bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Group A Streptococcal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Epprecht Gioia , Weller David , Hofmaenner Daniel A , Andrianaki Angeliki M , Frey Pascal M , Brugger Silvio D , Zinkernagel Annelies S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are often caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS). As the number of invasive GAS infections decreased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions, this study aimed to compare the occurrence of GAS-NSTIs before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with NSTIs admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, from July 2008 to December 2023. NSTI cases were categorized as pre-, during, and postrestrictions. The primary outcome was the proportion of GAS in NSTI, and the exploratory secondary outcome was in-hospital death. A data analysis was conducted using Firth logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, and initially affected body region.

Results
Overall, 74 NSTI cases were identified, with 49 occurring before, 8 during, and 17 after the pandemic restrictions. GAS was isolated in 27 (36%) cases, with 17 (35%) pre- and 10 (59%) postrestrictions, but none during the restrictions. NSTIs caused by other bacteria persisted during the restrictions. The odds of GAS were significantly lower during the restrictions (adjusted odds ratio, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.001–0.81) compared with after, while no significant differences were found between the pre- and postrestriction periods.

Conclusions
The significant decrease of GAS-NSTIs during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions suggests that isolation measures may have prevented the transmission of GAS, resulting in a decline of GAS-NSTIs while NSTIs caused by bacteria transmitted by alternative routes persisted.
Effects of Pitavastatin on COVID-19 Incidence and Seriousness Among a Global Cohort of People With HIV
Authors: Zanni Markella V , Umbleja Triin , Fichtenbaum Carl J , Fitch Kathleen V , McCallum Sara , Aberg Judith A , Overton Edgar Turner , Malvestutto Carlos D , Bloomfield Gerald S , Currier Judith S , Schnittman Samuel R , Erlandson Kristine M , Diggs Marissa R , Foldyna Borek , Martinez Esteban , Somboonwit Charurut , Wang Gary P , Mushatt David , Connick Elizabeth , Lu Michael T , Douglas Pamela S , Ribaudo Heather J , Grinspoon Steven K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Among people with HIV (PWH), COVID-19 is common and potentially severe. We leveraged REPRIEVE (Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV) to assess the effects of statin therapy for cardiovascular disease prevention on COVID-19 outcomes (incidence and serious cases) among a global cohort of PWH.

Methods
COVID-19 data collection was implemented April 2020 to capture events from January 2020. COVID-19 was defined by positive test result or clinical diagnosis and serious COVID-19 according to the International Conference on Harmonisation definition. Among participants in follow-up on 1 January 2020, Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of COVID-19 (pitavastatin/placebo), stratified by Global Burden of Disease region. Modification of statin effect following COVID-19 vaccination was evaluated via interaction with time-updated vaccination status.

Results
Among 6905 PWH, 32% were natal female and 41% were Black or African American. The median age was 53 years and the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score 4.5%. Statin therapy did not reduce COVID-19 incidence (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, .95–1.15) but appeared to reduce incidence of serious COVID-19 (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, .52–1.09). Among 1701 PWH with COVID-19, the relative risk (pitavastatin/placebo) for serious COVID-19 was 0.73 (95% CI, .52–1.03). The treatment effect size for serious COVID-19 fell within the hypothesized range, but the 95% CI crossed 1 given fewer-than-anticipated cases (117 vs 200). Furthermore, 83% reported COVID-19 vaccination by end of study, with a strong protective effect on serious COVID-19 (HR, 0.27; 95% CI, .14–.53; P &lt; .0001). A protective statin effect was observed prior to vaccination.

Conclusions
Among PWH, statin therapy had no effect on COVID-19 incidence but showed potential to reduce risk of serious COVID-19 prior to COVID-19 vaccination.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT02344290 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Crohn’s disease presenting with pleural effusion: a case report
Authors: Ahmed Harem K , Hiwa Dilan S , Tahir Soran H , Ali Rawa M , Gharib Dana T , Asaad Hoshmand R , Hamahussein Karokh F , Mohammed Ayoob A , Najar Kayhan A , Kakamad Fahmi H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a granulomatous inflammatory bowel disease. Around 25% of CD patients exhibit extraintestinal manifestations, though pulmonary involvement is rare. This study presents a case of CD causing pleural effusion. A 43-year-old man visited the pulmonology clinic with a dry cough for one-month, right-side pleuritic chest pain, and exertional dyspnea. He was treated with antihistamines and antitussive syrup, with incomplete relief. A chest CT scan showed bilateral mild pleural effusion. Given his occasional black stools and high serum calprotectin, a colonoscopy confirmed CD. Pulmonary manifestations may involve airway, parenchymal, and interstitial pathologies, but no distinctive pathological findings differentiate CD’s pulmonary manifestations from other causes. In conclusion, isolated bilateral pleural effusion and the underlying pleuritis as a pulmonary manifestation of CD—characterized by dry cough and pleuritic chest pain, particularly preceding the diagnosis of CD—is extremely rare but possible.
The dependence of galaxy properties on the underlying three-dimensional matter density field at 2.0 &lt; z &lt; 2.5
Authors: Momose Rieko , Lee Khee-Gan , Ata Metin , Horowitz Benjamin , Kartaltepe Jeyhan S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We study the environmental effect of galaxy evolution as a function of the underlying three-dimensional dark matter density for the first time at $z=2$–2.5, in which the underlying matter density is reconstructed from observed galaxies through dynamical forward modeling techniques. Utilizing this map, we investigate the dependence of the star formation activities and galaxy types (mergers, submillimeter galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and quiescent galaxies) on the matter overdensity $\Delta _{\rm local}$ and stellar mass. For the first time, we are able to probe underdense regions ($\Delta _{\rm local}\\lt 1$) in addition to overdensities. We find that star formation activity generally depends on the stellar mass, not the matter density. We also find evidence that there is an absence of mergers and submillimeter galaxies in higher-density regions but otherwise no trend across lower-density bins, and that there is an increase in the prevalence of active galactic nuclei and quiescent galaxies as a function of matter density, and an increase of all aforementioned categories with stellar mass. These results indicate that stellar mass is the main driver of galaxy evolution at the cosmic noon. Our novel approach directly using reconstructed dark matter density maps demonstrates the new capability of studies of the environmental effect of galaxy evolution at higher redshift.
A mixed-methods exploration of the Real-Time Virtual Support pathway Child Health Advice in Real-Time Electronically in Northwestern BC
Authors: Duke Sean , Treissman Jenna , Freeman Shannon , Rossnagel Emma , Somani Salima , Lakhani Alam , Miller Kirsten , Pawlovich John , Wensley David 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To explore the implementation of a provincial virtual paediatric consulting service, Child Health Advice in Real-Time Electronically (CHARLiE), integrated into the paediatric on-call schedule in Northwestern British Columbia.

Methods
Healthcare providers in Northwestern British Columbia responded to a survey (n = 72) and participated in focus groups (n = 35) and key informant interviews (n = 4) to share their experiences engaging in a healthcare model that incorporated virtual paediatric consultants in lieu of in-person local paediatrician coverage over a 28-month period. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Themes were generated from a qualitative descriptive approach to focus groups and key informant interview transcripts.

Results
96.1% of survey respondents who had used CHARLiE rated it as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ in the provision of overall support, while 77.6% reported that CHARLiE improved access to paediatric care. Focus group and key informant interview participants valued CHARLiE’s timely, dedicated virtual bedside assessments of patients; collegiality and professionalism; amelioration of local paediatrician burnout; prevention of unnecessary transfers; and offloading of indirect patient care tasks. Video support improved provider confidence and appeared to improve caregiver trust. Suggested improvements included addressing technological barriers, enhancing providers’ knowledge of local resources, and enabling continuity of care. Participants identified that virtual care does not replace on-the-ground specialist care.

Conclusions
Participants valued CHARLiE’s 24/7, timely, and collegial video support. While maintaining a full complement of on-the-ground paediatricians remains the goal for some rural communities, dedicated virtual support provides access to paediatric care in smaller communities, thereby improving health equity for children in British Columbia.
Targeting ESM1 via SOX4 promotes the progression of infantile hemangioma through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Li Yanan , Kong Meng , Qiu Tong , Ji Yi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most prevalent benign vascular tumor in children, yet its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Research has established a strong association between SOX4 and tumor blood vessel formation. The objective of this study was to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of SOX4 in IH development with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic targets.

Methods
We identified the transcription factor SOX4 associated with IH through RNA-seq screening of IH microtumors and validated it in IH tissues. The effect of SOX4 on the biological behavior of CD31+ hemangioma-derived endothelial cells (HemECs) was investigated via in vitro cell experiments. In addition, RNA-seq analysis was performed on CD31+ HemECs with low expression levels of SOX4, and the target genes of SOX4 were identified. Finally, the effect of SOX4 on tumor angiogenesis was further elucidated through 3D microtumor and animal experiments.

Results
SOX4 is highly expressed in IH tissues and promotes the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of CD31+ HemECs. In addition, SOX4 binds to the endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1) promoter to promote the progression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Finally, through IH 3D microtumor and animal experiments, SOX4 and ESM1 are shown to be tumorigenic genes that independently promote tumor progression.

Conclusions
SOX4 plays a crucial role in the progression of IH, and the SOX4/ESM1 axis may serve as a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for IH.
SYNTAXIN OF PLANTS 132 underpins secretion of cargoes associated with salicylic acid signaling and pathogen defense
Authors: Waghmare Sakharam , Xia Lingfeng , Ly Thu Phan , Xu Jing , Farami Sahar , Burchmore Richard , Blatt Michael R , Karnik Rucha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Secretory trafficking in plant cells is facilitated by SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins that drive membrane fusion of cargo-containing vesicles. In Arabidopsis, SYNTAXIN OF PLANTS 132 (SYP132) is an evolutionarily ancient SNARE that functions with syntaxins SYP121 and SYP122 at the plasma membrane. Whereas SYP121 and SYP122 mediate overlapping secretory pathways, albeit with differences in their importance in plant–environment interactions, the SNARE SYP132 is absolutely essential for plant development and survival. SYP132 promotes endocytic traffic of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase AHA1 and aquaporin PIP2;1, and it coordinates plant growth and bacterial pathogen immunity through PATHOGENESIS-RELATED1 (PR1) secretion. Yet, little else is known about SYP132 cargoes. Here, we used advanced quantitative tandem mass tagging (TMT)-MS combined with immunoblot assays to track native secreted cargo proteins in the leaf apoplast. We found that SYP132 supports a basal level of secretion in Arabidopsis leaves, and its overexpression influences salicylic acid and jasmonic acid defense-related cargoes including PR1, PR2, and PR5 proteins. Impairing SYP132 function also suppressed defense-related secretory traffic when challenged with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Thus, we conclude that, in addition to its role in hormone-related H+-ATPase cycling, SYP132 influences basal plant immunity.
Trigger point injections for myofascial pain in terminal cancer: a randomized trial
Authors: Hasuo Hideaki , Ishiki Hiroto , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Matsuoka Hiromichi , Kosugi Kazuhiro , Xing Mei , Akiyama Yasushi , Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Ishikawa Hideki 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single trigger point injection (TPI) of a local anesthetic for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in patients with incurable cancer.

Methods
This multicenter, exploratory, open-label, randomized comparative trial was conducted in five specialized palliative care departments. Hospitalized patients with incurable cancer who had been experiencing pain related to MPS were randomized to receive either a TPI of 1% lidocaine plus conventional care (TPI group) or conventional care alone (control group). The short-term efficacy and occurrence of adverse events (AEs) were compared between groups. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who experienced a reduction in pain scores of ≥50%, assessed using an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale, at 3 days post-intervention. Adverse events were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for AEs v5.0.

Results
Fifty patients were enrolled, and the trial completion rate was 100%. The proportion of patients who experienced an improvement in Numerical Rating Scale pain scores of ≥50% was 70.8% (95% confidence interval, 52.4%-89.2%) in the TPI group and 0.0% in the control group; the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; .001). In the TPI group, one case (4.2%) of Grade 1 nausea and 1 case (4.2%) of Grade 1 somnolence were reported.

Conclusion
A single TPI of a local anesthetic is safe and efficacious in inducing an immediate reduction in MPS-related pain in patients with incurable cancer.
Clinical trials registration number: This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (approval number: jRCTs051210132) on December 16, 2021. https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs051210132.
Approval of the research protocol by a Certified Review Board: The present study was approved by the Wakayama Medical University (reference number: CRB5180004. Registered 26 May 2021).
A complete classification of evolutionary games with environmental feedback
Authors: Ito Hiromu , Yamamichi Masato 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A tragedy of the commons, in which rational behavior of individuals to maximize their own payoffs depletes common resources, is one of the most important research topics in game theory. To better understand the social dilemma problem, recent studies have developed a theoretical framework of feedback-evolving game where individual behavior affects an environmental (renewable) resource and the environmental resource changes individual payoffs. While previous studies assumed that the frequency of defectors increases (prisoner's dilemma [PD] game) when the environmental resource is abundant to investigate an oscillating tragedy of the commons, it is also possible for other types of game to produce the social dilemma. In this paper, we extend the feedback-evolving game by considering not only PD game, but also the other three game structures when the environmental resource is replete for a reasonably complete classification. The three games are Chicken game where defectors and cooperators coexist through minority advantage, Stag-Hunt (SH) game with minority disadvantage, and Trivial game where the frequency of cooperators increases. In addition, we utilize a dilemma phase plane to visually track (transient) dynamics of game structure changes. We found that an emergent initial condition dependence (i.e. bistability) is pervasive in the feedback-evolving game when the three games are involved. We also showed that persistent oscillation dynamics arise even with Chicken or SH games in replete environments. Our generalized analysis will be an important step to further extend the theoretical framework of feedback-evolving game to various game situations with environmental feedback.
Spatial multiomic insights into acute cocaine exposure
Authors: Nezhyva Mariya , Shahen-Zoabi Samah , Kabirova Marina , Bentov-Arava Einav , Shalev Ori , Andrén Per E , Thornton Claire , Yaka Rami , Margulis Katherine , Jansson Erik T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Recent studies provide compelling evidence that cocaine-induced neurotoxicity begins within hours of a single acute cocaine exposure. Despite this, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular alterations occurring in vivo within the reward system following such an exposure has been lacking. In this study, we developed an analytical workflow that combines desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging of metabolites at different temperatures with microscale proteomics of brain regions. We present a multiomic perspective on the molecular consequences of acute cocaine exposure on the principal areas of the reward system and the hippocampus. Our findings include distinct region-specific alterations in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and lipid synthesis within the reward circuitry highlighting a significant energy depletion in mice 24 hours post-cocaine injections. Additionally, we linked widespread reductions in key neurotransmitters across the reward system and calcium-level alterations, to changes in synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism disruption were evident through imbalances in the mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production and electron transport chain components, increased susceptibility to oxidative stress, disturbances in mitochondrial transport proteins, and fluctuations in creatine and taurine levels. Among the brain regions within the reward circuitry, the prefrontal cortex exhibited the most pronounced effects. This study provides a holistic overview of the intricate interplay between proteins and metabolites, unveiling molecular mechanisms within the reward circuitry regions affected during the onset of cocaine-induced neurotoxicity.
Modeling Upper Limb Rehabilitation-Induced Recovery after Stroke: The Role of Attention as a Clinical Confounder
Authors: Salvalaggio Silvia , Gambazza Simone , Ando’ Martina , Parrotta Ilaria , Burgio Francesca , Danesin Laura , Busan Pierpaolo , Zago Sara , Mantini Dante , D’Imperio Daniela , Zorzi Marco , Filippini Nicola , Turolla Andrea 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
People who have survived stroke may have motor and cognitive impairments. High dose of motor rehabilitation was found to provide clinically relevant improvement to upper limb (UL) motor function. Besides, mounting evidence suggests that clinical, neural, and neurophysiological features are associated with spontaneous recovery. However, the association between these features and rehabilitation-induced, rather than spontaneous, recovery has never been fully investigated.
The objective was to explore the association between rehabilitation dose and UL motor outcome after stroke, as well as to identify which variables can be considered potential candidate predictors of motor recovery.

Methods
People who survived stroke were assessed before and after a period of rehabilitation using motor, cognitive, neuroanatomical, and neurophysiological measures. We investigated the association between dose of rehabilitation and UL response (ie, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity [FMA-UE]), using ordinary least squares regression as the primary analysis. To obtain unbiased estimates, adjusting covariates were selected using a directed acyclic graph.

Results
Baseline FMA-UE was the only factor associated with motor recovery (b = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.83 to 1.15 points). Attention emerged as a confounder of the association between rehabilitation and final FMA-UE (b = 5.5; 95% CI = −0.8 to 11.9 points), influencing both rehabilitation and UL response.

Conclusion
Preserved attention in people who have survived stroke might lead to greater UL motor recovery, albeit estimates have high levels of variability. Moreover, the increase in the dose of rehabilitation can lead to 5.5 points improvement on the FMA-UE, a nonsignificant but potentially meaningful finding. The approach described here discloses a new framework for investigating the effect of rehabilitation treatment as a potential driver of recovery.

Impact
Attentional resources could play a key role in UL motor recovery. There is a potential association between amount of UL recovery and dose of rehabilitation delivered, needing further exploration. Preserved attention and rehabilitation dose are candidate predictors of UL motor recovery.
Saving the breeds: Farmers’ preferences for endangered dairy breed conservation programmes
Authors: Schreiner Julia Anette , Latacz-Lohmann Uwe 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Concentration on elite breeding lines has endangered a number of traditional dairy breeds. Although several of those breeds are known for superior functional traits such as robustness, they are increasingly replaced by Holstein cows. A discrete choice experiment with 159 breeders revealed the determinants of farmers’ willingness to join a stylized scheme to conserve endangered dairy breeds. Results of a random parameter logit model showed that farmers favour short-term contracts and a bonus for a collective cattle population increase. By contrast, farmers tend to reject schemes that ban slatted floors. The majority of the respondents would be willing to join an entry-level scheme without financial support, pointing to an important role of intrinsic motivation present in farmers, which seems to be particularly pronounced for small breeds threatened by extinction. If it is the political will to offer such conservation schemes, we recommend inclusion of a collective bonus. This finding is also supported by the results of a latent class analysis. A collective bonus might change social norms regarding the conservation of endangered breeds and provide impetus for increasing the overall population of a specific breed.