bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complications of the Superior Eyelid Endoscopic Transorbital Approach to the Skull Base: Preliminary Experience With Specific Focus on Orbital Outcome
Authors: Di Somma Alberto , Guizzardi Giulia , Sanchez España Juan Carlos , Matas Fassi Jessica , Topczewski Thomaz E. , Ferres Abel , Mosteiro Alejandra , Reyes Luis , Tercero Javier , Lopez Mauricio , Alobid Isam , Enseñat Joaquim 
Published: July 2023

Background:
The endoscopic superior eyelid approach is a relatively novel mini-invasive technique that is currently investigating for skull base cancers. However, questions remain regarding specific approach-related complications when treating different skull base tumors. This study aims to analyze any surgical complications that occurred in our preliminary consecutive experience, with specific focus on orbital outcome.

Methods:
A retrospective and consecutive cohort of patients treated via a superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach at the Division of Neurosurgery of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona was analyzed. Patients features were described in detail. Complications were divided into 2 groups to analyze separately the approach-related complications, and those resulting from tumor removal. The ocular complications were subdivided into early ocular status (<3 weeks), late ocular status (3–8 weeks), and persistent ocular complications. The “Park questionnaire” was used to determine patient's satisfaction related to the transorbital approach.

Results:
A total of 20 patients (5 spheno-orbital meningiomas, 1 intradiploic Meningioma, 2 intraconal lesions, 1 temporal pole lesion, 2 trigeminal schwannoma, 3 cavernous sinus lesions, and 6 petroclival lesions) were included in the period 2017–2022. Regarding early ocular status, upper eyelid edema was detected in all cases (100%) associated with diplopia in the lateral gaze in 30% of cases, and periorbital edema in 15% of cases. These aspects tend to resolve at late ocular follow-up (3–8 weeks) in most cases. Regarding persistent ocular complications, in one case of intraconal lesion, a limitation of eye abduction was detected (5%). In another patient with intraconal lesion, an ocular neuropathic pain was reported (5%). In 2 cases of petroclival menigioma, who were also treated with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, slight enophthalmus was observed as a persistent complication (10%). According to the Park questionnaire, no cosmetic complaints, no head pain, no palpable cranial irregularities, and no limited mouth opening were reported, and an average of 89% of general satisfaction was encountered.

Conclusions:
The superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach is a safe and satisfactory technique for a diversity of skull base tumors. At late follow-up, upper eyelid edema, diplopia, and periorbital edema tend to resolve. Persistent ocular complications are more frequent after treating intraconal lesions. Enophthalmus may occur in patients with associated ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. According to patient's satisfaction, fairly acceptable results are attained.
Zika epidemic in Colombia and environmental and sociodemographic contributors: an application of a space-time Markov switching model
Authors: Freitas Laís Picinini , Douwes-Schultz Dirk , Schmidt Alexandra M. , Monsalve Brayan Ávila , Salazar Flórez Jorge Emilio , García-Balaguera César , Restrepo Berta N. , Jaramillo-Ramirez Gloria I. , Carabali Mabel , Zinszer Kate 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTZika, a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infectedAedesmosquitoes, emerged in the Americas in 2015, causing large-scale epidemics. Colombia alone reported 72,031 Zika cases between 31/May/2015 and 01/October/2016. We used national surveillance data from 1,121 municipalities over 70 epidemiological weeks to identify sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with Zika’s emergence, re-emergence, persistence, and transmission intensity in Colombia. We fitted a zero-state Markov-switching spatio-temporal model under the Bayesian framework, assuming Zika switched between periods of presence and absence according to spatially and temporally varying probabilities of emergence/re-emergence (from absence to presence) and persistence (from presence to presence). These probabilities were assumed to follow a series of mixed multiple logistic regressions. When Zika was present, assuming that the cases follow a negative binomial distribution, we estimated the transmission intensity rate. Our results indicate that Zika emerged/re-emerged sooner and that transmission was more intense in municipalities which were more densely populated, with lower altitude and/or less vegetation cover. Higher weekly temperatures and less weekly-accumulated rain were also associated with Zika emergence. Zika cases persisted for longer in more densely populated areas and with a higher number of cases reported in the previous week. Overall, population density, elevation, and temperature were identified as the main contributors of the first Zika epidemic in Colombia. The estimated probability of Zika presence increased weeks before case reporting, suggesting undetected circulation in the early stages. These results offer insights into priority areas for public health interventions against emerging and re-emergingAedes-borne diseases.
Translation, Cross-cultural adaptation and Validation of the Nigerian Pidgin English version of the Rosenberg Self-esteem and Leprosy-adapted Internalized Stigma for Mental Illness Scales among Persons Affected by Leprosy in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Joseph , Ukwaja Kingsley , Murphy-Okpala Ngozi , Ekeke Ngozi , Eze Chinwe , Iyama Francis , Meka Anthony , Njoku Martin , Ezeakile Okechukwu , Dahiru Tahir , Abdullahi Suleiman , Anyaike Chukwuma , Nwafor Charles 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundMeasuring self-esteem and internalized stigma among persons affected by leprosy is important to monitor stigma-reduction interventions. While the English versions of the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) as originally developed have been validated and widely used in many settings, to date, no cross-culturally adapted or validated Nigerian Pidgin English version exists. We describe the translation, cross-cultural validation and adaptation of the Nigerian Pidgin English versions of the RSES and ISMI in Cross River state, southern Nigeria.MethodsThe Nigerian Pidgin English version of the RSES and ISMI was developed systematically following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on the process of translation and adaptation of instruments. The cultural equivalence of the instruments including their conceptual, item, semantic and their operational equivalences were evaluated using qualitative methods through the process of forward and back-translation, expert panel review, pre-testing and cognitive interviewing to generate the final version. A cross-sectional study of 56 participants with leprosy (Hansen’s disease) enrolled from rural and urban communities in 3 local government areas (Boki, Obubra and Calabar-South) in Cross River state, southern Nigeria was undertaken to assess the psychometric equivalence of the tools. After 2-weeks interval, one-third of them (16 participants) had a re-test.ResultsThe conceptual, item, semantic and the operational equivalences of the Nigerian Pidgin English versions of the RSES and ISMI scale showed adequate fit with all items identified as important in the context of the Pidgin speaking population. There was a negative inverse correlation between the mean total scores of the RSES and the ISMI scale (r = -0.57; p <0.001); confirming the construct validity of the two scales. The exploratory factor analysis for the scales indicated good fit as one-dimension scale. The Cronbach’s alpha values representing internal consistency were 0.82 and 0.95 for the RSES and ISMI scale respectively. The test-retest reliability intra-class correlation coefficient for the RSES and the ISMI scale was 0.98 and 0.67, respectively. There were no floor or ceiling effects in the distribution of the responses to the RSES and the ISMI scale.ConclusionThe Nigerian Pidgin English version of the RSES and ISMI scales were successfully developed and showed evidence to be reliable and valid instruments for the assessment of self-esteem and internalized stigma respectively among Nigerian Pidgin English speaking population of southern Nigeria.
DECLINE OF HANDWASHING AND MASKING AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION IN POST COVID-19 PANDEMIC: INSIGHTS FROM A MIXED METHODS STUDY IN GHANA
Authors: Lamptey Emmanuel , Yaidoo Stanley , Banoya Moses tia , Boakye Evans osei , Benita Dooshima Aki , Senkyire Ephraim Kumi 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTCOVID-19 has now entered the endemic stage where the virus is widespread with less fatality than it was in 2020. Restrictions and mandates such as handwashing and masking are eased although the pandemic is not yet over. Many have concluded that we have reached a point that marks the end of the pandemic spurring changes in public behavior. However, SARS-CoV-2 is still causing deaths every day and cases have not plateaued at low level. Better knowledge on why people have relented in handwashing and masking is needed to guide the development of effective interventions against future waves of the infection. In this study, we explored factors contributing to this pattern of behavior in Ghana. Questionnaires were administered to 350 respondents, via social media (WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, reedit,) and these were used to determine the level of handwashing and masking at the first stage of study. Screening and scoring of the questionnaires were used to estimate the level of these activities at the second stage. Among all respondents, we identified and selected 279 participants at the second stage: 95 as decliners, 120 non-regulars, and 64 maintainers according to their level of these activities and adapted scoring criteria. For each category, a group of 5 participants were randomly selected to take part in an in-depth interview. The theory of planned behavior guided our analysis. Six themes emerged from the analysis with the acronym, IMPASE; inconvenience and contamination, Mass population, pandemic patterns and regulations, Availability, Safety and infection prevention, environment and activity. These themes appeared to have elements relating to another component of the theory of planned behavior. Collectively, the environment (Subjective norms) and pattern of pandemic and regulation (Perceived behavioral control) interact with each other to ultimately influence handwashing and masking. Declining and non-regularity were associated with inconvenience and contamination. Maintenance is associated with the environment and activity. Thus, public educational campaigns must be intensified to highlight and address these themes. The public health authorities, employers and, essential services could play an important role in enforcing and disseminating such information.
The K+/Na+innate immune system is involved in the susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19: a systematic review and retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Chang , Luo Yi , Li Yirong , Dai Jiapei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundFrom single-cellular to multicellular organisms, a natural nonspecific immune system, called the K+/Na+innate immune system, has recently been proposed to play an important role in the process of fighting against viral infection, however, there is little direct research evidence. This study aimed to evaluate whether the changes in serum K+/Na+concentrations are associated with susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, the Web of Science Core Collection, MedRxiv and BioRxiv databases for articles published between Jan 1, 2020 and Dec 14, 2022. We extracted the serum K+/Na+concentration data of patients with COVID-19 from 112 published studies after removing inappropriate articles according to the defined criteria and analyzed the relationship between the serum k+/Na+concentrations and the illness severity of patients. Then we used a cohort of 244 patients with COVID-19 for a retrospective analysis.ResultsThe mean serum k+/Na+concentrations in patients with COVID-19 were 3.99 and 138.0 mmol/L, respectively, which were much lower than the mean levels in the population (4.40 and 142.0, respectively). The mean serum Na+concentration in severe/critical patients (136.8) was significantly lower than those in mild and moderate patients (139.4 and 138.0, respectively). Such findings were confirmed in a retrospective cohort study, of which the mean serum k+/Na+concentrations in all patients were 4.0 and 137.5 mmol/L, respectively. The significant differences in serum Na+concentrations were found between the mild (139.2) and moderate (137.2) patients, and the mild and severe/critical (136.6) patients, which were correlated to the illness severity of patients.ConclusionsThese findings may indicate the importance of a natural immune system constructed by intracellular potassium and extracellular sodium ions in the fight against viral infection and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Characterization of a fieldable process for airborne virus detection
Authors: Du Huifeng , Bruno Simone , Overholt Kalon J. , Palacios Sebastian , Huang Hsin-Ho , Barajas Carlos , Gross Ben , Lee Cindy , Evile Haley K. , de Sousa Nuno Rufino , Rothfuchs Antonio Gigliotti , Vecchio Domitilla Del 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRapid, on-site, airborne virus detection is a requirement for timely action against the spread of air-transmissible infectious diseases. This applies both to future threats and to common viral diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19, which hit vulnerable populations yearly with severe consequences. The ultra-low concentrations of virus in the air make airborne virus detection difficult, yet readily infect individuals when breathed. Here, we propose a fieldable process that includes an enrichment step to concentrate collected genetic material in a small volume. The enrichment approach uses capillary electrophoresis and an RT-qPCR-compatible buffer, which allow enrichment of the RNA by about 5-fold within only 10 minutes of operation. Our detection process consists of air sampling through electrostatic precipitation, RNA extraction via heating, RNA enrichment, and RT-qPCR for detection. We optimized each step of the process and estimated a detection sensitivity of 3106±2457 genome copies (gc) per m3of air. We then performed an integration experiment and confirmed a sensitivity of 5654 gc/m3with a detection rate of 100% and a sensitivity of 4221 gc/m3with a detection rate of 78.6%. When using fast RT-qPCR, the latency of the whole process is down to 61 minutes. Given that our sensitivity falls in the low range of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 concentrations reported in indoor spaces, our study shows that, with enrichment, airborne pathogen detection can be made sufficiently sensitive for practical use.
Comparison of adhesion prevention capabilities of the modified starch powder-based medical devices 4DryField®PH, HaemoCer™ PLUS and StarSil®in the Optimized Peritoneal Adhesion Model
Authors: Poehnert Daniel , Neubert Lavinia , Winny Markus 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe rat Optimized Peritoneal Adhesion Model (OPAM) was developed to provoke adhesion formation with high reproducibility in incidence and extent. In a recent study, the starch-based hemostats 4DryField PH and Arista AH were tested for their capabilities to prevent adhesion formation, the former one certified for adhesion prevention and hemostasis, the latter one only certified for hemostasis. As two further starch-based hemostats, i.e., HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil, have officially been certified for adhesion prevention in the meantime, the present study was conducted to examine their efficacy.Materials and MethodsFor this purpose, all three products were applied as a powder that was mixedin situwith saline solution to form a barrier gel. Adhesions were scored using the established macroscopically scoring systems by Lauder and Hoffmann, as well as histopathologically using the score by Zühlke. Animals receiving saline solution solely served as controls.ResultsAs previously published, 4DryField PH reduced peritoneal adhesions significantly. In contrast, HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil did not lead to a statistically significant reduction of adhesion formation. When comparing 4DryField PH, HaemoCer PLUS and StarSil, 4DryField PH was significantly more effective in preventing peritoneal adhesions. The results of the macroscopic investigation were confirmed by histopathological evaluations.ConclusionsOnly 4DryField PH but neither HaemoCer PLUS nor StarSil were capable to effectively prevent adhesion formation, corroborating the assumption that starch-based hemostats do not generally have the capability to act as effective adhesion prevention devices.
Self-replication of Aβ42aggregates occurs on small and isolated fibril sites
Authors: Curk Samo , Krausser Johannes , Meisl Georg , Frenkel Daan , Linse Sara , Michaels Thomas C. T. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Šarić Anđela 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTSelf-replication of amyloid fibrils via secondary nucleation is an intriguing physicochemical phenomenon in which existing fibrils catalyse the formation of their own copies. The molecular events behind this fibril surface-mediated process remain largely inaccessible to current structural and imaging techniques. Using statistical mechanics, computer modelling, and chemical kinetics, we show that the catalytic structure of the fibril surface can be inferred from the aggregation behaviour in the presence and absence of a fibril-binding inhibitor. We apply our approach to the case of Alzheimer’s Aβ42amyloid fibrils formed in the presence of proSP-C Brichos inhibitors. We find that self-replication of Aβ42fibrils occurs on small catalytic sites on the fibril surface, which are far apart from each other, and each of which can be covered by a single Brichos inhibitor.
Small deviations in kinematics and body form dictate muscle performances in the finely tuned avian downstroke
Authors: Deetjen Marc E. , Chin Diana D. , Heers Ashley M. , Tobalske Bret W. , Lentink David 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAvian takeoff requires peak pectoralis muscle power to generate sufficient aerodynamic force during the downstroke. Subsequently the much smaller supracoracoideus recovers the wing during the upstroke. How the pectoralis work loop is tuned to power flight is unclear. We integrate wingbeat-resolved muscle, kinematic and aerodynamic recordingsin vivowith a new mathematical model to disentangle how the pectoralis muscle overcomes wing inertia and generates aerodynamic force during takeoff in doves. Doves reduce the angle of attack of their wing mid-downstroke to efficiently generate aerodynamic force, resulting in an aerodynamic power dip, that allows transferring excess pectoralis power into tensioning the supracoracoideus tendon to assist the upstroke—improving the pectoralis work loop efficiency simultaneously. Integrating extant bird data, our model shows how the pectoralis of birds with faster wingtip speed need to generate proportionally more power. Finally, birds with disproportionally larger wing inertia need to activate the pectoralis earlier to tune their downstroke.Subject area in eLifeEcologyImpact statementDoves improve their wingbeat efficacy without elevating maximum pectoralis power by angling their wings mid-downstroke to efficiently generate aerodynamic force while simultaneously tensioning the supracoracoideus tendon to assist the upstroke.
Genomic unveiling of the diversity in grain protein and lysine content throughout a genebank collection of winter wheat
Authors: Berkner Marcel O. , Weise Stephan , Reif Jochen C. , Schulthess Albert W. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGlobally, wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is a major source of proteins in human nutrition despite its unbalanced amino acid composition. The low lysine content in the protein fraction of wheat can lead to protein-energy-malnutrition prominently in developing countries. A promising strategy to overcome this problem is to breed varieties which combine high protein content with high lysine content. Nevertheless, this requires the incorporation of yet undefined donor genotypes into pre-breeding programs. Genebank collections are suspected to harbor the needed genetic diversity. In the 1970s, a large-scale screening of protein traits was conducted for the wheat genebank collection in Gatersleben; however, this data has been poorly mined so far. In the present study, a large historical dataset on protein content and lysine content was curated and the corresponding adjusted entry means were calculated. High-quality phenotypic data of 558 accessions was leveraged by engaging four genomic prediction approaches. Based on the predicted phenotypes of 7,651 winter wheat accessions, few of them were recommended as donor genotypes due to suitable protein characteristic. Further investigation of the passport data suggested an association of the adjusted lysine content with the elevation of the collecting site. This publicly available information can facilitate future pre-breeding activities.HighlightHistorical data of lysine and protein content can be leveraged by engaging genomic prediction of an entire winter wheat genebank collection which enables to propose donor genotypes for pre-breeding.
Zero is not absence: censoring-based differential abundance analysis for microbiome data
Authors: Chan Lap Sum , Li Gen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMicrobiome data analysis faces the challenge of sparsity, with many entries recorded as zeros. In differential abundance analysis, the presence of excessive zeros in data violates distributional assumptions and creates ties, leading to an increased risk of type I errors and reduced statistical power. To address this, we developed a novel normalization method, called CAMP, for microbiome data by treating zeros as censored observations, transforming raw read counts into tie-free time-to-event-like data. This enables the use of survival analysis techniques, like the Cox proportional hazards model, for differential abundance analysis. Extensive simulations demonstrate that CAMP achieves proper type I error control and high power. Applying CAMP to a human gut microbiome dataset, we identify 60 new differentially abundant taxa across geographic locations, showcasing its usefulness. CAMP over-comes sparsity challenges, enabling improved statistical analysis and providing valuable insights into microbiome data in various contexts.