bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2–Specific Humoral Response in Inactivated Virus–Vaccinated, Convalescent, and Breakthrough-Infected Subjects
Authors: Duarte Luisa F , Vázquez Yaneisi , Diethelm-Varela Benjamín , Pavez Valentina , Berríos-Rojas Roslye , Méndez Constanza , Riedel Claudia A , White Jessica A , Kalergis Alexis M , Bueno Susan M , González Pablo A 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
We sought to identify potential antigens for discerning between humoral responses elicited after vaccination with CoronaVac (a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] inactivated vaccine), natural infection, or breakthrough infection.

Methods
Serum samples obtained from volunteers immunized with CoronaVac (2 and 3 doses), breakthrough case patients, and from convalescent individuals were analyzed to determine the immunoglobulin (Ig) G responses against 3 structural and 8 nonstructural SARS-CoV-2 antigens.

Results
Immunization with CoronaVac induced higher levels of antibodies against the viral membrane (M) protein compared with convalescent subjects both after primary vaccination and after a booster dose. Individuals receiving a booster dose displayed equivalent levels of IgG antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N) protein, similar to convalescent subjects. Breakthrough case patients produced the highest antibody levels against the N and M proteins. Antibodies against nonstructural viral proteins were present in &gt;50% of the convalescent subjects.

Conclusions
Vaccinated individuals elicited a different humoral response compared to convalescent subjects. The analysis of particular SARS-CoV-2 antigens could be used as biomarkers for determining infection in subjects previously vaccinated with CoronaVac.
Molecular Surveillance Detects High Prevalence of the Neglected Parasite Mansonella ozzardi in the Colombian Amazon
Authors: Dahmer Kendra J , Palma-Cuero Monica , Ciuoderis Karl , Patiño Claudia , Roitman Sofia , Li Zhiru , Sinha Amit , Hite Jessica L , Cuellar Olga Bellido , Hernandez-Ortiz Juan P , Osorio Jorge E , Christensen Bruce M , Carlow Clotilde K S , Zamanian Mostafa 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Mansonellosis is an undermapped insect-transmitted disease caused by filarial nematodes that are estimated to infect hundreds of millions of people. Despite their prevalence, there are many outstanding questions regarding the general biology and health impacts of the responsible parasites. Historical reports suggest that the Colombian Amazon is endemic for mansonellosis and may serve as an ideal location to pursue these questions.

Methods
We deployed molecular and classical approaches to survey Mansonella prevalence among adults belonging to indigenous communities along the Amazon River and its tributaries near Leticia, Colombia.

Results
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays on whole-blood samples detected a much higher prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi infection (approximately 40%) compared to blood smear microscopy or LAMP performed using plasma, likely reflecting greater sensitivity and the ability to detect low microfilaremias and occult infections. Mansonella infection rates increased with age and were higher among men. Genomic analysis confirmed the presence of M. ozzardi that clusters closely with strains sequenced in neighboring countries. We successfully cryopreserved M. ozzardi microfilariae, advancing the prospects of rearing infective larvae in controlled settings.

Conclusion
These data suggest an underestimation of true mansonellosis prevalence, and we expect that these methods will help facilitate the study of mansonellosis in endemic and laboratory settings.
Use of information communication technologies by older people and telemedicine adoption during COVID-19: a longitudinal study
Authors: Mao Likun , Mohan Gretta , Normand Charles 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate how information communication technology (ICT) factors relate to the use of telemedicine by older people in Ireland during the pandemic in 2020. Furthermore, the paper tested whether the supply of primary care, measured by General Practitioner’s (GP) accessibility, influenced people’s telemedicine options.

Method
Based on 2 waves from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, a nationally representative sample, multivariate logistic models were applied to examine the association between pre-pandemic use of ICTs and telemedicine usage (GP, pharmacist, hospital doctor), controlling for a series of demographic, health, and socioeconomic characteristics.

Results
Previously reported having Internet access was a statistically positive predictor for telemedicine usage. The availability of high-speed broadband Internet did not exhibit a statistical association. The association was more prominent among those under 70 years old and non-Dublin urban areas. People with more chronic conditions, poorer mental health, and private health insurance had higher odds of using telemedicine during the period of study. No clear pattern between telemedicine use and differential geographic access to GP was found.

Discussion
The important role of ICT access and frequent engagement with the Internet in encouraging telemedicine usage among older adults was evidenced.

Conclusion
Internet access was a strong predictor for telemedicine usage. We found no evidence of a substitution or complementary relationship between telemedicine and in-person primary care access.
Biofilm formation in drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter nosocomialis isolates obtained from a university hospital in Pelotas, RS, Brazil
Authors: Amaral Suélen Cavalheiro , Pruski Beatriz Bohns , de Freitas Stella Buchhorn , dos Santos Lucas Moreira , Hartwig Daiane Drawanz 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus—A. baumannii (ACB) complex isolates recovered from a university hospital in Pelotas, RS, Brazil. The species were confirmed using gyrB multiplex and blaOXA-51-like genes PCR. The presence of the bfmRS virulence gene was evaluated by the PCR, and the isolates were classified based on their biofilm-forming ability on polystyrene (PO) and glass surfaces (TM). Out of 50 ACB complex isolates evaluated, 41 were identified as A. baumannii and nine as A. nosocomialis. The bfmRS gene was detected in 97.6% (40/41) of A. baumannii and 33.3% (3/9) of A. nosocomialis species. Forty-nine isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile, while one A. nosocomialis isolate presented an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) profile. All isolates were able of forming biofilms on PO surfaces and 98% (49/50) on TM surfaces. A significant correlation was observed between biofilm production on PO and TM surfaces (P &lt; 0.05). However, no correlation was found between biofilms forming and the presence of the bfmRS gene or displaying a certain antibiotic resistance profile. In conclusion, A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis are frequent species causing nosocomial infections in a hospital in Pelotas, RS, Brazil, and both are capable of forming biofilms.
Social deprivation and kidney failure due to an undiagnosed nephropathy
Authors: Sakhi Hamza , Beaumier Mathilde , Couchoud Cécile , Prezelin-Reydit Mathilde , Radenac Jennifer , Lobbedez Thierry , Morin Denis , Audard Vincent , Chatelet Valérie 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
In France, kidney diseases of undetermined origin account for 5%–20% of all causes of end-stage kidney disease. We investigated the impact of social disadvantage on the lack of aetiological diagnosis of nephropathies.

Methods
Data from patients who started dialysis in France between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2018 were extracted from the French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network registry. The social deprivation of each individual was estimated by the European Deprivation Index (EDI) defined by the patient's address. Logistic regression was used to perform mediation analysis to study the potential association between social deprivation and unknown nephropathy.

Results
Of the 7218 patients included, 1263 (17.5%) had unknown kidney disease. A total of 394 (31.4%) patients in the unknown kidney disease belonged to the most deprived quintile of the EDI [fifth quintile (Q5)], vs 1636 (27.5%) patients in the known kidney disease group. In the multivariate analysis, unknown kidney disease was associated with Q5 (odds ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.74, P = .003). Mediation analysis did not identify any variables (e.g. obesity, initiation of dialysis in emergency, number of visits to the general practitioner and nephrologist before initiation of dialysis, date of first nephrology consultation) that mediated the association between social deprivation and nephropathy of unknown origin.

Conclusions
Our results show that, compared with nondeprived subjects, individuals experiencing social deprivation have a higher risk of unknown nephropathy at dialysis initiation. However, mediation analysis did not identify any variables that explained the association between social deprivation and nephropathy of unknown origin.
A pragmatic randomized prospective trial of cooled radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves versus facet joint injection of corticosteroid for the treatment of lumbar facet syndrome: 12 month outcomes
Authors: McCormick Zachary L , Conger Aaron , Kendall Richard , Wagner Graham , Henrie A Michael , Littell Madelaine , Sperry Beau P , Petersen Russel , Cooper Amanda N , Teramoto Masaru , Burnham Taylor R 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) and intraarticular facet steroid injections (FJI) are commonly performed for recalcitrant facet joint-mediated pain. However, no study has compared clinical outcomes of the two treatments in patients selected using dual medial branch blocks (MBBs) with an 80% relief threshold.

Objective
Compare the effectiveness of cooled LRFA (C-LRFA) to FIJ as assessed by pain and functional improvements.

Design
Prospective randomized comparative trial.

Methods
Patients with dual MBB-confirmed facet joint-mediated pain were randomized to receive C-LRFA or FIJ. Outcomes were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was ≥50% improvement in numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) score at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included ≥30% Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) improvement and Patient Global Impression of Chance (PGIC) ≥6 points, among others. Data were analyzed using contingency tables and mixed-effects logistic regression models.

Results
Of 1128 patients screened, 32 met eligibility criteria, were randomized, and received their allocated study treatment. In total, 20 (62.5%) and 12 (37.5%) participants received C-LRFA and FIJ, respectively. In the C-LRFA group, 70% (95% CI 48–85), 55% (95% CI 34–74), and 45% (95% CI 26–66) of participants met the NPRS responder definition, compared to 25% (95%CI 9–53), 25% (95% CI 9–53), and 17% (95% CI 5–45) in the FJI group at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively (P = .014 at 3 months). The PGIC responder proportion was higher in the C-LRFA compared to FJI group at 3 and 6 months (P &lt; .05).

Conclusions
C-LRFA demonstrated superior success rates compared to FJI across pain and functional outcome domains.

Trial registration details
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03614793); August 3, 2018.
Estimation of natural methane emissions from the largest oil sand deposits on earth
Authors: Wei Cao , Jafari Raad Seyed Mostafa , Hassanzadeh Hassan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWorldwide methane emission by various industrial sources is one of the important human concerns due to its serious climate and air-quality implications. This study investigates less-considered diffusive natural methane emissions from the world's largest oil sand deposits. An analytical model, considering the first-order methane degradation, in combination with Monte Carlo simulations, is used to quantitatively characterize diffusive methane emissions from Alberta's oil sands formations. The results show that the average diffusive methane emissions from Alberta's oil sands formations is 1.56 × 10−4 kg/m2/year at the 90th percentile of cumulative probability. The results also indicate an annual diffusive methane emissions rate of 0.857 ± 0.013 Million tons of CO2e/year (MtCO2e/year) from Alberta's oil sands formations. This finding suggests that natural diffusive leakages from the oil sands contribute an additional 1.659 ± 0.025 and 5.194 ± 0.079% to recent Canada's 2019 and Alberta's 2020 methane emission estimates from the upstream oil and gas sector, respectively. The developed model combined with Monte Carlo simulations can be used as a tool for assessing methane emissions and current inventories.
Grapevine Leaf Epiphytic Fungal and Bacterial Communities Are Influenced More by Spatial and Temporal Factors than by Powdery Mildew Fungicide Spray Programs
Authors: Yang Hui-Ching , Rodriguez-Ramos Jean C. , Hale Lauren , Naegele Rachel P. 
Published: August 2023

Synthetic fungicide treatments for managing grapevine powdery mildew have been widely applied in vineyards for decades, yet their ecological impacts on microorganisms in the phyllosphere have not been sufficiently studied. To investigate the impact of fungicide sprays on the grapevine leaf microbiota, grapevine leaf epiphytes were collected throughout the growing season from two California vineyards, each treated with identical spray programs. Each spray program was designed to control grapevine powdery mildew and contained five rotating synthetic fungicides. Leaf samples were collected before the first spray and between subsequent spray applications. Amplicon sequencing of ITS2 and 16S rRNA V4 regions was used to compare leaf epiphytic fungal and bacterial/archaeal diversities, taxonomic compositions, and differential abundances of taxa among treatments, locations, and sampling time points. Location (vineyard) and time significantly affected bacterial and fungal community compositions, whereas spray treatment did not. Plant-pathogenic fungi were the dominant fungal guild in both locations, and, in one location, their dominance increased significantly as the season progressed. Botrytis, an important postharvest pathogen in grapes, was significantly higher in relative abundance in one of the locations in the late season and acted as a hub genus in a co-occurrence network. In summary, the overall impact of the different spray programs on microbial community compositions was not significant, suggesting that the shifts of grapevine foliar microbial communities may be driven mainly by spatial and temporal factors rather than specific fungicide applications. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Learning Curve of Wrist-level Tendon Repairs Using a Novel Tendon Stapler versus Traditional Suture Methods
Authors: Hendrycks Russell J. , Reed Evelyn R. , Graham Emily M. , Patel Niki K. , Rosales Megan , Mendenhall Shaun D. 
Published: August 2023

Summary:
Numerous effective techniques for primary tendon coaptations exist. However, these techniques are complex and require a substantial amount of training to become proficient. Recently, a novel tendon stapler device (TSD) was developed that could potentially diminish the discrepancies among surgeons of varying levels of training. We hypothesized that the TSD would be easier to learn and would demonstrate improved learning curve efficiencies across participants of differing tendon repair experience compared with traditional suture methods. Participants included a novice, intermediate, and expert in tendon repairs. Comparisons were performed on wrist-level flexors and extensors from human donor arms. The suture repairs were performed with a modified Kessler with a horizontal mattress and were performed in one session on two donor arms by each participant. In a second session, each participant performed the TSD repairs on the matched, contralateral donor arms. Scatterplots fitted with Loess curves, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey pairwise comparisons, two-sided independent samples t test, and Fisher exact test were used to analyze findings. Results of our study showed that TSD repair times did not vary significantly by experience level. Suture repairs reached a stable “learned” level around repair #30, whereas the TSD repairs showed a more efficient curve that stabilized around repair #23. The TSD required less educational time, demonstrated a more efficient learning curve, and showed less variability across participants and repair order. Overall, the TSD is easy to adopt and may carry positive implications for surgeons and patients.
Aesthetic Units and Zones of Adherence: Relevance to Surgical Planning in the Head and Neck
Authors: Kirwan Laurence 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Aesthetic units (AUs) and zones of adherence (ZA) have been previously described in the face; however, a systematic classification of AUs and ZAs together with a unified approach to planning surgery has not been previously described for head and neck surgery. The five principles of surgical planning necessitate respect for AUs, ZAs, and flexion creases; correct scar orientation; and replacing tissue “like for like” by adhering to the four “Ts” of reconstruction (tone, texture, type, and thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue).

Methods:
Images of male and female patients and stock images (from iStock) were reviewed and analyzed.

Results:
AUs and ZAs were described and tabulated.

Conclusions:
Surgical planning necessitates respect for AUs and ZAs and avoidance of maneuvers that will transgress aesthetic unit interfaces or eliminate AUs. An aesthetic atlas of AUs and ZAs is useful for planning surgery, preventing errors, and optimizing aesthetic results.
Survival benefit of living-donor liver transplantation in patients with a model for end-stage liver disease over 30 in a region with severe organ shortage: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yim Seung Hyuk , Kim Deok-Gie , Kang Minyu , Koh Hwa-Hee , Choi Mun Chae , Min Eun-Ki , Lee Jae Geun , Kim Myoung Soo , Joo Dong Jin 
Published: August 2023

Background:
The benefits of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in patients with a high Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (who have high waitlist mortality) are unclear. Regional availability of deceased-donor organs must be considered when evaluating LDLT benefits. We aimed to compare the survival benefit of intended-LDLT to awaiting deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT) in patients with a MELD score ≥30 in a region with severe organ shortage.

Materials and Methods:
This retrospective review included 649 patients with a MELD score ≥30 placed on the liver transplantation waitlist. They were divided into Intended-LDLT (n=205) or Waiting-DDLT (n=444) groups based on living-donor eligibility and compared for patient survival from time of waitlisting. Post-transplantation outcomes of transplant recipients and living donors were analyzed.

Results:
Intended-LDLT patients had higher 1-year survival than Waiting-DDLT patients (53.7% vs. 28.8%, P<0.001). LDLT was independently associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48–0.79; P<0.001). During follow-up, 25 patients were de-listed, 120 underwent LDLT, 170 underwent DDLT, and 334 remained on the waitlist. Among patients undergoing transplantation, the risk of post-transplantation mortality was similar for LDLT and DDLT after adjusting for pre-transplantation MELD score (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.73–4.75; P=0.193), despite increased surgical complications after LDLT (33.1% vs. 19.4%, P=0.013). There was no mortality among living-donors, but 4.2% experienced complications of grade 3 or higher.

Conclusions:
Compared to awaiting DDLT, LDLT offers survival benefits for patients with a MELD score ≥30, while maintaining acceptable donor outcomes. LDLT is a feasible treatment for patients with a MELD score ≥30 in regions with severe organ shortage.
Probiotics for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Min , Yuan Lu , Xie Chao-Rong , Wang Xiao-Ying , Feng Si-Jia , Xiao Xin-Yu , Zheng Hui 
Published: August 2023

Objective:
Previous systematic reviews demonstrated a potentially beneficial effect of probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, these studies are either affected by the inclusion of insufficient trials or by the problem of dependent data across multiple outcomes, and an overall effect size has not been provided. We aimed to determine the effect of probiotics on IBS through a three-level meta-analysis and clarify potential effect moderators.

Methods:
We searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science, screening for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examine the effect of probiotics on IBS. The primary outcome was the improvement in the severity of global IBS symptoms at the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes were the improvement in abdominal pain and the quality of life. The effect sizes of the probiotics were measured by using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and pooled by a three-level meta-analysis model.

Results:
We included 72 RCTs in the analysis. The meta-analysis showed significantly better overall effect of probiotics than placebo on the global IBS symptoms (SMD -0.55, 95%CI -0.76 to -0.34, P<0.001), abdominal pain (SMD -0.89, 95%CI -1.29 to -0.5, P<0.001) and quality of life (SMD 0.99, 95%CI 0.45 to 1.54, P<0.001), respectively. Moderator analysis found that a treatment duration shorter than 4 weeks was associated with a larger effect size in all the outcomes, and Bacillus probiotics had better improvement on the abdominal pain.

Conclusions:
Probiotics had a short-term effect and a medium effect size on the global IBS symptoms. Treatment duration and types of probiotics affected the effect size of probiotics, and shorter durations and Bacillus probiotics were associated with better treatment effects.

Registration:
Open Science Framework.