bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a microfluidic-based point-of-care prototype with customized chip for detection of bacterial clusters
Authors: Treffon Janina , Isserstedt-John Nicole , Klemm Richard , Gärtner Claudia , Mellmann Alexander 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Bacterial infection clusters cause high mortality rates and healthcare costs due to excessive therapy and hygiene measures. The aim of this study was to develop an automated real-time PCR-based point-of-care (POC) system with a customized microfluidic chip that facilitates fast detection of bacterial cluster isolates by targeting cluster-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). For cluster detection of
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Staphylococcus aureus
, and
Escherichia coli
, nine TaqMan real-time PCR assays targeting cluster-specific SNPs were designed. Additionally, for DNA input control, a universal PCR amplifying the 16S rDNA was constructed. All reactions were implemented into a microfluidic chip that was analyzed by a POC prototype enabling automated sample processing, fluid handling, and signal detection. Performance of the prototype was evaluated using 45 chips loaded with defined bacterial solutions, including swab eluates. For seven PCRs, implementation into the microfluidic chip was successful, leading to correct identification of all SNPs specific for
A. baumannii
and
E. coli
cluster isolates and delineation of all non-cluster strains within 70 min. The remaining three reactions failed in the chip, which resulted in misidentification of the
S. aureus
cluster. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the prototype were 43%, 88%, and 55%, respectively. The detection limit was PCR dependent and ranged between 10
3
and 10
5
colony-forming units/mL. Once optimized, the microfluidic POC system for cluster detection could be applied as time-saving and easy-to-use method to complement whole-genome sequencing efforts during screening for bacterial clusters.

IMPORTANCE
Especially in medical facilities, where morbid people are nursed in close distance to each other, pathogenic bacteria can accumulate and spread. To contain such infection clusters, usually time- and labor-intensive large-scale screening assays are conducted, where patients and patient-side surfaces are sampled, and PCR or whole-genome sequencing analyses are conducted to confirm or deny cluster affiliation of cultivated bacteria. Hence, fast solutions with easy application are required to complement the current state-of-the-art technology for cluster surveillance. Here, we developed a fully automated microfluidic point-of-care prototype that identified bacterial cluster isolates within 70 min from bacterial solutions, including swab eluates. The system requires only low hands-on time and can be applied apart from laboratory infrastructures near the patient, which considerably reduces the time from sampling to result. This ensures fast implementation of hygiene measures and quick containment of the infection cluster, which would enhance patients’ safety and outcome.
Impact of postpartum physical activity on maternal depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deprato Andy , Ruchat Stephanie-May , Ali Muhammad Usman , Cai Chenxi , Forte Milena , Gierc Madelaine , Meyer Sarah , Sjwed Talia Noel , Shirazi Safi , Matenchuk Brittany A , Jones Paris A T , Sivak Allison , Davenport Margie H 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveTo examine the influence of postpartum exercise on maternal depression and anxiety.DesignSystematic review with random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression.Data sourcesOnline databases up to 12 January 2024, reference lists, recommended studies and hand searches.Eligibility criteriaRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised interventions of any publication date or language were included if they contained information on the Population (postpartum people), Intervention (subjective or objective measures of frequency, intensity, duration, volume, type, or mode of delivery of exercise), Comparator (no exercise or different exercise measures), and Outcome (postpartum depression, anxiety prevalence, and/or symptom severity).ResultsA total of 35 studies (n=4072) were included. Moderate certainty evidence from RCTs showed that exercise-only interventions reduced the severity of postpartum depressive symptoms (19 RCTs, n=1778, SMD: −0.52, 95% CI −0.80 to –0.24, I2=86%, moderate effect size) and anxiety symptoms (2 RCTs, n=513, SMD: −0.25, 95% CI −0.43 to −0.08, I2=0%, small effect size), and the odds of postpartum depression by 45% (4 RCTs, n=303 OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.95, I2=0%) compared with no exercise. No included studies assessed the impact of postpartum exercise on the odds of postpartum anxiety. To achieve at least a moderate reduction in the severity of postpartum depressive symptoms, postpartum individuals needed to accumulate at least 350 MET-min/week of exercise (eg, 80 min of moderate intensity exercise such as brisk walking, water aerobics, stationary cycling or resistance training).ConclusionsPostpartum exercise reduced the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and the odds of postpartum depression.
Work‐Related Stress Is Associated With Unfavorable Cardiovascular Health: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ogunmoroti Oluseye , Osibogun Olatokunbo , Allen Norrina B. , Okunrintemi Victor , Commodore‐Mensah Yvonne , Shah Amit J. , Michos Erin D. 
Published: November 2024

Background
Work‐related stress is a psychosocial risk factor linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the association between work‐related stress and cardiovascular health (CVH) is not well established. We estimated the association between work‐related stress and CVH in a multiethnic sample of adults free of cardiovascular disease at baseline.

Methods and Results
We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 3579 community‐based men and women, aged 45 to 84 years, of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis from data collected between 2000 and 2002. Work‐related stress (yes/no) was assessed by a self‐administered questionnaire. CVH was measured by the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 metrics (smoking, physical activity, body mass index, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose). Each metric contributed 0, 1, or 2 points if in the poor, intermediate, or ideal range, respectively. The aggregated CVH score was 0 to 14 points and categorized as inadequate (0–8 points), average (9–10 points), and optimal (11–14 points). Polytomous logistic regression was used to estimate the association between work‐related stress and CVH, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. The mean±SD age was 57±8 years, and 48% were women. Work‐related stress was reported by 20% of participants. In fully adjusted models, participants with work‐related stress had lower odds of having average (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.75 [95% CI, 0.62–0.92]) and optimal (adjusted OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.58–0.92]) CVH scores compared with participants without work‐related stress.

Conclusions
Work‐related stress was associated with unfavorable CVH. These findings underscore the importance of workplace psychological well‐being and suggest the need for studies on interventions that may reduce work‐related stress and promote CVH.
Localization of the epileptogenic network from scalp EEG using a patient-specific whole-brain model
Authors: Maliia Mihai Dragos , Köksal-Ersöz Elif , Benard Adrien , Calas Tristan , Nica Anca , Denoyer Yves , Yochum Maxime , Wendling Fabrice , Benquet Pascal 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Computational modeling is a key tool for elucidating the neuronal mechanisms underlying epileptic activity. Despite considerable progress, existing models often lack realistic accuracy in representing electrophysiological epileptic activity. In this study, we used a comprehensive human brain model based on a neural mass model, which is tailored to the layered structure of the neocortex and incorporates patient-specific imaging data. This approach allowed the simulation of scalp EEGs in an epileptic patient suffering from type 2 focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). The simulation specifically addressed epileptic activity induced by FCD, faithfully reproducing intracranial interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) recorded with electrocorticography. For constructing the patient-specific scalp EEG, we carefully defined a clear delineation of the epileptogenic zone by numerical simulations to ensure fidelity to the topography, polarity, and diffusion characteristics of IEDs. This nuanced approach improves the accuracy of the simulated EEG signal, provides a more accurate representation of epileptic activity, and enhances our understanding of the mechanism behind the epileptogenic networks. The accuracy of the model was confirmed by a postoperative reevaluation with a secondary EEG simulation that was consistent with the lesion’s removal. Ultimately, this personalized approach may prove instrumental in optimizing and tailoring epilepsy treatment strategies.
Syriac Exegesis of the Qurʾān
Authors: Moqbel Tareq 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Christian authors writing in Syriac after the Islamic conquests frequently invoked the Qurʾān to validate the truth of Christian beliefs – such as the Trinity and the Incarnation – and to read the Qurʾān in a manner that removes any criticism of Christians and Christianity. The most comprehensive work of this genre is Against the Arabs of the prolific 12th-century Syrian Orthodox writer, the monophysite bishop of Amida, Dionysius bar Ṣalībī. Hitherto, scholarly attention has been given to exploring Bar Ṣalībī’s Qurʾān quotations vis-à-vis the canonical Qurʾānic text and to identifying the sources from which Bar Ṣalībī quoted the Qurʾān. Building on the current state of research, the aim of the present article is to attempt to provide an analysis of Against the Arabs’ approach to some relatively problematic passages, cruces interpretum, in the Qurʾān. Through studying a number of Qurʾānic verses in Syriac translation, and as commented upon in Against the Arabs, the article highlights the textual problems detected in Against the Arabs and shows that they are genuine problems which are also discussed in the tafsīr (Qurʾān commentary) literature. Put differently, the article demonstrates that – although motivated by different causes – Against the Arabs and the Muslim exegetical literature were both intrigued by the same problems in the Qurʾān but, naturally, reacted to them in different ways. More generally, it is hoped that through showcasing aspects of Against the Arabs’ hermeneutical engagement with the Qurʾān the article will allow us to “hear” the Qurʾān as it was received and interpreted by Syriac Christianity in the High Middle Ages.
Phytochemical composition of selected endangered medicinal plants used in traditional Amchi system of medicine in Ladakh region of the western Himalayas: A comprehensive review
Authors: Raza Mohd , Namgail Tundup , Chandra Ratna 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Plants secrete secondary metabolites for purposes like defense, protection from herbivores, tolerance towards stress conditions, etc. These metabolites have been reported to be in high concentration in plants growing in stress conditions. Ladakh, (34 ° 12’ 34.2540” N and 77 ° 36’ 54.4032” E) a union territory in India in the Western Himalayas, experiences a extreme cold and dry climate and harbors an unique biota in the form of medicinal plants. These plants were used by the locals in traditional medicine since ages in what largely known as the Tibetan system of medicine, locally called the Amchi system. Recent studies have shown that these plants have a promising content of secondary metabolites and antioxidants. The plants or natural source could be a good source for alternative medicine as they have low side effects. Till date few of these plants were scientifically studied in relation to their phytochemical constituents. It has been found that these plants are rich in phytochemicals like flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, etc. These phytochemicals were then reported to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activities, etc. Therefore these plants could be exploited for the treatment of various ailments ranging from gastric, liver, microbial infection and even cancer. Further, in the long run more plants which are yet to be studied need to be reported extensively in the scientific arena in order to make these natural products more beneficial for mankind. The current review focuses only on selected medicinal plants that occur in Ladakh and whose phytochemical constituents were reported in depth. The study tries to have a correlation between traditional Amchi and the plant chemical constituents that reinforces Amchi system as alternative medicine.
Civil Procedure and International Sanctions
Authors: Mehtiyeva Kamalia 
Published: November 2024

The present study reveals the functions that civil procedure may fulfil in the context of international sanctions in response to foreign policy. The trend of making civil procedure play the role of protector of the interests of sanctioned parties involved in international litigation has been growing in Russia, where the legislator has granted Russian courts exclusive jurisdiction in cases involving parties targeted by Russian sanctions, thus creating a concurrent jurisdiction to the forum competent either on the basis of international competence rules or a forum-selection or arbitration clause.
To ensure respect of the exclusive jurisdiction, the legislator has introduced a new procedural mechanism allowing any party targeted by Russian sanctions to make an anti-suit injunction application in order either to prevent or to stop a foreign litigation or an international arbitration to which the sanctioned entity is party in favour of Russian courts. This new legislation has been consistently applied by Russian courts, which has in its turn triggered a wave of reactions on behalf of litigants resisting Russian anti-suit injunctions and seeking to obtain in the competent for a anti-anti-suit or anti- enforcement orders. The latter may be efficient when assets are not located in Russia, but are doomed to fail otherwise.
Finally, the study also focuses on the use of other procedural mechanisms, such as discovery applications in the United States, in the context of sanctions. In particular, given that the international mutual legal assistance mechanisms are based on principle of reciprocity, can these mechanisms continue to be used in such context of belligerency?
Assessing the Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Iqbal Iman S. , Carnino Jonathan M. , Kariveda Rohith R. , Levi Jessica R. 
Published: November 2024

Objective: This article seeks to systematically review existing literature on the use of acupuncture in treating olfactory dysfunction in order to better understand the methodology and efficacy of this alternative treatment modality. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted. The review was conducted by 2 independent reviewers that authored this article. Inclusion criteria included all studies analyzing the efficacy of acupuncture for treatment of olfactory dysfunction. Articles were excluded if they were duplicates, opinion or review papers, incomplete or unavailable papers, or if they were in a language other than English. Results: The review found 10 articles matching the inclusion criteria that overall showed a positive improvement in olfactory dysfunction after acupuncture intervention in multiple settings. Challenges highlighted in this review include variability in acupuncture protocols, such as differences in point selection, session frequency, and overall treatment duration, as well as the lack of standardized outcome measures for assessing olfactory function. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests acupuncture may have therapeutic effect on improvement of olfactory function across various types of olfactory disorders, most notably seen in post-viral anosmia. Given the variability in acupuncture protocols and lack of standardized outcome measures, there is a need for further research with standardized methods and larger sample sizes. Olfactory dysfunction is fundamentally a quality-of-life issue; advancing research could solidify acupuncture as a valuable and cost-effective addition to treatment plans, optimizing patient well-being.
Can the second phase of contrast-enhanced MRA of the neck provide additional information in the acute stroke setting?
Authors: Shah P , Kale H , Shrivastava M , Sanghvi D , Munshi M , Sangani G , Mundada K 
Published: November 2024

Background Double-concentration magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are frequently used in contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) of the head and neck. To avoid mistiming the peak concentration of intraluminal contrast (due to shorter duration of peak), a second acquisition is sometimes performed. Purpose To evaluate additional information from the second acquisition of CE-MRA and compare the collateral scoring to the hypoperfusion index obtained on MR perfusion, and to investigate presence of pseudo-occlusion using the second phase of CE-MRA. Material and Methods A retrospective study was conducted. CE-MRA of the brain/neck, dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MR perfusion scan (in majority) and subsequent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were evaluated in patients with previous acute internal carotid artery (ICA)/middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Evaluation of CE-MRA/MR perfusion and DSA was performed by three experienced neuroradiologists and one neurointerventionist, respectively. Results The site of ICA occlusion was seen to be distal to the site noted on early arterial phase (pseudo-occlusion of ICA) in 28.5% of patients. A significant negative correlation was seen between a higher HIR and collateral score. Conclusion Evaluation of second phase CE-MRA can provide valuable information that may be otherwise lost if only the early arterial phase is evaluated.
Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Ankle Osteoarthritis Affects Contralateral Ankle Alignment and Postoperative Outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Koyama Tomoki , Mori Yu , Utsumi Shunsuke , Harada Kento , Ito Kentaro , Tanaka Hidetatsu , Aki Takashi , Nagamoto Hideaki , Kamimura Masayuki , Aizawa Toshimi 
Published: November 2024

Background: This study investigated the impact of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the alignment of the ankle joint, focusing on changes in coronal alignment of both ankles. Methods: This retrospective study, conducted at our hospital, included 64 patients older than 70 years who underwent TKA for varus knee osteoarthritis (OA). Using full-length standing radiographs of both lower extremities taken preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, we assessed ankle OA grading based on the Takakura-Tanaka classification and measured mechanical hip-knee-ankle (mHKA) and the tibiotalar angle (TTA) on both the surgical and contralateral side. Additionally, we examined the impact of ankle OA on postoperative clinical scores, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, following TKA. Results: Based on the classification, ankle OA stage 2 or higher was present in 13 cases on the surgical side and 13 cases on the contralateral side. On the surgical side, mHKA changed from 12.2 to 1.8 degrees varus ( P < .001) and TTA from 1.7 to 1.0 degrees varus ( P = .002). On the contralateral side, mHKA changed from 4.0 to 5.4 degrees varus ( P = .04), and TTA from 2.7 to 3.0 degrees varus ( P < .001). In ankle OA stage 2 or higher patients, contralateral TTA changed from 5.2 to 6.5 degrees varus ( P < .001) and unchanged in stage 1 patients. Ankle OA stage 2 or higher patients had worse ADL outcomes than stage 1 patients (score: 67.2 and 78.3, respectively, P = .03). Conclusion: This study suggests an apparent interrelationship between knee and ankle OA and the potential negative influence of TKA on ankle OA.
Identification of Factors Associated with Both Frequency and Severity of Deer-Related Motorcycle Crashes
Authors: Betten David P. , Goulding Benjamin M. , Kostka Phillip J. , Corser William D. , Owen Kristen N. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to injury when encountering large animals such as deer in the roadway. The frequency of these events, factors associated with their occurrence, and the extent of injuries sustained from such crashes are not yet well described. Methods A review of 10 years (2012–2021) of statewide motorcycle crash reports from a single state with a large deer population was performed to ascertain the frequency of deer-associated motorcycle crashes. Environmental and roadway conditions, as well as motorcyclist age, gender, and helmet usage, were identified to determine if associations exist with the severity of injuries sustained. Results Statewide, 8.5% of reported motorcycle crashes involved deer. Excluding the two most densely populated counties, this rose to 10.7%, with 24.1% of crashes occurring during non-daylight hours being deer related. Factors associated with increased frequency of more severe injury and death included not wearing a helmet, female gender, and rural county crash location. Death and severe injuries were reported in more than twice as many riders who were unhelmeted compared to those wearing helmets (36.1 vs 16.6%; p < 0.01). Conclusion In a single midwestern state, deer represent a significant danger to motorcyclists, especially in rural settings during non-daylight hours. A cautious approach to riding during this time, utilizing available safety precautions to minimize risk of severe injury and death, and further exploration of viable interventions to reduce the likelihood of these occurrences should be considered.
Is CRPS-1 a Chronic Disabling Disease? A Long-term, Real-Life Study on Patients Treated With Neridronate
Authors: Varenna Massimo , Zucchi Francesca , Orsini Francesco , Crotti Chiara , Calabrese Giulia , Caporali Roberto 
Published: November 2024

Background: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) is severely debilitating and painful disease that is difficult to treat. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the long-term residual disability of patients with CRPS-1 following parenteral neridronate treatment. Design: This is real-life retrospective observational study. Methods: Patients affected by CRPS-1 of the upper limb were treated with neridronate infusions (400 mg over 10 days) between February 2017 and December 2021 for whom clinical and demographic information was collected. From November 2022, patients treated ⩾1 year previously were recalled for clinical evaluation. A dedicated instrument (DASH questionnaire, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) was employed to assess residual disability. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate predictors of disability. Results: Forty-nine patients aged 61.1 ± 11.5 years and 73.5% female with CRPS-1 of the upper limb were included. Disease duration before treatment was 9.9 ± 8.0 weeks, and the mean length of follow-up was 4 years (47.7 ± 22.0 months). The disease had fully resolved in 46 patients (93.9%) for whom the diagnostic criteria were no longer recognized. According to the DASH score, 38 patients (77.6%) resulted free of functional limitations, whereas 11 patients (22.4%) were still suffering from disability. The DASH score was positively correlated with residual visual analogue scale (VAS; Spearman’s Rho = 0.61; P < .001). Predictors of residual disability were younger age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63-0.93; P = .012) and delay between disease onset and treatment (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.13-1.96; P = .004). Conclusions: In this real-life study, neridronate parenteral treatment provided a full recovery of CRPS-1 in over 3 quarters of patients, provided they are treated early.