bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography technologies to measure key structural features of polymeric biomedical implants from bench to bedside
Authors: Pawelec Kendell M. , Schoborg Todd A. , Shapiro Erik M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractImplanted polymeric devices, designed to encourage tissue regeneration, require porosity. However, characterizing porosity, which affects many functional device properties, is non‐trivial. Computed tomography (CT) is a quick, versatile, and non‐destructive way to gain 3D structural information, yet various CT technologies, such as benchtop, preclinical and clinical systems, all have different capabilities. As system capabilities determine the structural information that can be obtained, seamless monitoring of key device features through all stages of clinical translation must be engineered intentionally. Therefore, in this study we tested feasibility of obtaining structural information in pre‐clinical systems and high‐resolution micro‐CT (μCT) under physiological conditions. To overcome the low CT contrast of polymers in hydrated environments, radiopaque nanoparticle contrast agent was incorporated into porous devices. The size of resolved features in porous structures is highly dependent on the resolution (voxel size) of the scan. As the voxel size of the CT scan increased (lower resolution) from 5 to 50 μm, the measured pore size was overestimated, and percentage porosity was underestimated by nearly 50%. With the homogeneous introduction of nanoparticles, changes to device structure could be quantified in the hydrated state, including at high‐resolution. Biopolymers had significant structural changes post‐hydration, including a mean increase of 130% in pore wall thickness that could potentially impact biological response. By incorporating imaging capabilities into polymeric devices, CT can be a facile way to monitor devices from initial design stages through to clinical translation.
Multi‐organ clinical ultrasound as a complement to the diagnostic process in an internal medicine consultation
Authors: González‐Muñoz Borja , Oñoro‐López Carlos , Díez‐Vidal Alejandro , Sorriguieta‐Torre Raquel , Quesada‐Simón María Angustias , Martínez‐Prieto Mónica , Marín‐Baselga Raquel , Moreno‐Fernández Alberto , Hontañón‐Antoñana Victor , Tung‐Chen Yale 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionEvaluating outpatient cases in internal medicine consultations presents a significant diagnostic challenge. Ultrasound can be a highly useful tool in assessment and decision‐making.Patients and MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of patients attending an internal medicine rapid assessment clinic. Eighty patients were prospectively recruited. A medical consultation was conducted as per usual clinical practice, followed by a POCUS evaluation; collecting pulmonary, cardiac, and abdominal data. All findings were analyzed and recorded, particularly those that were significant or altered the initial diagnosis, subsequent tests, or treatment.ResultsSignificant ultrasound findings were found in 37.5% of the patients. Of all ultrasound scans, the most clinically relevant were in the heart region (31.9%), followed by the abdomen (26%). These findings led to a change in overall management in 27.5% of patients. Using logistic regression, a model was developed to estimate the presence of clinically relevant findings with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 (95% CI 0.66–0.89; p < 0.001) with 80% Sensitivity and 66% Specificity.ConclusionThe systematic and standardized incorporation of clinical ultrasound in internal medicine consultations contributes to decision‐making, can provide significant findings that allow for modifications in clinical suspicion and therapeutic management.
Sharp threshold for embedding balanced spanning trees in random geometric graphs
Authors: Espuny Díaz Alberto , Lichev Lyuben , Mitsche Dieter , Wesolek Alexandra 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA rooted tree is balanced if the degree of a vertex depends only on its distance to the root. In this paper we determine the sharp threshold for the appearance of a large family of balanced spanning trees in the random geometric graph . In particular, we find the sharp threshold for balanced binary trees. More generally, we show that all sequences of balanced trees with uniformly bounded degrees and height tending to infinity appear above a sharp threshold, and none of these appears below the same value. Our results hold more generally for geometric graphs satisfying a mild condition on the distribution of their vertex set, and we provide a polynomial time algorithm to find such trees.
Glycoproteomics: Charting new territory in mass spectrometry and glycobiology
Authors: Malaker Stacy A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGlycosylation is an incredibly common and diverse post‐translational modification that contributes widely to cellular health and disease. Mass spectrometry is the premier technique to study glycoproteins; however, glycoproteomics has lagged behind traditional proteomics due to the challenges associated with studying glycosylation. For instance, glycans dissociate by collision‐based fragmentation, thus necessitating electron‐based fragmentation for site‐localization. The vast glycan heterogeneity leads to lower overall abundance of each glycopeptide, and often, ion suppression is observed. One of the biggest issues facing glycoproteomics is the lack of reliable software for analysis, which necessitates manual validation and serves as a massive bottleneck in data processing. Here, I will discuss each of these challenges and some ways in which the field is attempting to address them, along with perspectives on how I believe we should move forward.
Molecular epidemiology of human herpesvirus 8 in patients with HHV‐8‐related diseases in Ireland
Authors: O'Rourke Sadhbh , Laoi Bairbre Ni , Clarke Susan , Crowley Brendan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHuman Herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) has been classified by sequence analysis of open reading frame (ORF) K1, ORF K15, and variable sequence loci within the central constant region. The purpose of this study was to examine the molecular epidemiology of HHV‐8 in an Irish population. This retrospective study included 30 patients who had HHV‐8 DNA detected in plasma. Nested end‐point PCR was used to characterise four regions of the HHV‐8 genome, K1, T0.7 (K12), ORF 75, and K15. Sequencing data were obtained for 23 specimens from 19 patients. Phylogenetic analysis of ORF K1 demonstrated that subtypes A, B, C and F were present in 37%, 11%, 47% and 5%, respectively. For T0.7 and ORF 75, sequencing data were obtained for 12 patients. For T0.7, subtypes A/C, J, B, R and Q were present in 58%, 17%, 8%, 8%, and 8%, respectively. For ORF 75, subtypes A, B, C and D were present in 58%, 8%, 25%, and 8%, respectively. K15 sequences were determined for 13 patients. 69% had the P allele and 31% had the M allele. The data generated by this study demonstrate that a broad variety of HHV‐8 subtypes are represented in patients exhibiting HHV‐8‐related disease in Ireland, a low prevalence country. The predominance of C and A K1 subtypes was as expected for a Western European population. The 31% prevalence for K15 subtype M was higher than expected for a Western European population. This may represent the changing and evolving epidemiology in Ireland due to altered migration patterns.
Exploring viral infections' role in Kawasaki disease onset: A study during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ishii Taku , Nawa Nobutoshi , Hosokawa Susumu , Morio Tomohiro , Fujiwara Takeo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, known viral diseases declined in all ages. By using the current situation as a natural experiment, this study aimed to evaluate whether the change in the incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) during the COVID‐19 pandemic varies with age and whether a specific infectious disease mediates the occurrence of KD. Monthly number of KD patients were extracted from the nationwide inpatient database. Segmented regression analysis was conducted on the interrupted time series data. Additionally, causal mediation analysis was performed to examine the role of viral infections in the changes in the number of KD patients. After the first emergency declaration for COVID‐19 in Japan, there was an immediate decrease in the number of KD patients per 100 000 population aged between 6 months and 4 years (immediate change = −2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.16 to −0.16) and aged 5–15 years (immediate change = −0.26; 95% CI: −0.49 to −0.04). However, no immediate change was observed in patients under 6 months of age. In the causal mediation analysis for each viral infection, it was found that the decrease in the number of patients with KD was mediated by changes in the number of patients with pharyngoconjunctival fever and infectious gastroenteritis. The current results suggest that viral infections may be one of the etiological agents for KD, while they may not be the main cause in early infancy. Specifically, we found that adenovirus infection and gastroenteritis was closely related to the onset of KD in some areas of Japan.
Synovial fluid NMR‐based metabolomics in septic and aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty: Implications on diagnosis and treatment
Authors: de Paula Mozella Alan , Alexandre de Araujo Barros Cobra Hugo , Monteiro da Palma Idemar , Salim Rodrigo , Antonio Matheus Guimarães João , Costa Gilson , Carolina Leal Ana 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPeriprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most challenging complications following total knee arthroplasty. Despite its importance, there is a paucity of reports in the literature regarding its pathogenesis. Recently, cellular metabolic reprogramming has been shown to play an important role in the progression and outcome of infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolites composition of the synovial fluid from patients with PJI or aseptic failure of total knee arthroplasties. The synovial fluids from 21 patients scheduled for revision total knee arthroplasty (11 with the diagnosis of PJI and 10 with aseptic failures) were analyzed using 1D 1H NMR spectroscopy. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were used to identify metabolites that were differentially abundant between those groups. A total of 28 metabolites were identified and five of them found to be differentially abundant between infected and non‐infected synovial fluids. Lactate, acetate and 3‐hydroxybutyrate were found to be in a higher concentration, and glucose and creatine were found reduced in the synovial fluid from PJI patients. Synovial fluid from patients with PJI exhibit a distinct metabolic profile, possibly reflecting metabolic adaptation that occurs in the infected periprosthetic microenvironment. Further research and studies are warranted to gain a broader insight into the metabolic pathways engaged by both pathogen and immune cells in the context of a PJI.
Advancements in clinical approaches, analytical methods, and smart sampling for LC–MS‐based protein determination from dried matrix spots
Authors: Reubsaet Léon , Halvorsen Trine Grønhaug 
Published: May 2024

Determination of proteins from dried matrix spots using MS is an expanding research area. Mainly, the collected dried matrix sample is whole blood from a finger or heal prick, resulting in dried blood spots. However as other matrices such as plasma, serum, urine, and tear fluid also can be collected in this way, the term dried matrix spot is used as an overarching term. In this review, the focus is on advancements in the field made from 2017 up to 2023. In the first part reviews concerning the subject are discussed. After this, advancements made for clinical purposes are highlighted. Both targeted protein analyses, with and without the use of affinity extractions, as well as untargeted, global proteomic approaches are discussed.In the last part, both methodological advancements are being reviewed as well as the possibility to integrate sample preparation steps during the sample handling. The focus, of this so‐called smart sampling, is on the incorporation of cell separation, proteolysis, and antibody‐based affinity capture.
Simultaneous determination of six catechins and caffeine in tea and wine using salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection
Authors: Custodio‐Mendoza Jorge A. , Pokorski Patryk , Aktaş Havva , Carro Antonia M. , Kurek Marcin A. 
Published: May 2024

Catechins, renowned for their antioxidant properties and health benefits, are commonly present in beverages, particularly tea and wine. An efficient and cost‐effective salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of six catechins and caffeine in tea and wine samples using high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet (HPLC–UV). This method demonstrates outstanding performance: linearity (1–120 µg/mL, r2 > 0.999), accuracy (96.5%–103.4% recovery), and precision (≤14.7% relative standard deviation), meeting validation requirements set by the US Food and Drug Administration. The reduced sample size (0.1 g) minimizes matrix interferences and costs without compromising sensitivity. All analytes were detected in Camellia sinensis teas, with green tea displaying the highest total catechin content (47.5–100.1 mg/mL), followed by white and black teas. Analysis of wine samples reveals the presence of catechin in all red and white wines, and epigallocatechin gallate in all red wine samples, highlighting the impact of winemaking processes on catechin content. The SALLE–HPLC–UV approach represents a green alternative by eliminating organic waste, surpassing conventional dilution methods in specificity and sensitivity for catechin determination. AGREEprep assessment emphasizes the strengths of the SALLE procedure, including material reusability, throughput efficiency, minimal sample requirements, low energy consumption, and the absence of organic waste generation.
Medical Management of Headache and Facial Pain in CRS: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Heiland Luke D. , Marrero‐Gonzalez Alejandro R. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Farmer Hannah G. , Rathi Vinay K. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J. 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThis study aims to characterize the effect of medical therapy on headache and facial pain/pressure among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Data SourcesCINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus.MethodsCINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus were searched from inception through April 10th, 2024, for English language articles reporting headache or facial pain/pressure outcomes in CRS patients. Inclusion was restricted to studies reporting results of the medical treatment of CRS in nonsurgical cohorts. Primary outcome measures included the sino‐nasal outcome test (SNOT) and the visual analogue scale (VAS). Meta‐analyses of continuous measures (mean), mean difference (Δ), and proportions (%) were conducted.ResultsThe initial search yielded 2429 unique articles. After a full‐text review of 272 articles, 17 studies reporting outcomes for 2269 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. The mean patient age was 48.6 years (range 18.0–86.0; 95% CI: 46.5 to 50.6), among which 55.4% (95% CI: 51.5 to 59.4) were male and 82.9% (95% CI: 68.8 to 93.4) had nasal polyposis. SNOT facial pain/pressure scores improved by 1.1 points (95% CI: −1.7 to −0.5; relative reduction 40.4%) with non‐biologic therapies and 1.0 point (95% CI: −1.4 to −0.6; relative reduction 54.6%) with biologic therapies. On an 11‐point scale, VAS headaches scores improved by 1.8 units (95% CI: −3.3 to −0.3; 42.1% relative reduction) in CRSwNP patients and 1.0 unit (95% CI: −1.7 to −0.3; 54.0% relative reduction) in CRSsNP patients.ConclusionsOur findings suggest medical therapy significantly reduces facial pain and pressure in the CRS population. Laryngoscope, 134:4458–4465, 2024
Atypical Presentations of Huntington Disease‐like 2 in South African Individuals
Authors: Narotam‐Jeena Heena , Guttman Mark , van Hillegondsberg Ludo , van Coller Riaan , Krause Amanda , Carr Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundHuntington disease‐like 2 (HDL2) is a neurodegenerative disorder, affecting only individuals of African ancestry. Full penetrance occurs in individuals with 40 repeats or more.ObjectiveTo describe the phenotypic variability of HDL2 in a group of mixed ancestry individuals from South Africa.MethodsEight patients were assessed with analysis of repeat size and magnetic resonance brain imaging. We applied the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS), but in deceased patients (4), this was estimated from video material.ResultsCognitive domains were more severely affected than motor; UHDRS motor scores were notable for bradykinesia, and to a slightly lesser extent, for rigidity and dystonia; a single patient had marked chorea. Repeat lengths ranged from 45 to 63 (median, 52).ConclusionThis South African group of mixed ancestry HDL2 individuals presented with severe cognitive and behavioral impairments, with lesser degrees or absence of chorea. This presentation is possibly related to large repeat sizes.
Quantification of water exchange across the blood‐brain barrier using noncontrast MR fingerprinting
Authors: Thomson Emma L. , Powell Elizabeth , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Parker Geoff J. M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeA method is proposed to quantify cerebral blood volume () and intravascular water residence time () using MR fingerprinting (MRF), applied using a spoiled gradient echo sequence without the need for contrast agent.MethodsAn in silico study optimized an acquisition protocol to maximize the sensitivity of the measurement to and changes. Its accuracy in the presence of variations in , , and was evaluated. The optimized protocol (scan time of 19 min) was then tested in a exploratory healthy volunteer study (10 volunteers, mean age 24 3, six males) at 3 T with a repeat scan taken after repositioning to allow estimation of repeatability.ResultsSimulations show that assuming literature values for and , no variation in , while fitting only and , leads to large errors in quantification of and , regardless of noise levels. However, simulations also show that matching , , , and , simultaneously is feasible at clinically achievable noise levels. Across the healthy volunteers, all parameter quantifications fell within the expected literature range. In addition, the maps show good agreement between hemispheres suggesting physiologically relevant information is being extracted. Expected differences between white and gray matter (p < 0.0001) and (p < 0.0001) are observed, and show no significant differences, p = 0.4 and p = 0.6, respectively. Moderate to excellent repeatability was seen between repeat scans: mean intra‐class correlation coefficient of , , , and .ConclusionWe demonstrate that regional simultaneous quantification of , , , and using MRF is feasible in vivo.
Diffusion tensor brain imaging at 0.55T: A feasibility study
Authors: Kung Hao‐Ting , Cui Sophia X. , Kaplan Jonas T. , Joshi Anand A. , Leahy Richard M. , Nayak Krishna S. , Haldar Justin P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the feasibility of diffusion tensor brain imaging at 0.55T with comparisons against 3T.MethodsDiffusion tensor imaging data with 2 mm isotropic resolution was acquired on a cohort of five healthy subjects using both 0.55T and 3T scanners. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the 0.55T data was improved using a previous SNR‐enhancing joint reconstruction method that jointly reconstructs the entire set of diffusion weighted images from k‐space using shared‐edge constraints. Quantitative diffusion tensor parameters were estimated and compared across field strengths. We also performed a test–retest assessment of repeatability at each field strength.ResultsAfter applying SNR‐enhancing joint reconstruction, the diffusion tensor parameters obtained from 0.55T data were strongly correlated () with those obtained from 3T data. Test–retest analysis showed that SNR‐enhancing reconstruction improved the repeatability of the 0.55T diffusion tensor parameters.ConclusionHigh‐resolution in vivo diffusion MRI of the human brain is feasible at 0.55T when appropriate noise‐mitigation strategies are applied.
The perceptions of first point of contact roles in primary care by pre‐registration students of the allied health professions
Authors: Empson Emma , May Susan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimTo develop a better understanding of the perceptions of first point of contact roles within primary care by pre‐registration students of the Allied Health Professions (AHPs).BackgroundGeneral practice in the UK is under growing pressure from declining general practitioner (GP) numbers and increased service demand. The National Health Service (NHS) is attempting to mitigate this demand by making more effective use of its highly experienced workforce through the creation of first contact practitioners (FCPs). Working in primary care, FCPs are highly experienced AHPs with three or more years of relevant clinical experience.MethodsAn abductive qualitative research approach underpinned by a descriptive phenomenological methodology was adopted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the focus group transcripts.FindingsTwenty two final‐year pre‐registration AHP students participated in three focus groups. Two themes with sub‐themes were identified: (1) Understanding of the role—pathway to the role; role clarity; and sources of knowledge. (2) Impact on service—positives and challenges.ConclusionsThis study synthesised new findings from the previously unexplored FCP stakeholder of pre‐registration AHP students. Participants generally understood the FCP's purpose of unburdening GPs and perceived the FCP model to contribute to the solution of rising clinical and financial pressures within the NHS, and primary care specifically. However, there was confusion regarding the scope of practice of an FCP. It is vital that the future workforce understand this role through effective education.
Management of fetal head and neck masses: Evaluation of prenatal factors associated with airway obstruction and decision for definitive airway and ex‐utero intrapartum treatment at birth
Authors: Schmoke Nicholas , Nemeh Christopher , Wu Yeu Sanz , Wilken Terri , Wang Pengchen , Kurlansky Paul , Maddocks Alexis , Nhan‐Chang Chia‐Ling , Miller Russell , Simpson Lynn L. , Duron Vincent 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveFetal head and neck masses can result in critical airway obstruction. Our study aimed to evaluate prenatal factors associated with the decision for a definitive airway, including ex‐utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT), at birth among at‐risk fetuses.MethodsA single‐institution retrospective review evaluated all fetal head and neck masses prenatally diagnosed from 2005 to 2023. The primary outcome was the decision for a definitive airway at birth, including intubation, tracheostomy, or EXIT.ResultsThirty four patients were included, with 23 deliveries occurring at our institution. 8/23 (35%) patients received a definitive airway at birth, six underwent an EXIT procedure, and two required intubation only. Patients who received a definitive airway had higher rates of polyhydramnios (50% vs. 7%, p = 0.03), tracheal narrowing on ultrasound (US) (50% vs. 0%, p = 0.01), tracheal displacement on US (63% vs. 0%, p < 0.01), abnormal fetal breathing on US (50% vs. 0%, p = 0.01), tracheal narrowing or displacement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (75% vs. 7%, p < 0.01), and larger mass maximum diameter (7.9 vs. 4.3 cm, p = 0.02). In our series, 100% of patients with polyhydramnios, tracheal narrowing or displacement on either US or MRI, and abnormal fetal breathing on US received a definitive airway at birth.ConclusionPrenatal findings of tracheal narrowing or displacement, polyhydramnios, and abnormal fetal breathing are strongly associated with the decision for a definitive airway at birth and warrant mobilization of appropriate resources.