bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravenous immunoglobulin and prednisolone to women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss after assisted reproductive technology treatment: a protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Nørgaard-Pedersen Caroline , Nielsen Kaspar , Steffensen Rudi , Eriksen Line , Jørgensen Malene Møller , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Christiansen Ole Bjarne 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionRecurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses in the first trimester, affects around 5% of fertile women. The underlying causes remain unknown in up to 60% of patients; however, most studies point at an immunological pathology in unexplained RPL, and therefore, an effective treatment may be immunomodulatory. This study aims to evaluate the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and prednisolone on reproductive outcome and the immune system in women with unexplained RPL undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment.Methods and analysisThis randomised, placebo-controlled trial with double-blinded randomisation to two parallel arms evaluate if immunomodulatory (active) treatment is superior to placebo in increasing the chance of ongoing pregnancy assessed at nuchal translucency scan in gestational weeks (GW) 11–13 after embryo transfer (ET) in 74 RPL patients with ≥2 pregnancy losses as its primary objective. The active treatment consists of IVIg (one infusion preferably 1–5 days before ET and in GW 5, 6 and 7) and prednisolone (5 mg/day from first day of menstrual bleeding until ET and 10 mg/day from ET to GW 8+0) while the comparator consists of intravenous human albumin (5%) and placebo tablets. Allocation is concealed for participants, caregivers, and investigators until trial termination and is performed in a 1:1 ratio. The secondary objective is to evaluate treatment safety, and the tertiary objective is exploration of the association between treatment, reproductive outcome after ET, and the lymphocyte subset distribution in peripheral blood collected before and after intravenous infusion(s). Excess biological material is stored in a biobank for future research.Ethics and disseminationThe North Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics (N-20200066) approved this trial. The results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented to relevant patient associations, at relevant academic conferences and to key stakeholders.Trial registration numberNCT04701034.
Multiprofessional cross-site working between a level 1 and a level 3 neonatal unit: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Selvadurai Lucksini , Hickey Ann , Sleight Elizabeth , Long Lisa , Penna Leonie , Wallen-Mitchell Vivette , Bhat Ravindra , Greenough Anne 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveTo assess the association of short-term neonatal outcomes with cross-site working of multiple healthcare professional teams between a level 3 and a level 1 neonatal unit.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA level 1 neonatal unit in London.PatientsAll infants admitted to the neonatal unit, between 2010 and 2021.InterventionsThe clinical service was rearranged in 2014 with the introduction of cross-site working between the level 1 unit and a level 3 unit of neonatal doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals.Main outcome measuresAdmission of infants with a temperature less than 36°C, length of stay and time to first consultation by a senior team member.ResultsA total of 4418 infants were admitted during the study period. The percentage of infants delivered at a gestation below 32 weeks was higher in the pre-cross-site period (8.9%) compared with the cross site period (3.6%, p<0.001). The percentage of infants with an Apgar score less than 8 at 10 min was higher in the pre-cross-site period (6.2%) compared with the cross-site period (3.4%, p=0.001). More infants were admitted with a temperature less than 36°C in the pre-cross site period (12.3%) compared with the cross site period (3.7%, p<0.001). The median (IQR) duration of time to first consultation by a senior team member was higher in the pre-cross-site period (1 (0.5–2.6) hours) compared with the cross-site period (0.5 (0.2–1.3) hours) (p<0.001). The median (IQR) length of stay was 4 (2–11) days in the pre-cross-site period and decreased to 2 (1–4) days in the cross-site period (p<0.001).ConclusionsCross-site working was associated with lower rates of admission hypothermia, shorter duration of stay and earlier first senior consultation.
Temporal association between invasive procedures and infective endocarditis
Authors: Thornhill Martin H , Crum Annabel , Campbell Richard , Stone Tony , Lee Ellen C , Bradburn Mike , Fibisan Veronica , Dayer Mark , Prendergast Bernard D , Lockhart Peter , Baddour Larry , Nicoll Jon 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveAntibiotic prophylaxis has been recommended for patients at increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE) undergoing specific invasive procedures (IPs) despite a lack of data supporting its use. Therefore, antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations ceased in the mid-2000s for all but those at high IE risk undergoing invasive dental procedures. We aimed to quantify any association between IPs and IE.MethodsAll 14 731 IE hospital admissions in England between April 2010 and March 2016 were identified from national admissions data, and medical records were searched for IP performed during the 15-month period before IE admission. We compared the incidence of IP during the 3 months immediately before IE admission (case period) with the incidence during the preceding 12 months (control period) to determine whether the odds of developing IE were increased in the 3 months after certain IP.ResultsThe odds of IE were increased following permanent pacemaker and defibrillator implantation (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.85, p<0.001), extractions/surgical tooth removal (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.76, p=0.047), upper (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.85, p<0.001) and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.04, p<0.001) and bone marrow biopsy (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.69, p=0.039). Using an alternative analysis, bronchoscopy (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.68, p=0.049) and blood transfusions/red cell/plasma exchange (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.35, p=0.012) were also associated with IE.ConclusionsThis study identifies a significant association between specific IPs (permanent pacemaker and defibrillator implantation, dental extraction, gastrointestinal endoscopy and bronchoscopy) and subsequent IE that warrants re-evaluation of current antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations to prevent IE in high IE risk individuals.
Complement downregulation promotes an inflammatory signature that renders colorectal cancer susceptible to immunotherapy
Authors: Krieg Carsten , Weber Lukas M , Fosso Bruno , Marzano Marinella , Hardiman Gary , Olcina Monica M , Domingo Enric , El Aidy Sahar , Mallah Khalil , Robinson Mark D , Guglietta Silvia 
Published: September 2022

Background and aimsThe role of inflammatory immune responses in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and response to therapy is a matter of intense debate. While inflammation is a known driver of CRC, inflammatory immune infiltrates are a positive prognostic factor in CRC and predispose to response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Unfortunately, over 85% of CRC cases are primarily unresponsive to ICB due to the absence of an immune infiltrate, and even the cases that show an initial immune infiltration can become refractory to ICB. The identification of therapy supportive immune responses in the field has been partially hindered by the sparsity of suitable mouse models to recapitulate the human disease. In this study, we aimed to understand how the dysregulation of the complement anaphylatoxin C3a receptor (C3aR), observed in subsets of patients with CRC, affects the immune responses, the development of CRC, and response to ICB therapy.MethodsWe use a comprehensive approach encompassing analysis of publicly available human CRC datasets, inflammation-driven and newly generated spontaneous mouse models of CRC, and multiplatform high-dimensional analysis of immune responses using microbiota sequencing, RNA sequencing, and mass cytometry.ResultsWe found that patients’ regulation of the complement C3aR is associated with epigenetic modifications. Specifically, downregulation ofC3ar1in human CRC promotes a tumor microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of innate and adaptive immune cells that support antitumor immunity. In addition, in vivo studies in our newly generated mouse model revealed that the lack of C3a in the colon activates a microbiota-mediated proinflammatory program which promotes the development of tumors with an immune signature that renders them responsive to the ICB therapy.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that C3aR may act as a previously unrecognized checkpoint to enhance antitumor immunity in CRC. C3aR can thus be exploited to overcome ICB resistance in a larger group of patients with CRC.
Reliable virtual clinical assessment in spino-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA)
Authors: Fenu Silvia , Tramacere Irene , De Giorgi Francesca , Pareyson Davide 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundSpino-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the androgen receptor gene, affects adult men and results in muscle atrophy and weakness in the bulbar and limb muscles and signs of partial androgen insensitivity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatients’ visits have been reduced to preserve safety of frail patients, and telehealth was largely employed.MethodsFrom April to November 2020, we monitored 12 patients with SBMA with telehealth and administered remotely two clinical scales currently used for SBMA: Adult Myopathy Assessment Tool (AMAT) and SBMA-Functional Rating Scale (SBMA-FRS). We compared results with previous and subsequent in-person visits’ scores, and assessed the longitudinal changes in AMAT and SBMA-FRS scores during 7 years through the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA of AMAT scores collected during 7 years and including tele-AMAT evaluation showed a steady mean decline of 1–2 points per year. A similar trend of SBMA-FRS scores, with a mean decline per year of about 1 point, was observed. There was no relevant deviation from the model prediction.ConclusionsOur data show that telehealth is a valid tool to monitor patients with SBMA: AMAT and SBMA-FRS scales can be effectively, reliably and easily administered remotely.
ADVISING score: a reliable grading scale based on injury and response for intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Wan Yan , Guo Hongxiu , Chen Shaoli , Chang Jiang , Wang David , Bi Rentang , Li Man , Shi Ke , Wang Zhaowei , Gong Daokai , Xu Jingwen , He Quanwei , Hu Bo 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundIntracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating form of stroke causing high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop a novel clinical score incorporating multisystem markers to predict functional dependence at 90 days after ICH.MethodsWe analysed data from Chinese Cerebral Hemorrhage: Mechanism and Intervention study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with 90-day functional dependency (the modified Rankin Scale ≥3) after ICH and develop the ADVISING scoring system. To test the scoring system, a total of 2111 patients from Hubei province were included as the training cohort, and 733 patients from other three provinces in China were included as an external validation cohort.ResultsWe found nine variables to be significantly associated with functional dependency and included in the ADVISING score system: age, deep location of haematoma, volume of haematoma, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, aspartate transaminase, international normalised ratio, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, fasting blood glucose and glomerular filtration rate. Individuals were divided into 12 different categories by using these nine potential predictors. The proportion of patients who were functionally dependent increased with higher ADVISING scores, which showed good discrimination and calibration in both the training cohort (C-statistic, 0.866; p value of Hosmer-Lemeshow test, 0.195) and validation cohort (C-statistic, 0.884; p value of Hosmer-Lemeshow test, 0.853). The ADVISING score also showed better discriminative performance compared with the other five existing ICH scores (p<0.001).ConclusionsADVISING score is a reliable tool to predict functional dependency at 90 days after ICH.
Somatic mutation contributing to clonal haematopoiesis is a risk factor of recurrent stroke in first-ever acute ischaemic stroke: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Qiu Xin , Dai Yalun , Cheng Si , Gu Hong-Qiu , Jiang Yong , Meng Xia , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Jiang Yingyu , Xu Zhe , Huang Xinying , Wang Meng , Lyu Tian Jie , Wang Yubo , Weng Jiaxu , Cui Lingyun , Shangguan Yi , Li Hao , Wang Yongjun , Li Zixiao 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundSomatic mutation contributes to clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is related to age and associated with a higher risk of stroke and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the prognostic significance of CHIP in a large first-ever acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) cohort and explored the underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe studied a prospective cohort of 6016 patients who had a first-ever AIS in China. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify CHIP. High-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels above 3 mg/L at baseline were defined as hyperinflammation. Recurrent stroke during the 3-month follow-up was the primary outcome.ResultsAmong the 6016 patients who had a first-ever AIS, with a median age was 62 years (IQR, 54.0‒70.0), 3.70% were identified as CHIP carriers. The most common mutations occurred in theDNMT3A(30.0%) andTET2(11.4%) genes. During a follow-up of 3 months, the presence of CHIP was associated with recurrent stroke (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.51, p=0.03), recurrent ischaemic stroke (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.58, p=0.03) and combined vascular events (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.44, p=0.04) after adjusting for hsCRP levels at baseline in patients who had a first-ever AIS. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that CHIP was only associated with recurrent stroke when patients under hyperinflammation (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.92 to 5.00, p<0.001) but not in those without hyperinflammation (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.04, p=0.06, Pinteraction=0.002).ConclusionOur results suggest that somatic mutations contributing to CHIP increase the risk of short-term recurrent stroke in patients who had a first-ever AIS. Hyperinflammation may be important in the relationship between CHIP and recurrent stroke.
Octupole shape phase transitions and critical points in neutron rich actinides
Authors: Prassa Vaia 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe evolution of octupole shapes and shape phase transitions in neutron rich actinides is studied within the covariant density functional framework. Octupole constrained energy surfaces, and spectroscopic observables of four isotopic chains of: Cm, Cf, Fm and No with neutron numbers $$186\le N \le 200$$

186
≤
N
≤
200

are analysed using a collective quadrupole–octupole Hamiltonian (QOCH). The parameters of the Hamiltonian are determined by axially reflection-asymmetric relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov calculations based on the energy density functional DD-PC1, and a finite-range pairing interaction. The results suggest quantum phase transitions from non-octupole to octupole deformed shapes and to octupole vibrations with increasing neutron number. $$^{288}$$

288

Cm is possibly close to the critical point of a simultaneous phase transition from spherical to prolate deformed and from non-octupole to stable octupole deformed configurations.
Financial Challenges and Practices of Business Administration Students of a State University in Dumaguete City
Authors: Polinar Mark Anthony N. , Zamora Mary Jane , Delantar Alexander Franco A. 
Published: September 2022

The study looked into the various significant financial challenges faced by business administration students of one of Dumaguete City's state colleges. Corollary to this objective, their current financial practices were also examined. Information from 308 respondents was gathered using a quantitative research method using Cochran’s approach and convenience sampling technique was used in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used. And several published research articles influenced the development of the instrument. The data was evaluated using weighted mean and ranking. The findings revealed that the two most common financial challenges students had grappled with throughout their moderately difficult college years were obtaining a part-time job to supplement their parent-financed school allowance and not being able to purchase internet data to attend online classes. One of the students' major financial practices is to save as much money as possible, markedly considered as highly practiced in the study. Business administration students were moderately challenged by the recognized elements of financial challenges while being slightly practiced as described under Financial Challenges. Students are good at saving money and not buying things (that may pose a financial risk), in addition to working part-time. Further, the study suggested that the school administration conceive and implement a comprehensive financial education, elevate the level of students’ financial quotient by embedding financial courses in the curricula of programs, and consistently provide a series of seminars and workshops on the subject. Conducting pre-program and mid-program surveys may also determine the effectiveness of the program.
New taxa of Athyreacaridae (Acari: Heterostigmata) from Neotropical and Afrotropical realms
Authors: KHAUSTOV ALEXANDER A. , FROLOV ANDREY V. 
Published: September 2022

A new genus and three new species of Athyreacaridae (Acari: Heterostigmata) are described associated with beetles of subfamily Bolboceratinae (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae) in Neotropical and Afrotropical realms: Neoathyreacarus pygmephoroides gen., sp. nov. collected on Bolborhinum tubericeps in Chile; Athyreacarus staturosus sp. nov. collected on Zefevazia cantisani in Argentina; and Athyreacarus camerikae sp. nov. collected on Namibiobolbus helgae in South Africa. An updated key to genera and species of Athyreacaridae is provided. Athyreacarus staturosus sp. nov. is the largest ever described non-physogastric female among Heterostigmata.
Metformin for the Treatment of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Din-Lovinescu Corina , Blitzer Andrew 
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Metformin is an oral agent used for the management of type 2 diabetes. As a result of its ability to alter cellular metabolic requirements, metformin also possesses antiproliferative properties. Metformin has been shown to reduce mutagenesis in several malignancies, however has never been described as a treatment option for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). The aim of this study is to present a case series of non-diabetic patients with adult-onset RRP who were treated with metformin. Methods: Case series. Results: Five patients (age 48 ± 17.82, range 35-68, 4 males, 1 female) were identified with a history of laryngeal RRP who were treated with 500 mg of metformin twice daily. Follow-up time ranged from 11 to 105 months. Two patients had spontaneous regression of RRP lesions within months of starting metformin. Four patients had reduced time intervals between surgical procedures after starting metformin. All patients tolerated metformin well with only minor side effects of self-limiting light-headedness, facial flushing or gastrointestinal upset. Conclusion: Metformin is a low-risk medication that was used to reduce progression and burden of disease in 5 patients with RRP. Further studies should investigate the sole or adjunct use of metformin for treatment of RRP.
The Partial Mediator Role of Satisficing Decision-Making Style Between Trait Emotional Intelligence and Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Filipponi Chiara , Pizzoli Silvia F. M. , Masiero Marianna , Cutica Ilaria , Pravettoni Gabriella 
Published: September 2022

Background: Compassion fatigue (CF) represents a relevant issue for healthcare professionals. Currently, it is still unclear which psychological mechanism might lead to CF and which might protect workers from that. Decision-making styles, as well as emotional intelligence, might partially account for the presence of CF. Specifically, we hypothesized that a satisficing decision-making style would mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and CF. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on physicians and nurses from Italian Medical Departments. Three self-reported questionnaires were administered to collect data in accordance with our aims. A mediation model with Structural Equation Modeling on the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (TEI) and CF through the maximizing decision-making style was performed. Results: We found a significant relationship between TEI and CF (β = −0.28, SE = 0.04, p < .001). The maximizing style partially mediated this relationship (β = −0.04, SE = 0.01, p < .001). Moreover, negative relationships were found between sex (male), working hours, sleep quality, and CF. Conversely, a positive relationship between age and CF was demonstrated. Conclusions: Being emotionally intelligent resulted as a protective factor for developing CF, while the decision-making styles shaped the risk of developing CF.
Hematological and molecular analyses of the HbS allele among the Sudanese population
Authors: Khalafallah Tariq Osman , Ajab Eldoor Ahmed Abdalla , Babker Asaad MA. , Bin Shaya Abdulkarim S. , Alfahed Abdulaziz , Alharithi Nahed S. , Aloraini Ghfren S. , Waggiallah Hisham Ali 
Published: September 2022

Objective The purpose of this study was to perform hematological and molecular analyses of the HbS allele of the hemoglobin subunit beta gene in the Sudanese population. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Hematological parameters and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels were assessed in all participants. Data were gathered through the use of questionnaires and laboratory investigations. The βS-globin haplotypes, S allele distributions, and hematological parameters with HbF levels were investigated using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, gel electrophoresis, and a Sysmex hematology analyzer, respectively. Results According to our findings, the Bantu (BA) haplotype was found in 10.8% of participants with homozygous uncontested haplotypes, followed by Benin (BA) and Sudan (SU), each in 9.8% of participants. This Sudanese group from Northern Kordofan lacked the Arab-Indian haplotype. Two heterozygous versions of undisputed haplotypes were found in 17.3% of participants: SU/BA in 10.8% and CA/BE in 6.5%. Conclusion As a result of sickle cell anemia, this investigation found changes in hematological parameters. In the Sudanese population, a new haplotype of the S gene was discovered.