi Premalatha 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCotton-melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is emerging as a potential threat to cotton cultivation worldwide. The resistance categories in Gossypium arboreum to A. gossypii still need to be explored. We screened 87 G. arboreum and 20 Gossypium hirsutum genotypes against aphids under natural field conditions. Twenty-six selected genotypes from these 2 species were tested under glasshouse conditions for resistance categories (antixenosis, antibiosis, and tolerance). Resistance categories were assessed by no-choice antibiosis assay, free-choice aphid settling assay, cumulative aphid days using population buildup tests, chlorophyl loss index, and damage ratings. No-choice antibiosis experiment revealed that the G. arboreum genotypes GAM156, PA785, CNA1008, DSV1202, FDX235, AKA2009-6, DAS1032, DHH05-1, GAM532, and GAM216 had a significant adverse effect on aphid development time, longevity, and fecundity. Gossypium arboreum genotypes CISA111 and AKA2008-7 expressed a low level of antixenosis but possessed antibiosis and tolerance. Aphid resistance persisted uniformly at different plant developmental stages studied. The chlorophyl loss percentage and damage rating scores were lower in G. arboreum than in G. hirsutum genotypes, indicating the existence of tolerance in G. arboreum to aphids. Logical relations analysis of resistance contributing factors depicted the presence of antixenosis, antibiosis, and tolerance in the G. arboreum genotypes PA785, CNA1008, DSV1202, and FDX235, indicating their utility for evaluating the mechanisms of resistance and aphid resistance introgression breeding into G. hirsutum to develop commercially cultivated cotton lines.
A multiplex PCR assay for the identification of 5 sibling species of the Lindesayi Complex of the genus Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) in Bhutan
Authors: Zhou Li , Namgay Rinsin , Saeung Atiporn , Saingamsook Jassada , Phanitchakun Thanari , Harbach Ralph E , Somboon Pradya 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Five sibling species of the Lindesayi Complex of the genus Anopheles have been discovered in Bhutan: An. druki Somboon, Namgay & Harbach, An. himalayensis Somboon, Namgay & Harbach, An. lindesayi Giles, An. lindesayi species B, and An. thimphuensis Somboon, Namgay & Harbach. The species are morphologically similar in the adult and/or immature stages. This study aimed to develop a multiplex PCR assay to identify the 5 species. Allele-specific primers were designed for specific nucleotide segments of ITS2 sequences previously reported for each species. The assay provided products of 183 bp for An. druki, 338 bp for An. himalayensis, 126 bp for An. lindesayi, 290 bp for An. lindesayi species B, and 370 bp for An. thimphuensis. The use of the assay produced consistent results. The assay is relatively inexpensive, enables the rapid identification of a large number of specimens, and will foster further studies of the Lindesayi Complex.
Modeling Public Opinion Over Time: a Simulation Study of Latent Trend Models
Authors: Kołczyńska Marta , Bürkner Paul-Christian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
With the growing availability of multi-wave surveys, social scientists are turning to latent trend models to examine changes in social and political attitudes. Aiming to facilitate this research, we propose a framework for estimating trends in public opinion consisting of three components: the measurement model that links the observed survey responses to the latent attitude, the latent trend model that estimates a trajectory based on aggregated individual latent scores, and representativeness adjustments. We use individual-level item response theory models as the measurement model that is tailored to analyzing public opinion based on pooled data from multi-wave surveys. The main part of our analysis focuses on the second component of our framework, the latent trend models, and compares four approaches: thin-plate splines, Gaussian processes, random walk (RW) models, and autoregressive (AR) models. We examine the ability of these models to recover latent trends with simulated data that vary the shape of the true trend, model complexity, and data availability. Overall, under the conditions of our simulation study, we find that all four latent trend models perform well. We find two main performance differences: the relatively higher squared errors of AR and RW models, and the under-coverage of posterior intervals in high-frequency low-amplitude trends with thin-plate splines. For all models and across all scenarios, performance improves with increased data availability, which emphasizes the need of supplying sufficient data for accurate estimation of latent trends. To further illustrate the differences between the four latent trend models, we present a case study with an analysis of trends in political trust in Hungary, Poland, and Spain between 1995 and 2019. We note the relatively weaker performance of splines compared to other models in this application and conclude by discussing factors to consider when choosing the latent trend model, and further opportunities in this line of research.
(52) KH-001 BUT NOT OTHER TESTED ALKALOIDS DERIVED FROM SCELETIUM TORTUOSUM DELAYS EJACULATION IN THE RAT PARA-CHLOROAMPHETAMINE (PCA) MODEL
Authors: Royston A Gray , Laura M N Sahyoun , Michelle Kokkinou , Fraser R Boistelle , Ryan Protzko , Nigel Gericke , Thomas Pfeiffer 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the efficacy and potency of purified alkaloids (KH-001, KH-002, KH-003, KH-004) derived from Sceletium tortuosum in the PCA-induced ejaculation rat model.

Methods
Male Wistar rats received the following compounds intraperitoneally, shortly before anaesthesia and 1h before the induction of ejaculation with PCA (5 mg/kg): KH-001 (20 μg/kg - 20 mg/kg; n=12), KH-002 (20 mg/kg; n=12), KH-003 and KH-004 (10, 20 mg/kg; n=6) or aqueous vehicle (0.5% (w/v) methylcellulose; n=12). The proportion of ejaculating rats within a dose group, the latency to first ejaculation and physiological determinants of emission (seminal vesicle pressure (SVP)) and expulsion (bulbospongiosus (BS) muscle burst) were determined. Data describing latency to first ejaculation were described by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and statistical significance relative to vehicle-treatment was determined by Cox regression. SVP and BS muscle burst were analysed using Student’s t-test or one-way ANOVA.

Results
While KH-001 increased latency to first ejaculation in a dose-dependent fashion, with a minimum effective dose of 200μg/kg, no such effect was observed with the other tested kanna alkaloids up to 20mg/kg. SV contractions were significantly reduced by all alkaloids, with no effect on BS muscle burst.

Conclusions
These novel findings indicate the potential utility of KH-001 in the symptomatic treatment of premature ejaculation in humans. Interestingly, of the four alkaloids examined, delayed ejaculation was observed with only KH-001, indicating that the various kanna alkaloids tested have a differentiated pharmacological profile. Studies are underway to determine mechanism(s) of action, and the relationship between the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of kanna-derived alkaloids.

Conflicts of Interest
RG and MK are employees and shareholders of Kanna Health Ltd. LMNS, FRB, RP, NG, and TP are shareholders of Kanna Health Ltd. RP is an employee of Kanna Health US LLC.
(253) EDUCATION DEGREE PREDICTS CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES IN MEN SUFFERING FROM ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Dr. Dimitri Yannas , Dr. Elena Zago , Dr. Elena Cavallini , Dr. Tommaso Todisco , Prof. Linda Vignozzi , Dr. Giovanni Corona , Prof. Mario Maggi , Prof. Giulia Rastrelli 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The level of education has been recognized as a cardiovascular (CV) risk factor; nevertheless, it is often neglected in CV risk prediction. To evaluate the psychobiological correlates of the level of education and if it could predict incident major adverse CV events (MACE) in men consulting for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
3733 men (49.8±13.7 years old) attending an andrology outpatient clinic for ED were studied. Sexual and psychological symptoms, hormonal and metabolic as well as instrumental (penile color Doppler ultrasound; PCDU) parameters were evaluated according to the education level (university, upper secondary, lower secondary, and primary degree). For a subset of 956 patients data on incident MACE were retrospectively collected for 3.9±2.4 years.

Results
As compared with men with university degree, those with a lower education had an increased frequency of moderate-severe ED (OR=1.21 [0.99;1.48], 1.41 [1.14;1.73], 1.70 [1.26;2.30] for upper secondary, lower secondary and primary school, respectively) and reduced flaccid peak systolic velocity at PCDU. Men with a lower level of education had a worse a greater probability of suffering from metabolic syndrome (OR=1.38 [1.06;1.79], 1.73 [1.34;2.24], 1.72 [1.24;2.37] for upper secondary, lower secondary and primary school, respectively) and were more likely to have history of previous CV events. In the longitudinal study, men with higher level of education had a significantly lower incidence of MACEs. The role of higher education as an independent predictor of MACE was established by multivariable Cox regressions (HR=2.14 [1.24-3.69]).

Conclusions
In ED subjects, lower level of education is associated with a more severely impaired erectile function with atherogenic pathogenesis and with a worse cardio-metabolic profile. In addition, a lower level of education predicts forthcoming MACEs. Therefore, education level should be considered as a costless but valuable information in the assessment of CV risk in patients with ED.

Conflicts of Interest
none
(40) BLOOD THINNERS: DO THEY NEED TO BE HELD FOR IPP SURGERY?
Authors: Dr. Niki Parikh , Dr. Reza Roshandel , Dr. Ryan Griggs , Dr. Gerard Henry , Dr. Paul Perito , Dr. Tobias Kohler 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement on active anticoagulation (AC) is controversial. Techniques utilized to decrease complications include use of malleable implant, partial inflation of IPP for hemostasis, and placement of drain; however risk and benefits must be weighed. We sought to assess outcomes of IPP in men on AC in a multi-institutional study.

Methods
Data from 3 high-volume implant centers was retrospectively analyzed. Demographics, comorbidities, secondary procedures, drain placement/output, and complications were recorded. Aspirin was excluded as it is not routinely held. Center 1 utilizes a penoscrotal approach without drain placement, center 2 a penoscrotal approach with drain placement (removal when output &lt;50 mL/8 hours), and center 3 an infra-pubic approach with drain for 3 days.

Results
202 patients were continued on AC throughout surgery: 112 on clopidogrel, 35 warfarin, 38 apixaban, 1 enoxaparin, 15 rivaroxaban, and 1 combination therapy with clopidogrel and enoxaparin. AC was most continued for peripheral vascular disease (55%), cardiac stents (11.6%), CHF (11%), and atrial fibrillation (11%). Nine patients (3.98%) experienced complications. Four significant events (1 retropubic bleed requiring transfusion, 3 IPP infections) and 5 minor events (3 hematomas, 1 wound dehiscence,1 CT-negative stroke) occurred. Average drain output for center 1 was 223 mL with no hematomas or infections noted. Average drain output for center 2 was 121 mL with most drains removed postoperative day 1. Drain output was significantly higher than historical non-AC controls (p=0.001), however complication rates were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). AC type, revision surgery, scrotoplasty, or reservoir technique did not affect outcomes or drainage.

Conclusions
In high-volume implant centers, major complication rate of 1.9% occurred in IPP patients on AC. Although IPP is feasible in this patient population, drain for 3 days and submuscular reservoir placement may be indicated. In most, elective IPP surgery should be delayed until it is safe to discontinue anticoagulation.

Conflicts of Interest
None
(127) CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AT PRESENTATION OF PEYRONIE’S DISEASE PATIENTS HAVE CHANGED OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS
Authors: Dr. Edoardo Pozzi , Dr. Giuseppe Fallara , Dr. Federico Belladelli , Dr. Simone Cilio , Dr. Christian Corsini , Dr. Francesco Lanzaro , Fausto Negri , Ludovica Cella , Margherita Fantin , Dr. Luigi Candela , Dr. Paolo Capogrosso , Dr. Luca Boeri , Dr. Alessia d'Arma , Prof. Francesco Montorsi , Prof. Andrea Salonia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To detail and explore the changes of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of a cohort of PD patients over a 17-yr period at a single referral centre.

Methods
Data from 616 consecutive patients complaining of PD as their primary complaint between 2005 and 2022 were analysed. Health significant comorbidities were scored with the CCI. All patients completed the IIEF at baseline. Descriptive statistics was used to detail the entire cohort characteristics. Linear regression models were applied to explore the changes in patterns of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics over a 17-yr period (2005-2022). Loess curve was used to graphically display the association between age at first clinical visit and year of assessment.

Results
Overall, the median (IQR) age and IIEF-EF were 56 (45-63) yr and 22 (10-28) respectively. Of all, 232 (37.7%) patients reported associated erectile dysfunction (ED) with 89 (14.4%) depicting criteria of severe ED (IIEF-EF &lt;11). A CCI≥1 was found in 145 (23.5%); 193 (31.3%) patients had arterial hypertension and 72 (11.7%) had diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2. Overall, 115 (18.7%) had less than 40 yr at first presentation and 124 (20.1%) were active smokers. Over the analysed timeframe, at linear regression analysis, patients were more likely to be younger (Coeff -0.03, p&lt;0.001), to report less comorbidities according to the CCI (Coeff -0.38, p&lt;0.02), to have associated ED (Coeff. 1.21, p=0.002), to smoke more (Coeff 2.88, p&lt;0.001) and to exercise more (Coeff 1.3, p&lt;0.001). Figure 1 graphically displays the decreasing median age at first assessment over the 17-yr time-span with median (IQR) age in 2005 of 64 (59-69) yr vs. 51 (29-56) yr in 2022.

Conflicts of Interest
N/A

Conclusions
The probability of assessing younger PD patients has gradually increased over the last 20 years. In this context, one out of five patients seeking first medical help for PD is younger than 40 years of age.