bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The skin microbiome in pediatric atopic dermatitis and food allergy
Authors: Tham Elizabeth Huiwen , Chia Minghao , Riggioni Carmen , Nagarajan Niranjan , Common John E. A. , Kong Heidi H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe skin microbiome is an extensive community of bacteria, fungi, mites, viruses and archaea colonizing the skin. Fluctuations in the composition of the skin microbiome have been observed in atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA), particularly in early life, established disease, and associated with therapeutics. However, AD is a multifactorial disease characterized by skin barrier aberrations modulated by genetics, immunology, and environmental influences, thus the skin microbiome is not the sole feature of this disease. Future research should focus on mechanistic understanding of how early‐life skin microbial shifts may influence AD and FA onset, to guide potential early intervention strategies or as microbial biomarkers to identify high‐risk infants who may benefit from possible microbiome‐based biotherapeutic strategies. Harnessing skin microbes as AD biotherapeutics is an emerging field, but more work is needed to investigate whether this approach can lead to sustained clinical responses.
Unplanned 30‐day readmission rate after ophthalmological surgery as a quality‐of‐care indicator
Authors: Crozet Audrey , Leclere Brice , Martin Florian , Goronflot Thomas , Cazet Lucie , Ducloyer Jean‐Baptiste , Le Meur Guylène , Lebranchu Pierre 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe 30‐day readmission rate provides a standardised quantitative evaluation of some postoperative complications. It is widely used worldwide in many medical and surgical specialities, and the World Health Organization recommends its use for monitoring healthcare system performance. In ophthalmology, its measurement is biased by the frequent and close planned surgery on one eye and then the other, particularly in the case of cataract surgery. This study measures the 30‐day unplanned readmission rate in ophthalmology, globally and by surgery subtype, and describes the causes of readmission.MethodsAll patients readmitted within 30 days of ophthalmic surgery at Nantes University Hospital between January 2017 and December 2020 were identified in the Medical Information System. An ophthalmologist examined each medical record and collected the following data: the reason for readmission, comorbidities, the pathology treated, surgery type, surgery duration, the surgeon's experience, anaesthesia type, severity and readmission morbidity.ResultsFor the 8522 ophthalmic surgeries performed in the four‐year study period, 282 30‐day unplanned readmissions were identified. The overall 30‐day unplanned readmission rate was 2.07% for elective surgery, with a high variability depending on the surgery type: 0.95% for phacoemulsification, 4.95% for vitreoretinal surgery (3.42% for non‐elective vitreoretinal surgery, 5.44% for retinal detachment surgery), 5.66% for deep lamellar keratoplasty and 11.90% for trabeculectomy. The unplanned 30‐day readmission rate for ocular trauma surgery (emergency care) was 11.0%. Seven percent of all unplanned 30‐day readmissions were not associated with an ophthalmological problem.ConclusionsThis study is the first to report 30‐day unplanned readmission in ophthalmology, globally and by surgical subtype, for elective and urgent procedures. This indicator can be used longitudinally to detect an increase in risk or transversely to compare the quality of care between different public or private hospitals.
Association of state‐level prescription drug monitoring program implementation with opioid prescribing transitions in primary care in Australia
Authors: Xia Ting , Picco Louisa , Buchbinder Rachelle , Haas Romi , Nielsen Suzanne 
Published: February 2024

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate whether voluntary and mandatory prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) use in Victoria, Australia, had an impact on prescribing behaviour, focusing on individual patients' prescribed opioid doses and transition to prescribing of nonmonitored medications.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross‐sectional study using routinely collected primary healthcare data. A 90‐day moving average prescribed opioid dose in oral morphine equivalents was used to estimate opioid dosage. A Markov transition matrix was used to describe how patients prescribed medications transitioned between opioid dose groups and other nonopioid treatment options during 3 transition periods: transition between 2 control periods prior to PDMP implementation (T1 to T2); during the voluntary PDMP implementation (T2 to T3); and during mandatory PDMP implementation (T3 to T4).ResultsAmong patients prescribed opioids in our study, we noted an increased probability of transitioning to not being prescribed opioids during the mandatory PDMP period (T3 to T4). This increase was attributed mainly to the ceasing of low‐dose opioid prescribing. Membership in an opioid dose group remained relatively stable for most patients who were prescribed high opioid doses. For those who were only prescribed nonmonitored medications initially, the probability of being prescribed opioids increased during the mandatory PDMP when compared to other transition periods.ConclusionThe introduction of PDMP mandates appeared to have an impact on the prescribing for patients who were prescribed low‐dose opioids, while its impact on individuals prescribed higher opioid doses was comparatively limited.
Use of drugs with pharmacogenomics (PGx)‐based dosing guidelines in a Danish cohort of persons with chronic kidney disease, both on dialysis and not on dialysis: Perspectives for prescribing optimization
Authors: Westergaard Niels , Baltzer Houlind Morten , Christrup Lona Louring , Juul‐Larsen Helle Gybel , Strandhave Charlotte , Olesen Anne Estrup 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimThe objective of this registry study is to assess the utilization of pharmacogenomic (PGx) drugs among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsThis study was a retrospective study of patients affiliated with the Department of Nephrology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark in 2021. Patients diagnosed with CKD were divided into CKD without dialysis and CKD with dialysis. PGx prescription drugs were retrieved from the Patient Administration System. Actionable dosing guidelines (AG) for specific drug–gene pairs for CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and SLCO1B1 were retrieved from the PharmGKB homepage.ResultsOut of 1241 individuals, 25.5% were on dialysis. The median number of medications for each patient was 9 within the non‐dialysis group and 16 within the dialysis group. Thirty‐one distinct PGx drugs were prescribed. Altogether, 76.0% (943 individuals) were prescribed at least one PGx drug and the prevalence of prescriptions of PGx drugs was higher in the dialysis group compared to the non‐dialysis group. The most frequently prescribed drugs with AG were metoprolol, pantoprazole, atorvastatin, simvastatin and warfarin.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that a substantial proportion of patients with CKD are exposed to drugs or drug combinations for which there exists AG related to PGx of CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and SLCO1B1.
Multiple regimes in the preferences for redistribution
Authors: Kourtellos Andros , Petrou Kyriakos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper provides novel evidence of nonlinearities in the formation of preferences for redistribution by uncovering evidence of multiple regimes consistent with the presence of multiple equilibria and multiple steady states. Using threshold regressions that account for the endogeneity of the threshold variable, countries are classified into three groups that share common characteristics. Finally, our analysis reveals substantial evidence of parameter heterogeneity in the coefficient estimates of threshold regressions.
Could natural terpenes be an alternative for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases?
Authors: Soto‐Sánchez Jacqueline 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExisting chemotherapy for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can often be toxic and ineffective, highlighting the necessity for new treatments. Terpenes are secondary metabolites with pharmacological potential. This aim of this mini‐review is to explore the most promising natural terpenes with anti‐leishmanicidal, anti‐schistosomicidal, and anti‐echinococcal activity, their mechanisms of action, and their efficacy as combination therapy. The study identified a tetracyclic diterpenoid, a sesquiterpene lactone, and a triterpene with the highest biological activity against leishmaniasis. Additionally, a triterpenoid and a tetraterpene showed potent activity against schistosomiasis and echinococcosis, respectively. Compounds have antiparasitic effects by inducing cell death, inhibiting cell stress‐related proteins, degrading extracellular matrix, and modulating immune and inflammatory responses. The employment of combination therapy and terpene nanotransporters appears to enhance the antiparasitic activity of these compounds. Although identifying specific molecular targets is necessary, the use of terpenes in combination therapy presents a safe and highly promising approach for the rational development of more potent and selective antiparasitic drugs.
The use of digital technologies in peri‐implant soft tissue augmentation – A narrative review on planning, measurements, monitoring and aesthetics
Authors: Strauss Franz Josef , Gil Alfonso , Smirani Rawen , Rodriguez Amanda , Jung Ronald , Thoma Daniel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the different uses and modalities of digital technologies to diagnose, plan and monitor peri‐implant soft tissue conditions and aesthetics.MethodsA comprehensive narrative review of pertinent literature was conducted, critically appraising key digital technologies that may assist peri‐implant soft tissue augmentation and assessment. An electronic search on four databases including studies published prior to 1st July 2023 was performed and supplemented by a manual search.ResultsPredominantly, tools such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), intraoral scanning (iOS), intraoral ultrasonography and digital spectrophotometry were commonly to assess and monitor peri‐implant soft tissues. The main clinical and research applications included: (i) initial assessment of mucosal thickness, supra‐crestal tissue height and keratinized mucosa width, (ii) evaluation of peri‐implant soft tissue health and inflammation, (iii) monitoring profilometric changes and midfacial mucosal margin stability over time and (iv) aesthetic evaluation through colour assessment. While evidence for some digital tools may be limited, the integration of digital technologies into peri‐implant soft tissue management holds great promise. These technologies offer improved precision, comfort and speed in assessment, benefiting both patients and clinicians.ConclusionAs digital technologies progress, their full potential in peri‐implant soft tissue augmentation and their value will become more evident with ongoing research. Embracing these innovations and their potential benefits is recommended to ensure that during progress in implant dentistry, patient care is not hindered.
Outcomes of older Black renal transplant recipients receiving basiliximab induction and early steroid withdrawal
Authors: Bova Sarah E , Sparkes Tracy , Garcia Emily , Szczepanik Amanda , Bromberg Jonathan , Haririan Abdolreza , Casale Jillian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe efficacy and safety of early steroid withdrawal (ESW) in Black renal transplant recipients (RTR) remains uncertain, especially when combined with non‐lymphocyte depleting induction. This study compared patient and graft outcomes of older Black and Non‐Black RTR who received basiliximab induction followed by ESW.Included subjects in this single center, retrospective study were first‐time deceased and living donor RTR aged over 65 years who received basiliximab induction therapy and ESW. Black RTR and Non‐Black deceased donor RTR received an oral prednisone taper starting POD3 which was discontinued by POD21 per protocol.Of 139 patients (55 Black and 84 Non‐Black), the Black patient group included a higher percentage of deceased donors and hepatitis C positive donors, and more frequently underwent renal replacement therapy prior to transplant. One Black and zero Non‐Black RTR experienced graft loss within 3 years (p = 1.0). Patient survival was similar at 1 year (93% vs. 97%, p = .16) and 3 years (91% vs. 96%, p = .17). Rejection‐free survival and biopsy‐proven rejection did not differ at 1 or 3 years. Median eGFR and change in eGFR also did not differ between groups. Black patients were maintained on significantly higher median mycophenolate doses from 6 months post‐transplant to the end of the study period (p = .03 and .048).In older Black RTR, basiliximab induction followed by ESW produced comparable patient, graft, and rejection‐free survival compared to Non‐Black RTR over 3 years post‐transplant.
Alemtuzumab versus anti‐thymocyte globulin in kidney transplant recipients receiving a rapid steroid withdrawal regimen
Authors: Rikard Rachel A. , Chargualaf Laura M. , Coulter Carolyn , Weimer Eric T. , Schmitz John L. , Kotzen Elizabeth S. , Prom Alyson , Toledo Alexander H. , Szempruch Kristen R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), steroid‐free maintenance regimens are used to minimize the negative impact of steroid use. Studies comparing alemtuzumab (ALZ) and anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) with rapid steroid withdrawal are limited. The aim of this study was to assess a composite outcome of incidence of de novo donor specific antibodies (dnDSAs), biopsy proven rejection (BPAR), graft failure, or death in KTRs receiving ALZ or ATG with a steroid‐free maintenance regimen.MethodsA single‐center, retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult KTRs who underwent rapid steroid withdrawal. There were two cohorts, KTRs who received induction with ALZ compared to ATG. The primary composite outcome was incidence of dnDSAs, BPAR, graft failure, or death. Secondary outcomes included renal function, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK viremia, and leukopenia.ResultsTwo hundred twenty‐five KTRs were included where 146 received ALZ and 79 received ATG. The Cox proportional hazard of the primary composite outcome in the ALZ compared to ATG group was not significant (unadjusted model HR 1.37, 95% CI .74–2.55). Individual incidences of composite outcome were similar. There was a difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 12 months post‐transplant (55.7 vs. 62.3 mL/min/1.73m2, p = .03) and leukopenia at 3 months (3.7 vs. 4.2 × 109/L, p = .03). Other secondary outcomes were similar.ConclusionsThere was no difference in composite outcome for dnDSAs, BPAR, graft failure, and death.
Asymptomatic lymphogranuloma venereum is commonly found among men who have sex with men in Austria
Authors: Chromy David , Sadoghi Birgit , Gasslitter Irina , Skocic Mattias , Okoro Anthony , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Willinger Birgit , Weninger Wolfgang , Öllinger Angela , Sarcletti Mario , Stary Georg , Bauer Wolfgang Michael 
Published: February 2024

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesSerovar L1–L3 of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) causes lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). A surge in LGV‐cases has been observed among HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Discrimination between LGV and non‐LGV is pivotal since it has major treatment implications. Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of LGV among CT‐infections.Patients and MethodsAll CT‐positive results from 04/2014–12/2021 at the four largest Austrian HIV and STI clinics were evaluated. Disease characteristics and patient demographics were analyzed.ResultsOverall, n = 2,083 infections of CT were documented in n = 1,479 individual patients: median age was 31.4 years, 81% were male, 59% MSM, 44% HIV‐positive, 13% on HIV pre‐exposure‐prophylaxis. Available serovar analyses (61% [1,258/2,083]) showed L1–L3 in 15% (192/1,258). Considering only MSM with rectal CT‐infection, LGV accounted for 23% (101/439). Cases of LGV vs. other CT‐infections were primarily MSM (92% [177/192] vs. 62% [1,179/1,891], p < 0.001), more often HIV‐positive (64% [116/180] vs. 46% [631/1,376]; p < 0.001) and had frequently concomitant syphilis infection (18% [32/180] vs. 7% [52/749]; p < 0.001). LGV commonly manifested as proctitis (38% [72/192]) whereas 45% (87/192) were asymptomatic.ConclusionsLymphogranuloma venereum accounted for 23% of rectal CT‐infections in MSM. Furthermore, 45% of all LGV‐cases were asymptomatic. In the absence of CT‐serovar analysis, a high LGV prevalence should be considered in risk‐populations and guide empiric treatment selection.
Coordination schemes for resource reallocation and patient transfer in hospital alliance models
Authors: Li Zhong‐Ping , Chang Jasmine , Shi Jim , Wang Jian‐Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn many countries, healthcare systems encounter the issue of imbalance between supply and demand in a hierarchical structure. The comprehensive hospitals, which possess more high‐quality resources, are often overwhelmed, while their counterparts, community hospitals, are often idle. To address this imbalance issue, certain payment schemes are generally considered effective in motivating comprehensive hospitals to divert patients downstream via resource transfer. In addition to two particular payment schemes, namely, patient payment (PP) and fee‐for‐capacity (FFC), this study also considers two hospital alliance models, the government‐led (GL‐type) and the hospital‐forged (HF‐type) alliance, for effectively overcoming the imbalance issue. Compared to the HF‐type alliance, in which each community hospital determines the price paid to the comprehensive hospital for transferring resources, the GL‐type alliance requires the payment price to be set by the regulator. Methodologically, this study devises a three‐stage sequential game to characterize the dynamics among the various entities, such as the regulator, the comprehensive hospital, the community hospitals, and the patients. Equilibrium results, in terms of the capacity sinking rate and patient transfer rate, are derived, and scheme and alliance performances are evaluated using various measurements, such as patient utility, and hospital and social welfare. We find that a direct payment scheme (FFC) under a centralized alliance model (GL‐type alliance) is more effective for both making decisions (about the patient transfer rate, capacity sinking rate, and payment price) and the performances (of each hospital's welfare, patient welfare, the waiting time per patient, and social welfare). Furthermore, our study examines the impacts of the alliance scale and finds that social welfare is first decreasing and then increasing with alliance scale. Therefore, it is suggested to establish either a one‐to‐one hospital alliance (consisting of a comprehensive and a community hospital) or a large‐scale (e.g., a comprehensive and 10 community hospitals) hospital alliance.
Utility of apical four‐chamber longitudinal strain in the assessment of childhood cancer survivors: A multicenter study
Authors: Mosgrove Matthew J. , Sachdeva Ritu , Stratton Kayla L. , Armenian Saro H. , Bhat Aarti , Leger Kasey J. , Yang Christina , Leisenring Wendy M. , Meacham Lillian R. , Sadak Karim T. , Narasimhan Shanti L. , Nathan Paul C. , Chow Eric J. , Border William L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundA previous multicenter study showed that longitudinal changes in standard cardiac functional parameters were associated with the development of cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Evaluation of the relationship between global longitudinal strain (GLS) changes and cardiomyopathy risk was limited, largely due to lack of quality apical 2‐ and 3‐chamber views in addition to 4‐chamber view. We sought to determine whether apical 4‐chamber longitudinal strain (A4LS) alone can serve as a suitable surrogate for GLS in this population.MethodsA4LS and GLS were measured in echocardiograms with acceptable apical 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐chamber views. Correlation was evaluated using Pearson and Spearman coefficients, and agreement was evaluated with Bland–Altman plots. The ability of A4LS to identify normal and abnormal values compared to GLS as the reference was evaluated.ResultsAmong a total of 632 reviewed echocardiograms, we identified 130 echocardiograms from 56 patients with adequate views (38% female; mean age at cancer diagnosis 8.3 years; mean follow‐up 9.4 years). Correlation coefficients between A4LS and GLS were .89 (Pearson) and .85 (Spearman), with Bland–Altman plot of GLS—A4LS showing a mean difference of −.71 ± 1.8. Compared with GLS as the gold standard, A4LS had a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI 79%–93%) and specificity of 82% (69%–95%) when using normal range cutoffs and 90% (82%–97%) and 70% (58%–81%) when using ±2 standard deviations.ConclusionA4LS performs well when compared with GLS in this population. Given the more recent adoption of apical 2‐ and 3‐chamber views in most pediatric echocardiography laboratories, A4LS is a reasonable stand‐alone measurement in retrospective analyses of older study cohorts and echocardiogram biorepositories.
Altered left atrial metrics in patients with cryptogenic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Clark Amy , Ferkh Aaisha , Vandenberg Jamie , Elhindi James , Thomas Liza 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere is no defined cause for cryptogenic stroke/embolic stroke of undetermined source (CS‐ESUS). As atrial fibrillation (AF) develops in a significant proportion of these patients, it has been suggested that left atrial (LA) myopathy may predispose to CS‐ESUS. We investigated alterations in echocardiographic measures of LA size and function in patients with CS‐ESUS.MethodsA systematic literature review and meta‐analysis was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched for articles published between 1 January 1990 and 10 February 2023. All observational studies of adult CS‐ESUS patients with LA volume or function measurements performed by transthoracic echocardiogram were included. Individual random effects meta‐analyses were performed on LA measurements in the CS‐ESUS patients using subgroup analysis of comparator groups.ResultsWe included 29 articles with 3927 CS‐ESUS patients. Analysis of weighted mean differences showed CS‐ESUS patients had altered LA structure and function parameters, with a larger maximum indexed LA volume, reduced LA emptying fraction and/or LA reservoir strain, compared to healthy controls and noncardioembolic stroke patients. Conversely, CS‐ESUS patients had a smaller left atrium with better function, compared to cardioembolic stroke patients and CS‐ESUS patients who subsequently developed atrial fibrillation.ConclusionsLA volume and function are altered in CS‐ESUS patients compared to healthy controls and other stroke aetiologies. An underlying atrial myopathy in a subset of CS‐ESUS patients may be involved in both thrombogenesis and dysrhythmia (specifically AF). While LA functional assessment is not currently recommended following stroke, it may offer an opportunity for recurrent stroke risk stratification.