bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA double-stranded breaks, a hallmark of aging, defined at the nucleotide resolution, are increased and associated with transcription in the cardiac myocytes in LMNA-cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cathcart Benjamin , Cheedipudi Sirisha M , Rouhi Leila , Zhao Zhongming , Gurha Priyatansh , Marian Ali J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
An intrinsic feature of gene transcription is the formation of DNA superhelices near the transcription bubble, which are resolved upon induction of transient double-stranded breaks (DSBs) by topoisomerases. Unrepaired DSBs are pathogenic as they lead to cell cycle arrest, senescence, inflammation, and organ dysfunction. We posit that DSBs would be more prevalent at the genomic sites that are associated with gene expression. The objectives were to identify and characterize genome-wide DSBs at the nucleotide resolution and determine the association of DSBs with transcription in cardiac myocytes.

Methods and results
We identified the genome-wide DSBs in ∼1 million cardiac myocytes per heart in three wild-type and three myocyte-specific LMNA-deficient (Myh6-Cre:LmnaF/F) mice by END-Sequencing. The prevalence of DSBs was 0.8% and 2.2% in the wild-type and Myh6-Cre:LmnaF/F myocytes, respectively. The END-Seq signals were enriched for 8 and 6764 DSBs in the wild-type and Myh6-Cre:LmnaF/F myocytes, respectively (q &lt; 0.05). The DSBs were preferentially localized to the gene regions, transcription initiation sites, cardiac transcription factor motifs, and the G quadruplex forming structures. Because LMNA regulates transcription through the lamin-associated domains (LADs), we defined the LADs in cardiac myocytes by a Cleavage Under Targets & Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN) assay (N = 5). On average there were 818 LADs per myocyte. Constitutive LADs (cLADs), defined as LADs that were shared by at least three genomes (N = 2572), comprised about a third of the mouse cardiac myocyte genomes. Transcript levels of the protein-coding genes located at the cLADs (N = 3975) were ∼16-fold lower than those at the non-LAD regions (N = ∼17 778). The prevalence of DSBs was higher in the non-LAD as compared to the cLAD regions. Likewise, DSBs were more common in the loss-of-LAD regions, defined as the genomic regions in the Myh6-Cre:LmnaF/F that were juxtaposed to the LAD regions in the wild-type myocytes.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first identification of the DSBs, at the nucleotide resolution in the cardiovascular system. The prevalence of DSBs was higher in the genomic regions associated with transcription. Because transcription is pervasive, DSBs are expected to be common and pathogenic in various states and aging.
The use of diagnostic complex robotic-assisted segmentectomy in the management of incidental and screen-detected pulmonary nodules
Authors: Lee Michelle , Santhirakumaran Gowthanan , Waller David , Elkhouly Ahmed , Dhanji Al-Rehan , Wilson Henrietta , Stamenkovic Steven 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) facilitates complex pulmonary segmentectomy which offers one-stage diagnostic and therapeutic management of small pulmonary nodules. We aimed to explore the potential advantages of a faster, simplified pathway and earlier diagnosis against the disadvantages of unnecessary morbidity in benign cases.

METHODS
In an observational study, patients with small, solitary pulmonary nodules deemed suspicious of malignancy by a multidisciplinary team were offered surgery without a pre or intraoperative biopsy. We report our initial experience with RATS complex segmentectomy (using &gt;1 parenchymal staple line) to preserve as much functioning lung tissue as possible.

RESULTS
Over a 4-year period, 245 RATS complex segmentectomies were performed; 140 right: 105 left. A median of 2 (1–4) segments was removed. There was no in-hospital mortality and no requirement for postoperative ventilation. Complications were reported in 63 (25.7%) cases, of which 36 (57.1%) were hospital-acquired pneumonia. A malignant diagnosis was found in 198 (81%) patients and a benign diagnosis in 47 (19%). The malignant diagnoses included: adenocarcinoma in 136, squamous carcinoma in 31 and carcinoid tumour in 15. The most frequent benign diagnosis was granulomatous inflammation in 18 cases.

CONCLUSIONS
RATS complex segmentectomy offers a precise, safe and effective one-stop therapeutic biopsy in incidental and screen-detected pulmonary nodules.
Multicentre retrospective analysis on pulmonary metastasectomy: an European perspective
Authors: Prisciandaro Elena , Bertolaccini Luca , Fieuws Steffen , Cara Andrea , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Huang Lin , Petersen René H , Ambrogi Marcello C , Sicolo Elisa , Barbarossa Annalisa , De Leyn Paul , Sporici Diana , Balsamo Ludovica , Donlagic Abid , Gonzalez Michel , Fuentes-Gago Marta G , Forcada-Barreda Clara , Congedo Maria T , Margaritora Stefano , Belaroussi Yaniss , Thumerel Matthieu , Tricard Jérémy , Felix Pierre , Lebeda Nina , Opitz Isabelle , De Palma Angela , Marulli Giuseppe , Braggio Cesare , Thomas Pascal A , Mbadinga Frankie , Baste Jean-Marc , Sayan Bihter , Yildizeli Bedrettin , Van Raemdonck Dirk E , Weder Walter , Ceulemans Laurens J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To assess the current practice of pulmonary metastasectomy at 15 European Centres. Short- and long-term outcomes were analysed.

METHODS
Retrospective analysis on patients ≥18 years who underwent curative-intent pulmonary metastasectomy (January 2010 to December 2018). Data were collected on a purpose-built database (REDCap). Exclusion criteria were: previous lung/extrapulmonary metastasectomy, pneumonectomy, non-curative intent and evidence of extrapulmonary recurrence at the time of lung surgery.

RESULTS
A total of 1647 patients [mean age 59.5 (standard deviation; SD = 13.1) years; 56.8% males] were included. The most common primary tumour was colorectal adenocarcinoma. The mean disease-free interval was 3.4 (SD = 3.9) years. Relevant comorbidities were observed in 53.8% patients, with a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders (32.3%). Video-assisted thoracic surgery was the chosen approach in 54.9% cases. Wedge resections were the most common operation (67.1%). Lymph node dissection was carried out in 41.4% cases. The median number of resected lesions was 1 (interquartile range 25–75% = 1–2), ranging from 1 to 57. The mean size of the metastases was 18.2 (SD = 14.1) mm, with a mean negative resection margin of 8.9 (SD = 9.4) mm. A R0 resection of all lung metastases was achieved in 95.7% cases. Thirty-day postoperative morbidity was 14.5%, with the most frequent complication being respiratory failure (5.6%). Thirty-day mortality was 0.4%. Five-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 62.0% and 29.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary metastasectomy is a low-risk procedure that provides satisfactory oncological outcomes and patient survival. Further research should aim at clarifying the many controversial aspects of its daily clinical practice.
Spontaneous gas gangrene of the pancreas: extremely rare condition
Authors: Zaidi Bacem , Sindi Sihem , Belgacem Leila , Mansi Zied , Gazzah Wael , Salah Khalil Ben 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Acute pancreatitis is a common condition, only occasionally leading to necrosis of the pancreas. In instances where abscess formation takes place, the predominant microbial profile involves both aerobic and anaerobic enteric species. We present the case of a patient with clostridial emphysematous pancreatitis who developed pneumoperitoneum without associated visceral perforation.
Detection of a Human Adenovirus Outbreak, Including Some Critical Infections, Using Multipathogen Testing at a Large University, September 2022–January 2023
Authors: Montgomery JoLynn P , Marquez Juan Luis , Nord Jennifer , Stamper Aleksandra R , Edwards Elizabeth A , Valentini Nicholas , Frank Christopher J , Washer Laraine L , Ernst Robert D , Park Ji In , Price Deanna , Collins Jim , Smith-Jeffcoat Sarah E , Hu Fang , Knox Christine L , Khan Rebia , Lu Xiaoyan , Kirking Hannah L , Hsu Christopher H 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can cause outbreaks of flu-like illness in university settings. Most infections in healthy young adults are mild; severe illnesses rarely occur. In Fall 2022, an adenovirus outbreak was identified in university students.

Methods
HAdV cases were defined as university students 17–26 years old who presented to the University Health Service or nearby emergency department with flu-like symptoms (eg, fever, cough, headache, myalgia, nausea) and had confirmed adenovirus infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from electronic medical records; clinical severity was categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or critical. We performed contact investigations among critical cases. A subset of specimens was sequenced to confirm the HAdV type.

Results
From 28 September 2022 to 30 January 2023, 90 PCR-confirmed cases were identified (51% female; mean age, 19.6 years). Most cases (88.9%) had mild illness. Seven cases required hospitalization, including 2 critical cases that required intensive care. Contact investigation identified 44 close contacts; 6 (14%) were confirmed HAdV cases and 8 (18%) reported symptoms but never sought care. All typed HAdV-positive specimens (n = 36) were type 4.

Conclusions
While most students with confirmed HAdV had mild illness, 7 otherwise healthy students had severe or critical illness. Between the relatively high number of hospitalizations and proportion of close contacts with symptoms who did not seek care, the true number of HAdV cases was likely higher. Our findings illustrate the need to consider a wide range of pathogens, even when other viruses are known to be circulating.
Italian women who have sex with women: prevalence and co-occurrence of sexual practices
Authors: Pavanello Decaro Sofia , Pessina Rodolfo , Biella Marco , Prunas Antonio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexuality research on the sexual practices of women who have sex with women (WSW) has thus far mostly centered on risk factors and addressed a limited number of practices, with a focus on oral sex and insertive vaginal sex.

Aim
This study arises from the need to fill such a significant gap, which prevents researchers, clinicians, and policy makers from being adequately up-to-date on the sexual habits and tendencies of this population.

Methods
A multiple-choice questionnaire was completed by 723 WSW with a mean (SD) age of 29.14 (6.94) years.

Outcomes
The survey included closed questions on sexual practices, including genital and oral sex, but also nongenital sexual contact (petting and intercrural sex), anal sex, and kinky practices.

Results
The most common sexual practices were self-masturbation (99.03%), oral sex (performed or received, 98.20%), and insertive genital sex (performed or received, 89.07%). Half of our sample had tried kinky practices at least once in a lifetime (51.31%). Respondents tended to experiment sexually more with stable partners rather than with casual ones. Comparisons among practices in the lesbian and bisexual population are presented.

Clinical Implications
Providers should be aware that sexual orientations have their own specificities, including sexuality and practices, which should increase their knowledge and comfort in working with sexual minorities.

Strengths and Limitations
The novel topic of the study addresses the gap in sexuality research among WSW. Strengths include the sex-positive approach, the inclusion of an array of sexual practices, and the consideration of the specificities of the group. Limitations in the generalization of the results are the cross-sectional design and the explicit topic, which may have kept some persons from responding.

Conclusion
We propose the framing of sex as going beyond genital contact, and we invite clinicians and researchers who come into contact with WSW to be aware that sexual orientation can be associated with specificities regarding sexuality and sexual practices.
Serum copeptin, lactate, and shock index as predictors of morbidity and mortality in shocked acutely poisoned patients
Authors: Abdelhamid Walaa G , Elmorsy Sarah A , Muhammed Ahmed , Mostafa Olfat E , Saeed Sara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Poisoning-induced shock is a serious medical emergency with a high mortality rate. Hospitalized poisoned individuals experience multiple adverse cardiovascular events that could progress to cardiac arrest. This study was designed to compare the prognostic role of the admission shock index and plasma copeptin level in shocked poisoned patients and to evaluate their associations with initial patients’ characteristics and outcomes. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on acutely poisoned adult patients. Results: A total of 41 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of all patients was 27.05 ± 10.99 years and most of the patients were females (n = 27, 66%). Pesticides were the most common type of poisoning (n = 18, 44%), followed by cardiovascular drugs (n = 12, 29.3%). Eleven (26.8%) patients died during the hospital stay length. The initial serum copeptin level and shock index could predict organ dysfunction indexed by sequential organ assessment score (SOFA) with area under the curve (AUCs) of 0.862 and 0.755, respectively. Initial serum copeptin and lactate levels, SOFA score, and their combination can strongly differentiate between survivors and non-survivors with an AUC of 0.944, 0.885, and 0.959, and 0.994, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that the shock index, serum lactate level, and SOFA score may help in risk stratifying patients and predicting outcomes in critically ill patients with poisoning-induced shock. Copeptin is superior to the shock index in predicting mortality among the studied patients. However, a combination of SOFA score, serum copeptin level, and serum lactate level can develop a more predominant prediction for overall clinical outcomes in these patients.
Smoking behaviour in post-acute myocardial infarction patients: cross-sectional study
Authors: Barkhurdar Waseem , Hussain Arif , Saqlain Muhammad , Zahra Rida , Hussain Irshad , Saqib Muhammad , Mumtaz Hassan 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in developed countries, and cigarette smoking contributes to a significant proportion of cardiovascular-related deaths. Abstaining from tobacco use is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of recurrent myocardial infarctions.

Methodology:
In this cross-sectional study, 384 participants post-acute myocardial infarction (MI) were recruited through random sampling to explore the associations between smoking status and intention to quit smoking. Data collection took place over a 6-month period at a tertiary care hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Results:
The majority of participants were male (59.9%) and fell into the age category of 46–50 years (37.5%). Heavy daily smokers comprised the largest smoking group (41.6%), and non-ST-elevated MI was the most common subtype (40.1%). Intention to quit smoking varied among participants, with the pre-contemplation stage having the highest representation (19.3%), followed by contemplation (25.8%). Notably, a significant proportion of participants expressed no intention to quit smoking (35.4%).

Conclusion:
Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified current smoking as a significant predictor of intention to quit in the preparation and contemplation stages. Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering smoking behaviour when evaluating the intention to quit smoking post-MI and highlights the need for tailored interventions and support strategies to address smoking cessation in this population. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of effective strategies aimed at reducing persistent smoking following MI and improving patient outcomes.
Quantitative sensory testing for assessment of somatosensory function in children and adolescents: a scoping review
Authors: Tutelman Perri R. , MacKenzie Nicole E. , Chambers Christine T. , Coffman Siobhan , Cornelissen Laura , Cormier Brittany , Higgins Kristen S. , Phinney Jackie , Blankenburg Markus , Walker Suellen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Quantitative sensory testing (QST) refers to a group of noninvasive psychophysical tests that examine responses to a range of calibrated mechanical and thermal stimuli. Quantitative sensory testing has been used extensively in adult pain research and has more recently been applied to pediatric pain research. The aims of this scoping review were to map the current state of the field, to identify gaps in the literature, and to inform directions for future research. Comprehensive searches were run in 5 databases. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by 2 reviewers. Data related to the study aims were extracted and analyzed descriptively. A total of 16,894 unique studies were identified, of which 505 were screened for eligibility. After a full-text review, 301 studies were retained for analysis. Date of publication ranged from 1966 to 2023. However, the majority of studies (61%) were published within the last decade. Studies included participants across the developmental trajectory (ie, early childhood to adolescence) and most often included a combination of school-age children and adolescents (49%). Approximately 23% of studies were conducted in healthy samples. Most studies (71%) used only one QST modality. Only 14% of studies reported using a standardized QST protocol. Quantitative sensory testing in pediatric populations is an emerging and rapidly growing area of pain research. Future work is needed using comprehensive, standardized QST protocols to harness the full potential that this procedure can offer to our understanding of pediatric pain.
Preliminary development of a measure of parental behavioral responses to everyday pains in young children: the PREP
Authors: Tutelman Perri R. , Chambers Christine T. , Parker Jennifer A. , Eisen Samantha J. , Noel Melanie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Everyday pains are experienced frequently by young children. Parent responses shape how young children learn about and experience pain. However, research on everyday pains in toddlers and preschoolers is scarce, and no self-report measures of parent responses to their child's pain exist for this age group.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to develop a preliminary self-report measure of parent behavioral responses to everyday pains in the toddler and preschool years (the PREP) and examine its relationship with child age, sex, and parent and child distress.

Methods:
Items for the PREP were based on a behavioural checklist used in a past observational study of caregiver responses to toddler's everyday pains. Parents (N = 290; 93% mothers) of healthy children (47.9% boys) between 18 and 60 months (Mage = 34.98 months, SD = 11.88 months) completed an online survey of 46 initial PREP items, demographic characteristics, and their child's typical distress following everyday pains. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the PREP items that describe observable actions parents may take in response to their young child's everyday pains.

Results:
The final solution included 10 items across 3 factors: Distract, Physical Soothe, and Extra Attention and explained 60% of the model variance. All PREP subscales were related to child distress; only Physical Soothe and Extra Attention were related to parent distress.

Conclusion:
This study was a preliminary step in the development and testing of a new self-report measure of parental responses to everyday pains during early childhood.
Using Deep Learning to Automate Eosinophil Counting in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Histopathological Images
Authors: Reigle James , Lopez-Nunez Oscar , Drysdale Erik , Abuquteish Dua , Liu Xiaoxuan , Putra Juan , Erdman Lauren , Griffiths Anne M. , Prasath Surya , Siddiqui Iram , Dhaliwal Jasbir 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccurate identification of inflammatory cells from mucosal histopathology images is important in diagnosing ulcerative colitis. The identification of eosinophils in the colonic mucosa has been associated with disease course. Cell counting is not only time-consuming but can also be subjective to human biases. In this study we developed an automatic eosinophilic cell counting tool from mucosal histopathology images, using deep learning.MethodFour pediatric IBD pathologists from two North American pediatric hospitals annotated 530 crops from 143 standard-of-care hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) rectal mucosal biopsies. A 305/75 split was used for training/validation to develop and optimize a U-Net based deep learning model, and 150 crops were used as a test set. The U-Net model was then compared to SAU-Net, a state-of-the-art U-Net variant. We undertook post-processing steps, namely, (1) the pixel-level probability threshold, (2) the minimum number of clustered pixels to designate a cell, and (3) the connectivity. Experiments were run to optimize model parameters using AUROC and cross-entropy loss as the performance metrics.ResultsThe F1-score was 0.86 (95%CI:0.79-0.91) (Precision: 0.77 (95%CI:0.70-0.83), Recall: 0.96 (95%CI:0.93-0.99)) to identify eosinophils as compared to an F1-score of 0.2 (95%CI:0.13-0.26) for SAU-Net (Precision: 0.38 (95%CI:0.31-0.46), Recall: 0.13 (95%CI:0.08-0.19)). The inter-rater reliability was 0.96 (95%CI:0.93-0.97). The correlation between two pathologists and the algorithm was 0.89 (95%CI:0.82-0.94) and 0.88 (95%CI:0.80-0.94) respectively.ConclusionOur results indicate that deep learning-based automated eosinophilic cell counting can obtain a robust level of accuracy with a high degree of concordance with manual expert annotations.