bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Impact and Genetic Analysis of Enteric Viruses Associated With Acute Gastroenteritis in Greater Accra, Ghana: A Comprehensive Study of Five Viruses
Authors: Ofosu‐Appiah Lawrence Henry , Negoro Manami , Amexo Jennifer Xolali , Amelor Dodzi Kofi , Tonto Prince Baffour , Laryea Dennis Odai , Yamasaki Keiko , Asiedu‐Bekoe Franklin , Sugata Ken , Hori Hiroki , Suganuma Narufumi , Taniguchi Kiyosu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTEnteric viruses are significantly associated with acute gastroenteritis globally. Despite a decrease in severe rotavirus associated diarrhoea, Ghana still records high diarrhoea burden. Meanwhile aetiological investigations in hospital settings do not routinely include viral testing. Rotavirus vaccination is thought to alter enteric viral populations and impact evolution. To better understand virus‐specific effects in acute gastroenteritis in both children and adults, we tested fecal samples from 228 patients at two hospitals in Accra from January to December 2019, using multiplex and singleplex PCR assays. The clinical impact of detected viruses was assessed using a modified Vesikari score system. Partial viral genome sequences were obtained by Sanger Sequencing and their genetic diversity and evolutionary history, traced by phylogenetic analyses. At least one enteric virus was found in 86 (37.7%) patient samples, with 36.9% of the population under five infected. Single infections of rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, sapovirus and astrovirus were 33, 14, 8, 6, and 1, respectively, while coinfections were 24. Rotavirus accounted for 33.3% of 24 clinically severe cases (modified Vesikari score > 7). Three out of 10 rotavirus cases with evidence of vaccination experienced severe gastroenteritis. Diverse genotypes, including RVA G2P[4], G1P[8], G12P[8] and G12P[6]; AdV F40 and F41; NoV GII.4 Sydney 2012, GII.6 and GI.3, several of which clustered with contemporary strains from the Americas, Europe and Asia, were detected. This study also provides the first report of SaV GI.1, GI.7 and GII.8 detection in humans in Ghana. RVA G2P[4] and AdV F were associated with higher proportions of hospitalizations. While RVA continues to have a profound clinical impact on gastroenteritis, AdV and SaV produce an equally severe disease. In contrast, NoV and AstV showed a generally mild to moderate impact on clinical disease severity.
Differential Role of External and Internal Forcing in the Prediction of Boreal Summer and Fall Season Indian Ocean SST Variability in ECMWF SEAS5
Authors: Pillai Prasanth A. , Kiran V. G. , Suneeth K. V. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe present study analyses the boreal summer (JJA) and fall (SON) season tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) prediction skill of ECMWF SEAS5 using 4‐month and 1‐month lead hindcasts. The primary mode of TIO SST during JJA (EOF1), basin mode (IOBM), is captured well with a 4‐month lead time. However, the 4‐month (Feb IC) hindcast overestimates the IOBM variability (70% of the seasonal variability), reducing variability of the second mode (EOF2), dipole mode (IOD), to 8%. This leads to low potential skill (0.45) and insignificant actual skill for EOF2. However, both the JJA IO SST modes are better captured by I‐month (May IC) hindcasts and IOD has a potential skill of 0.84 and an actual skill of 0.62. The co‐occurring El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) induces basin‐wide anomalies in the TIO for Feb IC without a dipole pattern. It leads to the false alarm for IOBM suppressing the IOD‐related pattern resulting in reduced skill. Meanwhile, IOD skill is significant for the boreal fall (SON) season for the 4‐month IC (May IC) hindcast, even with a low ENSO‐IOD relationship. These hindcasts have stronger internal variability inducing dipole structure in IO with warming in the west and cooling in east. However, the ensembles with dominance of internal variability oppose the ENSO‐induced SST anomalies in the northwest Pacific, reducing the external forcing and having low IOD skill for both ICs. Thus, even though ECMWF SEAS5 hindcasts have a skill of more than a season for SON IOD, the over‐predicted influence of internal variability in seasonal mean and weak teleconnection of ENSO limits the skill of IO SST during the boreal summer.
Long‐term laboratory follow‐up is essential in pediatric patients with celiac
Authors: Krauthammer Alexander , Guz‐Mark Anat , Zevit Noam , Waisbourd‐Zinman Orith , Mozer‐Glassberg Yael , Friedler Vered Nachmias , Rozenfeld Bar Lev Michal , Matar Manar , Shouval Dror , Shamir Raanan 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesCeliac disease (CeD) requires long‐term follow. The role of laboratory testing other than celiac serology during follow up is unclear. We aimed to determine which laboratory tests are required during follow up based on the prevalence of abnormal tests and timing of abnormalities appearance.MethodsRetrospective chart‐review of children diagnosed with CeD between 1999 and 2018 was conducted. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded from diagnosis and during follow‐up.ResultsThe cohort included 500 children with CeD [59.8% females, median(IQR) age at diagnosis 5.7(3.7–8.9) years]. Mean follow‐up time was 5.5 years (range 1.5–16.2). The most frequently abnormal laboratory tests at time of diagnosis were low ferritin (64.3%), vitamin D (33.6%), zinc (29.9%), hemoglobin (29.2%), and folate (14.7%). In 74 (14.8%) patients, anemia developed only during follow up, while in another 46 patients, anemia resolved after diagnosis and reappeared later (after a mean ± SD 2.8 ± 2.1 years from CeD diagnosis, for the entire group). Abnormal values that developed during follow up were low folate in 40 patients (3.9 ± 2.6 years), and abnormal liver enzymes in 18 patients (3.1 ± 2.7 years). Elevated TSH during follow‐up was observed in 14/280 (5%) patients, after a mean ± SD of 2.2 ± 1.6 years from diagnosis. Patients diagnosed as teenagers (12–18 years) had shorter intervals to reappearance of anemia and folate deficiency.ConclusionsMultiple laboratory abnormalities may occur in pediatric patients with CeD, both at diagnosis and during long‐term follow‐up. We suggest continued monitoring of hemoglobin, ferritin, folate, liver, and thyroid function in addition to celiac serology during follow‐up of CeD.
Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Posterior External Tracheal Stent Tracheopexy for Severe Tracheomalacia in Children
Authors: Shih E' Ching , Cameron Danielle B. , Benboujja Fouzi , Hartnick Christopher J. 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesSevere tracheomalacia in children is challenging to manage, and surgical options ranging from tracheostomy to posterior tracheopexy has been performed for treatment of posterior tracheomalacia, with their associated morbidities. The role of posterior external stent tracheopexy (PEXY) has not been established, and we report our experiences in treatment of severe posterior tracheomalacia using PEXY.MethodsA retrospective review of our case series of three pediatric patients with severe posterior tracheomalacia who underwent PEXY.ResultsBetween August 2024 and December 2024, three patients received PEXY. Using bioresorbable external plates as posterior stents, the posterior tracheal myomembrane was sutured to the external stent instead of the anterior longitudinal spinal ligament, minimizing the risk associated with injury of surrounding structures typically encountered during mobilization for spinal ligament access, such as the thoracic duct and esophagus. There were no reported injuries intra‐operatively to the recurrent laryngeal nerves and esophagus, and all patients were discharged home within a week after their first post‐operative bronchoscopy. All patients reported symptomatic improvement.ConclusionWe describe a novel procedure accessible to the pediatric otolaryngologist in treatment of severe posterior tracheomalacia using easily available bioresorbable plates molded to the airway as external posterior stents to resist airway collapsibility. Further research and longer‐term outcomes are required for the role of PEXY in treatment of posterior tracheomalacia.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2025
Otolaryngologic Side Effects of GLP‐1 Receptor Agonists
Authors: Khan Faizaan I. , Vazquez Sebastian Guadarrama‐Sistos , Mehdi Zain , Somawardana Isuru , Dongre Roshan , Razmi Samuel , Rashidi Keyvon , Shenoi Jason , Khan Najm , Dhanda Aatin , Takashima Masayoshi , Ahmed Omar G. 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesWith the increasing use of GLP‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) drugs for weight loss and diabetes management, concerns have been raised regarding their potential side effects. We aim to assess the frequency of otolaryngologic adverse events (AEs).Study DesignRetrospective analysis of national registry.MethodsThe Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database was queried for events related to the GLP‐1 RA: exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide from 1 year after their approval until the end of 2023. AEs were collected and sub‐stratified according to anatomic site. Reporting odds ratios (ROR) and proportional reporting ratios (PRR) were determined for all AEs.ResultsThe number of AEs reported from all drugs within this study totaled 9,746. Significant signal ratios were defined as a PRR≥2 and a lower CI ROR >1. Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) had the highest signals and were significant in virtually all medications. This was followed by GERD which also had very high signal ratios and was significant in all drugs assessed. Semaglutide also had significant signals in anosmia, dry mouth, dysgeusia, and Bell's palsy. Liraglutide had significance in both signals in dysphonia, dysgeusia, tinnitus, and Bell's palsy. This was followed by exenatide which also included dysgeusia and hearing disability.ConclusionsGLP‐1 RA were associated with various otolaryngologic AEs, with significant signals observed for semaglutide and liraglutide. GERD, MTC, and PTC were of significance in all GLP‐1 RA in this study. Monitoring these AEs is recommended.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2025
Impact of Drying Methods and pH‐Shift + US Modification of Mung Bean Protein on the Stability of Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Upadhyay Srishti , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Chakraborty Gourav , Desai Shivani , Banoth Jeeva Kiran 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the stability and structural characteristics of Pickering emulsion (PE) stabilized by mung bean flour (MBF), spray‐dried mung bean protein (SD‐MBP), freeze‐dried mung bean protein (FD‐MBP), and their pH12‐shift combined with ultrasonication (US) modified forms: modified spray‐dried (MSD‐MBP) and freeze‐dried mung bean protein (MFD‐MBP). PE stabilized with SD‐MBP exhibited smaller droplet size (1.89 μm) and higher zeta potential (−22 mV) compared with FD‐MBP PE (−20.16 mV). The PE stabilized with MSD‐MBP displayed the smallest droplet size (1.33 μm), lowest creaming index, and a gel‐like structure with superior elastic and viscous moduli showing drying followed by pH12‐shift + US modification of protein further enhanced the stability of PE. These Pickering emulsions (PEs) showed higher pH stability, particularly at acidic and neutral pH levels, due to its dense interfacial film. Microstructural analysis (CLSM) showed homogeneously packed and tightly adsorbed interfacial layer with lowest droplet aggregation in PE stabilized with MSD‐MBP. The modification of protein also enhanced the thermal resistance of PE and followed the order as SD‐MBP > MSD‐MBP > MFD‐MBP > FD‐MBP > MBF. FTIR analysis revealed the difference in the intensity of amide peaks of PE stabilized by MBF and its proteins. The tribological analysis of PE stabilized with MSD‐MBP represents the distinct static and kinetic regions, with reduced frictional resistance at higher shear rates, indicating effective lubrication. The synergistic approach of drying and pH12‐shift + US modification of mung protein significantly improved stability and reduced creaming in PE, and the MSD‐PE highlighted its potential to develop robust PEs with enhanced functionality.
Identifying Daytime Hypercapnia Using Transcutaneous Carbon Dioxide Monitoring in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Morrison Alexander H. , Jimenez Jose Victor , Hsu Jesse Y. , Elman Lauren , Choi Philip J. , Ackrivo Jason 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsRespiratory failure from hypoventilation is the most common cause of death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, ALS care rarely assesses hypercapnia, a physiologic measure of hypoventilation. We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of daytime hypercapnia measured by transcutaneous carbon dioxide (tcCO2) monitoring in patients with ALS.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients seen at two ALS clinics in the United States between 2012 and 2024 who had tcCO2 measured concurrently with pulmonary function tests (PFTs), which included forced vital capacity (FVC) and, at one site, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). We assessed the prevalence of hypercapnia (tcCO2 > 45 mmHg), the sensitivity and specificity of patient symptoms and PFTs for hypercapnia, and the relationship between hypercapnia and survival.ResultsDaytime hypercapnia was present in 33/328 (10%) patients at baseline. Hypercapnia was associated with an increased rate of death (aHR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.3). Orthopnea or dyspnea was 70% sensitive for hypercapnia (95% CI 51%–84%). Absolute value of MIP (|MIP|) < 60 cmH2O was 95% sensitive (95% CI 74%–100%) and 22% specific (95% CI 16%–30%), FVC < 50% predicted was 33% sensitive (95% CI 18%–52%) and 82% specific (95% CI 78%–87%), and FVC < 80% predicted was 85% sensitive (95% CI 68%–95%) and 31% specific (95% CI 26%–36%) for hypercapnia.DiscussionTcCO2 monitoring identified strengths and weaknesses of PFTs in identifying hypercapnia in ALS. We found high sensitivity of |MIP| < 60 cmH2O and FVC < 80% predicted and high specificity of FVC < 50% predicted. Prospective studies should investigate the optimal clinical role for tcCO2.
Mechanical Properties of Rock Ballast in Combined Tamping and Stabilizing Operations Using Numerical Dynamic Domain
Authors: Shi Shunwei , Xiao Yixiong , Xu Yang , Ren Xichong , Wang Chunyu , Zhang Yanan , Gao Liang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe maintenance effort for a ballast bed is determined by the combination of tamping and stabilizing, which have always been separated in previous researches. In this study, a tamping‐stabilizing‐ballasted track was established, and a dynamic domain was innovatively developed to improve calculation efficiency. This model was verified through a comparison with field test results. Using this model, the mechanical properties of ballast bed in tamping and stabilizing under different combination modes were firstly analyzed. The results indicate that the mechanical characteristics of rock ballast in tamping are much more intense than those in stabilizing, and repeated tamping may aggravate ballast degradation, but is beneficial for ballast rotation. Repeated tamping and stabilizing operations are conducive to the coordination number of rock ballast and contact density on the sleeper but have opposite effects on the compactness of rock ballast and pressure on the sleeper. The optimal combination model is determined to be T2S1, and this is followed by T1T1S1, according to a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical state of ballast bed. This study can provide practical guidance for the combination of tamping and stabilizing operations in railway maintenance.
Kernel Compensation Method for Maxwell Eigenproblem in Photonic Crystals With Mimetic Finite Difference Discretizations
Authors: Jin Chenhao , Xia Yinhua , Xu Yan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTWe present a kernel compensation method for Maxwell eigenproblem in photonic crystals to avoid the infinite‐dimensional kernels that cause many difficulties in the calculation of energy gaps. The quasi‐periodic problem is first transformed into a periodic one on the cube by the Floquet‐Bloch theory. Then the compensation operator is introduced in Maxwell's equation with the shifted curl operator. The discrete problem depends on the compatible discretization of the de Rham complex, which is implemented by the mimetic finite difference method in this paper. We prove that the compensation term of the discretization exactly fills up the kernel of the original discrete problem and avoids spurious eigenvalues. Also, we propose an efficient preconditioner and its FFT and multigrid solvers, which allow parallel computing. Numerical experiments for different three‐dimensional lattices in photonic crystals are performed to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the method.
Measuring the Thermal Unfolding of Lysozyme: A Critical Comparison of Differential Scanning Fluorimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Authors: Malicka Weronika , Dai Yueyue , Herrmann Andreas , Haag Rainer , Ballauff Matthias , Pigaleva Marina , Risse Thomas , Lauster Daniel , Asakereh Iman , Khajehpour Mazdak 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe thermal unfolding of lysozyme in aqueous solution has been analyzed by (nano) differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, dynamic light scattering (DLS) acquired in parallel to the DSF measurements, was used to confirm that the change in hydrodynamic radius upon unfolding is rather small (RH,f =1.75 nm in the folded state; and RH,u=1.91 nm in the unfolded state). NanoDSF measurements were evaluated to characterize the folding/unfolding transition within the classical two‐state folding model. The temperature of unfolding (Tm) is found to be the most robust quantity. The unfolding enthalpy
and the change of specific heat were also obtained and errors in the range of 5–10 % and 30–50 % were determined, respectively. A comparison of thermodynamic parameters from nanoDSF and DSC measurements provides evidence for an increasing unfolding enthalpy
with protein concentration. A comparison with data from literature suggests that a weak association in the folded state can lead to the observed change of the unfolding enthalpy. For Δcp significantly higher values is deduced from the analysis of temperature dependent nanoDSF measurements (10 kJ/(K mol)) as compare to DSC (3–5 kJ/(K mol)).
Panchromatic PAH‐Porphyrin Hybrids with a Step‐Wise Increasing π‐System
Authors: Oleszak Christoph , Ritterhoff Christian L. , Meyer Bernd , Jux Norbert 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe rational synthesis of three β‐meso‐fused porphyrins with a step‐wise increasing π‐system size is presented. The synthetic route, which introduces a five‐membered ring between the macrocycle and an aromatic fragment, is modular in its nature and proceeds straightforwardly. The well‐soluble conjugates have intriguing optical properties, namely bathochromically shifted and flattened absorption curves. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insights into the electronic structure and transitions, unveiling small HOMO‐LUMO gaps.
A Gingival Regeneration Evaluation System Using a Rodent Model
Authors: Shiraishi Kohei , Harada Takafumi , Huang Yen‐Chih , Narita Rintaro , Komura Hiroko , Ismael Arhans Chairul , Sekino Satoshi , Denda Tamami , Ota Yasunori , Suzuki Keisuke , Asawa Yukiyo , Kawakami Minoru , Hoshi Kazuto , Komura Makoto 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimThis study aimed to create an objective assessment system for evaluating gingival tissue generated in a rat model using a representative free gingival graft (FGG).MethodsA gingival defect (2 × 2 mm) created on the mandibular anterior teeth of rats was evaluated for its application as a gingival recession model after 4 weeks. Using this model, we investigated the validity of the method for evaluating gingival reconstruction at FGG site. Gingival margin heights of normal and transplanted gingiva were compared, and gingival pockets were visualized using computed tomography (CT). Objective color differences between normal gingiva and FGG site were evaluated up to 4 weeks over time.ResultsThe surgical procedure was safely performed using tracheotomy airway management and a mouth opener. Gingival recession was evident 4 weeks after its creation. FGG implantation provided root coverage by macroscopic findings. Gingival pockets were detected in rats using CT imaging with contrast agents for the first time. Pockets at the FGG implantation site were deeper and wider than normal gingival pockets. Differences in color between normal gingiva and the FGG site were associated with vascular volume, melanocyte density, and epithelial keratinization thickness. Furthermore, blood flow was low, and melanin dots were abundant and diverse, with varying thicknesses in the keratin layer at the FGG site.ConclusionThe findings of this assessment system reflect FGG reviews in humans. The gingival recession model and multidirectional comprehensive evaluation methods used in this study may contribute to developing new gingival reconstruction techniques.
Novel pH‐Sensitive Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)‐Poly(Acrylic Acid) Copolymeric Hydrogels for the In Vitro Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium to the Intestine
Authors: Tazehabadi Mohammad Javad Mohammadi , Ansari Mojtaba , Sabzevari Alireza , Eslami Hossein 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPoly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) copolymers were obtained from the synthesis and the hydrolysis of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)‐poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) and PVAc‐poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) copolymers with different molar ratios. Then, pH‐sensitive PVA‐PAA copolymeric hydrogels were prepared and crosslinked using the freeze–thaw method. A non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac sodium (DS), as a model drug was loaded into the hydrogels. The swelling and drug delivery behavior of the hydrogels was investigated in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and intestinal (pH 7.4) media. The copolymeric hydrogels were analyzed using attenuated total reflection (ATR). Copolymers were synthesized suitably and no chemical interaction was observed between the loaded drug and the hydrogels. The hydrogels had suitable porous structures as indicated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). According to the findings, PVAc‐PAN‐based hydrogels had better swelling, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release ratio than PVAc‐PMA‐based samples. This is attributed to the better synthesis and hydrolysis of PVAc‐PAN copolymers. The swelling and drug release behavior of the hydrogels were mainly dependent on the pH of the media and the functional groups of the hydrogels. By changing the pH condition from acidic to basic and increasing PAA content, the hydrogels significantly showed different swelling and drug release behavior. In both sample groups, hydrogels with more PAA content showed 91.918% and 56.729% drug release ratio in pH 7.4, while 45.828% and 25.316% drug release ratio was observed in pH 1.2. These results indicate that these hydrogels are good drug delivery systems (DDS) as they show pH‐dependent drug release behavior.