bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Real-Time Fluoroscopic Assessment Method of THV Expansion Following Balloon-Expandable TAVR
Authors: Husain Ali , Tzimas Georgios , Akodad Mariama , Jelisejevas Julius , Offen Sophie , Millar Kevin , Leipsic Jonathon A. , Blanke Philipp , Wood David A. , Sellers Stephanie L. , Webb John G. , Meier David , Sathananthan Janarthanan
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Transcatheter heart valve (THV) underexpansion after transcatheter aortic valve replacement may be associated with worse outcomes. THV expansion can be assessed fluoroscopically using a pigtail for calibration; however, the accuracy of this technique specific to transcatheter aortic valve replacement is unknown. We assessed the accuracy and reproducibility of a novel fluoroscopic method to assess THV expansion using the THV commissural post for calibration.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a SAPIEN 3 (S3) THV had documented 3 cusp and cusp overlap views, and post-implant computed tomography was identified. THV expansion was fluoroscopically assessed in the 3 cusp and cusp overlap views using the S3 commissural post height and the pigtail as a reference for calibration. The correlation between the 2 methods and computed tomography was evaluated.

RESULTS:

Forty patients were included. On the bench, the commissural post height measured 3.3, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 mm for the 20 mm S3, 23 mm S3, 26 mm S3, and 29 mm S3, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) with computed tomography for measuring the inflow, mid-portion, and outflow THV diameter was 0.98, 0.97, and 0.98 for the commissural post height method and 0.82, 0.81, and 0.78 for the pigtail method, respectively. Unlike the pigtail method, the correlation between the commissural post height method and computed tomography remained strong across all THV sizes and in both the 3 cusp and cusp overlap views.

CONCLUSIONS:

The commissural post height method is a novel real-time fluoroscopic tool that has the potential to assess THV expansion and guide further optimization after balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Role of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Potthoff Sebastian A. , Quack Ivo , Mori Yuri , Yang Guang , Arifaj Denada , Amin Ehsan , Meister Jaroslawna , Meuth Sven G. , Kantauskaite Marta , Argov Doron , Alesutan Ioana , Voelkl Jakob , Park Joon-Keun , Rump Lars C. , Rio Marc , Loirand Gervaise , Linker Ralf A. , Stegbauer Johannes
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), mainly known for its neuroprotective properties, belongs to the IL-6 (interleukin-6) cytokine family. In contrast to IL-6, the effects of CNTF on the vasculature have not been explored. Here, we examined the role of CNTF in AngII (angiotensin II)-induced hypertension.

METHODS:

Hypertension was chronically induced with AngII (1000 ng/kg per minute, osmotic mini-pumps, 14 days) in CNTF-knockout and wild-type mice (with or without nephrectomy and 1% NaCl drinking water). Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff and radiotelemetry. Effects of CNTF on vascular function and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway were measured in vivo, in the isolated perfused kidney, and in mouse and human vascular smooth muscle cells.

RESULTS:

At baseline, systolic blood pressure was similar between both groups. During AngII infusion, blood pressure increase was significantly attenuated and hypertensive heart and kidney damage was significantly attenuated in CNTF-knockout compared with wild-type mice. Accordingly, renal pressor response to AngII but not KCl or phenylephrine was significantly decreased in CNTF-knockout compared with wild-type mice. Acute CNTF (5 µmol/L) administration nearly restored the AngII-dependent renal pressor response. Chronic CNTF treatment in CNTF-knockout mice increased blood pressure response to AngII to levels observed in wild-type mice. CNTF augments AngII-induced activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in vitro in vascular smooth muscle cells. The significance of this interaction was shown, as the increase in renal pressor response by CNTF was abolished by JAK2/STAT3 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results demonstrate a major impact of CNTF on blood pressure regulation by modulating AngII-induced pressor response via a JAK2/STAT3-dependent mechanism and indicate that CNTF is an important regulatory cytokine in hypertension.
Poor Sanitation, Deaths, and Regional Inequality in Twentieth-Century Chile
Authors: Llorca-Jaña Manuel , Rivas Javier , Morales-Campos Daniel
Published: January 2025

Although Chile experienced a rapid epidemiological transition, high mortality linked to waterborne diseases persisted. The prevention of gastrointestinal illnesses was expensive, so mortality rates varied across geographical areas. The public expenditure on sanitation was insufficient and distributed unevenly across Chile. Before the late 1960s, the probability of dying from diarrhea could be up to twelve times higher in rural areas than in urban regions, which were better equipped with sanitation infrastructure.
A Peculiar History of the Social Sciences
Authors: McCants Anne E. C.
Published: January 2025

A History of the Social Sciences in 101 Books offers a reflective look at the evolution of the social sciences from 1947 to 2016. The book is simultaneously a collection of contemporary book reviews, a chronology of important intellectual landmarks in the social sciences, a history of how its constituent disciplines sometimes ignored and sometimes learned from each other, and a revelation about the intellectual circumstances of French social scientific scholarship toward the end of the second decade of the twenty-first century. This retrospective’s qualitative focus provides a valuable, if selective, insight into French academic thought and invites readers, especially quantitative scholars, to engage critically with its inclusions and notable omissions (such as minimal representation of female authors and studies in economics and the complete omission of historical demography).
Enhanced Delta Band Neural Tracking of Degraded Fundamental Frequency Speech in Noisy Environments
Authors: Guo Yu-Jyun , Hsieh I-Hui
Published: January 2025

Pitch variation of the fundamental frequency (F0) is critical to speech understanding, especially in noisy environments. Degrading the F0 contour reduces behaviorally measured speech intelligibility, posing greater challenges for tonal languages like Mandarin Chinese where the F0 pattern determines semantic meaning. However, neural tracking of Mandarin speech with degraded F0 information in noisy environments remains unclear. This study investigated neural envelope tracking of continuous Mandarin speech with three F0-flattening levels (original, flat-tone, and flat-all) under various SNRs (0, −9, and −12 dB). F0 contours were flattened at the word level for flat-tone and at the sentence level for flat-all Mandarin speech. Electroencephalography responses were indexed by the temporal response function in the delta (<4 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) frequency bands. Results show that delta-band envelope tracking is modulated by the degree of F0 flattening in a nonmonotonic manner. Notably, flat-tone Mandarin speech elicited the strongest envelope tracking compared with both original and flat-all speech, despite reduced F0 information. In contrast, the theta band, which primarily encodes speech SNR level, was not affected by F0 changes. In addition, listeners with better pitch-related music skills exhibited more efficient neural envelope speech tracking, despite being musically naive. These findings indicate that neural envelope tracking in the delta (but not theta) band is highly specific to F0 pitch variation and highlight the role of intrinsic musical skills for speech-in-noise benefits.
Moving from guideline recommendations to practical, reasonable proposals: Biosafety considerations, breeding performance and challenges during specific pathogen-free animal facility enlargement
Authors: Fabricio Maschi , Juan Laborde , Martín Carriquiriborde , Silvana Milocco , Johana Almirón , Agustina Resasco , Miguel Ayala
Published: January 2025

Extending an existing animal facility is a challenging process that requires consideration of both engineering and biological aspects. In this sense, integration with ongoing activities must not alter the animals’ microbiological condition or welfare, as they usually remain in the facility while these activities occur. The objective of this work was to describe and evaluate the practical biosafety considerations during the enlargement of a specific pathogen-free (SPF) rodent facility. Our facility breeds rats and mice free of a list of zoonotic and common rodent pathogens, comprising 6 ectoparasites, 13 endoparasites, 25 bacteria and 23 viruses. In this project, the new SPF area was connected to an old but still working SPF rodent facility through the original clean corridor. The old clean corridor remained sealed throughout the project, and it was not opened until the new area was finished and fully equipped, all the new rooms were cleaned and disinfected, and the environment was evaluated for the presence of pathogens. Timing during the project was essential, as avoidance of the period of high animal production and demand was sought. The microbiological controls showed no growth of microorganisms in any new room. Thus, the applied procedures were deemed effective. It was concluded that protocols should be carefully planned in order to maintain the SPF condition and animal welfare.
Religion and mental health seeking behaviors in war-tone zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Vivalya Bives Mutume Nzanzu , Vagheni Martial Mumbere , Piripiri Astride Lina , Mbeva Jean-Bosco Kahindo
Published: January 2025

Objective

Although religious leaders play an important role in providing informal mental health care to individuals struggling to seek religious and spiritual care, existing studies have not explored the magnitude of psychiatric symptoms and motivators to seek mental health services from religious leaders in religious listening centers and mental hospitals. This paper presents preliminary data from a survey aimed at assessing psychiatric symptoms and factors associated with access to spiritual services among 151 individuals at a religious listening center, as well as to determine the pathways of care among 150 patients attending a mental health clinic in conflict zones of the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Method

Three hundred and one participants were screened for psychiatric symptoms and factors motivating access to religious leaders using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine information on psychiatric symptoms and factors affecting access to spiritual and mental health services.

Results

Nearly 6 in 10 individuals seeking spiritual help in the religious center had psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, 7 in 10 patients seek help for mental health needs from religious leaders and healers before seeking conventional mental health services; among such individuals, there was a high prevalence of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder, recurrent admissions, and poor adherence to psychotropic medication.

Conclusion

These results highlight the need for greater integration of mental health services with care provided by religious organizations within conflict zones such as the Congo. They also emphasize the need for greater promotion of person-centered care that considers and integrates patients’ religious beliefs in their treatment.
Investigation of the effect of ultraprocessed food consumption on asthma using pulmonary function tests
Authors: Özçalkap İçöz Rümeysa , Alpaslan Mehmet , Tural Seda
Published: January 2025

Background: NOVA is a food classification system that classifies foods according to the scope and purpose of food processing, rather than nutrients. Asthma is usually characterized by chronic inflammation and respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough, and variable expiratory airflow limitation. According to the NOVA food classification system, consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) can affect asthma symptoms. Aim: In this study, the relationship between UPF consumption and pulmonary function test (PFT) results of asthma patients in adults aged 18 to 65 was investigated using biochemical parameters. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study and, was conducted with 339 asthmatic participants diagnosed with asthma and receiving medical treatment. The participants' consumption of UPF was determined using a food frequency questionnaire. The evaluation of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (L/s) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (L/s) in the respiratory function tests was based on the percentage of the measured and expected values. Results: Although no significant relationship was found between % FEV1 expected value and UPF consumption ( P > 0.05), it was concluded that % FVC expected and % FEV1/FVC values decreased with increasing UPF consumption ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: It has been concluded that consumption of UPF worsens respiratory function and asthma prognosis. Therefore, replacing UPF and beverage products with healthier foods or food processing methods will play an important role in maintaining health.
Apparent diffusion coefficient values in differentiating benign and malignant thoracic masses in children and young adults
Authors: Lim Hyun Ji , Yoon Haesung , Kim Jisoo , Lee Hye-Jeong , Lee Young Han , Lee Mi-Jung
Published: January 2025

Background

In children and young adults, tumors in the chest and thoracic wall exhibit a wide variety of types, making it challenging to differentiate between benign and malignant cases before invasive histopathological examination.

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for discriminating malignant thoracic masses in children and young adults.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in patients aged <30 years. Patients' age and sex, tumor location (mediastinum or thoracic wall), tumor size, MR characteristics including necrosis or hemorrhage, and ADC values were assessed.

Results

Malignant masses were found in older patients (mean age = 18.0 ± 8.1 vs. 10.6, ± 9.1 years; P = 0.008), had lower mean ADC values (0.765 ± 0.298 vs. 2.051 ± 0.855 × 10−3 mm2/s; P < 0.001), and showed more internal hemorrhage (6/12 vs. 17/86; P = 0.031) compared to benign masses. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses also showed significant differences in age, tumor size, and ADC values. In the diagnostic performance analysis, age (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.723, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.624–0.809; P = 0.004) and ADC mean value (AUC = 0.941, 95% CI = 0.874–0.978, P < 0.001) were significant. The optimal cutoff values were 13 years for age (sensitivity = 83.3%, specificity = 61.6%) and an ADC mean of 1.196 × 10−3 mm²/s (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 86.1%) for discriminating malignant from benign thoracic masses.

Conclusion

When evaluating thoracic masses in children and young adults, older age and lower ADC values help identify malignancy.
Women and Housing After the Lismore Floods (Australia)–A Relational Rights-Based Approach
Authors: Ewenson Lisa
Published: January 2025

Australia is experiencing both a housing crisis and an increase in extreme weather events due to global warming. This largely dry continent, beset by bushfires and floods, is a land of stark inequality. These inequitable landscapes make recovery from disaster difficult and prolonged for those already marginalised. National statistics reveal that older women are the fastest growing group facing housing precarity, and disasters compound upon this dire situation. This paper presents a relational rights-based approach, informed by a feminist ethics of care, to attain the right to adequate housing for all in the Australian context.
Efficient fabrication of zero taper µ-electrode using novel dry µ-electrical discharge turning
Authors: Kumar Harish , Roy Tribeni , Jha Sunil
Published: January 2025

Micromachining is essential for producing components smaller than 1000 µm and is increasingly significant due to the trend toward miniaturizing industrial products. Tool-based micromachining techniques like µ-turning, µ-grinding, µ-EDM, and µ-ECM offer benefits in productivity, efficiency, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. Modern industrial products require high dimensional accuracy and superior surface finishes. µ-EDM is particularly promising for economically producing complex microfeatures with high precision. However, the high tool wear rate in µ-EDM requires on-machine microelectrode fabrication, which is essential for creating micro-sized holes and channels during µ-EDM operations. A major challenge lies in achieving high dimensional accuracy and minimal taper in microelectrodes. Additionally, there are health concerns related to hydrocarbons produced from liquid dielectrics. This research explores fabrication of microelectrodes using dry µ-ED Turning. Five machining strategies were employed, using stationary block electrical discharge turning (SB-EDT), moving block electrical discharge turning (MB-EDT), and their combinations to produce microelectrodes with improved surface finishes and minimal taper. Gaseous dielectrics significantly reduce harmful emissions and contamination, creating a safer working environment while minimizing environmental pollution. The taper issue was significantly mitigated in microelectrodes fabricated using MB-EDTd, achieving nearly zero taper with a surface finish of 2.04 µm. MB-EDTd also achieved highest material removal rate, producing a microelectrode with an average diameter of 428 µm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs and surface finish analyses were conducted to examine the effects of various parameters, such as discharge currents and linear feed speed. The findings highlight the potential of µ-EDM with gaseous dielectrics to enhance microelectrode fabrication process.
Unpacking the Nature of Orchestrator Coherence in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Authors: Bonomi Santos Juliana , Fischer Bruno Brandão , Cherubini Alves André , Roundy Philip T.
Published: January 2025

Despite its importance to the functioning of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), the orchestration of networks remains a largely undertheorized topic. To address this “omission,” we sought to explain the interplay between networks, their orchestrators, and their implications for ecosystem outcomes. To do so, we conducted an in-depth case study of the Agtech Valley EE in Brazil. From our study, we developed theoretical insights on the notion of “ecosystem coherence” as a foundational driver of EE structuration. Findings revealed two dimensions of ecosystem coherence: capabilities coherence (based on organizational and cognitive proximities) and relationship coherence (based on institutional and social proximities).
Knowledge and Awareness of Medical and Dental Students About Oral Cancer Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Escoto-Vasquez Lilibeth-Stephania , Alarcón-Sánchez Mario Alberto , Rodríguez-Montaño Ruth , Becerra-Ruiz Julieta Sarai , Lomelí-Martínez Sarah Monserrat , Heboyan Artak
Published: January 2025

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of oral cancer risk factors among medical and dental students.

Methods

This study followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in INPLASY (ID: 2024110035). Four databases were consulted (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science) from February 20th, 2005, to May 10th, 2024. The study selection and data extraction process was performed independently by 2 investigators. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI tool, which can be found at: https://jbi.global/critical-appraisal-tools . A third investigator was consulted in case of disagreement. Meta-analysis results were systematically illustrated in a forest plot and expressed as odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. The I2 statistic assessed heterogeneity between studies. Funnel plot and Egger regression analysis were used for bias analysis. A P value <.05 was considered significant. All statistical analyses were performed using the STATA V.15 software.

Results

After the selection process, 41 studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising a total of 14,425 participants, 22% medical students and 78% dental students, primarily female (53%). The meta-analysis showed that 98% of students demonstrated relatively good knowledge about oral cancer risk factors. The most recognized risk factor was smoking (99%), followed by advanced age (68%), UV-rays exposure (64%), and alcoholism (57%). Knowledge of several other factors was comparatively lower, with less than 50% of students recognizing them. The studies indicated significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.8%) and publication bias ( P < .001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that while medical and dental students have a strong understanding of key risk factors for oral cancer, there are gaps in knowledge regarding other important factors. Addressing these gaps through enhanced education and training is essential to improving early detection and prevention efforts.
Crafting Behavior Goal Cocktails: What’s in Yours? Writing Behavioral Goals in Early Childhood
Authors: Riggleman Samantha , Higgins Johanna , Lohmann Marla J.
Published: January 2025

Early childhood education teachers often feel underprepared for addressing behavior challenges in the classroom. This can limit a teacher’s ability to teach academic and social skills and lead to interruptions in their educational experience such as suspensions or expulsions. Effective planning can help teachers create and manage positive learning environments. In this article, we describe how to effectively write behavior intervention plan goals for early childhood settings. Resources are shared to support early childhood behavioral goal creation.
Standardization of the Arabic Version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5 (ASRS-5) Among Adults in Saudi Arabia: Variability of ADHD Screening According to Sociodemographic Variables
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed M. J. , Al Saud Nouf Mohammed , Alsharef Nawal Mohammed , AlHadi Ahmad N. , Alsalhi Saleh Mohammed , Al-Hifthy Elham H. , Ad-Dab’bagh Yasser , Alrahili Nader , Alenazi Fawwaz Abdulrazaq , Alotaibi Barakat M. , Alsaeed Sultan Mahmoud , Arnout Boshra A. , ALQasem Latifah , Alhossein Abdulkarim , Alqahtani Yasser Jubran , AlGhamdi Samirah A. , Varnham Jeremy , Asiri Saeed Abdulwahab , Buraik Maysaa W.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Adult Self-Report Scale-5 (the ASRS-5-AR) within a large sample of adults residing in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study applied the ASRS-5-AR to a random sample of 4,299 Saudi and non-Saudi adults, aged 19 to 66 years (31.16 ± 9.26 years), living in the regions of Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia. Collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26, JASP 0.18.3.0 software, and MedCalc 22.030 statistical software.

Results:

The ASRS-5-AR demonstrated strong internal consistency, with all six items showing significant positive correlation with the total score (.675–.735). Results of confirmatory factor analysis revealed a goodness-of-fit coefficient of 0.983 for the one-factor model and McDonald’s omega, Cronbach’s α, and Spearman-Brown coefficients of 0.786, 0.788, and 0.724, respectively. In addition, the findings revealed statistically significant differences in self-reported ADHD symptoms based on age ( F = 18.68; p < .001), level of education ( F = 2.61; p < .05), and marital status ( F = 22.30; p < .001). However, there were no significant differences in self-reported ADHD symptoms between males and females ( t = 0.625; p > .05) or Saudi and non-Saudi participants ( t = 0.409; p > .05) or based on region of residence ( t = 2.19; p > .05).

Conclusions:

This study provides valuable insights into the psychometric properties of the ASRS-5-AR within a large sample of adults in Saudi Arabia. The findings demonstrate acceptable reliability of the ASRS-5-AR within this population. While these findings suggest the ASRS-5-AR may be a useful tool for initial assessment, further research is crucial. Future studies should focus on establishing accurate cutoff scores by comparing a general population sample with a clinically diagnosed sample of adults with ADHD in Saudi Arabia. This will allow for a more accurate evaluation of the scale’s utility in identifying individuals who may require further clinical assessment.
WOOP as a Brief Alcohol Intervention Led by Lay Coaches in College Settings
Authors: Wittleder Sandra , Bhoopsingh Brianna , Gollwitzer Peter M. , Jay Melanie , Mutter Elizabeth , Valshtein Tim , Angelotti Gina , Oettingen Gabriele
Published: January 2025

Heavy drinking is a major public health concern, particularly among young adults who often experience fear of being stigmatized when seeking help for alcohol-related problems. To address drinking concerns outside clinical settings, we tested the feasibility of a novel imagery-based behavior change strategy led by student lay interventionists in a college setting. Participants were adults recruited on a college campus and were randomized to either learn the four steps of WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan) or to learn a format-matched Sham WOOP (Wish, Outcome, “Outcome,” and Plan). Both WOOP and Sham WOOP interventions were taught by student lay interventionist. We found that the WOOP intervention group reported fewer heavy drinking days (≥ 5 drinks for men or ≥ 4 drinks for women, measured using the Alcohol Timeline Follow-Back Method) compared to the Sham group at the 1-month and 2-month follow-ups. WOOP, when taught by student lay interventionists in a single session, demonstrated the feasibility of reducing heavy drinking. WOOP shows promise as a low-cost and scalable intervention for reducing heavy drinking in nonclinical settings.
Te tangi o te kumara—a sweet exclamation: Mana Wahine perspectives on universal humility and humble boasting
Authors: Heke (Ngā Puhi, Te Arawa) Deborah
Published: January 2025

Whakataukī (cultural sayings or proverbs where the author is unknown) and the customary practices of Māori (Indigenous peoples of New Zealand) are integral to maintaining Māori cultural identity. Their value can depend on the context of their development and when they are practised. This commentary introduces the concept of te tangi o te kūmara (the song of the sweet potato)—a metaphor developed from conversations with wāhine Māori (Māori women) about their physical activity and its connection with identity, Māori worldview, and whakapapa (genealogy and kinship). This concept illustrates a sweet exclamation of success in place of universal humility—from a Mana Wahine (Māori intersectional feminist theory) perspective, and responds to the broad interpretation of the whakataukī: kāore te kūmara e korero mō tōna ake reka (the sweet potato does not speak of its own sweetness), instead encouraging wāhine (women) to speak up and speak out about their successes and beliefs.
G

lobal

R

egistry of

A

dverse

C

linical

E

vents (GRACE©): A Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Cohort Evaluating Complications Associated with Aesthetic Injectables
Authors: Enright Kaitlyn M. , Nikolis Andreas , Sampalis John
Published: January 2025

Background:

A review of Health Canada’s post-market surveillance database has revealed that the reporting of adverse events (AEs) following aesthetic injectable treatments is significantly underreported. To increase reporting, investigators have recently developed a novel Electronic Data Capture system: The Global Registry of Adverse Clinical Events (GRACE©).

Objective:

To identify the incidence of AEs associated with aesthetic injectable treatments.

Methods:

Aesthetic clinicians from 10 Canadian sites were recruited. Demographic and clinical data were recorded within the database, which included over 45 patient variables.

Results:

Throughout the active phase of the trial (duration: 27 months), 123,124 injectable treatments were conducted. One hundred and eleven patients, experiencing a total of 235 AEs, were entered into the portal. This equated to an AE incidence rate of 0.19%, per treatment. Thirty unique products were associated with AEs. In total, there were 112/235 (47.66%) mild, 88/235 (37.45%) moderate, and 35/235 (14.90%) severe AEs. The most common complication (n = 48/235; 20.43%) was swelling, with a prevalence of 0.04%. Of the documented AEs, only 5 were reported to other sources, including 1 case being reported to Health Canada and 4 cases to the respective product manufacturer.

Conclusions:

The initial feasibility of a registry assessing safety outcomes following injectable treatment has been demonstrated. Findings support that the implementation of the GRACE Portal is an effective outreach strategy for increasing AE reporting by health care professionals. The data represent a more accurate depiction of the safety profile of approved aesthetic injectables in Canada.
Resilience and mindful attention as determinants of psychological distress among patients with a stoma: The mediating role of body image
Authors: Sarah Locatelli , Greta Nembrini , Viviana Melis , Massimo Vavassori , Alfredo Radaelli , Agostino Brugnera
Published: January 2025

This research investigated if dispositional mindfulness, resilience, and self-efficacy affect quality of life (QoL) and distress in a sample of patients with stoma. Further, it tested if body image distress and post-traumatic growth mediate these associations. A total of 102 patients with a stoma (mean age: 60.37 ± 12.79 years; 60 females, 52 males) volunteered for this cross-sectional study. The results revealed that mindful attention and resilience were direct, significant negative predictors of psychological distress. On the contrary, body image distress was directly and positively associated with psychological distress and significantly mediated the association between resilience and the dependent variable. The results emphasize the importance of interventions aimed at enhancing dispositional mindfulness and resilience as well as reducing body image-related distress to improve the QoL of patients with a stoma. Additional longitudinal and cross-cultural studies are needed to confirm these findings.
EXPRESS: Sleep supports the consolidation of newly learned statistical concepts
Authors: Shaw John J , Bisson Marie-Josee
Published: January 2025

Within mathematical cognition the development of conceptual knowledge is seen as critical to developing understanding. Sleep has been well established to play a role in the consolidation of newly learned information and schema-based information but has yet to be explored within mathematical cognition. Across three experiments participants (N = 167) were assigned to a sleep or wake group and then viewed lectures on either p-values, t-test, or z-scores. The sleep group watched the lecture at 9pm, completed an immediate recall task to explain the concept, then a second recall task 12h later at 9am. The wake groups watched the lecture at 9am, and completed an immediate recall task then a second recall task 12h later at 9pm. Written responses were then assessed using a comparative judgement task by subject experts. Across all three experiments, results showed that participants in the sleep group retained their knowledge from the immediate recall to 12 hours later, while in the wake group, participants’ knowledge declined significantly between sessions. These results suggest that sleep may be involved in an important process of maintaining the information learned from statistical concepts.
Made in Brazil: Futsal coaching education at a large-scale perspective
Authors: Marques Filho Cesar Vieira , Galatti Larissa Rafaela , Galdino Matheus , dos Santos Cruz Rafael , Montagner Paulo Cesar
Published: January 2025

Coaching education programs can be perceived as a fundamental cornerstone to certify and further develop sports coaches across domestic and continental territories. Particularly in Brazil, futsal coaches have been benefiting from a large-scale perspective that allows the sport to keep evolving nationwide. To better understand its educational structure and benefits, this study explored a futsal coaching education program that provides state-level certification in the Brazilian territory. Our mixed-methods research design included a qualitative analysis of official documents, a questionnaire collecting data from 67 futsal coaches, semi-structured interviews with the program's coordinator, five coach developers and five coaches, in addition to a participant's observation performed by the lead researcher. Our findings highlight five themes: (1) program's definition, (2) educational model, (3) program's identity and coaching awareness, (4) pedagogical approach, as well as (5) evaluation and impact. More intriguingly, however, this Brazilian futsal coach education program revealed low levels of interaction and practical reflection among its participants, while futsal coaches also reported a lack of feedback on most of the activities they performed. Overall, the present study suggests a switch from the program's traditional assessment into a rather procedural and contextualized evaluation to enhance learning and development in futsal coaching practice.
The impact of virtual reality on patient experience during wide-awake surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: McConnell Jack , DeYoung Joshua K. , Pum John M. , Wu Mitchell , Aggarwal Nikhil , Day Charles S.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to establish whether virtual reality can reduce patient anxiety and improve surgical satisfaction during wide-awake local anaesthetic no tourniquet hand procedures. Previously validated questionnaires were used to assess subjective anxiety and patient satisfaction. Objective anxiety was determined using patient blood pressure and heart rate measured four times during the procedure. The median difference in intra-operative minus pre-operative diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the virtual reality group compared with the control group ( p = 0.003). There was a significant decrease in heart rate from pre-operative to post-operative within the virtual reality group ( p < 0.001). No differences were observed in subjective anxiety or surgical satisfaction between the groups. Virtual reality can benefit wide-awake patients during hand procedures, particularly where patient preference exists.

Level of evidence: Level I, Randomized Controlled Trial
Overlapping of DRESS and Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to first-line antituberculosis drugs: a case report
Authors: Morán-Mariños Cristian , Llanos-Tejada Felix , Huamani-Llantoy Rebeca , Bernal-Turpo Capriny , López-Pilco Kimberly , Ventura-Leon Alex , Casanova-Mendoza Renato
Published: January 2025

The overlap of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) caused by antituberculosis drugs represents an extremely rare event. This situation can manifest between 2 and 8 weeks after the first exposure to the medication. The overlap of these conditions can lead to atypical clinical manifestations, thus complicating the early diagnosis and the implementation of early treatment. This report describes the case of a patient who developed the DRESS/SJS overlap 35 days after starting antituberculosis treatment. The patient experienced severe skin and systemic involvement, a situation that required her admission and monitoring in the intensive care unit. From our experience with this case, we conclude the importance of an accurate and timely diagnosis using validated scoring systems such as RegiSCAR to confirm the clinical diagnosis of DRESS/SJS and ALDEN to assess the likelihood of drug causality. Timely intervention with corticosteroids plays a key role in moderating the exaggerated immune response, helping to alleviate dermatological symptoms and prevent long-term organ damage. In addition, the availability of safe therapeutic alternatives for tuberculosis treatment allows for more effective and safer management in these patients.
The meta-aggregation approaches: Correctly choosing how to choose correctly in groups
Authors: Shinitzky Hilla , Parpara Ortal , Ezrets Michal , Klein Raz , Shahar Yuval
Published: January 2025

Aggregating the choices regarding a given decision problem made by multiple individuals into a single solution is essential for exploiting the collective’s intelligence and effective crowdsourcing. There are various aggregation techniques, some of which come down to a simple aggregation rule, such as the majority rule. We propose two one-shot machine-learning-based aggregation approaches, which also exploit the existence of meta-cognitive features such as confidence. The first predicts which aggregation method will be best for a given collective decision-making case. The second directly predicts which decision is optimal given the selection made by each method. We offer a meta-cognitive feature-engineering approach for characterizing a collective decision-making case in a context-sensitive fashion. Experimental results show that using either of our proposed approaches increases the percentage of successfully aggregated cases, compared to the uniform application of the best rule-based aggregation method, by 5.8% and 6%. Furthermore, when an aggregation method is selected by our classifier, its effectiveness increases by an absolute percentage of 6.5% to 32.6%. We also offer a new aggregation method, the Devil’s-Advocate aggregator, to deal with cases in which standard aggregation methods fail. Ablation experiments demonstrate that removing the Devil’s Advocate aggregator decreases the success rate by 5.2%.
Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO): The Deceptive Disease That Mimics Sarcoma Radiologically but Promises a Complete Recovery
Authors: De Silva Lalani , Wijayasinghe Sunil , de Silva Chandu
Published: January 2025

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare and distinct form of chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis with an unknown etiology. This 11-year-old Asian girl presented with a painful swelling in her right arm, which was suspected to be a Ewing’s sarcoma based on radiological findings. The lesion appeared as a unifocal destructive bone lesion in the proximal diaphyseal region of the right humerus, accompanied by periosteal reaction and soft tissue involvement. She was otherwise clinically well, except for the elevated C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and alkaline phosphatase. Due to the clinical and radiological suspicion of sarcoma, repeated bone biopsies were performed. All the biopsies revealed mature lamellar bone, normocellular marrow with moderate mixed inflammation, and fibrosis, indicative of a chronic inflammatory process. Given the discordance between the clinical, radiological, and pathological findings, surgical management was withheld and the patient was closely monitored. Over the course of several months, her symptoms gradually improved without any medical or surgical interventions. A follow-up X-ray taken 3 years after the initial diagnosis showed that the lesion had significantly reduced in size, nearly returning to a normal bone contour.
One hundred thirty-four germ line PU.1 variants and the agammaglobulinemic patients carrying them
Authors: Knox Ainsley V.C. , Cominsky Lauren Y. , Sun Di , Cruz Cabrera Emylette , Nolan Brian E. , Ofray Edann , Benetti Elisa , Visconti Camilla , Barzaghi Federica , Rosenzweig Sergio D. , Lawrence Monica Ghei , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Yoon Samuel , Rachimi Suzanna , Padem Nurcicek , Conboy Erin , Stojanovic Maja , Petrovic Gordana , Pasic Srdjan , Church Joseph A. , Ferdman Ronald M. , Candotti Fabio , Arlabosse Tiphaine , Theodoropoulou Katerina , Dutmer Cullen M. , Maródi László , Szücs Gabriella , Broides Arnon , Nahum Amit , Levy Jacov , Kettunen Kaisa Maria , Daddali Ravindra , Seppänen Mikko R J , Vänttinen Markku , Martelius Timi , Grönholm Juha , Peri Matilde , Azzari Chiara , Ricci Silvia , Ojaimi Samar , Edwards Emily SJ , van Zelm Menno C. , Sun Jinqiao , Abolhassani Hassan , Pan-Hammarström Qiang , Hakonarson Hakon , Mayr Daniel , Boztug Kaan , Boisson Bertrand , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Le Coz Carole , Poon Gregory M.K. , Romberg Neil
Published: January 2025

Leukopoiesis is lethally arrested in mice lacking the master transcriptional regulator PU.1. Depending on the animal model, subtotal PU.1 loss either induces acute myeloid leukemia or arrests early B cell and dendritic cell development. Although humans with absolute PU.1 deficiency have not been reported, a small cadre of congenital agammaglobulinemia patients with sporadic, inborn PU.1 haploinsufficiency were recently described. To better estimate the penetrance, clinical complications, immunophenotypic features, and malignancy risks of PU.1-mutated agammaglobulinemia (PU.MA), a collection of 134 novel or rare PU.1 variants from publicly available databases, institutional cohorts, previously published reports, and unsolved agammaglobulinemia cases were functionally analyzed. In total, 25 loss of function (LOF) variants were identified in 33 heterozygous carriers from 21 kindreds across 13 nations. Of subjects harboring LOF PU.1 variants, 22 were agammaglobulinemic, 5 displayed antibody deficiencies, and 6 were unaffected, indicating an estimated disease penetrance of 81.8% with variable expressivity. In a cluster of patients, disease onset was delayed, sometimes into adulthood. All LOF variants conveyed effects via haploinsufficiency, either by destabilizing PU.1, impeding nuclear localization, or directly interfering with transcription. PU.MA patient immunophenotypes consistently demonstrated B-cell, conventional dendritic-cell, and plasmacytoid dendritic-cell deficiencies. Associated infectious and non-infectious symptoms hewed closely to X-linked agammaglobulinemia and not monogenic dendritic cell deficiencies. No carriers of LOF PU.1 variants experienced hematologic malignancies. Collectively, in vitro and clinical data indicate heterozygous LOF PU.1 variants undermine humoral immunity but do not convey strong leukemic risks.
Secondary Budd–Chiari syndrome caused by renal cell carcinoma with hepatic vein invasion: case report
Authors: Ibrahim Adil , Ahmed Tasabeeh , Khalid Rayan , Fadl-Elmula Imad
Published: January 2025

Background

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare condition characterized by the blockage of the hepatic venous outflow tract. Primary Budd–Chiari syndrome occurs when the blockage is primarily due to a venous process such as thrombosis or phlebitis. In contrast, secondary BCS is caused by the compression or invasion of the hepatic veins and/or the inferior vena cava by a lesion originating outside the vein, such as a malignancy.

Case presentation

We present a unique case involving a large renal cell tumor that extended into the inferior vena cava and necessitated a referral for radical nephrectomy from a regional hospital. Unexpectedly, 2 days prior to the surgery, the patient deteriorated and developed secondary Budd–Chiari syndrome, which was confirmed by an abdominal CT scan revealing the tumor's extension into the hepatic veins. Before the best treatment option decided, a hepatologist was call for consultations and according to him surgical intervention with a post-operative anticoagulant therapy is the best option due to the extension of a tumor thrombus. Right radical nephrectomy involves the exploration and evacuation of a tumor thrombus from the renal vein, inferior vena cava, and hepatic vein was done. Following an uneventful postoperative period, the patient was discharged in good condition and referred to the oncology department for further management.

Conclusions

This situation highlights the need to consider the possibility of secondary Budd–Chiari syndrome in patients with large renal cell carcinoma. Being aware of this potential complication may help improve patient outcomes, especially in areas with limited healthcare resources, where late diagnoses of large renal cell carcinoma are frequent.
Osteology and functional morphology of a transitional pterosaur Dearc sgiathanach from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) of Scotland
Authors: Jagielska Natalia , O’Sullivan Michael , Butler Ian B. , Challands Thomas J. , Funston Gregory F. , Ross Dugald , Penny Amelia , Brusatte Stephen L.
Published: January 2025

Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to evolve active flight. The lack of many well-preserved pterosaur fossils limits our understanding of the functional anatomy and behavior of these flight pioneers, particularly from their early history (Triassic to Middle Jurassic). Here we describe in detail the osteology of an exceptionally preserved Middle Jurassic pterosaur, the holotype of Dearc sgiathanach from the Isle of Skye, Scotland. We identify new autapomorphies of the flight apparatus (humerus and sternum), which further support the distinctiveness of Dearc compared with other early-diverging pterosaurs and describe features, such as the vertebral morphology, shared with later-diverging pterosaurs that probably developed convergently to support a large body size or as a sign of modular evolution. We used extant phylogenetic bracketing to infer the principal cranial and antebrachial musculature, indicating that Dearc had large and anteriorly placed palatal musculature that compensated for weak temporal jaw adductors and wing musculature suggestive of flight style reliant on powerful adduction and protraction of the humerus. Comparisons with other pterosaurs revealed that non-pterodactyloids such as Dearc, despite their overall conservative bauplans, adapted various flight and feeding styles. The osteology and myology of Dearc are indicative of a large predator that flew and hunted above lagoons and nearshore environments of the Middle Jurassic.
Dissecting the genetic basis of fruiting efficiency for genetic enhancement of harvest index, grain number, and yield in wheat
Authors: Shahi Dipendra , Guo Jia , Babar Md Ali , Pradhan Sumit , AVCI Muhsin , McBreen Jordan , Liu Zhao , Bai Guihua , Amand Paul St. , Bernardo Amy , Reynolds Matthew , Molero Gemma , Sukumaran Sivakumar , Foulkes John , Khan Jahangir
Published: January 2025

Background

Grain number (GN) is one of the key yield contributing factors in modern wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties. Fruiting efficiency (FE) is a key trait for increasing GN by making more spike assimilates available to reproductive structures. Thousand grain weight (TGW) is also an important component of grain yield. To understand the genetic architecture of FE and TGW, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a panel of 236 US soft facultative wheats that were phenotyped in three experiments at two locations in Florida and genotyped with 20,706 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS).

Results

FE showed significant positive associations with GN, grain yield (GY), and harvest index (HI). Likewise, TGW mostly had a positive correlation with GY and HI, but a negative correlation with GN. Eighteen marker-trait associations (MTAs) for FE and TGW were identified on 11 chromosomes, with nine MTAs within genes. Several MTAs associated with other traits were found within genes with different biological and metabolic functions including nuclear pore complex protein, F-box protein, oligopeptide transporter, and glycoside vacuolar protein. Two KASP markers showed significant mean differences for FE and TGW traits in a validation population.

Conclusions

KASP marker development and validation demonstrated the utility of these markers for improving FE and TGW in breeding programs. The results suggest that optimizing intra-spike partitioning and utilizing marker-assisted selection (MAS) can enhance GY and HI.