bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Figuring Femme
Authors: Lykke Nina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Approaching femme as a figuration, a political fiction that merges critique of the here-and-now with an ethics of affirmation, driven by desires for an elsewhere/otherwise, the article engages in an experimental – autophenomenographic, poetic, and philosophical – figuring process. The aim is to foreground critical-affirmative potentials of femme and femme-inism in queer and posthumanist perspectives. Starting from a poem that spells out the author’s process of becoming-femme, the article establishes a conversation between the poem’s personal framing and theoretical interventions, selected from archives of critical posthumanist, queer, philosophy in the feminine, transgender and femme theory. The figuring process is based on a vignette methodology. Each of the poem’s stanzas give rise to a vignette, linking the poetic images with resonating theory fragments stitched together to an assemblage. Rather than as an attempt to synthesize a seamlessly interwoven theorization of femme, the figuring process is a meditation on the assembling of unruly fragments.
Cartilage repair: surgical techniques and tissue engineering using polysaccharide‐ and collagen‐based biomaterials
Authors: Galois L. , Freyria A.M. , Grossin L. , Hubert P. , Mainard D. , Herbage D. , Stoltz J.F. , Netter P. , Dellacherie E. , Payan E. 
Published: November 2024

Lesions of articular cartilage have a large variety of causes among which traumatic damage, osteoarthritis and osteochondritis dissecans are the most frequent. Replacement of articular defects in joints has assumed greater importance in recent years. This interest results in large part because cartilage defects cannot adequately heal themselves. Many techniques have been suggested over the last 30 years, but none allows the regeneration of the damaged cartilage, i.e. its replacement by a strictly identical tissue. In the first generation of techniques, relief of pain was the main concern, which could be provided by techniques in which cartilage was replaced by fibrocartilage. Disappointing results led investigators to focus on more appropriate bioregenerative approaches using transplantation of autologous cells into the lesion. Unfortunately, none of these approaches has provided a perfect final solution to the problem. The latest generation of techniques, currently in the developmental or preclinical stages, involve biomaterials for the repair of chondral or osteochondral lesions. Many of these scaffolds are designed to be seeded with chondrocytes or progenitor cells. Among natural and synthetic polymers, collagen‐ and polysaccharide‐based biomaterials have been extensively used. For both these supports, studies have shown that chondrocytes maintain their phenotype when cultured in three dimensions. In both types of culture, a glycosaminoglycan‐rich deposit is formed on the surface and in the inner region of the cultured cartilage, and type II collagen synthesis is also observed. Dynamic conditions can also improve the composition of such three‐dimensional constructs. Many improvements are still required, however, in a number of key aspects that so far have received only scant attention. These aspects include: adhesion/integration of the graft with the adjacent native cartilage, cell‐seeding with genetically‐modified cell populations, biomaterials that can be implanted without open joint surgery and combined therapies, aimed at disease modification, pain relief and reduction of inflammation.
Repurposing of erythropoietin as a neuroprotective agent against methotrexate-induced neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: Sabry Nadine C , Michel Haidy E , Menze Esther T 
Published: November 2024

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is a cytotoxic drug that can trigger neurotoxicity via enhancing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. On the other hand, erythropoietin (EPO) functions as an antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory agent, in addition to its hematopoietic effects. Aim: The present study was developed to examine the neuroprotective impact of EPO against MTX-provoked neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: Chemo fog was elicited in Wistar rats via injection of one dosage of MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p) on the sixth day of the study. EPO was injected at 500 IU/kg/day, i.p for 10 successive days. Results: MTX triggered memory and learning impairment as evidenced by Morris water maze, passive avoidance, and Y-maze cognitive tests. In addition, MTX induced oxidative stress as evident from the decline in hippocampal Nrf2 and HO-1 levels. MTX brought about apoptosis, as demonstrated by the elevation in p53, caspase-3, and Bax levels, as well as the decrease in Bcl2 levels. MTX also decreased Beclin-1, an autophagy-related marker, and increased P62 expression. In addition, MTX downregulated Sirt-1/AKT/FoxO3a pathway and increased miRNA-34a gene expression. Moreover, MTX increased acetylcholinesterase activity and reduced neurogenesis. EPO administration remarkably counteracted MTX-induced molecular and behavioral disorders in rat hippocampi. Conclusion: Our findings impart preclinical indication for repurposing of EPO as a promising neuroprotective agent through modulating miRNA-34a, autophagy, and the Sirt-1/FoxO3a signaling pathway.
Telemedicine in Pediatric Neurology: A Survey of Patient and Provider Experience
Authors: Strasser Lauren , Hayawi Lamia , Webster Richard J. , Venkateswaran Sunita , Muir Katherine 
Published: November 2024

Background Over recent years there has been a shift in clinical practice to support care delivery via telemedicine. This study aims to highlight the patient and provider experience of telemedicine over 2.5 years within a Canadian Pediatric Neurology clinic. Method A REDCap survey was sent to all patients/parents and providers with a telemedicine appointment between March 2020 and September 2022. Results Seven providers and 272 patients responded. Ninety-one percent of patients and 100% of providers were satisfied with telemedicine. Ninety percent of patients and 100% of providers found telemedicine more convenient. Eighty-seven percent of patients and 100% of providers were interested in future telemedicine appointments. Main challenges were with performing a physical examination and technological issues. Conclusion Our survey shows that the majority of patients and providers had highly positive experiences with telemedicine and were interested in continuing care via telemedicine. This study supports incorporating telemedicine into future pediatric neurology practice.
The Relationship Between Exogenous Testosterone Use and Risk for Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Authors: Quinn Matthew , Albright Alex , Lemme Nicholas J. , Testa Edward J. , Morrissey Patrick , Arcand Michel , Daniels Alan H. , Fadale Paul 
Published: November 2024

Background: In the United States, testosterone therapy has markedly increased in recent years. Currently, there is a paucity of evidence evaluating the risk of ligamentous injuries in patients taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to quantify the association between TRT and the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and the subsequent risk of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) failure. It was hypothesized that individuals receiving TRT would demonstrate an increased risk for index ACL injury and ACL rerupture. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing the PearlDiver database. Records were queried between 2011 and 2020 for patients aged 18 to 59 years who filled a testosterone prescription. A matched control group based on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, tobacco use, diabetes, and hypothyroidism consisted of patients aged 18 to 59 years who had never filled a prescription for exogenous testosterone. International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Revisions and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were utilized to identify patients with ACL injuries and those undergoing reconstruction. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare rates of ACL injury at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after initiating TRT. ACLR failure was also examined at 1-year intervals for 5 years for individuals filling a TRT prescription. Results: A total of 851,816 patients were enrolled, with 425,908 patients in the TRT and control groups, respectively. The TRT cohort was significantly more likely to experience an ACL tear during 6-month (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 2.17-3.26), 1-year (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 2.11-2.86), and 2-year (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.98-2.48) periods. The rate of reconstruction failure did not differ between the 2 cohorts at up to 5 years of follow-up ( P > .05). Conclusion: Patients receiving TRT were significantly more likely to sustain a primary ACL rupture but were not at a statistically significant increased risk of reconstruction failure.
Bilateral TMJ Changes Secondary to Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia
Authors: Sivakanthan Thiviya , Steinbacher Derek M. 
Published: November 2024

Background: Patients with unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) may present with TMJ symptoms, rather than concerns or recognition of asymmetry. Localization of TMJ pain may be on the affected (long) side, unaffected side, or both. Flattening, severe erosion and internal derangement on the opposite side can be appreciated radiologically. This can be a red herring, shielding the true diagnosis of UCH from the contralateral side. We hypothesize that excessive growth of the ipsilateral condylar neck and head on the side of UCH results in an upward and backward force on the opposite side TMJ, with resultant symptoms and findings (condylar flattening, anterior disk displacement, eminence changes). The purpose of this paper is to highlight the bilateral TMJ findings in UCH, and address potential treatment strategies. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving radiologic and biographical data from subjects with TMJ UCH, as well as controls. Patient details and high quality Cone beam CT (CBCT) scans (1 mm slices or less) were analyzed. CT scans were digitized and morphometric points were placed using Planmeca software (Hoffman Estates, Illinois). Linear and volumetric measures were taken in reference to the eminence, TMJ space, condylar position, and neck lengths. Volumetric analysis of the condylar head and neck was done using Analyze 14.0 software (Overland Park, KS, USA). Results were assessed using univariate analysis (T-Wilcoxon test). Results: Forty patients were included (29 with UCH, 11 controls). The condylar head was flatter and erosive appearing on the contralateral UCH side compared to both ipsilateral side in the same subject, and compared to controls. Analysis between the affected and unaffected sides in patients with UCH showed a significant difference in condylar head and neck length ( P = .0019) and volume ( P = .0030); anterior glenoid space ( P = .035) and vertical height of condylar eminence ( P = .00044). The difference in ramus length was not significant ( P = .6533). Between the controls and the UCH patients, there was a significant difference in the variance in condylar head and neck length ( P = 1.98e-07) and volume between the 2 sides ( P = 1.94e-08) but not ramus length ( P = 1). The vertical height of the condylar eminence was smaller on the affected side than in the controls ( P = .0018) and the anterior glenoid space was significantly smaller on the unaffected side compared to the controls ( P = .0053). Conclusion: This study highlights TMJ morphological differences in patients with UCH. These differences in condylar and glenoid morphology are consistent and should be used to aid and underpin the diagnosis and direct treatment. Importantly, patients who present with TMJ pain and erosion on one side, should be assessed for opposite side UCH, as the underlying culprit.
A New Method for Measuring Cognition in Children With Sagittal Craniosynostosis
Authors: Chapman Leah , Runyan Christopher , Couture Daniel , Thibodaux Lia , Wright Avery , David Lisa 
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The neurocognitive profile of patients who have undergone spring-assisted surgery (SAS) for craniosynostosis is not well understood, and a variety of different cognitive measures have been used across various studies. Although neuropsychological evaluations can document cognitive strengths and weaknesses across a number of cognitive areas, they can be time consuming. This study aimed to: (1) describe the neurocognitive profile of patients who underwent SAS using both a common intelligence measure and iPad assisted testing measuring several cognitive areas, as well as parent ratings; (2) better understand the feasibility and utility of using iPad assisted assessments in this population. Methods: Thirty-six patients between the ages of 6 and 18 with sagittal synostosis who underwent SAS participated in a brief battery of assessments including a measure of abbreviated IQ, National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIH Toolbox), and caregiver ratings on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Second Edition (BRIEF-2). Statistical analyses assessed performance within the group and between measures. Results: Positive correlations were found between all 3 NIH Toolbox Composite scores and abbreviated IQ. Five of 7 subtests were positively correlated with Full Scale IQ, while 4 of 7 were positively correlated with both verbal and visual reasoning indices. Negative correlations between the Crystallized Composite score and BRIEF-2 were found for 8 of 9 BRIEF-2 subscales. Three of 9 BRIEF-2 subscales were negatively correlated with Fluid Composite and Total Composite scores. Conclusions: Cognitive data were generally aligned with the normal distribution curve. Although caregiver ratings yielded several executive functioning concerns, significant correlations were found with composite scores and a few specific subtests. Use of the NIH Toolbox was feasible in this population and shows promise as a tool for measuring a range of different cognitive domains.
RUNX2 is stabilised by TAZ and drives pulmonary artery calcification and lung vascular remodelling in pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease
Authors: Liu Shao-Fei , Kucherenko Mariya M. , Sang Pengchao , Li Qiuhua , Yao Juquan , Nambiar Veetil Netra , Gransar Tara , Alesutan Ioana , Voelkl Jakob , Salinas Gabriela , Grune Jana , Simmons Szandor , Knosalla Christoph , Kuebler Wolfgang M. 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundCalcification is common in chronic vascular disease, yet its role in pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease is unknown. Here, we probed for the role of runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), a master transcription factor in osteogenesis, and its regulation by the HIPPO pathway transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in the osteogenic reprogramming of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and vascular calcification in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease. We similarly examined its role using an established rat model of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease induced by supracoronary aortic banding.MethodsPulmonary artery samples were collected from patients and rats with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease. Genome-wide RNA sequencing was performed, and pulmonary artery calcification assessed. Osteogenic signallingviaTAZ and RUNX2 was delineated by protein biochemistry.In vivo, the therapeutic potential of RUNX2 or TAZ inhibition by CADD522 or verteporfin was tested in the rat model.ResultsGene ontology term analysis identified significant enrichment in ossification and osteoblast differentiation genes, includingRUNX2, in pulmonary arteries of patients and lungs of rats with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease. Pulmonary artery calcification was evident in both patients and rats. Both TAZ and RUNX2 were upregulated and activated in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells of patients and rats. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed a direct interaction of RUNX2 with TAZ in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. TAZ inhibition or knockdown decreased RUNX2 abundance due to accelerated RUNX2 protein degradation rather than reducedde novosynthesis. Inhibition of either TAZ or RUNX2 attenuated pulmonary artery calcification, distal lung vascular remodelling and pulmonary hypertension development in the rat model.ConclusionPulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease is associated with pulmonary artery calcification that is driven by TAZ-dependent stabilisation of RUNX2, causing osteogenic reprogramming of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. The TAZ–RUNX2 axis may present a therapeutic target in pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease.
Navigating Family Dynamics and Ethical Considerations in Genetic Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Insights from In-Depth Semi-Structured Interviews
Authors: Swietlik Emilia M. , Fay Michaela , Morrell Nicholas W 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionGenetic diagnosis and precision medicine are rapidly advancing, driven by innovations in next-generation sequencing and omic methods. The UK's collaboration between national research initiatives and the NHS facilitates translation of research into clinical practice. This rapid transition impacts family dynamics and family planning and raises ethical concerns, compounded by limited public and practitioner awareness of the long-term consequences of genetic diagnosis. Our objective is to explore the impact of genetic diagnosis on family dynamics and the ethical considerations of genetic testing at different life stages in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and their at-risk relatives.MethodsStakeholders from the NBR and PAH Cohort studies were recruited using purposive sampling. 53 interviews and focus groups with 63 participants were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed using MAXQDA.ResultsThe study revealed three main themes: the impact of diagnosis on family dynamics, considerations for family planning, and genetic testing of relatives. Two attitudes toward testing offspring emerged: proactive advocates and gatekeepers. The gatekeeper stance was driven by three key factors: shielding children from genetic risk awareness, feelings of guilt or a desire to avoid blame for disease transmission, and limited family connections. Each theme highlighted various moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals.ConclusionsA PAH diagnosis reshapes family roles and responsibilities. Genetic risk awareness strengthens bonds but also introduces challenges like disclosing information and deciding on testing for at-risk relatives. Our research highlights the need for comprehensive genetic counselling and support systems to enhance patient care and familial well-being.
Accuracy of early warning scores for predicting clinical worsening in COPD patients
Authors: Castro-Portillo Enrique , Soriano Joan B. , López-Izquierdo Raúl , del Pozo Vegas Carlos , Martín-Conty José L. , Sánchez Soberón Irene , Delgado Benito Juan F. , Polonio-López Begoña , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , Castro Villamor Miguel Á. , Sanz-García Ancor , Martín-Rodríguez Francisco 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition whose acute exacerbations (AECOPD) are commonly faced by the emergency medical services (EMS), could modify the performance of the early warning scores (EWS). To assess the 2-day mortality predictive performance of five EWSs in patients with baseline COPD managed by an EMS with unselected acute diseases and to compare the EWS performance between those with AECOPD and those without.MethodsProspective observational study of adults (>18 years) with a previous COPD diagnosis who were admitted to and transferred to the emergency department by the EMS due to an unselected acute disease, whether AECOPD or other according to the emergency medical team. Demographics, vital signs for the five EWS (NEWS2, qSOFA, qCSI, CURB-65, and BAP-65) calculations, and outcomes (hospital and ICU admission and 2-day mortality) were collected.FindingsA total of 1703 patients with COPD were selected, 524 with AECOPD and 1179 without. NEWS2 presented the highest predictive capacity for the global, AECOPD and non-AECOPD cohorts: AUC=0.880 (95%CI:0.84–0.91), AUC=0.775 (95%CI:0.68–0.86) and AUC=0.913 (95%CI:0.86–0.96), respectively.InterpretationNEWS2 was the best predictive model for COPD, presenting excellent performance for the global and non-AECOPD cohorts but a decreased performance for the AECOPD cohort. Therefore, the NEWS2 may aid in EMS decision-making through appropriate risk assessment, but its use in COPD patients with AECOPD should be handled with care due to decreased performance.
Poor clinical outcomes in respiratory viral sepsis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Cao Wenhao , Xu Jiuyang , Liu Zhengping , Wang Ziming , Zhang Xueyang , Zhan Qingyuan , Cao Bin 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThis study attempts to explore the clinical differences of sepsis caused by respiratory viruses and bacteria, and to search for risk factors for mortality in viral sepsis.MethodsThis single-center, retrospective cohort study enrolled patients hospitalized at our medical intensive care unit (ICU) from October 2020 to January 2024 who were diagnosed with pneumonia and sepsis. The primary and secondary pathogens were identified with comprehensive etiological tests. The baseline clinical information, biochemical tests, treatments, and clinical outcomes were collected.ResultsThis study included 292 patients, comprising 191 with viral sepsis and 101 with bacterial sepsis. Compared with the bacterial sepsis group, patients with respiratory viral sepsis had lower oxygenation index levels upon ICU admission, higher proportions of acute respiratory distress syndrome (85%versus44%,p<0.001), secondary infection (84%versus39%,p<0.001), and higher ICU mortality (57%versus43%, p=0.018). After adjustment, viral sepsis patients had an odds ratio of 2.26 (95% CI, 1.26–4.07) for ICU mortality. Risk factors for ICU mortality in viral sepsis included age, sequential organ failure assessment score, secondary infection, immunocompromised status, and coronary heart disease. The subgroup analysis showed that secondary infection in viral sepsis contributed to a poorer clinical outcome.ConclusionICU patients with respiratory viral sepsis presented a higher incidence of unfavorable outcome, which may partially be attributed to secondary infections.