bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unilateral cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the parietal area modulates on postural control depending with eyes open and closed
Authors: Oka Shinichiro , Ikeda Takuro , Mitsutake Tsubasa , Ogata Katsuya , Goto Yoshinobu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (C-tDCS) is generally assumed to inhibit cortical excitability. The parietal cortex contributes to multisensory information processing in the postural control system, and this processing is proposed to be different between the right and left hemispheres and sensory modality. However, previous studies did not clarify whether the effects of unilateral C-tDCS of the parietal cortex on the postural control system differ depending on the hemisphere. We investigated the changes in static postural stability after unilateral C-tDCS of the parietal cortex. Ten healthy right-handed participants were recruited for right- and left-hemisphere tDCS and sham stimulation, respectively. The cathodal electrode was placed on either the right or left parietal area, whereas the anodal electrode was placed on the contralateral forehead. We evaluated static standing balance by measuring the sway path length, mediolateral (ML) sway, anteroposterior (AP) sway, sway area, and the sway path length per unit area (L/A) after 15-minute C-tDCS under eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) conditions. C-tDCS over the right hemisphere significantly increased the sway path length, ML sway, and sway area in the EO condition. In contrast, C-tDCS over the left hemisphere significantly increased the L/A in both the EC and EO condition. These results suggest that the right parietal region contributes to static standing balance through chiefly visual information processing during the EO condition. On the other hand, L/A increase during EC and EO by tDCS over the left parietal region depends more on somatosensory information to maintain static standing balance during the EC condition.
COVID-19 booster dose antibody response in pregnant, lactating, and nonpregnant women
Authors: Atyeo Caroline , Shook Lydia L. , Nziza Nadege , Deriso Elizabeth A. , Muir Cordelia , Baez Arantxa Medina , Lima Rosiane S. , Demidkin Stepan , Brigida Sara , De Guzman Rose M. , Burns Madeleine D. , Balazs Alejandro B. , Fasano Alessio , Yonker Lael M. , Gray Kathryn J. , Alter Galit , Edlow Andrea G. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDWhile emerging data during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have demonstrated robust mRNA vaccine-induced immunogenicity across populations, including pregnant and lactating individuals, the rapid waning of vaccine-induced immunity and the emergence of variants of concern motivated the use of mRNA vaccine booster doses. Whether all populations, including pregnant and lactating individuals, will mount a comparable response to a booster dose is not known.OBJECTIVEWe sought to profile the humoral immune response to a COVID-19 mRNA booster dose in a cohort of pregnant, lactating, and age-matched nonpregnant women.STUDY DESIGNWe characterized the antibody response against ancestral Spike and Omicron in a cohort of 31 pregnant, 12 lactating and 20 nonpregnant age-matched controls who received a BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 booster dose after primary COVID-19 vaccination. We also examined the vaccine-induced antibody profiles of 15 maternal:cord dyads at delivery.RESULTSReceipt of a booster dose during pregnancy resulted in increased IgG1 against Omicron Spike (post-primary vaccination vs post-booster, p = 0.03). Pregnant and lactating individuals exhibited equivalent Spike-specific total IgG1, IgM and IgA levels and neutralizing titers against Omicron compared to nonpregnant women. Subtle differences in Fc-receptor binding and antibody subclass profiles were observed in the immune response to a booster dose in pregnant compared to nonpregnant individuals. Analysis of maternal and cord antibody profiles at delivery demonstrated equivalent total Spike-specific IgG1 in maternal and cord blood, yet higher Spike-specific FcγR3a-binding antibodies in the cord relative to maternal blood (p = 0.002), consistent with preferential transfer of highly functional IgG. Spike-specific IgG1 levels in the cord were positively correlated with time elapsed since receipt of the booster dose (Spearman R 0.574, p = 0.035).CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest that receipt of a booster dose during pregnancy induces a robust Spike-specific humoral immune response, including against Omicron. If boosting occurs in the third trimester, higher Spike-specific cord IgG1 levels are achieved with greater time elapsed between receipt of the booster and delivery. Receipt of a booster dose has the potential to augment maternal and neonatal immunity.
Exploring the Genetic Link Between Thyroid Dysfunction and Common Psychiatric Disorders: a Specific Hormonal, or a General Autoimmune Comorbidity
Authors: Soheili-Nezhad Sourena , Sprooten Emma , Tendolkar Indira , Medici Marco 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis coordinates brain development and post-developmental function. Thyroid hormone variations, even within the normal range, have been associated with the risk of developing common psychiatric disorders, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Materials and methodsTo get new insight into the potentially shared mechanisms underlying thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric disorders, we performed a comprehensive analysis of multiple phenotypic and genotypic databases. We investigated the relationship of thyroid disorders with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders in 502,480 subjects from UK Biobank. We subsequently investigated genetic correlations between thyroid disorders, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 (FT4) levels, with the genome-wide factors that predispose to psychiatric disorders. Finally, the observed global genetic correlations were furthermore pinpointed to specific local genomic regions.ResultsHypothyroidism was positively associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (OR=1.51, p<10−16) and bipolar disorder (OR=1.99, p=2.1×10−6). Genetically, strong coheritability was observed between autoimmune hypothyroidism and both major depressive (rg=0.17, p=2.7×10−4) and anxiety disorders (rg=0.17, p=6.7×10−6). This genetic correlation was particularly strong at the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) locus on chromosome six (p<10−5), but further analysis showed that other parts of the genome also contributed to this global effect. Importantly, neither TSH nor FT4 levels were genetically correlated with mood disorders.ConclusionOur findings highlight an underlying association between autoimmune hypothyroidism and mood disorders, which is not mediated via thyroid hormones, and in which autoimmunity plays a prominent role. While these findings could shed new light on the potential ineffectiveness of treating (minor) variations in thyroid function in psychiatric disorders, further research is needed to identify the exact underlying molecular mechanisms.
Gender differences in the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zirra Alexandra , Rao Shilpa C , Bestwick Jonathan , Rajalingam Rajasumi , Marras Connie , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Mata Ignacio , Noyce Alastair J 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundIt is generally recognized that Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects males more commonly than females. The reasons for the difference in PD prevalence by gender remain unclear.MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we updated previous work by searching MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and OVID for articles reporting PD prevalence for both genders between 2011-2021. We calculated overall male/female prevalence ratios (OPR) and investigated heterogeneity in effect estimates.Results19 new and 13 previous articles were included. The OPR was 1.18, 95% CI [1.03, 1.36]. The OPR was lowest in Asia and appeared to be decreasing over time. Study design, national wealth, and participant age did not explain heterogeneity in OPR.ConclusionGender differences in PD prevalence may not be as stark as previously thought, but still remain. Studies are needed to understand the role of genetic, environmental, and societal determinants of gender differences in prevalence.
Exploring barriers and facilitators to physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Roche Charlotte , Fisher Abigail , Fancourt Daisy , Burton Alexandra 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectivesQuantitative data show that physical activity (PA) reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with differential impacts across demographic groups. Qualitative research is limited, so reasons for this have not been explored in-depth. This study aimed to understand barriers and facilitators to PA during the pandemic, focusing on groups more likely to have been affected by restrictions, and to map these onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM-B).DesignSemi-structured qualitative interview study.MethodsOne-to-one telephone/videocall interviews were conducted with younger (aged 18-24) and older adults (aged 70+), those with long-term physical health conditions or mental health conditions, and parents of young children, probing about their experiences of PA. Barriers and facilitators were identified using reflexive thematic analysis, and themes were mapped onto COM-B dimensions.Results116 participants were included (18-93 years old, 61% female, 71% White British). Key themes were the importance of the outdoor environment, impact of COVID-19 restrictions, fear of contracting COVID-19, and level of engagement with home exercise. Caring responsibilities and conflicting priorities were a barrier. PA as a method of socialising, establishing new routines, and the importance of PA for protecting mental health were motivators. Most themes mapped onto the physical opportunity (environmental factors) and reflective motivation (evaluations and plans) COM-B domains.ConclusionsFuture interventions should increase physical opportunity and reflective motivation for PA during pandemics, to avoid further negative health outcomes following periods of lockdown. Strategies could include tailoring PA guidance depending on location and giving education on the health benefits of PA.Statement of ContributionWhat is already known on this subject?Physical activity (PA) levels reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.The extent of this reduction varied across demographic groups.Very few qualitative studies have explored reasons for these changes.What does this study add?Novel interview data, giving context to existing quantitative data.Insight into which themes were important for different demographic groups.Suggestions for increasing PA in future pandemics, by mapping findings to a theoretical framework.
Building Medical Rehabilitation System with Safety and Without Interruption for the Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM)
Authors: Sasanuma Naoki , Takahashi Keiko , Yanagida Ai , Miyagi Yohei , Yamakawa Seiya , Seo Tetsu , Uchiyama Yuki , Kodama Norihiko , Domen Kazuhisa 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an indication for rehabilitation medicine, especially in severe cases. However, there has been no systematic development of a safe and uninterrupted provision system of medical rehabilitation for patients and medical staff with COVID-19. The Functional Resonance Analysis method (FRAM) is used to analyze performance in a socio-technical system. In FRAM, each “Function” is viewed from six aspects : Input, Output, Preconditions, Resources, Control, and Time. These aspects define each Function and reveal connections between Functions. In this study, we analyzed a safe and uninterrupted provision system for medical rehabilitation—for severely ill COVID-19 patients using FRAM to prepare for possible problems in the future.MethodsThe subject of analysis was the provision system for medical rehabilitation for patients with COVID-19 at the Rehabilitation Center of Hyogo College of Medicine College Hospital. The analysis was conducted by dividing a 21-month rehabilitation period beginning April 2020 into 5 phases, and analyzing each phase using FRAM. The first four phases were retrospective analyses, and the fifth phase was a prospective analysis.ResultsOur results showed that the number of rehabilitation physicians, consultation systems, and full-time therapists was adjusted and the system providing rehabilitation was modified during each phase.DiscussionElements of Function, such as preconditions, control, and resources, require modification in each phase. In the process of adding and deleting these elements, it became clear that it was necessary to deal with new characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Retrospective system analysis using FRAM may contribute to the planning of measures necessary for the implementation of rehabilitation medicine prospectively.
Safety of anti-thrombotic therapy in acute aortic dissection; single center, observational study
Authors: Hori Kensuke , Morikawa Nagisa , Tayama Eiki , Fukumoto Yoshihiro 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundAcute aortic dissection occurs due to a primary tear in aortic intima, with blood from aortic lumen penetrating into diseased media, in which anti-thrombotic therapies may be harmful. We examined the prognosis in patients, who had already taken antithrombotic therapies at the onset of acute aortic dissection, and the safety to administer anti-thrombotic drugs in acute phase during hospitalization.Methods and ResultsWe retrospectively enrolled 685 patients with acute aortic dissection (type A/B: 454/231), who were transferred to Kurume University Hospital from 2004 to 2020. In both type A and B, there were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality between with and without antithrombotic therapies at the onset. Patients, who survived more than a day and administered anti-thrombotic drugs during hospitalization, had significantly lower in-hospital mortality than those who had no anti-thrombosis in acute phase in type A, while there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the 2 groups in type B.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that anti-thrombotic drugs did not worsen the prognosis in patients with acute aortic dissection, indicating that we should not hesitate anti-thrombotic drugs if indicated.
Investigating relations between the NICU speech environment and weight gain in infants born very preterm
Authors: Kumar Komal , Marchman Virginia A. , Morales Maya Chan , Scala Melissa , Travis Katherine E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundChildren born very preterm (< 32 weeks gestational age), are at risk for poor growth and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Poor outcomes in preterm children have been attributed to the aversive sounds and relative speech paucity of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Experimental studies that directly expose preterm infants to speech sounds in the NICU find significant improvements in health factors relevant for neurodevelopment. Few studies have examined whether natural variations in the speech environment of the NICU are related to short-term health outcomes in preterm infants. Such data are important for optimizing the sound environment of the NICU.ObjectiveExamine relations between the NICU speech environment and rate of weight gain during hospitalization, an important determinant of physical health and neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants.MethodsParticipants were infants born very preterm (n = 20). The speech environment of each infant was assessed at 32-36 weeks postmenstrual age using a speech-counting device known as a Starling. Speech rates were averaged for each infant over the 4-week period. Average rates of weight gain (g/kg/day) were ascertained over the same period. Calories were derived from charted intake (kcals/kg/day). Linear regressions examined associations between weight gain and both caloric intake and speech counts. Control analyses explored whether effects remained after controlling for family visitation, time in incubator, and health acuity.ResultsInfants who received more calories gained more weight, accounting for more than 30% of the variance. Importantly, speech counts accounted for nearly 29% additional variance (p < .001). These effects were not reduced when controlling for family visitation, time in incubator, or health acuity.ConclusionsEnhancing speech exposure in the NICU may be beneficial for physical growth. NICU infant care plans should consider opportunities to increase speech exposure.
A Comparative Effectiveness Study on Opioid Use Disorder Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence and Existing Risk Models
Authors: Fouladvand Sajjad , Talbert Jeffery , Dwoskin Linda P. , Bush Heather , Meadows Amy L. , Peterson Lars E. , Mishra Yash R. , Roggenkamp Steven K. , Wang Fei , Kavuluru Ramakanth , Chen Jin 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of multiple artificial intelligence (AI) models with unweighted Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) in opioid use disorder (OUD) prediction.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of deidentified claims data from 2009 to 2020. The study cohort includes 474,208 patients. Cases are prescription opioid users with at least one diagnosis of OUD or at least one prescription for buprenorphine or methadone. Controls are prescription opioid users with no OUD diagnoses or buprenorphine or methadone prescriptions. Cases and controls are matched based on age, sex, opioid use duration and longitudinal data availability. OUD prediction performance of logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), XGBoost, long short-term memory (LSTM), transformer, our proposed AI model for OUD prediction (MUPOD), and the unweighted ORT were assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score and AUC.ResultsData includes 474,208 patients; 269,748 were females with an average age of 56.78 years. On 100 randomly selected test sets including 47,396 patients, MUPOD can predict OUD more efficiently (AUC=0.742±0.021) compared to LR (AUC=0.651±0.025), RF (AUC=0.679±0.026), XGBoost (AUC=0.690±0.027), LSTM (AUC=0.706±0.026), transformer (AUC=0.725±0.024) as well as the unweighted ORT model (AUC=0.559±0.025).DiscussionOUD is a leading cause of death in the United States. AI can be harnessed with available claims data to produce automated OUD prediction tools. We compared the effectiveness of AI models for OUD prediction and showed that AI can predict OUD more effectively than the unweighted ORT tool.ConclusionEmbedding AI algorithms into clinical care may assist clinicians in risk stratification and management of patients receiving opioid therapy.
BNT162b2 induces robust cross-variant SARS-CoV-2 immunity in children
Authors: Bartsch Yannic C , Chen Jessica W , Kang Jaewon , Burns Madeline D , St Denis Kerri J , Sheehan Maegan L , Davis Jameson P , Balazs Alejandro B , Yonker Lael M , Alter Galit 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCurrently available mRNA vaccines are extremely safe and effective to prevent severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, the emergence of novel variants of concerns has highlighted the importance of high population-based vaccine rates to effectively suppress viral transmission and breakthrough infections. While initially left out from vaccine efforts, children have become one of the most affected age groups and are key targets to stop community and household spread. Antibodies are central for vaccine induced protection and emerging data points to the importance of additional Fc effector functions like opsononophagocytosis or cytotoxicity, particularly in the context of variants of concern that escape neutralizing antibodies. Here, we observed delayed induction and reduced magnitude of vaccine induced antibody titers in children 5-11 years receiving two doses of the age recommended 10 μg dose of the Pfizer SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine compared to adolescents (12-15 years) or adults receiving the 30 μg dose. Conversely, children mounted equivalent or more robust neutralization and opsonophagocytic functions at peak immunogenicity, pointing to a qualitatively more robust humoral functional response in children. Moreover, broad cross-variants of concern responses were observed across children, with enhanced IgM and parallel IgG cross-reactivity to variants of concern (VOCs) in children compared to adults. Collectively, these data argue that despite the lower magnitude of the BNT162b2 induced antibody response in children, vaccine induced immunity in children target VOCs broadly and exhibit enhanced functionality that may contribute to attenuation of disease.
An audit of antibiotic prescriptions at the Base Hospital of Wathupitiwala in Sri Lanka
Authors: Samaranayake WAMP , Jayawardhana GPC , Sampath Perera UAAS , Roshan ALL , Vidanagamage U , Wijayawardana M , Halpagamage N , Rannolu P 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a serious global public threat. A retrospective audit was conducted in December 2021 in seven units to identify the prevalence and antibiotic prescription patterns at Base Hospital Wathupitiwala, Sri Lanka. Data on antibiotic use was extracted from randomly selected 30 bead head tickets (BHTs) from each unit using a standard questionnaire form. A total of 210 patient records were examined, 107 (50.95%) were females, and the mean age was 41.43 years. Ninety-five patients (45.23%) were on antibiotics, and approximately one-third of them (33.68%) were found to be wrong choices. The prevalence of antimicrobial use varied across the ward types, with the highest being in surgical units (86.66%), followed by pediatric units (55.66%). Community-acquired infections were responsible for the majority (97.89%) of prescriptions. Skin and soft tissue infections are the most common reason (23.35%) for starting antibiotics, followed by respiratory tract infections (16.84%). The majority of prescriptions 90 (70.53%) were made empirically, and 16.4% were related to surgical or medical prophylaxis. Amoxicillin-clavulanate and third-generation cephalosporin were the most commonly used antibiotics, while the duplicate anaerobic cover and two beta-lactam therapies were most widely prescribed as combination therapy. The reason for antibiotics was not documented in 11 (11.58%) patients, while 4 (4.21%) patients had received sub-therapeutic doses. Appropriate microbiological cultures were not sent in the vast majority (71.87%) of prescriptions. Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program with the help of all stakeholders is crucial to curbing antimicrobial resistance and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy at Base Hospital Wathupitiwala.