bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnesian Andesites from Kibblewhite Volcano in the Kermadec Arc, New Zealand
Authors: Hirai Yasuhiro , Tamura Yoshihiko , Sato Tomoki , Miyazaki Takashi , Chang Qing , Vaglarov Bogdan S , Kimura Jun-Ichi , Hoernle Kaj , Werner Reinhard , Hauff Folkmar , Timm Christian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Primary andesitic magmas could be an important component of arc magma genesis and might have played a key role in the advent of continents. Recent studies hypothesized that primary andesitic magmas occur in the oceanic arc, where the crust is thin. The Kermadec arc has the thinnest crust among all the studied oceanic arcs (&lt;15 km in thickness); however, there are no studies that corroborate the formation of primary andesitic magmas in the arc. The aim of this study is to develop a better understanding of primary andesites in oceanic arcs through the petrology of the Kermadec arc. Here, we present the petrology of volcanic rocks dredged from the Kibblewhite Volcano in the Kermadec arc during the R/V SONNE SO-255 expedition in 2017. Magma types range from andesite to rhyolite at the Kibblewhite Volcano, but basalts dominate at the neighboring cones. This study focuses on magnesian andesites from the northeastern flank of this volcano. The magnesian andesites are nearly aphyric and plagioclase free but contain microphenocrysts of olivine (Fo84–86) and clinopyroxene (Mg# = 81–87). Using olivine addition models, the primary magmas were estimated to contain 55–56 wt % SiO2 and 10–12 wt % MgO, similar to the high-Mg andesites observed in other convergent plate margins, indicating the generation of primary andesitic magma beneath the Kibblewhite Volcano. The trace element and isotopic characteristics of the magnesian andesites are typical of volcanic rocks from the Kermadec arc. This indicates that the subduction of a young plate or melting of a pyroxenitic source is not necessary to produce magnesian andesites. Instead, we propose that the magnesian andesites were produced by the direct melting of the uppermost mantle of the Kermadec arc. The thin crust of the Kermadec arc should yield low-pressure conditions in the uppermost mantle, allowing the sub-arc mantle to generate primary andesitic melts. This study supports the hypothesis that primary andesitic magmas generate in the arc where the crust is thin and provides a new insight into the magma genesis of the Kermadec arc.
The Use of Multifilament Suture for SMAS Plication in Rhytidectomy
Authors: Wahdan Wessam , El Saloussy Yasmeen 
Published: August 2023

Background:
In the public’s mind, rhytidectomy, better known as a facelift procedure, is the technique most closely associated with plastic surgery. When done correctly, it yields highly satisfactory results. The aim of our study was to retrospectively review results of our patients whose procedures were performed using the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) plication technique. Plication was performed with multifilament braided sutures, which provided a sustainable lift and satisfactory results.

Methods:
This study involves a retrospective review of 137 patients who underwent primary or secondary facelift procedures over a period of 46 months. The average patient age was 59 years, with ages ranging from 30 to 77. Patients were reviewed at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Subjective evaluation based on photographic analysis was performed pre- and postoperatively.

Results:
All cases included in this study indicated satisfaction with postoperative results on 1 year postoperative review for both the patients and performing surgeons. Four patients presented with a postoperative hematoma that required surgical intervention. One patient developed skin infection that was followed by skin necrosis. Another patient presented with wound infection that resulted in partial wound dehiscence. Both cases were managed conservatively.

Conclusions:
With the abundance of techniques directed toward the SMAS layer, it has become a pivot point for facelift procedures. This expansion in approaches places emphasis on the SMAS layer and its manipulations. The type of suture material utilized in SMAS plication is, therefore, undoubtedly essential. Our use of braided multifilament sutures for SMAS plication provided satisfactory results at 1-year postoperative review.
Surgical Delay of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Hoffman Ryan D. , Maier Mark A. , St. Hilaire Hugo , Allen Robert J. 
Published: August 2023

Summary:
Autologous reconstruction accounts for nearly one-quarter of all breast reconstruction cases in the United States, with the abdomen functioning as the most popular donor site. This case describes a 62-year-old woman who presented to our clinic with a remote history of estrogen receptor+/progesterone+ breast cancer and bilateral implant-based reconstruction. After grade IV capsular contracture of her left breast, she presented for autologous reconstruction. Due to her body habitus and prior belt lipectomy, deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction was contra-indicated. The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap is well described in the literature, and was chosen as an alternative salvage procedure to avoid latissimus harvest and the need for implants. The TDAP flap is often limited in volume and prone to distal tip necrosis, limiting its use in breast reconstruction. We have previously demonstrated the utility of the surgical delay phenomenon in improving the reliability of superficial inferior epigastric artery free flap breast reconstruction. In this case, we demonstrate the surgically delayed TDAP flap as a viable alternative to the latissimus flap with implants for bilateral total autologous breast reconstruction.
Identification of secondary metabolites containing a diketopiperazine core in extracts from myxobacterial strains with growth inhibition activity against a range of prey species
Authors: Radford Emily Jade , Whitworth David , Allison Gordon 
Published: August 2023

Myxobacteria produce a variety of bioactive secondary metabolites, and with a wealth of under-researched species they hold vast potential for undiscovered compounds. With the ever-increasing need for new antibiotics, the development of novel therapeutics is vitally important. Therefore, this study aimed to extract and elucidate antimicrobial metabolites from the following myxobacteria: Myxococcus xanthus CA010 and AB022; Corallococcus exiguus DSM14696T; Myxococcus stipitatus DSM14675T; Corallococcus aberystwythensis AB050AT. Metabolite mixtures were extracted in acetone from XAD-16 resin incubated in liquid cultures and analysed using GC-MS. Bioactivity was identified using a growth inhibition assay against a panel of clinically relevant prey species including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and a fungus. The growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis was most affected by the metabolite mixtures and the mixtures from AB022 and AB050AT were effective against the most prey. GC-MS analysis revealed metabolites with roles in synthesis and degradation of amino acids and fatty acids, but also identified compounds A and B with a diketopiperazine (DKP) core. With previously confirmed bioactivity of compound A, it is suggested that these DKP compounds are contributing to the antimicrobial activity observed. Furthermore, many compounds could not be identified and so these unknowns present further potential for novel bioactive compounds.
Antimicrobial resistance and molecular characteristics of N. gonorrhoea isolates in Ghana
Authors: Musah Haris Sualah , Addy Francis , Dufailu Osman Adamu 
Published: August 2023

Gonorrhoea is a disease associated with humans and it is caused by N. gonorrhoea. N. gonorrhoea’s ability to evolve and evade various treatment regimens can lead to untreatable Gonorrhoea disease. In the absence of a viable vaccine, national database on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and molecular characteristics of N. gonorrhoea, and the reliance on syndromic management regimes, continuous national antimicrobial resistance surveillance and molecular characterisation of N. gonorrhoea remain imperative. Only two gonococcal data describing its molecular characteristics links to AMR have been reported in Ghana.
Secondary N. gonorrhoea isolates (n=4) were collected from two metropolises in Ghana: Tamale in the northern sector (n=1), and Accra in the southern sector (n=3). The isolates were characterised using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the porB and tbpB genes, and the disk diffusion method was used to evaluate antimicrobial resistance (AMR). NG-MAST and porB gene sequence analysis was used to reveal molecular epidemiology and evolutionary trajectory, respectively.
All four isolates showed multidrug resistance to at least four antibiotics. One isolate showed resistance to all seven antibiotics including ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin. NG-MAST typing revealed isolates S3 (MZ313864) as ST211 while the locus of S2 (MZ313863) (tbpB) was identified as tbpB1844 but not its porB locus. Isolate S3 (MZ313864) is globally known while S2 (MZ313863) is not previously known.
Multidrug-resistance and previously unknown gonococcal variant was recorded. Therefore, continuous AMR and molecular surveillance in Ghana is essential to compliment the syndromic management regime.
An Evolutionary Perspective on the Genetics of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Breton Édith , Kaufmann Tobias 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAnorexia nervosa (AN) typically emerges around adolescence and predominantly affects females. Recent progress has been made in identifying biological correlates of AN, but more research is needed to pinpoint the specific mechanisms that lead to its development and maintenance. There is a known phenotypic link between AN, growth and sexual maturation, yet the genetic overlap between these phenotypes remains enigmatic. One may hypothesize that shared factors between AN, energy metabolism and reproductive functions may have been under recent evolutionary selection. Here, we characterize the genetic overlap between AN, BMI and age at menarche, and aimed to reveal recent evolutionary factors that may help explain the origin of AN. We obtained publicly available GWAS summary statistics of AN, BMI and age at menarche and studied the polygenic overlap between them. Next, we used Neandertal Selective Sweep scores to explore recent evolutionary selection. We found 22 loci overlapping between AN and BMI, and 9 loci between AN and age at menarche, with 7 of these not previously associated with AN. We found that loci associated with AN may have been under particular evolutionary dynamic. Chronobiology appeared relevant to the studied genetic overlaps and prone to recent evolutionary selection, offering a promising avenue for future research. Taken together, our findings contribute to the understanding of the genetic underpinning of AN. Ultimately, better knowledge of the biological origins of AN may help to target specific biological processes and facilitate early intervention in individuals who are most at risk.
High fibrinogen-prealbumin ratio (FPR) predicts stroke-associated pneumonia
Authors: Qiu Huihua , Luan Xiaoqian , Mei Enci 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundStroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a common complication in acute ischemic stroke patients. Although both single markers of fibrinogen and prealbumin are found to be associated with stroke and pneumonia, fibrinogen-prealbumin ratio (FPR) is a novel and comprehensive indicator that has not been explored in acute ischemic stroke patients. Besides, no study has explored the relationship between SAP and FPR. This study aims to explore whether FPR is higher in acute ischemic stroke patients and whether FPR is associated with SAP.MethodsA total of 902 acute ischemic stroke patients participated in this study. Meanwhile, 146 healthy controls were also recruited. Fibrinogen and prealbumin were measured within 24 hours on admission. FPR was calculated after dividing fibrinogen (g/L) by prealbumin (mg/L)× 1000. SAP was defined according to the modified Centers for Disease Control criteria.ResultsIn this study, 121 patients were diagnosed with SAP. FPR was significantly higher in both non-SAP patients and SAP patients than in healthy controls. In binary logistic regression analysis, we found that FPR was significantly higher in SAP group than non-SAP group (15.97[11.72-24.34] vs. 11.81[9.27-15.64]; P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. Besides, FPR (>18.22) was independently associated with SAP (OR3.028; 95% CI:1.607-5.706; P = 0.001). Moreover, diabetes mellitus, NIHSS score, dysphagia, leukocyte count and hs-CRP were independently correlated with SAP.ConclusionHigher FPR was observed in acute ischemic stroke patients compared to healthy controls and high FPR significantly increased the risk of SAP. Patients with high FPR should be paid more attention by physicians.
Protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial of STeroid Administration Routes For Idiopathic Sudden sensorineural Hearing loss: the STARFISH trial
Authors: Smith Matthew E , Knappet Rachel , Vickers Debi , White David , Schramm Chris J , Mehta Samir , Sun Yongzhong , Watkins Ben , Chadburn Marie , Jarrett Hugh , James Karen , Roberts Tracy , Bance Manohar L ,   INTEGRATE, the UK ENT Trainee Research Network, Tysome James R 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIdiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is the rapid onset of reduced hearing due to loss of function of the inner ear or hearing nerve of unknown aetiology. Evidence supports improved hearing recovery with early steroid treatment, via oral, intravenous, intratympanic or a combination of routes. The STARFISH trial aims to identify the most clinically and cost-effective route of administration of steroids as first-line treatment for ISSNHL.STARFISH is a pragmatic, multicentre, assessor-blinded, three-arm intervention, superiority randomised controlled trial (1:1:1) with an internal pilot (ISRCTN10535105, IRAS 1004878). 525 participants with ISSNHL will be recruited from approximately 75 UK Ear, Nose and Throat units.STARFISH will recruit adults with sensorineural hearing loss averaging 30dBHL or greater across three contiguous frequencies (confirmed via pure tone audiogram), with onset over a ≤3-day period, within four weeks of randomisation. Participants will be randomised to 1) oral prednisolone 1mg/Kg/day up to 60mg/day for 7 days; 2) intratympanic dexamethasone: three intratympanic injections 3.3mg/ml or 3.8mg/ml spaced 7±2 days apart; or 3) combined oral and intratympanic steroids.The primary outcome will be absolute improvement in pure tone audiogram average at 12- weeks following randomisation (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0kHz). Secondary outcomes at 6 and 12 weeks will include: Speech, Spatial and Qualities of hearing scale, high frequency pure tone average thresholds (4.0, 6.0 and 8.0kHz), Arthur Boothroyd speech test, Vestibular Rehabilitation Benefit Questionnaire, Tinnitus Functional Index, adverse events and optional weekly online speech and pure tone hearing tests.A health economic assessment will be performed, and presented in terms of incremental cost effectiveness ratios, and cost per quality-adjusted life-year.Primary analyses will be by intention-to-treat. Oral prednisolone will be the reference. For the primary outcome, the difference between group means and 97.5% confidence intervals at each time-point will be estimated via a repeated measures mixed-effects linear regression model.
New manual qPCR assay validated on tongue swabs collected and processed in Uganda shows sensitivity that rivals sputum-based molecular TB diagnostics
Authors: Steadman Amy , Andama Alfred , Ball Alexey , Mukwatamundu Job , Khimani Khushboo , Mochizuki Tessa , Asege Lucy , Bukirwa Alice , Kato John Baptist , Katumba David , Kisakye Esther , Mangeni Wilson , Mwebe Sandra , Nakaye Martha , Nasuna Irene , Nyawere Justine , Visente Deryk , Cook Catherine , Nalugwa Talemwa , Bachman Christine M. , Semitalia Fred , Weigl Bernhard H. , Connelly John , Worodria William , Cattamanchi Adithya 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundReliance on sputum-based testing is a key barrier to increasing access to molecular diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB). Many people with TB are unable to produce and sputum processing increases the complexity and cost of molecular assays. Tongue swabs are emerging as an alternative to sputum, but performance limits are uncertain.MethodsFrom June 2022 to July 2023, we enrolled 397 consecutive adults with cough >2 weeks at two health centers in Kampala, Uganda. We collected routine demographic and clinical information, sputum for routine TB testing (one Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra® and two liquid cultures), and up to four tongue swabs for same-day qPCR. We evaluated tongue swab qPCR diagnostic accuracy in reference to sputum TB test results, quantified TB targets per swab, assessed the impact of serial swabbing, and compared two swab types (Copan FLOQSWAB® and Steripack® spun polyester swabs).ResultsAmong 397 participants, 43.1% were female, median age was 33 years, 23.5% were living with HIV (PLHIV) and 32.3% had confirmed TB. Sputum Xpert Ultra and tongue swab qPCR results were concordant for 98.2% [96.2-99.1] of participants. Tongue swab qPCR sensitivity was 91.0% [84.6-94.9] and specificity 98.9% [96.2-99.8] vs. microbiological reference standard (MRS). A single tongue swab recovered a seven-log range of TB copies, with a decreasing recovery trend among four serial swabs. We found no difference between swab types.ConclusionsTongue swabs show promise as an alternative to sputum for TB diagnosis, with sensitivity approaching sputum-based molecular tests. Our results provide valuable insights for developing successful tongue swab-based TB diagnostics.
Patients’ experience to inform decision-making and clinical follow-up: The example of total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Lübbeke Anne , Cullati Stéphane , Baréa Christophe , Cole Sophie , Fabiano Gianluca , Silman Alan , Gutacker Nils , Agoritsas Thomas , Hannouche Didier , Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this project was to enable patients and clinicians to benefit from previous patients’ experiences with total hip arthroplasty (THA) by seeking out patients’ views on what is important for them, leveraging registry data, and providing outcome information that is perceived as relevant, understandable, adapted to a specific patient’s profile, and readily available.MethodsWe created the information tool “Patients like me” in four steps. (1) The knowledge basis was the systematically collected detailed exposure and outcome information from the Geneva Arthroplasty Registry established 1996. (2) From the registry we randomly selected 275 patients about to undergo or having already undergone THA and asked them via interviews and a survey which benefits and harms associated with the operation and daily life with the prosthesis they perceived as most important. (3) The identified relevant data (39 predictor candidates, 15 outcomes) were evaluated using Conditional Inference Trees analysis to construct a classification algorithm for each of the 15 outcomes at three different time points/periods. Internal validity of the results was tested using bootstrapping. (4) The tool was designed by and pre-tested with patients over several iterations.ResultsData from 6836 primary elective THAs operated between 1996 and 2019 were included. The trajectories for the 15 outcomes from the domains pain relief, activity improvement, complication (infection, dislocation, peri-prosthetic fracture) and what to expect in the future (revision surgery, need for contralateral hip replacement) over up to 20 years after surgery were presented for all patients and for specific patient profiles. The tool was adapted to various purposes including individual use, group sessions, patient-clinician interaction and surgeon information to complement the preoperative planning. The pre-test patients’ feedback to the tool was unanimously positive. They considered it interesting, clear, complete, and complementary to other information received.ConclusionThe tool basead on a survey of patients’ perceived concerns and interests and the corresponding long-term data from a large institutional registry makes past patients’ experience accessible, understandable, and visible for today’s patients and their clinicians. It is a comprehensive illustration of trajectories of relevant outcomes from previous “Patients like me”. This principle and methodology can be applied in other medical fields.
Published benefits of ivermectin use in Itajaí, Brazil for COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, and mortality are entirely explained by statistical artefacts
Authors: Mills Robin , Peçanha Antonio Ana Carolina , Tucker-Kellogg Greg 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundTwo recent publications by Kerr et al. (Cureus 14(1):e21272; Cureus 14(8): e28624) reported dramatic effects of prophylactic ivermectin use for both prevention of COVID-19 and reduction of COVID-19-related hospitalisation and mortality, including a dose-dependent effect of ivermectin prophylaxis. These papers have gained an unusually large public influence: they were incorporated into debates around COVID-19 policies and may have contributed to decreased trust in vaccine efficacy and public health authorities more broadly. Both studies were based on retrospective observational analysis of city-wide registry data from the city of Itajaí, Brazil from July-December 2020.MethodsStarting with initially identified sources of error, we conducted a revised statistical analysis of available data, including data made available with the original papers and public data from the Brazil Ministry of Health. We identified additional uncorrected sources of bias and errors from the original analysis, including incorrect subject exclusion and missing subjects, analysis of longitudinal data with cross-sectional design, an enrolment time bias, and multiple sources of immortal time bias. In models assuming no actual effect from ivermectin use, we conducted Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the contribution of these biases to any observed effect.ResultsUntreated statistical artefacts and methodological errors alone lead to dramatic apparent risk reduction associated with ivermectin use in both studies. The magnitude of apparent risk reduction from these artefacts is comparable to the results reported by the studies themselves, including apparent protection from infection, hospitalisation, and death, and including the reported apparent dose-response relationship.ConclusionsThe inference of ivermectin effect reported in both papers is unsupported, as the observed effects are entirely explained by untreated statistical artefacts and methodological errors. Our re-analysis calls for caution in interpreting highly publicised observational studies and highlights the importance of common sources of bias in clinical research.