bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of hospital lead extraction volume on management of cardiac implantable electronic device-associated infective endocarditis
Authors: Mandler Ari G , Sciria Christopher T , Kogan Edward V , Kim Ilya , Yeo Ilhwan , Simon Matthew S , Kim Luke K , Ip James E , Liu Christopher F , Markowitz Steven M , Lerman Bruce B , Thomas George , Cheung Jim W 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
Utilization of transvenous lead extraction/removal (TLE) for the management of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-associated infective endocarditis (IE) remains low. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of hospital TLE procedural volume on TLE utilization and outcomes for patients with CIED-associated IE.

Methods and results
Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, we evaluated 21 545 admissions for patients (mean age 70 years, 39% female) with CIEDs hospitalized with IE at TLE centres. Hospitals were categorized based on annual volume tertiles: (i) low-volume (1–17 TLEs/year), (ii) medium-volume (18–45 TLEs/year), and (iii) high-volume centres (&gt;45 TLEs/year). Between 2016 and 2019, 57% of admissions in the study were to low-volume TLE centres. Transvenous lead extraction/removal was performed during 6.9, 19.3, and 26% of admissions for CIED-associated IE at low-, medium-, and high-volume TLE centres, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). After adjustment for age and comorbidities, hospitalization for IE at high-volume centres was independently associated with TLE when compared with low-volume centres (adjusted odds ratio 4.26; 95% confidence interval 3.53–5.15). Transvenous lead extraction/removal-associated complication rates were similar at 2.5, 2.3, and 3.4% at low-, medium-, and high-volume centres, respectively (P = 0.493). Overall inpatient mortality during admissions to low-, medium-, and high-volume centres was also similar.

Conclusion
Admissions to high-volume TLE centres were associated with higher utilization of TLE for management of CIED-associated IE. Transvenous lead extraction/removal-associated complications and mortality among patients hospitalized with CIED-associated IE were similar when stratified by hospital TLE volume, but this needs to be considered in context of significant differences in patient comorbidity burden between centres.
Sanctuary and Victim: A Medical School that Challenged the Jewish Quota and Welcomed Refugees from Nazism
Authors: Neuspiel Daniel R 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
At the time it closed in 1947, Middlesex University School of Medicine (MUSOM) in Waltham, Massachusetts was one of the few American medical schools that did not restrict the enrollment of Jews, who reportedly comprised 85 percent of its students. This school also welcomed students and faculty forced to flee Nazi-occupied Europe, and at least twenty-one faculty and eleven student refugees were offered sanctuary there during the Nazi period. Though Middlesex was an oasis from antisemitism, prevalent anti-Jewish attitudes and practices of its time may have caused its demise. After its forced closure, the school’s property was donated to the founders of a new Jewish-led university.
Characterization of the probiotic and functional properties of Enterococcus faecalis AQ10 isolated from chicken cecum
Authors: Yin Haichang , Zhang Xinyu , Jiang Xinjie , Liu Di 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria are considered the safest alternative to antibiotics and have a broad range of applications in animal husbandry. Enterococcus faecalis is a primary component of the chicken gut microbiota; it is known for its ability to regulate intestinal microbial balance and its probiotic functions. In this study, E. faecalis strain AQ10 from isolated from was the chicken cecum and used a combination of whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic analyses to investigate its probiotic properties. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the genome length of E. faecalis AQ10 is 2.98 Mbp, with an average guanine-cytosine content of 38.12%, and includes 2832 protein-coding genes. Genome mining tools were used to identify an antimicrobial compound gene cluster. Additionally, E. faecalis AQ10 exhibited probiotic characteristics in vivo and antibacterial effects in vitro, with organic acids potentially contributing to its anti-Klebsiella pneumoniae activity. Metabolomics analyses revealed that the supernatant of E. faecalis AQ10 contained seven organic acids. In conclusion, E. faecalis AQ10 demonstrates significant probiotic potential and may be a suitable candidate for use in livestock and poultry breeding.
SspA is a transcriptional regulator of CRISPR adaptation in E. coli
Authors: Lopez Santiago C , Lee Yumie , Zhang Karen , Shipman Seth L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The CRISPR integrases Cas1-Cas2 create immunological memories of viral infection by storing phage-derived DNA in CRISPR arrays, a process known as CRISPR adaptation. A number of host factors have been shown to influence adaptation, but the full pathway from infection to a fully integrated, phage-derived sequences in the array remains incomplete. Here, we deploy a new CRISPRi-based screen to identify putative host factors that participate in CRISPR adaptation in the Escherichia coli Type I-E system. Our screen and subsequent mechanistic characterization reveal that SspA, through its role as a global transcriptional regulator of cellular stress, is required for functional CRISPR adaptation. One target of SspA is H-NS, a known repressor of CRISPR interference proteins, but we find that the role of SspA on adaptation is not H-NS-dependent. We propose a new model of CRISPR-Cas defense that includes independent cellular control of adaptation and interference by SspA.
Sequestration of ribosomal subunits as inactive 80S by targeting eIF6 limits mitotic exit and cancer progression
Authors: Roshan Poonam , Biswas Aparna , Ahmed Sinthyia , Anagnos Stella , Luebbers Riley , Harish Kavya , Li Megan , Nguyen Nicholas , Zhou Gao , Tedeschi Frank , Hathuc Vivian , Lin Zhenguo , Hamilton Zachary , Origanti Sofia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Moderating the pool of active ribosomal subunits is critical for maintaining global translation rates. A factor crucial for modulating the 60S ribosomal subunit is eukaryotic translation initiation factor-6 (eIF6). Release of eIF6 from the 60S subunit is essential to permit 60S interactions with the 40S subunit. Here, using the eIF6-N106S mutant, we show that disrupting eIF6 interaction with the 60S subunit leads to an increase in vacant 80S ribosomes. It further highlights a dichotomy in the anti-association activity of eIF6 that is distinct from its role in 60S subunit biogenesis and shows that nucleolar localization of eIF6 is not dependent on BCCIP chaperone and uL14. Limiting active ribosomal pools markedly deregulates translation especially in mitosis and leads to chromosome segregation defects, mitotic exit delays and mitotic catastrophe. Ribo-seq analysis of eIF6-N106S mutant shows a significant downregulation in the translation efficiencies of mitotic factors and specifically transcripts with long 3′ untranslated regions. eIF6-N106S mutation also limits cancer invasion, and this role is correlated with overexpression of eIF6 only in high-grade invasive cancers suggesting that deregulation of eIF6 is probably not an early event in cancers. Thus, this study highlights the segregation of eIF6 functions and its role in moderating 80S ribosome availability for translation, mitosis and cancer progression.
Role of Altmetric Attention Scores in Evaluating the Influence of Spine Surgery Research
Authors: Tarawneh Omar , Narayanan Rajkishen , Dalton Jonathan , Oris Robert J. , Brush Parker , Opara Olivia , Trenchfield Delano , Lee Yunsoo , Vadhera Amar , Glover Abbey , Pineda Nathaniel , Jain Pranav , Kim Andrew , Kurd Mark F. , Kaye Ian D. , Canseco Jose A. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Kepler Christopher K. , Schroeder Gregory D. 
Published: December 2024

Study Design:
Retrospective cohort.

Objective:
To analyze the annual trends in the most prevalent topics, journals, and geographic regions of the top 100 spine surgery articles, as determined by altmetric attention scores (AASs). We also describe the relationship between AAS and traditional article metrics.

Background:
The rapid growth of social media has transformed how medical literature is disseminated and perceived, including within the field of spine surgery. AAS is a metric that characterizes an article’s reach and impact in various online sources.

Materials and Methods:
We reviewed the Altmetric database to identify the top 100 spine surgery articles by AAS from 2015 to 2020 across 8 leading spine journals. Article topics, geographic origins, and publishing journals were analyzed. Correlation analyses were performed between AAS and traditional metrics.

Results:
Five hundred forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority were published in Spine (34.4%), The
Spine Journal (25.7%), European Spine Journal (15.0%), and Journal of Neurosurgery
: Spine (14.2%). North America and Europe were the predominant regions of origin. The most common topics were injections (12.2%), diagnostics (11.8%), and complications (11.3%). A weak correlation was found between AAS and traditional metrics such as impact factor (Pearson coefficient = 0.041), total citations (0.051), and citations per year (0.048).

Conclusions:
Although AAS provides insights into the public and online engagement of articles, it shows only a weak correlation with traditional metrics. Therefore, AAS should be considered a complementary metric for gauging the impact of research. In the era of social media, authors should continue to promote their research to broaden readership, however further investigation into characterizing article impact is warranted.
Oligometastatic Disease Is Not an Absolute Contraindication to Pelvic Exenteration in Selected Patients With Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer
Authors: Vu Jennifer K. , Brown Kilian G. M. , Solomon Michael J. , Ng Kheng-Seong , Mahon Kate , Le Bernard K. , Sutherland Sarah , Lee Peter J. , Byrne Christopher M. , Austin Kirk K. S. , Steffens Daniel 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:
The treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer has evolved dramatically in recent decades. As the boundaries of exenterative surgery continue to be pushed, one of the unanswered and controversial questions is the role of radical salvage surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer in the setting of oligometastatic disease.

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the impact of synchronous or previously treated distant metastases on survival following pelvic exenteration for locally recurrent rectal cancer.

DESIGN:
Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database.

SETTINGS:
A high-volume specialist exenteration center.

PATIENTS:
Consecutive adult patients undergoing pelvic exenteration with curative intent for locally recurrent rectal cancer between 1994 and 2023.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Overall survival from time of pelvic exenteration.

RESULTS:
Of the 300 patients included, 193 (64%) were male and the median age was 62 years (range, 29-86). Median time from primary rectal cancer surgery to pelvic exenteration was 35 months (range, 4-191). In total, 56 patients (19%) had a history of metastatic disease; of which 42 (14%) had previously treated metastases and 18 patients (6%) had synchronous metastatic disease (including 4 patients with both synchronous and previously treated metastases). Five-year and median overall survival was 41% and 45 months, respectively. There was a trend toward poorer 5-year overall survival in patients with a history of metastatic disease compared to those without (25% vs 45%); however, this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.110), possibly due to lack of statistical power. Five-year overall survival was 27%, 25% and 45% for patients with synchronous metastases, previously treated metastases, and no history of metastases, respectively (p = 0.260).

LIMITATIONS:
Findings may not be applicable beyond highly selected patients treated at specialized exenteration centers.

CONCLUSIONS:
Long-term survival is achievable in highly selected patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer and synchronous or previously treated distant metastases. Therefore, oligometastatic disease should not be considered an absolute contraindication to exenterative surgery. See Video Abstract.
Macular Hole with an Intact Bacillary Layer
Authors: Fu Yu-Teng , Yang Chung-May , Lai Tso-Ting , Ho Tzyy-Chang , Yang Chang-Hao , Hsieh Yi-Ting 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To describe the clinical characteristics of macular holes (MH) with an intact bacillary layer.

Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed the characteristics and surgical results of 23 eyes with MH and an intact bacillary layer, with or without rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Results:
Among the 23 eyes, 11 had only MH, and 12 had concurrent fovea-off RRD. Ten eyes (43.5%) were highly myopic. In the MH-only group, no bacillary layer detachment (BALAD) was observed before MH formation. Ten eyes underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and intravitreal injection of C3F8, and the other one received an intravitreal C3F8 only. The MH closure rate was 90.9% after one operation and 100% after two. In the RRD group, 66.7% had BALAD. ILM peeling was performed in 8 eyes (66.7%). The MH closure rate was 91.7% after one operation and 100% after two. Both groups showed significant visual improvement after surgery (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
An intact bacillary layer can be observed in MH with or without concurrent fovea-off RRD. Surgical outcomes are similar to typical MH cases, and the intact bacillary layer may not facilitate MH sealing like the ILM. An ILM flap should be considered for large MHs or highly myopic eyes.
Longitudinal Study of Epibulbar Dermolipomas Over Five-Year Follow-Up: Growth Analysis, Refractive Errors, and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Anklesaria Vidhi , Basu Sayan , Singh Swati 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the growth, management, and outcomes of epibulbar dermolipomas over a 5-year follow-up period.

Methods:
This was a retrospective chart review of epibulbar dermolipoma patients with a minimum follow-up of 5 years, which analyzed the changes in size, refractive errors (spherical equivalent), best-corrected visual acuity, histology, and surgical outcomes.

Results:
A total of 61 eyes of 53 patients (32 females) with an average presenting age of 4.4 years were included. Eight patients had bilateral involvement, and 22 (41.5%) had Goldenhar syndrome. Forty-one eyes had corneal and conjunctival involvement, and 12 had only conjunctival involvement. Forty-five eyes (73.7%) had refractive errors, and 39 (63.9%) were amblyopic. The average lesion size was 8.3 ± 6.1 by 7.4 ±4.9 mm and 7.1 ± 5 by 7.5 ±5.4 mm in operated and unoperated eyes, respectively. Of 61 eyes, 30 underwent simple surgical excision with conjunctival autograft (3), amniotic membrane graft (7), partial thickness corneal transplant (18), and amniotic membrane graft plus limbal epithelial transplant (2). Fifty-five (90%) of operated eyes had better cosmesis and a significant change in refractive error (p = 0.003). The best-corrected visual acuity improved in operated eyes by 0.4 logMAR units (p = 0.05). A mean size increase of 0.4 ± 0.8 by 0.4 ± 0.9 mm occurred in 31 eyes managed conservatively, with improved best-corrected visual acuity but no change in refractive errors. Amblyopic eyes showed improvement in best-corrected visual acuity of 0.7 (p = 0.007) after occlusion therapy in 13 unoperated and 26 operated eyes.

Conclusion:
Epibulbar dermolipomas often have associated refractive errors and amblyopia. Timely surgical excision improves cosmesis and refractive errors. Occlusion therapy for amblyopic eyes should be offered to help improve vision.
Complex causal relationships between genetic predictions of 731 immune cell phenotypes and novel coronavirus: A two-sample mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Niu Ze-Su , Liu Ru-Xin , Hu Yi , Meng Xiao-Rui , Liu Li-Hong , Yang Li-Ting , Bai Xue , Chen Meng-Fei , Pan Dong-Feng 
Published: December 2024

Background:
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a significant impact on global health. While the virus primarily affects the respiratory system, the intricate interplay between immune cells and the virus remains poorly understood. This study investigates the causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and COVID-19 using Mendelian randomization analysis.

Methods:
A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using genetic variants strongly associated with immune cell phenotypes as instrumental variables. Data for 731 immune cell phenotypes were sourced from the GWAS Catalog, while data for COVID-19 susceptibility were obtained from the OPEN GWAS database. Five MR methods (IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode) were employed to estimate causal effects, with IVW as the primary analysis method.

Results:
The study identified 57 immune cell phenotypes causally associated with COVID-19 risk across two independent GWAS datasets. Five immune cell phenotypes were consistently associated with COVID-19 risk across both datasets: CD3-lymphocyte %lymphocyte (protective), CD27 on CD20- (protective), CD20 on IgD+ CD38- unsw mem (increased risk), CD27 on IgD- CD38- (increased risk), and CD19 on B cell (increased risk). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings.

Conclusion:
This study provides compelling evidence for a causal relationship between specific immune cell phenotypes and COVID-19 risk. These findings highlight the potential for targeting these immune cell phenotypes as novel therapeutic targets for COVID-19 treatment and prevention.
2024 Charles F. Prentice Medal award lecture: Moments of inspiration
Authors: Efron Nathan 
Published: December 2024

In this Prentice Medal Award lecture, I shall recount my career in vision science in the context of three types of inspiration—“being inspired,” “personal inspiration,” and “inspiring others.”
My research has derived inspiration from a variety of sources, such as contemporary and historical research doyens in the ophthalmic field and beyond, artists, Greek philosophers, and abstract constructs such as principles and adages. A given moment of inspiration can range from being a profound experience to a subtle realization during a quiet moment of reflection. Here I shall recount the primary research domains of vision science that have defined my academic career in the context of the three types of inspiration defined above. These research domains are ophthalmic markers of diabetic neuropathy, ocular response to contact lens wear, contact lens–induced parainflammation, contact lens–associated microbial keratitis, grading scales for contact lens complications, contact lens prescribing surveys, material properties of contact lenses, contact lens compliance, history of contact lenses, ocular thermography, and ophthalmic bibliometrics. The notions of “being inspired” and “personal inspiration” are necessarily subjective, although I have endeavored to present them here in a scientific context. Conversely, the notion of “inspiring others” can be objectively gauged, at least in part, by counting article citations or the number of times articles are read online or downloaded from a journal website. In conclusion, my research in the vision sciences has been inspired by others, derived from personal ideas, and perhaps in turn has inspired others.
Choosing the road less traveled: reflections on the past and prospects of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS)
Authors: Baider Lea , Goldzweig Gil 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
As the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) marks its 40th anniversary, this commentary reflects on the profound impact and evolution of the organization. IPOS has blazed a trail in improving psychosocial oncology care, evolving into a significant global entity that influences oncology care by addressing the complex emotional needs of patients with cancer, caregivers, and health care providers. While great strides have been made, many challenges remain. As disparities in health care persist and global crises, demographic shifts, and aging affect cancer care, IPOS role becomes ever more crucial in advocating for comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and accessible psychosocial support. This commentary urges a commitment to the fundamental IPOS principles, promoting deeper engagement with patients' experiences and needs, fostering global collaboration, and driving innovative, meaningful research to enhance the quality of life for all affected by cancer. IPOS must remain open, flexible, and loyal to its humanistic, democratic principles as the field explores new frontiers.
Preadmission VACS Index as a Predictor of Hospital Acute Kidney Injury in People with HIV
Authors: Fisher Molly C. , Hanna David B. , Fazzari Melissa , Felsen Uriel R. , Wyatt Christina M. , Abramowitz Matthew K. , Ross Michael J. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index is a summary measure of routinely obtained clinical variables that predicts numerous health outcomes. Since there are currently no tools to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in persons with HIV (PWH), we investigated the association of preadmission VACS Index with hospital AKI in PWH.

Methods:
We conducted an observational study of PWH hospitalized in a New York City health system between 2010-2019. The VACS Index, calculated using outpatient laboratory values within 8-365 days of admission, was examined continuously and in quartiles. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and ICU admission, determined the association of the VACS Index with AKI.

Results:
Among 1,186 PWH, median age was 53, 43.5% were women, 86.2% were Hispanic or Black, 23.1% were coinfected with hepatitis C, and 65% were virally suppressed (<200 copies/mL). Overall AKI incidence was 20.9%. The proportion with AKI was higher by increasing VACS index quartile: 10.7%, 18.6%, 28.1% and 60.7% in quartiles 1-4, respectively. There was a graded, independent association of VACS Index quartile with AKI. Compared to those in the lowest quartile, the adjusted relative hazard of AKI was 1.55, 1.92, and 3.07 times higher in quartiles 2-4, respectively (P for trend <0.001).

Conclusion:
Preadmission VACS Index is associated with hospital AKI. Use of the VACS Index may allow for early identification of PWH at risk for AKI and initiation of preventative strategies. These findings should be externally validated in other health systems, including its predictive performance in specific hospital settings.