bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single pulmonary nanopolystyrene exposure in late-stage pregnancy dysregulates maternal and fetal cardiovascular function
Authors: Cary C M , Fournier S B , Adams S , Wang X , Yurkow E J , Stapleton P A 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Large-scale production and waste of plastic materials have resulted in widespread environmental contamination by the breakdown product of bulk plastic materials to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). The small size of these particles enables their suspension in the air, making pulmonary exposure inevitable. Previous work has demonstrated that xenobiotic pulmonary exposure to nanoparticles during gestation leads to maternal vascular impairments, as well as cardiovascular dysfunction within the fetus. Few studies have assessed the toxicological consequences of maternal nanoplastic (NP) exposure; therefore, the objective of this study was to assess maternal and fetal health after a single maternal pulmonary exposure to polystyrene NP in late gestation. We hypothesized that this acute exposure would impair maternal and fetal cardiovascular function. Pregnant rats were exposed to nanopolystyrene on gestational day 19 via intratracheal instillation. 24 h later, maternal and fetal health outcomes were evaluated. Cardiovascular function was assessed in dams using vascular myography ex vivo and in fetuses in vivo function was measured via ultrasound. Both fetal and placental weight were reduced after maternal exposure to nanopolystyrene. Increased heart weight and vascular dysfunction in the aorta were evident in exposed dams. Maternal exposure led to vascular dysfunction in the radial artery of the uterus, a resistance vessel that controls blood flow to the fetoplacental compartment. Function of the fetal heart, fetal aorta, and umbilical artery after gestational exposure was dysregulated. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to NPs negatively impacts maternal and fetal health, highlighting the concern of MNPs exposure on pregnancy and fetal development.
Quantitation and identification of microplastics accumulation in human placental specimens using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry
Authors: Garcia Marcus A , Liu Rui , Nihart Alex , El Hayek Eliane , Castillo Eliseo , Barrozo Enrico R , Suter Melissa A , Bleske Barry , Scott Justin , Forsythe Kyle , Gonzalez-Estrella Jorge , Aagaard Kjersti M , Campen Matthew J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The exponential increase in global plastic usage has led to the emergence of nano- and microplastic (NMP) pollution as a pressing environmental issue due to its implications for human and other mammalian health. We have developed methodologies to extract solid materials from human tissue samples by saponification and ultracentrifugation, allowing for highly specific and quantitative analysis of plastics by pyrolysis-gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). As a benchmark, placenta tissue samples were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and automated particle count, which demonstrated the presence of &gt;1-micron particles and fibers, but not nano-sized plastic particles. Analyses of the samples (n = 10) using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated presence of rayon, polystyrene, polyethylene, and unclassified plastic particles. By contrast, among 62 placenta samples, Py-GC-MS revealed that microplastics were present in all participants’ placentae, with concentrations ranging widely from 6.5 to 685 µg NMPs per gram of placental tissue, averaging 126.8 ± 147.5 µg/g (mean±SD). Polyethylene was the most prevalent polymer, accounting for 54% of total NMPs and consistently found in nearly all samples (mean 68.8 ± 93.2 µg/g placenta). Polyvinyl chloride and nylon each represented approximately 10% of the NMPs by weight, with the remaining 26% of the composition represented by 9 other polymers. Together, these data demonstrate advancements in the unbiased quantitative resolution of Py-GC-MS applied to the identification and quantification of NMP species at the maternal-fetal interface. This method, paired with clinical metadata, will be pivotal to evaluating potential impacts of NMPs on adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Evaluation of organophosphorus pesticide tyrosine adducts for postmortem change by human serum albumin with liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Yamagishi Yoshikazu , Nagasawa Sayaka , Iwase Hirotaro , Ogra Yasumitsu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) having a phosphate ester moiety, such as malathion (MA) and methidathion (DMTP), are widely used and have been detected in many fatal cases of accidental exposure or suicide in Japan. In forensic toxicology, the accurate determination of blood OPP concentration is mandatory to prove death by OPP poisoning. However, fatal pesticide concentration in blood at autopsy varies depending on the circumstances surrounding the dead body. In this study, we found that 16 OPPs were degraded by human serum albumin (HSA) in a temperature-dependent fashion. The mechanism underlying MA, DMTP, azinphos-methyl, etrimfos, fenthion (MPP), pirimiphos-methyl, (E)-dimethylvinphos, (Z)-dimethylvinphos, vamidothion, edifenphos (EDDP), fosthiazate, and pyraclofos degradation involves the formation of adducts with tyrosine residues in HSA. The mass spectra obtained by liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry revealed that phosphate ester amino acid adducts such as Y-adduct1, Y-adduct2, Y-adduct3, Y-adduct4, and Y-adduct5 were formed in HSA solution incubated with OPPs. These results indicate that the 16 OPPs are postmortem changed by HSA. The detection of phosphate ester amino acid adducts such as Y-adduct1, Y-adduct2, Y-adduct3, Y-adduct4, and Y-adduct5, instead of MA, DMTP, azinphos-methyl, etrimfos, MPP, pirimiphos-methyl, (E)-dimethylvinphos, (Z)-dimethylvinphos, vamidothion, EDDP, fosthiazate, and pyraclofos per se, may be used to determine death by these OPPs poisoning.
Effect of NaCl on ammonium and nitrate uptake and transport in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive poplars
Authors: Liu Jian , Li Jing , Deng Chen , Liu Zhe , Yin Kexin , Zhang Ying , Zhao Ziyan , Zhao Rui , Zhao Nan , Zhou Xiaoyang , Chen Shaoliang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Nitrogen (N) plays an important role in mitigating salt stress in tree species. We investigate the genotypic differences in the uptake of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) and the importance for salt tolerance in two contrasting poplars, salt-tolerant Populus euphratica Oliv. and salt-sensitive P. simonii × (P. pyramidalis ×Salix matsudana) (P. popularis cv. 35-44, P. popularis). Total N content, growth and photosynthesis were significantly reduced in P. popularis after 7 days of exposure to NaCl (100 mM) supplied with 1 mM NH4+ and 1 mM NO3−, while the salt effects were not pronounced in P. euphratica. The 15NH4+ trace and root flux profiles showed that salt-stressed poplars retained ammonium uptake, which was related to the upregulation of ammonium transporters (AMTs) in roots, as two of the four AMTs tested significantly increased in salt-stressed P. euphratica (i.e., AMT1.2, 2.1) and P. popularis (i.e., AMT1.1, 1.6). It should be noted that P. euphratica differs from salt-sensitive poplar in the maintenance of NO3− under salinity. 15NO3− tracing and root flux profiles showed that P. euphratica maintained nitrate uptake and transport, while the capacity to uptake NO3− was limited in salt-sensitive P. popularis. Salt increased the transcription of nitrate transporters (NRTs), NRT1.1, 1.2, 2.4, 3.1, in P. euphratica, while P. popularis showed a decrease in the transcripts of NRT1.1, 2.4, 3.1 after 7 days of salt stress. Furthermore, salt-stimulated transcription of plasmalemma H+-ATPases (HAs), HA2, HA4 and HA11 contributed to H+-pump activation and NO3− uptake in P. euphratica. However, salt stimulation of HAs was less pronounced in P. popularis, where a decrease in HA2 transcripts was observed in the stressed roots. We conclude that the salinity-decreased transcripts of NRTs and HAs reduced the ability to uptake NO3− in P. popularis, resulting in limited nitrogen supply. In comparison, P. euphratica maintains NH4+ and NO3− supply, mitigating the negative effects of salt stress.
Reassessment of the enigmatic Late Cretaceous theropod dinosaur, Bagaraatan ostromi
Authors: Słowiak Justyna , Brusatte Stephen L , Szczygielski Tomasz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Late Cretaceous Bagaraatan ostromi, described by Osmólska in 1996, is one of the most enigmatic theropod dinosaurs. The holotype possesses a peculiar combination of features, which Osmólska suggested were indicative of a primitive position among theropods that could not be resolved further. Other researchers have pointed to affinities with either derived bird-like coelurosaurs or tyrannosaurids. Here, we reanalyse all material collected by Osmólska, which reveals it to be a chimaera of multiple theropod taxa. The femur, tibiotarsus, one pedal phalanx, and most of the bones undescribed in Osmólska’s paper are identified as Caenagnathidae indet. The mandible, cervical vertebrae, pelvis, tail, and one pedal phalanx, which we consider the holotype of B. ostromi, show tyrannosaurid affinities, which are here supported by phylogenetic analyses. We find only two potentially unique diagnostic features of the Bagaraatan holotype: double surangular foramina and a horizontal ridge on the lateral surface of the postacetabular process of the ilium. Both, however, may be ontogenetically or intraspecifically variable, and thus we conclude that the holotype of B. ostromi represents an indeterminate tyrannosaurid. The small size of the holotype and its possession of many features known to characterize juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex indicate that the skeleton belongs to a juvenile, which is one of the smallest juvenile tyrannosaurids currently known.
Dose Monitoring of Lamotrigine Monotherapy in Pregnancy: Are Pregnant Women with Epilepsy Currently Optimally Managed? A Systematic Review
Authors: Goo Yeonkyung , der Nederlanden Anne Marijn , Bleasel Andrew , Alffenaar Jan-Willem , Kim Hannah Yejin 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Lamotrigine monotherapy is the first-line treatment for epilepsy in pregnant women. However, altered pharmacokinetics during pregnancy can lead to suboptimal drug levels and increased seizure risk. This systematic review aimed to evaluate current therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) strategies for lamotrigine monotherapy in pregnant women with epilepsy and provide guidance for monitoring and dose adjustments.

Methods:
A systematic search was performed using the Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-EMBASE, and Ovid-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Studies were included if data on lamotrigine dosing, concentration, TDM strategies, efficacy, or safety were available.

Results:
Eleven studies were analyzed, revealing heterogeneity in outcomes with selective reporting of TDM strategies; however, clear similarities were observed. Blood samples were collected every 1–3 months during pregnancy to maintain prepregnancy baseline drug levels. Lamotrigine's apparent and relative clearance increased across trimesters, particularly in the second and third trimesters, coinciding with a period of increased seizure frequency and required dose adjustments. Details on dose adjustments were limited. Some studies have proposed using the threshold of the ratio to the target concentration to predict increased seizure risk. No distinct association was observed between adverse newborn outcomes and lamotrigine dose or serum concentration. Few maternal adverse effects have been reported after delivery, confirming the necessity of empirical postpartum tapering.

Conclusions:
Further studies are required to establish evidence-based standardized protocols encompassing all aspects of TDM. Early interventions, such as empirical dose increases during pregnancy and postpartum tapering, and routine monitoring from preconception to the postpartum period may enhance seizure control, reducing the risk of breakthrough seizures for the mother and unborn child.
Review and analysis of history and utilization of pneumatic retinopexy after pneumatic retinopexy versus vitrectomy for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment outcomes randomized trial (PIVOT)
Authors: Shah Serena , Chou Brandon , Patel Marissa , Watane Arjun , Shah Lea , Yannuzzi Nicolas , Sridhar Jayanth 
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review
We describe the history and series results of pneumatic retinopexy (PnR)and provide an analysis of PnR utilization after publication of results of pneumatic retinopexy versus vitrectomy for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment outcomes randomized trial (PIVOT).

Recent findings
No significant trends were found for average number of services (P = 0.153) of PnR after the publication of PIVOT results.

Summary
PnR is a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair technique that was first described in the early 1900 s and has evolved over time to become a modern-day, minimally invasive, underutilized treatment option. Other repair techniques for RRD include scleral buckling and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), which has been compared to the use of PnR in PIVOT. Results of PIVOT concluded that PnR offered superior visual acuity and noninferiority. PnR is underutilized in the United States even after publication of results of PIVOT deemed it a noninferior treatment. Lack of a significant increase in national utilization of PnR could be associated with multifactorial clinician, systems, and financial reasons in the real-world setting.
Dandy walker variant with agenesis of corpus callosum diagnosed late prenatally by fetal ultrasound: a case report
Authors: Paudel Sandip , Poudel Shree Krishna , Shah Ravi , Regmi Samiksha , Zoowa Ronit 
Published: February 2024

Introduction and Importance:
Dandy walker variant is an intracranial disorder involving variable hypoplasia of cerebellar vermis without posterior fossa enlargement. An anomaly scan performed at mid second trimester has good sensitivity and specificity for detecting fetal congenital anomalies. Despite that, some cases like ours might go undiagnosed due to normal biometric parameters for that gestational age and may be detected later in intrauterine life.

Case Presentation:
A primi-gravid mother underwent sonographic evaluation at 20+4 weeks of gestation that revealed all fetal parameters within normal limits. Only at 30+2 weeks of gestation, a posterior fossa cyst communicating with forth ventricle was detected. Fetal MRI done at 8 days of life (DOL), confirmed these findings and diagnosis of Dandy Walker Variant with agenesis of corpus callosum was made.

Clinical Discussion:
Although the chances of a CNS anomaly is exceedingly low when fetal metrics like head circumference, atrial width and Cisterna Magna are within normal limits, some cases like ours may develop anomalies later in the intrauterine life which may lead to delayed diagnosis of the cases. Thorough performance of anomaly scan involving a multiplanar approach may help in prompt diagnosis of fetal anomalies.

Conclusion:
The risks of development of posterior fossa anomalies can exist even after second trimester scan, Clinicians should be aware of this possibility and assess the posterior fossa at repeat scans done later in intrauterine life. Early diagnosis can provide an option to couples of the termination of pregnancy which is complicated when detected later in the intrauterine life.
Surgical outcomes for carotid body tumor resection without preoperative embolization: A 10-year experience
Authors: Ridha Barzany , Aram Varin , Baram Aram , Hama Baqi Soren Younis , Yaldo Fitoon 
Published: February 2024

Background:Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are neoplasms originating from the paraganglionic cells of the carotid body. Excision is the main route of treatment. This study sought to assess the surgical outcomes of post-carotid body tumor resection without preoperative embolization and discern any underlying relationships between modified Shamblin classes (MSC) and related complications.Methods:A retrospective medical record review of prospectively collected data is performed at Sulaymaniyah Teaching Hospital between 2008 and 2019, for 54 patients. Pre and postsurgical variables such as comorbidities and complications were noted respectively.Results:Patient ages ranged between 26-60 years (x̄=40.06) with a minimal female predominance (57.4%). Complications included one minor stroke. MSC and postoperative complications were significantly related (P=<0.001). Our analyses also suggested a significant relationship between intraoperative blood loss and the incidence of postoperative complications (P=0.001, χ²=25). The MSC III subtype was significantly associated with intraoperative blood loss (P=0.000), length of stay (P=0.000), and operating time (P=0.001).Conclusions:Our study purports a strong relationship between greater MSC and complications of all types. As such, surgeons may benefit from preoperative strategies to minimize complications.
Unveiling the complexity of right middle lobe syndrome: a case series highlighting the association with asthma
Authors: Shhada Eman , Nahle Ali Alakbar , Hamdar Hussein , Jlailati Alaa , Jawad Ali , Nahle Zeinab , Ali Sawssan 
Published: February 2024

Introduction and Importance:
Right middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is a rare lung disorder primarily affecting children with a history of asthma or atopy. It encompasses a range of pathological and clinical conditions, from recurrent collapses of the middle lobe to bronchiectasis. In this study, we present a case series featuring four individuals with MLS associated with asthma, aiming to deepen our understanding of this uncommon condition.

Case Presentation:
Four pediatric patients with right MLS exhibited symptoms of persistent cough, dyspnea, and recurrent asthma exacerbations. Radiographic evaluations confirmed features consistent with right MLS, and bronchoscopy revealed mucus plugs and edematous airways obstructing the right middle lobe bronchus. Treatment with bronchodilators, antibiotics, and corticosteroids led to symptom improvement and resolution of atelectasis.

Clinical Discussion:
MLS is a rare condition characterized by chronic collapse of the right middle lobe and bronchiectasis. It is challenging to diagnose MLS, but CT scans provide detailed lung images for confirmation. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, such as infections or mucus obstruction. Lobectomy may be considered in severe cases. This case series emphasizes the need for further research on MLS, as its rarity and characteristics remain unclear.

Conclusion:
Our cases exhibited obstructive MLS with and without asthma. Accurate diagnosis is challenging, requiring imaging techniques. MLS has clinical implications, particularly in asthma patients. Future studies should focus on understanding the etiology of non-obstructive MLS.
ctDNA predicts recurrence and survival in stage I and II HPV-associated head and neck cancer patients treated with surgery
Authors: Naegele Saskia , Das Dipon , Hirayama Shun , Shalhout Sophia Z. , Lee Hang , Richmon Jeremy D. , Faden Daniel L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (HPV+OPSCC) release circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA) into the blood which we, and others, have shown is an accurate real-time biomarker of disease status. In a prior prospective observational trial of 34 patients with AJCC 8 stage I-II HPV+OPSCC treated with surgery, we reported that ctHPVDNA was rapidly cleared within hours of surgery in patients who underwent complete cancer extirpation, yet remained elevated in those with macroscopic residual disease. The primary outcomes of this study were to assess 2-year OS and RFS between patients with and without molecular residual disease (MRD) following completion of treatment in this prospective cohort. MRD was defined as persistent elevation of ctHPVDNA at two consecutive time points, without clinical evidence of disease. The secondary outcomes were 2-year OS and RFS between patients with and without detectable MRD after surgery. We observed that patients with MRD after treatment completion were more likely to recur compared to patients without MRD, while there was no difference in recurrence rates between patients with MRD and without MRD on postoperative day 1. OS did not significantly differ between patients with MRD after surgery or treatment completion compared to patients without MRD; however, time to death was significantly different between the groups in both settings, suggesting that with a larger sample size OS would differ significantly between the groups or that the impact of MRD detection on survival is time dependent.
Bone tracers for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: are [99mTc]Tc-DPD and [99mTc]Tc-HMDP truly equivalent?
Authors: Dubois Julien , Kucharczak Florentin , Mariano-Goulart Denis , Paunet Tom 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe management of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) has revolved around the scintigraphic diagnosis since the introduction of a specific treatment; however, the equivalency of the bone radiotracers remains unclear. This retrospective monocentric observational study compared [99mTc]Tc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid ([99mTc]Tc-DPD) and [99mTc]Tc-hydroxy-methylene diphosphonate ([99mTc]Tc-HMDP) for ATTR-CM diagnosis.MethodsOne hundred and twenty-nine patients who underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) after intravenous injection of [99mTc]Tc-DPD or [99mTc]Tc-HMDP for ATTR-CM were included. The patients’ current visual Perugini grades were retrieved. Regions of interest (ROI) were measured on the heart (H) and on contralateral mediastinum (CM), and H/CM ratios were calculated.ResultsAlthough the distribution of quantitative assessments of heart to contralateral mediastinum ratios is wider with [99mTc]Tc-DPD, suggesting a trend towards improved diagnosis, no difference in Perugini grades was found between [99mTc]Tc-DPD or [99mTc]Tc-HMDP for the diagnosis of ATTR-CM in evocative/non-evocative conditions. There was no difference in ATTR-CM diagnosis between the 2 tracers with a threshold of 1.5 (p-value = 3.316*10−10for [99mTc]Tc-HMDP and p-value = 2.59*10−15for [99mTc]Tc-DPD).ConclusionsWe show in our local cohort that [99mTc]Tc-DPD and [99mTc]Tc-HMDP for amyloidosis diagnostic are equivalent for ATTR-CM diagnosis based on the Perugini grading scale. With [99mTc]Tc-DPD, a wider range of the H/CM ratio was noted, which may be considered as a better discrimination of the disease by this bone tracer. Additional research with a final diagnosis of the disease is necessary to evaluate the utility of this quantitative evaluation.