bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Cryptococcal Meningitis in Diverse Patient Populations in New York City
Authors: Sardar Zomer , Kim Carla Y , Thakur Kiran T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is responsible for 15%–20% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–associated mortalities. CM prevalence has also increased in other immunocompromised populations of transplant recipients, patients with cancer, and individuals on immunomodulatory medication.

Methods
This retrospective review included 51 definitive patients with CM hospitalized at a tertiary academic medical center in New York City between 2010 and 2023. We assessed clinical features and outcomes of CM, with additional analysis of factors related to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in HIV-infected cases and immunomodulatory medication history of HIV-negative cases.

Results
The cohort had a mean (standard deviation) age of 47.1 ± 15.1 years, and was predominantly male (37, 72.5%). Of 32 patients with HIV, 3 (9.4%) were newly diagnosed with HIV at the time of CM hospitalization, 5 (15.6%) had recurrent CM, and 2 (6.3%) had a CM relapse. The majority (30, 93.8%) of patients with HIV were ART nonadherent. Of 19 HIV-negative patients, 8 (42.1%) were solid-organ transplant recipients, 5 (26.3%) had autoimmune conditions of sarcoidosis or systemic lupus erythematosus, and 3 (15.8%) had chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Six (11.8%) patients died during hospitalization, 4 of whom had HIV.

Conclusions
The burden of CM in people with HIV and immunocompromised patients continues even in settings with accessible standard antifungal treatment though interventions of increased ART adherence for those with HIV and antifungal prophylaxis may improve morbidity and mortality.
Identifying Gaps in the International Consensus Case Definitions for Invasive Aspergillosis: A Review of Clinical Cases Not Meeting These Definitions
Authors: Tio Shio Yen , Chen Sharon C A , Heath Christopher H , Pradhan Alyssa , Morris Arthur J , Korman Tony M , Morrissey C Orla , Halliday Catriona L , Kidd Sarah , Spelman Timothy , Brell Nadiya , McMullan Brendan , Clark Julia E , Mitsakos Katerina , Hardiman Robyn P , Williams Phoebe C M , Campbell Anita J , Beardsley Justin , Van Hal Sebastiaan , Yong Michelle K , Worth Leon J , Slavin Monica A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
International consensus definitions for invasive aspergillosis (IA) in research are rigorous, yet clinically significant cases are often excluded from clinical studies for not meeting proven/probable IA case definitions. To better understand reasons for the failure to meet criteria for proven/probable infection, we herein review 47 such cases for their clinical and microbiological characteristics and outcomes.

Methods
Data on 47 cases that did not meet consensus IA definitions but were deemed significant were derived from a retrospective, observational, multicenter survey of 382 presumed IA cases across Australasia, of which findings of 221 proven/probable infections were recently published. The clinical, microbiological, and radiologic characteristics of these cases were analyzed. Mortality outcomes were compared with those of 221 proven/probable cases.

Results
Of 47 cases studied, 15 lacked classical host factors; 22 exhibited only a single positive Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction result; 7 lacked typical IA radiologic findings on chest computed tomography; and 3 had borderline galactomannan optical density indices (&lt;1.0 but ≥0.5) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The median age of patients was 61 years (IQR, 52–68); 34 were male (72%). Seven patients (15%) required intensive care admission. All patients had lung as the primary site of infection. Antifungal treatment was initiated in 42 patients (89%). All-cause 90-day mortality was 33%, similar to the 30% mortality in the comparative cohort (n = 221).

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the limitations of current consensus definitions for IA. Notably, the mortality of patients not meeting these definitions was similar to that of patients with proven/probable IA. Further studies, especially of patients with a single positive Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction result and those without host factors, are needed to determine if future consensus definitions may benefit from modifications.
Prospective Evaluation of Routine Statewide Integration of Molecular Epidemiology and Contact Tracing to Disrupt Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission
Authors: Kantor Rami , Steingrimsson Jon , Fulton John , Novitsky Vladimir , Howison Mark , Gillani Fizza , Bhattarai Lila , MacAskill Meghan , Hague Joel , Guang August , Khanna Aditya , Dunn Casey , Hogan Joseph , Bertrand Thomas , Bandy Utpala 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a global challenge and novel measures for transmission disruption are needed. Contact tracing is limited by reluctance or inability of newly diagnosed individuals to name at-risk contacts. Molecular cluster analysis is mostly used for outbreak investigations, and its role in routine public health activities remains uncertain.

Methods
We conducted a 2-year prospective statewide study in Rhode Island to evaluate integration of HIV cluster analyses into routine contact tracing, by attempting to reinterview all new diagnoses who clustered, notifying them of clustering, and evaluating benefits of this strategy. Clustering was compared between a phylogenetic ensemble versus distance-based HIV-TRACE.

Results
Of 100 new diagnoses during 2021–2022, 52 individuals clustered, of whom only 31% were reinterviewed. Reinterviewing did not improve contact tracing beyond initial interviews, and the study was stopped early for futility. Clustering concordance within the phylogenetic ensemble was high (88%–89%), but lower (74%) for HIV-TRACE. Despite hypothesis rejection, we established a public health–academic partnership, developed a bioinformatics pipeline enabling near real-time cluster analysis, and identified gaps and unique opportunities for intervention.

Conclusions
Attempting to reinterview all statewide new HIV diagnoses in molecular clusters showed no evidence of improving contact tracing. However, a strong academic–public health partnership enabled near real-time, longitudinal integration of molecular cluster analysis into routine public health activities, and identified barriers and opportunities tailoring data-driven approaches to unique individual and community characteristics, guiding future work on optimal use of molecular epidemiology to disrupt HIV transmission.
MASTER OT J030227.28+191754.5: An unprecedentedly energetic dwarf nova outburst
Authors: Tampo Yusuke , Kato Taichi , Isogai Keisuke , Kimura Mariko , Kojiguchi Naoto , Nogami Daisaku , Ito Junpei , Shibata Masaaki , Yamanaka Masayuki , Taguchi Kenta , Maehara Hiroyuki , Itoh Hiroshi , Matsumoto Katsura , Nakagawa Momoka , Nishida Yukitaka , Dvorak Shawn , Murata Katsuhiro L , Hosokawa Ryohei , Imai Yuri , Ito Naohiro , Niwano Masafumi , Sato Shota , Noto Ryotaro , Yamaguchi Ryodai , Schramm Malte , Oasa Yumiko , Kanai Takahiro , Sasaki Yu , Tordai Tamás , Vanmunster Tonny , Kiyota Seiichiro , Katysheva Nataly , Shugarov Sergey Yu , Zubareva Alexandra M , Antipin Sergei , Ikonnikova Natalia , Belinski Alexandr , Dubovsky Pavol A , Medulka Tomáš , Takahashi Jun , Takayama Masaki , Ohshima Tomohito , Saito Tomoki , Tozuka Miyako , Sako Shigeyuki , Tanaka Masaomi , Tominaga Nozomu , Horiuchi Takashi , Hanayama Hidekazu , Reichart Daniel E , Kouprianov Vladimir V , Davidson Jr James W , Caton Daniel B , Romanov Filipp D , Lane David J , Hambsch Franz-Josef , Narita Norio , Fukui Akihiko , Ikoma Masahiro , Tamura Motohide , Kawabata Koji S , Nakaoka Tatsuya , Imazawa Ryo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We present a detailed study of the MASTER OT J030227.28$+$191754.5 outburst in 2021–2022, which reached an amplitude of $10.2\:$mag and a duration of $60\:$d. The detections of (1) the double-peaked optical emission lines, and (2) the early and ordinary superhumps, established that MASTER OT J030227.28$+$191754.5 is an extremely energetic WZ Sge-type dwarf nova (DN). Based on the superhump observations, we obtained its orbital period and mass ratio as $0.05986(1)\:$d and 0.063(1), respectively. These values are within a typical range for low-mass-ratio DNe. According to the binary parameters derived based on the thermal–tidal instability model, our analyses showed that (1) the standard disk model requires an accretion rate $\simeq\!\! 10^{20}\:$g$\:$s$^{-1}$ to explain its peak optical luminosity, and (2) large mass was stored in the disk at the outburst onset. These factors cannot be explained solely by the impact of its massive ($\gtrsim\!\! 1.15\, M_{\odot }$) primary white dwarf implied by Kimura et al. (2023, ApJ, 951, 124). Instead, we propose that the probable origin of this enormously energetic DN outburst is the even lower quiescence viscosity than other WZ Sge-type DNe. This discussion is qualitatively valid for most possible binary parameter spaces unless the inclination is low enough ($\lesssim\!\! 40^\circ$) for the disk to be bright, explaining the outburst amplitude. Such low inclinations, however, would not allow detectable amplitude of early superhumps in the current thermal–tidal instability model. The optical spectra at outburst maximum showed strong emission lines of the Balmer, He i, and He ii series, the core of which is narrower than $\sim \! 800\:$km$\:$s$^{-1}$. Considering its binary parameters, a Keplerian disk cannot explain this narrow component, but the presumable origin is disk winds.
Quasi-biennial oscillation of the Ca ii K plage area
Authors: Xu Xiang , Zeng ShuGuang , Zheng Sheng , Wan Miao , Zeng XiangYun , Deng LinHua , Huang Yao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Solar quasi-biennial oscillations (QBOs) are crucial not only for comprehending the solar dynamo mechanism but also for forecasting space weather. In this present work, composite monthly Ca ii K plage area (PA) data were utilized, derived from cross-calibrated Ca ii K spectra and filtered maps collected at 38 stations from 1892 to 2023 December. The analysis, covering 14–25 solar cycles, employes synchrosqueezed wavelet transforms (SWT) to examine the periodicity of the plage area data. The following prominent results are found: (1) There are many periodic modes with different characteristics in plage area (PA) data, including the $40\:$yr periodic mode, the $22\:$yr magnetic periodic mode, the $11\:$yr Schwabe periodic mode, a medium-term periodic mode, a quasi-sexennial oscillation period mode, and the QBOs periodic modes; (2) the reconstructed solar QBOs exhibit intermittence with signs of stochasticity; (3) the Gnevyshev gap is observed in solar cycles 15–24, and triple peaks are observed in solar cycles 16, 17, and 19. There are two possible mechanisms by which the Gnevyshev gap may occur; one is as a result of the modulation of solar QBOs by the $11\:$yr Schwabe cycle, and the other is as a result of the reversal of the solar magnetic field.
Blue supergiants as a progenitor of intermediate-luminosity red transients
Authors: Moriya Takashi J , Menon Athira 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The current perspective about the explosions of massive hydrogen-rich blue supergiants is that they resemble SN 1987A. These so-called peculiar Type II supernovae, however, are one of the rarest types of supernovae and may not hence be the fate of all blue supergiants. In this work, we explore other explosion scenarios for blue supergiants. We create synthetic light curves from the explosions of blue supergiant models born from binary mergers, over a range of explosion energies and $^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$ masses. We find that blue supergiant explosions may also lead to intermediate-luminosity red transients. We thus identify two categories of supernovae possible from blue supergiant explosions: those with high $^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$ masses ($\gtrsim$0.01  ${M}_\odot$) result in slow-rising, dome-shaped light curves like SN 1987A. Lower $^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$ masses result in low-luminosity, short-plateau light curves resembling some intermediate-luminosity red transients and Type II supernovae like SN 2008bp, which are possible from the explosions of compact blue supergiants and not from the far more extended red supergiants. Our results indicate that blue supergiant explosions are more diverse than SN 1987A-like events and may be hidden among different kinds of transients, explaining the possible discrepancies between the expected fraction of blue supergiants born from binary mergers and the observed fraction of SN 1987A-like supernovae.
High accuracy meets high throughput for near full-length 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing on the Nanopore platform
Authors: Lin Xuan , Waring Katherine , Ghezzi Hans , Tropini Carolina , Tyson John , Ziels Ryan M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing is a foundational method in microbial ecology. Currently, short-read platforms are commonly employed for high-throughput applications of SSU rRNA amplicon sequencing, but at the cost of poor taxonomic classification due to limited fragment lengths. The Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform can sequence full-length SSU rRNA genes, but its lower raw-read accuracy has so-far limited accurate taxonomic classification and de novo feature generation. Here, we present a sequencing workflow, termed ssUMI, that combines unique molecular identifier (UMI)-based error correction with newer (R10.4+) ONT chemistry and sample barcoding to enable high throughput near full-length SSU rRNA (e.g. 16S rRNA) amplicon sequencing. The ssUMI workflow generated near full-length 16S rRNA consensus sequences with 99.99% mean accuracy using a minimum subread coverage of 3×, surpassing the accuracy of Illumina short reads. The consensus sequences generated with ssUMI were used to produce error-free de novo sequence features with no false positives with two microbial community standards. In contrast, Nanopore raw reads produced erroneous de novo sequence features, indicating that UMI-based error correction is currently necessary for high-accuracy microbial profiling with R10.4+ ONT sequencing chemistries. We showcase the cost-competitive scalability of the ssUMI workflow by sequencing 87 time-series wastewater samples and 27 human gut samples, obtaining quantitative ecological insights that were missed by short-read amplicon sequencing. ssUMI, therefore, enables accurate and low-cost full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing on Nanopore, improving accessibility to high-resolution microbiome science.
The fully activated open state of KCNQ1 controls the cardiac “fight-or-flight” response
Authors: Hou Panpan , Zhao Lu , Zhong Ling , Shi Jingyi , Wang Hong Zhan , Gao Junyuan , Liu Huilin , Zuckerman Joan , Cohen Ira S , Cui Jianmin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The cardiac KCNQ1 + KCNE1 (IKs) channel regulates heart rhythm under both normal and stress conditions. Under stress, the β-adrenergic stimulation elevates the intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level, leading to KCNQ1 phosphorylation by protein kinase A and increased IKs, which shortens action potentials to adapt to accelerated heart rate. An impaired response to the β-adrenergic stimulation due to KCNQ1 mutations is associated with the occurrence of a lethal congenital long QT syndrome (type 1, also known as LQT1). However, the underlying mechanism of β-adrenergic stimulation of IKs remains unclear, impeding the development of new therapeutics. Here, we find that the unique properties of KCNQ1 channel gating with two distinct open states are key to this mechanism. KCNQ1's fully activated open (AO) state is more sensitive to cAMP than its intermediate open state. By enhancing the AO state occupancy, the small molecules ML277 and C28 are found to effectively enhance the cAMP sensitivity of the KCNQ1 channel, independent of KCNE1 association. This finding of enhancing AO state occupancy leads to a potential novel strategy to rescue the response of IKs to β-adrenergic stimulation in LQT1 mutants. The success of this approach is demonstrated in cardiac myocytes and also in a high-risk LQT1 mutation. In conclusion, the present study not only uncovers the key role of the AO state in IKs channel phosphorylation, but also provides a target for antiarrhythmic strategy.
Inaccurate Borrower Information and Credit Risk: Evidence from Marketplace Loans
Authors: Pursiainen Vesa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Inaccurate borrower-provided information in marketplace loans is informative about credit risk. An inaccuracy index constructed from the consistency of loan amount with outstanding credit balance, roundness of reported income, and roundness of chosen loan amount predicts the likelihood of default, and the additional default risk is not compensated by higher interest. Inaccurate information is more prevalent in areas with lower social capital and weaker social norms. It is also lower among borrowers whose professions are considered less honest, and among borrowers with higher income uncertainty. These results suggest that inaccuracy is driven by both deliberate misreporting and genuine uncertainty. (JEL D12, D91, G23, G41)
Received: 6 April 2023; Editorial decision: 31 March 2024
Editor: Isil Erel Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis in neonates and infants: an alarming crisis in an Indian NICU
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Verma Akanksha , Singh Anita , Naranje Kirti M , Misra Richa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Emergence of multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae has led to limited number of antimicrobial options for treatment. Even though outbreaks of colistin–carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CCRKp) are evolving, reported literature is scarce. This is a retrospective case series of three infants who acquired CCRKp sepsis during an outbreak in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary care centre in Northern India. Data were retrieved from medical records of patients. Three babies developed new onset clinical worsening during an outbreak of sepsis. All had respiratory comorbidities and previous antibiotic exposure prior to isolation of CCRKp sepsis from blood. The organism was sensitive to combination of ceftazidime plus avibactam and tetracyclines in two infants; in one other newborn, no sensitive antibiotic was found. Two neonates deceased due to multiorgan dysfunction. An outbreak investigation revealed one common source of sterile water used in a humidifier. The outbreak was resolved by temporarily closing the NICU, segregating the infected infants and using corrective measures such as procuring a fresh batch of sterile water bottles, disinfecting the NICU, and reinforcing the use of antiseptic techniques. The emergence of CCRKp is alarming, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and tropical regions where such outbreaks are difficult to control due to limited healthcare infrastructure. These findings highlight the urgent need for stringent antimicrobial stewardship practices, enhanced infection control, and tailored interventions in resource-limited settings. It is also to be emphasized that the main mechanism of carbapenem resistance in Kp organisms in Asia seems to be different from the West and is mainly mediated by metallo-beta-lactamases and Class D carbapenemases.
CE: Nursing Roles in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Parrett Michelle , Yi Cassia , Weaver Brooke , Jones Meghan , Almachar Marites B. , Davidson Judy , Odish Mazen , Pollema Travis 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a type of mechanical circulatory support that is increasingly utilized in the United States for severe respiratory and/or cardiac failure refractory to conventional therapies. It is an expensive and complex life support modality. Moreover, patients on ECMO are critically ill and require a strong multidisciplinary care team. A successful ECMO program involves a trained team consisting of physicians, perfusionists, nurses, and respiratory therapists. This article discusses the multiple roles of ECMO nurses, the various ECMO delivery care models, and the potential cost savings of an RN ECMO specialist staffing model—and introduces the novel role of the ECMO lead.
In Supracondylar Humerus Fractures With Nerve Injury, Does Time to Surgery Impact Recovery?
Authors: Wahlig Brian D. , Sullivan Mikaela H. , Broida Samuel E. , Larson A. Noelle , Shaughnessy William J. , Stans Anthony A. , Grigoriou Emmanouil , Milbrandt Todd A. 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures are common and present with associated nerve injuries in 11% to 42% of cases. Historically, SCH fractures with neurological compromise warranted urgent surgical intervention. A recent study showed that treatment delay is acceptable in patients with isolated anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) injury. Though indications for urgent treatment are relaxing, no studies have evaluated the need for urgent surgical treatment for other nerve injuries associated with SCH fractures. The aim of this study was to determine if the timing of surgical intervention is related to the timing of neurological recovery in SCH fractures associated with any nerve injury.

Methods:
A retrospective review of 64 patients with surgically managed SCH fractures and concomitant neurological deficit on presentation was conducted at a single level 1 pediatric trauma hospital from 1997 to 2022. The relationship between the time to surgical intervention and the time to partial and complete nerve recovery was analyzed using linear regression.

Results:
Sixty-four patients with an average age of 6.9±2.0 years and an average time to surgery of 9.8±5.6 hours were analyzed. Sixty-two patients (97%) were followed to partial neurological recovery and 36 (56%) were followed to full neurological recovery. Neurological deficit included median [n=41 (64%)], radial [n=22 (34%)], and ulnar [n=15 (23%)]. Ten patients (16%) had isolated AIN injury. The average time to partial neurological recovery was 20±23 days and the time to full recovery was 93±83 days. There was a statistically significant relationship between time to partial neurological recovery and time to surgical intervention (P=0.02). There was no relationship between time to full neurological recovery and time to surgery (P=0.8).

Conclusion:
Earlier time to surgical intervention in pediatric SCH fractures with isolated nerve injury was associated with earlier partial recovery but not full neurological recovery. Prioritizing urgent surgery in these patients did not improve their ultimate neurological recovery.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic level III.