bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent low‐level viraemia is associated with non‐infectious comorbidities in an observational cohort in four African countries
Authors: Esber Allahna L. , Colt Suze , Jian Ningbo , Dear Nicole , Slike Bonnie , Sing'oei Valentine , Maswai Jonah , Iroezindu Michael , Bahemana Emmanuel , Kibuuka Hannah , Polyak Christina S. , Streeck Hendrik , Shah Neha , Crowell Trevor A. , Ake Julie A. ,   the AFRICOS Study Group
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionPeople living with HIV (PLWH) have higher rates of non‐infectious comorbid diseases (NCDs) than individuals without HIV. We characterized the risk of NCDs among PLWH with undetectable viral load and persistent low‐level viraemia (pLLV) in the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS). We secondarily quantified the role of immune activation in the association between LLV and NCDs.MethodsAFRICOS enrols participants in 12 clinics in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria. Participants on antiretroviral therapy ≥ 6 months without an NCD at enrolment were included. PLLV was defined as at least two consecutive visits with a detectable viral load <1000 copies/ml. We examined elevated blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycaemia, renal insufficiency and a composite variable of any NCD. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard modelling. Among a subset of participants with biomarker data, we assessed the interaction between viral load and 13 biomarkers in the association with any NCD.ResultsFrom 23 January 2013 to 1 December 2022, 1755 participants met the inclusion criteria for these analyses. At the first eligible visit, the majority of participants had an undetectable viral load (n = 1375, 78.35%). Participants with pLLV had an increased rate of developing any NCD (aHR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02−1.47) compared to participants with an undetectable viral load. There was a statistically significant interaction between LLV and TNF‐α, CCL2/MCP‐1 and TNF‐RII in the association with any NCD.ConclusionsPLLV was significantly associated with NCDs and immune inflammation in this population. Aggressive management of LLV may positively impact NCDs in PLWH.
Inflammation‐, immunothrombosis,‐ and autoimmune‐feedback loops may lead to persistent neutrophil self‐stimulation in long COVID
Authors: Thierry Alain R. , Salmon Dominique 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the pathophysiology of long COVID is one of the most intriguing challenges confronting contemporary medicine. Despite observations recently made in the relevant molecular, cellular, and physiological domains, it is still difficult to say whether the post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 directly correspond to the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. This work hypothesizes that neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) production are at the interconnection of three positive feedback loops which are initiated in the acute phase of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and which involve inflammation, immunothrombosis, and autoimmunity. This phenomenon could be favored by the fact that SARS‐CoV‐2 may directly bind and penetrate neutrophils. The ensuing strong neutrophil stimulation leads to a progressive amplification of an exacerbated and uncontrolled NETs production, potentially persisting for months beyond the acute phase of infection. This continuous self‐stimulation of neutrophils leads, in turn, to systemic inflammation, micro‐thromboses, and the production of autoantibodies, whose significant consequences include the persistence of endothelial and multiorgan damage, and vascular complications.
Duration of PCR positivity by type of respiratory virus among children using a multiplex PCR test
Authors: Kitano Taito , Kitagawa Daisuke , Murata Masayuki , Onishi Mai , Mori Takahiro , Hachisuka Soshi , Okubo Tenshin , Yamamoto Naohiro , Nishikawa Hiroki , Onaka Masayuki , Suzuki Rika , Sekine Madoka , Suzuki Soma , Nakamura Fumihiko , Yoshida Sayaka 
Published: August 2024

AbstractProlonged positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, irrespective of the transmission risk, can lead to prolonged restrictions on daily activities and infection precaution interventions. Studies evaluating the duration of PCR positivity for multiple pathogens in a single patient cohort are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the durations of PCR positivity for multiple respiratory viruses among children and adolescents. This retrospective study was conducted between April 2018 and March 2024 using a multiplex PCR respiratory panel for symptomatic children and adolescents who had at least two tests within 90 days of study period, with the first PCR test positive. The rate and likelihood of persistent PCR positivity were evaluated for multiple respiratory viruses. For 1325 positive results, repeat tests were conducted within 90 days. The persistent PCR positivity rate at repeat testing decreased over time (60.6%, Days 1–15 and 21.7%, Days 76–90, after the first test). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, an increased likelihood of persistent PCR positivity was observed for rhinovirus/enterovirus and adenovirus, whereas decreased likelihood of persistent positivity was seen in influenza and seasonal coronaviruses, compared with parainfluenza viruses. Persistent PCR positivity is common for multiple respiratory viruses in symptomatic children.
Comparative analysis of uncontrollable angles in direct torque and stator flux control and rotor flux control strategies: A numerical and experimental study
Authors: Alshbib Mussaab , Abdulkerim Sohayb , Ghazal Abdulkader 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe uncontrollable angles (UAs) in direct torque control (DTC) algorithm is an important issue through which the effects of voltage vectors (VEs) on the magnetic flux and the torque are accurately determined. In this paper, a unique analysis of UAs is performed at different operating conditions, including parameters variations in two different strategies: Direct torque and stator flux control (DTC_SC) and (DTC_RC). Values of Those angles were accurately determined for wide speed, stator and rotor variations, and load changes. In addition, a detailed numerical comparison was performed in terms of these angles in the two strategies mentioned above for each operating condition. The comprehensive comparison showed the superiority of the DTC_RC strategy over its DTC_SC counterpart, being the maximum values of UAs in DTC_RC were 8°, 33°, and 21° versus 15°, 45°, and 38° in DTC_RC strategy for the following operations: Variable speed with variable stator resistance, variable speed with variable stator and rotor resistances, variable speed with variable load, respectively. MATLAB/Simulink results of the contributed analysis and comparisons were accomplished and validated. In addition, DS1103‐based experimental tests supported and verified the theoretical analysis.
Comparison of treatment strategies based on clinical and pathological nodal status in resectable gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ajay Pranay S. , Mavani Parit T. , Sok Caitlin P. , Goyal Subir , Switchenko Jeffery M. , Gillespie Theresa W. , Kooby David A. , Kennedy Timothy J. , Shah Mihir M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the optimal multimodal treatment strategy between perioperative chemotherapy (PEC), postoperative chemoradiation therapy (POCR), and postoperative chemotherapy (POC) in resected gastric cancer (GC) patients based on nodal status.MethodsIn this retrospective analysis, the National Cancer Database was used to identify resected non‐metastatic GC (2006−2016). Patients were stratified by clinical nodal status—negative (cLN−) and positive (cLN+). In patients with cLN− disease who underwent upfront resection and were upstaged to pathological LN+, overall survival (OS) was compared between POC and POCR. In patients with cLN− and cLN+ disease, OS was compared between PEC, POCR, and POC. Kaplan−Meier survival estimate, log‐rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis were performed.ResultsWe identified 7827 patients (cLN− 4828; cLN+ 2999). On multivariable analysis in patients with cLN− disease who underwent upfront resection (n = 4314) and were upstaged to pLN+ disease (70%), POCR (n = 2300, aHR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70−0.87, p < 0.001) was associated with improved OS compared to POC (n = 907). No significant difference was noted between POCR (n = 766, aHR 1.11, 95% CI 0.88−1.40, p = 0.39) and POC (n = 341) in patients with pLN− disease. On multivariable analysis in all patients with cLN− disease, POCR (n = 3066) was significantly associated with improved OS (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75−0.92, p < 0.01) compared to POC (n = 1248). No significant difference was noted between POCR (aHR 1.0, 95% CI 0.70−1.01, p = 0.958) and PEC (n = 514). These results remained consistent in patients with cLN+ disease (POCR = 1602, POC = 720, PEC = 677).ConclusionPostoperative chemoradiation is associated with improved survival in GC patients upstaged from clinically node‐negative disease to pathologically node‐positive disease. Negative clinical nodal disease status is not a reliable indicator of pathological nodal disease.
Limited Role of MSAFP Screening for Prenatal Omphalocele Detection
Authors: Parobek Christian M. , Shanahan Matthew A. , Burnett Brian A. , Dadoun Simon E. , Adams April D. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesAlthough serum screening for aneuploidies has become less prevalent, maternal‐serum alpha‐fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening for body‐wall defects remains widespread. We explored whether MSAFP screening is associated with earlier omphalocele detection than ultrasound alone.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of prenatally detected omphalocele cases at our center from 2007 to 2023. We explored the association between MSAFP screening, gestational age at omphalocele detection, and clinical outcomes.ResultsAmong 101 pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed omphalocele, 27 (26.7%) had MSAFP screening. The median gestational age at MSAFP screening was 17 weeks 4 days. Of those who received MSAFP screening, 11 (41%) had values ≥2.5 multiples of the median (MoM) and 16 (59%) were not elevated. MSAFP results did not correlate with omphalocele size and were not associated with prenatal or postnatal outcomes. MSAFP screening did not result in earlier suspicion for or confirmation of omphalocele (P = .97 and P = .87, respectively). In contrast, first‐trimester ultrasound screening was associated with earlier suspicion for and confirmation of omphalocele (P < .01 and P = .01, respectively). There were no clinical or demographic differences between those who received MSAFP screening and those who did not (including body mass index or commute distance to an urban center).ConclusionMSAFP screening is not associated with earlier omphalocele detection. Furthermore, in pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed omphalocele, the results of MSAFP screening are not predictive of clinical outcomes.
More negative sagittal tibial tuberosity‐trochlear groove distances are correlated with larger patellofemoral chondral lesion size
Authors: Bi Andrew S. , Triana Jairo , Li Zachary I. , Kaplan Daniel J. , Campbell Kirk A. , Alaia Michael J. , Strauss Eric J. , Jazrawi Laith M. , Gonzalez‐Lomas Guillem 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the association between sagittal tibial tuberosity‐trochlear groove (sTT‐TG) distance and patellofemoral chondral lesion size in patients undergoing cartilage restoration procedures.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of patients who underwent an osteochondral allograft transplantation or matrix‐induced autologous chondrocyte implantation in the patellofemoral compartment, from 2010 to 2020, were included if they had patellofemoral high‐grade lesions, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and minimum 2‐year follow‐up. The preoperative sTT‐TG distance was measured independently on axial T2‐weighted MRI sequences by two authors, each at least two weeks apart. Intraoperative lesion size was reported according to operative report measurements by the attending surgeon. An interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability, and categorical data analysis and linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between sTT‐TG and lesion size.ResultsA total of 80 patients (50 females) with a mean age of 31.5 ± 10.4 years, body mass index of 27.0 ± 5.9 kg/m2 and follow‐up of 61.5 ± 21.4 months were included. A total of 107 lesions were present: 63 patients with unipolar (patella = 41, trochlea = 22) and 22 with bipolar lesions. The mean MRI defect size was 1.6 ± 1.0 cm2 and the mean intraoperative defect size was 3.8 ± 2.4cm2. Intra‐ (ICC: 0.99,0.98) and inter‐rater reliability (ICC: 0.96) were excellent for both MRI defect size and sTT‐TG measurements. The mean sTT‐TG was −4.8 ± 4.9 mm and was significantly inversely related to MRI defect size (−0.45, p < 0.01), intraoperative patellar lesion size (−0.32, p = 0.01), total lesion area (−0.22, p = 0.04), but not trochlear lesion size (−0.09, p = 0.56). Multivariable regression demonstrated a more negative sTT‐TG remained an independent variable correlated with larger MRI‐measured patellofemoral defect sizes and intraoperative patellar lesions.ConclusionA more negative sTT‐TG was an independent variable correlated with larger patellofemoral lesions in patients undergoing patellofemoral cartilage restoration.Level of EvidenceLevel III, Diagnostic.
Shoulder balloon spacer for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears results in significant improvements
Authors: Savarese Eugenio , Aicale Rocco , Romeo Rocco , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of balloon implantation in patients with irreparable supraspinatus tears alone or in combination with other rotator cuff (RC) tendon tears and the effect of several covariables, such as age, gender, status of the long head biceps, with or without tendon repair and regardless the number of tendon involved.MethodsPatients enrolled from ‘San Carlo’ Hospital of Potenza (Italy, IT), from January 2012 to September 2014, underwent arthroscopic implantation of shoulder balloon by a single surgeon, and followed for 3 years. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant score (CS) were administered pre‐, post‐operatively at 12 months, and then annually. Patients were classified on the basis of the number of tendons involved in the tears and treatment performed, considering the reparability of the tendons themselves. Gleno‐humeral joint osteoarthrosis (OA) was evaluated through shoulder radiographs and classified according to the Samilson–Prieto classification, at the first examination and at the final follow‐up. Statistical improvements were evaluated using a variance model (least‐squares means) and a T distribution test for the evaluation between different treatment groups.ResultsA total of 61 procedures were performed, and eight patients were lost during follow‐up. The mean baseline CS was 30.2 ± 15.4 with statistically significant improvement, respectively, at 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year follow‐up to 69.3 ± 4.2, 74.6 ± 3.6 and 69.7 ± 5.1 respectively. ASES score at baseline was 22.5 ± 10.9, with a statistically significant improvement to 69.7 ± 9.2, 68 ± 17.8 and 71.2 ± 16.6 at 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year follow‐up, respectively. Tenotomy or absence of long head biceps at presentation did not influence results (n.s.), with no difference according to gender and age. At final follow‐up, 24 patients (43.9%) showed progression of glenohumeral OA. One patient required secondary surgery for shoulder replacement after 18 months for persistent pain and one patient required implant removal following post‐operative laser treatment.ConclusionArthroscopic rotator cuff tears repair with subacromial spacer balloon implantation showed statistically significant clinical and functional improvement at 3‐year follow‐up. Patients treated with combined partial repair and subacromial spacer balloon implantation experienced good results independent of gender, age, type of tear and long‐head biceps tendon status. The risks related to this procedure appear to be minimal.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Subglottic Stenosis After Pediatric Tracheostomy
Authors: Suresh Rishi , Roohani Cheyenne , Wang Cynthia S. , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Johnson Romaine F. , Chorney Stephen R. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence of subglottic stenosis (SGS) in children after tracheostomy and identify risk factors for development.Study DesignRetrospective cohort.MethodsAll patients (<18 years) undergoing tracheostomy at a tertiary children's hospital between 2015 and 2020 were included. Patients with a direct laryngoscopy (DL) concurrent with tracheostomy and a subsequent DL were included. Medical records, including operative reports, were reviewed to identify subglottic stenosis and associated risk factors.ResultsA total of 140 patients were included with mean age at tracheostomy of 2.4 years (standard deviation [SD]: 4.3) (median: 0.5 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.3–1.5 years) and gestational age of 33.8 weeks (SD: 5.9) (median: 36 weeks, IQR: 28–39 weeks). At initial DL, 24% (N = 34) had subglottic injury and 26% (N = 37) developed SGS. The incidence of SGS after tracheostomy was 11.5 cases per 100 patients per year. At tracheostomy, lower birth weight (1.8 vs. 2.3 kg, p = 0.005), shorter gestational age (31.8 vs. 34.6 weeks, p = 0.01), younger age (0.8 vs. 2.9 years, p = 0.01), lower weight (5.8 vs. 14.7 kg, p = 0.01), and subglottic injury (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.01) were associated with the development of SGS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis associated birth weight (odds ratio [OR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31–0.75, p = 0.001) and early subglottic injury (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.31–7.88, p = 0.01) with SGS development.ConclusionsThe incidence of SGS after pediatric tracheostomy is estimated at 11.5 cases per 100 patients per year. Low birth weight and subglottic injury at the time of tracheostomy were associated with SGS in this vulnerable population of children.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Regional spillover effect of 2022 sanctions against Russia on scholarly publications
Authors: Kuzhabekova Aliya 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article explores the spillover effects of economic sanctions against Russia on research in neighbouring countries. The assumption of the paper is that such effects should take place given the high level of regional integration in the post‐Soviet area. The study uses bibliometric data retrieved from the Web of Science for analysis; more specifically, the data on publications during 2019, 2021 and 2023 from each of the four countries of interest – Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and graphs. The results clearly point to the potential presence of negative externalities of economic sanctions on research systems of neighbouring countries not directly involved in the war. The paper discusses implications of the effects and recommendations, which can be used by policy makers to alleviate the effects on the neighbouring countries and by scholars to further investigate the phenomenon.
Clinical Practices and Opinions toward Gastrostomy Use in Patients with Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes: A National Survey in the UK
Authors: Kobylecki Christopher , Goh Yee Yen , Mohammad Rahema , Beat Alanna , Michou Emilia , Pavey Samantha , Morris Huw , Houlden Henry , Chelban Viorica 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSevere dysphagia poses a significant challenge for clinicians regarding feeding tube choices, practices, and timing due to a lack of evidence‐based guidance.ObjectivesTo assess national clinical practices and opinions on gastrostomy use in patients with atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS) across the UK.MethodsOnline survey was administered to clinicians and allied health professionals regarding availability of services, current use, perceived advantages, and problems associated with gastrostomy insertion.ResultsWe received responses from 47 respondents across 12 UK centers, including 44 clinicians specialized in APS. Consensus was observed regarding primary indications for gastrostomy insertion and circumstances justifying avoidance of the procedure. Limitations in recommending gastrostomy due to insufficient evidence on safety and outcomes, survival and quality of life were identified. Widespread agreement on delays in gastrostomy discussions was highlighted as a challenge in optimizing patient care, together with variability in current practices and concerns over the lack of a standardized gastrostomy pathway, emphasizing the need for further research to address existing evidence gaps.ConclusionThis multi‐center survey highlights agreement among clinicians on key aspects of indication, challenges, and limitations such as delayed decision‐making and the absence of standardized pathways regarding the timing, method, and overall approach to gastrostomy insertion in APS. This study identified next steps to facilitate a more structured approach to future research toward a consensus on best practices for gastrostomy in APS. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and overall care quality in APS.
CineVN: Variational network reconstruction for rapid functional cardiac cine MRI
Authors: Vornehm Marc , Wetzl Jens , Giese Daniel , Fürnrohr Florian , Pang Jianing , Chow Kelvin , Gebker Rolf , Ahmad Rizwan , Knoll Florian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeTo develop a reconstruction method for highly accelerated cardiac cine MRI with high spatiotemporal resolution and low temporal blurring, and to demonstrate accurate estimation of ventricular volumes and myocardial strain in healthy subjects and in patients.MethodsThe proposed method, called CineVN, employs a spatiotemporal Variational Network combined with conjugate gradient descent for optimized data consistency and improved image quality. The method is first evaluated on retrospectively undersampled cine MRI data in terms of image quality. Then, prospectively accelerated data are acquired in 18 healthy subjects both segmented over two heartbeats per slice as well as in real time with 1.6 mm isotropic resolution. Ventricular volumes and strain parameters are computed and compared to a compressed sensing reconstruction and to a conventional reference cine MRI acquisition. Lastly, the method is demonstrated in 46 patients and ventricular volumes and strain parameters are evaluated.ResultsCineVN outperformed compressed sensing in image quality metrics on retrospectively undersampled data. Functional parameters and myocardial strain were the most accurate for CineVN compared to two state‐of‐the‐art compressed sensing methods.ConclusionDeep learning‐based reconstruction using our proposed method enables accurate evaluation of cardiac function in real‐time cine MRI with high spatiotemporal resolution. This has the potential to improve cardiac imaging particularly for patients with arrhythmia or impaired breath‐hold capability.