bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of intraarticular liposomal amphotericin B in goats (Capra aegagrus hircus)
Authors: Smith Joe S. , Malla Grace D. , Garcia Jessica D. , Gebert Jessica E. , Noll Charlene V. , Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Knych Heather K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLameness is a significant welfare concern in goats. Amphotericin B is used via intraarticular (IA) administration in models to study experimentally induced lameness in large animals. The main objective of this study was to estimate plasma pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for amphotericin B in goats after a single IA administration. Liposomal amphotericin B was administered to ten Kiko‐cross goats at a dose of 10 mg total (range: 0.34–0.51 mg/kg) via IA administration into the right hind lateral distal interphalangeal joint. Plasma samples were collected over 96 h. Amphotericin B concentrations were measured via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). A non‐compartmental analysis was used to derive PK parameters. Following single IA administration, maximum plasma concentration was estimated at 54.6 ± 16.5 ng/mL, and time to maximum concentration ranged from 6 to 12 h. Elimination half‐life was estimated at 30.9 ± 16.5 h, and mean residence time was 45.1 ± 10.4 h. The volume of distribution after IA administration was 13.3 ± 9.4 L/kg. The area under the curve was 1481 ± 761 h*ng/mL. The achieved maximum concentration was less than the observed concentrations for other species and routes of administration. Further research is needed into the pharmacodynamics of IA liposomal amphotericin B in goats to determine specific research strategies.
Liver stiffness predicts progression to liver‐related events in patients with chronic liver disease – A cohort study of 14 414 patients
Authors: Hegmar Hannes , Wester Axel , Aleman Soo , Backman Jens , Degerman Erik , Ekvall Håkan , Lund Katarina , Lundgren Åsa , Nasr Patrik , Shahnavaz Afshin , Vessby Johan , Westin Johan , Önnerhag Kristina , Hagström Hannes 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsLiver stiffness measurement (LSM) by vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is a non‐invasive diagnostic biomarker of liver fibrosis. It is uncertain if LSM can predict risk for future liver‐related outcomes in large, heterogenous populations.MethodsThis Swedish multi‐centre cohort study included patients (n = 14 414) from 16 sites who underwent LSM by VCTE between 2008 and 2020. Outcomes were ascertained from national registers. We investigated progression to cirrhosis with portal hypertension or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), separately. Cox regression was used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs). Harrel's C‐index was used to measure discrimination of VCTE.ResultsIncluded patients had a median age of 46 (interquartile range 34–57), median LSM of 5.9 kPa (4.6–8.0), 59% were male, and the majority had hepatitis C (50.1%). During a median follow‐up of 5.9 (4.3–8.0) years, 402 patients (2.7%) developed cirrhosis with portal hypertension. In patients with an LSM ≥25 kPa, 28.7% developed cirrhosis with portal hypertension within 5 years of follow‐up, while only .6% of patients with an LSM <10 kPa did. This translated to a HR of 48.3 (95% confidence interval = 37.6–62.0). VCTE had a high discriminative ability, with C‐indices above .80 for most liver diseases, including .82 for MASLD. Similar findings were seen for incident HCC.ConclusionsIncreased LSM by VCTE was associated with an increased risk of progression to both cirrhosis with portal hypertension, and to HCC, and had a high discriminative ability across different aetiologies of chronic liver diseases. These results support the use of VCTE to guide follow‐up and treatment decisions.
Signals of selection and ancestry in independently feral Gallus gallus populations
Authors: Gering E. , Johnsson M. , Theunissen D. , Martin Cerezo M. L. , Steep A. , Getty T. , Henriksen R. , Wright D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecent work indicates that feralisation is not a simple reversal of domestication, and therefore raises questions about the predictability of evolution across replicated feral populations. In the present study we compare genes and traits of two independently established feral populations of chickens (Gallus gallus) that inhabit archipelagos within the Pacific and Atlantic regions to test for evolutionary parallelism and/or divergence. We find that feral populations from each region are genetically closer to one another than other domestic breeds, despite their geographical isolation and divergent colonisation histories. Next, we used genome scans to identify genomic regions selected during feralisation (selective sweeps) in two independently feral populations from Bermuda and Hawaii. Three selective sweep regions (each identified by multiple detection methods) were shared between feral populations, and this overlap is inconsistent with a null model in which selection targets are randomly distributed throughout the genome. In the case of the Bermudian population, many of the genes present within the selective sweeps were either not annotated or of unknown function. Of the nine genes that were identifiable, five were related to behaviour, with the remaining genes involved in bone metabolism, eye development and the immune system. Our findings suggest that a subset of feralisation loci (i.e. genomic targets of recent selection in feral populations) are shared across independently established populations, raising the possibility that feralisation involves some degree of parallelism or convergence and the potential for a shared feralisation ‘syndrome’.
The prevalence of copy number increase at multiallelic copy number variants associated with cave colonization
Authors: Pokrovac Ivan , Rohner Nicolas , Pezer Željka 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCopy number variation is a common contributor to phenotypic diversity, yet its involvement in ecological adaptation is not easily discerned. Instances of parallelly evolving populations of the same species in a similar environment marked by strong selective pressures present opportunities to study the role of copy number variants (CNVs) in adaptation. By identifying CNVs that repeatedly occur in multiple populations of the derived ecotype and are not (or are rarely) present in the populations of the ancestral ecotype, the association of such CNVs with adaptation to the novel environment can be inferred. We used this paradigm to identify CNVs associated with recurrent adaptation of the Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) to cave environment. Using a read‐depth approach, we detected CNVs from previously re‐sequenced genomes of 44 individuals belonging to two ancestral surfaces and three derived cave populations. We identified 102 genes and 292 genomic regions that repeatedly diverge in copy number between the two ecotypes and occupy 0.8% of the reference genome. Functional analysis revealed their association with processes previously recognized to be relevant for adaptation, such as vision, immunity, oxygen consumption, metabolism, and neural function and we propose that these variants have been selected for in the cave or surface waters. The majority of the ecotype‐divergent CNVs are multiallelic and display copy number increases in cavefish compared to surface fish. Our findings suggest that multiallelic CNVs – including gene duplications – and divergence in copy number provide a fast route to produce novel phenotypes associated with adaptation to subterranean life.
Exploring self‐care practices and health beliefs among men in the context of emerging infectious diseases: Lessons from the Mpox pandemic in Brazil
Authors: da Silva Bulcão Carolina , Prates Pedro E. G. , Pedrosa Iago M. B. , de Santana Santos Guilherme R. , de Oliveira Layze B. , de Souza Joaquim Jhonata , de Almeida Lilian C. G. , Ribeiro Caíque J. N. , dos Santos Silva Glauber W. , Machuca‐Contreras Felipe A. , de Sousa Anderson R. , Mendes Isabel A. C. , de Sousa Álvaro F. L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOur goal was to explore self‐care practices among men who have sex with men in the context of Mpox in Brazil. This study used qualitative research methods, including interviews and thematic analysis, to collect and analyze data from male participants across the Brazilian territory. The narratives unveil men's perspectives on self‐care, risk reduction, and health beliefs during the Mpox pandemic. Our findings highlight a multifaceted approach to self‐care among men, encompassing hygiene, physical contact management, mask usage, skin lesion vigilance, and adherence to official guidelines. Men's attitudes toward sexual behaviors emphasize the importance of reducing sexual partners, practicing safe sex, and combating misinformation through accurate information dissemination. The development of these behaviors and self‐care practices can be facilitated by nurses guided by Dorothea Orem's Self‐Care Theory, supported by patient‐centered care, with strategies to address and confront the stigma associated with the disease and provide emotional support. Thus, the study underscores the pivotal role of self‐care in mitigating infection risks, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases. It acknowledges the impact of socio‐cultural factors and healthcare policies on men's preventive measures. However, it also recognizes limitations, such as potential bias due to stigma concerns and a nonrepresentative sample. Ultimately, the research advocates for tailored education, promotion of gender equity, and healthcare empowerment to effectively manage health risks in such contexts.
Microbial terroir: associations between soil microbiomes and the flavor chemistry of mustard (Brassica juncea)
Authors: Walsh Corinne , Vanderburgh Caihong , Grant Lady , Katz Ella , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Fierer Noah 
Published: March 2024

Summary

Here, we characterized the independent role of soil microbiomes (bacterial and fungal communities) in determining the flavor chemistry of harvested mustard seed (Brassica juncea). Given the known impacts of soil microbial communities on various plant characteristics, we hypothesized that differences in rhizosphere microbiomes would result in differences in seed flavor chemistry (glucosinolate content).

In a glasshouse study, we introduced distinct soil microbial communities to mustard plants growing in an otherwise consistent environment. At the end of the plant life cycle, we characterized the rhizosphere and root microbiomes and harvested produced mustard seeds for chemical characterization. Specifically, we measured the concentrations of glucosinolates, secondary metabolites known to create spicy and bitter flavors. We examined associations between rhizosphere microbial taxa or genes and seed flavor chemistry.

We identified links between the rhizosphere microbial community composition and the concentration of the main glucosinolate, allyl, in seeds. We further identified specific rhizosphere taxa predictive of seed allyl concentration and identified bacterial functional genes, namely genes for sulfur metabolism, which could partly explain the observed associations.

Together, this work offers insight into the potential influence of the belowground microbiome on the flavor of harvested crops.
Homeopathic Ankle Dislocation for Treatment of Unstable Trimalleolar Fractures Involving Posterior Die‐Punch Fragment: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Liang , Qin Shiji , Pan Zhenhua , Sun Lie , Xing Wenzhao 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesUnstable trimalleolar fractures are relatively complex and more difficult to manage if die‐punch fracture is present. We aimed to evaluate the curative effect of homeopathic ankle dislocation on the unstable trimalleolar fractures involving posterior die‐punch fragments.MethodsA total of 124 patients diagnosed with unstable trimalleolar fractures combined with post‐die punch fragment between June 2008 and June 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients who received homeopathic ankle dislocation were named as the experimental group, and patients who accepted conventional treatment were control group. The fracture healing time, wound healing, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle‐hindfoot scale (AOFAS), visual analogue scale (VAS), the Kellgren–Lawrence arthritis grading scale (KLAGS) and short‐form 36 score (SF‐36) scores were collected. Student t‐test was used for fracture healing time. Wound healing and SF‐36 were compared using the Mann–Whitney test. Repeated measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for AOFAS and VAS. χ2‐test was used for KLAGS.ResultsAOFAS showed statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.001). In non‐weight‐bearing and weight‐bearing conditions, VAS scores were significant different between the two groups, and there was an interaction between group and time point (p < 0.001). The experimental group was superior to the control group in terms of physical function (p = 0.022), role‐physical (p = 0.018), general health (p = 0.001) and social function (p = 0.042).The operation time of experimental group was shorter than that of control group (p < 0.001).ConclusionHomeopathic ankle dislocation is used for the unstable trimalleolar fractures involving posterior die‐punch fragment, which can provide better functional outcomes while shortening the operation time and recovery period.
The Negative Impacts of Sarcopenia on Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty under the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol
Authors: Zhou Shengliang , Li Lan , Li Shuai , Si Haibo , Wu Limin , Shen Bin 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveSarcopenia, as an emerging public health concern, has been associated with postoperative adverse outcomes in various surgical procedures. However, the evidence regarding the impacts of sarcopenia on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remained limited. This study aimed to assess the impacts of sarcopenia on primary TKA based on the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol.MethodsThis retrospective study included 291 patients who received unilateral TKA from October 2017 to May 2018 in our institution. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the algorithm of Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. The handgrip strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer and the muscle mass was estimated by a previously validated anthropometric equation. Patients were classified into sarcopenia group and non‐sarcopenia group. The outcomes included complications, postoperative length of stay (LOS), total hospitalization cost, operative time, total estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rate, and the 12‐item forgotten joint score (FJS‐12) at the follow‐up. The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust confounding factors. We compared continuous variables using Student's t‐test and the Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney U test for normal and non‐normal distributions, respectively, and categorical variables with chi‐square tests.ResultsOf the 291 patients, 58 (19.9%) patients were identified as having sarcopenia. After PSM, each group matched 42 patients. All matched patients were followed‐up at least 5 years. Patients with sarcopenia had higher rates of surgical complications compared to the non‐sarcopenia group (p = 0.019), and no significant difference was observed in 30‐day readmission, and periprosthetic joint infection. The sarcopenia group had significantly longer LOS (p = 0.038), higher total hospitalization (p = 0.015) than the non‐sarcopenia group. For the FJS‐12 scores at follow‐up, patients with sarcopenia had significantly higher scores than the non‐sarcopenia group (p = 0.024).ConclusionOur findings indicated sarcopenia may be a risk factor for postoperative complications, prolonged LOS, increased hospitalization cost and reduced patient satisfaction.
Prevention of esophageal lesions during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation using esophageal temperature monitoring: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Salihu Adil , Lu Henri , Maurizi Niccolo , Tzimas Georgios , Herrera Siklody Claudia , Le Bloa Mathieu , Domenichini Giulia , Teres Cheryl , Hugelshofer Sarah , Monney Pierre , Pruvot Etienne , Muller Olivier , Antiochos Panagiotis , Pascale Patrizio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe use of esophageal temperature monitoring (ETM) for the prevention of esophageal injury during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is often advocated. However, evidence supporting its use is scarce and controversial. We therefore aimed to review the evidence assessing the efficacy of ETM for the prevention of esophageal injury.MethodsWe performed a meta‐analysis and systematic review of the available literature from inception to December 31, 2022. All studies comparing the use of ETM, versus no ETM, during radiofrequency (RF) AF ablation and which reported the incidence of endoscopically detected esophageal lesions (EDELs) were included.ResultsEleven studies with a total of 1112 patients undergoing RF AF ablation were identified. Of those patients, 627 were assigned to ETM (56%). The overall incidence of EDELs was 9.8%. The use of ETM during AF ablation was associated with a non significant increase in the incidence of EDELs (12.3% with ETM, vs. 6.6 % without ETM, odds ratio, 1.44, 95%CI, 0.49, 4.22, p = .51, I2 = 72%). The use of ETM was associated with a significant increase in the energy delivered specifically on the posterior wall compared to patients without ETM (mean power difference: 5.13 Watts, 95% CI, 1.52, 8.74, p = .005).ConclusionsThe use of ETM does not reduce the incidence of EDELs during RF AF ablation. The higher energy delivered on the posterior wall is likely attributable to a false sense of safety that may explain the lack of benefit of ETM. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to provide conclusive results.
Is asthma in children still increasing? 20‐year prevalence trends in northern Sweden
Authors: Hedman Linnea , Andersson Martin , Bjerg Anders , Backman Helena , Af Klinteberg Maja , Winberg Anna , Rönmark Eva 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn the present study, we describe prevalence trends of asthma and investigate the association with asthma symptoms, use of asthma medication, and asthma severity among 8‐year‐old children in Norrbotten, Sweden in 1996, 2006, and 2017.MethodsWithin the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies, three pediatric cohorts were recruited in 1996, 2006, and 2017 respectively. Identical methods were used; all children in first and second grade (median age 8 years) in three municipalities were invited to a parental questionnaire survey, completed by n = 3430 in 1996 (97% participation), n = 2585 in 2006 (96%), and n = 2785 in 2017 (91%). The questionnaire included questions about respiratory symptoms and diagnosis, treatment, and severity of asthma.ResultsThe prevalence of wheezing was stable during the study, 10.1% in 1996; 10.8% in 2006; and 10.3% in 2017, p = .621, while physician‐diagnosed asthma increased: 5.7%, 7.4%, and 12.2%, p < .001. The use of asthma medication in the last 12 months increased: 7.1%, 8.7%, and 11.5%, p < .001. Among children diagnosed with asthma, the prevalence of asthma symptoms, the impact on daily life, and severe asthma decreased, while the use of inhaled corticosteroids increased from 1996 until 2017.ConclusionThe prevalence of wheezing was stable among 8‐year‐old in this area from 1996 to 2017, while the prevalence of physician‐diagnosed asthma doubled but without an increase in asthma morbidity. The increase of physician‐diagnosed asthma without a coincident increase in asthma morbidity can partly be explained by more and earlier diagnosis among those with mild asthma.
Evaluation of the implementation of a “Pediatric Feasibility Assessment for Transplantation” tool in children and adolescents at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Adetunji Adewale E. , Gajjar Priya , Luyckx Valerie A. , Reddy Deveshni , Collison Nicolette , Abdo Theresa , Pienaar Taryn , Nourse Peter , Coetzee Ashton , Morrow Brenda , McCulloch Mignon I. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundKidney transplantation remains the treatment of choice for children with kidney failure (KF). In South Africa, kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is restricted to children eligible for transplantation. This study reports on the implementation of the Paediatric Feasibility Assessment for Transplantation (pFAT) tool, a psychosocial risk score developed in South Africa to support transparent transplant eligibility assessment in a low‐resource setting.MethodsSingle‐center retrospective descriptive analysis of children assessed for KRT using pFAT tool from 2015 to 2021.ResultsUsing the pFAT form, 88 children (median [range] age 12.0 [1.1 to 19.0] years) were assessed for KRT. Thirty (34.1%) children were not listed for KRT, scoring poorly in all domains, and were referred for supportive palliative care. Fourteen of these 30 children (46.7%) died, with a median survival of 6 months without dialysis. Nine children were reassessed and two were subsequently listed. Residing >300 km from the hospital (p = .009) and having adherence concerns (p = .003) were independently associated with nonlisting. Of the 58 (65.9%) children listed for KRT, 40 (69.0%) were transplanted. One‐year patient and graft survival were 97.2% and 88.6%, respectively. Only one of the four grafts lost at 1‐year posttransplant was attributed to psychosocial issues.ConclusionsShort‐term outcomes among children listed using the pFAT form are good. Among those nonlisted, the pFAT highlights specific psychosocial/socioeconomic barriers, over which most children themselves have no power to change, which should be systemically addressed to permit eligibility of more children and save lives.
Post‐traumatic growth among pediatric transplant recipients and their caregivers: A scoping review
Authors: Murphy Mikela A. , Annunziato Rachel A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPediatric transplantation can be a stressful process for patients and caregivers. Some individuals may experience post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and post‐traumatic growth (PTG) as a result. Although post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been well‐studied in this population, the purpose of the present scoping review is to provide a first synthesis of the existing literature on PTG in pediatric transplant populations.MethodsWe conducted a literature search of PsycINFO and Scopus in May 2023. Eligible articles must have included a sample of solid organ transplant (SOT) or stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients under age 18, siblings of recipients, or caregivers; and must have examined PTG.ResultsTwenty‐three studies were identified, and nine studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review (n = 5 cross sectional; n = 4 qualitative). Cross‐sectional studies examined demographic, mental health, and medical correlates of PTG in children and caregivers. PTG was correlated with PTSS among caregivers. Qualitative studies identified themes along each of the five factors of PTG.ConclusionFindings overwhelmingly focused on caregiver PTG. Qualitative study findings align with the theoretical model of PTG. Additional research is needed to investigate PTG in siblings of children with a transplant and associations between PTG and medication adherence. This scoping review provides insight into positive change processes following a transplant among children and their caregivers.