bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response‐guided long‐term treatment of chronic hepatitis D patients with bulevirtide—results of a “real world” study
Authors: Jachs Mathias , Schwarz Caroline , Panzer Marlene , Binter Teresa , Aberle Stephan W. , Hartl Lukas , Dax Kristina , Aigner Elmar , Stättermayer Albert F. , Munda Petra , Graziadei Ivo , Holzmann Heidemarie , Trauner Michael , Zoller Heinz , Gschwantler Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas , Ferenci Peter 
Published: May 2022

SummaryBackground and AimBulevirtide (BLV) blocks the uptake of the hepatitis D virus (HDV) into hepatocytes via the sodium/bile acid cotransporter NTCP. BLV was conditionally approved by the EMA but real‐life data on BLV efficacy are limited.MethodsPatients were treated with BLV monotherapy. Patients who did not achieve further decreases in HDV‐RNA after 24 weeks were offered PEG‐IFN as an add‐on therapy in a response‐guided manner.ResultsTwenty‐three patients (m: 10, f: 13; mean age: 47.9 years, cirrhosis: 16; median ALT: 71 IU/ml; median HDV‐RNA: 2.1 × 105copies/ml) started BLV monotherapy (2 mg/day: 22; 10 mg/day: 1). Twenty‐two completed ≥24 weeks of treatment (24–137 weeks): Ten (45%) were classified as BLV responders at week 24. BLV was stopped in two patients with >6 months HDV‐RNA undetectability, but both became HDV‐RNA positive again. One patient was transplanted at week 25. One patient terminated treatment because of side effects at week 60. Ten patients are still on BLV monotherapy. Adding PEG‐IFN in eight patients induced an HDV‐RNA decrease in all (1.29 ± 0.19 [SD] log within 12 weeks). HDV‐RNA decreased by >2log or became undetectable in 45%(10/22), 55%(11/20), 65% (13/20) and 69% (9/13); and ALT levels normalised in 64% (14/22), 85% (17/20), 90% (18/20) and in 92% (12/13) patients at weeks 24, 36, 48 and 60, respectively. Portal pressure decreased in 40% (2/5) of patients undergoing repeated measurement under BLV therapy.ConclusionLong‐term BLV monotherapy is safe and effectively decreases HDV‐RNA and ALT—even in patients with cirrhosis. The optimal duration of BLV treatment alone or in combination with PEG‐IFN remains to be established. An algorithm for a response‐guided BLV treatment approach is proposed.
Functional Group Bridge for Simultaneous Regression and Support Estimation
Authors: Wang Zhengjia , Magnotti John , Beauchamp Michael S. , Li Meng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis paper is motivated by studying differential brain activities to multiple experimental condition presentations in intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) experiments. Contrasting effects of experimental conditions are often zero in most regions and nonzero in some local regions, yielding locally sparse functions. Such studies are essentially a function-on-scalar regression problem, with interest being focused not only on estimating nonparametric functions but also on recovering the function supports. We propose a weighted group bridge approach for simultaneous function estimation and support recovery in function-on-scalar mixed effect models, while accounting for heterogeneity present in functional data. We use B-splines to transform sparsity of functions to its sparse vector counterpart of increasing dimension, and propose a fast nonconvex optimization algorithm using nested alternative direction method of multipliers (ADMM) for estimation. Large sample properties are established. In particular, we show that the estimated coefficient functions are rate optimal in the minimax sense under the L2 norm and resemble a phase transition phenomenon. For support estimation, we derive a convergence rate under the norm that leads to a selection consistency property under δ-sparsity, and obtain a result under strict sparsity using a simple sufficient regularity condition. An adjusted extended Bayesian information criterion is proposed for parameter tuning. The developed method is illustrated through simulations and an application to a novel iEEG data set to study multisensory integration.
DDX55 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by interacting with BRD4 and participating in exosome‐mediated cell‐cell communication
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhou Shujun , Long Dakun , Ning Yuxiang , Yao Hanlin , Zhou Encheng , Wang Yanfeng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe involvement of DEAD‐box helicase 55 (DDX55) in oncogenesis has been suggested, but its biological role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. The present study verified the upregulation of DDX55 in HCC tissues compared with non‐tumor controls. DDX55 displayed the highest prognostic values among the DEAD‐box protein family for recurrence‐free survival and overall survival of HCC patients. In addition, the effects of DDX55 in the promotion of HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined ex vivo and in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed that DDX55 could interact with BRD4 to form a transcriptional regulatory complex that positively regulated PIK3CA transcription. Following that, β‐catenin signaling was activated in a PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β dependent manner, thus inducing cell cycle progression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Intriguingly, both DDX55 mRNA and protein were identified in the exosomes derived from HCC cells. Exosomal DDX55 was implicated in intercellular communication between HCC cells with high or low DDX55 levels and between HCC cells and endothelial cells, thereby promoting the malignant phenotype of HCC cells and angiogenesis. In conclusion, DDX55 may be a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.
French city networking: Drivers and rationale for national investment
Authors: Flamant Anouk 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDrawing on qualitative investigations of three French cities, this this paper contributes to an understanding of the reasons behind the proliferation of activist city networks. Following the literature on the functions of transnational city networks, this article reveals four significant drivers that explain the preference of French cities for national city network ANVITA over international city networks amid a surge of welcoming initiatives. The four drivers offer opportunities to (1) share experience, (2) shame national authorities and propose alternative narratives, (3) limit pressure and opposition from NGOs and activists and (4) lend legitimacy to current policies and attain a label of “welcoming city” for Green and left‐leaning municipal coalitions. Thus, if the practical and symbolic functions are standard with international city networks, the symbolic functions play a significant role; some are explicit (shaming), whereas other are more implicit (relations with NGOs and partisan positioning). This article insists on the need to consider the political dimension of city networking as a significant driver for municipal actors. This political dimension is key to understanding how cities can (or not) be prominent actors in the governance of migration in the years to come.
Health issues in women and girls affected by haemophilia with a focus on nomenclature, heavy menstrual bleeding, and musculoskeletal issues
Authors: Weyand Angela C. , Sidonio Robert F. , Sholzberg Michelle 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionWomen and girls affected by haemophilia, including haemophilia carriers (WGH) are at risk of bleeding symptoms that may go unrecognized, including heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and musculoskeletal bleeding. Terminology continues to evolve.AimTo describe the current recommendations for nomenclature surrounding WGH, and the current understanding of HMB, iron deficiency, and musculoskeletal complaints in these patients.MethodsLiterature was reviewed and summarized.ResultsWith regards to nomenclature, women with factor levels less than 50% should be classified as having haemophilia, while carriers with normal levels should be characterized accordingly to symptomatology. HMB and resultant iron deficiency are common among WGH, have a multitude of downstream effects, and maybe overlooked due to stigma around menstruation. Musculoskeletal bleeding and resultant joint changes are increasingly recognized in this population but do not necessarily correlate with factor levels.ConclusionAlthough progress has been made in the care of WGH, much work remains to further improve their care.
Inhibitors: Diagnostic challenges, unknowns of inhibitor development, treatment of bleeding and surgery, and insights into diagnosis and treatment in China
Authors: Escuriola Ettingshausen Carmen , Yang Renchi , Wu Wenman , Meeks Shannon L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFactor (F) VIII inhibitors develop in around 30% of previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe haemophilia, to a lesser extend in moderate and mild haemophilia A and in up to 10% in severe haemophilia B. Diagnostic challenges and questions remain including access to high quality testing, the role for functional inhibitor testing and binding antibody testing, and the adaptations needed in the presence of non‐factor replacement therapy. Despite significant gains in knowledge there are still many unanswered questions underlying the immunologic mechanisms of inhibitor development and tolerance. Therapeutic options include eradication of inhibitors using immune tolerance induction therapy (ITI), prophylaxis with bypassing agents (i.e., recombinant activated factor VII /rFVIIa or activated prothrombin complex concentrate/aPCC) or non‐factor replacement therapies (e.g., emicizumab) and treatment of bleeds or coverage of surgeries/invasive procedure. Recently a haemophilia centre capacity building program was launched in China to further develop the infrastructure and support needed to improve the diagnosis of haemophilia, detection of inhibitors, and continue to improve the care of patients with haemophilia and inhibitors.
Exploring the obesity concerns of British Pakistani women living in deprived inner‐city areas: A qualitative study
Authors: Iqbal Halima , West Jane , McEachan Rosemary R. C. , Haith‐Cooper Melanie 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionBritish South Asians have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than the wider population. Bradford (UK), with its high Pakistani presence and levels of economic deprivation, has exceptionally high instances, especially in deprived areas where many Pakistanis reside. British Pakistani women in Bradford are more likely to be overweight and obese. There is uncertainty on how these women can be aided to manage their weight. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the obesity concerns of Pakistani women living in deprived inner‐city areas of Bradford.MethodsThree focus groups interviews were carried out with 23 Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford. Data were analysed thematically.ResultsThis exploratory study identified a wide range of concerns that women had around managing their weight. Participants disclosed distrust in information given around medication, conflicting dietary information and reported low levels of trust in women‐only organized physical activities. Cultural barriers were identified, which included the gender role of the woman, the lack of culturally appropriate dietary advice, cultural misunderstandings of what constitutes a healthy diet and healthy weight, the lack of culturally suitable exercise facilities and conforming to family and community expectations. Other concerns were language barriers around a lack of understanding, the inability to read Urdu and reliance on others to translate information.ConclusionThese findings have implications for researchers, local authorities, policy makers and others with an interest in reducing the rates of obesity in this population. Recommendations include training health practitioners to be culturally aware of the diet and eating practices of this community, exploring different ways to support socially isolated women to be more physically active at home, addressing physical activity and diet misconceptions and designing obesity management information materials appropriate for a range of literacy levels.Patient or Public ContributionPublic contributors were involved in the development of the interview guide and design of the research. A pilot focus group with participants not included in the present paper was used to help test and refine the focus group questions. Interview transcripts were member checked by participants, and participants assisted with data analysis.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided portal pressure gradient with liver biopsy: 6 years of endo‐hepatology in practice
Authors: Choi Alyssa Y. , Kolb Jennifer , Shah Sagar , Chahine Anastasia , Hashimoto Rintaro , Patel Anish , Tsujino Takeshi , Huang Jason , Hu Ke‐Qin , Chang Kenneth , Samarasena Jason B. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and AimThe portal pressure gradient (PPG) is a useful predictor of portal hypertension (PH) related complications. We previously showed the feasibility and safety of endoscopic ultrasound guided PPG measurement (EUS‐PPG). Now EUS‐guided liver biopsy (EUS‐bx) has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to percutaneous or Interventional Radiology‐guided liver biopsy for the diagnosis of chronic liver disease (CLD). We aimed to evaluate the correlation between PPG and clinical markers of PH, and assess the feasibility and safety of concomitant, single session EUS‐PPG and EUS‐bx.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients undergoing EUS‐PPG for CLD at a single tertiary endoscopy center between February 2014 and March 2020. EUS‐PPG was performed using a 25‐gauge needle and compact manometer. Data analysis was performed with SAS version 9.4.ResultsEighty‐three patients underwent EUS‐PPG with 100% technical success. The mean PPG was 7.06 mmHg (SD 6.09, range 0–27.3). PPG was higher in patients with (vs without) clinical features of cirrhosis (9.46 vs 3.61 mmHg, P < 0.0001), esophageal or gastric varices (13.88 vs 4.34 mmHg, P < 0.0001), and thrombocytopenia (9.25 vs 4.71 mmHg, P = 0.0022). In the 71 patients (85.5%) who underwent EUS‐bx, 70 (98.6%) specimens were deemed adequate by the pathologist for histologic diagnosis. There were no early or late major adverse events.ConclusionEUS‐PPG correlates well with clinical markers of PH. EUS‐bx can be performed safely during the same session as EUS‐PPG, providing a comprehensive endoscopic evaluation of the patient with CLD.
Poikiloderma with neutropenia: An alternate presentation with dyspigmentation and novel USB1 mutation
Authors: Peterson Malina Yamashita , Hanson Brooke , Polcari Ingrid 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTwo siblings presented with sun sensitivity and progressive dyspigmentation. A diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum was initially favored due to XPC mutations, although variants were not clearly diagnostic. However, new moderate neutropenia and homozygous suspected pathogenic variants in USB1 led to diagnosis of poikiloderma with neutropenia. This case highlights the importance of reevaluation of diagnosis due to significant phenotypic overlap in congenital disorders of photosensitivity with poikiloderma or dyspigmentation.
The use of PEEK as an occlusal splint in a patient with histaminosis: A case report
Authors: Delrieu Julien , Joniot Sabine , Vergé Thierry , Destruhaut Florent , Nasr Karim , Canceill Thibault 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPoly‐(etheretherketone) (PEEK) began to be used in the field of odontology more than 10 years ago, especially in relation to the creation of removable partial dentures. Here we report the case of a 62 years old woman diagnosed with histamine intolerance (or histaminosis), who presented a very particular set of oral symptoms. She described a certain tingling, burning, and swelling of the mucous membranes. These symptoms seem to be linked with the wearing of a resin occlusal splint which was initially prescribed to compensate for the absence of a meniscus in the left temporomandibular joint of the patient. After a multidisciplinary concertation, it was decided to create a new splint with a resin‐free material. For this reason, the production of a PEEK prosthesis was considered. Following the installation of the occlusal splint in the patient, and after clinical adjustments, she described the occlusion positioning as correct and a disappearance of the symptomatology. Mechanically, PEEK seems to have higher mechanical resistance than PMMA. Despite these characteristics, the use of PEEK still presents some limitations, especially concerning the overall aesthetic. Additionally, the prescription of the occlusal splint seems to be limited to patients who need special care. The case presented here thus confirms a new perspective concerning the use of PEEK as an occlusal splint.
Evaluation of telemedicine for new outpatient neurological consultations
Authors: Watila Musa Mamman , Duncan Callum , Mackay Graham 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has broadened the use of teleneurology, how this compares with face-to-face (F2F) clinics is unclear. This study compared virtual with F2F new neurological consultations.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated new outpatient consultations in neurology clinics in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. We compared sociodemographic data, time to consultation, time to diagnosis, the need for reassessment and re-investigation between traditional F2F and virtual clinics using the web-basedAttend Anywhereplatform or telephone into patients’ own homes (or chosen location) without a trained assistant. We calculated the relative risk (RR) of the need for reassessment and re-investigation over 6-month periods by the suspected neurological diagnosis.Results73% of consultations were virtual (Attend Anywhereor telephone) between June and October 2020, this was almost non-existent (<0.1%) in June–October 2019. We analysed 352 F2F (June–July 2019) and 225 virtual consultations (June–July 2020). Compared with F2F clinics, virtual clinics had a longer time to diagnosis (p=0.019), were more likely to be reassessed (RR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.2; p<0.0001) and re-investigated (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.88 to 2.54; p=0.133), this was likelier in those aged ≥60 years. Patients with headaches and suspected seizures were less likely to need reassessment or re-investigation following virtual clinics than multiple sclerosis and neuroinflammatory disorders, spinal cord disorders and functional neurological disorders.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that virtual clinics have higher rates of reassessment and re-investigation than F2F clinics. As virtual clinics become a potential consultation alternative, this study should instruct the selection of patients for either consultation type.
Decreasing rates of cost-related medication non-adherence by age advancement among American generational cohorts 2004–2014: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang James , Bhaumik Deepon , Meltzer David 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesThe access barrier to medication has been a persistent and elusive challenge in the US healthcare system and around the globe. Cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) is an important measure of medication non-adherence behaviours that aim to avoid costs. Longitudinal study of CRN behaviours for the ageing population is rare.DesignLongitudinal study using the Health and Retirement Study to evaluate self-reported CRN biennially.SettingGeneral population of older Americans.ParticipantsThree cohorts of Americans aged between 50 and 54 (baby boomers), 65–69 (the silent generation) and 80 or above (the greatest generation) in 2004 who were followed to 2014.InterventionObservational with no intervention.Primary and secondary outcome measuresLongitudinal CRN rates for three generational cohorts from 2004 to 2014. Population-averaged effects of a broad set of variables including sociodemographics, income, insurance status, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and comorbid conditions on CRN were derived using generalised estimating equation by taking into account repeated measurements of CRN over time for the three cohorts, respectively.ResultsThe three cohorts of baby boomer, the silent generation and the greatest generation with 1925, 2839 and 2666 respondents represented 12.3 million, 8.2 million and 7.7 million people in 2004, respectively. Increasing age was associated with decreasing likelihood of reporting CRN in all three generational cohorts (p<0.05), controlling for demographics, income, insurance status, functional status and comorbid conditions. All three generational cohorts had a higher prevalence of diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, stroke, a higher percentage of respondents with Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility and lower percentage with private insurance in 2014 compared with 2004 (p<0.05).ConclusionThe paradox of decreasing CRN rates, independent of disease burden, income and insurance status, suggests populations’ CRN behaviours change as Americans age, bearing implications to social policy.
Prevalence and correlates of vision impairment and its association with cognitive impairment among older adults in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Muhammad T , Drishti Drishti , Srivastava Shobhit 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the predictors of vision impairment in old age and how impaired vision is associated with cognitive impairment among the ageing population.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted using a large country-representative survey data.Setting and participantsThis study used data from the ‘Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India’ survey, conducted in 2011. Participants included 9541 older adults aged 60 years and above.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe outcome variables were vision impairment and cognitive impairment. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis were presented. Additionally, multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to fulfil the objectives.ResultsA proportion of 59.1% of the respondents had vision impairment. Nearly 60% of the participants had cognitive impairment. Those who had vision impairment were 11% more likely to have cognitive impairment compared to their counterparts (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.23). low psychological health (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.36 to 1.77), low activities of daily living (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.43 to 2.27), low instrumental activities of daily living (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.40), poor self-rated health (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.41) and chronic morbidity (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.41) were found to be risk factors for cognitive impairment among older adults.ConclusionsAdditional efforts in terms of advocacy, availability, affordability and accessibility especially in a country with big illiteracy issue are mandatory to increase the reach of eye-care services and reduce the prevalence of avoidable visual impairment and vision losses that lead to cognitive deficits among the older population.