bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unravelling drivers on the morphological diversification of the terminal phalanx in hyloid frogs
Authors: Ponssa M L , Fratani J , Barrionuevo J S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The anuran locomotor system integrates traits that are influenced by phylogenetic, ecological, and development constraints. Given their significance to locomotion, we studied terminal phalange morphology in the Hyloidea group. We aim to deduce if morphological variability stems from phylogenetic, ecological, or life-cycle constraints. We explore the influence of size on variation and assess if evolutionary rates and shape disparities differ among the groups under consideration. Finally, we optimized phalangeal morphology within the phylogenetic framework to delineate evolutionary trends. We included 424 specimens of 128 species representing 17 families of Hyloidea and two of non-hyloid anurans. Configuration of the terminal phalanx was quantified using geometric morphometrics and characterized through qualitative traits. We established four categories based on microhabitats and locomotor abilities. Our life-cycle categorization distinguishes species by their consistent or changing microhabitat across larval and adult stages. The results show a complex scenario, where certain clades occupy distinct regions of morphospace, but there is also a relationship between phalangeal shape, microhabitats, and locomotor abilities. However, both the phylogenetic signal and the relationship with microhabitats and locomotor abilities are not particularly robust. Species inhabiting arboreal microhabitats develop convergent traits to thrive in this niche, such as rounded proximal epiphysis and the claw-shaped phalanx. Morphological disparity was higher in walkers, which also includes arboreal species, prompting further questions on the demands of locomotion in vertical substrates.
Long-Term Functional and Clinical Outcomes in Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Chen Hongan , Caldwell Anne Strong , Patnaik Jennifer L. , Feinstein Eric G. , Ghiassi Maryam , Mathias Marc T. , Oliver Scott C.N. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To characterize long-term functional and anatomical outcomes in patients with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR).

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with a diagnosis of FEVR at a tertiary academic institution and its affiliated children’s hospital treated from January 2003 through January 2024. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Functional vision was defined as at least one eye with Snellen visual acuity (SVA) ≥20/40 and ambulatory vision defined as at least one eye with SVA ≥20/200.

Results:
A total of 186 eyes from 96 patients comprised the FEVR cohort, of which 90 eyes from 46 patients were included for analysis. Average age at presentation was 6.4 years (SD 8.6) and average duration of follow-up was 9.1 years (SD 7.3, range 0-40).
At most recent exam, 77.3% of patients had functional vision and 88.6% had ambulatory vision. Globe salvage was achieved in 98.4% of eyes. Of the exam findings studied, only retinal detachment at presentation was significantly associated with worse vision in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:
Patients in our FEVR cohort show promising long-term functional and ambulatory vision outcomes. More than 75% of patients were 20/40 or better, and 89% of patients avoided legal blindness.
Successful Treatment Outcome of a Pediatric Malignant Germ Cell Tumor With an Extensive Cavo-atrial Tumor Thrombus Presenting as an Oncological Emergency
Authors: G Sai Shiva , VR Prasanth , Cheriyan Rajani Lilly , Sankar Ajay , Nair Manjusha , Rajeswari Binitha , CS Guruprasad , VS Kalasekhar , Dharan Baiju S. , Thankamony Priyakumari 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Pediatric germ cell tumor (GCT) with extensive cavo-atrial tumor thrombus presenting as an oncologic emergency is extremely rare.

Observation:
A 13-month-old female child with sacrococcygeal GCT having inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrial thrombus presenting with anasarca and respiratory distress is reported. Because of worsening symptoms post initiation of chemotherapy, tumor thrombus debulking from the right atrium and distal end of IVC was performed on day 9 on an emergency basis. Her symptoms improved, and after planned chemotherapy, tumor excision with coccygectomy could be done. The IVC thrombus remained inoperable due to sclerosis. She remains recurrent-free now 12 months post therapy.
Connecticut Pediatric Opioid Poisoning Trends Surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Collazo Susana D. , Smith Sharon R. , Hunter Amy A. 
Published: December 2024

Objective
Opioids are common substances involved in poisonings with increasing rates in fentanyl-related mortality since 2014. The COVID-19 pandemic compromised school attendance and supervision, which may have increased the risk of opioid ingestions in children. Our objective was to evaluate pediatric opioid poisonings in Connecticut before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
This cross-sectional retrospective study used emergency department (ED) discharges involving children aged 0–17 years captured in the Connecticut Injury Surveillance System. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify discharges involving opioids (T40.0-T40.4, T40.60, T40.69, F11). The χ2 test was used to identify differences by pre-COVID (2017–2019) and COVID (2020–2022) periods. Rates were examined by age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance, and discharge status.

Results
There were 1,386,796 ED discharges during the study period. Less than 1% involved opioid (N = 257) or fentanyl (N = 31) poisonings; no discharges were coded for both. The rate of opioid poisonings decreased 28.6%, from 2.1 to 1.5 per 10,000 ED visits. Subanalysis showed that the rate of fentanyl poisonings remained the same (0.2 per 10,000 ED visits). The rate of opioid poisonings was highest among non-Hispanic White children during both periods. However, there was a 57.7% increase in the rate of opioid poisonings in non-Hispanic Black children. The rate decreased for all other race/ethnic groups.

Conclusions
Results of our study showed a rise in opioid poisonings among non-Hispanic Black and elementary school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future prevention efforts may choose to further investigate and understand the trends in the more vulnerable groups.
Contribution of HIV transmission bursts to future HIV infections, United States
Authors: Billock Rachael M. , France Anne Marie , Saduvala Neeraja , Panneer Nivedha , Hallmark Camden J. , Wertheim Joel O. , Oster Alexandra M. 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
To estimate the influence of bursts of rapid HIV transmission on future transmission and describe populations affected by transmission bursts.

Design:
Phylogenetic analysis of US National HIV Surveillance System data.

Methods:
Time-scaled phylogenetic trees were inferred for six geographic regions using sequences from persons with HIV (PWH) with diagnoses of HIV infection 2014–2019. Transmission bursts were defined as ≥3 adjacent inferred transmission events in the phylogeny during a detection period. We calculated the relative contribution of transmission bursts 2015–2016 to transmission 2017–2019 compared with non-bursts. Then, we detected bursts within any sliding 2-year period 2014–2019 and assessed descriptive associations of characteristics of individuals involved with or descended from transmission bursts using univariate risk ratios.

Results:
The 5.6% of phylogenetic lineages involved in transmission bursts 2015–2016 contributed to 14.9% of inferred transmission events 2017–2019. The relative contribution of lineages involved in transmission bursts to future transmission was 2.94 times that of lineages not involved in bursts. Younger age at diagnosis, self-identification as transgender or an additional gender identity, or as a cisgender man, male-to-male sexual contact, injection drug use, or male-to-male sexual contact and injection drug use, and diagnosis during acute or early infection were most strongly associated with involvement in or descendance from transmission bursts.

Conclusions:
Transmission bursts contribute disproportionately to future HIV transmission, underscoring the value of detecting and responding to rapid transmission to reduce incidence. Bursts of rapid transmission may also contribute to enduring disparities in incidence among some key populations.
Comparison of Nasal Packing, Trans-septal Suturing, and Submucosal Trans-septal Suturing Techniques After Septal Extension Grafts With Autogenous Costicartilage
Authors: Gan Yufeng , Wu Jiacheng , Peng Su , Huang Xin , Chen Xiang , Wu Jie , Guo Zongke , Lin Jinde 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Nasal packing (NP), trans-septal suturing (TSS), and submucosal trans-septal suturing (STSS) are common techniques to avoid dead space after the deviated septum is corrected. However, there is rare data about surgical complications and discomfort of these techniques after septal extension grafts (SEG) with autogenous costicartilage.

Objective:
To compare the complications and discomfort of NP, TSS, and STSS techniques after SEG with autogenous costicartilage.

Materials and Methods:
The authors randomly divided 90 patients into NP, TSS, and STSS groups. The discomfort (sleeping disturbance, nasal obstruction, and pain), complications, and extra surgical duration were recorded and compared among the 3 groups.

Results:
The difference in extra-surgical duration was statistically significant between the 3 groups. Compared with the other 2 groups, the NP group had obviously higher average scores of sleeping disturbance, nasal obstruction, and pain during 48 hours after surgery, while TSS had an obviously higher incidence of septal mucoperichondrial injury. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of foreign body sensation, bleeding, hematoma, septal perforation, and infection between the 3 groups.

Conclusion:
The TSS technique is preferable after SEG with autogenous costicartilage.
Comparative Neuroexcitation Patterns Using fNIRS in Women With Overactive Bladder
Authors: Burkett Linda S. , Ghatas Mina , Query Helen , Daniels Peter , Grob Gabrielle , Matthew Ashley , Rogers Devin , Stothers Lynn , Speich John E. , Klausner Adam P. 
Published: December 2024

Importance
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive technique used to quantify prefrontal cortex (PFC) neuroexcitation. The PFC is involved in the decision to void, and dysfunction in the region has been associated with overactive bladder (OAB). This study demonstrates neuroexcitation differences in the brain region associated with the decision to void (prefrontal cortex) using noninvasive fNIRS.

Objective
The objective of this study was to compare PFC neuroexcitation during natural filling in female participants with and without OAB.

Study Design
Female participants with OAB were cross-sectionally compared with controls without urinary urgency. The fNIRS signals were continuously recorded during an oral hydration protocol. Simultaneously, recordings of real-time bladder sensation of fullness were completed. A period of “high sensation” was defined as the time from first desire to 100% sensation. Signal analysis included removal of motion artifact, low pass filtering, and interpolated to standardize reporting bladder filling time.

Results
A total of 25 female participants were enrolled and had complete analyzable data, including 14 with OAB and 11 controls without OAB. Change in O2Hb during the high sensation period was significantly lower in all PFC regions in the OAB group compared with controls (P < 0.001). The majority of OAB participants had a constant or decreasing neuroexcitation pattern, which differenced in comparison to normal controls who displayed an increasing pattern.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that fNIRS PFC excitation during a period of high sensation is consistently lower in women with OAB as compared with controls. These data support the hypothesis that the PFC plays an inhibitory role in voiding function and that there may be a lack of inhibitory control in women with OAB.
Vaginal Orthosis After Native Tissue Reconstructive Surgery: Design and Phase 0
Authors: Cadena Max C. , Hong Christopher X. , Blokker Alexandra , Sham Derek , Richter Holly E. 
Published: December 2024

Importance
Pelvic organ prolapse recurrence following native tissue repair occurs with composite failure rates of 9–19% within 12 months, predominantly involving apical/anterior compartments. Objective The objective of this study was to develop a novel vaginal orthosis (NVO) device prototype through an iterative design process based on investigator and user feedback.

Study Design
The NVO was designed based on pelvic floor biomechanical principles to mitigate unopposed intra-abdominal pressure of the anterior vagina by absorbing and redirecting intra-abdominal forces to the levator ani and tailored to accommodate postoperative vaginal caliber and axis. Prototypes were fabricated by 3D-printing negative molds, cast, and cured with medical-grade biocompatible silicone. Ten healthy volunteers were recruited to provide qualitative feedback for iterative design refinement (phase 0).

Results
Through an iterative engineering design process, initial concepts were refined to align with the natural, resting H-shape of the vagina. Key features included a distal self-retaining feature, posterior curvature, proximal taper, and apical/anterior contact areas for support. A more rigid material to withstand intra-abdominal forces without folding was required; therefore, Shore A60 (medium soft) instead of A40 (soft) silicone was used. Based on participant feedback, the NVO retaining feature width range was reduced (47.5–63 mm to 45–50 mm) to decrease pressure on lateral vaginal walls and levator ani distally maintaining self-retaining function. Updates to the fitting and education process also provided increased descriptive instructions for insertion and removal.

Conclusions
A novel vaginal orthosis was designed specifically tailored to facilitate wound healing using an orthomedical model, improving the design through iterative feedback.
Evolving Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms and Urinary Tract Infection Relapse: Does Vaginal Estrogen Matter?
Authors: Abankwa Aileen , Squires Natalie , Sansone Stephanie , Asfaw Tirsit , Segal Saya 
Published: December 2024

Importance

Enterococcus faecalis urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in postmenopausal females and these bacteria create biofilms that may reduce treatment efficacy. The role of local vaginal estrogen therapy in susceptibility to E. faecalis infection is unclear.

Objective
The aim of the study was to evaluate differences in the treatment of relapsing E. faecalis UTIs in postmenopausal women using vaginal estrogen compared to premenopausal women.

Study Design
This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of 71 female ambulatory patients seen within the gynecology or urogynecology practices between 2011 and 2020. Patients included had symptomatic E. faecalis UTI and a diagnosis of recurrent UTI. Patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria and concurrent pregnancy were excluded. Data was retrieved by chart review, stored, and analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics. A 2-sided Fisher exact test was performed to compare outcomes between postmenopausal and premenopausal patients and the prescription of additional rounds of antibiotics for relapse.

Results
Within this cohort, 57.8% were postmenopausal and 42.2% were premenopausal. There was no statistically significant difference in the need for additional antibiotics between postmenopausal and premenopausal patients (10.8% vs 14.3%, P = 0.72), postmenopausal patients not using vaginal estrogen and premenopausal patients (0% vs 14.3%, P = 0.28), postmenopausal patients using vaginal estrogen and premenopausal patients (20% vs 14.3%, P = 0.70), and among postmenopausal vaginal estrogen users and nonusers (20% vs 0%, P = 0.11).

Conclusions
A small percentage of premenopausal and postmenopausal patients with recurrent UTI required additional antibiotics for E. faecalis relapse. However, there are no statistically significant differences between our estrogen-deficient or estrogenized postmenopausal patients, and premenopausal patients.
Estimates of quantal synaptic parameters in light of more complex vesicle pool models
Authors: Bornschein Grit , Brachtendorf Simone , Schmidt Hartmut 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe subdivision of synaptic vesicles (SVs) into discrete pools is a leading concept of synaptic physiology. To better explain specific properties of transmission and plasticity, it has been suggested initially that the readily releasable pool (RRP) of SVs is subdivided into two parallel pools differing in their release probability. More recently, evidence was provided that sequential pools with a single RRP and a series-connected finite-size replacement pool (RP) inserted between the reserve pool (RSP) and RRP equally well or even better account for most aspects of transmission and plasticity. It was further suggest that a fraction of the presynaptic release sites (N) are initially unoccupied by SVs, with vesicle recruitment occurring rapidly during activity, and furthermore that the number of release sites itself changes with rapid dynamics during activity. Here we propose a framework that identifies specific signs of the presence of the series-connected RP, using a combination of two experimental electrophysiological standard methods, cumulative analysis (CumAna) and multiple probability fluctuation analysis (MPFA). In particular we show that if the y-intercept (y(0)) of CumAna is larger thanNreported by MPFA (y(0) >NMPFA) this is a strong indication for a series-connected RP. This is due to the fact that y(0) reports the sum of RRP and RP. Our analysis further suggests that this result is not affected by unoccupied release sites, as such empty sites contribute to both estimates, y(0) andNMPFA. We discuss experimental findings and models in the recent literature in the light of our theoretical considerations.
Effectiveness of a single dose of oral cholera vaccine: findings from epidemiological and genomic surveillance ofVibrio Choleraein the Democratic Republic of the Congo (PICHA7 Program)
Authors: George Christine Marie , Namunesha Alves , Endres Kelly , Felicien Willy , Sanvura Presence , Bisimwa Jean-Claude , Perin Jamie , Bengehya Justin , Maheshe Ghislain , Cikomola Cirhuza , Bisimwa Lucien , Mwishingo Alain , Sack David A. , Domman Daryl 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study investigated whole-cell oral cholera vaccine (kOCV) single-dose effectiveness and transmission dynamics ofVibrio choleraethrough 4 years of epidemiological and genomic surveillance in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Whole genome sequencing was performed on clinical and waterV. choleraestrains from 200 patient households and found annual bimodal peaks ofV. choleraeclade AFR10e. 1154 diarrhea patients were enrolled with 342 culture confirmed cholera patients. A large clonal cholera outbreak occurred 18 months after a kOCV campaign of >1 million doses of Euvichol-Plus, likely because of low vaccine coverage in informal settlements (9%). Clinical and waterV. choleraestrains in the same household were more closely related than different households suggesting both person-to-person and water-to-person transmission. Single-dose kOCV vaccine effectiveness in the first 24 month after vaccination was 56.9% (95% CI: 18.6%-77.2%), suggesting a single-dose provided modest protection against medically attended cholera during the 24 months post-vaccination.
Crosslinking-mediated Interactome Analysis Identified PHD2-HIF1α Interaction Hotspots and the Role of PHD2 in Regulating Protein Neddylation
Authors: Ouyang Haiping , How Cindy Y. , Wang Xiaorong , Yu Clinton , Luo Ang , Huang Lan , Chen Yue 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTProlyl Hydroxylase Domain protein 2 (PHD2) targets Hypoxia Inducible Factor alpha subunits (HIFα) for oxygen-dependent proline hydroxylation that leads to subsequent ubiquitination and degradation of HIFα. In addition to HIF proteins, growing evidence suggested that PHD2 may exert its multifaceted function through hydroxylase-dependent or independent activities. Given the critical role of PHD2 in diverse biological processes, it is important to comprehensively identify potential PHD2 interacting proteins. In this study, we engineered HeLa cells that stably express HTBH-tagged PHD2 to facilitate the identification of PHD2 interactome. Using DSSO-based cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) technology and LC-MSnanalysis, we mapped PHD2-HIF1α interaction hotspots and identified over 300 PHD2 interacting proteins. Furthermore, we validated the COP9 Signalosome (CSN) complex, a major deneddylase complex, as a novel PHD2 interactor. DMOG treatment promoted interaction between PHD2 and CSN complex and enhanced the deneddylase activity of the CSN complex, resulting in increased level of free Cullin and reduced target protein ubiquitination. This mechanism may serve as a negative feedback regulation of the HIF transcription pathway.
Deciphering the thiolactonization mechanism in thiolactomycin biosynthesis
Authors: Guo Jiawei , Zhang Qiaoyu , Cheng Fangyuan , Sang Moli , Wang Xuan , Liu Mingyu , Pan Yunjun , Yu Hao-Bing , Hu Bo , Wang Sheng , Zheng Liangzhen , Geng Ce , Yang Chaofan , Luo Lianzhong , Zhang Gang , Du Lei , Zhang Wei , Wang Binju , Li Shengying , Zhang Xingwang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThiolactomycin (1), which features a uniqueγ-thiolactone ring, is a promising antibiotic candidate that specifically targets bacterial type II fatty acid synthase. Despite extensive studies on its pharmacological activities, modes of action, and chemical synthesis, the enzymatic processes responsible for forming the activity-determiningγ-thiolactone ring have remained largely unknown. Here, we resolve this problem by revealing that the condensation and heterocyclization (Cy) domain of the nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) TlnC (TlnCCy), along with the cytochrome P450 enzyme TlnA, cooperatively enable theγ-thiolactone assembly. TlnCCymediates an unusual sulfurtransfer reaction to sulfurate the polyketide intermediate, generating a thiocarboxyl intermediate. Subsequently, TlnA acts as aγ-thiolactone synthase, converting the linear thiocarboxyl intermediate into1via a distal radical-based cyclization mechanism. These findings not only expand the functional and catalytic repertoires of NRPS Cy domains and P450 enzymes, but also highlight a special enzymatic strategy forγ-thiolactone biosynthesis in nature.