bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State‐level racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine treatment duration in the United States
Authors: Dong Huiru , Stringfellow Erin J. , Jalali Mohammad S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNational trends reveal a concerning escalation in racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine treatment duration for opioid use disorder. However, the extent of such disparities at the state level remains largely unexplored. This study aims to examine such disparities at the state level.MethodsWe analyzed 9,040,620 buprenorphine prescriptions dispensed between January 2011 and December 2020 from IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription data. The primary outcome was the difference in median treatment duration between White people and racial and ethnic minorities. We also included a second outcome measurement to quantify the difference in median treatment duration among episodes lasting ≥180 days. Using quantile regressions, we examined racial and ethnic disparities in treatment duration, adjusting for the patient's age, sex, payment type, and calendar year of the treatment episode. All analyses were conducted at the state level.ResultsOur study revealed substantial statewide variations in racial and ethnic disparities. Specifically, 21 states showed longer treatment durations for White people across all episodes, and eight states displayed similar trends among episodes lasting ≥180 days. Five states exhibited longer treatment durations for White people in both overall and long‐term episodes. Fifteen states showed no racial and ethnic disparities.Conclusion and Scientific SignificanceThese results are among the first to indicate substantial statewide variations in racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine treatment episode duration, providing a critical foundation for targeted interventions to enhance buprenorphine treatment, especially in states confronting such pronounced racial and ethnic disparities.
Relative uteroplacental insufficiency of labor
Authors: Ghi Tullio , Fieni Stefania , Ramirez Zegarra Ruben , Pereira Susana , Dall'Asta Andrea , Chandraharan Edwin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRelative uteroplacental insufficiency of labor (RUPI‐L) is a clinical condition that refers to alterations in the fetal oxygen “demand–supply” equation caused by the onset of regular uterine activity. The term RUPI‐L indicates a condition of “relative” uteroplacental insufficiency which is relative to a specific stressful circumstance, such as the onset of regular uterine activity. RUPI‐L may be more prevalent in fetuses in which the ratio between the fetal oxygen supply and demand is already slightly reduced, such as in cases of subclinical placental insufficiency, post‐term pregnancies, gestational diabetes, and other similar conditions. Prior to the onset of regular uterine activity, fetuses with a RUPI‐L may present with normal features on the cardiotocography. However, with the onset of uterine contractions, these fetuses start to manifest abnormal fetal heart rate patterns which reflect the attempt to maintain adequate perfusion to essential central organs during episodes of transient reduction in oxygenation. If labor is allowed to continue without an appropriate intervention, progressively more frequent, and stronger uterine contractions may result in a rapid deterioration of the fetal oxygenation leading to hypoxia and acidosis. In this Commentary, we introduce the term relative uteroplacental insufficiency of labor and highlight the pathophysiology, as well as the common features observed in the fetal heart rate tracing and clinical implications.
Medical perspectives on Israeli children after their release from captivity – A retrospective study
Authors: Ziv Noa , Mozer‐Glassberg Yael , Bron‐Harlev Efrat , Goldberg Lotem , Niv Omer , Saar Shirley , Yaron Shlomit , Singer‐Harel Dana , Eliakim‐Raz Noa , Fennig Silvana , Livni Gilat , Yarden‐Bilavsky Havatzelet 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimFollowing the Hamas terror attack on Israeli towns on October 2023, 250 individuals were taken into captivity. On November–December 2023, during the cease‐fire deal, 26 women and children were released. This study is the first to describe the physical and behavioural findings in children and their mothers in the immediate phase of returning home from captivity.MethodsThis is a retrospective study describing the clinical characteristics of the returnees after 49–53 days in captivity. Patients were admitted to a designated unit in the Schnieder Children's Medical Center of Israel on November–December 2023. The hospitalisation duration was 1–9 days. All patients were evaluated according to a detailed protocol and were treated respectively.ResultsPatient population included 19 children (ranged 2–18 years old) and 7 women (ranged 34–78 years old). The most common clinical findings upon return included significant weight loss, psychological trauma, complications of poor hygiene and complications of recent shrapnel injuries. Microbiology tests were positive for multiple gastrointestinal pathogens. Serologic screening tests were positive for various infectious diseases.ConclusionClinical findings in this time period were diverse and required the attention of a multidisciplinary team. Long term clinical and psychological effects are yet to be known.
Human in vivo baseline intrarenal pressure, peristaltic activity and response to ureteric stenting
Authors: Croghan Stefanie M. , Cunnane Eoghan M. , O’Meara Sorcha , Cunnane Connor V. , Forde James C. , Manecksha Rustom P. , Walsh Michael T. , Breen Kieran J. , McGuire Barry B. , O’Brien Fergal J. , Davis Niall F. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesTo assess human in vivo intrarenal pressure (IRP) and peristaltic activity at baseline and after ureteric stent placement, using a narrow calibre pressure guidewire placed retrogradely in the renal pelvis.Patients and MethodsA prospective, multi‐institutional study recruiting consenting patients undergoing ureteroscopy was designed with ethical approval. Prior to ureteroscopy, the urinary bladder was emptied and the COMET™ II pressure guidewire (Boston Scientific) was advanced retrogradely via the ureteric orifice to the renal pelvis. Baseline IRPs were recorded for 1–2 min. At procedure completion, following ureteric stent insertion, IRPs were recorded for another 1–2 min. Statistical analysis of mean baseline IRP, peristaltic waveforms and frequency of peristaltic contractions was performed, thereby analysing the influence of patient variables and ureteric stenting.ResultsA total of 100 patients were included. Baseline mean (±SD) IRP was 16.76 (6.4) mmHg in the renal pelvis, with maximum peristaltic IRP peaks reaching a mean (SD) of 25.75 (17.9) mmHg. Peristaltic activity generally occurred in a rhythmic, coordinated fashion, with a mean (SD) interval of 5.63 (3.08) s between peaks. On univariate analysis, higher baseline IRP was observed with male sex, preoperative hydronephrosis, and preoperative ureteric stenting. On linear regression, male sex was no longer statistically significant, whilst the latter two variables remained significant (P = 0.004; P < 0.001). The mean (SD) baseline IRP in the non‐hydronephrotic, unstented cohort was 14.19 (4.39) mmHg. Age, α‐blockers and calcium channel blockers did not significantly influence IRP, and no measured variables influenced peristaltic activity. Immediately after ureteric stent insertion, IRP decreased (mean [SD] 15.18 [5.28] vs 16.76 [6.4] mmHg, P = 0.004), whilst peristaltic activity was maintained.ConclusionsHuman in vivo mean (SD) baseline IRP is 14.19 (4.39) mmHg in normal kidneys and increases with both hydronephrosis and preoperative ureteric stenting. Mean (SD) peristaltic peak IRP values of 25.75 (17.9) mmHg are reached in the renal pelvis every 3–7 s and maintained in the early post‐stent period.
Late Middle Pleistocene Wolstonian Stage (MIS 6) glaciation in lowland Britain and its North Sea regional equivalents – a review
Authors: Gibson Sebastian M. , Gibbard Philip L. 
Published: August 2024

Two major glaciations have been identified on land in England during the Middle Pleistocene. The earliest occurred during the Anglian Stage (= Elsterian, c. Marine Isotope Stage, MIS 12), evidence for which is best developed in lowland Britain, as well as offshore in the southern North Sea and Irish Sea basins. The second took place during the late Middle Pleistocene, with the most compelling evidence found in the West Midlands, intermediate between the Hoxnian (= Holsteinian; broadly MIS 11) and Ipswichian (= Eemian; broadly MIS 5e) interglacial stages during the Late Wolstonian Substage. Until recently this younger glacial episode was less clearly represented in the Pleistocene record and, as a result, had been little studied and weakly defined. Interpreted as the Moreton Stadial glaciation during the Late Wolstonian Substage (= Late Saalian Substage/Drenthe Stadial, c. MIS 6), it was originally recognized in the English Midlands, subsequently being identified in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and northern East Anglia, and potentially further SW as far as the Bristol Channel. Mapping, in particular by members of the British Geological Survey, however, resulted in the Wolstonian Stage glacial deposits being thought to pre‐date the stage. This was particularly so in East Anglia where there was considerable controversy concerning the number and relationships of glacial sequences, during the 1970–1980s. Yet to the west of East Anglia there remained unequivocal evidence for glaciation during the stage, particularly in Fenland and the eastern English Midlands. Recent radiometric dating across lowland Britain on glacial sediments long thought to belong to a glaciation event in the Wolstonian Stage have now placed a geochronological control on the established regional stratigraphy and confirmed that glaciation occurred in two phases between 199 and 147 ka during the Late Wolstonian Substage. The glacial events of the British Middle Pleistocene can clearly be correlated with the European continent.
Genetic landscape of hearing loss in prelingual deaf patients of eastern Iran: Insights from exome sequencing analysis
Authors: Alerasool Masoome , Eslahi Atieh , Vona Barbara , Kahaei Mir Salar , Mojaver Nasrin Kaseb , Rajati Mohsen , Pasdar Alireza , Ghasemi Mohammad Mehdi , Saburi Ehsan , Ardehaie Reza Mousavi , Aval Majid Hadadi , Tale Mohammad Reza , Nourizadeh Navid , Afzalzadeh Mohammad Reza , Niknezhad Hamid Tayarani , Mojarrad Majid 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHearing loss is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders in humans. Locus and allelic heterogeneity cause fundamental challenges in hearing loss genetic diagnosis and management of patients and their families. This study examined the genetic profile of patients with prelingual hearing loss who were referred to the Genetic Foundation of Khorasan Razavi spanning over a decade. Deleterious variants in GJB2 were evaluated through Sanger sequencing among 745 non‐syndromic hearing loss patients. Furthermore, exome sequencing was applied in 250 patients with negative GJB2 sequencing results and 30 patients with syndromic hearing loss. The findings revealed a relatively low frequency of GJB2 variants among the studied patients. Exome sequencing successfully identified the genetic causes of hearing loss in 70% of the patients. Moreover, variants in 10 genes, namely SLC26A4, MYO15A, TMPRSS3, TMC1, OTOF, CDH23, PJVK, MYO7A, TECTA, and PCDH15, accounted for 66% of the positive exome sequencing findings in this study. At least three prevalent founder alleles in the hearing‐impaired population of eastern Iran were identified. This study emphasizes the efficiency of exome sequencing as a powerful tool for determining the etiology of prelingual hearing loss in the eastern Iranian population.
SMFS‐GAN: Style‐Guided Multi‐class Freehand Sketch‐to‐Image Synthesis
Authors: Cheng Zhenwei , Wu Lei , Li Xiang , Meng Xiangxu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFreehand sketch‐to‐image (S2I) is a challenging task due to the individualized lines and the random shape of freehand sketches. The multi‐class freehand sketch‐to‐image synthesis task, in turn, presents new challenges for this research area. This task requires not only the consideration of the problems posed by freehand sketches but also the analysis of multi‐class domain differences in the conditions of a single model. However, existing methods often have difficulty learning domain differences between multiple classes, and cannot generate controllable and appropriate textures while maintaining shape stability. In this paper, we propose a style‐guided multi‐class freehand sketch‐to‐image synthesis model, SMFS‐GAN, which can be trained using only unpaired data. To this end, we introduce a contrast‐based style encoder that optimizes the network's perception of domain disparities by explicitly modelling the differences between classes and thus extracting style information across domains. Further, to optimize the fine‐grained texture of the generated results and the shape consistency with freehand sketches, we propose a local texture refinement discriminator and a Shape Constraint Module, respectively. In addition, to address the imbalance of data classes in the QMUL‐Sketch dataset, we add 6K images by drawing manually and obtain QMUL‐Sketch+ dataset. Extensive experiments on SketchyCOCO Object dataset, QMUL‐Sketch+ dataset and Pseudosketches dataset demonstrate the effectiveness as well as the superiority of our proposed method.
Efficacy and safety of batroxobin in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A multicenter retrospective analysis
Authors: Liu Shu , Wang Shengyuan , Zou Qian , Pu Yinshuang , Li Xiaobo , Hang Zhenlun , Cai Zhiyou , Wang Chuanling 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of batroxobin in improving functional outcomes and reducing stroke recurrence among patients with acute ischemic stroke beyond the therapeutic time window for thrombolytic therapy.MethodsThis multicenter, retrospective study enrolled 492 patients with acute moderate‐to‐severe ischemic stroke within 24 h. 238 patients were given standard (basic) therapy. On the basis of standard treatment, 254 patients received an initial intravenous infusion of batroxobin 10 U on day 1, followed by subsequent infusions of batroxobin 5 U on the 3rd and 5th days, respectively.ResultsIn the batroxobin group, 8.3% of patients experienced recurrence stroke, compared to 17.2% in the control group (HR, 0.433; 95% CI, 0.248 to 0.757; p = 0.003). Furthermore, intravenous batroxobin significantly improved the distribution of 90–120 day disability. Moderate‐to‐severe bleeding events were reported in three patients (1.2%) in the batroxobin group and one patient (0.4%) in the control group (p = 0.369).ConclusionsAmong patients with acute moderate‐to‐severe ischemic stroke beyond the time window for thrombolytic therapy, treatment with intravenous batroxobin had a lower risk of stroke recurrence and a better recovery of function outcome without increasing bleeding events. Prospective studies are needed to further confirm.
S100A9 deletion in microglia/macrophages ameliorates brain injury through the STAT6/PPARγ pathway in ischemic stroke
Authors: Liu Xi , Wang Junmin , Jin Jian , Hu Qiongqiong , Zhao Ting , Wang Jian , Gao Jianbo , Man Jiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundMicroglia and infiltrated macrophages (M/M) are integral components of the innate immune system that play a critical role in facilitating brain repair after ischemic stroke (IS) by clearing cell debris. Novel therapeutic strategies for IS therapy involve modulating M/M phenotype shifting. This study aims to elucidate the pivotal role of S100A9 in M/M and its downstream STAT6/PPARγ signaling pathway in neuroinflammation and phagocytosis after IS.MethodsIn the clinical study, we initially detected the expression pattern of S100A9 in monocytes from patients with acute IS and investigated its association with the long‐term prognosis. In the in vivo study, we generated the S100A9 conditional knockout (CKO) mice and compared the stroke outcomes with the control group. We further tested the S100A9‐specific inhibitor paqunimod (PQD), for its pharmaceutical effects on stroke outcomes. Transcriptomics and in vitro studies were adopted to explore the mechanism of S100A9 in modulating the M/M phenotype, which involves the regulation of the STAT6/PPARγ signaling pathway.ResultsS100A9 was predominantly expressed in classical monocytes and was correlated with unfavorable outcomes in patients of IS. S100A9 CKO mitigated infarction volume and white matter injury, enhanced cerebral blood flow and functional recovery, and prompted anti‐inflammation phenotype and efferocytosis after tMCAO. The STAT6/PPARγ pathway, an essential signaling cascade involved in immune response and inflammation, might be the downstream target mediated by S100A9 deletion, as evidenced by the STAT6 phosphorylation inhibitor AS1517499 abolishing the beneficial effect of S100A9 inhibition in tMCAO mice and cell lines. Moreover, S100A9 inhibition by PQD treatment protected against neuronal death in vitro and brain injuries in vivo.ConclusionThis study provides evidence for the first time that S100A9 in classical monocytes could potentially be a biomarker for predicting IS prognosis and reveals a novel therapeutic strategy for IS. By demonstrating that S100A9‐mediated M/M polarization and phagocytosis can be reversed by S100A9 inhibition in a STAT6/PPARγ pathway‐dependent manner, this study opens up new avenues for drug development in the field.
Electroencephalography microstate alterations reflect potential double‐edged cognitive adaptation in Ménière's disease
Authors: Li Yi‐Ni , Li Jie , Wang Peng‐Jun , Yu Dong‐Zhen , Chen Zheng‐Nong , Shi Zheng‐Yu , Wu Ya‐Qin , Qi Wei‐Dong , Lu Wen , Shi Hai‐Bo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeTo explore the microstate characteristics and underlying brain network activity of Ménière's disease (MD) patients based on high‐density electroencephalography (EEG), elucidate the association between microstate dynamics and clinical manifestation, and explore the potential of EEG microstate features as future neurobiomarkers for MD.MethodsThirty‐two patients diagnosed with MD and 29 healthy controls (HC) matched for demographic characteristics were included in the study. Dysfunction and subjective symptom severity were assessed by neuropsychological questionnaires, pure tone audiometry, and vestibular function tests. Resting‐state EEG recordings were obtained using a 256‐channel EEG system, and the electric field topographies were clustered into four dominant microstate classes (A, B, C, and D). The dynamic parameters of each microstate were analyzed and utilized as input for a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to identify significant microstate signatures associated with MD. The clinical significance was further explored through Spearman correlation analysis.ResultsMD patients exhibited an increased presence of microstate class C and a decreased frequency of transitions between microstate class A and B, as well as between class A and D. The transitions from microstate class A to C were also elevated. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between equilibrium scores and the transitions from microstate class A to C under somatosensory challenging conditions. Conversely, transitions between class A and B were negatively correlated with vertigo symptoms. No significant correlations were detected between these characteristics and auditory test results or emotional scores. Utilizing the microstate features identified via sequential backward selection, the linear SVM classifier achieved a sensitivity of 86.21% and a specificity of 90.61% in distinguishing MD patients from HC.ConclusionsWe identified several EEG microstate characteristics in MD patients that facilitate postural control yet exacerbate subjective symptoms, and effectively discriminate MD from HC. The microstate features may offer a new approach for optimizing cognitive compensation strategies and exploring potential neurobiological markers in MD.
Mitochondrial plasticity and synaptic plasticity crosstalk; in health and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sayehmiri Fatemeh , Motamedi Fereshteh , Batool Zehra , Naderi Nima , Shaerzadeh Fatima , Zoghi Anahita , Rezaei Omidvar , Khodagholi Fariba , Pourbadie Hamid Gholami 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSynaptic plasticity is believed to underlie the cellular and molecular basis of memory formation. Mitochondria are one of the main organelles involved in metabolism and energy maintenance as plastic organelles that change morphologically and functionally in response to cellular needs and regulate synaptic function and plasticity through multiple mechanisms, including ATP generation, calcium homeostasis, and biogenesis. An increased neuronal activity enhances synaptic efficiency, during which mitochondria's spatial distribution and morphology change significantly. These organelles build up in the pre‐and postsynaptic zones to produce ATP, which is necessary for several synaptic processes like neurotransmitter release and recycling. Mitochondria also regulate calcium homeostasis by buffering intracellular calcium, which ensures proper synaptic activity. Furthermore, mitochondria in the presynaptic terminal have distinct morphological properties compared to dendritic or postsynaptic mitochondria. This specialization enables precise control of synaptic activity and plasticity. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to synaptic failure in many neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, malfunctioning mitochondria cause delays in synaptic vesicle release and recycling, ionic gradient imbalances, and mostly synaptic failure. This review emphasizes mitochondrial plasticity's contribution to synaptic function. It also explores the profound effect of mitochondrial malfunction on neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on AD, and provides an overview of how they sustain cellular health under normal conditions and how their malfunction contributes to neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic target for such conditions.
Machine Learning Model Predicts Postoperative Outcomes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
Authors: Gata Anda , Raduly Lajos , Budișan Liviuța , Bajcsi Adél , Ursu Teodora‐Maria , Chira Camelia , Dioșan Laura , Berindan‐Neagoe Ioana , Albu Silviu 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveEvaluating the possibility of predicting chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) disease course using Artificial Intelligence.MethodsWe prospectively included patients undergoing first endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for nasal polyposis. Preoperative (demographic data, blood eosinophiles, endoscopy, Lund‐Mackay, SNOT‐22 and depression PHQ scores) and follow‐up data was standardly collected. Outcome measures included SNOT‐22, PHQ‐9 and endoscopy perioperative sinus endoscopy (POSE) scores and two different microRNAs (miR‐125b, miR‐203a‐3p) from polyp tissue. Based on POSE score, three labels were created (controlled: 0–7; partial control: 8–15; or relapse: 16–32). Patients were divided into train and test groups and using Random Forest, we developed algorithms for predicting ESS related outcomes.ResultsBased on data collected from 85 patients, the proposed Machine Learning‐approach predicted whether the patient would present control, partial control or relapse of nasal polyposis at 18 months following ESS. The algorithm predicted ESS outcomes with an accuracy between 69.23% (for non‐invasive input parameters) and 84.62% (when microRNAs were also included). Additionally, miR‐125b significantly improved the algorithm's accuracy and ranked as one of the most important algorithm variables.ConclusionWe propose a Machine Learning algorithm which could change the prediction of disease course in CRSwNP.