bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aorta Transplantation in Man: Clinical and Immunological Studies
Authors: Scolari M.P. , De Sanctis L.B. , Iannelli S. , Bonomini V. , D'Addato M. , Stella A. , Mirelli M. 
Published: August 2023

Aortic transplantation has progressively gained interest over the last few years and it is becoming a first choice indication in the substitution of infected prostheses. The most frequent complication in long-term vascular outcome (wall thickening, aneurysmatic dilation, stenosis), may occur through an immunological mechanism. In this study we investigated nine recipients, aged 48 to 65 years, of aorta segment replacement for anti-HLA antibody production (specificity and Ig class), CD3-CD4-CD8 T cell subpopulation dynamics and aorta wall thickness. Mismatch-specific IgG antibodies to HLA class I and HLA class II antingens were detected 1, 3 and 6 months after transplantation and persisted at a high concentration for at least 1 year. Furthermore, the absolute number of CD3, CD4 and CD8 positive lymphocytes increased progressively after aorta allograft. Tomography scanning showed a progressive thickness of the aorta wall. We can speculate that these anti-HLA antibodies in the recipients have the potential to harm the implant; therefore, aorta allograft should involve the induction of immunological tolerance by appropriate immunosuppressants.
HIV prevalence among a retrospective clinical cohort of transgender women in Canada: Results of the Montreal-Toronto Trans study, collected 2018–2019
Authors: Lacombe-Duncan Ashley , Persad Yasmeen , Shokoohi Mostafa , Underhill Angela , Cote Pierre , Wheatley Megan , Gupta Meenakshi , Kyne Luke T , Besharati Amir A , Chan LY Louie , Hranilovic Sue , Nguyen Quang , Loutfy Mona 
Published: August 2023

Background HIV prevalence data among transgender (trans) people are not routinely collected in national estimates, including Canada, contributing to gender-based inequities. We examined HIV prevalence and associated factors among trans women in clinical care in two large Canadian cities. Methods Retrospective chart data of trans women aged 16+ were collected from six family medicine and/or HIV clinics in Montreal and Toronto, Canada, 2018–2019. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with documented HIV positive or missing HIV status relative to documented HIV negative status. Results Among 1,059 patients, 7.5% were HIV positive, 54.4% HIV negative, and 38.1% missing HIV data. Findings showed lower odds of being HIV positive for those <30 years or 30–50 years (vs. >50 years); higher odds were seen for those: of Black race/ethnicity (vs. white), landed immigrant or refugee (vs. Canadian citizen), receiving social assistance (vs. not), and whom ever having used recreational drugs. Conclusions Albeit high, the prevalence of HIV was lower than expected based on global estimates. Missing HIV status data suggest gaps in testing. Findings highlight socioeconomic and clinical realities among trans women in Canada and inform future HIV prevention and support.
Assessing the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials in Subjects with Family History of Hypertension
Authors: Samaddar Dibyodyuti , Sinha Shivangi , Shekhar Raj , Singh Samir Kumar , Gupta Anita , Singh Tej Bali 
Published: August 2023

Background Hypertension (HTN) has a genetic predisposition and it also impairs microcirculation, thereby, affecting the well vascularized structures like the brainstem and causing changes in Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPs). Purpose To find out the usefulness of BAEPs as a screening tool in apparently healthy individuals with a family history of HTN. Methods One hundred and ten volunteers, aged 17 to 23 years, were enrolled in the study as participants with proper consent. After excluding the subjects with existing diseases or co-morbidities (e.g. diabetes, HTN, schizophrenia, neuropathy, etc.), those on ototoxic or neurotoxic drugs, a preliminary physical examination was performed, following which BAEPs were recorded with a proper device. Statistical analysis is done with SPSS 2016 software using the chi-square test. Results A consistent distortion in the inter-peak latency of III-V waves is noted when a family history of HTN is present in either parent or maternal grandparents. Other statistically significant findings are present in V/I% (HTN in mother), wave I (HTN in paternal grandfather), wave III (HTN in maternal grandfather), and inter-peak latency I-V (HTN in maternal grandmother). Conclusion BAEP may be used as a screening tool in individuals with a family history of HTN with supportive evidence from further studies in the near future.
Pseudo-tunneling procedure: An easy technique for insertion of PICCs and Midline catheters in patients with small veins of the arm
Authors: Benvenuti Stefano , Porteri Elena , Ceresoli Rosanna , Pintossi Cristian , Annovazzi Caterina , Zanatta Francesca , Alberti Daniele 
Published: August 2023

Background: Axillary vein in the brachial tract or Basilic vein in the proximal third of the arm has got usually an enough diameter to receive a catheter of 4 or 5 Fr. In this case the exit site should be too proximal to the axilla with an higher risk of infection. Pseudo-tunneling procedure can create an exit site at the middle of the arm without using tunnelers during insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and Midlines in patients who present deep veins of the arm too small to receive a catheter to consent infusion and blood samples. Aim: The aim of this study is to present our experience with pseudo-tunneling procedure, also using a particular variation of the technique. Methods: From January 2014 to August 2022 150 Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and 221 Midlines were insert in pediatric and adults patients with too small deep veins at the middle third of the arm with this technique by the same trained team of Vascular Access Unit at ASST Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia. Results: All procedures were successfully performed at the first or at the second attempt. No insertion related complications were observed. Conclusions: Our data suggest pseudo-tunneling technique is a safe and effective procedure for of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and Midline insertion avoiding central venous catheterization even in patient with small vein at the arms.
Perception of verticality in the post-COVID-19 condition correlates to infection severity
Authors: Fonseca Bruno Henrique de Souza , de Andrade Pedro Henrique Sousa , Henrique Maria Eduarda Salum Aveiro , Baggio Jussara Almeida de Oliveira , Bazan Rodrigo , de Souza Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande , Luvizutto Gustavo José 
Published: August 2023

Background SARS-CoV-2 infection affects multiple systems, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory systems. Changes associated with physical inactivity due to prolonged hospitalization can affect the functional capacity of individuals with long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or post-COVID-19 condition and may cause changes in some postural control functions, such as verticality. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the perception of verticality in individuals with long COVID. Design Cross-sectional study Methods This study included 60 participants with post-COVID-19 condition divided into 2 groups: hospitalized group (n = 24), those hospitalized owing to SARS-CoV-2 infection; and non-hospitalized group (n = 36), those infected with SARS-CoV-2 but not hospitalized. All participants were examined using a post-COVID-19 functional status (PCFS) , sit-to-stand test, grip strength assessment, painful and tactile sensory assessments, visual acuity assessment, and vestibular assessment. Verticality perception was evaluated using the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and subjective haptic vertical (SHV) tests. In both tests, the absolute values (positive values only) and true values (positive and negative values) were considered. To verify potential confounders that could influence the verticality of the results, logistic regression models were used for categorical variables and multiple linear regressions were used for continuous variables. For analysis between groups, the independent samples test (Mann–Whitney U test) was used. Results There were no confounders between clinical variables and verticality in either group. There was a significant increase in absolute SVV (mean deviation [MD]: 2.83; P < .0001) and true SVV (MD: −4.18; P = .005) in the hospitalized group compared to the non-hospitalized group. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the true SHV (MD: −3.6; P = .026) in the hospitalized group compared to that in the non-hospitalized group. Conclusion Less accurate visual and haptic verticality perception task performance was observed in hospitalized patients with post-COVID-19 condition.
Psychological Burden and Willingness to Pay Among Korean Rosacea Patients and Their Association With Rosacea Phenotype and Severity: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Woo Yu Ri , Kim Suyeun , Cho Sang Hyun , Kim Hei Sung 
Published: August 2023

Background Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can adversely affect the patient’s quality of life (QOL). However, few studies have examined the association between the psychological burden and willingness to pay (WTP) with rosacea features and severity. Objectives The study aimed to determine the overall psychological burden and WTP among Korean rosacea patients and identify factors that may contribute, such as patient demographics, clinical features, and rosacea severity. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study recruited Koreans with rosacea. All were asked to complete a questionnaire on their demographics, rosacea-related symptoms, self-rated severity, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and WTP. The clinical features were assessed by a board-certified dermatologist. The investigator’s global assessment and global flushing severity score (GFSS) were used to determine the clinical severity of rosacea. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify factors contributing to the psychological burden and WTP. Results Out of 201 rosacea patients, 147 (73.1%) were female, and 54 (26.9%) males, with a median age of 50.1 years. Their median DLQI score was 8 (interquartile range [IQR]): 4.0-13.0). The median WTP per month for the control of rosacea was $100, with relative WTP (WTP/household income per month x 100) being 3.3%. According to the multiple regression model, phymatous change (β = .153, p = .030), DLQI score (β = .152, P = .045), and GFSS (β = .154, P = .041) contributed most to the WTP. Conclusion Rosacea patients experience substantial psychological and economic burdens. More vigorous treatment should be performed for those with phyma and severe flushing whose QOL is most severely affected.
A rare case of an aortic arch stent causing central vein stenosis
Authors: Yeo Delphina , Tan Qi Xuan , Ch’ng Jack Kian 
Published: August 2023

Purpose Central vein stenosis is commonly encountered in end stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis. Most are manageable with repeated procedures and venoplasty, however in some cases, venoplasty may not be successful. Method We discuss a rare case of persistent upper limb swelling due to severe central vein stenosis from compression of an aortic arch stent. Result Despite attempt at prolonged balloon inflation during venoplasty of the central vein, the stenosis still persisted. The arteriovenous fistula was then ligated and other forms of vascular access for hemodialysis were sought after. Conclusion Central venograms may be useful in end stage renal failure patients as part of pre-operative arteriovenous fistula creation so as to anticipate the possibility of central vein stenosis and its associated complications.
Postoperative Outcomes Among Dialysis Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Repair
Authors: Benjamin M Conover , Dane K Wukich , Senthil Sambandam 
Published: August 2023

Background Geriatric hip fractures are strongly correlated with increased morbidity. Even so, postoperative outcomes following surgical repair of hip fractures for patients with end stage renal disease lack extensive investigation. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses unique risks for surgical procedures as it has been associated with several complications. Little information is available regarding the outcomes of patients whose renal function decline necessitates dialysis usage. The purpose of this study was to compare post-surgical outcomes based on dialysis usage among CKD patients requiring hip fracture repair. Materials and Methods We used the PearlDiver database to identify hip fracture repair patients diagnosed with stages 3, 4, and 5 CKD. We matched the populations according to patient characteristics and comorbidities. We then compared patient complication rates among dialyzed and non-dialyzed CKD patients following hip fracture repair at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year following the procedure. Results Dialyzed patients were more likely to experience myocardial infarction within 30 days ( P = .02) and 90 days ( P = .002). Dialyzed patients suffered cardiac arrest at higher rates within the same time intervals ( P = .02; P = .002). Furthermore, dialysis patients developed sepsis ( P = .005) and pneumonia ( P = .005) at higher rates within 30 days of operation. Dialysis patients did not have increased risk of blood transfusion within 30 days of the operation ( P = .07). Discussion We found significant increases in myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, pneumonia, and sepsis risk among dialyzed CKD patients. Blood transfusion risk failed to reach statistical significance. Our findings are consistent with previous research regarding CKD pathophysiology and associated perioperative outcomes. Conclusion Given the drastic decline of renal function among patients on dialysis, our findings may be attributable to decreased glomerular filtration rate in CKD as well as dialysis itself. Regardless, multidisciplinary collaboration should be employed when performing hip fracture repair on a patient who is actively undergoing hemodialysis.
The Anti-Inflammatory Reliever (AIR) Algorithm Study: a protocol for a single-group study of an AIR stepwise approach to the treatment of adult asthma
Authors: Bruce Pepa , Hatter Lee , Houghton Claire , Kearns Ciléin , Holliday Mark , Anderson Augustus J. , Eathorne Allie , Martindale John , Semprini Alex , Weatherall Mark , Pavord Ian , Harrison Tim , Papi Alberto , Horne Rob , Beasley Richard 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe stepwise approach to long-term asthma management, which traditionally incorporates short-acting β2-agonist reliever therapy, has been a core feature of asthma guidelines for over 30 years. There have been no studies, however, directly investigating the use of an entire guideline-recommended track. Recently, inhaled corticosteroid–formoterol has been recommended as the preferred reliever therapy in adult asthma, in accordance with a stepwise “Anti-Inflammatory Reliever” (AIR) treatment track.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the AIR stepwise approach recommended by the New Zealand adolescent and adult asthma guidelines, in combination with a novel algorithm for transitioning between treatment steps.MethodsThis 52-week, open-label, single-group study will recruit 100 adults aged 18 to 75 years with mild, moderate and moderate–severe asthma (ACTRN12620001010987). Participants will be allocated to budesonide–formoterol 200/6 µg, one actuation as needed (Step 1), one actuation twice daily and as needed (Step 2), or two actuations twice daily and one as needed (Step 3). Treatment steps will be adjusted throughout the study, in response to reliever use and asthma attacks, according to a stepwise AIR algorithm. Following a 26-week period of investigator-led transitions, participants will adjust their own treatment step. The primary outcome is participant satisfaction as measured by the Global Satisfaction score of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication. Secondary outcomes will assess efficacy and safety, and describe patterns of medication use and participant flow through the treatment steps.ConclusionThis is the first trial to assess the AIR treatment track and algorithm. The results will provide knowledge to guide the clinical use of this approach.
Nationwide lung function monitoring from infancy in newborn-screened children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sandvik Rikke M. , Schmidt Marika N. , Voldby Christian M. , Buchvald Frederik F. , Olesen Hanne V. , Olsen Jørgen , Kragh Maja V. , Rubak Sune L.M. , Pressler Tacjana , Robinson Paul D. , Gustafsson Per M. , Skov Marianne , Nielsen Kim G. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease starts in infancy and can be assessed for structural lung abnormalities using computed tomography or magnetic resonance scans, or for lung function impairment using multiple breath washout (MBW). However, in infancy these two methods are not well correlated. Trajectories of CF lung disease assessed by MBW in infants and toddlers remain poorly described, which is why we aimed to 1) describe the trajectory of lung function, 2) explore risk factors for progression and 3) explore the real-life effect of lumacaftor/ivacaftor.MethodsThis was a nationwide observational cohort study (2018–2021) using data collected as part of the routine clinical surveillance programme (including MBW and monthly endo-laryngeal suction sampling for bacterial pathogens) in children born after implementation of newborn screening for CF (May 2016). Lumacaftor/ivacaftor commenced from age 2 years in children homozygous for F508del. Ventilation distribution efficiency (VDE), recently described to have advantages over lung clearance index (LCI), was reported as the primary MBW outcome after z-score calculations based on published reference data. Mixed effect linear regression models were the main statistical analyses performed in this study.Results59 children, aged 2–45 months, contributed with 211 MBW occasions (median (interquartile range (IQR)) 3 (2–5) MBW occasions per child) with a median (IQR) follow-up time of 10.8 (5.2–22.3) months. An overall mean annual deterioration rate of −0.50 (95% CI −0.78– −0.22) z-VDE was observed, starting from an estimated mean z-VDE of −1.68 (95% CI −2.15– −1.22) at age 0.0 years (intercept).Pseudomonas aeruginosa“ever” (n=14, MBWs 50) had a significantly worse z-VDE trajectoryversus P. aeruginosa“never” (mean difference 0.53 (95% CI 0.16–0.89) per year; p=0.0047) and lumacaftor/ivacaftor treatment (n=22, MBWs 46) significantly improved the trajectory of z-VDE (mean difference 1.72 (95% CI 0.79–2.66) per year; p=0.0004), leading to a stable mean z-VDE trajectory after start of treatment.ConclusionsInfants and toddlers with CF demonstrated progressive deterioration in z-VDE over the first years of life.P. aeruginosaisolation “ever” was associated with an accelerated deterioration in lung function, while lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy significantly improved and stabilised the trajectory.
Identifying causal genes for migraine by integrating the proteome and transcriptome
Authors: Li Shuang-jie , Shi Jing-jing , Mao Cheng-yuan , Zhang Chan , Xu Ya-fang , Fan Yu , Hu Zheng-wei , Yu Wen-kai , Hao Xiao-yan , Li Meng-jie , Li Jia-di , Ma Dong-rui , Guo Meng-nan , Zuo Chun-yan , Liang Yuan-yuan , Xu Yu-ming , Wu Jun , Sun Shi-lei , Wang Yong-gang , Shi Chang-he 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
While previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple risk variants for migraine, there is a lack of evidence about how these variants contribute to the development of migraine. We employed an integrative pipeline to efficiently transform genetic associations to identify causal genes for migraine.

Methods
We conducted a proteome-wide association study (PWAS) by combining data from the migraine GWAS data with proteomic data from the human brain and plasma to identify proteins that may play a role in the risk of developing migraine. We also combined data from GWAS of migraine with a novel joint-tissue imputation (JTI) prediction model of 17 migraine-related human tissues to conduct transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) together with the fine mapping method FOCUS to identify disease-associated genes.

Results
We identified 13 genes in the human brain and plasma proteome that modulate migraine risk by regulating protein abundance. In addition, 62 associated genes not reported in previous migraine TWAS studies were identified by our analysis of migraine using TWAS and fine mapping. Five genes including ICA1L, TREX1, STAT6, UFL1, and B3GNT8 showed significant associations with migraine at both the proteome and transcriptome, these genes are mainly expressed in ependymal cells, neurons, and glial cells, and are potential target genes for prevention of neuronal signaling and inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of migraine.

Conclusions
Our proteomic and transcriptome findings have identified disease-associated genes that may give new insights into the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for migraine.
Effect of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on early implantation using the three-dimensional spheroid model with human endometrial cell line, Ishikawa
Authors: Koo Myoungjoo , Kang Inyoung , Jun Jin Hyun , Lee Jaewang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) can be characterized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDCs). It has been widely used as a brominated flame retardant in industrial products. EDCs have effects on female reproduction leading to issues, such as infertility, hormone imbalance, and endometriosis. In Korea, the problems of infertility and decreasing birth rate are of significant concern. Exposure to EDCs might have a harmful effect on female fertility by mediating a decrease endometrial receptivity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TBBPA on infertility, particularly on early implantation events in the uterine endometrium. Human endometrial adenocarcinoma and trophoblastic cell lines were used in this study. The cytotoxicity of TBBPA on Ishikawa cells and Jeg-3 cells was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The mRNA expression was analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels were measured by western blotting. The attachment rate was analyzed using an attachment assay, and the outgrowth area was measured using an outgrowth assay.

Results
The mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and leukemia inhibitory factor was significantly increased upon treatment of Ishikawa cells by TBBPA. Moreover, the outgrowth area in the TBBPA group was significantly decreased compared to that in the control. In contrast, TBBPA had a minor effect on protein levels and attachment rates.

Conclusions
In this study, TBBPA induced an inflammatory milieu in mRNA expression. An increase in inflammation-related cytokines in the endometrium can disrupt embryo implantation. TBBPA disrupted the outgrowth of spheroids in the endometrium; however, the protein levels and attachment rate were comparable to those in the control group. The effect of TBBPA on implantation events should be elucidated further.