bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes and outcome predictors of two-year assertive community treatment in Norway: an explorative prospective pre–post study
Authors: Ruud Torleif , Selle Maria Lie , Clausen Hanne K. , Heiervang Kristin S. , Odden Sigrun , Stuen Hanne Kilen , Landheim Anne
Published: October 2024

Background

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams have become a part of mental health services for people with severe mental illness in many high-income countries. Studies in several countries have investigated the outcomes of ACT, and knowledge is also needed about outcomes of ACT teams in Norway. Our aims were to study clinical outcomes of ACT, how the outcomes were associated with characteristics of patients and treatment, and whether they differed across ACT teams.

Methods

Our explorative, prospective, pre–post multicenter study involved 142 patients who received ACT for two years from the first 12 ACT teams established in urban and rural areas of Norway. There was no control group. The primary outcome was change in clinician-rated psychiatric symptoms. Secondary outcomes were clinician-rated change in functioning and engagement and change in community tenure compared with 2 years prior to ACT. We measured fidelity to the ACT model using the Tool for Measurement of Assertive Community Treatment. We performed linear mixed-effects modeling to analyze outcomes and their associations with characteristics of patients and treatment.

Results

After two years, psychiatric symptoms were significantly reduced with a small effect size. Negative symptoms, anxiety and depression, and agitation and mania had significant reductions, while positive symptoms had nonsignificant changes. Functioning, engagement, and community tenure all significantly increased with small effect sizes. Age, difficulty to engage, problematic use of alcohol, frequent previous use of inpatient services, total number of sessions, and team’s fidelity to the ACT model were associated with different groups of symptoms. Less improvement in functioning was associated with team fidelity and number of sessions. Change in engagement was not associated with any predictors. Increased community tenure was greater for younger patients and patients who were on community treatment orders at treatment start.

Conclusions

ACT for two years led to significant positive outcomes with small effect sizes for psychiatric symptoms, functioning, engagement, and community tenure. The outcomes were associated with some potential predictors, and some team-level variance emerged. Positive significant outcomes after two years indicate that larger improvements may be achieved from longer-term treatments by ACT teams.
Patterns and predictors of help-seeking intentions for suicidal ideation compared to other health conditions among rural Chinese adults
Authors: Wu Yang , Chen Zhenzhen , Guo Yaoguang , Han Jin
Published: October 2024

Psychological help-seeking for suicidal ideation is a critical aspect of effective suicide prevention. Past research has documented low help-seeking amongst rural residents in China. This study investigates the patterns and predictors of help-seeking intentions for suicidal ideation versus mental (depression) and physical (heart disease) health conditions among Chinese rural residents using General Help-Seeking Questionnaire Vignette version. A total of 143 rural participants from sixteen villages in Hubei province of China completed the survey via home-visiting interviews. Results revealed a general trend that the help-seeking intentions decreased as the helping sources shifted from close others (spouses, family, etc.) to professional helpers and online sources. Additionally, rural residents with higher educational levels, high self-efficacy, and more severe suicide ideations were more willing to seek help; and suicide literacy was found to be negatively associated with help-seeking intentions. The implications of the research findings are discussed.
A qualitative focus group study on legal experts’ views regarding euthanasia requests based on an advance euthanasia directive
Authors: Coers D. O. , Scholten S. H. , de Boer M. E. , Sizoo E. M. , Buijsen M. A. J. M. , Frederiks B. J. M. , Leget C. J. W. , Hertogh C. M. P. M.
Published: October 2024

Background

The Dutch Euthanasia law permits euthanasia in patients with advanced dementia lacking decisional capacity based on advance euthanasia directives. Nevertheless, physicians encounter difficulties assessing the criteria for due care in such cases. This study explores the perspectives of legal experts on the fulfillment of these criteria and the potential for additional legal guidance to support physicians’ decision-making processes.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted with legal experts. Two focus group sessions were conducted. The data analysis was conducted iteratively, with the data being interpreted using thematic content analysis and the framework method.

Results

Participants emphasize the importance of considering the patient’s current wishes and informing them about the limitations of advance euthanasia directives. While representatives and healthcare professionals can assist in interpreting wishes, the final decision regarding euthanasia rests with the physician. The participants also discuss the challenges posed by pre-recorded wishes due to changing preferences. Furthermore, they present different views on the value of life wishes of patients with advanced dementia. While some participants prioritize life wishes over advance euthanasia directives, others question whether such expressions still reflect their will. Participants find it essential to assess unbearable suffering in the context of the current situation. Participants acknowledge the necessity to interpret advance euthanasia directives but also current expressions and they entrust this interpretation to physicians, viewing them as the primary authority, despite consulting multiple sources.

Conclusions

The Dutch Euthanasia law’s due care criteria are open norms –which are open in substance and require further elaboration, mostly determined on a case-by-case basis to the field standards of the profession–, placing the responsibility on physicians to interpret advance euthanasia directives and patient expressions. Despite potential support from various sources of information, there is limited additional legal guidance available to assist physicians in making decisions.
Trends in non-daily cigarette smoking in England, 2006–2024
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Brown Jamie , Shahab Lion , Cox Sharon
Published: October 2024

Background

Cigarette smoking is incredibly harmful, even for people who do not smoke every day. This study aimed to estimate trends in non-daily smoking in England between 2006 and 2024, how these differed across population subgroups, and to explore changes in the profile of non-daily smokers in terms of their sociodemographic and smoking characteristics and vaping and alcohol consumption.

Methods

Data were collected monthly between November 2006 and April 2024 as part of a nationally representative, repeat cross-sectional survey of adults (≥ 18 years; n = 353,711). We used logistic regression to estimate associations between survey wave and non-daily smoking and used descriptive statistics to characterise the profile of non-daily smokers across 3-year periods.

Results

The proportion who smoked non-daily was relatively stable between November 2006 and November 2013, at an average of 10.5% [10.1–10.9%] of cigarette smokers, then increased to 27.2% [26.0–28.4%] of cigarette smokers (4.0% [3.7–4.2%] of adults) by April 2024. This increase was particularly pronounced among younger adults (e.g. reaching 52.8%, 20.4%, and 14.4% of 18-, 45-, and 65-year-old cigarette smokers by April 2024) and those who vape (reaching 34.2% among vapers vs. 23.1% among non-vapers). Over time, there were reductions in non-daily smokers’ mean weekly cigarette consumption (from 34.3 in 2006–2009 to 21.1 in 2021–2024), urges to smoke (e.g. the proportion reporting no urges increased from 29.2 to 38.0%), and motivation to stop smoking (e.g. the proportion highly motivated to quit within the next 3 months decreased from 30.8 to 21.0%).

Conclusions

An increasing proportion of adults in England who smoke cigarettes do not smoke every day, particularly younger adults. Although non-daily smokers report smoking fewer cigarettes and weaker urges to smoke than they used to, which may make it easier for them to stop smoking, they appear to be decreasingly motivated to quit.
Human in vitro models for Fabry disease: new paths for unravelling disease mechanisms and therapies
Authors: Borisch Carla , Thum Thomas , Bär Christian , Hoepfner Jeannine
Published: October 2024

Fabry disease is a multi-organ disease, caused by mutations in the GLA gene and leading to a progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids due to enzymatic absence or malfunction of the encoded alpha-galactosidase A. Since pathomechanisms are not yet fully understood and available treatments are not efficient for all mutation types and tissues, further research is highly needed. This research involves many different model types, with significant effort towards the establishment of an in vivo model. However, these models did not replicate the variety of symptoms observed in patients. As an alternative strategy, patient-derived somatic cells as well as patient-independent cell lines were used to model specific aspects of the disease in vitro. Fabry disease patients present different phenotypes according to the mutation and the level of residual enzyme activity, pointing to the necessity of personalized disease modeling. With the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells, the derivation of a multitude of disease-affected cell types became possible, even in a patient-specific and mutation-specific manner. Only recently, three-dimensional Fabry disease models were established that even more closely resemble the native tissue of investigated organs and will bring research closer to the in vivo situation. This review provides an overview of human in vitro models and their achievements in unravelling the Fabry disease pathomechanism as well as in elucidating current and future treatment strategies.
Sedation and general anaesthesia of crocodilians: a systematic review
Authors: Kruuse Asbjørn Onsberg , Markusen Louise Damholt , Grøndahl Carsten , Olsen Lisbeth Høier
Published: October 2024

Sedation and general anaesthesia of crocodilians pose unique challenges due to their aggressive nature, poikilothermic physiology, and specific anatomical and physiological characteristics, all factors that complicate crocodilian anaesthesia. This review aimed to systematically review the literature regarding sedation and general anaesthesia of crocodilians with focus on efficacy and impact on vital parameters. A systematic literature search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on May 2, 2023 in the databases Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Publications were excluded based on predefined exclusion criteria, which encompassed non-standard publications and publications unrelated to crocodilians, with fewer than five animals and/or with insufficient data on sedation and general anaesthesia. Five key factors were used to evaluate the strength of evidence: number of included animals, study design, definition of recovery time, blinded assessment of recovery and conflict of interest. Ten publications were included in this systematic review. Drugs used included alpha-2-adrenoceptor agonists, dissociative anaesthetics, benzodiazepines, neuromuscular blocking agents, propofol, alfaxalone, and inhalant gasses. The studies included in total 55 Alligator mississippiensis, 110 Crocodylus porosus, 15 Crocodylus johnstoni, and 15 Crocodylus niloticus. Factors such as temperature, administration route, dose, species, and age influenced protocols for sedation and general anaesthesia of crocodilians. The studies included used five different study designs. Only one study included a control group, done on retrospectively collected data. Blinded recovery assessments and declarations of no conflict of interest were noted in some studies. The use of four distinct recovery definitions posed challenges to comparability in this systematic review. The studies reported that medetomidine provided stable and reversible sedation, although it depressed heart rate. Alfaxalone was less stable outside the optimal temperature range. Intubation and inhalation anaesthesia were effective, and adrenaline reduced the length of the recovery period. Overall, the review provides valuable insights for veterinarians, researchers, and wildlife professionals involved in sedation and general anaesthesia of the crocodilian species, however, the literature is limited, and further research is needed to improve evidence-based medical management.
Comparison of different diagnostic protocols for the detection of Toxocara spp. in faecal samples of cats and dogs
Authors: Winterfeld Deliah Tamsyn , Schauer Birgit , Globokar Majda , Pantchev Nikola , Mouchantat Susan , Conraths Franz Josef , Kampen Helge , Dups-Bergmann Johanna , Schares Gereon , Maksimov Pavlo
Published: October 2024

Background

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are parasitic nematodes that occur worldwide. As embryonated Toxocara spp. eggs in the environment pose a zoonotic risk, especially for children, optimal diagnostic approaches are necessary for effective disease response and management, including surveillance. However, little is known about the performance of different diagnostic protocols for detecting Toxocara spp. in the faeces of cats and dogs, hampering movement towards an optimal diagnostic process. This study aimed to compare detection methods, including a newly developed sequential sieving protocol (SF-SSV) and a high-throughput multiplex qPCR-based method to facilitate epidemiological studies.

Methods

Species-specific Toxocara spp. egg suspensions and canine and feline faecal samples from the field were used to estimate analytical and diagnostic sensitivity of the protocols. The performance of two automated DNA extraction protocols using enzymatic and mechanical lysis were compared by multiplex qPCR, targeting both T. canis and T. cati-specific genomic sequences. All samples were examined by microscopy-based techniques, the sedimentation flotation technique (SF) and a newly developed SF-SSV for the detection, enrichment and purification of parasite eggs. The costs and processing times necessary for all protocols were estimated and compared for both single samples and sets of 100 samples.

Results

To detect Toxocara spp. eggs, SF-SSV showed the highest analytical sensitivity and a significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity than the DNA detection methods. Mechanical lysis performed better than enzymatic lysis for automated DNA extraction. In automated DNA extraction, 96-well plates performed better than 24-well plates. DNA detection and microscopy-based parasitological methods showed substantial agreement between the results generated by each method. Microscopy-based techniques required the lowest costs and least hands-on time for a single sample. However, when costs and labour were estimated for a set of 100 samples, the DNA detection protocol using 96-well plates for extraction revealed costs similar to SF-SSV and the fastest processing times.

Conclusions

SF-SSV was superior in terms of analytical and diagnostic sensitivity for the detection of Toxocara spp. eggs. For larger sets of samples, multiplex qPCR-based DNA detection represents an alternative to microscopy-based methods, based on the possibility of faster sample processing at similar costs to SF-SSV, and the ability to provide species-specific diagnoses.

Graphical Abstract
Crime radiation theory: the co-production of crime patterns through opportunity creation and exploitation
Authors: Linning Shannon J. , Bowers Kate , Eck John E.
Published: October 2024

Considerable research shows that crime is concentrated at a few proprietary places: addresses and facilities. Emerging research suggests that proprietary places may radiate crime: activities at a place increase the risk of crime in the area around it. Weaknesses in the research create uncertainty about radiation, so we need more rigorous research. To conduct this research, we need a theory of crime radiation that operates at two spatial levels: the proprietary place and the area. This paper describes such a theory. Our theory states that crime radiation stems from the interaction between place management decisions at the place and offenders searching for opportunities in the area. Place managers create crime opportunities inside and outside their places. Offenders exploit place managers’ creations by deliberately searching for opportunities or by chancing upon the opportunities. The ways place managers and offenders interact gives rise to three types of crime radiation: hot dot, veiled dot, and cold dot. Finally, we propose questions crime scientists should answer to better understand crime radiation.
Unraveling the glycosphingolipid metabolism by leveraging transcriptome-weighted network analysis on neuroblastic tumors
Authors: Ustjanzew Arsenij , Nedwed Annekathrin Silvia , Sandhoff Roger , Faber Jörg , Marini Federico , Paret Claudia
Published: October 2024

Background

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are membrane lipids composed of a ceramide backbone linked to a glycan moiety. Ganglioside biosynthesis is a part of the GSL metabolism, which involves sequential reactions catalyzed by specific enzymes that in part have a poor substrate specificity. GSLs are deregulated in cancer, thus playing a role as potential biomarkers for personalized therapy or subtype classification. However, the analysis of GSL profiles is complex and requires dedicated technologies, that are currently not included in the commonly utilized high-throughput assays adopted in contexts such as molecular tumor boards.

Methods

In this study, we developed a method to discriminate the enzyme activity among the four series of the ganglioside metabolism pathway by incorporating transcriptome data and topological information of the metabolic network. We introduced three adjustment options for reaction activity scores (RAS) and demonstrated their application in both exploratory and comparative analyses by applying the method on neuroblastic tumors (NTs), encompassing neuroblastoma (NB), ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB), and ganglioneuroma (GN). Furthermore, we interpreted the results in the context of earlier published GSL measurements in the same tumors.

Results

By adjusting RAS values using a weighting scheme based on network topology and transition probabilities (TPs), the individual series of ganglioside metabolism can be differentiated, enabling a refined analysis of the GSL profile in NT entities. Notably, the adjustment method we propose reveals the differential engagement of the ganglioside series between NB and GNB. Moreover, MYCN gene expression, a well-known prognostic marker in NTs, appears to correlate with the expression of therapeutically relevant gangliosides, such as GD2. Using unsupervised learning, we identified subclusters within NB based on altered GSL metabolism.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the utility of adjusting RAS values in discriminating ganglioside metabolism subtypes, highlighting the potential for identifying novel cancer subgroups based on sphingolipid profiles. These findings contribute to a better understanding of ganglioside dysregulation in NT and may have implications for stratification and targeted therapeutic strategies in these tumors and other tumor entities with a deregulated GSL metabolism.
Enhancing late postmortem interval prediction: a pilot study integrating proteomics and machine learning to distinguish human bone remains over 15 years
Authors: Garcés-Parra Camila , Saldivia Pablo , Hernández Mauricio , Uribe Elena , Román Juan , Torrejón Marcela , Gutiérrez José L. , Cabrera-Vives Guillermo , García-Robles María de los Ángeles , Aguilar William , Soto Miguel , Tarifeño-Saldivia Estefanía
Published: October 2024

Background

Determining the postmortem interval (PMI) accurately remains a significant challenge in forensic sciences, especially for intervals greater than 5 years (late PMI). Traditional methods often fail due to the extensive degradation of soft tissues, necessitating reliance on bone material examinations. The precision in estimating PMIs diminishes with time, particularly for intervals between 1 and 5 years, dropping to about 50% accuracy. This study aims to address this issue by identifying key protein biomarkers through proteomics and machine learning, ultimately enhancing the accuracy of PMI estimation for intervals exceeding 15 years.

Methods

Proteomic analysis was conducted using LC–MS/MS on skeletal remains, specifically focusing on the tibia and ribs. Protein identification was performed using two strategies: a tryptic-specific search and a semitryptic search, the latter being particularly beneficial in cases of natural protein degradation. The Random Forest algorithm was used to model protein abundance data, enabling the prediction of PMI. A thorough screening process, combining importance scores and SHAP values, was employed to identify the most informative proteins for model’s training and accuracy.

Results

A minimal set of three biomarkers—K1C13, PGS1, and CO3A1—was identified, significantly improving the prediction accuracy between PMIs of 15 and 20 years. The model, based on protein abundance data from semitryptic peptides in tibia samples, achieved sustained 100% accuracy across 100 iterations. In contrast, non-supervised methods like PCA and MCA did not yield comparable results. Additionally, the use of semitryptic peptides outperformed tryptic peptides, particularly in tibia proteomes, suggesting their potential reliability in late PMI prediction.

Conclusions

Despite limitations such as sample size and PMI range, this study demonstrates the feasibility of combining proteomics and machine learning for accurate late PMI predictions. Future research should focus on broader PMI ranges and various bone types to further refine and standardize forensic proteomic methodologies for PMI estimation.
Correlation between marginal bone loss around dental implants and various systemic diseases: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Carlos Alicia , Ziada Hassan , Abubakr Neamat Hassan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Diminished bone levels or the lack of osseointegration can lead to higher rates of failure of dental implants. The present study is aimed to evaluate the correlation between hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, on the marginal bone loss (MBL) surrounding dental implants among patients attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas dental clinics.

Methods

Clinical notes from patients at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) dental clinics were analyzed using AxiUm™ software. The study included patients with dental implants diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia who attended the UNLV School of Dental Medicine clinics from 2012 to 2022. Exclusions were made for patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and those with a limited number of radiographs. A search was conducted using keywords such as ‘systemic disease,’ ‘marginal bone loss,’ ‘dental implant,’ ‘high cholesterol,’ ‘hypertension,’ and ‘diabetes’ within the system.

Results

Out of 1,310 potentially eligible patients, 57 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The total number of evaluated implants was 165. 18% of the sample patients were 55 to 64 years of age, and 79% were 65 or above. 45.6% of patients reported having more than four systemic diseases and 67% of patients had four or more prescription medications. Patients diagnosed with hypertension (78.95%) or hyperlipidemia (73.68%) had the highest presence of marginal bone loss surrounding the dental implant(s) while those with diabetes (40.35%) had the least amount of MBL. Patients diagnosed with both hypertension and hyperlipidemia (29.82%) experienced the highest incidence of MBL around implants. The medications prescribed to combat these health issues, such as statins and antihypertensive, also showed the same trends and corresponded with a higher prevalence of MBL.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present investigation, patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and hypertension were more likely to exhibit MBL surrounding dental implants.
Heterogeneity of Gestational Diabetes and Risk for Adverse Pregnancy Outcome: A Cohort Study
Authors: Gong Yixin , Wang Qunhua , Chen Suyu , Liu Yujie , Li Chenghua , Kang Rong , Wang Jing , Wei Tian , Wang Qin , Li Xianming , Luo Sihui , Weng Jianping , Zheng Xueying , Ding Yu
Published: October 2024

Context

Diabetes is increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous disease, with clinical characteristics and outcome risks varying across different phenotypes. Evidence on heterogeneity of gestational diabetes (GDM) is yet to be provided.

Objective

To investigate the insulin physiology and pregnancy outcomes of GDM phenotypes characterized by fasting hyperglycemia or postload hyperglycemia.

Methods

A total of 2050 women who underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test were prospectively recruited and followed until delivery. Women were categorized into normoglycemia (NGT, n = 936), isolated impaired fasting glucose (gestational-IFG, n = 378), and isolated impaired postload glucose tolerance (gestational-IGT, n = 736) groups. Fasting blood samples at mid-pregnancy were collected to measure C-peptide and insulin concentrations. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were used to evaluate insulin physiology. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded.

Results

Gestational-IFG had greater insulin resistance (HOMA-IR 3.11 vs 2.25, QUICKI-C-peptide 0.94 vs 1.03, both P < .01), and gestational-IGT had worse β-cell function (C-peptide 2.00 vs 2.26 ng/mL, P < .05), when compared to one another. Gestational-IFG was more strongly associated with excessive gestational weight gain (risk ratio [RR] 1.62; 95% CI, 1.18-2.23) and large-for-gestational-age infants (RR 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03-2.03) than gestational-IGT. The risk for neonatal brain injury was increased in gestational-IGT (RR 2.03; 95% CI, 1.04-4.09), but not in gestational-IFG (P = .439). Gestational-IGT showed a stronger association with the risk of preterm birth compared to gestational-IFG (RR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.02-3.36).

Conclusion

GDM exhibits distinct insulin physiology profiles. Pregnancy outcome varies between each phenotype. These findings provide evidence on risk stratification and diverse strategies for the treatment of GDM.
Giant Pheochromocytoma Resection Using Partial Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Blood Purification Therapy
Authors: Otsuka Hiroyuki , Tayama Eiki , Uemura Keiichiro , Furusaka Hiro , Hisaka Toru , Igawa Tsukasa
Published: October 2024

A 44-year-old man was diagnosed with a giant pheochromocytoma in the right retroperitoneal cavity following treatment for heart failure. Subsequent to improvement in cardiac function, the patient underwent a laparotomy to excise the tumor. Due to its considerable size, partial cardiopulmonary bypass and blood purification therapy were initiated to stabilize hemodynamics during the surgical intervention. Herein, we present the utilization of partial cardiopulmonary bypass and blood purification in the resection of a giant pheochromocytoma in a patient with a history of heart failure, which proved beneficial in ensuring hemodynamic stability.
Time-Dependent Association of Preinjury Anticoagulation on Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Coagulopathy: A Retrospective, Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Matsuo Kazuya , Aihara Hideo , Suehiro Eiichi , Shiomi Naoto , Yatsushige Hiroshi , Hirota Shin , Hasegawa Shu , Karibe Hiroshi , Miyata Akihiro , Kawakita Kenya , Haji Kohei , Yokobori Shoji , Inaji Motoki , Maeda Takeshi , Onuki Takahiro , Oshio Kotaro , Komoribayashi Nobukazu , Suzuki Michiyasu
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The impact of preinjury anticoagulation on coagulation parameters over time after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has remained unclear. Based on the hypothesis that preinjury anticoagulation significantly influences the progression and persistence of TBI-induced coagulopathy, we retrospectively examined the association of preinjury anticoagulation with various coagulation parameters during the first 24 hours postinjury in 5 periods.

METHODS:

Data from the Japanese registry of patients with TBI aged ≥65 years admitted between 2019 and 2021 were used. Time since injury was classified into 5 categories through a graphical analysis of coagulation parameters. We examined the association between preinjury anticoagulation and the platelet count, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer level, and fibrinogen level during each period by analysis of covariance using 10 clinical factors as confounding factors.

RESULTS:

Data from 545 patients and 795 blood tests were analyzed. The patients' mean age was 78.9 years, and 87 (16%) received anticoagulation therapy. The preinjury anticoagulation group had significantly greater Rotterdam computed tomography scores and poorer outcomes at discharge than the control group, with significantly lower D-dimer levels and higher fibrinogen levels. Analysis of covariance revealed significant associations between the D-dimer level and preinjury anticoagulation within 2 to 24 hours postinjury, APTT and preinjury anticoagulation within 1 to 24 hours, and PT-INR and preinjury anticoagulation throughout all periods up to 24 hours postinjury.

CONCLUSION:

Despite more severe TBI signs and poorer outcomes, the preinjury anticoagulation group had significantly lower D-dimer levels, especially within 2 to 24 hours postinjury. Thus, D-dimer levels during this period may not reliably represent TBI severity in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy before injury. Preinjury anticoagulation was also associated with an elevated PT-INR and prolonged APTT from early to 24 hours postinjury, highlighting the importance of aggressive anticoagulant reversal early after injury.
Incidência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular em estudantes de música
Authors: Garcez Luiz Ricardo , Alves de Souza Rebeca , Linhares Sales Antonia Adrielly , Lima Fernandes Mariana
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: o presente estudo investigou a incidência de sinais e sintomas de DTM em estudantes de música. Métodos: tratou-se de um estudo observacional, transversal, de caráter descritivo e natureza quantitativa, sob o número CAAE 90844418.1.0000.5049 e foi realizado com estudantes de música no Conservatório de Música Alberto Nepomuceno, no período de agosto a dezembro de 2018. Os participantes responderam a dois questionários: o questionário anamnésico de Fonseca e um questionário produzido pelos pesquisadores. Os dados estatísticos foram tabulados e analisados no software SPSS versão 20.0. Resultados: participaram do estudo 43 indivíduos com idade entre 18 e 54 anos. A incidência de DTM que variou de leve à severa entre os participantes foi de 72%. Entre os participantes, houve uma predominância em alunos de piano, 25,5%, seguida por alunos de violão, 23,2%. Quando indagados com relação aos aspectos de ansiedade, 60,4% dos estudantes relataram que “às vezes” ou “sim” consideram-se pessoas ansiosas. Conclusão: estudantes de música podem estar propensos a desencadear sinais e sintomas de DTM.
Molecular docking and MD simulation approach to identify potential phytochemical lead molecule against triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Pranaya , G Dicky John Davis , PA Abhinand , Manikandan M , Ghosh Arabinda
Published: October 2024

Background Triple-negative breast cancers are defined as tumors that lack the expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It exhibits unique clinical and pathological features, is highly aggressive, and has a relatively poor prognosis and poor clinical outcome. Objective To identify a novel drug target protein against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and potential phytochemical lead molecules against novel drug targets. Methods In this study, we retrieved TNBC samples from NGS and microarray datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database and employed a combination of differential gene expression studies, protein-protein interaction analysis, and network topology investigation to identify the target protein. Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies, followed by Molecular Mechanics with Generalised Born Surface Area solvation, a potential lead molecule was identified. Result The androgen receptor (AR) was found to be the target protein, and 2-hydroxynaringenin was discovered to be a possible phytochemical lead molecule to combat TNBC. Upregulated genes with LogFC > 1.25 and P-value < 0.05 from the TNBC gene expression dataset were given to STRING tool to investigate the network topology, and androgen receptor (AR) was found to be an appropriate hub gene in the protein-protein interaction network. Phytochemicals that inhibit breast cancer were retrieved from the PubChem database and virtual screening was performed using PyRx against the AR protein. Based on Lipinski’s rule and ADMET properties, molecular interaction studies were analyzed using induced fit docking, wherein significant binding interactions were displayed by 2-hydroxynaringenin. Molecular dynamics studies and MM-GBSA of AR and the 2-hydroxynaringenin complex revealed strong and stable interactions. Conclusion AR was identified as a hub protein that is highly expressed in breast cancer and 2-hydroxynaringenin efficacy of counter TNBC needs to be investigated further in vitro and in vivo.
Wkład powszechnych zjazdów historyków i archiwistów polskich do dorobku archiwistyki
Authors: Roman Wanda Krystyna
Published: October 2024

The monograph is the first comprehensive presentation of archivists’ participation in general congresses of historians, starting in 1880, and in general congresses of archivists since 1986, as well as their theoretical contribution to the achievements of Polish archival science. It contains an analysis of 350 papers presented and published in congress diaries. The analysis shows what problems were important for the archival community, what was interesting and aroused emotions in them, what shocked them, and what was received with enthusiasm. One can notice changes in the description and assessment of many phenomena occurring in and around archives, as well as in the perception of archives and archival science, and also reactions to new laws or technological innovations. The presented texts allow us to reconstruct the development of original Polish archival thought and the history of the contemporary archival field with its various aspects. Each text can be an inspiration for undertaking further scientific and archival research.
Nad dolną Wisłą. 1920 r.
Authors: Rezmer Waldemar , Bohusz-Szyszko Zygmunt
Published: October 2024

Part I Waldemar Rezmer Działania wojenne nad dolną Wisłą w sierpniu 1920 r. Studium taktyczne i operacyjne (Military operations on the lower Vistula in August 1920. Tactical and operational study) Part II Zygmunt Bohusz-Szyszko Działania wojenne nad dolną Wisłą w 1920 r. Z atlasem (Military operations on the lower Vistula in 1920. With an atlas) Edition and scientific edition by Waldemar Rezmer The fighting on the lower Vistula is an important part of the Battle of Warsaw, fought in mid-August 1920. On the Polish side, it can be described as a cover for the northern wing of the main forces fighting on the Dęblin-Warsaw-Modlin front, whereas on the Soviet side, it can be described an attempt to create a deep bypass of Warsaw, similar, in general outline, to the maneuver of Tsarist Marshal Paskiewicz in 1831. The effective defence of the Vistula crossings near Nieszawa in Włocławek and Płock prevented the Soviet 4th Army from crossing to the western bank of the river, the most dangerous offensive force of which was Komkor Gaja's III Cavalry Corps. For this reason, the Scientific Publishing House of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń decided to edit the study by Zygmunt Bohusz-Szyszko entitled Działania wojenne nad dolną Wisłą w 1920 r. (War operations on the lower Vistula in 1920), which was first published in Warsaw in 1931. This work was the 11th volume of the editorial series – Tactical Studies from the History of the Polish War 1918–1921 – endorsed by the Military Historical Office. The authors of the works in this series were competent and literary-talented people, usually officers of the Polish Army. They possessed extensive knowledge acquired in military schools and academies, as well as practical experience gained in command and staff positions in various armies and armed formations during World War I and later in the Polish Army during the wars of independence and borders in 1918–1921. Without a doubt, Zygmunt Bohusz-Szyszko, who participated in the fighting on the Vistula River in August 1920, belonged to this group. His work constitutes the second part of the book. Over 90 years have passed since the publication of the study by Lt. Col. Zygmunt Bohusz-Szyszko. During this time, the source base has expanded significantly, and many valuable scientific studies have appeared. Taking into account new sources – Soviet (Russian) and Polish – and significantly expanded literature on the subject, a new study of activities on the Lower Vistula was created, authored by prof. dr hab. Waldemar Rezmer. It also takes the form of studies – in some parts operational studies, but mostly tactical studies. This study constitutes the first part of the work entitled Nad dolną Wisłą. 1920 r. (On the lower Vistula. 1920).
Bezpośrednie inwestycje zagraniczne w Republice Kazachstanu (na przykładzie aktywności inwestycyjnej polskich przedsiębiorstw)
Authors: Jaworek Małgorzata , Karaszewski Włodzimierz , Kuczmarska Magdalena , Kuzel Marcin
Published: October 2024

The authors of the book, employees of the Department of Investments and Real Estate, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, have been conducting research on international capital flows in the form of foreign direct investments (FDI) for many years. Their first research work in this area covered FDI in Poland – its intensity, structure, conditions and effects. This research is continued on both a national and regional level, although the authors' current research activity is focused on the investment activity of Polish enterprises abroad. Moreover, the scientific interests of the authors of the book include the internationalisation of enterprises through capital, especially the activities of the largest direct investors in the world, as well as international enterprises from developing countries. The results of their research were published in numerous scientific studies – books and articles published in Poland and abroad. The Toruń FDI research centre, which they co-create, is widely recognsed as one of the leading ones in Poland. More about the research team: https://skolar.umk.pl.
Podziemie niepodległościowe na terenie Małopolski po 1945 roku
Authors: Golik Dawid
Published: October 2024

THE INDEPENDENCE UNDERGROUND IN MAŁOPOLSKA AFTER 1945. OVERVIEW OF THE ISSUE AND THE STATE OF RESEARCH
The activity of the Polish Independence Underground after the end of World War II has been the subject of interest of historians and regionalists at least since the mid-1990s. Also in Małopolska, over the last three decades, research has been carried out on the central structures of the Underground, the methods of fighting it by the Soviets and the communist secret police, as well as on the activities of partisan units in its territory. So far, historians have focused, following the example of other regions, on the most important independence organization operating in the country, that is the „Wolność i Niezawisłość” Association, and the iconic commanders of post-war partisans. At the same time, none of the largest units of the Underground in Małopolska („Ogień”, „Salwa” or „Mściciel”) has had a separate, exhaustive monograph. There is also no detailed study of what was happening in Kraków and its vicinity in 1945, i.e. the process of transforming the war-time military underground into structures whose axis of activity would be the fight against the Soviets and the polish communists. Another milestone in future research must also be the ultimate separation of real partisan units from ordinary criminal groups, which, using the atmosphere of temporariness and the availability of weapons, were a real plague at the end of World War II and in the first post-war years. Some of these issues are currently being reexamined in connection with the search for the graves of the victims of Soviet totalitarianism and the need to accurately recreate the fate of people murdered by communists.
Związki biskupa krakowskiego Marcina Szyszkowskiego ze Spytkowicami
Authors: Wołyniec Bartłomiej M.
Published: October 2024

Spytkowice to niewielka miejscowość położona na historycznym pograniczu Małopolski i Śląska, co w dużej mierze stanowiło o jej burzliwych, ale zarazem niezwykle ciekawych dziejach. Wśród wielu wątków, jakie się na nie składały, szczególne miejsce zajmowali właściciele Spytkowic, a co za tym idzie – położenie miejscowości w strukturze szlacheckich i magnackich dóbr ziemskich. Myszkowscy, Lubomirscy i Szyszkowscy to tylko trzy z wielu rodzin, które ze Spytkowic uczyniły swoją własność. Niniejszy artykuł poświęcony jest ostatniej z wyżej wymienionych, a właściwie konkretnemu jej przedstawicielowi – biskupowi krakowskiemu Marcinowi Szyszkowskiemu, który – jak pokazują źródła – był związany z miejscowością w latach 20. XVII w.
Rotinas jornalísticas e redes sociais: a cobertura do futebol feminino numa redação integrada
Authors: Immig Thais Eduarda , Wobeto Samara , Borelli Viviane
Published: October 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar transformações nas rotinas jornalísticas de uma editoria esportiva numa redação integrada de um veículo de comunicação localizado em Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil). São discutidos conceitos que entrelaçam questões relativas ao jornalismo, ao futebol e ao gênero. A investigação foi realizada a partir de um estudo de caso (Braga, 2008; Yin, 2005) na editoria de esporte, especialmente com as responsáveis pela cobertura do futebol feminino. Os procedimentos metodológicos foram a observação participante (Winkin, 1998; Angrosino, 2009), a elaboração de protocolos para a observação das rotinas produtivas e as entrevistas semiestruturadas (Duarte, 2012), técnica que foi usada para entrevistar duas jornalistas. Entre os resultados, figuram as transformações do jornalismo a partir da inserção de redes sociais midiáticas como estratégia para ampliar a circulação de informações. Além disso, observou-se que as jornalistas são reconhecidas pelos públicos que acompanham a cobertura do futebol feminino, ocorrendo protagonismo e atorização (Fausto Neto, 2012). A observação e a entrevista evidenciaram a precarização do trabalho jornalístico —seja na produção de conteúdo em distintos formatos, seja no fato de a produção ocorrer em horário posterior ao qual as jornalistas trabalham na redação—.
Could Auto Dealers Benefit from Vertical Media Platforms’ Encroachment?
Authors: Ye Fei , Li Wenzhuo , Chen Ying-Ju , Liang Lunhai , Jiang Shuaijie
Published: October 2024

Generating sales leads for auto dealers is the core business to auto vertical media platforms (VMPs). However, in recent years, many auto VMPs have started directly selling vehicles to consumers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the primary purpose of auto VMPs’ business-to-consumer (B2C) endeavors is not solely B2C profitability, but rather the acquisition of sales data to calculate the leads-to-sales conversion ratio. This ratio is crucial in determining the pricing strategy for sales leads. To understand this, we consider an asymmetric information game in which the auto dealer possesses information about the leads-to-sales conversion ratio, whereas the VMP does not. We find that, when the VMP solely focuses on profiting from the sales lead business, if the market potential is large, the auto dealer prefers the cost-per-lead scheme, whereas the VMP always tends to the cost-per-sale scheme. However, when the VMP encroaches on the consumer market as a reseller, this divergence in contract-type preference can potentially be resolved. We recognize that VMPs need to conduct a comprehensive assessment of factors such as market potential, fixed cost related to market encroachment, and the correlation between market uncertainty and leads-to-sales conversion ratio when encroachment. Moreover, the encroachment of the VMP has the potential to create a win–win outcome. It is essential to highlight that engaging in B2C business enables the VMP to expand its market sample, thereby enhancing the value of leveraging information technology to optimize the leads-to-sales ratio and achieve superior performance.

Funding: This work is partly supported by the Major program of the National Social Science Foundation of China [Grant 22&ZD082], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72321001, 72371104, 72071080], and the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation, China [Grants 2023A1515012529, 2023A1515012435, 2024A1515010940].
A unique case of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive syndrome with endogenous endophthalmitis and left renal vein thrombosis without liver abscess
Authors: Talal Saeed Ghazal , Nabeeh Al Smady Montaser , Awatramani Gunjan , Alqasimi Hessa , Amaan Khokar Mohammed , Awad Mohamed , Hafidh Khadija
Published: October 2024

Introduction: This case report presents a rare instance of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive syndrome (KPIS) without hepatic involvement. It highlights an atypical presentation as this syndrome is characterized by liver abscesses. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old female of South Asian descent presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Lab investigations showed hyperglycaemia, leukocytosis, and elevated procalcitonin. Imaging revealed bilateral acute pyelonephritis with early abscess formation in the left kidney, bilateral pleural effusions, diffuse multi-lobar consolidations, minimal ascites, and left renal vein thrombosis. The patient was treated as a case of septic shock secondary to hypervirulent K. pneumoniae with complications evolving into acute pyelonephritis and endogenous endophthalmitis. K. pneumoniae, known for its polysaccharide capsule, can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised patients, such as endogenous endophthalmitis, liver abscess, and pyelonephritis. Endophthalmitis, a critical ocular emergency, can result in permanent vision loss. The patient’s ocular outcomes remain uncertain due to a lack of follow-up, but prompt interdisciplinary intervention led to the resolution of other comorbidities. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering hypervirulent K. pneumoniae as a cause of severe infection without liver abscess. It also underscores the importance of immediate multidisciplinary management to address the systemic complications associated with this infection and the importance of connecting different symptoms to one aetiology.
A rare case of hyponatremia caused by urinary retention
Authors: Mahnič Oton , Bader Patrick
Published: October 2024

An elderly man was hospitalized after a fall following an episode of dizziness. During the initial examination, he was found to have a distended bladder, caused by urinary retention. Moreover, he was diagnosed with severe hypoosmotic hyponatremia. After the urinary retention was resolved, the patient developed severe diuresis, and the hyponatremia corrected rapidly and spontaneously.