bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cumulative methotrexate dose is not associated with liver fibrosis in patients with a history of moderate-to-severe psoriasis
Authors: Babakinejad Parastoo , Lapsley Rebecca , Forster Lara , McPherson Stuart , Pearce Mark S , Reynolds Nick J , Slack Emma , Weatherhead Sophie C , Hampton Philip J 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere are established risk factors for liver fibrosis (LF), but data on the impact of methotrexate on LF in patients with psoriasis are lacking.ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of LF in patients with psoriasis and to evaluate the relationship between LF, cumulative methotrexate dose and other LF risk factors.MethodsAdults with a history of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited between June 2020 and March 2021. Patients underwent transient elastography to evaluate LF. Three values for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were assessed, indicating mild or worse LF (≥ 7 kPa), moderate or worse LF (≥ 7.9 kPa) and advanced LF (≥ 9.5kPa). Cumulative methotrexate dose and other potential risk factors for LF were assessed.ResultsOverall, 240 patients were recruited and 204 participants with valid LSM values were included in the analysis [median age 48 years [interquartile range (IQR) 37–57]; 51% female sex; 56% body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 (kg m−2) and a median Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score of 4 (IQR 1–7, 23% score ≥ 8)]. In total, 91% had received methotrexate [median duration 36 months (IQR 14–78)]. Prevalence of LF was 36%, 25% and 17% using LSM ≥ 7 kPa, ≥ 7.9 kPa and ≥ 9.5 kPa, respectively. There was no association between cumulative methotrexate dose [median 2.16 (IQR 0.93–5.2)] and continuous LSM values [unstandardized coefficient 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.49 to 0.82, P = 0.626] or using the categorical LSM cutoff values: ≥ 7 kPa [unadjusted odds ratio 1.06 (95% CI 0.97–1.15), P = 0.192], ≥ 7.9 kPa [unadjusted odds ratio 1.03 (95% CI 0.94–1.12), P = 0.577] and ≥ 9.5 kPa (unadjusted odds ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.91–1.12; P = 0.843). The following risk factors were associated with higher LSM values: BMI (P ≤ 0.001), waist circumference (P ≤ 0.001), metabolic syndrome (P ≤ 0.001), AUDIT score (P = 0.020) and FIB-4 score (P = 0.03). BMI ≥ 28, diabetes and metabolic syndrome were shown to be better predictors of LF compared with FIB-4 score.ConclusionsThis study confirms a high prevalence of significant LF in patients with psoriasis. Cumulative methotrexate dose was not associated with LF. Patients with BMI ≥ 28, metabolic syndrome and diabetes are at higher risk for LF. These risk factors may help to identify when a more detailed liver health assessment is needed.
Thick endothelialization of the self-expandable valve causes delayed coronary obstruction
Authors: Samura Takaaki , Fujimoto Eiki , Ise Takayuki , Hata Hiroki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Delayed coronary obstruction is a rare complication occurring after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Although TAVR has become popular, in some cases, the therapeutic strategy should be carefully selected depending on the patient’s anatomical and/or functional restrictions. We report a rare case of delayed coronary obstruction in which coronary obstruction was caused by thick endothelialization of the nitinol frame of the prosthetic valve. A 79-year-old female who had undergone TAVR 4 months before presented with mild chest pain and was admitted to our institution. Computed tomography and coronary angiography revealed that the space from the sinus of Valsalva to the nitinol frame was narrow and separated from the inside of the nitinol frame because of critical endothelialization. Therefore, an emergency surgical aortic valve replacement was performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged 20 days postoperatively without any complications.
A quantitative survey of the blueberry (Vacciniumspp.) culturable nectar microbiome: variation between cultivars, locations, and farm management approaches
Authors: Rering Caitlin C , Rudolph Arthur B , Li Qin-Bao , Read Quentin D , Muñoz Patricio R , Ternest John J , Hunter Charles T 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMicrobes in floral nectar can impact both their host plants and floral visitors, yet little is known about the nectar microbiome of most pollinator-dependent crops. In this study, we examined the abundance and composition of the fungi and bacteria inhabiting Vaccinium spp. nectar, as well as nectar volume and sugar concentrations. We compared wild V. myrsinites with two field-grown V. corymbosum cultivars collected from two organic and two conventional farms. Differences in nectar traits and microbiomes were identified between V. corymbosum cultivars but not Vaccinium species. The microbiome of cultivated plants also varied greatly between farms, whereas management regime had only subtle effects, with higher fungal populations detected under organic management. Nectars were hexose-dominant, and high cell densities were correlated with reduced nectar sugar concentrations. Bacteria were more common than fungi in blueberry nectar, although both were frequently detected and co-occurred more often than would be predicted by chance. “Cosmopolitan” blueberry nectar microbes that were isolated in all plants, including Rosenbergiella sp. and Symmetrospora symmetrica, were identified. This study provides the first systematic report of the blueberry nectar microbiome, which may have important implications for pollinator and crop health.
From peacekeeping missions to global peacekeeping assemblages
Authors: Albrecht Peter , Patey Luke , Abrahamsen Rita , Williams Paul D 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
How does the experience of peacekeeping shape the countries that contribute troops and the troops themselves, individually and collectively? Most of the peacekeeping literature's focus has traditionally been on field missions, the countries that host them and the challenges of attracting sufficient and appropriately trained troops. We suggest that more emphasis should be put not only on the locations where missions deploy, but also on the individuals, countries and institutions that make up the missions. To analytically capture this more comprehensive understanding of what peacekeeping is—its multiple effects across space—we suggest drawing on the concept of assemblages to make an analytical shift from peacekeeping missions to global peacekeeping assemblages. First, this approach abandons the prior analytical separation of field mission, host country and contributing state/organization as discrete or isolated analytical focus points. Second, it encourages a detailed empirical methodology that focuses on how multiplicities of different actors, knowledges, technologies, norms and values through power struggles and negotiations constitute assemblages in geographically dispersed locations. Third, we suggest treating peacekeeping as flexible social facts, as outcomes of the co-functioning of heterogenous actors with diverse motivations and objectives that cannot be traced back to a single, but rather multiple point(s) of origin(s).
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Patient with Severe Inhalation Injury: Multidisciplinary Burn Team Care
Authors: Peters Rachael A , Cancio Jill M , Glenn Keith , Cancio Leopoldo C 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Inhalation injury is a major risk factor for mortality in burn patients via 3 primary mechanisms: airway edema and obstruction, hypoxemic respiratory failure, and pneumonia. Currently, the mainstay of treatment is supportive care to include early intubation, lung-protective or high-frequency-percussive mechanical ventilation, nebulized heparin, and aggressive pulmonary toilet. Despite these treatments, a subset of these patients progress to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) for which rescue options are limited.

Case Presentation
A 31-year-old woman was found down in a house fire. On admission to the burn intensive care unit, she was diagnosed with grade 3 smoke inhalation injury. Cutaneous thermal injury was absent. By hospital day 2, she developed worsening hypoxemia and hypercapnia despite maximal ventilatory support. She was placed on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). She received an average of 2.2 hours of direct rehabilitation a day and completed out-of-bed modalities over 90% of total hospital days. After 159 hours, she was decannulated, and by hospital day 18, she was discharged home on supplemental oxygen.

Conclusion
Current literature regarding ECMO in inhalation injury is limited, but a growing body of evidence suggests that treatment of severe smoke inhalation injury should include ECMO for those who fail conventional therapy.
Bone marrow findings post allogeneic transplant for myeloproliferative neoplasms and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with increased fibrosis
Authors: Gupta Srishti , Courville Elizabeth L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant for myeloid neoplasms with increased fibrosis is uncommon; morphologic features posttransplant can be concerning for persistent disease.

Methods
In this retrospective study, we identified 22 patients transplanted for myeloproliferative neoplasms or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with fibrosis at our institution, and reviewed slides from pretransplant and posttransplant bone marrow biopsies. Clinical features and results of molecular, chimerism, and cytogenetic studies were retrieved from the medical record.

Results
Pretransplant bone marrow biopsies commonly exhibited hypercellularity, atypical megakaryocytes, and reticulin fibrosis. At day 100, 36% of biopsies had reticulin grade &gt;MF1 and 33% of those tested had positive molecular studies, with no significant associations between day 100 marrow characteristics and molecular profile or peripheral count recovery times. In the 1 year posttransplant biopsies (n = 12), 7 of 9 had negative molecular studies; of these, none had reticulin grade &gt;MF1, 1 had trichrome 1+, 2 had atypical megakaryocytes, and 1 was hypercellular.

Conclusions
Supporting recent literature, our study indicates that persistent day 100 reticulin fibrosis/collagen deposition does not show an association with day 100 molecular status. Our study additionally provides data for 12 patients with 1 year posttransplant marrow biopsies, with the majority of those lacking either increased fibrosis or molecular evidence of persistent disease.
Interim FDG-PET improves treatment failure prediction in primary central nervous system lymphoma: An LOC network prospective multicentric study
Authors: Rozenblum Laura , Houillier Caroline , Baptiste Amandine , Soussain Carole , Edeline Véronique , Naggara Philippe , Soret Marine , Causse-Lemercier Valérie , Willems Lise , Choquet Sylvain , Ursu Renata , Galanaud Damien , Belin Lisa , Hoang-Xuan Khê , Kas Aurélie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The purpose of our study was to assess the predictive and prognostic role of 2-18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI during high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy (HD-MBC) in de novo primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients aged 60 and above.

Methods
This prospective multicentric ancillary study included 65 immunocompetent patients who received induction HD-MBC as part of the BLOCAGE01 phase III trial. FDG-PET/MRI were acquired at baseline, post 2 cycles (PET/MRI2), and posttreatment (PET/MRI3). FDG-PET response was dichotomized with “positive” indicating persistent tumor uptake higher than the contralateral mirroring brain region. Performances of FDG-PET and International PCNSL Collaborative Group criteria in predicting induction response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared.

Results
Of the 48 PET2 scans performed, 9 were positive and aligned with a partial response (PR) on MRI2. Among these, 8 (89%) progressed by the end of the induction phase. In contrast, 35/39 (90%) of PET2-negative patients achieved complete response (CR). Among the 18 discordant responses at interim (PETCR/MRIPR), 83% ultimately achieved CR. Eighty-seven percent of the PET2-negative patients were disease free at 6 months versus 11% of the PET2-positive patients (P &lt; .001). The MRI2 response did not significantly differentiate patients based on their PFS, regardless of whether they were in CR or PR. Both PET2 and MRI2 independently predicted OS in multivariate analysis, with PET2 showing a stronger association.

Conclusions
Our study highlights the potential of interim FDG-PET for early management of PCNSL patients. Response-driven treatment based on PET2 may guide future clinical trials.

Trial
LOCALYZE, NCT03582254, ancillary of phase III clinical trial BLOCAGE01, NCT02313389 (Registered July 10, 2018—retrospectively registered) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03582254?term=LOCALYZE&draw=2&rank=1.
Understanding the heterogeneity of childhood allergic sensitization and its relationship with asthma
Authors: Custovic Adnan , Custovic Darije , Fontanella Sara 
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review
To review the current state of knowledge on the relationship between allergic sensitization and asthma; to lay out a roadmap for the development of IgE biomarkers that differentiate, in individual sensitized patients, whether their sensitization is important for current or future asthma symptoms, or has little or no relevance to the disease.

Recent findings
The evidence on the relationship between sensitization and asthma suggests that some subtypes of allergic sensitization are not associated with asthma symptoms, whilst others are pathologic. Interaction patterns between IgE antibodies to individual allergenic molecules on component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) multiplex arrays might be hallmarks by which different sensitization subtypes relevant to asthma can be distinguished. These different subtypes of sensitization are associated amongst sensitized individuals at all ages, with different clinical presentations (no disease, asthma as a single disease, and allergic multimorbidity); amongst sensitized preschool children with and without lower airway symptoms, with different risk of subsequent asthma development; and amongst sensitized patients with asthma, with differing levels of asthma severity.

Summary
The use of machine learning-based methodologies on complex CRD data can help us to design better diagnostic tools to help practising physicians differentiate between benign and clinically important sensitization.
Is allergen immunotherapy a model of personalized treatment in pediatric respiratory allergy?
Authors: Wandalsen Gustavo Falbo , Aarestrup Fernando Monteiro , Solé Dirceu 
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review
To review recent evidence on allergen immunotherapy (AIT) as a model of personalized medicine in the treatment of children and adolescents with respiratory allergies.

Recent findings
Meta-analysis and systematic review studies continue to point out that AIT is an effective treatment for children with respiratory allergies. Molecular allergy allows the understanding of patient sensitization profiles that frequently change the prescription of AIT. There is still a lack of evidence showing that this personalized prescription of AIT is associated with better clinical outcomes. The nasal allergen challenge has extended the indications of AIT for a new group of subjects with local allergic rhinitis. Patient selection of allergens involved in the increasingly personalized composition of extracts to be used in AIT increasingly characterizes it as personalized medicine.

Summary
Despite the numerous studies carried out to identify the best biomarker to evaluate the response to AIT, there is still much disagreement, and clinical assessment (symptoms, quality of life, among others) continues to be the best way to evaluate the therapeutic success of AIT.
The role of sinusoidal endothelial cells and TIMP1 in the regulation of fibrosis in a novel human liver 3D NASH model
Authors: van Riet Sander , Julien Anais , Atanasov Andrea , Nordling Åsa , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus 
Published: February 2024

Background:
The prevalence of NAFLD is rapidly increasing. NAFLD can progress to NASH, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, which will soon become the main causes of liver transplantation. To date, no effective drug for NASH has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This is partly due to the lack of reliable human in vitro models. Here, we present a novel human liver spheroid model that can be used to study the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis formation and degradation.

Methods and Results:
Such spheroids, which contain hepatocytes, stellate cells, KC, and LSECs, spontaneously develop fibrosis that is exacerbated by treatment with free fatty acids. Conditioned medium from activated LSECs caused similar activation of fibrosis in spheroids containing primary human hepatocyte and NPCs, indicating the action of soluble mediators from the LSECs. Spheroids containing LSECs treated with free fatty acids produced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases inhibitor 1, a matrix metalloproteinases inhibitor important for fibrosis progression. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases inhibitor 1 knockdown using siRNA led to a reduction in collagen and procollagen accumulation, which could be partially rescued using a potent matrix metalloproteinases inhibitor. Interestingly, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases inhibitor 1 was found to be expressed at higher levels, specifically in a subtype of endothelial cells in the pericentral region of human fibrotic livers, than in control livers.

Conclusion:
Potential anti-NASH drugs and compounds were evaluated for their efficacy in reducing collagen accumulation, and we found differences in specificity between spheroids with and without LSECs. This new human NASH model may reveal novel mechanisms for the regulation of liver fibrosis and provide a more appropriate model for screening drugs against NASH.
The clinical value of β-D-glucan testing and next-generation metagenomic sequencing for the diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis
Authors: Li Yuxin , Qian Zhuyun , Chen Huagui , Zhang Shuguang , Wang Ruifeng , Yu Shuhuan , Chen Li , Wang Lu , Xu Songtao , Tao Yong 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
To explore the clinical value of β-D-glucan (BDG) testing and next-generation metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) for detecting the pathogens of fungal endophthalmitis (FE).

Methods:
This study included 32 cases (32 eyes) with FE and 20 cases (20 eyes) with intraocular inflammation caused by other etiologies. All patients underwent extraction of aqueous humor or vitreous fluid samples for BDG testing and mNGS. The diagnostic performance and total clinical concordance rate (TCCR) of BDG testing and mNGS for FE were evaluated and calculated based on the results of the clinical diagnosis.

Results:
Among the clinically diagnosed FE, the positivity rates of BDG testing and mNGS (90.63%) were both significantly higher (P<0.001) than that of microbial cultures (53.13%). There was 100% consistency in pathogen identification using mNGS and culture identification for culture-positive cases. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.927 for BDG testing and 0.853 for mNGS. When the 2 tests were combined, the sensitivity (93.75%), specificity (100.00%), and TCCR (96.15%) were all improved compared with the single tests.

Conclusions:
The positive rates of BDG test and mNGS were markedly higher than those of cultures in FE identification. The combination of these 2 tests showed improved performance when compared with individual tests.
Association Between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Physical, Psychological, and Social Health Outcomes for Women in Bangladesh
Authors: Nipa Shamima Islam , Islam Asma , Disha Fabiha Alam , Raigangar Veena 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global issue impacting 1 in 3 women worldwide. IPV has been shown to have direct impact on the physical, psychological, and social aspects of life and overall well-being.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to explore associations between report of IPV and physical, psychological, and social health outcomes with special emphasis on relationship of IPV to pelvic floor, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence for Bangladeshi women.

Study Design:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling.

Methods:
Married women between 18 and 50 years were recruited in the study. IPV was measured using the Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream (HITS) screening tool and complex trauma was measured utilizing the Complex Trauma Inventory (CTI) Scale. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 21.0, and reported as descriptive statistics.

Results:
The total number of the respondents was n = 100. The mean age of respondents was 36.57 years (standard deviation ± 9.66). According to the HITS screening tool 27% respondents reported IPV. There was a significant, strong correlation between HITS scores for IPV and negative health outcomes of chronic disease and disability (r = 0.8; P ≤ .05). There was a direct association between HITS scores and (1) CTI scores for complex trauma, (2) pelvic floor dysfunction, and (3) duration of marriage.

Conclusion:
High prevalence of IPV was reported for this cohort of women living in Bangladesh. HITS scores for IPV were direct significant associations with severity and intensity of posttraumatic stress disorder on the CTI, and with low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum complications, and cardiac problems.
Hematopoietic stem cell collection for sickle cell disease gene therapy
Authors: Leonard Alexis , Weiss Mitchell J. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review
Gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD) is advancing rapidly, with two transformative products recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and numerous others under study. All current gene therapy protocols require ex vivo modification of autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, several SCD-related problems impair HSC collection, including a stressed and damaged bone marrow, potential cytotoxicity by the major therapeutic drug hydroxyurea, and inability to use granulocyte colony stimulating factor, which can precipitate severe vaso-occlusive events.

Recent findings
Peripheral blood mobilization of HSCs using the CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor followed by apheresis collection was recently shown to be safe and effective for most SCD patients and is the current strategy for mobilizing HSCs. However, exceptionally large numbers of HSCs are required to manufacture an adequate cellular product, responses to plerixafor are variable, and most patients require multiple mobilization cycles, increasing the risk for adverse events. For some, gene therapy is prohibited by the failure to obtain adequate numbers of HSCs.

Summary
Here we review the current knowledge on HSC collection from individuals with SCD and potential improvements that may enhance the safety, efficacy, and availability of gene therapy for this disorder.