bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal analysis of pertussis in Hunan Province, China, 2009–2019
Authors: Tan Huiyi , Liang Linlong , Yin Xiaocheng , Li ChunYing , Liu Fuqiang , Wu Chengqiu 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the spatial and spatiotemporal distribution of pertussis in Hunan Province, and provide a scientific basis for targeting preventive measures in areas with a high incidence of pertussis.DesignIn this retrospective spatial and spatiotemporal (ecological) study, the surveillance and population data of Hunan Province from 2009 to 2019 were analysed. The ArcGIS V.10.3 software was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis and visual display, and SaTScan V.9.6 software was used for statistical analysis of spatiotemporal scan data.SettingsConfirmed and suspected pertussis cases with current addresses in Hunan Province and onset dates between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 were included in the study.ParticipantsThe study used aggregated data, including 6796 confirmed and suspected pertussis cases.ResultsThe seasonal peak occurred between March and September, and scattered children were at high risk. The global Moran’s I was between 0.107 and 0.341 (p<0.05), which indicated that the incidence of pertussis in Hunan had a positive spatial autocorrelation. The results of local indicators of spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the hot spots were mainly distributed in the northeast region of Hunan Province. Moreover, both purely space and spatiotemporal scans showed that the central and northeastern parts were the most likely cluster areas with an epidemic period between March and October in 2018 and 2019.ConclusionThe distribution of the pertussis epidemic in Hunan Province from 2009 to 2019 shows spatiotemporal clustering. The clustering areas of the pertussis epidemic were concentrated in the central and northeastern parts of Hunan Province between March and October 2018 and 2019. In areas with low pertussis incidence, the strengthening of the monitoring system may reduce under-reporting. In areas with high pertussis incidence where we could study whether the genes of endemic pertussis strains are mutated and differ from vaccine strains.
Relation of gut microbiota and postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in older patients with colon cancer undergoing elective colon resection: a protocol for a prospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Wang Na , Zuo Haojiang , Xu Yujie , Zhou Yong , Wei Ailing , Li Ka 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionGut microbiota (GM) appears critical for gastrointestinal symptoms, but whether alterations in GM are associated with increased risk of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGID) in older patients with colon cancer (CC) undergoing elective colon resection remains unclear.Methods and analysisThis study aims to prospectively recruit 284 elderly patients with CC undergoing elective colon resection. GM of fresh faeces specimens is characterised using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Data are collected preoperatively, daily postoperatively during the in-hospital stay, and follow-up visits are scheduled four times within 30 days after discharge. Associations with POGID will be investigated using logistic regression models to calculate ORs with 95% CIs. The models include the adjustment for age, sex, frequency of spicy diet, coffee drinking and tea drinking, tobacco and alcohol history, diabetes, obesity, gastroenteritis, preoperative gut microbial composition. Furthermore, we will use joint modelling for longitudinal data to study several outcome variables simultaneously.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of West China Hospital, Sichuan University (IRB Number: 20201334). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.Trial registration numberIt has been registered in PROSPERO, number CRD42019145032. It has been registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry, number ChiCTR2100043646.
Low back pain in the Bangladeshi adult population: a cross-sectional national survey
Authors: Momen Majumder Muhammad Shoaib , Hakim Ferdous , Bandhan Iftekhar Hussain , Razzaque Mohammad Abdur , Zahid-Al-Quadir Ahmad , Ahmed Shamim , Choudhury Minhaj Rahim , Haq Syed Atiqul , Zaman MM 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveLow back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. This study aims to determine the residence-specific and sex-specific prevalence and the factors associated with LBP in Bangladesh.MethodsThe study subjects (aged ≥18 years) were identified from 20 primary sampling units of the national census following a cross-sectional multistage stratified sampling design. We considered the mechanical type of LBP for this study. A Bangla version of the modified Community Oriented Programme for Control of Rheumatic Disorders questionnaire was used. A team of trained field workers, rheumatology residents and rheumatologists collected the data. Analysis was done using weighted data.ResultsTwo thousand subjects were approached, but 1843 could be screened. Among them, 561 had musculoskeletal disorders, and 343 were diagnosed with LBP. The weighted prevalence of LBP was 18.5% (95% CI: 11.8% to 25.2%) and age-standardised prevalence of LBP was 19.4% (95% CI: 14.0% to 24.8%), which was higher in women (27.2%, 19.3% to 35.1%) than men (14.0%, 8.7% to 19.3%). The prevalence persistently increased from age group 18–34 years (10.5%, 5.7 to 15.4) to ≥55 years (27.8%, 16.1% to 39.5%). People with no education had the highest prevalence (31.3%, 22.3% to 40.4%). The prevalence did not differ between urban and rural residential locations. Four factors were significantly associated with LBP: age (adjusted odds ratio: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.7 to 3.4), female sex (2.2, 1.5 to 3.3), absence of formal education (2.3, 1.6 to 3.3) and hypertension (1.7, 1.1 to 2.6).ConclusionLBP is a common problem in Bangladeshi adults. The factors identified are age, female sex, no formal education and hypertension. These should be addressed adequately to prevent and treat LBP.
Munich atopy prediction study (MAPS): protocol for a prospective birth cohort addressing clinical and molecular risk factors for atopic dermatitis in early childhood
Authors: Preis Sarah , Schmidt Lea , Tizek Linda , Schielein Maximilian , Lang Viktoria , Bleuel Rachela , Duswald Anna , Sitaru Sebastian , Blasini Annette , Gasteiger Christine , Merdha Lennard , Kurgyis Zsuzsanna , Kuschel Bettina , Hauenstein Evelyn , Sander Maximilian , Niedermeier Sebastian , Argiriu Desiree , Engel Sabrina , Skabytska Yuliya , Silva Rafaela L , Hils Miriam , Evers Beatrix , Kaesler Susanne , Hufnagel Hanna , Köberle Martin , Amar Yacine , Zink Alexander , Biedermann Tilo 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe pathogenesis of atopic diseases is highly complex, and the exact mechanisms leading to atopic dermatitis (AD) onset in infants remain mostly enigmatic. In addition to an interdependent network of components of skin development in young age and skin barrier dysfunction underlying AD development that is only partially understood, a complex interplay between environmental factors and lifestyle habits with skin barrier and immune dysregulation is suspected to contribute to AD onset. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate individual microbiome and immune responses in the context of environmental determinants related the risk of developing AD in the first 4 years of a child’s life.Methods and analysesThe ‘Munich Atopic Prediction Study’ is a comprehensive clinical and biological investigation of a prospective birth cohort from Munich, Germany. Information on pregnancy, child development, environmental factors, parental exposures to potential allergens and acute or chronic diseases of children and parents are collected by questionnaires together with a meticulous clinical examination by trained dermatologists focusing on allergies, skin health, and in particular signs of AD at 2 months after birth and then every 6 months. In addition, skin barrier functions are assessed through cutometry, corneometry and transepidermal water loss at every visit. These measurements are completed with allergy diagnostics and extensive microbiome analyses from stool and skin swabs as well as transcriptome analyses using skin microbiopsies.The aim is to assess the relevance of different known and yet unknown risk factors of AD onset and exacerbations in infants and to identify possible accessible and robust biomarkers.Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by the Ethical Committee of the Medical Faculty of the Technical University of Munich (reference 334/16S). All relevant study results will be presented at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Strengthening the clinical academic pathway: a systematic review of interventions to support clinical academic careers for doctors and dentists
Authors: Raine Gary , Evans Connor , Uphoff Eleonora Petronella , Brown Jennifer Valeska Elli , Crampton Paul E S , Kehoe Amelia , Stewart Lesley Ann , Finn Gabrielle Maria , Morgan Jessica Elizabeth 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveEvaluate existing evidence on interventions intended to increase recruitment, retention and career progression within clinical academic (CA) careers, including a focus on addressing inequalities.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesMedline, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, PsycINFO and Education Resource Information Center searched October 2019.Study selectionEligible studies included qualified doctors, dentists and/or those with a supervisory role. Outcomes were defined by studies and related to success rates of joining or continuing within a CA career.Data extraction and synthesisAbstract screening was supported by machine learning software. Full-text screening was performed in duplicate, and study quality was assessed. Narrative synthesis of quantitative data was performed. Qualitative data were thematically analysed.Results148 studies examined interventions; of which 28 were included in the quantitative synthesis, 17 in the qualitative synthesis and 2 in both. Studies lacked methodological rigour and/or were hindered by incomplete reporting. Most were from North America. No study included in the syntheses evaluated interventions aimed at CA dentists.Most quantitative evidence was from multifaceted training programmes. These may increase recruitment, but findings were less clear for retention and other outcomes. Qualitative studies reported benefits of supportive relationships, including peers and senior mentors. Protected time for research helped manage competing demands on CAs. Committed and experienced staff were seen as key facilitators of programme success. Respondents identified several other factors at a programme, organisational or national level which acted as facilitators or barriers to success. Few studies reported on the effects of interventions specific to women or minority groups.ConclusionsExisting research is limited by rigour and reporting. Better evaluation of future interventions, particularly those intended to address inequalities, is required. Within the limits of the evidence, comprehensive multifaceted programmes of training, including protected time, relational and support aspects, appear most successful in promoting CA careers.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework:https://osf.io/mfy7a
A systematic literature review informing the consensus statement on efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment with interleukin-6 pathway inhibition with biological DMARDs in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
Authors: Kastrati Kastriot , Aletaha Daniel , Burmester Gerd R , Chwala Eva , Dejaco Christian , Dougados Maxime , McInnes Iain B , Ravelli Angelo , Sattar Naveed , Stamm Tanja A , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Trauner Michael , van der Heijde Desirée , Voshaar Marieke J H , Winthrop Kevin , Smolen Josef S , Kerschbaumer Andreas 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesInforming an international task force updating the consensus statement on efficacy and safety of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) selectively targeting interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway in the context of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.MethodsA systematic literature research of all publications on IL-6 axis inhibition with bDMARDs published between January 2012 and December 2020 was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed in clinical trials including their long-term extensions and observational studies. Meeting abstracts from ACR, EULAR conferences and results on clinicaltrials.gov were taken into consideration.Results187 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Evidence for positive effect of IL-6 inhibition was available in various inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, adult-onset Still’s disease, cytokine release syndrome due to chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Newcomers like satralizumab and anti-IL-6 ligand antibody siltuximab have expanded therapeutic approaches for Castleman’s disease and neuromyelitis optica, respectively. IL-6 inhibition did not provide therapeutic benefits in psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and certain connective tissue diseases. In COVID-19, tocilizumab (TCZ) has proven to be therapeutic in advanced disease. Safety outcomes did not differ from other bDMARDs, except higher risks of diverticulitis and lower gastrointestinal perforations. Inconsistent results were observed in several studies investigating the risk for infections when comparing TCZ to TNF-inhibitors.ConclusionIL-6 inhibition is effective for treatment of several inflammatory diseases with a safety profile that is widely comparable to other bDMARDs.
Patients with VEXAS diagnosed in a Danish tertiary rheumatology setting have highly elevated inflammatory markers, macrocytic anaemia and negative autoimmune biomarkers
Authors: Rasch Mads Nyhuus Bendix , Szabados Fruzsina , Jensen Jens Magnus Bernth , Nielsen Kirstine Overgaard , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe , Troldborg Anne 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundVacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) is an autoinflammatory condition with overlapping features of rheumatology and haematology caused by somatic mutations in the UBA1 gene. Patients present with highly variable symptoms and their path towards diagnosis are often complicated and characterised by extensive examinations. It is, therefore, pivotal that clinicians become familiar with the clinical presentation of VEXAS to advance identification of patients with the disease.ObjectivesWe aimed to (1) characterise patients diagnosed with VEXAS in a tertiary rheumatology referral centre, (2) identify common rheumatological biomarkers that may distinguish VEXAS from other rheumatic diseases and (3) suggest which clinical findings should motivate genetic testing for VEXAS.MethodsPatients were identified and diagnosed at the department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Denmark. Blood samples were examined for VEXAS-associatedUBA1variants by Sanger sequencing at the department of Clinical Immunology, AUH. Clinical and biochemical data were retrieved from the hospital electronic patient chart.ResultsEleven male patients with clinical suspicion of VEXAS underwent sequencing. Five of these carried known VEXAS-associated variants. Median age at diagnosis was 84 (75–87) years. All patients had significantly elevated inflammatory markers with a median C-reactive protein (CRP) of 297 (196–386) mg/L and macrocytic anaemia. None of the patients presented common biomarkers for autoimmunity.ConclusionDanish patients with VEXAS syndrome are men with persistent inflammation, constitutional symptoms and heterogeneous clinical presentations. Shared features for all patients in this study were highly elevated inflammatory markers, macrocytic anaemia and negative autoimmune biomarkers.
Novel insight into the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis gained by a cross-tissue transcriptome-wide association study
Authors: Ni Jing , Wang Peng , Yin Kang-Jia , Yang Xiao-Ke , Cen Han , Sui Cong , Wu Guo-Cui , Pan Hai-Feng 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundAlthough genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified more than 100 loci associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility, the causal genes and biological mechanisms remain largely unknown.MethodsA cross-tissue transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) using the unified test for molecular signaturestool was performed to integrate GWAS summary statistics from 58 284 individuals (14 361 RA cases and 43 923 controls) with gene-expression matrix in the Genotype-Tissue Expression project. Subsequently, a single tissue by using FUSION software was conducted to validate the significant associations. We also compared the TWAS with different gene-based methodologies, including Summary Data Based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) and Multimarker Analysis of Genomic Annotation (MAGMA). Further in silico analyses (conditional and joint analysis, differential expression analysis and gene-set enrichment analysis) were used to deepen our understanding of genetic architecture and comorbidity aetiology of RA.ResultsWe identified a total of 47 significant candidate genes for RA in both cross-tissue and single-tissue test after multiple testing correction, of which 40 TWAS-identified genes were verified by SMR or MAGMA. Among them, 13 genes were situated outside of previously reported significant loci by RA GWAS. Both TWAS-based and MAGMA-based enrichment analyses illustrated the shared genetic determinants among autoimmune thyroid disease, asthma, type I diabetes mellitus and RA.ConclusionOur study unveils 13 new candidate genes whose predicted expression is associated with risk of RA, providing new insights into the underlying genetic architecture of RA.
The impact of ionic contribution to dielectric permittivity in 11CB liquid crystal and its colloids with BaTiO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Łoś Joanna , Drozd-Rzoska Aleksandra , Rzoska Sylwester J. , Czupryński Krzysztof 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe report shows the temperature behavior of the real part of dielectric permittivity in the static (dielectric constant) and low-frequency (LF) domains in bulk samples of 11CB and its BaTiO3-based nanocolloids. The study covers the isotropic liquid (I), nematic (N), smectic A (SmA), and solid crystal (Cr) phases. For each phase, the dominance of pretransitional fluctuations, significantly moderated by nanoparticles, is shown. The authors consider separate focuses on the dielectric constant $$\varepsilon \left( {\varvec{T}} \right)$$

ε

T

evolution in the static domain, yielding mainly response from permanent dipole moment and its arrangement, and in the low-frequency (LF) domain $$\Delta \varepsilon^{\prime } \left( f \right) = \varepsilon^{\prime } \left( f \right) - \varepsilon$$

Δ

ε
′

f

=

ε
′

f

-
ε

(where $$\varepsilon^{\prime } \left( {\varvec{f}} \right)$$

ε
′

f

is for the real part of dielectric permittivity in the LF domain), which is associated solely with ionic-related polarization mechanisms. All of these led to new experimental evidence concerning I–N, N–SmA, and SmA–solid transitions, focusing on the strength and extent of pretransitional effects, critical exponents, and phase transitions discontinuities. The strong evidence for pretransitional effects near the SmA–Cr transition is notable, particularly regarding $$\Delta \varepsilon^{\user2{^{\prime}}} \left( {{\varvec{f}},{\varvec{T}}} \right)$$

Δ

ε

′

f

,

T

. Studies are supplemented by the discussion of DC electric conductivity—a parameter also related to the LF domain. Finally, the validity of the relation $$\varepsilon^{\prime } \left( {\varvec{f}} \right) = {\varvec{Af}}^{ - 3/2} + \varepsilon$$

ε
′

f

=

Af

-
3
/
2

+
ε

(where f stands for frequency, and A is a constant parameter), often used for discussing dielectric spectra in LC compound and its nanocolloids in the LF domain, is examined.
Graphical abstract
UNCAN.eu, a European Initiative to UNderstand CANcer
Authors: Solary Eric , Blanc Patricia , Boutros Michael , Girvalaki Charis , Locatelli Franco , Medema Rene H. , Nagy Péter , Tabernero Josep 
Published: September 2022

Summary:
“UNCAN.eu” refers to a collective European effort seeking to enable a leap forward in our understanding of cancer. This initiative, which includes the creation of a European cancer research data hub, will pave the way to new advances in cancer care. Starting on September 1, 2022, a 15-month coordination and support action will generate a blueprint for UNCAN.eu. Here, we summarize the cancer research issues that the blueprint will propose to tackle at the European level.
Incidence of Timely Outpatient Follow-Up Care After Emergency Department Encounters for Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Kilaru Austin S. , Illenberger Nicholas , Meisel Zachary F. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Liu Manqing , Mondal Angira , Mitra Nandita , Merchant Raina M. 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Patients who are discharged from the emergency department (ED) after an encounter for acute heart failure are at high risk for return hospitalization. These patients may benefit from timely outpatient follow-up care to reassess volume status, adjust medications, and reinforce self-care strategies. This study examines the incidence of outpatient follow-up care after ED encounters for acute heart failure and describes patient characteristics associated with obtaining timely follow-up care.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using an administrative claims database for a large US commercial insurer, from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2019. Participants included adult patients discharged from the ED with principal diagnosis of acute heart failure. The primary outcome was obtaining an in-person outpatient clinic visit for heart failure within 30 days. We also examined the competing risk of all-cause hospitalization within 30 days and without an intervening outpatient clinic visit. We estimated competing risk regression models to identify patient characteristics associated with obtaining outpatient follow-up and report cause-specific hazard ratios.

Results:
The cohort included 52 732 patients, with mean age of 73.9 years (95% CI, 73.8–74.0) and 27 395 (52.0% [95% CI, 51.5–52.4]) female patients. Within 30 days of the ED encounter, 12 279 (23.2%) patients attended an outpatient clinic visit for heart failure, with 8382 (15.9%) patients hospitalized before they could obtain an outpatient clinic visit. In the adjusted analysis, patients that were younger, women, reporting non-Hispanic Black race, and had fewer previous clinic visits were less likely to obtain outpatient follow-up care.

Conclusions:
Few patients obtain timely outpatient follow-up after ED visits for heart failure, although nearly 20% require hospitalization within 30 days. Improved transitions following discharge from the ED may represent an opportunity to improve outcomes for patients with acute heart failure.