bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diarrhea Case Surveillance in the Enterics for Global Health Shigella Surveillance Study: Epidemiologic Methods
Authors: Atlas Hannah E , Conteh Bakary , Islam Md Taufiqul , Jere Khuzwayo C , Omore Richard , Sanogo Doh , Schiaffino Francesca , Yousafzai Mohammad Tahir , Ahmed Naveed , Awuor Alex O , Badji Henry , Cornick Jennifer , Feutz Erika , Galagan Sean R , Haidara Fadima C , Horne Bri’Anna , Hossen Md Ismail , Hotwani Aneeta , Houpt Eric R , Jallow Abdoulie F , Karim Mehrab , Keita Adama Mamby , Keita Youssouf , Khanam Farhana , Liu Jie , Malemia Thandizo , Manneh Alhagie , McGrath Christine J , Nasrin Dilruba , Ndalama Maureen , Ochieng John Benjamin , Ogwel Billy , Paredes Olortegui Maribel , Zegarra Paredes Loyda Fiorella , Pinedo Vasquez Tackeshy , Platts-Mills James A , Qudrat-E-Khuda Syed , Qureshi Sonia , Hasan Rajib Md Nazmul , Rogawski McQuade Elizabeth T , Sultana Shazia , Tennant Sharon M , Tickell Kirkby D , Witte Desiree , Peñataro Yori Pablo , Cunliffe Nigel A , Hossain M Jahangir , Kosek Margaret N , Kotloff Karen L , Qadri Firdausi , Qamar Farah Naz , Tapia Milagritos D , Pavlinac Patricia B 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Shigella is a leading cause of acute watery diarrhea, dysentery, and diarrhea-attributed linear growth faltering, a precursor to stunting and lifelong morbidity. Several promising Shigella vaccines are in development and field efficacy trials will require a consortium of potential vaccine trial sites with up-to-date Shigella diarrhea incidence data.

Methods
The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study will employ facility-based enrollment of diarrhea cases aged 6–35 months with 3 months of follow-up to establish incidence rates and document clinical, anthropometric, and financial consequences of Shigella diarrhea at 7 country sites (Mali, Kenya, The Gambia, Malawi, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Peru). Over a 24-month period between 2022 and 2024, the EFGH study aims to enroll 9800 children (1400 per country site) between 6 and 35 months of age who present to local health facilities with diarrhea. Shigella species (spp.) will be identified and serotyped from rectal swabs by conventional microbiologic methods and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Shigella spp. isolates will undergo serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Incorporating population and healthcare utilization estimates from contemporaneous household sampling in the catchment areas of enrollment facilities, we will estimate Shigella diarrhea incidence rates.

Conclusions
This multicountry surveillance network will provide key incidence data needed to design Shigella vaccine trials and strengthen readiness for potential trial implementation. Data collected in EFGH will inform policy makers about the relative importance of this vaccine-preventable disease, accelerating the time to vaccine availability and uptake among children in high-burden settings.
The Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella Surveillance Study in Mali
Authors: Keita Adama Mamby , Doh Sanogo , Juma Jane , Nasrin Dilruba , Traoré Awa , Onwuchekwa Uma , Maguire Rebecca , Haidara Fadima C , Sow Samba O , Kotloff Karen L , Tapia Milagritos D 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
In 2002, the Centre pour le Développement des Vaccins du Mali (CVD-Mali) was established as a partnership between the Mali Ministry of Health and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Since its creation, CVD-Mali has been dedicated to describing the epidemiology of infectious diseases, supporting the development of vaccines, and training a team of local researchers. CVD-Mali participated in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study from 2007 to 2010 and the Vaccine Impact on Diarrhea in Africa study from 2015 to 2018, where the importance of Shigella as an enteric pathogen was established.

Methods
In the Enterics for Global Health (EFGH) Shigella surveillance study, CVD-Mali will conduct Shigella surveillance at 4 health centers serving the population currently participating in a demographic surveillance system and will measure the local incidence of Shigella diarrhea and related outcomes in 6- to 35-month-old children. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns and the costs related to these cases will also be measured.

Results
We anticipate reporting the number of diarrhea episodes that are positive by stool culture, the antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates, and the management and outcomes of these cases.

Conclusions
In Mali, the EFGH study will contribute valuable information to understanding the burden of Shigella in this population. These data will inform the evaluation of vaccine candidates.
Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Is Associated With Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Case-Control Study From Zimbabwe
Authors: Dube Mandishora Racheal S , Galati Luisa , Reich Richard R , Combes Jean-Damien , McKay-Chopin Sandrine , Makunike-Mutasa Rudo , Masanganise Rangarirai , Gwambiwa Bevele , Magombei Tricia , Zito Francesco Alfredo , Lagiou Pagona , Clifford Gary M , Giuliano Anna R , Coghill Anna E , Tommasino Massimo , Gheit Tarik 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Incidence of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in Zimbabwe is &gt;30-fold higher than the global average. cSCC risk is notably higher among people with human immunodeficiency virus, implicating impaired immune response and a yet unknown infectious etiology. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks from Zimbabwe, comprising conjunctival precancer (n = 78), invasive cSCC cases (n = 148) and nonmalignant eye lesions (n = 119), were tested for multiple DNA viruses using Luminex bead–based technology. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) type 1 positivity was strongly associated with cSCC diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.0–10.4) and marginally associated with precancer (aOR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.0–4.5]). On analyzing EBV transcriptional activity with any of LMP1, EBNA1, and BZLF1, RNA transcripts were detected in 5 of 112 controls, 3 of 67 precancers, and 10 of 139 cases and none were associated with conjunctival case status. Our EBV DNA data suggest that EBV may play a role in cSCC. However, the low detection rate of EBV RNA supports further investigation to infer causality.
Isotretinoin-induced myositis
Authors: Hague Oliver , Thanopoulou Vasiliki , Mangat Pamela , Singh Animesh , Stratton Richard , Malley Tamir 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Retinoid-induced myositis is a phenomenon recognised in multiple case reports. We report a case of isotretinoin-induced myositis in an 18-year-old male patient. This case adds to the published literature as it demonstrates (i) myositis may occur after extended periods of isotretinoin use, (ii) should be considered as a differential diagnosis even when presenting asymmetrically and (iii) can continue to progress clinically and biochemically initially following the suspension of isotretinoin before being effectively treated with corticosteroids.
Closure of TB pulmonary cavern using endobronchial valve placement
Authors: Mskhaladze Teona , Tchkonia David , Vacharadze Kakha , Kiria Nana , Chkonia Mikolay 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Enhancing the efficacy of treatment for Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug Resistant (XDR) Tuberculosis has prompted exploration into adjunctive therapies, such as Endobronchial Valve Placement (EVP) in addition to pharmacological interventions. Materials and Methods: EVP was performed utilizing a combination of rigid and flexible bronchoscopes to address airway hemorrhage and facilitate closure of TB cavities. The procedure involved the deployment of large valves (12 mm and 17 mm), necessitating the utilization of a rigid bronchoscope. Results: Sputum conversion was confirmed through culture analysis after one month, and chest CT scans revealed complete closure of the tuberculous cavity five months post the EVP procedure. Conclusion: We posit that when used in conjunction with anti-TB chemotherapy, this method holds promise for shortening treatment duration and improving overall efficacy.
Host–microbiome associations in saliva predict COVID-19 severity
Authors: Alqedari Hend , Altabtbaei Khaled , Espinoza Josh L , Bin-Hasan Saadoun , Alghounaim Mohammad , Alawady Abdullah , Altabtabae Abdullah , AlJamaan Sarah , Devarajan Sriraman , AlShammari Tahreer , Ben Eid Mohammed , Matsuoka Michele , Jang Hyesun , Dupont Christopher L , Freire Marcelo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEstablished evidence indicates that oral microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating host immune responses to viral infection. Following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, there are coordinated microbiome and inflammatory responses within the mucosal and systemic compartments that are unknown. The specific roles the oral microbiota and inflammatory cytokines play in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are yet to be explored. Here, we evaluated the relationships between the salivary microbiome and host parameters in different groups of COVID-19 severity based on their oxygen requirement. Saliva and blood samples (n = 80) were collected from COVID-19 and from noninfected individuals. We characterized the oral microbiomes using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and evaluated saliva and serum cytokines and chemokines using multiplex analysis. Alpha diversity of the salivary microbial community was negatively associated with COVID-19 severity, while diversity increased with health. Integrated cytokine evaluations of saliva and serum showed that the oral host response was distinct from the systemic response. The hierarchical classification of COVID-19 status and respiratory severity using multiple modalities separately (i.e. microbiome, salivary cytokines, and systemic cytokines) and simultaneously (i.e. multimodal perturbation analyses) revealed that the microbiome perturbation analysis was the most informative for predicting COVID-19 status and severity, followed by the multimodal. Our findings suggest that oral microbiome and salivary cytokines may be predictive of COVID-19 status and severity, whereas atypical local mucosal immune suppression and systemic hyperinflammation provide new cues to understand the pathogenesis in immunologically compromised populations.
Influence of BOVAMINE DEFEND Plus on growth performance, carcass characteristics, estimated dry matter digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and immune function in finishing beef steers
Authors: Miller Alexandra C , Mezzomo Rafael , Gomes Daiany I , Loh Huey Yi , Levenson Jonah R , Guimaraes Octavio , Tangredi Briana V , Zuchegno Sophie M , Chek Erlene , Cappellozza Bruno I , Schutz Jennifer S , Engle Terry E 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
One hundred and eighty crossbred beef steers (406.0 ± 2.2 kg) were used to determine the impact of a novel direct-fed microbial (DFM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, rumen fermentation characteristics, and immune response in finishing beef cattle. Steers were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned, within block, to 1 of 2 treatments (3 replicates/treatment: 30 steers/replicate). Treatments included: (1) no DFM (control) and (2) DFM supplementation at 50 mg ∙ animal−1 ∙ d−1 (BOVAMINE DEFEND Plus). All steers were fed a high-concentrate finishing diet and individual feed intake was recorded daily via the GrowSafe system. BWs were collected every 28 d. On day 55, 10 steers per pen were injected with ovalbumin (OVA). Jugular blood samples were collected from each steer on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 post injection. On day 112, the same steers were injected again with OVA and intramuscularly with a pig red blood cell solution. Jugular blood samples were collected from each steer on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 post injection. On day 124, rumen fluid was collected from 3 steers per treatment and used to estimate in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Equal numbers of steers per treatment were transported to a commercial abattoir on days 145, 167, and 185 of the experiment, harvested, and carcass data were collected. Initial BW was similar across treatments. On days 28 and 55, steers receiving DFM had heavier BW (P &lt; 0.01) compared to controls. The average daily gain was greater in DFM-supplemented steers from days 0 to 28 (P &lt; 0.01) and days 0 to 55 (P &lt; 0.01) of the experiment compared to controls. Overall dry matter intake (DMI) was greater (P &lt; 0.04) and overall feed efficiency was similar in DFM-supplemented steers compared to controls. Dressing percentage (P &lt; 0.02) was greater in steers receiving DFM compared to controls. Antibody titers to injected antigens were similar across treatments. However, red blood cell superoxide dismutase activity was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in DFM-supplemented steers compared to controls. In vitro molar proportions of isobutyric and butyric acid were greater (P &lt; 0.01) and dry matter (DM) digestibility tended (P &lt; 0.07) to be greater in rumen fluid obtained from steers supplemented with DFM. These data suggest that BOVAMINE DEFEND Plus supplementation improves growth performance during the initial period of the finishing phase, increases overall DMI and dressing percentage, and may impact antioxidant status in beef cattle.
The metabolic fingerprint of Scots pine—root and needle metabolites show different patterns in dying trees
Authors: Hunziker Stefan , Nazarova Tatiana , Kather Michel , Hartmann Martin , Brunner Ivano , Schaub Marcus , Rigling Andreas , Hug Christian , Schönbeck Leonie , Bose Arun K , Kammerer Bernd , Gessler Arthur 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The loss of leaves and needles in tree crowns and tree mortality are increasing worldwide, mostly as a result of more frequent and severe drought stress. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a tree species that is strongly affected by these developments in many regions of Europe and Asia. So far, changes in metabolic pathways and metabolite profiles in needles and roots on the trajectory toward mortality are unknown, although they could contribute to a better understanding of the mortality mechanisms. Therefore, we linked long-term observations of canopy defoliation and tree mortality with the characterization of the primary metabolite profile in needles and fine roots of Scots pines from a forest site in the Swiss Rhone valley. Our results show that Scots pines are able to maintain metabolic homeostasis in needles over a wide range of canopy defoliation levels. However, there is a metabolic tipping point at around 80–85% needle loss. Above this threshold, many stress-related metabolites (particularly osmoprotectants, defense compounds and antioxidants) increase in the needles, whereas they decrease in the fine roots. If this defoliation tipping point is exceeded, the trees are very likely to die within a few years. The different patterns between needles and roots indicate that mainly belowground carbon starvation impairs key functions for tree survival and suggest that this is an important factor explaining the increasing mortality of Scots pines.
Is the Child Opportunity Index a Factor in Surgical Outcomes for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?
Authors: Linden Gabriel S. , Lee Sydney , Cook Danielle , Birch Craig M. , Hedequist Daniel J. , Hresko M. Timothy , Hogue Grant D. 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been previously associated with delays in orthopaedic care. However, it is unclear how SES impacts patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), particularly regarding preoperative major coronal curve angle or surgical outcomes. Utilizing the Child Opportunity Index (COI)—an address-driven measure of pediatric education, health/environment, and SES—we investigated whether COI is associated with differences in preoperative scoliosis magnitude, age at surgery, and AIS surgical outcomes.

Methods:
Consecutive patients with AIS surgically treated at a single center from 2011 to 2017 were reviewed. COI was calculated by inserting a patient’s home address into the nationally available COI database to derive a COI value. COI is scored from 0.0 to 100.0 (0.0 is lowest, 100.0 is highest). Specifically, COI is categorized as very low (<20.0), low (20 to 39.9), moderate (40 to 59.9), high (60 to 79.9), and very high (≥80). Those without addresses were excluded. Patients without proper radiographs to assess curve correction were also excluded. A COI threshold of 60.0 was used to separate patients into a low (<60.0) or high COI (

) group based on published COI guidelines. Outcomes, including preoperative curve magnitude, age at surgery, percentage curve correction, operative time (OT), intraoperative estimated blood loss per level fused, length of stay, and complications, were compared across groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess correlations between COI and preoperative curve magnitude, as well as age.

Results:
Four hundred four patients were included in the study, and 263 had 2-year follow-up data. Patients were an average age of 14.9 years old (range: 11.2 to 19.8), had a median COI of 76 (range: 4 to 100), and had a mean preoperative major curve angle of 59 degrees (range: 36 to 93). COI was significantly higher for white patients compared with non-white (80.0 vs 40.0, P< 0.001), and higher for non-Hispanic individuals (79.0 vs 15.0, P< 0.001). Patients with Low COI were associated with a lower OT per level fused (P= 0.003) and decreased postoperative complication risk (P= 0.02). COI was not associated with preoperative major coronal curve angle, age at surgery, or any other surgical outcomes.

Conclusion:
COI was significantly lower for non-white patients and those of Hispanic ethnicity. Patients from low COI backgrounds achieved similar surgical results as those from high COI addresses and had a decreased OT per level fused and complication incidence, though the clinical significance of these differences is unknown. Future prospective studies are needed to determine whether these findings are reproducible across other states and health systems.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—prognostic study.
The PUG Flap: Conjoined Profunda Artery Perforator and Upper Gracilis Flap for Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Abdulwadood Isra , Pflibsen Lacey R. , Jarvis Nicholas R. , Winocour Sebastian , Rebecca Alanna M. , Casey William J. , Reece Edward M. 
Published: March 2024

Summary:
Abdominal-based free flaps are the mainstay of autologous breast reconstruction; however, the region may not be ideal for patients with inadequate soft tissue or history of abdominal surgery. This case describes the use of a novel conjoined flap based on the profunda artery perforator and upper gracilis pedicles, named the perforator and upper gracilis (PUG) flap. This flap design aims to maximize medial thigh flap volume while ensuring robust tissue perforation. Here, we present our experience with the PUG flap in a breast cancer patient undergoing autologous reconstruction. The patient was a 41-year-old woman seeking nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate autologous reconstruction with the PUG flap due to limited abdominal tissue availability. The gracilis and profunda artery perforator flaps were elevated using one boomerang-style skin paddle. Once harvested, the flaps were inset with antegrade and retrograde flow off the internal mammary arteries and both respective internal mammary veins. The donor site was closed in a V-Y pattern resulting in a thigh lift–type lift and concealed scar. In conclusion, the boomerang-style PUG flap maximizes medial thigh free tissue transfer volume, offers internal blood flow redundancy, and maintains good cosmesis of the donor site.
A Study on Geographic Correlation between Indoor Radon Exposure and Leukemia Incidence in Canada
Authors: Chen Jing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In Canada, leukemia is diagnosed at a rate of 15 cases per 100,000 persons and accounts for about 3% of all new primary cancers. In this study, geographical correlation between residential radon exposure and leukemia incidence was investigated at a provincial level with more accurate long-term radon measurement data in 21,330 homes and 10-y (2000–2009) age standardized incidence rates per 100,000 population for various subtypes of leukemia. The analyses showed that the incidence rate of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is statistically significantly correlated with average indoor radon (222Rn) concentration for Canadian females (p = 0.01210) but not for males. At a provincial level, the association between average indoor radon level and chronic lymphocytic leukemia incidence rate is statistically significant (p = 0.0167), and the correlation is somewhat stronger for females (p = 0.0043). No correlation was found between indoor radon exposure and any other subtypes of leukemia evaluated in this study.
Fusion-Flanged Intrascleral Intraocular Lens Fixation Technique: Simple, Safe, Efficient
Authors: Piyasoonthorn Pratan , Gacivut Puntanarach 
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
To develop a new, sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation technique based on the Yamane double-needle and Canabrava 4-flanged techniques.

Methods:
The Fusion-Flanged technique involves using a 7-0 polypropylene suture loop threaded through the eyelets of the IOL. Afterward, both ends of the suture are passed outside the eye through a 27-gauge needle. This technique creates a single flange by joining the 2 suture ends through handheld cautery, and this flange is then embedded into the scleral tunnel to securely fix the IOL in place.

Results:
This technique was performed on a total of 7 aphakic patients. Four of them had encountered complications following manual small incision cataract surgery, while the remaining 3 experienced complications after phacoemulsification. The results indicated a significant improvement in visual acuity, with mean preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuities of 0.77 ± 0.11 and 0.27 ± 0.08 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] units), respectively.

Conclusions:
The Fusion-Flanged intrascleral IOL fixation technique offers improvements in simplicity, safety, and the overall efficiency when compared to existing sutureless intrascleral fixation techniques. Notably, this technique is versatile and can be applied to both non-foldable and foldable IOLs.
Suboptimal visual outcome after femto-LASIK ablation in a high myopic patient
Authors: Nuijts Rudy M.M.A. , Ollivier Robin , Allan Bruce D. , Lawless Michael A. , Carones Francesco , Güell José Luis , Vinciguerra Paolo , Kohnen Thomas 
Published: March 2024

A 28-year-old nurse had an aberration-free femto-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed for her myopia of −6.25 −0.50 × 096 and −6.75 −0.50 × 175 in the right and left eye, respectively. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) preoperatively was 20/16. Preoperatively, there were no abnormalities on Scheimpflug imaging, and a pachymetry of 585 μm was measured in both eyes. Flap thickness was 115 μm. The patient was quite nervous during the surgery.
Since the surgery, her uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and CDVA are suboptimal at 20/30 and 20/20 in the right eye, and 20/20 and 20/16 in the left eye. 3 months postoperatively, there is a stable manifest refraction of +0.25 −1.25 × 030 and +0.25 −0.00 × 0. The keratometric astigmatism in the Scheimpflug imaging is 1.2 diopter (D) × 114 and 0.4 D × 78 in the right and left eyes, respectively (FIgures 1 and 2). Thinnest pachymetry is 505 μm and 464 μm in the right and left eye, respectively. Her wavefront analysis shows refraction in a 6 mm zone of −0.99 −1.22 × 32 and −0.91 −0.36 × 136. The cycloplegic refraction is 1.25 −1.00 × 023 and +1.00 −0.25 × 006 (Figures 3 and 4).
What is the cause of the suboptimal visual outcome in this case? What would be your treatment strategy to improve visual outcome?