bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of different reconstruction methods on the image quality of cadmium–zinc–telluride-based single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography pulmonary perfusion imaging
Authors: Wu Weiming , Zhang Ruyi , Zhou Yaqian , Wang Shen , Shen Yiming , Li Ning , Tan Jian , Zheng Wei , Jia Qiang , Meng Zhaowei 
Published: May 2023

Objective
The objective was to evaluate the impacts of different reconstruction methods [filtered back projection (FBP) and ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM)] and different filters (Butterworth filter and Gaussian filter) on the image quality in cadmium–zinc–telluride (CZT)-based single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) pulmonary perfusion imaging.

Methods
A combinations including FBP with Butterworth filter, OSEM with Butterworth filter (OSEM + Butterworth filter ), and OSEM with Gaussian filter (OSEM + Gaussian filter) were used during SPECT image reconstruction. Visual and quantitative parameters [root mean square (RMS) noise, contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)] were used to evaluate image quality.

Results
The OSEM + Gaussian filter had better RMS noise and CNR than those of the FBP + Butterworth filter or OSEM + Butterworth filter, while the OSEM + Butterworth filter had the best contrast. The highest visual scores were obtained by OSEM + Gaussian filter (P < 0.0001). In the lesion size <2 cm group, the contrast (P < 0.01) and visual scores (P < 0.001) of OSEM + Butterworth filter were better than those of the other two groups. In the lesion size ≥2 cm group, the RMS noise and visual scores of OSEM + Gaussian filter were better than those of the other two groups.

Conclusion
In CZT SPECT/CT pulmonary perfusion imaging, this study recommended the clinical use of the OSEM + Gaussian filter combination for reconstruction in both conventional and larger lesions, the OSEM + Butterworth filter image postprocessing method might be advantageous in small lesions.
The Experience of Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors With Diabetes
Authors: Storey Susan , Draucker Claire , Haunert Laura , Von Ah Diane 
Published: May 2023

Background
Diabetes (type 2) is a risk factor for developing peripheral neuropathy (PN) symptoms in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Because PN symptoms are associated with deficits in physical functioning and quality of life, more information is needed about the effects of PN symptoms on the lives of BCS with diabetes.

Objective
The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of PN among BCS with diabetes from their own perspectives.

Interventions/Methods
This substudy is part of a larger investigation examining factors associated with cancer-related cognitive impairment in cancer survivors. Female early-stage (stage I–III) BCS with diabetes and PN symptoms were eligible to participate. A qualitative descriptive approach using purposive sampling and semistructured interviews was used. Participant narratives were summarized using standard content analytic techniques.

Results
Eleven BCS with diabetes and PN symptoms were interviewed. Participants described PN symptoms that were varied, were often persistent, and had troublesome effects on their physical functioning and quality of life. Participants used a variety of self-management strategies and prescription and over-the-counter medications to manage their PN symptoms. Some said that having both cancer and diabetes exacerbated the PN symptoms and complicated symptom management.

Conclusion
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms can have a profound effect on the lives of BCS with diabetes and should be addressed by healthcare providers.

Implications for Practice
Clinical care for this population should include ongoing assessment of PN symptoms, conversations about the effects of these symptoms on everyday life, evidence-based treatment for the symptoms, and support for symptom self-management.
Retrospective Review of Antecustodial Deaths Referred for Medicolegal Autopsy at the Medical University of South Carolina
Authors: Sullivan Christopher , Presnell S. Erin , Madory James E. , Phillips Angelina I. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Deaths occurring in police custody have dominated public discourse over recent years. However, deaths occurring after law enforcement have initiated nonphysical contact but before active restraint or containment lie outside the strict definition of “in custody.” These “antecustodial” deaths demonstrate a unique population and interaction with law enforcement.
A retrospective analysis of medicolegal cases referred to the Medical University of South Carolina from September 1, 2012, to April 28, 2022 was performed. Deaths during nonphysical interaction with or during evasion of law enforcement occurred in 78 cases and were categorized by demographic data, cause of death, manner of death, the presence of drugs and/or alcohol, and circumstances surrounding the interaction.
Antecustodial deaths occurred primarily during law enforcement pursuit and deescalation scenarios. Decedents were predominantly male (92.3%) with a Black-to-White ratio of 1.1:1. The average age of male and female decedents was 35.7 and 32.2 years, respectively. The most common causes of death were gunshot wounds and blunt trauma sustained in motor vehicle crashes. The most common manner of death was homicide (43.6%), followed by suicide (28.2%) and accident (28.2%).
Short and Long-term Efficacy of 3-dimensional Laparoscopic-assisted D2 Radical Gastrectomy Under the Guidance of Membrane Anatomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lin Huimei , Cai Zhiming , Xu Yanchang , Guo Zipei , Wu Haiyan , Li Zhixiong 
Published: May 2023

Background:
Both 3-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy and membrane anatomy are topics of great interest in the treatment of gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of 3D laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) under the guidance of membrane anatomy.

Patients and Methods:
Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 210 patients who underwent 2-dimensional (2D)/3D laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy under the guidance of membrane anatomy for LAGC. Compared the differences between the two groups in surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, postoperative complications, and 2-year overall survival and disease-free survival.

Results:
The baseline data of the 2 groups were comparable (P > 0.05). The amount of intraoperative bleeding in the 2D and 3D laparoscopy groups was 100.1 ± 48.75 mL and 74.29 ± 47.33 mL, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The time to first exhaust and first liquid diet intake and length of postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the 3D laparoscopy group, with significant differences between the two groups [3 (3-3) days vs 3(3-2) days, P = 0.009; 7 (8-7) days vs 6 (7-6) days, P < 0.001; and 13 (15-11) days vs 10 (11-9) days, P < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in operation time, number of lymph node dissections, incidence of postoperative complications, or 2-year overall survival and disease-free survival between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Three-dimensional laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy for LAGC under the guidance of membrane anatomy is safe and feasible. It can reduce intraoperative bleeding, accelerate postoperative recovery, and does not increase operative complications, the long-term prognosis is similar to that of the 2D laparoscopy group.
Complex Urethral Diverticulectomy: Is a Synchronous Prophylactic Autologous Fascial Sling Needed?
Authors: Schaaf Amanda L. , Lee Yeonsoo S. , Myers Amanda A. , Schommer Jared , Gonzalez Giovanni , Chen Anita , Petrou Steven 
Published: May 2023

Importance
Urethral diverticulectomy is performed with or without concomitant pubovaginal sling (PVS). Patients with complex UD are more frequently offered concomitant PVS. However, there is paucity of literature comparing postoperative incontinence rates for patients with simple versus complex UD.

Objective
The objective of this study is to examine postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) rates after Urethral Diverticulectomy without concomitant PVS for both complex and simple cases.

Study Design
A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 55 patients who underwent Urethral Diverticulectomy from 2007 to 2021. Preoperative SUI was patient-reported and confirmed with cough stress test result. Complex cases were defined as circumferential or horseshoe configurations, prior diverticulectomy, and/or anti-incontinence procedure. Primary outcome was postoperative SUI. Secondary outcome was interval PVS. Complex and simple cases were compared using the Fisher exact test.

Results
Median age was 49 years (interquartile range, 36–58 years). Median follow-up was 5.4 months (IQR, 2–24 months). Thirty of 55 (55%) cases were simple, and 25 of 55 (45%) complex. Preoperative SUI was present in 19/57 (35%) (11 complex vs 8 simple, P = 0.25). Stress urinary incontinence persisted postoperatively in 10 of 19 (52%) (6 complex vs 4 simple, P = 0.48). De novo SUI occurred in 7 of 55, 12% (4 complex vs 3 simple, P = 0.68). Overall, 17 of 55 (31%) patients had postoperative SUI (10 complex vs 7 simple, P = 0.24). Of those, 8 of 17 underwent subsequent PVS placement (P = 0.71) and 9 of 17 had resolution of pad use after physical therapy (P = 0.27).

Conclusions
We did not find evidence of an association between complexity and postoperative SUI. Age at surgery and preoperative frequency were the strongest predictors of postoperative SUI in this cohort. Our findings suggest successful complex urethral diverticulum repair does not require concomitant PVS.
Deceased Donor Kidney Nonuse: A Systematic Approach to Improvement
Authors: Bunnapradist Suphamai , Rosenthal J. Thomas , Huang Edmund , Dafoe Donald , Seto Tom , Cohen Aaron , Danovitch Gabriel 
Published: May 2023

Background.
A large number of procured kidneys continue not to be transplanted, while the waiting list remains high.

Methods.
We analyzed donor characteristics for unutilized kidneys in our large organ procurement organization (OPO) service area in a single year to determine the reasonableness of their nonuse and to identify how we might increase the transplant rate of these kidneys. Five experienced local transplant physicians independently reviewed unutilized kidneys to identify which kidneys they would consider transplanting in the future. Biopsy results, donor age, kidney donor profile index, positive serologies, diabetes, and hypertension were risk factors for nonuse.

Results.
Two-thirds of nonused kidneys had biopsies with high degree of glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Reviewers identified 33 kidneys as potentially transplantable (12%).

Conclusions.
Reducing the rate of unutilized kidneys in this OPO service area will be achieved by setting acceptable expanded donor characteristics, identifying suitable well-informed recipients, defining acceptable outcomes, and systematically evaluating the results of these transplants. Because the improvement opportunity will vary by region, to achieve a significant impact on improving the national nonuse rate, it would be useful for all OPOs, in collaboration with their transplant centers, to conduct a similar analysis.
The Lasting Effects of the Pandemic: A Time Series Analysis of First-time Pediatric Speech Delays
Authors: Cartwright Brianna M. Goodwin , Smits Peter D , Stewart Sarah , Rodriguez Patricia J , Gratzl Samuel , Baker Charlotte , Stucky Nicholas 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGiven the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the way individuals interact, we sought to understand if there was an increase in pediatric first-time speech and language delay diagnoses. We identified children under five years of age with a first-time speech delay diagnosis between January 1, 2018 and February 28, 2023, in Truveta Data. We calculated the monthly rate of first-time speech delay diagnoses per children with an encounter within the last year and no previous speech delay diagnosis. The Seasonal-Trend decomposition using LOESS (STL) method was used to adjust for seasonality. We also compared the difference in means between the 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 time periods. Significant increases in the mean of rates between 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 exist for the overall population and each age strata (p<0.001). Likely the causes of these trends are multifaceted and future research is needed to understand the specific drivers at play.
Discovery and Detection of Dry Eye Disease Protein Biomarkers Using Soft Contact Lens Tear Sampling
Authors: Roden Robert K. , Jiang Fangfang , Nitz Alyssa , Zuniga Nathan , Burlett Rebecca S. , Patil Leena M. , Farnsworth Holly , Ackroyd P. Christine , Payne Samuel H. , Price John C. , Christensen Kenneth A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDry eye disease (DED) affects up to half of the world’s population and causes blur, eye pain, decreased quality of life. Unfortunately, many people do not receive proper treatment due to current challenges associated with DED diagnoses. To address this issue, point-of-care (PoC) clinical tear film diagnostics are beginning to be used for rapid in-office testing. However, these diagnostics also have significant obstacles, including challenges associated with tear sampling. We previously demonstrated how soft contact lenses (SCLs) can be used to capture and concentrate tear proteins on the eye. Given the low tear volume associated with DED subjects, SCL sampling holds great potential to improve DED PoC diagnostics and facilitate prompt treatment for patients. Here we show the detection of new and established DED protein biomarkers using our SCL sampling method. Our analysis revealed associations between DED tear proteins and the immune system, ferroptosis, salivary secretion, and calcium binding proteins. We also identified correlations between clinical DED testing and proteomics, emphasizing the power and importance of translational medicine research. These experiments lay the foundation for both SCL sampled tear protein biomarker discovery as well as improved diagnostic testing to improve DED patient care.Abstract Figure
The secretory IgA (sIgA) response in human milk against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike is highly durable and neutralizing for at least 1 year of lactation post-infection
Authors: Yang Xiaoqi , Fox Alisa , DeCarlo Claire , Pineda Nicole , Powell Rebecca L.R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAlthough in the early pandemic period, COVID-19 pathology among young children and infants was typically less severe compared to that observed among adults, this has not remained entirely consistent as SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged. There is an enormous body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of human milk antibodies (Abs) in protecting infants against a wide range of enteric and respiratory infections. It is highly plausible that the same holds true for protection against SARS-CoV-2, as this virus infects cells of the gastrointestinal and respiratory mucosae. Understanding the durability of a human milk Ab response over time after infection is critical. Previously, we examined the Abs present in milk of those recently infected with SARS-CoV-2, and concluded that the response was secretory IgA (sIgA)-dominant and that these titers were highly correlated with neutralization potency. The present study aimed to monitor the durability of the SARS-CoV-2 IgA and secretory Ab (sAb) response in milk from COVID-19-recovered lactating individuals over 12 months, in the absence of vaccination or re-infection. This analysis revealed a robust and durable Spike-specific milk sIgA response, that at 9-12 months after infection, 88% of the samples exhibited titers above the positive cutoff for IgA and 94% were above cutoff for sAb. Fifty percent of participants exhibited less than a 2-fold reduction of Spike-specific IgA through 12 months. A strong significant positive correlation between IgA and sAb against Spike persisted throughout the study period. Nucleocapsid-specific Abs were also assessed, which revealed significant background or cross reactivity of milk IgA against this immunogen, as well as limited/inconsistent durability compared to Spike titers. These data suggests that lactating individuals are likely to continue producing Spike-specific Abs in their milk for 1 year or more, which may provide critical passive immunity to infants against SARS-CoV-2 throughout the lactation period.
Development of Cas13a-based Assays forNeisseria gonorrhoeaeDetection and Gyrase A Determination
Authors: Allan-Blitz Lao-Tzu , Shah Palak , Adams Gordon , Branda John A. , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Goldstein Robert , Sabeti Pardis C. , Lemieux Jacob E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundNeisseria gonorrhoeaeis one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections. The emergence of antimicrobial-resistantN. gonorrhoeaeis an urgent public health threat. Currently, diagnosis ofN. gonorrhoeaeinfection requires expensive laboratory infrastructure, while antimicrobial susceptibility determination requires bacterial culture, both of which are infeasible in low-resource areas where prevalence is highest. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics, such as Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unLOCKing (SHERLOCK) using CRISPR-Cas13a and isothermal amplification, have the potential to provide low-cost detection of pathogen and antimicrobial resistance.Methods and ResultsWe designed and optimized RNA guides and primer-sets for SHERLOCK assays capable of detectingN. gonorrhoeaevia theporA gene and of predicting ciprofloxacin susceptibility via a single mutation in the gyrase A (gyrA) gene. We evaluated their performance using both synthetic DNA and purifiedN. gonorrhoeaeisolates. ForporA, we created both a fluorescence-based assay and lateral flow assay using a biotinylated FAM reporter. Both methods demonstrated sensitive detection of 14N. gonorrhoeaeisolates and no cross-reactivity with 3 non-gonococcalNeisseriaisolates. ForgyrA, we created a fluorescence-based assay that correctly distinguished between 20 purifiedN. gonorrhoeaeisolates with phenotypic ciprofloxacin resistance and 3 with phenotypic susceptibility. We confirmed thegyrA genotype predictions from the fluorescence-based assay with DNA sequencing, which showed 100% concordance for the isolates studied.ConclusionWe report the development of Cas13a-based SHERLOCK assays that detectN. gonorrhoeaeand differentiate ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates from ciprofloxacin-susceptible isolates.
Archaic introgression contributed to shape the adaptive modulation of angiogenesis and cardiovascular traits in human high-altitude populations from the Himalayas
Authors: Ferraretti Giulia , Abondio Paolo , Alberti Marta , Dezi Agnese , Sherpa Phurba T. , Cocco Paolo , Tiriticco Massimiliano , di Marcello Marco , Gnecchi-Ruscone Guido Alberto , Natali Luca , Corcelli Angela , Marinelli Giorgio , Peluzzi Davide , Sarno Stefania , Sazzini Marco 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIt is well established that severalHomo Sapienspopulations experienced admixture with extinct human species during their evolutionary history. Sometimes, such a gene flow could have played a role in modulating their capability to cope with a variety of selective pressures, thus resulting in archaic adaptive introgression events. A paradigmatic example of this evolutionary mechanism is offered by theEPAS1gene, whose most frequent haplotype in Himalayan highlanders was proved to reduce their susceptibility to chronic mountain sickness and to be introduced in the gene pool of their ancestors by admixture with Denisovans. In this study, we aimed at further expanding the investigation of the impact of archaic introgression on more complex adaptive responses to hypobaric hypoxia evolved by populations of Tibetan/Sherpa ancestry, which have been plausibly mediated by soft selective sweeps and/or polygenic adaptations rather than by hard selective sweeps. For this purpose, we used a combination of composite-likelihood and gene network-based methods to detect adaptive loci in introgressed chromosomal segments from Tibetan whole genome sequence data and to shortlist those presenting Denisovan-like derived alleles that participate to the same functional pathways and are absent in populations of African ancestry, which are supposed to do not have experienced Denisovan admixture. According to this approach, we identified multiple genes putatively involved in archaic introgression events and that, especially as regardsTBC1D1,RASGRF2,PRKAG2, andKRAS, have plausibly contributed to shape the adaptive modulation of angiogenesis and of certain cardiovascular traits in high-altitude Himalayan peoples. These findings provided unprecedented evidence about the complexity of the adaptive phenotype evolved by these human groups to cope with challenges imposed by hypobaric hypoxia, offering new insights into the tangled interplay of genetic determinants that mediates the physiological adjustments crucial for human adaptation to the high-altitude environment.
Telomeric repeat evolution in the phylum Nematoda revealed by high-quality genome assemblies and subtelomere structures
Authors: Lim Jiseon , Kim Wonjoo , Kim Jun , Lee Junho 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTTelomeres are composed of tandem arrays of telomeric-repeat motifs (TRMs) and telomere-binding proteins (TBPs), which are responsible for ensuring end-protection and end-replication of chromosomes. TRMs are highly conserved due to the sequence specificity of TBPs, but significant alterations in TRM have also been observed in several taxa, except Nematoda. We used public whole-genome sequencing datasets to analyze putative TRMs of 100 nematode species and determined that two distinct branches included specific novel TRMs, suggesting that evolutionary alterations in TRMs occurred in Nematoda. We focused on one of the two branches, the Panagrolaimidae family, and performed ade novoassembly of four high-quality draft genomes of the canonical (TTAGGC) and novel TRM (TTAGAC)-containing isolates; the latter genomes revealed densely clustered arrays of the novel TRM. We then comprehensively analyzed the subtelomeric regions of the genomes to infer how the novel TRM evolved. We identified DNA damage–repair signatures in subtelomeric sequences that were representative of consequences of telomere maintenance mechanisms by alternative lengthening of telomeres. We propose a hypothetical scenario in which TTAGAC-containing units are clustered in subtelomeric regions and pre-existing TBPs capable of binding both canonical and novel TRMs aided the evolution of the novel TRM in the Panagrolaimidae family.