bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical deterioration during treatment of tuberculous meningitis responded to infliximab but not to steroids
Authors: Husic Almir , Jäggi Jonas , Müller Benjamin , Dashti David , Wirz Sebastian , Potlukova Eliska , Angelini Alessandra 
Published: November 2024

Paradoxical deterioration in patients with tuberculous meningitis is a significant diagnostic and treatment challenge. We present the case of a 55-year-old previously healthy male, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative, presenting with headache, fever, agitation and slurred speech, who was ultimately diagnosed with tuberculous meningoencephalitis confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. After initiation of a standard antitubercular therapy combined with glucocorticoids, the patient experienced an initial neurological improvement. However, after 3 months of therapy, he had a major stroke with neurological deterioration, clinically and radiologically attributable to a paradoxical deterioration or an immune reconstruction syndrome as described in HIV-positive patients. Due to the persistence of inflammatory symptoms and radiological evidence of worsening tuberculomas despite ongoing antituberculosis therapy, off-label use of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor infliximab was initiated. The patient received three doses of infliximab at 5 mg/kg at monthly intervals, which led to marked clinical and radiological improvement. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed regression of lesions, and the patient was eventually discharged with a significant recovery of motor and speech functions. This case underscores the potential of TNF inhibitors in managing severe cases of paradoxical deterioration in patients with tuberculous meningitis, challenging existing treatment paradigms and suggesting a need for further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of this condition.
Revisiting the radiological signs for the first metatarsal pronation assessment
Authors: Wu Daniel Y. , Lam Eddy K. F. 
Published: November 2024

AimsThe first metatarsal pronation deformity of hallux valgus feet is widely recognized. However, its assessment relies mostly on 3D standing CT scans. Two radiological signs, the first metatarsal round head (RH) and inferior tuberosity position (ITP), have been described, but are seldom used to aid in diagnosis. This study was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of these two signs for a more convenient and affordable preoperative assessment and postoperative comparison.MethodsA total of 200 feet were randomly selected from the radiograph archives of a foot and ankle clinic. An anteroposterior view of both feet was taken while standing on the same x-ray platform. The intermetatarsal angle (IMA), metatarsophalangeal angle (MPA), medial sesamoid position, RH, and ITP signs were assessed for statistical analysis.ResultsThere were 127 feet with an IMA > 9°. Both RH and ITP severities correlated significantly with IMA severity. RH and ITP were also significantly associated with each other, and the pronation deformities of these feet are probably related to extrinsic factors. There were also feet with discrepancies between their RH and ITP severities, possibly due to intrinsic torsion of the first metatarsal.ConclusionBoth RH and ITP are reliable first metatarsal pronation signs correlating to the metatarsus primus varus deformity of hallux valgus feet. They should be used more for preoperative and postoperative assessment.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1037–1040.
Raman scattering impairments caused by 50G-PON introduction and mitigation techniques
Authors: Simon Gaël , Pichard Lise , Saliou Fabienne , Potet Jérémy , Chevalier Dylan , Chanclou Philippe 
Published: November 2024

We explore the impact of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in the context of multiple PON generations sharing the same optical distribution network. The 50G-PON, being the last specified ITU-T PON, imposes the use of high launch power to meet strong optical path loss requirements. We show that the XGS-PON upstream could be the first victim of the introduction of 50G-PON since its wavelength spacing maximizes Raman scattering. We exploit a model to describe both in simulation and experiment the SRS-induced depletion on XGS-PON. Assuming that 50G-PON will be deployed on the current passive infrastructure, we also exploit field data to precisely predict the amount of terminations exceeding the requirements. The results show that up to 1.8 dB can be lost on XGS-PON upstream signals, 1.3 dB on the 50G-PON upstream, and 0.5 dB on the G-PON upstream, over a distance of 20 km of fiber. Up to 3% of terminations may be affected, according to our field data exploitation. Improving the receivers’ sensitivity through either better photodiodes, signal processing, or forward error correction could relax the high launch power constraints, and thus the SRS. Deploying an optical splitter at the central office could also limit the power actually launched into the fiber while meeting high split ratios. Finally, decreasing the 50G-PON downstream wavelength seems a possible option to mitigate the Raman scattering.
Realist assessment of fidelity during the implementation of the PARTNERS collaborative care intervention for people with diagnoses of severe mental illness within a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hobson-Merrett Charley , Frost Julia , Gwernan-Jones Ruth , Pinfold Vanessa , Clark Michael , El Naggar Shamiaa , Gask Linda , Gibbons Bliss , Gibson John , Reilly Siobhan T. , Richards Debra , Saunders Angela , Smith Debs , Byng Richard 
Published: November 2024

Many with severe mental illnesses are underserved by disjointed service provision. PARTNERS aims to address this via collaborative care with recovery-based coaching. PARTNERS was evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. Understanding how intervention delivery compared to the model, why this was, and under what circumstances, aids interpretation of trial results and optimisation of future implementation. This paper reports the results of a Realist assessment of fidelity, exploring delivery compared to model and refining programme theory. Practitioners, service users, supervisors, primary care representatives, and researchers (n = 39) were interviewed. Additional data included session recordings, follow up interviews, practitioner reflective logs, supervision logs, contact data, service user surveys, and meeting minutes. A framework analysis with evaluative coding was used to assess the extent to which delivery matched the Realist initial programme theory, and how, why and under what circumstances this was the case. Retroductive analysis was used to refine the programme theory. Delivery was good, but varied by practitioner and over time. Delivery improved over time, as practitioner understanding of the intervention increased. Refinements to the programme theory include training leading to practitioners forming collaborative relationships with service users most of the time, but unidentified contextual factors causing variation in consistency. Whether training led to practitioners liaising across different bodies was dependant on the contextual factors of existing relationship skills and previous connections. System-level difficulties in providing consistent supervision made it difficult to assess the impact of this mechanism on delivery. Variation in delivering means caution should be applied when interpreting trial results. Implementation of practitioner-level change without implementing system-level change limits the ability to fully implement the model and to draw conclusions as to effectiveness. Current changes to NHS community mental health care may make this more achievable. Further research is needed to understand the role of supervision and optimal training.
Trial registration: This is the realist process evaluation of the cluster randomised controlled trial ISRCTN95702682.
REC approval: West Midlands–Edgbaston Research Committee 29/06/2017, ref: 14/WM/0052 (trial registration number ISRCTN95702682).
Comparative safety and effectiveness of oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding: A nationwide French cohort study
Authors: Lip Gregory Y. H. , Benamouzig Robert , Martin Anne-Céline , Pesce Giancarlo , Gusto Gaelle , Quignot Nadia , Khachatryan Artak , Dai Feng , Sedjelmaci Fouad , Chaves Jose , Subash Rupesh , Mokgokong Ruth 
Published: November 2024

Background
This observational study compared effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) at high risk for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB).

Methods
Anticoagulant-naïve adults with NVAF with ≥1 GIB risk factor, initiating anticoagulant treatment January 2016–December 2019, and covered by the French national health data system were eligible. Outcomes included major bleeding (MB) and stroke/systemic embolism (SE). Patient characteristics were balanced using propensity score matching.

Results
A total of 314,184 patients were identified with 162,150 (51.5%) in the apixaban cohort, 88,427 (28.1%) in the rivaroxaban cohort, 16,465 (5.2%) in the dabigatran cohort, and 47,142 (15.0%) in the VKA cohort (mean age 79.0 years, standard deviation 10.5; 51.0% female). A total of 45,124 apixaban-VKAs, 38,737 rivaroxaban-VKAs, 16,415 dabigatran-VKAs, 88,414 apixaban-rivaroxaban, 16,464 apixaban-dabigatran, and 16,459 rivaroxaban-dabigatran pairs were retained after propensity score matching. Apixaban had lower risk of MB versus dabigatran (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–0.83) and rivaroxaban (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.59–0.66). Apixaban had lower risk of GIB versus dabigatran (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.37–0.56) and rivaroxaban (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.49–0.59). Risk of GIB was similar with dabigatran versus rivaroxaban (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.89–1.24). Apixaban had lower risk of stroke/SE versus rivaroxaban (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.96), while risk was similar versus dabigatran (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.9–1.3). All DOACs had lower risk of MB and stroke/SE versus VKAs (p<0.001 for all).

Conclusions
DOACs had improved safety and effectiveness from bleeding and stroke/SE, respectively, versus VKAs among patients with NVAF at high risk for GIB. Apixaban was associated with lower MB and GIB risk versus other DOACs. For stroke/SE, apixaban was associated with reduced risk versus rivaroxaban and similar risk versus dabigatran.
Vitamin D concentration in maternal serum during pregnancy: Assessment in Hokkaido in adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)
Authors: Nakanishi Ko , Mutoh Mami , Itoh Sachiko , Kobayashi Sumitaka , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Iwata Hiroyoshi , Tamura Naomi , Koishi Momoko , Kasai Machiko , Kikuchi Emi , Yasuura Nanae , Kishi Reiko , Sato Yoshiaki 
Published: November 2024

Background
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for maintaining blood calcium and phosphorus levels and controlling bone density. Deficiency in it leads to rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and various other diseases. Recently, it has gained attention for reportedly reducing the risk of COVID-19 severity. However, there are no reports evaluating pregnant women in the Hokkaido region of Japan. This study aims to elucidate the current status of vitamin D levels in pregnant women in the Hokkaido region.

Methods
This study measured the serum concentrations of Vitamin D2 and D3 in 206 pregnant women participating in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study-Hokkaido sub-cohort at the Hokkaido Regional Center. It analyzed the relationship between these concentrations and the months, seasons, and sunshine hours.

Results
The mean maternal age was 31.7 ± 4.7 years, and the mean prepregnancy BMI was 21.0 ± 2.5 kg/m2. Only two women have given birth at least once. Regarding sunscreen use, 65 participants (31.6%) responded “often” or “sometimes.” Five women used the supplement containing Vitamin D. The value of 25(OH)D2 was above 1 ng/ml in four of them. The average 25(OH)D3 level was 12.1 ng/ml, with a median of 11.0 ng/ml. Four participants (1.9%) had levels below 5 ng/ml. The highest median of 25(OH)D3 was in July, and the lowest was in April. The concentration of 25(OH)D3 was significantly higher in summer than in winter. A correlation was found between 25(OH)D3 and sunshine hours, with 25(OH)D3 concentrations gradually increasing as sunshine hours increase.

Conclusion
It was found that almost all pregnant women in Hokkaido were deficient in vitamin D. It is necessary to implement measures to enhance vitamin D levels in pregnant women to safeguard the health of women and fetuses in Hokkaido.
ChatGPT irakurketa errazeko testuak egokitzeko baliagarria eta fidagarria?
Authors: Madina Margot , Gonzalez-Dios Itziar , Siegel Melanie 
Published: November 2024

Irakurketa errazaren helburua da arazo kognitiboak edo ikasteko zailtasunak dituzten irakurleentzat testuak eta edukiak irisgarriagoak sortzea, eta, horretarako, hizkuntza sinplea eta argia erabiltzen da. Testuak irakurketa errazera egokitzea prozesu garestia da, bai denbora aldetik baita ekonomia aldetik ere. Prozesu hori azkartzen ChatGPT bezalako tresnek lagun dezakete. Lan honetan, irakurketa erraza zer den azaltzeaz gain, ChatGPT-4k irakurketa errazera egokitzapena nola egiten duen aztertu dugu. Zehazki, gaztelaniazko testuak eta gaztelaniazko lectura fácil aldaera ditugu aztergai eta hiru ebaluazio egin ditugu: i) neurri linguistiko automatikoetan oinarritutakoa; ii) testuen sinplifikazioko capability-etan oinarritutakoa; eta iii) helburu talde diren erabiltzaileekin egindakoa. Gure emaitzen arabera, oso zaila da testuak ChatGPT-4ri egokiaraziko dion prompt egoki bat aukeratzea, sortu dituen testuak ez dituzte irakurketa errazeko gidalerroak jarraitzen eta askotan ChatGPT-4k sortutako testua ez da egokia helburu taldearentzat.
The Influence of Leadership Style, Work Motivation, and Compensation on the Performance of MSME Center Employees in Semarang City
Authors: Suheri Kasih Febrina , Raharjo Susilo Toto 
Published: November 2024

This study aims to test and analyze the influence of leadership style, work motivation, and compensation on employee performance at the Semarang City MSME Center. This research was motivated by the emergence of employee dissatisfaction during the reorganization. Many factors trigger employee dissatisfaction in carrying out work, including those related to leadership qualities that have not been in line with expectations. In addition, the turmoil that arises comes from leadership that is less capable. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of leadership, work motivation and compensation on job satisfaction of MSME Center employees in Semarang City. The population determined in this study is UMKM Center Semarang. This study involved 75 respondents using census / saturated sample techniques. The instrument used in this study was in the form of a questionnaire and in its measurement in the form of a Likert scale, by testing it using the help of SPSS. Data testing techniques used in this study include validity test with factor analysis, reliability test with Alpha Cronbach. Test classical assumptions and multiple linear regression analysis, to test and prove research hypotheses. The results of this study show that leadership has a positive and insignificant effect on employee performance. Meanwhile, work motivation and compensation have a positive and significant effect on the performance of MSME Center employees in Semarang City.
Unveiling humour in digital discourse: the pragmatic functions of humorous stickers in Spanish WhatsApp chat groups
Authors: Linares Bernabéu Esther , Alvarado Ortega María Belén 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of the use of humorous stickers within a WhatsApp chat group. With the rapid growth of digital communication, particularly on mobile devices, WhatsApp has become a popular platform for various forms of interaction, including voice and video calls, as well as text and voice messaging. In this context, humour is a prevalent phenomenon, especially in groups where participants have established familiarity and trust. The prevalence of humour in digital communication is largely attributed to the use of multimodal resources, such as stickers – digital images that can include text and are used to convey emotions, feelings, and humour. The study’s initial hypothesis posits that stickers serve as a means of humour contextualization, helping to emphasize and enhance the intended humour in messages. Additionally, stickers are believed to aid in reducing misunderstandings during communication and mitigating potential threats to the participants’ social image. For this case study, the researchers employed a qualitative approach to analyse conversations within a Spanish WhatsApp group comprising numerous participants, resulting in a corpus comprising 44,362 words and 273 stickers. From this data, they selected 8 humorous conversational sequences that exemplify the primary uses and functions of stickers in this digital context.
DMD mutations in pediatric patients with phenotypes of Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ge Liping , Yang Yang , Yang Yanfei , Chen Yanfei , Tao Na , Zhang Liping , Zhao Canmiao , Zhang Xing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are common X-inherited neuromuscular diseases. The genetic diagnosis has been used as the diagnostic choice for DMD/BMD. The study subjects consisted of 37 patients from Southwest China. Peripheral blood was collected for the extraction of genomic DNA. DMD mutation was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing approach. The detected mutation was validated using the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification or Sanger sequencing methods. Variation annotation and pathogenicity prediction were performed using the online databases. Pathogenic mutations were identified 3 splicing site, 7 single nucleotide, 1 indel, 23 deletion, and 3 duplication mutations. Novel DMD variants were discovered, including two novel splicing variations (c.1890 + 1G>T; c.1923 + 1G>A), one missense mutation (c.1946G>T), one nonsense mutation (c.7441G>T), one indel mutation (INDEL EX20), and one duplication mutation (DUP EX75-78). The current study provides mutation information of DMD for the genetic diagnosis of DMD/BMD.
Synthesis and characterization of gelzan nanocomposite scaffold incorporating Ag/Fe2+ co-doped hydroxyapatite for antibacterial bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Fan Huahua , Yan Pengcheng , Teng Jianxiang , Tian Xiaobin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A nanocomposite scaffold was developed using gelzan, a natural extracellular polysaccharide, as the biopolymer matrix. Gelzan (GZ) was combined with Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles to enhance the scaffold’s biological properties. The aim of incorporating Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp was to utilize the combined antibacterial and bioactive properties of these components. The synthesized Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp nanoparticles, along with the gelzan-based nanocomposite scaffold produced via freeze-drying, underwent comprehensive analyses. These included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and biological assessments for antibacterial activity and bioactivity. The results demonstrated that the Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp nanocomposite scaffold possessed favourable physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the integration of Ag and Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp into the gelzan matrix was confirmed, revealing the scaffold’s structural and compositional characteristics. Tests of apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF) indicated the development of layered apatite precipitates after 7 days. The scaffold also exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 7.35 ± 0.70 mm and 5.54 ± 0.60 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. These findings suggest the scaffold’s promising potential as a biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration.
Ethanol inhibited growth hormone receptor-mediated endocytosis in primary mouse hepatocytes
Authors: Ge Zihan , Liu Xingjie , Yang Yu , Hainan Lan , Zhang Yawen , Zhang Wei , Xian Li , Li Ruonan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Growth hormone (GH) exhibits various essential physiological functions, which are exerted by its binding to growth hormone receptor (GHR). Ethanol has been demonstrated to have an impact on GH’s biological activity. Nevertheless, mechanism underlying the regulation of the biological activity of GH by ethanol have yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods
This study utilized an indirect immunofluorescence assay to identify GHR expression in mouse hepatocytes. Western blot was used to determine the impact of ethanol on GH-induced intracellular signalling. Indirect immunofluorescence and colocalization experiments were used to determine the effect of ethanol on GH-GHR’s nuclear localization and endocytosis.

Results
GHR was primarily localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. The phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT1/3/5 were markedly lowered after treatment with ethanol. On this basis, we further explored the mechanism underlying the regulation of GH biological activity by ethanol from the perspective of cell internalization. We found that the nuclear translocation of GH-GHR was inhibited when treated with ethanol. In addition, the results of colocalization analyses revealed that ethanol inhibited GHR-mediated nuclear translocation may mainly by inhibiting caveolin-dependent endocytosis.

Conclusions
Our study showed that ethanol inhibits GH signaling ability in a time-dependent manner. Ethanol could inhibit the nuclear localization of GH-GHR, which may be linked to the inhibition of the interaction between GHR and caveolin. The combined effect of these factors downregulated the GH-GHR signal. This study laid a foundation for further exploring the mechanism that the effects of ethanol on GH biological activity.
Hepatitis C Virus Testing Among Perinatally Exposed Children: 2018 to 2020
Authors: Woodworth Kate R. , Distler Samantha , Chang Daniel J. , Luong Jackie , Newton Suzanne , Akosa Amanda , Orkis Lauren , Reynolds Bethany , Carpentieri Cynthia , Willabus Teri , Osinski Anthony , Shephard Hanna , Halai Umme-Aiman , Lyu Caleb , Sizemore Lindsey , Sandul Amy , Tong Van T. 
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE
To assess the frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing among a population-based cohort of perinatally exposed children and identify factors associated with testing.

METHODS
Using a population-based surveillance cohort of perinatally exposed children born from 2018 to 2020 from 4 US jurisdictions (Georgia; Massachusetts; Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and Los Angeles County, California), we describe the frequency, timing, and type of HCV testing among children and identify characteristics associated with having an HCV test result by the age of 2 to 3 years. Data were obtained from electronic laboratory reporting, vital records, and medical records.

RESULTS
Of 803 perinatally exposed children, 7 (1%) died before the age of 24 months. Of 796 children, health departments were unable to find medical records or laboratory reports for 181 (23%). Among those with medical record abstraction at 24 months or testing reported before the age of 3 years (n = 615), 50% had an HCV test. The majority (70% of those tested) were tested for HCV antibodies at the age of 18 months or later, although 9% had an HCV nucleic acid test at ages 2 to &lt;6 months. No characteristics examined were found to be significantly associated with having testing reported.

CONCLUSIONS
In this surveillance report, we identify the gaps in current testing among children perinatally exposed to hepatitis C. Provider education and resources for health departments for follow-up and linkage to care can improve the identification of children requiring treatment, a vital piece of HCV elimination.