bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A tropical paradise for all? Nest-site selection shifts by an endemic Neotropical woodpecker associated with human settlements
Authors: Maya-Elizarrarás Elisa , Renton Katherine , De la Mora-Hernández J Alfonso , Maya-Elizarrarás Luis M 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Human modification of forests is the main threat to woodpeckers due to their ecological reliance on forest structure. However, little is known of how woodpecker species respond to habitat modification and land-use change in the Neotropics. In 2018, we determined nest-site selection by the Mexican endemic Melanerpes chrysogenys (Golden-cheeked Woodpecker) in protected old-growth tropical dry forest and in non-urban human settlements to evaluate how land-use change may alter nest-site selection by endemic species. We found that tree substrate and surrounding vegetation differed between protected forest and human-modified areas, and that M. chrysogenys varied nest-site selection criteria with land-use change. In protected forest, woodpeckers selected tree substrate variables of large, emergent, live Roseodendron donnell-smithii trees for nesting, with surrounding vegetation according to resource availability in the forest. However, in non-urban human settlements, M. chrysogenys used the dominant Cocos nucifera palms as nesting substrate but selected palms in surrounding vegetation with more large trees (&gt;15 cm diameter at breast height [DBH]), more standing dead palms, and more vegetation cover above 2 m height. This shift in nest-site selection criteria may enable M. chrysogenys to adapt to modified environments, but the selection of surrounding vegetation traits reflects reliance of the species on forest structure for potential foraging resources. To maintain habitat conditions for endemic woodpecker species in human-modified areas, we suggest increasing abundance of native tree species in non-urban human settlements and developing management guidelines for the maintenance of standing dead trees or palms with appropriate human-safety guidelines. As woodpeckers are primary cavity excavators that sustain complex nest-webs, these recommendations are likely to benefit a variety of additional non-excavator species in human-modified environments.
Electroacupuncture effects on trigeminal neuralgia with comorbid anxiety and depression: The role of frequency and acupoint specificity
Authors: Shen Zu‐Qi , Chang Wei‐Qi , Liang Ling‐Feng , Zhang Jia‐Rui , Wang Yan‐Qing , Yin Xuan , Xu Shi‐Fen , Li Wei , Yu Jin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at specific acupoints (DU20 and ST36) and different frequencies (2 and 100 Hz) on brain regions associated with trigeminal neuralgia, anxiety, and depression. Chronic trigeminal neuralgia was induced by the chronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve (CION). Anxiety and depression were assessed through behavioral tests. The effects of high‐frequency (100 Hz) and low‐frequency (2 Hz) EA at DU20 and ST36 were compared using immunofluorescence staining to evaluate their impact on pain, anxiety, depression, and brain activity. CION induced prominent trigeminal neuralgia in mice, accompanied by anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors. Two weeks post‐CION surgery increased neural activity was observed in the Prl, Cg1, CeA, BLA, TRN, CA3, CA1, vlPAG, PC5, and LPB brain regions, while reduced activity was noted in the PVN, VTA, and LDTgv regions. EA at 100 Hz applied to DU20 and ST36 rapidly alleviated pain and specifically reduced despair behavior, a depressive‐like phenotype. In contrast, 2 Hz EA at the same acupoints addressed both anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors, modulating a broader range of brain regions, including the PrL, BLA, PVN, VTA, vlPAG, and LDTgv, compared to 100 Hz EA. Repeated 2 Hz EA exclusively at DU20 was sufficient for analgesia and improvement of anxiety and depression, demonstrating a more extensive modulation of brain activity, particularly in the VTA and LDTgv, than EA at ST36. The study reveals that CION induces significant trigeminal neuralgia, accompanied by anxiety and depression, characterized by distinct neural activity patterns. EA at 2 Hz exhibits greater effectiveness in alleviating anxiety and depression, exerting broad modulation across various brain regions. Notably, EA at DU20 demonstrates superior modulation of brain activity and enhanced antidepressant and analgesic effects compared to ST36. These findings provide valuable insights into the nuanced therapeutic effects of EA on the interplay between chronic pain and affective disorders, suggesting potential clinical strategies for intervention.
Feasibility of Implementing Ankle–Brachial Index Screening at a Rural Farm Show
Authors: Droge Jed J. , Ladwig Adam L. , Droge Sarah A. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection in at-risk populations through ankle-brachial index (ABI) screening is underutilized in community settings. This study assessed the feasibility of ABI screening at a rural community event for early PAD detection.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural farm show, where participants completed a demographic and health behavior survey and underwent ABI screening using an automatic blood pressure device. Ankle–brachial index values were categorized as normal (1.00–1.40), borderline (0.91–0.99), or abnormal (≤0.9 or >1.4). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Chi-square analysis with odds ratio assessed associations between ABI values and survey responses.

Results:
Among 91 participants, 18.7% (n = 17) had abnormal ABI values, and 46.2% (n = 42) had borderline or abnormal readings. A significant association was found between diabetes and abnormal ABI values (P = .034). Participants reporting diabetes were about 3.29 times more likely to have an abnormal ABI reading compared with nondiabetic participants (odds ratio 3.29, 95% CI 1.05, 10.23).

Conclusions:
This study shows that ABI screening can be successfully implemented at community events using cost-effective equipment, enabling early detection of PAD, especially in rural areas with limited access to health care. Physical therapists are ideally suited to lead these screenings and provide subsequent supervised exercise therapy. Expanding ABI screening in community outreach programs has the potential to enhance early intervention and reduce PAD-related health disparities among at-risk populations.
Vitreous cavity lavage with a bended-needle system for postoperative vitreous cavity hemorrhage
Authors: Luo Mingyue , Wu Chan , Chen Youxin , Lin Shiqun , Zhou Yan , Xiao Xingyu , Dai Rongping 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
To present a novel bended-needle drainage system in vitreous cavity lavage (VCL) for postoperative vitreous cavity hemorrhage (POVCH).

Methods:
This retrospective case series include all patients with POVCH who received VCL with the bended-needle drainage system at ophthalmology department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2022 to May 2024. Patients adopted a supine position that allows preparation and draping. Balanced salt solution was injected with a 30 Ga needle. One bended 25 Ga needle was used to drain the blood. Primary outcomes include the visual acuity and short-term post-procedure complications. Secondary outcomes include preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and long-term complications.

Results:
Three patients with POVCH received the procedure, with two cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and one case of primary central nervous system lymphoma. All patients recovered well after the procedure with minimal complications. Long-term prognosis largely depends on the primary retinal conditions.

Conclusions:
In conclusions, VCL with the bended-needle system is safe and effective to manage POVCH with an outpatient surgery, which potentially benefits patients with similar conditions.
The Heterogeneous Presentations of De Novo and Recurrent Ocular Inflammation following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Multi-Center Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Arepalli Sruthi , Kopplin Laura , Tsui Edmund , Brill Daniel , Sobrin Lucia , Papaliodis George , Darwish Dana , Raiji Veena , Janardhana Priya , Emami-Naeini Parisa , Nore Lish , Parker Meredith , Thomas Akshay S. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
To describe the patterns of ocular inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination, assess underlying commonalities and understand outcomes.

Methods:
Retrospective, multicenter cohort study, conducted between 2020 and 2021. Patients with no previous uveitis history (de novo) or a known uveitis history (recurrent) who developed ocular inflammation within 42 days of COVID-19 vaccination were identified. Characteristics of the uveitis, treatment approaches and clinical outcomes were assessed.

Results:
Fifty-five eyes of 39 patients with ocular inflammation temporally related to vaccination were identified. Twenty-two patients (36 eyes) were de novo, while 17 (19 eyes) were recurrent. Anterior uveitis was most common. HLA-B27 positivity was found in 6 (27.2%) de novo patients, and 5 (29.4%) recurrent patients. Most patients required only observation, topical or systemic corticosteroids. Amongst vaccinated patients, 12.3% of new uveitis referrals during the study period were related to COVID-19 vaccination. Among patients with a history of quiescent uveitis, only 0.85% experienced a flare following vaccination.

Conclusion:
The majority of inflammation thought to be secondary to COVID-19 vaccination achieved quiescence with observation or steroids, and the overall incidence is low. Anterior uveitis was the most common. HLA-B27 positivity occurred at a higher rate than reported in the baseline population.
Schlemm’s Bidirectional Fluid Wave and Luminal Blood Reflux as Novel Intra-Operative Signs Confirming Optimal Placement of the iStent
Authors: Ang Bryan Chin Hou , Betzler Bjorn Kaijun , Lim Sheng Yang 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
Trabecular micro-bypass devices (TBDs) such as the iStent series (Glaukos Corporation, Laguna Hills, CA), are effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). However, precise placement of TBDs is crucial in achieving surgical efficacy, as device malpositioning may lead to suboptimal IOP reduction. We demonstrate two novel intra-operative signs to aid confirmation of accurate iStent placement, without reliance on imaging technologies.

Methods:
Surgical technique report with video accompaniment.

Surgical Technique:
Two intra-operative clinical signs which confirm optimal iStent placement are described: (1) Luminal Blood Reflux — achieved by gently decompressing the anterior chamber, with or without flushing of the stent lumen with balanced salt solution (BSS), thereby confirming stent positioning in the Schlemm’s Canal (SC). (2) Schlemm’s Bidirectional Fluid Wave (SBFW) — observable when flushing with BSS, suggesting fluid movement in the canal segments adjacent to the iStent device, thereby confirming stent patency and positioning in the SC.

Conclusion:
The identified signs are useful, feasible and reproducible indicators of accurate iStent placement. Future studies may evaluate the application of these confirmatory manoeuvres in diverse clinical contexts and further establish correlation with clinical outcomes.
Immediate Stentless Lacrimal Sac to Conjunctiva Reconstructive Ostomy for Cancer and Trauma Defects: LACROS (Conjunctivodacryocystostomy)
Authors: Villegas-Alzate Francisco J. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
To describe and evaluate the efficacy and safety of lacrimal sac to conjunctiva reconstructive ostomy for proximal lacrimal system reconstruction.

Methods:
This retrospective study included 41 patients (32 cancer and 9 trauma; 36 primary and 5 secondary) who underwent lacrimal sac to conjunctiva reconstructive ostomy. The technique involves creating a direct connection between a surgical opening in the lacrimal sac, which maintains its bony attachments to prevent ostomy occlusion, and the medial conjunctiva (medial fornix, bulbar, and palpebral). Interrupted 7-0 polyglactin 910 sutures were used to form a 3- to 5-mm-diameter lined conduit. Stenting was not employed. When necessary, oral mucosa or mucoperiosteal grafts and local flaps were utilized for reconstruction. Outcomes were assessed by epiphora prevention, the functional patency of the lacrimal ostomy, and the patient-reported nasolacrimal duct obstruction symptom score.

Results:
On examination, all patients demonstrated canalization of the lacrimal sac to the conjunctival reconstructive ostomy, as evidenced by unobstructed tear drainage. Complications occurred in 17% of cases, including periorbital edema, chemosis, diplopia, and conjunctival granuloma. The average nasolacrimal duct obstruction symptom score for lacrimal-ocular symptoms was 3.1/10 and for nasal symptoms was 2.3/10 (0 best, 10 worst). Tearing was the least prominent complaint (0.8/10), with 1 patient reporting permanent tearing (6/10).

Conclusion:
Lacrimal sac to conjunctiva reconstructive ostomy proves to be a valuable procedure for immediate and delayed proximal lacrimal system reconstruction in cancer and trauma cases due to its straightforward and stent-free approach and its favorable 8-year outcomes.
Regulation of nociception by long-term potentiation of inhibitory postsynaptic currents from insular cortical parvalbumin-immunopositive neurons to pyramidal neurons
Authors: Kobayashi Satomi , Osaki Hironobu , Kato Shigeki , Kobayashi Kazuto , Kobayashi Masayuki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The insular cortex (IC) processes various sensory information, including nociception, from the trigeminal region. Repetitive nociceptive inputs from the orofacial area induce plastic changes in the IC. Parvalbumin-immunopositive neurons (PVNs) project to excitatory neurons (pyramidal neurons [PNs]), whose inputs strongly suppress the activities of PNs. This study investigated how PVNs in the IC modulate pain-related behaviors using optogenetics. To evaluate the effect of PVN activation on pain-related behavior, we applied nociceptive heat stimulation to the whisker pads of PV-Cre rats that received an injection of adeno-associated virus-Flex-channelrhodopsin-2-mCherry into the IC. Exposure to nociceptive heat stimulation significantly increased the amount of pain-related escape behavior, and PVN activation by optogenetics did not significantly decrease pain-related behavior. We next examined the possibility that long-term potentiation (LTP) of PVN→PN synapses suppresses pain-related behaviors. We recorded light-evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) from PNs in the IC slice preparation to examine whether optogenetic activation of PVNs can induce LTP. Repetitive optogenetic stimulation (ROS) of PVNs in a manner analogous to theta burst stimulation increased the amplitude of IPSCs for at least 50 minutes. Long-term potentiation was induced by either the −45 or −60 mV membrane potential of PNs. Then, the IC received ROS to induce LTP of IPSCs from PVNs to PNs, and we evaluated pain-related behaviors. Compared to those before ROS, the pain-related behaviors were further reduced after ROS. These results suggest that LTP induction of PVN→PN synapses in the IC could be a possible treatment for abnormal pain in the orofacial area.
Procedural Entrustment Alignment Between Pediatric Residents and Their Preceptors in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Goldman Michael P. , Slade Martin D. , Gielissen Katherine , Hirsch Alexander W. , Prabhu Elizabeth A. , Dunne Dana W. , Auerbach Marc A. 
Published: January 2025

Objective
Entrustment describes the balance of supervision and autonomy between resident and preceptor to complete doctoring tasks like procedures. Entrustment alignment between resident and preceptor facilitates safe, successful outcomes, and promotes learning. Study objectives describe procedural entrustment alignment between senior pediatric residents and their preceptors and report the impact of a simulation-based formative assessment (SFA) on entrustment alignment.

Methods
This prospective observational study enrolled a convenience sample of senior pediatric residents in 2023. The SFA was videoed, consisted of obtaining informed consent and performing simulated procedures (laceration [LAC] and lumbar puncture [LP]). Residents self-assessed their entrustability pre/post-SFA. A PEM preceptor panel individually rated videos of the residents. PEM panel's scores were compared to residents' scores on both an 8-point scale and the dichotomized variable of needing “in versus out” of the room entrustment.

Results
Twenty-four residents' SFAs were rated by 9 panelists. Before the SFA, entrustment alignments on the 8-point scale were as follows: resident LAC 4.08 vs PEM panel 4.97 (P < 0.001), and resident LP 4.75 vs PEM panel 5.31 (P = 0.15). After the SFA, entrustment alignments were as follows: resident LAC 5.21 vs PEM panel 4.97 (P = 0.32), and resident LP 5.54 vs PEM panel 5.31 (P = 0.52). The dichotomized analyses revealed improved alignment post-SFA: LAC-pre–kappa = 0.03 vs LAC-post 0.46, and LP-pre–kappa = (−0.03) vs LP-post = 0.24.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate senior pediatric residents desire less entrustment (more supervision) for procedures but better align with preceptors after an SFA. This work offers insight into procedural entrustment decision making and the potential of SFA's to facilitate procedural learning.
Monogenic causes of cerebral small vessel disease- models for vascular cognitive impairment and dementia?
Authors: Saks Danit G. , Sachdev Perminder S. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review
Recent advancements in molecular biomarkers and therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease have brought into focus the need for greater progress in the second most common cause of dementia, vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). We examine how the study of monogenic causes of VCID has contributed to the understanding of its pathophysiology and potential biomarker and treatment research.

Recent findings
It is widely accepted that conditions which disrupt the cerebral small vessels contribute to vascular pathologies including stroke and cerebral microbleeds, ultimately leading to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Among these conditions are a range of monogenic small vessel diseases (SVDs) such as CADASIL, CARASIL, Fabry disease and COL4A-related disorders.

Summary
This review indicates the importance of furthering research into monogenic SVDs in order to gain insight into the pathomechanisms of VCID more broadly. Monogenic conditions are easier to model than sporadic VCID and can serve as a guide for identifying biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring and intervention outcomes.
Heterogeneity of anti-Caspr2 antibodies: specificity and pathogenicity
Authors: Su Julia , Gupta Rohan , Van Hoof Scott , Kreye Jakob , Prüss Harald , Spielman Benjamin , Brimberg Lior , Volpe Bruce T. , Huerta Patricio T. , Diamond Betty 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMaternal anti-Caspr2 (Contactin-associated protein-like 2) antibodies have been associated with increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies have shown thatin uteroexposure to anti-Caspr2 antibodies results in a phenotype with ASD-like features in male mice. Here we ask whether four newly generated antibodies against Caspr2 are pathogenic to the developing fetal brain and whether they function through similar means. Our results show that the novel anti-Caspr2 antibodies recognize different epitopes of Caspr2.In uteroexposure to these antibodies elicits differential ASD-like phenotypes in male offspring, tested in the social interaction, open field, and light-dark tasks. These results demonstrate variability in the antigenic specificity and pathogenicity of anti-Caspr2 antibodies which may have clinical implications.
Transient pH changes drive vacuole formation in enzyme-polymer condensates
Authors: Modi Nisha , Nimiwal Raghavendra , Liao Jane , Li Yitian , Bishop Kyle J. M. , Obermeyer Allie C. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntracellular membraneless organelles formed by the phase separation of biomolecules are essential for cellular functioning. These biomolecular condensates often exhibit complex morphologies in response to biological stimuli.In vitrocondensate models help elucidate the mechanism of formation and the associated function of these hierarchical assemblies. Here, we use anin vitromodel to investigate the formation of hollow internal regions, or vacuoles, within the condensate interior in response to a pH change. Our experimental system is a pH-responsive complex coacervate formed by the anionic glucose oxidase enzyme phase separating with the weak polycation, DEAE-dextran. Fast rates of pH decrease and larger droplet sizes trigger vacuole development within the coacervates. We show that the emergence of vacuoles is a non-equilibrium process caused by the diffusion-limited exchange of condensate components during a fast pH change. We develop a theoretical model that captures how a phase-separating system responds dynamically to changes in system conditions, particularly pH. Our qualitative phase diagram aligns with our experimental results, showing that rapid pH changes shift the phase boundaries, triggering spinodal decomposition and inducing vacuole formation within the condensates. Our pH-sensitivein vitrocoacervate model provides a platform to modulate the internal structure of ternary phase separating systems and gain insights into the mechanisms controlling condensate organizationin vivo.
Comparison candidate Tick-borne encephalitis virus vaccines based on mRNA, adenovirus serotype 25 and chimera of YFV vaccine strain
Authors: Kuznetsova Nadezhda A. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Marchuk Elizaveta V. , Siniavin Andrei E. , Kleymenov Denis A. , Nikiforova Maria , Zubkova Olga V. , Popova Olga , Vavilova Irina V. , Ozharovskaia Tatiana A. , Mazunina Elena P. , Bykonia Evgeniia N. , Bogdanov Egor Y. , Zolotar Anastasia N. , Shidlovskaya Elena V. , Usachev Evgeny V. , Usacheva Olga V. , Shatalov Alexey G. , Zlobin Vladimir I. , Logunov Denis Y. , Gintsburg Alexander L. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDespite the availability of several licensed inactivated vaccines, the development of new vaccines against the Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) remains an important task, especially in countries endemic to this pathogen. The risk of infection with TBEV increases every year because of increase in the number of ticks, the emergence of tick carriers into new territories, and active human activity in areas of TBEV natural foci. Annual reports of vaccination failures have prompted us to search for approaches to creating a new vaccine.ObjectivesIn our study, we used the same PrM and E antigens to produce three vaccine candidates against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE): 1) a live attenuated YFV 17DD-UN vaccine strain, 2) recombinant adenovirus (rAd) vectors, and 3) mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP).MethodsWe generated and assessed the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of three candidate TBEV vaccines based on mRNA, simian adenovirus type 25, and a chimera of the YFV 17DD-UN attenuated strain.ResultsAnalysis of the virus-neutralizing titers in the blood sera of immunized mice revealed a statistically significant difference among the three candidate vaccines. The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the candidate mRNA-LNP vaccine were found to be higher than those of the other two vaccines.ConclusionsBased on the results of our study, it can be concluded that the mRNA-based platform is more promising for the creation of a vaccine against TBEV.