bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Review of Outcomes and Complications after Infant Ear Molding at a Single Institution
Authors: Sayadi Jamasb J. , Arora Jagmeet S. , Chattopadhyay Arhana , Hopkins Elena , Quiter Alison , Khosla Rohit K. 
Published: August 2023

Background:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes and complications associated with infant ear molding at a single institution.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective chart review of all infants who underwent ear molding using the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System with pediatric plastic surgery from October 2010 to March 2021. Types of ear anomalies, age at initiation, duration of treatment, gaps in treatment, comorbidities, and complications were extracted for included patients. The primary outcomes assessed were degree of ear anomaly correction and incidence of skin complications. Parents were also sent a questionnaire regarding their long-term satisfaction with the ear molding treatment process.

Results:
A total of 184 ears of 114 patients meeting inclusion criteria were treated during the study period. Mean age at treatment initiation was 21 days, and average duration of treatment was 40 days. Helical rim deformities (N = 50 ears) and lop ear (N = 40 ears) were the most common anomalies. A total of 181 ears (98.4%) achieved either a complete (N = 125 ears, 67.9%) or partial correction (N = 56 ears, 30.4%). The most common complications were eczematous dermatitis (N = 27 occurrences among 25 ears, 13.6%) and pressure ulcers (N = 23 occurrences among 21 ears, 12.5%). Infants who experienced a complication were 3.36 times more likely to achieve partial relative to complete correction (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval 1.66–6.81).

Conclusion:
Ear molding is an effective treatment strategy for infant ear anomalies, with most patients achieving complete correction.
Posttraumatic Penile Replantation with Minimal Skin Necrosis
Authors: Veeramani Anamika , Hwang Charles D. , Gardenier Jason C. , Fruge Seth E. , Khouri Kimberly S. , Ehret Ashley L. , Vieira Brittany L. , Buta Martin R. , Cetrulo Curtis L. 
Published: August 2023

Summary:
Penile amputation is a surgical emergency where practical and timely perioperative management is crucial for ensuring a successful outcome. Tenuous viability of penile and scrotal skin has been well described in the literature, with a putative mechanism attributed to the transection of distal branches of the external pudendal artery. Although the perforasomes critical to penile replantation have been debated, this case report details a patient who successfully recovered sensation and function with minimal necrosis after penile replantation. Surgically, this was facilitated by intentional drain placement, aggressive debridement beyond the zone of injury, and planned redundancies with dorsal artery/vein anastomoses via interposition grafts of the dorsal penile vessels alone.
The Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap for Devastating Hand Injuries in Obese Patients
Authors: Jain Nirbhay S. , Bingham Elijah , Goldberg Mytien 
Published: August 2023

Introduction
Blast injuries to the hand, such as those from fireworks, are debilitating and life altering. Often, because of the nature of the injury, there is a need for soft tissue and skin coverage. However, in the increasingly obese American population, free flaps often are too bulky for functional hand coverage. In this study, we present a series of 7 patients who underwent the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap for upper extremity reconstruction with improvement in cosmesis, including a primarily repaired donor site, as well as an overwhelmingly high return to work with minimal revision surgery necessary.

Methods
All patients who underwent a SCIP for hand injuries from a blast were included. Flaps were harvested based on previously described methods. A single attending surgeon performed all surgeries. All patients were followed for at least 6 months. Preoperative and postoperative characteristics were described.

Results
A total of 7 patients were included in this study. Ages ranged from 16 to 58 years and body mass index from 19 to 48 kg/m2. More than half of the patients had a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2. All donor sites were primarily closed. Five patients returned to their preinjury work. Three patients had neurotized flaps with return of protective sensation. Three patients required revision surgery; all 3 had liposuction, and 1 had additional flap advancement surgery.

Conclusion
The SCIP flap is a versatile flap that can be used in hand reconstruction in blast injuries with good functional outcome and improved cosmesis compared with other perforator flaps for the upper extremity.
A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Purposeful and Stimulating Volunteer Opportunity
Authors: Piette John D. , Hampstead Benjamin M. , Marinec Nicolle , Chen Jenny , Roberts J. Scott 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Purposeful social interactions are important for healthy aging. We conducted a pilot trial of SPEAK! (Seniors Promoting English Acquisition and Knowledge), an intervention providing older volunteers with a safe, accessible opportunity to converse via webcam with English-language learners.

Methods:
A neurologically mixed sample of older adults was randomized to 8 weekly, webcam conversations with English-language learners or a waitlist control. Outcomes included the Cognitive Change Index (CCI) and surveys of program satisfaction. Here, we report on session completion, intervention satisfaction, and follow-up CCI scores. Exploratory analyses of CCI intervention effects controlled for baseline CCI scores and the interaction between group and baseline CCI.

Results:
Participants (N=38) were on average 70.8 years of age, 28/38 were White, and 16/38 demonstrated possible cognitive impairment on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Pairs completed 115/136 sessions (85%) and all volunteers said they would recommend the program. Controlling for the interaction between baseline CCI and randomization group, SPEAK! volunteers had better follow-up CCI scores than controls (P=0.018). Improvements in CCI were greater among participants with fewer baseline memory problems.

Conclusions:
SPEAK! was feasible and appreciated by older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Larger studies should confirm benefits for memory and other determinants of quality of life.
Multiple synchronous spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: A systematic literature review
Authors: Ikeuchi Yusuke , Fujita Atsushi , Kohta Masaaki , Yamanishi Shunsuke , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Sasayama Takashi 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundMultiple spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are rare and account for only 1–2% of all SDAVF cases. The treatment for SDAVFs typically involves either direct surgy or endovascular treatment. Identifying the precise location of all fistulas is paramount for successful treatment procedures when multiple SDAVFs are present. They can be classified as synchronous (occurring simultaneously) or metachronous (occurring at different times), with each type differing with respect to etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. This study systematically reviewed the literature on multiple synchronous SDAVFs.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed to identify all published multiple synchronous SDAVF cases. Overall, 23 patients with multiple SDAVFs were identified, including 21 from 19 articles and 2 from this study. Clinical presentation, lesion location, radiographic features, surgical treatment, and outcome were analyzed in each patient.ResultsAll patients in this study were male individuals, and the duration from symptom onset to diagnosis in many of these patients was longer than that previously reported. Previous studies suggested that multiple SDAVFs typically occurred within three of fewer vertebral levels. However, >50% of examined patients had remote lesions separated by more than three vertebral levels. Patients with remote lesions had a significantly worse outcome (1/7 vs. 8/11, P=0.049). Therefore, accurate localization of fistulas before spinal angiography is critical for managing multiple remote SDAVFs.ConclusionsConsidering the possibility of multiple remote SDAVFs, careful interpretation of imaging findings is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.KEY MESSAGESWhat is already known on this topicMultiple spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) can be classified as synchronous (occurring simultaneously) or metachronous (occurring at different times), and they differ in etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the differences between two conditions need to be better clarified.What this study addsPatients with remote SDAVFs tended to receive more treatments and had worse prognosis than those with non-remote SDAVFs. Therefore, correct localization of fistulas before spinal angiography is essential for managing multiple remote SDAVFs.How this study might affect research, practice or policyMultiple remote SDAVFs may occur in patients; therefore, careful interpretation of imaging results is critical for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals with Methamphetamine Use History from Communities in Sichuan: A Pilot RCT
Authors: Shen Danlin , Jiao Jianping , Zhang Liqun , Liu Yanru , Liu Xiang , Li Yuanhui , Zhang Tianjiao , Li Dai , Hao Wei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDCognitive bias modification (CBM) programs have shown promise in treating psychiatric conditions, but they can be perceived as boring and repetitive. Incorporating gamified designs and adaptive algorithms in CBM training may address this issue and enhance engagement and effectiveness.OBJECTIVETo gather preliminary data and assess the preliminary efficacy of an adaptive approach bias modification (A-ApBM) paradigm in reducing cue-induced craving in individuals with methamphetamine use history.METHODSA randomized controlled trial with three arms was conducted. Individuals aged 18-60 with methamphetamine dependence and at least one year of methamphetamine use were recruited from 12 community-based rehabilitation centers in Sichuan, China. Individuals with inability to fluently operate a smartphone and/or the presence of mental health conditions other than methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) were excluded. A-ApBM group engaged in ApBM training using a smartphone application for four weeks. A-ApBM used an adaptive algorithm to dynamically adjust the difficulty level based on individual performance. Cue-induced craving scores and relapse were assessed using a visual analog scale at baseline, post-intervention, and at week-16 follow-up.RESULTSA total of 136 participants were recruited and randomized: 48 were randomized to the A-ApBM group, 48 were randomized to the S-ApBM group, and 40 were randomized to the no-intervention control group. The A-ApBM group showed a significant reduction in cue-induced craving scores at post-intervention compared to baseline (Cohen’s d = 0.34, p < 0.01, 95% CI = [0.03,0.54]). The reduction remained significant at the week-16 follow-up (Cohen’s d = 0.40, p= 0.01, 95% CI = [0.18,0.57]). No significant changes were observed in the S-ApBM and control groups.CONCLUSIONThe adaptive ApBM paradigm with gamified designs and dynamic difficulty adjustments may be an effective intervention for reducing cue-induced craving in individuals with methamphetamine use history. This approach improves engagement and personalization, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of CBM programs. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the application of adaptive ApBM in other psychiatric conditions.TRIAL REGISTRATIONRegistered atclinicaltrials.gov(IDNCT05794438).
A Causal Inference of the Effect of Vaccination on COVID-19 Disease Severity and Need for Intensive Care Unit Admission Among Hospitalized Patients in an African Setting
Authors: Belayneh Eskedar Kebede , Leulseged Tigist Workneh , Teklu Blen Solomon , Tewodros Bersabel Hilawi , Megiso Muluken Zeleke , Weldesenbet Edengenet Solomon , Berhanu Mefthe Fikru , Shaweno Yohannes Shiferaw , Hailu Kirubel Tesfaye 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is a respiratory illness that has spread to over 210 countries and killed over 6 million people. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but vaccines have been developed that can help prevent severe illness and death. A number of studies have investigated the effect of vaccination on disease severity and outcome, and the findings indicate that vaccination is linked to a significant reduction in the risk of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and death from the disease. However, there is a scarcity of evidence in Africa in general, and no similar study has been conducted in Ethiopia yet. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the effect of vaccination on COVID-19 disease severity and need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission among hospitalized patients at a private specialty clinic in Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among 126 patients with COVID-19, 41 vaccinated and 85 unvaccinated, who were hospitalized between September 2021 and May 2022. Data was summarized using frequency (percentage) and median (interquartile range). To compare the characteristics of the two groups, Chi-square/ Fisher’s Exact and Mann Whitney U tests at p-value of ≤ 0.05 were used. To identify the effect of vaccination on COVID-19 disease severity, Marginal Structural Model (MSM) with inverse probability weighting (IPW) approach using robust poisson regression model was fitted and adjusted relative risk (ARR) and 95% CI for ARR were used for interpreting the result.ResultsThe cohort included groups that were fairly comparable in terms of their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. More than half of the participants were older than 60 years (52.4%), were males (56.3%) and had one or more comorbid illness (52.4%). At admission 85 (67.5%) had severe disease and 11 (8.7%) progressed after hospitalization and required ICU admission, of which three unvaccinated cases died. From the final model, vaccination was found to be associated with a 62% decreased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease if infected, compared to not getting vaccinated (ARR=0.38, 95% CI=0.23-0.65, p<0.0001).ConclusionsThe study’s findings support previous reports that vaccinated people are less likely to develop severe COVID-19 disease if infected with the virus, emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to promote COVID-19 vaccination not only to safeguard individuals but also to confer community-level immunity.
Incidence of CKD and Death among Reproductive Age Women with Dialysis Requiring Acute Kidney Injury in Ethiopia: The Role of Obstetric Risk Factors
Authors: Lemma Ayantu Tesfaye , Leulseged Tigist Workneh , Lechebo Tsion Andrias , Osman Sisima kornelios , Mamo Delayehu Bekele 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundObstetric risk factors are among the leading preventable causes of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in hospitalized reproductive age women. Obstetric-related AKI (ORAKI) has been linked to a significant increase in the overall burden of AKI in resource-constrained settings, resulting in poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. As a result, understanding the impact of these factors on the progression of AKI is critical for a positive outcome. The study sought to determine the incidence of CKD and death, and the effect of obstetric risk factors on these outcomes among reproductive age women with dialysis requiring AKI at the national renal transplant center in Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on 127 AKI cases (57 ORAKI and 70 None-ORAKI) who were on dialysis at the center from January 2018 to June 2020. A posthoc power analysis was calculated using G*Power 3.19.4. Data characterization and comparison was made using frequencies with percentages, median with interquartile range, chi-square test/ Fischer’s exact test and Mann-Whitney U test. A Robust Poisson regression model was used to identify factors that influence the progression of AKI to CKD and death, with Adjusted Relative Risk (ARR), 95% CIs for ARR, and P-values reported for result interpretation.ResultsThe overall incidence rate (IR) of CKD was 5.4 per 1000 Person-days (PD) (ORAKI group=0 and None-ORAKI group= 9.7 per 1000 PD) and the overall incidence rate of death was 7.8 per 1000 PD (ORAKI group=5.5 per 1000 PD and None-ORAKI group= 9.7 per 1000 PD). According to the multivariable regression analysis, participants with ORAKI had a 22% lower risk of progression to CKD or death than those with None-ORAKI (ARR=0.78, 95%CI=0.67-0.90, p=0.001).ConclusionsAlthough having obstetric related risk factors has been linked to an increased risk of developing AKI, once it occurs, those with ORAKI have a significantly better prognosis than those with None-ORAKI. Continued efforts to prevent AKI in pregnant women and to slow its progression once it has developed are critical for a better maternal and fetal outcome.
Prolonged Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients without Revascularization: Results from a China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) registry study
Authors: Huang Cunrong , Yang Jingang , Li Ling , He Shenghu , Zhang Xuxia , Xu Haiyan , Wu Yuan , Zhang Jun , Qiao Shubin , Wu Yongjian , Zhao Yanyan , Wang Yang , Li Wei , Jin Chen , Gao Xiaojin , Yang Yuejin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundAt least 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is one of the standards of care following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, study on prolonged DAPT for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients without revascularization is limited.MethodsWe studied 1744 AMI patients without revascularization from the China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry between January 2013 and September 2014. These patients were on DAPT and did not experience AMI, stroke, or bleeding events at 12-month follow-up. We divided them into two groups: 12-month DAPT group (DAPT for at least 12 months but less than 18 months) and 18-month DAPT group (DAPT for at least 18 months). The primary outcome is 24-month all-cause death.ResultsOverall, 1221 (70.0%) patients took DAPT for ≥12 months but <18 months, while 523 (30.0%) patients took DAPT for ≥18 months. The two groups had comparable proportions with high ischemic risk (27.0% vs. 25.6%, P = 0.5418), as well as high bleeding risk (29.0% vs. 28.5%, P = 0.8316). At 24 months, the all-cause mortality rate of 18-month DAPT group was significantly lower than that for 12-month DAPT group (3.7% vs 5.9%, P = 0.0471). Adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause death also showed statistical significance (0.59, 95% CI: 0.35-0.99, P = 0.0444).ConclusionsDAPT for at least 18 months was associated with lower 24-month mortality for non-revascularization AMI patients without events within 12 months after onset.
TheLegionellaautoinducer LAI-1 is delivered by outer membrane vesicles to promote inter-bacterial and inter-kingdom signaling
Authors: Fan Mingzhen , Kiefer Patrick , Charki Paul , Hedberg Christian , Seibel Jürgen , Vorholt Julia A. , Hilbi Hubert 
Published: August 2023

SummaryLegionella pneumophilais an environmental bacterium, which replicates in amoeba but also in macrophages, and causes a life-threatening pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. The opportunistic pathogen employs the α-hydroxyketone compound LAI-1 (Legionellaautoinducer-1) for intra-species and inter-kingdom signaling. LAI-1 is produced by the autoinducer synthase LqsA, but it is not known, how LAI-1 is released by the pathogen. Here, we use aV. choleraeluminescence reporter strain and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to detect bacteria-produced and synthetic LAI-1. Ectopic production of LqsA inE. coligenerated LAI-1, which partitions to outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), and slightly reduces OMV size. TheseE. coliOMVs trigger luminescence of theV. choleraereporter strain and inhibit the migration ofDictyostelium discoideumamoeba. Overexpression oflqsAinL. pneumophilaunder the control of strong stationary phase promoters (PflaAor P6SRNA), but not under control of its endogenous promoter (PlqsA), produces LAI-1, which is detected in purified OMVs. TheseL. pneumophilaOMVs trigger luminescence of theVibrioreporter strain and inhibitD. discoideummigration.L. pneumophilaOMVs are smaller upon overexpression oflqsAor upon addition of LAI-1 to growing bacteria, and therefore, LqsA affects OMV production. The overexpression oflqsAbut not a catalytically inactive mutant promotes intracellular replication ofL. pneumophilain macrophages, indicating that intracellularly produced LA1-1 modulates the interaction in favour of the pathogen. Taken together, we provide evidence thatL. pneumophilaLAI-1 is secreted through OMVs and promotes inter-bacterial communication as well as interactions with eukaryotic host cells.Originality - Significance StatementInter-kingdom signaling involving low molecular weight bacterial compounds that are detected by eukaryotic cells represents an important, yet incompletely understood aspect of pathogen-host interactions. In many cases, the small signaling molecules are produced in only little amounts, their secretion mechanism is not known, and their effects on eukaryotic host cells are barely studied. Here, we reveal that the α-hydroxyketone compound LAI-1 ofL. pneumophilais released from the bacteria by outer membrane vesicles, which promote inter-bacterial communication as well as inter-kingdom signaling.
Urolithin A induces cardioprotection and enhanced mitochondrial quality during natural aging and heart failure
Authors: Liu S. , Faitg J. , Tissot C , Konstantopoulos D. , Laws R. , Bourdier G. , Andreux P.A. , Davey T. , Singh A. , Rinsch C. , Marcinek D.J. , D’Amico D. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCardiovascular diseases remain the primary cause of global mortality, necessitating effective strategies to alleviate their burden. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a driving force behind aging and chronic conditions, including heart disease. Here, we investigate the potential of Urolithin A (UA), a gut microbiome-derived postbiotic that enhances mitophagy, to ameliorate both age-related decline in cardiac function and cardiac failure. We highlight the significance of targeting mitochondria, by comparing gene expression changes in aging human hearts and cardiomyopathies. UA oral administration successfully counteracts mitochondrial and cardiac dysfunctions in preclinical models of aging and heart failure. UA improves both systolic and diastolic heart functions, distinguishing it from other mitochondrial interventions. In cardiomyocytes, UA recovers mitochondrial ultrastructural defects and decline in mitochondrial biomarkers occurring with aging and disease. These findings extend UA’s benefits to heart health, making UA a promising nutritional intervention to evaluate in the clinic to promote healthy cardiovascular function as we age.