bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Multiplex RT-PCR for the Detection of Three Viruses and One Viroid Infecting Hemp
Authors: Grunwald Derrick J. , MacWilliams Jacob , Hackenberg Laine , Stroschein Sydney , Rioux Renee , Nachappa Punya , Ellison Shelby 
Published: March 2024

Hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) is an emerging industrial crop in the United States. In recent surveys of hemp growers, disease identification and management were determined to be significant priority areas for future research. From previous studies on disease identification in Western U.S. hemp production systems, hop latent viroid (HLVd), beet curly top virus (BCTV), Cannabis sativa mitovirus 1 (CasaMV1), and citrus yellow vein associated virus (CYVaV) were detected at high incidences. In the present study, a multiplex reverse transcription PCR protocol was developed to detect this viroid and viruses from hemp leaf samples simultaneously. Using the developed protocol, the multiplex reverse transcription PCR could detect each virus and viroid specifically in 10−1-diluted cDNA. The protocol was validated on 6 hemp metavirome leaf samples from field-grown hemp grown in 2019 and 23 uncharacterized leaf samples in 2021 from Colorado. Of the samples tested, 95% tested positive for CasaMV1 in 2021. This was greater than infections of BCTV (4%), HLVd (0%), and CYVaV (0%). Coinfections accounted for 4% of samples in 2021. This method offers sensitive, specific, and fast simultaneous detection of three viruses and one viroid from hemp, contributing to large-scale pathogen-free hemp certification schemes. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
First Phase Development of a Patient-reported Outcome Measure for Midface Oncology
Authors: Yung Amanda E. , Luong Jason , Crouch Gareth , Hong Angela M. , Ananda Arjuna , Taylor Simon , Kotronakis Ilias , Low Tsu-Hui (Hubert) , Elliott Michael S. , McBride Kate , Rutherford Claudia , Clark Jonathan R. , Ch’ng Sydney 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Facial cancer surgery involving the midface (comprising the lower eyelids, nose, cheeks, and upper lip) can have debilitating life-changing functional, social, and psychological impacts on the patient. Midface symptoms are inadequately captured by existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PROMs are increasingly used for individual patient care, quality improvement, and standardized reporting of treatment outcomes. This study aimed to present our findings from the first phase of the development of a midface, specifically periocular and nasal, PROM.

Methods:
After international guidance for PROM development, the first phase comprised identification of salient issues and item generation. Fifteen patients who had midface surgery and 10 clinicians from various specialties with more than 5 years’ experience treating these patients were recruited. Semi-structured interviews explored aesthetic, functional, social, and psychological outcomes, with specific attention to deficiencies in current PROMs. Thematic analysis was used to develop an item pool, and group interviews with clinicians were carried out to create and refine PROM scales.

Results:
Qualitative data from patient interviews were grouped into aesthetic, functional, and psychosocial domains for the eyelids and nose. Ninety-nine draft items were generated across these domains. Following focus group discussions, the final version of the midface-specific PROM contained 31 items (13 eye-specific, 10-nose-specific, eight general midface items).

Conclusions:
This midface-specific PROM is valuable in assessing and comparing patient-reported outcomes in those who have undergone complex resection and reconstruction of the midface. This PROM is currently undergoing field testing.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Firefighters
Authors: Kue Jennifer , Piñeiro Bárbara , Gutierrez Ana , Essa Miranda , Szalacha Laura , Moffatt Steven M. , Muegge Carolyn M. , Candito Dianna , Ashraf Noman , Menon Usha 
Published: March 2024

Objective
Firefighters are at increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet rates of CRC screening are low among this occupational group. This study examines perceived risks, barriers, and facilitators to CRC screening.

Methods
Three semistructured focus group discussions were conducted by investigators in Tucson, AZ. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes in the data.

Results
Three groups of firefighters (8 male (57%); 6 female (43%) mean age 50.4 (SD = 12.2) years) voluntarily participated in the CRC discussions. Four major themes were examined: (1) perceptions of risk for CRC, (2) barriers to cancer screening, (3) facilitators to getting cancer screening, and (4) misinformation about CRC and screening.

Conclusions
Findings indicate unique perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs among firefighters. Results from this study will inform the adaptation of a tailored CRC screening intervention for firefighters.
Intentional wedge resection versus segmentectomy for ≤2 cm ground-glass-opacity-dominant non-small cell lung cancer: a real-world study using inverse probability of treatment weighting
Authors: Liu Chengwu , Yang Zhenyu , Li Yiming , Guo Chenglin , Xia Liang , Zhang Weiheng , Xiao Congjia , Mei Jiandong , Liao Hu , Zhu Yunke , Lin Feng , Ma Lin , Pu Qiang , Liu Lunxu 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Whether wedge resection is oncological suitable for ground glass opacity (GGO)-dominant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ≤2 cm is still debatable. The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term and long-term outcomes of intentional wedge resection and segmentectomy for those patients.

Materials and Methods:
This was a real-world study from one of the largest thoracic surgery centers in West China. Patients who underwent intentional wedge resection or segmentectomy for ≤2 cm CTR (consolidation-to-tumor) ≤0.5 NSCLC were consecutively included between December 2009 and December 2018. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance baseline characteristics. Long-term outcomes, including overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS), were analyzed using Cox proportional model.

Results:
A total of 1209 patients were included (497 in the wedge resection group, 712 in the segmentectomy group). Compared to segmentectomy, wedge resection had a significantly lower rate of complications (3.8 vs. 7.7%, P=0.008), a shorter operating time (65 min vs. 114 min, P<0.001), and a shorter postoperative stay (3 days vs. 4 days, P<0.001). The median follow-up was 70.1 months. The multivariate Cox model indicated that wedge resection had survival outcomes that were similar to segmentectomy in terms of 5-year OS (98.8 vs. 99.6%, HR=1.98, 95% CI: 0.59–6.68, P=0.270), 5-year RFS (98.8 vs. 99.5%, HR=1.88, 95% CI: 0.56–6.31, P=0.307) and 5-year LCSS (99.9 vs. 99.6%, HR=1.76, 95% CI: 0.24–13.15, P=0.581).

Conclusion:
Intentional wedge resection is an appropriate choice for ≤2 cm GGO-dominant NSCLC.
A successful management of Candy Cane syndrome post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a rare case report
Authors: Ahmad Youssef , Sleman Qamar , Siddiqui Umer , Cuevas Sandra , Gill Gurkiran , Souleiman Fadi 
Published: March 2024

Introduction and importance:
Candy Cane syndrome (CCS) is a rare condition in which the proximal gastrojejunal attachment’s afferent blind limb is elongated. This can lead to different symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, with less commonly described reflux and regurgitation symptoms.

Case presentation:
A 38-year-old female presented with a chronic complaint of postprandial pain, discomfort, and reflux lasting for about 2 years after a previous Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Upper endoscopy was done and raised suspicion for CCS. The patient underwent an exploratory laparoscopy, which confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical resection of the afferent limb was done, and all symptoms were completely resolved at the postoperative follow-up.

Clinical discussion:
CCS is considered a rarely described complication that can occur after RYGB gastric bypass surgery. Diagnosing this condition includes performing upper gastrointestinal (GI) studies and endoscopy, which reveal a redundant afferent limb. Laparoscopy serves as a dual-purpose tool, confirming the diagnosis of CCS and providing a definitive curative intervention. Surgical resection has a high success rate, with evidence supporting its efficacy in relieving symptoms.

Conclusion:
As the popularity of Bariatric surgeries rises, it is crucial to consistently consider CCS, despite its rarity, as a potential complication. Although diagnosing CCS can be challenging, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in patients presenting with upper GI symptoms following metabolic surgeries.
The relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D status and hypertension in Syrian population: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bakkar Nouha Abd AL-Hameid , Bakr Aliaa Youssef , Alhusseini Ayham Haitham , Alourfi Zaynab Haidar 
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
Vitamin D is a liposoluble steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the maintenance of bone metabolism and calcium homoeostasis. Many studies on the effects of vitamin D on general health have been significantly increased, driven by new findings concerning the systemic and extraskeletal effects of this hormone. This study was performed to determine whether low levels of vitamin D were associated with hypertension in Syrian people.

Materials and methods:
This retrospective cohort study consisted of 207 subjects, including 83 (40.1%) patients suffering from essential hypertension and 124 (59.9%) patients with normal blood pressure. Aged older than 18 years, who was referred to the endocrinology clinic from September 2022 to September 2023. The data were analysed by using SPSS (version 25). Logistic regression analyses were performed with adjustments for age, sex, and waist circumference.

Results:
Hypertension rates were 73%, 20%, and 5% in 25-hydroxyvitamin D groups less than 12 ng/ml, 12–20 ng/mL, and greater than or equal to 20 ng/ml, respectively. Odds ratios (95% CIs) for hypertension adjusting for age, sex, and waist circumference were 178.6 (30.5_1045.6), 5.13 (0.9_26.5) for 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels less than 12 ng/ml, and 12–20 ng/ml, respectively, compared with the greater than or equal to 20 ng/ml group.

Conclusions:
This study has shown a high prevalence of low vitamin D levels (25OHVD/20 ng/ml) among a sample of Syrian people (78.3%). The lowest 25OHVD group was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, which refers to an adverse association between vitamin D level and essential hypertension. Further research is needed to confirm this relationship.
Surgical removal of multiple xanthomas in familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
Authors: Tolba Mohamed A. , Mohamad Anwar , Farhat Youssef Z. , Omar Mohammed A. , Safy Ahmed M. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
Xanthomas are skin swellings that are caused by the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in the body. They are associated with lipid disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). FH is a rare genetic disorder, which is characterized mainly by high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Case presentation:
The authors report a case of an 11-year-old female who had multiple swellings all over the body with the largest measuring 7×4×3 cm in diameter. These lesions were gradually increasing in size since 4 years. She was being bullied by her school colleagues because of swellings appearance. Clinical examination revealed multiple yellowish masses on the patient’s elbows, knees, and buttocks which were painless, firm, and nontender. Laboratory tests revealed elevated levels of serum cholesterol (512 mg/dl) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (469.2 mg/dl). Masses ultrasound showed similar echogenicity to upper and lower extremities subcutaneous fat. Incisional biopsy microscopic images revealed clusters of foam cells. These findings led to a diagnosis of Homozygous FH and she underwent surgery to remove the xanthomas on her elbows.

Discussion:
Xanthomas are small, yellowish skin swellings that form due to the presence of high lipids. As they are typically painless and small, this could lead to a late treatment or misdiagnosis. Drugs, lifestyle changes, and surgery represent treatment plan options.

Conclusion:
Xanthomas can be the first indication of an underlying hypercholesterolemia problem and this case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis of Homozygous FH by providing the suitable management for this case in its early stages which can prevent developing serious complication.
Concordance between daily diary reported pre-exposure prophylaxis intake and intraerythrocytic tenofovir diphosphate in the Amsterdam Pre-exposure Prophylaxis demonstration project
Authors: Wijstma Eline S. , Jongen Vita W. , Boyd Anders , van den Elshout Mark A.M. , de Vries Henry J.C. , Davidovich Udi , Anderson Peter L. , Prins Maria , Hoornenborg Elske , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F. 
Published: March 2024

Objective:
We assessed the association and concordance between self-reported oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) intake in a diary app and intraerythrocytic drug metabolite concentrations.

Design:
AMPrEP was a prospective demonstration study providing daily and event-driven PrEP to MSM in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (2015–2020).

Methods:
Participants could record their PrEP intake in a diary app. Dried blood spots (DBS) were taken at 6, 12, 24, and 48 months and analysed for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) and emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC-TP) concentrations. We included TFV-DP measurements preceded by diary completion on at least 90% of days in the 6 weeks prior. We examined the association between self-reported PrEP intake (i.e. number of pills) and TFV-DP concentrations using tobit regression with a random intercept per participant. We also calculated concordance between categorized PrEP intake (i.e. <2, 2–3, 4–6 or 7 pills per week) and categorized TFV-DP concentrations (i.e. <350, 350–699,700–1249 or ≥1250 fmol/punch) using weighted Cohen's kappa. Last, we calculated concordance between self-reported recent PrEP intake (yes/no, in past 2 days) and quantifiability of FTC-TP (yes/no) using Cohen's kappa.

Results:
Seven hundred and fifty-nine DBS measurements from 282 MSM were included. Self-reported PrEP intake was strongly and positively associated with TFV-DP concentration (β = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.70–0.84, P < 0.0001). Concordance between categorized PrEP intake and TFV-DP concentration was moderate (κ = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.39–0.50). Concordance between self-reported recent PrEP intake and FTC-TP quantifiability was perfect (κ = 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.90).

Conclusion:
Self-reported PrEP intake in a diary app is strongly correlated with actual use, and therefore reliable for comparing PrEP adherence between groups. Still, suboptimal criterion validity according to clinically relevant categories warrants caution when assessing 6-week reported adherence for individuals.
EARLY TRAJECTORY OF VENOUS EXCESS ULTRASOUND SCORE IS ASSOCIATED WITH CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF GENERAL ICU PATIENTS
Authors: Trigkidis Kyriakos K. , Siempos Ilias I. , Kotanidou Anastasia , Zakynthinos Spyros , Routsi Christina , Kokkoris Stelios 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Background: Systemic venous congestion, assessed by the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score, has been associated with adverse effects, including acute kidney injury (AKI), in patients with cardiac disease. In general intensive care unit (ICU) patients, the association between VExUS score and outcomes is understudied. We aimed to investigate the association between the trajectory of VExUS score within the first 3 days of ICU admission and the composite clinical outcome of major adverse kidney events within 30 days (MAKE30). Methods: In this prospective observational study, including patients consecutively admitted to the ICU, VExUS score was calculated within 24 h after ICU admission (day 1) and at 48 to 72 h (day 3). D-VExUS was calculated as the difference between the VExUS score on day 3 minus that on day 1. Development of AKI within 7 days and all-cause mortality within 30 days were recorded. Results: A total of 89 patients (62% men; median age, 62 years; median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, 24) were included. Sixty (67%) patients developed AKI within 7 days, and 17 (19%) patients died within 30 days after ICU admission. D-VExUS was associated with MAKE30, even after adjustment for confounders (hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–3.66; P = 0.01). VExUS scores on days 1 or 3 were not associated with MAKE30. Also, VExUS scores on day 1 or on day 3 and D-VExUS were not associated with development of AKI or mortality. Conclusions: In a general ICU cohort, early trajectory of VExUS score, but not individual VExUS scores at different time points, was associated with the patient-centered MAKE30 outcome. Dynamic changes rather than snapshot measurements may unmask the adverse effects of systemic venous congestion on important clinical outcomes.
Exploring Potential Barriers and Facilitators to Integrate Tuberculosis, Diabetes Mellitus, and Tobacco-Control Programs in India
Authors: Mutalikdesai Nisha , Tonde Kajal , Shinde Kanchan , Kumar Rakesh , Gupta Surbhi , Dayma Girish , Krishnan Anand , Juvekar Sanjay , Santosa Ailiana , Ng Nawi , Patil Rutuja 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntegrating Tuberculosis (TB), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and Tobacco-Control (TC) programs in India presents a promising strategy to address the triple burden of these diseases. However, limited information exists regarding the feasibility and influencing factors of such integration. This study investigates potential barriers and facilitators to integrate TB, DM, and TC programs in Ambegaon Block of Pune District in Maharashtra and Ballabgarh Block of Faridabad District in Haryana states of India.MethodsQualitative in-depth interviews were conducted between Nov 2022 to March 2023 among health workers, program managers, and stakeholders involved in program implementation (n=32). Interview guide was based on World Health Organization’s Health System Strengthening framework. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling were used to select participants. Rapid analysis of the data was done using the WHO HSS Framework.ResultsThere were barriers and facilitators for the integration of TB-DM-TC programs observed in India. The primary challenges for integration are at the level of service delivery which is largely attributed to inadequate implementation of all three programs and negligible involvement of private practitioners in the program implementation. Moreover, inadequate referral system, insufficient infrastructure, limited resources, a shortage of trained staff, and lack of essential drugs and equipment impeded the uptake and coverage of services.ConclusionThe results highlight the critical importance of addressing barriers and facilitators of implementation program in India to build a robust structure of managing the triple burden of TB, DM and tobacco control. The proposed strategies, such as sensitizing health system staff, implementing feedback and referral systems, and developing cross-program digital platforms offer a roadmap for policymakers and healthcare system managers. A multidimensional approach is vital for overcoming barriers and facilitating integration.
The detrimental effect of stroke on motor adaptation
Authors: Abram Sabrina J. , Tsay Jonathan S. , Yosef Heran , Reisman Darcy S. , Kim Hyosub E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhile it is evident that stroke impairs motor control, it remains unclear whether stroke impacts motor adaptation—the ability to flexibly modify movements in response to changes in the body and the environment. The mixed results in the literature may be due to differences in participants’ brain lesions, sensorimotor tasks, or a combination of both.ObjectiveWe first sought to better understand the overall impact of stroke on motor adaptation and then delineated the impact of lesion hemisphere and sensorimotor task on adaptation poststroke.MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies comparing individuals poststroke to neurotypical controls, with each group consisting of over 200 participants.ResultsWe found that stroke impairs motor adaptation (d = −0.64; 95% CI [−1.06, −0.22]), and that the extent of this impairment did not differ across sensorimotor tasks but may vary with the lesioned hemisphere. Specifically, we observed greater evidence for impaired adaptation in individuals with left hemisphere lesions compared to those with right hemisphere lesions.ConclusionsThis review not only clarifies the detrimental effect of stroke on motor adaptation but also underscores the need for finer-grained studies to determine precisely how various sensorimotor learning mechanisms are impacted. The current findings may guide future mechanistic and applied research at the intersection of motor learning and neurorehabilitation.
Evaluation of Six Commercial and Non-Commercial Colistin Resistance Diagnostics
Authors: Leshaba Tumisho Mmatumelo Seipei , Mmatli Masego , Skosana Lebogang , Mbelle Nontombi Marylucy , Sekyere John Osei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundResistance to colistin, a last-reserve antibiotic used for treating drug-resistant infections, is increasing globally. This study evaluated six diagnostic tests designed to detect colistin-resistant pathogens.MethodsPCR and broth microdilution assays (BMD) were used to respectively characterize the molecular mechanisms and phenotypic colistin resistance of 142 Gram-negative bacterial isolates and controls. The sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive values, major (ME) and very major errors (VME), categorical and essential agreements (EA) of ComASP Colistin, CHROMagar COL-APSE, Rapid NP Test, Sensititre, MicroScan, and Vitek 2 were determined with these isolates; the BMD was used as gold standard.ResultsThe Vitek 2, Sensititre, and ComASP tests were more efficient, albeit with concerning ME and VMEs and low EAs. Sensititre was 100% specific with 0% ME and 3.61% VME; Vitek 2 had the least VME (1.25% and 0%) and a low EA (57.50%). ComASP had an EA of 75.35%. MicroScan was highly sensitive (96.55%) but less specific (87.50%), with very below-accetable EAs (48.11%). The CHROMAgar COL-APSEefficiently identified the species with their unique colours but was the least specific (67.80%), with the highest ME (32.20%) and high VME (7.23%). The Rapid NP test had the highest VME (7.84%), producing results within 4 hours with 92.16% sensitivity and 96.08% specificity.ConclusionVitek 2, MicroScan, ComASP colistin, and Sensititre are good for determining colistin resistance; the latter two tests are recommendable for low-resourced laboratories. The in-house Rapid NP test has short turnaround time with high efficiency for initial resistance screening.