bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Desmoid fibromatosis post-cervical spine surgical intervention
Authors: AlNuaimi Dana , Abdulghaffar Shareefa , AlKetbi Reem , Khadim Badreya , Ibrahim Khalid 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Desmoid tumours are rare benign tumours that show locally aggressive and invasive features leading to potential complications. They can be quite challenging for the treating surgeon if they occur adjacent to neurovascular structures. The aetiology of these tumours is still unclear, but the incidence is higher in females and in patients with a history of trauma or surgical procedures, raising the possibility of genetic and hormonal factors as well as post-traumatic or post-operative inflammatory changes promoting the formation of desmoid fibromatosis. We report a case of a 34-year-old Asian female who presented to our hospital with a history of difficulty in swallowing due to an enlarging lump on the left side of her neck. Patient had a past medical history of previous cervical spinal disc surgery due to a herniated disc. Diagnostic imaging showed a large soft tissue mass centred between the left common carotid artery and the cervical vertebrae displacing the trachea and oesophagus to the right side. A biopsy was obtained, and histopathological examination was suggestive of a desmoid tumour. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumour but returned later with recurrence and had to undergo the surgery again to achieve full cure.
Dual Biologic Therapy Induces Remission in Refractory Crohn’s Disease With Vedolizumab and Ustekinumab
Authors: Hassan Syed Adeel , Perry Courtney , Carey Patrick , Colohan Durham , Eltaher Mohamed Gebril , Dawoud Nabila , Elkammar Mahmoud , Rasheed Waqas , Mayne Casie , Stuffelbeam Amy , Flomenhoft Deborah , Barrett Terrence A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite advancements in the therapeutic armamentarium for Crohn’s disease (CD), biologic and small molecule monotherapies are associated with sub-optimal response and remission rates. Utilizing dual biologic therapy (DBT) holds the potential to increase efficacy in the treatment of refractory or partially responsive CD. Evidence pertaining to this strategy remains limited.

Methods
We retrospectively examined refractory CD patients treated with a combination of ustekinumab and vedolizumab. Outcomes to DBT at week (wk) 52 were compared to monotherapy. The primary outcome constituted corticosteroid-free remission. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, infections, hospitalizations, surgeries, treatment persistence, and disease clearance.

Results
Sixteen of 21 active refractory CD patients (76%) on DBT achieved disease remission at wk 52. Mucosal healing was observed in 38% (n = 6), biochemical remission in 25% (n = 4), and both clinical and biochemical remission in 38% (n = 6). Of these patients, 50% (n = 8) achieved corticosteroid-free remission. Three patients (37.5%) with corticosteroid-free remission achieved complete disease clearance. Paired median fecal calprotectin decreased from 508 to 118 µg/g (P &lt; .0001). Paired C-reactive protein median decreased from 1.04 to 0.50 mg/dL (P &lt; .0001). Median Harvey Bradshaw Index score reduced from 7 to 2 (P = .003). Endoscopic healing was achieved with a paired simple endoscopic score for CD decrease from 6 to 3 (P = .013). Corticosteroid dependency reduced from 17 to 8 patients discontinuing altogether. Patients still requiring corticosteroids experienced a decrease in average daily dose from 9 to 6 mg (P = .045). At wk 52, 5 patients (24%) did not meet the criteria for remission with 4 requiring CD-related surgical intervention. Mean CD-related hospitalizations reduced from 2.95 ± 2.33 to 0.52 ± 1.12 (P &lt; .001) and surgeries from 1.76 ± 1.3 to 0.14 ± 0.4 (P &lt; .001). Three infections with 1 requiring hospitalization and 1 report of headache were noted. Two patients discontinued DBT.

Conclusions
Dual biologic therapy with ustekinumab and vedolizumab is a safe and effective strategy to induce disease remission in refractory CD. Large-scale studies are necessary to validate findings in a prospective setting.
The effects of costly telomere maintenance on lifespan - reproductive tradeoffs in sand lizards
Authors: Olsson Mats , Miller Emily , Rollings Nicky , Lillie Mette , Hufton Joshua , Hansson Alexander , Wapstra Erik 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Telomeres are DNA-protein structures that primarily protect chromosomes and serve multiple functions of gene regulation. When cells divide, telomeres shorten and their main repair system in ectotherms - telomerase – replaces lost nucleotide complexes ((T2AG3)n in vertebrates). It remains a challenge to experimentally investigate resource requirements for telomere maintenance and its effects on lifespan-reproductive tradeoffs in the wild. In sand lizards (Lacerta agilis), we show that higher female investments into reproduction results in corresponding shortening of telomeres and that males have less frequent and less profound telomere shortening than females; a contributing factor to this may be males’ higher telomerase levels. To manipulate resource access for telomere maintenance, we exploit a pseudo-experimental opportunity to analyze ‘onboard’ resources long-term using lizards that drop their tails with fat and nutrient deposits when attacked by predators. Females with less resources due to regrown tails less often and less profoundly elongate telomeres. Adult lizards with the most TL elongation live the longest, females with the highest lifetime reproductive success shorten telomeres the most, whereas males with the most telomere elongation have the highest lifetime reproductive success. This suggests ongoing evolution of resource-constrained telomere maintenance.
The AREB transcription factor SaAREB6 promotes drought stress-induced santalol biosynthesis in sandalwood
Authors: Meng Sen , Lian Na , Qin Fangcuo , Yang Shuqi , Meng Dong , Bian Zhan , Xiang Li , Lu Junkun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Sandalwood (Santalum album), a culturally significant and economically valuable horticultural species, is renowned for its heartwood and essential oils enriched with sesquiterpene compounds such as santalol. Despite progress in elucidating the biosynthetic pathway of these valuable metabolites, the transcriptional regulation of this process, particularly under abiotic stress conditions, remains largely unexplored. Under drought conditions, we observed a marked increase in SaAREB6 expression, paralleled by elevated levels of santalols. Moreover, we identified SaCYP736A167, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene, as a direct target of SaAREB6. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), microscale thermophoresis assays (MSTs) and dual luciferase assays (DLAs), we validated the precise and specific interaction of SaAREB6 with the promoter region of SaCYP736A167. This interaction leads to the upregulation of SaCYP736A167, which in turn catalyzes the final steps in the conversion of sesquiterpene precursors to santalols, thereby reinforcing the connection between SaAREB6 activity and increased santalol production during drought. Collectively, our work illuminates the previously uncharacterized role of SaAREB6 in orchestrating a transcriptional regulation that facilitates drought-induced santalol biosynthesis in sandalwood, presenting opportunities for genetic engineering strategies to improve heartwood and essential oil yields in this economically vital species.
Fast time-stepping discontinuous Galerkin method for the subdiffusion equation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zeng Fanhai , Jiang Xiaoyun , Zhang Zhimin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The nonlocality of the fractional operator causes numerical difficulties for long time computation for time-fractional evolution equations. This paper develops a high-order fast time-stepping discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method for a time-fractional diffusion equation, which saves storage and computational time. An optimal error estimate of the form $O(N^{-p-1} + h^{m+1} + \varepsilon N^{r\alpha })$ for the proposed time-stepping DG method is rigorously proved, where $N$ denotes the number of time intervals, $p$ is the degree of polynomial approximation on each time subinterval, $h$ is the maximum spatial mesh size, $r\ge 1$, $m$ is the order of finite element space and $\varepsilon&gt;0$ can be arbitrarily small. Numerical simulations verify the theoretical analysis.
Minkowski Valuations in Affine Convex Geometry
Authors: Henkel Jakob , Wannerer Thomas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In convex geometry, the constructions that assign to a convex body its difference body, projection body, or volume have the following properties: They are (1) invariant under volume-preserving linear changes of coordinates; (2) continuous; (3) finitely additive, and the resulting convex bodies are subsets of an irreducible representation of the special linear group. In this paper, we explore the question whether there exist other constructions with these properties. We discover a surprising dichotomy: There are no new examples if one assumes translation invariance, but a plethora of examples without this assumption.
Why is Newar Buddhism Largely Ignored in Buddhist Studies? Protestantism, the Narrative of Decline, and the Position of Invisibility
Authors: Grimes Samuel M 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
In the field of Buddhist studies as represented in European languages, Newar Buddhism, which is the only living tradition of Sanskritic Buddhism, receives very little mention. This is despite the fact that the start of the European engagement with Buddhism largely began through the study of Nepalese manuscripts by Eugene Burnouf and on-the-ground reports by Brian Houghton Hodgson. Why is it that the only form of Buddhism to preserve popular and esoteric practices once practiced across northern India has not been more central to the European-language academic engagement with Buddhism? This article examines narratives developed in the nineteenth century to demonstrate that Newar Buddhism was largely deemed unworthy of study due to its emphasis on ritual, superficial resemblances to Hinduism, and representation of Indian Buddhism’s final development, the Vajrayāna. These old prejudices have continued effects, as Newar Buddhism remains largely invisible in academic publications on Sanskritic Vajrayāna.
Impact of renal-adjusted ceftazidime/avibactam in patients with KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Oliva A , Volpicelli L , Gigante A , Di Nillo M , Trapani S , Viscido A , Sacco F , Mastroianni C M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) are still associated with high mortality, and the game-changing drug ceftazidime/avibactam has shown suboptimal pharmacokinetics in some clinical settings. Ceftazidime/avibactam renal dose adjustment has recently been identified as an independent risk factor for mortality.

Objectives
To investigate the effect of ceftazidime/avibactam renal dose adjustment on mortality.

Methods
Patients with KPC-Kp BSI treated with a ceftazidime/avibactam-based regimen were retrospectively collected and analysed. The primary outcome was mortality at 7, 14 and 30 days after the start of definitive ceftazidime/avibactam antibiotic therapy. Renal function was estimated using the CKD-EPI equation.

Results
One hundred and ten patients with KPC-Kp BSI treated with a ceftazidime/avibactam-based regimen were included. Full-dose ceftazidime/avibactam (7.5 g daily) was prescribed to 82 patients (74.5%), while 28 patients (25.5%) received a renal-adjusted dose (17 patients due to chronic renal disease or haemodialysis, 11 patients due to infection-related acute kidney injury), with a median of 1.9 g daily. At multivariable analysis, receiving a reduced dose of ceftazidime/avibactam was independently associated with mortality (HR 4.47, 95% CI 1.09–18.03, P = 0.037), along with intra-abdominal or lower respiratory tract infections as source of BSI (HR 5.42, 95% CI 1.77–16.55, P = 0.003), septic shock (HR 6.99, 95% CI 1.36–35.87, P = 0.020) and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection (HR 10.23, 95% CI 2.69–38.85, P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Dose reduction of ceftazidime/avibactam according to renal function in patients with KPC-Kp BSI seems to be independently associated with higher mortality. This may be possibly due to inadequate exposure provided by the recommended doses for renal impairment.
A Second Opinion: Expert Commentary on “Persistent Mild Increase of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in a Male Patient with Testicular Pain”
Authors: Torres Callie , Villanueva Ana , Gronowski Ann M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of unknown etiology is often a diagnostic dilemma. Determination of its source is vital in order to provide proper medical treatment and prevent possible unneeded therapeutic interventions. The differential diagnosis for elevated hCG is broad and includes pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, heterophile antibody, macro-hCG, exogenous hCG administration, pituitary secretion, tumor-associated secretion, etc. One entity that is emerging in the published literature as a cause of elevated hCG is familial hCG syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by persistently elevated concentrations from a yet to be determined source in individuals of the same family. In this special report, we review a recently published case of elevated hCG in a 56-year-old male proposed to be due to familial hCG syndrome. We discuss why we feel the presented case is not consistent with familial hCG syndrome and explore other possible explanations for the patient’s elevated hCG concentrations.
Disruption of cell wall and membrane integrity as antioomycete and antifungal mode of action by fusaric and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acids from endophytic fungus Fusarium lactis strain SME13-2
Authors: Macías-Rubalcava Martha Lydia , Lappe-Oliveras Patricia , Villanueva-Silva Rodrigo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
This study aimed to assess the mode of action of fusaric and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acids on cell respiration by measuring the hyphal oxygen consumption rate, and the effects on cell membrane integrity by determining the electrical conductivity of the mycelium.

Methods and Results
Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the active culture medium and mycelium organic extracts from the Fusarium lactis strain SME13-2 isolated from Sapium macrocarpum led to the isolation of two known alkylpicolinic acid derivatives: fusaric acid and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acid, along with the known polyketide bikaverin. Fusaric acid and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acid exhibited antioomycete and antifungal activities, significantly inhibiting the radial growth of Phytophthora capsici, Pythium aphanidermatum, Alternaria alternata, and F. oxysporum. Additionally, they induced changes in colony morphology and negative effects on the ultrastructure of their hyphae. To date, the antimicrobial mode of action of fusaric acid and other alkylpicolinic acid derivatives is not thoroughly understood. Therefore, we investigated their effect on cellular respiration by measuring the oxygen consumption rate of the hyphae and their impact on cell membrane integrity by determining the electrical conductivity of the mycelium. Fusaric and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acids inhibited the respiration of the mycelium and altered the permeability of the cell membrane in the tested phytopathogenic microorganisms in a concentration and exposure time-dependent manner, exerting a greater effect on oomycetes. The disruption of cell membrane integrity resulted in the leakage of cytoplasmic electrolytes into the extracellular medium, which, coupled with respiratory inhibition, could lead to cell death.

Conclusions
Fusaric and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acids show potential for the development of new fungicides and anti-oomycetes agents.
An electronic health record metadata-mining approach to identifying patient-level interprofessional clinician teams in the intensive care unit
Authors: Yakusheva Olga , Khadr Lara , Lee Kathryn A , Ratliff Hannah C , Marriott Deanna J , Costa Deena Kelly 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Advances in health informatics rapidly expanded use of big-data analytics and electronic health records (EHR) by clinical researchers seeking to optimize interprofessional ICU team care. This study developed and validated a program for extracting interprofessional teams assigned to each patient each shift from EHR event logs.

Materials and Methods
A retrospective analysis of EHR event logs for mechanically-ventilated patients 18 and older from 5 ICUs in an academic medical center during 1/1/2018-12/31/2019. We defined interprofessional teams as all medical providers (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners), registered nurses, and respiratory therapists assigned to each patient each shift. We created an EHR event logs-mining program that extracts clinicians who interact with each patient’s medical record each shift. The algorithm was validated using the Message Understanding Conference (MUC-6) method against manual chart review of a random sample of 200 patient-shifts from each ICU by two independent reviewers.

Results
Our sample included 4559 ICU encounters and 72 846 patient-shifts. Our program extracted 3288 medical providers, 2702 registered nurses, and 219 respiratory therapists linked to these encounters. Eighty-three percent of patient-shift teams included medical providers, 99.3% included registered nurses, and 74.1% included respiratory therapists; 63.4% of shift-level teams included clinicians from all three professions. The program demonstrated 95.9% precision, 96.2% recall, and high face validity.

Discussion
Our EHR event logs-mining program has high precision, recall, and validity for identifying patient-levelshift interprofessional teams in ICUs.

Conclusions
Algorithmic and artificial intelligence approaches have a strong potential for informing research to optimize patient team assignments and improve ICU care and outcomes.
Uterus transplants and Mexico’s rule of law
Authors: Palacios-González César , Mendoza Cárdenas Héctor A 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Uterus transplantation is a new fertility treatment for some women who lack a functioning uterus. The number of countries where these transplants are performed has steadily increased, and in Mexico, there is a growing interest in this procedure among patients, researchers, and clinicians. In this paper we look at Mexico and its legal system in order to determine what is the legal status of uterus transplants, and whether there is a right to them according to Mexican legislation. To achieve this objective, we have organized this paper into four sections. First, we present a brief synopsis of what uterus transplants entail. Second, we carry out a historical overview of uterus transplants in Mexico. Third, we present the federal laws and regulations that apply to uterus transplants in Mexico. Finally, we defend that under Mexican legislation there is a positive right to uterus transplants. We substantiate the former by focusing on the right to the protection of health and the right to family making.
Unveiling the Role of Resident Memory T Cells in Psoriasis
Authors: Saavedra-Almarza Juan , Malgue Felipe , García-Gómez Moira , Gouët Solange , Edwards Natalie , Palma Verónica , Rosemblatt Mario , Sauma Daniela 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by periods of remission and relapse. In this pathology, keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and different subpopulations of T cells are critical to developing psoriatic lesions. Although current treatments can reduce symptoms, they reappear in previously injured areas months after stopping treatment. Evidence has pointed out that besides T helper 17 cells, other T cell subsets may be involved in relapses. This review focuses on the leading evidence linking resident memory T cells and P2X7 receptor to psoriasis’ pathogenesis and their role in this pathology. Finally, we discuss some of the most widely used experimental murine models and novel strategies to investigate further the role of resident memory T cells in psoriasis.
Newly assembled pocket gopher genomes can facilitate conservation management of biodiversity
Authors: Halsey Michaela K , Roberts Emma K , Wright Emily A , Soniat Taylor J , Lindsay Laramie L , Moreno-Santillan Diana , Pitts Richard M , Dávalos Liliana M , Bradley Robert D , Stevens Richard D , Ray David A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Texas exhibits one of the richest levels of pocket gopher diversity in the United States. Three genera (Cratogeomys, Geomys, and Thomomys) and 11 species are found in Texas. It is not surprising given the diversity of the Texas landscape (ecoregions, life zones, substrates, and vegetation) that these species are further subdivided into 29 subspecies in Texas alone. Pocket gopher distributions are determined by availability of suitable soil types and therefore often occur in small, isolated populations. For some taxa, limited distribution and ultimately small deme sizes result in populations that may require attention from a regulatory and management perspective. For many Texas pocket gopher subspecies, insufficient information exists to make sound recommendations relative to conservation status and needs despite decades of research collecting and evaluating data based on morphometrics, distributions and habitat preferences, karyotypes, allozymes, and mitochondrial DNA. As such, there is precedent for elevating pocket gopher subspecies to species after evaluation of available data, as well as subsuming subspecies into a broader taxonomic group. We used genomic techniques to identify genetically defined operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of pocket gophers to improve knowledge and understanding of pocket gopher distributions within the state. Using tens of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms, we determined the number of OTUs in each genus to be 5 for Thomomys bottae subspecies, 8 for Geomys species, and 5 for Cratogeomys castanops subspecies in Texas. In general, these data agree with current taxonomic hypotheses regarding Geomys and C. castanops; however, many T. bottae groups present similar genetic patterns that do not merit subspecies status based on these data, suggesting a more conservative classification of T. bottae in Texas and southeastern New Mexico that could facilitate conservation efforts, should they be necessary.
On the origin of fatty acid biosynthesis in Archaeplastida
Authors: Kelly Amélie A , Feussner Ivo 
Published: December 2024

This article comments on:
Sato N, Ikemura E, Uemura M, Awai K. 2025. Genomic and biochemical analyses of lipid biosynthesis in Cyanophora paradoxa: limited role of the chloroplast in fatty acid synthesis. Journal of Experimental Botany 76, 532–545. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erae420
The EACVI Handbook of Nuclear Cardiology
Authors: Jaber Wael , Buechel Ronny 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Nuclear techniques have contributed to the diagnosis and management of patients with coronary artery disease over the past 50 years. The various nuclear modalities available to the clinician and patient keep evolving, with tremendous advances in therapeutics occurring in the cardiovascular space. The Handbook serves as a user-friendly clinical guide to the field of nuclear cardiology. Covering all aspects of this ever-expanding area, it is an excellent tool in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure (ischaemic and non-ischaemic), amyloid heart disease, endocarditis, myocarditis, and cardiac sarcoidosis. There are many images, tables, and bullet points that can be used daily in your busy practice to refresh your memory on various cardiac pathologies. The illustrations are derived from a typical clinical practice, and the easily accessible format allows you as a reader to focus on the ‘typical findings’ of various cardiac pathologies.