bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of a newly launched Canadian fast-track ultrasound clinic by rheumatologists for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis
Authors: Mourot Jean-Charles , Yuen Sai Yan , Popescu Mihaela Luminita , Richard Nicolas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can present diagnostic challenges and early diagnosis is crucial due to potential ischemic complications. Recent guidelines suggest that a suspected diagnosis should be confirmed with temporal artery biopsy or imaging, including ultrasound (US). In our Canadian setting, point-of-care temporal artery US was near unavailable, and biopsy remains the standard of care. We hypothesize that launching a fast-track US clinic by rheumatologists may spare the need for a temporal artery biopsy. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of US in this newly launched fast-track clinic.

Methods
In this single-center retrospective cross-sectional analysis, 99 visits were identified from the fast-track clinic between January 2020 and July 2022. Each subject had an US according to a standard protocol for suspicion of either new-onset or relapse of GCA. Ultrasonographers were rheumatologists who acquired training on vascular US techniques before launching the clinic. For each patient presenting with suspected new-onset GCA, the pretest probability was calculated using the Southend GCA probability score. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using the rheumatologist clinical diagnosis as the gold standard for GCA diagnosis.

Results
A total of 22 subjects had a diagnostic of GCA and 77 had another diagnostic. Patients with and without GCA were, respectively, 81.8% versus 72.7% females, had a mean age of 76.6 ± 7.7 versus. 74.8 ± 9.8 years, and a mean CRP of 73.4 ± 57.8 versus 38.3 ± 59.9 mg/l. Temporal artery US demonstrated a sensitivity of 86.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 65.1–97.1%], a specificity of 90.9% (95% CI, 82.2–6.3%), a PPV of 73.1% (95% CI, 56.8–84.9%), and a NPV of 95.9% (95% CI, 89.0–.5%). 14 patients had a suspicion of relapse and were all correctly identified by the US. Among those with suspicion of new-onset 27, 34 and 24 US were performed for high, intermediate, and low pretest probability of GCA, respectively. The high-risk subgroup demonstrated higher PPV while similar sensitivity/specificity was observed between all three subgroups.

Conclusion
Our results highlight the benefits of US as a key diagnostic tool for GCA, particularly when combined with clinical evaluations. An excellent discriminative ability for diagnosis of GCA was shown in this newly launched clinic suggesting that the role of TAB may need to be redefined. These findings will guide on broader implementation of US programs for GCA.
Toxicity and residual activity of insecticides to Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apple orchards: implications for insecticide resistance management
Authors: Stupp Paloma , Lerin Sabrina , Gomes da Silva Filho José , Arioli Cristiano João , Bernardi Daniel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Organophosphate (OP) insecticides have been used to control Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) in Brazil since 1990. However, the evolution of pest insecticide resistance and toxicological reassessments has led to the replacement of OPs with other chemical groups. This study evaluated the toxicity of the insecticides abamectin + cyantraniliprole (1.1 + 3.7 g a.i./100 L−1), acetamiprid + etofenproxi (9.1 + 16.5 g a.i./100 L−1), emamectin benzoate (0.5 g a.i./100 L−1), Sophora flavescens (Fabales: Fabaceae) (22.8 g a.i./100 L−1), phosmet (87.5 g a.i./100 L−1), and indoxacarb (11.2 g a.i./100 L−1) to eggs, larvae, and adults of G. molesta. Additionally, the residual activity of these insecticides in apple orchards was assessed, and the diagnostic concentration for resistance monitoring was estimated using LC99 values (Lethal Concentration that causes 99% mortality in a susceptible population). In larval studies, all insecticides resulted in mortality rates of more than 90%. The insecticide acetamiprid + etofenproxi reduced larval hatching by 99%. This insecticide with phosmet and Sophora flavescens caused over 80% adult mortality and had a 14-day residual activity in apple orchards. The estimated LC99 (μg.ml−1) for resistance monitoring were 1.75 (indoxacarb), 6.45 (metaflumizone), 9.10 (acetamiprid + etofenproxi), 9.67 (Sophora flavescens), 36.13 (phosmet), and 45.61 (abamectin + cyantraniliprole). The insecticides evaluated have high toxicity for G. molesta, being new tools for integrated pest management and for insecticide resistance management in apple orchards.
Decreasing the Use of Cefdinir for Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections in a Rural Health Care System: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Berglund Kelly , Whitfield Philip Logan , Gabor Rachel M , Boyce Thomas G 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
There are several antimicrobial options for treating urinary tract infections in children. Although cefdinir is commonly used, better options exist. We developed an intervention bundle to reduce the use of cefdinir in favor of cephalexin. The intervention bundle decreased cefdinir use by 19.1% (73% relative decrease) while the use of cephalexin increased by 19.8%.
Robotic resection of a giant thymolipoma in a pediatric patient
Authors: Hanke Rae , Emr Bryanna , Taylor Matthew , Fahy Aodhnait S 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Thymolipomas are benign lesions in the anterior mediastinum that most commonly present in the first three decades of life. They often are asymptomatic and can be very large at time of diagnosis. After incidental detection of a thoracic mass on an abdominal ultrasound, an otherwise well 10 years old male was evaluated with further imaging, including a cardiac-gated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. This demonstrated that the mass was intimate with but did not appear to invade the pericardium, likely originating from the thymus. Despite the large size, the patient underwent robotic resection of the mass and we include photographs illustrating the minimally invasive approach and highlighting critical structures. The patient tolerated the procedure well and recovered quickly. Final pathology was consistent with a giant thymolipoma. In summary, workup of giant thymolipomas is optimized with cardiac gated imaging. Despite their large size, these can be safely managed in a minimally invasive fashion in pediatric patients.
Untying the Knot: How Child Support and Alimony Affect Couples’ Dynamic Decisions and Welfare
Authors: Foerster Hanno 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In many countries, divorce law mandates post-marital maintenance payments (child support and alimony) to insure the lower earner in married couples against financial losses upon divorce. This paper studies how maintenance payments affect couples’ intertemporal decisions and welfare. I develop a dynamic model of family labour supply, home production, savings, and divorce and estimate it using Danish register and survey data. The model captures the policy tradeoff between providing insurance to the lower earner and enabling couples to specialise efficiently, on the one hand, and maintaining labour supply incentives for divorcees, on the other hand. I use the estimated model to study various counterfactual policy scenarios. I find that alimony comes with more substantial labour supply disincentives compared to child support payments and is less efficient in providing consumption insurance. The welfare maximising policy, within the status quo policy space, involves increasing child support and reducing alimony payments. My results show that Pareto improvements beyond this welfare maximising policy are feasible, highlighting limitations of how child support and alimony policies are commonly implemented.
In- & Out-Cloning: plasmid toolboxes for scarless transcription unit and modular Golden Gate acceptor plasmid assembly
Authors: de Vries Stijn T , Köbel Tania S , Sanal Ahmet , Schindler Daniel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Golden Gate cloning has become one of the most important DNA assembly strategies. The construction of standardized and reusable part libraries, their assembly into transcription units, and the subsequent assembly of multigene constructs is highly reliable and sustainable. Researchers can quickly construct derivatives of their assemblies or entire pathways, and importantly, the standardization of Golden Gate assemblies is compatible with laboratory automation. Most Golden Gate strategies rely on 4-nt overhangs generated by commonly used Type IIS enzymes. However, reduction to 3-nt overhangs allows the use of codons as fusion sites and reduces potential scar sequences. This is particularly important when studying biological functions, as additional nucleotides may alter the structure or stability of the transcribed RNA. To address this issue we use SapI, a Type IIS enzyme generating three nucleotide overhangs, for transcription unit assembly, allowing for codon-based fusion in coding sequences. We created a corresponding plasmid toolbox for basic part generation and transcription unit assembly, a workflow we term as In-Cloning. In-Cloning is downstream compatible with the Modular Cloning standard developed by Sylvestre Marillonnet’s group for standardized assembly of multigene constructs. However, the multigene construct plasmids may not be compatible for use with the model organism of choice. Therefore, we have developed a workflow called Out-Cloning to rapidly generate Golden Gate acceptor plasmids. Out-Cloning uses standardized plasmid parts that are assembled into Golden Gate acceptor plasmids using flexible linkers. This allows the systematic construction of acceptor plasmids needed to transfer assembled DNA into the organism of interest.
Limitations of acetaminophen as a reference hepatotoxin for the evaluation of in vitro liver models
Authors: Livoti Lucia A , Sison-Young Rowena , Reddyhoff Dennis , Fisher Ciarán P , Gardner Iain , Diaz-Nieto Rafael , Goldring Christopher E , Copple Ian M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Acetaminophen is commonly used as a reference hepatotoxin to demonstrate that in vitro human liver platforms can emulate features of clinical drug-induced liver injury. However, the induction of substantial cell death in these models typically requires acetaminophen concentrations (∼10 mM) far higher than blood concentrations of the drug associated with clinical hepatotoxicity (∼1 mM). Using the cytochrome P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole, we show that acetaminophen toxicity in cultured human, mouse, and rat hepatocytes is not dependent on N-acetyl-p-benzoquinonimine formation, unlike the in vivo setting. This finding highlights the limitation of using acetaminophen as a reference hepatotoxin for the evaluation of in vitro liver models. Hence, we make recommendations on the selection of reference hepatotoxins for this purpose.
Trends in Short Interpregnancy Interval Births in the United States, 2016–2022
Authors: Admon Lindsay K. , MacCallum-Bridges Colleen , Daw Jamie R. 
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE:
To measure contemporary trends in the prevalence of short interpregnancy interval (IPI) births in the United States.

METHODS:
We conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis using 2016–2022 natality data from the National Vital Statistics System. We included all singleton live births to individuals with at least one prior live birth. We examined trends over time in short IPIs less than 18 months, as well as for specific durations within this time frame (less than 6 months, 6–11 months, and 12–17 months), using linear probability models that estimated changes in the prevalence of each IPI duration over time. We then estimated the prevalence of each short IPI duration by maternal race and ethnicity, socioeconomic characteristics (age, education, insurance payer at delivery), and geography (U.S. census region, state of residence).

RESULTS:
The study sample included 14,770,411 singleton live births to individuals with at least one prior live birth in 2016–2022. Roughly a third (29.8%) of births had an overall IPI of less than 18 months (5.0% less than 6 months, 11.0% 6–11 months, and 13.8% 12–17 months). For IPIs less than 6 months, a slight statistical decline in prevalence was identified over the study period in unadjusted and adjusted models (adjusted annual percentage point change −0.02, 95% CI, −0.03 to −0.02). Slight statistical increases in the prevalence of IPIs of 6–11 and 12–17 months were identified in unadjusted models but were no longer significant and reversed direction in adjusted models, respectively. Long-standing inequities in the distribution of the shortest IPIs (less than 6 months) were stable compared with prior work across the indicators examined in this study.

CONCLUSION:
Overall, it appears the prevalence of short IPIs has remained stable between 2016 and 2022.
Corneal Ectasia Following Cosmetic Keratopigmentation
Authors: Nouzovská Kateřina , Noveyri Behzad Barazandeh , Abu-Mustafa Sabat , Alió Jorge L. 
Published: November 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe 5 cases (10 eyes) that, following purely cosmetic femtosecond laser-assisted keratopigmentation (KTP), showed evolution toward corneal ectasia during a variable postoperative period.

Methods:
In a case series, 5 patients after bilateral purely cosmetic KTP showed progressive changes in topographic, refractive, and even in visual performance values manifesting from 6 months to 4 years following the procedure. A femtosecond laser-assisted cosmetic intrastromal KTP technique was performed in all patients using micronized mineral pigments. Two patients underwent a retouch using superficial automated KTP to optimize cosmetic outcome.

Results:
All patients preoperatively demonstrated normal corneal topography with no intraocular pathology and unimpaired visual acuity. One of the cases developed corneal ectasia after magnetic resonance imaging, another confirmed intensive eye rubbing due to allergic conjunctivitis, and 1 patient underwent previous myopic laser in situ keratomileusis procedure. The rest did not show any preoperative clinical evidence potentially related to the development of the keratectasia. One case rather demonstrated modification of keratometry (K) values than a clear corneal ectasia. Three cases were treated with epi-off corneal cross-linking.

Conclusions:
Corneal ectasia is a potential complication after cosmetic KTP and should be included in the preoperative informed consent. A comprehensive preoperative screening is necessary to exclude suspicious cases, and patients should be instructed to avoid eye rubbing and other maneuvers that could affect the potential development of this complication.
The impact of recipient hypernatremia on pediatric liver transplantation outcomes
Authors: He Zhi Mei Sonia , Reyes Gabriel , Liu Tommy , McDonald Malcolm , Kamepalli Spoorthi , Goss John A. , Galvan Nhu Thao Nguyen , Rana Abbas 
Published: November 2024

In pediatric liver transplants, dysnatremias have been found to have an impact on pre- and post-transplant outcomes. However, much of the current literature has focused on wait-list survival, secondary organ damage, and dysnatremia in donors rather than in recipients. To understand the effect of recipient immediate pre-transplant hypernatremia on post-transplant mortality, we conducted a multivariable retrospective review analyzing data from 8,011 pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation provided by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Multivariable analysis of hypernatremia showed an increased risk of mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75, 3.54 for a serum sodium between 150-155 mEq/L) while hyponatremia did not show a significant increase in relative risk for mortality (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.63 for a serum sodium between 125-130 mEq/L). Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves stratified by sodium level showed statistically significant differences in outcomes with progressively increasing mortality associated with increasing serum sodium levels. In particular, there is a statistically significant increase in 90-day mortality with serum sodium levels above 150 mEq/L. Hyponatremia had a moderate impact on mortality but was not statistically significant. Our analysis of immediate pre-transplantation resolution of hypernatremia also showed improved survival outcomes with a decreased mortality compared to transplant patients with unresolved hypernatremia. In conclusion, immediate pre-transplant recipient hypernatremia has a substantial impact on pediatric post-liver transplantation survival. Corrected hypernatremia resulted in decreased mortality compared to uncorrected hypernatremia. Recipient hypernatremia is an important indicator of disease processes and a predictor of poor post-transplantation mortality outcomes.
Increasing Engagement in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention Among Cisgender Women in New York City With Sexual Health Self-Testing Kits: A MaxDiff Analysis
Authors: Goldberg Alison J. , Price Devon M. , Phi Amanda , Ma Maria , Edelstein Zoe R. , Golub Sarit A. 
Published: November 2024

Background
Despite accounting for approximately 20% of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses in the United States, cisgender women are consistently underrepresented and underengaged in HIV prevention services such as HIV testing and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Black and Latina cisgender woman (BLCW) are disproportionately impacted by HIV, and face additional barriers to accessing prevention services due to racial/ethnic bias, sexism, and their intersection. Offering self-testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV is one potential strategy for increasing access to—and engagement in—preventative sexual health care among BLCW.

Methods
We conducted a study in consultation with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) and their collaborators in order to identify preferences for sexual health kits—including HIV and STI tests—among BLCW in New York City.

Results
We assessed the extent to which BLCW would be willing to accept and use HIV and STI self-testing. In addition, we identified the components of potential sexual health kits that would make them most attractive and would most increase the reach of a sexual health kit program in NYC. Finally, we examined differences in acceptability and preferences (by demographic factors, sexual behavior, and past service utilization) that may impact the development of future programs and interventions.

Conclusions
Self-testing for STIs and HIV represents a promising strategy for engaging BLCW in preventative sexual health services and increasing access to care.
The Optimized Use of a Contact-Free Continuous Monitoring System on Clinical Outcomes During COVID-19
Authors: Kim Alice , Dykes Patricia C. , Scully Darren , Wolski Paula , Franz Calvin , Lipsitz Stuart , Lowenthal Graham , Wien Matthew , Bates David W. 
Published: November 2024

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a contact-free continuous monitoring system on clinical outcomes including unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) transfer (primary), length of stay (LOS), code blue, and mortality. A secondary aim was to evaluate the return on investment associated with implementing the contact-free continuous monitoring program during the COVID public health emergency.

Methods:
An interrupted time series evaluation was conducted to examine the association between the use of contact-free continuous monitoring and clinical outcomes. A cost-benefit analysis was planned to evaluate the return on investment.

Results:
Use of contact-free continuous monitoring was not significantly associated with unplanned ICU transfers, deaths, ICU LOS, and or rapid response team calls. However, there were significant increases in code blue events (P = 0.02) and mean hospital LOS (P = 0.01) in the postimplementation period when compared with the preimplementation period. Due to the lack of improvement, costs were calculated but a cost-benefit analysis was not conducted.

Conclusions:
Contact-free continuous monitoring bed use during the COVID-19 public health emergency was not associated with improvements in clinical outcomes, although there was substantial confounding. Future studies should include large randomized controlled trials to control for factors not under direct experimental control including unit staffing, staff turnover, and differences in the patient population related to surges in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Optimizing Myelomeningocele Repair: Assessing the Role of Synthetic Acellular Dermal Regeneration Templates in Complex Closures
Authors: Barrera Jose E. , Dunnigan Jennifer K. , Wang Ellen , Swiekatowski Kylie , Osamor III Charles , Nye Jessica R. , Manisundaram Arvind , Obinero Chioma G. , Sobol Danielle L. , Sandberg David I , Shah Manish N. , Fletcher Stephen A. , Greives Matthew R. 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Myelomeningoceles threaten newborns with central nervous system infectious risk. While some myelomeningoceles can be repaired fetally, limited donor tissue in newborns makes covering a substantial defect challenging. This study evaluated the effectiveness of acellular dermal regeneration templates (ADRT) in safely healing refractory myelomeningoceles.

Methods:
Seven myelomeningocele repair cases using ADRT (Integra LifeSciences, Plainsboro, NJ) at an academic children’s hospital from April 2020 to June 2023 were reviewed. Patients had unsuccessful closure attempts through fetoscopic, postnatal, or revision surgeries by neurosurgery and plastic surgery, leading to complications that required ADRT to protect the dural repair and promote quicker granulation.

Results:
The case series included 3 male and 4 female patients, with a median delivery age of 37 weeks (IQR: 33–37). Three underwent fetoscopic repairs, and 4 had postnatal repairs within 48 hours of birth. Six patients required ADRT placement due to failed primary repair. One patient failed fetoscopic closure and required immediate ADRT placement following an emergent cesarean delivery. The median wound size covered was 12 cm2 (range, 4–20 cm2), and the median hospital stay was 84 days (IQR: 43–105). Three weeks post-ADRT placement, 4 patients showed healthy granulation tissue, and the external silicone layer was removed. Three patients needed additional ADRT for complete wound coverage and successful granulation. After granulation, all wounds eventually epithelialized by secondary intention, with no postoperative infection or wound dehiscence observed.

Conclusions:
ADRT can aid in wound healing and protect dural repair in myelomeningoceles, offering a viable option for complex or failed primary closures with limited donor tissue.