bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of urbanization and wealth on house dust mite sensitization in children from north-central Nigeria
Authors: Zuiani Chiara , Arigliani Michele , Zubair Ramatu , Dogara Livingstone Gayus , Castriotta Luigi , Sunday Ashel Dache , Audu Reward Christopher , Dadan-Garba Habibah , Sani Zakary , Inusa Baba , Cogo Paola 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe impact of socio-economic status on the risk of allergy in African children is not clear.This was a cross sectional study including children aged 6–14 years from urban and rural settings in north-central Nigeria. Participants underwent skin prick tests to house dust mite (HDM) and an interview investigating socio-economic status through the Family Affluence Scale (FAS) based on a score of 0–6.A total of 346 children were enrolled (52.8% boys; mean age ± SD 9.6 ± 2.0 years), including 142 (41% of total) rural and 204 (59% of total) urban pupils. Prevalence of HDM sensitivity was 2.8% (4/142) in the rural setting and 15.6% (32/204) in the urban setting (P < 0.001). Among urban children, frequency of HDM sensitization was 8.6% (7/81) in the lowest socio-economic group (FAS 0–1), 13.1% (8/61) in the intermediate one (FAS 2–3) and 27.4% (17/62) in the highest one (FAS ≥ 4).Urbanization and increasing wealth are associated with a higher frequency of sensitization to HDM in Nigerian children.
Extended-release pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder (EXPO): protocol for an open-label randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of injectable buprenorphine versus sublingual tablet buprenorphine and oral liquid methadone
Authors: Marsden John , Kelleher Mike , Hoare Zoë , Hughes Dyfrig , Bisla Jatinder , Cape Angela , Cowden Fiona , Day Edward , Dewhurst Jonathan , Evans Rachel , Hearn Andrea , Kelly Joanna , Lowry Natalie , McCusker Martin , Murphy Caroline , Murray Robert , Myton Tracey , Quarshie Sophie , Scott Gemma , Turner Sophie , Vanderwaal Rob , Wareham April , Gilvarry Eilish , Mitcheson Luke 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Sublingual tablet buprenorphine (BUP-SL) and oral liquid methadone (MET) are the daily, standard-of-care (SOC) opioid agonist treatment medications for opioid use disorder (OUD). A sizable proportion of the OUD treatment population is not exposed to sufficient treatment to attain the desired clinical benefit. Two promising therapeutic technologies address this deficit: long-acting injectable buprenorphine and personalised psychosocial interventions (PSI). This study will determine (A) the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness — monthly injectable, extended-release (BUP-XR) in a head-to-head comparison with BUP-SL and MET, and (B) the effectiveness of BUP-XR with adjunctive PSI versus BUP-SL and MET with PSI. Safety, retention, craving, substance use, quality-adjusted life years, social functioning, and subjective recovery from OUD will be also evaluated.

Methods
This is a pragmatic, multi-centre, open-label, parallel-group, superiority RCT, with a qualitative (mixed-methods) evaluation. The study population is adults. The setting is five National Health Service community treatment centres in England and Scotland. At each centre, participants will be randomly allocated (1:1) to BUP-XR or SOC. At the London study co-ordinating centre, there will also be allocation of participants to BUP-XR with PSI or SOC with PSI. With 24 weeks of study treatment, the primary outcome is days of abstinence from non-medical opioids during study weeks 2–24 combined with up to 12 urine drug screen tests for opioids. For 90% power (alpha, 5%; 15% inflation for attrition), 304 participants are needed for the BUP-XR versus SOC comparison. With the same planning parameters, 300 participants are needed for the BUP-XR and PSI versus SOC and PSI comparison. Statistical and health economic analysis plans will be published before data-lock on the Open Science Framework. Findings will be reported in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards.

Discussion
This pragmatic randomised controlled trial is the first evaluation of injectable BUP-XR versus the SOC medications BUP-SL and MET, with personalised PSI. If there is evidence for the superiority of BUP-XR over SOC medication, study findings will have substantial implications for OUD clinical practice and treatment policy in the UK and elsewhere.

Trial registration
EU Clinical Trials register 2018-004460-63.
Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) detects inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving tocilizumab therapy
Authors: Gernert Michael , Schmalzing Marc , Tony Hans-Peter , Strunz Patrick-Pascal , Schwaneck Eva Christina , Fröhlich Matthias 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Assessing serological inflammation is difficult in tocilizumab (TCZ)-treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, as standard inflammation parameters, like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), are influenced by interleukin-6-receptor inhibition. Calprotectin in the serum, also named S100A8/S100A9, might be a more useful inflammation parameter in TCZ-treated patients.

Methods
Sixty-nine RA patients taking TCZ were included. Serum-calprotectin levels were assessed, as well as ESR, CRP, need for a change in disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs due to RA activity (= active RA), and the RA clinical disease activity score (CDAI). Forty-five RA patients taking tumor-necrosis factor-inhibitors (TNFi) were investigated for the same parameters.

Results
TCZ-treated patients with active RA had higher calprotectin values than not active RA patients (4155.5 [inter quartile range 1865.3–6068.3] vs 1040.0 [676.0–1638.0] ng/ml, P < 0.001). A calprotectin cut-off value of 1916.5 ng/ml resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 80.0 %, respectively, for the detection of RA disease activity. Calprotectin values correlated with CDAI-scores (r = 0.228; P = 0.011). ESR and CRP were less suitable to detect RA activity in TCZ-treated patients. Also TNFi-treated patients with active RA had higher calprotectin values compared to not active RA (5422.0 [3749.0–8150.8] vs 1845.0 [832.0–2569.0] ng/ml, P < 0.001). The calprotectin value with the best sensitivity and specificity for detecting RA activity was 3690.5 ng/ml among TNFi-treated patients.

Conclusion
Calprotectin in the serum can be a useful inflammation parameter despite TCZ-treatment.
First clinical application of cord blood mesenchymal stromal cells in children with multi-drug resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Morello William , Budelli Silvia , Bernstein Daniel Ari , Montemurro Tiziana , Montelatici Elisa , Lavazza Cristiana , Ghio Luciana , Edefonti Alberto , Peruzzi Licia , Molino Daniela , Benetti Elisa , Gianoglio Bruno , Mehmeti Florian , Catenacci Laura , Rotella Jessica , Tamburello Chiara , Moretta Antonia , Lazzari Lorenza , Giordano Rosaria , Prati Daniele , Montini Giovanni 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background and objectives
Children with multi-drug resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (MDR-INS) usually progress to end-stage kidney disease with a consistent risk of disease recurrence after transplantation. New therapeutic options are needed for these patients. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotential non-hematopoietic cells with several immunomodulatory properties and growing clinical applications. Cord blood-derived MSC have peculiar anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. We aimed at assessing safety and efficacy of cord-blood-derived MSCs (CB-MSCs) in children with MDR-INS.

Design, setting, participants
Prospective, open-label, single arm phase I–II pilot study. Pediatric patients with MDR-INS, resistant to at least two lines of therapy, were enrolled. Allogenic CB-MSCs were administered intravenously on days 0, 14, and 21 at a dose of 1.5 × 106 cells/kg. Patients were followed for at least 12 months. The primary outcomes were safety and toxicity. The secondary outcome was remission at 12 months evaluated by urinary protein/urinary creatinine ratio (uPr/uCr). Circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) were monitored.

Results
Eleven pediatric patients with MDR-INS (10 females, median age 13 years) resistant to a median of 3 previous lines of therapy were enrolled. All patients completed the CB-MSC infusion schedule. No patient experienced any infusion-related adverse event or toxicity. Nine patients were assessable for efficacy. At the 12 months follow-up after the treatment, the median uPr/uCr did not change significantly from baseline (8.13 vs. 9.07; p = 0.98), while 3 patients were in partial or complete remission. A lower baseline uPr/uCr was a predictor of remission (2.55 vs. 8.74; p = 0.0238). Tregs count was not associated with CB-MSCs therapy.

Conclusions
CB-MSCs are safe and may have a role in the immunosuppressive therapy of pediatric patients with MDR-INS. This preliminary experience paves the way toward further phase II studies addressing MSC efficacy in immune-mediated kidney diseases.
Emerging role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-derived exosome in neurodegeneration-associated conditions: a groundbreaking cell-free approach
Authors: Yari Hadi , Mikhailova Maria V. , Mardasi Mahsa , Jafarzadehgharehziaaddin Mohsen , Shahrokh Somayeh , Thangavelu Lakshmi , Ahmadi Hosein , Shomali Navid , Yaghoubi Yoda , Zamani Majid , Akbari Morteza , Alesaeidi Samira 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAccumulating proofs signify that pleiotropic effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are not allied to their differentiation competencies but rather are mediated mainly by the releases of soluble paracrine mediators, making them a reasonable therapeutic option to enable damaged tissue repair. Due to their unique immunomodulatory and regenerative attributes, the MSC-derived exosomes hold great potential to treat neurodegeneration-associated neurological diseases. Exosome treatment circumvents drawbacks regarding the direct administration of MSCs, such as tumor formation or reduced infiltration and migration to brain tissue. Noteworthy, MSCs-derived exosomes can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and then efficiently deliver their cargo (e.g., protein, miRNAs, lipid, and mRNA) to damaged brain tissue. These biomolecules influence various biological processes (e.g., survival, proliferation, migration, etc.) in neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Various studies have shown that the systemic or local administration of MSCs-derived exosome could lead to the favored outcome in animals with neurodegeneration-associated disease mainly by supporting BBB integrity, eliciting pro-angiogenic effects, attenuating neuroinflammation, and promoting neurogenesis in vivo. In the present review, we will deliver an overview of the therapeutic benefits of MSCs-derived exosome therapy to ameliorate the pathological symptoms of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disease. Also, the underlying mechanism behind these favored effects has been elucidated.
Widespread retina and optic nerve neuroinflammation in enucleated eyes from glaucoma patients
Authors: Rutigliani Carola , Tribble James R. , Hagström Anna , Lardner Emma , Jóhannesson Gauti , Stålhammar Gustav , Williams Pete A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractNeuroinflammation is recognized as a key component of neurodegenerative disease. In glaucoma, a common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of irreversible blindness, the evidence for neuroinflammation in patients is lacking. Animal models have demonstrated significant pro-inflammatory activation of resident glia in the retina, as well as influx of blood-derived monocytes and pro-inflammatory factors. Confirmation of this in human donor tissue has been challenging due to a lack of well-preserved and well-characterized post-mortem tissue. To address this we utilize archived, wax embedded eyes fixed immediately following enucleation from living glaucoma patients. We compared glaucoma to control eyes (enucleated for uveal melanoma where the tumor did not impact the central retina or optic nerve). We performed immunolabelling for neurodegenerative and glial markers (CD45, CD163, IBA1, GFAP, Vimentin) which were quantified by high-resolution light microscopy and image analysis in FIJI. Glaucoma eyes demonstrated significant neural loss consistent with advanced neurodegeneration. IBA1 and GFAP were significantly increased in the retina and optic nerve head of the glaucomatous eyes indicating that significant neuroinflammation had occurred which support findings in animal models. Inflammation is a treatable symptom of many diseases and as such, identification of earlier inflammatory processes in glaucoma could be important for potential future treatment options.
State capture through indemnification demands? Effects on equity in the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Gorodensky Ariel , Kohler Jillian C. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
State capture by the pharmaceutical industry is a form of corruption whereby pharmaceutical companies shift laws or policies about their products away from the best interest of the public and toward their private benefit. State capture often limits equitable access to pharmaceutical products by inflating drug prices and increasing barriers to entry into the pharmaceutical industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the high demand and low supply of COVID-19 vaccines has put governments that manage vaccine procurement at risk of capture by COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, both through bilateral deals and the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility; this threatens equity in the global distribution of these products. The purpose of this study is to determine whether COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers have been engaging in state capture and, if so, to examine the implications of state capture on equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods
A targeted rapid literature search was conducted on state capture by the pharmaceutical industry. Results were limited to journal articles, books, and grey literature published between 2000 and 2021 in or translated to English. A literature search was also conducted for information about state capture during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results were limited to media articles published between March 2020 and July 2021 in or translated to English. All articles were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results
COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers have demanded financial indemnification from national governments who procure their vaccines. While most high-income countries are legislatively capable of indemnifying vaccine manufacturers, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not. A number of LMICs have thus changed their legislations to permit for manufacturers’ indemnification demands. Amending legislation in this way is state capture and has led to delays in LMICs and vaccine manufacturers signing procurement contracts. This has critically stalled access to vaccines in LMICs and created disparities in access to vaccines between high-income countries and LMICs.

Conclusions
COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers’ indemnification demands constitute state capture in many LMICs though not in high-income countries; this has enhanced global COVID-19 vaccine inequities. Results underscore the need to find alternatives to financial indemnification that do not hinder critical efforts to end the pandemic.
Pattern in ejecta curtain generated by the impact into granular targets of various sized particles and application to the ejecta curtain observed in the Hayabusa2 impact experiment
Authors: Kadono Toshihiko , Suzuki Ayako I. , Suetsugu Ryo , Shimaki Yuri , Hasegawa Sunao 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe conducted impact experiments using targets composed of particles with size distributions and projectiles with a size larger than or comparable with the maximum size of particles in targets. The pattern and particle concentration in the ejecta curtain were investigated. The results show three types of ejecta curtain features: (i) filament pattern extending throughout the entire curtain and high concentration, (ii) filament pattern and low concentration, and (iii) mesh-like pattern with a structure on smaller scales than the entire curtain and low concentration. When the target consists of particles using a bimodal size distribution with size differences of more than one order of magnitude, the filament pattern appears, exhibiting case (i). If the target consists of particles with various sizes with size differences of more than one order of magnitude, the filament pattern appears, but the concentration decreases, appearing the features of case (ii). Case (iii) occurs when the target consists of particles with a single size or when the mass of particles with a certain size is dominant. Thus, the size distribution of the particles in the targets determines the pattern and particle concentration in the ejecta curtain. Based on these results, we confirm that the pattern in the ejecta curtain caused by the impact of the Small Carry-on Impactor (SCI) in the Hayabusa2 mission showing case (i) is consistent with the evaluated sizes and masses of grains and boulders in the ejecta curtain.Graphical Abstract
Positron range in combination with point-spread-function correction: an evaluation of different implementations for [124I]-PET imaging
Authors: Kertész Hunor , Conti Maurizio , Panin Vladimir , Cabello Jorge , Bharkhada Deepak , Beyer Thomas , Papp Laszlo , Jentzen Walter , Cal-Gonzalez Jacobo , Herraiz Joaquín L. , López-Montes Alejandro , Rausch Ivo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Aim
To evaluate the effect of combining positron range correction (PRC) with point-spread-function (PSF) correction and to compare different methods of implementation into iterative image reconstruction for 124I-PET imaging.

Materials and methods
Uniform PR blurring kernels of 124I were generated using the GATE (GEANT4) framework in various material environments (lung, water, and bone) and matched to a 3D matrix. The kernels size was set to 11 × 11 × 11 based on the maximum PR in water and the voxel size of the PET system. PET image reconstruction was performed using the standard OSEM algorithm, OSEM with PRC implemented before the forward projection (OSEM+PRC simplified) and OSEM with PRC implemented in both forward- and back-projection steps (full implementation) (OSEM+PRC). Reconstructions were repeated with resolution recovery, point-spread function (PSF) included. The methods and kernel variation were validated using different phantoms filled with 124I acquired on a Siemens mCT PET/CT system. The data was evaluated for contrast recovery and image noise.

Results
Contrast recovery improved by 2–10% and 4–37% with OSEM+PRC simplified and OSEM+PRC, respectively, depending on the sphere size of the NEMA IQ phantom. Including PSF in the reconstructions further improved contrast by 4–19% and 3–16% with the PSF+PRC simplified and PSF+PRC, respectively. The benefit of PRC was more pronounced within low-density material. OSEM-PRC and OSEM-PSF as well as OSEM-PSF+PRC in its full- and simplified implementation showed comparable noise and convergence. OSEM-PRC simplified showed comparably faster convergence but at the cost of increased image noise.

Conclusions
The combination of the PSF and PRC leads to increased contrast recovery with reduced image noise compared to stand-alone PSF or PRC reconstruction. For OSEM-PRC reconstructions, a full implementation in the reconstruction is necessary to handle image noise. For the combination of PRC with PSF, a simplified PRC implementation can be used to reduce reconstruction times.
Central retinal artery occlusion secondary to presumed traumatic carotid artery dissection in a healthy child
Authors: Mazzeo Thiago José Muniz Machado , Freire Raimunda Cristina Mendonça , Filho Luciano Fuzzato , Machado Cleide Guimarães , Gomes André Marcelo Vieira 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To describe a rare case of a 13 years-old healthy child that presented CRAO secondary to carotid artery dissection, which occurred after a neck rotation movement.

Methods
Case report with prospective literature review.

Patients
One patient described in the case report.

Results
Not applicable.

Discussion/conclusion
Internal carotid artery dissection is a rare condition, specially in children, that can lead to serious cerebral-ocular ischemic events. It may occur due to direct vessel trauma or spontaneously. Prompt imaging screening is of paramount importance because early antithrombotic treatment or surgical intervention may significantly reduce the incidence of devastating ischemic events, such as stroke or central retinal artery occlusion.
Use of cefepime, meropenem, or piperacillin/tazobactam as initial treatment for febrile neutropenia in patients with hematological malignancy — a real-life experience
Authors: Karim Najmul , Kabir Alamgir , Islam Manirul , Biswas Akhil Ranjan , Wasim Mohammed , Alam Mahbubul , Chowdhury Nobendu , Islam Mohammed Nadimul , Tabassum Tamanna , Hasan Mohammad Jahid 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Antimicrobials like fourth-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, or β-lactams are widely used in treatment of febrile neutropenia (FN). The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of cefepime, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam as initial treatment for chemo-induced FN in patients with hematological malignancy.

Methods
This was an observational study conducted in the Department of Hematology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2020 to June 2021 including 99 adult FN patients with hematological malignancy who were randomized equally to three treatment arms to receive cefepime, meropenem, or piperacillin/tazobactam as an empirical antibiotic. Response to therapy was defined as improvement in symptoms (e.g., defervescence) or in laboratory values including neutrophil counts on day 3 and day 7 after the initiation of the therapy. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare the efficacy of the treatment regimens.

Results
Response rate to initial treatment with different antibiotic regimens was similar without any statistically significant difference (60.6%, 63.6%, and 51.5% on day 3 and 63.6%, 75.8%, and 66.7% on day 7 for cefepime, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam, respectively, p-value > 0.05) irrespective of underlying diagnosis, the severity of neutropenia, and cause of fever.

Conclusion
Initial therapy with cefepime, meropenem, or piperacillin/tazobactam is safe and equally effective in chemo-induced FN in patients with hematological malignancy. This finding may be considered in clinical practice for optimum therapeutic outcomes.