bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative ACTH-stimulated aldosterone predicts biochemical outcome in primary aldosteronism
Authors: Bruedgam Denise , Adolf Christian , Schneider Holger , Schwarzlmueller Paul , Mueller Lisa , Handgriff Laura , Bidlingmaier Martin , Kunz Sonja , Zimmermann Petra , Deniz Sinan , Williams Tracy Ann , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Heinrich Daniel A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common surgically curable cause of hypertension. Unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma can be treated with adrenalectomy. Clinical and biochemical outcomes are assessed 6-12 months after adrenalectomy according to primary aldosteronism surgical outcome (PASO) consensus criteria. Earlier prediction of biochemical remission would be desirable as it could reduce cumbersome follow-up visits. We hypothesized that postoperative adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulated plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC) measured shortly after adrenalectomy can predict PASO outcomes.

Design
Retrospective cohort study.

Methods
We analyzed 100 patients of the German Conn's registry who underwent adrenalectomy and postoperative ACTH stimulation tests within the first week after adrenalectomy. Six to twelve months after adrenalectomy we assessed clinical and biochemical outcomes according to PASO criteria. Serum cortisol and PAC were measured by immunoassay at baseline and 30 min after the intravenous ACTH infusion. We used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and matched the parameters to PASO outcomes.

Results
Eighty-one percent of patients had complete, 13% partial, and 6% absent biochemical remission. Complete clinical remission was observed in 28%. For a cut-off of 58.5 pg/mL, stimulated PAC could predict partial/absent biochemical remission with a high sensitivity (95%) and reasonable specificity (74%). Stimulated PAC's area under the curve (AUC) (0.89; confidence interval (CI) 0.82-0.96) was significantly higher than other investigated parameters.

Conclusions
Low postoperative ACTH stimulated PAC was predictive of biochemical remission. If confirmed, this approach could reduce follow-up visits to assess biochemical outcome.
Large alphabet inference
Authors: Painsky Amichai 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Consider a finite sample from an unknown multinomial distribution. Inferring the underlying multinomial parameters is a basic problem in statistics and related fields. Currently known methods focus on classical regimes where the sample is large, or both the sample and the alphabet are small. In this work we study the complementary large alphabet regime, as we consider the case where the number of samples is comparable with (or even smaller than) the alphabet size. We introduce a novel inference scheme that significantly improves upon currently known methods. Our proposed scheme is robust, easy to apply and provides favourable performance guarantees.
Dietary butyrate and valerate glycerides impact diarrhea severity and immune response of weaned piglets under ETEC F4-ETEC F18 coinfection conditions
Authors: Kovanda Lauren , Park Jungjae , Park Sangwoo , Kim Kwangwook , Li Xunde , Liu Yanhong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes post-weaning diarrhea in piglets, significantly impacting animal welfare and production efficiency. The two primary ETEC pathotypes associated with post-weaning diarrhea are ETEC F4 and ETEC F18. During the post-weaning period, piglets may be exposed to both ETEC F4 and ETEC F18. However, the effects of coinfection by both strains have not been studied. Short chain fatty acid feed additives, such as butyrate and valerate, are being investigated for their potential to improve animal performance and disease resistance. Therefore, this pilot experiment aimed to test the effects of butyrate glycerides or valerate glycerides on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, and immune responses of piglets under ETEC F4-ETEC F18 coinfection conditions. Twenty piglets were individually housed and assigned to one of the three dietary treatments immediately at weaning (21 to 24 d of age). The dietary treatments included control (basal diet formulation), control supplemented with 0.1% butyrate glycerides or 0.1% valerate glycerides. After a 7-d adaptation, all pigs were inoculated with ETEC F4 and ETEC F18 (0.5 × 109 CFU/1.5 mL dose for each strain) on three consecutive days. Pigs and feeders were weighed throughout the trial to measure growth performance. Fecal cultures were monitored for hemolytic coliforms, and blood samples were collected for whole blood and serum analysis. Pigs fed valerate glycerides tended (P = 0.095) to have higher final body weight compared with control. The overall severity of diarrhea was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower in both treatment groups than control. Pigs fed valerate glycerides tended (P = 0.061) to have lower neutrophils and had significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower serum TNF-α on day 4 post-inoculation. This pilot experiment established an appropriate experimental dose for an ETEC F4-ETEC F18 coinfection disease model in weaned piglets. Results also suggest that butyrate glycerides and valerate glycerides alleviated diarrhea and regulated immune responses in piglets coinfected with ETEC F4 and ETEC F18.
The Energy Charter Treaty at a critical juncture: of knowns, unknowns, and lasting significance
Authors: Daszko Agata 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This article envisions the future of international investment law and arbitration amidst the need to accelerate the shift towards renewable energy. Recognizing the risks of predicting the unknown, the article charts the delicate balance between forecasting a future legal framework and respecting past complexities. Focusing on the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), the article analyses ‘known-knowns’ rooted in positive law and ‘known-unknowns’ in the ECT’s future. The article examines the ECT’s design and scope in the first part, showing its pivotal role in organizing the renewable energy market through fair and equitable treatment and expropriation provisions. Against this backdrop, the article explores potential continuation, modernization, or abandonment scenarios and argues for a nuanced and anticipatory approach to the Treaty’s evolving dynamics. It underscores the variety of pending cases, the potential resurgence of State contracts, and the shift to contract-based arbitration influenced by ECT decisions. Given the impasse over the ECT’s modernization and the paradoxical nature of the ongoing energy transition, the ECT will continue to shape international investment law and international energy governance for the foreseeable future.
Association of hearing loss with patient-reported functional outcomes in adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Bass Johnnie K , Wang Fang , Thaxton Mackenzie E , Warren Sarah E , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Hudson Melissa M , Ness Kirsten K , Brinkman Tara M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Hearing loss is prevalent following ototoxic therapy for childhood cancer. Associations between hearing loss, self-perceived hearing handicap, and functional outcomes have not been examined in survivors.

Methods
Adult survivors treated with platinum or head and neck radiotherapy with hearing loss were recruited. A total of 237 survivors (median age at survey = 37.0 years [range = 30.0-45.0 years]; median = 29.1 years [range = 22.4-35.0 years] since diagnosis; median = 4.0 years [range = 2.9-7.7 years] from last audiogram to survey) completed the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults and questionnaires on social and emotional functioning and hearing aid use. Hearing loss severity was defined according to Chang criteria. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between hearing loss, hearing handicap, functional outcomes, and hearing aid use with adjustment for sex, race, age at hearing loss diagnosis, and age at survey.

Results
Two-thirds of survivors had severe hearing loss, which was associated with increased likelihood of hearing handicap (mild-moderate handicap: OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.35 to 5.47; severe handicap: OR = 5.99, 95% CI = 2.72 to 13.18). Survivors with severe hearing handicap had an increased likelihood of social isolation (OR = 8.76, 95% CI = 3.62 to 21.20), depression (OR = 9.11, 95% CI = 3.46 to 24.02), anxiety (OR = 17.57, 95% CI = 3.77 to 81.84), reduced personal income (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.46 to 5.43), and less than full-time employment (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.30 to 4.70). Survivors who did not use a recommended hearing aid were twice as likely to have less than full-time employment (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.10 to 4.61) and reduced personal income (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.08 to 4.63) compared with survivors who wore a hearing aid.

Conclusion
Self-perceived hearing handicap beyond measured hearing loss is associated with reduced functional outcomes. Assessment of hearing handicap may facilitate targeted interventions in adult survivors with hearing loss.
Randomized trial of dyadic-report vs proxy-report and self-report symptom assessment for pediatric patients receiving cancer treatments
Authors: Tomlinson Deborah , Tardif-Theriault Cassandra , Schechter Tal , Dupuis L Lee , Sung Lillian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
We validated different approaches to symptom assessment for pediatric cancer patients based on the Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool (SSPedi) for self-report (SSPedi and mini-SSPedi), proxy-report (proxy-SSPedi), and structured dyadic-report (co-SSPedi). The objective was to compare co-SSPedi scores vs proxy-report (proxy-SSPedi) and self-report (SSPedi or mini-SSPedi) scores for pediatric patients receiving cancer treatments.

Methods
This was a single-center, randomized crossover study enrolling English-speaking dyads of pediatric patients with cancer or hematopoietic cell transplant recipients 4-18 years old and their guardians. Dyads were randomized to first complete the dyadic-report (co-SSPedi) or self-report (patients: SSPedi or mini-SSPedi) and proxy-report (guardians: proxy-SSPedi). Dyads then crossed over to the alternate approach. Primary analysis compared total SSPedi scores between randomized groups.

Results
We enrolled 420 dyads that were randomized to co-SSPedi first (n = 213) or proxy-SSPedi and self-report SSPedi first (n = 207). Mean total SSPedi scores (± standard deviation) were co-SSPedi (9.6 ± 7.1), proxy-SSPedi (9.7 ± 7.5; P = .950 for comparison vs co-SSPedi), and self-report SSPedi (9.7 ± 8.2; P = .981 for comparison vs co-SSPedi). Co-SSPedi scores were significantly different from proxy-SSPedi for feeling disappointed or sad, feeling cranky or angry, feeling tired, mouth sores, and changes in taste. Co-SSPedi scores were significantly different from self-report SSPedi scores for problems with thinking or remembering things, feeling tired, mouth sores, tingly or numb hands or feet, and diarrhea.

Conclusions
Total co-SSPedi scores were not significantly different compared with proxy-report or self-report scores, although there were differences in specific symptom scores. If different reporter types are used during clinical implementation, specifying reporter type will be important. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT #05012917). Symptoms are common and frequently severely bothersome in pediatric patients with cancer and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients (1). To measure the extent of bothersome symptoms, the Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool (SSPedi) suite of symptom assessment tools was developed for pediatric patients receiving cancer treatments and currently consists of multiple validated instruments. SSPedi was developed for self-report by patients 8-18 years of age (2,3). Mini-SSPedi was developed for self-report by patients 4 to 7 years of age (4). Proxy-SSPedi was developed for proxy-report by guardians of pediatric patients 2-18 years of age (5). These 3 instruments can be categorized as either self-report (SSPedi or mini-SSPedi) or proxy-report (proxy-SSPedi).
Hamilton’s cumular conception of quantifying particles: an exercise in third-order logic
Authors: Makinson David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sir William Hamilton is remembered for his proposal to extend the four traditional categoricals to eight by quantifying predicate as well as subject terms. He intended the quantifying particles to be understood in a ‘collective’ or ‘cumular’ manner rather than in a ‘distributive’ or ‘exemplar’ one, but commentators from De Morgan onwards have worked primarily from the latter perspective, comforted in the 20th century by the fact that it translates readily into the language of first-order logic with identity. Formal representation of the cumular approach needs more sophisticated resources, and the paper shows how it may be carried out using selection functions in the language of third-order logic. It also reviews a number of variants, some equivalent and others not so, as well as their reductions to second-order logic, and situates historical sources, both before and after Hamilton, with respect to the web of formal constructions.
Dynamic action of an intrinsically disordered protein in DNA compaction that induces mycobacterial dormancy
Authors: Nishiyama Akihito , Shimizu Masahiro , Narita Tomoyuki , Kodera Noriyuki , Ozeki Yuriko , Yokoyama Akira , Mayanagi Kouta , Yamaguchi Takehiro , Hakamata Mariko , Shaban Amina Kaboso , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Ito Kosuke , Matsumoto Sohkichi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mycobacteria are the major human pathogens with the capacity to become dormant persisters. Mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 (MDP1), an abundant histone-like protein in dormant mycobacteria, induces dormancy phenotypes, e.g. chromosome compaction and growth suppression. For these functions, the polycationic intrinsically disordered region (IDR) is essential. However, the disordered property of IDR stands in the way of clarifying the molecular mechanism. Here we clarified the molecular and structural mechanism of DNA compaction by MDP1. Using high-speed atomic force microscopy, we observed that monomeric MDP1 bundles two adjacent DNA duplexes side-by-side via IDR. Combined with coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, we revealed the novel dynamic DNA cross-linking model of MDP1 in which a stretched IDR cross-links two DNA duplexes like double-sided tape. IDR is able to hijack HU function, resulting in the induction of strong mycobacterial growth arrest. This IDR-mediated reversible DNA cross-linking is a reasonable model for MDP1 suppression of the genomic function in the resuscitable non-replicating dormant mycobacteria.
Enzymic recognition of amino acids drove the evolution of primordial genetic codes
Authors: Douglas Jordan , Bouckaert Remco , Carter Charles W , Wills Peter R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
How genetic information gained its exquisite control over chemical processes needed to build living cells remains an enigma. Today, the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) execute the genetic codes in all living systems. But how did the AARS that emerged over three billion years ago as low-specificity, protozymic forms then spawn the full range of highly-specific enzymes that distinguish between 22 diverse amino acids? A phylogenetic reconstruction of extant AARS genes, enhanced by analysing modular acquisitions, reveals six AARS with distinct bacterial, archaeal, eukaryotic, or organellar clades, resulting in a total of 36 families of AARS catalytic domains. Small structural modules that differentiate one AARS family from another played pivotal roles in discriminating between amino acid side chains, thereby expanding the genetic code and refining its precision. The resulting model shows a tendency for less elaborate enzymes, with simpler catalytic domains, to activate amino acids that were not synthesised until later in the evolution of the code. The most probable evolutionary route for an emergent amino acid type to establish a place in the code was by recruiting older, less specific AARS, rather than adapting contemporary lineages. This process, retrofunctionalisation, differs from previously described mechanisms through which amino acids would enter the code.
Complications, Treatment, and Outcomes of Self-Injecting Substances Into the Face: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tripathi Nitika V. , Hakimi Amir A. , Parsa Keon M. , Bartholomew Isabella Y. , Reilly Michael J. , Chu Eugenia 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
The increased demand for minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures in tandem with the ease of acquiring injectable cosmetics through direct-to-consumer retailers has led to a rise in self-injecting cosmetics among untrained individuals.

OBJECTIVE
To analyze complications, treatments, and outcomes associated with self-injecting fillers into the face.

METHODS
A systematic review of the literature from PubMed and Embase databases was performed from inception to September 10, 2022, to identify studies pertaining to self-injection of facial fillers.

RESULTS
A total of 15 articles describing 38 complications among 18 patients were included in the data collection. The most commonly injected substance was hyaluronic acid (76.4%). The lips were the most common site of injection (33%). The most reported complication was edema (61%). Severe complications included acute vascular compromise (11%) and acute hearing loss (5%). The most common intervention was use of hyaluronidase and/or antibiotics (87.5%). Patients generally healed after treatment although residual localized hyperpigmentation was noted among 11% of patients.

CONCLUSION
Injecting commercially available substances into the face is associated with potentially irreversible aesthetic, infectious, and vascular complications, especially in the hands of untrained consumers. Patients and providers should be aware of this dangerous trend.
Topical Treatment of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ and the Impact of Clinical Risk Factors and Positive Histologic Margins at the Time of Diagnosis
Authors: Calley Brandon J. , Fazio Justin , Banerjee Anjishnu , Clark Melanie A. 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND
Limited data exist for the efficacy of topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and imiquimod for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in situ (cSCCis) with positive histologic margins at the time of diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE
Identify the efficacy of topical 5-FU and imiquimod in the treatment of cSCCis with positive histologic margins at the time of diagnosis in relation to clinical risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Pathology records were screened at a single institution from 2014 to 2021 for cSCCis with positive histologic margins. Patients were included if they were treated with curative intent with topical 5-FU or imiquimod. Recurrences were evaluated in relation to multiple clinical risk factors.

RESULTS
Of 215 patients treated with 5-FU or imiquimod after biopsy-proven cSCCis, 19 patients had recurrent cSCCis and 1 patient had upstaging to invasive cSCC. Recurrence was more likely in larger lesions at the time of initial biopsy (p = .033) and in patients treated with topical imiquimod compared with topical 5-FU (p < .01).

CONCLUSION
Topical 5-FU is an appropriate therapy for cSCCis in the correct clinical scenario. Extra consideration should be taken for use of 5-FU in larger diameter cSCCis lesions. Although limited by sample size, our study does not support the use of imiquimod for cSCCis.
Photorefractive keratectomy in flat, normal, and steep corneas
Authors: Levinger Eliya , Arnon Roee , Pikkel Joseph , Yahalomi Tal , Sela Tzahi , Munzer Gur , Mimouni Michael 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
To compare photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) outcomes in patients with different corneal steepness.

Setting:
Care-Vision Laser Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Design:
Retrospective comparative chart review.

Methods:
Patients included in this study underwent wavefront optimized myopic PRK between January 2013 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the steepness of the cornea (steep keratometry) (flat: <42 diopters [D], normal: 42 to 46 D and steep: >46 D). One to one matching was performed to verify that baseline parameters (age, preoperative visual acuity and refractive error) were similar between groups. Primary outcome measures were: postoperative corrected/uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA/UDVA), efficacy index (postoperative UDVA/preoperative CDVA), safety index (postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA), spherical equivalence (SEQ) and cylinder.

Results:
After matching, 650 eyes were included in each group, which were similar in baseline parameters. There were no significant postoperative differences between flat, normal, and steep corneas in terms of safety index (1.02 vs 1.03 vs 1.03, P = .28), efficacy index (1.01 vs 1.01 vs 1.02, P = .57), logMAR CDVA (0.01 vs 0.02 vs 0.01, P = .76), logMAR UDVA (0.02 vs 0.03 vs 0.02, P = .68), %SEQ within 0.50 D (73.9% vs 74.2% vs 74.6%, P = .95) or 1.00 D of target (91.9% vs 92.5% vs 92.2%, P = .92), %cylinder within 0.50 D (82.8% vs 82.2% vs 81.4%, P = .81) or 1.00 D of target (96.9% vs 97.1% vs 97.2%, P = .95).

Conclusions:
No significant differences were found between flat, normal and steep corneas following wavefront-optimized myopic PRK. Thus, this procedure may be safely and effectively performed in both flat and steep corneas.
Diagnostic challenges and updated therapeutic strategies of Kimura’s disease: A case report successfully treated by dupilumab and review
Authors: Cordeil Stephanie , Hermine Olivier , Hot Arnaud 
Published: December 2023

Rationale:
Kimura's disease (KD) is a rare and chronic eosinophilic related-disease, characterized by subcutaneous tissue masses, regional enlarged lymph nodes, hypereosinophilia and elevated serum IgE. KD usually affects young adults in the Asian population. In Western countries, the clinical and biological presentation of KD is often unknown, delaying the diagnosis. Therapeutic management is not standardized and despite recent advances, remission from KD can be difficult to achieve, especially in relapse situations.

Patient concerns:
We report the case of an non-Asian man with KD, initially misdiagnosed as lymphoma. We focus on his long-lasting clinical course with 20 years of recurrence despite several therapeutic lines.

Diagnoses and interventions:
We have emphasized the key points of the KD diagnostic challenge. We chose to focus on hemopathies as diagnostic traps to illustrate several overlapping features that blur frontiers with KD. With regard to treatments, lessons can be learned from the use of the therapeutic backbone, which relies on excision surgery, radiotherapy and corticosteroids.

Outcomes:
Advancements in KD pathogenesis have highlighted the pivotal role of Th2 lymphocytes driving eosinophil activation. Directly inspired by eosinophilic and allergic field practices, targeted therapies, such as dupilumab, provide hope for potential curative options.

Lessons:
Finally, we propose a therapeutic plan to treat newly diagnosed KD and discuss options for relapsing entities.