bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotid Endarterectomy Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment in Clinical and Experimental Unilateral Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Cheng Yijun , Chen Bin , Zhang Miao , Chen Zhenghong , Liu Mingjian , Zhang Ziqian , Tang Hao , Wang Dapeng , Lv Wenwen , Li Biao , Dai Yuting , Shang Hanbing 
Published: January 2025

Background
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is widely used to treat carotid artery stenosis (CAS). However, the effects of CEA on unilateral CAS‐induced cognitive impairment and the underlying mechanism remain poorly understood.

Methods and Results

Thirteen patients diagnosed with unilateral severe CAS underwent pre‐ and post‐CEA assessments, including
18
fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐
d
‐glucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, cognitive assessments, and routine blood tests before and after CEA. Unilateral carotid common artery occlusion and ligation release (reperfusion) surgeries were performed in mice to mimic CAS and CEA. Cognitive function, cerebral blood flow, and white matter damage were evaluated in mice using the Morris water maze test, Doppler flowmetry, laser‐speckle imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, Luxol fast blue staining, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot assays post unilateral carotid common artery occlusion and reperfusion. Genomic sequencing of the white matter was performed to explore the potential underlying mechanism. CEA significantly enhanced the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in patients with CAS and preoperative cognitive impairment. Moreover, CEA led to notable improvements in cerebral blood flow, energy metabolism, and white matter integrity, while concurrently reducing blood inflammation. In the mouse model, reperfusion surgery alleviated cognitive deficits, increased cerebral blood flow, and alleviated white matter damage following unilateral carotid common artery occlusion. Furthermore, transcriptional surveys have revealed substantial alterations in the upregulation of Nrf2 signaling and metabolic pathways, coupled with the inhibition of neuroinflammation, cellular communication, and immune cell population signaling following reperfusion.

Conclusions
CEA ameliorated CAS‐induced cognitive dysfunction by improving the cerebral functional structure. These beneficial effects may be attributed to their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties.
A novel tool for assessing pediatric emergency care in low- and middle-income countries: a pilot study
Authors: Jarrett Sonia Y. , Redfern Andrew , Li Joyce , Gutierrez Camilo E. , Patel Priyanka , Akinola Olurotimi , Niescierenko Michelle L. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Globally, most children seek emergency care at general rather than specialized pediatric emergency departments. There remains significant variation in the provision of pediatric emergency care, particularly in resource-constrained settings. The objective of this study is to pilot a self-assessment tool to evaluate pediatric emergency care capabilities in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) hospitals on the African Continent.

Methods
This was a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study using a convenience sample of sub-Saharan African hospitals. The assessment tool was developed by operationalizing the technical contents of existing standards and guidelines from international bodies including the World Health Organization and International Federation of Emergency Medicine. The pilot was conducted at emergency departments located across different regions on the African continent. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate different domains of pediatric emergency care capabilities including pediatric triage, protocols, staffing, training, equipment, consumables, and medicines.

Results
Sixteen hospitals with emergency departments completed the assessment tool (participation rate of 76%). The hospitals were in nine different countries across four regions of sub-Saharan Africa. National/academic hospitals comprised 56.3% of the participating hospitals. The majority, 44%, of these hospitals saw pediatric patient volumes of 2,000–4,999 patients per year. Dedicated pediatric triage spaces and resuscitation spaces were available at 37.5% and 56.3%, respectively. Formal pediatric resuscitation guidelines were used at 62.5%. Doctors on the self-assessment teams came from primarily pediatrics and general practitioner training backgrounds (both 68.8%). Basic respiratory and airway support equipment (e.g. oxygen, bag-valve mask devices) were available in all participating hospitals, whereas advanced airway equipment (e.g. pediatric intubation equipment) was available in 37.5% of hospitals. Most medicines from the World Health Organization Essential Medicines list were available at participating hospitals.

Conclusions
To date, this is the first assessment tool dedicated to the comprehensive evaluation of pediatric emergency care in LMICs. This pilot provides a first approach to evaluate pediatric emergency healthcare capabilities in the hospital setting with future directions to improve the tool based on qualitative feedback.
Racial/ethnic differences in the associations between social support and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Naqvi Jeanean B. , Formagini Taynara , Allison Matthew A. , Kandula Namratha R. , Park Jee Won , Larsen Britta A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Despite the established link between social support and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, few studies have examined racial/ethnic variation in these associations. This study utilized data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) to investigate racial/ethnic differences in perceived social support and in the link between support and incident hard CVD events and mortality.

Method
Participants (N = 6,814) were 45–84 years of age who identified as White, Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Chinese without known clinical CVD at baseline (2000–2002). Racial/ethnic differences in perceived support (overall, emotional, informational, and instrumental) were tested using multiple regression with adjustments for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle/psychosocial, and clinical risk factors, and immigration history. Racial/ethnic differences in the association between perceived support and incident CVD events or mortality were tested using Cox proportional hazards models with progressive adjustments for the same covariates.

Results
At baseline, the mean age was 62.15 years (SD = 10.23); 38.5% identified as White, 27.8% as Black, 22.0% as Hispanic/Latino, and 11.8% as Chinese. Black and Hispanic/Latino participants reported higher levels of overall support, emotional support, and informational support than White participants (p’s < 0.05). Chinese participants reported less informational support (p = .010) than White participants. Higher informational support was associated with decreased risk for hard CVD events. This association did not differ by race/ethnic group.

Conclusion
Despite racial/ethnic differences in perceptions of support, perceived informational support was protective against CVD for participants of all racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Relationship between influenza-related experience and current vaccination outcome
Authors: Gai Yunwei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
This study investigated how a person’s influenza-related experience, together with demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors, was associated with their current vaccination decisions.

Methods
The analysis used ten panels of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2006 to 2016. Linear and logistic probability models were estimated to predict influenza vaccination using a person’s vaccination status in the previous year and history of influenza infection, adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic variables, general health status, and healthcare access. The models used two-way and three-way interactions with race/ethnicity, income, education, health status, and elderly status to examine changing relationships of flu-related experience across these variables.

Results
Previous vaccination was the most important predictor, with an increase of 63.0–71.8% probability of vaccination in the next year. Infection history could either increase or decrease the impact of past vaccination depending on race/ethnicity, income, education level, health status, and age. There were significant disparities across demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables.

Conclusion
Vaccination promotion efforts could focus on those who have not been vaccinated in the past and on specific sub-populations, such as people who are Hispanic, people with lower education levels, the population aged 65 and above, and families with low-income levels. Although past infection is a predictor for some population groups, its magnitude is small and is often not a significant determinant.
Future destinations: how people cured of hepatitis C using direct acting antiviral drugs progress in a new HCV-free world. A thematic analysis
Authors: Donaldson Sarah R. , Radley Andrew , Dillon John F. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The introduction of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) transformed Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment, despite this uptake of DAAs remains lower than required to meet the WHO Sustainable Development Goal (3.3). Treatment with interferon was suggested to be able to deliver important outcomes for people who use drugs in addition to a viral cure, such as social redemption, and shift from a stigmatised identity. There is a lack of understanding if DAAs can deliver these transformative outcomes.

Methods
This recurrent cross-sectional study combines qualitative semi-structured interviews and demographic data of 15 participants receiving DAAs in Tayside, Scotland. A thematic analysis explored the non-clinical outcomes of DAA treatment viewed through the lens of the Social Identity Model of Recovery (SIMOR) to build understanding of the influence DAAs have in a recovery journey from drug use.

Results
Three key themes emerged: identity, relationships and social networks; building recovery capital; and reflecting on re-infection and the shift to DAAs. Concern about the transmission of HCV resulted in self-imposed isolation which weakened support structures. Cure provides a mechanism to strengthen family bonds, however social networks in the wider community remain limited. Participants gained opportunities to undertake activities that build health and wellbeing providing a shift in identity, future plans and aspirations. Social isolation remained for some, revealing unmet need in post-cure support.

Conclusion
DAAs may support recovery journeys through the SIMOR, individuals reduced the number of active users within their social network and reconnected with family members, building recovery capital. Individuals, however, remained socially isolated in the context of the wider community. HCV services should support links to community resources to deliver the social inclusion people desire.
Satellite microglia: marker of traumatic brain injury and regulator of neuronal excitability
Authors: Feichtenbiner Alicia B. , Sytsma Karinn , O’Boyle Ryan P. , Mittenzwei Rhonda , Maioli Heather , Scherpelz Kathryn P. , Child Daniel D. , Li Ning , Ariza Torres Jeanelle , Keene Lisa , Kirkland Amanda , Howard Kimberly , Latimer Caitlin , Keene C. Dirk , Ransom Christopher , Nolan Amber L. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of chronic neurologic disability and a risk factor for development of neurodegenerative disease. However, little is known regarding the pathophysiology of human traumatic brain injury, especially in the window after acute injury and the later life development of progressive neurodegenerative disease. Given the proposed mechanisms of toxic protein production and neuroinflammation as possible initiators or contributors to progressive pathology, we examined phosphorylated tau accumulation, microgliosis and astrogliosis using immunostaining in the orbitofrontal cortex, a region often vulnerable across traumatic brain injury exposures, in an age and sex-matched cohort of community traumatic brain injury including both mild and severe cases in midlife. We found that microglial response is most prominent after chronic traumatic brain injury, and interactions with neurons in the form of satellite microglia are increased, even after mild traumatic brain injury. Taking our investigation into a mouse model, we identified that these satellite microglia suppress neuronal excitability in control conditions but lose this ability with chronic traumatic brain injury. At the same time, network hyperexcitability is present in both mouse and human orbitofrontal cortex. Our findings support a role for loss of homeostatic control by satellite microglia in the maladaptive circuit changes that occur after traumatic brain injury.
Floating-embedded stems reduce tibial stress shielding in total knee revision arthroplasty
Authors: Schaefer Dominic , Barsumyan Artur , Roshanghias Kambiz , Graw Jan Adriaan , Soost Christian , Richter Wolfgang , Knoche Jonas , Ohrndorf Arne , Burchard Rene 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures and the number of patients which undergo TKA will continue to rise in the coming years. Consecutively, the number of necessary revision surgeries will increase. One of the main reasons for revision surgery is aseptic loosening because of a so-called stress-shielding effect. Typically, revision of a primary TKA is done from a bicondylar surface replacement to a stem-anchored prosthesis, which, due to higher stress-shielding, have a shorter survival time than non-stem-anchored systems. Similar to endoprosthetic treatment in pediatric tumor orthopedics, non-ingrown cementless stems can be used. The study aim was to investigate whether this concept can also be applied to reduce stress-shielding in the tibial metaphysis after revision TKA in adults.

Methods
Six tibial biomechanical bone with stemmed tibial TKA components were implanted using surface cementing and a floating-embedded stem or classic full cementing. After implantation, axial force was applied in such a way that the same load was generated as during walking. Two high-resolution cameras and illumination spots were used to record changes on the bone surface circumferentially in three regions of interest and from three different views.

Results
With regard to the fixation method, a significant difference could be demonstrated in the metaphyseal and in the middle region around the stem (p < 0.001). At the tip of the stems, the reduction of strain energy density showed a stress shielding reduction for the floating-stemmed models in two of three views (ventromedial p = 0.002, lateral p = 0.398, and dorsal: p = 0.027).

Conclusions
In revision surgery after TKA, the use of floating-embedded, uncemented stems without bony ingrowth shows significant reduction of metaphyseal stress-shielding within the proximal tibia. This technique could be a viable alternative to prevent early aseptic loosening and should be examined in future in-vivo studies.
Distribution of airway pressure opening in the lungs measured with electrical impedance tomography (POET): a prospective physiological study
Authors: Sun Nannan , Brault Clement , Rodrigues Antenor , Ko Matthew , Vieira Fernando , Phoophiboon Vorakamol , Slama Michel , Chen Lu , Brochard Laurent 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) under mechanical ventilation, the change in pressure slope during a low-flow insufflation indicates a global airway opening pressure (AOP) needed to reopen closed airways and may be used for titration of positive end-expiratory pressure.

Objectives
To understand 1) if airways open homogeneously inside the lungs or significant regional AOP variations exist; 2) whether the pattern of the pressure slope change during low-flow insufflation can indicate the presence of regional AOP variations.

Methods
Using electrical impedance tomography, we recorded low-flow insufflation maneuvers (< 10 L/min) starting from end-expiratory positive pressure 0–5 cmH2O. We measured global (AOPglobal) and regional AOPs from pressure-impedance curves in the four different lung quadrants, and compared AOPglobal with the highest quadrantal AOP (AOPhighest). We categorized the slope change of the low-flow inflation pressure–time curve into three patterns: no change, progressive change, abrupt change.

Results
Among the 36 patients analyzed, 9 (25%) had AOPglobal ≥ 5 cmH2O whereas 19 (53%) exhibited regional AOPhighest ≥ 5 cmH2O. AOPglobal was on average similar to AOP of the upper right quadrant (P = 0.182) but was lower than AOPs of the other three quadrants (P < 0.01 of each). AOPglobal was significantly lower than AOPhighest: 3.0 [2.0–4.3] vs. 5.0 [2.8–8.3] cmH2O, P < 0.001. AOP was higher in the dependent than the non-dependent ventilated lung (4.0 [2.0–6.3] vs. 3.0 [2.0–5.0] cmH2O, P < 0.001). Seventeen (47%) patients exhibited a ‘progressive change’ pattern in the pressure–time curve. These patients had a larger difference between AOPhighest and AOPglobal (3.0 [2.0–4.0] cmH2O with a maximum of 8 cmH2O) compared to the other two patterns: 1.0 [0–1.0] cmH2O in ‘no change’ , P < 0.001 and 1.0 [0–2.0] cmH2O in ‘abrupt change’ , P = 0.003.

Conclusion
AOPglobal mostly reflects the lowest opening pressure in the lung and frequently underestimates the highest regional AOP in mechanically ventilated patients with AHRF. A progressive slope change during the low-flow pressure–time curve indicates the presence of several and higher regional AOPs.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT 05825534 (registered, April 24th, 2023), retrospectively registered.

Graphical abstract
Spatial and temporal activity patterns of Amblyomma americanum
Authors: Marshall Daniel S. , Poh Karen C. , Reichard Mason V. , Starkey Lindsay A. , Owen Jeb P. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Estimates of tick abundance and distribution are used to determine the risk of tick-host contact. Tick surveys provide estimates of distributions and relative abundance for species that remain stationary and wait for passing hosts (i.e. questing), but measures of tick populations may be less reliable for species that actively move in search of a host, such as Amblyomma americanum, the lone star tick (LST). Risk estimates for contact with adult LST require knowledge of the tick's spatial and temporal activity. Understanding the movement and the temporal patterns of host-seeking behavior will enhance risk assessment for LST.

Methods
Using CO2-baited traps over a 2-year period, we collected wild adult LST in Oklahoma. We used mark-recapture techniques to determine the distance ticks will travel, the proportion of the tick population that is detectable over time, and the relationship between tick abundance and the number of ticks detected in the field. Using video tracking software, we measured the distance traveled and activity time in the laboratory.

Results
In 24 h, LST travel up to 9 (mean = 3.2, SD = 3.6) m in the field and 36 (mean = 70.4, SD = 81.0) m in the laboratory. Marked LST were detectable in the environment for up to 14 days after release. We found that the number of recaptured ticks significantly increased with the relative abundance of ticks released, and at a minimum abundance (N = 1 tick released) LST were detectable 33.3% of the time. Across all experiments, fewer than half of marked ticks were recovered and at most 28.4% of ticks were detected with CO2-baited traps at any given time.

Conclusions
Our results show that LST actively move through the environment and pose a risk for host contact at distances of tens of meters. Ticks are detectable for several weeks, but only a fraction of them are detectable at any time. Larger numbers of ticks are detected as their population size increases, but even at very low numbers, LST are recovered with CO2 baiting. These spatial and temporal aspects of LST behavior should be considered when building predictive risk models of LST-host contact.

Graphical Abstract
Impaired Hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccination responses show strong concordance in hemodialysis patients with end stage renal disease
Authors: Lürken Karsten , Meinecke Anna , Manthey Luis A. , Cossmann Anne , Stankov Metodi V. , Klawonn Frank , Zychlinsky Scharff Anna , Steffens Sandra , Dopfer-Jablonka Alexandra , Müller Frank , Behrens Georg M. N. , Happle Christine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis are at increased risk for infection and impaired vaccination responses. We analyzed overlap and influencing factors of vaccination responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Methods
SARS-CoV-2 and HBV vaccination response was assessed in a cohort of German ESRD hemodialysis patients. Anti-HBs- and SARS-CoV-2 anti-S-IgG were analyzed by ELISA. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from clinical files.

Results
Sixty-four patients with complete information on HBV and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses were included. More than one-third (35.4%) of non-responders upon HBV vaccination were identified. Unresponsiveness after HBV and poor response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination showed strong overlap, and overall, 70.3% of patients were classified into concordant HBV/SARS vaccination response groups. HBV vaccination non-responsiveness, but not poor SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination immunity was associated with obesity, while poor SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses were associated increased age.

Conclusion
Our findings confirm previous reports on impaired vaccination response in hemodialysis patients and show that post-vaccination humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2 and HBV display strong overlap in this vulnerable patient group. These results may help to adapt vaccination strategies in this highly vulnerable population.

Trial registration: German Clinical Trial Registry, DRKS00021152.
Exploring quantum materials and applications: a review
Authors: Goyal Rajat Kumar , Maharaj Shivam , Kumar Pawan , Chandrasekhar M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Researchers in condensed matter physics are currently exploring new materials for specific use in various applications. The peculiar properties of quantum materials (QMs) have garnered significant attention because they have the potential to serve as building blocks for entirely new technologies in modern science and technology. QMs exhibit emerging phenomena governed by quantum confinement, strong electronic correlations, topology, and symmetry, making them exceptional materials. This review paper provides an overview of these unique properties, different types of QMs, and their applications with the latest case studies, presenting a prospective outlook on QMs in multiple domains.