bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous Pericranium Graft for Necrotizing Scleritis
Authors: Copete Sergio , Fagúndez-Vargas María Antonia , López-Martínez Franciso , Moreno-Martínez Almudena , García-García Jose Gregorio , Júdez Enrique , Carrilero-Ferrer María José 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical outcome of scleral staphyloma secondary to necrotizing scleritis treated with autologous pericranial grafting.

Case report:
A 63-year-old woman with necrotizing scleritis and choroidal protrusion underwent homologous scleral grafting, which failed. The patient's medical management was optimized for control of her systemic inflammation, and she underwent a second surgery consisting of autologous pericranium grafted to the parietal region. A 3- × 2-cm tissue patch was harvested and sutured over the staphyloma borders with 8/0 polyglactin sutures. Complete re-epithelialization was observed at 3 weeks, the graft was well integrated, and no signs of inflammation were observed at 18 months.

Conclusions:
The pericranium offers a viable alternative for scleral thinning because of necrotizing scleritis.
Differences of Efficacy Between Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Pregnant Women With Different Hepatitis B Virus DNA Loads
Authors: Tao Chengjing , Zhou Guanlun , Jiang Hongxiu , Chen Chao , Ju Yuhao , Tao Xingran , Zhang Ping , Liu Shuorong , Han Guorong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) has been endorsed by guidelines for blockade of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), given that its efficacy and safety are comparable to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). However, there is a lack of comparative studies regarding the treatment efficacy in patients with diverse viral loads. This study retrospectively analyzed 96 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)–positive pregnant women with HBV DNA levels of ≥2 × 105 IU/mL. Based on viral loads (HBV DNA levels), participants in the TAF and TDF groups were stratified into three subgroups, namely, the High-G (titer ≥8 log10 IU/mL), Middle-G (7 log10 IU/mL ≤ titer < 8 log10 IU/mL) and Low-G (titer <7 log10 IU/mL) subgroups. The primary endpoint was effectiveness of TAF and TDF in patients with varying viral loads, whereas secondary endpoints were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity in infants at 7 to 12 months and the safety profile for mothers and children. Compared with baseline levels, median HBV DNA levels in mothers were decreased by 4.51 and 4.09 log10 IU/mL in the TAF and TDF groups (P = 0.04) predelivery, respectively. In the High-G subgroup, the titers were significantly lower in the TAF group (P = 0.045). A higher proportion of patients experienced a virus decline of ≥4 log10 IU/mL in the TAF group compared with the TDF group, with rates of 78.26% versus 58% (P = 0.034), respectively. Moreover, the median serum phosphate levels significantly decreased from baseline to predelivery in the TDF group (P = 0.04). Finally, infants in both cohorts tested negative for HBsAg at 7–12 months after delivery. Overall, our findings indicate that TAF can be considered the preferred option for the treatment of HBeAg-positive pregnant women with HBV DNA levels of ≥8 log10 IU/mL.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Opioid Prescriptions Following Lumbar Spine Surgery
Authors: Eghrari Nafis B. , Chen Matthew , Kim Chong H. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the association between BMI and postoperative opioid use within two years following lumbar spine surgery using a national database.

Methods
TriNetX, a national network of de-identified patient records, was retrospectively queried from 2003 to 2021 using ICD-10, CPT, and VA codes. Propensity-score matching analysis was performed based on demographics, comorbidities, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders.

Results
21,997 total patients were included in our analysis. Patients with BMI > 30 were more likely to be prescribed opioids postoperatively (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.18–1.42). Patients with BMI > 40 were more likely to be prescribed opioids when compared to patients with BMI < 30 (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.48–2.56), BMI 30-34.9 (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.57–2.70), BMI 35-39.9 (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.13–2.00), and BMI < 40 (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.57–2.70). The BMI > 40 group had an increased number of opioid prescriptions within two years following lumbar surgery compared to patients with BMI 30-34.9 (p = 0.0113) and BMI < 30 (p = 0.0018).

Conclusion
Opioid prescription following lumbar spine surgery is associated with an elevated BMI. Patients with Class III Obesity appear to be at the highest risk of increased opioid prescriptions following lumbar surgery. Physicians should consider the patient’s BMI when deciding postoperative pain management.
Effective strategies for managing trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and levofloxacin-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections: bridging the gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice
Authors: Mokrani David , Luyt Charles-Edouard 
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review
To discuss the therapeutic options available for the management of difficult-to-treat strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Sma), namely those resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolones.

Recent findings
Recent pharmacological studies have highlighted the fact that current breakpoints for first-line antibiotics against Sma are too high. In light of these data, it is likely that the prevalence of difficult-to-treat (DTR) Sma is underestimated worldwide. Two promising alternatives for treating DTR strains are cefiderocol and the combination of aztreonam and an L2 inhibitor. However, clinical trials are currently very limited for these antibiotics and no comparative studies have been carried out to date. It is important to note that the clinical efficacy of cefiderocol appears to be inferior to that initially anticipated from in-vitro and animal studies. Consequently, minocycline and ceftazidime may remain viable options if they are used against strains with a low minimum inhibitory concentration. We advise against the use of intravenous polymyxins and tigecycline. Finally, recent literature does not support the systematic use of combination therapy or long-course treatments. In the coming years, phage therapy may become a promising approach against DTR Sma infections.

Summary
Overall, clinical comparative studies focused on DTR strains are required in order to provide more accurate and actionable information for therapeutic decisions.
The many faces of brucellosis: diagnostic and management approach
Authors: El Ayoubi L’Emir Wassim , Challita Caren , Kanj Souha S. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review
This review aims to highlight the multifaceted nature of brucellosis, emphasizing the latest advancements in its diagnosis and management. Given the global prevalence and potential complications of brucellosis, understanding recent advancements in diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies is crucial for clinicians.

Recent findings
Recent literature reveals significant progress in diagnostic methods, including the application of fluorescence polarization immunoassay and time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer technologies as well as the invention of artificial Brucella antigens, which offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Advances in molecular diagnostics and serological tests have improved early detection rates, however their interpretation remains challenging. Evolving treatment regimens such as the use of hydroxychloroquine as part of triple therapy and the use of nano-delivery systems in therapies have shown promise, in hopes of reducing relapse rates and managing chronic cases.

Summary
The findings underscore the necessity for clinicians to adopt a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing brucellosis. Integrating advanced diagnostic tools with tailored therapeutic strategies can significantly improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on optimizing these diagnostic techniques and exploring novel therapeutic agents.
Strongyloides stercoralis infection in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Hogan John I. , Mehta Sapna A. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

Strongyloides stercoralis infection remains of concern due to its high associated morbidity among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) and the risk of donor-derived infection (DDI). We review key aspects of epidemiology to inform screening for and treatment of chronic infection among organ transplant candidates to reduce the risk of infectious complications in the posttransplant setting.

Recent findings
In this work, we offer guidance regarding the optimal management of Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated infection and offer recommendations regarding posttreatment surveillance and the potential need for repeat treatment during subsequent periods of augmented immunosuppression. This review also provides updated recommendations for screening of deceased and living donors as recently proposed by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's Ad Hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee.

Summary
Risk reduction of Strongyloides infection in the SOTR population can be further enhanced by optimized treatment of infection, posttreatment surveillance during at-risk periods and recent proposed policy shifts to universal donor screening.
Sex tweaks eye color
Authors: Bressan Paola 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHere I challenge the conventional view of eye-color inheritance by showing that eye color depends (doubly) on sex: the sex of the parent and the sex of the child. I rely on the eye color records of over 30,000 Italians—a single-ethnicity population that features the largest genetic and eye-color diversity in Europe. First, more men than women express eye colors at the two extremes of the melanin range (blue and dark-brown) and more women than men express colors in the middle (green, hazel, brown, and mixed). Second, dark-brown-eyed mothers produce moresonswith dark-brown eyes and fewer with very-light-brown ones than do dark-brown-eyed fathers. Symmetrically, dark-brown-eyed fathers produce moredaughterswith dark-brown eyes and fewer with very-light-brown ones than do dark-brown-eyed mothers. All of this suggests that human eye pigmentation is controlled by a gene sitting on chromosome X—a chromosome which fathers pass on only to daughters, and sons inherit only from mothers. Such knowledge can improve forensic tools’ ability to predict eye color from DNA found at crime scenes and help in the identification of a known individual’s unknown birth parents. On a grander scale, these findings cast a new light on the origin of other, more fateful sex differences.
A detailed protocol for generating spike trans-complemented SARS-CoV-2 replicons
Authors: Yang Qi , Manicassamy Balaji , Neelamegham Sriram 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTMultiple approaches have been implemented for basic science studies that attempt to investigate SARS-CoV-2 biology or virology in biosafety level-2 setting. These include pseudotyped-virus based on lentivirus and vesicular stomatitis virus, virus-like particles that only contain the SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins, and single-cycle replicons. Among these, the single-cycle replicons most closely resemble the authentic virus as they essentially include the full viral genome, except for essential elements required for active virus multiplication. In this regard, we previously developed a SARS-CoV-2 replicon system where a Gaussia Dura luciferase-P2A-mNeonGreen reporter cassette replaced viral spike. In this short paper, we present an optimized protocol for the use of this reagent that overcomes previous technical limitations. We demonstrate that co-transfection of this bacmid along with spike plasmid, using the improved protocol, yields high-quality spike bearing SARS-CoV-2 virus particles with single-cycle infectivity. Due to the nature of bacmid construction, this approach is particularly useful for studying the impact of spike mutagenesis on virus evolution in BSL-2 setting.
Factors Associated with Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Partiningrum Dwi Lestari , Chionardes Melissa Angela , Yusri Nurul Hasanah , Aji Indra Adhim Karunia , Subagya Jonathan Christianto , Liemarto Aldrich Kurniawan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroud and ObjectiveAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant complication of COVID-19 infection, with varied incidence rates globally. COVID-19 has exacerbated AKI cases, with a significant portion of patients experiencing kidney damage. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors associated with AKI among COVID-19 patients in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.MethodsData from 364 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in a hospital in Semarang between March 2020 and September 2021 were analyzed. Statistical analysis using chi-square and logistic regression examined the relationship between AKI and its determinants, with p≤0.05 considered significant.ResultsThe majority of patients were male, most had no prior medical conditions. Analysis indicated links between AKI and various factors like several physical and supportive examination results. Few comorbidities were found to increase the risk of AKI, followed also by abnormal vital signs except blood pressure, several elevated level of laboratory results, and radiologic pneumonia finding.ConclusionCOVID-19 may harm the kidneys causing AKI. This study highlights the importance of history taking, examination, and laboratory monitoring to detect AKI in COVID-19 patients.
A Machine Learning-enabled SIR Model for Adaptive and Dynamic Forecasting of COVID-19
Authors: Mortensen Peter , Lauer Katharina , Rautenbach Stefan Petrus , Gallotta Marco , Sharapova Natasha , Takkides Ioannis , Wright Michael , Linley Mathew 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to public health systems worldwide, necessitating accurate and adaptable forecasting models to manage and mitigate its impacts. This study presents a novel forecasting framework based on a Machine Learning-enabled Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (ML-SIR) model with time-varying parameters to predict COVID-19 dynamics across multiple geographies. The model incorporates emergent patterns from reported time-series data to estimate new hospitalisations, hospitalised patients, and new deaths. Our framework adapts to the evolving nature of the pandemic by dynamically adjusting the infection rate parameter over time and using a Fourier series to capture oscillating patterns in the data. This approach improves upon traditional SIR and forecasting models, which often fail to account for the complex and shifting dynamics of COVID-19 due to new variants, changing public health interventions, and varying levels of immunity. Validation of the model was conducted using historical data from the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. The model’s performance was evaluated based on the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Absolute Percentage Error of Cumulative values (CAPE) for three-month forecast horizons. Results indicated that the model achieved an average MAPE of 32.5% for new hospitalisations, 34.4% for patients, and 34.8% for new deaths, for three-month forecasts. Notably, the model demonstrated superior accuracy compared to existing forecasting models with like-for-like disease metrics, countries and forecast horizons. The proposed ML-SIR model offers a robust and adaptable tool for forecasting COVID-19 dynamics, capable of adjusting to new time-series data and varying geographical contexts. This adaptability makes it suitable for localised hospital capacity planning, scenario modelling, and for application to other respiratory infectious diseases with similar transmission dynamics, such as influenza and RSV. By providing reliable forecasts, the model supports informed public health decision-making and resource allocation, enhancing preparedness and response efforts.
Validation and reproducibility of mapping positron emission tomography uptake in the aortic wall and thrombus
Authors: Bragulat-Arévalo Mireia , Ferrer-Cornet Marta , Dux-Santoy Lydia , Oliveró-Soldevila Ruper , Garcia-Reyes Marvin , Teixido-Tura Gisela , Garrido-Oliver Juan , Galian-Gay Laura , Lopez-Gutierrez Pere , Morales-Galán Alberto , Catalá-Santarrufina Alba , García Garzón Jose Ramon , Martinez Esquerda Noemi , Solsona Javier , Ferreira-González Ignacio , Bellmunt-Montoya Sergi , Rodriguez-Palomares Jose , Guala Andrea 
Published: July 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAortic aneurysms are prevalent diseases of the aorta, with limited knowledge about their aetiology, progression, and risk, and no effective pharmacological treatment. 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (18F-FDG PET) provides molecular level information of glucose activity, serving as potential analogue of vascular inflammation, which may be relevant to improve knowledge and clinical management of aortic aneurysms. Nonetheless, current clinical assessment of 18F-FDG uptake presents several limitations.PURPOSEThe aim of this study was to develop, test and validate an innovative aortic wall uptake mapping.METHODSPET/magnetic resonance (MR) data from 72 patients were acquired. The aortic lumen was segmented, and 9 anatomical landmarks were identified to create a standardised aortic lumen discretization including up to 80 patches. Black-blood MR images were used to guide thrombus segmentation if present, which was merged with lumen segmentation to generate a thoraco-abdominal aortic wall mask. This mask was then expanded by 1 to 5 mm in the inward and outward directions, resulting in an aortic wall volume of interest. Median and percentile 95th standard uptake value (SUV) was calculated on each aortic patch. A second observer performed the same analysis on 23 randomly selected patients for inter-observer reproducibility assessment. Validation was performed by comparisons with regional SUV measured by a nuclear medicine expert.RESULTSThe technique was highly feasible, permitting the analysis of all 72 patients and in the 99.6% of aortic wall patches. The image analysis workflow was highly reproducible, resulting in Dice scores of 0.90 [0.57, 0.91] and 0.85 [0.78, 0.88] for aortic and thrombus segmentations, respectively, and in excellent co-localization for anatomical references (5.74 [3.62, 8.73] mm).The inter-observer reproducibility of aortic wall SUV mapping was excellent (ICC between 0.924 and 0.945), with limited differences with respect to aortic wall thickness and similar performances for SUV quantification in the thrombus. The validation of regional SUV values showed good agreement, with limited impact of aortic wall thickness values. A balance between reproducibility and accuracy was obtained with a volume of interest of 6 mm thickness.CONCLUSIONSAn image analysis implementation based on multi-modality PET/MR data provides reproducible and accurate quantitative aortic wall 18F-FDG uptake maps. This approach may enable exploring local factors related to an inflammatory vascular state, with possible repercussions in clinical practice.
Interactive effects of temperature acclimation and dietary fatty acids on metabolic rate and body composition of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Campbell Michael J. , Mastromonaco Gabriela F. , Burness Gary 
Published: July 2024

AbstractClimate change is contributing to geographic range shifts in many bird species, with possible exposure to novel diets. How individuals respond physiologically across chronic time frames to the interacting effects of diet and environmental temperature has been little explored. We acclimated zebra finches to either cool (20-24°C) or thermoneutral (35°C) temperatures over 6-months and provided them with diets enriched in either unsaturated or saturated fatty acids. We measured body mass throughout the study, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) and body composition at 3- and 6-months, respectively. Individuals held in cool conditions and fed a diet enriched with unsaturated fatty acids lost mass initially relative to the other groups, however, effects were reversible, and all individuals had a similar mass at 6- months. Chronic exposure to cool conditions increased BMR and the mass of the pectoral muscle and visceral organs. However, we could detect no long-term effect of diet on any physiological parameter. Our results contrast with those of birds studied over acute time frames, in which diet and temperature interact to determine energy expenditure. Over chronic time frames individuals appear to reach a new steady-state, with long-term physiological responses driven primarily by thermoregulatory responses to environmental temperature.Research Highlights:With climate change, birds may encounter novel diets and temperaturesIn zebra finches we show that chronic acclimation to cool temperatures increased energy expenditure and changed body composition.Dietary fatty acid content had little long-term impact on the physiological parameters we measured.
Hypersynchronous iPSC-derivedSHANK2neuronal networks are rescued by mGluR5 agonism
Authors: McCready Fraser P. , Pradeepan Kartik S. , Khaki Milad , Wei Wei , Matusiak Nicole , Piekna Alina , Martinez-Trujillo Julio , Ellis James 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTVariants in the gene encoding the postsynaptic scaffolding protein SHANK2 are associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. Here, we usedin vitromultielectrode arrays and pharmacological manipulations to characterize how functional connectivity and network-level firing properties were altered in cultures of human iPSC-derivedSHANK2neurons. Using two isogenic pairs ofSHANK2cell lines, we showed that theSHANK2hyperconnectivity phenotype was recapitulated at the network level.SHANK2networks displayed significantly increased frequency and reduced duration of network burst events relative to controls.SHANK2network activity was hypersynchronous, with increased functional correlation strength between recording channels. Analysis of intra-network burst firing dynamics revealed that spikes withinSHANK2network bursts were organized into high-frequency trains, producing a distinctive network burst shape. Calcium-dependent events called reverberating super bursts (RSBs) were observed in control networks but rarely occurred inSHANK2networks.SHANK2network hypersynchrony and numbers of strong correlations were fully rescued by the group 1 mGluR agonist DHPG, that also restored detection of RSBs and significantly improved network burst frequency and duration metrics. Our results demonstrate thatSHANK2variants produce a functional hyperconnectivity phenotype that deviates from the developmental trajectory of isogenic control networks. Furthermore, the hypersynchronous phenotype was rescued by pharmacologically regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission.