bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choosing the right outcome measures for acne scar research: a guide for clinicians
Authors: Zhang Xin , Xie Yuanyuan , Zhou Meng , Liu Yuzhen , Zeng Rong
Published: February 2025

Acne scarring is a common consequence of acne vulgaris. Recently, there have been huge advancements in photoelectric therapies for scarring, leading to a growing body of literature on the efficacy and safety of these devices. However, interventional studies are hindered by the absence of standardized and validated outcome measures for acne scarring. In this article, we aim to review current grading modalities to assist clinicians in conducting acne scar research and therapies. PubMed and MEDLINE online databases were searched to identify acne scarring severity measurement tools. Each was classified into objective tools, subjective investigator-reported or patient-reported assessments and they were evaluated for reliability, sensitivity, validity and other important aspects. Objective instruments for assessing clinical efficacy in acne scarring show promise, especially PRIMOS, a three-dimensional imager with strong interrater reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.90] and intrarater reliability (ICC > 0.96). Regarding subjective assessments, the Échelle d’Évaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d’Acné (ECCA) tool features the widest range of applications and shows acceptable performance. The original ECCA tool scored five out of eight points, while the adapted version achieved six out of eight points after combining three essential factors: reliability, sensitivity and validity. The Goodman and Baron Global Acne Scarring Grading System (GSGS) score also achieved a good score of seven out of eight. However, most scales demonstrated poor or moderate performance owing to the lack of reliability testing and evidence from independent assessment. Our conclusion is that PRIMOS stands out as a strong objective tool, whereas GSGS and adapted ECCA are the leading subjective scales with acceptable to strong performance. More importantly, there is the need for standardized scales, facilitating the pooling of results for systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical recommendations.
Development of Psilocybe mushroom species reference material—cultivation parameters and chemical profiles
Authors: Windsor Coleton , Kreynes Anna E , Chilton Jeff S , Chioffi William A , Niebergall Christopher , Dodds Kelsey
Published: February 2025

Background

Psilocybin–containing mushrooms are gaining the attention of the scientific community due to the potential benefits offered by their psychoactive phytochemicals in the treatment of addiction and various mental health conditions. Although there are hundreds of different Psilocybe species, only a handful have been successfully cultivated under indoor controlled conditions and chemically analyzed.

Objective

The goal of this publication is to describe Nammex's ongoing effort to cultivate poorly studied Psilocybe mushroom species and analyze them by High Performance Thin–Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) to identify and quantify important psychoactive compounds.

Methods

Pure mycelium cultures of Psilocybe species were created from spore prints and tissue of mushrooms collected in the wild. From these mycelia, numerous cultivars were developed and then propagated on various substrates, based upon nutritionally supplemented cellulosic materials. Using indoor growth chambers under strictly controlled conditions, mushrooms were produced and prepared for analysis.

Results

Six Psilocybe species (P. zapotecorum, P. natalensis, P. azurescens, P. subaeruginosa, P. cyanescens, and P. stuntzii) were successfully cultivated indoors. Species identity was confirmed through analysis of anatomical and microscopic features, as well as by DNA sequencing. HPTLC was successfully used to quantify psilocybin and psilocin and identify norbaeocystin, baeocystin, and aeruginascin. P. zapotecorum had the highest psilocybin content (1.89%) and P. stuntzii the lowest (0.45%). Preliminary data showed that psilocybin concentrations remained stable across three successive flushes of P. stuntzii. Storage of fresh mushrooms in -20 °C freezer prior to freeze drying drastically reduced psilocybin and increased psilocin levels.

Conclusions

This study successfully demonstrated the cultivation and chemical profiling of multiple Psilocybe species under controlled conditions. The detailed HPTLC analysis revealed species-specific differences in psychoactive compound concentrations. Future research will incorporate advanced techniques, such as HPLC and mass spectrometry, to develop a more comprehensive chemical profile of these mushrooms.
The Finality of Prophecy
Authors: Powers David
Published: February 2025

Evidence of prophecy in the Near East can be traced back to the beginnings of recorded history. An early reference to a prophet occurs in a ration list drawn up in Lagash in the twenty-first century BCE. Over the course of the next 2,500 years, prophecy flourished throughout the region. In Arabia a man named Muḥammad who was born c. 570 CE is said to have received a series of communications from God over a period of twenty-three years between 610 and 632 CE. Within a generation or so after his death, these communications were recorded in writing, collected, and redacted in the text that came to be known as the Qur’ān. In one—and only one—revelation, the divine voice that controls the text refers to the Prophet by name, specifies that he had no adult sons, and characterizes him as the seal of prophets: “Muḥammad was not the father of any of your men but the messenger of God and the seal of prophets (khātam al-nabiyyīn).” This revelation was reportedly communicated to Muḥammad in 5/626–627 and it became verse 40 of Sūrat al-Aḥzāb (“The Confederates”). Within the Muslim community, the expression khātam al-nabiyyīn is widely understood as signifying that Muḥammad was the last prophet. That is to say, upon the Prophet’s death in 632 CE, God ceased to communicate with humankind, with the result that prophecy came to an end, everywhere and forever. Over the past century or so, numerous Western scholars have attempted to recover the earliest history of this phrase and the historical process whereby the seal of prophets became the last prophet. At the same time, Muslim scholars have reinterpreted the phrase and given it new meaning.
Siege Warfare in Medieval Europe and the Middle East (500–1300)
Authors: Fulton Michael S.
Published: February 2025

Between the collapse of the western half of the Roman Empire in the fifth century and the introduction of gunpowder weapons in Europe in the fourteenth century, the means and methods of siege warfare in Europe changed little. The period is bookended by eras that saw larger armies who undertook more elaborate siege operations with more complex arsenals of weapons. There were certainly changes during the Middle Ages, including the introduction and development of the trebuchet, but these do not compare with the shifts that accompanied the end of Roman rule and the rapid rush toward modernity that began around the start of the Hundred Years’ War. This general continuity, and lack of obvious sensationalism, is part of the reason medieval siege warfare has only recently begun to receive close examination. Until the late twentieth century, the study of medieval warfare was dominated by discussions of major battles, a trend that can be traced back to the early nineteenth century and the nature of warfare at that time. The evolution of global conflicts in the late twentieth century encouraged a shift in scholarship, acknowledging that medieval warfare was instead dominated by small skirmishes and sieges. This led to the appearance of a few comprehensive studies of medieval siege warfare in the 1990s, which had the effect of impressing upon scholars the true breadth and depth of this field. Most works on the topic since have either been broad introductory books that target a popular audience, typically featuring numerous images of castles and town walls, or more focused studies for the benefit of academics that plumb the depths of a particular context. Meanwhile, as Western militaries came to rely on increasingly sophisticated and powerful weapons systems, some historians looked for similar wonder weapons in the past, often in the form of artillery. This, in turn, has encouraged skepticism in others and alternative assessments. Ironically, the conclusions of those who minimize the power and influence of medieval siege weapons often align with those of military historians of the late nineteenth century, many of whom were themselves army officers. The greater attention devoted to medieval siege warfare over the past generation has led to considerable advances and fruitful debates, often serving to emphasize the ongoing limits of our understanding and appreciation of various aspects of this field of study.
Baseline synovitis-tenosynovitis associates with remission in early rheumatoid arthritis but discordance with disease activity is a changeable state
Authors: Shukla Rudresh R , Wakefield Richard J , Ho Pauline , Tan Ai Lyn , Emery Paul , Plant Darren , Buch Maya H
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To investigate the association between baseline joint-complex inflammation [power Doppler-detected joint synovitis(PDUS) and/or tenosynovitis(PDTS)] and remission in treatment-naïve, new-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to evaluate concordance and discordance states between clinical disease activity and PD ultrasound and transition between these states longitudinally.

Methods

At baseline, treatment-naïve early RA patients from a randomised controlled trial were categorized according to dominant hand PDUS and/or PDTS presence into four groups(PDUS+PDTS+, PDUS+PDTS-, PDUS-PDTS+, PDUS-PDTS-). Longitudinally, patients were grouped based on both clinical disease activity state (DAS) and PDUS presence into: DAS+PDUS + (DAS28-ESR > 2.6, PDUS > 0), DAS+PDUS-(DAS28-ESR > 2.6, PDUS = 0), DAS-PDUS + (DAS28ESR ≤ 2.6, PDUS > 0) and DAS-PDUS- (DAS28ESR ≤ 2.6, PDUS = 0). Bayesian logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results

Baseline PDUS+PDTS+ was associated with week 24 remission [posterior estimate = 1.41, credible interval = 0.16–2.65]. At baseline diagnosis, 68% were DAS+PDUS+ and 32% DAS+PDUS-. Early transition from DAS+PDUS+ to DAS+PDUS- (32% at week 12) occurred. Overall proportions with DAS+PDUS- remained unchanged (43% at week 24), however, individual membership of this group changed over time with only 41% at baseline remaining DAS+PDUS- through to week 48.

Conclusions

In new-onset RA, baseline joint-complex PD associates with week 24 remission. DAS+PDUS- emerges early but like DAS+PDUS+ and DAS-PDUS-, is a dynamic state, indicating opportunity for therapeutic targeting. Understanding the basis for these states can aid stratification and personalised treatment strategies.
QTL Analysis of a Novel Source of Barley Seedling Resistance Effective Against the Virulent North American Stem Rust Pathogen
Authors: Brooke Matthew , Upadhaya Arjun , Clare Shaun , Brueggeman Robert
Published: February 2025

Wheat stem rust caused by the obligate biotrophic fungal pathogen Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) is an important disease of barley and wheat worldwide. Alarmingly, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) contains a highly virulent Pgt population on barley. This population includes the Pgt isolate Lsp21 which is virulent on the barley stem rust resistance genes Rpg1, Rpg2, Rpg3, rpg4, Rpg5, and rpg8. The virulence on barley lines containing Rpg1 and the rpg4/Rpg5-mediated resistance locus (RMRL), when stacked together is a Pgt virulence profile on barley that had not been previously reported, thus, represents the most virulent Pgt isolates on barley R-genes characterized worldwide. The line Elliot (PI 592261) was identified from the world barley core collection as containing effective seedling resistance to Pgt isolate Lsp21. To genetically characterize the resistance present in Elliot, 129 recombinant inbred lines were developed by advancing a population from the cross Elliot (resistant) x Palmer (susceptible) to the F6 generation. The population was phenotyped with Pgt isolate Lsp21 at the seedling stage and genotyped with the Illumina 50K bead express SNP chip, resulting in 7,284 high-quality SNP markers. Two significant resistance QTL (EPRpg_4H-1 and EPRpg_5H-1) contributed by Elliot were identified on chromosomes 4H and 5H, respectively. The major QTL, EPRpg_4H-1, is novel, while EPRpg_5H-1 localized to a region ~9 Mbp distal of RMRL within a region of the barley genome that contains previously identified stem rust resistance loci. These QTL should be useful in developing barley cultivars with resistance to the virulent PNW Pgt population.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcome in Fetuses With Early Increased Nuchal Translucency: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bet B.B. , Lugthart M.A. , Linskens I.H. , Maarle M.C. Van , Leeuwen E. Van , Pajkrt E.
Published: February 2025

(Abstracted from Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2024;64:164–172)

Nuchal translucency (NT) scans measure fluid accumulation at the back of a fetus’ neck and are routinely used for prenatal screening. Increased NT thickness is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including aneuploidy, other genetic disorders, and structural anomalies.
Familial Recurrence of Autism: Updates From the Baby Siblings Research Consortium
Authors: Ozonoff Sally , Young Gregory S. , Bradshaw Jessica , Charman Tony , Chawarska Katarzyna , Iverson Jana M. , Klaiman Cheryl , Landa Rebecca J. , McDonald Nicole , Messinger Daniel , Schmidt Rebecca J. , Wilkinson Carol L. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie
Published: February 2025

(Abstracted from Pediatrics 2024;154:e2023065297)

Previous studies have shown that children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face a 7- to 14-fold higher risk of receiving an ASD diagnosis themselves. This information is valuable for clinicians and families, enabling earlier counseling, planning, and diagnostic surveillance.
Infant Deaths After Texas’ 2021 Ban on Abortion in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Gemmill Alison , Margerison Claire E. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Bell Suzanne O.
Published: February 2025

(Abstracted from JAMA Pediatr 2024;178(8):784–791)

Since the 2022 US Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, it has been suggested that abortion restrictions could increase infant mortality. For example, an increase in infant mortality could result from more people being forced to carry a pregnancy, including those with congenital malformations, which accounts for 1 in 5 infants deaths in the United States.
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and the Risk of Maternal Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Carey Cian , Mulcahy Emily , McCarthy Fergus P. , Jennings Emma , Kublickiene Karolina , Khashan Ali , Barrett Peter
Published: February 2025

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024;231:196–210)

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (PE), eclampsia, and PE superimposed on chronic hypertension, affect 5%–15% of pregnancies and are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Their potential impact on dementia, such as vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease, remains understudied.
Nipocalimab in Early-Onset Severe Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn
Authors: Moise K.J. , Ling L.E. , Oepkes D. , Tiblad E. , Verweij E.J.T.J. , Lopriore E. , Smoleniec J. , Sachs U.J. , Bein G. , Kilby M.D. , Miller R.S. , Devlieger R. , Audibert F. , Emery S.P. , Markham K. , Norton M.E. , Ocón-Hernández O. , Pandya P. , Pereira L. , Silver R.M. , Windrim R. , Streisand J.B. , Leu J.H. , Mirza A. , Smith V. , Schwartz L.B. , Tjoa M.L. , Saeed-Khawaja S. , Komatsu Y. , Bussel J.B. ,   For the UNITY Study Group
Published: February 2025

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2024;391:526–537)

Severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is the result of a transplacental transfer of maternal IgG alloantibodies, which can cause fetal anemia. Early-onset severe HDFN occurs at ≤24 weeks of gestation.
An Examination of Grade Appeals via a Root Cause Analysis
Authors: Ginzburg Samara B. , Sein Aubrie Swan , Amiel Jonathan M. , Auerbach Lisa , Cassese Todd , Konopasek Lyuba , Ludwig Allison B. , Meholli Mimoza , Ovitsh Robin , Brenner Judith
Published: February 2025

Undergraduate medical educators seek to optimize student learning, improve grading transparency and fairness, and provide useful information to residency programs. Recently, the United States Medical Licensing Examination’s shift to pass/fail scoring for Step 1 disrupted curricular and assessment operations, and schools’ tiered grading practices have been scrutinized. In noting that significant institutional time and energy were being expended in addressing the current levels of student grade appeals, 6 public and private medical schools in the Northeastern United States engaged in an examination of grade appeals via a root cause analysis (RCA). From November 2021 to April 2022, the authors reviewed specific instances of grading challenges that the team of educators encountered previously. From May to June 2022, the authors met for a facilitated discussion of the question, “Why are students challenging grading processes and systems or outcomes?” From July to October 2022, the authors identified root causes by analyzing results from the fishbone diagram (process, equipment, materials, people, and environment) and using the “five whys” technique. Several potential explanations for grade appeals and challenging grading systems across institutions were identified, including variability in the quality or experience of evaluators, lack of clarity about the goals and expectations of clerkships and a lack of transparency about the grading process, having a tiered grading system, technical issues with equipment, and clinical productivity demands of faculty. In proposing solutions to root causes identified in the RCA, factors were mapped to Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) standards to facilitate quality and process improvements in grading. Aiming to support the learning environment and a fair and equivalent assessment process, the authors present a novel RCA and LCME method that can contribute to improving grading systems and has the potential to enhance learning and success.
Perinatal Substance Use-Related Content at Major Addiction Scientific Conferences: An Analysis of Oral Presentation Sessions
Authors: Xu Kevin Y. , Jones Hendrée E. , Martin Caitlin E. , Smid Marcela C. , Tiako Max Jordan Nguemeni , Terplan Mishka , Krans Elizabeth E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Substance use is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in the US. It is not known if the amount of perinatal content at national addiction science conferences reflects the research and education being done in this area nationally.

Methods

We analyzed oral presentation sessions at five major addiction scientific conferences from 2021 to 2023 (American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry [AAAP], American Society of Addiction Medicine [ASAM], Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction [AMERSA], College on Problems of Drug Dependence [CPDD], Research Society on Alcohol [RSA]) closely affiliated with organizations involved with substance use-related research and funding. Conference programs were searched using an inductive framework to identify sessions focused on pregnancy or the postpartum period. Available session materials were reviewed, coded, and categorized into three mutually exclusive groups: 1) dedicated to the perinatal period, 2) containing some perinatal content, but were not dedicated to the perinatal period, and 3) sessions with no perinatal content.

Results

Across >3,000 speakers, less than 10% of sessions (76/788) contained perinatal substance use-related content. Among these, 4.7% (39/788) sessions were dedicated to the perinatal period, with the common topic covered being epidemiologic data on long-term infant neurodevelopmental outcomes following in utero drug exposure (n = 22). An additional 37 had some perinatal content but were not primarily focused on perinatal substance use. Among sessions dedicated to the perinatal period, only two covered overdoses.

Discussion

Sessions dedicated to the perinatal period may not adequately reflect the diverse real-world needs of birthing people with substance use disorders. Whereas included sessions commonly covered neurodevelopmental outcomes (ie, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders), overdose and the postpartum period were seldom covered.
The Dyadic Association Between Patient Overdose Risk and Family Attitudes Toward Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Shah Kevan , Nameth Katherine , Choi Jasmin , Burgette Lane , Osilla Karen Chan
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

Strong social support is beneficial in the care of patients with opioid use disorder. While medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are the gold standard treatment for OUD, the beliefs of support persons (SP; family, friend, partner of the individual) about MOUD can influence whether a person initiates and adheres to MOUD.

Methods:

We examined dyadic baseline data (n=219) of patients receiving buprenorphine treatment and their identified SP across five community health clinics in California. We evaluated SP attitudes about and familiarity with MOUD using 5 items and patient risk via sum scores on an opioid overdose risk assessment scale. We conducted multiple linear regression models using opioid overdose risk score as the outcome and SP attitudes as predictors, controlling for SP age, sex, and race as covariates.

Results:

The majority of SPs (80%) reported being at least somewhat familiar with MOUD, which was associated with patients who had ﻿lower opioid overdose risk scores. SPs who reported agreement with the belief statement that people should be able to stop their opioid use on their own without medication were associated with patients with higher opioid overdose risk scores (P=0.048). When adjusting for covariates, only increased familiarity with MOUD and﻿ lower ﻿patient overdose risk remained significant (P=0.028).

Conclusions:

Efforts that aim to promote familiarity with and decrease stigmatizing attitudes toward MOUD may be beneficial in both building support in the patient-SP relationship and potentially reducing overdose risk among patients with OUD.
Racial and Ethnic Inequities in the Receipt of Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant People: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Gerdts Grace , Sale Katherine , Raynor Phyllis , Schiff Davida M. , Terplan Mishka , Bush Elsie , Nidey Nichole
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine inequities in the receipt of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) by race and ethnicity among pregnant people.

Methods:

PubMed and Embase were searched for studies examining the relationship between race and ethnicity and the receipt of MOUD during pregnancy. Studies were included if they were observational in nature and reported sufficient data to ascertain effect measures. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% CIs.

Results:

Fourteen studies were included with data on 157,208 individuals. Receipt of MOUD among Black (pooled OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.55) and Hispanic (pooled OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.89) pregnant people was significantly lower compared to their White counterparts. Among all other racial and ethnic categories, receipt of MOUD was nonsignificantly lower compared to White pregnant people (pooled OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.12). Ten studies utilized self-reported race and ethnicity, and 3 studies reported data on well-defined racial and ethnic categories outside of White, Black, and Hispanic.

Conclusions:

There is strong evidence of racial and ethnic inequities in the receipt of MOUD during pregnancy. We hypothesize these inequities to be caused by structural and interpersonal racism impacting the quality of care for pregnant people with opioid use disorder. Increased use of self-identified race and ethnicity alongside improved reporting of racial and ethnic categories beyond Black, White, and Hispanic is needed in future research to better understand and measure constructs related to racism.
Pediatricians’ Attitudes Toward and Use of Terminology About Mothers With Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Ratner Jessica A. , Chaiyachati Barbara H. , Demharter Neera Shah , Gannon Meghan , Hossain Jobayer , Larkin Olivia , McAllister Jennifer M. , Peera Fateh , Schiff Davida M. , Sibinga Erica M.S. , Rohde Jessica F. , Goyal Neera K.
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

Stigmatizing experiences for mothers with opioid use disorder (OUD) may impede health care engagement. We sought to characterize attitudes and terminology use among pediatric primary care clinicians as a potential target for improvement.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1004 clinicians at 28 clinics affiliated with 7 US residency programs (April to June 2022). Survey questions focused on trust, blame, and support for mothers with OUD were adapted from prior studies of self-reported attitudes, and terminology was categorized as preferred versus nonpreferred based on national recommendations. Frequencies were tabulated, and a 2-stage process of factor analysis and k-means clustering was used to group respondents by attitudinal responses. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association between participant characteristics and attitudinal groups.

Results:

Of 272 respondents (response rate 27.1%), most were female, non-Hispanic White residents; the distribution of clinical roles was similar among nonrespondents. Use of nonpreferred terminology was infrequent, although over 69% reported usual or occasional use of “substance abuse.” Analyses supported clustering respondents across 3 main constructs of trust, blame, and support. About 27% were categorized as having a low level of blame, and about 38% had a high level of trust. Adjusting for covariates, high trust was associated with confidence in training to provide care for opioid-exposed children (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.84, P=0.04), and low blame was associated with education on OUD stigma (AOR 3.43, P=0.001).

Conclusions:

Pediatrician attitudes reflecting mistrust and blame toward mothers with OUD are not uncommon but may be addressed through training and education.
Menstrual Pain and Substance Use in Women Receiving Inpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Sugarman Dawn E. , Haidamus Mia A. , McHugh R. Kathryn , Griffin Margaret L. , Weiss Roger D. , Payne Laura A.
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

Pain is a risk factor for substance use and can negatively affect outcomes of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Menstrual pain is common among menstruating women yet has received little attention in the substance use literature. This study aimed to characterize menstrual pain and explore the association between menstrual pain and substance use in women receiving SUD treatment.

Methods:

Participants in SUD inpatient treatment were recruited for a cross-sectional self-report survey study. The current analyses focused on participants who reported a menstrual cycle in the past 6 months (N=56) and completed a questionnaire to assess menstrual cycle characteristics, menstrual pain severity, and menstrual pain interference. Substance use (eg, alcohol, cocaine) and misuse of medications to relieve menstrual pain (ie, used without a prescription or in any way other than prescribed) was also assessed.

Results:

Half of the participants (n=28) reported using substances for menstrual pain; the most commonly used substances were cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine/tobacco. Menstrual pain severity was associated with substance use to manage menstrual pain (B=0.34, SEB=0.11, P<0.01); higher pain interference was associated with higher odds of using substances to manage menstrual pain (B=0.55, SEB=0.16, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

These results indicate that menstrual pain is highly prevalent in this population and may be a risk factor for substance use among women in SUD treatment. Conducting menstrual history assessments with patients seeking SUD treatment might be clinically helpful. It may also be helpful for clinicians to closely monitor the impact of menstrual pain on substance use and treatment outcomes.
US Youth Exposed to Parental Substance Use Disorder in the Home: A Comparison of DSM-IV and DSM-5 Criteria
Authors: Schepis Ty S. , Veliz Philip T. , West Brady T. , McCabe Vita V. , Hulsey Eric , Kcomt Luisa , McCabe Sean Esteban
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

Youth (children and adolescents under 18 yrs) exposed to parental substance use disorder (SUD) are at high risk for poor outcomes that include substance use, psychopathology, and child welfare involvement. With the changing SUD criteria from DSM-IV to DSM-5, revised estimates of youth exposed to parental SUD in the home are needed to provide more recent estimates and investigate whether the change from DSM-IV to DSM-5 may change estimated SUD exposure.

Methods:

Nationally representative data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used. Weighted counts of youth exposed to parental nonnicotine SUD in the home were estimated using both DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria, which were assessed for every substance used by the parent in the past year; further analyses estimated counts by parental race/ethnicity, sex, household income, urbanicity, and substance leading to the SUD diagnosis.

Results:

Parents with DSM-IV SUD had an estimated 9,341,336 youth in their households, versus an estimated 16,937,783 using DSM-5 criteria (81.3% greater). Larger increases were observed in Asian (262.9%) or multiracial (161.9%) parents versus parents of other racial/ethnic groups and in parents with cannabis use disorder (246.4%), with smaller increases observed in parents with alcohol use disorder (71.2%)

Discussion:

The change from DSM-IV to DSM-5 criteria resulted in a large increase in youth exposed to parental SUD. The health needs of these youth will require large-scale planning to limit poor outcomes in the roughly 17 million exposed youth; family-based interventions may help limit harms to all members of the family.
Peri-operative blood loss after administration of pre-operative intravenous tranexamic acid versus administration of intra-operative intra-articular tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty surgery: a prospective comparative cohort study
Authors: Abdelmoneim Mohamed , Eliesh Ihab Gamal , El-Desouky Ihab Ibrahim , Farahat Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Background:

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has regularly been found to decrease the need for transfusions after major orthopedic surgery. The study aimed for comparing intra-operative blood loss, Hemoglobin (Hb), platelets drop, redivac blood loss, patients’ Knee Society Score (KSS), and safety of TXA in patients undergoing primary TKA using either topical or intravenous (IV) TXA.

Methods:

Study was conducted between February 2023 to December 2023. The patients were divided into T Group using topical TXA and IV group used IV TXA. Inclusion Criteria were skeletally mature patients, indicated for primary TKA. Exclusion Criteria were allergy and/or hypersensitivity to TXA, a documented history of thromboembolic disease, pre-operative renal or hepatic dysfunction, revision TKA cases, and previous osteosynthesis around the knee.

Results:

Mean follow-up period was 3.9 weeks. Drain output in the T group was comparable with IV group (511 compared with 512 mL respectively; P<0.001). The topical and IV groups did not differ significantly with respect to the rate of thrombotic events nor infection development. There was no statistically significant variation between both groups regarding post-operative Knee society score.

Conclusion:

TXA has a significant role in decreasing blood loss perioperatively thus decreasing need for blood transfusion and hospital stay with no significant difference between the use of IV and topical methods.
The tetravalent, bispecific properties of FS118, an anti-LAG-3/PD-L1 antibody, mediate LAG-3 shedding from CD4+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Reader Claire S. , Liao Wenjia , Potter-Landua Beatrice J. , Veyssier Christel Séguy , Seal Claire J. , Brewis Neil , Morrow Michelle
Published: February 2025

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) often have upregulated expression of immune checkpoint receptors, such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3). Patients treated with antibodies targeting PD-1 or its ligand (PD-L1) can develop resistance or relapse, with LAG-3 upregulation on T cells being one possible mechanism. FS118 is a tetravalent, bispecific antibody comprising a full-length IgG1 anti-PD-L1 antibody with bivalent LAG-3-binding capability in the fragment crystallizable region. Here we demonstrate how the structure of FS118 is important for its function. We generated variants of FS118 and tested their ability to mediate LAG-3 shedding using staphylococcal enterotoxin B assays, antigen recall assays, and soluble LAG-3 ELISAs. Mediated by metalloproteases ADAM10 and ADAM17, FS118 induced shedding of LAG-3 from the surface of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We also determined the effect of surrogate antibodies on immune cell LAG-3 expression and proliferation in syngeneic mouse models. In vivo, the bivalent LAG-3 binding sites of a mouse surrogate of FS118 and their location in the fragment crystallizable region were important for eliciting maximal reduction in LAG-3 levels on the surface of TILs, as variants with a single LAG-3 binding site in the fragment crystallizable region, or with reversed orientation of the LAG-3 and PD-L1 binding sites, were less efficient at inducing shedding. We also show that PD-L1, not PD-1, binding drives the LAG-3 reduction on TILs. We hypothesize that the LAG-3 bivalency in the fragment crystallizable region of FS118 allows LAG-3 clustering, which optimizes cleavage by ADAM10/ADAM17 and thus shedding.
Transformation from acquired EGFR 19del/C797S to EGFR 19del/T790M in an advanced non-small cell lung cancer patient: a case report and literature review
Authors: Jin Xianhuai , Quan Yaping , Liu Jiao , Hu Yong , Li Hao
Published: February 2025

Third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are the first-line treatment of choice for patients with EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients treated with these inhibitors eventually develop resistance. One of the most common mechanisms is the emergence of the EGFR C797S mutation. Whether first-generation EGFR inhibitors (e.g. icotinib or gefitinib) can sustainably control EGFR-sensitive mutations/C797S NSCLC following third-generation EGFR inhibitor treatment remains insufficiently reported. Our case report discusses a female patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma carrying an EGFR exon 19 E746_A750delELREA mutation who received almonertinib as first-line treatment and developed C797S resistance during therapy. The patient was subsequently treated with a double dose of icotinib for 8 months until disease progression occurred, along with the development of an EGFR exon 20 T790M point mutation and TP53 mutation. This case provides clinical evidence suggesting that first-generation EGFR-TKIs may be an effective treatment strategy for patients with acquired EGFR 19del/C797S resistance following EGFR TKI therapy.
Cryopreservation trends 2001–2022: A review of International Federation of Fertility Societies surveillance data
Authors: Fufezan Maria Louise , Mocanu Edgar V.
Published: February 2025

Reproductive cells and tissue cryopreservation have revolutionized the provision of fertility services. The International Federation of Fertility Societies surveillance has collected global data on regulation and access to cryopreservation for many years. We used the triennial International Federation of Fertility Societies surveillance reports to assess trends, over the past 21 years, regarding the type of regulation implemented (none, statutes or guidelines), conditions for allowing use (medical/non-medical), tissue type and cryostorage duration permitted. We observed a 105.3% increase in the number of countries that regulate cryopreservation by statutes and 54.5% by guidelines. There has been a 103.6% increase in countries that allow cryopreservation for fertilized oocytes/preimplantation embryos, 205.3% for oocytes/ovarian tissue, and 134.6% for sperm/testicular tissue. More countries are allowing cryostorage surpassing 10 years, from 1% in 2001 to 25% in 2022. Since 2016, on average 15.6% of countries allow cryopreservation for medical reasons only, while allowance for non-medical reasons is growing. The number of countries reporting cryopreservation data has substantially increased, reflecting both customer demand and regulator awareness. Regulation by guidelines has decreased since 2010, while regulation by statutes has increased, indicating a shift towards more rigorous governing. To allow a better understanding of restrictions and facilitation of cryopreservation at a global level, an increase in the number of countries forwarding data on a regular basis is desirable, with clear benefits for regulators, practitioners, and patients.
Methodology of a Social Network Survey in Primary Care Practices With Medical Home Attributes
Authors: Dixon Justinna , Turi Eleanor , Pollifrone Madeline , Featherston Kyle , Liu Jianfang , Martsolf Grant , Poghosyan Lusine
Published: February 2025

Objective: To provide an overview of the methods of a social network survey used to collect data in primary care practices on team structures, compositions, and social networks (eg, support, communication). Methods: A cross-sectional sociometric social network survey in 23 primary care practices with medical home attributes in New York and Pennsylvania was conducted. All primary care providers (ie, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants), clinical staff (eg, registered nurses, social workers, and nutritionists, etc), and administrative staff (eg, practice managers, office assistants, etc) in each practice were eligible to participate in the online survey. All practice members received an online survey asking them to identify who they work with during a typical week. Data were collected about the characteristics of respondent’s relationships with each identified team member, perceived team effectiveness, and respondent-level job satisfaction, intent to leave, burnout, and demographics. We calculated the overall response rate and compared it among practices with different practice sizes and respondent roles using chi-square tests and independent samples t-tests. Results: The survey yielded an average response rate of 51.8%, with a range between 21.8% and 82.3% across the practices. Three hundred ninety-four primary care providers, 222 clinical staff, and 173 administrative staff responded to the survey. Respondents (n = 792) were more likely to be from smaller practices and be administrative or clinical staff rather than providers. Conclusion: This social network survey of primary care providers and staff used innovative approaches to collect data on team structures beyond traditional methods. Despite declining response rates in healthcare provider surveys, our survey reached high response rates in several practices. Future studies should find ways to engage primary care providers and staff in survey research.
Moving Beyond Viral Suppression
Authors: Rajabiun Serena , Wiggins Noelle , Smack Abigail , Zhang Xiyuan , Williams Brandon Bernard , Lennon-Dearing Robin
Published: February 2025

Community health worker (CHW) integration into the health care team has been identified as an important strategy for engaging people living with HIV in care and treatment. The content and methodology for training influences the way CHWs work with clients. Our study describes the impact of a community-driven CHW and supervisor training program on client viral suppression, retention in care, and psychosocial outcomes. We conducted a single arm, pretest-posttest study of 45 clients of CHWs who participated in a training intervention from 2021 to 2022 in eight counties in the southern United States. We found significant improvements in viral suppression and empowerment, and reductions in stigma and unmet service needs. Providing training to CHWs and supervisors, using a participatory methodology and content designed to enhance integration in the care team can improve psychosocial outcomes for clients, including increased empowerment and reduced stigma.
Characteristics of Persons Using Convenience Clinics for Usual Care in 2022
Authors: Johnson Hannah M. , Frogner Bianca K. , Wong Edwin S. , Fishman Paul A.
Published: February 2025

Little is known about the characteristics of individuals using urgent care centers or walk-in retail clinics, collectively called convenience clinics (CC), as places of usual care. Using 2022 National Health Interview Survey data and logistic regression, we identified the factors associated with adults using CCs regularly. Among adults with a place of usual care, 7.5% reported receiving usual care at CCs. Individuals who were younger, working, and uninsured were significantly more likely to report CCs as their usual source of care. Understanding the characteristics of CC users is critical to inform policy for this evolving segment of the health care sector.
Association between virus exposure and erectile dysfunction in US adults
Authors: Lian Juan , Xie Li , Diao Jianjun , Chen Lin , Wu Bo
Published: February 2025

This research aims to investigate the relationship between virus seropositivity and the occurrence of erectile dysfunction (ED). We obtained data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National health and nutrition examination survey regarding ED, hepatitis A, herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, and cytomegalovirus, along with sociodemographic variables. We then evaluated the associations between ED and viral exposure using adjusted multivariable models. A total of 3184 participants were included in the subsequent analysis. In this study, males with ED were found to have lower levels of education, were married or living with partner, belonged to a lower socio-economic status, had a less physically active lifestyle, were smokers, and also had diabetes (all with a significance of P < .05). Our study investigating the relationship between Hepatitis A seropositivity and ED found that patients with Hepatitis A seropositivity had a higher likelihood of experiencing ED. This link remained statistically significant even when accounting for various other factors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65–2.36; P < .0001). Additionally, we found that exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV), determined by the presence of anti-CMV IgG antibodies, was also associated with ED (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.14–2.25; P = .0329). This relationship remained significant after accounting for various covariates. In contrast, no associations were found between ED and seropositivity for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) in the sample (all P values < 0.05). This study found that seropositivity for Hepatitis A or CMV is associated with ED.
Mapping the knowledge of omics in myocardial infarction: A scientometric analysis in R Studio, VOSviewer, Citespace, and SciMAT
Authors: Wei Xuan , Wang Min , Yu Shengnan , Han Zhengqi , Li Chang , Zhong Yue , Zhang Mengzhou , Yang Tiantong
Published: February 2025

Many researchers nowadays choose multi-omics techniques for myocardial infarction studies. However, there’s yet to be a review article integrating myocardial infarction multi-omics. Hence, this study adopts the popular bibliometrics. Based on its principles, we use software like R Studio, Vosviewer, Citespace, and SciMAT to analyze literature data of myocardial infarction omics research (1991–2022) from Web of Science. By extracting key information and calculating weights, we conduct analyses from 4 aspects: Collaboration Network Analysis, Co-word Analysis, Citing and Cited Journal Analysis, and Co-citation and Clustering Analysis, aiming to understand the field’s cooperation, research topic evolution, and knowledge flow. The results show that myocardial infarction omics research is still in its early stage with limited international cooperation. In terms of knowledge flow, there’s no significant difference within the discipline, but non-biomedical disciplines have joined, indicating an interdisciplinary integration trend. In the overall research field, genomics remains the main topic with many breakthroughs identifying susceptibility sites. Meanwhile, other omics fields like lipidomics and proteomics are also progressing, clarifying the pathogenesis. The cooperation details in this article enable researchers to connect with others, facilitating their research. The evolution trend of subject terms helps them set goals and directions, quickly grasp the development context, and read relevant literature. Journal analysis offers submission suggestions, and the analysis of research base and frontier provides references for the research’s future development.
Potential drug targets for systemic lupus erythematosus identified through Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Fan Shiwen , Wang Kaixin , Wang Shuai , Chen Xiangdong
Published: February 2025

So far, there is no clear pathogenesis and no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The therapeutic benefits of existing drug therapies are far from ideal. The proteome is a major source of therapeutic targets. Therefore, new drug targets for SLE need to be discovered. Based on the STROBE-Mendelian randomization (MR) checklist, we performed MR to explore potential drug targets for SLE, using genome-wide association study summary statistics of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and further replicated in the external validation. Bidirectional MR, reverse causality testing by Steiger filtering, Bayesian co-localization were used. In addition, protein–protein interaction networks (PPI) were performed to reveal potential associations between proteins and current SLE drugs. At false discovery rate (FDR) significance (P

FDR
 < .05), MR analysis revealed 8 proteins. Five proteins decreased the SLE risks, whereas the other 3 proteins increased the SLE risks. None of the 8 proteins had reverse causality except sICAM-1. Bayesian co-localization suggested that 5 proteins shared the same variant with SLE. PPI network suggested that intercellular adhesion molecular 1 (ICAM-1), Fc-gamma-RIIb (FCG2B) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (N-terminal pro-BNP) interacted with targets of current SLE medications. Our integrative analysis revealed that SLE risk is causally associated with ICAM-1, FCG2B, and N-terminal pro-BNP. These 3 proteins have the potential to become drug targets of SLE, especially for ICAM-1 and FCG2B. More further studies are also warranted to support this finding.