bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization and topographical analysis of choroidal caverns in young and healthy individuals
Authors: Fragiotta Serena , Toto Lisa , Parravano Mariacristina , Quarta Alberto , Di Noia Michele , Sacconi Riccardo , Dobovsek Divjak Darja , Rissotto Federico , Polito Maria Sole , Costanzo Eliana , Querques Giuseppe 
Published: October 2024

Purpose To describe and clarify a possible pathogenetic origin for choroidal caverns in young healthy individuals through a topographical analysis using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). Methods A cross-sectional evaluation of 44 healthy volunteers (44 eyes), aged 20–32 years with no systemic or ocular comorbidities. The topographical analysis of choroidal caverns was performed through a 15 × 15 mm volumetric scan cube using SS-OCTA (PLEX Elite 9000). The number, topographic localization within the perifovea and midperipheral retina, as well as the density of choroidal caverns in the area with the highest number, were analyzed. Factors influencing the presence of choroidal caverns were identified using a logistic regression model. Results The overall prevalence of choroidal caverns was 18.2% in our cohort. The subjects exhibiting choroidal caverns presented a greater AXL (+1.19 mm, 95%CI: 0.09, 2.29). Areas with the highest density of caverns presented an average of 1.98 ± 1.01 caverns/mm2. On a qualitative evaluation, the area with the highest density was along the inferior vascular arcade in 6/8 (75%) eyes. The main predictor of choroidal cavern development was represented by AXL (adjusted risk ratio of 2.13, P = 0.02). Conclusion Choroidal caverns in young, healthy individuals may form due to mechanical stress in predisposed eyes, where an increased lateral and anteroposterior choroidal stretching due to globe elongation can result in the formation of these cavities. Future longitudinal studies are encouraged to understand their prognostic implications.
Subthreshold micropulse laser treatment for autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy complicated by macular neovascularization
Authors: Buonamassa Rosa , Palumbo Francesca , Boscia Giacomo , Scotti Giacomo , Ferrara Andrea , De Vitis Fabio , Pignataro Mariagrazia , Termite Alba Chiara , Landini Luca , Alessio Giovanni , Boscia Francesco , Viggiano Pasquale 
Published: October 2024

Purpose To present a case of autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) complicated by intraretinal fluid and subretinal fluid, successfully managed with navigated subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) treatment. Obervations A 25-year-old female was referred to our clinic by her ophthalmologist due to a diagnosis of reduced vision in both eyes. The patient presented with a visual acuity of 0.9 logMAR in both eyes. Structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed bilateral intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF), while OCT angiography (OCT-A) demonstrated bilateral macular neovascularization (MNV). Following the initiation of intravitreal therapy with anti-VEGF agents, administered via monthly injections for one year, we observed no improvement in visual acuity or resolution of IRF and SRF. SML treatment was administered to both eyes in the macular region. At the 3-month follow-up visit, OCT revealed complete resolution of IRF in the right eye and partial resolution of IRF in the left eye, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.9 logMAR to 0.7 logMAR. Conclusions and importance In our case, SML emerges as a promising treatment modality for patients with ARB complicated by MNV who exhibit poor response to anti-VEGF therapy. However, further prospective studies with longer follow-up periods and larger cohorts are warranted to confirm the optimal treatment strategy in ARB.
Treatment with a self-expanding endoprosthesis in patients with stenosis or occlusion at the arteriovenous graft: 6-Month outcomes of a post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Haruguchi Hiroaki , Fukasawa Mizuya , Ikeda Kiyoshi , Suemitsu Kotaro , Sato Takashi , Miyamoto Masahito , Murakami Masaaki , Nakamura Junichi , Noguchi Tomonaga , Eguchi Daihiko , Kamimura Taro , Aikawa Kiyoshi 
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To assess 6-month safety and efficacy of a self-expanding stent graft placement to treat stenotic or thrombosed synthetic arteriovenous access graft at the venous anastomoses. Material and methods: This prospective, multicenter, post-market surveillance study assessed the GORE® VIABAHN® Endoprosthesis (stent graft) in Japanese patients with stenotic or thrombosed vascular access grafts. Key efficacy and safety outcomes were primary patency (PP) and secondary patency (SP) of the target lesion and the vascular access circuit, repeat interventions, technical and clinical success, incidence of adverse and serious adverse events, and device deficiencies through 6 months. Results: The 103 enrolled patients (mean age 71.8 years; 57.3% female) had stent grafts placed in the venous anastomosis of arteriovenous access grafts (on-label). The majority of lesions were stenotic (77.1%) and located in the upper arm (91.4%). Mean lesion length was 42.9 ± 23.6 mm and diameter was 6.7 ± 1.9 mm; 28 patients (27.2%) had elephant trunk placements. Technical and clinical success rates were 100%. At 6 months, Kaplan-Meier estimates of target lesion and circuit PP were 75.1% (95% CI: 65.2, 82.6) and 66.8% (95% CI: 56.4, 75.3), and SP rates were 93.8% (95% CI: 86.7, 97.2) and 93.8% (95% CI: 86.7, 97.2), respectively. Mean cumulative number of reinterventions (0.36; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.51) and incidence of device- or procedure-related adverse events were low (⩽3%). No device deficiencies were reported. Conclusions: The 6-month outcomes of the self-expanding stent graft to treat thrombosed venous anastomoses of synthetic hemodialysis vascular access grafts with stenosis demonstrated safety and effectiveness.
Key Associations Found in the Struggle With Sleep in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Simanovski Jane , Ralph Jody , Morrell Sherry 
Published: October 2024

Introduction Gaps exist in the understanding of the etiology of poor sleep quality after lung transplantation. Research Question: What factors are associated with poor sleep quality in lung transplant recipients? Design A quantitative, single-site, cross-sectional study used an anonymous survey based on 3 scales. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale with scores dichotomized to poor versus good sleepers based on the cutoff score > 8. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale evaluated symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the Short Form-12 measured health-related quality of life using the mental and physical component scores. Additional self-reported data included demographic and transplant-related variables. Results The response rate was 38.4% (61/158), and 52.5% of the sample (32/61) evidenced a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score > 8, suggestive of poor sleep quality. Bivariate analyses demonstrated that poor sleep was significantly related to symptoms of depression ( P < .01), anxiety ( P < .01), stressors of hospitalization ( P < .05), and treatment of acute rejection ( P < .05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that anxiety was significantly associated with poor sleep (odds ratio = 1.34, P < .05). Conclusion Poor subjective sleep quality remains prevalent in lung transplant recipients. Individuals with anxiety symptoms were at a greater risk for poor sleep. Guidance for strategies to improve sleep quality requires further in-depth exploration before implementation of interventions.
Neurological Complications and Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: Results From International Neurological Study Group From the COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium
Authors: Ahmad Syed Ameen , Mayasi Yunis , Kelly Thu-Lan , White Nicole , Suen Jacky , Battaglini Denise , Bassi Gianluigi Li , Fraser John F. , Premraj Lavien , Arora Rakesh C. , Bastos Diego , Whitman Glenn , Griffee Matthew , Fanning Jonathon P. , Robba Chiara , Cho Sung-Min ,   the COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium
Published: October 2024

Background In this COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium (CCCC) sub-study, we qualified neurological complications associated with SARS-CoV2 infection. Methods The CCCC is an international, multicenter study. Eligible patients were COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) across 23 centers between 1/7/2020 to 6/23/2022. Incidence of neurological complications was estimated as number of events per hospital days and per admission using Poisson regression. Associations between neurological complications and risk factors were assessed using multivariable Poisson regression. Results 713 patients were included. Median age = 56 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 45-65). Neurological complications reported in 61/480 patients (12.7%) with the majority being ischemic stroke (2.9%), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (2.8%), and seizures (2.6%). Multivariable analysis for neurological complications per admitted days showed comorbid neurological conditions (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 6.35, 2.57-15.7) were an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (IRR = 5.32, 1.52-18.6), low-middle income countries (LMIC) vs high income countries (HIC) (IRR = 4.70, 1.62-13.7), and age >55 (IRR = 3.66, 1.23-10.9) were independent risk factors for ICH. Co-morbid neurological conditions (IRR = 3.43, 1.11-10.6), LMIC vs HIC (IRR = 8.69, 2.15-35.2), July-December 2020 vs January-June 2020 (IRR = 0.17, 0.04-0.69) and age >55 (IRR = 4.05, 1.15-14.3) were independent risk factors for seizure. Conclusions Decision-making should incorporate salient risk factors to inform management of SARS-CoV2 infection and avoid neurological complications.
Reproductive Health Status in India: Comparison of NFHS-IV and NFHS-V Findings
Authors: Pasa Kamal , Singh Neel Mani , Bharali Nitamoni , Hmar Tlanglawmkim , Schaschl Helmut , Baruah Tiluttoma , Adak Dipak Kumar 
Published: October 2024

Background This study investigates the disparities in reproductive health and the underlying causes in various Indian states. Based on a large-scale population-based, nationally representative data set, this study aims to track the changes between National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-IV and NFHS-V in the status of reproductive health and examine the factors contributing to it in various regions of India for women aged 15–49 years in 29 states (NFHS-IV and V). Methods According to claims, in India’s states’ reproductive health status is gauged by the reproductive health index (RHI). The total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, childbirth order, mother-and-child delivery care and female educational attainment rate are the five variables that make up this composite index. Results In NFHS-IV, India’s RHI score was 61.5, and in NFHS-V, it was 67.8. Although there has been progress in RHI, it has not been at the level that was anticipated. Eleven NFHS-IV states and eight NFHS-V states have index values below India’s RHI threshold. Conclusion To move the situation forward, desires for using contraception should be given more weight. The level of educational achievement of women should also be raised, as should their passionate participation in economic activity.
Exploring attachment and couple relationships in endometriosis: A pilot study
Authors: Sechi Cristina , Ahmad Monica , Rosas Ilaria , Vismara Laura 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Endometriosis is the therapeutic and clinical complexity extends beyond its effects on the body’s organic system, with psychological and social impacts. However, studies analyzing the quality of attachment and couple adjustment, beyond the effects on sexuality and fertility, are currently lacking. Methods: The main objective of this study was to investigate the quality of past attachment by means of the Parental Bonding Instrument, current attachment through the Relationship Questionnaire, and the perception of couple quality and satisfaction by means of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, in a sample of 68 women aged between 23 and 54 years. Results: The analysis revealed that women with endometriosis reported experiencing greater paternal and maternal control, and less paternal care compared to those in the control group. Moreover, women in the endometriosis group exhibited a higher degree of insecure attachment in adult intimate relationships when compared to the predominantly secure control group. Regarding the DAS, women with endometriosis reported lower scores than the control group. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of a pilot study, it provides a foundational basis for future research aiming to explore endometriosis within the context of women’s relationships. It also contributes to the planning of prevention and support programs for significant figures in women’s lives.
A systematic review of sample size estimation accuracy on power in malaria cluster randomised trials measuring epidemiological outcomes
Authors: Biggs Joseph , Challenger Joseph D. , Hellewell Joel , Churcher Thomas S. , Cook Jackie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Cluster randomised trials (CRTs) are the gold standard for measuring the community-wide impacts of malaria control tools. CRTs rely on well-defined sample size estimations to detect statistically significant effects of trialled interventions, however these are often predicted poorly by triallists. Here, we review the accuracy of predicted parameters used in sample size calculations for malaria CRTs with epidemiological outcomes.

Methods
We searched for published malaria CRTs using four online databases in March 2022. Eligible trials included those with malaria-specific epidemiological outcomes which randomised at least six geographical clusters to study arms. Predicted and observed sample size parameters were extracted by reviewers for each trial. Pair-wise Spearman’s correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated to assess the correlation between predicted and observed control-arm outcome measures and effect sizes (relative percentage reductions) between arms. Among trials which retrospectively calculated an estimate of heterogeneity in cluster outcomes, we recalculated study power according to observed trial estimates.

Results
Of the 1889 records identified and screened, 108 articles were eligible and comprised of 71 malaria CRTs. Among 91.5% (65/71) of trials that included sample size calculations, most estimated cluster heterogeneity using the coefficient of variation (k) (80%, 52/65) which were often predicted without using prior data (67.7%, 44/65). Predicted control-arm prevalence moderately correlated with observed control-arm prevalence (rs: 0.44, [95%CI: 0.12,0.68], p-value < 0.05], with 61.2% (19/31) of prevalence estimates overestimated. Among the minority of trials that retrospectively calculated cluster heterogeneity (20%, 13/65), empirical values contrasted with those used in sample size estimations and often compromised study power. Observed effect sizes were often smaller than had been predicted at the sample size stage (72.9%, 51/70) and were typically higher in the first, compared to the second, year of trials. Overall, effect sizes achieved by malaria interventions tested in trials decreased between 1995 and 2021.

Conclusions
Study findings reveal sample size parameters in malaria CRTs were often inaccurate and resulted in underpowered studies. Future trials must strive to obtain more representative epidemiological sample size inputs to ensure interventions against malaria are adequately evaluated.

Registration
This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022315741).
An estimate of burnout prevalence among oncology nurses
Authors: Helaß Madeleine , Maatouk Imad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Registered nurses (RNs) in oncology must cope with the suffering of patients, the inevitability of death and their own transience. This poses a possible risk for the development of burnout, which can result in low job satisfaction and ultimately an increased intention to leave the job. Our aim was to assess psychological distress in registered nurses working in oncology.

Objective and method
A cross-sectional survey with the Oldenburger Burnout Inventory was presented to nurses within the German Cancer Society. It collected data on psychological distress via two subscales, exhaustion and disengagement. Socio-demographic data were assessed.

Results
Among 83 participating nurses, we found a prevalence of high disengagement in 17 oncology nurses (20.48%) and high exhaustion (MExh>2.5 = burnout) in 44 (53.00%). Looking at the highest values of both scales, 18.08% of respondents were at high risk for psychological distress. There was a low correlation between disengagement and age (r = 0.331, p < 0.01). The risk of high disengagement among nurses older than 50 (n = 9, 52.94%) was three times higher than for those who were 50 or younger (n = 8, 47.06%) (RR = 8.642, 95% CI: 1.475–5.749, p < 0,01).

Conclusion
This survey highlights a high rate of burnout among German oncology nurses. Interventions should be developed, implemented, and delivered in an age-appropriate manner. To ensure high-quality care and patient safety, oncology nurses should be offered preventive mental healthcare services later in their careers.

Clinical trial registration number
The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS500018851).
Isolation and characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae inducing mass mortalities in cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with trials for disease control using zinc oxide nanoparticles and ethanolic leaf extracts of some medicinal plants
Authors: Abdallah Ebtsam Sayed Hassan , Metwally Walaa Gomaa Mohamed , Bayoumi Soad Abdel Latief Hassan , Abdel Rahman Moataz Ahmed Mohamed , Mahmoud Mahmoud Mostafa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus, GBS) induces a serious infection that can harm not only aquatic life but also humans and other animals. In a fish farm in southern Egypt, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has developed an epidemic with clinical symptoms resembling piscine streptococcosis.

Results
Initial microscopic inspection of the affected fish brain and kidney indicated the presence of Gram-positive cocci. S. agalactiae was effectively isolated and identified using nucleotide homology of the 16S rRNA and species-specific PCR. The partial 16S rRNA sequence was deposited in the GenBank database at the NCBI and given the accession number MW599202. Genotyping using RAPD analysis indicated that the isolates in the present study belonged to the same genotypes and had the same origin. The challenge test, via immersion (9.2 × 107, 9.2 × 106, and 9.2 × 105 CFU/ml for 1 h) or intraperitoneal injection (4.6 × 107, 4.6 × 106, and 4.6 × 105 CFU/fish), elicited clinical symptoms resembling those of naturally infected fish with a mortality rate as high as 80%. The ability to create a biofilm as one of the pathogen virulence factors was verified. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and the ethanolic leaf extracts of nine medicinal plants demonstrated considerable antibacterial activities against the tested S. agalactiae strain with low minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The ethanolic leaf extracts from Lantana camara and Aberia caffra showed potent antibacterial activity with MBC values of 0.24 and 0.485 mg/ml, and MIC values of 0.12 & 0.24 mg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion
This study isolated S. agalactiae from O. niloticus mortalities in a fish farm in Assiut, Egypt. The pathogen persists in fish environments and can escape through biofilm formation, suggesting it cannot be easily eliminated. However, promising findings were obtained with in vitro control employing zinc oxide nanoparticles and medicinal plant extracts. Nevertheless further in vivo research is needed.
Will mpox disease caused by the human Mpox virus (MPXV) result in a pandemic-like situation similar to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kandi Venkataramana 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe threat of the emergence of potential pandemics in the future has been looming ever since the world witnessed the worst-ever public health catastrophe following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The COVID-19 pandemic affected billions of people killing millions of people throughout the world. Now, we have been noticing an alarming rise in the cases of mpox disease caused by Mpox virus (MPXV). Although discovered in 1958, mpox was largely confined to monkeys before causing the first human infection in 1970. The MPXV is demonstrating a complex transmission behavior as noted by its discovery first in Denmark in monkeys imported from Singapore (Asia) and later spreading to humans causing repeated re-emergence. The virus was confined to the African nations including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before reemerging in the United States of America in 2003 affecting several people who had a history of contact with animals. Following scattered reports from endemic regions, the virus appears to have remerged after approximately two decades in 2022 involving the United States of America (USA) and European countries. The virus has been spreading across the globe as evidenced by its discovery in 60 countries in 2022 to more than 120 countries in the current year. It is therefore essential to improve the understanding of the MPXV, its epidemiology, pathogenicity and virulence, clinical features, and control and preventive measures and increase preparedness to efficiently tackle any future public health emergency.
PSAT1 is upregulated by METTL3 to attenuate high glucose-induced retinal pigment epithelial cell apoptosis and oxidative stress
Authors: Du Xiaofeng , Wang Yanting , Gao Fan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, and a significant cause of visual impairment and blindness in adults. Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) is an enzyme participating in serine synthesis, which might improve insulin signaling and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, it has been reported that the m6A methylation in mRNA controls gene expression under many physiological and pathological conditions. Nevertheless, the influences of m6A methylation on PSAT1 expression and DR progression at the molecular level have not been reported.

Methods
High-glucose (HG) was used to treat human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) to construct a cell injury model. PSAT1 and Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) levels were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). PSAT1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), and METTL3 protein levels were examined by western blot assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and TUNEL assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were examined using special assay kits. Interaction between METTL3 and PSAT1 was verified using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results
PSAT1 and METTL3 levels were decreased in DR patients and HG-treated ARPE-19 cells. Upregulation of PSAT1 might attenuate HG-induced cell viability inhibition and apoptosis and oxidative stress promotion in ARPE-19 cells. Moreover, PSAT1 was identified as a downstream target of METTL3-mediated m6A modification. METTL3 might improve the stability of PSAT1 mRNA via m6A methylation.

Conclusion
METTL3 might mitigate HG-induced ARPE-19 cell damage partly by regulating the stability of PSAT1 mRNA, providing a promising therapeutic target for DR.