bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serological analysis of allergic components of house dust mite provides more insight in epidemiological characteristics and clinical symptom development in North China
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhao Lan , Wang Jiaofeng , Guo Yinshi , Wang Yifei , Zhang Lishan , Wu Zhoujie , Zhu Mingzhi , Yang Xukai , Xu Puyang , Wu Shandong , Gao Zhongshan , Sun Jin-Lyu 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundHouse dust mite (HDM) is the most common airborne source causing complex allergy symptoms. There are geographic differences in the allergen molecule sensitization profiles. Serological testing with allergen components may provide more clues for diagnosis and clinical management.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the sensitization profile of eight HDM allergen components in a large number of patients enrolled in the clinic and to analyze the relation of gender, age, and clinical symptoms in North China.MethodsThe 548 serum samples of HDM-allergic patients (ImmunoCAP® d1 or d2 IgE ≥0.35) were collected in Beijing City and divided in four different age groups and three allergic symptoms. The specific IgE of HDM allergenic components, Der p 1/Der f 1, Der p 2/Der f 2, Der p 7, Der p 10, Der p 21, and Der p 23, was measured using the micro-arrayed allergen test kit developed by Hangzhou Zheda Dixun Biological Gene Engineering Co., Ltd. The new system was validated by comparing to single-component Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 23 tests by ImmunoCAP in 39 sera. The epidemiological study of these IgE profiles and the relation to age and clinical phenotypes were analyzed.ResultsA greater proportion of male patients was in the younger age groups, while more female patients were in the adult groups. Both the sIgE levels and the positive rates (approximately 60%) against Der p 1/Der f 1 and Der p 2/Der f 2 were higher than for the Der p 7, Der p 10, and Der p 21 components (below 25%). The Der f 1 and Der p 2 positive rates were higher in 2–12-year-old children. The Der p 2 and Der f 2 IgE levels and positive rates were higher in the allergic rhinitis group. The positive rates of Der p 10 increased significantly with age. Der p 21 is relevant in allergic dermatitis symptom, while Der p 23 contributes to asthma development.ConclusionHDM groups 1 and 2 were the major sensitizing allergens, with group 2 being the most important component relevant to respiratory symptoms in North China. The Der p 10 sensitization tends to increase with age. Der p 21 and Der p 23 might be associated with the development of allergic skin disease and asthma, respectively. Multiple allergen sensitizations increased the risk of allergic asthma.
Novel targeted inhibition of the IL-5 axis for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome
Authors: Rubin Limor , Talmon Aviv , Ribak Yaarit , Kessler Asa , Martin Yossi , Haran Tal Keidar , Shamriz Oded , Adini Irit , Tal Yuval 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThe drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome represents a severe hypersensitivity reaction. Up-to-date treatment is based on withdrawal of medication, supportive care, and immunosuppression using high-dose corticosteroid (CS) therapy. However, evidence-based data are lacking regarding second-line therapy for steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent patients.ObjectivesWe hypothesize that the interleukin (IL)-5 axis plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of DRESS; hence, inhibition of this signaling pathway could offer a potential therapy for steroid-dependent and/or steroid-resistant cases, and it may offer an alternative to CS therapy in certain patients more prone to CS toxicity.MethodsHerein, we collected worldwide data on DRESS cases treated with biological agents targeting the IL-5 axis. We reviewed all cases indexed in PubMed up to October 2022 and performed a total analysis including our center experience with two additional novel cases.ResultsA review of the literature yielded 14 patients with DRESS who were treated with biological agents targeting the IL-5 axis as well as our two new cases. Reported patients are characterized by a female-to-male ratio of 1:1 and a mean age of 51.8 (17–87) years. The DRESS-inducing drugs, as expected from the prospective RegiSCAR study, were mostly antibiotics (7/16), as follows: vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and cefepime. DRESS patients were treated with anti-IL-5 agents (mepolizumab and reslizumab) or anti-IL-5 receptor (IL-5R) biologics (benralizumab). All patients have clinically improved under anti-IL-5/IL-5R biologics. Multiple doses of mepolizumab were needed to achieve clinical resolution, whereas a single dose of benralizumab was often sufficient. Relapse was noted in one patient receiving benralizumab treatment. One patient receiving benralizumab had a fatal outcome, although mortality was probably related to massive bleeding and cardiac arrest due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.ConclusionCurrent treatment guidelines for DRESS are based on case reports and expert opinion. Understanding the central role of eosinophils in DRESS pathogenicity emphasizes the need for future implementation of IL-5 axis blockade as steroid-sparing agents, potential therapy to steroid-resistant cases, and perhaps an alternative to CS treatment in certain DRESS patients more prone to CS toxicity.
Biological treatment for bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Oren-Shabtai Meital , Mimouni Daniel , Nosrati Adi , Atzmony Lihi , Kaplan Baruch , Barzilai Aviv , Baum Sharon 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundBullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease. Topical or systemic corticosteroids are often used as the first-line treatment. However, long-term corticosteroid use may lead to significant side effects. Therefore, various adjuvant immunosuppressant therapies are used as steroid-sparing agents, with accumulating reports of biological treatments for severely recalcitrant BP.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical and immunological features of a series of patients with recalcitrant BP treated with immunobiological therapies. To assess the efficacy and safety of their therapies.MethodsPatients receiving biological treatment for BP from two centers were assessed. Here, we described the clinical, immunopathological, and immunofluorescence findings of adult patients with BP and analyzed the clinical response and adverse events associated with various biological therapies.ResultsWe identified nine eligible patients treated with rituximab (seven), omalizumab (three), or dupilumab (one). The mean age at diagnosis was 60.4 years, the average BP duration before biologic initiation was 1.9 years, and the average previous treatment failure was 2.11 therapies. The mean follow-up period from the first biological treatment to the last visit was 29.3 months. Satisfactory response, defined as clinical improvement, was achieved in 78% (7) of the patients, and total BP clearance was achieved in 55% (5) of the patients at the last follow-up visit. Additional rituximab courses improved the disease outcomes. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsEfficient and safe novel therapies can be considered in recalcitrant steroid-dependent BP non-responsive to conventional immunosuppressant therapies.
Topographic evolution of tidal flats based on remote sensing: an example in Jiangsu coast, Southern Yellow Sea
Authors: Kang Yanyan , Lei Jun , Wang Minjing , Li Guiping , Ding Xianrong 
Published: April 2023

The topographic evolution of tidal flats is critical for local ecological conservation, coastal zone management, and physical oceanographic studies. However, obtaining this knowledge is often challenging due to the lack of frequently updated topographic data over large areas. With the explosion of remotely sensed data, the waterline method has become the most operational method for tidal flat topography acquisition. In this study, digital elevation models (DEMs) of the tidal flats around Tongzhou Bay on the Jiangsu coast were constructed using the waterline method for three periods (2013, 2015, and 2017) before and after the construction of phase I of the reclamation project. Furthermore, the topographic evolution characteristics were analyzed from four aspects: contours, area changes, erosion–deposition distribution, and typical cross-sections. The results showed that: 1) During the 5 years from 2013 to 2017, the overall tidal flat area (500 km2) of Tongzhou Bay on the Jiangsu coast had been in a state of deposition, with a total siltation thickness of 0.19 m. 2) The reclamation activities affected the topography of the tidal flats quickly, but the recovery was also rapid. During the implementation of the project (in 2015), the area of the tidal flats above the −2-m contour was rapidly reduced by 20 km2 but rapidly recovered to the pre-project level after the completion of the project (in 2017). 3) The reclamation project directly affected the distribution of erosion and siltation. Outside the seawall on the east side of the Yaosha sand ridge, the 0-m contour expanded rapidly to the outer sea, reaching more than 250 m/year. 4) The sandbars in Tongzhou Bay on the Jiangsu coast generally had a southward-moving trend. Over the past 40 years, the Yaosha sand ridge had shifted southward by 2,500 m and the Lengjiasha sand ridge by more than 5,000 m. This study provides a remote sensing solution for the topographic evolution of large tidal flats under the influence of human reclamation activities.
Ferroptosis-related genes in cervical cancer as biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of gynecological tumors
Authors: Han Songtao , Wang Senyu , Lv Xiang , Li Dan , Feng Yangchun 
Published: April 2023

Background: Ferroptosis has been identified as a potent predictor of cancer prognosis. Currently, cervical cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumors in women. Enhancing the prognosis for patients experiencing metastasis or recurrence is of critical importance. Consequently, investigating the potential of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) as prognostic biomarkers for cervical cancer patients is essential.Methods: In this study, 52 FRGs were obtained from the GSE9750, GSE7410, GSE63514, and FerrDb databases. Six genes possessing prognostic characteristics were identified: JUN, TSC22D3, SLC11A2, DDIT4, DUOX1, and HELLS. The multivariate Cox regression analysis was employed to establish and validate the prognostic model, while simultaneously performing a correlation analysis of the immune microenvironment.Results: The prediction model was validated using TCGA-CESC and GSE44001 datasets. Furthermore, the prognostic model was validated in endometrial cancer and ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma cases. KM curves revealed significant differences in OS between high-risk and low-risk groups. ROC curves demonstrated the stability and accuracy of the prognostic model established in this study. Concurrently, the research identified a higher proportion of immune cells in patients within the low-risk group. Additionally, the expression of immune checkpoints (TIGIT, CTLA4, BTLA, CD27, and CD28) was elevated in the low-risk group. Ultimately, 4 FRGs in cervical cancer were corroborated through qRT-PCR.Conclusion: The FRGs prognostic model for cervical cancer not only exhibits robust stability and accuracy in predicting the prognosis of cervical cancer patients but also demonstrates considerable prognostic value in other gynecological tumors.
Functional balance training in people with Parkinson’s disease: a protocol of balanceHOME randomized control trial with crossover
Authors: Monleón Guinot Sara , San Martín Valenzuela Constanza , Aranda Asensi Vivina , de Salazar Antón Concepción , Villanueva Navarro Manuel , Tomás Jose M. 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionBalance disturbances in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are usually assessed in a single-task as well as standard balance physiotherapy is carried out in isolated environments. Conversely, daily activities are developed in highly challenging environments. Although functional balance training (FBT) is included in the latest protocols, several methodological issues have not yet been considered. In the proposed single-blinded randomized control trial with crossover (NCT04963894), the aims are (1) to quantify the effects achieved by domiciliary FBT (balanceHOME program) in participants with and without cognitive impairment, and (2) to compare them with the effects of a passive-control period and a conventional face-to-face physiotherapy program for PD.MethodsThe initial recruitment was estimated at 112 people with idiopathic PD. Two-thirds of the participants will be randomized to one of the two groups to make the crossover. In contrast, the other third will do a face-to-face group program only. The balanceHOME protocol consists of challenging balance exercises incorporated into functional daily tasks, developed in-home and conducted two times per week for 60-min over an 8-weeks period. The primary strategy will consist of splitting functional tasks of daily life into static and dynamic balance components, besides standardized facilitate and disturbing strategies to execution of each exercise. Biomechanics and clinical performance of balance and gait, perception of quality of life, cognitive and mental functioning, and severity of PD will be measured at baseline (T0), post-8 weeks training (T1), and follow-up (T2).ResultsThe primary outcome of the study will be the center of pressure sway area. The secondary outcomes consist of biomechanics and clinical variables related to static and dynamic balance. Outcomes from biomechanical of gait, quality of life, cognitive and mental state, and severity of PD, represent the tertiary outcomes.DiscussionThe balanceHOME program standardizes the FBT in demanding and daily environments for people with PD who prefer individualized treatment from home. This is the first time that the effects of group versus individual balance rehabilitation have been compared in people with and without cognitive impairment and evaluated in complex environments. This still-to-be-finished study will open the possibility of new strategies according to changes in post-pandemic therapeutic approaches.
A radiomics nomogram for predicting cytokeratin 19–positive hepatocellular carcinoma: a two-center study
Authors: Zhang Liqing , Zhou Heshan , Zhang Xiaoqian , Ding Zhongxiang , Xu Jianfeng 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesWe aimed to construct and validate a radiomics-based nomogram model derived from gadoxetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images to predict cytokeratin (CK) 19–positive (+) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and patients’ prognosis.MethodsA two-center and time-independent cohort of 311 patients were retrospectively enrolled (training cohort, n = 168; internal validation cohort, n = 72; external validation cohort, n = 71). A total of 2286 radiomic features were extracted from multisequence MR images with the uAI Research Portal (uRP), and a radiomic feature model was established. A combined model was established by incorporating the clinic-radiological features and the fusion radiomics signature using logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of these models. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess 1-year and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the cohort.ResultsBy combining radiomic features extracted in DWI phase, arterial phase, venous and delay phase, the fusion radiomics signature achieved AUCs of 0.865, 0.824, and 0.781 in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts. The final combined clinic-radiological model showed higher AUC values in the three datasets compared with the fusion radiomics model. The nomogram based on the combined model showed satisfactory prediction performance in the training (C-index, 0.914), internal (C-index, 0.855), and external validation (C-index, 0.795) cohort. The 1-year and 2-year PFS and OS of the patients in the CK19+ group were 76% and 73%, and 78% and 68%, respectively. The 1-year and 2-year PFS and OS of the patients in the CK19-negative (−) group were 81% and 77%, and 80% and 74%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed no significant differences in 1-year PFS and OS between the groups (P = 0.273 and 0.290), but it did show differences in 2-year PFS and OS between the groups (P = 0.032 and 0.040). Both PFS and OS were lower in CK19+ patients.ConclusionThe combined model based on clinic-radiological radiomics features can be used for predicting CK19+ HCC noninvasively to assist in the development of personalized treatment.
Transition of pediatric patients with bronchiectasis to adult medical care in the Northern Territory: A retrospective chart audit
Authors: Schutz Kobi L. , Fancourt Nicholas , Chang Anne B. , Morris Peter , Buckley Rachel , Biancardi Edwina , Roberts Kathryn , Cush James , Heraganahally Subash , McCallum Gabrielle B. 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundBronchiectasis is increasingly being recognized to exist in all settings with a high burden of disease seen in First Nations populations. With increasing numbers of pediatric patients with chronic illnesses surviving into adulthood, there is more awareness on examining the transition from pediatric to adult medical care services. We undertook a retrospective medical chart audit to describe what processes, timeframes, and supports were in place for the transition of young people (≥14 years) with bronchiectasis from pediatric to adult services in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia.MethodsParticipants were identified from a larger prospective study of children investigated for bronchiectasis at the Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, from 2007 to 2022. Young people were included if they were aged ≥14 years on October 1, 2022, with a radiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis on high-resolution computed tomography scan. Electronic and paper-based hospital medical records and electronic records from NT government health clinics and, where possible, general practitioner and other medical service attendance were reviewed. We recorded any written evidence of transition planning and hospital engagement from age ≥14 to 20 years.ResultsOne hundred and two participants were included, 53% were males, and most were First Nations people (95%) and lived in a remote location (90.2%). Nine (8.8%) participants had some form of documented evidence of transition planning or discharge from pediatric services. Twenty-six participants had turned 18 years, yet there was no evidence in the medical records of any young person attending an adult respiratory clinic at the Royal Darwin Hospital or being seen by the adult outreach respiratory clinic.ConclusionThis study demonstrates an important gap in the documentation of delivery of care, and the need to develop an evidence-based transition framework for the transition of young people with bronchiectasis from pediatric to adult medical care services in the NT.
Perception of disease, dyadic coping, and the quality of life of oncology patients in the active treatment phase and their life partners: an approach based on the actor-partner interdependence model
Authors: Ştefănuţ Adelina Mihaela , Vintilă Mona , Bădău Larisa Maria , Grujic Daciana , Oprean Cristina Marinela , Goian Cosmin , Sârbescu Paul 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this study based on the Systemic Transactional Model was to examine the relationship between dyadic coping and (1) disease perception and (2) quality of life of a sample of cancer patients and their life partners.MethodThis cross-sectional study included 138 oncological dyads. The following questionnaires were used: Stress Appraisal Measure, Dyadic Coping Inventory, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30. Data collected was analysed by applying the actor-partner interdependence model.ResultsThe perception of the disease as a threat as well as its centrality significantly negatively influences the positive forms of dyadic coping whilst the perception of the disease as a challenge has a significant positive influence on them. Dyadic coping does not influence symptoms but has significant influences on global health/quality of life.ConclusionThis study has highlighted new information regarding how couples cope with cancer. The results encourage the inclusion of the perception of the disease and dyadic coping in interventions that aim to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their life partners.
Training and experience outperform literacy and formal education as predictors of community health worker knowledge and performance, results from Rongo sub-county, Kenya
Authors: Rogers Ash , Goore Lou L. , Wamae Jane , Starnes Joseph R. , Okong’o Stephen O , Okoth Vincent , Mudhune Sandra 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionThere is a growing recognition that Community Health Workers are effective at improving health outcomes and expanding health access. However, the design elements that lead to high-quality Community Health Worker programing are relatively understudied. We looked at the predictors of Community Health Worker knowledge of obstetric and early infant danger signs as well as performance in achieving antenatal care and immunization uptake among their clients.MethodsThe study takes place in the context of an intervention implemented jointly by Lwala Community Alliance and the Kenya Ministry of Health which sought to professionalize Community Health Worker cadres through enhanced training, payment, and supervision. There were four cohorts included in the study. Two cohorts started receiving the intervention prior to the baseline, one cohort received the intervention between the baseline and endline, and a final cohort did not receive the intervention. Data on Community Health Worker demographics, knowledge tests, and key performance indicators were collected for 234 Community Health Workers. Regression analyses were used to explore education, literacy, experience, training, and gender as potential predictors of CHW performance.ResultsWe found that clients of Community Health Workers trained through the intervention were 15% more likely to be fully immunized and 14% more likely to have completed four or more antenatal care visits. Additionally, recency of training and experience caring for pregnant women were associated with increased Community Health Worker knowledge. Finally, we found no association between gender and CHW competency and tenuous associations between education/literacy and Community Health Worker competency.DiscussionWe conclude that the intervention was predictive of increased Community Health Worker performance and that recency of training and experience were predictive of increased knowledge. Though education and literacy are often used in the selection processes of Community Health Workers globally, the link between these characteristics and Community Health Worker knowledge and performance are mixed. Thus, we encourage further research into the predictive value of common Community Health Worker screening and selection tools. Further, we encourage policymakers and practitioners to reconsider the use of education and literacy as means of Community Health Worker selection.