bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The illegal trade of wild birds in a social network: A call for action from Argentina
Authors: López Fernando Gabriel , Rebollo María Emilia , Santillán Miguel Ángel , Berkunsky Igor , Cooper Nathan Wands , Tella José Luis , Grande Juan Manuel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The illegal trade of wild birds is a large threat to biodiversity and sellers often use social media to traffic wildlife. By monitoring and characterizing the trade of wild and domestic birds on Facebook, we show that this illegal e-commerce remains widespread throughout Argentina, despite a decrease in activity in 2023 compared to 2017, highlighting the persistence and magnitude of this issue. In 2017, we found 96,354 users in 127 buying/selling groups in 18 provinces, of which 61% were public. In 2023, we found 58,647 users in 76 groups in 14 provinces, of which 66% were public. Analyzing one group in 2017 and two groups in 2023, we found 67 bird species were offered for sale. All birds for sale in these groups had illegal origins (i.e., without authorized bands or permits), including two Endangered and one Near Threatened species. Passerines (mainly Thraupidae, Fringilidae, and Cardinalidae species) were the most offered group, but parrots, raptors, and other bird groups were also available. Saltator aurantiirostris (Golden-billed Saltator) was most frequently offered for sale and had the highest interest from users in the two largest analyzed groups. The Endangered Gubernatrix cristata (Yellow Cardinal) reached the highest price (up to 328 USD), it was also frequently offered for sale (5th position in 2017), and had high user interest (2nd in 2017). We found that Facebook was frequently used for illegal bird trade in Argentina, including species of conservation concern, which can threaten a number of species. We call for coordinated and interdisciplinary actions that engage authorities, social media companies, and local communities, which will be needed to enact top-down and bottom-up measures to continue reducing and eventually halting wildlife-related illegal activities. A translated Spanish version of this article is available in the Supplementary Material.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of conventional medical management in a patient population with refractory chronic pain suitable to receive a spinal cord stimulation system
Authors: Russo Marc , Nevitt Sarah , Santarelli Danielle , Eldabe Sam , Duarte Rui V 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this review was to systematically identify all evidence that used conventional medical management (CMM) as a comparator in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy, and to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate if continued CMM provides statistical or clinically meaningful pain relief and whether CMM effects have improved over the last few decades.

Methods
Databases were searched from inception to June 2024 for RCTs that compared SCS to CMM. The primary outcome of the review was absolute change in pain intensity from baseline to the last available follow-up in the CMM group, measured using a visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale. The measure of treatment effect for absolute change and percentage change in pain intensity from baseline was mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by using the revised Cochrane RoB tool. The protocol for this review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023449215).

Results
Meta-analysis of absolute change in pain intensity from baseline to last follow-up shows that CMM is not associated with any significant reductions in pain intensity (MD −0.11; 95% CI: −0.32 to 0.11; moderate certainty). Similar results were observed for percent change in pain intensity from baseline to last follow-up (MD −3.22%; 95% CI: −12.59% to 6.14%; moderate certainty). No significant differences were observed when considering decade of publication of the RCT for absolute (P = .065; moderate certainty) or percent change in pain intensity (P = 0.524; moderate certainty). Meta-analysis for 6-month follow-up and sensitivity analysis shows similar numerical results.

Conclusion
Our findings show that continued CMM for a population eligible for SCS does not provide meaningful pain relief and has not considerably changed over the last few decades. The use of CMM as the control to evaluate relative SCS treatment effects should be reassessed.
Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of ustekinumab in patients with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Yoshifuji Hajime , Ishii Tomonori , Ohashi Hiroki , Yoshizawa Katsunori , Mihoya Maki , Nishikawa Kazuko , Nakaoka Yoshikazu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare, chronic large vessel vasculitis with unmet treatment needs. This phase 3 study aimed to evaluate efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of ustekinumab (UST) in Japanese patients with TAK.

Methods
Patients with TAK who had relapsed ≤12 weeks prior to study intervention administration and achieved remission thereafter with standard-of-care including corticosteroid intensification were randomized 1:1 to receive UST or matching placebo with protocol-defined oral glucocorticoid taper regimen. The double-blind (DB) phase was up to the patient’s relapse/total of 35 relapse events, followed by open-label extension (OLE) phase. Primary endpoint was the time to relapse of TAK per protocol-defined criteria through end of DB phase.

Results
The study was terminated early due to patient recruitment challenge. Of 14 patients randomized, 8 relapsed during DB phase (UST : 4/6; placebo : 4/8). The median time to relapse (weeks) was 11.14 (95%CI: 4.14, NE[not estimated]) for UST and 12.64 (95%CI: 12.14, NE) for placebo; (hazard ratio = 1.86 [95%CI: 0.41, 8.47]). In DB phase, one patient in each group reported SAE (UST: vascular pseudoaneurysm and brachiocephalic artery stenosis; placebo: cholecystitis); none were related to study intervention. Through OLE phase, 1/4 (25.0%) patient in UST-UST group (vascular graft infection considered related to study intervention) and none in the placebo-UST had SAEs. There were no serious infections/deaths throughout the study.

Conclusion
The efficacy of UST in patients with TAK cannot be adequately assessed as the pre-determined sample size was not reached, and study was prematurely terminated. No new safety signal of UST was identified.

Clinical trial registration number
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04882072; jrct.niph.go.jp, jRCT2061210007; Clinical Registry, CR108981
Models behaving badly: The limits of data-driven lending
Authors: Ben-David Itzhak , Johnson Mark J , Stulz René M 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Data-driven lending relies on the calibration of models using training periods. We find that this type of lending is not resilient in the presence of economic conditions that are materially different from those experienced during the training period. Using data from a small business fintech lending platform, we document that the small business credit supply collapsed during the COVID-19 crisis of March 2020 even though the demand for loans doubled relative to pre-pandemic levels. As the month progressed, most lenders significantly reduced or halted their lending activities, likely due to the heightened risk of model miscalibration under the new economic conditions.
Exploring Preferences for Communication and Care among Hospitalized Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Davis M Holliday , French Rachel , Crowe Molly , Abrams Matthew , Edwards Grace , Aronowitz Shoshana , Mandell David S. , Lowenstein Margaret 
Published: February 2025

Objective:
The aim of the study was to explore hospitalized patient priorities for effective communication and care in opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods:
In this qualitative descriptive study, we conducted semistructured interviews from April to August 2022 focusing on communication values with inpatient care teams among hospitalized patients with OUD in Philadelphia, PA. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with thematic content analysis.

Results:
We identified 3 key themes in the communication and care planning preferences of the 21 patients we interviewed: effectiveness, reciprocity, and empathy. Patients emphasized the need for clear, reliable, and frequent communication from healthcare providers, valuing collaborative dialog, shared decision making, and empathic nonstigmatized interactions that incorporated their prior experiences, full personhood, and current symptoms. Participants reported negative experiences with inconsistent or dismissive communication but appreciated care that incorporated their input and was nonjudgmental, fostering a sense of trust in their healthcare teams.

Conclusions:
Effective, empathic communication, and shared decision making were favored by hospitalized patients with OUD and may be a way to improve treatment for hospitalized patients with OUD. Our findings underscore the need for stigma reduction strategies in clinical education and the expansion of both generalist resources for the treatment of OUD and specialized addiction care services.
The Use of Extended-Release Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Adolescent Opioid Use Disorder: A Case Series
Authors: Neptune Asha , Kaliamurthy Sivabalaji 
Published: February 2025

Objectives:
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is rising among adolescents, highlighting a need for additional treatment approaches in this population. Buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder, is available in multiple formulations. Sublingual buprenorphine is approved for use in patients ages 16 and older. Extended-release buprenorphine is approved only for adults, and studies have not established the safety and efficacy of its use in adolescents younger than age 18. This case series reviews the medical records of adolescents with OUD receiving monthly extended-release buprenorphine subcutaneous injections.

Methods:
The electronic medical records of six adolescents, younger than 18 years, receiving monthly extended-release buprenorphine in an outpatient setting from February 2022 to April 2024 were reviewed. The primary outcomes of interest were treatment retention, complications, and opioid abstinence during treatment.

Results:
The patients included in this case series ranged in age from 15 to 17 years at the onset of treatment. The majority of patients, four of the six, were female. At the conclusion of the chart review period in April 2024, all six patients remained on treatment with extended-release buprenorphine. The duration of treatment with extended-release buprenorphine varied among patients from 2 to 13 months. No significant complications were noted. Five patients achieved opioid abstinence for greater than 2 months during treatment.

Conclusions:
Treatment of OUD in adolescents remains challenging. This case series highlights a need for larger studies to establish the safety and efficacy of extended-release buprenorphine in adolescents younger than 18 years of age.
Cranio-Vertebral Junction Anomalies
Authors: Alves Óscar L. , Zileli Mehmet , Sharif Salman , Botelho Ricardo 
Published: February 2025

Introduction.
The published literature on Cranio-vertebral Junction (CVJ) anomalies lacks a comprehensive appraisal that integrates common diagnostic, management and treatment concepts for different conditions, such as Chiari Malformation (CM), Basilar Invagination (BI), Os Odontoideum (OO) and Syndromic Malformations. The authors aimed to fill this knowledge gap offering guidelines and recommendations with a global outreach and applicability.

Methods.
A group of expert spine surgeons and WFNS Spine Committee members, most of which extensively published on CVJ anomalies in the past, reviewed the literature issued from 2011 to 2022. Following a common methodology, based on the Delphi method, the authors analyzed the strength of the literature and voted statements concerning diagnosis and management of these conditions.

Results.
A total of eight papers were produced: (1) Chiari Malformation diagnosis, classifications, natural history, and conservative management, (2) Chiari malformation: indications for surgery and surgical options, (3) Pediatric Chiari malformation, (4) Syndromic atlanto-axial instability, (5) Os odontoideum, (6) Basilar invagination: diagnosis, radiology, and classification, (7) Surgical treatment of Basilar Invagination, and (8) Basilar invagination with associated Chiari malformation.

Conclusions.
Despite grey zones on natural history of CVJ anomalies and controversies on timing and type of surgical treatments, whenever atlantoaxial instability is present, C1-C2 stabilization through instrumentation and fusion is necessary. If only recurrent pain and neurological dysfunction occurs, surgical decompression is appropriate. If no atlantoaxial instability is present, Down’s patients can participate in competitive sports. In general, contact sports are not recommended.
Evaluating the effect of public health and social measures under rapid changes in population-level immunity against SARS-CoV-2: a mathematical modeling study
Authors: Jung Sung-mok , Jung Jaehun , Lessler Justin 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Public health and social measures are crucial for controlling the spread of pathogens. However, well-tailored assessments of their impact remain elusive, particularly considering time-varying immunity established from prior exposures and its waning.

Methods:
We developed a mathematical model to estimate the time-varying basic reproduction number, accounting for the dynamics of underlying immunity. Applying this framework, we retrospectively assessed the impact of public health and social measures implemented from November 2021–April 2022 on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Korea and discussed potential biases from ignoring underlying immunity.

Results:
Our proposed model estimated a notable attenuation in the impact of public health on social measures on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Korea with the emergence of the Omicron variants while remaining effective throughout the Delta and Omicron periods. These changes during the Omicron period became evident only upon adjusting for underlying immunity and were correlated with observed human mobility patterns in Korea.

Conclusions:
Our findings support the importance of incorporating underlying immunity in evaluating public health and social measures, particularly in the presence of substantial changes over a short period such as widespread infections or vaccination. This model would stand as a tool for informing public health planning, capable of mitigating the overall disease burden in future epidemics.
Delayed Drug–Drug Interaction Between Antiviral Drugs and Tacrolimus in a Pancreatic Islet Transplant Recipient with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia—A Case Study
Authors: Sabo Amelia-Naomi , Cunat Sibylle , Kemmel Véronique 
Published: February 2025

Background:
PAXLOVID (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and VEKLURY (remdesivir) are the first- and second-line antivirals administered to adult patients at risk of severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), such as transplant recipients. As this specific population requires lifelong immunosuppressive treatments, the administration of antivirals with cytochrome P450-modulating properties exposes patients to a high risk of drug–drug interactions (DDI).

Case Presentation:
A 72-year-old male patient who underwent a pancreatic islet transplant experienced DDI between antiviral treatment and tacrolimus during the management of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The patient received a single dose of nirmatelvir/ritonavir followed by a single dose of remdesivir. Tacrolimus treatment was interrupted for the duration of the antiviral treatment, and the concentration of tacrolimus was within the target range for this patient. Once antiviral treatment was stopped, tacrolimus was reintroduced at the initial dose. On day 6, the patient presented with clinical and biological parameters consistent with a tacrolimus overdose. A trough concentration 18 times higher than the therapeutic target was found, prompting tacrolimus to be discontinued for 9 days and reintroduced at a lower dose, followed by a gradual increase based on therapeutic drug monitoring to the initial dose. Clinical and biological parameters gradually returned to baseline levels.

Conclusions:
Management of DDI between tacrolimus and anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs requires a substantial therapeutic intervention and close therapeutic drug monitoring during and for several days after antiviral treatment.
National Survey on Corneal Transplantation in Japan
Authors: Shimazaki Jun , Soma Takeshi , Yamada Keiko , Kobayashi Akira , Usui Tomohiko , Inatomi Tsutomu ,   The Japan Corneal Transplantation Study Group
Published: February 2025

Purpose:
To report the results of a national survey on corneal transplantation in Japan.

Methods:
The Japan Cornea Society conducted a national survey on corneal transplantation performed from 2017 to 2019. Data from various institutions were collected through an online database and subsequently analyzed.

Results:
In total, 4951 cases from 44 facilities were documented. The leading cause of corneal transplantation was corneal edema (CE), which accounted for 39.3% of cases, followed by repeat keratoplasty at 27.7%. Among CE cases, postcataract surgery was the most prevalent (25.1%), followed by postglaucoma surgery (20.8%) and laser iridotomy–induced CE (18.2%). Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy was the fourth most common cause (10.9%). Regarding surgical methods, Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was the most common, used in 41.3% of procedures, followed by penetrating keratoplasty at 37.1%. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty were used in 8.1% and 2.6% of cases, respectively. One year after transplantation, graft clarity was maintained in 80.5% of cases, and regrafting was necessary in 15.2% of instances.

Conclusions:
The national survey reveals that CE is the most frequent indication for corneal transplantation in Japan. Increases in cases from glaucoma surgery and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy were noted among patients with CE. Endothelial keratoplasty, especially Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, is now the preferred surgical technique for these transplants.
Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid CXCL13 Is a Helpful Marker for the Early Diagnosis of Neuroborreliosis in Children
Authors: Jung Lisa , Lâm Thiên-Trí , Streng Andrea , Fingerle Volker , Liese Johannes 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is an early systemic manifestation of Lyme disease in children, but standard diagnostic measures have constraints that limit early LNB diagnosis. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of the chemokine CXCL13 are considered a useful marker for early LNB diagnosis in adults, however, few studies have evaluated their diagnostic value in children.

Methods:
In this retrospective analysis, stored CSF samples of 232 hospitalized pediatric patients tested for LNB with standard serological methods were re-analyzed for CXCL13. CXCL13 levels were compared in children classified as definite, possible or no LNB patients according to European Federation of Neurological Societies guidelines. Specificity and sensitivity of CSF CXCL13 were determined for the diagnosis of early LNB, using previously published cutoff levels for pediatric patients.

Results:
CSF CXCL13 levels differed significantly between 25 patients with definite LNB (all >7.8 pg/mL; range: 37.9–>500 pg/mL) and 174 patients without LNB [160 (92%) <7.8 pg/mL; 13 (7%) with a range of 7.8–59.3 pg/mL; 1 (1%) with >500 pg/mL and Ureaplasma parvum CNS infection]. Using a cutoff of 55 pg/mL, CSF CXCL13 resulted in a specificity of 98.9% (95% CI: 97.4–100) and sensitivity of 92.0% (95% CI: 81.4–100).

Conclusions:
This study confirms the high sensitivity and specificity of CSF CXCL13 for the diagnosis of pediatric LNB using a cutoff value of 55 pg/mL. The use of CSF CXCL13 as an additional diagnostic measure in children with suspected LNB could improve diagnostic specificity and thereby reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment, especially in the early phases of the disease.
Viral Codetection and Clinical Outcomes of Infants Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Milani Gregorio Paolo , Ronchi Andrea , Agostoni Carlo , Marchisio Paola , Chidini Giovanna , Pesenti Nicola , Bellotti Anita Sofia , Cugliari Marco , Crimi Riccardo , Fabiano Valentina , Pietrasanta Carlo , Pugni Lorenza , Mosca Fabio ,   on behalf of the IRIDE Study Group listed in the Appendix
Published: February 2025

Background:
The simultaneous identification of multiple respiratory viruses is common in infants hospitalized with respiratory tract infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main pathogens in bronchiolitis, although codetection of rhinovirus, influenza and other respiratory viruses may occur in about one-third of cases. The relevance of viral codetection on disease severity is still controversial. This multicenter cohort study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of infants under 24 months hospitalized with bronchiolitis, comparing those testing positive for RSV alone, RSV plus another virus and ≥2 viruses distinct from RSV.

Methods:
Data were collected across 13 hospitals in Lombardy, Italy, both in the prepandemic and pandemic years. Random effect regression models were also employed to test the association between 3 groups (infants testing positive for RSV alone, RSV plus another respiratory virus and no RSV but ≥2 respiratory viruses other than RSV) and course of bronchiolitis, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results:
Among 1788 infants, 86.7% tested positive for RSV alone, 6.9% for RSV plus another virus and 6.3% for ≥2 other viruses. Significant differences were found in clinical outcomes: infants with multiple non-RSV viruses had shorter oxygen supplementation, intensive care and hospital stay compared with those with RSV alone. Notably, codetection of RSV and another virus was associated with a higher risk of radiologically confirmed pneumonia, whereas detection of ≥2 non-RSV viruses was inversely associated with pneumonia.

Conclusions:
These findings point out that codetection of viruses other than RSV is associated with milder disease courses than detection of RSV alone in infants with bronchiolitis. On the other hand, patients with RSV and another virus are at higher risk of pneumonia than infants affected by RSV alone. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize management strategies in infants with bronchiolitis testing positive for multiple viruses.