bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unintended Consequences: Risk of Opportunistic Infections Associated With Long-term Glucocorticoid Therapies in Adults
Authors: Chastain Daniel B , Spradlin Megan , Ahmad Hiba , Henao-Martínez Andrés F 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Glucocorticoids are widespread anti-inflammatory medications used in medical practice. The immunosuppressive effects of systemic glucocorticoids and increased susceptibility to infections are widely appreciated. However, the dose-dependent model frequently used may not accurately predict the risk of infection in all patients treated with long-term glucocorticoids. In this review, we examine the risks of opportunistic infections (OIs) in patients requiring glucocorticoid therapy by evaluating the influence of the glucocorticoid dose, duration, and potency, combined with biological and host clinical factors and concomitant immunosuppressive therapy. We propose strategies to prevent OIs, which involve screening, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and immunizations. While this review focuses on patients with autoimmune, inflammatory, or neoplastic diseases, the potential risks and preventative strategies are likely applicable to other populations. Clinicians should actively assess the benefit–harm ratios of systemic glucocorticoids and implement preventive efforts to decrease their associated infections complications.
Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab (Evusheld) as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for COVID-19 in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Propensity Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Desai Aakash , Hashash Jana G , Kochhar Gursimran S , Farraye Francis A 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Tixagevimab and cilgavimab (Evusheld) are 2 fully human monoclonal antibodies that received emergency-use authorization on December 21, 2021, for pre-exposure prophylaxis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients who are moderate–severely immunocompromised. The real-world efficacy of Evusheld in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not known.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX, a multi-institutional database in patients with IBD who received Evusheld compared to patients with IBD who did not receive Evusheld (12.1.2021–10.28.2022). The primary outcome was to assess the risk of COVID-19 within 6 months. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for demographic parameters, comorbid conditions, IBD medications, and history of COVID-19. Risk was expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
Four hundred and eight patients (0.19%) with IBD received Evusheld (mean age 58.6 ± 15.4 years old, female 47.7%) during the study period. After PSM, there was no difference in the risk (aOR 0.88, 95% CI, 0.33–2.35) of COVID-19 in the Evusheld cohort compared to the IBD control cohort. No patients required ICU care or intubation/respiratory support or were deceased in the Evusheld cohort.

Conclusions
Our study did not show that Evusheld decreases the risk of COVID-19 in patients with IBD. Prevention of moderate–severe COVID-19 in these patients should focus on vaccination strategies and early COVID-19 therapies.
The Mortality Effects of Winter Heating Prices
Authors: Chirakijja Janjala , Jayachandran Seema , Ong Pinchuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This paper examines how the price of home heating affects mortality in the United States. Exposure to cold is one reason that mortality peaks in winter, and a higher heating price increases exposure to cold by reducing heating use. Our empirical approach combines spatial variation in the energy source used for home heating and temporal variation in the national prices of natural gas and electricity. We find that a lower heating price reduces winter mortality, driven mostly by cardiovascular and respiratory causes. Our estimates imply that the 42% drop in the natural gas price in the late 2000s, mostly driven by the shale gas boom, averted 12,500 deaths per year in the United States. The effect appears to be especially large in high-poverty communities.
The association between use of ambient voice technology documentation during primary care patient encounters, documentation burden, and provider burnout
Authors: Owens Lance M , Wilda Joshua J , Hahn Peter Y , Koehler Tracy , Fletcher Jeffrey J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
The burden of documentation in the electronic medical record has been cited as a major factor in provider burnout. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between ambient voice technology, coupled with natural language processing and artificial intelligence (DAX™), on primary care provider documentation burden and burnout.

Methods
An observational study of 110 primary care providers within a community teaching health system. The primary objectives were to determine the association between DAX™ usage and provider burnout scores on the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) as well as the effect on documentation time per patient encounter (minutes).

Results
The completion rate for the survey was 75% (83/110) and high DAX™ use (&gt;60% of encounters) was seen in 28% of providers (23/83). High DAX™ use was associated with significantly less burnout on the OLBI disengagement sub-score (MD [Mean Difference] −2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.8 to −0.4) but not the OLBI disengagement sub-score (−1.0; 95% CI −2.9 to 1.0) or total score (MD −3.0; 95% CI −6.4 to 0.3). Nineteen providers with high implementation of DAX™ had pre and postimplementation data on documentation time per encounter. After DAX™ implementation average documentation time in notes per encounter was significantly reduced by 28.8% (1.8 min; 95% CI 1.4–2.2).

Conclusions
The use of ambient voice technology during patient encounters was associated with significantly reduced documentation burden and primary care provider disengagement but not total provider burnout scores.
Multidisciplinary Inflammatory Bowel Disease Conference: The Impact of the Expert Pathologist on Patient Care
Authors: Kim Seo Hyun , Buhle Anna , Roberts Abra , Singh Neha , Mir Adil , Kesar Varun , Lozano Alicia , Ji Wenyan , Hanlon Alexandra , Grider Douglas 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Multidisciplinary teams (MDT) aid the diagnosis and management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and improve patient outcomes. The direct impact of a gastrointestinal expert pathologist on MDT care of IBD patients is unknown.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted evaluating all cases (N = 289) discussed at the IBD MDT conference at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital from June 1, 2013, through December 31, 2019. Cases were discussed between 1 and 6 times at the conference. Data collected included demographics, diagnosis before and after conference, reason for diagnostic change, endoscopy findings, medications, surgeries, and clinical follow-up.

Results
Approximately 15% to 42% of patients had a change in diagnosis after the first 3 conferences. The majority of diagnostic changes after the first (84%), second (73%), and third (67%) conferences were due to expert pathologist interpretation. Indeterminate colitis was the most frequently changed diagnosis, and Crohn’s disease was the most common new diagnosis after conference. Among patients with a diagnostic change, 28.6% to 38.5% of patients had a change in their IBD medication regimen, and 7.7% to 10.9% had a surgical intervention after the first 2 conferences. Approximately 54.2% to 60% of patients reported clinical improvement or remission within 6 months of the first 3 conferences.

Conclusion
The majority of diagnostic changes made at the multidisciplinary IBD conference were due to histopathologic re-interpretation. A change in diagnosis at times led to significant modifications in medical or surgical management. An expert gastrointestinal pathologist is an essential MDT member for IBD management.
Targeted Probiotics Against Bacterial-Fungal Biofilms: A New Concept Seems to Bring Us Closer to Microbiome-modulating Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Sitkin Stanislav , Pokrotnieks Juris 
Published: September 2023

Lay Summary
This article describes the concept of microbiome-modulating therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases using targeted probiotics. A designed probiotic composition is discussed as an example, the targets for which are polymicrobial bacterial-fungal biofilms specific for Crohn’s disease.
Milstein schemes and antithetic multilevel Monte Carlo sampling for delay McKean–Vlasov equations and interacting particle systems
Authors: Bao Jianhai , Reisinger Christoph , Ren Panpan , Stockinger Wolfgang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we first derive Milstein schemes for an interacting particle system associated with point delay McKean–Vlasov stochastic differential equations, possibly with a drift term exhibiting super-linear growth in the state component. We prove strong convergence of order one and moment stability, making use of techniques from variational calculus on the space of probability measures with finite second-order moments. Then, we introduce an antithetic multilevel Milstein scheme, which leads to optimal complexity estimators for expected functionals of solutions to delay McKean–Vlasov equations without the need to simulate Lévy areas.
Predictors of users’ adherence to a fully automated digital intervention to manage insomnia complaints
Authors: Sanchez-Ortuno Maria Montserrat , Pecune Florian , Coelho Julien , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean Arthur , Salles Nathalie , Auriacombe Marc , Serre Fuschia , Levavasseur Yannick , de Sevin Etienne , Sagaspe Patricia , Philip Pierre 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective
Fully automated digital interventions show promise for disseminating evidence-based strategies to manage insomnia complaints. However, an important concept often overlooked concerns the extent to which users adopt the recommendations provided in these programs into their daily lives. Our objectives were evaluating users’ adherence to the behavioral recommendations provided by an app, and exploring whether users’ perceptions of the app had an impact on their adherence behavior.

Material and methods
Case series study of individuals completing a fully automated insomnia management program, conducted by a virtual agent, during December 2020 to September 2022. Primary outcome was self-reported adherence to the behavioral recommendations provided. Perceptions of the app and of the virtual agent were measured with the Acceptability E-Scale and ECA-Trust Questionnaire. Insomnia was evaluated with the Insomnia Severity Index at baseline (phase 1), after 7 days of sleep monitoring (phase 2) and post-intervention (phase 3).

Results
A total of 824 users were included, 62.7% female, mean age 51.85 (±12.55) years. Of them, 32.7% reported having followed at least one recommendation. Users’ trust in the virtual agent and acceptance of the app were related to a pre-intervention effect in insomnia severity (phase 2). In turn, larger pre-intervention improvements predicted better adherence. Mediational analyses showed that higher levels of trust in the virtual agent and better acceptance of the app exerted statistically significant positive effects on adherence (β = 0.007, 95% CI, 0.001-0.017 and β = 0.003, 95% CI 0.0004-0.008, respectively).

Discussion
Users’ adherence is motivated by positive perceptions of the app’s features and pre-intervention improvements.

Conclusions
Determinants of adherence should be assessed, and targeted, to increase the impact of fully automated digital interventions.
Validation of an Innovative Chromatographic Method for Hypericin Quantification in Nanostructured Lipid Carriers
Authors: de Araújo Patricia Rocha , Sato Mariana Rillo , Luiz Marcela Tavares , Chorilli Marlus 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Hypericin (HYP) is a natural compound widely used as a food supplement. The encapsulation of HYP into nanosystems, such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), is a promising strategy for delivering this lipophilic molecule and protecting it from degradation.

Objective
This study aims to develop and validate an analytical method to quantify the encapsulation efficiency of HYP in NLC.

Method
A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guide Q2 (R1). NLC was prepared through the ultrasonication method, and HYP encapsulation efficiency was evaluated using the validated method.

Results
Separation was achieved using an isocratic mobile phase composed of acetonitrile, methanol, and ammonium acetate buffer (10 mM, pH 5.0) (54:36:10, v/v/v) and a reverse stationary phase. The specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness of the method were assessed and confirmed during the validation. Furthermore, the validated method was able to determine the encapsulation efficiency of HYP in NLC.

Conclusions
The HPLC method was validated, and the results indicated the ability of NLC to deliver HYP compounds for further application as a food supplement.

Highlights
HYP is used as a food supplement and for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The developed method was specific, linear, precise, accurate, and robust. NLCs showed a high ability to encapsulate HYP.
Impact of methemoglobin on carboxyhemoglobin saturation measurement in fatal sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite cases
Authors: Desrosiers Nathalie A , Chow Betty L.C 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
An increase in suicide cases by sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite ingestion has been noted in the scientific literature. We report on the possible impact of nitrate/nitrite-caused methemoglobinemia on carboxyhemoglobin measurement by spectrophotometric methods. Elevated methemoglobin saturation may result in insufficient reducing agents to convert methemoglobin into deoxygenated hemoglobin, affecting the measured total hemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin saturation. We highlight four cases where the cause of death was attributed to sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite ingestion. The possible impact of the nitrate/nitrite-caused methemoglobinemia on the carboxyhemoglobin saturation as measured by spectrophotometry is discussed. Further studies are needed to identify a causal relationship between nitrate/nitrite-caused methemoglobinemia and carboxyhemoglobin saturation as measured by spectrophotometric methods.
More than Lack of Capacity: Active Impunity in Mexico
Authors: Anaya-Muñoz Alejandro , Cruz-Marín Patricia , Cavallaro James 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Mexico faces a severe crisis of violations of physical integrity rights. In the past fifteen years, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, over one hundred thousand have disappeared, and torture continues to be widespread. Observers emphasize the role of impunity as a critical causal factor. Negligence and lack of capacity have been considered as causes of impunity. This article elaborates the role of ‘active impunity’, understood as the deliberate efforts by investigative authorities to undermine criminal investigations on cases of human rights violations. Observing 12 cases of violations of physical integrity rights in Mexico, occurring between 2008 and 2021 in seven states of the country, the article shows that active impunity takes place and identifies some of the mechanism through which it is produced.
Potential Benefits of Expanded Palivizumab in American Indian Children Under the Age of 2 Years
Authors: Close Ryan M , Palmer Alvin S , McAuley James B 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections disparately impact American Indian communities. We implemented a program that expanded palivizumab to all children under 2 years of age that led to significant reductions in RSV infections and hospitalizations for both high-risk and non-high-risk recipients in a rural American Indian community in Eastern Arizona.
A mass conundrum
Authors: Kendric Tan Jun Guang , Thomas Sabu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A 30-year-old female presented to a rural hospital in Western Australia complaining of generalized abdominal pain and symptoms of partial bowel obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) showed a radiological ‘whirl’ sign, with images 4 years apart demonstrating interval progression. Given our patient’s past history with miliary tuberculosis, we performed a diagnostic laparotomy which confirmed omental torsion. We report a case of surgically and pathologically proven chronic secondary omental torsion presenting with partial bowel obstruction, and showcase rarely seen interval progression on CT.
Different higher order kinematics between star-forming and quiescent galaxies based on the SAMI, MAGPI, and LEGA-C surveys
Authors: D’Eugenio Francesco , van der Wel Arjen , Derkenne Caro , van Houdt Josha , Bezanson Rachel , Taylor Edward N , van de Sande Jesse , Baker William M , Bell Eric F , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Bluck Asa F L , Brough Sarah , Bryant Julia J , Colless Matthew , Cortese Luca , Croom Scott M , van Dokkum Pieter , Fisher Deanne , Foster Caroline , Fraser-McKelvie Amelia , Gallazzi Anna , de Graaff Anna , Groves Brent , del P. Lagos Claudia , Looser Tobias J , Maiolino Roberto , Maseda Michael , Mendel J Trevor , Nersesian Angelos , Pacifici Camilla , Piotrowska Joanna M , Poci Adriano , Remus Rhea-Silvia , Sharma Gauri , Sweet Sarah M , Thater Sabine , Tran Kim-Vy , Übler Hannah , Valenzuela Lucas M , Wisnioski Emily , Zibetti Stefano 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
We present the first statistical study of spatially integrated non-Gaussian stellar kinematics spanning 7 Gyr in cosmic time. We use deep, rest-frame optical spectroscopy of massive galaxies (stellar mass $M_\star \gt 10^{10.5} \, \mathrm{M_\odot }$) at redshifts z = 0.05, 0.3, and 0.8 from the SAMI, MAGPI, and LEGA-C surveys, to measure the excess kurtosis h4 of the stellar velocity distribution, the latter parametrized as a Gauss–Hermite series. We find that at all redshifts where we have large enough samples, h4 anticorrelates with the ratio between rotation and dispersion, highlighting the physical connection between these two kinematic observables. In addition, and independently from the anticorrelation with rotation-to-dispersion ratio, we also find a correlation between h4 and M⋆, potentially connected to the assembly history of galaxies. In contrast, after controlling for mass, we find no evidence of independent correlation between h4 and aperture velocity dispersion or galaxy size. These results hold for both star-forming and quiescent galaxies. For quiescent galaxies, h4 also correlates with projected shape, even after controlling for the rotation-to-dispersion ratio. At any given redshift, star-forming galaxies have lower h4 compared to quiescent galaxies, highlighting the link between kinematic structure and star-forming activity.
Testing the planetary hypothesis of NY Virginis: anticipated change in the eclipse timing trend within the next five years
Authors: Esmer Ekrem Murat , Baştürk Özgür , Selam Selim Osman 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Regarding the recent debate about the potential circumbinary exoplanets around NY Virginis (NY Vir), we analysed mid-eclipse timings of NY Vir using archival photometric data as well as our own observations and the ones from TESS. For this purpose, we first modelled the available eclipse light curves of the binary system to determine the masses of the stars. Then, we measured mid-eclipse times by fitting the light-curve model cycle-to-cycle to the light curves from TESS and our observations. By fitting a Newtonian eclipse timing model to the data, which takes both the light-time effect and potential mutual gravitational interactions into account, we derived orbital parameters and masses of the potential circumbinary planets assuming both eccentric and circular orbits. The models without a quadratic term that can model any possible secular trend, converged to comparable results. Dynamical stability tests show that our Newtonian timing solution corresponds to stable orbital configurations for two circumbinary planets with masses ∼2.3 and ∼4.0 MJup in orbits with very low eccentricity. Our analyses show that the addition of quadratic term for modelling the eclipse timing variation may induce the planetary orbits to be eccentric, hence more likely to be unstable. According to our findings, an upward trend in the eclipse timings followed by a downward one within the next five years is expected due to binary motion induced by circumbinary planets.
Modelling of the multitransition periodic flaring in G9.62+0.20E
Authors: Rajabi F , Houde M , MacLeod G C , Goedhart S , Tanabe Y , van den Heever S P , Wyenberg C M , Yonekura Y 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
We present detailed modelling of periodic flaring events in the 6.7 GHz and 12.2 GHz methanol lines as well as the OH 1665 MHz and 1667 MHz transitions observed in the G9.62+0.20E star-forming region. Our analysis is performed within the framework of the one-dimensional Maxwell–Bloch equations, which intrinsically cover the complementary quasi-steady state maser and transient superradiance regimes. We find that the variations in flaring time-scales measured for the different species/transitions, and sometimes even for a single spectral line, are manifestations of and are best modelled with Dicke’s superradiance, which naturally accounts for a modulation in the duration of flares through corresponding changes in the inversion pump. In particular, it can explain the peculiar behaviour observed for some features, such as the previously published result for the OH 1667 MHz transition at vlsr = +1.7 km s−1 as well as the methanol 6.7 GHz line at vlsr = −1.8 km s−1, through a partial quenching of the population inversion during flaring events.
Inhibition of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay reduces the tumorigenicity of human fibrosarcoma cells
Authors: Nasif Sofia , Colombo Martino , Uldry Anne-Christine , Schröder Markus S , de Brot Simone , Mühlemann Oliver 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a eukaryotic RNA decay pathway with roles in cellular stress responses, differentiation, and viral defense. It functions in both quality control and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. NMD has also emerged as a modulator of cancer progression, although available evidence supports both a tumor suppressor and a pro-tumorigenic role, depending on the model. To further investigate the role of NMD in cancer, we knocked out the NMD factor SMG7 in the HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line, resulting in suppression of NMD function. We then compared the oncogenic properties of the parental cell line, the SMG7-knockout, and a rescue cell line in which we re-introduced both isoforms of SMG7. We also tested the effect of a drug inhibiting the NMD factor SMG1 to distinguish NMD-dependent effects from putative NMD-independent functions of SMG7. Using cell-based assays and a mouse xenograft tumor model, we showed that suppression of NMD function severely compromises the oncogenic phenotype. Molecular pathway analysis revealed that NMD suppression strongly reduces matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) expression and that MMP9 re-expression partially rescues the oncogenic phenotype. Since MMP9 promotes cancer cell migration and invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, its downregulation may contribute to the reduced tumorigenicity of NMD-suppressed cells. Collectively, our results highlight the potential value of NMD inhibition as a therapeutic approach.