bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic role of preoperative circulating systemic inflammatory response markers in primary breast cancer: meta-analysis
Authors: Savioli Francesca , Morrow Elizabeth S , Dolan Ross D , Romics Laszlo , Lannigan Alison , Edwards Joanne , McMillan Donald C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Circulating markers of the systemic inflammatory response are prognostic in several cancers, but their role in operable breast cancer is unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was carried out.

Methods
A search of electronic databases up to August 2020 identified studies that examined the prognostic value of preoperative circulating markers of the systemic inflammatory response in primary operable breast cancer. A meta-analysis was carried out for each marker with more than three studies, reporting a HR and 95 per cent confidence interval for disease-free survival (DFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) or overall survival (OS).

Results
In total, 57 studies were reviewed and 42 were suitable for meta-analysis. Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (pooled HR 1.75, 95 per cent c.i. 1.52 to 2.00; P &lt; 0.001), disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 1.67, 1.50 to 1.87; P &lt; 0.001), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) (HR 1.89, 1.35 to 2.63; P &lt; 0.001). This effect was also seen with an arithmetically-derived NLR (dNLR). Higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was associated with worse OS (HR 1.29, 1.10 to 1.50; P = 0.001) and DFS (HR 1.58, 1.33 to 1.88; P &lt; 0.001). Higher lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was associated with improved DFS (HR 0.65, 0.51 to 0.82; P &lt; 0.001), and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level was associated with worse BCSS (HR 1.22, 1.07 to 1.39; P = 0.002) and OS (HR 1.24, 1.14 to 1.35; P = 0.002).

Conclusion
Current evidence suggests a role for preoperative NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR, and CRP as prognostic markers in primary operable breast cancer. Further work should define their role in clinical practice, particularly reproducible thresholds and molecular subtypes for which these may be of most value.
Overview of the COVID-19 text mining tool interactive demonstration track in BioCreative VII
Authors: Chatr-aryamontri Andrew , Hirschman Lynette , Ross Karen E , Oughtred Rose , Krallinger Martin , Dolinski Kara , Tyers Mike , Korves Tonia , Arighi Cecilia N 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has compelled biomedical researchers to communicate data in real time to establish more effective medical treatments and public health policies. Nontraditional sources such as preprint publications, i.e. articles not yet validated by peer review, have become crucial hubs for the dissemination of scientific results. Natural language processing (NLP) systems have been recently developed to extract and organize COVID-19 data in reasoning systems. Given this scenario, the BioCreative COVID-19 text mining tool interactive demonstration track was created to assess the landscape of the available tools and to gauge user interest, thereby providing a two-way communication channel between NLP system developers and potential end users. The goal was to inform system designers about the performance and usability of their products and to suggest new additional features. Considering the exploratory nature of this track, the call for participation solicited teams to apply for the track, based on their system’s ability to perform COVID-19-related tasks and interest in receiving user feedback. We also recruited volunteer users to test systems. Seven teams registered systems for the track, and &gt;30 individuals volunteered as test users; these volunteer users covered a broad range of specialties, including bench scientists, bioinformaticians and biocurators. The users, who had the option to participate anonymously, were provided with written and video documentation to familiarize themselves with the NLP tools and completed a survey to record their evaluation. Additional feedback was also provided by NLP system developers. The track was well received as shown by the overall positive feedback from the participating teams and the users.
Database URL: https://biocreative.bioinformatics.udel.edu/tasks/biocreative-vii/track-4/
Teaching Norms: Direct Evidence of Parental Transmission
Authors: Brouwer Thijs , Galeotti Fabio , Villeval Marie Claire 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
We examine the educative role played by parents in social norm transmission. Using a field experiment, we study whether parents enforce and comply more with norms when their children are present compared to when they are not. We compare similar parents when or after they drop off or pick up their children at school. We find that parents accompanying children, in contrast to parents alone, are more likely to punish norm violators and to provide help to strangers when there is no violation. They also tend to substitute more direct punishment with withholding help as a means of indirect punishment.
Contemporary management of ventricular electrical storm in Europe: results of a European Heart Rhythm Association Survey
Authors: Baldi Enrico , Conte Giulio , Zeppenfeld Katja , Lenarczyk Radosław , Guerra Jose M , Farkowski Michal M , de Asmundis Carlo , Boveda Serge 
Published: October 2022

AbstractElectrical storm (ES) is a predictor of mortality, and its treatment is challenging. Moreover, not all potential therapeutic strategies are available in all hospitals, and a standardized approach among European centres is lacking. The aim of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to assess the current management of patients with ES both in the acute and post-acute phases in 102 different European centres. A 20-item online questionnaire was sent out to the EHRA Research Network Centres. The median number of patients with ES treated annually per centre is 10 (IQR 5–15). The possibility of using autonomic modulation (e.g. percutaneous stellate ganglion block or thoracic epidural anaesthesia) for the acute ES treatment is available in only 29.3% of the centres. Moreover, although over 80% of centres perform ventricular tachycardia ablation, this procedure is available 24/7 in only 16.5% of the hospitals. There is a significant heterogeneity among centres regarding the availability of AADs and their use before deciding to proceed with a non-AAD strategy; specifically, 4.4% of centres use only one drug, 33.3% use two drugs, and 12.2% &gt;two drugs, while about 50% of the centres decide based on individual patient’s characteristics. Regarding the type of AADs used for the acute and post-acute management of ES patients, important variability is reported depending upon the underlying heart disease. Most patients considered for percutaneous ablation have structural heart disease. Only 46% of centres refer patients to psychological counselling after ES.
Palliative Care Professionals’ Perceptions and Communication About Sexual Expression of Older Adults at End of Life: How Biases Compromise Holistic Care
Authors: Wallach Isabelle , Keyser-Verreault Amélie , Beauchamp Julie , Brisson-Guérin Maude , Sussman Tamara , Durivage Patrick 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe sexuality of older people, which has historically been invisible, is increasingly represented and promoted in the media. However, the sexuality of the oldest older adults showing signs of frailty remains obscure and subject to ageist and ableist biases. Studies on sexual expression at the end of life have shown that sexuality and the need for support related to it remain important for many people.Research Design and MethodsThis article examines the perceptions and attitudes of professionals regarding the sexuality of older adults in palliative care, based on an exploratory qualitative study. Participants were recruited from several palliative care teams working either in hospital or in home settings in Canada.ResultsProfessionals (n = 16) held two main views of sexuality: broad and holistic or narrow and genital-focused. Perceptions of sexuality in later life were either described as a continuation of or distinct from middle adulthood. No matter what views were held, most professionals did not discuss sexuality with their patients at the end of life.Discussion and ImplicationsThe lack of communication about sexuality may be largely due to professional’s ageist, ableist, and heterosexist views regarding the sexuality of this population group. Results confirm the relevance of providing palliative care training about diverse sexual experiences and the importance of supporting older adults at the end of life with respect to their intimate and sexual needs. Such an approach is in line with the holistic vocation of palliative care.
3D code for MAgneto-Thermal evolution in Isolated Neutron Stars, MATINS: the magnetic field formalism
Authors: Dehman Clara , Viganò Daniele , Pons José A , Rea Nanda 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACT
The long-term evolution of the internal, strong magnetic fields of neutron stars needs a specific numerical modelling. The diversity of the observed phenomenology of neutron stars indicates that their magnetic topology is rather complex and 3D simulations are required, for example, to explain the observed bursting mechanisms and the creation of surface hotspots. We present MATINS, a new 3D numerical code for magnetothermal evolution in neutron stars, based on a finite-volume scheme that employs the cubed-sphere system of coordinates. In this first work, we focus on the crustal magnetic evolution, with the inclusion of realistic calculations for the neutron star structure, composition, and electrical conductivity assuming a simple temperature evolution profile. MATINS follows the evolution of strong fields (1014 − 1015 Gauss) with complex non-axisymmetric topologies and dominant Hall-drift terms, and it is suitable for handling sharp current sheets. After introducing the technical description of our approach and some tests, we present long-term simulations of the non-linear field evolution in realistic neutron star crusts. The results show how the non-axisymmetric Hall cascade redistributes the energy over different spatial scales. Following the exploration of different initial topologies, we conclude that during a few tens of kyr, an equipartition of energy between the poloidal and toroidal components happens at small-scales. However, the magnetic field keeps a strong memory of the initial large scales, which are much harder to be restructured or created. This indicates that large-scale configuration attained during the neutron star formation is crucial to determine the field topology at any evolution stage.
Characterizing the biology of primary brain tumors and their microenvironment via single-cell profiling methods
Authors: Gonzalez Castro L Nicolas , Liu Ilon , Filbin Mariella 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Genomic and transcriptional heterogeneity is prevalent among the most common and aggressive primary brain tumors in children and adults. Over the past 20 years, advances in bioengineering, biochemistry and bioinformatics have enabled the development of an array of techniques to study tumor biology at single-cell resolution. The application of these techniques to study primary brain tumors has helped advance our understanding of their intra-tumoral heterogeneity and uncover new insights regarding their co-option of developmental programs and signaling from their microenvironment to promote tumor proliferation and invasion. These insights are currently being harnessed to develop new therapeutic approaches. Here we provide an overview of current single-cell techniques and discuss relevant biology and therapeutic insights uncovered by their application to primary brain tumors in children and adults.
Effect of Gender on Clinical Presentation of Tuberculosis (TB) and Age-Specific Risk of TB, and TB-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection
Authors: Humayun Maheen , Chirenda Joconiah , Ye Wen , Mukeredzi Innocent , Mujuru Hilda Angela , Yang Zhenhua 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have shown gender differences in tuberculosis (TB) incidence; however, gender disparity has not been well documented across granular categorizations of anatomic sites affected by TB and in the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, largely due to small sample size for less common TB clinical presentations and lack of detailed clinical data.

Methods
The study population included TB cases aged ≥15 years (n = 41, 266) diagnosed in Harare, Zimbabwe. This cross-sectional study estimated male-to-female ratio (M/F ratio) for (1) age-specific TB incidence, (2) age-specific HIV prevalence among incident TB cases, and (3) 9 types of TB defined by affected anatomic site.

Results
Males were at a 53% higher risk of TB compared to females (risk ratio [RR] = 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.09). Based on adjusted odds ratios (aORs) from multinomial logistic regression model, the odds of abdominal TB (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI, .39–.68), TB bones/joints/spine (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI, .45–.90), and “other” extrapulmonary TB sites (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI = .59–.81) versus pulmonary TB were lower among males compared to females. The risk of TB-HIV coinfection among males was 17% (RR = .83; 95% CI, .74–.93) and 8% (RR = 0.92; 95% CI, .88–.95) lower in the 15- to 24-year and 25- to 44-year age groups, respectively.

Conclusions
This study revealed a nuanced role of gender across finer categorizations of TB, indicating the need for future research to delineate underlying mechanisms driving gender disparities in TB. The finding that women had a greater likelihood of severe forms of TB and TB-HIV coinfection compared to men has important implications for women's health in TB-HIV high-burden settings.
Purpose-Built Parliament Buildings and the Institutionalisation of Parliament in Lesotho and Malawi
Authors: Batsani-Ncube Innocent 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Largely inspired by western donor good governance agenda, the current African parliaments literature has overlooked the significance of new parliament buildings that have been constructed by China and tends to place a premium on appraising the performance of parliaments and parliamentarians in executing their legislative, representation, oversight and constituency support. While understanding how parliaments perform is important and necessary, it does not sufficiently address all the ways in which these parliaments are establishing themselves as sustainable political institutions. By disregarding the new parliament buildings, the literature potentially undermines prospects of a wider understanding of the development of African parliamentary institutions. This article leverages the Chinese government donated parliament buildings in Lesotho and Malawi to make a theoretical and comparative case for the utility of discussing the concept of African legislative institutionalisation through and in juxtaposition to, the parliamentary built environment. I find that although there are stylistic and operational differences, the new parliament buildings in Lesotho and Malawi have provided a bespoke parliamentary built environment, enabled the expansion of a cohort of public officials working on legislative business and facilitated the procedural activities of the institution.
Prevalence, risk factors, and survival associated with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure among patients with underlying coronary artery disease: a national prospective, multicenter registry study in China
Authors: Huang Li , Pang Lingpin , Gu Qing , Yang Tao , Li Wen , Quan Ruilin , Su Weiqing , Wu Weifeng , Tang Fangming , Zhu Xiulong , Shen Jieyan , Sun Jingzhi , Shan Guangliang , Xiong Changming , Huang Shian , He Jianguo 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the commonest cause of heart failure (HF), whereas pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not been established or reported in this patient population. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and survival in CAD-associated HF (CAD-HF) complicated with PH.

Methods:
Symptomatic CAD-HF patients were continuously enrolled in this prospective, multicenter registry study. Echocardiography, coronary arteriography, left and right heart catheterization (RHC), and other baseline clinical data were recorded. Patients were followed up and their survival was recorded.

Results:
One hundred and eighty-two CAD-HF patients were enrolled, including 142 with HF with a preserved ejection fraction (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥50%) and 40 with a reduced ejection fraction (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF]; LVEF < 50%). PH was diagnosed with RHC in 77.5% of patients. Patients with PH showed worse hemodynamic parameters and higher mortality. HFrEF-PH patients had worse survival than HFpEF-PH patients. CAD-HF patients with an enlarged left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and reduced hemoglobin were at higher risk of PH. Nitrate treatment reduced the risk of PH. Elevated creatinine and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), diastolic pressure gradient (DPG) ≥7 mmHg, and previous myocardial infarction (MI) entailed a higher risk of mortality in CAD-HF patients with PH.

Conclusions:
PH is common in CAD-HF and worsens the hemodynamics and survival in these patients. Left ventricle enlargement and anemia increase the risk of PH in CAD-HF. Patients may benefit from nitrate medications. Renal impairment, elevated mPAP, DPG ≥7 mmHg, and previous MI are strong predictors of mortality in CAD-HF-PH patients.

Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02164526.
Magnitude and associated factors of postoperative hyperglycemia among an adult nondiabetic patient who underwent surgery at 2 tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia
Authors: Desalegn Mitiku , Shitemaw Tewoderos , Sitot Mulualem , Getachew Lemlem 
Published: October 2022

Background:
Hyperglycemia in the postoperative period remains high in surgical patients. This study assessed the magnitude and associated factors of hyperglycemia in the postoperative period among nondiabetic adult patients who underwent elective surgery at Tikur Anbessa and Nigist Elleni Mohamed Memorial Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods:
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 359 nondiabetic adult patients who underwent elective surgery at Tikur Anbessa and Nigist Elleni Mohamed Memorial specialized hospitals from January 1 to March 30, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used, and quantitative data were collected through interviews and data retrieval from charts using a pretested questionnaire. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to evaluate the association between independent and dependent variables. The level of statistical significance was declared at a P-value <0.05.

Result:
A total of 359 patient data sets were collected with a response rate of 84%. The study revealed that 152 (42%) of the patients developed postoperative hyperglycemia. Postoperative hyperglycemia was statistically associated with age between 41 and 60 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=4.9, 95% CI=2.5–9.7], age above 60 (AOR=5.3, 95% CI=2.36–11.8), dexamethasone use (AOR=2.65, 95% CI=1.1-5.9), general anesthesia (AOR=5.8, 95% CI=2.5–13.59), combined general-regional anesthesia (AOR=4.8, 95% CI=1.9–8.0) were statistically associated with postoperative hyperglycemia.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of hyperglycemia is higher in the postoperative period. Age, type of anesthesia, type of procedure, dexamethasone use, and duration of surgery were identified as predictive factors.
Validation and Repeatability of the Epidermolysis Bullosa Eye Disease Index in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Chen Vicki M. , Kumar V. S. Senthil , Noh Elizabeth , Perloff Jennifer 
Published: October 2022

Purpose:
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a devastating condition that causes painful corneal abrasions and vision loss. Epidermolysis Bullosa Eye Disease Index (EB-EDI) for the first time captures and quantifies EB-specific assessment of ocular symptoms and activities of daily living scales. This survey will become critical in developing new interventions on patients' quality of life.

Methods:
Three-part set of the EB-EDI baseline, EB-EDI interval, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) survey was distributed to 92 patients with DEB who previously reported eye symptoms on previous surveys. It was then posted online through several EB patient organizations. We compared the EB-EDI with the gold standard OSDI and examined the repeatability of the EB-EDI over a 7- to 15-day interval.

Results:
Of the 45 individuals who initially responded, 30 of 45 (67%) completed the surveys sent 7 to 15 days later. The age of participants ranged from 6 to 51 years (mean 21 ± 15 years), and 60% (18 of 30) of participants were younger than 18 years. The overall Cronbach alpha values for the subscales of EB-EDI baseline and interval tools presented a good internal consistency (≥0.7). From 2 visits, the domain scores of EB-EDI baseline (0.94) and interval tools (0.83) were shown to have excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.8). By comparison, OSDI had the intraclass correlation coefficient score of 0.72 ± 0.11. The convergent validation analysis showed that correlations between the domain scores of EB-EDI baseline and interval tools and the subscales of the OSDI reached the hypothesized strength.

Conclusions:
Based on a 30-person repeated-measures study, we found that the EB-EDI has excellent reliability and validity specifically in patients with DEB.
Significant Others and Not Family or Friend Support Mediate Between Stigma and Discrimination Among People Living With HIV in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Badru Oluwaseun Abdulganiyu , Babalola Oluwatobi Emmanuel 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Approximately 70% of the 37.7 million people living with HIV (PLWH) globally reside in sub-Saharan Africa and 10% of the global HIV burden is in Nigeria. PLWH encounter stigma and discrimination. Limited support from family, friends, and significant others increases stigma and discrimination among PLWH. This study sought to understand how support from family, friends, and significant others mediates stigma and discrimination in the Nigerian context. This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 396 PLWH from six health facilities between June and July 2021 in Lagos State, Nigeria. Stigma, discrimination, and social support were assessed. On average, participants were 32 years of age and female. Increased social support was associated with reduced stigma and discrimination. Support from participants' significant others was found to mediate the relationship between stigma and discrimination.