bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Once-weekly semaglutide doubles the five-year risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in a Danish cohort of 424,152 persons with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Grauslund Jakob , Taha Andreas Abou , Molander Laleh Dehghani , Kawasaki Ryo , Möller Sören , Højlund Kurt , Stokholm Lonny 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is an untreatable condition often causing severe and irreversible visual loss in the affected eye. As it has recently been implied that the use of semaglutide associates with NAION, the aim of the present study was to evaluate this risk prospectively in all persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Denmark.

Methods
In a five-year longitudinal cohort study, we identified all persons with T2D in Denmark (n = 424,152) between 2018 and 2024. Patients were stratified according to exposure (n = 106,454) or non-exposure (n = 317,698) to once-weekly semaglutide, and incidence rates and hazard ratios (HR) of NAION were estimated in a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results
At baseline, median age and hemoglobin A1c were 65 years and 50 mmol/mol, and 54·5% were male. During 1,915,120 person-years of observation, 218 persons developed NAION. Semaglutide exposure was associated with a higher incidence rate (0·228 vs. 0·093 per 1000 person-years, p < 0·001) and independently predicted a higher risk of upcoming NAION (HR 2·19, 95% confidence interval 1·54 − 3·12), even when multiple other factors were taken into account. Overall, 67 persons exposed to semaglutide developed NAION with a median time from first prescription to event of 22·2 months (interquartile range 10·2–37·8 months).

Conclusions
During five years of observation of all persons with T2D in Denmark, use of once-weekly semaglutide independently more than doubled the risk of NAION. Given the irreversible nature of NAION, it is important to acknowledge this risk, and upcoming studies should aim to identify high-risk subgroups.
Relation of skinfold thickness with the serum lipids, glucose and blood pressure among Indian sedentary office workers
Authors: Naik Nikhil Gopal , Chandrasekaran Baskaran , Patil Rakshith N. , Kamath Saritha U. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background:
Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are established cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers, however accessibility to these markers is less in individuals from low-middle income countries. The non-invasive CVD risk marker especially skinfold measured fat percentages are less explored for its relevance with established serum biochemistry markers.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 70 sedentary office workers (aged 30–40 years) who were healthy. Peripheral fat percentages were estimated from four skinfold thickness measurements and biochemistry markers were measured and analysed using standard laboratory measurements. Blood pressure was also measured. Multivariate linear regression models were drawn to establish the association between the non-invasive and invasive CVD risk markers.

Results:
The skinfold measured fat percentage was negatively associated with the HDL (coefficient β = -0.15, standard error SE = 0.07, p < 0.05). No significant relation between the other biochemistry parameters with the skinfold thickness. Age and BMI were found to be mediating the above relationship.

Conclusions:
Skinfold thickness derived fat percentage is associated with the few of the CVD markers (especially HDL). Age and BMI are crucial mediating factors for the fat measurement. Skinfold measurements could be included as part of routine primary care screening for CVD risk, alongside invasive biochemistry parameters.
Adult-based Genetic Risk Scores for Insulin Resistance Associate With Cardiometabolic Traits in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Suleman Sufyan , Huang Yun , Jensen Rasmus Tanderup , Poggi Axel Illeris , Christensen Sara Bech , Fraulund Maria Martens , Anderson Louise Vølund , Stinson Sara Elizabeth , Fonvig Cilius Esmann , Pedersen Oluf , Holm Jens-Christian , Hansen Torben , Grarup Niels 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Context
Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. While genetic risk scores (GRSs) for IR have been developed and validated in adult populations, it is unclear if they can be used for risk assessment in youth.

Objective
Our objective was to investigate whether adult-derived GRSs for IR associate with cardiometabolic traits in children and adolescents.

Methods
We studied a group of children and adolescents with obesity (n = 1680) and a group without obesity (n = 1804). We constructed 3 GRSs based on fasting (IR-GRS27), oral glucose tolerance test (IR-GRS8), and IR-related phenotypes (IR-GRS51) from previous genome-wide association studies. Using an additive genetic model, we calculated weighted GRSs and analyzed their associations with cardiometabolic traits using linear and logistic regression models.

Results
The IR-GRS27 was associated with higher serum concentrations of fasting insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides (TG), gamma-glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. The IR-GRS27 was furthermore associated with a higher prevalence of IR and ALT. IR-GRS51 was associated with higher TG and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while IR-GRS8 associated with lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased ALT. IR-GRS27 and IR-GRS8 were additionally associated with a higher prevalence of IR and steatotic liver disease, respectively.

Conclusion
Adult-derived GRSs for IR are significantly associated with cardiometabolic traits in children and adolescents. If validated in independent study samples, our findings suggest the contribution of adult-based GRSs in assessing IR-related cardiometabolic risk in youth.
Temple Syndrome: Comprehensive Clinical Study in Genetically Confirmed 60 Japanese Patients
Authors: Ogawa Tomoe , Narusawa Hiromune , Nagasaki Keisuke , Kosaki Rika , Naiki Yasuhiro , Aramaki Michihiko , Matsubara Keiko , Nakamura Akie , Fukami Maki , Ogata Tsutomu , Kagami Masayo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Temple syndrome (TS14) is a rare 14q32.2-related imprinting disorder. Here we report comprehensive clinical findings in TS14.

Methods
We obtained detailed clinical findings in 60 Japanese patients with genetically confirmed TS14, using a questionnaire to attending physicians. The 60 patients consisted of 31 with maternal uniparental disomy 14 [UPD(14)mat], 22 with epimutation, 5 with deletions, and 2 with UPD(14)mat or epimutation.

Results
Small for gestational age, postnatal (∼2 years of age) short stature, and central precocious puberty (CPP) were identified in 88.3%, 87.0%, and 86.0% of patients, respectively. GH therapy was performed in 32 patients, increasing the median height SD score for height from −3.4 to −2.4, and GnRH analog therapy was performed in 32 patients, ameliorating CPP. Furthermore, the survey showed intellectual and developmental disabilities in 21.6% of patients, neurodevelopmental disorders in 21.6% of patients, obesity in 20.0% of patients, hypercholesterolemia in 26.5% of patients aged ≥6 years, diabetes mellitus in 12.8% of patients aged ≥9 years, and Silver-Russell syndrome-like and/or Prader-Will syndrome-like phenotypes in 87.7% of patients in infancy. Notably, 42.9% of patients were enrolled in special classes in childhood, whereas 98.2% of patients attended college or had jobs in adulthood. Hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus were observed before the development of obesity in a substantial fraction of TS14 patients and were controlled by oral medications in most affected patients.

Conclusion
These results clarify the detailed clinical characteristics of TS14. On the basis of these findings, we propose an efficient diagnostic approach and pertinent clinical management for TS14 patients.
Does the unusual phenomenon of sustained force circumvent the speed–endurance trade-off in the jaw muscle of the southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata)?
Authors: Nguyen Allyn , Leong Kyle , Holt Natalie C. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
The jaw muscles of the southern alligator lizard, Elgaria multicarinata, are used in prolonged mate-holding behavior, and also to catch fast prey. In both males and females, these muscles exhibit an unusual type of high endurance known as sustained force in which contractile force does not return to baseline between subsequent contractions. This phenomenon is assumed to facilitate the prolonged mate-holding observed in this species. Skeletal muscle is often subject to a speed–endurance trade-off. Here, we determined the isometric twitch, tetanic and isotonic force–velocity properties of the jaw muscles at ∼24°C as metrics of contractile speed and compared these properties with a more typical thigh locomotory muscle to determine whether endurance by sustained force allows for circumvention of the speed–endurance trade-off. The specialized jaw muscle was generally slower than the more typical thigh muscle: time to peak twitch force, twitch 90% relaxation time (P&lt;0.01), and tetanic 90% and 50% relaxation times (P&lt;0.001) were significantly longer, and force–velocity properties were significantly slower (P&lt;0.001) in the jaw than the thigh muscle. However, there seemed to be greater effects on relaxation rates and shortening velocity than on force rise times: there was no effect of muscle on time to peak, or 50% of tetanic force. Hence, the jaw muscle of the southern alligator lizard does not seem to circumvent the speed–endurance trade-off. However, the maintenance of force rise times despite slow relaxation, potentially enabled by the presence of hybrid fibers, may allow this muscle to meet the functional demand of prey capture.
Racial and Gender Differences in Factors Associated with Research Engagement and Research Mistrust in a Gait Analysis Study
Authors: Brisbane Julia Machele , Queen Robin M. , McCullough Matthew B. A. , Baker Charlotte , London Jeremi S. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is a history of research mistrust and lack of engagement in clinical research among Black people due to centuries of racism and medical neglect. However, it is critical that Black people are included in research, especially in gait analysis research, because we know there are racial differences in gait. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine if Black research participants have the same attitudes toward research engagement and research mistrust as their White counterparts while participating in gait analysis research.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted. This work focuses on one portion of a larger study in which individuals were asked to complete two surveys related to research participation and mistrust and complete a gait assessment. Data were collected from 106 participants, 44 of whom identified as Black or African American. Wilcoxon rank sum and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to determine if significant differences existed in responses by racial and racial–gender groups.

Results
Wilcoxon rank sum tests found that factors associated with research engagement and feelings of research mistrust differed significantly between Black and White research participants. Additionally, Kruskal–Wallis tests and Dunn tests found significant differences among the racial–gender groups, especially when comparing White men and Black women.

Conclusion
The findings show that in a gait analysis study, Black people have higher feelings of mistrust in medical research than White people and will likely be less willing to participate. These results could improve our understanding of why Black people are less likely to participate in research than White people, even in a gait analysis study. This work can provide insights into how to modify recruitment practices to increase participation of underrepresented groups in exercise science and biomechanics, such as racial concordance and promoting transparency.
Cuban medical tourism: exploring new frontiers
Authors: Erisman H. Michael 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article explores Cuba’s efforts to develop the island as a vibrant medical tourism centre. The key topics which it addresses are a general overview of the medical tourism industry, background information on medical tourism in Cuba, and Cuban medical tourism’s challenges and prospects. The key challenges analysed are the US sanctions (seen as the primary obstacle to future development), Havana’s lack of extensive marketing experience (especially with respect to efforts in countries with highly competitive domestic economies), and possible discontent in Cuban society rooted in perceptions that tourists are receiving privileged treatment. The main advantages that Cuba enjoys in its developmental efforts are seen as the low-cost of its medical services (e.g. up to 90 per cent savings over identical private pay treatments in the US), the high priority that the island’s government is currently giving to medical tourism, and the repeal of the Roe v Wade decision by the US Supreme Court.
Prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria among people with acid-fast positive presumptive tuberculosis in Mali
Authors: Cisse Aissata Boubakar , Dean Anna S. , Van Deun Armand , Keysers Jelle , De Rijk Willem-Bram , Gumusboga Mourad , Samake Hawa , Arama Seydou , Diarra Bassirou , Djilla Ibrahim , Coulibaly Fatoumata N. , Simpara Hawa , Berthe Mamadou , Ouattara Khadidia , Toloba Yacouba , Guindo Ibrehima , de Jong Bouke , Rigouts Leen 
Published: December 2024

Background
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental agents that can cause opportunistic pulmonary disease in humans and animals, often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB). In this study, we describe the cases of NTM identified during the first national anti-TB drug resistance survey conducted in Mali and explore associated risk factors.

Methods
Sputum was collected from people presenting for pulmonary TB diagnosis from April to December 2019, regardless of age. Microscopy-positive patients were enrolled and tested using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. A patient who tested negative for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) was tested for the presence of mycobacteria by amplification of the IS6110 and 16SrRNA (16S) genes through double quantitative real-time PCR, followed by nested PCR and Sanger sequencing of the IS6110-negative samples for NTM species identification.

Results
1,418 sputum smear-positive patients were enrolled, including 1,199 new cases, 211 previously treated cases, and 8 whose previous treatment history was unknown. Based on the results of Xpert MTB/RIF assay and in-house PCR methods, 1,331 (93.9%) patients were positive for MTBC, 48 (3.4%) for NTM, and no species identification was possible for 39 (2.7%). Advanced age of 65 and over with an OR 8.8 (95% CI 2.3–33.2 and p = 0.001) and previous TB treatment with an OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.2–9.6 and p = 0.016) were the risk factors statistically associated with NTM detection. M. avium complex (MAC) was the predominant NTM species, detected in 20 cases.

Conclusion
Detection of NTM in people presumed to have TB is an ongoing challenge, confounding correct TB diagnosis. Concomitant use of microscopy and GeneXpert testing among at-risk individuals could improve patient management.
Goal-directed fluid therapy on the postoperative complications of laparoscopic hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery: An interventional comparative study
Authors: Koo Bon-Wook , Oh Ah-Young , Na Hyo-Seok , Han Jiwon , Kim Hyeong geun 
Published: December 2024

Background
Intraoperative fluid balance significantly affects patients’ outcomes. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has reduced the incidence of major postoperative complications by 20% for 30 days after open abdominal surgery. Little is known about GDFT during laparoscopic surgery.

Aim
We investigated whether GDFT affects the postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery compared with conventional fluid management.

Methods
This interventional comparative study with a historical control group was performed in the tertiary care center. Patients were allocated to one of two groups. The GDFT (n = 147) was recruited prospectively and the conventional group (n = 228) retrospectively. In the GDFT group, fluid management was guided by the stroke volume (SV) and cardiac index (CI), whereas it had been performed based on vital signs in the conventional group. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed to reduce selection bias (n = 147 in each group). Postoperative complications were evaluated as primary outcome measures.

Results
The amount of crystalloid used during surgery was less in the GDFT group than in the conventional group (5.1 ± 1.1 vs 6.3 ± 1.8 ml/kg/h, respectively; P <0.001), whereas the amount of colloid was comparable between the two groups. The overall proportion of patients who experienced any adverse events was 57.8% in the GDFT group and 70.1% in the conventional group (P = 0.038), of which the occurrence of pleural effusion was significantly lower in the GDFT group than in the conventional group (9.5% vs. 19.7%; P = 0.024). During the postoperative period, the proportion of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) was lower in the GDFT group than that in the conventional group after PS matching (4.1% vs 10.2%; P = 0.049).

Conclusions
GDFT based on SV and CI resulted in a lower net fluid balance than conventional fluid therapy. The overall complication rate in laparoscopic hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery decreased after GDFT, and the frequency of pleural effusion was the most affected.
Evaluating energy flow, trophic structure, and network indices of a tropical reservoir ecosystem in Southern India
Authors: Khan M. Feroz , Panikkar Preetha , Mol S. Sibina , Ramya V.L. , Das B.K. , Sarkar U.K. , Vijayakumar M.E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The foodweb of the Karapuzha reservoir ecosystem was constructed using modelling software Ecopath with Ecosim. This reservoir has a high biomass of primary producers that can support a fairly large fish biomass. Ecotrophic efficiency values of zoobenthos show that these primary consumers are heavily consumed. Hence at higher trophic levels flows are very low. The overall estimated fish biomass in the reservoir was 23.01 metric tonnes, with the carps having higher biomasses than other fish species. The trophic structure reveals that the reservoir can be split into four trophic levels. Flow from trophic levels I to II was 1123 t km−2 whereas flows from level II into level III was just 257.8 t km−2. Analysis of Lindeman's spine indicates that the foodweb of the Karapuzha reservoir is primarily a grazing food chain. The ascendancy of the Karapuzha reservoir is estimated at 24.5 percent, indicating a high overall maturity. This suggests that Karapuzha is immune to disturbance and a reasonably mature environment, although with a vulnerable foodweb. The large biomass of zooplankton and the TPP / TR value of 1.77 show that it is a healthy ecosystem but for overfishing, which is an area of concern. Stocking this reservoir with major carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala) will help to properly use the primary production and also enhance energy flows. This will also help to improve the livelihood of the local tribal community who depend on fish catch from this reservoir.
Synthesis and characterization of nano phosphorus fertilizer from rock phosphate
Authors: Jayabharathi J , Rahale C Sharmila , Prasanthrajan M , Balachandar D , Saranya N , Raju M 
Published: December 2024

Phosphorus is a vital macronutrient required for the growth and development of plants. The major concern regarding phosphorus (P) is low availability. Fertilizers are generally supplied to increase the crop growth. Rock phosphate(RP) is mainly used as the precursor for synthesizing phosphatic fertilizers. The applied phosphatic fertilizers are usually fixed in the soil and the excess fertilizers result in eutrophication and pollute the water bodies. To address these challenges nanofertilizer technology was created. In the present study, nano phosphorus fertilizer was developed using P-solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium) from RP. The nano RP was characterized using particle size analysis (PSA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The size of nano RP using a particle size analyzer was ~450 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.803. The FTIR spectra of RP show the presence of phosphate minerals, whereas some peaks of RP were altered after bios olubilization of RP. The XRD pattern indicated the presence of apatite and calcite and the number of peaks of nano RP was 13, while RP has 25 diffraction peaks. The scanning electron microscope image of nano RP indicated the reduction in the crystalinity of RP.
Assessment of Invariant Moments of Fornix in Brain Structural MR Images to Differentiate Mild Cognitive Impairment from Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ali Ahsan , Agastinose Ronickom Jac Fredo , Swaminathan Ramakrishnan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that primarily affects elderly individuals. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate stage between normal cognitive functioning and the onset of AD. During this transition state, various subanatomic structures of the brain, including fornix, undergo pathological changes. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyse the structural variations in the fornix region of MCI and AD using invariant moments. For this purpose, T1- weighted brain structural magnetic resonance (sMR) images are obtained from a public database. The pre-processing of the raw images is conducted in FreeSurfer, and the fornix region is segmented using the reaction-diffusion level set (RDLS) method. Further, seven Hu’s invariant moments are extracted from the segmented fornix region, and statistical analysis is carried out using student t-test and Wilcoxon’s rank sum test to identify the significant features that could differentiate between the MCI and AD conditions. The results demonstrate that the combination of FreeSurfer and RDLS technique effectively pre-processes the brain sMR images and accurately delineates the fornix region. Statistical results revealed that six out of seven invariant moments are significant (p<0.001). It is observed that the mean values of all the moments in MCI are lower than AD, suggesting a higher degree of structural variation in AD compared to MCI. Considering the potential of fornix alterations in predicting the early stages of AD, the proposed approach holds considerable clinical relevance for further investigation.