bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venous Thromboembolism in Outpatient Elective Foot and Ankle Procedure Patients Who Is at Risk?
Authors: Heo Kevin Y. , Karzon Anthony , Manz Wesley , Kadakia Rishin J. , Bariteau Jason T. , Coleman Michelle M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rare but potentially serious complication following elective foot and ankle (F&A) procedures. The absence of guidelines for thromboprophylaxis in elective procedures underscores the importance of identifying patients at risk. This study aimed to identify key risk factors of VTE in patients who underwent elective foot and ankle (F&A) operations.

Methods

Data was collected from the IBM MarketScan Database (2009-2019) for patients >18 years old without prior VTE who underwent elective F&A procedures. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on region of operation (forefoot, mid/hindfoot, lower leg/ankle). VTE incidence (including deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism) was recorded 30 and 90 days postprocedure. Risk factors for VTE were identified through multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Among the 301 256 patients who underwent elective F&A procedures, the overall 90-day incidence of VTE was 0.95%. The findings revealed that 31.9% of VTE incidents occurred within the first 2 weeks after operation, and 29.2% still occurred after 6 weeks. Analysis of the anatomical region of operation demonstrated that the lowest rate of 90-day VTE was amongst patients undergoing forefoot procedures (0.70%). There was a higher risk for VTE in patients undergoing midfoot/hindfoot procedures (1.22%, OR = 1.81) and lower leg/ankle procedures (1.76%, OR = 2.31). Additional risk factors for VTE included thrombophilia (4.02%, OR = 3.37), male sex (1.30%, OR = 1.47), increasing age (1.02% age 65+, OR = 1.41), and a high Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.12%, OR < 0.82 for scores <5).

Conclusion

This study identifies the incidence and timing for VTE after elective F&A procedures. Furthermore, this study defines the risk factors associated with increased odds of VTE after elective F&A procedures. These findings are helpful in educating patients about a continued risk for VTE throughout the 90-day postoperative period and beyond. These results can also be utilized to stratify patients who need thromboprophylaxis based on the individual risk level.

Level of Evidence:

Level III: Retrospective cohort study
Discrimination in the automated targeting of job advertising: The role of the General Data Protection Regulation
Authors: Parodi Elisa
Published: October 2024

Recently, companies have increasingly been using AI to attract potential candidates through targeted job advertising, whose delivery is then algorithmically optimised. By excluding certain groups from job opportunities, these practices can discriminate in access to work, in relation to grounds protected by EU equality law. This article investigates the possible role of GDPR (Reg. n. 2016/679) in litigating discrimination in targeted and optimised job advertising. It firstly analyses whether and how the data access right under Art. 15(1)(h) can be exercised to gather the prima facie discrimination evidence necessary to bring a discrimination claim against the employer. It then deepens the potential use of Art. 80(2) to address the challenges relating to litigating these discriminatory practices, particularly the victims’ lack of awareness and their difficulty in coordinating.
The role of collective interest representatives in enforcing EU labour rights
Authors: ter Haar Beryl
Published: October 2024

This article explores the role of collective interest representatives (CIR) in the enforcement of EU labour rights. To that end, the article starts with an analysis of the regulation of CIR in other fields of EU law, particularly consumer protection law and non-discrimination law. The analysis follows the approach of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in cases on the legal standing of actors to enforce EU rights, namely, by defining first the protective scope as a matter of Union law itself based on a textual and teleological analysis and, second, the margin of discretion left to Member States to exercise their own procedural autonomy, including the possibility for Member States to determine locus standi according to their own legal systems. The article continues with drawing inspiration from forms of CIR in international and transnational law, particularly the collective complaints procedure of the European Social Charter (ESC), the representation procedure of the International Labour Organization, and the specific instances of the National Contact Points of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (NCP OECD). The article concludes with an assessment of the acceptance of CIR in the enforcement of (EU) labour rights from a substantive perspective and elaborates on the possible tasks, requirements, and powers of CIR in enforcing EU labour rights.
Effect of a closed-loop medication order executive system on safe medication administration at a tertiary hospital: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Yin Xuwen , Song Haiyan , Lu Jieyu , Yang Jing , Wang Rong , Lin Zheng , Jiang Shudi , Yuan Hui , Wang Xumei , Xu Dongmei , Gao Chunhong , Zhou Yuan , Xu Jiayi , Chen Chen , Gu Chenyu , Diao Qingqing , Li Fang , Gu Zejuan
Published: October 2024

Background:

Closed-loop electronic medication management systems are effective measures for preventing medication errors (MEs). However, there is limited evidence supporting this, and few studies have evaluated the long-term effects of these systems on safe medication.

Objective:

To evaluate the long-term effects of implementing a closed-loop medication order executive system on the safe clinical use of medications.

Design:

A quasi-experimental design.

Method:

Data from 2017 to 2023 were extracted and retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome indicator was the ME rate. Secondary outcome indicators were the accuracy of order verification and patient identification and the implementation rate of fresh medicine dispensing. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model in time-series analysis was used to evaluate the level and trend changes in ME rates using SPSS 25.0 before and after system implementation. Root cause analysis and descriptive statistics were used to assess changes in types, stages, and causes of ME rates. The independent samples t-test was used to analyze secondary outcomes.

Results:

Overall, 295 MEs were reported with a mean of 0.26 ± 0.26 ME rates per month during 2017–2023. The ARIMA model showed a decrease in the average level of ME rates after system implementation, with no statistically significant decrease in the long term, and a significant drop in the ME rate in the short and medium term ( p < 0.01). Nurses’ administration accounted for more than 60% of errors post-implementation, and lack of communication was a prominent factor. The accuracy of order verification and patient identification and the implementation rate of fresh medicine dispensing all increased after implementation.

Conclusion:

Adopting a closed-loop executive system is beneficial for ensuring patient medication safety, but a single integrated system does not completely eliminate MEs. Optimizing system functionalities and applying structured handoff tools are recommended to meet clinical needs and enhance system usability.
Modified circumferential preputioplasty using a Keyes biopsy punch for treatment of type I phimosis in two kittens
Authors: Hertel Beatrice , Roberts Victoria , Deroy-Bordenave Claire , Adamany Jessica , Vallefuoco Rosario
Published: October 2024

Case series summary

Medical records of two kittens diagnosed with type I phimosis were reviewed. Clinical signs on presentation, investigations, description of the surgical technique, and short- and long-term follow-up were reported. Type I phimosis was diagnosed in both kittens based on the clinical, radiographic and surgical exploration findings. Modified circumferential preputioplasty using 4 and 6 mm Keyes biopsy punches was performed by the same surgeon in each case. The biopsy punch was centred over the existing narrowed preputial orifice and rotated clockwise and anticlockwise to obtain a sharp circumferential cut through the skin and submucosa of predictable diameter. The underlying mucosa was resected with micro curved scissors and mucocutaneous apposition was achieved with simple interrupted sutures placed circumferentially. Minor protrusion of the tip of the penis was recorded in the short-term follow-up (2 weeks) but resolved on the long-term follow-up (10 and 72 months). No evidence of urinary tract infection, strictures or clinical signs associated with phimosis were recorded at long-term follow-up.

Relevance and novel information

This short case series describes the surgical correction of type I phimosis by circumferential preputioplasty implemented using a Keyes biopsy punch in two kittens. The technique described in this case series can be considered alongside other reported surgical techniques, and appears to provide a reliable, rapid and accurate removal of preputial skin in the two reported cases.
The effects of shared decision-making informed dietary intervention based on digital health technology in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiaoling , Que Xianfeng , Zhang Xiaoyi
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of shared decision-making informed dietary intervention based on digital health technology, for older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and determine its impact on patients’ glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose), physical indicators (blood pressure and body mass index), self-management behavior, and self-efficacy.

Design

A double-arm-randomized controlled trial using a parallel group design was conducted.

Participants

124 older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus recruited from the endocrinology department or diabetes clinics were randomly assigned to the intervention ( n = 64) or control group ( n = 60).

Interventions

Patients in the intervention group received shared decision-making informed dietary intervention through the digital health system and those in the controlled group received routine dietary management.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was HbA1c, and the secondary outcomes were fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, self-management ability, and self-efficacy.

Results

After 3 months of intervention, compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose ( P < 0.05). After the intervention, there were time, group main effects, and interaction effects on diabetes self-management ability and diabetes self-efficacy scores of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The intervention program based on a digital health system significantly improved glycemic control and enhanced self-care ability in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Practice implications

Clinicians can integrate digital health technology in behavior change intervention, especially in older adults with chronic disease.

Trial registration

It was registered and approved by the China Clinical Trials Center (ChiCTR2300071455).
Predicting suicidal behavior in individuals with depression over 50 years of age: Evidence from the UK biobank
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Yujun , Zhang Chao , Chen Yilong , Hu Yao , Yang Xiujia , Liu Wentao , Zhang Wei , Liu Di , Song Huan
Published: October 2024

Objective

To construct applicable models suitable for predicting the risk of suicidal behavior among individuals with depression, particularly on the progression from no history of suicidal behavior to suicide attempts, as well as from suicidal ideation to suicide attempts.

Methods

Based on a prospective cohort from the UK Biobank, a total of 55,139 individuals aged 50 and above with depression were enrolled in the study, among whom 29,528 exhibited suicidal behavior. Specifically, they were divided into control (25,611), suicidal ideation (24,361), and suicide attempt (5167) groups. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to identify a subset of important features for distinguishing suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. We used the Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) algorithm with stratified 10-fold cross-validation and grid-search to construct the prediction models for suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. To address the dataset imbalance in classifying suicide attempts, we used random under-sampling. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used to estimate the important variables in the GBDT model.

Results

Significant differences in sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, and psychological factors were observed across the three groups. Each classifier optimally utilized 8–11 features. Overall, the algorithms predicting suicide attempts demonstrated slightly higher performance than those predicting suicidal ideation. The GBDT classifier achieved the highest accuracy, with AUROC scores of 0.914 for suicide attempts and 0.803 for suicidal ideation. Distinctive predictive factors were identified for each group: while depression's inherent characteristics crucially distinguished the suicidal ideation group from controls, some key predictors, including the age of depression onset and childhood trauma events, were identified for suicide attempts.

Conclusions

We established applicable machine learning-based models for predicting suicidal behavior, particularly suicide attempts, in individuals with depression, and clarified the differences in predictors between suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
Effectiveness of digital health interventions in improving mental health of older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Huang An , Liu Xueqi , Gu An , Zhao Dan , Huang Cheng , Wang Lina
Published: October 2024

Background

Mental health issues are highly prevalent in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Digital Health Interventions (DHIs) for individuals with MCI have proven effective in improving cognitive function, but their impact on mental health has received less attention.

Objective

Reporting a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of DHIs for older adults with MCI, focusing on mental health outcomes both overall and within homogeneous subgroups.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials will be conducted, with searches performed in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, and WanFang date from inception to March 2024. Mental health outcomes are the primary outcome. Risk of bias will be assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool, and evidence quality will be evaluated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. If sufficient studies are available, subgroup analysis will assess variations based on population and intervention characteristics, including types and modalities of DHIs, intervention settings, session frequency, and duration, focusing on specific mental health outcomes and both short- and long-term effects. Additionally, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression analysis will identify sources of other potential heterogeneity.

Conclusion

The protocol will guide a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of DHIs in improving mental health of older adults with MCI. This effort will enhance understanding and optimization of DHIs, vital for reducing mental health disparities and improving psychotherapy access for older adults with MCI.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024522342
Difference of epistemic perspectives between scientists and the lay public: Observations from a public debate on Pu’er tea
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang
Published: October 2024

As per conventional wisdom, scientists and the lay public differ in their epistemic abilities. Based on an analysis of a public debate on Pu’er tea, this paper emphasizes that there are differences between scientists and the lay public in their epistemic perspectives, including differences in attention, problem definition, criteria for judgement and reasoning. These perspectives may differ in degree and may switch or combine. This difference may explain the failure of communication between scientists and the general public. Thus, the success of such communication depends on overcoming the perspective paradox.
The Influence of Open Access on Institutional Scientific Research Output in MENA Countries: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Al-Raeei Marwan , Azmeh Chadi
Published: October 2024

The release of scientific research has substantial consequences for both the research and the institution in which it was carried out. The selection of publishing methods for scientific articles, such as journal type, quartile, indexed databases, and publishing models, plays a crucial role. Various publishing models exist, including platinum, gold, and green open access. In this study, we examine the implications of open access publishing on reputable journals for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Additionally, we explore the correlation between open access publishing and MENA country classification according to the World Bank. Bibliometric data from Scopus database are used, focusing on researchers from each MENA country. The World Bank determines if a country is low, middle, or high income. The total number of published documents and open access publications are also considered. The study investigates how open access publishing affects university and research center rankings within MENA countries, utilizing Scopus database information. This encompasses the number of open access documents indexed in Scopus and citations from MENA countries. Multiple ranking systems, such as 2024-QS World University Ranking (QSWUR) and 2023-Scimago Institutions Ranking, are assessed. Findings reveal that open access articles contribute to 72% to 95% of citations received by institutions in MENA countries, highlighting the influence of this publishing model. Additionally, the percentage of open access publishing ranges from 32% in low-income countries to 56% in other MENA countries. The study also demonstrates that MENA countries with higher numbers of open access publications are more likely to have institutions ranked in prestigious systems such as QS World University Ranking and Scimago Institutions. It is discovered that the average percentage of citations received from open access publications indexed in Scopus for MENA countries is 82%, indicating the significant impact of open access publishing on academic citations in these nations. We believe that the procedures done in this study for MENA countries can be generalized further for global countries.
Exploring Chinese University Educators’ Acceptance and Intention to Use AI Tools: An Application of the UTAUT2 Model
Authors: Xu Si , Chen Pengfei , Zhang Ge
Published: October 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are having a significant impact on the field of education, particularly when used by educators. This study aims to explore the acceptance of AI tools among university-level educators. Researchers adapted the UTAUT2 (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model to the Chinese educational context and surveyed 402 university educators. The findings revealed several predictors related to educators’ behavioral intention to use AI tools in teaching including performance expectancy, effort expectancy (which emerged as the strongest predictor), and hedonic motivation. Additionally, the study showed that the predictors of actual AI tool usage are facilitating conditions, habit (identified as the strongest predictor), and behavioral intention. Notably, the study found that gender, age, and experience did not have a moderating effect. This study contributes to the existing body of evidence on AI tool acceptance among university educators and holds implications for their training and professional development.
A Case of Unknown Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Crist Alex , Heinicke Gregory , Zheng Jasper Xi , Inaty Hanine
Published: October 2024

A 54-year-old female with history of underlying asthma and 10 pack-year smoking history was seen in interventional pulmonology clinic for evaluation of multiple scattered pulmonary nodules incidentally found on chest computed tomography (CT). Given the central location of the dominant left upper lobe (LUL) nodule and its proximity to an airway, bronchoscopic biopsy was felt to be the right approach. The IonTM Endoluminal System robotic-assisted navigational bronchoscope (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California) was used to sample the LUL nodule under fluoroscopic guidance. Together with clinical and radiological findings, the histological and immunophenotypic findings are supportive for Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia (DIPNECH). The DIPNECH is a rare condition first described in a case series published in cancer in 1953. This highly atypical condition highlights the utility of modern navigational bronchoscopy in safely securing a diagnostic bronchoscopic biopsy in locations not previously reachable. This is especially relevant given the challenge and risk to percutaneous CT-guided biopsy. Complications are known to scale with depth from skin site, emphasizing benefits of the bronchoscopic approach in obese patients.
Inside the Black Box of Divisive Concepts and Difficult History: Introducing a Typology of Collective Trauma in Social Studies Education
Authors: Yoder Paul J.
Published: October 2024

Trauma studies scholars emphasize naming or acknowledging trauma to promote healing. In response to the recent political and curricular whiplash in the Commonwealth of Virginia, this paper investigates the prevalence and nature of traumagenic events in Virginia’s social studies standards. Data analysis suggests that conceptual insights from trauma studies literature are broadly applicable in the study of traumagenic events in social studies. The findings foreground the role of positionality in the study of traumagenic events and highlight the importance of active verbs and visible actors in acknowledging both trauma and healing in the standards. This paper concludes with a typology for examining collective trauma in social studies curricula and beyond.
Associations of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Clinician and Group Survey Scores with Interventions and Site, Provider, and Patient Factors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Quigley Denise D. , Elliott Marc N. , Qureshi Nabeel , Predmore Zachary , Hays Ron D.
Published: October 2024

Patient experience is a key aspect of care quality. Since the 2007 release of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician and Group (CG-CAHPS) survey, no systematic review of factors associated with CG-CAHPS scores has been reported. We reviewed 52 peer-reviewed English language articles published in the United States using CG-CAHPS data. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines and used the Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. We identified several interventions (eg, adding a care coordinator focused on chronic care management) associated with improved overall provider rating and 2 interventions (eg, peer shadow coaching) that improved provider communication scores. Studies evaluating the implementation of patient-centered medical homes or patient-reported outcomes found mixed results. We identified site-level factors (eg, better team communication) and provider-level factors (eg, physician empathy) associated with better patient experience. In contrast, patient-level factors (eg, medication adherence) found mixed associations with patient experience. Policymakers, clinicians, and healthcare leaders can leverage this evidence for quality improvement efforts and interventions supporting patient-centered care.
Breaking the Barriers of Inequalities in Education: The Influence of Mass Media Among Adivasis in Wayanad, Kerala
Authors: Muahmmed Sihas K. M.  , Nair Lekshmi V. , M. Sabu
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the role of mass media in the education of Adivasi communities in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. This study, part of ethnographic research, collected data from three Adivasi communities through in-depth interviews, observations and key informant interviews. The article focuses on how mass media technologies have influenced the awareness and educational attainment of the communities. The study proves that the worldview of the Adivasi communities in Wayanad has widened with the introduction of radio, television, mobile phones and the internet. Mass media has facilitated transformative changes in Anganwadi and post-Anganwadi education, including improved parent–student communication, overcoming language barriers, and increasing informed participation in decision-making. A positive correlation was observed between the diffusion of mass media technologies and educational performance. These technologies also contribute to building social networks and, consequently, employment opportunities. The study further notes that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the diffusion of mass media technologies in Adivasi hamlets.
Efficacy and safety of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies for chronic migraine prophylaxis in patients treated with botulinum toxin A: A prospective monocentric study
Authors: Butera Calogera , Cetta Ilaria , Messina Roberta , Zanandrea Laura , Santangelo Roberto , Colombo Bruno , Filippi Massimo , Del Carro Ubaldo
Published: October 2024

Since the high burden of chronic migraine (CM), it is challenging to identify the best prevention treatment. Based on the preclinical evidence about the different therapeutic targets of onabotulinumtoxinA (BT-A), acting on C-fibers, and anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), acting on Aδ-fibers, the rationale of using alternative or combining therapies has been hypothesized. Until now, the association of BT-A and mAbs has been poorly investigated. This study evaluated whether mAbs are effective and safe in CM patients previously treated with BT-A, either as an alternative or add-on treatment. We enrolled 47 patients: according to the response to BT-A treatment, patients were defined as non-responder (NR) and partial-responder (PR). NR were shifted to mAbs. PR were randomly divided into those who added mAbs therapy (PR-P) and those who shifted treatment (PR-S), interrupting BT-A. Clinical variables were collected at baseline, after three and six months. Study results evidenced the efficacy of mAbs in improving clinical outcomes in CM patients, with a better response in the PR group. No statistically significant differences in clinical changes were observed between PR-P and PR-S groups. No safety concerns were raised in combined treatments. Preventive prophylaxis with mAbs is effective, even in difficult to treat CM patients. Further studies, with larger samples, are needed to highlight a potential additive effect of combined therapies.
Early diagnostics and interventional glaucoma
Authors: De Francesco Ticiana , Bacharach Jason , Smith Oluwatosin , Shah Manjool
Published: October 2024

The glaucoma treatment paradigm is starting to change from a more reactive approach that relies on topical medications to a more proactive approach that leverages procedural interventions. This evolution toward interventional glaucoma has been enabled by a growing array of lower-risk minimally invasive procedures such as laser trabeculoplasty, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and procedural pharmaceuticals. A common feature of these glaucoma interventions—as with all glaucoma interventions—is the need for early, prompt, and accurate diagnosis. The present review summarizes new and upcoming developments in glaucoma diagnostics. These include technologies and techniques for home-based intraocular pressure measurement, novel visual field platforms, photography- and optical coherence tomography-based visualization, and artificial intelligence applications. They also include emerging technologies such as mitochondrial flavoprotein fluorescence imaging, detection of apoptosing retinal cells, collector channel visualization, and genetic testing. These diagnostic modalities have the potential to circumvent the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods. By increasing the frequency and feasibility of obtaining valuable glaucoma data with more rapid detection of disease and progression, these diagnostics may enable an interventional approach to glaucoma treatment for the betterment of patient care.
Effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided simple puncture-aspiration (non-stenting) in the management of abdominal collections
Authors: Velasquez-Rodriguez Julio G. , Loras Carme , Maisterra Sandra , Colán-Hernández Juan , Busquets Juli , Gornals Joan B.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Endoscopic management of abdominal collections includes endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural drainage, transpapillar via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and EUS-guided simple puncture-aspiration (SPA). The latter is little reported, and there are some doubts about its real usefulness.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of EUS-guided SPA as a first-line approach for treatment in selected abdominal collections.

Design:

Retrospective observational study performed in two tertiary centers (Barcelona area).

Methods:

Inclusion of all consecutive patients with abdominal collections that underwent EUS-guided SPA from July 2007 to July 2021. The decision was based on endoscopist criteria and collection characteristics. Clinical success was defined as avoidance of an additional interventional approach (endoscopic stenting, percutaneous drainage, surgery).

Results:

Of 241 patients with abdominal collections treated endoscopically, 55 were included for analysis (mean age, 56 ± 12 years). Collection features: mean size 63.3 ± 24.8 mm; positive culture in 22 (40%) and pancreatic nature in 45 (81.8%). EUS–SPA was performed successfully in all cases, and clinical success was achieved in 76.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 65.5–87.3) of cases ( n-42/55). The most frequently used needle size was 19 Ga (85%). A nonsignificant trend for success was detected for noninfected collections (84.8 vs 63.6; p = 0.07) and lower size (mean ± SD; 60.2 ± 22.9 vs 73.8 ± 29 mm; p = 0.09). Two related adverse events were detected: one bleeding and one abdominal pain. Recurrence was detected in five pseudocysts after clinical success. Median follow-up was 629 days (IQR 389–877).

Conclusion:

EUS–SPA of selected abdominal collections seems to be a safe and effective technique, avoiding a more aggressive strategy such as transmural stenting. EUS–SPA may be a viable alternative in collections with limited size and preferably noninfected.

Graphical abstract

[Formula: see text]
Factors Associated with Sexual Intercourse Frequency Among South African Women: Evidence from a National Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Motsima Tshaudi
Published: October 2024

Background:

Engaging in regular healthy sexual intercourse activities is good for human health and well-being. Greater sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) for people in relationships is often associated with well-being, greater relationship satisfaction, reduced mortality, increased life expectancy, positive emotions and happiness, while lack of sexual activity is usually associated with depression and marital disharmony.

Aim:

The primary purpose of this study is to identify the factors associated with SIF among women in South Africa.

Data and Methods:

The South African Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data were used, and the negative binomial regression model (NBRM) was employed for analysis.

Results:

Age was significantly associated with high SIF (IRR = 1.02; p < .001). African women had significantly higher SIF than Indian/Asian women (IRR = 1.28; p = .049). Married women had a significantly higher SIF than women who were never married (IRR = 1.42; p < .001). Women who resided in urban areas were significantly associated with higher SIF than women who resided in rural areas (IRR = 1.14; p < .001).

Conclusion:

Being young, being Indian/Asian, being unmarried, and residing in rural areas is associated with low SIF, whereas being older, being African, being married, and staying in urban areas is associated with high SIF. Generally, without violating cultural, religious and societal beliefs, married women should be taught about the benefits of sexual intercourse activity (SIA) and be encouraged not to be ashamed of entering into sexual intercourse activities.
Who Gets Paid (for) What? The Cultural Political Economy of News Content in Generative AI
Authors: Nam Siho
Published: October 2024

One of the key controversies that generative artificial intelligence (AI) has recently stirred was whether compensation is due for the copyrighted materials used to train AI models. This article explores the logic, trajectories, and dynamics of content generation, including news, through generative AI in two distinctive yet intertwined domains. Guided by a cultural political economy approach, it examines how both the political context (validation/legitimation of AI-generated news content by established news media) and the economic context (use of unpaid and underpaid labor in the forms of freely scraped data and data annotation work) shape the deployment of news content on AI models. It further untangles how the space for serious, independent journalism may shrink, as big tech companies’ algorithmic technologies emerge as a solution to contemporary problems in journalism. A clear danger here is that AI companies’ proprietary algorithms, language training models, and value-laden parameters are incompatible with journalism's democratic obligations and responsibilities.
AI Ethics in Journalism (Studies): An Evolving Field Between Research and Practice
Authors: Porlezza Colin , Schapals Aljosha Karim
Published: October 2024

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism has sparked complex ethical debates, particularly with the rise of generative AI systems. By now, AI permeates the entire news cycle, from information gathering to news dissemination, raising questions revolving around issues such as transparency, accountability, responsibility, bias, and diversity. Previous research showed that news organizations have slowly approached and adapted to ethical concerns regarding the use of AI, developing critical stances mainly due to rising AI power, growing audience skepticism, and mounting tensions within the industry between news publishers’ strategies and journalists’ anxieties. Consequently, ethical guidelines have started to emerge in news organizations, but their practical application remains challenging and under-studied, not only due to the opacity of AI algorithms, but also due to the difficulties of “embedding” journalistic values into AI systems. In the light of an intensifying discourse about ethical concerns in the news industry and growing efforts by governments and institutions such as the European Union to strengthen AI governance, journalism studies have started to explore the issue as well. However, research on AI ethics is still in its infancy, with significant gaps in understanding the practical enforcement of ethical guidelines within newsrooms, in particular when it comes to the design of AI systems. This essay critically discusses the way journalism (studies) approach ethical issues related to the use and the design of AI systems, given that the responsible use and design of AI systems in journalism is crucial given its integral role for democracy and society.
What Next for Actor Network Theory? Inventing around Latour on a planet in distress
Authors: Blok Anders , Jensen Casper Bruun
Published: October 2024

This is a reflection piece on the theme ‘what will happen to actor-network theory (ANT) after Latour?’ We distinguish three scenarios but focus on the one we see as the least probable but most interesting for sociology and related disciplines. With inspiration from the anthropologist Marilyn Strathern, we think of this third scenario as a way of “inventing around” Latour. In this scenario, classical ANT tenets are prolonged and refracted through Latour's later work on modes of existence and critical zones. This mutant ANT is subject to further transformations through encounters with empirical situations and concepts from many other places. We use two brief cases for illustration. The first considers the empirical potentials and possible pitfalls of Latour's modes of existence in relation to the emergence of carbon markets as a form of Anthropocene politics. The second examines recent urban upheavals and transformations in Bangkok through the lens of urban critical zones, which make visible problems of co-existence that shade into pluriversal cosmopolitics because the city is full of beings that are both modern and amodern. These cases point the way to a scenario in which ANT is still unfinished, and far from “uncritical”. It is an “indisciplinary” scenario, where ANT with sociology and adjacent disciplines venture into complex landscapes of planetary ecological disruptions and postcolonial tensions without any false protection from certified theory and pre-defined politics.
Co-regulation and synteny of GFM2 and NSA2 links ribosomal function in mitochondria and the cytosol with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Minjie , Hogstrand Christer , Pontrelli Paola , Malik Afshan N
Published: October 2024

Background

We previously reported aberrant expression of the cytosolic ribosomal biogenesis factor Nop-7-associated 2 (NSA2) in diabetic nephropathy, the latter also known to involve mitochondrial dysfunction, however the connections between NSA2, mitochondria and renal disease were unclear. In the current paper, we show that NSA2 expression is co-regulated with the GTP-dependent ribosome recycling factor mitochondrial 2 (GFM2) and provide a molecular link between cytosolic and mitochondrial ribosomal biogenesis with mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Human renal tubular cells (HK-2) were cultured (+/- zinc, or 5mM/20mM glucose). mRNA levels were quantified using real-time qPCR. Transcriptomics data were retrieved and analysed from Nakagawa chronic kidney disease (CKD) Dataset (GSE66494) and Kidney Precision Medicine Project (KPMP) (https://atlas.kpmp.org/). Protein levels were determined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Cellular respiration was measured using Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzer. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA, Students’ t-test and Pearson correlation.

Results

The NSA2 gene, on human chromosome 5q13 was next to GFM2. The two genes were syntenic on opposite strands and orientation in multiple species. Their common 381 bp 5’ region contained multiple transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) including the zinc-responsive transcription factor MTF1. NSA2 and GFM2 mRNAs showed a dose-dependent increase to zinc in-vitro and were highly expressed in proximal tubular cells in renal biopsies. CKD patients showed higher renal NSA2/GFM2 expression. In HK-2 cells, hyperglycaemia led to increased expression of both genes. The total cellular protein content remained unchanged, but GFM2 upregulation resulted in increased levels of several mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subunits. Furthermore, increased GFM2 expression, via transient transfection or hyperglycemia, correlated with decrease cellular respiration.

Conclusion

The highly conserved synteny of NSA2 and GFM2, their shared 5’ region, and co-expression in-vitro and in CKD, shows they are co-regulated. Increased GFM2 affects mitochondrial function with a disconnect between an increase in certain mitochondrial respiratory proteins but a decrease in cellular respiration. These data link the regulation of 2 highly conserved genes, NSA2 and GFM2, connected to ribosomes in two different cellular compartments, cytosol and mitochondria, to kidney disease and shows that their dysregulation may be involved in mitochondrial dysfunction.
Outcome of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) in post-CAR-T patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Zu Cheng , Li Wenxiao , Zhang Mingming , Dong Yetian , Fu Shan , Feng Jingjing , Hong Ruimin , Huang He , Hu Yongxian , Su Junwei
Published: October 2024

Background

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) is an opportunistic infection associated with immunocompromised patients. The development of novel immunotherapies has promoted the incidence of PcP. This study describes the clinical course and outcome of PcP in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell recipients with hematological malignancies.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of CAR-T recipients diagnosed with PcP in our center. The cases were all confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing of clinical samples. The demographic, clinical, and outcome data were retrieved from the patients’ medical charts and electronic medical record system.

Results

In total, 8 cases of PcP were identified. The underlying malignancies included T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n = 1), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n = 4), and B-ALL (n = 3). One patient received short-term sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP) while the others had no prophylaxis. Four patients had neutropenia/lymphopenia at the diagnosis of PcP, and two patients had immunosuppressants within one month before PcP manifestation. The median time from CAR-T infusion to PcP diagnosis was 98.5 days (range 52–251). Seven patients recovered from PcP after proper management while one died of septic shock.

Conclusion

PcP can occur after different CAR-T product, and the long-term depletion of immune cells seems to be related to PcP. SMZ-TMP is effective in this setting. More real-world experience of CAR-T therapy is required to assess the incidence and outcome of PcP in this population.
What makes patients tick? Vaccine preferences against tick-borne encephalitis in four European countries
Authors: Zacharias Charlotta , Torgler Ralph , Cummins Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Background

We explored vaccine motivation and preferences for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine attributes among participants in TBE-endemic countries in Europe.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among the general public in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden. Participants were ≥ 18 years old, open to receiving vaccines, and living in, or regularly traveling to, TBE-endemic regions in the aforementioned countries. Participants were asked about their general vaccine knowledge and motivations for vaccination, before rating the importance of TBE vaccine attributes, such as efficacy, safety, dosing schedule, and booster interval. Thereafter, participants were shown three hypothetical TBE vaccine profiles with different combinations of attributes. Assuming equal efficacy and safety, participants were asked to select their preferred profile from 12 screens as part of a discrete-choice conjoint analysis. Utility scores were calculated to show the importance of each attribute. Data are presented for the overall survey group and by age and gender, using t-tests to compare means.

Results

For 73% of participants (n = 1003/1379), self-protection was among the top three reasons to get vaccinated. Disease severity, protection of children or family, and advice or recommendation from a doctor/healthcare professional (HCP) were top three reasons for over half of participants. The majority (58–69%) agreed or strongly agreed that they trust their doctor/HCP on the subject of vaccines, they rely on their doctor/HCP’s vaccine knowledge, and they prefer their doctor/HCP to make recommendations on which vaccines they or their families should take. Efficacy and safety were the most important standalone TBE vaccine attributes; however, among TBE vaccine profiles including 3-, 5- and 10-year booster intervals, the 10-year booster interval was the most influential attribute level when choosing a preferred vaccine profile (utility score: 0.58 [standard error: 0.01]). Differences in motivators and preferences were observed between age and gender subgroups.

Conclusion

The high level of doctor/HCP reliance highlights the key role doctors/HCPs play in influencing vaccine decision-making. Booster interval was the biggest driver of choice when selecting a hypothetical TBE vaccine profile, with the strongest preference for a 10-year booster interval. These findings could be used to inform TBE vaccination recommendations and in the further development of TBE vaccines.
Function-based risk reduction intervention for lifestyle-related disorders among inactive 40-year-old people: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bornhöft Lena , Arvidsson Daniel , Bergenheim Anna , Börjesson Mats , Fridolfsson Jonatan , Hellgren Margareta , Nordeman Lena , Larsson Maria E. H.
Published: October 2024

Background

 Interventions for preventing or reducing the development of lifestyle-related disorders should be investigated as these conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent and having large effects on quality of life and life expectancy globally. The aim of this pilot study was to prepare for a full-scale randomised controlled trial by evaluating the short-term changes resulting from a function-based preventive intervention aimed at lifestyle-related disorders on a small group of physically inactive 40-year-old people. Change in objectively measured physical activity, functional capacity according to a risk profile, and goal attainment were main outcomes.

Methods

Participants (n = 27) underwent functional examinations including tests of fitness, strength, mobility, balance, and posture as well as standard medical examinations including weight measures, blood pressure and blood tests and were randomised to two groups. The intervention group (n = 15) received feedback from all the examinations and lifestyle counselling based on a functional profile. The control group (n = 12) received feedback only from the standard medical examination. Follow-up was at 3–4 months. Changes in physical activity measured with accelerometers, functional levels on the functional profile, goal attainment and subjective assessments of health-related quality of life, motivation, function, and physical activity were examined, as were standard medical parameters.

Results

Change in mean time in moderate or more intense physical activity was 9 min higher in the intervention group (95% confidence interval -6.35, 24.51) and change in sedentary time was 42 min lower (-95.24, 11.32). The intervention group showed a higher increase in motivation for change 1.58 on 10-point scale (0.20, 2.97) and indicated more improvement on the functional risk levels concerning fitness (-0.06, 0.90). Correlation between objectively measured and self-assessed physical activity and function increased after the intervention. Most participants in the intervention group achieved some or all of their goals.

Conclusions

This small-scale pilot intervention with functional examinations and lifestyle counselling showed positive tendencies for change in short-term physical activity level. It seemed to lead to better understanding of personal functional capacity and increased motivation for lifestyle changes. Setting and fulfilling meaningful goals for lifestyle-related changes seemed to influence levels on the functional profile in positive directions. Research on larger and more diverse populations will be necessary to better understand the implications of the intervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05535296 first posted on 10/09/2022.