bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study of Motion Preservation Following Posterior Dynamic Distraction Device in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients
Authors: Todderud Julia E. , Milbrandt Todd A. , Floyd Edward , Haft Geoffrey , El-Hawary Ron , Albert Michael , Larson A. Noelle 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Motion-sparing scoliosis surgeries such as the posterior dynamic distraction device (PDDD) are slowly increasing in use. However, there is limited clinical data documenting postoperative motion across the PDDD construct. With this cohort study, we aim to measure sagittal and coronal motion following PDDD. We hypothesize coronal and sagittal spinal motion will be partially preserved across the construct.

Methods:
Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative coronal range of motion across the instrumented levels was compared. Available flexion/extension radiographs were evaluated postoperatively to assess sagittal arc of motion. Radiographs from latest follow-up were used.

Results:
At a mean of 1.9 years (1 to 5 y), flexibility radiographs were available on 29 patients treated with PDDD (17 thoracic, 12 lumbar). Mean age at surgery was 16 years (12 to 25). Postoperative coronal arc of motion in PDDD patients was 11 degrees (3 to 19 degrees) in the thoracic spine and 10 degrees (0 to 28 degrees) in the lumbar spine. Compared with preoperative motion, the thoracic arc of motion was maintained by 33% (35 to 11 degrees) and lumbar motion was maintained by 30% (34 to 10 degrees). Flexion-extension radiographs were available on 7 patients. Sagittal arc for the upper instrumented vertebral end plate to the lower instrumented vertebral endplate of the cohort was 10 degrees in the thoracic spine (6 to 18) and 14 degrees in the lumbar spine (5 to 21). Sagittal measurements for the changes in the arc of the upper and lower screws on the construct were 4 degrees in the thoracic group (2 to 8) and 9 degrees in the lumbar group (2 to 17). By latest follow-up 11 patients (38%) underwent reoperation, with most cases due to implant breakage (N=4, 14%), extender misalignment (N=2, 7%), and screw misplacement (N=2, 7%).

Conclusion:
At mean 1.9 years postoperatively, PDDD preserves measurable spinal motion over the construct both in the coronal and the sagittal plane without evidence for autofusion. Coronal arc of motion averages 10 to 12 degrees and sagittal arc of motion ranged from 4 to 14 degrees, although this varies by patient. This study confirms that PDDD for pediatric scoliosis preserves a measurable degree of postoperative flexibility both in the sagittal and coronal planes.

Level of Evidence:
Level II—therapeutic study.
Current trends and advances in antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Li Juan , Liu Siyi , Zang Qijuan , Yang Ruijie , Zhao Yingren , He Yingli 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health concern. Existing antiviral drugs, including nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon-α, can suppress HBV replication and improve the prognosis. However, the persistence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the integration of HBV-DNA into the host genome, and compromised immune responses impede the successful treatment of hepatitis B. While achieving a functional cure of HBV remains elusive with the current treatment methods, this is the goal of new therapeutic approaches. Therefore, developing novel antiviral drugs is necessary for achieving a functional or complete cure for chronic hepatitis B. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in drug discovery and development for HBV infection. Direct-acting antiviral agents such as entry inhibitors, capsid assembly modulators, subviral particle release inhibitors, cccDNA silencers, and RNA interference molecules have entered clinical trials. In addition, several immunomodulatory agents, including toll-like receptor agonists, therapeutic vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies, are also making their way toward clinical use. In this review, we summarize the recent progress and limitations of chronic hepatitis B treatment and discuss perspectives on approaches to achieving functional cure. Although it will take some time for these new antiviral drugs to be widely used in clinical practice, combination therapy may become a preferable treatment option in the future.
Hormonal influences on meningioma risk in women
Authors: Giraldi Laura , Dalhoff Kim P. 
Published: July 2024

Summary
Meningiomas have been linked to endogenous and exogenous hormones, but the exact mechanisms are unclear. A review of 23 studies (1958–2018) found no significant association between menarche age and meningioma risk. Most contraceptives showed no link, though some specific types indicated high risk. Pregnancy might be protective while breastfeeding over 6 months showed a protective effect in one study. Postmenopausal status increased risk in two studies. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) results were inconsistent, with some studies indicating increased risk, particularly with long-term use. High cumulative doses of cyproterone acetate (CPA) were significantly associated with increased risk. Overall, hormonal factors’ role in meningioma development varies, with specific hormones and high doses of CPA posing significant risks, suggesting the need for further research.
Causal relationships between inflammatory cytokines and myopia: an analysis of genetic and observational studies
Authors: Liang Rongbin , Li Tao , Gao Hui , Shi Wenqing , Li Meilin , Wan Ting , Zhou Xiaodong 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
This study aims to explore the causal relationship between inflammatory markers and myopia through the use of bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) and myopia animal models.

Methods:
The authors utilized data from a comprehensive and publicly accessible genome-wide association study (GWAS) for our analysis, which includes 460 536 European ancestry control subjects and 37 362 myopia patients. Utilizing a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis framework, 27 inflammatory markers were investigated as exposure variables with myopia serving as the outcome variable. Nine MR analysis techniques were employed, with inverse-variance weighting (IVW) as the principal MR analysis method. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane’s Q test. The identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and outliers linked to myopia was achieved via MR-PRESSO. The expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the vitreous of guinea pigs subjected to experimentally induced form-deprivation myopia (FDM) was examined.

Results:
Elevated concentrations of IL-2 and IL-2ra were found to be associated [IVW estimate odds ratio (OR): 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001–1.005, P=0.001] and strongly associated (IVW estimate OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000–1.003, P=0.049) with an increased risk of myopia, respectively. Conversely, lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (IVW estimate OR: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.994–0.999, P=0.002) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (IVW estimate OR: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.994–0.996, P<0.001) were robustly linked to a heightened risk of myopia. IL-2 expression was notably upregulated in the vitreous of guinea pigs with experimentally induced FDM.

Conclusions:
Elevated levels of inflammatory factors, especially IL-2 and IL-2ra, have a potential causal relationship with myopia susceptibility, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of myopia.
Can Patients With Narcissistic Personality Disorder Change? A Case Series
Authors: Weinberg Igor , Ronningstam Elsa , Ravichandran Caitlin , Gunderson John G. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The study was set out to establish the potential for psychotherapy to effect improvements in patients with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Eight patients with NPD who improved in treatment were identified. Consensus clinician/investigator diagnostic scores from before and after the psychotherapies were retroactively established on the Diagnostic Interview for Narcissism (DIN) and the Diagnostic Statistic Manual for Psychiatric Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) Personality Disorder Section II criteria. Psychosocial functioning (work or school, romantic relationships) before and after the psychotherapies was retroactively evaluated as well. At the completion of the therapies after 2.5 to 5 years, all patients had improved, no longer met DIN or DSM-5 criteria for NPD, and showed better psychosocial functioning. Symptomatic improvements were associated with large effect sizes. In conclusion, changes in NPD can occur in treatment after 2.5 to 5 years. Future research should identify patient characteristics, interventions, and common processes in such improved cases that could help with development of treatments.
Scoping review: Reporting characteristics for the safety of contact lenses in the pediatric population
Authors: Tomiyama Erin S. , Kobia-Acquah Emmanuel , Ansari Shora M. , Logan Anna-Kaye , Gialousakis John , Ng Sueko , Wagner Heidi 
Published: July 2024

SIGNIFICANCE
Contact lenses are an increasingly popular option for correcting pediatric refractive error due to increased awareness of interventions to slow myopia progression. With limited information on the safety profiles of contact lenses in children, it is important to characterize the current understanding and promote this device's safe and effective use.

PURPOSE
This scoping review evaluates characteristics of the current literature that have examined the safety of contact lenses in pediatric patients. It provides future directions for systematic reviews and identifies any gaps in the current literature or areas for future research.

METHODS
Literature searches in MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, trial registries, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration clinical trial documentation were performed. Included studies (i.e., experimental and quasi-experimental studies; observational studies including prospective and retrospective cohort, case-control, and analytical cross-sectional studies, and case series of 30 or more participants) reported safety and/or complications of the use of any contact lens for correcting refractive error in children (0 to 18 years). Two independent reviewers first screened the titles and abstracts, and then full-text reports for eligibility. Conflicts in eligibility were resolved by discussions with a third reviewer. Two independent reviewers extracted data, including details about the participants, context, study methods, and key findings relevant to the review question.

RESULTS
This scoping review included 73 studies from 10 countries using different contact lens modalities, primarily orthokeratology and soft contact lenses, in children (6 to 18 years). The most common adverse event reported by the studies was corneal staining (60% orthokeratology, 45% soft contact lens).

CONCLUSIONS
The need for uniform reporting standards for adverse events poses challenges for comprehensive data synthesis. However, this scoping review identified a sufficient number of studies for a future systematic review to quantify the risks associated with orthokeratology and soft contact lens use in children.
Splinting of Low-Risk Pediatric Fractures
Authors: Miller Andrew F. , Hannon Megan M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This review covers common orthopedic injuries seen after acute traumatic injury. A thorough physical examination and radiographic review of these injuries are key to ensuring appropriate management. Although many injuries may require urgent or emergent orthopedic consultation and management, this review focuses on injuries that are low-risk and amenable to splinting with outpatient orthopedic follow-up. This review covers key physical examination features, radiographic findings that help providers assess injuries, as well as reviewing splinting application to help facilitate rapid management of these injuries in the acute care setting.
Multifrequency Magnetic Resonance Elastography Detects Small Abdominal Lymph Node Metastasis by High Stiffness
Authors: Neelsen Christian , Elgeti Thomas , Meyer Tom , Grittner Ulrike , Mödl Lukas , Furth Christian , Geisel Dominik , Hamm Bernd , Sack Ingolf , Marticorena Garcia Stephan Rodrigo 
Published: July 2024

Objectives
Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 is a clinical and research standard for evaluating malignant tumors and lymph node metastasis. However, quantitative analysis of nodal status is limited to measurement of short axis diameter (SAD), and metastatic lymph nodes below 10 mm in SAD are often not detected. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) when added to RECIST 1.1 for detection of lymph node metastasis.

Materials and Methods
Twenty-five benign and 82 metastatic lymph nodes were prospectively examined by multifrequency MRE at 1.5 T using tomoelastography postprocessing at 30, 40, 50, and 60 Hz (total scan time of 4 minutes). Shear wave speed as a surrogate of soft tissue stiffness was provided in m/s. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography was used as reference standard for identification of abdominal lymph node metastasis from histologically confirmed primary tumors. The diagnostic performance of MRE was compared with that of SAD according to RECIST 1.1 and evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using generalized linear mixed models and binary logistic mixed models. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for different cutoffs.

Results
Metastatic lymph nodes (1.90 ± 0.57 m/s) were stiffer than benign lymph nodes (0.98 ± 0.20 m/s, P < 0.001). An area under the curve of 0.95 for a cutoff of 1.32 m/s was calculated. Using a conservative approach with 1.0 specificity, we found sensitivity (SAD/MRE/MRE + SAD, 0.56/0.84/0.88), negative predictive values (0.41/0.66/0.71), and overall accuracy (0.66/0.88/0.91) to be improved using MRE and even higher for combined MRE and SAD.

Conclusions
Multifrequency MRE improves metastatic abdominal lymph node detection by 25% based on higher tissue stiffness—even for lymph nodes with an SAD ≤10 mm. Stiffness information is quick to obtain and would be a promising supplement to RECIST.
Systematic Reporting of Eosinophils in Transbronchial Biopsies After Lung Transplantation Defines a Distinct Inflammatory Response
Authors: Darley David R. , Sivasubramaniam Vanathi , Qiu Min R. , Barrett Wade A. , Wong Stephen J. , Martinu Tereza , Pal Prodipto , Thwe Le Myo , Tonga Katrina O. , MacDonald Peter S. , Plit Marshall L. 
Published: July 2024

Background.
Descriptions of eosinophils in transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) pathology reports after lung transplantation (LTx) are associated with poor long-term outcomes. The absence of routine reporting and standardization precludes accurate assessment of this histologic predictor. A systematic reporting scheme for the presence of TBBx eosinophils after LTx was implemented. This report aims to assess this scheme by describing the presence, pattern, and gradation of TBBx eosinophils and clinical associations.

Methods.
A prospective cross-sectional study of all TBBx reports was performed including all patients presenting for a surveillance or diagnostic TBBx between January 2020 and June 2023. Each TBBx was systematically reported in a blinded manner. Mixed-effects logistic regression was performed to measure the association between concurrent clinical and histologic features, and the presence of TBBx eosinophils.

Results.
A total of 410 TBBx reports from 201 patients were systematically reported. In 43.8% recipients, any TBBx eosinophils were detected and in 17.1% recipients, higher-grade eosinophils (≥3 per high power field) were present. Adjusted analysis showed that retransplantation, A- and B-grade cellular rejection, positive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) bacterial microbiology, and elevated blood eosinophil count were independently associated with the presence of any TBBx eosinophils. Diagnostic “for-cause” procedures were independently associated with higher quantities of TBBx eosinophils.

Conclusions.
Systematic reporting demonstrates that TBBx eosinophils are a distinct inflammatory response associated with rejection, infection, and peripheral eosinophilia. Although these findings require multicenter external validation, standardized reporting for TBBx eosinophils may assist in identifying recipients at risk of poor outcomes and provides a platform for mechanistic research into their role after lung transplantation.
Impact of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters and hormone levels in infertile patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ghanem Ahmed M. , Ghanem Mazen A. , Ghanem Ahmed A. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
This study analyzes the semen parameters and gonadal hormone levels in infertile patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and palpable varicoceles who underwent varicocelectomy for impaired semen parameters.

Patients and methods:
Improvements in the semen parameters—serum levels of total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B—and testicular volume (TV) in 18 infertile patients with SCD were evaluated before and at 6 months after varicocelectomy.

Results:
Before varicocelectomy, all sperm parameters were affected, with high rates of low sperm concentration (83.3%), poor motility (88.9%), and abnormal morphology (77.8%). All sperm parameters were altered in 61.1%. On follow-up at 55.5 months after varicocelectomy, improvement in all the semen parameters was successful and complete in 22.2% but was not significant in 77.8%. The median follow-up period for sperm recovery was relatively long at 60.3 months. Total testosterone, FSH, and inhibin B were not significantly different before and after treatment (P > 0.05). However, testosterone, FSH, and TV significantly correlated with the semen parameters (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between TV and inhibin B (P < 0.05), and the improvement in the semen parameters was significantly correlated with primary hypogonadism (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
In adult men with SCD, varicocelectomy had a positive impact on the impaired seminal parameters and may be an option before sperm cryopreservation to improve future male fertility. Furthermore, primary testicular failure may be a feature of reversible spermatogenesis recovery in these patients.
Structure-Mechanics Principles and Mechanobiology of Fibrocartilage Pericellular Matrix: A Pivotal Role of Type V Collagen
Authors: Wang Chao , Fan Mingyue , Heo Su-Jin , Adams Sheila M. , Li Thomas , Liu Yuchen , Li Qing , Loebel Claudia , Alisafaei Farid , Burdick Jason A. , Lu X. Lucas , Birk David E. , Mauck Robert L. , Han Lin 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe pericellular matrix (PCM) is the immediate microniche surrounding resident cells in various tissue types, regulating matrix turnover, cell-matrix cross-talk and disease initiation. This study elucidated the structure-mechanical properties and mechanobiological functions of the PCM in fibrocartilage, a family of connective tissues that sustain complex tensile and compressive loads in vivo. Studying the murine meniscus as the model tissue, we showed that fibrocartilage PCM contains thinner, random collagen fibrillar networks that entrap proteoglycans, a structure distinct from the densely packed, highly aligned collagen fibers in the bulk extracellular matrix (ECM). In comparison to the ECM, the PCM has a lower modulus and greater isotropy, but similar relative viscoelastic properties. InCol5a1+/Dmenisci, the reduction of collagen V, a minor collagen localized in the PCM, resulted in aberrant fibril thickening with increased heterogeneity. Consequently, the PCM exhibited a reduced modulus, loss of isotropy and faster viscoelastic relaxation. This disrupted PCM contributes to perturbed mechanotransduction of resident meniscal cells, as illustrated by reduced intracellular calcium signaling, as well as upregulated biosynthesis of lysyl oxidase and tenascin C. When cultured in vitro,Col5a1+/Dmeniscal cells synthesized a weakened nascent PCM, which had inferior properties towards protecting resident cells against applied tensile stretch. These findings underscore the PCM as a distinctive microstructure that governs fibrocartilage mechanobiology, and highlight the pivotal role of collagen V in PCM function. Targeting the PCM or its molecular constituents holds promise for enhancing not only meniscus regeneration and osteoarthritis intervention, but also addressing diseases across various fibrocartilaginous tissues.
Transcranial focused ultrasound activates feedforward and feedback cortico-thalamo-cortical pathways by selectively activating excitatory neurons
Authors: Gao Huan , Ramachandran Sandhya , Yu Kai , He Bin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTranscranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) has been proven capable of altering focal neuronal activities and neural circuits non-invasively in both animals and humans. The abilities of tFUS for cell-type selection within the targeted area like somatosensory cortex have been shown to be parameter related. However, how neuronal subpopulations across neural pathways are affected, for example how tFUS affected neuronal connections between brain areas remains unclear. In this study, multi-site intracranial recordings were used to quantify the neuronal responses to tFUS stimulation at somatosensory cortex (S1), motor cortex (M1) and posterior medial thalamic nucleus (POm) of cortico-thalamo-cortical (CTC) pathway. We found that when targeting at S1 or POm, only regular spiking units (RSUs, putative excitatory neurons) responded to specific tFUS parameters (duty cycle: 6%-60% and pulse repetition frequency: 1500 and 3000 Hz ) during sonication. RSUs from the directly connected area (POm or S1) showed a synchronized response, which changed the directional correlation between RSUs from POm and S1. The tFUS induced excitation of RSUs activated the feedforward and feedback loops between cortex and thalamus, eliciting delayed neuronal responses of RSUs and delayed activities of fast spiking units (FSUs) by affecting local network. Our findings indicated that tFUS can modulate the CTC pathway through both feedforward and feedback loops, which could influence larger cortical areas including motor cortex.
Cancer vaccine attenuates carcinogen induced head and neck cancer with impaired early T cell response
Authors: Kono Michihisa , Rokugo Masahiro , Quadarella John D. , Saito Shin , Komatsuda Hiroki , Fu Cong , Woo Sook-Bin , Egloff Ann Marie , Uppaluri Ravindra 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTEffective T cell immunotherapy requires understanding antigen-specific T cell development during tumorigenesis and immune surveillance. Here, we aimed to examine the dynamics of antigen-specific T cells from tumor initiation through progression in a tobacco carcinogen mimetic, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-induced head and neck carcinogenesis model utilizing genetically engineered K5CreERT/+/ROSAOVA-GFP/p53fl/fl(KOG) mice. Our findings showed that early ovalbumin (OVA) expression via direct lingual tamoxifen (T) did not impact cancer development and survival, by comparing mice with tongue epithelium expressing OVA (KOG/T/OVA+) to those without OVA (KOG/T/OVA-) controlled by doxycycline. This equivalent tumor growth cannot be attributed to the loss of OVA expression. Intriguingly, although OVA-specific T cells were initially generated in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN), they became undetectable 3 weeks after tamoxifen injection. Moreover, therapeutic anti-PD-1 was unable to restore OVA-specific T cells in TDLN and did not yield anti-tumor activity. Remarkably, OVA synthetic long peptide (SLP) vaccine induced OVA-specific T cells in KOG/T/OVA+ mice, and the combination of SLP vaccine and anti-PD-1 significantly reduced tongue tumor burden and prolonged survival. This study highlights the role of impaired endogenous antigen-specific T cell responses in immune resistance in head and neck cancer and the potential of cancer vaccines to improve outcomes.