bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Incidence of Nocardia Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients on Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole for Opportunistic Infection Prophylaxis
Authors: Jung Regina , Au Jenny , Burnell Jacqueline , Diamond Adam , Shah Ishani , Ruggia-Check Christina 
Published: December 2024

Background: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the preferred prophylactic agent for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) and toxoplasmosis after solid organ transplant (SOT). Compared with other agents, it has additional activity against Nocardia species. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of Nocardia infection in SOT patients receiving TMP-SMX or an alternative agent for opportunistic infection (OI) prophylaxis. Methods: This retrospective analysis included transplant recipients at a large urban medical center over a period of 4 years. All patients received either TMP-SMX or an alternative agent for PJP prophylaxis. The primary outcome was the incidence of Nocardia infection within 24 months posttransplant. Secondary outcomes included resistance rates of Nocardia isolates, usage rates of alternative prophylactic agents, reasons for using alternative agents, and rate of conversion from an alternative agent back to TMP-SMX. Results: A total of 791 adult SOT recipients who received PJP or toxoplasmosis prophylaxis were included. Mean age at transplantation was 60.9 years with the majority of patients being male (67.3%) lung transplant recipients (63.6%). TMP-SMX was the most commonly used initial prophylactic agent (84.6%), followed by atovaquone (15.4%). Of the 791 SOT recipients, 16 (2.0%) were diagnosed with nocardiosis within 24 months posttransplant. Patients receiving alternative agents had a higher incidence of infection compared with those receiving TMP-SMX prophylaxis ( P < 0.001). Conclusion and Relevance: Our findings suggest that OI prophylaxis with TMP-SMX may be protective against nocardiosis in SOT recipients. If possible, patients who are switched to an alternative agent due to TMP-SMX intolerance should be re-challenged when the adverse effect resolves. Most patients in our study were able to tolerate re-initiation, suggesting that the adverse effects associated with TMP-SMX may be temporary and may not warrant discontinuation.
Treatment of patellar luxation with polyethylene sulcal ridge prostheses in 44 feline stifles: a retrospective study
Authors: Mills Jon , Jaworski Janusz , Hargittai Tamir 
Published: December 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the complication rates and long-term outcomes, as well as to refine case selection criteria for cats undergoing trochlear ridge augmentation (TRA) using an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene implant (UHMWPEI) for the treatment of patellar luxation (PL). Methods The clinical records from two referral veterinary hospitals were searched for cases that fitted defined inclusion criteria. A short-term assessment was based on examination and radiography at 8 weeks postoperatively. The long-term assessment was carried out at least 2 years postoperatively through examination and radiography, and less commonly via questionnaire. Results A total of 44 stifles in 39 patients with PL grade 2 (n = 19), 3 (n = 22) or 4 (n = 3) met the inclusion criteria. TRA using UHMWPEI was associated with minor complications in 20% of cases and major complications in 7% of cases. Minor complications included seroma formation (n = 5), superficial wound infection (n = 2), prolonged discomfort for a few weeks postoperatively (n = 1) and transient postoperative azotaemia (n = 1). After surgical correction of medial PL, one skeletally immature case developed transient grade 1 lateral PL, which resolved without intervention. Major complications comprised implant removal for ongoing lameness (n = 3). Degenerative joint disease, with mineralisation that was often marked, was noted in 26/35 (74%) cases that were available for radiographic follow-up 2 years or more after TRA. Nevertheless, good or very good long-term functional outcomes were achieved for 93% of cases. Conclusions and relevance The currently available UHMWPEIs were shown to be suitable for treating PL grades 2, 3 or 4 in cats weighing ⩾3 kg. Delaying TRA until growth is completed is advised. The long-term follow-up suggested that the correction of PL in cats with UHMWPEI was sustained and that good function could be expected in the long term. Mineralisation overlying implants was common, but this was not appreciably correlated with adverse functional consequences.
Vibro-acoustic behavior of partially submerged composite sandwich plates with negative Poisson’s ratio grids
Authors: Qi Wenchao , Wang Xianzhong , Yu Min , Jiang Quanzhou , Xu Longlong , Wang Weiwei , Gao Bangzheng , Zhan Bixin 
Published: December 2024

Composite sandwich structures demonstrate significant potential for applications in Marine structures due to their corrosion resistance, high specific strength, and lightweight characteristics. This paper explores the underwater vibro-acoustic characteristics of composite sandwich plates featuring negative Poisson’s ratio grids. The composite sandwich plate comprises orthotropic carbon fiber and glass fiber laminates, along with a periodic grating structure. The fundamental units of the grating structure are star grids, chiral grids, and concave hexagonal grids, respectively. The vibration and noise reduction performance of the negative Poisson ratio composite sandwich plate is affirmed through comparison with the traditional regular hexagonal composite sandwich plate. The chiral and concave hexagonal grids demonstrate outstanding noise reduction capabilities, achieving up to 25 dB, though their vibration damping performance is poor. In contrast, the star grid still exhibits high acoustic response peaks but maintains a relatively stable vibration damping performance of around 5 dB. Finally, the paper explores the effects of different parameters on the vibro-acoustic behavior of composite sandwich plates with negative Poisson ratio grids, including cell equivalent Poisson ratio, panel layup angle, and plate curvature.
Interleukin-4 promotes the clearance of amyloid-β by monocyte through enhancing the recognition and intracellular processing of amyloid-β
Authors: Chen Si-Han , Cheng Yuan , Wang Yan-Jiang , Ji Yi-Fei 
Published: December 2024

Background Impaired clearance of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) in the peripheral system is a crucial event in the pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Dysfunctional monocytes with deficient clearance of Aβ and increased secretion of pro-inflammatory factors in the periphery are considered to contribute to AD development. Multiple studies suggest that IL-4 can inhibit the inflammatory response and enhance the expression and activity of cathepsin protease associated with intracellular clearance of Aβ by monocytes. Objective To investigate the effects of interleukin-4 (IL-4) on Aβ clearance and inflammatory response of monocytes in vitro. Methods In this study, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and ELISA techniques were used for measurement of Aβ clearance and its related mechanisms of monocytes. Results We found that the mean intracellular content and uptake ratios of Aβ42 in total monocytes, as well as in the CD14 + CD16− subset, were enhanced by IL-4, concomitant with the degradation of Aβ42 by monocytes. And IL-4 treatment also increased expression of scavenger receptor CD36 and Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) on monocytes. It was shown that IL-4 increased the Aβ immunoreactive area within lysosomal markers, including early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1), lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 and 2 (LAMP1 and 2) and Aβ degradative enzymes cathepsin B and S in monocytes, but reduced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by monocytes. Conclusions Our study supports the role of IL-4 in regulating Aβ clearance and inflammatory response by monocytes, suggesting that IL-4 may have therapeutic potential for AD.
Missing and dismissing the impact of periods. Outcomes of focus groups of teens with period concerns
Authors: Munro Courtney Bree , Flanagan Madeline , Moussaoui Dehlia , Kite Lauren , Grover Sonia R 
Published: December 2024

Background: Despite a high prevalence, menstrual issues are often normalised or trivialised and undermanaged in young people (YP). Uncontrolled dysmenorrhoea and heavy menstrual bleeding have a vastly negative impact on the quality of life of YP, especially when these issues are compounded by the social and emotional complexities of navigating adolescence. Objectives: The Longitudinal Study of Teens with Endometriosis, Period and Pelvic Pain (LongSTEPPP) project is a 5-year study aiming to understand factors that contribute to endometriosis, period and pelvic pain in YP and to examine long-term outcomes. Design: Focus groups (FGs), held as part of co-design, sought to ensure that the perspectives and concerns of YP and their parents were incorporated into the longitudinal study design. Methods: YP and their parents were invited to participate in an online FG after completing a survey about periods. The online survey was also part of the co-design of LongSTEPPP and was advertised primarily through social media channels. Results: Four FGs were held, including three with YP ( n = 12) and one with parents ( n = 3). Major themes to emerge were (1) YPs experiences, including the physical and psychological impact of pain and bleeding; (2) pain and pain management; and (3) education. Mental health burden was significant on YP, with some reporting suicidal ideations. YP and their parents reported a lack of knowledge and awareness about menstrual issues among societies, healthcare professionals, and schoolteachers. Conclusion: This study identified the substantial impact of periods on YP, and their parents’ lives, the challenge of navigating a chronic pain condition in adolescence, and the lack of awareness in society and among professionals. Through the co-design model, these findings have informed the longitudinal study to ensure that it will adequately measure the concerns of YP and their parents.
Association of eating behavior with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women: An observational study
Authors: Kuutti Mari A , Hyvärinen Matti , Lankila Hannamari , Aukee Pauliina , Hietavala Enni-Maria , Laakkonen Eija K 
Published: December 2024

Background: Estrogen deficiency during menopause, aging, reproductive history, and factors increasing intra-abdominal pressure may lead to structural and functional failure in the pelvic floor. Lifestyle choices, such as eating behavior, may contribute to pelvic floor disorders. Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate associations of eating behavior with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, that is, stress urinary incontinence, urgency urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and constipation or defecation difficulties among middle-aged women. Design: A cross-sectional, observational study was performed using a population sample of 1098 Finnish women aged 47–55 years. Methods: Eating behavior, food consumption frequency, demographical, gynecological, and physical activity variables were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of eating behavior, food frequency, and symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. Models were adjusted with demographical, gynecological, and physical activity variables. Results: In adjusted models, middle-aged women with disordered eating style were more likely to experience the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (odds ratio (OR) 1.5, p = 0.002), and constipation or defecation difficulties (OR 1.4, p = 0.041). Adding body mass index into the models abolished associations. Of the studied food items, more frequent consumption of ready-made, highly processed foods (OR 1.5, p = 0.001), and fast foods (OR 1.5, p = 0.005) were independently associated with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence regardless of eating style, whereas consuming ready-made foods (OR 1.4, p = 0.048) was associated with symptoms of urgency urinary incontinence. Daily consumption of fruits (OR 0.8, p = 0.034) was independently associated with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Furthermore, we observed that daily consumption of porridge was associated with symptoms of constipation or defecation difficulties (OR 1.7, p = 0.010) independently of eating style. Alcohol consumption (OR 0.9, p = 0.015) was inversely associated with constipation and defecation difficulties. Women with overall higher quality diet had lower odds for stress urinary incontinence (OR 0.9, p = 0.002). Conclusion: This study provides proof-of-concept evidence to the hypothesis that eating behavior and consuming certain food items are associated with perceived pelvic floor disorders. As a preventive action, eating behavior of women with the risk of these symptoms should be assessed, and guidance toward healthy eating patterns should be provided.
Exploring the impact of developmental dysplasia of the hip on refugees with temporary protected status in Türkiye
Authors: Bingöl Izzet , Taşcı Murat , Yaşar Niyazi Erdem , Ata Naim , Ülgü M Mahir , Birinci Şuayip , Sağlam Yavuz , Söylemez Mehmet Salih 
Published: December 2024

Objective: In this study, we examined whether there was a change in the number of children who had been screened by hip ultrasound, the age of first diagnosis, and the number of invasive and conservative treatments applied due to developmental dysplasia of the hip between 2016 and 2022 among refugees who were in “Temporary Protection Status” in Türkiye? Methods: The records were collected via the e-health database of the Turkish Ministry of Health. Over 1 month old were included in the study. Results: The number of ultrasonography (USG) that was performed for developmental dysplasia of the hip survey had significantly increased over time. The incidence for 5 years was 6 cases per 100 babies. However, the incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip needing intervention was 0.4 cases per 1000 babies. In 2016, the most used diagnosis method was X-ray. By contrast, the use of USG has increased from 2016 to 2022. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was significantly high in 2016, 2017, and 2020. The number of invasive treatment modalities including closed reduction under anesthesia, open reduction alone, or open reduction with pelvic and/or femoral osteotomies had significantly decreased from 2016 to 2022. However, the number of abduction orthosis used for treatment also increased significantly. Conclusions: Free access to health services is effective in promoting families’ compliance with screening programs for developmental dysplasia of the hip. But is not enough for initial periods of mass migrations. To increase sensitivity to screening programs for possible diseases, further efforts are needed to prevent low compliance in early cases of mass migrations.
Diagnostic efficacy of aldosterone-to-renin ratio to screen primary aldosteronism in hypertension: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kao Ting-Wei , Chen Jui-Yi , Liu Jung-Hua , Tseng Wen-Hsin , Hsieh Chih-Chia , Wu Vin-Cent , Lin Yen-Hung , Chen Zheng-Wei 
Published: December 2024

Background: The aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) is commonly used for screening primary aldosteronism (PA) in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension. Various thresholds have been proposed for the confirmatory tests, leading to inconsistency in the results. Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the performance of ARR screening in hypertensive patients. Design: Systemic review and meta-analysis. Data sources and methods: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to January 2024. Studies that used the ARR to screen for PA and provided a comprehensive probability panel specifically focusing on hypertensive individuals were considered for enrollment. Pooled diagnostic efficacy was evaluated, and subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted based on different demographic and clinical parameters. Results: Eighteen observational studies encompassing 7150 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of PA in the hypertensive cohort was 15.2%, and pooled sensitivity and specificity were 81.6% and 93.3%, respectively, resulting in a diagnostic odds ratio of 62.0. Fagan’s nomogram showed that a positive ARR increased the post-test probability to 80% from a pre-test probability of 25%. Summary receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 94.7%. Notably, analysis of variability demonstrated that the diagnostic performance was consistent across either ARR based on plasma renin activity or direct renin concentration, geographic region, sex, mean age, potassium level, and systolic blood pressure. Conclusion: ARR was validated as a viable screening methodology for PA in hypertensive individuals. Moreover, its diagnostic efficacy remained unchanged across diverse clinical contexts. Future studies are warranted to refine ARR methodologies and enhance diagnostic accuracy. Trial registration: PROSPERO ID number CRD42023493680. Infographics Performance of PA screening by ARR. ARR, aldosterone-to-renin ratio; BP, blood pressure; DRC, direct renin concentration; hsROC, hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic; PA, primary aldosteronism; PRA, plasma renin activity. [Formula: see text]
Evaluating the precision and reliability of real-time continuous glucose monitoring systems in ambulatory settings: a systematic review
Authors: Dávila-Ruales Valentina , Gilón Laura F. , Gómez Ana M. , Muñoz Oscar M. , Serrano María N. , Henao Diana C. 
Published: December 2024

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with minimally invasive devices plays a key role in the assessment of daily diabetes management by detecting and alerting to potentially dangerous trends in glucose levels, improving quality of life, and treatment adherence. However, there is still uncertainty as to whether CGMs are accurate enough to replace self-monitoring of blood glucose, especially in detecting episodes of hypoglycemia. Objectives: Evaluate clinical, numerical accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the CGM devices commercially available when compared to the reference standard of arterial or venous blood glucose. Data sources and methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS databases. The quality was assessed with the Quality Assessment Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Clinical and numerical accuracy data were extracted. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using Review Manager software. Heterogeneity was assessed by visual examination of forest plot and summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Twenty-two studies with a total of 2294 patients were included. The average mean absolute relative difference for overall diagnostic accuracy was 9.4%. None of the devices evaluated with ISO 15197:2013 criteria achieved values ⩾95% of measurements in the stipulated ranges in hypoglycemia (±15 mg/dL), but two devices did achieve it in hyperglycemia (±15%; Dexcom G6 and G7). Most of the devices evaluated with consensus error grids reached values above 99% in zones A and B only in overall accuracy and hyperglycemia. For hypoglycemia, the average sensitivity was 85.7% and specificity 95.33%, and for hyperglycemia was 97.45% and 96% respectively. Conclusion: Currently available CGM devices have adequate accuracy for euglycemia and hyperglycemia; however, it is still inadequate for hypoglycemia, although it has improved over time. Trial registration: Prospero registration ID CRD42023399767.
Single and Dual Task Gait Speed in Frailty Screening of Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Yeo Joey , Tay Laura , Pua Yong Hao , Mah Shi Min , Tay Ee Ling , Wang Min Xian , Ng Yee Sien 
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study compares dual task (DT) gait speed between robust and frail older adults in the setting of a community-based frailty screening program. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving older adults aged 50 years or older. Participants were categorized as robust, pre-frail or frail using the FRAIL phenotype. Gait speed was measured under single task (ST) and 2 DT conditions: arithmetic (DT1) and verbal fluency (DT2) tasks. For the arithmetic task, participants counted upwards in multiples of 2, starting from 16. For the verbal fluency task, they named different animals as they walked. Results: A total of 976 participants were recruited, of which 779 were robust, 181 were pre-frail and 16 were frail. Robust participants exhibited significantly faster DT gait speeds (DT1: 1.12 (0.25)m/s; DT2: 0.97 (0.27)m/s than pre-frail/frail (PFF) participants (DT1: 0.88 (0.30)m/s); DT2: 0.78 (0.30)m/s). Robust participants also demonstrated a significantly faster ST gait speed (1.31 (0.22)m/s) vs 1.05 (0.31)m/s). Conclusion: DT gait assessment combines both physical and cognitive domains and may serve as a more holistic tool for early frailty detection in the community. The significant differences observed in DT gait speeds highlight the need for integrating cognitive assessments into frailty screening protocols, supporting timely interventions to improve health outcomes.
Identifying Hip Arthroscopy Trends in Turkey
Authors: Cirdi Yigit Umur , Bingol Izzet , Kamacı Saygın , Bayram Sinem , Ata Naim , Ulgu M. Mahir , Birinci Suayip , Kayaalp Asim , Gursoy Safa 
Published: December 2024

Background: Hip arthroscopy (HA) procedures have continued to increase worldwide. However, no data are currently available regarding the increasing HA case volume and trends in Turkey. Purpose: To identify trends in postoperative care habits and incidence of HA in Turkey using data from the national Health Coding Reference Server (SKRS) database. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Patients who underwent HA and were recorded in the SKRS database between 2016 and 2023 were identified and retrospectively analyzed. Age, sex, institution type, geographic zone, and number of procedures were determined. The incidence of HA, overall annual case volume, chemoprophylaxis prescriptions, and postoperative care habits were also evaluated. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes for femoral neck fracture after the index procedure and total hip arthroplasty conversion rate were analyzed. The authors utilized Poisson regression to determine the ratios of before and after periods in comparison with the same periods. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical package SPSS software. Results: In total, 1580 HA procedures were identified. The mean age of the included patients was 39.2 ± 11.0 years (range, 18-65 years). Throughout the research period, an 833% increase in the number of surgeries was observed, whereas the incidence increased from 0.37 to 2.86 per 100,000 cases ( P = .001). A significant annual increase in incidence was noted from 2017, 2018 and 2021 compared with the respective prior year. Moreover, 56.1% of all HA cases were performed in the Marmara region, whereas 47.7% of the cases were treated in private hospitals. Femoral neck fractures were encountered in 2 (0.1%) cases throughout the study duration. Enoxaparin sodium was the most preferred chemoprophylactic drug (99.4%). The 2-year total hip arthroplasty conversion rate was 3.5%. Conclusion: This study describes the current trends in HA across Turkey and provides a perspective on physician preferences. Notably, HA procedure counts, the ratio between HA and other orthopaedic procedures, and the incidence of HA demonstrated an increasing trend, with enormous potential for further advancement. These findings highlight the need for the creation of a national registry capable of obtaining more specific and accurate data.