bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bisphosphonate versus non-bisphosphonate treatment for hypercalcemia of malignancy in patients with renal dysfunction
Authors: Khouderchah Christy J , Nachar Victoria R , McDevitt Rachel L , Schepers Allison J 
Published: March 2023

Background: Bisphosphonates are the backbone of treatment for hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM). However, concern regarding their safety in patients with renal dysfunction exists. The safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonates compared to other treatment options for HCM in the setting of renal dysfunction have not been evaluated. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients with HCM and renal dysfunction defined as a creatinine clearance (CrCl) <60 mL/min who received front-line bisphosphonate versus non-bisphosphonate therapy from 1/2015 to 4/2021 was conducted. The primary endpoint was the incidence of all-grade serum creatinine (SCr) elevation from baseline by day 30 from initial HCM-directed therapy. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine predictors of worsening renal function. Results: Of 129 patients, 111 (86%) patients received bisphosphonates and 18 (14%) received non-bisphosphonate first-line HCM-directed therapy. All-grade SCr elevation occurred similarly between bisphosphonate and non-bisphosphonate groups, 27.9% versus 27.8% respectively ( p = 0.99). Receipt of bisphosphonates did not significantly impact the incidence of all-grade SCr elevation ( p = 0.195) while chronic kidney disease (CKD) at baseline did ( p = 0.003). Conclusions: Bisphosphonates appear to be as safe as non-bisphosphonate therapy in patients with baseline renal dysfunction for the treatment of HCM.
A framework for measuring the cost to families of caring for children’s health: the design, methodology, and study population of the r-Kids study
Authors: Bulkley Joanna E. , Varga Alexandra M. , Dickerson John F. , Crawford Phil , Croen Lisa A. , Daida Yihe G. , Fombonne Eric , Hatch Brigit , Lee April , Massolo Maria , Vaughn Katherine , Lynch Frances L. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAll families experience financial and time costs related to caring for their children’s health. Understanding the economic burden faced by families of children with chronic health conditions (CHC) is crucial for designing effective policies to support families.MethodsIn this prospective study we used electronic health records to identify children between 3 and 17 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), asthma, or neither (control) from three Kaiser Permanente regions and several community health centers in the OCHIN network. We oversampled children from racial and ethnic minority groups. Parent/guardian respondents completed surveys three times, approximately four months apart. The surveys included the Family Economic Impact Inventory (measuring financial, time, and employment costs of caring for a child’s health), and standardized measures of children’s quality of life, behavioral problems, and symptom severity for children with ASD or asthma. We also assessed parenting stress and parent physical and mental health. All materials were provided in English and Spanish.ResultsOf the 1,461 families that enrolled (564 ASD, 468 asthma, 429 control), children were predominantly male (79%), with a mean age of 9.0 years, and racially and ethnically diverse (43% non-Hispanic white; 22% Hispanic; 35% Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian, or another race/ethnicity). The majority of survey respondents were female (86%), had a college degree (62%), and were married/partnered (79%). ASD group respondents were less likely to be employed (73%) than those in the asthma or control groups (both 80%;p = .023). Only 32% of the control group reported a household income ≤ $4,000/month compared with 41% of asthma and 38% of ASD families (p = .006).ConclusionsUtilizing a novel measure assessing family economic burden, we successfully collected survey responses from a large and diverse sample of families. Drawing upon the conceptual framework, survey measures, and self-report data described herein we will conduct future analyses to examine the economic burdens related to CHC and the incremental differences in these burdens between health groups. This information will help policy makers to design more equitable health and social policies that could reduce the burden on families.
Community coalition efforts to prevent childhood obesity: two-year results of the Shape Up Under 5 study
Authors: Economos Christina D. , Calancie Larissa , Korn Ariella R. , Allender Steven , Appel Julia M. , Bakun Peter , Hennessy Erin , Hovmand Peter S. , Kasman Matt , Nichols Melanie , Pachucki Mark C. , Swinburn Boyd A. , Tovar Alison , Hammond Ross A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundCross-sector collaborations and coalitions are promising approaches for childhood obesity prevention, yet there is little empirical evidence abouthowthey affect change. We hypothesized that changes in knowledge of, and engagement with, childhood obesity prevention among coalition members can diffuse through social networks to influence policies, systems, and environments.MethodsWe studied a community coalition (N = 16, Shape Up Under 5 “SUU5 Committee”) focused on early childhood obesity prevention in Somerville, MA from 2015–17. Knowledge, engagement, and social network data were collected from Committee members and their network contacts (n = 193) at five timepoints over two years. Policy, systems, and environment data were collected from the SUU5 Committee. Data were collected via the validated COMPACT Stakeholder-driven Community Diffusion survey and analyzed using regression models and social network analysis.ResultsOver 2 years, knowledge of (p = 0.0002), and engagement with (p = 0.03), childhood obesity prevention increased significantly among the SUU5 Committee. Knowledge increased among the Committee’s social network (p = 0.001). Significant changes in policies, systems, and environments that support childhood obesity prevention were seen from baseline to 24 months (p = 0.003).ConclusionSUU5 had positive effects on “upstream” drivers of early childhood obesity by increasing knowledge and engagement. These changes partially diffused through networks and may have changed “midstream” community policies, systems, and environments.
Treatment of septic shock in two pediatric patients with severe diabetic ketoacidosis using invasive hemodynamic monitoring: a case report
Authors: Saeed Amir , Ziyaee Fateme 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. DKA associated with shock is a rare condition that occurs due to the fluid deficit or septic shock. It is not easy to differentiate these two conditions by clinical judgment and laboratory findings. Although the fluid therapy is the mainstay in DKA treatment, it looks like a double-edged sword—underhydration may result in organ failure whereas overhydration may lead to pulmonary and cerebral edema (CE).

Case presentation
Herein, we report on two pediatric patients presenting with DKA and septic shock. The first patient was an 8-year-old boy newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who presented with DKA and septic shock. We used a device for continuous hemodynamic monitoring (proAQT) to estimate his volume status. The patient was extubated 48 hours of hospitalization; the DKA was resolved after 52 hours of admission. He was discharged home in good condition on the 5th day. The second patient was a 13-year-old girl, a known case of T1DM, who presented with mixed DKA- hyperosmolar-hyperglycemic state (HHS) and septic shock. She was intubated and treated according to the data derived from pulse Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO). After 3 days, she was extubated and transferred to the ward in good condition.

Conclusion
Using invasive hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill children with severe DKA and hypotension might guide the physicians for hydration and selecting the most appropriate inotrope.
Standards for evaluating the quality of undergraduate nursing e-learning programme in low- and middle-income countries: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Mulu Moses Mutua , Nyoni Champion N. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The lack of standards for evaluating the quality of undergraduate nursing programmes hampers the evaluation of e-learning programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Fragmented approaches to evaluation coupled with a lack of uniform criteria have been a major deterrent to the growth of e-learning. Adopting standards from high-income countries has contextual challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Holistic approaches coupled with uniform standards provide information to stakeholders hence the quality of the programmes is measurable. The e-learning situation in low-and middle-income countries provided an impetus to develop and validate these standards.

Design
A modified Delphi technique.

Review methods
Fourteen experts with experience and expertise in e-learning and regulation of undergraduate nursing from fourteen countries from LMICs participated in three rounds of the modified Delphi process. A pre-described set of standards was shared electronically for independent and blinded ratings. An 80% threshold was set for consensus decisions. The standards were modified based on experts’ comments, and two subsequent rounds were used to refine the standards and criteria.

Results
At the end of round one, the expert consensus was to keep 67, modify 39 and remove three criteria. At the end of the second round, the consensus was to modify 38 and remove one criteria. In the third round, experts agreed that the standards were feasible, usable, and practical in LMICs. A total of six broad standards with 104 criteria were developed.

Conclusion
The Technological bloom permeating all spheres of society, including education is an essential component in the development of e-learning programmes. E-learning in nursing education requires critical evaluation to ensure quality in undergraduate nursing programmes. The intricacies of the Low and middle-income context were taken into consideration in developing the standards to offer sustainable evaluation of the quality of e-learning in LMICs, and local solutions to local problems.
The diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from asymptomatic and symptomatic school-age children in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Simpson Shirley V. , Nundu Sabin S. , Arima Hiroaki , Kaneko Osamu , Mita Toshihiro , Culleton Richard , Yamamoto Taro 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Understanding Plasmodium falciparum population diversity and transmission dynamics provides information on the intensity of malaria transmission, which is needed for assessing malaria control interventions. This study aimed to determine P. falciparum allelic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) among asymptomatic and symptomatic school-age children in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Methods
A total of 438 DNA samples (248 asymptomatic and 190 symptomatic) were characterized by nested PCR and genotyping the polymorphic regions of pfmsp1 block 2 and pfmsp2 block 3.

Results
Nine allele types were observed in pfmsp1 block2. The K1-type allele was predominant with 78% (229/293) prevalence, followed by the MAD20-type allele (52%, 152/293) and RO33-type allele (44%, 129/293). Twelve alleles were detected in pfmsp2, and the 3D7-type allele was the most frequent with 84% (256/304) prevalence, followed by the FC27-type allele (66%, 201/304). Polyclonal infections were detected in 63% (95% CI 56, 69) of the samples, and the MOI (SD) was 1.99 (0.97) in P. falciparum single-species infections. MOIs significantly increased in P. falciparum isolates from symptomatic parasite carriers compared with asymptomatic carriers (2.24 versus 1.69, adjusted b: 0.36, (95% CI 0.01, 0.72), p = 0.046) and parasitaemia > 10,000 parasites/µL compared to parasitaemia < 5000 parasites/µL (2.68 versus 1.63, adjusted b: 0.89, (95% CI 0.46, 1.25), p < 0.001).

Conclusion
This survey showed low allelic diversity and MOI of P. falciparum, which reflects a moderate intensity of malaria transmission in the study areas. MOIs were more likely to be common in symptomatic infections and increased with the parasitaemia level. Further studies in different transmission zones are needed to understand the epidemiology and parasite complexity in the DRC.
Multi-omics profiling of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma reveals different somatic mutations and a unique transcriptomic signature
Authors: Li Qiang , Feng Tienan , Zhu Tengteng , Zhang Weituo , Qian Ying , Zhang Huan , Zheng Xiangqian , Li Dapeng , Yun Xinwei , Zhao Jingzhu , Li Yangyang , Yu Herbert , Gao Ming , Qian Biyun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundPapillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) incidence has significantly increased, and some cases still exhibit invasive traits. The entire molecular landscape of PTMC, which can offer hints for the etiology of cancer, is currently absent.MethodsWe compared our findings with those for PTMC in the TCGA by analyzing the largest study at the current stage of whole exome sequencing and RNA-sequencing data from 64 patients with PTMC. Then, we systematically demonstrated the differences between the two PTMC subtypes based on multi-omics analyses. Additionally, we created a molecular prediction model for the PTMC subtypes and validated them among TCGA patients for individualized integrative assessment.ResultsIn addition to the presence ofBRAFmutations andRETfusions in the TCGA cohort, we also discovered a new molecular signature named PTMC-inflammatory that implies a potential response to immune intervention, which is enriched withAFPmutations,IGH@-extfusions, elevated immune-related genes, positive peroxidase antibody, and positive thyroglobulin antibody. Additionally, a molecular prediction model for the PTMC-inflammatory patients was created and validated among TCGA patients, while the prognosis for these patients is poor.ConclusionsOur findings comprehensively define the clinical and molecular features of PTMC and may inspire new therapeutic hypotheses.
How can corporate taxes contribute to sub-Saharan Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? A case study of Vodafone
Authors: Hannah Eilish , O’Hare Bernadette , Lopez Marisol , Murray Stuart , Etter-Phoya Rachel , Hall Stephen , Masiya Michael 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic and the climate emergency threaten progress in reaching many of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets by 2030. The under-5 mortality and maternal mortality rates are well below the targets, and if we progress at the current pace, there is a high risk of not meeting the 2030 goals. Furthermore, the initial progress in the decline in child and maternal mortality since 1990 is likely to be eroded. Much of this progress has resulted from increased sanitation, drinking water, education, and health service coverage. The adequate provision of public services is possible if there is sufficient government funding. When governments have more income, they spend more on public services, which increases access to fundamental economic and social rights and, thus, contributes to the SDGs. One of the key drivers of government financing, taxation, constitutes 70% of government revenue in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Corporate income tax constitutes 18.8% of tax revenue in African countries compared to 10% of tax revenue in OECD countries. Therefore, it plays a critical role in SDG progress.
This paper aims to quantify the contribution of one large taxpayer, that publishes their tax payments, (Vodafone Group Plc) on progress towards SDGs in six African countries. We use econometric modelling to estimate the impact of an increase in government revenue equivalent to Vodafone's average tax paid between 2007–2017.

Results
We find that government revenue equivalent to Vodafone’s taxes made a significant contribution to progress in attaining selected SDGs. We found that the revenue equivalent to Vodafone’s taxes allowed 966,188 people to access clean water and 1,371,972 people to access basic sanitation each year. Over the time period studied, 858,054 children spent an extra year in school and 54,275 children under five years and 3,655 mothers survived. In just one of these countries, Tanzania, the revenue equivalent to Vodafone's tax contribution allowed 174,121 people to access clean water and 223,586 to access sanitation each year. Over the time studied 187,023 children spent an additional year at school, 6,569 additional children under five and 625 additional mothers survived.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that the reported contributions from a single multinational corporation drive SDG progress. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of transparent taxes and explores the responsibilities of global institutions, governments, investors, and multinational corporations.
Exhaustive drainage versus fixed-time drainage for chronic subdural hematoma after one-burr hole craniostomy (ECHO): study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Liang , Ou Yunwei , Zhu Bingcheng , Guo Xufei , Yu Xiaofan , Xu Long , Li Jinping , Feng Enshan , Li Huaqing , Wang Xiaodong , Chen Huaqun , Sun Zhaosheng , Liu Zaofu , Yang Dawei , Zhang Hongbing , Liu Zhigang , Tang Jie , Zhao Shangfeng , Zhang Guobin , Yao Jiemin , Ma Dongming , Sun Zelin , Zhou Hui , Liu Baiyun , Liu Weiming ,   ECHO Trial Collaborators
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) are one of the most common neurosurgical conditions. The standard surgical technique includes burr-hole craniostomy, followed by intraoperative irrigation and placement of subdural closed-system drainage. The drainage is generally removed after 48 h, which can be described as fixed-time drainage strategy. According to literature, the recurrence rate is 5–33% with this strategy. In our retrospective study, postoperative hematoma volume was found to significantly increase the risk of recurrence. Based on these results, an exhaustive drainage strategy is conducted to minimize postoperative hematoma volume and achieve a low recurrence rate and good outcomes.

Methods
This is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, blinded endpoint randomized controlled trial designed to include 304 participants over the age of 18–90 years presenting with a symptomatic CSDH verified on cranial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Participants will be randomly allocated to perform exhaustive drainage (treatment group) or fixed-time drainage (control group) after a one-burr hole craniostomy. The primary endpoint will be recurrence indicating a reoperation within 6 months.

Discussion
This study will validate the effect and safety of exhaustive drainage after one-burr hole craniostomy in reducing recurrence rates and provide critical information to improve CSDH surgical management.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04573387. Registered on October 5, 2020.
Radiographic airway abnormalities in untreated early rheumatoid arthritis are associated with peripheral neutrophil activation
Authors: Selldén Tilia , Mårdh Carina Kärrman , Joelsson Martin , Vikgren Jenny , Johnsson Åse , Larsson Gunilla , Glinatsi Daniel , Stubendorff Kajsa , Svensson Karin , Gjertsson Inger , Rudin Anna , Lundell Anna-Carin , Ekwall Anna-Karin Hultgård 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe role of the lung for the initiation and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still unclear. Up to 10% of RA patients develop interstitial lung disease which remains a clinical challenge. Understanding early disease mechanisms is of great importance. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between peripheral neutrophil phenotypes and presence of pulmonary abnormalities (PA) on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in untreated early RA (ueRA).MethodsClinical data and blood were collected, and HRCT performed at diagnosis on 30 consecutive anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF) positive ueRA patients. HRCTs were evaluated for the presence of RA-associated parenchymal, airway and/or pleural abnormalities. Expression of phenotype markers on neutrophils were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of calprotectin, ACPA and RF were measured using immunoassays.ResultsThe frequency of having any PA was 60%. Airway abnormalities were present in 50%, parenchymal nodules in 43% and interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) in 10%. Unsupervised multivariate data analysis showed clustering of any PA with neutrophil activation, parameters of inflammation and RF titres. In univariate analysis, the patients with PA displayed significantly increased CD11b and decreased CD62L expression on neutrophils (1.2-fold,p = 0.014; 0.8-fold,p = 0.012) indicating activation and significantly increased RF IgM titre and CRP (5.7-fold,p = 0.0025; 2.3-fold,p = 0.0035) as compared to no PA. Titres of RF, but not ACPA, correlated with expression of the neutrophil activation marker CD11b. A stratified analysis demonstrated that airway involvement was the PA subtype with the strongest association with neutrophil activation.ConclusionWe report a strong association between radiographic airway findings and activation of circulating neutrophils in early RA supporting a role of innate immunity and the lung at disease onset. Our results also indicate different contributions of RF and ACPA in the RA pathogenesis.
An animal-free preclinical drug screening platform based on human precision-cut kidney slices
Authors: Mutsaers Henricus A. M. , Jensen Michael Schou , Kresse Jean-Claude , Tingskov Stine Julie , Madsen Mia Gebauer , Nørregaard Rikke 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective
Renal fibrosis is one of the main pathophysiological processes underlying the progression of chronic kidney disease and kidney allograft failure. In the past decades, overwhelming efforts have been undertaken to find druggable targets for the treatment of renal fibrosis, mainly using cell- and animal models. However, the latter often do not adequately reflect human pathogenesis, obtained results differ per strain within a given species, and the models are associated with considerable discomfort for the animals. Therefore, the objective of this study is to implement the 3Rs in renal fibrosis research by establishing an animal-free drug screening platform for renal fibrosis based on human precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS) and by limiting the use of reagents that are associated with significant animal welfare concerns.

Results
Using Western blotting and gene expression arrays, we show that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induced fibrosis in human PCKS. In addition, our results demonstrated that butaprost, SC-19220 and tamoxifen – all putative anti-fibrotic compounds – altered TGF-β-induced pro-fibrotic gene expression in human PCKS. Moreover, we observed that all compounds modulated fairly distinct sets of genes, however they all impacted TGF-β/SMAD signaling. In conclusion, this study revealed that it is feasible to use an animal-free approach to test drug efficacy and elucidate mechanisms of action.