cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22708168
title: Supplementary Material for: Optimal use of serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein as a biomarker for small bowel lesions of Crohn's disease

description: Introduction A large proportion of small bowel lesions in Crohn’s disease (CD) may exist beyond the reach of ileocolonoscopy and there is no gold standard imaging modality to screen them, suggesting the need for optimal biomarkers. We aimed to compare the usefulness of C-reactive protein (CRP), faecal calprotectin (FC), and leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) in determining small bowel lesions of CD. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study. CRP, FC, and LRG were prospectively measured in patients with quiescent CD who underwent imaging examinations (capsule or balloon-assisted endoscopy, magnetic resonance enterography, or intestinal ultrasound) selected by the physician in clinical practice. Mucosal healing (MH) of the small bowel was defined as a lack of ulcers. Patients with a Crohn’s disease activity index &gt; 150 and active colonic lesions were excluded. Results A total of 65 patients (27, MH; 38, small bowel inflammation) were analysed. The area under the curve (AUC) of CRP, FC, and LRG was 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.61-0.87), 0.69 (0.52-0.81), and 0.77 (0.59-0.85), respectively. The AUC of FC and LRG in a subgroup of 61 patients with CRP &lt; 3 mg/l (26, MH; 32, small bowel inflammation) was 0.68 (0.50-0.81), and 0.74 (0.54-0.84), respectively. The cut-off of 16 μg/ml of LRG showed the highest positive predictive value of 1.00 with specificity of 1.00 while negative predictive value was highest (0.71) with sensitivity of 0.89 at the cut-off of 9 μg/ml. Discussion/Conclusion LRG can accurately detect and/or exclude the small bowel lesions by two cut-off values.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.23652573
title: Supplementary Material for: Comparison of clinical course and outcomes between dilated and hypokinetic non-dilated cardiomyopathy

description: Background: By definition, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by enlargement of the left ventricular (LV) cavity, and systolic dysfunction. However, in 2016 ESC introduced a new clinical entity – hypokinetic non-dilated cardiomyopathy (HNDC). HNDC is defined as LV systolic dysfunction without LV dilatation. However, the diagnosis of HNDC has so far rarely been made by a cardiologist, and it is unknown whether “classic” DCM differs from HNDC in terms of clinical course and outcomes. Objectives: Comparison of heart failure profiles and outcomes between patients with “classic” dilated (DCM) and hypokinetic non-dilated cardiomyopathies (HNDC). Method: We retrospectively analysed 785 DCM patients, defined as impaired left ventricle (LV) systolic function (ejection fraction [LVEF] &lt;45%) in the absence of coronary artery disease, valve disease, congenital heart disease and severe arterial hypertension. “Classic” DCM was diagnosed when LV dilatation was present (LV end-diastolic diameter &gt;52mm/58mm in women/men); otherwise, HNDC was diagnosed. After 47±31 months, the all-cause mortality and composite endpoint (all-cause mortality, heart transplant – HTX, left ventricle assist device implantation - LVAD) were assessed. Results: There were 617 (79%) patients with LV dilatation. Patients with “classic” DCM differed from HNDC in terms of clinically relevant parameters [hypertension (47% vs. 64%, p=0.008), ventricular tachyarrhythmias (29% vs. 15%, p=0.007), NYHA class (2.5±0.9 vs. 2.2±0.8, p=0.003), had lower cholesterol (LDL: 2.9±1.0 vs. 3.2±1.1mmol/l, p=0.049) and higher NT-proBNP (3351±5415 vs. 2563±8584pg/ml, p=0.0001); and required higher diuretics dosages (57.8±89.5 vs. 33.7±48.7mg/day, p=&lt;0.0001). All of their chambers were larger (LVEDd: 68.3±4.5 vs. 52.7±3.5mm, p&lt;0.0001) and they had lower LVEF (25.2±9.4 vs. 36.6±11.7%, p&lt;0.0001). During the follow-up, there were 145 (18%) composite endpoints (“classic” DCM vs. HNDC: 122 [20%] vs. 26 [18%], p=0.22): deaths (97 [16%] vs. 24 [14%], p=0.67), HTX (17 [4%] vs. 4 [4%], p=0.97) and LVAD (19 [5%] vs 0 [0%], p=0.03). Both groups did not differ in terms of all-cause mortality (p=0.70), CV mortality (p=0.37) and composite endpoint (p=0.26). Conclusions: LV dilatation was absent in more than one-fifth of DCM patients. HNDC patients had less severe HF symptoms, less advanced cardiac remodelling, and required lower diuretics dosages. On the other hand, “classic” DCM and HNDC patients did not differ in terms of all-cause mortality, CV mortality and composite endpoint.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7992640
title: A high spatial resolution dataset for methylmercury exposure in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

description: This database describes the gridded dietary MeHg exposure of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) from 2009 to 2019 at the resolution of 1 km×1 km. The dataset classifies the gridded data on dietary MeHg exposure into three parts (i.e., the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong, and Macao). The data files are in tif format and named based on the years.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.13653260.v1
title: Source Data 3

description: <b>Source Data 3. </b>Efficacy and Selectivity for 15,847 genes for the six and five X (percentile; essentiality threshold)
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21221378
title: Supplementary Material for: Glucocorticoid receptor expression pattern in very low-birth weight infants changes drastically within the first week of life

description: Introduction We herein examined changes in expression levels of the glucocorticoid receptor subtypes GRα and GRβ in very low-birth weight (VLBW) and term infants to clarify time-dependent changes in glucocorticoid sensitivity after birth. Methods Whole blood samples were collected at birth and on postnatal days 4 to 7, and the mRNA expression levels of GRα and GRβ were measured using RT-qPCR. The relative gene expression levels of GRα and GRβ as the target genes normalized to actin beta as the endogenous control were calculated by the comparative cycle threshold method. Results The GRα/GRβ expression ratio at birth was significantly lower in 32 VLBW cesarean section (CS) infants than in term planned CS infants (median (IQR), 1.5 (1.1-1.8)- and 1.1 (0.7-1.6)-fold change, p &lt;0.05). Furthermore, the GRα/GRβ expression ratio increased from day 0 to days 4 to 7 (1.0 (0.6-1.4)- and 1.7 (0.6-1.4)-fold change, p &lt;0.01) in 43 VLBW infants. Discussion / Conclusion The present results suggests that glucocorticoid sensitivity in VLBW infants increases after birth and this rapid change may play a role in surviving critical postnatal events.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21261660
title: Supplementary Material for: A Regression Tree Analysis to Identify Factors Predicting Frailty: The International Mobility in Aging Study

description: <b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Frailty is a complex geriatric syndrome with a multifaceted etiology. We aimed to identify the best combinations of risk factors that predict the development of frailty using recursive partitioning models. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We analyzed reports from 1,724 community-dwelling men and women aged 65–74 years participating in the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). Frailty was measured using frailty phenotype scale that included five physical components: unintentional weight loss, weakness, slow gait, exhaustion, and low physical activity. Frailty was defined as presenting three of the above five conditions, having one or two conditions indicated prefrailty and showing none as robust. Socio-demographic, physical, lifestyle, psycho-social, and life-course factors were included in the analysis as potential predictors. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 21% of pre-frail and robust participants showed a worse stage of frailty in 2014 compared to 2012. In addition to functioning variables, fear of falling (FOF), income, and research site (Canada vs. Latin America vs. Albania) were significant predictors of the development of frailty. Additional significant predictors after exclusion of functioning factors included education, self-rated health, and BMI. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In addition to obvious risk factors for frailty (such as functioning), socio-economic factors and FOFs are also important predictors. Clinical assessment of frailty should include measurement of these factors to identify high-risk individuals.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21493197
title: Supplementary Material for: Increased Focus on Internal Body Sensations Is Associated with Higher Patient-Perceived Severity of Allergic Rhinitis

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Monitoring allergic rhinitis (AR) severity with objective biomarkers is important for the clinical management of patients as well as for research purposes. The most commonly used tool for the assessment of AR severity is the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS). Objective biomarkers like skin prick test size or specific IgE levels do not correlate with TNSS. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We hypothesize that the psychological factors are the missing link between patient-perceived severity of AR and objective biomarkers. <b><i>Method:</i></b> Thirty-nine patients (median age: 34 years; 21 [54%] female) with grass pollen-related AR were enrolled in our study. Patients allergic for perennial allergens and allergens with potentially overlapping seasons including cypress, ash/olive, plane, and nettle families were excluded. Patient-reported outcomes included symptom score, medication scores, combined score, and Juniper Mini Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (minRQLQ). Psychometric evaluation was performed using 5 different psychological questionnaires that measure 13 different psychological factors. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was a significant correlation between the symptom score and <i>private body consciousness</i> (<i>r</i> = 0.50, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and <i>neuroticism</i> (<i>R</i> = 0.41 and <i>p</i> = 0.01). There was also a statistically significant correlation between the combined score and <i>private body</i> consciousness (<i>r</i> = 0.49 and <i>p</i> = 0.001) and with <i>perceiving and understanding emotions</i> (<i>r</i> = 0.34 and <i>p</i> = 0.04). The miniRQLQ score had a positive correlation with <i>private body consciousness</i> (<i>r</i> = 0.55 and <i>p</i> = 0.002) and <i>observing</i> (<i>r</i> = 0.42 and <i>p</i> = 0.02). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our data suggest that patients who are more aware of internal stimuli, as well as those who are highly self-conscious and somatically concerned tend to experience more severe AR symptoms.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21689219
title: Supplementary Material for: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients’ Preferences for Subcutaneous Versus Intravenous Therapies: A Mixed Methods Study

description: Background Multiple biologics are available to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can either be administered subcutaneously (SC) or intravenously (IV). The factors that determine patients’ preferences for SC/IV administration in IBD are largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate how IBD patients trade-off between medications’ route of administration and other medication characteristics, and to understand what drives patients’ preferences. Methods We employed a mixed methods design using data from a prior quantitative conjoint analysis survey and a series of 22 qualitative interviews. We quantitatively assessed individual patients’ preferences for SC or IV medications based on the part-worth utilities derived from the conjoint analysis and identified predictors for these preferences. We used a qualitative analysis to identify key themes surrounding patients’ preferences in the interview data. Results Of 1,077 survey participants, 49% preferred an SC medication every 2 weeks, whereas 51% preferred an IV medication every 8 weeks. More people preferred SC at reduced administration frequencies, whereas less people preferred SC at the expense of lower efficacy or higher side-effects rates. Prior experience with SC/IV was the strongest predictor for patients’ preferences. Qualitatively, we obtained in-depth insights in the perceived advantages and disadvantages of SC and IV medications and in patients’ preconceived ideas. Conclusion While prior SC/IV exposure was a strong predictor for SC/IV preferences, patients’ preferences largely are determined by a variety of other personal factors. The themes we identified could help guide clinicians when discussing therapeutic options with their patients and support shared decision making.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22093667
title: Supplementary Material for: Bilateral simultaneous central retinal vein occlusion secondary to COVID-19: A case report

description: Herein, we report a case of bilateral simultaneous central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) secondary to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A 48-year-old man, with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and stage 4 chronic kidney disease, diagnosed with COVID-19 one month ago presented to the ophthalmology department with blurred vision in both eyes for 2 weeks. Ocular examination revealed a classic clinical presentation of CRVO in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed increased central macular thickness (CMT) with intraretinal and subretinal fluid in both eyes. Laboratory data revealed elevated D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The levels of other hypercoagulability markers were normal. The patient received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in both eyes, followed by regular follow-up every month until complete resolution of symptoms and gradual improvement of the retinal vascular appearance. COVID-19 can cause a variety of coagulation abnormalities and thromboembolic complications such as bilateral simultaneous CRVO. Clinicians and patients should be aware of ocular symptoms and presentations that are probably associated with COVID-19.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22210624
title: Supplementary Material for: Socially assistive robots for people living with dementia in long-term facilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

description: Background and Objective: The purpose of our study was to explore the immediate and long-term effects of socially assistive robots (SARs) on neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), positive emotional experiences, and social interaction in older people living with dementia. Methods: We set keywords and used Boolean operators to search the CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, IEEE Digital Library, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Chinese Electronic Periodical Service from inception to February 2022 for randomized controlled trials. The Cochrane Collaboration bias assessment tool was used to assess article quality, and RevMan 5.4.1 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. SARs can help people living with dementia reduce their NPS of depression and anxiety, provide happiness from positive emotional experiences, and improve their social interaction through conversation. However, there was no significant improvement in agitation behavior, overall BPSD, or quality of life in people living with dementia. In follow-up, it was found that the effect of SRT was limited. Conclusion: Socially assistive robots can reduce depression and increase positive emotions in people living with dementia. They may also reduce the burden on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42020169340.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22214530
title: Supplementary Material for: Albumin-Bilirubin Grade Analyses of Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab vs Sorafenib in Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Phase III IMbrave150 Study

description: Introduction: Atezolizumab + bevacizumab showed survival benefit in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vs sorafenib in the Phase III IMbrave150 study. This exploratory analysis examined the prognostic impact of baseline albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. Methods: Patients with treatment-naïve unresectable HCC, ≥1 measurable untreated lesion and Child-Pugh Class A liver function were randomized 2:1 to receive atezolizumab 1200 mg + bevacizumab 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks or sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed in the intention-to-treat population by ALBI/modified (m)ALBI grade. Time to deterioration (TTD; defined as time to 0.5-point increase from baseline ALBI score over 2 visits or death) of liver function and safety were investigated. Results: Of 501 enrolled patients, 336 were randomized to receive atezolizumab + bevacizumab (ALBI Grade (G) 1: n=191; G2: n=144 (mALBI G2a: n=72, G2b: n=72); missing ALBI Grade: n=1) and 165 to sorafenib (ALBI G1: n=87; G2: n=78 (mALBI G2a: n=37; G2b: n=41)). Median follow-up was 15.6 months. OS and PFS improved with atezolizumab + bevacizumab vs sorafenib in patients with ALBI G1 (OS HR, 0.50 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.72); PFS HR, 0.61 (95% CI: 0.45, 0.82)). In patients with ALBI G2 or mALBI G2a or G2b, PFS was numerically longer with atezolizumab + bevacizumab vs sorafenib but no OS benefit was seen. Median TTD in the intention-to-treat population was 10.2 months (95% CI: 8.0, 11.0) with atezolizumab + bevacizumab vs 8.6 months (95% CI: 6.2, 11.8) with sorafenib (HR, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.65, 1.03)). Safety profiles of atezolizumab and bevacizumab were consistent with previous analyses, regardless of ALBI grade. Discussion/Conclusion: ALBI grade appeared to be prognostic for outcomes with both atezolizumab + bevacizumab and sorafenib treatment in patients with HCC. Atezolizumab + bevacizumab preserved liver function for a numerically longer duration than sorafenib.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22574251
title: Supplementary Material for: Work Experiences of the Interdisciplinary Dialysis Workforce in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Survey

description: Introduction: Suboptimal dialysis care may be in part due to staff issues such as job dissatisfaction, burnout, work overload, high staff turnover, and inconsistent training. Here, we leveraged data collected in a recent national survey to provide an initial, comprehensive description of current work experiences of U.S. dialysis care providers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1240 active U.S. dialysis clinic staff members (physicians, advanced practice providers, nurse managers/clinic coordinators, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and patient care technicians), who were recruited via emails to society membership lists. Respondents were asked about a wide variety of work experiences, including job satisfaction, professional fulfillment and burnout (Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index), work culture, experiences of hostility and violence, and self-reported medical errors. Responses were summarized overall and compared by clinic role. Results: Most of the survey respondents, representing all 50 U.S. states, were aged 35-49 (58.3%) or ≥50 (23.5%), female (60.7%), and white (59.8%; 23.1% Black and 10.0% Asian); 82.1% had been in their current role for at least 1 year. Most U.S. dialysis staff responding to our survey reported being generally satisfied with their jobs (mean rating of 7.9 on 0-10 scale), but only 54.4% met criteria for professional fulfillment, and 32.8% met criteria for burnout, driven by high scores in the work exhaustion domain. Related issues, including high workloads, lack of respect (including experiences of violence and hostility), lack of autonomy, and suboptimal patient environments (in terms of both safety and patient-centeredness), were commonly reported among dialysis care providers, although their prevalence often differed by provider type. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the dialysis workforce may be at a critical point. Preventing further staff burn out, which could lead to even greater staffing shortages and worse working conditions among those who continue to provide dialysis care, is essential.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22644550
title: Supplementary Material for: Diagnostic and Prognostic Performance of Serum Albumin and Cholinesterase in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock

description: Background: Despite improved risk stratification tools and identification of novel biomarkers, sepsis-related mortality has not significantly improved during the past years. Objective: This study investigates the diagnostic and prognostic role of the serum albumin and cholinesterase (ChE) in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Methods: Consecutive patients with sepsis and septic shock from 2019 to 2021 were included. Blood samples were retrieved from day of disease onset (day 1), day 2,3,5 and 7. Firstly, the diagnostic value of the serum albumin for the diagnosis of a septic shock was compared to the ChE. Secondly, the prognostic value of the serum albumin and the ChE for 30-day all-cause mortality was tested. Results: A total of 239 patients were included. With an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.641 to 0.762 on day 3 and 5, the ChE revealed a moderate but better diagnostic discrimination between sepsis and septic shock than the serum albumin. Furthermore, the ChE was able to discriminate between non-survivors and survivors of the 30-day time inter-val (range of AUC 0.612 to 0.686). Patients with a ChE below the median had higher rates of 30-days all-cause mortality in comparison to patients with a ChE above the median (65% vs. 42%, log rank p = 0.001; HR = 1.820; 95% CI 1.273 – 2.601; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The ChE reflects a reliable diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with sepsis and septic shock.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.23500671
title: Supplementary Material for: Pursuing the Real Vancomycin Clearance during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Intensive Care Unit Patients: Is There Adequate Target Attainment?

description: <b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Vancomycin is used in intensive care unit (ICU) patients for the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. The vancomycin pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic index is a ratio of the area under the concentration to the minimum inhibitory concentration ≥400–600 h*mg/L. This target can generally be achieved by a plasma concentration of 20–25 mg/L. Together with the pathophysiological alterations and pharmacokinetic variability associated with critical illness, the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may complicate the attainment of adequate vancomycin concentrations. The primary objective was the prevalence of attainment of vancomycin concentrations 20–25 mg/L after 24 h in adult ICU patients receiving CRRT. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate target attainment at days 2 and 3 and to calculate vancomycin clearance (CL) by CRRT and residual diuresis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a prospective observational study in adult ICU patients on CRRT, which received at least 24 h continuous infusion of vancomycin. Between May 2020 and February 2021, daily vancomycin residual blood gas and dialysate samples were collected from 20 patients, every 6 h and if possible vancomycin urine samples. Vancomycin was analysed with an immunoassay method. The CL by CRRT was calculated by a different approach correcting for the downtime and providing insight into the degree of filter patency. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The proportion of patients with vancomycin concentrations &lt;20 mg/L was 50% 24 h after starting vancomycin (<i>n</i> = 10). No differences were observed in patient characteristics. The target vancomycin concentration 20–25 mg/L was only achieved in 30% of the patients. On days 2 and 3, despite the use of TDM and albeit in lower percentages, sub- and supratherapeutic levels were still observed. Taking downtime and filter patency into account resulted in lower vancomycin CL. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> 50% of the studied ICU patients on CRRT showed subtherapeutic vancomycin concentrations 24 h after starting therapy. The results reveal that optimization of vancomycin dosage during CRRT therapy is needed.