bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial experiences of switching to faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in an Asian population
Authors: Ibrahim Farah N. I. , Teo Kelvin Y. C. , Tan Tien-En , Chan Hiok Hong , Chandrasekaran Priya R. , Lee Shu-Yen , Tan Anna C. S. , Mathur Ranjana , Chan Choi Mun , Sim Shaun S. , Tan Gavin Siew Wei , Yeo Ian Y. S. , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy 
Published: January 2024

PurposeTo describe the early experiences of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) whose treatment was switched to faricimab from other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort of eyes with nAMD and PCV that were previously treated with anti-VEGF agents other than faricimab. We evaluated visual acuity (VA), central subfield thickness (CST), macular volume (MV), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, and choroidal thickness (CT) after one administration of faricimab. Where present, fluid was further evaluated according to intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), or within PED.ResultsSeventy-one eyes from 71 patients were included (45.07% PCV and 54.93% typical nAMD). The mean [standard deviation (± SD)] VA, CST, and MV improved from 0.50 logMAR (± 0.27 logMAR) to 0.46 logMAR (± 0.27 logMAR) (p = 0.20), 383.35 µm (± 111.24 µm) to 322.46 µm (± 103.89 µm (p &lt; 0.01), and 9.40 mm3 (± 1.52 mm3) to 8.75 mm3 (± 1.17 mm3) (p &lt; 0.01) from switch to post switch visit, respectively. The CT reduced from 167 µm (± 151 µm) to 149 µm (± 113 µm) (p &lt; 0.01). There was also a significant reduction in the maximum PED height between visits [302.66 µm (± 217.97 µm)] and the post switch visit [236.66 µm (± 189.05 µm); p &lt; 0.01]. This difference was greater in PEDs that were predominantly serous in nature. In the eyes with typical nAMD (n = 39), improvements were significant for CST, MV, CT, and PED. In the eyes with PCV (n = 32), only reductions in CT were statistically significant, while VA, CST, MV, and PED only showed numerically smaller improvements. One patient developed mild vitritis without vasculitis, which resolved with topical steroids with no sequelae.ConclusionsIn our case series of Asian nAMD patients, switching to faricimab was associated with a stable VA and meaningful anatomical improvements, particularly with typical nAMD subtypes.
“Death as the One Great Certainty”: ethical implications of children with irreversible cardiorespiratory failure and dependence on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Moynihan Katie M. , Taylor Lisa S. , Siegel Bryan , Nassar Natasha , Lelkes Efrat , Morrison Wynne 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAdvances in medical technology have led to both clinical and philosophical challenges in defining death. Highly publicized cases have occurred when families or communities challenge a determination of death by the irreversible cessation of neurologic function (brain death). Parallels can be drawn in cases where an irreversible cessation of cardiopulmonary function exists, in which cases patients are supported by extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).AnalysisTwo cases and an ethical analysis are presented which compare and contrast contested neurologic determinations of death and refusal to accept the irreversibility of an imminent death by cardiopulmonary standards. Ambiguities in the Uniform Determination of Death Act are highlighted, as it can be clear, when supported by ECMO, that a patient could have suffered the irreversible cessation of cardiopulmonary function yet still be alive (e.g., responsive and interactive). Parallel challenges with communication with families around the limits of medical technology are discussed.DiscussionCases that lead to conflict around the removal of technology considered not clinically beneficial are likely to increase. Reframing our goals when death is inevitable is important for both families and the medical team. Building relationships and trust between all parties will help families and teams navigate these situations. All parties may require support for moral distress. Suggested approaches are discussed.
Effects of a valved infant-bottle with ergonomic teat on the coordination of sucking, swallowing, and respiration in late-preterm infants. The Safe Oral Feeding randomized Trial
Authors: Cresi Francesco , Maggiora Elena , Capitanio Martina , Bovio Cecilia , Borla Federica , Cosimi Sara , Enrietti Desirèe , Faggiano Francesca , Loro Sara , Rovei Serena Maria , Runfola Federica , Scrufari Mariangela , Taglianti Michela Vigna , Vignali Federica , Peila Chiara , Coscia Alessandra 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionBreastfeeding naturally enables the coordination of sucking, swallowing, and respiration patterns for safe feeding. When breastfeeding is not possible a feeding device that releases milk in response to intra-oral vacuum could potentially offer improved coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing patterns compared to conventional devices. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of a valved infant-bottle with an ergonomic teat compared to a standard infant-bottle.MethodsThis unblinded randomized controlled trial focused on late preterm infants fed by bottle for at least three meals over the day, admitted to the Neonatal Unit of Sant’Anna Hospital (Turin, Italy). Infants were randomized to be fed with a valved infant-bottle with an ergonomic teat (B-EXP arm) or with a standard infant-bottle (B-STD arm). Monitoring included a simultaneous synchronized recording of sucking, swallowing and respiration. The main outcome was the swallowing/breathing ratio.ResultsForty infants (20 B-EXP arm; 20 B-STD arm) with a median gestational age of 35.0 weeks (IQR 35.0–36.0 weeks) completed the study. Four infants were censored for the presence of artifacts in the polygraphic traces. The median swallowing/breathing ratio was 1.11 (1.03–1.23) in the B-EXP arm and 1.75 (1.21–2.06) in the B-STD (p = .003). A lower frequency of swallowing events during the inspiratory phase of breathing was observed in B-EXP arm compared with B-STD arm (p = 0.013).DiscussionThe valved infant-bottle with an ergonomic teat improves the coordination of sucking-swallowing-respiration and limits the risk of inhalation reducing the frequency of swallowing during the inspiratory phase.
Hypoxia represses FOXF1 in lung endothelial cells through HIF-1α
Authors: Acharya Anusha , Bian Fenghua , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Wagner Kimberly A. , Kalinichenko Vladimir V. , Kalin Tanya V. 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Forkhead Box F1 (FOXF1) transcription factor plays a critical role in lung angiogenesis during embryonic development and lung repair after injury. FOXF1 expression is decreased in endothelial cells after lung injury; however, molecular mechanisms responsible for the FOXF1 transcript changes in injured lung endothelium remain unknown.Methods: We used immunostaining of injured mouse lung tissues, FACS-sorted lung endothelial cells from hypoxia-treated mice, and data from patients diagnosed with hypoxemic respiratory failure to demonstrate that hypoxia is associated with decreased FOXF1 expression. Endothelial cell cultures were used to induce hypoxia in vitro and identify the upstream molecular mechanism through which hypoxia inhibits FOXF1 gene expression.Results: Bleomycin-induced lung injury induced hypoxia in the mouse lung tissue which was associated with decreased Foxf1 expression. Human FOXF1 mRNA was decreased in the lungs of patients diagnosed with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Mice exposed to hypoxia exhibited reduced Foxf1 expression in the lung tissue and FACS-sorted lung endothelial cells. In vitro, hypoxia (1% of O2) or treatment with cobalt (II) chloride increased HIF-1α protein levels but inhibited FOXF1 expression in three endothelial cell lines. Overexpression of HIF-1α in cultured endothelial cells was sufficient to inhibit Foxf1 expression. siRNA-mediated depletion of HIF-1α prevented the downregulation of Foxf1 gene expression after hypoxia or cobalt (II) chloride treatment.Conclusion: Hypoxia inhibits FOXF1 expression in endothelial cells in a HIF-1α dependent manner. Our data suggest that endothelial cell-specific inhibition of HIF-1α via gene therapy can be considered to restore FOXF1 and improve lung repair in patients with severe lung injury.
Metagenomic study reveals hidden relationships among fungal diversity, variation of plant disease, and genetic distance in Cornus florida (Cornaceae)
Authors: Pais Andrew , Ristaino Jean , Whetten Ross , Xiang Qiu-Yun (Jenny) 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionUnderstanding patterns of plant-microbe interactions across plant species and populations is a critical yet poorly characterized aspect in the field of plant pathology. Microbial DNA sequences present as contaminants in omics data of plants obtained using next-generation sequencing methods provide a valuable source to explore the relationships among endophytic microbial diversity, disease and genetic differentiation of host plants, and environmental variation, but few such studies have been conducted. The flowering dogwood tree (Cornus florida L.), an ecologically important species in North America, is threatened by powdery mildew and dogwood anthracnose diseases, and knowledge of the microbial diversity harbored within genetically and environmental distinct populations of this species remains largely unknown.MethodsWe conducted a metagenomics study utilizing the sequences of RAD-tag/genotype-by-sequence libraries from leaf tissues of C. florida to examine such host-fungus interactions across the dogwood's US range. We performed various combinations of alignments to both host and pathogen genomes to obtain filtered sets sequences for metagenomics analysis. Taxonomic assignments were determined on each filtered set of sequences, followed by estimation of microbial diversity and correlation to environment and host-genetic variation.ResultsOur data showed that microbial community composition significantly differed between visually healthy and diseased sites. Several microbial taxa known to interact with dogwood were identified from these sequences. We found no correlation between microbial diversity and relative abundances of sequences aligning to draft genomes of either pathogen causing powdery mildew or dogwood anthracnose. We found a significant relationship between differences of fungal communities and geographic distances of plant populations, suggesting roles of environments in shaping fungal communities in leaf tissues. Significant correlations between the genetic differentiation of plant samples and fungal community dissimilarity (beta diversity) were also observed in certain sets of our analyses—suggesting the possibility of a relationship between microbial community composition and plant genetic distance. This relationship persisted in significance even after controlling for significant effects of geographic-bioclimatic variation of microbial diversity.DiscussionOur results suggest that both genetics and the environment play a significant role in shaping foliar fungal communities. Our findings underscore the power of leveraging hidden microbial sequences within datasets originally collected for plant genetic studies to understand plant-pathogen interactions.
The 3Ds (development, diplomacy, and defense) in Nigerian counterinsurgency: lessons from Uruzgan
Authors: David James Ojochenemi 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionCounterinsurgency (COIN) operations necessitate a multifaceted approach that considers political, economic, developmental, and security factors in order to achieve long-term peace and security. Despite this recognition, critical aspects are frequently overlooked, particularly in the context of combating jihadist groups such as Boko Haram in West Africa. This paper investigates the 3Ds (Development, Diplomacy, and Defense) approach to COIN, assessing its effectiveness in COIN efforts and post-war reconstruction in Nigeria and drawing lessons from experiences in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.MethodIn the qualitative study, the 3Ds serve as a conceptual framework for analyzing the fundamental aspects of COIN in existing literature, with a focus on their relevance in West Africa. It incorporates insights from Afghanistan's Uruzgan province to help inform the study of the 3Ds approach in COIN efforts and post-war reconstruction. Interactions with key stakeholders and counterinsurgency experts provide firsthand information.ResultsThe analysis emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive COIN strategy that includes significant governance and political reforms to address historical disparities and ideological motivations of jihadist groups. COIN entails a variety of measures, including political, administrative, military, economic, psychological, and informational strategies, that are used in tandem to achieve stability and transformation. The 3Ds approach is seen as a template for harmonizing these aspects, particularly in dealing with existing insurgencies and preventing future ones in the region.DiscussionGiven the region's underlying human insecurity, the study focuses on how the 3Ds framework can effectively address existing insurgencies and prevent future ones. It emphasizes the importance of carefully implementing and adapting the 3Ds approach to the unique dynamics and challenges of West Africa. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of a balanced and integrated approach to COIN that considers the interplay of security, development, and diplomacy in order to ensure long-term stability and security in the region.
Global, regional, and national burdens of interpersonal violence in young women aged 10–24 years from 1990 to 2019: a trend analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Cao Yu , Lu Hao , Duan Pengqian , Wang Dongmei , Wei Guojun 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundInterpersonal violence (IPV) against young women, including physical and sexual violence, poses a major threat to public health. We analyzed global, regional and national trends in violence against females aged 10–24 years from 1990 to 2019.MethodsWe extracted age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPRs) of physical violence by firearm (PVF), physical violence by other means (PVOM), physical violence by sharp object (PVSO), and sexual violence (SV) from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. Joinpoint regression analysis calculated annual and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) in ASPRs.ResultsGlobally, the ASPRs of the four measures of IPV decreased between 1990 and 2019, with the steepest declines between 2000 and 2009, except for SV, which increased slightly. However, the ASPRs of PVF and PVOM increased slightly between 2010 and 2019. Regionally, PVF prevalence declined most in East Asia (−0.9505, −1.0011 to −0.8975), South Asia (−0.277, −0.3089 to −0.244) and Latin America but PVOM prevalence increased in Oceania (0.6275, 0.6036 to 0.6498) and SV prevalence increased in Caribbean (0.4267, 0.4069 to 0.4495). Nationally, PVF prevalence decreased most in Thailand (−2.4031, −2.4634 to −2.3328) but increased most in Libya (6.8143, 6.6194 to 7.0113). SV prevalence increased most in Oman (0.4561, 0.4338 to 0.478) and the largest increase in Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from PVOM was observed in Botswana (6.2725, 6.0951 to 6.4082). DALYs showed similar trends.ConclusionWhile global declines over 30 years are encouraging, IPV against young women persists. Urgent, tailored approaches across sectors are critical to curb drivers of violence against young women, including poverty, inequality and sociocultural attitudes. High-quality data and in-depth analyses can inform locally-relevant solutions. Overall, intensified political will and resource investment are needed to overcome this pervasive human rights violation.
Negligible contribution of adaptation of ocular opponency neurons to the effect of short-term monocular deprivation
Authors: Wang Jue , Song Fangxing , He Xin , Bao Min 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionModeling work on binocular rivalry has described how ocular opponency neurons represent interocular conflict. These neurons have recently been considered to mediate an ocular dominance shift to the eye that has viewed a backward movie for long during which time the other eye is presented with a regular movie. Unlike typical short-term monocular deprivation, the visual inputs are comparable across eyes in that “dichoptic-backward-movie” paradigm. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the ocular opponency neurons are also responsible for the short-term monocular deprivation effect which is prevalently explained by the homeostatic compensation theory. We designed two experiments from distinct perspectives to investigate this question.MethodsIn Experiment 1, we mitigated the imbalance in the activity of opponency neurons between the two eyes during monocular deprivation by presenting video stimuli alternately. In Experiment 2, we directly evaluated the response of opponency neurons before and after monocular deprivation using SSVEP techniques.ResultsConsistent with each other, both experiments failed to provide reliable evidence supporting the involvement of ocular opponency neurons in the short-term monocular deprivation effect.DiscussionOur results suggest that ocular opponency neurons may not play an essential role in the short-term monocular deprivation effect, potentially due to interference from the homeostatic plasticity mechanism.
Nomogram to predict the incidence of delirium in elderly patients with non-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: An Guanghui , Mi Zhihua , Hong Dongmei , Ou Dandan , Cao Xiaoxiao , Liu Qidong , Xiong Lize , Li Cheng 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo construct and validate nomogram models that predict the incidence of delirium in elderly patients with non-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsElderly patients (≥65y) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection at the hospital were included. We used the 3-min diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method for delirium diagnosis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistical regression analysis was performed to explore potential independent influencing factors of delirium. A predict model visualized by nomogram was constructed based on the confirmed variables. The predictive accuracy and clinical value of the model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsThe data of 311 elderly patients were analyzed, of whom 73 (23.47%) patients were diagnosed with delirium. Three independent influencing factors of delirium were confirmed: age (OR1.16,1.11–1.22), Glomerular filtration rate (OR 0.98,0.97–0.99), platelet-large cell ratio (1.06,1.02–1.10). These parameters were used to create a nomogram to predict the development of delirium, which showed good predictive accuracy confirmed by the ROC curves (AUC 0.82,0.76–0.88).ConclusionWe construct a credible nomogram to predict the development of delirium in elderly patients with Non-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our finding may be useful to physicians in early prevention and treatment of delirium.
Profiles of theory of mind impairments and personality in clinical and community samples: integrating the alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders
Authors: Lampron Mireille , Achim Amélie M. , Gamache Dominick , Bernier Allyson , Sabourin Stéphane , Savard Claudia 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionDeficits in theory of mind (ToM)—the ability to infer the mental states of others—have been linked to antagonistic traits in community samples. ToM deficits have also been identified in people with personality disorders (PD), although with conflicting evidence, partly due to the use of categorical diagnoses. The DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) provides an opportunity for a more precise understanding of the interplay between ToM abilities and personality pathology. Therefore, the study aims to determine whether and how individuals with diverse ToM profiles differ regarding personality impairment (AMPD Criterion A) and pathological facets (AMPD Criterion B).MethodAdults with PD (n = 39) and from the community (n = 42) completed tests assessing ToM skills and self-reported questionnaires assessing AMPD Criteria A and B. Hierarchical agglomerative and TwoStep cluster analyses were consecutively computed using scores and subscores from ToM tests as clustering variables. Multivariate analyses of variance were subsequently performed to compare the clusters on both AMPD Criteria. Five clinically and conceptually meaningful clusters were found. The most notable differences across clusters were observed for Intimacy and Empathy dysfunctions (Criterion A), as well as for the Deceitfulness, Callousness, and Hostility facets from the Antagonism domain and the Restricted affectivity facet from the Detachment domain (Criterion B).DiscussionThe results support the association between antagonistic personality facets and ToM deficits. However, clusters showing impairments in ToM abilities did not necessarily exhibit high levels of personality dysfunction or pathological facets, emphasizing that both constructs are not isomorphic. Nevertheless, specific profiles can help refine existing interventions to make them more sensitive and specific to the nature of ToM dysfunctions while considering personality functioning and facets.
Parent-couple satisfaction, parent depression, and child mental health in families with autistic children
Authors: Piro-Gambetti Brianna , Greenlee Jessica , Bolt Daniel , Papp Lauren M. , Hartley Sigan L. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionWithin two-parent households, the parent-couple subsystem (marital or romantic partner relationship) is posited to shape the mental health of both parents and children. Autistic children and their parents have an elevated-risk for mental health problems. The present study longitudinally examined the mediating role of the quality of the parent-couple relationship in time-ordered pathways between changes in the mental health problems of autistic children and in parent depression symptoms at a within-family level.MethodologyUsing four time points of data collected on 188 families of autistic children (aged 5–12 years) across 3 years, the bidirectional associations between parent-couple relationship satisfaction, parent depressive symptoms, and child internalizing and externalizing mental health problems were investigated. Two multi-group (grouped by parent gender) complete longitudinal mediation models in structural equation modeling using Mplus software were conducted.ResultsParent-couple relationship satisfaction mediated: (1) the association between higher parent depressive symptoms and higher child internalizing mental health problems 12 months later for both mothers and fathers, and (2) the association between higher child externalizing mental health problems and higher father depression symptoms 12 months later. Father depression symptoms mediated a pathway from lower parent-couple satisfaction to higher child internalizing mental health problems 12 months later, and mother depression symptoms mediated the pathway from higher child externalizing mental health problems to lower parent-couple satisfaction 12 months later.ConclusionFindings highlight the bidirectional and complex ways that parent and child mental health and the quality of the parent-couple relationship are entwined across time in families of autistic children. Family-wide interventions that address the needs of multiple family members and family systems are best suited to improve the mental health of parents and autistic children.