bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Choroidal Osteoma in Asian Indians (80 Patients)
Authors: Ketkar Manasi , Jacob Ninan , Sahoo Niroj , Kaliki Swathi , Raval Vishal 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of choroidal osteoma in Indian patients.

Methods:
This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 80 patients (100 eyes) between 2nd October 2012 and 15th May 2024.

Results:
Forty-nine (61%) participants were female, and 31 (39 %) were male. The most common age group was the second decade (n=27, 34%). Tumor ossification with intact RPE was observed in 37 (44%) eyes and tumor deossification with/without RPE atrophy was observed in 55 (65%). Associated features observed were choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in 40 (40%) eyes, subretinal fluid without CNV in 4 (4%) eyes, and documented tumor growth in 6 (6%) eyes (mean interval, 4 years). At 4 and 8 years, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed tumor growth in 18% and 38% of eyes, respectively. Of the 83 eyes, OCT showed the presence of choroidal lamellae in ossified zones in 30 eyes (100%), CNV in 40 (48%) eyes, SRF without CNV or growth in 8 (10%) eyes, and RPE atrophy with deossification in 53 (64%) eyes. Treatment included intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for CNV in 39 eyes, transpupillary thermotherapy in 3, and focal laser photocoagulation in one eye to the perifoveal leaning edge with SRF without CNV. The mean BCVA changed from 0.4 to 0.6 logMAR units (6/15 to 6/24 Snellen’s equivalent) at a mean follow-up of 19 months (3-149 months).

Conclusion:
Choroidal osteoma is a unilateral condition observed in females. Although benign, the presence of CNV, SRF, or tumor growth requires treatment and periodic surveillance.
Ivermectin 1% Combined With Intense Pulsed Light Treatment for Dry Eye Disease Secondary to Demodex Blepharitis
Authors: Safir Margarita , Rabina Gilad , Arbel Itamar , Sharon Yael , Spierer Oriel , Mimouni Michael , Nahum Yoav 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To examine the safety and efficacy of combined treatment with topical ivermectin 1% and intense pulsed light (IPL) for dry eye disease (DED) secondary to demodex blepharitis.

Methods:
A retrospective review of medical files of patients treated at a private clinic specializing in DED between November 2022 and February 2024 was performed. Sixty-one patients aged 18 years or older with DED because of demodex blepharitis, who received the IPL and ivermectin 1% combination therapy, were included. IPL was applied to the periocular area 4 times at 2- to 3-week intervals, and ivermectin 1% once daily for 1 to 2 months. Both eyes (n = 122) of each patient were evaluated before and immediately after treatment cessation. Blepharitis, meibomian gland secretion, corneal staining, patient satisfaction, and overall clinical improvement were recorded.

Results:
Mean age was 59.6 ± 17.6 years and 50.8% (n = 31) were males. Meibomian gland secretion grading improved significantly after treatment from 2.74 ± 0.63 to 1.63 ± 0.63 (P < 0.001). Blepharitis was eliminated after treatment in 77.0% of patients (23.0% after treatment vs. 100.0% before, P < 0.001). The patient satisfaction rate was moderate to high (range 0–2, mean 1.54 ± 0.60). Clinical improvement rate was moderate to high as well (range 0–2, mean 1.52 ± 0.50). No significant side effects were observed.

Conclusions:
The combined application of topical ivermectin and IPL to the facial area induced significant improvement of demodex blepharitis and meibomian gland secretion grading along with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Further randomized controlled double-blinded studies are needed.
Effect of Corticosteroid Phobia on Treatment Adherence and Outcome in Women With Lichen Sclerosus: A Prospective Study
Authors: Borghi Alessandro , Flacco Maria Elena , Pacetti Lucrezia , Schettini Natale , Toni Giulia , Corazza Monica 
Published: December 2024

Objective
The phenomenon of topical corticosteroid (TC) phobia (TCP) poses a challenge to the adherence of patients requiring prolonged treatments, particularly those with conditions like atopic dermatitis. Nonadherence to treatment significantly contributes to the inadequate control of diseases. This study aimed to evaluate TCP among women suffering from vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and its potential impact on treatment adherence and therapeutic outcomes.

Materials and Methods
This observational, prospective study involved adult patients who received their first histological diagnosis of VLS and underwent a 12-week corticosteroid treatment regimen at the authors’ Vulva Unit between June 2022 and September 2023. All participants completed the validated TOPICOP questionnaire, which assesses concerns, worries, and beliefs regarding TC usage. Baseline and 12-week control visit assessments were conducted to evaluate subjective and objective parameters of VLS. Patient adherence to treatment was monitored through diary entries.

Results
Among the 50 patients included (with a mean age of 64.9 ± 13.5 years), more than half (58%) had prior experience with TC treatments and 10.3% had used corticosteroids for vulvar symptoms without a precise diagnosis. The median global TOPICOP score was 19.4% (interquartile range = 5.6–36.1), with a corresponding median value of 7.0 (interquartile range = 2.0–13.0). A total of 41 patients (82.2%) adhered to the study treatment, which proved highly effective in alleviating symptoms and improving signs of VLS. Multivariate analysis revealed that neither treatment adherence nor effectiveness were significantly associated with the level of TCP.

Conclusions
Among the authors’ VLS patients, TCP was relatively low and did not negatively impact treatment adherence to corticosteroids. Moreover, TCP did not influence the effectiveness of TC therapy, as it did not affect adherence.
Bridging Gaps in Cervical Cancer Care: A Web-Based Intervention to Improve Knowledge and Follow-up
Authors: Kulkarni Amita , Ahsan Muhammad Danyal , LaRosa Taylor , Webster Emily , Ma Xiaoyue , Cantillo Evelyn , Frey Melissa K. , Holcomb Kevin M. , Safford Monika M. , Chapman-Davis Eloise 
Published: December 2024

Objectives
Contributors to disparities and worse cervical cancer outcomes include limited education and loss to follow-up after an abnormal Pap smear. Effective interventions are necessary to engage diverse populations. The authors piloted an intervention to assess acceptability, knowledge uptake, and follow-up.

Materials and Methods
This prospective pilot study recruited patients scheduled for colposcopy visits at a government-insured clinic and faculty clinics within an academic medical center to use the Patient Activated Learning System (PALS). The PALS intervention included 5 short educational videos about human papillomavirus and colposcopy. Participants completed a baseline knowledge questionnaire, viewed PALS videos followed by post-intervention knowledge and acceptability surveys. Perceptions of PALS, anxiety, and impact on follow-up were evaluated.

Results
Of 63 (70%) participants completing the intervention, 24 (38%) were from the government-insured clinic and 39 (62%) from faculty clinics. Median age was 36 (range 30–48), 38 (63%) were racial and ethnic minorities, and 21 (33%) were non-Hispanic White. The intervention improved knowledge scores for the entire cohort (60%–75%, p < .01), even when stratified by race/ethnicity (p < .01 for all), income (p < .01), education (p < .01), practice (p < .01), and insurance type (p < .001). Participants found PALS convenient to use (4.6/5), enjoyable (4.2/5), and acceptable (4.6/5); 75% said the videos alleviated colposcopy-related anxiety, and 84% indicated PALS made them more likely to follow up. The guideline concordant follow-up rate among study completers was 73%.

Conclusion
In this pilot study, PALS was effective and acceptable among a diverse cohort. These free, widely viewed videos can successfully engage diverse populations to improve colposcopy knowledge and follow-up.
Multitracer PET/CT Findings in a Case of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia With Parkinsonism
Authors: Chen Shuai , Fu Chang , Shao Jing-Yu , Xu Jun-Ling , Zhang Jie-Wen 
Published: December 2024

Abstracts
We report the clinical and multimodal PET/CT manifestations in a patient with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism. The 18F-FDG PET scan revealed hypometabolism in the left supratentorial cortex. The 18F-fluorodopa PET scan demonstrated decreased uptake in the bilateral striatum, most prominent in the head of caudate nucleus. The 18F-florbetapir PET scan indicated an absence of β-amyloid deposition, whereas the 18F-flortaucipir PET scan showed uptake in the left hemisphere neocortex. The clinical presentation and asymmetric neuroimaging features supported the underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration-tau pathology.
Toward Holistic Solutions to Undernutrition: A Comprehensive Preclinical Protocol for Novel Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods Testing
Authors: Utume Laura Nguoron , Janssen Jerome Nicolas , Akomo Peter , Shaw Daisy , Edwards William Joseph Samuel , Muleya Molly , Nikolaou Charoula Konstantia , Schneider Aviv , Westby Andrew , Reifen Ram , Tsaousis Anastasios D. , Monsonego-Ornan Efrat , Bechoff Aurélie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSevere acute malnutrition (SAM) affects over 45 million children under five worldwide. Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs), the cornerstone of treatment, reach only 30% of children in need due to high production costs and reliance on imports. RUTF formulations developed from local ingredients have shown varying efficacy levels focusing primarily on weight gain, overlooking critical factors like micronutrient status, skeletal development, and gut health. The presented study establishes a comprehensive protocol for preclinical testing of novel RUTF formulations using a validated juvenile rat model replicating key features of malnutrition in children. Beyond the standard anthropometric measurements (body weight, length, and food consumption), bone quality is assessed through micro-computed tomography and mechanical testing, providing insights into microstructure and functionality beyond standard anthropometric measurements. Concurrently, gut microbiome dynamics are analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing coupled with metabolomic profiling of stool and serum to monitor gut health and systemic recovery.By addressing critical gaps in traditional RUTF evaluations and emphasising locally sourced, cost-effective formulations, this protocol offers a transformative framework for developing accessible and impactful malnutrition treatments. The findings generated through this multidisciplinary approach will guide RUTFs optimisation, strengthen their scientific foundation, and pave the way for evidence-based clinical trials to improve global malnutrition treatment strategies.
Advancing White Blood Cell Detection: A Multi-Domain Dataset for Morphological Analysis and Addressing Sparse Annotation Challenges
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Meraj Talha , Minhas Aiman Mahmood , Imran Ayisha , Ali Mohsen , Sultani Waqas 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRealistic leukemia analysis on microscopic slides requires a system that localizes, classifies, and performs WBC morphological analysis. While deep learning has advanced medical imaging, leukemia analysis is hindered by the lack of a large, diverse dataset. Our contribution here is twofold. First, we present a large-scale Leukemia dataset collected through Peripheral Blood Films (PBF) from many patients, through multiple microscopes, multi-cameras, and multi-magnification. To enhance explainability and medical expert acceptance, each leukemia cell is annotated with 7 morphological attributes, ranging from Cell Size to Nuclear Shape. Specifically, we used two microscopes from two different cost spectrums (high-cost: HCM and low-cost: LCM) to capture the dataset at three magnifications (100x, 40x,10x) through different sensors (high-end camera for HCM, middle-level camera for LCM, and mobile phone camera for both). Our dataset has 2.4k annotated images per resolution (in both HCM and LCM), with 10.3K cells annotated for 14 WBC types and 7 morphological properties. Secondly, hematologists typically annotate only well-spread, non-overlapping cell regions within small fields of view (FoV), leaving larger FoVs unannotated. Models trained solely on these annotated areas underutilize available information. To overcome this limitation, we present a novel method for training object detectors using sparse annotations. Along with this, we present a second dataset Leukemia-Sparse-Attri dataset. Curated at 40x FoV, this dataset consists of 1546 sparsely annotated microscopic images, and 185 fully annotated images (used for testing). From explainability to overcoming domain-shift challenges, presented datasets could be used for many challenging aspects of microscopic image analysis.
Therapeutic potential of human mesenchymal stromal cell-derived mitochondria in a rat model of post-surgical digestive fistula: towards an energetic nano-biotherapy
Authors: Mariani Antoine , Guichard Augustin , Sebbagh Anna C. , Cronemberger Andrade André , Al Amir Dache Zahra , Ribes Christopher , Ayollo Dmitry , Karoui Mehdi , Lavieu Gregory , Gazeau Florence , Silva Amanda K. A. , Rahmi Gabriel , Mozafari Sabah 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundTissue regeneration heavily relies on cellular energy production, with mitochondria playing a crucial role. Dysfunctional mitochondria are implicated in various degenerative diseases, driving interest in targeting mitochondrial transplantation for tissue repair. Wound healing is highly compromised in gastrointestinal conditions resulting in fistula development, particularly after sleeve gastrectomy. Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) and their cell-free products such as mitochondria offer potential benefits due to their therapeutic properties on cellular energy production. Here we investigated the therapeutic advantage of hMSCs-derived mitochondria nano-biotherapy in a rat model of post-surgical fistula healing.MethodsViable and structurally intact mitochondria were isolated from hMSCs before exposure to human colonic epithelial cells (HCEC-1CT) culture or transplantation into a rat model of post-operative fistula.ResultsOur findings reveal significant dose-dependent improvement on cellular metabolic activity and ATP content of the recipient cells. Assessment of the external fistula orifice developed following post sleeve gastrectomy fistula, revealed a substantial healing in all transplanted rats compared to control group.ConclusionOur findings highlight the therapeutic potential of hMSCs-derived mitochondria in post-surgical fistula healing. This research contributes to advancing cell-free regenerative strategies for gastrointestinal conditions, offering new insights into mitochondrial-based therapies for enhancing wound healing and tissue repair.
Drosophila’s sensory responses to bacterial peptidoglycan integrates positive and negative signals
Authors: Montanari Martina , Manière Gérard , Masuzzo Ambra , Milleville Romane , Grosjean Yaël , Kurz C. Léopold , Royet Julien 
Published: December 2024

AbstractInteractions between animals, including humans, and surrounding microbes are governed by a delicate balance, crucial for survival. Animals must distinguish and respond adequately to beneficial and harmful microbes to maintain homeostasis. Recent research suggests that bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan (PGN) influence host behavior by modulating neuronal activity. PGN detection by specific neurons can prompt infected female flies to reduce oviposition or trigger avoidance behaviors via gustatory neurons. Using behavioral assays and calcium imaging, we found that PGNs can also act as attractants, activating the sweet taste circuit in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that flies integrate PGN-derived positive and negative signals to make ad hoc decisions. This dual response underlines the need forDrosophilato distinguish between different concentrations of compounds in their environment, integrating sensory data to navigate efficiently in microbe-co-inhabited environments.Highlights-Bacterial PGN is attractive to flies at high concentrations-Gr5a sweet gustatory neurons are activated by PGN in an NF-kB independent manner-PER to high PGN concentrations remains in axenic flies-Fly gustatory response to PGN integrates both attractive and aversive signals
Genomic Landscape of Thrombosis Recurrence Risk Across Venous Thromboembolism Subtypes
Authors: Munsch Gaëlle , Thibord Florian , Bezerra Ohanna C , Brody Jennifer A. , van Hylckama Vlieg Astrid , Gourhant Lénaïck , Chen Ming-Huei , Germain Marine , Caro Ilana , Suchon Pierre , Olaso Robert , Wiggins Kerri L. , Saut Noémie , Besse Céline , Goumidi Louisa , Bacq Delphine , Harrington Laura B , Boland Anne ,   CHARGE Hemostasis working group,   INVENT consortium, Lemarié Catherine A , Danckwardt Sven , Debette Stéphanie , Deleuze Jean-François , Jacqmin-Gadda Hélène , Rodger Marc A , Gagnon France , Rosendaal Frits R , Johnson Andrew D , Smith Nicholas L , Couturaud Francis , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Trégouët David-Alexandre 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VT) is a frequent (annual incidence of 1 to 2 per 1,000) and potentially life-threatening (case-fatality rate up to 10%) disease. VT is associated with serious short-term and long-term complications including a recurrence rate of approximately 20% within five years. Anticoagulant therapy, the mainstay of VT treatment, drastically reduces the risk of early VT recurrence, but it exposes patients to a substantial risk of bleeding. We analysed the genomic architecture of VT recurrence using data from 6,571 patients across eight cohorts, 1,816 of whom experienced recurrence, with a particular focus on the clinical manifestation of the type of first VT event. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we identified three loci significantly associated (P<5×10-8) with VT recurrence in the general VT population:GPR149/MME,L3MBTL4, andTHSD7B. Protein Quantitative Trait Locus and Mendelian Randomization analyses further identified elevated plasma levels of coagulation factor XI and GOLM2 as risk factors for recurrence, while decreased levels of PCSK9 and pro-IL16 were linked to reduced VT recurrence risk.Subgroup analyses revealed 18 loci associated with VT recurrence, with notable differences between pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). For example, the exonic variantSLC4A1p.Glu40Lys was significantly associated with recurrence in PE patients (Hazard Ratio (HR)=3.23, P=9.7×10-12) but showed no effect in DVT (HR=1.00, P=0.98).These findings emphasize the role of specific genetic loci and protein pathways in influencing VT recurrence and provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms driving these associations.Key points29 loci/proteins associated with VT recurrence risk.The genomic architecture of VT recurrence risk varies based on the initial clinical presentation.
Impact of Trunk Function and Lower Limb Paralysis on Independence in Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Stroke
Authors: Nishida Takato , Sawai Shun , Fujikawa Shoya , Yamamoto Ryosuke , Shizuka Yusuke , Maru Takayuki , Nakagawa Kotaro , Nakano Hideki 
Published: December 2024

AbstractStroke is a major global health issue, and many patients experience motor paralysis and sensory impairments that affect their independence in activities of daily living (ADL). Trunk and lower limb functions are crucial in post-stroke ADL independence. Although these two functions are closely related, few studies have evaluated them in combination, and the importance of assessment methods that consider their mutual relationship has not been thoroughly examined. In this study, we aimed to clarify the degree to which trunk function and lower limb paralysis impact ADL independence when evaluated individually versus in combination, through a hierarchical regression analysis, and to verify the significance of the combined assessment of both functions. This cross-sectional study included 51 patients with first-ever stroke and hemiplegia. Trunk function was assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale, lower limb paralysis was evaluated using the Brunnstrom Recovery Stage for the lower extremities, and ADL independence was measured using the Functional Independence Measure. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of trunk and lower limb functions on ADL independence. Across two regression models, the assessment of trunk and lower limb function in combination significantly improved the accuracy in reflecting ADL independence compared with the assessment of each function individually. The findings suggest that a combined assessment of both trunk and lower limb functions is a valuable evaluation method in the rehabilitation of patients with stroke.
Genetically Informed Methods Uncover the Low Polygenicity of Natural Dizygotic Twinning and Highlight Its Role in Female Fertility and Infertility
Authors: Hubers Nikki , Page Christian M. , Pool René , Mbarek Hamdi , Lambalk Nils , Mijatovic Velja , Ligthart Lannie , van Dongen Jenny , Corfield Elizabeth C. , Beck Jeffrey J. , Ehli Erik A. , Martin Nicholas G. , Willemsen Gonneke , Håberg Siri , Harris Jennifer R. , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , Boomsma Dorret I. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNatural dizygotic twinning (DZT) results from hyper-ovulation and is often considered an indicator of female fertility. Paradoxically, DZT is associated with factors linked to sub-fertility, such as advanced maternal age. We investigated the association between DZT and female fertility by comparing polygenic scores (PGS) for DZT in mothers of twins and singletons who conceived naturally versus those who conceived after medically assisted reproduction (MAR). We also estimated genetic correlations between DZT and other fertility-related traits.Using GENESIS and SbayesS, we found that DZT is not highly polygenic, with about 0.20% of SNPs showing a nonzero effect and 17 SNPs contributing to 17.2% of the total predicted SNP heritability of 7.2%. We calculated PGSs for 4,381 twin mothers and 2,797 fathers of twins in the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR) and 1,299 twin mothers versus 64,810 singleton mothers in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The PGS for DZT captured 1.60% of the variance in DZT liability. PGSs were higher in mothers of naturally conceived twins compared to those with MAR-conceived twins, especially for mothers who used hormonal ovulation induction and higher PGSs were associated with a shorted time to pregnancy. High genetic correlations were observed between DZT and anovulatory infertility (rg = -0.698, p = 5.099x10-5), PCOS (rg = -0.278, p = 0.035), and endometriosis (rg = 0.279, p = 0.003).These findings suggest that the PGS for DZT is a valuable, under-recognized marker of female fertility, meriting further exploration within fertility research to improve reproductive health insights.