bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimizing infectious complications following transrectal prostate biopsy: a proposal for a risk-adapted antibiotic treatment strategy with Ceftriaxone and Ertapenem as key components
Authors: Ortner Gernot , Fritz Veronika , Schachtner Jörg , Gkolezakis Vasilios , Herrmann Thomas R.W. , Nagele Udo , Tokas Theodoros 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the effect of pre-biopsy rectal swab and urine screening combined with a risk-adapted antibiotic treatment strategy on reducing post-biopsy infections (PBIs) following multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)/ transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion-targeted transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPBx).
Methods
1182 Patients undergoing mpMRI-TRUS fusion TRPBx between June 2017 and February 2024 were included. Patients were screened for rectal extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)/multi-resistant gram-negative (MRGN) and urinary pathogens. Standard-risk patients (rectal non-ESBL/MRGN-carriers) either received Cefuroxime (2017–2020) or Ceftriaxone (2020–2024) intravenously before biopsy. For high-risk patients (rectal ESBL/MRGN-carriers) intravenous Ertapenem was used. Patients with positive urine cultures received oral targeted prophylaxis. PBIs were the primary outcome of the study. We used uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis (MLRA) to reveal predictors for the main outcome.
Results
Rectal ESBL/MRGN prevalence was 6.3%. For standard-risk patients, PBI-rates were 8.1% and 0.24% for Cefuroxime and Ceftriaxone (p < 0.0001), respectively. Only 1.7% of high-risk patients treated with Ertapenem developed PBI. On MLRA, Cefuroxime (OR 19.3, 95%-CI: 6.96–68.1), Ciprofloxacin (OR 35.5, 95%-CI: 7.91–160), oral targeted antibiotics (OR 20.2, 95%-CI: 0.97–157) (reference Ceftriaxone, all p < 0.001) and prostate volume (OR 1.01, 95%-CI: 1.00-1.03, p = 0.033) were significant predictors for PBI whereas Ertapenem (OR 3.28 95%-CI: 0.17–22.6, p = 0.3) was not.
Conclusion
By integrating rectal swab ESBL/MRGN and urine screening, we developed a tailored antibiotic treatment strategy, resulting in low PBI-rates following TRPBx. Carbapenem-based treatment of high-risk patients is crucial. Ceftriaxone should be considered for routine use in standard-risk patients and shows comparable PBI-rates to the transperineal approach.
Safety and efficacy of dapagliflozin in recurrent ascites: a pilot study
Authors: Singh Virendra , De Arka , Aggrawal Rishav , Singh Akash , Charak Swati , Bhagat Naveen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
In cirrhosis, activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system leads to sodium and water retention causing ascites. Dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose linked transporter-2 inhibitor, induces natriuresis in patients with heart failure. A similar natriuretic effect may improve ascites in patients with cirrhosis. In this pilot study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of dapagliflozin in patients with cirrhosis with recurrent ascites.
Methods
Forty patients with recurrent ascites and cirrhosis were randomized to 1:1 in a double blinded fashion to receive either dapagliflozin (10 mg/day) with standard medical therapy (Group A) or placebo with standard medical therapy (Group B). The primary outcome was control of ascites at 6-months. Secondary outcomes were urine output, 24-hour urinary sodium, Child Turcotte Pugh (CTP), model for end stage liver disease (MELD) scores, survival at 6-months, incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and infections.
Results
The 2 groups were comparable at baseline. Control of ascites at 6-months was significantly better in group A than that in Group B (p = 0.04). Change in urinary sodium was significantly higher in Group A (p < 0.001]. However, there was no difference in change in urine output, CTP or MELD scores and survival (65% vs 72.2%, p = 0.75) between the groups at 6-months. Incidence of AKI (50% vs 15%, p = 0.04) and infections (55% vs 20%, p = 0.04) were significantly higher in Group A.
Conclusions
Significantly better control of ascites and higher natriuresis are observed with dapagliflozin. However, it does not improve disease severity scores or survival, and is associated with increased AKI and infections (NCT05014594).
Trial Registration Number- clinical trials.gov (NCT05014594)
Efficacy and Safety of Glp-1 Agonists on Metabolic Parameters in Non-diabetic Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: St-Pierre Joëlle , Klein Jeremy , Choi Natalie K. , Fear Evan , Pannain Silvana , Rubin David T. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Obesity in patients with IBD is increasing, accompanied by an increase in metabolic comorbidities. Although GLP-1 agonists have shown promise in weight reduction, their efficacy and safety in patients with IBD are underexplored. This study evaluated the impact of GLP-1-based therapies on weight loss and metabolic parameters in non-diabetic patients with IBD.
Methods
We conducted a single-center observational cohort study that included adult patients with IBD who were started on GLP-1-based therapy (semaglutide or tirzepatide) for weight loss from January 2021 to April 2024. The primary outcomes were changes in BMI and total body weight. Secondary outcomes included tolerability, safety, and changes in metabolic risk factors.
Results
The study included 36 patients with IBD, predominantly female (64%), with a median age of 45.5 years (IQR 41-51.5 years). The majority (67%) had Crohn's disease (CD) and on advanced therapy (86%). BMI significantly decreased from 34.0 (IQR 31.0-38.2) to 31.0 (IQR 29.0-36.1) with GLP-1-based therapy (p < 0.0001). Similarly, total body weight (TBW) significantly decreased by a median of 8.15 kg (IQR 15.9–2.2 kg; p < 0.0001). Although a decrease in total cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin was seen, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.0634 for total cholesterol, p = 0.0536 for glycated hemoglobin). No significant changes were observed in ALT or CRP levels. The most common side effects were nausea (31%) and constipation (25%).
Conclusions
GLP-1-based treatments can effectively reduce BMI in non-diabetic patients with IBD with manageable side effects. However, further studies are required to explore the long-term safety of GLP-1 agonists in the IBD population.
Age-related changes in sleep spindle characteristics in individuals over 75 years of age: a retrospective and comparative study
Authors: Poirson Bastien , Vandel Pierre , Bourdin Hubert , Galli Silvio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Sleep and its architecture are affected and changing through the whole lifespan. We know main modifications of the macro-architecture with a shorter sleep, occurring earlier and being more fragmented. We have been studying sleep micro-architecture through its pathological modification in sleep, psychiatric or neurocognitive disorders whereas we are still unable to say if the sleep micro-architecture of an old and very old person is rather normal, under physiological changes, or a concern for a future disorder to appear. We wanted to evaluate age-related changes in sleep spindle characteristics in individuals over 75 years of age compared with younger individuals.
Methods
This was an exploratory study based on retrospective and comparative laboratory-based polysomnography data registered in the normal care routine for people over 75 years of age compared to people aged 65–74 years. We were studying their sleep spindle characteristics (localization, density, frequency, amplitude, and duration) in the N2 and N3 sleep stages. ANOVA and ANCOVA using age, sex and OSA were applied.
Results
We included 36 participants aged > 75 years and 57 participants aged between 65 and 74 years. An OSA diagnosis was most common in both groups. Older adults receive more medication to modify their sleep. Spindle localization becomes more central after 75 years of age. Changes in the other sleep spindle characteristics between the N2 and N3 sleep stages and between the slow and fast spindles were conformed to literature data, but age was a relevant modifier only for density and duration.
Conclusion
We observed the same sleep spindle characteristics in both age groups except for localization. We built our study on a short sample, and participants were not free of all sleep disorders. We could establish normative values through further studies with larger samples of people without any sleep disorders to understand the modifications in normal aging and pathological conditions and to reveal the predictive biomarker function of sleep spindles.
Modified Shiraki Procedure and Transverse Pedicled Island Flap Phalloplasty: A Clinical Study on Efficacy in Treating Severe Concealed Penis in Children
Authors: Pan Rifang , Li Zhaopan , Li Junzhong , Zhou Zhaowei , Liang Kunlan , Xiao Zhihua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages of the modified Shiraki procedure and the transverse pedicled island flap phalloplasty in treating severe concealed penis in children.
Methods: This retrospective study included seventy children with severe concealed penis treated at Yulin First People's Hospital from June 2021 to January 2024. They were randomly assigned to either the observation group (n=35), undergoing the modified Shiraki procedure, or the control group (n=35), receiving the transverse pedicled island flap phalloplasty. We assessed average operation time, intraoperative blood loss, penile elongation, time until resolution of penile prepuce edema, flap infection or necrosis, penile erectile pain, prepuce skin redundancy, penile retraction, and overall penile appearance score six months postoperatively.
Results: The observation group showed significantly better average operative time and intraoperative blood loss compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The time for foreskin edema to regress was longer in the observation group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in penile lengthening between groups (P > 0.05). The observation group had seven cases of refractory inner prepuce plate swelling and skin redundancy post-operation; two of these cases required secondary surgery，and without skin flap infection or necrosis . The control group reported one case of postoperative hemorrhage and four cases of infection and necrosis of the transferred flap, all resolved after prolonged dressing changes, with one case requiring surgical correction for scar contracture on the side of the penis. Neither group experienced penile erectile pain or retraction. Total complications and reoperations were similar between the groups. No significant difference in the overall penile appearance score was observed between the two groups six months post-surgery (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Both the modified Shiraki procedure and the transverse pedicled island flap phalloplasty are effective for treating severe concealed penis in children. The former is characterized by shorter, simpler operations, while the latter offers better cosmetic outcomes despite its complexity.
Vitamin D Deficiency among Children Aged 2-59 Months with Severe Pneumonia attending a Ugandan Tertiary Hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Elizabeth Jananga Imelda , Kiboneka Elizabeth , Ndeezi Grace , Malande Ombeva O. , Rebecca Nantanda , Elizabeth Kibaru 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Vitamin D is an immune modulator that regulates the production of antimicrobial peptides cathelicidin and Beta-defensins-2 which are important in the immune response. Global estimates of the deficiency are about 50% of the population. In Uganda, pneumonia is the 2nd leading cause of mortality and 3rd cause of morbidity in the under 5. The magnitude of Vitamin D deficiency among children with severe pneumonia in Uganda is unknown. The study was aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency among children aged 2–59 months with severe pneumonia admitted to Mulago National Hospital.
Methods
A cross-sectional study done from January to December 2018. Patients were screened and consecutively enrolled. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered, detailed physical examination done, blood samples drawn for complete blood count, alkaline phosphate, calcium, and serum Vitamin D concentration 25(OHD)D was determined using an electrochemiluminescence assay. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14 software.
Results
One thousand one hundred and ninety-six patients were screened. Four hundred and four (404) met the inclusion criteria and were consecutively enrolled, three hundred and seventy-four (374) had completed information and their blood samples analyzed. Two hundred and thirteen (57%) had low vitamin D levels. Of these, 97 (25.9%) were vitamin D deficient (25OHD < 20ng/ml) CI: 21.68–30.56. The median age was 10 months (IQR: 4–19) with more than 60% being between the age of 2-12months. Factors statistically significantly associated with VDD was the caregiver's low level of education [AOR: 0.54(CI: 0.31–0.96)], WHZ <-3SD, high alkaline phosphate levels [AOR: 5.79(CI: 3.41–9.85)], presence of rachitic rosary [AOR: 4.42(CI: 2.04–9.55)] and widened wrist [AOR: 0.03(CI: 0.00-0.20)].
Conclusion
The prevalence of VDD was found to be high among children with severe pneumonia and this reduces with increasing age. One in every 4 children with severe pneumonia is vitamin D deficient. Children whose caretakers had post primary education were more likely to be vitamin D deficient. Interventional studies are recommended to explore more on the factors associated with Vitamin D deficiency may be necessary.
Adaptation Biases the Parallel Perception of Subitized Numerosities
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhao Xiaoke , Liu Ying , Li Yating , Li Jingguang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Numerosity adaptation, the phenomenon where prolonged exposure to a stimulus of greater numerosity makes the subsequent stimulus appear less numerous, and conversely, has been confined to moderated numerosities. This study investigated whether the estimation of small numerosities (1–4), which is performed rapidly and accurately due to the mechanism of subitizing, is susceptible to adaptation. After adapting to a 50-dot stimulus, participants were presented with stimuli consisting of 1–5 color sets. In some trials, participants were informed of the target color set before the presentation of the stimulus, while in others, they were instructed afterwards. When estimating dots in the single-color set or superset, no adaptation aftereffect was observed. The coefficient of variation (CV) was below 0.05, indicating the effective function of subitizing. However, when enumerating subsets in parallel, adaptation biased the estimation. The CV in estimating subitized numerosities was comparable to and correlated with that of estimating moderate numerosities, suggesting that subitizing was superseded by numerosity estimation. Greater aftereffects occur in the probe-after conditions, accompanied by higher perceptual uncertainty. The function of numerosity adaptation can be demonstrated within a Bayesian framework, where the prior adaptor is more weighted to optimize the detection of deviation under high uncertainty.
The Efficacy of 5% Apple Cider Vinegar Irrigant in Disinfecting the Necrotic Root Canals of Primary Teeth: A Randomized Clinical and Bacteriological Controlled Trial
Authors: Tolibah Yasser Alsayed , Mando Anas , Laflouf Mohannad , Achour Hassan , Alsalameh Samar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

BackgroundIrrigants in endodontic treatment pose a challenge in Pediatric Dentistry, due to the complex anatomical characteristics of the primary teeth.ObjectivesTo assess the 5% apple cider vinegar effect in disinfecting the necrotic primary teeth root canals.Materials and MethodsThis clinical and bacteriological study included 30 anterior primary teeth in children aged 3 to 5 years. Canals received uniform isolation and mechanical preparation procedures. Sterile paper points were inserted for 60 seconds to collect preliminary swabs (S1) for a bacteriological study. Root canal walls were smoothed with an H-file corresponding to the last file used. Subsequently, canals were divided randomly at 1:1 allocation into two groups according to the irrigants used; Group1 consisted of 15 primary anterior teeth irrigated with 24 ml of 5% commercial apple cider vinegar solution, and Group 2 was irrigated with 24 ml of 5% sodium hypochlorite solution. Canals were dried with paper points, and paper points were placed in each canal for 60 seconds to collect a second bacterial swab (S2). Bacterial colonies of S1 and S2 were counted after 48-hour incubation at 37°C. Then, the bacterial colonies were compared using the decimal logarithm before and after applying the solution. The patients' guardians were interviewed 24 hours, 72 hours, and one week after the procedure to determine if the child had experienced any postoperative pain associated with the treated teeth.ResultsApple cider vinegar demonstrated a percentage of 51.56% reduction in CFU count, while the sodium hypochlorite group showed a rate of 87.49%. The postoperative pain assessment revealed no difference between the two groups regarding the utilized irrigants.ConclusionApple cider vinegar demonstrates effective antibacterial activity and could be a viable alternative irrigant to sodium hypochlorite for primary teeth.
Tactile false feedback biases emotional ratings through interoceptive embodiment
Authors: Patchitt Joel , Garkinkel Sarah , Strawson William H , Miller Mark , Tsakiris Manos , Clarke Andy , Critchley Hugo D 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Mismatches between perceived and veridical physiological signals during false feedback (FFB) can bias emotional judgements. Paradigms using auditory FFB suggest perceived changes in heart rate (HR) increase ratings of emotional intensity irrespective of feedback type (increased or decreased HR), implicating right anterior insula as a mismatch comparator between exteroceptive and interoceptive information. However, few paradigms have examined effects of somatosensory FFB. Participants rated the emotional intensity of randomized facial expressions while they received 20 second blocks of pulsatile somatosensory stimulation at rates higher than HR, lower than HR, equivalent to HR, or no stimulation during a functional magnetic resonance neuroimaging scan. FFB exerted a bidirectional effect on reported intensity ratings of the emotional faces, increasing over the course of each 20 second stimulation block. Neuroimaging showed FFB engaging regions indicative of affective touch processing, embodiment, and reflex suppression. Contrasting higher vs lower HR FFB revealed engagement of right insula and centres supporting socio-emotional processing. Results indicate that exposure to pulsatile somatosensory stimulation can influence emotional judgements though its progressive embodiment as a perceived interoceptive arousal state, biasing how affective salience is ascribed to external stimuli. Results are consistent with multimodal integration of priors and prediction-error signalling in shaping perceptual judgments.
Epigenome-wide association study of objectively measured physical activity in peripheral blood leukocytes
Authors: Fragoso-Bargas Nicolas , Mcbride Nancy S , Lee-Ødegård Sindre , Lawlor Deborah A , Yousefi Paul D , Moen Gunn-Helen , Opsahl Julia O. , Jenum Anne Karen , Franks Paul W. , Prasad Rashmi B. , Qvigstad Elisabeth , Birkeland Kåre I. , Richardsen Kåre R. , Sommer Christine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Few studies have explored the association between DNA methylation and physical activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of objectively measured hours of sedentary behavior (SB) and moderate physical activity (MPA) with DNA methylation. We further aimed to explore the association between SB or MPA related CpG sites and cardiometabolic traits, gene expression, and genetic variation.
Results
For discovery, we performed cross sectional analyses in pregnant women from the Epigenetics in pregnancy (EPIPREG) sample with both DNA methylation (Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip) and objectively measured physical activity data (SenseWear™ Pro 3 armband) (European=244, South Asian=109). For EWAS of SB and MPA, two main models were designed: model 1) a linear mixed model adjusted for age, smoking, blood cell composition, including ancestry as random intercept, and model 2) which was additionally adjusted for the total number of steps per day. In model 1, we did not identify any CpG sites associated with neither SB nor MPA. In model 2, SB was positively associated (false discovery rate, FDR<0.05) with two CpG sites within the VSX1 gene. Both CpG sites were positively associated with BMI and were associated with several genetic variants in cis. MPA was associated with 122 significant CpG sites at FDR <0.05 (model 2). We further analyzed the ten most statistically significant MPA related CpG sites and found that they presented opposite associations with sedentary behavior and BMI. We were not able to replicate the SB and MPA related CpG sites in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) with objectively measured physical activity from Actigraph (without steps/day available) and leucocyte DNA methylation measured in adolescence (n=408, European).
Conclusion
This study suggests associations of objectively measured SB and MPA with maternal DNA methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes, that needs to be confirmed in larger samples of similar study design.
Differences in placental pathology between COVID-19-induced preeclampsia-like syndrome and true preeclampsia
Authors: SERRANO Berta , GARRIDO-PONTNOU Marta , BONACINA Erika , GARCIA-RUIZ Itziar , GARCIA-MANAU Pablo , GARCIA-AGUILAR Paula , FERNÁNDEZ-HIDALGO Nuria , SULLEIRO Elena , CASTILLO-RIBELLES Laura , MAIZ Nerea , BARCO Ester DEL , CARRERAS Elena , SUY Anna , MENDOZA Manel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background.
Women with COVID-19 may develop preeclampsia-like syndrome, which shares some of the clinical features of preeclampsia (PE) but lacking its characteristic angiogenic imbalance (elevated soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio (sFlt-1/PlGF ratio)), suggesting the absence of placental involvement. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pathological placental changes associated with PE, such as maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM), may be useful to discriminate true PE from COVID-19-induced PE-like syndrome.
Methods.
Prospective cohort study conducted from February 2020 to September 2021. Inclusion criteria were pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection that met the diagnostic criteria for PE at ≥ 20 weeks. Cases with a normal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (≤ 38) were classified as PE-like syndrome and cases with an abnormal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were classified as true PE. A perinatal pathologist blinded to group allocation performed the placental histopathological examination for signs of MVM following the Amsterdam criteria.
Results.
During the study period, 106 pregnant women with severe COVID-19 were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Among them, 15 (14.2%) met the diagnostic criteria for PE, and 11 placentas (73.3%) were available for histopathological examination. Of the 5 true PE cases (median sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of 137.9; IQR: 63.7-302.2), 80.0% had placentas with maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM). In contrast, none of the 6 PE-like syndrome cases (median sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of 5.53; IQR: 4.02–14.6) had placentas that met the MVM criteria.
Conclusions.
None of the placentas from cases with PE-like syndrome had histopathological criteria of MVM, while 80.0% of the placentas from cases with true PE showed high-grade MVM. The absence of MVM in PE-like syndrome supports the initial evidence based on angiogenic factors: PE-like syndrome and true PE are different conditions with similar clinical features, but different etiologies.