bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and performance of a collimated beam projector for telescope transmission measurement using a broad-band light source
Authors: Sommer K , Cohen-Tanugi J , Plez B , Betoule M , Bongard S , Le Guillou L , Neveu J , Nuss E , Sepulveda E , Souverin T , Moniez M , Stubbs C W 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Type Ia supernovae are the most direct cosmological probe to study dark energy in the recent Universe, for which the photometric calibration of astronomical instruments remains one major source of systematic uncertainties. To address this, recent advancements introduce collimated beam projectors (CBPs), aiming to enhance calibration by precisely measuring a telescope’s throughput as a function of wavelength. This work describes the performance of a prototype portable CBP. The experimental set-up consists of a broad-band Xenon light source replacing a more customary but much more demanding high-power laser source, coupled with a monochromator emitting light inside an integrating sphere monitored with a photodiode and a spectrograph. Light is injected at the focus of the CBP telescope projecting a collimated beam onto a solar cell whose quantum efficiency has been obtained by comparison with a NIST-calibrated photodiode. The throughput and signal-to-noise ratio achieved by comparing the photocurrent signal in the CBP photodiode with the one in the solar cell are computed. We prove that the prototype, in its current state of development, is capable of achieving 1.2 per cent and 2.3 per cent precision on the integrated g and r bands of the Zwicky Transient Facility photometric filter system, respectively, in a reasonable amount of integration time. Central wavelength determination accuracy is kept below ∼0.91 and ∼0.58 nm for g and r bands, respectively. The expected photometric uncertainty caused by filter throughput measurement is approximately 5 mmag on the zero-point magnitude. Several straightforward improvement paths are discussed to upgrade the current set-up.
Private Sector Provision as an “Escape Valve”: The Mexico Diabetes Experiment
Authors: Bronsoler Ari , Gruber Jonathan , Seira Enrique 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Public health systems are dominant in much of the world but often face fiscal constraints that lead to rationing of care. As a result, private sector healthcare providers could in theory beneficially supplement public systems, but evaluating the benefits of private alternatives has been challenging. We evaluate a private supplement to the free public health system for one of the world’s deadliest health problems, diabetes. We estimate enormous impacts of the private supplement, increasing the share of those treated who are under control by 69%. This effect arises through both improved treatment compliance and health behavior. We find diabetes complications fall in the short run, and that the net costs of this intervention are one-third of the gross costs. The returns to private care do not appear to reflect more productive delivery but rather more attachment to medical care, offering lessons for improving the public system.
The Roles of Gti1/Pac2 Family Proteins in Fungal Growth, Morphogenesis, Stress Response, and Pathogenicity
Authors: Luo Zheng , Xiong Dianguang , Tian Chengming 
Published: March 2024

Gti1/Pac2 is a fungal-specific transcription factor family with a stable and conserved N-terminal domain. Generally, there are two members in this family, named Gti1/Wor1/Rpy1/Mit1/Reg1/Ros1/Sge1 and Pac2, which are involved in fungal growth, development, stress response, spore production, pathogenicity, and so on. The Gti1/Pac2 family proteins share some conserved and distinct functions. For example, in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Gti1 promotes the initiation of gluconate uptake during glucose starvation, while Pac2 controls the onset of sexual development in a pathway independent of the cAMP cascade. In the last two decades, more attention was focused on the Gti1 and its orthologs because of their significant effect on morphological switching and fungal virulence. By contrast, limited work was published on the functions of Pac2, which is required for stress responses and conidiation, but plays a minor role in fungal virulence. In this review, we present an overview of our current understanding of the Gti1/Pac2 proteins that contribute to fungal development and/or pathogenicity and of the regulation mechanisms during infection related development. Understanding the working networks of the conserved Gti1/Pac2 transcription factors in fungal pathogenicity not only advances our knowledge of the highly elaborate infection process but may also lead to the development of novel strategies for the control of plant disease. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
The Peripapillary Retina – A Common Juncture in Stargardt Disease and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Oh Jin Kyun , Ben Dov Meital , Tsang Stephen H. , Odel Jeffrey G. 
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
To present the multimodal imaging and functional exam findings in a case of combined Stargardt disease and idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Methods:
The patient was evaluated with multimodal imaging including color fundus photography, short wavelength autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography as well as functional testing such as Humphrey visual fields and full-field electroretinogram.

Results:
A 35-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of bilateral transient visual obscurations over the course of 2 months. Optic disc edema was observed in both eyes as well as a bulls-eye maculopathy with pisciform flecks. Magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent lumbar puncture confirmed a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Fundus autofluorescence demonstrated hyperautofluorescent flecks surrounding both the macula and the disc. Genetic testing and full-field electroretinogram confirmed a diagnosis of Stargardt disease. Notably, the peripapillary retina was not spared as is frequently seen in Stargardt disease, possibly due to the impact of disc edema in the area. The patient was treated with increasing doses of acetazolamide and familial testing for Stargardt disease was recommended.

Conclusion:
Both Stargardt disease and idiopathic intracranial hypertension are separately rare diseases with common anatomic intersection at the peripapillary retina. Stargardt disease typically spares the peripapillary retina; however, in the present case shows some evidence of peripapillary involvement. This finding suggests some relationship between disc edema due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension and the natural history of Stargardt disease.
Uncontrollable head shaking after neostigmine-atropine for postdural puncture headache: Case report
Authors: Zhang Benhou , Chi Ping 
Published: March 2024

Rationale:
Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication in lactating mothers after cesarean delivery. It was reported that postdural puncture headache was managed through a novel approach by administration of neostigmine-atropine. Neostigmine-atropine is commonly used to reverse residual non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents. The method is simple, well-tolerated, and has fewer side effects compared to epidural blood patch procedure. We report a case of a patient who presented severe side effects following treatment using this method.

Patient concerns:
A 29-year-old female presented with uncontrollable head shaking (no studies reported) after using neostigmine/atropine.

Diagnosis:
Based on the clinical, using of neostigmine, the patient was diagnosed with severe side effects of neostigmine.

Interventions:
Comforted the patient until all symptoms disappeared (self-care).

Outcomes:
Approximately 10 minutes after administration of neostigmine/atropine, the patient exhibited trembling in the upper limbs, followed by severe head shaking from side to side with large amplitude above 90 degrees. The rate of head shaking was approximately 100 times min−1. The patient complained of stomachache and vomited about 20 mL light yellow liquid. After 20 minutes, the uncontrollable head shaking presented as a slight up-and-down nod. All the symptoms disappeared after approximately 50 minutes. The patient was fully conscious throughout the process and responded normally. Physical examination showed stable vital signs. The patient was discharged after 2 days. The patients were followed up for 1 year and everything was normal.

Lessons:
There are many side effects observed with neostigmine, such as uncontrollable head shaking. Patients should be informed of all the possible side effects during the consenting process to avoid panicking; dilution of the medications, and the drugs should be administered gradually to minimize side effects.
A retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma involving the spleen and pancreas: a case report
Authors: Nabhan Ayman I. , Sabouni Rami H.E. , Khaddour Majd S. , Mohamad Ahmad N. , Mohamad Meram N. , Srour Ahmad F. , Almahasna Souheb 
Published: March 2024

Introduction and importance:
Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma (CL) is a rare condition and accounts for 1% of all CL. It can be congenital in children associated with genetic disorders or acquired in adults with chronic diseases.

Case presentation:
In the present case, the girl complained of abdominal pain and dysuria. Clinical examinations showed a palpitated mass in her left pelvis; a radiology exam revealed a cystic mass infiltrating the spleen and pancreatic tail, reaching the pelvis. The mass, including the spleen and pancreatic tail, among the cystic compound was removed. The final diagnosis of benign CL was done based on a histopathology exam. A one-year follow-up showed no signs of recurrence.

Clinical discussion:
CL is usually asymptomatic. The retroperitoneal location of the mass delayed the diagnosis and allowed the mass to grow to a large size and compress nearby structures. The typical presentation of CL is usually a substantial, multichambers cystic mass. However, it could be easily misdiagnosed with other cystic tumors of the pancreas. Age-based differential diagnosis should be taken into consideration in children as abdominal mass can originate from gastrointestinal or genitourinary systems.

Conclusion:
The imaging features of CL are insufficient, and the final diagnosis depends on the histopathology exam. Furthermore, CL can mimic pancreatic cysts in its presentation and cite; therefore, it must be included in the diagnosing strategy whenever a retroperitoneal cyst is being investigated, as imaging features can be misleading. Surgical treatment of CL should be associated with long-term ultrasound follow-up to identify and manage recurrence early.
Primary thyroid tuberculosis mimicking papillary carcinoma of thyroid: a rare case report
Authors: Banmala Sabin , K.C. Sarita , Raut Manita , Poudel Rajesh , Karki Sabin , Maharjan Suman 
Published: March 2024

Introduction and Importance:
Primary thyroid tuberculosis is an extremely rare extrapulmonary involvement by the causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its rarity and resemblance to thyroid malignancy led to unnecessary aggressive operative interventions.

Case Presentation:
A 54-year-old female presented with recent onset dysphagia and foreign body sensation in the throat for 3 months, and anterior neck swelling since last 10 years.

Clinical Findings and Investigations:
A single nodular firm anterior neck swelling was present which moves with deglutition. Thyroid function test was normal. Ultrasonography thyroid revealed TIRADS-3. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of papillary carcinoma of thyroid.

Interventions and Outcome:
Total thyroidectomy with central compartment neck dissection was performed. Histopathology of the thyroid specimen revealed tubercular thyroiditis. Postoperatively, Mantoux test and interferon gamma radioassay were positive. Antitubercular therapy was given for total of 6 months.

Conclusions:
With ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology, preoperative diagnosis of primary thyroid tuberculosis is quite challenging even in tuberculosis endemic countries. So, it should be considered one of the differential diagnoses despite negative relevant history and without clinical cervical lymph nodes involvement with cytology proven suspicious papillary thyroid cancer before proceeding for surgical intervention.
Digital eye strain and its associated factors among radiology physicians in Pakistan: A cross-sectional survey using logistic regression analysis
Authors: Junaid Tahir Muhammad , Aymen Ummey , Mehmood Qasim , Sohaib Asghar Muhammad , Kumari Usha , Hassan Zair , Naz Nasreen , Rafiq Nida , Tayyeb Muhammad , Ullah Irfan , Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed Khabab , Alwalid Osamah 
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims:
Increased use of digital devices in the modern era has led to the development of digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome in their users. This can result in the development of various ocular and visual symptoms among them. In this study, we aimed to view the prevalence of digital eye strain among radiology physicians in Pakistan and their associated risk factors.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate occupational DES among radiology physicians in Pakistan. The data collection was done using the convenience sampling technique, and the data were analyzed using IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 25.0.

Results:
Out of the 247 respondents, 33.6% were males and 66.4% were females. 41.7% of them were between 30 to 40 years of age and 51.8% of them were radiology residents. 52.2% of the participants had a refractive error and were using a corrective lens. The majority of the radiologists in our study (84.2%) preferred picture archiving and communication system (PACS) over films and 82. 2% of them reported having breaks of less than 15 minutes. Major symptoms reported by the participants were tired or heavy eyes (69.6%) and headache (69.3%). The proportion of developing DES was higher in females (P=0.001, aOR=2.94), radiology residents (P=0.031, aOR=3.29), and working hours of more than 4 hours per day (P<0.001, aOR=0.04).

Conclusion:
With recent advances in the field of radiology in Pakistan, the frequency of developing DES among radiologists is increasing. Being a female, having long working hours, and having noticeable flickers on the digital screens were among the significant factors in developing DES among radiologists.
Lipoma arborescens in the dorsum of the hand: A case report and a comprehensive review
Authors: Suwal Sundar , Katwal Shailendra , Chataut Dinesh , Lamichhane Suman , Bhusal Amrit , Bhandari Sandeep 
Published: March 2024

Introduction and Importance:
Lipoma arborescens is a rare synovial disorder, typically affecting the knee joint, with limited reports of atypical presentations. The study emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach and discusses the genetic and signaling factors associated with its pathogenesis.

Case Presentation:
A 50-year-old male presented with a painless swelling in the dorsum of the right hand, a rare extra-articular manifestation of Lipoma arborescens. Comprehensive clinical, imaging, and histopathological evaluations confirmed the diagnosis, revealing unique features on MRI and frond-like fatty tissue infiltration on excisional biopsy.

Clinical Discussion:
The case underscores the distinct clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and differential considerations associated with atypical Lipoma arborescens presentations. Extra-articular manifestation of Lipoma arborescens involving the dorsum (extensor aspect) of the hand is rare. Imaging techniques, including MRI and ultrasound, play a crucial role in accurate diagnosis, differentiating it from other joint pathologies. The MRI findings include intra-articular fat deposits and villous proliferation of the synovial membrane. At the same time, the histopathological analysis includes frond-like infiltration of sub-synovial tissue with mature adipocytes which helps in confirming the diagnosis.

Conclusion:
Successful surgical excision of the extra-articular lesion highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic strategy for managing this uncommon condition. The study contributes valuable insights into understanding, diagnosing, and treating atypical presentations of Lipoma arborescens.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on ART Initiation and Access to HIV Viral Load Monitoring in Adults Living With HIV in West Africa: A Regression Discontinuity Analysis
Authors: Ben Farhat Jihane , Tiendrebeogo Thierry , Malateste Karen , Poda Armel , Minga Albert , Messou Eugène , Chenal Henri , Ezechi Oliver , Ofotokun Igho , Ekouevi Didier K. , Bonnet Fabrice , Barger Diana , Jaquet Antoine ,   The IeDEA West Africa Collaboration
Published: March 2024

Objectives:
Efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic have potentially compromised the availability and/or quality of HIV services. We aimed to assess the pandemic's impact on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and HIV viral load (VL) monitoring in 3 West African countries.

Methods:
We used routinely collected data from 5 clinics contributing to the International epidemiologic Database to Evaluate AIDS collaboration in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. We included ART-naïve adults living with HIV initiating ART from January 1, 2018. We conducted regression discontinuity analysis to estimate changes in the number of ART initiations and VL measures per week, before and during the pandemic period in each country.

Results:
In clinics in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, ART initiations per week remained constant throughout the studied periods (−0.24 points (p) of ART initiations/week 95% CI: −5.5 to 5.9, −0.9 p, 95% CI: −8.5 to 8.6, respectively), whereas in Nigeria's clinic, they decreased significantly (−6.3 p, 95% CI: −10.8 to −1.7) after the beginning of the pandemic. The volume of VL tests performed decreased significantly in all 3 countries (−17.0 p, 95% CI: −25.3 to −8.6 in Burkina Faso, −118.4 p, 95% CI: −171.1 to −65.8 in Côte d’Ivoire and −169.1 p, 95% CI: −282.6 to −55.6 in Nigeria).

Conclusions:
HIV clinics in two out of three countries in West Africa demonstrated resilience as they successfully maintained access to ART for ALWH despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic. However, VL monitoring was severely disrupted and did not return to prepandemic levels approximately 1 year after the beginning of the pandemic. Continued monitoring of the HIV care continuum in the postpandemic period is essential to mitigate potential enduring effects on ALWH's virological and clinical outcomes.
18F-FDG and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in Paratesticular Mesothelioma
Authors: Kalantari Forough , Schweighofer-Zwink Gregor , Rendl Gundula , Pirich Christian , Beheshti Mohsen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A 66-year-old man with local prostate adenocarcinoma underwent radical prostatectomy (Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7, pT2c) in 2016. Four years later, he presented with a hydrocele and cystic atypical change in the left scrotum and soft tissue in the left groin. Final histopathology revealed spermatic cord mesothelioma and left hemangiosis carcinomatosa. A bone biopsy of the sacrum revealed infiltrates of a prostatic adenocarcinoma with small cell neuroendocrine differentiation. Dual-tracer PET/CT imaging using 18F-FDG and 68Ga-PSMA was able to identify local recurrence of scrotal mesothelioma and differentiate metastases of prostate cancer from malignant mesothelioma.
Armored Bicistronic CAR T Cells with Dominant-negative TGF-β Receptor II to Overcome Resistance in Glioblastoma
Authors: Li Nannan , Rodriguez Jesse L. , Yin Yibo , Logun Meghan T , Zhang Logan , Yu Shengkun , Hicks Kelly A. , Zhang Vicky , Zhang Laura , Xie Chuncheng , Wang Jiabin , Fraietta Joseph A , Binder Zev A. , Lin Zhiguo , O’Rourke Donald M. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown significant efficacy in hematological diseases. However, CAR T therapy has demonstrated limited efficacy in solid tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM). One of the most important reasons is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which promotes tumor growth and suppresses immune cells to eliminate tumor cells. The human transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a crucial role in forming the suppressive GBM TME and driving the suppression of the anti-GBM response. In order to mitigate TGF-β mediated suppressive activity, we combined a dominant-negative TGF-β receptor II (dnTGFβRII) with our previous bicistronic CART-EGFR-IL13Rα2 construct, currently being evaluated in a clinical trial, to generate CART-EGFR-IL13Rα2-dnTGFβRII, a tri-modular construct we are developing for clinical application. We hypothesized that this approach would more effectively subvert resistance mechanisms observed with GBM. Our data suggests that CART-EGFR-IL13Rα2-dnTGFβRII significantly augmented T cell proliferation and enhanced functional responses, particularly in a TGFβ-rich tumor environment. Additionally,in vivostudies validated the safety and efficacy of the dnTGFβRII cooperating with CARs in targeting and eradicating GBM in a NSG mouse model.
Self-Assembled Protein Vesicles as Vaccine Delivery Platform to Enhance Antigen-Specific Immune Responses
Authors: Li Yirui , Champion Julie A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSelf-assembling protein nanoparticles are beneficial platforms for enhancing the often weak and short-lived immune responses elicited by subunit vaccines. Their benefits include multivalency, similar sizes as pathogens and control of antigen orientation. Previously, the design, preparation, and characterization of self-assembling protein vesicles presenting fluorescent proteins and enzymes on the particle surface have been reported. Here, a full-size model antigen protein, ovalbumin (OVA), was genetically fused to the recombinant vesicle building blocks and incorporated into protein vesicles via self-assembly. Characterization of OVA protein vesicles showed room temperature stability and tunable size and antigen loading ratio. Immunization of mice with OVA protein vesicles induced strong antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. This work demonstrates the potential of protein vesicles as a modular platform for delivering full-size antigen proteins that can be extended to pathogen antigens to induce antigen specific immune responses.