bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response to the Ukrainian war: Support to the Ukrainian health professionals – war refugees
Authors: Petráková A , Veselá N , Ponomarenko M , Hrdličková S , Barták M , Dlouhý M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Issue/problem
There are currently more than 300,000 war refugees from Ukraine in the Czech Republic, including several hundred health workers of various health professions, including physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and others. The Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education (IPVZ) on behalf of the Ministry of Health prepares and organizes the approbation exams of physicians, dentists and pharmacists who as foreign nationals have obtained medical qualification outside the EU and wish to practice their profession in the Czech Republic or the EU.

Description of the problem
To follow up on new legislation of the Czech Republic, valid from 21 March 2022, focused on the Ukrainian war refugees and their stay in the Czech Republic, IPVZ immediately formulated its strategic response and support to an urgent needs of the Ukrainian refugees with a focus on health professionals and their integration to the Czech health system. IPVZ and its School of Public Health (SPH) work on capacities development courses, in particular on the Czech language courses and on introduction to the Czech health system.

Results
First 3 Czech language courses, held on 2 May -1 July 2022, were completed by 34 attendees. Next 10 courses will start on 1 August 2022. There is an interest in both face-to-face and online Czech language courses. In parallel, we provide the introduction to the Czech health system through consistent creation of bilingual cycle of short videos, first videos are available free of charge on IPVZ web site at https://ua.ipvz.cz.

Lessons
Interest in the Czech language classes indicates its importance for all Ukrainian health professionals - war refugees, who plan to stay in the Czech Republic and to work in the Czech health system in their health professions -physicians, nurses and others. Cycle of short bilingual videos is an important support tool for adoption of the Czech health system terminology and for their preparation for the approbation exams.

Key messages
• Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education in Prague formulated its immediate strategic response to the Ukrainian war and needs of the Ukrainian war refugees with a focus on health workers.
• Intensive Czech language courses supplemented by the cycle of short bilingual videos, introducing the Czech health system, available free of charge at https://ua.ipvz.cz, fully support MoH CZ policy.
A Caenorhabditis elegans model of autosomal dominant adult-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis identifies ethosuximide as a potential therapeutic
Authors: Barker Eleanor , Morgan Alan , Barclay Jeff W 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Autosomal dominant adult-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (ANCL) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive dementia and premature death. Four ANCL-causing mutations have been identified, all mapping to the DNAJC5 gene that encodes cysteine string protein α (CSPα). Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans, we describe an animal model of ANCL in which disease-causing mutations are introduced into their endogenous chromosomal locus, thereby mirroring the human genetic disorder. This was achieved through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of dnj-14, the C. elegans ortholog of DNAJC5. The resultant homozygous ANCL mutant worms exhibited reduced lifespans and severely impaired chemotaxis, similar to isogenic dnj-14 null mutants. Importantly, these phenotypes were also seen in balanced heterozygotes carrying one wild-type and one ANCL mutant dnj-14 allele, mimicking the heterozygosity of ANCL patients. We observed a more severe chemotaxis phenotype in heterozygous ANCL mutant worms compared with haploinsufficient worms lacking one copy of CSP, consistent with a dominant-negative mechanism of action. Additionally, we provide evidence of CSP haploinsufficiency in longevity, as heterozygous null mutants exhibited significantly shorter lifespan than wild-type controls. The chemotaxis phenotype of dnj-14 null mutants was fully rescued by transgenic human CSPα, confirming the translational relevance of the worm model. Finally, a focused compound screen revealed that the anti-epileptic drug ethosuximide could restore chemotaxis in dnj-14 ANCL mutants to wild-type levels. This suggests that ethosuximide may have therapeutic potential for ANCL and demonstrates the utility of this C. elegans model for future larger-scale drug screening.
Deletion ofSmad7Ameliorates Intestinal Inflammation and Contributes to Fibrosis
Authors: Schuler Cordelia , Foti Federica , Perren Leonie , Mamie Céline , Weder Bruce , Stokmaier Michelle , de Vallière Cheryl , Heuchel Rainer , Ruiz Pedro A , Rogler Gerhard , Hausmann Martin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundPatients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) express increased mucosal levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β compared with non-IBD controls. SMAD7 negatively regulates TGF-β signaling. An earlier study aiming to target Smad7 showed a lack of clinical benefit. It remains unknown whether inhibition of SMAD7 is beneficial in specific settings of IBD. We evaluated the effect of Smad7 deficiency on inflammation, fibrogenesis, and wound healing.MethodsFor the initiation of fibrosis in Smad7-/- (Smad7Δex-I) CD-1 mice, the dextran sodium sulfate–induced chronic colitis model and the heterotopic transplantation model of fibrosis were used. Wound closure of fibroblasts from Smad7-/- mice was determined using culture inserts and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing in vitro.ResultsIn dextran sodium sulfate–induced chronic colitis, Smad7 deficiency was associated with ameliorated inflammation, as evidenced by decreased clinical score, histological score, and myeloperoxidase activity. Absence of SMAD7 decreased T-cell accumulation in colonic tissue and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mRNA expression levels. Smad7-/- mice showed a significant increase in hydroxyproline and collagen content, as well as ColIVa1 mRNA expression. Wild type mice transplanted with terminal ileum from Smad7-/- mice in the heterotopic animal model for intestinal fibrosis showed a significant increase in collagen content and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin.ConclusionsSmad7 deficiency is associated with a decrease in intestinal inflammation and an increase in fibrosis. Targeting SMAD7 constitutes a potential new treatment option for IBD; progression of disease-associated fibrosis should be considered.
Abnormal Magnetic Resonance Image Signature in Virologically Stable HIV Individuals
Authors: Strain Jeremy F , Cooley Sarah A , Tomov Dimitre , Boerwinkle Anna , Ances Beau M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
With implementation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), changes to brain integrity in people with HIV (PWH) are subtle compared to those observed in the pre-cART era. T1-weighted/T2-weighted (T1w/T2w) ratio has been proposed as a measure of cortical myelin. This study examines T1w/T2w values between virologically controlled PWH and persons without HIV (PWoH).

Methods
Virologically well-controlled PWH (n = 164) and PWoH (n = 120) were compared on global and regional T1w/T2w values. T1w/T2w values were associated with HIV disease variables (nadir and current CD4 T-cell count, and CNS penetration effectiveness of cART regimen) in PWH, and as a function of age for both PWoH and PWH.

Results
PWH had reduced global and regional T1w/T2w values compared to PWoH in the posterior cingulate cortex, caudal anterior cingulate cortex, and insula. T1w/T2w values did not correlate with HIV variables except for a negative relationship with CNS penetration effectiveness. Greater cardiovascular disease risk and older age were associated with lower T1w/T2w values only for PWH.

Conclusions
T1w/T2w values obtained from commonly acquired MRI protocols differentiates virologically well-controlled PWH from PWoH. Changes in T1w/T2w ratio do not correlate with typical HIV measures. Future studies are needed to determine the biological mechanisms underlying this measure.
Pediatric Infection-Induced SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Increases and Seroprevalence by Type of Clinical Care—September 2021 to February 2022
Authors: Clarke Kristie E N , Kim Yun , Jones Jefferson , Lee Adam , Deng Yangyang , Nycz Elise , Iachan Ronaldo , Gundlapalli Adi V , MacNeil Adam , Hall Aron 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Trends in estimates of US pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced seroprevalence from commercial laboratory specimens may overrepresent children with frequent health care needs. We examined seroprevalence trends and compared seroprevalence estimates by testing type and diagnostic coding.

Methods
Cross-sectional convenience samples of residual sera September 2021-February 2022 from 52 US jurisdictions were assayed for infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; monthly seroprevalence estimates were calculated by age group. Multivariate logistic analyses compared seroprevalence estimates for specimens associated with International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes and laboratory orders indicating well-child care with estimates for other pediatric specimens.

Results
Infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence increased in each age group, from 30% to 68% (1–4 years), 38% to 77% (5–11 years), and 40% to 74% (12–17 years). On multivariate analysis, patients with well-child ICD-10 codes were seropositive more often than other patients aged 1–17 years (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.07); children aged 9–11 years receiving standard lipid screening were seropositive more often than those receiving other laboratory tests (aPR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.08).

Conclusions
Infection-induced seroprevalence more than doubled among children younger than 12 years between September 2021 and February 2022, and increased 85% in adolescents. Differences in seroprevalence by care type did not substantially impact US pediatric seroprevalence estimates.
An Approach for Evaluating Potential Screening Thresholds Using Biomarker Population Distribution and Analytical Imprecision
Authors: Henderson Matthew P A , Chakraborty Pranesh 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
A common approach in laboratory medicine is to use a simple but sensitive test to screen samples to identify those that require additional investigation with a more complex and informative method. Selection of screening thresholds can be guided by biomarker distribution in the tested population and the analytical imprecision of the method.

Methods
A simulation using joint probabilities derived from the population distribution for galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) activity and the analytical imprecision for the GALT assay was used to estimate the number of samples that would require repeat analysis and the number of samples with possibly false-negative screening determinations due to analytical imprecision.

Results
In the case of GALT activity, screening a conservative initial threshold 6 standard deviations from the confirmation threshold can essentially eliminate the chance of a false-negative screening determination due to analytical imprecision. The trade-off is a greater number of samples requiring follow-up testing (n = 222, equivalent to 0.15% of samples annually).

Conclusions
Selection of thresholds in a screening algorithm is informed by estimates of the number of samples that would require repeat testing and the number that could be false negative due to analytical imprecision.
Risk Analysis for Quality Control Part 2: Theoretical Foundations for Risk Analysis
Authors: Moore Ryleigh A , Rudolf Joseph W , Schmidt Robert L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Risk analysis can be used to determine control limits for quality control (QC). The Parvin model is the most commonly used method for risk analysis; however; the Parvin model rests on assumptions that have been shown to produce paradoxical results and to underestimate risk. There is a need for an improved framework for risk analysis.

Methods
We developed a dynamic model (Markov Reward Model) to analyze the long-term behavior of an assay under the influence of a QC monitoring system. The model is flexible and accounts for different patterns of assay behavior (shift frequency, shift distribution) and the impact of error on patient outcomes. The model determines the distribution of undetected reported errors and the frequency of false-positive laboratory results as a function of QC settings. The model accounts for the competing risks (false detections, shifts in the mean) that cause an assay to move from an in-control state to an out-of-control state.

Results
The model provides a tradeoff curve that expresses the cost to prevent an unacceptable reported result in terms of laboratory cost (false-positive QC). The model can be used to optimize settings of a particular QC method or to compare the performance of different methods.

Conclusions
We developed a method to evaluate that determines the cost to reduce the risk to patients (reported results with unacceptable errors) in terms of laboratory costs (false-positive QC).
Guanidinoacetic acid supplementation improves intestinal morphology, mucosal barrier function of broilers subjected to chronic heat stress
Authors: Peng Xu Y , Xing Tong , Li Jiao L , Zhang Lin , Jiang Yun , Gao Feng 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe current study is designed to investigate dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and jejunum mucosal barrier function of broilers that are subjected to chronic heat stress (HS). A total of 192 male broilers (28-d old) were randomly allocated to four groups. A chronic HS model (at a temperature of 32 °C and 50%–60% relative humidity for 24 h daily) was applied in the experiment. Normal control (NC, ad libitum feeding, 22 °C), HS group (HS, ad libitum feeding, 32 °C), pair-fed group (PF, received food equivalent to that consumed by the HS group on the previous day, 22 °C), guanidinoacetic acid group (HG, ad libitum feeding, supplementing the basal diet with 0.6 g/kg GAA, 32 °C). The experiment lasted from 28 to 35 and 28 to 42 d of age of broilers. Our results showed that broilers subjected to HS had lower average daily feed intake and average daily gain (P &lt; 0.05), higher feed-to-gain ratio and relative length of the small intestine (P &lt; 0.05), as well as lower relative weight and weight per unit length of the small intestine (P &lt; 0.05). HS damaged the small intestinal histomorphology by decreasing the small intestinal VH and the VH/CD (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the HS group, supplementation with 0.6 g/kg GAA increased jejunal VH and VH/CD (P &lt; 0.05), but decreased relative weight and relative length of the small intestine (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, in comparison with NC, HS elevated intestinal permeability (D-Lactic acid concentration and diamine oxidase activity) and mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (P &lt; 0.05), reduced jejunal mucus thickness, number of goblet cells, IgA + cell density, and mucin2 mRNA expression level of broilers (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the HS group, dietary GAA elevated jejunal mucus thickness, goblet cell number and IgA+ cell density (P &lt; 0.05), and up-regulated jejunal mRNA expression of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, HS impaired growth performance, and the intestinal mucosal barrier function of broilers. Dietary supplementation with 0.6 g/kg GAA alleviated HS-induced histomorphology changes of small intestine and jejunal mucosal barrier dysfunction.
Development and Validation of Seven Phosphatidylethanol Homologues in Dried Blood Spots Including Preliminary Results after Excessive Use of an Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizer
Authors: Herzog Josefine , Skopp Gisela , Musshoff Frank 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) has become a widespread marker offering an up to 4-week retrospective window to detect alcohol use. Due to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019, ethanol-based hand sanitizers are frequently used. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for the determination of up to seven different homologues of PEth from dried blood spots (DBSs) after use of an ethanol-based hand sanitizer. The objectives of its preliminary application were to prove whether a threshold of 20 ng/mL for PEth 16:0/18:1 is reached and whether other homologues are formed as well as if positive findings of urinary ethyl glucuronide (UEtG) can be observed with respect to assess monitoring of abstinence control programs. Ten volunteers (8 occasional and 2 regular drinkers) were recruited to excessively use an ethanol-based hand sanitizer on 5 successive days. DBSs and urine samples were collected daily. PEth and UEtG were determined by liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry. In total, two volunteers with initial PEth 16:0/18:1 concentrations of 19.3 and 14.6 ng/mL exceeded the threshold of 20 ng/mL six times. Subjects drinking daily or almost daily had starting PEth 16:0/18:1 concentrations of 242 and 354 ng/mL, showing a decline of PEth concentrations in six out of the seven homologues over 5 days. In teetotalers, formation of PEth species could not be observed. Thus, not satisfying requirements in an alcohol monitoring program with initial PEth-negative blood cannot be explained by a frequent use of ethanol-based hand sanitizer only. In cases of regular alcohol consumption, PEth homologues are not likely to be further influenced. However, results indicated that individuals with a PEth concentration close to 20 ng/mL are at risk of exceeding the threshold by using ethanol-based hand sanitizer.
N-Terminal Prohormone Brain Natriuretic Peptide as a Prognostic Biomarker for the Risk of Complications in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ramzi Zhian Salah 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at summarizing the existing clinical evidence to evaluate the prognostic performance of N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in predicting cardiovascular events, cardiovascular-related mortality, and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
Searches were performed in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases before August 1, 2021. The data were recorded as adjusted hazard ratio (HR).

Results
An increase in NT-proBNP increases the risk of cardiovascular events (HR = 1.63), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.86) and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.54). Seemingly, the best cutoffs for predicting cardiovascular events (HR = 2.30) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 3.77) are levels greater than 100 pg/mL. The best cutoff of NT-proBNP in predicting all-cause mortality is levels greater than 225 pg/mL (HR = 4.72).

Conclusion
A moderate level of evidence demonstrated that NT-proBNP serum levels can predict future cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Thus, it can be used as risk stratification for type 2 diabetes.
Stability of Hemoglobin Constant Spring Identified by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Jaitheang Jidapa , Suksusut Amornchai , Settapiboon Rung , Amornsiriwat Supaporn , Sutcharitchan Pranee , Uaprasert Noppacharn , Rojnuckarin Ponlapat 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Objective
Hemoglobin Constant Spring (HbCS) is often missed by routine hemoglobin analysis. The aim of this research was to study HbCS stability as identified by capillary electrophoresis (CE) to determine the specimen storage time limit.

Methods
The EDTA blood of 29 HbCS samples were kept at 4°C and analyzed every workday until CE could not detect HbCS or until 7 weeks after blood collection. The genotypes were confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

Results
The median subject age was 27 years and 10 subjects were male. The HbCS levels were stable during the first 7 days but became undetectable in 5 cases (17.2%) after 1 week. All of them were heterozygous HbCS. Longer detection times were correlated with the higher baseline HbCS levels, with a correlation coefficient of 0.582 (P  ≤ 0.001)

Conclusion
Routine hemoglobin typing and quantitation should be performed within 1 week after blood collection to detect low HbCS levels, especially in heterozygous HbCS.
Did Mary Shelley writeFrankenstein? A stylometric analysis
Authors: Suddaby Lee , Ross Gordon J 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe novel Frankenstein was published anonymously in 1818 and was first credited to Mary Shelley in a French translation of 1821. Since its publication, several claims—both contemporaneous and recent—have been made suggesting that Frankenstein was written by Mary’s husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley. We review the background of this controversy and then apply modern techniques from computational stylometry to determine who the true author is. Based on our analysis, we find extremely substantial evidence that Mary Shelley is indeed the true author of Frankenstein, and it is very improbable that Percy Shelley played a heavy role in composing the text. While our finding confirms mainstream scholarly opinion regarding Frankenstein, our analysis is the first application of stylometric techniques to this question and provides strong objective grounds for favouring Mary Shelley by freeing the question from some of the politics which have traditionally accompanied it.
When is the processing of data from medical implants lawful? The legal grounds for processing health-related personal data from ICT implantable medical devices for treatment purposes under EU data protection law
Authors: Lindstad Sarita , Ludvigsen Kaspar Rosager 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Medicine is one of the biggest use cases for emerging information technologies. Data processing brings huge advantages but forces lawmakers and practitioners to balance between privacy, autonomy, accessibility, and functionality. ICT-connected Implantable Medical Devices plant themselves firmly between traditional medical equipment and software that processes health-related personal data, and these implants face many data management challenges. It is essential that healthcare providers and others can identify and understand the legal grounds they rely on to process data. The European Union is currently updating its framework, and the special provisions in the GDPR, the current ePrivacy Directive, and the coming ePrivacy Regulation all provide enhanced thresholds for processing data. This article provides an overview and explanation of the applicability of the rules and the legal grounds for processing data. We find that only a cumulative application of the GDPR and the ePrivacy rules ensure adequate protection of this data and present the legal grounds for processing in these cases. We discuss the challenges in obtaining and maintaining valid consent and necessity as a legal ground for processing and offer use case-specific discussions of the role of consent long-term and the lack of an adequate ‘vital interest’ exception in the ePrivacy rules.