bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of reproductive tract infections including sexually transmitted infections among married women in urban and peri-urban mid to low socioeconomic neighbourhoods of Delhi, North India: an observational study protocol
Authors: Dhabhai Neeta , Chaudhary Ritu , Wi Teodora , Mburu Gitau , Chowdhury Ranadip , More Deepak , Chatterjee Leena , De Devjani , Kabra Rita , Kiarie James , Habib Ndema , Dang Arjun , Dang Manvi , Mazumder Sarmila 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionThe Global Health Sector Strategy on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2016 aims to end STIs as public health threat by 2030. WHO conducts global estimates of prevalence to monitor progress towards achieving the same. However, limited laboratory confirmed data exist of STIs and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) apart from few prevalence surveys among key populations and clinic-based reports, including in India. Syndromic approach is the cornerstone of RTI/STI management and to maximise the diagnostic accuracy, there is a need to determine the main aetiologies of vaginal discharge. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of common STIs and RTIs and their aetiological organisms in symptomatic and asymptomatic women living in the urban and peri-urban, mid to low socioeconomic neighbourhoods of Delhi, North India.Methods and analysisA cross-sectional study will be conducted among 440 married women who participated in the ‘Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study (WINGS)’. Information on sociodemographic profile, sexual and reproductive health will be collected, followed by examination and collection of vaginal swabs for nucleic acid amplification tests to diagnoseNeisseria gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatisandTrichomonas vaginalisand microscopy to identify bacterial vaginosis andCandida albicans. Treatment will be as per the syndromic approach recommendations in the Indian National Guidelines. Data will be analysed to estimate prevalence, presence of symptoms and signs associated with laboratory confirmed RTIs/STIs using STATA V.16.0 (StataCorp).Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been approved by the ethics review committees of the WHO and Society for Applied Studies (SAS/ERC/RHR-RTI/STI/2020). Approval has been obtained by the WINGS investigators from SAS ethics research committee to share the contact details of the participants with the investigators. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through scientific conferences.Trial registration numberCTRI/2020/03/023954.
Improving the care of patients with COVID-19 with a medical student-run telemedicine clinic
Authors: Wees Isabel , Murtuza Mohammad Imran , Mathisen Danielle , Zhang Helena , Roy Mathews , Phelps Eleanor , Reed Gary 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionIn March 2020, the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex experienced a surge in acute COVID-19 infections. At that time, no consistent protocols existed for follow-up of discharged patients with COVID-19 from the William P Clements Jr University Hospital at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Simultaneously, medical students were suspended from in-person clinical activities to limit viral spread. In response to these events, a telemedicine elective was created to provide timely and high-quality telehealth follow-up for recently discharged patients with COVID-19.MethodsThe pilot team, consisting of several second-year through fourth-year medical students, developed a call script that included warning signs and symptoms, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for isolation and primary care physician referral information. Patients with COVID-19 discharged from the emergency department (ED) and inpatient services were identified and assigned to student callers. All patients were discussed with an attending physician, who was available if an acute issue arose. The elective also included education on the SBAR (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) handover technique, telehealth education, updated COVID-19 literature and CDC guidelines.ResultsImprovement was noted in students’ ability to identify patients who required escalation of care, as seen by over 60% of patients who were advised to return to ED required hospital admission. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the students’ degree of feeling informed about the current state of COVID-19 and their degree of comfort with interviewing patients over the phone.DiscussionThis elective provided quality virtual healthcare to patients with COVID-19 while allowing medical students to progress in their medical education and participate in patient care.
Efficacy of journaling in the management of mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sohal Monika , Singh Pavneet , Dhillon Bhupinder Singh , Gill Harbir Singh 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesJournaling is a common non-pharmacological tool in the management of mental illness, however, no clear evidence-based guideline exists informing primary care providers on its use. We seek here to present this synthesis that may begin to inform future research and eventual evidence-based guideline development.DesignOf the 3797 articles retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, 20 peer-reviewed randomised control trials (31 outcomes) met inclusion criteria. These studies addressed the impact of a journaling intervention on PTSD, other anxiety disorders, depression or a combination of the aforementioned.Eligibility criteriaPeer reviewed, randomised control trials on the impact of journaling on mental illness were included.Information sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO.ResultsThe data are highly heterogeneous (control arm=I2 of 71.2%, intervention arm=I2 of 83.8%) combined with a B-level Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy recommendation. It was additionally found that there is a significant pre–post psychometric scale difference between control (−0.01, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.00) and intervention arms (−0.06, 95% CI −0.09 to −0.03). This 5% difference between groups indicates that a journaling intervention resulted in a greater reduction in scores on patient health measures. Cohen’s d effect size analysis of studies suggests a small to moderate benefit.ConclusionFurther studies are needed to better define the outcomes. Our review suggests that while there is some randomised control data to support the benefit of journaling, high degrees of heterogeneity and methodological flaws limit our ability to definitively draw conclusions about the benefit and effect size of journaling in a wide array of mental illnesses. Given the low risk of adverse effects, low resource requirement and emphasis on self-efficacy, primary care providers should consider this as an adjunct therapy to complement current evidence-based management.
Targeting the PSGL-1 Immune Checkpoint Promotes Immunity to PD-1–Resistant Melanoma
Authors: DeRogatis Julia M. , Viramontes Karla M. , Neubert Emily N. , Henriquez Monique L. , Guerrero-Juarez Christian F. , Tinoco Roberto 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have had impressive efficacy in some patients with cancer, reinvigorating long-term durable immune responses against tumors. Despite the clinical success of these therapies, most patients with cancer continue to be unresponsive to these treatments, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic options. Although P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) has been shown to inhibit immune responses in a variety of disease models, previous work has yet to address whether PSGL-1 can be targeted therapeutically to promote antitumor immunity. Using an aggressive melanoma tumor model, we targeted PSGL-1 in tumor-bearing mice and found increased effector CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses and decreased regulatory T cells (Treg) in tumors. T cells exhibited increased effector function, activation, and proliferation, which delayed tumor growth in mice after anti–PSGL-1 treatment. Targeting PD-1 in PSGL-1–deficient, tumor-bearing mice led to an increased frequency of mice with complete tumor eradication. Targeting both PSGL-1 and PD-1 in wild-type tumor-bearing mice also showed enhanced antitumor immunity and slowed melanoma tumor growth. Our findings showed that therapeutically targeting the PSGL-1 immune checkpoint can reinvigorate antitumor immunity and suggest that targeting PSGL-1 may represent a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Plasma Ceramide Levels Are Elevated in Patients With Early Coronary Atherosclerosis and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Akhiyat Nadia , Vasile Vlad , Ahmad Ali , Sara Jaskanwal Deep , Nardi Valentina , Lerman Lilach O. , Jaffe Allan , Lerman Amir 
Published: March 2022

Background
Elevated plasma ceramides are independent predictors of cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with advanced epicardial coronary artery disease. Our understanding of plasma ceramides in early epicardial coronary artery disease, however, remains limited. We examined the role of plasma ceramides in early coronary atherosclerosis characterized by coronary endothelial dysfunction.

Methods and Results

Participants presenting with chest pain and nonobstructive epicardial coronary artery disease underwent coronary endothelial function. Patients (n=90) demonstrated abnormal coronary endothelial function with acetylcholine (≥20% decrease in coronary artery diameter or ≤50% increase in coronary blood flow). A total of 30 controls had normal coronary endothelial function. Concentrations of plasma ceramide 18:0 (
P
=0.038), 16:0 (
P
=0.021), and 24:0 (
P
=0.019) differed between participants with normal and abnormal coronary endothelial function. Ceramide 24:0 (odds ratio [OR], 2.23 [95% CI, 1.07–4.66];
P
=0.033) and 16:0 (OR, 1.91×10
6
[95% CI, 11.93–3.07×10
11
];
P
=0.018) were independently associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction. Among participants with endothelium‐dependent coronary dysfunction (n=78), ceramides 16:0 (OR, 5.17×10
5
[95% CI, 2.83–9.44×10
10
];
P
=0.033), 24:0 (OR, 2.98 [95% CI, 1.27–7.00];
P
=0.012), and 24:1/24:0 (OR, 4.39×10
−4
[95% CI, 4×10
−7
–0.48];
P
=0.030) were more likely to be elevated.

Conclusions
The current study demonstrated an association between increased circulating ceramide levels and coronary endothelial dysfunction in the absence of epicardial coronary artery disease. This study supports the role of plasma ceramides as a potential biomarker or a therapeutic target for early coronary atherosclerosis in humans.
Oral Anticoagulant Treatment and the Risk of Dementia in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Bezabhe Woldesellassie M. , Bereznicki Luke R. , Radford Jan , Wimmer Barbara C. , Salahudeen Mohammed S. , Garrahy Edward , Bindoff Ivan , Peterson Gregory M. 
Published: March 2022

Background
We compared the dementia incidence rate between users and nonusers of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in a large cohort of primary care patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective study using an Australia‐wide primary care data set, MedicineInsight. Patients aged ≥18 years and newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017, and with no recorded history of dementia or stroke were included and followed until December 31, 2018. We applied a propensity score for 1:1 pair matching of baseline covariates and Cox regression for comparing the dementia incidence rates for OAC users and nonusers. Data were analyzed for 18 813 patients with atrial fibrillation (aged 71.9±12.6 years, 47.1% women); 11 419 had a recorded OAC prescription for at least 80% of their follow‐up time. During the mean follow‐up time of 3.7±2.0 years, 425 patients (2.3%; 95% CI, 2.1%–2.5%) had a documented diagnosis of dementia. After propensity matching, the incidence of dementia was significantly lower in OAC users (hazard ratio [HR], 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44–0.80;
P
<0.001) compared with nonusers. Direct‐acting oral anticoagulant users had a lower incidence of dementia than non‐OAC users (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33–0.73;
P
<0.001) or warfarin users (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.28–0.74;
P
=0.002). No significant difference was seen between warfarin users and non‐OAC users (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.70–1.70;
P
=0.723).

Conclusions
In patients with atrial fibrillation, direct‐acting oral anticoagulant use may result in a lower incidence of dementia compared with treatment with either warfarin or no anticoagulant.
MicroRNAs Regulate TASK‐1 and Are Linked to Myocardial Dilatation in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wiedmann Felix , Kraft Manuel , Kallenberger Stefan , Büscher Antonius , Paasche Amelie , Blochberger Pablo L. , Seeger Timon , Jávorszky Natasa , Warnecke Gregor , Arif Rawa , Kremer Jamila , Karck Matthias , Frey Norbert , Schmidt Constanze 
Published: March 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. However, underlying molecular mechanisms are insufficiently understood. Previous studies suggested that microRNA (miRNA) dependent gene regulation plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of AF. The 2‐pore‐domain potassium channel TASK‐1 (tandem of P domains in a weak inward rectifying K
+
channel–related acid sensitive K
+
channel 1) is an atrial‐specific ion channel that is upregulated in AF. Inhibition of TASK‐1 current prolongs the atrial action potential duration to similar levels as in patients with sinus rhythm. Here, we hypothesize that miRNAs might be responsible for the regulation of
KCNK3
that encodes for TASK‐1.

Methods and Results

We selected miRNAs potentially regulating
KCNK3
and studied their expression in atrial tissue samples obtained from patients with sinus rhythm, paroxysmal AF, or permanent/chronic AF. MiRNAs differentially expressed in AF were further investigated for their ability to regulate
KCNK3
mRNA and TASK‐1 protein expression in human induced pluripotent stem cells, transfected with miRNA mimics or inhibitors. Thereby, we observed that miR‐34a increases TASK‐1 expression and current and further decreases the resting membrane potential of
Xenopus laevis
oocytes, heterologously expressing hTASK‐1. Finally, we investigated associations between miRNA expression in atrial tissues and clinical parameters of our patient cohort. A cluster containing AF stage, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, left ventricular end‐systolic diameter, left atrial diameter, atrial COL1A2 (collagen alpha‐2(I) chain), and TASK‐1 protein level was associated with increased expression of miR‐25, miR‐21, miR‐34a, miR‐23a, miR‐124, miR‐1, and miR‐29b as well as decreased expression of miR‐9 and miR‐485.

Conclusions
These results suggest an important pathophysiological involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of atrial expression of the TASK‐1 potassium channel in patients with atrial cardiomyopathy.
Navigating the Complex Web of Prescribing Amyloidosis Therapeutics: A Primer
Authors: Chen Hongya , Chandrashekar Pranav , Fischer Katherine , Carlson Dayna , Narayan Urja , Chen Jack , Masri Ahmad 
Published: March 2022

Advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy has made great strides in recent years. Novel therapeutics for transthyretin amyloidosis such as tafamidis, patisiran, and inotersen have shown significant benefits in a not‐so‐rare disease but come with high listing price tags ranging from a quarter to more than a half million dollars per year. These costs create significant financial barriers for the majority of patients, especially those with existing Medicare insurance plans. Of 72 patients reviewed, 67% were Medicare beneficiaries. Financial assistance was explored for the majority, and 37 (51%) patients with Medicare Part D received financial assistance that reduced their copayments to $0. Only one‐third of our patients were able to afford these medications without any forms of financial assistance. Of these patients, 4 (6%) had the highest copayments ranging from $13 000 to $15 000 per year. To navigate the complexities of prescribing and affordability in amyloidosis, a multidisciplinary team including a dedicated clinical pharmacist is crucial in guaranteeing patients’ success to secure these novel therapeutics. In this article, we discuss our experiences with prescribing, acquiring insurance authorizations, and financing these life‐saving medications based on patient‐specific insurance plans and socioeconomic status.
End‐Diastolic Forward Flow and Restrictive Physiology in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Van den Eynde Jef , Derdeyn Emilie , Schuermans Art , Shivaram Pushpa , Budts Werner , Danford David A. , Kutty Shelby 
Published: March 2022

Background
Pulmonary arterial end‐diastolic forward flow (EDFF) following repaired tetralogy of Fallot has been thought to represent right ventricular (RV) restrictive physiology, but is not fully understood. This systematic review and meta‐analysis sought to clarify its physiological and clinical correlates, and to define a framework for understanding EDFF and RV restrictive physiology.

Methods and Results
PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for observational studies published before March 2021. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to identify factors associated with EDFF. Forty‐two individual studies published between 1995 and 2021, including a total of 2651 participants (1132 with EDFF; 1519 with no EDFF), met eligibility criteria. The pooled estimated prevalence of EDFF among patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot was 46.5% (95% CI, 41.6%–51.3%). Among patients with EDFF, the use of a transannular patch was significantly more common, and their stay in the intensive care unit was longer. EDFF was associated with greater RV indexed volumes and mass, as well as smaller E‐wave velocity at the tricuspid valve. Finally, pulmonary regurgitation fraction was greater in patients with EDFF, and moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation was more common in this population.

Conclusions
EDFF is associated with dilated, hypertrophied RVs and longstanding pulmonary regurgitation. Although several studies have defined RV restrictive physiology as the presence of EDFF, our study found no clear indicators of poor RV compliance in patients with EDFF, suggesting that EDFF may have multiple causes and might not be the precise equivalent of RV restrictive physiology.
Adherence With Lipid Screening Guidelines in Children With Acquired and Congenital Heart Disease: An Observational Study Using Data From The MarketScan Commercial and Medicaid Databases
Authors: Berger Justin H. , Faerber Jennifer A. , Chen Feiyan , Lin Kimberly Y. , Brothers Julie A. , O’Byrne Michael L. 
Published: March 2022

Background
Universal lipid screening in children provides an opportunity to mitigate the lifetime risk of atherosclerosis, particularly in children with chronic conditions that are predisposed to early atherosclerosis. In response, national guidelines recommend additional early screening in a subset of cardiac conditions. The penetration of such guidelines has not been evaluated.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective study of a geographically representative sample of US children using the MarketScan Commercial and Medicaid claims databases. The study population was children with cardiac disease between ages 2 and 18 years and ≥3 years of continuous coverage from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2018, divided into 4 major strata of heart disease. We assessed the likelihood of screening between these classifications and compared with healthy children and calculated multivariate models to identify patient factors associated with screening likelihood. Of the eligible 8.4 million children, 155 000 children had heart disease, of which 1.8% (31 216) had high‐risk conditions. Only 17.5% of healthy children underwent lipid screening. High‐risk children were more likely to be screened (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% CI, 2.09–2.19;
P
<0.001) than standard‐risk children, but that likelihood varied depending on strata of cardiac disease (22%–77%). Timing of screening also varied, with most occurring between ages 9 and 11 years. Among cardiac conditions, heart transplantation (OR, 16.8; 95% CI, 14.4–19.7) and cardiomyopathy (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.8–3.1) were associated with the highest likelihood of screening.

Conclusions
Children with cardiac disease are more likely to undergo recommended lipid screening than healthy children, but at lower rates and later ages than recommended, highlighting the importance of quality improvement and advocacy for this vulnerable population.
From Modeling the Interactions among Institutions to Modeling the Evolution of an Ecosystem: A Reflection on the Triple Helix Model and Beyond
Authors: Xue Lan , Gao Yuchen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
By decomposing and analyzing the quadruple helix model and N-tuple helices into interacting triple helices, Leydesdorff and Lawton Smith’s (2022) research promises to open further the black box inside the higher-order helices, and provides a theoretical basis and guidance for the subsequent governance on the innovation in the higher-order helices model. In this commentary, we have argued that a framework based on agile governance can be applied to the governance of this higher-order helices model with interactions among multiple triple helices. A set of flexible and adaptive actions or methods are necessary to make the governance on the higher-order helices model to be more agile to keep pace with the rapid changes of society.
The Emerging Anti-Stereotyping Principle under Article 14 echr
Authors: Henningsen Liv N 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Anti-stereotyping as a legal principle is emerging as a transformative device in European human rights law. In this article, the anti-stereotyping principle in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) is analysed and discussed. The article employs a multidimensional approach to discrimination and theorises a transformative dimension in relation to the stereotyping cases. First, the early cases on stereotyping are analysed in relation to different theoretical concepts. Thereafter, the Morais case is analysed and discussed in relation to the broader case law. It is argued that the anti-stereotyping principle is instituted more authoritatively in this case but requires further theorisation. Moreover, the comparator assessment is less significant in relation to the anti-stereotyping principle. Finally, it is argued that the ECtHR should be more explicit about intersectionality in its discrimination assessments and avoid essentialism. Aspects of case law are critiqued in this respect.