bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cochlear implantation in children with single-sided deafness under the age of 5 years: a review of current literature
Authors: Mammen Luke , Zlatopolsky Aaron , Tu Nathan 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
Here we explore the current literature on cochlear implantation of pediatric patients under the age of 5 years with single-sided deafness (SSD).

Recent findings
Single-sided deafness has been noted to cause developmental delays in speech, language, and cognition because of loss of binaural hearing. Currently, cochlear implantation is the only intervention capable of restoring binaural hearing for pediatric patients with SSD. Young children have been shown to have the greatest neuroplasticity of the auditory cortex before 4 years of age. Currently, only children over the age of 5 years are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo cochlear implantation for SSD. Cochlear implantation for SSD in patients under the age of 5 years has been performed on a limited basis and has been shown to have excellent results.

Summary
Cochlear implantation is a well tolerated and effective treatment for pediatric patients under the age of 5 years with SSD. Receiving cochlear implantation under the age of 5 years is critical for child development as neuroplasticity decreases after this age.
Autoimmune dysphagia
Authors: Tai Vicky , Suppiah Ravi 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
Dysphagia is a complication of several autoimmune rheumatic diseases and otorhinolaryngologists are likely to be involved in the assessment and management of patients with such conditions. This review provides an update on rheumatic diseases that may cause swallowing impairment, with particular focus on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of dysphagia in these conditions.

Recent findings
Dysphagia is a common complication of the following rheumatic diseases: idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be a complication of rarer autoimmune conditions such as Bechet's syndrome, sarcoidosis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. All three stages of swallowing (oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal) may be impaired in these conditions. Both medical therapy and surgical intervention play an important role in the management of autoimmune dysphagia.

Summary
The investigation and management of autoimmune dysphagia requires close collaboration between rheumatologists and otorhinolaryngologists. There is a need for further research to establish standardised guidelines on the assessment and management of autoimmune dysphagia.
Exoscope-assisted surgery in otology and neurotology
Authors: Di Bari Matteo , Colombo Giovanni 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review
This review addresses the pressing need for an updated understanding of high-definition 3D exoscope role in contemporary otologic and neurotologic practice. With technological advancements driving innovations in surgical visualization, it is crucial to evaluate the efficacy of exoscope-assisted surgery compared to traditional microscopic approaches. By synthesizing recent literature, this review offers insights into the current state of exoscopic ear and lateral skull base surgery and its implications for clinical practice and research.

Recent findings
Recent literature has focused on several key themes. Firstly, studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of exoscopic approaches for various otologic and neurotologic procedures. Secondly, comparative studies have highlighted similar outcomes with exoscopic techniques compared to conventional microscopic surgery, particularly in terms of operative time and complication rates. Thirdly, the exoscope can be a valuable tool for the education and training of surgeons.

Summary
The findings from recent literature underscore the growing significance of exoscope-assisted surgery in otology and lateral skull base practice. However, challenges such as high magnification image quality and learning curve must be addressed to optimize its widespread adoption. Overall, this review highlights the importance of continued research and innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
Experiences of Care, Racism, and Communication of Postpartum Black Women Readmitted After Delivery
Authors: Burdick Micki , Oshewa Oluwadamilola , Janevic Teresa , Wang-Koehler Eileen , Zeitlin Jennifer , Howell Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVE:
To explore the contribution of psychosocial factors, perceived barriers to care, structural racism, and experiences of care to disparities in postpartum outcomes for Black patients, as measured by emergency department (ED) visits and postpartum readmissions.

METHODS:
We conducted semi-structured interviews with women of color who were readmitted or had an ED visit related to perinatal outcomes within 30 days of delivery hospitalization. We created an interview guide based on patient, community, and health system factors, asking questions about care and lived experience through delivery, discharge, coming home, and ED visits or readmission during the postpartum period. Patients were identified through the electronic medical record system. Interviews ranged from 30 to 60 minutes and were transcribed, and medical charts were reviewed for delivery and postpartum outcomes. We coded interviews through deductive engagement with the interview guide, which was validated through double-comparative coding between researchers, and used content analysis to delineate themes surrounding barriers to and lack of quality postpartum care for birthing people of color.

RESULTS:
Principal themes that emerged from the interviews with participants were: perceived lack of communication about the complications they experienced; structural racism described through examples of not being listened to or believed; a perceived lack of respect for Black women's bodies by doctors and nurses, which became embedded in inappropriate verbal and nonverbal communication practices by clinicians and staff; and mismatches in care for participants were noted from the care provided and chart documentation compared with what patients understood to be happening with their health.

CONCLUSION:
To counter the increasing rates of morbidity and mortality among postpartum Black patients, stronger efforts are required to address the needs of Black patients during the postpartum period through documenting and acknowledging patients' lived experiences, addressing communication needs, and understanding the consequences of structural racism.
Obesity Is Associated With Higher Levels of Circulating Cytokines Involved in the Development of Cardiovascular Disease in People Living With HIV
Authors: Savinelli Stefano , McGettrick Pádraig , Garcia Leon Alejandro A. , Tinago Willard , Haran Emma , Barco Elena Alvarez , Landay Alan L. , Mallon Patrick W. G. , Feeney Eoin R. ,   On behalf of the All Ireland Infectious Diseases Cohort Study
Published: August 2024

Background:
Obesity is increasingly described in people living with HIV (PLWH), but its impact on immune activation and inflammation in HIV is still poorly characterized. We aimed to analyze the difference in circulating cytokines involved in pathways associated with comorbidities in PLWH according to the presence or absence of obesity.

Methods:
Age- and sex-matched PLWH with and without obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) from a multicenter, prospective cohort were recruited with a 1:2 ratio. Twenty-three biomarkers covering pathways associated with systemic inflammation (high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein [hsCRP], interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, tumor necrosis factor receptor-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, IL-18), coagulation (von Willebrand Factor [vWF], D-dimer, soluble CD40 ligand), endothelial function (E-selectin, P-selectin, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1), atherosclerosis (myeloperoxidase [MPO], lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2), immune regulation (IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1RA]), innate immune activation (macrophage inflammatory protein-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble CD163, soluble CD14), and microbial translocation (lipopolysaccharide binding protein) were measured in the 2 groups. Between-group difference in biomarkers were assessed using Mann–Whitney test. Associations between obesity and biomarkers were assessed using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, and antiretroviral therapy.

Results:
Ninety-nine antiretroviral therapy–treated PLWH were included in the analysis (33 with obesity, 66 without obesity). PLWH with obesity had higher levels of hsCRP, IL-6, vWF, D-dimer, E-selectin, MPO, IL-1RA, and lipopolysaccharide binding protein. Six markers (hsCRP, IL-6, vWF, E-selectin, MPO, IL-1RA), reflecting systemic inflammation, coagulation, and atherosclerosis pathways, were associated with increased odds of obesity in the adjusted logistic regression model: hsCRP (adjusted odds ratio 2.7, 95% CI: [1.7 to 4.29]), IL-6 (3.77 [1.43–9.93]), vWF (5.33 [1.51–18.75]), E-selectin (6.28 [1.36–29.04]), MPO (6.85 [1.87–25.04]), and IL-1RA (6.45 [2.28–18.2]). No association was observed between obesity and markers of innate immune activation and gut microbial translocation.

Conclusions:
Obesity in PLWH was associated with activation of systemic inflammatory, endothelial, atherosclerosis, and coagulation pathways, rather than those associated with innate immune activation and gut microbial translocation. These pathways point toward an unfavorable cardiovascular profile in PLWH with obesity, which will have to be further explored in future studies on long-term outcomes.
MicroRNA-32-5p inhibits metastasis by directly targeting VPS4B and increases sensitivity to dihydroartemisinin in neuroblastoma
Authors: Chen Lina , Liu Hui , Zheng Zhongyuan , Qu Shuiqing , Zhang Yu , Deng Shuoqiu , Shen Shuo , Liu Tuo , Dai Yue , Li Yu , Cui Honghua , Li Yujie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a malignant pediatric tumor requiring new therapies. Accumulating evidence has confirmed that microRNAs play critical roles in NB metastasis. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is capable of inhibiting the growth of NB cells. The primary objective of the current investigation was to characterize a newly discovered microRNA, miR-32-5p, in terms of the functional role, underlying mechanism of action, and potential synergistic therapeutic impact in the context of NB metastasis.

Materials and methods
Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were employed to assess the expression levels of miR-32-5p and its target, vacuolar protein sorting 4B (VPS4B). Furthermore, Transwell assay was utilized to evaluate in vitro cell migration and invasion, whereas a metastasis xenograft model was established in nude mice via caudal vein injections.

Results
Gene Expression Omnibus database and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that miR-32-5p was downregulated in human NB samples and NB cell lines, in comparison with the normal tissue and cell lines. Inhibiting miR-32-5p induced the migration and invasion of NB cells, whereas overexpression of miR-32-5p prevented the migration and invasion in NB cell lines. Furthermore, VPS4B was identified as the direct target of miR-32-5p and the miR-32-5p reduction associated with NB metastasis upregulated the expression of VPS4B. Conversely, overexpression of VPS4B reversed the suppressive effects of miR-32-5p on NB cells. Moreover, miR-32-5p increased the sensitivity to DHA both in NB cells and in the metastasis xenograft model of nude mice.

Conclusions
The downregulation of miR-32-5p in NB regulates NB metastasis by targeting VPS4B. Moreover, miR-32-5b can improve the sensitivity of DHA in the xenograft mouse model. Our findings have important implications for the combined application of miR-32-5p and DHA in the treatment of NB.
Transcriptomic signatures of mouse ovarian aging and estropausal transition at single cell resolution
Authors: Wang Xifan , Yang Jiping , Jin Chen , Wang Xizhe , Contreras Daniela , Devos Melody , Suh Yousin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFemale reproductive aging affects fertility and overall health. Functional decline in mouse ovary during reproductive aging is accompanied by estrous cycle prolongation and cessation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying reproductive aging concomitant with such cycle changes remains unclear. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we characterized aging signatures in mouse ovaries across the reproductive lifespan ranging from reproductively young (regular cycle) through peri-estropause (regular vs. irregular cycles) to post-estropause age (acyclic). Reproductive aging significantly remodeled cell compositions and increased transcriptional heterogeneity, with more pronounced changes post-estropause, exhibiting coordinated alterations across cell types in the ovary. Genes undergoing monotonic changes during reproductive aging across cell types were consistently enriched in the conserved pathways of aging, including oxidative phosphorylation, stress responses, and proteostasis. Additionally, cell type-specific changes were identified including dysregulation of hormone synthesis in granulosa cells, alterations in collagen and hyaluronan metabolism in stromal and early theca cells, and functional decline of a unique phagocytosis-associated macrophage. Aging also led to a significant decrease in cell-cell communications, particularly between stromal and granulosa cells, and an increase in extracellular vesicle secretion. Furthermore, we found increased expression of the senescence marker Cdkn1a and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors during ovarian aging, especially in granulosa cells. Notably, most of these aging-associated changes were more pronounced in irregular cycling ovaries compared to the regular cycling counterparts at the same age during the peri-estropause stage, suggesting that aging-related molecular changes in the ovary drive the estropausal transition in mice.
The effect of microsaccades in the primary visual cortex: a two-phase modulation in the absence of visual stimulation
Authors: Nativ Yarden , Bouhnik Tomer , Slovin Hamutal 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOur eyes are never still. Even when we attempt to fixate, the visual gaze is never motionless, as we continuously perform miniature oculomotor movements termed as fixational eye movements. The fastest eye movements during the fixation epochs are termed microsaccades (MSs), that are leading to continual motion of the visual input, affecting mainly neurons in the fovea. Yet our vision appears to be stable. To explain this gap, previous studies suggested the existence of an extra-retinal input (ERI) into the visual cortex that can account for the motion and produce visual stability. Here, we investigated the existence of an ERI to V1 fovea in behaving monkeys while they performed spontaneous MSs, during fixation. We used voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDI) to measure and characterize at high spatio-temporal resolution the influence of MSs on neural population activity, in the foveal region of the primary visual cortex (V1). In the absence of a visual stimulus, MSs induced a two-phase response modulation: an early suppression transient followed by an enhancement transient. A correlation analysis revealed an increase in neural synchronization around ∼100 ms after MS onset. Next, we investigated the MS effects in the presence of a small visual stimulus, and found that this modulation was different from the non-stimulated condition yet both modulations co-existed in the fovea. Finally, the VSD response to an external motion of the fixation point could not explain the MS modulation. These results support an ERI that may be involved in visual stabilization already at the level of V1.
Identification of In Vivo Internalizing Cardiac-Specific RNA Aptamers
Authors: Narayan Chandan , Lin Li-Hsien , Barros Maya N. , Gilbert Trent C. , Brown Caroline R. , Reddin Dominic , London Barry , Chen Yani , Wilson Mary E. , Streeter Jennifer , Thiel William H. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe pursuit of selective therapeutic delivery to target tissue types represents a key goal in the treatment of a range of adverse health issues, including diseases afflicting the heart. The development of new cardiac-specific ligands is a crucial step towards effectively targeting therapeutics to the heart.MethodsUtilizing anex vivoandin vivoSELEX approaches, we enriched a library of 2’-fluoro modified aptamers for ventricular cardiomyocyte specificity. Lead candidates were identified from this library, and their binding and internalization into cardiomyocytes was evaluated in bothex vivoandin vivomouse studies.ResultsTheex vivoandin vivoSELEX processes generated an aptamer library with significant cardiac specificity over non-cardiac tissues such as liver and skeletal muscle. Our lead candidate aptamer from this library, CA1, demonstrates selectivein vivotargeting and delivery of a fluorophore cargo to ventricular cardiomyocytes within the murine heart, while minimizing off-target localization to non-cardiac tissues, including the liver. By employing a novel RNase-based assay to evaluate aptamer interactions with cardiomyocytes, we discovered that CA1 predominantly internalizes into ventricular cardiomyocytes; conversely, another candidate CA41 primarily binds to the cardiomyocyte cell surface.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that CA1 and CA41 have the potential to be promising candidates for targeted drug delivery and imaging applications in cardiac diseases.
Long-term non-trophic effects of large herbivores on plant diversity are underestimated
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Bakker Jan P. , Alberti Juan , Bakker Elisabeth S. , Smit Christian , Olff Han 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe positive effects of large herbivores on plant diversity in grasslands have so far been mainly attributed to increased light availability or suppressed dominance, and thus to the consequences of aboveground biomass consumption (trophic effects). However, these insights are mainly derived from short-term experiments. Using a 46-year experiment in a salt marsh, comparing cattle grazing, mowing (as a proxy of aboveground consumption) and the ungrazed control, we found that the non-trophic effects (e.g. trampling, deposition of urine and dung) of large herbivores on plant diversity increased over time, exceeding that of the trophic effects after 23 years. This long-term accumulation of non-trophic effects through slow ecosystem-level feedback highlights the sustainability of using low to moderate densities of large herbivores to conserve plant diversity. Our results emphasize the need for the conservation and re-introduction of large herbivores, domestic or wild, to sustain long-term grassland plant diversity.
Submolecular-scale Hairpin DNA Folding Dynamics Studied by High-Speed AFM with Optical Tweezers
Authors: Umeda Kenichi , Yamanaka Shin’nosuke , Imamura Motonori , Nagae Fritz , Fukuda Shingo , Watanabe Hiroki , Uchihashi Takayuki , Takada Shoji , Ando Toshio 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTOptical tweezers have contributed to elucidate the folding mechanisms associated with biomolecules. By combining single-molecule or super-resolution techniques, imaging can also be performed while measuring or inducing force coupling with biochemical reactions; however, they cannot capture structural information beyond the fluorophore spatial resolution. To overcome this problem, here, we developed a technique that combines optical tweezers with high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM). To solve the problem of incompatible instrumental configurations, we developed a unique optical tweezers measurement system that is specialized for high-speed AFM. Upon applying an external force to a synthesized DNA secondary structure, we successfully visualized the dissociation of the duplex structure. Furthermore, we succeeded in observing spontaneous reannealing of the duplex structure upon releasing the force, which demonstrates that the folding reaction can be reversibly controlled. We also reveal that along with duplex unfolding, a metastable secondary structure is generated and its topology changes transiently over time. The results indicate that this technique provides structural insights that cannot be obtained by conventional fluorescence techniques.
Dysregulated Airway Host Defense in Hyper IgE Syndrome due to STAT3 Mutations
Authors: Sun Ling , Walls Samantha A. , Dang Hong , Quinney Nancy L. , Sears Patrick R. , Sadritabrizi Taraneh , Hasegawa Koichi , Okuda Kenichi , Asakura Takanori , Chang Xiuya , Zheng Meiqi , Mikami Yu , Dizmond Felicia U. , Danilova Daniela , Zhou Lynn , Deshmukh Anshulika , Cholon Deborah M. , Radicioni Giorgia , Rogers Troy D. , Kissner William J. , Markovetz Matthew R. , Guhr Lee Tara N. , Gutay Mark I. , Esther Charles R. , Chua Michael , Grubb Barbara R. , Ehre Camille , Kesimer Mehmet , Hill David B. , Ostrowski Lawrence E. , Button Brian , Gentzsch Martina , Robinson Chevalia , Olivier Kenneth N. , Freeman Alexandra F. , Randell Scott H. , O’Neal Wanda K. , Boucher Richard C. , Chen Gang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRationaleHyper IgE syndrome (STAT3-HIES), also known as Job’s syndrome, is a rare immunodeficiency disease typically caused by dominant-negative STAT3 mutations. STAT3-HIES syndrome is characterized by chronic pulmonary infection and inflammation, suggesting impairment of pulmonary innate host defense.ObjectivesTo identify airway epithelial host defense defects consequent to STAT3 mutations that, in addition to reported mutant STAT3 immunologic abnormalities, produce pulmonary infection.MethodsSTAT3-HIES sputum was evaluated for biochemical/biophysical properties. STAT3-HIES excised lungs were harvested for histology; bronchial brush samples were collected for RNA sequencing and in vitro culture. A STAT3-HIES-specific mutation (R382W), expressed by lentiviruses, and a STAT3 knockout, generated by CRISPR/Cas9, were maintained in normal human bronchial epithelia under basal or inflammatory (IL1β) conditions. Effects of STAT3 deficiency on transcriptomics, and epithelial ion channel, secretory, antimicrobial, and ciliary functions were assessed.Measurements and Main ResultsMucus concentrations and viscoelasticity were increased in STAT3-HIES sputum. STAT3-HIES excised lungs exhibited mucus obstruction and elevated IL1β expression. STAT3 deficiency impaired CFTR-dependent fluid and mucin secretion, inhibited expression of antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, and chemokines, and acidified airway surface liquid at baseline and post-IL1β exposure in vitro. Notably, mutant STAT3 suppressed IL1R1 expression. STAT3 mutations also inhibited ciliogenesis in vivo and impaired mucociliary transport in vitro, a process mediated via HES6 suppression. Administration of a γ-secretase inhibitor increased HES6 expression and improved ciliogenesis in STAT3 R382W mutant cells.ConclusionsSTAT3 dysfunction leads to multi-component defects in airway epithelial innate defense, which, in conjunction with STAT3-HIES immune deficiency, contributes to chronic pulmonary infection.