bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inorganic sulfate–based signatures of chemosymbiosis in modern infaunal lucinids
Authors: Bryant Roger N. , Richardson Jocelyn A. , Kalia Tara C. , Gros Olivier , Lopez-Garriga Juan , Blättler Clara L. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Bivalves that host sulfur-oxidizing bacterial gill-hosted endosymbionts can inhabit low-diversity, sulfidic environmental niches. However, understanding the history of this life strategy is limited by the lack of a robust method that can be applied to fossils. Measurements of carbonate-associated sulfate S isotope ratios (CAS-δ34S) in carbonate fossils could fill this void by fingerprinting symbiont-driven oxidation of environmental sulfide. We begin to evaluate this prediction using modern lucinid bivalves, a useful test case because: (1) all modern genera host symbionts and live in sulfidic sediments, and (2) morphological evidence suggests that this has been true since the earliest ancestral lucinids. We measured S speciation, abundance, and CAS-δ34S values in the shells of a suite of modern infaunal lucinids, in addition to epifaunal bivalves with and without S-oxidizing symbionts as controls. For infaunal lucinids, CAS concentrations were at most one-third of those of non-symbiotic epifaunal bivalves, and CAS-δ34S values were lower (9.2‰–18.5‰) than in modern seawater (21‰) or epifaunal bivalves (20.8‰–21‰). These observations indicate that lucinids with symbionts incorporate sulfide-derived sulfate into their shells as a direct consequence of their chemosymbiosis. We argue that both the concentration and the magnitude of 34S depletion in infaunal lucinid CAS reflect environmental sulfide concentrations and could viably reveal chemosymbiosis in fossils.
Manual schism and intracameral air injection for impacted Descemet’s membrane detachment
Authors: Sharma Ashok , Sharma Rajan , Kulshreshta Ashish , Nirankari Verinder 
Published: August 2023

A woman in her 60s was referred to us for management of poor vision following cataract surgery in the right eye. She had undergone manual small incision cataract surgery 12 weeks earlier. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed corneal oedema, a horizontal line at the upper border and the adhered inferior border of detached Descemet’s membrane (DM). Clinical diagnosis of impacted Descemet’s membrane detachment (DMD) was considered.Surgical intervention with manual schisis and intracameral injection of air was planned. Using the ‘push technique,’ we tried to place the tip of the 27 gauge cannula between the back of the cornea and detached DM. The tip of the 27 gauge cannula was behind the impacted DM, and air injection was unsuccessful. Using the back-up the ‘pull technique,’ bent tip of the 27 gauge cannula was used to pull the impacted DMD. This manoeuvre, disimpacted the inferior border and the air bubble, was injected using the 27 gauge cannula. The air bubble unfolded and reattached the DM successfully.
Protocol for integrated solutions for healthy birth, growth and development: a cluster-randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed nutrition intervention package in reducing child undernutrition in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Authors: Huang Shan , Toole Michael , Renzaho Andre MN , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Watts Jennifer J , Coghlan Ben 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionWhile Lao People’s Democratic Republic has seen economic gains in recent years, one-third of children aged 5 years and under are stunted. There is a need for evidence around clinically effective and cost-effective integrated nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in the local context.Methods and analysisWe aim to conduct a cluster-randomised control trial to test the effectiveness of an integrated package of community-based nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions compared with the standard government package of nutrition actions. The trial will be in six districts within the province of Vientiane. We will recruit pregnant women in their third trimester and follow the children born to them every 6 months until 18 months of age. A total of 256 villages (serviced by 34 health centres) will be randomised to a control arm or an intervention arm using a minimisation algorithm. The primary outcome is the prevalence of stunting among children aged 6, 12 and 18 months. The secondary outcomes include prevalence of low birth weight and wasting among children aged 6, 12 and 18 months. Analyses for the primary and secondary outcomes will be conducted at the mother–infant dyad level and adjusted for the cluster randomisation. The difference in prevalence of low birth weight, wasting and stunting between control and intervention groups will be assessed using Pearson’s χ2tests and 95% CIs for the group difference, adjusted for clustering.Ethics and disseminationThe trial protocol was approved by the Alfred Human Research Ethic Committee (Ref: 227/16) and the Lao National Ethics Committee for Health Research (Ref: 81). The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 28 April 2020 (ACTRN12620000520932). The results will be disseminated at different levels: study participants; the local community; other Lao stakeholders including policymakers; and an international audience.Trial registration numberAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12620000520932
Pain related to intravitreal injections for age-related macular degeneration: a qualitative study of the perspectives of patients and practitioners
Authors: Yiallouridou Christina , Acton Jennifer H , Banerjee Sanjiv , Waterman Heather , Wood Ashley 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesOcular pain is a commonly reported finding in the intravitreal injection procedure, but post-injection experiences and patient adherence to treatment remain underexplored. We therefore aimed to identify key variations in the intravitreal injection procedure that may influence pain, and to gain insights into the post-injection experience and treatment adherence from the perspective of patients and practitioners.DesignQualitative semistructured interview study using reflexive thematic analysis of transcripts.SettingHospital Eye Clinic in Wales, UK. Interviews were conducted between May and September 2019.ParticipantsPurposive sample of patients aged ≥50 years with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and no other retinal pathology who had received at least six intravitreal injections, and practitioners including ophthalmologists, registered nurses and optometrists who performed intravitreal injections at the research site.ResultsData saturation was reached with 21 interviews: 14 patients and 7 practitioners. Three main themes were identified from the analysis: fear of losing eyesight and treatment anxiety influence patient adherence to treatment, variability in pain experience during treatment, and post-injection experience and impact on patient recovery. To reassure patients feeling apprehensive about the injections, practitioners promoted safety and trust, and used techniques to manage anxiety. Key variations that may influence pain identified were application of antiseptic or anaesthetic, injecting methods and communication. During injection, patients reported a dull-aching and sharp pain, contrary to practitioners’ perspective of feeling a ‘pressure’. Patients described prolonged soreness and irritation of up to 36 hours post-injection affecting their sleep and recovery.ConclusionEstablishing rapport supported patients to recognise the necessity of ongoing treatment to prevent sight loss; however, inadequate pain management led to undesirable outcomes. Practitioners should use pain assessment tools during and immediately after injection and provide ongoing consistent information to help patients manage pain at home.
Impact of a teen club model on HIV outcomes among adolescents in rural Neno district, Malawi: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trapence Clement Patrick , Kanyenda Chisomo , Muyila Fainala , Ndarama Enoch PL , Suffrin Dimitri , Connolly Emilia , Kachimanga Chiyembekezo , Kulinkina Alexandra V 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo compare the impact of a teen club model to the standard care model on HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents (10–19 years of age).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingHIV clinics in Neno district, Malawi.ParticipantsAdolescents living with HIV enrolled in teen clubs (n=235) and matched participants in standard HIV care (n=297).Outcome measuresAttrition from HIV care, defined as a combination of treatment outcomes ‘died’, ‘defaulted’ and ‘transferred out’.ResultsOver a 4-year follow-up period, adolescents who participated in the teen club had a significantly higher likelihood of remaining in care than those who did not (HR=2.80; 95% CI: 1.46 to 5.34). Teen clubs also increased the probability of having a recent measured viral load (VL) and BMI, but did not change the probability of VL suppression. The age at antiretroviral treatment initiation below 15 years (aHR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.82) reduced the risk of attrition from HIV care, while underweight status (aHR=3.18; 95% CI: 1.71 to 5.92) increased the risk of attrition, after controlling for sex, WHO HIV staging and teen club participation.ConclusionsThe teen club model has the potential to improve treatment outcomes among adolescents in rural Neno district. However, in addition to retaining adolescents in HIV care, greater attention is needed to treatment adherence and viral suppression in this special population. Further understanding of the contextual factors and barriers that adolescents in rural areas face could further improve the teen club model to ensure high-quality HIV care and quality of life.
Diagnostic Accuracy and economic value of a Tiered Assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (DATAforFASD): Protocol
Authors: Shanley Dianne C , Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie , Wheeler Amanda J , Byrnes Joshua , Ware Robert S , Liu Wei , Simcock Gabrielle , White Codi , Horton Sarah , Page Marjad , Shelton Doug , Till Haydn , Mills Ianthe , Hislop Carly , Harris Katrina , Crichton Alison , Reid Natasha , Reilly Sheena , Moritz Karen , Walsh Kerryann , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Hawkins Erinn 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAustralian practices for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are lengthy and require specialist expertise. Specialist teams are based in urban locations; they are expensive and have prolonged waitlists. Innovative, flexible solutions are needed to ensure First Nations children living in rural/remote communities have culturally appropriate and equitable access to timely diagnosis and support. This study compares the accuracy of rapid assessments (index tests) that can be administered by a range of primary healthcare practitioners to specialist standardised FASD assessments (reference tests). The cost-efficiency of index tests will be compared with reference tests.Methods and analysisAt least 200 children aged 6–16 years at-risk of FASD will be recruited across at least seven study sites. Following standards for reporting diagnostic accuracy study (STARD) guidelines, all children will complete index and reference tests. Diagnostic accuracy statistics (including receiver operating curves, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios) will identify whether rapid assessments can accurately identify: (1) the presence of an FASD diagnosis and (2) impairment in each neurodevelopmental domain, compared to comprehensive assessments. Direct and indirect healthcare costs for index tests compared to reference tests will be collected in primary healthcare and specialist settings.Ethics and dissemination of resultsChildren’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/20/QCHQ/63173); Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (2020/743). Results will assist in validating the use of index tests as part of a tiered neurodevelopmental assessment process that was co-designed with First Nations community and primary healthcare practitioners. Outcomes will be summarised and provided to participating practitioners and sites, and disseminated to community health services and consumers. Findings will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12622000498796.
Will a fee-for-service payment for a young people’s health assessment in general practice increase the detection of health risk behaviours and health conditions? Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial (RAd Health Trial)
Authors: Hocking Jane S , Watson Cathy , Chondros Patty , Sawyer Susan M , Ride Jemimah , Temple-Smith Meredith , Boyle Douglas , Skinner Rachel , Patton George C , Lim Megan S C , Pirkis Jane , Johnson Caroline , Newton Sara , Wardley Amelia , Blashki Grant , Guy Rebecca , Dalziel Kim , Sanci Lena 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAdolescence is a period of major transition in physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, and the peak time for the onset of mental health conditions, substance use disorders and sexual and reproductive health risks. Prevention and treatment during this time can improve health and well-being now and into the future. However, despite clinical guidelines recommending annual preventive health assessments for young people, health professionals cite lack of consultation time and adequate funding as key barriers. This trial aims to determine whether a specific fee-for-service (‘rebate payment’) for a young person’s health assessment, is effective and cost-effective at increasing the detection and management of health risk behaviours and conditions among young people.Methods and analysisThis cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in Australian general practice. 42 general practices (clusters) will be randomly allocated 1:1 to either an intervention arm where general practitioners receive a rebate payment for each annual health assessment undertaken for 14–24-year-olds during a 2 year study period, or a control arm (no rebate). The rebate amount will be based on the Medical Benefits Schedule (Australia’s list of health professional services subsidised by the Australian Government) currently available for similar age-based assessments. Our primary outcome will be the annual rate of risk behaviours and health conditions recorded in the patient electronic health record (eg, alcohol/drug use, sexual activity and mental health issues). Secondary outcomes include the annual rate of patient management activities related to health risks and conditions identified (eg, contraception prescribed, sexually transmitted infection tests ordered). A process evaluation will assess acceptability, adoption, fidelity and sustainability of the rebate; an economic evaluation will assess its cost-effectiveness. Analyses will be intention-to-treat.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from University of Melbourne Human and Research Ethics Committee (2022-23435-29990-3). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12622000114741
Clinical, genetic and biochemical signatures ofRBP4-related ocular malformations
Authors: Plaisancié Julie , Martinovic Jelena , Chesneau Bertrand , Whalen Sandra , Rodriguez Diana , Audebert-Bellanger Séverine , Marzin Pauline , Grotto Sarah , Perthus Isabelle , Holt Richard James , Bax Dorine A , Ragge Nicola , Chassaing Nicolas 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe retinoic acid (RA) pathway plays a crucial role in both eye morphogenesis and the visual cycle. Individuals with monoallelic and biallelic pathogenic variants inretinol-binding protein 4(RBP4), encoding a serum retinol-specific transporter, display variable ocular phenotypes. Although few families have been reported worldwide, recessive inherited variants appear to be associated with retinal degeneration, while individuals with dominantly inherited variants manifest ocular development anomalies, mainly microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC).MethodsWe report here seven new families (13 patients) with isolated and syndromic MAC harbouring heterozygousRBP4variants, of whom we performed biochemical analyses.ResultsFor the first time, malformations that overlap the clinical spectrum of vitamin A deficiency are reported, providing a link with other RA disorders. Our data support two distinct phenotypes, depending on the nature and mode of inheritance of the variants: dominantly inherited, almost exclusively missense, associated with ocular malformations, in contrast to recessive, mainly truncating, associated with retinal degeneration. Moreover, we also confirm the skewed inheritance and impact of maternalRBP4genotypes on phenotypical expression in dominant forms, suggesting that maternalRBP4genetic status and content of diet during pregnancy may modify MAC occurrence and severity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that retinol-binding protein blood dosage in patients could provide a biological signature crucial for classifyingRBP4variants. Finally, we propose a novel hypothesis to explain the mechanisms underlying the observed genotype–phenotype correlations inRBP4mutational spectrum.ConclusionDominant missense variants inRBP4are associated with MAC of incomplete penetrance with maternal inheritance through a likely dominant-negative mechanism.
Abnormally high expression of D1-like dopamine receptors on lupus CD4+T cells promotes Tfh cell differentiation
Authors: Wu Fengxi , Xiang Zhongyuan , He Zhenghao , Yi Ping , Yang Ming , Wu Haijing , Hu Min 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveSLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that places a great burden on human society. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a critical role in the pathological process of SLE. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism of Tfh cell differentiation will contribute to SLE treatment. Dopamine receptors (DRDs) are members of the family of G protein-coupled receptors and are primarily divided into D1-like and D2-like receptors. Previous studies have found that DRDs can regulate differentiation of immune cells. However, there is currently a lack of research on DRDs and Tfh cells. We here explore the relationship between DRDs and Tfh cells, and analyse the relationship between DRD expression on Tfh cells and the course of SLE.MethodsWe first detected plasma catecholamine concentrations in patients with SLE and healthy controls by mass spectrometry, followed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to detect DRD messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+T cells, and flow cytometry to detect DRD expression in Tfh cells. Finally, in vitro experiments and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to explore the possible pathway by which DRDs regulate Tfh cell differentiation.ResultsThe plasma dopamine concentration in patients with SLE was significantly increased, and abnormal mRNA expression of DRDs was observed in both PBMCs and CD4+T cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that D1-like receptors were highly expressed in Tfh cells of patients with SLE and associated with disease activity. In vitro induction experiments showed that differentiation of naïve T cells into Tfh cells was accompanied by an increase in D1-like receptor expression. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR results indicate that D1-like receptors might promote Tfh cell differentiation through the Phosphatidylinositol3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1)/Kruppel-like factor 2 (Klf2) pathway.ConclusionTfh cells in patients with SLE highly express D1-like receptors, which correlate with disease activity. D1-like receptors may promote Tfh cell differentiation through the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1/Klf2 pathway.
Cardiovascular imaging research priorities
Authors: MacArthur Jacqueline Ann Langdon , Yong Guo Liang , Dweck Marc R , Fairbairn Timothy A , Weir-McCall Jonathan , Puyol-Antón Esther , Meldrum Julian , Blakelock Phillip , Khan Samaira , Morrice Lynn , Sudlow Cathie L M , Williams Michelle C 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesTwo interlinked surveys were organised by the British Heart Foundation Data Science Centre, which aimed to establish national priorities for cardiovascular imaging research.MethodsFirst a single time point public survey explored their views of cardiovascular imaging research. Subsequently, a three-phase modified Delphi prioritisation exercise was performed by researchers and healthcare professionals. Research questions were submitted by a diverse range of stakeholders to the question ‘What are the most important research questions that cardiovascular imaging should be used to address?’. Of these, 100 research questions were prioritised based on their positive impact for patients. The 32 highest rated questions were further prioritised based on three domains: positive impact for patients, potential to reduce inequalities in healthcare and ability to be implemented into UK healthcare practice in a timely manner.ResultsThe public survey was completed by 354 individuals, with the highest rated areas relating to improving treatment, quality of life and diagnosis. In the second survey, 506 research questions were submitted by diverse stakeholders. Prioritisation was performed by 90 researchers or healthcare professionals in the first round and 64 in the second round. The highest rated questions were ‘How do we ensure patients have equal access to cardiovascular imaging when it is needed?’ and ‘How can we use cardiovascular imaging to avoid invasive procedures’. There was general agreement between healthcare professionals and researchers regarding priorities for the positive impact for patients and least agreement for their ability to be implemented into UK healthcare practice in a timely manner. There was broad overlap between the prioritised research questions and the results of the public survey.ConclusionsWe have identified priorities for cardiovascular imaging research, incorporating the views of diverse stakeholders. These priorities will be useful for researchers, funders and other organisations planning future research.
Prospective study of e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Tackett Alayna P , Urman Robert , Barrington-Trimis Jessica , Liu Feifei , Hong Hanna , Pentz Mary Ann , Islam Talat S , Eckel Sandrah P , Rebuli Meghan , Leventhal Adam , Samet Jonathan M , Berhane Kiros , McConnell Rob 
Published: August 2023

RationaleElectronic cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol contains volatile aldehydes, including flavourings and oxidant metals with known pulmonary toxicity.ObjectivesTo evaluate the associations of e-cigarette use with symptoms of wheeze, bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath (SOB) across 4 years of prospective data.MethodsParticipants completed questionnaires on respiratory symptoms and past 30-day e-cigarette, cigarette and cannabis use in 2014 (wave 1; N=2094; mean age 17.3 years, SD=0.6 years). Follow-up information was collected in 2015 (wave 2; n=1609), 2017 (wave 3; n=1502) and 2018 (wave 4; n=1637) using online surveys. Mixed-effects logistic regression models evaluated associations of e-cigarette use with respiratory symptoms.Measurements and main resultsParticipants were mostly Hispanic white (51.8%) and evenly representative by sex (49.6% female; 50.4% male). Compared with never e-cigarette users, past 30-day e-cigarette users reported increased odds of wheeze (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.28, 2.56), bronchitic symptoms (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.58, 2.69) and SOB (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.23, 2.57), adjusting for study wave, age, sex, race, lifetime asthma diagnosis and parental education. Effect estimates were attenuated (wheeze (OR 1.41; 95% CI 0.99, 2.01), bronchitic symptoms (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.18, 2.05), SOB (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.01, 2.18)), after adjusting additionally for current cigarette use, cannabis use and secondhand exposure to e-cigarettes/cigarettes/cannabis.ConclusionsE-cigarette use in young adults was associated with respiratory symptoms, independent of combustible cannabis and cigarette exposures.