bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social and humanitarian issues in nephrology and hypertension
Authors: Abdellatif Dina A. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review
Chronic kidney disease and hypertension, two widely prevalent conditions worldwide, present an urgent and pressing need for immediate action. The review describes how social conditions and humanitarian issues can influence hypertension and kidney disease.

Recent findings
Undoubtedly, social determinants of health (SDoH) are key influencers in the development of many noncommunicable diseases, including hypertension and kidney disease. Healthcare professionals, including public health workers, play a crucial role in addressing these issues. Poverty, low education level, poor nutrition, housing, exposure to environmental hazards, and stress-related disorders are all factors that can be addressed, either directly or indirectly, through improved awareness and access to proper healthcare services. Besides personal factors, national, regional, or global factors cause serious apprehension. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can lead to significant aftermaths on the healthy person and certainly on kidney disease and hypertensive patients. A Global Overview Report, 2023 turned out to be one of the most violent years since the end of the Cold War. In 2023, 59 state-based conflicts were recorded in 34 countries, the highest number registered since 1946. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza were the primary contributors with a significant impact on the kidney population, especially people living on dialysis and transplantation patients. They also yielded many refugees or displaced persons with ongoing suffering.

Summary
It is crucial to recognize that social and humanitarian conditions can quickly exacerbate the health of vulnerable populations, particularly those with noncommunicable diseases like hypertension and chronic kidney disease. These patients, who often require continuous follow-up, especially those on dialysis, are particularly vulnerable during difficult times. Their lives depend on uninterrupted access to dialysis or transplantation medications, making the need for special attention and care more pressing. Further research and advocacy are needed to address these issues and ensure the health and well being of these populations.
Increased PRIM2 Expression Associated With Poor Prognosis in Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yin Jingyang , Guo Shixiang , Yang Jiali , Xia Renpei , Wang Huaizhi 
Published: September 2024

Objectives
To explore the association between PRIM2 expression and prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from multiclinic centers.

Materials and Methods
Samples from PDAC patients were collected and processed to tissue microarray (TMA). PRIM2 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of in 127 enrolled PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection from January 2012 to December 2018, were with complete follow-up, and were enrolled and grouped by PRIM2 stain level into 2 groups. The expression differences, the association to clinicopathologic features, and the survival were evaluated by the groups. Data of RNA/protein expression and clinical features from public databases were used for validation.

Results
PRIM2 was highly expressed in PDAC patients and associated with poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. Association was found between increased PRIM2 levels and pathology grade (P = 0.050). Moreover, in multivariate analysis of survival, the highly expression of PRIM2 was identified as an independent risk factor for poor survival (HR, 1.78; P = 0.031). Analysis on public databases validated above results.

Conclusions
High expression of PRIM2 was associated with poor prognosis in PDAC patients, and PRIM2 could be used as an independent risk indicator.
Patient and Family Input to Determine Experiences and Research Interests in Pediatric Pancreatitis
Authors: Cress Gretchen A. , Scudiero Karen T. , Wang Fuchenchu , Patrick Vanessa B. , Wood Phoebe M. , Yuan Ying , Lowe Mark E. , Uc Aliye 
Published: September 2024

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine patient-reported burdensome experiences and research interests in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis and their families.

Materials and Methods
Children with pancreatitis and their families completed a web-based survey. Subject prioritized rankings of symptoms or quality of life issues and topics for future research were assessed. Data are presented as family and children scores.

Results
Among 80 participants, 18 were children with pancreatitis and 62 were family members. Top 5 ranked symptoms or quality of life issues were as follows: 1) pain, 2) fatigue, 3) missing school, 4) upset stomach, and 5) not knowing when an attack will occur. Top 5 ranked future research topics were as follows: 1) how to prevent a pancreatitis attack, 2) how pancreatitis affects other parts of the body, 3) ways to treat or handle pain, 4) what is the cause of pancreatitis, and 5) teach doctors about pancreatitis.

Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of patient and family input in caring for children with pancreatitis. The most bothersome symptoms were pain, fatigue, and upset stomach. Children with pancreatitis and families would like future research to primarily focus on prevention of pancreatitis attacks, pain therapy, and complications of pancreatitis.
Influence of age and race on axial elongation in myopic children: A systematic review and meta-regression
Authors: Brennan Noel A. , Shamp Wright , Maynes Elizabeth , Cheng Xu , Bullimore Mark A. 
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE
Axial elongation is the basis of progression in primary myopia and the preferred metric to monitor its evolution. We conducted a meta-regression to model axial elongation and its associated factors in children with low to moderate myopia.

METHODS
A comprehensive electronic systematic search was performed using Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials of studies conducted up until October 2021. The mean rate of axial elongation was analyzed using a multivariate linear mixed-effects meta-regression model, with backward stepwise elimination of nonsignificant covariates. The model included three levels of random effects, allowing both prediction and confidence intervals to be estimated.

RESULTS
A total of 64 studies with 83 subpopulations and 142 evaluations of mean axial change from baseline met our inclusion criteria and had no missing significant covariates in the final model. A separate analysis including all populations with axial length data (202 evaluations) but missing variance or covariate data produced a similar model to that for the analysis with complete data. The mean axial elongation is 38% greater in Asian children (95% confidence interval, 19 to 61%; p<0.01) compared with non-Asians, but both groups show a 15% decline per year as age increases (95% confidence interval, 12 to 17% p<0.0001). Prediction intervals indicate substantial variability around the axial elongation estimates.

CONCLUSIONS
This analysis provides mean values of axial elongation for evaluation of efficacy of myopia control. The broad prediction intervals emphasize the large range of individual axial elongation rates in the population, illustrating the challenge in managing individual children. Interpretation of the analysis is limited by the use of aggregated data rather than individual subject data.
The Role of Professional Development and Technical Assistance in Supporting Implementation of COVID-19 Prevention Strategies in K-12 Schools
Authors: Skelton-Wilson Syreeta , Lee Sarah , Potts Jessica , Chung Chloe , Pitt-Barnes Seraphine , Fahrenbruch Melissa , Ogunyankin Forest , Keener Mast Dana 
Published: September 2024

Context:
Schools vary in their capacity to implement recommended strategies to prevent infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Professional development (PD) and technical assistance (TA) are well-established tools used to strengthen school capacity and infrastructure for healthier school environments.

Objective:
The authors examined the relationship between PD and TA received by districts and schools and their implementation of COVID-19 prevention strategies during the 2020-2021 school year.

Design and Setting:
We conducted a descriptive analysis of survey responses collected during Spring 2021 from selected districts and schools in 9 participating states. The survey assessed the implementation of 10 COVID-19 prevention strategies recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and whether district or school staff received PD and/or TA on topics related to COVID-19 during the same year.

Participants:
Survey responses were received from designated contacts in 310 districts and 931 schools across 9 states.

Main Outcome Measures:
The dependent variable was the number of COVID-19 prevention strategies that were reported as “in place” by each district and school ranging from 0 to 10.

Results:
On average, districts and schools reported implementing 7 of 10 recommended COVID-19 prevention strategies during the 2020-2021 school year. Schools that received PD on at least 1 of 12 topics reported implementing 7.61 COVID-19 prevention strategies, whereas schools that did not receive PD reported implementing 6.34 strategies. Similarly, schools that received TA on at least 1 topic reported higher COVID-19 implementation scores (7.51) than schools that did not receive any TA (7.20).

Conclusions:
Findings reveal a positive relationship between receiving PD and/or TA and implementation of COVID-19 prevention strategies in school settings.
Adjunctive use of hypnosis for clinical pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jones Hannah G. , Rizzo Rodrigo R. N. , Pulling Brian W. , Braithwaite Felicity A. , Grant Ashley R. , McAuley James H. , Jensen Mark P. , Moseley G. Lorimer , Rees Amy , Stanton Tasha R. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Systematic reviews suggest that stand-alone hypnotic suggestions may improve pain outcomes compared with no treatment, waitlist, or usual care. However, in clinical practice, hypnosis is often provided adjunctively with other interventions, which might have different effects than those reported in previous reviews. This systematic review aimed to summarize the analgesic effects of adjunctive hypnosis in adults with clinical pain. Seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Emcare, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, Cochrane) were searched up to January 2024. Randomised controlled trials comparing the analgesic effects of adjunctive hypnosis (hypnosis + primary intervention) with those of the primary intervention alone were included. Meta-analyses (random-effects model) calculated mean differences (MD, [95% confidence intervals]) for pain intensity (0–100). Seventy studies were pooled in meta-analyses (n = 6078). Hypnosis adjunctive to usual care had a small additional analgesic effect (chronic pain: −8.2 [−11.8, −1.9]; medical procedures/surgical pain: −6.9 [−10.4, −3.3]; burn wound care: −8.8 [−13.8, −3.9]). Hypnosis adjunctive to education had a medium additional analgesic effect for chronic pain (−11.5 [−19.7, 3.3]) but not postsurgery pain (−2.0 [−7.8, 3.7]). When paired with psychological interventions, hypnosis slightly increased analgesia in chronic pain only at the three-month follow-up (−2 [−3.7, −0.3]). Hypnosis adjunctive to medicines had a medium additional analgesic effect for chronic pain (−13.2, [−22.5, −3.8]). The overall evidence certainty is very low; therefore, there is still uncertainty about the analgesic effects of adjunctive hypnosis. However, hypnosis adjunct to education may reduce pain intensity for chronic pain. Clarification of proposed therapeutic targets of adjunctive hypnosis to evaluate underlying mechanisms is warranted.
The effects of spinal stabilization exercises on functional exercise capacity in individuals with transtibial amputation: A randomized trial
Authors: Çerezci-Duygu Senay , Erbahçeci Fatih , Durutürk Neslihan , Ümit-Yemişçi Oya 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Optimization of mobility activities with spinal stabilization exercises and reducing spinal loads in individuals with transtibial amputation are recommended by researchers; however, the effect of spinal stabilization exercises on functional exercise capacity has not been investigated.

Objective:
This study aims to investigate the effect of spinal stabilisation exercises on functional exercise capacity in individuals with transtibial amputation.

Study Design:
Randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding.

Methods:
Eighteen individuals with transtibial amputation were included. Conventional physiotherapy program was applied to individuals in control group, and spinal stabilization exercise training was applied to individuals in intervention group together with conventional physiotherapy program for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was maximal oxygen uptake during 6-Minute Stepper Test. The secondary outcomes were maximal energy expenditure, step count and fatigue during 6-Minute Stepper Test, perceived mobility level with prosthesis, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles.

Results:
In the within-group comparisons, the change in the functional exercise capacity, step count, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles were found to be statistically significant in both groups. In the between-group comparison, the changes in the functional exercise capacity, perceived mobility level, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles were found to be significant in favor of the group in which spinal stabilization exercises were applied.

Conclusions:
Along with improvement in proximal control of movement, improvements were observed in some parameters that are indicative of physical capacity. Considering the described developments, exercise programs focused on spinal stabilization in individuals with amputation are becoming a serious alternative in clinical practice.
The evolution of knowledge for treating Gram-negative bacterial infections
Authors: Burillo Almudena , Bouza Emilio 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of reviewInfections caused by nonprimarily pathogenic Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) have been increasingly reported from the second half of the 20th century to the present. This phenomenon has expanded during the antibiotic era and in the presence of immunodeficiency.Before the discovery of sulphonamides and penicillin G, infections caused by GNB were rare compared to Gram-positive infections. The advent of anticancer therapy, the expansion of surgical procedures, the use of corticosteroids, and the implantation of prosthetic materials, along with better control of Gram-positive infections, have promoted the current increase in GNB infections.GNB have similar antimicrobial targets to Gram-positive bacteria. However, only antibiotics that can penetrate the double membrane of GNB and remain in them for a sufficient duration have antibacterial activity against them.Recent findingsSulphonamides and early penicillins had limited activity against GNB. Ampicillin and subsequent beta-lactams expanded their spectrum to treat GNB. Aminoglycosides may re-surge with less toxic drugs, as highly resistant to beta-lactams GNB rise. Polymyxins, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones are also used for GNB. Combinations with other agents may be needed in specific cases, such as in the central nervous system and prostate, where beta-lactams may have difficulty reaching the infection site.Alternatives to current treatments must be sought in the discovery of new drug families and therapies such as phage therapy combined with antibiotics.SummaryNarrower-spectrum immunosuppressive therapies and antibiotics, antimicrobials that minimally intervene with the human microbiota, and instant diagnostic methods are necessary to imagine a future where currently dominant bacteria in infectious pathology lose their preeminence.
Update on diagnosis and treatment of fungal meningitis: lessons from recent outbreaks
Authors: Beltran-Reyes Paula , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis , Gonzalez-Lara Maria F. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review
Recently, fungal meningitis outbreaks have occurred in association with neuraxial and epidural anesthesia in immunocompetent patients. Herein, we describe the course of those outbreaks, their diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and lessons learned.

Recent findings
Two outbreaks of Fusarium solani meningitis during 2022–2023 were associated with epidural anesthesia in two distant cities in Mexico (Durango and Matamoros). The initial etiological agent identification was delayed due to insensitivity of cultures. A Fusarium solani qPCR was validated and positive in 38% cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from Durango, while BD-Glucan allowed early diagnosis of the index case in Matamoros. Antifungal treatment with voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) was recommended. Overall mortality was 51%. Once the cause was confirmed, some patients received fosmanogepix.

Summary
Fungal meningitis outbreaks due to filamentous fungi are usually associated with direct epidural inoculation. They result in severe presentations and high mortality. Early diagnosis should be suspected, BD-Glucan CSF testing screening is recommended. Aggressive antifungal treatment based on antifungal susceptibility testing should be administered as early as possible. The advent of molecular diagnostic methods and new antifungal drugs may allow for timely diagnosis and treatment, increasing the chances of survival.
Updates for newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma: a review of recent clinical trials
Authors: Fukushima Corinna M. , de Groot John 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and devastating primary malignant brain tumor. We summarize recent advances in radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy approaches for the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma. We also introduce ongoing clinical trials.

Recent findings
Recent clinical trials have explored multiple novel strategies to treat GBM including the use of oncoviruses, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, vaccines, radiotherapy, and novel drug delivery techniques to improves drug penetrance across the blood brain barrier. Approaches to improve drug delivery to brain tumors have the potential to expand treatment options of existing therapies that otherwise have poor brain tumor penetrance. Immunotherapy has been of keen interest in both newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma. Vaccines SurVaxM and DCVax-L have shown initial promise in phase II and III trials, respectively. CAR T cell therapy trials are in their early phases but hold promise in both newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma.

Summary
Although progress to improve outcomes for GBM patients has been modest, multiple novel strategies utilizing combination therapies, focused ultrasound to improve drug delivery, and novel immunotherapies are underway.
Potent and selective repression ofSCN9Aby engineered zinc finger repressors for the treatment of neuropathic pain
Authors: Samie Mohammad , Parman Toufan , Jalan Mihika , Lee Jisoo , Dunn Patrick , Eshleman Jason , Vidales Dianna Baldwin , Holter Josh , Jones Brian , Pan Yonghua , Falaleeva Marina , Hinkley Sarah , Goodwin Alicia , Chen Tammy , Bhardwaj Sumita , Ward Alex , Trias Michael , Chikere Anthony , Som Madhura , Lu Yanmei , Yadav Sandeep , Meyer Kathleen , Zeitler Bryan , Fontenot Jason , Pooler Amy 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPeripheral neuropathies are estimated to affect several million patients in the US with no long-lasting therapy currently available. In humans, the Nav1.7 sodium channel, encoded by theSCN9Agene, is involved in a spectrum of inherited neuropathies, and has emerged as a promising target for analgesic drug development. The development of a selective Nav1.7 inhibitor has been challenging, in part due to structural similarities among other Nav channels. Here we present preclinical studies for the first genomic medicine approach using engineered zinc finger repressors (ZFRs) specifically targeting human/nonhuman primate (NHP)SCN9A. AAV-mediated delivery of ZFRs in human iPSC-derived neurons resulted in 90% reduction ofSCN9Awith no detectable off-target activity. To establish proof-of-concept, a ZFR targeting the mouseScn9awas assessed in the SNI neuropathic pain mouse model, which resulted in up to 70% repression ofScn9ain mouse DRGs and was associated with reduction in pain hypersensitivity as measured by increased mechanical- and cold-induced pain thresholds. AAV-mediated intrathecal delivery of ZFR in NHPs demonstrated up to 60% repression ofSCN9Ain bulk DRG tissue and on single-cell levels in the nociceptors. The treatment was well tolerated in NHPs, and no dose-limiting findings were observed four weeks after a single intrathecal injection. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AAV-delivered ZFR targeting theSCN9Agene is promising and supports further development as a potential therapy for peripheral neuropathies.
Herbivore prevalence poorly predicts yield in diverse cropping systems
Authors: Croijmans Luuk , Mertens Daan , van Apeldoorn Dirk F. , Jia Yufei , Hernández Nelson Ríos , Poelman Erik H. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIndustrialized agriculture needs sustainable alternatives to pesticides to avoid negative impacts on the environment and human health. Crop diversification is known to decrease pest pressure in agricultural crops. Up till now, effects of insect herbivores on crop yield are often assumed equal among cropping systems. Here, we show that cropping system alters the effect that herbivores have on cabbage crop yield, where more herbivores do not necessarily lead to reduced yields. Our most diverse cropping system had simultaneously the highest number of herbivores and highest crop yield. Conversely, in a cultivar mixture we observed negative impacts of herbivores on yield. Our study shows that, in addition to the time of arrival and type of herbivore, cropping system should be considered when assessing how insect herbivores affect crop yield. We emphasize how our perception of herbivorous insects as pests is flawed and limits conservation efforts and sustainable farming practices.
AlphaFold2 SLiM screen for LC3-LIR interactions in autophagy
Authors: Stuke Jan F. M. , Hummer Gerhard 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn selective autophagy, cargo recruitment is mediated by LC3-interacting regions (LIRs) / Atg8-interacting motifs (AIMs) in the cargo or cargo receptor proteins. The binding of these motifs to LC3/Atg8 proteins at the phagophore membrane is often modulated by post-translational modifications, especially phosphorylation. As a challenge for computational LIR predictions, sequences may contain the short canonical (W/F/Y)XX(L/I/V) motif without being functional. Conversely, LIRs may be formed by non-canonical but functional sequence motifs. AlphaFold2 has proven to be useful for LIR predictions, even if some LIRs are missed and proteins with thousands of residues reach the limits of computational feasibility. We present a fragment-based approach to address these limitations. We find that fragment length and phosphomimetic mutations modulate the interactions predicted by AlphaFold2. Systematic fragment screening for a range of target proteins yields structural models for interactions that AlphaFold2 and AlphaFold3 fail to predict for full-length targets. We provide guidance on fragment choice, sequence tuning, and LC3 isoform effects for optimal LIR screens. Finally, we also test the transferability of this general framework to SUMO-SIM interactions, another type of protein-protein interaction involving short linear motifs (SLiMs).