bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delayed onset of Corynebacterium simulans infection following open reduction and internal fixation of a trimalleolar fracture
Authors: Tsivelekas Konstantinos , Lykos Stavros , Pallis Dimitrios , Ampadiotaki Margarita-Michaela , Nikolakakos Petros , Tilentzoglou Anastasia , Papadakis Stamatios A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures can lead to significant disability. This case report emphasizes a unique instance of SSI caused by Corynebacterium simulans, following ORIF of a trimalleolar ankle fracture in a 55-year-old female patient. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of C. simulans infection after ORIF in the literature. The pathogen was detected after surgical debridement, removal and sonication of the hardware, and identified through matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Specific intravenous antibiotic regimen was administered for a total duration of 4 weeks. During the 12th month follow-up, the patient presented no signs of infection and an excellent clinical outcome. This case report underscores the need for alertness regarding atypical pathogens in postoperative complications and the critical role of precise microbial diagnosis in managing rare orthopaedic infections.
Treatment outcomes of cochlear implantation in pediatric patients with Cockayne syndrome type I: a case series
Authors: Kostova Mariana , Banerjee Anirvan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This retrospective case series evaluates treatment outcomes post-cochlear implantation in pediatric patients diagnosed with Cockayne syndrome (CS) and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Two female pediatric patients with CS type I underwent either bilateral or unilateral cochlear implantation. Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) and postoperative cochlear implant tolerance were the main outcome measures. Patient 1 demonstrated notable improvements in VRA results and school performance following bilateral implantation. Patient 2 experienced enhanced quality of life and environmental awareness post-unilateral implantation, despite a lack of objective VRA results due to developmental delay. The study underscores the benefits of cochlear implantation in CS patients, especially in patients who are post-lingual or with better cognitive function.
Modeling the potential impact of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax on ischemic heart disease and stroke in Brazil
Authors: Rinaldi Ana Elisa M , Nucci Luciana Bertoldi , Enes Carla Cristina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
A high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with the risk of several chronic diseases, including ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke. This study aimed to model the impact of a 20% tax on all SSBs for IHD and stroke among Brazilian adults.

Methods
This was an ex-ante risk comparative study. The model applied a 20% tax on SSBs and projected the incidence, prevalence and mortality of IHD and stroke over a 20-year period (2019–39). Using data on consumption, previously published cross- and own-price elasticities of SSBs, and relative risk, we estimated changes in IHD and stroke burden.

Results
Our model predicts that a 20% SSB tax may reduce new cases of IHD by ~13%, especially among women, and avert ~8% of the deaths attributable to IHD over 20 years. These results represent a decrease of 19 543 new cases and 8466 and 7274 fewer deaths in the period for men and women, respectively. Estimates of reduction in incidence, prevalence and deaths from stroke were not significant over 20 years.

Conclusions
Even under conservative assumptions, our study found that a small reduction in SSB consumption led to a substantial decrease in IHD incidence and mortality in Brazil.
Transport activity regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics and biogenesis in renal tubules
Authors: Cheng Chih‐Jen , Nizar Jonathan M. , Dai Dao‐Fu , Huang Chou‐Long 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRenal tubules are featured with copious mitochondria and robust transport activity. Mutations in mitochondrial genes cause congenital renal tubulopathies, and changes in transport activity affect mitochondrial morphology, suggesting mitochondrial function and transport activity are tightly coupled. Current methods of using bulk kidney tissues or cultured cells to study mitochondrial bioenergetics are limited. Here, we optimized an extracellular flux analysis (EFA) to study mitochondrial respiration and energy metabolism using microdissected mouse renal tubule segments. EFA detects mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis by measuring oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates, respectively. We show that both measurements positively correlate with sample sizes of a few centimeter‐length renal tubules. The thick ascending limbs (TALs) and distal convoluted tubules (DCTs) critically utilize glucose/pyruvate as energy substrates, whereas proximal tubules (PTs) are significantly much less so. Acute inhibition of TALs’ transport activity by ouabain treatment reduces basal and ATP‐linked mitochondrial respiration. Chronic inhibition of transport activity by 2‐week furosemide treatment or deletion of with‐no‐lysine kinase 4 (Wnk4) decreases maximal mitochondrial capacity. In addition, chronic inhibition downregulates mitochondrial DNA mass and mitochondrial length/density in TALs and DCTs. Conversely, gain‐of‐function Wnk4 mutation increases maximal mitochondrial capacity and mitochondrial length/density without increasing mitochondrial DNA mass. In conclusion, EFA is a sensitive and reliable method to investigate mitochondrial functions in isolated renal tubules. Transport activity tightly regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics and biogenesis to meet the energy demand in renal tubules. The system allows future investigation into whether and how mitochondria contribute to tubular remodeling adapted to changes in transport activity.
Regorafenib in patients with pretreated advanced melanoma: a single-center case series
Authors: Vander Mijnsbrugge An-Sofie , Cerckel J , Dirven I , Tijtgat J , Vounckx M , Claes N , Neyns Bart 
Published: May 2024

Melanoma patients failing all approved treatment options have a poor prognosis. The antimelanoma activity of regorafenib (REGO), a multitargeted kinase inhibitor, has not been investigated in this patient population. The objective response rate and safety of REGO treatment in advanced melanoma patients was investigated retrospectively. Twenty-seven patients received REGO treatment. All patients had progressed on anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and anti–cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) checkpoint inhibition and BRAF/MEK inhibitors (in case of a BRAF
V600mutation). REGO was administered in continuous dosing and combined (upfront or sequentially) with nivolumab (n = 5), trametinib (n = 8), binimetinib (n = 2), encorafenib (n = 1), dabrafenib/trametinib (n = 9), or encorafenib/binimetinib (n = 7). The best overall response was partial response (PR) in five patients (18.5%) and stable disease in three patients (11.1%). Three of seven (42.8%) BRAF
V600mut patients treated with REGO in combination with BRAF/MEK inhibitors obtained a PR (including regression of brain metastases in all three patients). In addition, PR was documented in a BRAF
V600mut patient treated with REGO plus anti-PD-1, and a NRAS
Q61mut patient treated with REGO plus a MEK inhibitor. Common grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events included arterial hypertension (n = 7), elevated transaminase levels (n = 5), abdominal pain (n = 3), colitis (n = 2), anorexia (n = 1), diarrhea (n = 1), fever (n = 1), duodenal perforation (n = 1), and colonic bleeding (n = 1). Median progression-free survival was 11.0 weeks (95% confidence interval, 7.1–14.9); median overall survival was 23.1 weeks (95% confidence interval, 13.0–33.3). REGO has a manageable safety profile in advanced melanoma patients, in monotherapy as well as combined with BRAF/MEK inhibitors or PD-1 blocking monoclonal antibodies. The triplet combination of REGO with BRAF/MEK inhibitors appears most active, particularly in the BRAF
V600mut patients.
Scalp Composite Tissue Transplantation for Repairing Upper Lip Defect: A Feasible Clinical Study
Authors: Liu Jia , Wei Jiao , Dai Chuan-Chang , Yu Bao-Fu 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The repair of upper lip defects is difficult and can result in asymmetry. The authors have developed a postauricular scalp composite tissue for the repair of upper lip defects. Herein, the authors, present the feasibility of scalp composite tissue grafts for repairing of upper lip defects.

Methods:
The authors conducted a retrospective study of 10 patients who underwent scalp composite tissue transplantation for upper lip repair. The surgical procedure consisted of the excision of skin lesions or scar tissue from the upper lip to prepare the recipient area, and then the scalp composite tissue was excised behind the ear and transplanted to the upper lip defect. The authors reviewed the photographs and clinical notes of these patients. The patients’ self-reported satisfaction with the repair effect was assessed. Tissue sections and hematoxylin and eosin staining of the scalp composite tissues were performed.

Results:
All patients successfully underwent lesion resection and scalp composite tissue transplantation to repair the wound. There was no necrosis of the scalp composite tissue in the early postoperative period. The lip wound healed completely within 2 weeks. The mean follow-up time was 16 months, ranging from 12 to 20 months. Histologic sections and hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the scalp composite tissue had abundant capillaries and dense fibrous connective tissue. All 10 patients were satisfied with the clinical effect of the procedure.

Conclusion:
Scalp composite tissue transplantation is a viable method for repairing upper lip defects. The special histomorphological characteristics of the scalp provide the basis for clinical application.

Level of evidence:
IV.
Absence of c-Maf and IL-10 enables Type I IFN enhancement of innate responses to low-dose LPS in alveolar macrophages
Authors: Lim Pamelia N. , Cervantes Maritza M. , Pham Linh K. , Doherty Sydney , Tufts Ankita , Dubey Divya , Mai Dat , Aderem Alan , Diercks Alan H. , Rothchild Alissa C. 
Published: May 2024

SUMMARYAlveolar macrophages (AMs) are lower-airway resident myeloid cells and are among the first to respond to inhaled pathogens. Here, we interrogate AM innate sensing to Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and determine AMs have decreased responses to low- dose LPS compared to other macrophages, as measured by TNF, IL-6,Ifnb, andIfit3. We find the reduced response to low-dose LPS correlates with minimal TLR4 and CD14 surface expression, despite sufficient internal expression of TLR4. Additionally, we find that AMs do not produce IL-10 in response to a variety of PAMPs due to low expression of transcription factor c- Maf and that lack of IL-10 production contributes to an enhancement of pro-inflammatory responses by Type I IFN. Our findings demonstrate that AMs have cell-intrinsic dampened responses to LPS, which is enhanced by type I IFN exposure. These data implicate conditions where AMs may have reduced or enhanced sentinel responses to bacterial infections.HIGHLIGHTSAlveolar macrophages (AMs) do not produce TNF or IL-6 in response to low-dose LPS due to minimal surface expression of TLR4 and CD14Lack of AM IL-10 production is dependent on low c-Maf expressionExogenous c-Maf expression increases AM IL-10 productionIFNβ enhances AM TNF and IL-6 responses to low-dose LPS and this is dependent on a lack of IL-10
Machine learning assisted mid-infrared spectrochemical fibrillar collagen imaging in clinical tissues
Authors: Adi Wihan , Perez Bryan E. Rubio , Liu Yuming , Runkle Sydney , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Yesilkoy Filiz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSignificanceLabel-free multimodal imaging methods that can provide complementary structural and chemical information from the same sample are critical for comprehensive tissue analyses. These methods are specifically needed to study the complex tumor-microenvironment where fibrillar collagen’s architectural changes are associated with cancer progression. To address this need, we present a multimodal computational imaging method where mid-infrared spectral imaging (MIRSI) is employed with second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy to identify fibrillar collagen in biological tissues.AimTo demonstrate a multimodal approach where a morphology-specific contrast mechanism guides a mid-infrared spectral imaging method to detect fibrillar collagen based on its chemical signatures.ApproachWe trained a supervised machine learning (ML) model using SHG images as ground truth collagen labels to classify fibrillar collagen in biological tissues based on their mid-infrared hyperspectral images. Five human pancreatic tissue samples (sizes are in the order of millimeters) were imaged by both MIRSI and SHG microscopes. In total, 2.8 million MIRSI spectra were used to train a random forest (RF) model. The remaining 68 million spectra were used to validate the collagen images generated by the RF-MIRSI model in terms of collagen segmentation, orientation, and alignment.ResultsCompared to the SHG ground truth, the generated MIRSI collagen images achieved a high average boundary F-score (0.8 at 4 pixels threshold) in the collagen distribution, high correlation (Pearson’s R 0.82) in the collagen orientation, and similarly high correlation (Pearson’s R 0.66) in the collagen alignment.ConclusionsWe showed the potential of ML-aided label-free mid-infrared hyperspectral imaging for collagen fiber and tumor microenvironment analysis in tumor pathology samples.
Number of Trials and E-Field Orientation during Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation May Impact Modulation of Motor-Evoked Potentials
Authors: Preis Silas , Kim Su Hwan , Schandelmaier Paul , Zimmer Claus , Meyer Bernhard , Krieg Sandro M. , Sollmann Nico , Schramm Severin 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionNoninvasive neuromodulation (NM) via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is increasingly applied to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, NM effects are highly variable between subjects. E-field orientation (EFO) during NM protocols may heavily contribute to this variability. Investigating the influence of EFO during NM could lead to improved therapeutic protocols by enabling more tailored approaches for patient-specific NM. In the present study, we aimed to examine the influence of varying EFO during continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) on the modulation of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs).Methods20 healthy volunteers (8 F; mean age 25.7±2.7 years) took part in this prospective, single blind sham-controlled crossover study consisting of three neuronavigated TMS sessions. The sessions differed only in EFO during cTBS (parallel to optimal EFO for MEP generation [OPT], 90° rotated from OPT [90], 45° rotated from OPT with 7.3 cm spacer [SHAM]). Electromyography was recorded from abductor pollicis brevis, first dorsal interosseous, and adductor digiti minimi muscles during stimulation of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) motor hotspot. 4 blocks (PRE, POST1, POST2, POST3) with 30 MEPs each were elicited from the motor hotspot. Between the PRE and POST1 block, 40 s of cTBS were performed using one of the three EFO paradigms. Individual POST blocks were separated by a 2 min interval. MEPs were analyzed with linear mixed effects modeling augmented by bootstrapping.ResultsA total of 19,830 MEPs were analyzed. Progression through the trial blocks led to heightened MEP amplitudes (e.g., POST3 vs. PRE; log-estimate 0.244, t = 21.43), and later trials were significantly associated with higher MEP amplitudes (spearman’s rho 0.981; p < 0.001). Additionally, on the group level, a significant albeit slight influence of EFO on MEP amplitudes with the 90 paradigm leading to facilitation, and SHAM paradigm leading to suppression of MEP amplitudes was observed when compared to the OPT paradigm (log-estimate 90: 0.135, t = 13.604; log-estimate SHAM: −0.043, t = −4.283). On the subject level, we observed strong heterogeneity between individuals regarding their response to cTBS using varying EFO.DiscussionWe observed that MEP amplitudes following cTBS differed significantly based on EFO during NM. This implies that for a given desired NM result, individual EFO optimization may act as an avenue to maximize the NM effect. Therapeutic NM applications might consider EFO as a parameter of interest to be investigated in clinical studies. Additionally, prolonged single-pulse stimulation appeared to possess a NM quality of its own, which should be considered in TMS studies employing single-pulse protocols.
“Even things they won’t share with their sisters-in-law”– Assessing an integrated Community Health Worker intervention on person-centered postpartum contraception in rural Nepal
Authors: Choudhury Nandini , Wu Wan-Ju , Khatri Rekha , Tiwari Aparna , Thapa Aradhana , Adhikari Samrachna , Basnett Indira , Bhandari Ved , Bhatta Aasha , Bogati Bhawana , Bhatt Laxman Datt , Citrin David , Halliday Scott , Khadka Sonu , Ksetri Yashoda Kumari Bhat , Kunwar Lal Bahadur , Magar Kshitiz Rana , Marasini Nutan , Maru Duncan , Nirola Isha , Paudel Rashmi , Rai Bala , Schwarz Ryan , Saud Sita , Sharma Dikshya , Shrestha Goma Niroula , Shrestha Ramesh , Thapa Poshan , Rayamazi Hari Jung , Maru Sheela , Sapkota Sabitri 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPostpartum contraceptive counseling and access are challenging in Nepal’s remote, hilly areas, driving a disproportionately higher unmet need for contraception. Community health workers (CHWs) play an important role in delivering healthcare in difficult to reach places in Nepal, but there is limited evidence on the ideal CHW model and its impact over time. We implemented a pilot program in two rural districts in Nepal where full-time, salaried, and supervised CHWs delivered a bundled reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) intervention. This included a person-centered contraceptive counseling component adapted from the Balanced Counseling Strategy. Applying a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study approach, we conducted a non-randomized pre-post study with repeated measurements and nested qualitative data collection to assess the intervention’s reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. This paper describes the postpartum contraceptive outcomes associated with the integrated RMNCH intervention over a five-year period. Compared to the pre-intervention period, we observed a higher ward-level post-intervention postpartum contraceptive prevalence stratified by early postpartum (RR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.96, 2.48) and late postpartum (RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.50, 1.93) periods, after adjusting for district and intervention site. Although we observed high rates of lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) in most intervention sites, the proportion of women who switched from LAM to another effective method was relatively low. Qualitative data indicate that CHWs’ longitudinal engagement enabled them to build trust with participants in their community, which likely contributed to their uptake of modern contraceptive methods. Barriers to modern contraceptive use included fear of side effects, limited autonomy for women, peer influence, and contraceptive unavailability. Implementation barriers included distance, challenging physical terrain, and increased travel times during the rainy season. This study contributes to the implementation research literature on community-based interventions to improve postpartum contraception use and may inform other CHW programs in similar contexts.
The importance of small island populations for the long-term survival of endangered large-bodied insular mammals
Authors: Aninta Sabhrina Gita , Drinkwater Rosie , Carmagnini Alberto , Deere Nicolas J. , Priyono Dwi Sendi , Andayani Noviar , Winarni Nurul L. , Supriatna Jatna , Fumagalli Matteo , Larson Greger , Galbusera Peter H.A. , Macdonald Alastair , Greer Deborah , Mohamad Kusdiantoro , Prasetyaningtyas Wahono Esthi , Mustari Abdul Haris , Williams John Lewis , Barnett Ross , Semiadi Gono , Burton James , Seaman David , Voigt Maria , Struebig Matthew , Brace Selina , Rossiter Stephen , Frantz Laurent 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIsland populations of large vertebrates have experienced higher extinction rates than mainland populations over long timescales due to demographic stochasticity, genetic drift and inbreeding. Conversely, small island populations often experience relatively less anthropogenic habitat degradation than populations on larger islands, making them potential targets for conservation interventions such as genetic rescue to improve their overall genetic diversity. Here we determine the consequences and conservation implications of long-term isolation and recent human activities on genetic diversity of island populations of two forest-dependent mammals endemic to the Wallacea archipelago: the anoa (Bubalusspp.) and babirusa (Babyrousaspp.). Using genomic analyses and habitat suitability models, we show that, compared to closely related species, populations on mainland Sulawesi exhibit low heterozygosity, high inbreeding, and a high proportion of deleterious alleles. In contrast, populations on smaller islands possess fewer deleterious mutations despite exhibiting lower heterozygosity and higher inbreeding. Site frequency spectra indicate that these patterns reflect stronger, long-term purging in smaller island populations. Our results thus suggest that conservation efforts should focus on protecting small island habitats and avoiding translocations from mainland populations. This study highlights the crucial role of small offshore islands for the long-term survival of Wallacea’s iconic and indigenous mammals in the face of development on the mainland.Significance statementWithin tropical archipelagos, such as the Wallacea biodiversity hotspot, larger islands experience greater resource exploitation compared to smaller ones, highlighting the potential of smaller islands as refuges for conservation. To investigate the genetic health of populations on small islands, we used genomic, occurrence, and environmental data from a system of replicated populations of anoa and babirusa across islands of varying sizes. In contrast to larger islands like Sulawesi, our results demonstrate that smaller offshore islands not only provide higher-quality habitats but also support populations that have efficiently purged harmful mutations. Thus, despite their known vulnerability over geological time-frames, small island populations can provide long term insurance against human-driven extinction and conservation efforts should prioritise habitat management over translocations.