bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Industry price guarantees for publicly funded medicines: learning from Project NextGen for pandemics and beyond
Authors: Lynch Holly Fernandez , Conti Rena M , Contreras Jorge L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The affordability of publicly funded medicines has been a longstanding concern. In 2023, the Biden administration took several steps on this front, including incorporation of a price constraint in an agreement between the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop a new COVID-19 monoclonal antibody. The agreement included a ‘Most Favored Nation’ (MFN) clause in which Regeneron agreed that the US commercial list price of certain products developed using BARDA funding would not exceed their retail price in comparable global markets. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) included similar language in subsequent agreements, with a promise that this would become a new standard. Even beyond the preparedness context, government funders and purchasers might consider incorporating similar clauses in future contracts, especially given that the Regeneron agreement and its progeny have been praised as ‘groundbreaking.’ Yet a closer look reveals cause for skepticism. Regeneron’s MFN clause includes several loopholes related to covered purchasers and reference countries, prices, and conditions. We describe agreement terms that can make the difference between legally meaningful price constraints and mere window dressing. Our critical analysis offers important lessons for future efforts to improve the affordability of medical technology developed with public funds.
Development of a localized surface plasmon–enhanced electron beam–pumped nanoscale light source for electron beam excitation–assisted optical microscopy
Authors: Nakamura Atsushi , Shiba Shunpei , Hosomi Kei , Ono Atsushi , Kawata Yoshimasa , Inami Wataru 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We have demonstrated localized surface plasmon (LSP)–enhanced cathodoluminescence (CL) from an atomic layer deposition–grown Al2O3/ZnO/Al2O3 heterostructure to develop a bright nanometer-scale light source for an electron beam excitation–assisted optical microscope. Three types of metals, Ag, Al and Au, were compared, and an 181-fold enhancement of CL emission was achieved with Ag nanoparticles, with the plasmon resonance wavelength close to the emission wavelength energy of ZnO. The enhanced emission is plausibly attributed to LSP/exciton coupling. However, it is also attributed to an increase in coupling efficiency with penetration depth and also to an increase in light extraction efficiency by grading the refractive indices at the heterostructure.
Diaphragmatic rupture due to massive gastric volvulus after robotic-assisted diaphragm plication
Authors: De Gregorio Anthony M , Shen K Robert , Tapias Luis F 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Gastric volvulus has been rarely associated with diaphragmatic paralysis or eventration. In this article, we present the case of a patient with idiopathic paralysis of the left hemidiaphragm that underwent treatment with a robotic thoracoscopic diaphragm plication, which was complicated by massive gastric volvulus resulting in such significant intra-abdominal hypertension that the ipsilateral diaphragm ruptured anterior to the plication suture line.
Safety and efficacy of minimally invasive posterior cervical fusion: a single center, single surgeon retrospective review
Authors: Crabill George A , Derouen Kaleb , Shelvin Kierany B , Wilson John M , Tender Gabriel C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Standard posterior cervical fusion is a common surgical technique that utilizes lateral mass screws and rods for fixation. A relatively new, minimally invasive technique involving interfacet decortication and placement of spacers has shown promise in terms of outcomes. We sought to determine fusion rates and complications of this new technique at our institution to bolster current literature. We retrospectively reviewed all patients that underwent a 3-level or less minimally invasive posterior cervical fusions by a single surgeon. Patients were evaluated to determine fusion rates and postoperative complications. Twenty-eight patients underwent minimally invasive posterior cervical fusion. Twenty-seven demonstrated fusion (96%). One patient that underwent the procedure for juxta-fusional disease required additional surgery for pseudoarthrosis. The minimally invasive posterior cervical technique results in favorable fusion rates and has low complication rates. Our study strengthens current literature that this minimally invasive technique is a safe and effective alternative.
Introduction to Chapter VIII
Authors: Walter Christian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis chapter discusses Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, which regulates the relationship between the UN and regional organizations with regard to matters relating to international peace and security. It describes the provisions in Chapter VIII that reflect a compromise based on the experience under the Covenant of the League of Nations that was struck in Dumbarton Oaks and San Francisco between adherents of a centralized responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It also notes Articles in the Charter that are devoted to regional arrangements and that address different aspects of the relationship between the UN and regional organizations. The chapter recounts how the UN inherited the latent conflict between universalism and regionalism from its predecessor organization, the League of Nations. It discusses how the Cold War impaired the proper use of Chapter VIII as regional arrangements on occasion worked against resolving disputes in the manner foreseen in the Charter.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Regulates Interleukin-6-Induced Lipoprotein (a) Gene Expression in Human HepG2 Cells
Authors: Harb Tarek , Ziogos Efthymios , Amat-Alarcon Núria , Lai Shenghan , Gerstenblith Gary , Arvanitis Marios , Leucker Thorsten M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract:
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor for coronary disease. Although levels are primarily genetically determined, data from patients with inflammatory diseases indicate that the inflammatory milieu is associated with increased Lp(a) levels. Lp(a) is synthesized in the liver and the LPA gene promoter contains an interleukin-6 (IL-6) responsive binding site, but the regulatory steps linking inflammation with hepatic Lp(a) synthesis are not well clarified. We explored the interplay between IL-6, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and Lp(a) synthesis in HepG2 cells. Through genetic mapping, a regulatory variant within the LPA promoter overlapping with a PPARγ binding site was identified. In in vitro experiments, IL-6-mediated LPA gene transcription was heightened with PPARγ knock-down and suppressed with pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist. These results demonstrate an important role of PPARγ as a negative regulator of IL-6-induced hepatic Lp(a) production and may represent a new therapeutic target for patients with inflammatory conditions characterized by elevated Lp(a).
Barotrauma in COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen: a single-center retrospective study in Vietnam
Authors: Phuong Phuong Pham Phan , Thuan Phan Quang , Thanh Sang Nguyen , Minh Hieu Dang , Minh Khoi Le 
Published: September 2024

Background:
This study aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with barotrauma in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who required oxygen support, specifically using high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The authors also explored intervention strategies for the management of barotrauma and its impact on mortality risk.

Methods:
The retrospective study included a total of 381 patients with COVID-19 who required treatment in the ICU and received oxygen therapy via HFNC and IMV between July 2021 and October 2021. Retrospective data collection was conducted to record patient outcomes, including survival upon discharge from the ICU or in-ICU mortality.

Results:
Among the 381 patients, 203 received IMV, while 178 were placed on HFNC ventilation. The average age of our patient cohort was 62.1 years±15, with females constituting 54.1% of the study population. The incidence of barotrauma was observed in 8.7% of cases. Patients with barotrauma experienced a 3.3-fold increase in mortality rates and a statistically significant prolongation of their ICU stay. Notably, there was no significant difference in the 90-day survival rate between the groups with and without barotrauma.

Conclusion:
Barotrauma is a common complication in COVID-19 patients receiving mechanical ventilation. In comparison to intubated COVID-19 patients without barotrauma, those with barotrauma face an increased risk of mortality and prolonged ICU stays.
Double vs single plating could not improve the functional recovery of type C distal radius fractures involved with radial column: a preliminary retrospective cohort study (PRCS)
Authors: Shan Lei , Wang Hanzhou , Diao Shuo , Zhou Junlin , Wang Dong 
Published: September 2024

Background:
This study compared the curative effects of double plates (volar plate combined with radial column plate) and single plate (volar plate) on type C distal radius fractures involved with radial column.

Methods:
A 5-years retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with distal radius fractures involved with radial column from January 2016 to January 2021. The single plate group patients were 5:1 matched with the double plates group patients according to the age and sex. Primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Besides, the secondary outcomes were wrist and forearm motion, grip, antiradial deviation muscle strength, visual analog scale, postoperative complications, and radiographic outcomes.

Results:
A total of 54 patients (double plates group 9 and single plate group 45) were included. All the patients were completed with a 12 months follow-up. There was no statistical difference between the two groups on DASH scores, wrist flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, forearm pronation and supination, grip strength, antiradial deviation muscle strength at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery (P>0.05). In addition, there was no statistical difference in postoperative visual analog scale scores between the two groups. In radiographic outcomes, the radial inclination and radius height of the double plate group were better than those of the single plate group at 1, 3, and 12 months after operation (P<0.05). Both two groups patients had no postoperative complications occurrence.

Conclusions:
Double plate fixation did not improve the functional recovery of type C distal radius fractures involved radial column, although the radial column was fixed more firmly.
Clinicopathologic features, demographics, disease burden, and therapeutics in alopecic sarcoidosis: a case series and systematic review
Authors: Obijiofor Chinemelum , Sikora Michelle , Moshiri Ata S. , Alam Mariam , Lo Sicco Kristen I. , Imadojemu Sotonye , Caplan Avrom S. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Alopecic sarcoidosis is an uncommon cutaneous manifestation of sarcoidosis. Scarring and nonscarring alopecic sarcoidosis have been reported; however, information on the epidemiology, systemic disease associations, and treatment efficacy is limited.

Objective:
To address these gaps, we conducted a retrospective chart review and systematic literature review of alopecic sarcoidosis cases.

Methods:
Full-text English publications from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to August 2023 were analyzed. Treatment evidence quality was assessed using the modified Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine rating scale. Three patients with biopsy-proven alopecic sarcoidosis were included as a case series, all demonstrating systemic sarcoidosis and 2 requiring multiple therapies. Among 1778 search results, 60 articles representing 77 cases of alopecic and scalp sarcoidosis were included. Patients were categorized into 4 distinct alopecic subgroups. Black patients constituted the majority of all subgroups.

Results:
Extracutaneous sarcoidosis burden was high across all alopecic subgroups, with ocular disease appearing overrepresented. Topical and oral corticosteroids were the main treatments. Though scarring alopecia patients had poor outcomes despite receiving immunomodulators/cx, limited data suggest potential efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors.

Limitations:
This study has a small sample size.

Conclusion:
Our findings underscore the importance of evidence-based strategies for improving alopecic sarcoidosis management. Prompt diagnosis and systemic evaluation, especially for scarring alopecia, are essential for timely intervention to optimize patient outcomes.
Diagnostic Value and Safety of Addition of Transbronchial Needle Aspiration to Transbronchial Biopsy Through Endobronchial Ultrasonography Using a Guide Sheath Under Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions
Authors: Ito Takayasu , Nishida Kazuki , Iwano Shingo , Okachi Shotaro , Nakamura Shota , Morise Masahiro , Yoshikawa Fengshi Toyofumi Chen , Ishii Makoto 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) through endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-GS TBB) under virtual bronchoscopic navigation is unsatisfactory because radial EBUS probe is not always located within the lesion. Transbronchial needle aspiration with a guide sheath (GS-TBNA) has the potential to overcome the lower diagnostic yield by improving the relationship between the probe and the lesion and enabling repeated sampling while maintaining the location of a GS near the lesion. However, there are few data regarding the diagnostic yield and safety for diagnosing PPLs in this procedure.

Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed consecutive 363 lesions (83 lesions underwent GS-TBNA/EBUS-GS TBB and 280 lesions underwent EBUS-GS TBB) at our institution between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2022. We investigated the diagnostic efficacy and complications of GS-TBNA/EBUS-GS TBB and compared them with those of EBUS-GS TBB.

Results:
The lesion size, distance from the hilum, presence of bronchus leading to the lesion, and EBUS images during the examination differed significantly between the two procedures. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for these 4 covariates revealed that GS-TBNA/EBUS-GS TBB was a significant factor affecting the diagnostic success of PPLs compared with EBUS-GS TBB (odds ratio=2.43, 95% CI=1.16-5.07, P=0.018). Neither procedure differed significantly in terms of complications (6.0% vs. 5.7%, P>0.999).

Conclusion:
GS-TBNA performed in addition to EBUS-GS TBB might be a promising sampling method for improving the diagnostic yield for PPLs without increasing the incidence of complications.
Long-Term Follow-Up After Translabyrinthine IAC Tumor Removal With Simultaneous Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Gadenstaetter Anselm Joseph , Auinger Alice Barbara , Gerlitz Matthias , Riss Dominik , Yildiz Erdem , Roessler Karl , Matula Christian , Dahm Valerie , Arnoldner Christoph 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term hearing outcome after translabyrinthine resection of tumors within the internal auditory canal (IAC) with simultaneous cochlear implantation (CI).Study DesignProspective study.SettingTertiary referral center.PatientsThirty-seven patients with tumors of the IAC undergoing translabyrinthine tumor surgery as a first-line therapy.Intervention(s)Intraoperatively, electrically evoked auditory brainstem response audiometry (eABR) was performed in all patients to assess cochlear nerve (CN) integrity. In case of preserved CN function after tumor removal, CI was subsequently performed. Postoperatively, patients were regularly followed up to evaluate pure-tone hearing as well as speech recognition with a monosyllabic word comprehension test.Main Outcome Measure(s)Postoperative hearing thresholds and word recognition scores.ResultsOf 37 included patients, 22 (59.46%) had positive eABR responses after tumor removal. Twenty-one of these underwent simultaneous CI directly after tumor surgery and were followed-up for 24.24 ± 19.83 months after surgery. Hearing of these patients significantly improved from 73.87 ± 21.40 dB preoperatively to a mean pure-tone average of 41.56 ± 18.87 dB 1 year (p= 0.0008) and 34.58 ± 2.92 dB 3 years after surgery (p= 0.0157). Speech recognition significantly recovered from 13.33 ± 25.41% to 58.93 ± 27.61% 1 year (p= 0.0012) and 51.67 ± 28.58% 3 years postoperatively (p= 0.0164).ConclusionsRegardless of tumor histopathology, CI is an effective option to restore patients' hearing after translabyrinthine tumor surgery. After CI, patients hearing can be restored over a long-term period of a minimum of 3 years post-surgery. Furthermore, eABR proves to be a practical tool to evaluate CN function and screen for patients eligible for CI.
Continuity of Health Insurance Coverage and Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Among US Women
Authors: Sobon Holly , Myers-Miller Isabel , Tumin Dmitry 
Published: September 2024

Background
In the United States, gaps in health care insurance coverage correlate with lower use of preventive care. We aimed to determine whether part-year or year-round uninsurance was associated with lower use of testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Methods
We identified women aged 19 to 49 years in the 2017–2019 National Survey of Family Growth. Completion of any STI testing in the past year and location of STI testing were regressed on pattern of insurance coverage, classified as continuous private, continuous public, part-year uninsured, or year-round uninsured.

Results
Based on the analytic sample (N = 4119), 12% of women aged 19 to 49 years experienced part-year uninsurance, and 8% experienced year-round uninsurance, whereas 31% received an STI test in the past year. On multivariable analysis, respondents with part-year uninsurance were the group most likely to have received STI testing (odds ratio compared with continuous private coverage, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–2.23; P = 0.015), whereas respondents with year-round uninsurance were the group least likely to receive STI testing (odds ratio vs. continuous private coverage, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.55; P < 0.001). Year-round uninsurance was associated with higher likelihood of receiving a test at locations other than public or private clinics, such as at a hospital or at an in-store clinic.

Conclusions
Low use of STI testing among women with year-round uninsurance indicates a need for expanded insurance coverage and greater access to STI testing. However, high rates of STI testing among women with part-year uninsurance challenge the presumed association of insurance continuity with higher uptake of preventive care.
Forensic Pathologists and Clinical Trauma Reviews
Authors: Weyrauch Deland , Nunez Jacqueline , Borck Christopher C. , Gates Jonathan , Nelson Monika , Jones Tyler J. , Henneberry Lisa , Gill James R. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
As a powerful tool for discovering and documenting injury, the forensic autopsy has been incorporated into trauma care quality improvement. Autopsy findings are used to determine the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) to assess a patient's trauma severity. Clinical trauma services use autopsy reports to educate, improve patient care, and strengthen the information used in epidemiological and injury prevention studies. However, there is sometimes a disconnect between the forensic pathologist's injury descriptions and the information needed by the trauma service and for AIS/ISS coding.
We formed a collaboration between forensic pathologists and trauma teams to improve this communication. Accordingly, we describe injuries that are commonly overlooked or poorly described in autopsy reports, useful injury terminology, opportunities for trauma care improvement revealed by autopsies, and which medical examiner/coroner cases will most benefit from attention to specific injury details. We demonstrate how differences in injury description impact AIS/ISS results, and distill the detailed AIS manual into a pragmatic, concise, “quick reference” autopsy-directed guide for the forensic pathologist. Collaborations between trauma teams and forensic pathologists benefit each other and help communicate autopsy findings in a more clinically useful way to stakeholders to further benefit the living.
The effects of opioid tapering on select endocrine measures in men and women with head and neck cancer—a longitudinal 12-month study
Authors: Kallman Thomas F. , Bäckryd Emmanuel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Opioid treatment may affect endocrine measures in humans either through centrally or peripherally mediated mechanisms. There is a general lack of longitudinal studies examining endocrine measures in opioid-treated patients.

Objectives:
To longitudinally follow the levels of select endocrine measures in men and women with head and neck cancer for 1 year, who after having completed radiotherapy began tapering opioids.

Methods:
This was a prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Testosterone and estradiol were measured in men and women, respectively. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and prolactin were measured in both sexes. Women were grouped based on if premenopausal or postmenopausal. Samples were collected when opioid tapering started and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after tapering start. Daily opioid doses at the same time points were registered.

Results:
Twenty-five men and 12 women were followed for 12 months. In men, testosterone levels increased significantly during the first month after opioid tapering started (P < 0.001). Levels of testosterone, FSH, DHEAS, and prolactin changed significantly in men during the study period. A moderate correlation between opioid dose reduction and testosterone level increase in men aged ≤60 years was found (r
s = −0.577, 95% CI −0.854 to −0.044, P = 0.039). In postmenopausal women (n = 10), levels of FSH and LH changed significantly during the study period.

Conclusion:
Previously known effects of opioids on endocrine measures in humans seem to be reversible as select endocrine measures changed significantly in men and postmenopausal women after opioid tapering was initiated.