bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Strategies of US-Mexico Border Control and the Situation of Central American Asylum Seekers Waiting in Mexico
Authors: Wiltberger Joseph 
Published: February 2025

The US recently implemented novel spatial strategies of border control that repel asylum seekers to Mexico, forcing them to await the opportunity to request asylum or asylum proceedings. The turning back and expulsion of asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border transforms northern Mexican border cities into spaces of extraterritorial containment where asylum seekers form informal migrant camps and face exposure to violence, misinformation, and hindrances to due process. A spatial analytical lens and focus on Central American asylum seekers reveals how these strategies further endanger asylum seekers’ lives, stand in the way of humanitarian protection, and are met with resistance. By improving understanding of the threats to safety that asylum seekers face in and beyond their countries of origin, further research into the situation of repelled asylum seekers in Mexico should inform asylum proceedings and border policies. Estados Unidos implementó recientemente novedosas estrategias espaciales de control fronterizo que repelen a los solicitantes de asilo a México, obligándolos a esperar la oportunidad de solicitar asilo o procedimientos de asilo. El regreso y la expulsión de solicitantes de asilo en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México transforma las ciudades fronterizas del norte de México en espacios de contención extraterritorial donde los solicitantes de asilo forman campamentos informales de migrantes y enfrentan exposición a violencia, desinformación y obstáculos al debido proceso. Una lente analítica espacial y un enfoque en los solicitantes de asilo centroamericanos revela cómo estas estrategias ponen en peligro aún más las vidas de los solicitantes de asilo, obstaculizan la protección humanitaria y encuentran resistencia. Al mejorar la comprensión de las amenazas a la seguridad que enfrentan los solicitantes de asilo dentro y fuera de sus países de origen, una mayor investigación sobre la situación de los solicitantes de asilo rechazados en México serviría para mejor los procedimientos de asilo y las políticas fronterizas.
Quantitative methods to improve bivalirudin dosing in pediatric cardiac ICU patients
Authors: Brinkley Lindsey , Vazquez-Colon Zasha , Patel Aashay , Purlee Matthew S , Vasilopoulos Terry , Bleiweis Mark S , Jacobs Jeffrey P , Peek Giles J , Moore Helen 
Published: February 2025

Background A gap in knowledge exists related to optimal bivalirudin dosing in children. The purpose of our analysis is to use quantitative methods and baseline data to quickly predict the optimal therapeutic bivalirudin dose for children. Methods We developed an internal database of pediatric patients on ECMO or VAD, including baseline patient information, bivalirudin doses, and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) measurements throughout the treatment period. We fit an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model to the baseline data to determine the best predictors of therapeutic bivalirudin dose. We used five-fold cross-validation to ensure the model was not overfitting to any specific data subset. Results The most notable variables that were statistically significant ( p < .05) were: the primary use of bivalirudin for heart failure prophylaxis, no complications before bivalirudin administration, other reasons for bivalirudin use, other race (including Asian, pacific islander, and native American), Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity, primary diagnosis of heart failure, and primary diagnosis of myocarditis. To compare our model-predicted dose and the actual starting dose administered to the patients, we looked at how far off each of those was from the therapeutic dose. The mean of absolute differences was 0.28 mg/kg/hr for the administered starting dose and 0.23 mg/kg/hr for the model-predicted dose; therefore, the model results in an improvement of 18% in the difference from the therapeutic dose. Conclusion Our model provides an initial framework for determining a starting bivalirudin dose that takes into account patient demographic information and baseline admission data.
Acute subanesthetic ketamine-induced effects on the mismatch negativity and their relationship to early and sustained treatment response in major depressive disorder
Authors: de la Salle Sara , Phillips Jennifer L , Blier Pierre , Knott Verner 
Published: February 2025

Background: A sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, produces robust antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). The mismatch negativity (MMN) is reliant on glutamatergic neurotransmission and reduced by NMDAR antagonists. The MMN may characterise the neural mechanisms underlying ketamine’s effects. Aims: This study examined the acute effects of ketamine and midazolam on the MMN and its relationship to early and sustained decreases in depressive symptoms. Methods: Treatment-resistant MDD patients ( N = 24), enrolled in a multi-phase clinical ketamine trial, received two intravenous infusions within an initial double-blind crossover phase: ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) and midazolam (30 μg/kg). Three recordings were carried out per session (pre-, immediately post- and 2 h post-infusion). Peak MMN amplitude (μV), latency (ms), theta event-related oscillations (EROs), theta phase locking factor (PLF) and source-localised MMN generator activity were assessed. Relationships between changes in MMN indices and early (Phase 1: double-blind, cross-over phase) and sustained (Phases 2, 3: open-label repeated and maintenance phases, respectively) changes in depressive symptoms (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score) were examined. Results: Ketamine reduced frontal MMN amplitudes, theta ERO immediately post- and 2 h post-infusion and source-localised peak MMN frontal generator activity. Select baseline and ketamine-induced MMN decreases correlated and predicted greater early (left frontal MMN decreases in amplitude and theta ERO, baseline left PLF) and sustained (baseline left PLF, right inferior temporal activity) symptom reductions. Conclusions: Acute NMDARs blockade reduced frontal MMN, with larger MMN reductions predicting greater symptom improvement. The MMN may serve as a non-invasive biomarker predicting antidepressant response to glutamatergic agents.
Nocardiosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with rituximab: Report of two cases and systematic review of literature
Authors: Gil-Rodríguez Jaime , Fernández Javier de la Hera , Ruiz Michel Martos , Fernández Raquel Ríos , Morales Marta García , Callejas-Rubio José-Luis 
Published: February 2025

Background The relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients treated with rituximab and nocardiosis remains unclear. Cases Report A 55-year-old female with lupus nephritis II and smoking history, was treated with high-dose steroids, immunoglobulins, rituximab, and azathioprine. She developed infectious loci in the lungs, hip, and brain. N. farcinica was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage and abscess culture. She was treated with linezolid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), minocycline, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, achieving complete cure at 12 months. The second patient, a 73-year-old male with lupus nephritis V, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and alveolar hemorrhage, was treated with high-dose steroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate, and rituximab. He developed infections in the lungs, prostate, and possibly colon. N. farcinica was detected in blood cultures. Despite treatment with imipenem, linezolid, TMP/SMX, and moxifloxacin, he died from bronchoaspiration. Methods A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search terms were (systemic lupus erythematosus OR SLE) AND (rituximab) AND (nocardia), with a timeframe up to 15 March 2024. Inclusion criteria were confirmed cases of Nocardia infection in SLE patients treated with rituximab in the previous year. Non-original studies and secondary research were excluded. Results Only one article was included, describing a 34-year-old male with APS and lupus nephritis IV, treated with high-dose steroids, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. He had infections in the lungs and brain, with N. farcinica detected in blood cultures. Despite treatment with TMP/SMX and fluoroquinolones, he died from thrombotic complications. Conclusion Nocardiosis is more likely in SLE patients due to T lymphocyte immune dysfunction caused by the disease itself, rituximab, and other immunosuppressants. Diagnosis requires a high level of clinical suspicion, supported by long-time blood cultures and 16S rRNA. Beta-lactams and quinolones are reasonable alternatives to TMP/SMX and linezolid, which can worsen the hematological situation, and amikacin, which may worsen lupus nephritis.
Prechoroidal cleft changes after intravitreal injections of Faricimab in treatment-naïve and nonresponders-to-aflibercept patients: A case series
Authors: Stradiotto Elisa , Feo Alessandro , Ottonelli Giovanni , Ferraro Vanessa , Del Turco Claudia , Panico Claudio , Romano Mario R , La Spina Carlo 
Published: February 2025

Purpose To describe the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes of prechoroidal cleft in treatment-naïve and non-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with Faricimab intravitreal injections. Methods A case series (4 eyes from 4 patients). Results Cases 1 and 2 were diagnosed with treatment-naïve nAMD. Case 1 showed minimal prechoroidal cleft persistence after treatment with visual acuity stabilization. Case 2 showed prechoroidal cleft resolution, followed by its recurrence with neovascular reactivation. Cases 3 and 4 had a history of nAMD unresponsive to Aflibercept therapy. In Case 3, prechoroidal cleft reappearance occurred simultaneously to neovascular reactivation. In Case 4 prechoroidal cleft resolved rapidly after switching to Faricimab, but this was complicated by the development of a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear. Conclusion In this report, we highlight the importance of prechoroidal cleft as a negative prognostic OCT biomarker despite the increasingly proved efficacy of Faricimab. Pigment epithelium detachment height may correlate with the size of prechoroidal cleft and macular neovascularization (MNV) activity. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the prognostic significance of prechoroidal cleft after Faricimab therapy.
Ewing Sarcoma Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in Children: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Arafat Hasan , Zeer Zahraa MM , Zeer Almotazbellah MM , Noman Mahmoud , Abdul-Hafez Hamza A , Hammouri Ahmad G , Zughayyer Amer 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Fever of unknown origin is one of the challenging medical conditions with a wide differential diagnosis. Case presentation: We present a case of 16-year-old patient with Ewing sarcoma diagnosed with neoplastic fever. Discussion: Neoplastic fever, which is caused by the tumor itself, is diagnosed when all other causes of fever have been ruled out. It occurs more frequently in hepatic, renal, and hematological cancers. After history and physical examination, a thorough individualized diagnostic approach is required. Removing the underlying cause of fever when feasible and symptomatic relief with NSAIDS are the primary therapeutic approaches. Conclusion: Fever is common in patients with cancer and it can be due to infectious and non-infectious causes. After excluding all potential causes, neoplastic fever is diagnosed.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients from a Scottish Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit taking elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, 2020–present
Authors: Valcheva Ivaila , Paterson Iona 
Published: February 2025

Background Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) was made available to eligible women in September 2020 by NHS Scotland. Methods Retrospective data collection for the 13 pregnancies in women taking ETI from the West of Scotland Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit, September 2020–December 2023. Results Mean pre-pregnancy FEV1 was 2.26L, 70% predicted (range 1.25–3.19); (38–86% predicted). Mean FEV1 post-pregnancy was 2.29L, 71% predicted (range 1.49–3.40); (45–92% predicted). The mean age at conception (29 years) and mean percentage predicted FEV1 (70%) were higher than in other UK studies. Two pregnancies resulted in miscarriage, the remaining 11 pregnancies resulted in a live birth. Seven women had a pulmonary exacerbation of CF during pregnancy. Three of four women with FEV1 < 60% predicted had uncomplicated pregnancies with no pulmonary exacerbations. Conclusion We demonstrate that people with CF and varying spectrums of lung disease who take CFTR modulators can have uncomplicated pregnancies with positive lung function outcomes.
Design of a mobile application for universal screening for women of child-bearing age engaged in comprehensive addiction and recovery environments (WE-CARE) for substance use and women from the general population
Authors: Shifflett Autumn , Karpisek Lacey , Patel Kajal , Cui Yi , Lawental Maayan , Tzilos Wernette Golfo , Chang H Katie , Isaacs Krystyna R. , Ma Tony X 
Published: February 2025

Objective Formative research was conducted to identify barriers to universal screening for alcohol/substance use, depression, and anxiety in women of childbearing age (WOCA,18–44 years of age) drawn from the general population and from women in a residential treatment program for alcohol and/or drug use. Methods E-surveys ( n = 467), focus groups with women aged 18–44 ( n = 30), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with healthcare providers (HCPs, n = 8) were conducted to create a user-centered design for a mHealth application. Results E-surveys revealed that 80% of the women were asked about alcohol use at a visit with their HCP, while 70% were asked about drug use. Only 35% of the respondents indicated an HCP discussed their answers with them. Two focus groups with WOCA revealed minimal to no prior knowledge of risk factors related to alcohol and substance use. Barriers to treatment identified included a lack of readiness to change, cost, minimal social support systems, and a perceived sense of public stigma. In-depth interviews with HCPs revealed not all HCPs use screenings for substance use due to lack of time to conduct a screening, unfamiliarity with standardized screening tools, insufficient training to provide proper follow-up care, no mandates requiring such screenings, and a concern that asking follow-up questions may negatively impact their relationship with the client. Conclusion Results from the formative research studies were used to inform the design and development of the WE-CARE app prototype. The prototype, which includes educational content on alcohol and substance use disorders (SUDs), a moderated discussion forum, FAQs, and a Chatbot to encourage participants to make an appointment with an SUD treatment center if indicated, is undergoing pilot testing.
Usability of a mobile app for suicide risk awareness in South Korea
Authors: Cho Moon-Heum , Hwang Seokwon , Kim Ye Jin , Lee Dong Hun , Jeon Hong Jin , Park Kyung-Eun 
Published: February 2025

Background Suicide rates have significantly increased in South Korea, yet many individuals lack adequate support. Barriers such as reluctance to seek mental health help and fear of social stigma contribute to this gap. A mobile app focused on suicide risk awareness could provide accessible support, though none are currently available for public use in South Korea. This study conducted a usability test on a newly developed suicide risk awareness app using a mixed methods approach. Methods Thirty-eight students from a large university in South Korea participated in the study, with 19 in a high-risk suicide group and 19 in a nonrisk suicide group. After using the app for 2 weeks, all participants completed an online usability survey, and 19 students took part in individual interviews. Results Independent samples t-tests showed that participants, regardless of risk group, rated the app positively for ease of use, accessibility, design, perceived learning, and satisfaction. Regression analysis identified perceived learning as the strongest predictor of satisfaction, followed by ease of use. The qualitative analysis highlighted areas for improvement, including providing direct and guided feedback on suicide risk. Conclusion The study demonstrated the potential of a mobile app to enhance suicide risk awareness among young adults in South Korea. Moreover, user engagement with the app can be improved by ensuring confidentiality and fostering perceived learning.
Biobeat monitor utilization in various healthcare settings: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Querney Jill , Subramani Yamini , Naismith Kendra , Singh Priyanka , Fochesato Lee-Anne , Fatima Nida , Wood Natasha , Malthaner Richard , Nagappa Mahesh 
Published: February 2025

Background Ensuring accurate and continuous monitoring of patients’ physiological parameters is paramount for evaluating their health status and guiding clinical decision-making. Technological advancements have the potential to significantly improve patient care and outcomes by offering a seamless continuum of healthcare experiences. Biobeat Technologies Ltd has pioneered a non−invasive wearable approach to acquiring advanced hemodynamic parameters, employing devices such as the BB−613WP wrist monitor and the BB−613P chest patch. Biobeat devices have been applicable across many clinical settings, as substantiated by a growing body of research. This systematic review endeavours to comprehensively consolidate the evidence regarding using Biobeat monitors across various clinical scenarios. Methods From 2016 to 2024, a thorough literature search was conducted across multiple databases. The inclusion criteria for selected studies comprised adult patients aged 18 years or older in any healthcare setting, employing Biobeat monitoring devices (wrist monitors and/or chest patches), reporting at least one outcome or finding, and presenting fully published original research studies, including randomized controlled trials and prospective or retrospective cohort studies. The quality and risk of bias assessment for the studies was performed using the Newcastle−Ottawa scale and COSMIN scoring system. Results Among 27 studies identified, 15 met the inclusion criteria, involving 4248 patients. These included 14 prospective observational studies and one retrospective cohort study; no randomized control trials were identified. Notably, eight studies were conducted in ambulatory settings, with 1 study focusing on patients undergoing labor and delivery. Additionally, three studies were carried out in general inpatient wards, 1 in a medical ICU and another in a cardiac surgery ICU (CSICU). Furthermore, 1 study presented results from 3 separate investigations— 2 in ambulatory settings and 1 in the CSICU. Across all studies, Biobeat devices were consistently utilized, with each study reporting positive outcomes associated with their use. Conclusion This systematic review demonstrates that Biobeat's non-invasive wearable devices have been effectively utilized across various clinical settings, consistently contributing to positive patient outcomes. The versatility and reliability of these devices highlight their potential to enhance patient care and support clinical decision-making, warranting further research to explore their broader applications.
Treatment persistence and clinical outcomes in patients starting B cell depleting therapies within the Swiss MS Cohort
Authors: Disanto Giulio , Schaedelin Sabine , Oechtering Johanna , Lorscheider Johannes , Galbusera Riccardo , Finkener Sebastian , Achtnichts Lutz , Lalive Patrice , Müller Stefanie , Pot Caroline , Hoepner Robert , Salmen Anke , Zecca Chiara , Hemkens Lars G , D’Souza Marcus , Fischer-Barnicol Bettina , Du Pasquier Renaud , Roth Patrick , Yaldizli Özgür , Einsiedler Maximilian , Derfuss Tobias , Kappos Ludwig , Gobbi Claudio , Granziera Cristina , Uginet Marjolaine , Maceski Aleksandra Maleska , McDonald Keltie , Leppert David , Benkert Pascal , Kuhle Jens ,   for the Swiss MS Cohort Study
Published: February 2025

Background Persistence to B cell depleting therapies (BCDT) like ocrelizumab and rituximab may be higher compared with other disease-modifying therapies (DMT) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Clinical trials directly comparing these treatments are lacking. Objective To compare the risk of treatment discontinuation, relapse, and confirmed disability worsening in patients starting BCDT vs other DMT within real-world settings. Methods In a longitudinal cohort study, patients with relapsing MS starting BCDT (ocrelizumab/rituximab, n = 269) after enrolment into the Swiss MS Cohort (SMSC) were evaluated for treatment discontinuation, occurrence of relapses, and disability worsening in comparison with platform ( n = 57) and oral ( n = 454) DMT, or natalizumab ( n = 73) using Cox regression with double robust adjustment for baseline covariates. Results Patients starting BCDT were less likely to discontinue treatment than all other DMT combined (HR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.18–0.36, p < .01), oral DMT (HR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.20–0.39, p < .01) and natalizumab (HR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.21–0.58, p < .01). BCDT were associated with lower risk of relapses as compared to oral DMT HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39–0.88, p < .01), but not to natalizumab (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.45–1.82, p = .778). Disability worsening was not significantly different between treatment groups. Conclusion We provide real-world evidence for patients being more persistent to BCDT than to other treatments, and better clinical outcomes may partly explain this.
Surgical Ligation of Isolated Type I Aortopulmonary Window Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass is a Safe and Cost-Effective Surgical Technique
Authors: Shah Salman A. , Khan Mohammad Umair , Awan Nabil , Rasool Faiz , Kazmi Tehmina , Qureshi Amina Zafar , Hasan Saaniya , Shah Talal Ahmad , Khan M. Asim , Kazmi Uzma , Hyder Najam , Sadiq Masood 
Published: February 2025

Introduction Aortopulmonary window (APW) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly of the heart where there is a direct communication between the ascending aorta and main pulmonary artery. Surgical repair of APW on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is considered the standard of surgical care. In this study, we selected patients with a type I APW to undergo direct surgical ligation to determine if this technique is safe and can produce equivalent results to standard open-heart repair. Method Twelve infants with simple or isolated type I APW underwent direct surgical ligation by a single surgeon at Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from December 2020 to January 2024. Diagnosis was based on two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, and classification was based on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) nomenclature. A sternotomy approach was employed, and CPB was on stand-by for all cases. The aortic and pulmonary ends of the APW were ligated with close attention to anatomic details. Results All patients underwent successful APW ligation with no intraoperative complications. Follow-up, ranging from 6 months to 3 years, revealed no mortality, residual defects, aortic or pulmonary valve insufficiency, branch pulmonary artery stenosis, or coronary compromise. A notable cost benefit of $2,000 per patient was observed. Conclusion In this case series, direct surgical ligation of an APW was found to be a safe and cost-effective alternative to standard surgical repair on CPB. Further research with a larger sample size with longer follow-up is required to better determine this alternative's efficacy.