bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between antenatal corticosteroids use and perinatal mortality among preterm singletons and twins in Mwanza, Tanzania: an observational study
Authors: Mwita Stanley , Kamala Benjamin Anathory , Konje Eveline , Ambrose Emmanuela Eusebio , Izina Angelina , Chibwe Elieza , Kongola Gilbert , Dewey Deborah 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesTo examine the association between antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) use and perinatal mortality in singletons and twins delivered before 35 weeks of gestation.DesignSecondary analysis of data from an observational prospective chart review study that investigated if exposure to ACS was associated with lower rates of perinatal mortality in preterm infants.SettingThis study was conducted in four hospitals located in Mwanza region, Tanzania.ParticipantsThe study population included all preterm singletons and twins delivered at these hospitals between 24 weeks 0 days and 34 weeks 6 days of gestation from July 2019 to February 2020.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was perinatal mortality; the secondary outcome was respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).ResultsThe study included 844 singletons and 210 twin infants. Three hundred and fourteen singletons (37.2%) and 52 twins (24.8%) were exposed to at least one dose of ACS. Adjusted multivariate analyses revealed that among singletons’ exposure to ACS was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of perinatal mortality, adjusted relative risk (aRR) 0.30 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.40) and RDS, aRR 0.92 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.97). In twin infants, exposure to ACS was associated with a reduced risk of RDS only, aRR 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.98).ConclusionThe use of ACS between 24 weeks 0 days and 34 weeks 6 days of gestation in both singletons and twins in low-resource settings is associated with positive infant outcomes. No adverse effects were noted. Further research that examines the benefits of ACS for twin infants is needed.
Gender-based salary differences in academic medicine: a retrospective review of data from six public medical centers in the Western USA
Authors: Miller Hayley , Seckel Elizabeth , White Chrislyn L , Sanchez Diana , Rubesova Erika , Mueller Claudia , Bianco Katherine 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesWe assessed the effect of gender, rank and research productivity on compensation for faculty at academic medical centres.DesignA web-based retrospective review of salary for professors in 2016.SettingFaculty from six state-run, publicly funded academic medical centres in the Western USA.Participants799 faculty members, 225 assistant (51% women), 200 associate (40% women) and 374 full professors (32% women) from general surgery (26% women), obstetrics and gynaecology (70% women) and radiology (34% women).MethodsArchived online faculty profiles were reviewed for gender, rank and compensation (total, baseline and supplemental). Total compensation was defined as baseline compensation plus supplemental income. Baseline compensation was defined as base salary minus reductions due to participation in the voluntary Employee Reduction in Time and phased retirement programmes. Supplemental income was defined as additional salary for clinical care and research (eg, grants). Elsevier’s Scopus was used to collect data on h-index, a measure of research productivity. Linear regression models were estimated to determine the relationship between these factors and salary.ResultsTotal compensation was significantly higher for men across all professorial ranks in both general surgery (R2=0.159,F(4,299)=14.123,p<0.01) and obstetrics and gynaecology (R2=0.068,F(4,174)=3.172,p<0.05). Women faculty members within these departments earned almost US$75 000 less than their men colleagues. The disparity in salary originates from gaps in supplemental income, as baseline compensation was not significantly different between men and women. No significant gender difference in total compensation for radiology was found (R2=0.01,F(4,266)=0.591,n.s.). Higher h-index was associated with higher baseline compensation across all departments as well as with supplemental income for general surgery. Higher h-index was related to lower supplemental income for radiology and was not related to supplemental income for obstetrics and gynaecology.ConclusionsFurther investigations should focus on discrepancies in supplemental income, which may preferentially benefit men.
Early exercise in blunt chest wall trauma: protocol for a mixed-methods, multicentre, parallel randomised controlled trial (ELECT2 trial)
Authors: Battle Ceri , Charnock Amy , Davies Sara , Davies Susan , Dawson Thomas , Driscoll Timothy , Evans Phillip A , Fitzsimmons Deborah , Harris Shaun , Jones Kate , Lecky Fiona Elizabeth , O'Neill Claire , Prosser Joanne , Toghill Hannah , Watkins Alan , Hutchings Hayley Anne 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionChronic pain and disability are now well-recognised long-term complications of blunt chest wall trauma. Limited research exists regarding therapeutic interventions that can be used to address these complications. A recent feasibility study was completed testing the methods of a definitive trial. This protocol describes the proposed definitive trial, the aim of which is to investigate the impact of an early exercise programme on chronic pain and disability in patients with blunt chest wall trauma.Methods/analysisThis mixed-methods, multicentre, parallel randomised controlled trial will run in four hospitals in Wales and one in England over 12-month recruitment period. Patients will be randomised to either the control group (routine physiotherapy input) or the intervention group (routine physiotherapy input plus a simple exercise programme completed individually by the patient). Baseline measurements including completion of two surveys (Brief Pain Inventory and EuroQol 5-dimensions, 5-Levels) will be obtained on initial assessment. These measures and a client services receipt inventory will be repeated at 3-month postinjury. Analysis of outcomes will focus on rate and severity of chronic pain and disability, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of the programme by patients and clinicians. Qualitative feedback regarding acceptability will be obtained through patient and clinician focus groups.Ethics/disseminationLondon Riverside Research Ethics Committee (Reference number: 21/LO/0782) and the Health Research Authority granted approval for the trial in December 2021. Patient recruitment will commence in February 2022. Planned dissemination is through publication in a peer-reviewed Emergency Medicine Journal, presentation at appropriate conferences and to stakeholders at professional meetings.Trial registration numberISRCTN65829737; Pre-results.
Overlapping cortical malformations in patients with pathogenic variants inGRIN1andGRIN2B
Authors: Brock Stefanie , Laquerriere Annie , Marguet Florent , Myers Scott J , Hongjie Yuan , Baralle Diana , Vanderhasselt Tim , Stouffs Katrien , Keymolen Kathelijn , Kim Sukhan , Allen James , Shaulsky Gil , Chelly Jamel , Marcorelle Pascale , Aziza Jacqueline , Villard Laurent , Sacaze Elise , de Wit Marie C Y , Wilke Martina , Mancini Grazia Maria Simonetta , Hehr Ute , Lim Derek , Mansour Sahar , Traynelis Stephen F , Beneteau Claire , Denis-Musquer Marie , Jansen Anna C , Fry Andrew E , Bahi-Buisson Nadia 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundMalformations of cortical development (MCDs) have been reported in a subset of patients with pathogenic heterozygous variants inGRIN1orGRIN2B, genes which encode for subunits of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). The aim of this study was to further define the phenotypic spectrum of NMDAR-related MCDs.MethodsWe report the clinical, radiological and molecular features of 7 new patients and review data on 18 previously reported individuals with NMDAR-related MCDs. Neuropathological findings for two individuals with heterozygous variants inGRIN1are presented. We report the clinical and neuropathological features of one additional individual with homozygous pathogenic variants inGRIN1.ResultsHeterozygous variants inGRIN1andGRIN2Bwere associated with overlapping severe clinical and imaging features, including global developmental delay, epilepsy, diffuse dysgyria, dysmorphic basal ganglia and hippocampi. Neuropathological examination in two fetuses with heterozygousGRIN1variants suggests that proliferation as well as radial and tangential neuronal migration are impaired. In addition, we show that neuronal migration is also impaired by homozygousGRIN1variants in an individual with microcephaly with simplified gyral pattern.ConclusionThese findings expand our understanding of the clinical and imaging features of the ‘NMDARopathy’ spectrum and contribute to our understanding of the likely underlying pathogenic mechanisms leading to MCD in these patients.
Identifying the psychosocial predictors of ultraviolet exposure to the face in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum: a study of the behavioural factors affecting clinical outcomes in this genetic disease
Authors: Sarkany Robert , Norton Sam , Canfield Martha , Morgan Myfanwy , Foster Lesley , Sainsbury Kirby , Araujo-Soares Vera , Wulf Hans Christian , Weinman John , Walburn Jessica 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundFor patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), the main means of preventing skin and eye cancers is extreme protection against ultraviolet radiation (UVR), particularly for the face. We have recently developed a methodology for objectively measuring photoprotection behaviour (‘UVR dose to facial skin’) and have found that the degree of photoprotection varies greatly between patients with XP. We have previously identified factors affecting photoprotection behaviour in XP using a subjective measure of photoprotection. Here, we have used this objective methodology to identify the factors which determine photoprotection behaviour in XP.MethodsWe studied 29 psychological, social, demographic and clinical variables in 36 patients with XP. We have previously objectively measured UVR protection (by measuring the dose of UVR reaching the skin of the face over a 3-week period) in these patients. Here, we use linear mixed-effects model analysis to identify the factors which lead to the differences in degree of photoprotection observed in these patients.ResultsPsychosocial factors accounted for as much of the interindividual variation in photoprotection behaviour (29%) as demographic and clinical factors (24%). Psychosocial factors significantly associated with worse UVR protection included: automaticity of the behaviours, and a group of beliefs and perceptions about XP and photoprotection known to associate with poor treatment adherence in other diseases.ConclusionsWe have identified factors contributing to poor photoprotection in XP. Identifying these potentially reversible psychosocial features has enabled us to design an intervention to improve photoprotection in patients with XP, aiming to prevent skin and eye cancers in these patients.
Contemporary antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention: a narrative review of current literature and guidelines
Authors: Shah Jay , Liu Shimeng , Yu Wengui 
Published: April 2022

Antiplatelet therapy is one of the mainstays for secondary stroke prevention. This narrative review aimed to highlight the current evidence and recommendations of antiplatelet therapy for stroke prevention.We conducted advanced literature search for antiplatelet therapy. Landmark studies and randomised controlled trials evaluating antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention are reviewed. Results from Cochrane systematic review, pooled data analysis and meta-analysis are discussed.Single-antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) with aspirin, aspirin/extended-release dipyridamole or clopidogrel reduces the risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke in patients with non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel or ticagrelor for 21–30 days is more effective than SAPT in patients with minor acute noncardioembolic ischaemic stroke or high-risk TIA. Prolonged use of DAPT is associated with higher risk of haemorrhage without reduction in stroke recurrence than SAPT. Compared with placebo, aspirin reduces the relative risk of recurrent stroke by approximately 22%. Aspirin/dipyridamole and cilostazol are superior to aspirin but associated with significant side effects. Cilostazol or ticagrelor might be more effective than aspirin or clopidogrel in patients with intracranial stenosis.SAPT is indicated for secondary stroke prevention in patients with non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke or TIA. DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel or ticagrelor for 21–30 days followed by SAPT is recommended for patients with minor acute noncardioembolic stroke or high-risk TIA. Selection of appropriate antiplatelet therapy should also be based on compliance, drug tolerance or resistance.
Indobufen versus aspirin in acute ischaemic stroke (INSURE): rationale and design of a multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Pan Yuesong , Meng Xia , Chen Weiqi , Jing Jing , Lin Jinxi , Jiang Yong , Johnston S Claiborne , Bath Philip M , Dong Qiang , Xu An-Ding , Li Hao , Wang Yongjun 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundIndobufen can reversibly inhibit platelet aggregation and showed to be effective in the treatment of ischaemic heart and peripheral vascular diseases. However, it is unclear whether indobufen is an alternative antiplatelet agent for treatment of patients with ischaemic stroke.AimTo test whether indobufen is non-inferior to aspirin in reducing the risk of new stroke at 3 months in patients with moderate to severe ischaemic stroke.DesignThe Indobufen vs Aspirin in Acute Ischaemic Stroke (INSURE) is a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, positive drug control, non-inferior multicentre clinical trial conducted in 200 hospitals in China. Participants will be randomised at a 1:1 ratio to receive either 100 mg indofufen two times daily or 100 mg aspirin once daily within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms from day 1 to 3 months.Study outcomesThe primary efficacy outcome is a new stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) within 3 months and the primary safety outcome is a severe or moderate bleeding event within 3 months.DiscussionThe INSURE trial will evaluate whether indobufen is non-inferior to aspirin in reducing the risk of new stroke at 3 months in patients with moderate to severe ischaemic stroke.Trial registration numberNCT03871517.
Validation of circular dichroic spectroscopy of synthetic oligonucleotide PS2.M for $${\hbox {K}}^{+}$$ concentration measurements
Authors: Bruni Luca , Manghi Massimo , De Sanctis Paola , Zucchini Cinzia , Croci Simonetta 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe single-stranded synthetic oligonucleotide PS2.M is known to provide a basis for developing sensors since it tends to fold into structures called G-quadruplexes (G4) having characteristic topology and orientation with probabilities that depend on the chemical environment. The presence and concentration of cation species are among the key factors that determine the outcome of such a process. PS2.M and other aptamers have been used in several applications in conjunction with various probes, such as hemin, at the cost of increased technical complexity and applicability limitations. We instead validated the application limits of Circular Dichroic spectroscopy (CD) as only measurement method to assay PS2.M as $${\hbox {K}}^{+}$$

K

+

sensor in a variety of solutions having different chemical complexity. The tested solutions range from simple $$\hbox {NaCl}$$
NaCl
and $$\hbox {KCl}$$
KCl
solutions to chemically complex solutions like DMEM—Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium—which is widely used in a biological laboratory. PS2.M was also evaluated in solutions of $${\hbox {KHCO}}_{3}$$

KHCO
3

and D-ribose (K:D-rib), an antioxidant potassium compound, to compare its response to the simple $$\hbox {KCl}$$
KCl
solution case. Our findings show that, within specific concentration applicability ranges, CD spectra can estimate the $${\hbox {K}}^{+}$$

K

+

concentration in the examined water solutions even at high $${\hbox {Na}}{+}$$

Na
+

concentrations with respect to $${\hbox {K}}^{+}$$

K

+

and in the presence of antioxidant molecules.
Exhibition of Noise-Aided Stochastic Resonance by Discontinuity Detectors in Smartphone Images
Authors: Dhillon Deepak , Chouhan Rajlaxmi 
Published: April 2022

The use of smartphone cameras for capturing photographs has seen an exponential growth in the last decade. The noise present in these photographs significantly deviates from the popular Independently Identically Distributed (i.i.d.) Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) noise, and thus the conclusions drawn from simulated-AWGN cannot be directly applied to the smartphone’s true noise. This paper is the first reporting of the exhibition of Stochastic Resonance (SR) or noise-induced threshold-crossing in three genres of discontinuity detectors used in image processing — corner detector, line detector, and edge detector for real-world smartphone images. For the images under investigation, the performance of these detectors is quantified w.r.t. parameters representing intrinsic noise. Observations suggest that all these detectors inherently exhibit the phenomenon of SR due to the fundamental assistance offered by controlled amount of noise in crossing detector thresholds. The manifestations of SR — constant parameter value with varying noise and varying parameter value with constant noise — are demonstrated to exhibit SR in each of the three detectors.
Effects of Single and Mixture Probiotic Supplements on Growth, Digestive Activity, Antioxidative Status, Immune and Growth-Related Genes, and Stress Response of Juvenile Red Sea Bream (Pagrus Major)
Authors: Shadrack Ronick Spenly , Manabu Ishikawa , Koshio Shunsuke , Yokoyama Saichiro , Zhang Yukun , Mzengereza Kumbukani , El Basuini Mohammed Fouad , Dawood Mahmoud A. O. 
Published: April 2022

A 50-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of single and mixed strains of probiotic bacteria supplements on juvenile red sea bream (Pagrus major). The study investigated the growth, digestibility, hemato-biochemistry, antioxidant, immune, immune, and growth gene expression and stress responses of P. major. Three hundred juvenile P. major (

21.56
±
0.09

g) were randomly distributed into fifteen 200-L polyethylene tanks (20 fish per tank) in triplicate of 5 treatments designated as D1 = the basal diet; Streptococcus faecalis (SF)

T
−
110

5
×
106

cfu/g diet and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA)

TOA
5001

5
×
105

cfu/g diet in the second group (D2) at 0.2%; mix SF

T
−
110

1
×
106

cfu/g diet, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP)

TO
−
A

4
×
105

cfu/g diet, Bacillus mesentericus (BM)

TO
−
A

1
×
102

cfu/g diet, BA

TOA
5001

5
×
105

cfu/g diet in the third group (D3) at 1%; mix SF

T
−
110

1
×
106

cfu/g diet, LP

TO
−
A

4
×
105

cfu/g diet, and BM

TO
−
A

1
×
102

cfu/g diet in fourth group (D4) at 0.5%; and single strain BA TOA5001 5×105 cfu/g diet in the fifth group (D5) at 0.5% of dietary proportion. Results showed that D2 and D3 fish groups exhibit better performance, followed by D4, D5, and control group D1. This finding demonstrated that the use of BA in mix strain probiotic bacteria diet (D2, D3) had improved immune response, antioxidant enzymes, immunity (TNF-a, IL-1b), and growth-related (IGF-1, IGF-2) mRNA expression of juvenile P. major compared to the mix strain D4, single strain D5, and the control D1. Furthermore, single strain D5 and mix strain D4 also exhibit relatively better immune responses in P. major than in control D1. Considering the overall fish performances, mix strain SF+BA (D2) and mix strain SF+BM+LP+BA (D3) were the recommended potential mix strain probiotic bacteria supplement for P. major and may be useful also for other related aquatic species.
The Genomics of Colorectal Cancer in Populations with African and European Ancestry
Authors: Myer Parvathi A. , Lee Jessica K. , Madison Russell W. , Pradhan Kith , Newberg Justin Y. , Isasi Carmen R. , Klempner Samuel J. , Frampton Garrett M. , Ross Jeffery S. , Venstrom Jeffrey M. , Schrock Alexa B. , Das Sudipto , Augenlicht Leonard , Verma Amit , Greally John M. , Raj Srilakshmi M. , Goel Sanjay , Ali Siraj M. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Black people have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer and worse survival rates when compared with white people. Comprehensive genomic profiling was performed in 46,140 colorectal adenocarcinoma cases. Ancestry-informative markers identified 5,301 patients of African descent (AFR) and 33,770 patients of European descent (EUR). AFR were younger, had fewer microsatellite instability–high (MSI-H) tumors, and had significantly more frequent alterations in KRAS, APC, and PIK3CA. AFR had increased frequency of KRAS mutations, specifically KRASG12D and KRASG13. There were no differences in rates of actionable kinase driver alterations (HER2, MET, NTRK, ALK, ROS1, and RET). In patients with young-onset colorectal cancer (&lt;50 years), AFR and EUR had a similar frequency of MSI-H and tumor mutational burden–high (TMB-H) tumors, and strikingly different trends in APC mutations by age, as well as differences in MAPK pathway alterations. These findings inform treatment decisions, impact prognosis, and underscore the need for model systems representative of the diverse U.S. population.

Significance:
KRAS (particularly KRASG12D/G13), APC, and PIK3CA were more frequently altered in AFR who had a lower frequency of MSI-H tumors. There were no differences in actionable kinase driver alterations. In young-onset colorectal cancer, both ancestries had a similar frequency of MSI-H/TMB-H tumors, but strikingly different trends in APC.
See related commentary by Eng and Holowatyj, p. 1187.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1171
Genomic and Single-Cell Landscape Reveals Novel Drivers and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities of Transformed Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Song Xiaofei , Chang Shiun , Seminario-Vidal Lucia , de Mingo Pulido Alvaro , Tordesillas Leticia , Song Xingzhi , Reed Rhianna A. , Harkins Andrea , Whiddon Shannen , Nguyen Jonathan V. , Segura Carlos Moran , Zhang Chaomei , Yoder Sean , Sayegh Zena , Zhao Yun , Messina Jane L. , Harro Carly M. , Zhang Xiaohui , Conejo-Garcia José R. , Berglund Anders , Sokol Lubomir , Zhang Jianhua , Rodriguez Paulo C. , Mulé James J. , Futreal Andrew P. , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Chen Pei-Ling 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare cancer of skin-homing T cells. A subgroup of patients develops large cell transformation with rapid progression to an aggressive lymphoma. Here, we investigated the transformed CTCL (tCTCL) tumor ecosystem using integrative multiomics spanning whole-exome sequencing (WES), single-cell RNA sequencing, and immune profiling in a unique cohort of 56 patients. WES of 70 skin biopsies showed high tumor mutation burden, UV signatures that are prognostic for survival, exome-based driver events, and most recurrently mutated pathways in tCTCL. Single-cell profiling of 16 tCTCL skin biopsies identified a core oncogenic program with metabolic reprogramming toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), cellular plasticity, upregulation of MYC and E2F activities, and downregulation of MHC I suggestive of immune escape. Pharmacologic perturbation using OXPHOS and MYC inhibitors demonstrated potent antitumor activities, whereas immune profiling provided in situ evidence of intercellular communications between malignant T cells expressing macrophage migration inhibitory factor and macrophages and B cells expressing CD74.

Significance:
Our study contributes a key resource to the community with the largest collection of tCTCL biopsies that are difficult to obtain. The multiomics data herein provide the first comprehensive compendium of genomic alterations in tCTCL and identify potential prognostic signatures and novel therapeutic targets for an incurable T-cell lymphoma.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1171