bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of initiation of medications for opioid use disorder on hospitalization outcomes for endocarditis and osteomyelitis in a large private hospital system in the United States, 2014–18
Authors: Jo Young , Nosal Rebecca , Vittori Angela , Cordova Leopold , Vandever Christian , Alvarez Clara , Bartholomew Tyler S. , Tookes Hansel E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsOpioid use disorder (OUD) has led to not only increases in overdose deaths, but also increases in endocarditis and osteomyelitis secondary to injection drug use (IDU). We studied the association between initiation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and treatment outcomes for people with infectious sequelae of IDU and OUD.Design and settingThis is a retrospective cohort study reviewing encounters at 143 HCA Healthcare hospitals across 21 states of the United States from 2014 to 2018.ParticipantsAdults aged 18–65 with the ICD diagnosis code for OUD and endocarditis or osteomyelitis (n = 1407).MeasurementsMain exposure was the initiation of MOUD, defined as either methadone or buprenorphine at any dosage started during hospitalization. Primary outcomes were defined as patient‐directed discharge (PDD), 30‐day re‐admission and days of intravenous antibiotic treatment. Covariates included biological sex, age, ethnicity, other co‐occurring substance use disorders, and insurance status.FindingsMOUD was initiated among 269 (19.1%) patients during hospitalization. Initiation of MOUD was not associated with decreased odds of PDD. Initiation of MOUD did not impact 30‐day re‐admission. Patients who received MOUD, on average, had 5.7 additional days of gold‐standard intravenous antibiotic treatment compared with those who did not [β = 5.678, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.563, 7.794), P < 0.05].ConclusionFor people with opioid use disorder hospitalized with endocarditis or osteomyelitis, initiation of methadone or buprenorphine appears to be associated with improved receipt of gold‐standard therapy, as quantified by increased days on intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Clobetasol propionate 0.05% under occlusion for alopecia areata: Clinical effect and influence on intraocular pressure
Authors: Nomiyama Tomoko , Katoh Norito 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTopical corticosteroids are known to be effective in the treatment of alopecia areata, but the potential effects on intraocular pressure are a concern. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effect of clobetasol propionate 0.05% under occlusion on patients with active phase alopecia areata and to examine the effects on intraocular pressure. We also wished to see if reducing the frequency of application of clobetasol increased the safety with respect to intraocular pressure. Elevation of intraocular pressure due to topical corticosteroids is unlikely to occur at the dose of 9.8 g or less per week used in this study; however, ophthalmologic examination at the start of treatment was thought to be worthwhile in identifying patients with latent glaucoma.
Light‐induced modifications of the outer retinal hyperreflective layers on spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in humans: an experimental study
Authors: Mathis Thibaud , Vasseur Vivien , Zuber Kevin , Arej Nicolas , Loria Olivier , Kodjikian Laurent , Sennlaub Florian , Mauget‐Faÿsse Martine 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeNumerous small hyperreflective dots (HRDs) can be seen within the hyporeflective layer between the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and the interdigitation zone (IZ) on C‐scan spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) with a yet unknown variation under light conditions. The aim of this study was to explore light‐induced SD‐OCT changes in these HRDs.MethodsThe study subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 experienced a dark adaptation protocol followed by intense retinal photobleaching, while Group 2, serving as the control group, was exposed to constant ambient light without any variation. The number of HRDs was automatically counted.ResultsTwenty healthy volunteers were prospectively included. The number of HRDs differed significantly over time (p = 0.0013). They decreased in Group 1 after dark adaptation and retinal photobleaching before returning to baseline levels 30 min later; conversely, they remained relatively constant in Group 2 throughout the study (p < 0.001). Light‐skinned subjects had less HRD than dark‐skinned subjects.ConclusionWe observed light‐induced modifications in the space between the EZ and the IZ. We hypothesize that the HRDs visible in this zone correspond to melanosomes that are mobilized during the light stimulation protocol. Larger studies are recommended to further evaluate and confirm light‐induced SD‐OCT changes under physiological and pathological conditions.
Clinical manifestations and impact on daily life of allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG) in ten patients
Authors: Bruusgaard‐Mouritsen Maria A. , Johansen Jeanne D. , Garvey Lene H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPolyethylene glycols (PEGs) are widely used as excipients in drugs, cosmetics and household products. Immediate‐type allergy to PEGs including anaphylaxis is rare. The recent introduction of the mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccines has led to an increased focus on PEG as a possible culprit of allergic reactions to the vaccines. A low awareness of the allergenic potential of PEG among consumers, manufacturers and doctors leads to under‐diagnosis and under‐reporting of allergy to PEGs, putting patients at risk of repeated severe reactions.ObjectivesTo investigate clinical manifestations, time to diagnosis and impact of a PEG allergy diagnosis on the daily life of patients diagnosed with allergy to PEG from 2010 to 2019.MethodTen patients diagnosed with allergy to PEG were included. Detailed clinical history was obtained, and allergy investigations had been performed at the time of diagnosis. All patients were contacted and asked to retrospectively complete a questionnaire about causes and impact on daily life of an allergy to PEG, scored on a likert scale (0–10) before and after diagnosis.ResultsEight patients had experienced at least one anaphylactic reaction requiring adrenaline treatment. Anaphylaxis was primarily caused by antibiotic/analgesic tablets, depot‐steroids, antacids and laxatives. Seven patients reported repeated reactions before diagnosis (median 3, range 2–6). Median time from first reaction to diagnosis was 20 months (range 2–120). None of the patients experienced severe allergic reactions after the diagnosis. Median likert score of the impact on daily life before diagnosis was 7 compared with 4 after diagnosis.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe clinical manifestations of PEG allergy are often dramatic. Improved awareness about the clinical presentation and common culprits, clear product labelling and a standardized nomenclature is needed to ensure the timely diagnosis of PEG allergy to prevent repeated anaphylactic reactions with severe impact on patients’ lives.
Ultrasound of benign thyroid nodules: A 120 months follow‐up study
Authors: Cappelli Carlo , Pirola Ilenia , Gandossi Elena , Rotondi Mario , Casella Claudio , Lombardi Davide , Agosti Barbara , Ferlin Alberto , Castellano Maurizio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveSome evidence suggests that most benign nodules exhibit no significant size increase during 5 years of follow‐up, although conflicting results have emerged. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the frequency and the magnitude of growth in benign nodules during 120 months of follow‐up.DesignWe reviewed the medical and imaging records of patients who were submitted to ultrasound‐guided FNA of thyroid nodules at our hospital from January 2007 to March 2009. We selected only patients with benign nodules who underwent annual ultrasound evaluation in our Department.ResultsAmong 966 selected patients, 289 were lost during follow‐up, meaning that the total number of patients analysed was 677 (474 women and 203 men), with a mean age of 45.6 (16–71) years. In 559/677 patients (82.7%), the size of the nodule remained stable during follow‐up; 42 (6.2%) patients experienced spontaneous nodule shrinkage, and 75 (11.1%) patients showed nodule growth. Patients with or without nodule growth during follow‐up were superimposable at baseline for age, gender, TSH values, number of patients on levothyroxine treatment and nodule characteristics. All baseline variables in predicting nodular growth were entered to an adjusted multivariate logistic regression model. None of the parameters taken into account was associated with nodular growth.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the majority of benign nodules remained stable over the period of monitoring. On the basis of our experience, we recommend ultrasound examination at a distance of 2 and 5 years following cytological evaluation, then every 4–5 years from then on.
Skeletal muscle maximal mitochondrial activity in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Dayanidhi Sudarshan , Buckner Elisa H , Redmond Robin S , Chambers Henry G , Schenk Simon , Lieber Richard L 
Published: January 2021

AimTo compare skeletal muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity and mitochondrial content between independently ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing children.MethodGracilis biopsies were obtained from 12 children during surgery (n=6/group, children with CP: one female, five males, mean age 13y 4mo, SD 5y 1mo, 4y 1mo–17y 10mo; typically developing children: three females, three males, mean age 16y 5mo, SD 1y 4mo, 14y 6mo–18y 2mo). Spectrophotometric enzymatic assays were used to evaluate the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes. Mitochondrial content was evaluated using citrate synthase assay, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and immunoblots for specific respiratory chain proteins.ResultsMaximal enzyme activity was significantly (50–80%) lower in children with CP versus typically developing children, for complex I (11nmol/min/mg protein, standard error of the mean [SEM] 1.7 vs 20.7nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 4), complex II (6.9nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 1.2 vs 21nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 2.7), complex III (31.9nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 7.4 vs 72.7nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 7.2), and complex I+III (7.4nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 2.5 vs 31.8nmol/min/mg protein, SEM 9.3). Decreased electron transport chain activity was not the result of lower mitochondrial content.InterpretationSkeletal muscle mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymatic activity but not mitochondrial content is reduced in independently ambulatory children with CP. Decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity might explain reported increased energetics of movement and fatigue in ambulatory children with CP.
What this paper adds

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymatic activity is reduced in independently ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Mitochondrial content appears to be similar between children with CP and typically developing children.
Botulinum toxin injection into the intrinsic laryngeal muscles to treat spasmodic dysphonia: A multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blinded, parallel‐group comparison/open‐label clinical trial
Authors: Hyodo Masamitsu , Nagao Asuka , Asano Kento , Sakaguchi Masahiko , Mizoguchi Kenji , Omori Koichi , Tada Yasuhiro , Hatakeyama Hiromitsu , Oridate Nobuhiko , Naito Kensei , Iwata Yoshihiro , Shinomiya Hirotaka , Hara Hirotaka , Sanuki Tetsuji , Yumoto Eiji 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeBotulinum toxin (BT) injection into the laryngeal muscles has been a standard treatment for spasmodic dysphonia (SD). However, few high‐quality clinical studies have appeared, and BT is used off‐label in most countries.MethodsWe performed a multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blinded, parallel‐group comparison/open‐label clinical trial to obtain approval for BT (Botox) therapy in Japan. Twenty‐four patients (22 with adductor SD and two with abductor SD) were enrolled. The primary end point was the change in the number of aberrant morae (phonemes) at 4 weeks after drug injection. The secondary end points included the change in the number of aberrant morae, GRBAS scale, Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and visual analog scale (VAS) over the entire study period.ResultsIn the adductor SD group, the number of aberrant morae at 4 weeks after injection was reduced by 7.0 ± 2.30 (mean ± SE) in the BT group and 0.2 ± 0.46 in the placebo group (p = 0.0148). The improvement persisted for 12 weeks following BT injections. The strain element in GRBAS scale significantly reduced at 2 weeks after BT treatment. The VHI and VAS scores as subjective parameters also improved. In the abductor SD group, one patient responded to treatment. Adverse events included breathy hoarseness (77.3%) and aspiration when drinking (40.9%) but were mild and resolved in 4 weeks.ConclusionsBotulinum toxin injection was safe and efficacious for the treatment of SD. Based on these results, BT injection therapy was approved as an SD treatment in Japan.
Female common cuckoo calls dampen the mobbing intensity of great reed warbler hosts
Authors: Marton Attila , Fülöp Attila , Bán Miklós , Hauber Márk E. , Moskát Csaba 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo avoid mobbing attacks by their hosts during egg laying, some avian brood parasites have evolved traits to visually and/or acoustically resemble predator(s) of their hosts. Prior work established that reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), a small host species of the brood parasitic common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), delayed returning to the nest when confronted by either the calls of the female cuckoo or that of the predatory sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). It remains less clear, however, whether female cuckoo calls also suppress the nest defences of larger and more aggressive hosts. Such hosts typically attack vigorously, and can even hurt the brood parasitic intruders, instead of fleeing in the face of danger. Here, we tested whether the female cuckoo calls dampen mobbing intensity in a much largerAcrocephalushost of the common cuckoo, the great reed warbler (A. arundinaceus). We presented great reed warbler pairs with female common cuckoo models at their nests without and then with playing back the female‐specific bubbling calls of the cuckoo. As controls, we tested the hosts’ responses to harmless collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) models, also without and then with the playbacks of dove calls. We found that the playback of female brood parasite calls reduced the aggression of hosts towards the cuckoo models as compared to model presentations without female calls, but we detected no such effect of the control calls with dove models. Our results revealed that female cuckoo calls effectively suppress the antiparasitic responses of great reed warbler hosts, which could aid parasites to approach the nest undiscovered and to evade the costly attacks of this large host. Therefore, the female call can be regarded as a general part of the cuckoo's trickery repertoire for successful parasitism.
Genetic variability of immune‐related lncRNAs: polymorphisms in LINC‐PINT and LY86‐AS1 are associated with pemphigus foliaceus susceptibility
Authors: Salviano‐Silva Amanda , Farias Ticiana Della Justina , Bumiller‐Bini Valéria , Castro Mariana de Sousa , Lobo‐Alves Sara Cristina , Busch Hauke , Pföhler Claudia , Worm Margitta , Goebeler Matthias , van Beek Nina , Franke Andre , Wittig Michael , Zillikens Detlef , de Almeida Rodrigo Coutinho , Hundt Jennifer Elisabeth , Boldt Angelica Beate Winter , Ibrahim Saleh , Augusto Danillo Gardenal , Petzl‐Erler Maria Luiza , Schmidt Enno , Malheiros Danielle 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin, clinically characterized by erosions and, histopathologically, by acantholysis. PF is endemic in the Brazilian Central‐Western region. Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to affect the susceptibility for PF, including SNPs at long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, which are known to participate in many physiological and pathogenic processes, such as autoimmunity. Here, we investigated whether the genetic variation of immune‐related lncRNA genes affects the risk for endemic and sporadic forms of PF. We analysed 692 novel SNPs for PF from 135 immune‐related lncRNA genes in 227 endemic PF patients and 194 controls. The SNPs were genotyped by Illumina microarray and analysed by applying logistic regression at additive model, with correction for sex and population structure. Six associated SNPs were also evaluated in an independent German cohort of 76 sporadic PF patients and 150 controls. Further, we measured the expression levels of two associated lncRNA genes (LINC‐PINT and LY86‐AS1) by quantitative PCR, stratified by genotypes, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy subjects. We found 27 SNPs in 11 lncRNA genes associated with endemic PF (p < .05 without overlapping with protein‐coding genes). Among them, the LINC‐PINT SNP rs10228040*A (OR = 1.47, p = .012) was also associated with increased susceptibility for sporadic PF (OR = 2.28, p = .002). Moreover, the A+ carriers of LY86‐AS1*rs12192707 mark lowest LY86‐AS1 RNA levels, which might be associated with a decreasing autoimmune response. Our results suggest a critical role of lncRNA variants in immunopathogenesis of both PF endemic and sporadic forms.
Proteomic analysis from skin swabs reveals a new set of proteins identifying skin impairment in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Morelli Paola , Gaspari Marco , Gabriele Caterina , Dastoli Stefano , Bennardo Luigi , Pavel Ana Brandusa , Patruno Cataldo , Del Duca Ester , Nisticò Steven P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAtopic Dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin and systemic inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Herein, we investigate the proteomic profile of AD skin barrier to identify a unique signature with an easy‐performed sampling approach. We enrolled 8 moderate‐to‐severe AD patients and 8 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Swabs were obtained from non‐lesional skin of retroauricular area and antecubital fold. Peptide mixtures obtained through protein precipitation and in‐solution digestion were analysed using NanoLC‐MS/MS. Label‐free quantification and statistical analysis were conducted in MaxQuant and Perseus. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using Gene Ontology and STRING. We identified 908 proteins and 35 differentially expressed proteins were selected (fold change 2, FDR < 0.05). Particularly, AD skin showed downregulation of skin hydration factors, structural and epidermal proteins, abnormalities in protease‐proteasome complex and lipid metabolism profile. Imbalance of antioxidant and inflammatory processes, along with TDRD15 upregulation was also observed. Our result showed partial overlap with skin biopsy/tape‐strips studies, showing the reliability of our sampling approach which could be an easier method of detection of hallmark barrier proteins in AD. Furthermore, we displayed a new differentially expressed set of proteins, not yet explored in AD which can have a potential role in AD pathomechanisms.
Combining Chemical and Biological Oxidation for Sustainable Treatment of Chloronitrobenzene in Anoxic Groundwater
Authors: Amiri Samia , Hanson Andrea J. , Pica Nasim E. , Mack E. Erin , Blotevogel Jens 
Published: January 2021

AbstractChloronitrobenzenes (CNBs) are important chemical intermediates that are resistant to natural degradation processes in anoxic environments. When receptors are threatened by CNB‐contaminated groundwater, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) offer a rapid response to protect human health and the environment. While AOPs are effective for the transformation of persistent organic contaminants, driving chemical oxidation reactions to complete mineralization is often not energy‐ and cost‐efficient due to the formation of recalcitrant intermediates or competition by natural organic matter. In this study, we applied an electrochemical AOP to elucidate the degradation pathways and kinetics of CNB under varying treatment conditions and times. Nontargeted mass spectrometry revealed multiple ring hydroxylation and ring opening products such as dicarboxylic acids that became increasingly harder to chemically oxidize as treatment time progressed. To determine the universal biodegradability of the generated intermediates under anoxic conditions, AOP‐treated water samples collected at different stages of electrochemical oxidation were exposed to a microbial culture derived from generic rhizosphere soil. All ring opening products were completely biodegraded anaerobically within 28 days of microcosm incubation. While multiple oxygenated ring intermediates were substantially removed, CNB was stable in the absence of oxygen. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of limited and targeted chemical oxidation with subsequent biodegradation of incomplete oxidation products is a more sustainable approach than the exclusive application of AOPs for the treatment of groundwater contaminated with CNBs and likely other aromatic compounds.
Role of vanadium oxide on the lithium silicate glass structure and properties
Authors: Gaddam Anuraag , Allu Amarnath R. , Fernandes Hugo R. , Stan George E. , Negrila Catalin C. , Jamale Atul P. , Méar François O. , Montagne Lionel , Ferreira José M.F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe structural role of V in 28Li2O–72SiO2 (in mol%) lithium silicate glass doped with 0.5 mol% V2O5 was assessed using 29Si and 51V Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy techniques. Despite the low amount of V2O5 used, the structural information obtained or deduced from the statistical analysis of the NMR data could explain the evolution of glass properties after V2O5 addition. The XPS results indicated that all vanadium exists in 5+ oxidation state. Both the 29Si NMR and FTIR data point toward an increase in the polymerization of the silicate network, caused by the V2O5 acting as network former, capable to form various tetrahedral units (for n = 0, 1, and 2) in the glasses. These units, which are similar to phosphate units, scavenge the Li+ ions and cause the silicate network to polymerize. However, in an overall balance, the entire glass network is depolymerized due to the additional nonbridging oxygens contributed by the vanadium polyhedra. The addition of vanadium causes the network to expand and increases the ionic conductivity.