bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response to apheretic platelet transfusion in children of acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving induction chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh
Authors: Basak Sushanta Kumar , Iktidar Mohammad Azmain , Chowdhury Romana , Khatun Ayesha , Rahman Atiar , Miah Sonia Shormin , Shaheen Sheikh Saiful Islam , Mazumder Sudeshna 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Disease and therapy-related hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia is a significant barrier to managing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients. To reduce the risk of haemorrhage, apheretic platelet transfusion is a modern, effective, and expensive option. Since most ALL patients in Bangladesh have financial constraints, this study can shed light on the magnitude of benefit regarding the effectiveness of apheretic platelet prophylactically and therapeutically in children of ALL receiving induction chemotherapy.

Materials and methods:
This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of transfusion medicine and the department of paediatric haematology and oncology at a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh from June 2020 to June 2021. A total of 33 cases of ALL were enroled in this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. After receiving written informed consent, relevant data were collected using a face-to-face interview with the guardian of the patients, thorough clinical examination, and relevant investigation. After the collection of all the required data, analysis was done by Stata (v.16).

Results:
Mean age of the patients was 7.39±4.46 (SD), ranging from 1 to 18 years. The majority of children were aged younger than or equal to 10 years (69.70%). Male children were slightly predominant (51.5%). Significant post-transfusion platelet increment (Median pre-transfusion count 16×103/μl vs. Median post-transfusion count 133×103/μl, P<0.001) was observed. WHO bleeding grades also improved after apheretic platelet transfusion (P<0.05). Age was a significant factor associated with corrected count increment (CCI) in both univariate and multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis, age and gender were significant predictors of CCI in therapeutic transfusion group but not in prophylactic transfusion group.

Conclusions:
Significant improvement in bleeding status and platelet count was observed following apheretic platelet transfusion.
Postoperative screw pullout of severe spondylolisthesis in osteogenesis imperfecta: a case report with 3-year follow-up
Authors: Zhang Zhongtai , Ling Feng , Chen Kangwu , Liu Yuxuan , Ding Qingfeng , Zhang Zhigang 
Published: February 2024

Introduction and importance:
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by bone fragility and deformities in both paediatric and adult populations. The occurrence of severe spondylolisthesis in OI patients is even more infrequent. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment approach for OI patients afflicted with severe spondylolisthesis. The selection of surgical procedures and the effective management of postoperative complications present significant challenges in this context.

Case presentation:
A 30-year-old male patient diagnosed with OI type IV (Sillence classification) underwent the lumbar laminectomy and postero-lateral fusion due to severe spondylolisthesis (grade Ⅲ). Following the surgery, the patient experienced postoperative screw pullout while on bedrest. However, aside from experiencing back pain, there were no neurological symptoms present. To address this issue, the patient received salvage treatment in the form of cast immobilization combined with bisphosphonates. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient exhibited absence of sciatic nerve pain and reported mild numbness in the lower extremities. Moreover, the patient demonstrated the ability to ambulate a distance exceeding 1500 m. Nevertheless, the persistence of sexual dysfunction was observed.

Clinical discussion:
This study presented the initial instance of surgical complications observed in patients with severe spondylolisthesis and OI. This highlights the importance to exercise meticulous caution and thoroughness when assessing surgical interventions.

Conclusion:
In cases where the fixation fails to offer adequate biomechanical stability, the administration of bisphosphonates and robust immobilization remains crucial, even in the presence of complications.
Is cranioplasty the optimal treatment for contralateral subdural effusion after decompressive craniectomy?: a case report
Authors: Ouyang Qing , Yang Yongxiang , Cheng Jingmin , Sun Bing , Ma Yuan 
Published: February 2024

Introduction and importance:
Contralateral subdural effusion (CSDE) is a rare complication secondary to decompressive craniectomy (DC), which can lead to encephalocele and neurologic deterioration. The authors report a case that confirm the existence of unidirectional membrane valve, and cranioplasty is an effective treatment for CSDE.

Case presentation:
The authors reported a case of 43-year-old female was diagnosed with ruptured intracranial aneurysm and treated with interventional embolization. She underwent DC because of postoperative cerebral infarction subsequently. Her conscious state deteriorated accompanied by encephalocele in postoperative 2 week. A craniocerebral computed tomography (CT) confirmed the diagnosis of CSDE with cerebral hernia. A compression bandaging of the skull defect was applicated, whereas, her conscious state progressive deteriorated. She was transferred to the author’s hospital where she underwent burr-hole drainage and clinical symptom has been improved. However, a relapse of CSDE was observed after the removal of drainage tube. Continuous lumbar drainage was employed, and which was ineffective for CSDE in this case. Finally, she underwent cranioplasty, with the help of drainage of subdural effusion, CSDE was completely resolved.

Clinical discussion:
CSDE is occasionally observed in patients after DC. Intracranial pressure (ICP) gradient and unidirectional membrane valve are the possible mechanisms of CSDE. At present, there is no optimal therapy for CSDE. For symptomatic CSDE patients, one or more treatment measures should be applicated.

Conclusion:
Cranioplasty is one of the curative and optimal method to treat symptomatic CSDE patients, early cranioplasty combined with burr-hole drainage should be performed for conservative treatment failed and intractable cases.
Syphilis Diagnosis After a Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, or HIV Diagnosis Among Reproductive-Aged Women in Baltimore, MD
Authors: Kretz Alyssa M. , Schumacher Christina M. , Thornton Nicole , Powell Anna Maya , Tilchin Carla , Muvva Ravikiran , Jennings Jacky M. 
Published: February 2024

Background
Syphilis incidence is increasing among reproductive-aged women, and previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a risk factor for subsequent STIs. This study aimed to determine syphilis incidence after a chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV diagnosis, and identify characteristics associated with higher syphilis incidence rates among reproductive-aged women in 1 mid-Atlantic city.

Methods
A retrospective cohort of 85,113 chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV diagnoses occurring between 2009 and 2021 and among women aged 13 to 50 years was constructed using public health surveillance data. Cumulative incidence curves were estimated to examine time to early syphilis (i.e., primary, secondary, or early latent) diagnosis, and multivariable analyses determined incidence rate ratios by age (<25 vs. ≥25 years) and number of prior STI diagnoses (0 vs. ≥1) during the study period, stratified by STI.

Results
There were 85,113 reportable STI diagnoses and 646 syphilis diagnoses in the cohort. Approximately 1 of 150 chlamydia, 1 of 100 gonorrhea, and 1 of 50 HIV diagnoses were followed by a syphilis diagnosis within 5 years. Cumulative incidence of syphilis differed significantly by STI diagnosis (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, syphilis incidence rates were higher among women diagnosed with ≥1 (vs. 0) prior STI regardless of STI type (P < 0.05) and among women ≥25 (vs. <25) years old diagnosed with gonorrhea (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
There were significant differences in syphilis incidence by prior STI type, number of STIs, and age. Our data support targeted screening for syphilis among women with a history of STIs, parwomen with ≥1 prior STI diagnosis, and older women diagnosed with gonorrhea.
Provider-Reported Barriers in Sexual Health Care Services for Women With Upstream Barriers: The Case of Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis in Southern Colorado, 2022
Authors: Hackett Colleen , Frank Leslie , Heldt-Werle Lindsey , Loosier Penny S. 
Published: February 2024

Background
Syphilis and congenital syphilis rates have increased sharply in Colorado in the past 5 years. Congenital syphilis is passed during pregnancy in utero and can cause lifelong physical, developmental, and neurologic problems for the child, or can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. Congenital syphilis is easily prevented if the mother receives timely testing, treatment, and prenatal care. Providers can play a key role in preventing congenital syphilis for women with social vulnerabilities, who have a higher likelihood of syphilis and/or congenital syphilis infection.

Methods
We surveyed 23 and interviewed 4 health care providers in southern Colorado in 2022 to record their experiences in providing sexual health care services. We asked providers with direct care experience about perceived barriers in effectively treating syphilis.

Results
The most significant barriers reported in the survey were the cost of treatment (26%) and the loss to follow-up (22%). Interviews revealed further challenges, including discretionary testing procedures, delays in screening results, treatment referral issues, and stigma around substance use and sexual activity.

Conclusions
Elevated syphilis and congenital syphilis rates pose significant public health challenges. Coordinated interventions are necessary to effectively reduce the transmission of syphilis and congenital syphilis among women with upstream barriers. Potential care solutions include expanding rapid, point-of care testing and treatment options, supporting bicillin delivery or web-based inventory systems, offering anti-stigma training for providers, offering mental and behavioral health resources at providers' clinics, and expanding partnerships with syringe access programs.
Two Bullet Wounds, One Bullet: The Atypical Fragmentation of a .223 Caliber Ammunition
Authors: Hancock Addie , Giffen Mark 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
As the fifth leading cause of death in individuals aged 1 to 64 years in the United States, forensic pathologists frequently encounter firearm-related deaths and are trained to approach these cases by utilizing information from the investigation, radiographs, and autopsy findings to discern the logical sequence of events that lead to death. We also emphasize the importance and utility of various factors such as bullet wound characteristics, type of ammunition used, and type of tissues involved in a forensic pathologist's determination of events and in medicolegal investigations. However, the unusual presentations of firearm-related deaths can cause confusion and even frustration when there are contradicting circumstances or findings at work. We present the case of a 61-year-old woman with an atypical pattern of 2 distinct irregular entrance gunshot wounds determined to be caused by a single projectile.
Cerebrovascular Malformation Mimicking Recurrent Lymphoma on Dual Time-Point 18F-FDOPA PET
Authors: Park Sonya Youngju , Lee Min Kyoung , Han Eun Ji , Jeon Young-Woo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Although 18F-FDG is the dominant radiotracer for PET imaging of hematological malignancies, radiolabeled amino acids have also been investigated to improve image quality in areas of high 18F-FDG uptake such as the central nervous system. We present a case of a 57-year-old woman who underwent an 18F-FDOPA scan for primary CNS lymphoma, which demonstrated an unexpected false-positive uptake in the right frontal lobe, due to a developmental venous anomaly.
Concurrent Benign Iodine-Avid Thymic and Liver Cysts Mimicking Metastatic Disease on 131I Whole-Body Scintigraphy
Authors: Kamarulzaman Kamalia , Mohd Rohani Mohd Fazrin , Mat Nawi Norazlina , Amir Hassan Siti Zarina 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A 57-year-old woman received radioiodine therapy post total thyroidectomy for pT3aNxMx follicular thyroid carcinoma. Posttherapy 131I whole-body scan showed 131I concentration in the chest, mediastinum, and left upper thigh with stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) of 89 μg/L. Subsequent radioiodine therapies showed persistent 131I accumulation in the anterior mediastinal soft tissue lesions and a hypodense segment VII liver lesion visualized on SPECT/CT, suggestive of iodine-avid metastatic disease despite the undetectable serum Tg (<1.0 μg/L) with no Tg antibody interference. Biopsy of the liver lesion revealed liver cyst, and consequent removal of the mediastinal lesions showed benign thymic cysts.
Misleading FDG Uptake in Oncology Assessment
Authors: Moreau Aurélie , Mognetti Thomas , Kryza David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Here, we report the case of a 35-year-old woman who performed PET/CT 18F-FDG as an initial workup for HER2+ right breast invasive ductal carcinoma. Examination revealed multifocal breast involvement with homolateral lymph node involvement. Contralateral axillary adenopathy and diffuse splenic and osteomedullary hypermetabolism were also observed, suggesting associated lymphoma in the absence of a recent COVID-19 vaccination. Cytopuncture was discussed and finally postponed after the patient was found to have recently received a pneumococcal vaccination.
Clinical Efficacy of Modified Nonmesh Sacral Colpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Zhao Jinchai , Liu Yibin , Cui Lili , Sun Xianghang , Meng Li , Zhao Yi , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Huang Xianghua 
Published: February 2024

Importance
As an increasing number of mesh-related complications have been reported, the availability of nonmesh alternatives becomes crucial for situations where mesh is not desired or unavailable. A new modified procedure of nonmesh laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) was performed in our department, which used a nonabsorbable polyester suture (Ethibond) combined with uterosacral ligament suspension.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the modified procedure in comparison with traditional LSC in patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods
This retrospective study assessed the treatment outcomes of 60 patients who were underwent LSC with or without mesh from January 2017 to April 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of mesh during the operation: mesh group (n = 34) and nonmesh group (n = 26). General data, perioperative indexes, postoperative complications, and recurrence rates were comparatively analyzed between 2 groups.

Results
In perioperative indexes, the nonmesh group exhibited shorter operation time (P < 0.001) and less intraoperative blood loss compared with the mesh group (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in postoperative indwelling urinary catheter duration (P = 0.425) and hospitalization time (P = 0.827) between the 2 groups. In postoperative complications, the incidence of postoperative complications showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). No occurrences of mesh exposure and erosion were observed in the mesh group during at least a 2-year follow-up period. In postoperative recurrence, none of the patients in either group experienced prolapse recurrence.

Conclusions
In comparison with the traditional LSC with mesh, the modified laparoscopic nonmesh sacral colpopexy presents advantages of reduced surgical trauma, less pain, and lower cost. However, a long-term and large sample study is required for evaluating the surgery’s long-term efficacy.
Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair Simulation Model and Hierarchical Task Analysis
Authors: Kent Laura M. , Vinas Emily K. , Rieger Mary M. , Caldwell Lauren , White Amanda B. , High Rachel A. 
Published: February 2024

Importance
There is a need for surgeons skilled in vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair, yet training opportunities are limited.

Objectives
This study aimed to create a low-fidelity simulation model for transvaginal VVF repair, identify essential steps of VVF repair, and evaluate the model's ability to replicate essential steps.

Study Design
First, a low-fidelity VVF repair simulation model was designed and built by the authors. Next, a hierarchical task analysis was performed by urogynecologic surgeons with expertise in VVF repair. Each expert submitted an outline of tasks required to perform VVF repair. To control for bias, an education specialist de-identified, reviewed, and collated the submitted outlines. The education specialist then led a focus group, and through a modified Delphi process, the experts reached consensus on the essential steps. A separate group of urogynecologic surgeons then tested the model and completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing how well the model replicated the essential steps. Descriptive analyses were performed.

Results
Five experts submitted an outline of steps for transvaginal VVF repair, and 4 experts participated in a focus group to reach consensus on the essential steps. Nine urogynecologic surgeons, with a median of 10 years in practice (interquartile range, 7–12 years), tested the model and completed the postsimulation questionnaire. Most testers thought that tasks involving identification and closure of the fistula were replicated by the model. Testers thought that tasks involving cystoscopy or bladder filling were not replicated by the model.

Conclusions
We developed a novel, low-fidelity transvaginal VVF repair simulation model that consistently replicated tasks involving identification and closure of the fistula.
Source Localization of Normal Variants Seen on EEG
Authors: Rahman Shareena , Burch Michael , Parikh Prachi , Zafar Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
The EEG is an essential neurological diagnostic tool. EEG abnormalities can guide diagnosis and management of epilepsy. There are also distinctive EEG waveforms that are seen in healthy individuals. It is critical not to misinterpret these as abnormal. To emphasize the importance of these waveforms, we analyzed different normal variants via the source localization technology.

Methods:
This is a retrospective analysis of EEGs performed at the Duke University Hospital between June 2014 and Dec 2019. We selected samples of vertex waves, Mu, lambda, POSTS, wickets, and sleep spindles for analysis. EEG were imported to Curry 8 (Compumedics) to calculate the dipole and current density. The averaged head model from the Montreal Neurological Institute database was used for reconstruction.

Results:
Thirty-four patient EEG samples were selected including five vertex, six Mu, four wicket, seven lambda, five POSTS, and seven spindles. Results from source localization showed that vertex waves are localized in the frontocentral area, whereas spindles in the deep midline central region. Mu were identified in the ipsilateral somatosensory cortex. Lambda and POSTS, on the other hand, had maximum results over the bilateral occipital region and wickets in the ipsilateral temporal lobe.

Conclusions:
Our results confirm and expand previous hypotheses. This allows us to speculate on the origin of these normal EEG variants. Although this study is limited by small sample size, lack of high-density EEG, and patient-specific MRI, our analysis provides an easily replicable three-dimensional visualization of these waveforms.
HIV combined with skin infection of Nocardia brasiliensis: A rare case report
Authors: XING YUN , Li Shilu 
Published: February 2024

Introduction. The HIV virus can attack and gradually damage the human immune system, causing the host to be unprotected when infected. Nocardia is a type of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria that can easily cause infections in patients with chronic wasting diseases, immune dysfunction, and the use of immunosuppressants. Nocardia can invade various tissues and parts of the body, causing corresponding clinical symptoms. There are few reports of HIV patients being infected with Brazilian Nocardia.

Case presentation. This article reports a case of an HIV patient with concurrent infection with Brazilian Nocardia. A patient with HIV developed a lump on the surface of their left skin without any obvious cause. Due to improper disinfection and treatment methods, the condition worsened, and they subsequently sought medical attention at our hospital. A series of laboratory related tests are conducted clinically based on the patient's medical history, symptoms, and signs. Based on the test results, a reasonable treatment plan was adopted clinically, ultimately achieving satisfactory treatment outcomes for patients.

Conclusion . HIV patients are prone to various types of infections, even rare bacteria, as their immune function decreases. With the popularity of new identification methods such as mass spectrometry, laboratories should pay attention to traditional staining methods and use microscopes to detect pathogens.
A simple, robust, broadly applicable insertion mutagenesis method to create random fluorescent protein – target protein fusions
Authors: Pike Andrew , Pietryski Cassandra , Deighan Padraig , Kuehner Jason , Lau Derek , Seshan Anupama , March Paul E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA simple broadly applicable method was developed using anin vitrotransposition reaction followed by transformation intoEscherichia coliand screening plates for fluorescent colonies. The transposition reaction catalyzes the random insertion of a fluorescent protein open reading frame into a target gene on a plasmid. The transposition reaction is employed directly in anE. colitransformation with no further procedures. Plating at high colony density yields fluorescent colonies. Plasmids purified from fluorescent colonies contain random, in-frame fusion proteins into the target gene. The plate screen also results in expressed, stable proteins. A large library of chimeric proteins was produced that was useful for downstream research. The effect of using different fluorescent proteins was investigated as well as the dependence of linker sequence between the target and fluorescent protein open reading frames. The utility and simplicity of the method was demonstrated by the fact that it has been employed in an undergraduate biology laboratory class without failure over dozens of class sections. This suggests that the method will be useful in high impact research at small liberal arts colleges with limited resources. However, in frame fusion proteins were obtained from eight different targets suggesting that the method is broadly applicable in any research setting.SummaryThis report describes a simple screen to obtain random insertions of fluorescent proteins into a target protein of interest. The screen results in a useful library of mutated and functional tagged proteins that can be employed to investigate protein biochemical activity, protein structure, protein function and protein cellular localization. The screen is robust, generally applicable, and has been employed in an undergraduate laboratory class. It is also useful for studies in advanced research-intensive projects carried out in institutions of all types.Graphical Abstract