bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Software Program to Improve Biometry Measurements Obtained by an Optical Low Coherence Reflectometry Biometer
Authors: Cooke David L. , Cooke Tim L. , Patel Raj , Heath Michael T. , Gardiner Mason , Murphy David A. , Riaz Kamran M. 
Published: February 2025

Purpose:
To evaluate a novel software program (SpikeFinder) that improves quality of measurements obtained by optical low coherence reflectometry (OLCR) biometry (Lenstar)

Setting:
Tertiary care academic center

Design:
Retrospective case series

Method

ology: After applying inclusion criteria, 12,988 eyes scanned with OLCR biometry and swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) biometry (IOLMaster700) were analyzed. Measurements, including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and lens thickness (LT), were compared. SpikeFinder was applied to eyes with the most prominent ACD and LT measurement differences. Statistical testing was performed using Wilcoxon (two variables) and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA tests (multiple variables) with Tukey post-hoc adjustments. Heteroscedastic testing (WHWK Statistics Package) was used to assess differences after software application.

Results:
99.1% of AL measurements were within 0.01 mm between the two biometers. SS-OCT LT was significantly longer than the OLCR LT: 33% differed by ≥ 0.50 mm (p<0.001). Correspondingly, SS-OCT ACD was significantly shorter than OLCR ACD: 14% differed by ≥ 0.50 mm (p<0.001). SS-OCT biometer – OLCR biometer values for ACD and LT before applying SpikeFinder were -0.64 ± 0.31 mm and 1.15 ± 0.38 mm, respectively (p<0.001). After applying SpikeFinder to a subgroup of 337 eyes, these differences were -0.02 ± 0.03 mm and 0.01 ± 0.11 mm, respectively. SpikeFinder ACD and LT values were similar to SS-OCT biometer-measured ACD (p=0.872) and LT (p=0.987) values.

Conclusion:
The SpikeFinder program can help improve the accuracy of ACD and LT measurements obtained by the OLCR biometer, which may enhance the performance of formulas that utilize these measurements.
In vivo capsular bag size in children with congenital cataract: Implications for placement of Intraocular Lens
Authors: Sukhija Jaspreet , Kaur Savleen , Gupta Kajree , Kumari Kiran , Sethi Sameer ,   Advanced Eye Centre
Published: February 2025

Purpose:
To measure the equatorial lens diameter in vivo and correlate it with other biometric variables in children undergoing cataract surgery.

Setting:
Tertiary care institution

Design:
Prospective case series

Methods:
Children < 5 years with cataracts were included. Those with corneal opacities, previous ocular surgery, traumatic cataracts, and or any coexisting corneal or retinal ocular pathology were excluded.In addition to routine investigations, all patients underwent Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) of both eyes. Correlation between the measured value of axial length, corneal diameter, age, and bag diameters and their effect on Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantation (Aphakia/Pseudophakia) were observed.

Results:
We included 112 eyes of 68 children with a mean age of 11.42 + 11.34 months ( 1 month - 4 years). Mean capsular bag diameter(CBD) in the eyes where IOL was placed successfully in the bag was 8.27 ± 0.6 mm (7.1 – 9.39 mm). The eyes in which IOL placement was difficult in the bag and who were either left aphakic or bicapsular capture IOL was performed had a mean diameter of 7.09 ±0.99 mm (5.23 – 9.09 mm) (p<0.05). A significant and positive correlation was found between CBD and age, axial length, and corneal diameter (p=0.00; 0.00; 0.001 and r=0.4,0.4 and 0.8, respectively). Bag diameter had the highest association(odds ratio 4) with successful IOL placement

Conclusions:
Bag diameters should be measured preoperatively in children with cataracts along with other biometric variables as it is the most important measurement that helps in making a decision regarding implantation and positioning of IOL.
International Physician Assistant Exchange: Facilitating Kinship in Education and Patient Care
Authors: Hopkins Aislinn , Chillura Christopher , Durham Isabell , Fowler Madelyn , Merritt Kaitlin , Schilling Taylor 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The international exchange of physician assistant (PA) education between the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in the United States and Inholland University in the Netherlands, established in 2013, aims to enhance global awareness, cultural sensitivity, and professional development among PA students. This exchange program, which transitioned to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in-person exchanges in 2023, allows participants to explore similarities and differences in medical education, healthcare systems, and professional practices between the two countries. Despite varying educational pathways and healthcare models, the role of PAs in both countries shows remarkable similarities, including shared responsibilities in patient care and clinical practice flexibility. The program, which includes lectures, clinical shadowing, and cultural immersion, fosters a deeper understanding of global healthcare and promotes introspection among participants regarding their own healthcare systems. Student reflections highlight the transformative impact of the exchange on their cultural humility and global perspective. Future plans for the program include enhanced virtual interactions to strengthen cross-cultural connections and further explore healthcare topics. This exchange serves as a model for fostering international collaboration and broadening the global PA community.
Nonlinear Relationship Between the C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using the NHANES Database
Authors: Huang Quanyuan , Lu Xiao , Liang Yuanhua , Zhu Wuchang , Chen Jinglan , Yang Yufang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveThe C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) has gained attention as an inflammatory biomarker with potential relevance in various diseases. However, its relationship with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains inadequately understood. This study aims to investigate the association between CAR and CKD prevalence in a diverse, multi-ethnic U.S. cohort.MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis utilized data from the 1999–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariable regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to control for confounding factors and examine the link between CAR and CKD. A restrictive cubic spline model was employed to explore potential nonlinear associations.ResultsAmong 30,049 participants aged 18 years or older, 5,423 (18.05%) had CKD. Compared to the lowest quartile (Q1) of log-transformed CAR, CKD risk was higher in the second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth (Q4) quartiles, with odds ratios of 1.28, 1.29, and 1.63, respectively. A dose-response relationship was observed, indicating that higher CAR levels were significantly associated with increased CKD risk.ConclusionElevated CAR is independently associated with a higher prevalence of CKD, suggesting its potential utility as a biomarker for CKD risk assessment in diverse populations. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
YAbS: The Antibody Society’s antibody therapeutics database
Authors: Rawat Puneet , Crescioli Silvia , Prabakaran R. , Sharma Divya , Greiff Victor , Reichert Janice M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTherapeutic antibodies have gained prominence in recent years due to their precision in targeting specific diseases. As these molecules become increasingly essential in modern medicine, comprehensive data tracking and analysis are critical for advancing research and ensuring successful clinical outcomes. YAbS, The Antibody Society’s Antibody Therapeutics Database, serves as a vital resource for monitoring the development and clinical progress of therapeutic antibodies. The database catalogues detailed information on over 2,900 commercially sponsored investigational antibody candidates that have entered clinical study since 2000, as well as all approved antibody therapeutics. Data for the late-stage clinical pipeline and antibody therapeutics in regulatory review or approved (over 450 molecules) are openly accessible (https://db.antibodysociety.org). Antibody-related information includes molecular format, targeted antigen, current development status, indications studied, and the clinical development timeline of the antibodies, as well as the geographical region of company sponsors. Furthermore, the database supports in-depth industry trends analysis, facilitating the identification of innovative developments and the assessment of success rates within the field. This resource is continually updated and refined, providing invaluable insights to researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals engaged in antibody therapeutics development.
Integrative Multi-Omics Framework for Causal Gene Discovery in Long COVID
Authors: Pinero Sindy , Li Xiaomei , Liu Lin , Li Jiuyong , Lee Sang Hong , Winter Marnie , Nguyen Thin , Zhang Junpeng , Le Thuc Duy 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundLong COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), involves persistent, multisystemic symptoms in about 10–20% of COVID-19 patients. Although age, sex, ethnicity, and comorbidities are recognized as risk factors, identifying genetic contributors is essential for developing targeted therapies.MethodsWe developed a multi-omics framework using Transcriptome-Wide Mendelian Randomization (TWMR) and Control Theory (CT). This approach integrates Expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL), Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks to detect causal genes and regulatory nodes that drive critical expression changes in Long COVID.ResultsWe identified 32 causal genes (19 previously reported and 13 novel), which act as regulatory drivers influencing disease risk, progression, and stability. Enrichment analyses highlighted pathways linked to the SARS-CoV-2 response, viral carcinogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and immune function. Analysis of other pathophysiological conditions revealed shared genetic factors across syndromic, metabolic, autoimmune, and connective tissue disorders. Using these genes, we identified three distinct symptom-based subtypes of Long COVID, offering insights for more precise diagnosis and potential therapeutic interventions. Additionally, we provided an open-source Shiny application to enable further data exploration.ConclusionIntegrating TWMR and CT revealed genetic mechanisms and therapeutic targets for Long COVID, with novel genes informing pathogenesis and precision medicine strategies.
Immune imprinting and vaccination interval underly XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine immunogenicity
Authors: Wrynla Xammy H. , Bates Timothy A. , Trank-Greene Mila , Wahedi Mastura , Hinchliff Audrey , Curlin Marcel E. , Tafesse Fikadu G. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAs COVID-19 transitions into endemicity and vaccines are annually updated to circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages such as JN.1, exposure intervals and immune imprinting become critical considerations for vaccination strategy. Imprinting by the ancestral spike protein has been observed with the bivalent Wuhan-Hu-1/BA.4-5 vaccine and its persistence can be further evaluated in the context of the more recent XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine. We assessed antibody responses in individuals who received three to four doses of Wuhan-Hu-1, one dose of bivalent Wuhan-Hu-1/BA.4-5, and one dose of XBB.1.5 vaccine (bivalent recipients). We compared these to individuals who received three to four doses of Wuhan-Hu-1 and one dose of XBB.1.5 vaccine without prior bivalent vaccination (bivalent non-recipients). Before XBB.1.5 vaccination, bivalent non-recipients demonstrated decreased breadth and potency of neutralizing antibodies compared to recipients, but at post-vaccination exhibited greater boosting of neutralizing antibodies against XBB.1.5 (18.4X versus 6.2X), EG.5.1 (30.9X versus 7.0X), and JN.1 (9.2X versus 3.7X) variants with trends toward higher neutralizing titers and comparable variant cross-neutralization. Increased boosting in non-recipients were similarly observed for IgA and total IgG/A/M isotypes binding the spike receptor-binding domain but not IgG nor IgM. Bivalent non-recipients had longer intervals between exposures, which has been reported to enhance antibody boosting; however, bivalent receipt and interval were tightly linked variables, preventing the isolation of individual contributions to boosting. Nonetheless, significant “back-boosting” of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 titers upon XBB.1.5 vaccination in both participant groups indicate that immune imprinting continues to affect contemporary vaccines. Altogether, our findings highlight imprinting and exposure intervals as important phenomena underlying variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity.
Interplay between cytokine and FGF2 signaling in induction of entosis and vasculogenic mimicry response in glioblastoma
Authors: Kang Tae-Yun , Park JinSeok , Dincer Alper , Baskaran Janani , Ren Chunxiao , Scuderi Soraya , Yang Liang , McGuone Declan , Miller-Jensen Kathryn , Günel Jennifer Moliterno , Günel Murat , Levchenko Andre 
Published: February 2025

SummaryTumor vascularization is critical to survival of cancer cells, but is frequently perturbed leading to disorganized angiogenesis and emergence of alternative means of delivery of oxygen and nutrients, such as vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Understanding of VM and its relationship to endothelial vascularization has been hampered by the lack of comprehensive combination ofin vivoclinical data and relevantin vitromodels. We address this challenge by analyzing glioblastoma (GBM) tumors and clinically isolated cancer cells. This analysis strongly suggests a key role of macrophage-induced controlled cell death in emergence of VM. The results further point to entosis of cancer cells as a critical intermediate state in this process, enabled by mechano-chemical cell heterogeneity. We find evidence that macrophages can regulate endothelial angiogenesis and VM as two alternative vascularization mechanisms. These results reveal mechanistic underpinnings of VM and pave the way to predictive analysis of tumor progression.
Sex Specific Attenuation of Reward Preference
Authors: Turner Christopher A. , Becker Jill B. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractEstradiol receptor signaling has a sex-specific impact on the brain’s reward pathways, enhancing cocaine reinforcement in females but not in males. Selective activation of G-Protein Coupled Estradiol Receptor 1 (GPER-1) in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) attenuates the reinforcing effects of 0.1% saccharin (SACC) and cocaine in males but not females. This study investigated GPER-1 activation in the DLS and systemically using the GPER-1 agonist, G1, to assess its effect on SACC and cocaine preference in male and female rats. Five experiments were conducted using gonad-intact and gonadectomized animals to determine dose-response effects and the influence of circulating hormones. Intra-DLS GPER-1 activation with 20% G1 selectively reduced SACC preference in intact males but not females, while higher and lower concentrations had no effect. Systemic G1 administration attenuated cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in both sexes in a dose-dependent way. Interestingly, systemic administration of G1 did not alter SACC preference in either sex, regardless of the presence or absence of gonadal hormones. These findings suggest that GPER-1 activation influences reward processing in a site, reward, and sex-dependent manner.HighlightsSelective activation of the membrane-associated estradiol receptor, GPER-1, in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) attenuates preference for a 0.1% saccharin solution (SACC) in male but not female rats.Systemic activation of the membrane-associated estradiol receptor, GPER-1, attenuates cocaine-induced condition place preference (CPP) in both males and females in a dose-dependent way.Systemic GPER-1 activation does not influence SACC preference in either sex.
A lateralized pathway for associating nutrients with flavors
Authors: Grove James C. R. , Li Queenie , Backes Heiko , Kuzmanovic Bojana , Choi Jaewon , Ubadiah Violeta , Qiu Longhui , Zhang Jingkun , Liu Zhengya , Small Dana M. , Tittgemeyer Marc , Knight Zachary A. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAnimals learn about the external world, in part, via interoceptive signals1,2. For example, the nutrient content of food is first estimated in the mouth, in the form of flavor, and then measured again via slower signals from the gut. How these signals from the mouth and gut are integrated to drive learning is unknown. Here we identify a lateralized dopamine pathway that is specialized for learning about the nutrient content of food. We show that dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTADA) are necessary for associating nutrients with flavors, but that this does not involve canonical dopamine targets in the striatum. Instead, post-ingestive nutrients trigger DA release selectively in a small region of the anterior basolateral amygdala (BLA). Remarkably, this hotspot for nutrient-triggered DA release is localized to the left side of the brain in both mice and humans, revealing that the DA system is lateralized. We identify the gut sensors that are responsible for nutrient-triggered DA release; show that they selectively activate BLA-projecting DA neurons defined by expression of cholecystokinin (CCK); and demonstrate that stimulation of DA axon terminals in the anterior BLA drives flavor-nutrient learning but not other aspects of behavior. Two-photon imaging of neurons in the left anterior BLA reveals that they encode food flavors, and these representations are strengthened by post-ingestive nutrients, whereas silencing of these neurons prevents flavor-nutrient learning. These findings establish a neural basis for how animals learn about the nutrient content of their food. They also reveal unexpectedly that post-ingestive nutrients are differentially represented on the right and left sides of the brain.
The Global Status of Global Surgery Indicators: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Hyman Gabriella Y. , Kratky Lauren , Reddy Ramya , Bain Paul A. , Raykar Nakul P. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundSurgical care is essential to achieving health system goals, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) proposed core indicators to assess surgical system capacity, delivery, and financial risk protection. Despite their importance, variability and inconsistent reporting limit their utility in tracking progress toward Global Surgery 2030.AimsThis review aims to quantify the status of five global surgery indicators globally, describe current indicator reporting practices, and identify facilitators and barriers to regular indicator reporting, providing recommendations to improve future tracking and policy implementation.MethodsFollowing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we will search peer-reviewed databases and grey literature to identify studies reporting LCoGS indicators. Data extraction will focus on indicator status, reporting frequency, and associated challenges. Results will be analyzed quantitatively and thematically.ConclusionBy mapping current indicator reporting, this review will provide actionable insights to inform future policy, improve data collection practices, and accelerate progress toward achieving Global Surgery 2030 targets.
Restoring STAR*D: A Reanalysis of Drug-Switch Therapy After Failed SSRI Treatment Using Patient-Level Data with Fidelity to the Original STAR*D Research Protocol
Authors: Xu Colin , Kim Thomas T. , Kirsch Irving , Plöderl Martin , Amsterdam Jay D. , Pigott H. Edmund 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundTheSequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression(STAR*D) trial was designed to give guidance in selecting the best next-step treatment for depressed patients who did not remit during their first, and/or subsequent, antidepressant trial, with up to four trials per patient. Our prior research documented protocol violations which inflated STAR*D’s reported cumulative remission rate by 91.4%. A similar reanalysis of the step-2 drug-switch trial has not been done until now.MethodsWe reanalyzed the patient-level dataset of STAR*D’s drug-switch treatment therapies—with fidelity to the original research protocol and related publications—to determine whether there were clinically-relevant differences in results compared to the original publication.ResultsWhile our reanalysis largely comported with STAR*D’s published findings of no significant differences between drug-switch treatments, we found the following discrepancies: Lower than reported step-2 remission rates ranging from 16.2 to 19.3% (versus 17.6 to 24.8%); A significant increase in treatment-emergent suicidal ideation during the step-2 drug-switch therapies ranging from 11.2 to 15.0% compared to step-1 citalopram treatment (9.0%); A four times greater number of severe suicidal behaviors reported by the treating clinicians compared to the published suicide-related Serious Adverse Events (16 versus 4); and A sustained remission rate of only 3.1 to 8.4%.ConclusionCompared to the original publication, our reanalysis found lower remission rates and more suicidal risk than reported. This adds to the discrepancies found in our prior reanalysis and also to the finding that switching antidepressants is not well supported by the evidence.
The effect of population selection criteria on model estimates and data missingness in electronic health record studies
Authors: Pritchard Emma , Vihta Karina-Doris , Pouwels Koen B. , Lipworth Samuel , Hope Russell , Muller-Pebody Berit , Quan T. Phuong , Cregan Jack , Hopkins Susan , Eyre David W. , Walker A. Sarah 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveElectronic Health Records (EHRs) provide information to explore those at risk of various diseases, though studying entire populations is limited by data availability, potentially introducing biases. We compared different samples, varied by type of hospital contact, to assess the impact on missing data and model results.Materials and MethodsUsingEscherichia colibloodstream infections as a case study, we used data from Oxfordshire, UK, containing individuals with hospital contact, including blood tests from primary care providers. We compared two approaches: an “inpatient sample” requiring previous/current inpatient contact, reducing missing risk factors but restricting the denominator, and a broader “healthcare contact sample”, defined by previous healthcare contact (including outpatient appointments, emergency department visits, community blood tests), maximising inclusion.ResultsThe healthcare contact sample contained more missing data for key demographics and systematically missing data for potential risk factors including diagnosis codes. Missing data was more common in controls than cases (17–21% controls missing vital signs versus 6–7% cases [inpatient sample]) but varied little with lookback duration. Model estimates showed small, insubstantial shifts between the samples. Compared to population estimates, younger males were unrepresented, while those aged≥75y were largely captured.DiscussionIncluding individuals with any previous healthcare contact resulted in more missing data versus restricting to inpatient-only contact. Despite this, there were only small shifts in model estimates. There were large but expected differences between EHR samples and population-level data.ConclusionDifferent sample selection approaches for EHR analyses could impact power and associations. Ideally, multiple approaches should be compared.