bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infective endocarditis caused by penicillin-resistant viridans group streptococci: a series of nine cases from a Spanish cohort
Authors: Escrihuela-Vidal Francesc , Fernández-Hidalgo Núria , Muñoz Patricia , Villamarín Miguel , Jiménez García Nicolás , Escudero Encarnación Moral , Martínez Marcos Francisco Javier , Cuervo Guillermo , Boix-Palop Lucía , Berbel Dámaris , Carratalà Jordi , Miró Jose M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by viridans and gallolyticus group streptococci (VGS-GGS) resistant to penicillin (PEN-R; minimum inhibitory concentration ≥4 mg/L) is rare but poses therapeutic challenges.

Objectives
To describe the characteristics of patients with IE caused by PEN-R VGS-GGS, focusing on antimicrobial management.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of definite IE caused by PEN-R VGS-GGS between 2008 and 2023 in 40 Spanish hospitals. We describe clinical characteristics, management and outcome of the cases, and compare them to IE caused by VGS-GGS with susceptibility or susceptibility with increased exposure to penicillin (PEN-I).

Results
We identified nine cases of PEN-R VGS-GGS IE in a cohort of 1563 streptococcal IE (0.58%). All isolates belonged to S. mitis group. Three cases died during hospitalization and no relapse occurred at 3 months of follow-up. Compared to cases with susceptibility or PEN-I, PEN-R showed a higher rate of mitral location (78% versus 51%), surgical indication (67% versus 51%), and in-hospital mortality (33% versus 12%). Most cases (86%) showed resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. The preferred antibiotic regimen was beta-lactam-based: ceftriaxone plus gentamicin, penicillin plus gentamicin, ceftriaxone plus levofloxacin, and ceftaroline plus daptomycin. Two cases received a combination of vancomycin plus gentamicin. Levofloxacin was used in two cases in combination with ceftriaxone or daptomycin. All patients that received cardiac surgery were cured at the end of follow-up.

Conclusions
IE caused by PEN-R VGS-GGS was rare and only affected mitis group streptococci. Antibiotic combination including a beta-lactam seems to be effective in its management.
Ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae detected in England, 2015–24: an observational analysis
Authors: Fifer Helen , Doumith Michel , Rubinstein Luciana , Mitchell Laura , Wallis Mark , Singh Selena , Jagjit Singh Gurmit , Rayment Michael , Evans-Jones John , Blume Alison , Dosekun Olamide , Poon Kenny , Nori Achyuta , Day Michaela , Pitt-Kendall Rachel , Sun Suzy , Narayanan Prarthana , Callan Emma , Vickers Anna , Minshull Jack , Bennet Kirsty F , Johnson James E C , Saunders John , Alexander Sarah , Mohammed Hamish , Woodford Neil , Sinka Katy , Cole Michelle 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Since June 2022, there has been a rise in the number of ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae cases detected in England (n = 15), of which a third were XDR. We describe the demographic and clinical details of the recent cases and investigate the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of the isolates. For a comprehensive overview, we also reviewed 16 ceftriaxone-resistant cases previously identified in England since December 2015 and performed a global genomic comparison of all publicly available ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains with mosaic penA alleles.

Methods
All N. gonorrhoeae isolates resistant to ceftriaxone (MIC &gt; 0.125 mg/L) were whole-genome sequenced and compared with 142 global sequences of ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae. Demographic, behavioural and clinical data were collected.

Results
All cases were heterosexual, and most infections were associated with travel from the Asia-Pacific region. However, some had not travelled outside England within the previous few months. There were no ceftriaxone genital treatment failures, but three of five pharyngeal infections and the only rectal infection failed treatment. The isolates represented 13 different MLST STs, and most had the mosaic penA-60.001 allele. The global genomes clustered into eight major phylogroups, with regional associations. All XDR isolates belonged to the same phylogroup, represented by MLST ST16406.

Conclusions
Most cases of ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae detected in England were associated with travel from the Asia-Pacific region. All genital infections were successfully treated with ceftriaxone, but there were extragenital treatment failures. Ceftriaxone resistance continues to be associated with the penA-60.001 allele within multiple genetic backgrounds and with widespread dissemination in the Asia-Pacific region.
Pollution for promotion
Authors: Jia Ruixue 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article provides evidence on the impact of political incentives on the environment using the case of China’s pollution during 1993–2010. Exploring variation in governors’ connections with key officials in the center, I document that gaining connections increases pollution (measured by satellite and official data). I also find that connected governors increase coal-fired power production more when less precipitation makes it more difficult to rely on hydropower. These results highlight the importance that career incentives play in influencing environmental outcomes, and they propose a potential pathway for mitigating environmental challenges through the recalibration of political incentives. (JEL D74, H11, Q53).
Mechanism of Guishao Yigong decoction in treating colorectal cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Fan Yuwen , Wang Quyi , Zhang Yun , Wang Yu , Li Wenwen , Jiang Shu , Duan Ji-nao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To explore the effective components of Guishao Yigong decoction (GYD) in the treatment of colorectal cancer and reveal its potential mechanism of action.

Methods
Through network pharmacology, the main target and signaling pathway of GYD therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) were found. Subsequently, the effect of GYD was verified by in vitro cell viability measurements, colony formation, and scratch healing tests. The effects of GYD on metabolic pathways in vivo were found through plasma metabolomics. Finally, flow cytometry and qPCR experiments were used to verify the cycle-blocking effect of GYD on CRC cells.

Key findings
Based on the network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking technology, it was found that GYD could restrain the growth of CRC cells by affecting lipid metabolic pathways and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. A series of cell experiments showed that GYD could inhibit the proliferation, migration and clonogenic ability of CRC cells. Furthermore, the plasma metabolomics results showed that GYD could affect the production of unsaturated fatty acids in mice. Flow cytometry and qPCR experiments further proved that GYD blocked the CRC cells in the G1 phase and modulated the expression of cell cycle-related targets, such as AKT, TP53, CDKN1A, and CDK2.

Conclusions
All the results indicated that GYD could regulate the related metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the cell cycle was blocked and the expressions of the key proteins such as AKT and TP53 were regulated, which achieved the purpose of intervention in colorectal cancer.
Prolonged eosinophilia caused by Strongyloidiasis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with upadacitinib
Authors: Barešić Marko , Kilić Paula , Balen Topić Mirjana , Anić Branimir 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease, which is caused by dysregulation of the immune system in the ‘susceptible’ persons, making them immunocompromised and prone to infections during the course of their disease. The majority of RA patients are being treated with immunosuppressive drugs which render them even more immunocompromised. We present a Caucasian patient living in South-eastern Europe who developed prolonged eosinophilia during the treatment of RA with upadacitinib. After a comprehensive work-up, she was diagnosed with strongyloidiasis, although she was living in non-endemic region of the world. We emphasise the importance of regular follow-up for immunocompromised patients and raise awareness of not only typical but also atypical infections that can occur during the course of the disease.
CVD Atlas: a multi-omics database of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Qian Qiheng , Xue Ruikun , Xu Chenle , Wang Fengyu , Zeng Jingyao , Xiao Jingfa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of illness and death worldwide. Numerous studies have been conducted into the underlying mechanisms and molecular characteristics of CVD using various omics approaches. However, there is still a need for comprehensive resources on CVD. To fill this gap, we present the CVD Atlas, accessed at https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/cvd. This database compiles knowledge and information from manual curation, large-scale data analysis, and existing databases, utilizing multi-omics data to understand CVDs comprehensively. The current version of CVD Atlas contains 215,333 associations gathered from 308 publications, 652 datasets and 7 databases. It covers 190 diseases and 44 traits across multiple omics levels. Additionally, it provides an interactive knowledge graph that integrates disease-gene associations and two types of analysis tools, offering an engaging way to query and display relationships. CVD Atlas also features a user-friendly web interface that allows users to easily browse, search, and download all association information, research metadata, and annotation details. In conclusion, CVD Atlas is a valuable resource that enhances the accessibility and utility of knowledge and information related to CVD, benefiting human health and CVD research communities.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Hepatitis B Treatment: A Real-World Analysis of 3 Safety-Net Health Systems in the United States
Authors: Wong Robert J , Jain Mamta K , Niu Bolin , Therapondos George , Kshirsagar Onkar , Thamer Mae 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Timely treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) reduces risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Gaps in timely treatment persist, especially among underserved safety-net populations. We aim to evaluate gaps and disparities in CHB treatment in the United States.

Methods
Adults with treatment-naive CHB without human immunodeficiency virus were identified from 2010 to 2018 across 3 safety-net health systems. CHB treatment eligibility was assessed using American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) criteria and alternative criteria, including the Simplified Approach for Hepatitis B Algorithm. Differences in CHB treatment between groups were evaluated using χ2 methods, adjusted Kaplan-Meier methods, and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.

Results
Among 3749 patients with treatment-naive CHB (51.5% women, 38.7% White, 33.7% African American, 19.6% Asian, 24.6% cirrhosis), 30.0% were AASLD treatment eligible, among whom 31.0% were treated. Men were more likely than women to be treated (33.5% vs 26.6%, P &lt; .01). On multivariable regression, there remained a trend toward greater treatment in men versus women (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.21 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .96–1.54]). Disparities by race/ethnicity and insurance status were observed. When exploring outcomes using SABA criteria, similar trends were observed. Among treatment-eligible patients, greater likelihood of treatment was observed in men versus women (aHR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.14–1.70]) and in Asians versus Whites (aHR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.16–1.94]).

Conclusions
Among an ethnically diverse multicenter safety-net cohort of CHB patients, less than one-third of treatment-eligible patients received antiviral treatment. Significant disparities in CHB treatment were observed by sociodemographic characteristics.
Unlocking the potentials of digital twins for optimal healthcare delivery in Africa
Authors: Qoseem Ibraheem Olasunkanmi , Ahmed Musa , Abdulraheem Hamzat , Hamzah Muhammad Olaitan , Ahmed Mohamed Mustaf , Ukoaka Bonaventure Michael , Okesanya Olalekan John , Ogaya Jerico Bautista , Adigun Olaniyi Abideen , Ekpenyong Aniekan Michael , Lucero-Prisno III Don Eliseo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Advances in big data analysis, the Internet of Things and simulation technology have led to a surge in interest in digital twin technology, which creates virtual clones of physical entities across several industries. The technological revolution with digital twins, incorporating Internet of Things, big data analysis and simulation technologies, holds the potential for predictive insights, real-time monitoring and increased operational efficiency across the healthcare industry. This paper explores the potential of digital twins to improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes in Africa. It examines their applications in various health sectors, explores their feasibility and highlights the potential challenges associated with their implementation while proposing sustainable recommendations.
Immigrants and their children assimilate into US society and the US economy, both in the past and today
Authors: Abramitzky Ran , Boustan Leah 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We contribute to the public debate on immigration policy in the United States by providing a long-term, empirical perspective. We develop a novel method of linking individuals across historical Census waves to trace the lives of millions of immigrants in the past and compare their outcomes with immigrants today. We document that upward mobility is just as possible for immigrants today as it was in the early 20th century, and that children of immigrant parents catch up to and frequently exceed the economic outcomes of the children of US-born parents. By our measures, immigrants as a group are no more likely to be incarcerated than those born in the United States, and they assimilate into American culture today at rates comparable to historical standards. Attitudes toward immigrants today are more positive than a century ago, albeit more polarized by political party.
Influenza vaccine allocation in tropical settings under constrained resources
Authors: Servadio Joseph L , Choisy Marc , Thai Pham Quang , Boni Maciej F 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Influenza virus seasonality, synchronicity, and vaccine supply differ substantially between temperate and tropical settings, and optimal vaccination strategy may differ on this basis. Many national vaccine recommendations focus on high-risk groups, elderly populations, and healthcare workers despite previous analyses demonstrating broad benefits to vaccinating younger high-contact age groups. In this study, we parameterized an age-structured nonseasonal asynchronous epidemiological model of influenza virus transmission for a tropical low-income setting. We evaluated timing and age allocation of vaccines across vaccine supplies ranging from 10 to 90% using decade-based age groups. Year-round vaccination was beneficial when compared with more concentrated annual vaccine distribution. When targeting a single age group for vaccine prioritization, maximum vaccine allocation to the 10–19 high-contact age group minimized annual influenza mortality for all but one vaccine supply. When evaluating across all possible age allocations, optimal strategies always allocated a plurality of vaccines to school-age children (10–19). The converse, however, was not true as not all strategies allocating a plurality to children aged 10–19 minimized mortality. Allocating a high proportion of vaccine supply to the 10–19 age group is necessary but not sufficient to minimize annual mortality as distribution of remaining vaccine doses to other age groups also needs to be optimized. Strategies focusing on indirect benefits (vaccinating children) showed higher variance in mortality outcomes than strategies focusing on direct benefits (vaccinating the elderly). However, the indirect benefit approaches showed a lower mean mortality and a lower minimum mortality than vaccination focused on the elderly.
A facile nanopattern modification of silk fibroin electrospun scaffold and the corresponding impact on cell proliferation and osteogenesis
Authors: Liu Xiaojiao , Ouyang Qinjun , Yao Xiang , Zhang Yaopeng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
As a well-known natural protein biomaterial, silk fibroin (SF) has shown broad application prospects in typical biomedical fields. However, the mostly used SF from Bombyx mori silkworm lacks specific cell adhesion sites and other bioactive peptide sequences, and there is still significant room for further improvement of their biological functions. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a facile and effective modification strategy for this widely researched biomaterial. In this study, the SF electrospun scaffold has been chosen as a typical SF biomaterial, and air plasma etching has been adopted as a facile nanopattern modification strategy to promote its biological functions. Results demonstrated that the plasma etching could feasibly and effectively create nano-island-like patterns on the complex surface of SF scaffolds, and the detailed nanopattern features could be easily regulated by adjusting the etching time. In addition, the mesenchymal stem cell responses have illustrated that the nanopattern modification could significantly regulate corresponding cell behaviors. Compared with the non-etched scaffold, the 10 min-etched scaffolds (10E scaffold) significantly promoted stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, 10E scaffold has also been confirmed to effectively accelerate vascularization and ectopic osteogenesis in vivo using a rat subcutaneous implantation model. However, the mentioned promoting effects would be weakened or even counteracted with the increase of etching time. In conclusion, this facile modification strategy demonstrated great application potential for promoting cell proliferation and differentiation. Thus, it provided useful guidance to develop excellent SF-based scaffolds suitable for bone and other tissue engineering.
What Is Our Added Value? A Systematic Analysis of Epidemic Narratives in the Social Work Literature
Authors: Roy Melissa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article addresses social work’s singular conceptual and analytical contribution to the field of epidemics. A systematic literature review was conducted to analyze how social work studies overlap to construct epidemic narratives. The author collected 601 articles from the Social Services Abstracts database and carried out a targeted search within 20 social work journals. Five epidemic narratives were identified: (1) a psychosocial consequences narrative, (2) a social work competence narrative, (3) a social risk factors narrative, (4) a misinformation narrative, and (5) a power matrix narrative. Results highlighted the social success of psychosocial perspectives prevalent in classic public health narratives. This understanding relies on a “politics of access” perspective and advocates for the improvement of current social services. The findings revealed that social work does not have a conceptual specificity in the field of epidemics but, rather, its current distinctive contribution mostly lies in its use of social work–centric inquiries that analyze social work practices and describe the consequences experienced by social work actors during epidemics. The author argued that the social work literature could benefit from analyses informed by a “politic of emancipation” that are less prominent in the analyzed studies. Avenues for future research are considered.
CircTMTC1 Mediates Nucleocytoplasmic Translocation of DDX3X to Regulate Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Ligamentum Flavum Cells
Authors: Xiang Qian , Zhao Yongzhao , Tian Shuo , Wu Zhenquan , Lin Jialiang , Jiang Shuai , Wang Longjie , Sun Zhuoran , Sun Chuiguo , Li Weishi 
Published: October 2024

Objective.
This study was aimed to investigate the potential roles of circTMTC1 in the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF).

Summary of Background Data.
OLF is the primary contributor to thoracic spinal stenosis, which may cause severe neurological symptoms. There is a lack of effective medical therapy for OLF available so far because the exact underlying mechanism of OLF has not been fully elucidated. CircRNAs are a special class of noncoding RNAs and have attracted a growing interest of research in various human diseases recently. Therefore, we explored the potential roles of circRNAs in the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of OLF.

Materials and Methods.
We performed RNA-seq analysis to investigate the differentially expression profile of circRNAs in osteogenic differentiation of human LF cells, and identified a key circular RNA circTMTC1 functioned in OLF. Subsequently, we performed a series of experiments to investigate the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms in osteogenic differentiation of human ligamentum flavum cells.

Results.
CircTMTC1 is significantly upregulated during osteogenic differentiation of human LF cells. Mechanistically, we found that circTMTC1 could interact with the RNA binding protein DDX3X and enhance its nucleocytoplasmic translocation. An increased cytoplasmic level of DDX3X activated the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and thus promoted osteogenic differentiation of human ligamentum flavum cells.

Conclusion.
Our findings suggested the circTMTC1-DDX3X-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling plays a pivotal role in osteogenic differentiation of human ligamentum flavum cells, which may provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for OLF.
Serotonergic Antidepressants are Associated With Higher Rates of Hematoma After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Adelstein Jeremy M. , Moyal Andrew J. , Strony John T. , Burkhart Robert J. , Kaelber David C. , Cheng Christina W. , Gordon Zachary L. , Furey Christopher G. 
Published: October 2024

Study Design:
Large database propensity-matched retrospective cohort analysis

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of serotonergic antidepressants on outcomes after anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). It was hypothesized that the perioperative use of serotonergic antidepressants would be associated with higher rates of hematoma formation and worse outcomes after ACSS.

Summary of Background Data:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been associated with worse outcomes after orthopaedic procedures.

Methods:
A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using TriNetX, an aggregated and de-identified electronic health record platform. Patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery were included via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) encounter diagnosis codes. Cohorts were 1:1 propensity matched across seven demographic and medical comorbidity parameters, and outcomes were compared. The incidence of adverse outcomes, as well as healthcare utilization, within 14 days, 30 days, 90 days and 2-years post-operatively was evaluated.

Results:
Following propensity matching, each cohort consisted of 9,249 patients, for a total of 18,498 patients included in final statistical analysis. SSRI/SNRI’s were associated with higher odds of hematoma formation within 7-days (0.69% vs. 0.46%, OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.02-2.2], P=0.04) and within 14-days postoperatively (0.81% vs. 0.52%, OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.1-2.3], P=0.01. Within 30- and 90-days, SSRI/SNRI’s were associated with higher risk of emergency department utilization (30-day OR 1.30 [1.1-1.4]; 90-day OR 1.3 [1.2-1.4]) and irrigation & debridement (I&D) (30-day OR 1.9 [1.2-3.0]). SSRIs/SNRIs were also associated with significantly higher risk of I&D within 2-years (OR 1.3 [1.1-1.6]).

Conclusion:
The use of serotonergic antidepressants perioperatively was associated with higher odds and risk of numerous outcomes, including hematoma formation, emergency department utilization and the need for irrigation & debridement. Future prospective studies are required to confirm these results.

Level of Evidence:
III; retrospective cohort analysis