bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A combined tropical medicine and psychiatry approach to patients with possible delusional infestation
Authors: Squire S B , Taegtmeyer M , Javed Q , O'Dempsey T , Kullu C , Lepping P 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Delusional infestation (DI) is a well-recognized delusional disorder presenting as the persisting belief of being infested. Combined clinics have been run by dermatology and psychiatry in a small number of centres. In this article we focus on our Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust clinic hosted at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, where we run a specialist clinic for DI.

Methods
We describe the specific set-up and approach of our clinic as a guide for clinicians working in specialties likely to see patients with DI (including tropical medicine, infectious diseases and dermatology) who may either want to set up similar clinics or be better equipped to manage DI patients promptly within existing practice.

Results
We describe the details of the clinic's approach. Between 2018 and 2023, the service saw 208 patients, of which 82.7% could be assessed and 55.7% had DI. The female:male ratio was 2:1.

Conclusion
Interdisciplinary combined clinics with medical and psychiatry consultants working together offer an approach to managing this rare, challenging and high-consequence condition.
Increased Change in Cervical Lordosis is Associated With Decreased Rate of Recovery in Patients With C5 Palsy
Authors: Frazzetta Joseph N. , Pecoraro Nathan , Jusue-Torres Ignacio , Arnold Paul M. , Hofler Ryan , Jones G. Alexander , Nockels Russ 
Published: September 2024

Study Design:
A retrospective chart review.

Objective:
The authors aim to investigate the role of clinical and radiographic parameters in patients who underwent posterior cervical surgery, and their association with C5 palsy severity and time to recovery.

Background:
Postoperative C5 palsy affects 1%–30% of patients undergoing posterior decompression, with or without fusion. Causation and avoidance of this complication remain widely debated.

Materials and Methods:
A single institution review of patients who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery was focused on using specific Common Procedural Technology codes associated with the patient population of interest. Patients were excluded if they had inadequate pre and postoperative imaging, as well as a history of prior cervical spine surgery, concurrent anterior surgery, intradural pathology, spinal tumor, or spinal trauma. Radiographic measurements of the pre and postoperative images were completed with subsequent intraclass correlation coefficient analysis to confirm the precision of measurements.

Results:
Out of 105 total patients, 35 (33%) patients developed a C5 palsy. Twenty-four (69%) of those palsies completely resolved, with a median time to recovery of 8 months. Preoperative demographics and radiographic parameters demonstrated heterogeneity among those patients who did and did not have a resolution of palsy. Patients with increased change in C2–C7 lordosis (P = 0.011) after surgery were associated with decreased likelihood of recovery. Patients without a smoking history (P = 0.009) had an increased likelihood of recovering from C5 palsy.

Conclusions:
The degree of increased lordosis in the treatment of degenerative cervical disease plays a role in the rate of recovery from C5 palsy. This should be considered during preoperative planning in determining the amount of lordosis desired. In addition, patients without a smoking history were associated with a higher rate of recovery.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
The Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence-based Pedicle Screw Trajectory Planning in Patients With Different Levels of Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Xiong Xu , Liu Jia-Ming , Lu William Weijia , Yang Ke-Di , Qi Huan , Liu Zhi-Li , Zhang Ning , Huang Shan-Hu 
Published: September 2024

Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of pedicle screw trajectory planning based on artificial intelligence (AI) software in patients with different levels of bone mineral density (BMD).

Summary of Background Data:
AI-based pedicle screw trajectory planning has potential to improve pullout force (POF) of screws. However, there is currently no literature investigating the efficacy of AI-based pedicle screw trajectory planning in patients with different levels of BMD.

Methods:
The patients were divided into 5 groups (group A–E) according to their BMD. The AI software utilizes lumbar spine CT data to perform screw trajectory planning and simulate AO screw trajectories for bilateral L3-5 vertebral bodies. Both screw trajectories were subdivided into unicortical and bicortical modes. The AI software automatically calculating the POF and pullout risk of every screw trajectory. The POF and risk of screw pullout for AI-planned screw trajectories and AO standard trajectories were compared and analyzed.

Results:
Forty-three patients were included. For the screw sizes, AI-planned screws were greater in diameter and length than those of AO screws (P<0.05). In groups B–E, the AI unicortical trajectories had a POF of over 200N higher than that of AO unicortical trajectories. POF was higher in all groups for the AI bicortical screw trajectories compared with the AO bicortical screw trajectories (P<0.05). AI unicortical trajectories in groups B–E had a lower risk of screw pullout compared with that of AO unicortical trajectories (P<0.05).

Conclusions:
AI unicortical screw trajectory planning for lumbar surgery in patients with BMD of 40–120 mg/cm3 can significantly improve screw POF and reduce the risk of screw pullout.
Effective Treatment of an Aggressive Chest Wall Keloid in a Woman Using Deprodone Propionate Plaster without Surgery, Radiotherapy, or Injection
Authors: Ogawa Rei , Quong Whitney Laurel 
Published: September 2024

Summary:
Treatment with steroid tape is the standard of care for keloid and hypertrophic scars in Japan. In this article, we present a woman with an aggressive and progressive keloid of the anterior chest wall. At the time of presentation, the keloid had been present for 40 years, and was continuing to worsen and expand. Initially, it was believed that a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery and radiation, would be necessary to achieve an acceptable scar outcome. However, we successfully treated her keloid using only steroid tape (deprodone propionate plaster), and no other treatment modality. The case therefore supports the effectiveness of deprodone propionate plaster, and emphasizes its potential for wider future use. With the paucity of experience reported in the literature on steroid tape for scars, more reports are useful to inform plastic surgeons and dermatologists worldwide about this therapeutic option.
Vastus Lateralis Transfer for Reconstruction of Hip Abduction following Superior Gluteal Nerve Injury
Authors: Schuster Vanessa , Lauer Henrik , Hurth Helene , Heinzel Johannes C. , Herath Steven C. , Daigeler Adrien , Kolbenschlag Jonas 
Published: September 2024

Summary:
A 71-year-old man who had hip abductor insufficiency due to a chronic injury to the right superior gluteal nerve injury after lipoma resection presented to our outpatient clinic 1.5 years postoperatively with persistent pain, atrophy of the gluteus medius muscle, and Trendelenburg sign with a corresponding limp. A magnetic resonance imaging scan and neurophysiological diagnostics confirmed a chronic lesion of the superior gluteal nerve with completed reinnervation and absent pathological spontaneous activity, excluding neurosurgical options to restore hip abduction. Following interdisciplinary evaluation of the patient’s case, we performed a vastus lateralis transfer in May 2023 to stabilize the right hip joint. The entire vastus lateralis muscle was carefully freed from the surrounding tissue, and its attachment to the quadriceps tendon was separated. The proximal section of the lateral vastus was then fixed to the ilium and greater trochanter, while the muscle’s distal portion was sutured to a more proximal part of the quadriceps muscle. The postoperative course was without any complications, and the patient left the hospital with an abduction splint 10 days after surgery. When he presented to our outpatient clinic 10 weeks after surgery, he reported a significantly improved gait and reduction of pain. Trendelenburg sign was now absent, but right knee function was not impaired and the patient was able to ambulate without the regular need for an orthosis. A transfer of the vastus lateralis muscle is therefore a valuable option to restore hip abductor function in cases of chronic nerve lesions which exclude neurosurgical options.
Performance of Sexually Transmitted Disease Laboratories for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Detection in Southern China From 2020 Through 2022
Authors: Qin Xiao-Lin , Chen Yang , Du Hua-Long-Yue , Chen Wen-Tao , Yin Xiao-Na , Zhou Han , Zhang Zi-Yan , Wu Xing-Zhong , Xue Yao-Hua , Lan Yin-Yuan , Tang San-Mei , Huang Jin-Mei , Zheng He-Ping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The rising incidence of gonorrhea presents a global public health challenge, emphasizing the importance of accurate Neisseria gonorrhoeae detection for effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention. This study assessed the performance of sexually transmitted disease laboratories for N. gonorrhoeae detection in Guangdong, southern China. A questionnaire about N. gonorrhoeae detection and external quality assessments (EQAs) with five samples for culture and five for nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) were conducted annually from 2020 through 2022. The questionnaire was responded to by 1047 laboratories, with the results showing that Gram staining and culture were most commonly used by 44.3% and 40.4% of the laboratories, respectively, whereas NAATs were adopted by only 11.7%. The number of clinical samples tested for N. gonorrhoeae increased from 536,369 in 363 laboratories in 2020 to 1,093,147 in 582 laboratories in 2022 (P > 0.05), with an overall male-to-female testing ratio of 1:3.4 and a positive ratio of 3.6:1. The EQA results revealed a concordance rate of 90.8% for gonococcal culture and 93.1% for NAATs. NAATs demonstrated a decreasing detection rate (from 100.0% to 84.5%) with reducing gonococcal DNA copies and 89.0% specificity with the interference-negative sample. The overall concordance rates of four widely used commercial NAAT kits ranged from 95.7% to 88.5%. Gram staining and culture were widely used to detect N. gonorrhoeae in Guangdong. NAAT has long been recognized as a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting gonorrhea and should be more widely implemented in China.
Changes in Self-Reported Mask Use After the Lifting of State-Issued Mask Mandates in 20 US States, February–June 2021
Authors: Ajiboye Aderonke S. , Dunphy Christopher , Vo Linda , Howard-Williams Mara , Ladva Chandresh N. , Robinson Susan J. , McCord Russell , Gakh Maxim , Weber Regen , Sunshine Gregory 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
In April 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended community masking to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Since then, a total of 39 US states and DC issued mask mandates. Despite CDC recommendations and supporting evidence that masking reduces COVID-19 community transmission, from January to June 20, 2021 states lifted their mask mandates for all individuals. This study examined the association between lifting state-issued mask mandates and mask-wearing behavior in 2021.

Design:
We estimated a difference-in-difference model, comparing changes in the likelihood for individuals to wear a mask in states that lifted their mask mandate relative to states that kept their mandates in place between February and June of 2021.

Setting:
Individuals were surveyed from across the United States.

Participants:
We used masking behavior data collected by the Porter Novelli View 360 + national surveys (N = 3459), and data from state-issued mask mandates obtained by CDC and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Main Outcomes:
The outcome variable of interest was self-reported mask use during the 30 days prior to the survey data collection.

Results:
In the overall population, lifting mask mandates did not significantly influence mask-wearing behavior. Mask wearing did significantly decrease in response to the lifting of mask mandates among individuals living in rural counties and individuals who had not yet decided whether they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusion:
Policies around COVID-19 behavioral mitigation, specifically amongst those unsure about vaccination and in rural areas, may help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
Patient-derived Organoid Pharmacotyping As A Predictive Tool for Therapeutic Selection in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nicolson Norman G. , Tandurella Joseph A. , Wu Lawrence W. , Patel Jignasha , Morris Eli , Seppälä Toni T. , Guinn Samantha , Zlomke Haley , Shubert Christopher R. , Lafaro Kelly J. , Burns William R. , Cameron John L. , He Jin , Fertig Elana J. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Zimmerman Jacquelyn W. , Burkhart Richard A. 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
We integrate a new approach to chemosensitivity data for clinically-relevant regimen matching, and demonstrate the relationship with clinical outcomes in a large PDO biobank.

Summary Background Data:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) usually recurs following potentially curative resection. Prior studies related patient-derived organoid (PDO) chemosensitivity with clinical responses.

Methods:
PDOs were established from pre-treatment biopsies in a multi-institution clinical trial (n=21) and clinical specimens at a high-volume pancreatectomy center (n=74, of which 48 were pre-treated). PDO in vitro chemosensitivities to standard-of-care chemotherapeutics (pharmacotypes) were matched to potential clinically-relevant regimens by a weighted nearest-neighbors analysis. Clinical outcomes were then compared for patients who had well-matched versus poorly-matched treatment according to this metric.

Results:
Our function matched 91% of PDOs to a standard-of-care regimen (9% pan-resistant). PDOs poorly-matched to the neoadjuvant regimen received would have matched to an alternative in 34% of cases. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy well-matched to their pharmacotype experienced improved CA 19-9 response (60% decreased to normal when well-matched, 29% when poorly-matched, P<0.05) and lymph node down-staging (33% N0 after poorly-matched, 69% after well-matched, P<0.05). Patients receiving both well-matched neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy experienced improved recurrence-free- and overall survival (median RFS 8.5 mo poorly-matched, 15.9 mo well-matched, P<0.05; median OS 19.5 vs. 30.3 mo, P<0.05).

Conclusion:
In vitro PDO pharmacotyping can inform PDAC therapy selection. We demonstrate improved outcomes including survival for patients treated with regimens well-matched to their PDO chemosensitivities. A subsequent prospective study using PDO pharmacotype matching could improve oncologic outcomes and improve quality of life by avoiding therapies not expected to be effective.
Fully Covered Self-expandable Metallic Stents for Refractory Benign Pancreatic Duct Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Rodge Gajanan , Giri Suprabhat , Kolhe Kailash , Afzalpurkar Shivaraj , Harindranath Sidharth , Sundaram Sridhar , Kale Aditya 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Endoscopic treatment of refractory pancreatic duct (PD) strictures includes the placement of multiple plastic stents. Recent studies have shown the benefit of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS). This systematic review analyzes the efficacy and safety of FCSEMS in PD strictures.

Methods:
A comprehensive search of all suitable studies was conducted using the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus from inception to November 2022. The outcomes assessed were efficacy and safety of FCSEMS in PD strictures. Using a random-effects inverse-variance model, the pooled proportions were calculated.

Results:
A total of 22 studies with 439 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled stricture resolution rate was 91.6% (95% CI: 87.4-95.7), while the pooled pain resolution rate was 84.9% (95% CI: 77.7-92.1). The pooled incidences of stent-related adverse events, including acute pancreatitis, pain requiring stent removal, and de novo stricture, were 3.9% (95% CI: 1.2-6.7), 0.8% (95% CI: 0.0-2.1), and 3.3% (95% CI: 0.7-5.8). The pooled incidence of stent migration, stricture recurrence, and the need for restenting were 12.9% (95% CI: 6.7-19.1), 9.3% (95% CI: 4.7-13.8), and 12.3% (95% CI: 6.9-17.8), respectively.

Conclusions:
FCSEMSs can be considered in carefully selected patients with benign PD strictures with high resolution rate and acceptable adverse event rate. De-novo structure formation appears to be a significant problem. Further studies may help to decide the role of FCSEMS in the algorithm.
The contribution of movement to social network structure and spreading dynamics under simple and complex transmission
Authors: Chimento Michael , Farine Damien R. 
Published: September 2024

The structure of social networks fundamentally influences spreading dynamics. In general, the more contact between individuals, the more opportunity there is for the transmission of information or disease to take place. Yet, contact between individuals, and any resulting transmission events, are determined by a combination of spatial (where individuals choose to move) and social rules (who they choose to interact with or learn from). Here, we examine the effect of the social–spatial interface on spreading dynamics using a simulation model. We quantify the relative effects of different movement rules (localized, semi-localized, nomadic and resource-based movement) and social transmission rules (simple transmission, anti-conformity, proportional, conformity and threshold rules) to both the structure of social networks and spread of a novel behaviour. Localized movement created weakly connected sparse networks, nomadic movement created weakly connected dense networks, and resource-based movement generated strongly connected modular networks. The resulting rate of spreading varied with different combinations of movement and transmission rules, but—importantly—the relative rankings of transmission rules changed when running simulations on static versus dynamic representations of networks. Our results emphasize that individual-level social and spatial behaviours influence emergent network structure, and are of particular consequence for the spread of information under complex transmission rules.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.
The influence of social and spatial processes on the epidemiology of environmentally transmitted pathogens in wildlife: implications for management
Authors: Pandey Aakash , Wojan Chris , Feuka Abigail , Craft Meggan E. , Manlove Kezia , Pepin Kim M. 
Published: September 2024

Social and spatial structures of host populations play important roles in pathogen transmission. For environmentally transmitted pathogens, the host space use interacts with both the host social structure and the pathogen’s environmental persistence (which determines the time-lag across which two hosts can transmit). Together, these factors shape the epidemiological dynamics of environmentally transmitted pathogens. While the importance of both social and spatial structures and environmental pathogen persistence has long been recognized in epidemiology, they are often considered separately. A better understanding of how these factors interact to determine disease dynamics is required for developing robust surveillance and management strategies. Here, we use a simple agent-based model where we vary host mobility (spatial), host gregariousness (social) and pathogen decay (environmental persistence), each from low to high levels to uncover how they affect epidemiological dynamics. By comparing epidemic peak, time to epidemic peak and final epidemic size, we show that longer infectious periods, higher group mobility, larger group size and longer pathogen persistence lead to larger, faster growing outbreaks, and explore how these processes interact to determine epidemiological outcomes such as the epidemic peak and the final epidemic size. We identify general principles that can be used for planning surveillance and control for wildlife host–pathogen systems with environmental transmission across a range of spatial behaviour, social structure and pathogen decay rates.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.
Movement decisions driving metapopulation connectivity respond to social resources in a long-lived ungulate, bighorn sheep (
Ovis canadensis
)
Authors: Ricci Lauren E. , Cox Mike , Manlove Kezia R. 
Published: September 2024

The spatial availability of social resources is speculated to structure animal movement decisions, but the effects of social resources on animal movements are difficult to identify because social resources are rarely measured. Here, we assessed whether varying availability of a key social resource—access to receptive mates—produces predictable changes in movement decisions among bighorn sheep in Nevada, the United States. We compared the probability that males made long-distance ‘foray’ movements, a critical driver of connectivity, across three ecoregions with varying temporal duration of a socially mediated factor, breeding season. We used a hidden Markov model to identify foray events and then quantified the effects of social covariates on the probability of foray using a discrete choice model. We found that males engaged in forays at higher rates when the breeding season was short, suggesting that males were most responsive to the social resource when its existence was short lived. During the breeding season, males altered their response to social covariates, relative to the non-breeding season, though patterns varied, and age was associated with increased foray probability. Our results suggest that animals respond to the temporal availability of social resources when making the long-distance movements that drive connectivity.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.