bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy and safety of interferon (Type I and Type III) therapy in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ryoo Seungeun , Koh Dae-Hyup , Yu Su-Yeon , Choi Miyoung , Huh Kyungmin , Yeom Joon-Sup , Heo Jung Yeon 
Published: March 2023

Interferon (IFN) has been highlighted in several randomized controlled trials as an attractive therapeutic candidate based plausible mode of action, suppressed response in severe COVID-19, and inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of IFN in patients with COVID-19 according to clinical severity. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of IFN (systemic or inhaled IFN-α, -β, and -λ) treatment in adult patients with COVID-19 were identified by systematically searching electronic databases until January 2023. Risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, meta-analysis, and certainty of evidence grading were followed for the systematic review. We included 11 trials comprising 6,124 patients. Compared with exclusive standard care or placebo, IFN therapy did not provide significant clinical benefits for mortality at day 28 (pooled risk ratio [RR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–1.18, 9 studies, low-certainty evidence) and progression to mechanical ventilation (pooled RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.81–1.43, 6 studies, low-certainty evidence) in patients with COVID-19. IFN therapy resulted in significantly increased hospital discharge on day 14 relative to the control arm (pooled RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.59). These results were inconsistent compared to other comparable outcomes such as recovery at day 14 and time to clinical improvement. The IFN-treated arm was as safe as the control arm, regardless of clinical severity (pooled RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.64–1.19, 9 studies, low-certainty evidence). In conclusion, IFN therapy was safe but did not demonstrate favorable outcomes for major clinical indices in patients with COVID-19, particularly those with higher than moderate severity. IFN therapy was not associated with worsening outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. Future clinical trials should evaluate the clinical efficacy of IFN therapy in patients with mild COVID-19 or at an earlier stage.
Trial registration: The protocol for this review was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD42022301413.
Nurses’ knowledge, perceived challenges, and recommended solutions regarding premature infant care: A mixed method study in the referral and tertiary hospitals in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mwikali Mwajuma , Salim Nahya , Sylvester Isabella , Munubhi Emmanuel 
Published: March 2023

Background
There has been an increase in preterm birth of about 2% in a span of 14 years (2000–2014) mainly from Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Nursing care is very crucial and a lack of knowledge of health care providers is a contributing factor to morbidity and mortality. With the increasing number and investment of preterm infants towards attaining sustainable development goals (SDG) 3.2, nurses’ knowledge adequacy, challenges and solutions on their care needs to be affirmed.

Methods
A mixed method study was conducted between September 2020 to January 2021 in the neonatal units of four hospitals in Dar es Salaam. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to assess adequacy of knowledge set at 50% or more for the three main domains 1) Essential newborn Care 2) Infection prevention and management 3) Special care and monitoring. A phenomenological design using a structured interview guide focused on challenges and recommended solutions in acquiring on-the- job training on the care of preterm infants. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and qualitative data were thematically categorized.

Results
Out of 52 of nurses who participated and providing care to preterm infants; 48.1% came from a tertiary hospital, (84.6%) were females, only 28.8% aged more than 40 years and 23.1% had less than one year of experience. Overall, 55.8% of the nurses had never received on job training. Adequate knowledge among nurses was 94% on essential newborn care, 80.8% on infection prevention and management and 36.5% on special care and monitoring of preterm infants. Generally, immediate actions of helping baby breath (HBB) and cord care scored poorest. Components on special care and monitoring which had lowest scores included blood glucose monitoring, temperature monitoring and acceptable daily weight gain. Being more than 41 years old, a female nurse and working in the neonatal unit for at least 1–3 years were more likely to determine adequacy of knowledge on infection prevention and management. Lack of schedule and ways to identify those who require training were among the challenges mentioned in the focus group discussion.

Conclusion
The findings demonstrate an urgent need of instilling knowledge, skills and competences among nurses providing preterm care in our hospitals. Most nurses had not attended training on the care of premature infant. Special care and monitoring were most poorly performed. The recommended solutions included continuous medical education (CME) for all nurses through hospital and government commitment and encourage mentorship within and between hospitals. Nurses who are female, older than 41 years and those with 1 to 3 years of experience should be considered when planning for CME and mentorship program on infection prevention and management.
The role of lactate dehydrogenase in hospitalized patients, comparing those with pulmonary versus non-pulmonary infections: A nationwide study
Authors: Frenkel Amit , Shiloh Adi , Azulay Beatrice , Novack Victor , Klein Moti , Dreiher Jacob 
Published: March 2023

Background
Lactic dehydrogenase reflects target organ damage, and is associated with mortality in patients with infectious diseases.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine associations of serum lactic dehydrogenase levels with mortality, target organ damage and length of hospital stay in adults with pulmonary and non-pulmonary infections.

Methods
This nationwide retrospective cohort study comprised patients admitted with infections, to medical and surgical departments in eight tertiary hospitals during 2001–2020. Patients with available serum lactic dehydrogenase levels on admission and one week after were included, and stratified by the source of their infection: pulmonary vs. non-pulmonary. Associations of lactic dehydrogenase levels with mortality and target organ damage were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Quantile regression was used for multivariable analysis of the median length of stay.

Results
The study included 103,050 patients (45.4% male, median age: 69 years); 44,491 (43.1%) had pulmonary infections. The median serum lactic dehydrogenase levels on admission were higher in patients with pulmonary than non-pulmonary infections (418 vs. 385 units per liter (U/L), p<0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase levels (480–700 U/L, 700–900 U/L and >900 U/L), compared with <480 U/L, were associated with in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.81, 2.85 and 3.69, respectively) and target organ damage (OR = 1.19, 1.51 and 1.80, respectively). The median stay increased with increasing elevated lactic dehydrogenase levels (+0.3, +0.5 and +0.4 days, respectively). Among patients with lactic dehydrogenase levels >900 U/L, mortality, but none of the other examined outcomes, was greater among those with pulmonary than non-pulmonary infections.

Conclusions
Among hospitalized patients with infectious diseases, lactic dehydrogenase levels were associated with mortality and target organ damage, and were similar in patients with pulmonary and non-pulmonary infections. Among patients with lactic dehydrogenase levels >900 U/L, mortality was prominently higher among those with pulmonary than non-pulmonary infections.
Consistently low levels of histidine-rich glycoprotein as a new prognostic biomarker for sepsis: A multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Kawanoue Naoya , Kuroda Kosuke , Yasuda Hiroko , Oiwa Masahiko , Suzuki Satoshi , Wake Hidenori , Hosoi Hiroki , Nishibori Masahiro , Morimatsu Hiroshi ,   on behalf of the Okayama Research Investigation Organizing Network (ORION)
Published: March 2023

Background
Few sepsis biomarkers accurately predict severity and mortality. Previously, we had reported that first-day histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) levels were significantly lower in patients with sepsis and were associated with mortality. Since the time trends of HRG are unknown, this study focused on the time course of HRG in patients with sepsis and evaluated the differences between survivors and non-survivors.

Methods
A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted involving 200 patients with sepsis in 16 Japanese hospitals. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 3, 5, and 7, and 28-day mortality was used for survival analysis. Plasma HRG levels were determined using a modified quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
First-day HRG levels in non-survivors were significantly lower than those in survivors (mean, 15.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 13.4–18.1] vs 20.7 [19.5–21.9] μg/mL; P = 0.006). Although there was no time × survivors/non-survivors interaction in the time courses of HRG (P = 0.34), the main effect of generalized linear mixed models was significant (P < 0.001). In a univariate Cox proportional hazards model with each variable as a time-dependent covariate, higher HRG levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.78–0.92]; P < 0.001). Furthermore, presepsin levels (P = 0.02) and Sequential Organ Function Assessment scores (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. Harrell’s C-index values for the 28-day mortality effect of HRG, presepsin, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein were 0.72, 0.70, 0.63, and 0.59, respectively.

Conclusions
HRG levels in non-survivors were consistently lower than those in survivors during the first seven days of sepsis. Repeatedly measured HRG levels were significantly associated with mortality. Furthermore, the predictive power of HRG for mortality may be superior to that of other singular biomarkers, including presepsin, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein.
Association of cognitive function very early after stroke with subjective cognitive complaints after 3 months, a register-based study
Authors: Zanin Alice , Reinholdsson Malin , Abzhandadze Tamar 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveCognitive deficits are commonly observed after stroke and have been associated with the cognitive decline and development of dementia in later stages. This study aimed to investigate whether cognition screened at acute stroke units could explain subjective cognitive complaints 3 months after stroke and evaluate how the severity of stroke and age could influence this association.MethodsIn this register-based longitudinal study, data were retrieved from three Swedish registers between November 2014 and June 2019. Information on subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) was collected from the Riksstroke 3-month follow-up form, which were used to analyze the primary outcomes. Cognitive function screened using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at acute stroke units was expressed as the primary independent variable.ResultsOf the 1977 patients included in the study, 58% were males, the median age was 73 years, and 63% had a minor stroke. A total of 60% of patients had impaired cognition at acute stroke units (MoCA score, <26), of whom 40.3% reported at least 1 cognitive problem after 3 months. In adjusted binary regression analysis models, patients with normal cognitive function had lower odds for SCCs. This pattern was observed regardless of age and in patients with a minor stroke.ConclusionsIntact cognition early after stroke was related to decreased odds of subjective cognitive complaints at the 3-month follow-up. This study highlights the importance of both early cognitive screening after stroke and subjective cognitive complaints, which have been shown to be associated with cognitive decline. Furthermore, we suggest the importance of discussing cognitive function with patients during regular follow-up in primary care, usually 3 months after stroke.
Crohn's Disease–Associated Anorectal Cancer Has a Poor Prognosis With High Local Recurrence: A Subanalysis of the Nationwide Japanese Study
Authors: Ogino Takayuki , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Fujii Makoto , Sekido Yuki , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Nezu Riichiro , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Motoi Uchino , Futami Kitaro , Okamoto Kinya , Nagahara Hisashi , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Okabayashi Koji , Yamada Kazutaka , Ohge Hiroki , Tanaka Shinji , Mizuuchi Yusuke , Ohkita Yoshiki , Sato Yu , Ueno Hideki , Kono Toru , Itabashi Michio , Kimura Hideaki , Hida Koya , Kinugasa Yusuke , Takahashi Kenichi , Koyama Fumikazu , Hanai Tsunekazu , Maeda Kiyoshi , Noake Toshihiro , Shimada Yoshifumi , Yamamoto Takayuki , Arakaki Junya , Mastuda Keiji , Okuda Junji , Sunami Eiji , Akagi Yoshito , Kastumata Kenji , Uehara Kay , Yamada Takeshi , Sasaki Shin , Ishihara Soichiro , Ajioka Yoichi , Sugihara Kenichi ,   on behalf of the Study Group for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Associated Intestinal Cancers by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major life-threatening complications in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Previous studies of CD-associated CRC (CD-CRC) have involved only small numbers of patients, and no large series have been reported from Asia. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognosis and clinicopathological features of CD-CRC compared with sporadic CRC.

METHODS:
A large nationwide database was used to identify patients with CD-CRC (n = 233) and sporadic CRC (n = 129,783) over a 40-year period, from 1980 to 2020. Five-year overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated. The prognosis of CD-CRC was further evaluated in groups divided by colon cancer and anorectal cancer (RC). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding by unbalanced covariables.

RESULTS:
Compared with sporadic cases, patients with CD-CRC were younger; more often had RC, multiple lesions, and mucinous adenocarcinoma; and had lower R0 resection rates. Five-year OS was worse for CD-CRC than for sporadic CRC (53.99% vs 71.17%, P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that CD was associated with significantly poorer survival (hazard ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.54–3.62, P < 0.0001). Evaluation by tumor location showed significantly worse 5-year OS and RFS of CD-RC compared with sporadic RC. Recurrence was identified in 39.57% of CD-RC cases and was mostly local.

DISCUSSION:
Poor prognosis of CD-CRC is attributable primarily to RC and high local recurrence. Local control is indispensable to improving prognosis.
Large Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Presenting as an Embolic Stroke After a “Silent” Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Incognito Cameron , Parker Joshua , Arustamyan Michael , Matta Milad , Posadas Kristine , Lee Ran 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
A 72-year-old woman with no history of coronary artery disease presented with an acute left middle cerebral artery stroke and was found to have a large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm measuring 8.7 × 7.6 cm and 2 large left ventricular thrombi, the source of her systemic embolization. Despite initial medical management, she developed refractory New York Heart Association functional class III heart failure, uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, and further enlargement of her pseudoaneurysm to 5.5 × 10.6 × 9.2 cm. She underwent urgent aneurysmectomy. Left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are rare and most commonly occur following an acute myocardial infarction when a ventricular free-wall rupture is contained by pericardium or thrombi. Historically, left ventricular angiography displaying a lack of an overlying coronary artery was the gold standard for diagnosis. Now, noninvasive imaging such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiogram with ultrasound-enhancing agent, are reliable diagnostic tools. They can distinguish a pseudoaneurysm from a true left ventricular aneurysm using characteristic findings such as a narrow aneurysm neck, bidirectional doppler flow between the pseudoaneurysm and the left ventricle, and abrupt changes in the cardiac wall structures. Progressive dilation, wall thinning, and dyskinesis can result in refractory heart failure, arrhythmias, and thrombi formation from venous stasis. Pseudoaneurysms have a 30% to 45% risk of rupture and can be treated with left ventricular aneurysmectomy.
Finding female identity in the Neo-Confucian country of Joseon: analysis of female-related crimes in “Sabeobpumbo” (司法稟報)
Authors: Han Boram 
Published: March 2023

This research analyzes female-related cases in Sabeobpumbo (사법품보, 司法稟報) to examine Joseon women’s identity and perceptions of their role in the patriarchal society. Since women’s chastity was directly related to their social value, it was sometimes traded for their lives. Women were often unfairly reprehended when involved in domestic conflicts because of their lower status and they have been understood as individuals who faithfully followed the agnatic principle. However, there were exceptions, and Sabeobpumbo contained extraordinary accounts of various Joseon women in which they were described as independent and displayed active defiance in response to their highly conservative society while hoping to break free from the rigid social structure. In some cases, Joseon women decisively left their husbands for various reasons, mostly involving financial instability or neglecting duties. Furthermore, some women went to incredible lengths to preserve their husband’s and his family’s dignity. Interestingly enough, these women were not only absolved from their actions but even met with silent approval from the public. These examples provide an intriguing perspective that directly clashes with the accepted norms during the Joseon Dynasty and calls for further research on the complexities of female identity as a Joseon woman.
Lung histopathology evaluation of an X-MAID patient with a novel mutation in MSN
Authors: Abrego Fuentes Laura , Mandola Amarilla B. , Ngan Bo 
Published: March 2023

Background: The cell cytoskeleton is regulated by the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family of proteins, forming links between transmembrane proteins and the underlying actin cytoskeleton. Phosphorylation and activation of these proteins enable interactions with partners critically involved in shape regulation, such as actin filaments, transmembrane proteins, and scaffolding proteins. The MSN gene encodes moesin, which is ubiquitously expressed in lungs, spleen, kidney, endothelial cells of vessels, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Deficiency or dysregulation of moesin, called X-linked moesin-associated immunodeficiency (X-MAID), is characterized by severe leukopenia affecting T cells, B cells, and neutrophils. To date, the clinical picture of patients with X-MAID is variable. Aim: We describe the presentation, immune-workup, and lung histopathology findings of a young male patient with X-MAID and multi-organ involvement, whose severe pulmonary vein stenosis necessitated a double lung transplant. Methods: A thorough review of the patient’s chart was performed. Results: The patient presented with a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections, oral thrush, and 3 major bacterial infections requiring admission and antibiotic therapy. His immune evaluation was remarkable for low T cells, and normal numbers of B and NK cells. At age 4 years he underwent a double lung transplant due to severe pulmonary vein stenosis and pulmonary hypertension. He further developed chronic kidney injury post-transplant. Clinical trio whole exome sequencing revealed a novel hemizygous variant in the MSN gene (c.278dupT; p.L93FfsX21), predicted to cause loss-of-function in moesin. Histologic evaluation of the lung tissue before transplantation identified profound abnormalities in alveoli formation. Conclusion: Patients with moesin deficiency may present during infancy or childhood with a severe form of the disease, including combined immunodeficiency with lymphopenia and neutropenia, while adults may have a milder clinical picture. The novel MSN mutation described here adds to the known spectrum of disease and highlights the non-redundant functions of moesin, particularly in the lung. Statement of Novelty: We report the first lung histopathological description of an X-MAID case, in a pediatric patient with recurrent infections, cytopenia, and autoimmunity who underwent a double lung transplant.
The Competitive Foundations of Price Cap Regulation
Authors: Weisman Dennis L. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Price cap regulation (PCR) as commonly implemented closely approximates atomistic Cournot competition in terms of the pass-through of industry and firm-specific cost-reducing innovation when the invariance property holds. A key finding is that the aggregate pass-through of cost-reducing innovation under PCR exceeds that under Cournot, holding the number of firms constant. The welfare gains under PCR are greater than Cournot when cost-reducing innovation is endogenous, the invariance property holds and demand is highly inelastic.
Sensitivity assessment of dielectric modulated GaN material based SOI-FinFET for label-free biosensing applications
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Goyal Amit Kumar 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This work presents the sensitivity assessment of gallium nitride (GaN) material-based silicon-on-insulator fin field effect transistor by dielectric modulation in the nanocavity gap for label-free biosensing applications. The significant deflection is observed on the electrical characteristics such as drain current, transconductance, surface potential, energy band profile, electric field, sub-threshold slope, and threshold voltage in the presence of biomolecules owing to GaN material. Further, the device sensitivity is evaluated to identify the effectiveness of the proposed biosensor and its capability to detect the biomolecules with high precision or accuracy. The higher sensitivity is observed for Gelatin (k = 12) in terms of on-current, threshold voltage, and switching ratio by 104.88%, 82.12%, and 119.73%, respectively. This work is performed using a powerful tool, three-dimensional (3D) Sentaurus Technology computer-aided design using a well-calibrated structure. The results pave the way for GaN-SOI-FinFET to be a viable candidate for label-free dielectric modulated biosensor applications.