bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective detection of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto using a gradient diffusion plastic strip: A comparison of filtered-adjusted vs. unfiltered-unadjusted inocula
Authors: Serrano-Lobo Julia , Reigadas Elena , Muñoz Patricia , Escribano Pilar , Guinea Jesús 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Gradient diffusion plastic strips are utilized for azole susceptibility testing against Aspergillus fumigatus in some clinical microbiology laboratories; however, they lack proper validation. We evaluated the performance of this method for detecting azole resistance in A. fumigatus sensu stricto, and we assessed whether skipping filtration and inoculum adjustment of conidial suspensions negatively influenced its performance. A total of 98 A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates, previously classified as azole-susceptible or resistant, were studied. Azole-resistant isolates had specific cyp51A gene mutations, including TR34-L98H ± S297T-F495I, G54R, TR46-Y121F-T289A, and G448S. Conidial suspensions were prepared following the principles of the E.Def 9.4 method or left unfiltered and unadjusted. Based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions obtained with the gradient diffusion plastic strip using both types of inoculum preparations, cutoff values were proposed to classify isolates as resistant: &gt;1 mg/l for itraconazole and voriconazole and &gt;0.25 mg/l for posaconazole. These cutoffs coincided with EUCAST breakpoints and correctly classified all except one (TR46-Y121F-T289A) isolate. High essential agreement values (95.9%–98%) were obtained, regardless of inoculum preparation. Overall, sensitivity/specificity values of the gradient diffusion plastic strip using the proposed cutoff values for itraconazole (100%/98%), voriconazole (100%/100%), and posaconazole (100%/98%) to screen for azole resistance were not impacted by the inoculum preparation method. Thus, the gradient diffusion plastic strip is a reliable method for screening azole resistance in A. fumigatus isolates using the proposed MIC cutoffs, and inoculum preparation without filtration and adjustment of conidial suspensions did not negatively influence the performance of the method.
Spectral Insights and Evolutionary Pathways of Globular Cluster ULX in NGC 1399: A Two-Decade X-ray and Optical Study
Authors: Oh Kwangmin , Dage Kristen C , Bobrick Alexey , Aydi Elias , Bahramian Arash , Goodwin Adelle J , Haggard Daryl , Irwin Jimmy , Kundu Arunav , Strader Jay , Maccarone Thomas J , Zepf Stephen E 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We present new multi-wavelength observations of two ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) hosted by globular clusters (GCs) in the giant elliptical NGC 1399, focusing on CXO J0338318-352604 (GCU7), only the second GC ULX known to have luminous optical emission lines. Notably, only [N ii] and [O iii] emission is observed in the optical spectra, suggesting H-poor material. Previous work suggested the possibility that the properties of GCU7 could be explained by the tidal disruption of a horizontal branch star by an intermediate-mass black hole. We use new data to show that the lack of evolution in the X-ray or optical properties of the source over the last 20 years rules out this scenario. Instead, we use CLOUDY simulations to demonstrate that the optical emission lines are consistent with an outflow from an ultra-compact X-ray binary where a compact object—likely a neutron star (NS)—is accreting above the Eddington limit from a helium white dwarf (He WD). This binary would have dynamically formed from a direct collision between a NS and a red giant, or else via an exchange interaction. The ULX is predicted to evolve to lower mass transfer rates over time and eventually become a doppelganger to the well-studied ultra-compact X-ray binaries in Galactic GCs such as 4U 1820–30. These results show the utility of using extragalactic GCs to study short-lived phases in dynamical binary evolution that occur too rarely to be observed in Galactic clusters.
A pristine view of galactic globular clusters and their peripheries: Omega Centauri
Authors: Kuzma P B , Ishigaki M N 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
The central regions of the globular cluster Omega Centauri ($\omega$ Cen) have been extensively studied, but its outer regions and tidal structure have been less so. Gaia’s astrometry uncovered substantial tidal substructure associated with $\omega$ Cen, yet the lack of chemical tagging makes these associations tenuous. In this paper, we utilize the Gaia-synthetic CaHK-band photometry, metallicities from the Pristine survey and Gaia’s astrometry to explore up to a clustercentric radius of 5 deg from $\omega$ Cen. We identify $\omega$ Cen-like stars based on proper motion, colour–magnitude, and colour–colour space, exploring the morphology, and stellar populations of the outer regions. Our probabilistic approach recovers the tidal tails of $\omega$ Cen, and we investigate the metallicity distribution of $\omega$ Cen ranging from a radius of 15 arcmin to the tidal radius, and beyond into the tidal tails. We present (1) two components between 15 arcmin and tidal radius at −1.83 and −1.45 dex that are also the dominant populations within 15 arcmin, and (2) the first evidence that the same two populations in the outer regions of the cluster are present outside the tidal radius and into the tidal tails. These populations are mixed about the stream and are typically amongst the faintest stars in our sample, indicating that the tidal tails are made of tidally stripped $\omega$ Cen stars.
Structural, biological, and biomedical implications of mRNA interactions with the master regulator HuR
Authors: Clark Madeline E , Farinha Andrew , Morrison Alan R , Lisi George P 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Human antigen R (HuR) is a ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein (RBP) that has been implicated in a vast range of biological processes including stress response, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of HuR has been linked to a number of pathological disorders including vascular disease, inflammation, and cancers such as those of the breast and colon. Like many RBPs, HuR is composed of multiple RNA-recognition motif (RRM) domains; however, HuR and the three other members of the Hu family (HuB, HuC, and HuD) possess a unique structural composition with two RRMs separated from a third C-terminal RRM by a long, unstructured hinge region. While there has been extensive research on the role of HuR in cellular, molecular, and developmental biology, there are fewer structural and biochemical studies of HuR and many questions still remain about the molecular mechanisms of HuR. In this review, we endeavor to synthesize existing HuR research spanning the last three decades in order to define known mechanistic roles of each domain, highlight remaining uncertainties, and provide a backdrop for ongoing research into the chemistry and biology of HuR and similar multi-RRM containing proteins.
Red Blood Cell Casts on Kidney Biopsy and Progression of IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Yao Yu-Xuan , Tang Chen , Fang Shi Su- , Chen Pei , Zhou Xu-Jie , Lv Ji-Cheng , Liu Li-Jun , Zhang Hong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Renal red blood cell casts (RBCC) are common in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), but their role in kidney disease progression of patients with IgAN remains unclear.

Methods
1425 patients in Peking University First Hospital IgAN (PKU-IgAN) cohort and 279 patients in TESTING trial were enrolled to test the association between RBCC and kidney outcome. RBCC was defined as positive (+) when at least one cast was identified within the renal tubules by light microscopy. Kidney endpoint was the composite of the first occurrence of a sustained 30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate or end stage kidney disease or death due to kidney disease. Cox regression analysis was used.

Results
In PKU-IgAN, 529 patients (37%) had RBCC; in TESTING trial, 78 patients (28%) had RBCC. Patients with RBCC had more crescentic lesions, and less segmental sclerosis compared with patients without RBCC. In PKU-IgAN, after a median follow-up of 54 months, 119 patients (22%) with RBCC and 260 patients (29%) without RBCC reached the composite kidney endpoint (P=0.009). In multivariable analysis, RBCC was independently associated with composite kidney endpoint (HR 0.79; 95%CI 0.63 - 0.99; P=0.038). RBCC and immunosuppressive therapy (IST) had an interaction (P=0.001). RBCC was independently associated with composite kidney endpoint in patients who received IST (HR 0.56; 95%CI 0.40 - 0.77; P&lt;0.001). In TESTING trial, after a median follow-up of 57 months, 26 patients (33%) with RBCC and 96 patients (48%) without RBCC reached the composite kidney endpoint (P=0.041). In univariate analysis, RBCC was associated with composite kidney endpoint (HR 0.64; 95%CI 0.42 - 0.99; P=0.047).

Conclusion
Renal RBCC was frequent in IgAN and was associated with a higher incidence of acute active lesions and better renal prognosis, especially in those who received IST, warranting particular attention.
Causal Assessments of Multilevel Social Determinant Factors on Meningioma Disparities in the US
Authors: Fei-Zhang David J , Sethia Rishabh , Wang Larry W , Sheyn Anthony M , D’Souza Jill N , Chelius Daniel C , Rastatter Jeffrey C 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Prior investigations into meningioma disparities have explored associative relationships of socioeconomic status (SES) and race-ethnicity but face gaps in the range of other social determinants/drivers of health (SDoH) factors considered and sample size. Furthermore, none have explored causal relationships between SDoH-factors and outcomes. Thus, this study aims to utilize a recent, national sampling of meningioma patients incorporating comprehensive inferential and causal-mediation approaches to delineate which SDoH-factors objectively drive care and prognostic disparities.

Methods
This retrospective study of a specialized Surveillance-Epidemiology-End Results 2020 dataset for community-/census tract-level (Yost-Index, a composite SES measure and Rurality-Urbanicity) and individual-level (sex, race-ethnicity) SDoH-factors performed age-adjusted multivariate cox-hazards and logistic regressions, and covariate-adjusted causal-mediation analyses to assess differences in overall survival, treatment receipt, and delay of treatment initiation.

Results
In age-adjusted multivariate analyses of 110,042 meningioma patients from 2010-2018, lower community-level SES significantly increased overall mortality (HR 1.31, 95%CI 1.28-1.34), decreased interventional treatment receipt (Surgery-OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.87-0.91; Radiation 0.83, 0.79-0.87), and increased treatment delay (1.13, 1.09-1.16). Minoritized race/ethnicity featured increased interventional treatment receipt (Surgery 1.18, 1.15-1.22; Radiation 1.18, 1.12-1.24) and decreased treatment delay (0.90, 0.87-0.93). In covariate-adjusted causal analyses, community-level SES showed total mediation effects of race-ethnicity in influencing overall survival and negative partial mediation effects in treatment receipt and delay.

Conclusion
For overall survival, community-level SES primarily drove meningioma disparities even when accounting for other SDoH-factors. For treatment receipt and delay, race-ethnicity caused greater differences that were partially affected by community-level SES. In turn, these comprehensive analyses provide definitive causes of meningioma disparities.
Preliminaries
Authors: Aikhenvald Alexandra Y 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Almost all languages have some grammatical means for the linguistic categorization of nouns and nominals. The term ‘classifiers’ will be used here as an umbrella label for a wide range of noun categorization devices. Different types of classifier can be distinguished by their grammatical status, degree of grammaticalization, conditions for use, meaning, kinds of origin, mode of acquisition, and tendencies towards loss.
Locative and Deictic Classifiers
Authors: Aikhenvald Alexandra Y 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This chapter describes two further types of classifier which have a noun phrase as their scope: locative classifiers which occur in locative noun phrases (§7.2) and deictic classifiers which occur on deictic modifiers and/or articles in head-modifier noun phrases (§7.3). More examples of these classifiers in the languages of the world would need to be discovered before their typological profile could be fully established.
A consistent light-cone-gauge superstring field theory
Authors: Ando Yuji , Fujii Ryota , Kunitomo Hiroshi , Totsuka-Yoshinaka Jojiro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Extending a recent development in the bosonic string field theory, we construct a map from the Witten-type gauge-invariant superstring field theory based on an A∞ structure to a light-cone-gauge superstring field theory via two intermediate theories, which we call the Kaku-type and Kugo-Zwiebach-type superstring field theories. We find that a naive extension only gives us an inconsistent light-cone-gauge theory that suffers from the well-known problem caused by divergence due to collisions of local operators. However, we also find that this difficulty may be resolved by considering the stubbed theory and propose it as a consistent light-cone-gauge superstring field theory. The result possibly gives a proof of the unitarity of the Witten-type superstring field theory.
An International Consensus on Evaluation and Management of Idiopathic Genu Valgum: A Modified Delphi Survey
Authors: Ranade Ashish S. , Oka Gauri A. , Belthur Mohan V. , Shah Hitesh , Herman Martin J. , Fernandes James A. , Hamdy Reggie , Hailer Yasmin D. , Canavese Federico , Monsell Fergal , Gelfer Yael , Eastwood Deborah M , Huser Aaron , Laine Jennifer , McCarthy James , Aroojis Alaric , Cooper Anthony , Barr Alejandro , Herman Mare Pieter , Hosny Gamal A. , Kishan Shyam , Marangoz Salih , Moreno Grangeiro Patricia , Møller-Madsen Bjarne , Nunn Timothy , Shah Maulin 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Idiopathic genu valgum beyond physiological limits may require treatment, which is based on age, growth remaining, and the magnitude of the deformity. There is no consensus on clinical, or radiologic evaluation, indications, and management of idiopathic genu valgum, which can range from observation to surgical treatment using various modalities. If available, such guidelines will help surgeons offer optimal treatment to their patients. The aim of our study was to establish an expert consensus on the evaluation and treatment of idiopathic genu valgum.

Methods:
An international panel of 29 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons from 17 countries with clinical and research experience in the management of limb deformity participated in a modified Delphi survey. Surgeons were provided with patient and deformity characteristics and voted on 46 statements on history, clinical examination, radiographic evaluation, and treatment options for idiopathic genu valgum in round 1. Consensus was defined as when statements received ≥70% votes. Statements that were important but received <70% votes were reworded for clarity in round 2 (n=13).

Results:
Consensus was achieved for 28/46 statements and included obtaining a full-length standing radiograph of the lower extremities and measuring joint orientation angles. Participants did not agree to offer surgical treatment based only on the intermalleolar distance. They recommended surgical treatment if the mechanical axis falls in zone 2 or beyond on the lateral side and using guided growth by tension-band plating when the growth remaining is at least 2 years. The panel agreed on performing common peroneal nerve decompression for specific indications such as acute, opening wedge osteotomy of >20 degrees, but not for gradual correction. Consensus was not reached for indications and methods of bone age assessment, treatment when growth remaining is <1 year, indications for implant removal after guided growth in younger children, and the type of osteotomy for acute deformity correction.

Conclusions:
We have generated consensus statements to guide the management of idiopathic genu valgum. Statements that lack consensus are areas for future multicenter research.

Level of Evidence:
Level V.
Immune-metabolic shifts in acute liver failure caused by HEV infection during pregnancy and their association with obstetric outcomes
Authors: Saxena Anoushka , Minal﻿  , Pahwa Prabhjyoti , Maras Jaswinder Singh , Siddiqui Hamda , Sevak Jayesh Kumar , Mala Yedla Manikya﻿ , Tyagi Shakun , Sarin Shiv K. , Trehanpati Nirupama 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Hepatitis-E virus (﻿HEV)-induced liver failure during pregnancy leads to maternal and fetal complications. This study investigates the HEV-associated metabolomic and immunological changes to elucidate the worsening of obstetric outcomes in patients with acute liver failure (ALF) due to HEV.

Methods:
Pregnant women with (i) acute viral hepatitis, IgM HEV positive (AVH-E, n = 31, Gr.I), (ii) acute liver failure (ALF-E, n = 15, Gr.II), (iii) acute hepatitis but negative for viral infections (non-HEV, n = 30, Gr.III), and healthy (HC, n = 21, Gr.IV) were evaluated at delivery for plasma untargeted metabolomics, cytokine, and immune profiling.

Results:
AVH-E and ALF-E (Gr.I, II) showed elevated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-9, IL-22, and IL-33 compared to HC. In addition, in ALF-E, IFN-γ and IL-12p70 were decreased, but MIP-1α, fractalkine, SDF-1α, IL-22, and IL-33 were increased compared to AVH-E. Both AVH-E and ALF-E had decreased choline, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, O-palmitoyl-r-carnitine, and increased taurocholic acid. However, patients with ALF-E had a 2–5-fold decline in these metabolites with raised taurochenodeoxycholic acid. ALF-E showed increased naive T/B cells, decreased CD4, CD8 Tcm, Tem, and plasmablasts, compared to AVH-E contributing to higher failed inductions, preterm births, maternal complications like eclampsia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, preterm premature rupture of membranes, small-for-gestational-age infants, higher rates of intrauterine death, abortion, and mortality.

Conclusions:
HEV infection reduces choline, phosphocholine, and palmitoyl carnitine, enhancing inflammation in ALF-E, while increasing taurocholic and taurochenodeoxycholic acids impairs the immune response. These factors together likely contribute to severe obstetric complications, including higher failed inductions, intrauterine death, and maternal and fetal mortality in ALF-E.
Sharing insight or blowing smoke? The case for descriptive patient representatives on community health center boards
Authors: Patel Amanda S. , Steele Clarissa R. , Beaver Gregory R. 
Published: February 2025

Background
Community health centers (CHCs) receive federal grant money to reduce health care disparities. To be eligible, at least 51% of their board members must be descriptively representative patients (i.e., truly represent the population served by the clinic). However, research paints an unclear picture of how these patients influence board effectiveness.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of descriptively representative patients on board conversations contributing to the board's effectiveness.

Methodology/Approach
Two studies were conducted. Study 1 involved 23 semistructured interviews, observations of six board meetings, and five discussions with subject matter experts to examine the impact of descriptively representative patients on conversations that contribute to board effectiveness. Study 2 was a two-wave survey administered to 177 CHC chief executive or operating officers to investigate the impact of descriptively representative patients on the relationship between volubility (i.e., the amount of talking within a group) and board effectiveness.

Results
Study 1 revealed that although representative patients provided valuable insights, there was skepticism about their ability to contribute effectively, leading some to circumvent the requirement for such members. Additionally, we found that descriptively representative patients influence two key mechanisms—participative decision making and pointless discussion—through which conversations influence board effectiveness. In Study 2, we discovered that increased descriptive patient representation can mitigate the negative impact of volubility on pointless discussion and, in turn, enhance board effectiveness.

Conclusion
Descriptive patient representatives are valuable members of CHC boards, and the information they provide can keep conversations more focused.

Practice Implications
CHC boards should not underestimate the value of truly representative patients. The Health Resources and Services Administration, which provides grants to CHCs, should be aware of efforts to circumvent the requirement for descriptive patient representation on CHC boards.
Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Heavy Silicone Oil (Oxane® HD and Densiron® 68) in Complex Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Ermiş Serhat , Özal Ece , Karapapak Murat , Peker Ömer Faruk , Özal Sadık Altan 
Published: February 2025

Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy of heavy silicone oils (HSO) as endotamponades in the repair of primary complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods:
This retrospective, single-centre, non-randomised study included 82 eyes of 82 patients with primary macular-off RRD associated with inferior proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Each eye was treated with one of two HSO tamponades: Oxane® HD or Densiron® 68. Study outcomes were primary and final success rates, final logMAR gain and postoperative complications. The final outcome was based on 12-month follow-up.

Results:
Of the 82 eyes, 45 were treated with Oxane HD and 37 with Densiron 68. There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups. The primary and final surgical success rates were 66.6% and 75.7% for Oxane HD and 75.6% and 81% for Densiron 68, respectively; these differences were not statistically significant. In addition, the final logMAR gain was 0.36 ± 0.51 (median 0.2) in the Oxane HD group and 0.57 ± 0.58 (median 0.5) in the Densiron 68 group (p = 0.027). Complication rates were similar between groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Our study suggests that HSOs may be an effective alternative for suitable patients in primary complex RRD cases, demonstrating high anatomical success and a low adverse event profile.