bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurotensin expression, regulation, and function during the ovulatory period in the mouse ovary
Authors: Shrestha Ketan , Al-Alem Linah , Garcia Priscilla , Wynn Michelle A A , Hannon Patrick R , Jo Misung , Drnevich Jenny , Duffy Diane M , Curry Jr Thomas E 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces paracrine mediators within the ovarian follicle that promote ovulation. The present study explores neurotensin (NTS), a neuropeptide, as a potential ovulatory mediator in the mouse ovary. Ovaries and granulosa cells (GCs) were collected from immature 23-day-old pregnant mare serum gonadotropin primed mice before (0 h) and after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; an LH analog) across the periovulatory period (4, 8, 12, and 24 h). In response to hCG, Nts expression rapidly increased 250-fold at 4 h, remained elevated until 8 h, and decreased until 24 h. Expression of Nts receptors for Ntsr1 remained unchanged across the periovulatory period, Ntsr2 was undetectable, whereas Sort1 expression (also called Ntsr3) gradually decreased in both the ovary and GCs after hCG administration. To better understand Nts regulation, inhibitors of the LH/CG signaling pathways were utilized. Our data revealed that hCG regulated Nts expression through the protein kinase A (PKA) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathways. Additionally, epidermal-like-growth factor (EGF) receptor signaling also mediated Nts induction in GCs. To elucidate the role of NTS in the ovulatory process, we used a Nts silencing approach (si-Nts) followed by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). RNA-seq analysis of GCs collected after hCG with or without si-Nts identified and qPCR confirmed Ell2, Rsad2, Vps37a, and Smtnl2 as genes downstream of Nts. In summary, these findings demonstrate that hCG induces Nts and that Nts expression is mediated by PKA, p38MAPK, and EGF receptor signaling pathways. Additionally, NTS regulates several novel genes that could potentially impact the ovulatory process.
Characterization of Viruses in Phase 3 and Phase 3b Trials (the Ring Study and the Dapivirine Ring Extended Access and Monitoring Trial) of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection Risk Reduction
Authors: Steytler John , Craig Charles , van der Ryst Elna , Van Baelen Ben , Nuttall Jeremy , van Niekerk Neliëtte , Mellors John , Parikh Urvi , Wallis Carole ,   for the Ring Study and the DREAM Trial Study Teams
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe Ring Study demonstrated 35.1% human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection risk reduction among participants who used the Dapivirine vaginal ring-004 (DVR), whereas the Dapivirine Ring Extended Access and Monitoring (DREAM) trial, approximated a 62% risk reduction. The observed non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) and effects on viral susceptibility are described here.MethodsPopulation-based genotyping on plasma samples collected longitudinally, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) and phenotypic susceptibility testing were done on plasma collected at seroconversion. Retrospective HIV-1 RNA testing was used to more accurately establish the time of infection.ResultsIn the Ring Study, NNRTI RAMs were not observed in most viruses at seroconversion (population-based genotyping: DVR: 71 of 84, 84.5%; placebo: 50 of 58, 86.2%). However, more E138A was found in the DVR group (E138A DVR: 9 of 84, 10.7%; placebo: 2 of 58, 3.4%; P = .2, Fisher exact test). NGS detected 1 additional mutation in each group (DVR: G190A; placebo: G190A and G190E). Marginal dapivirine susceptibility reduction was found with NNRTI RAMs at seroconversion (geometric mean fold-change, range: DVR, 3.1, 1.3–5.1; placebo, 5.8, 0.9–120). NNRTI RAMs were not emergent between first detectable HIV-1 RNA and seroconversion when these visits differed (paired samples, mean ring use: DVR, n = 52, 35 days; placebo, n = 26, 31 days). After stopping DVR, 2 of 63 viruses had emergent G190G/A or K103K/N with V106V/M at final study visit. Resistance profiles from the DREAM trial were consistent with the Ring Study.ConclusionsDVR showed little potential for selection of NNRTI-resistant variants.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT01539226 and NCT02862171.
Convergent ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: outcomes from a single-centre real-world experience
Authors: Mannakkara Nilanka N , Porter Bradley , Child Nicholas , Sidhu Baldeep S , Mehta Vishal S , Elliott Mark K , Gould Justin , Ahmed Shahada , Razavi Reza , Rinaldi Christopher A , Blauth Christopher , Gill Jaswinder S 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common and can cause significant morbidity and detriment to quality of life. Success rates for conventional catheter ablation are suboptimal in persistent AF (PsAF), especially when longstanding. Convergent hybrid ablation combines endoscopic surgical epicardial and endocardial catheter ablation. It offers promise in treating PsAF. We aimed to evaluate outcomes at our centre following convergent ablation.

METHODS
We conducted an observational study of patients undergoing ablation from 2012 to 2019 at a London cardiac centre. Sixty-seven patients underwent convergent ablation entailing epicardial ablation, mostly via sub-xiphoid access, followed by endocardial left atrial catheter ablation. Baseline and follow-up data were obtained retrospectively from clinical records. Primary outcome was freedom from AF on/off anti-arrhythmic drugs after 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included freedom from AF over the entire follow-up, freedom from anti-arrhythmic drugs, freedom from atrial arrhythmias, symptom status, repeat ablation and complications.

RESULTS
At baseline, 80.6% had PsAF &gt;1 year (80.6%), 49.3% had body mass index &gt;30 kg/m2 at baseline and 19.4% had left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less. The median follow-up was 2.3 (1.4–3.7) years. Freedom from AF recurrence was 81.3% at 1 year and 61.5% over overall follow-up. Eleven patients (16.4%) required redo AF ablation. Prolonged AF duration was associated with increased recurrence at 12 months and duration &gt;5 years with a shorter time to recurrence on Kaplan–Meier analysis, but this and other factors did not significantly impact the AF recurrence during the overall follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS
Convergent ablation had good 1-year and overall success rates for treating PsAF. Our results in a diverse, real-world population support the potential of convergent ablation in patients with challenging to treat PsAF.
The effect of duration of therapy for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infection: an application of cloning to deal with immortal-time bias in an analysis of data from a cohort study (BSI-FOO)
Authors: Evans Rebecca N , Harris Jessica , Rogers Chris A , Macgowan Alasdair P 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Objective
To estimate the effect of treatment duration on in-hospital mortality in patients with Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infection and demonstrate the biases that can arise when immortal-time bias is ignored.

Exposure
We compared three treatment strategies: short therapy (&lt;10 days), intermediate (10–18 days) and long (&gt;18 days).

Main outcome measures
Twenty-eight-day all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Methods
Using data from the BSI-FOO study, we implemented an approach proposed by Hernán to overcome confounding and immortal-time biases. The first stage is to clone all participants, so that each participant is assigned to each treatment strategy. Second, observations are censored when their data becomes inconsistent with their assigned strategy. Finally, inverse-probability weights are applied to adjust for potential selection. We compared our results to a naïve approach where immortal-time bias is ignored.

Results
Of the 1903 participants in BSI-FOO, 587 were eligible and included in the analysis. After cloning, the weighted estimates of hazard ratio of mortality for short versus long therapy was 1.74 (95% CI 1.36, 2.24) and for intermediate versus long therapy was 1.09 (0.98, 1.22). In the naïve approach, the hazard ratios with reference to the long therapy group are 37.4 (95% CI 18.9 to 74.4) in the short therapy group and 4.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 8.9) in the intermediate therapy group.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that duration of therapy &gt;18 days is beneficial with respect to 28-day in-hospital mortality, however, there remains uncertainty around the efficacy of reducing duration of treatment to 10–18 days.
The potential of bioprinting for preparation of nanoparticle-based calibration standards for LA-ICP-ToF-MS quantitative imaging
Authors: Billimoria Kharmen , Fernandez Yuri A Diaz , Andresen Elina , Sorzabal-Bellido Ioritz , Huelga-Suarez Gonzalo , Bartczak Dorota , Ortiz de Solórzano Carlos , Resch-Genger Ute , Infante Heidi Goenaga 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This paper discusses the feasibility of a novel strategy based on the combination of bioprinting nano-doping technology and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis for the preparation and characterization of gelatin-based multi-element calibration standards suitable for quantitative imaging. To achieve this, lanthanide up-conversion nanoparticles were added to a gelatin matrix to produce the bioprinted calibration standards. The features of this bioprinting approach were compared with manual cryosectioning standard preparation, in terms of throughput, between batch repeatability and elemental signal homogeneity at 5 μm spatial resolution. By using bioprinting, the between batch variability for three independent standards of the same concentration of 89Y (range 0–600 mg/kg) was reduced to 5% compared to up to 27% for cryosectioning. On this basis, the relative standard deviation (RSD) obtained between three independent calibration slopes measured within 1 day also reduced from 16% (using cryosectioning) to 5% (using bioprinting), supporting the use of a single standard preparation replicate for each of the concentrations to achieve good calibration performance using bioprinting. This helped reduce the analysis time by approximately 3-fold. With cryosectioning each standard was prepared and sectioned individually, whereas using bio-printing it was possible to have up to six different standards printed simultaneously, reducing the preparation time from approximately 2 h to under 20 min (by approximately 6-fold). The bio-printed calibration standards were found stable for a period of 2 months when stored at ambient temperature and in the dark.
Mediterranean diet and infertility: a systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Muffone Anna Roberta M C , de Oliveira Lübke Paola D P , Rabito Estela I 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Context
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a dietary pattern with evidence of positive health impact, and some nutrients in this diet have already been researched for their effectiveness in fertility. However, there are still questions about whether high adherence to the MD could be a factor that contributes to positive fertility outcomes in infertile men and women.

Objective
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine whether a greater adherence to the MD can improve fertility markers and outcomes in infertile men and women.

Data sources
The MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO, CENTRAL, and Embase databases and gray literature were searched from their inception to May 2022.

Study selection
Data were included from cohort studies that addressed MD and outcomes.

Data extraction
Data searches, article selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results
A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 13 157 women and 1338 men). Greater adherence to the MD was associated with live births (I2 = 83.16%; odds ratio [OR], 0.652; 95%CI, 0.408–3.194), pregnancy rate (I2 = 93.83%; OR, 1.192; 95%CI, 0.349–4.325), sperm concentration &gt;15 × 106/mL (I2 = 32.97%; OR 2.862; 95%CI, 1.583–5.174), and sperm count &gt; 39 × 106/mL (I2 = 48.1%; OR, 2.543; 95%CI, 1.319–4.904); however, in an inconsistent scenario regarding the meta-analysis.

Conclusion
Current evidence of high adherence to MD and fertility markers is insufficient to support their clinical application, even though it indicates sperm improvement and a possibility of better pregnancy outcomes.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. 169396.
Nutrition in school-age children: a rationale for revisiting priorities
Authors: Saavedra Jose M , Prentice Andrew M 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Middle childhood and early adolescence have received disproportionately low levels of scientific attention relative to other life stages, especially as related to nutrition and health. This is partly due to the justified emphasis on the first 1000 days of life, and the idea that early deficits and consequences may not be fully reversible. In addition, these stages of life may superficially appear less “eventful” than infancy or late adolescence. Finally, there has been historical ambiguity and inconsistency in terminology, depending on whether viewing “childhood” through physiologic, social, legal, or other lenses. Nevertheless, this age bracket, which encompasses most of the primary education and basic schooling years for most individuals, is marked by significant changes, inflection points, and sexually driven divergence in somatic and brain growth and development trajectories. These constitute transformative changes, and thus middle childhood and early adolescence represents a major and last opportunity to influence long-term health and productivity. This review highlights the specificities of growth and development in school age, with a focus on middle childhood and early adolescence (5 years–15 years of age, for the purposes of this review), the role of nutrition, the short- and long-term consequences of inadequate nutrition, and the current global status of nutrition in this age group. Adequate attention and emphasis on nutrition in the school-age years is critical: (a) for maintaining an adequate course of somatic and cognitive development, (b) for taking advantage of this last major opportunity to correct deficits of undernutrition and “catch-up” to normal life course development, and (c) for addressing the nutritional inadequacies and mitigating the longer-term consequences of overnutrition. This review summarizes and provides a rationale for prioritizing nutrition in school-age children, and for the need to revisit priorities and focus on this part of the life cycle to maximize individuals’ potential and their contribution to society.
State Listening
Authors:   Ultra-red
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Electroacoustic research as a cultural practice has always existed within the state relation. In this text the sound art collective Ultra-red attempts to map this relation within electroacoustic practice and poses a counter inquiry that resists rather than affirms the liberal state. In the era between the world wars and immediately after World War II electroacoustic research emerged out of state-funded radio communications and university institutions. The “apolitical” position of sound researchers working in European democracies reflected the hegemony of liberalism. Research conducted by the World Acoustic Ecology movement in Canada is an example of the liberal position. The WAE sound researchers attempted to socially engineer solutions to the contradictions within modern capitalist society without addressing the social antagonisms inherent within the mode of capitalist (and imperialist) production administered by the liberal state. We conclude with an example of electroacoustic research within the larger Third Cinema project of national liberation and anti-imperialism, articulating the possibility of a “Third” electroacoustic inquiry that resists the value-form of participation of bourgeois state listening and proceeds from the position of revolutionary antagonism to the state.
(Re)producing Slaves: Demand, Supply, and Demography
Authors: Lewis David M. , Morton Peter , Parkin Tim 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis chapter offers a broad survey of the range of social and economic variables that shaped the dynamics of the demography of the slave population of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. As such, it covers a vast extent of time and space but in the process attempts to establish general trends while also focusing on particular points of significance and interest. Emphasis is placed on the relative roles of reproduction and of external supply; the latter includes capture in warfare, kidnapping, enslavement through taxes and debt, penal aspects, and child exposure and sale, as well as self-enslavement. Consideration is also given throughout to questions such as the ethnic origin of slaves, the significance of manumission, and the role of slave traders. The challenges presented by the range of extant evidence for slave demography in antiquity are also discussed.
Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Garcia Jose Omar , Scott Derek , Parikh Parth , Curley Kara L. , Turkmani Ali 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy affecting the median nerve. Prevalence is estimated at 4% to 5% of the population. A solid understanding of the anatomy, presentation, and diagnostics is key to efficient diagnosis and appropriate referral. Both surgical and nonsurgical interventions have led to improved clinical outcomes. Clinicians who have an in-depth knowledge of CTS symptoms and treatment options can prepare patients and streamline referrals for improved patient outcomes.
Predictors of Positive Real-Time Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction Result for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Ioakeimidis Nikolaos S. , Arvanitakis Konstantinos , Vakfari Anastasia , Kourtparasidou Sofia , Lazou Maria , Tsolakis Zisis , Chalkidou Maria , Dervidou Zoe , Moraiti Effrosyni , Polychronaki Maria , Alexandridou Eleni 
Published: November 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a great burden on every healthcare sector including primary care. Confident clinical decisions, proactive isolation of suspicious cases, and testing resource allocation are of crucial importance at primary care facilities. The criterion standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19, a multisystem disease with diverse symptoms, is real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR).

Objectives
We aim to identify clinical and demographic predictors of a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rRT-PCR test result at a single primary care facility in Greece.

Methods
A single-center retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out from October 22 to November 23, 2020, investigating various characteristics of individuals presenting at a primary care facility for rRT-PCR testing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Logistic regression was performed to identify clinical and demographic predictors of a positive rRT-PCR test result for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Results
A total of 118 specimens were included in the study, corresponding to 118 individuals, whose median age was 43.5 years (interquartile range, 28 years). Most of the participants were symptomatic (69.5%; n = 82), with fever (40.7%; n = 48), cough (21.2%; n = 25), and nasal congestion/discharge (16.9%; n = 20) being the most common presenting symptoms. The probability of a positive SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR result was greater for patients presenting with fever (odds ratio [OR], 10.631; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.402–47.055; P = 0.002), anosmia or ageusia (OR, 9.56; 95% CI, 1.481–61.704; P = 0.018), and nasal congestion or discharge (OR, 7.138; 95% CI, 1.329–38.353; P = 0.022), compared with patients without.

Conclusions
The presence of fever, anosmia or ageusia, and nasal congestion or discharge may successfully predict a positive SARS-Cov-2 rRT-PCR test result at primary care settings.
A Comprehensive Hepatitis C Treatment Program—An Observational Study of Collaboration Between Infectious Disease Specialists and General Internal Medicine Provider Serving a Majority Black Population
Authors: Lohia Prateek , Kapur Shweta , Crane Lawrence 
Published: November 2022

Background
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a global health problem with a significant economic burden. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of oral direct acting antiviral HCV treatment in patients managed by infectious disease (ID) specialists and general internal medicine (GM) provider.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study on patients with HCV seen at the ID clinics at an academic medical center (January 2015–March 2021). Patients were managed either exclusively by ID specialists, comanaged by ID and GM practitioner (ID/GM), or independently managed by GM provider.

Results
A total of 532 patients (median age, 65 years (interquartile range, 58–68 years), 67.3% males, 87.2% Blacks) were seen for HCV treatment. There were 170 HIV-HCV coinfected patients and 362 HCV monoinfected patients. Almost 60% of the patients (n = 318) were seen by ID, 18.6% (n = 99) were comanaged by ID/GM, and 21.6% (n = 115) were seen by GM. Sustained virologic responses at 12 weeks after treatment completion were similar among the patients seen by different providers, 95.9% in ID versus 96.9% in ID/GM versus 100% in GM group (P = 0.33). In the multivariable regression model, sustained virologic response at 12 weeks had no significant association with the type of provider who treated the patients for HCV treatment (P = 0.78).

Conclusions
These findings support the high efficacy of HCV treatment, irrespective of whether the treatment was administered by ID or GM providers. More primary care providers trained in treating HCV can assist in the expansion of treatment initiatives aimed toward HCV elimination.
Recommendations for additional magnetic resonance imaging in abdominal computed tomography
Authors: Kuo Yu , Lee Kang-Lung , Chen Yi-Lun , Weng Ching-Yao , Chang Feng-Chi , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Wu Chia-Hung 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Reporting the findings from radiologic images is an important method for radiologists to communicate with referring physicians. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations for additional imaging (RAIs) after abdominal computed tomography (CT) studies for abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Methods:
The institutional review board approved this retrospective study, which includes data collected from the radiology information system (RIS) database of a tertiary medical referral center. Associations between abdominal CT and subsequent abdominal MR were recorded. The effectiveness of RAIs in an abdominal report was determined. The influence of the wording and the location of the RAIs were also analyzed.

Results:
The presence of RAIs in an abdominal CT report for an abdominal MR examination was more likely to result in a subsequent MR examination within 120 days (36.7% vs. 4.0%). RAIs were also associated with a reduction in the time interval between the CT and MR examinations (29.0 days vs. 39.0 days). The most effective recommendations included wording that advocated for further evaluation and were mentioned in both the context and conclusion of the report.

Conclusion:
RAIs have a significant influence on clinical decisions. Radiologists should be aware of the power of RAIs and be prudent and conscientious when making recommendations in radiology reports.