bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconsidering normative interpretations in personality research
Authors: Klimstra Theo A , McLean Kate C
Published: March 2024

A vast body of knowledge on development and correlates of personality dimensions has led to recommendations on policy implications and interventions. However, we argue that there has not been enough attention to the socio-cultural contexts of personality development, resulting in incomplete and potentially harmful interpretations of the data. Although personality theorists have addressed the role of socio-cultural context by pointing to person–environment interactions and transactions, we argue that the implementation of contextualism is largely missing at a more fundamental level: In the operationalization of constructs and interpretations of individuals’ standings on those constructs. The focus of this article is on the maturity principle of personality development. We discuss problems that may arise when relying on constructs developed in a specific group (i.e., primarily upper-middle class individuals in the United States) and then using value-laden labels such as “mature” and “healthy” to suggest that one personality profile is better than another. We aim to motivate researchers to not only reflect on using labels suggesting that certain profiles or changes in personality are universally desirable or undesirable, especially without attention to diversity in methods and samples, but also to understand how our values inform how we conduct and communicate our science.
Kaleidoscopic Inquiries: Queering Approaches to Organizational Diversity Work
Authors: Kenney Sean C.
Published: March 2024

This multi-site qualitative research study utilizes a queer theoretical framework to analyze norms and normativity in organizational diversity work. The findings suggest that diversity work contributes to an ontological bifurcation of the individual and organization that foregrounds the individual and casts the organization to the background as an accessory to personal development. To understand how this ontological bifurcation emerges, the analysis traces three metaphors as focal points of norm inquiry related to diversity work – journey, container, and table – and considers them alongside the practices of training, data collection, and positional leadership. The persistent bifurcation of organization and individual helps to reinstate the very inequities that diversity work seeks to address, suggesting to both scholars and practitioners the need for a more durable disruption of the status quo in diversity work.
Optimizing production logistics through advanced machine learning techniques: A study on resource allocation for small-batch and multi-variety challenges
Authors: Chen Yujin , Zhao Chao , Cheng Mengmeng , Wu Yaoguang , Zhu Jihong , Meng Yanmei , Liu Xin
Published: March 2024

In light of increasing consumer purchasing power and the growing diversification of demands, the emergence of small-batch and multi-variety requirements has posed substantial challenges to production manufacturing, particularly in on-site production logistics management. This study aims to address the issues of effective material flow and resource allocation in production logistics management by investigating a method for the rapid and accurate allocation of supply logistics resources. Leveraging the extensive logistics resource allocation data available in the Plan For Every Part system, this research utilizes the Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency algorithm to filter out less discriminative data. Additionally, a recommender system based on machine learning, specifically the Recsys (Recommender System) employing similarity algorithms, is employed to construct a logistics resource allocation recommendation model. The effectiveness of this approach is validated through a case study that involves material resource allocation recommendations in a specific remote control production workshop. The validation results indicate that, compared to traditional logistics resource allocation processes, the proposed model optimizes resource allocation recommendations in production logistics, resulting in a significant improvement in material delivery punctuality and overall operational efficiency in enterprises.
Exploring the Influence of Decisionmaking Style and Financial Status of Cancer Patients on Varied Cultural Aspects of Decision Process
Authors: Jain Nishtha , Singh Purnima
Published: March 2024

Though many studies have linked shared decision-making with positive patient outcomes and patient satisfaction, there is less research on the practicality and feasibility of such an approach, specifically, in India. Recent findings indicate that contextual constraints of the patients and family caregivers are fused with and inevitably shape their decision-making style. This study investigates the influence of individual (paternalistic and shared decision-making style) and contextual (financial status of the patients) factors on certain cultural aspects of decision process, namely, trust in doctors, patient’s agency, emotional distress and attribution of responsibility. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire from a sample of 306 participants. Linear mixed models were used to analyse the responses. The results indicate that a shift towards shared approaches does yield qualitatively superior outcomes in terms of increased trust in doctors and patients’ agency along with reduced emotional distress. The study also emphasises the role of cultural metaphysical beliefs in attributing responsibility for treatment decisions. Further, low financial status was found to be associated with higher trust in doctors, lower patient agency, and increased emotional distress for both patients and family caregivers. The move towards shared decision-making, considering the contextual realities of patients, could be instrumental in addressing critical issues, such as prevalence of collusion, superficial role of informed consent, and high reliance on doctors’ authority or expertise.
On the Motivations to Seek Information From Artificial Intelligence Agents Versus Humans: A Risk Information Seeking and Processing Perspective
Authors: Liao Wang , Weisman William , Thakur Arti
Published: March 2024

This study investigates how anticipating an artificial intelligence agent versus human information source moderates the risk information seeking and processing model. It focuses on a behavioral proxy of seeking intention—how long a participant waited for an online consultant whose identity was manipulated. In two samples ( N1= 182 students and N2= 800 mturkers), the source identity consistently moderated the model in two ways: First, informational subjective norms encouraged seeking from humans but discouraged seeking from AI agents. Second, information insufficiency drove favoritism toward humans–when perceived information-gathering capacity was high. When the capacity was low, AI agents were favored.
Unpacking Police Endorsement of Myths Surrounding Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: Formation and Implications
Authors: Nørgaard Madsen Linda , Mikkelsen Elisabeth Naima
Published: March 2024

Drawing on a qualitative case study consisting of interviews with Danish police trainees, patrol officers, and police detectives, this article explores police endorsement of myths surrounding male-perpetrated intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and its influence on police response to IPVAW incidents. The findings show that police officers begin to believe in the myths to cope with negative emotions arising from repeated exposure to IPVAW victims, who do not behave according to expected norms of being cooperative, responsible, and innocent. This makes police officers meet victims with skepticism, low spirit, and hopelessness, making them refrain from initiating further criminal investigations, opening criminal cases, and pursuing arrests.
Increasing Minimum Teacher Salaries: Opportunities and Drawbacks Across Geography and Race
Authors: Cameron Anglum J. , Manion Anita , Varkey Sapna
Published: March 2024

Following record-high public support for improved teacher salaries, many states initiated a variety of pandemic-era reforms to teacher compensation policies to improve teacher morale and retention. In this article, we examine a minimum teacher salary reform in Missouri, a state home to a diverse geographic landscape including major metropolitan areas and large rural regions. On the one hand, we estimate eligible teachers would receive sizable salary increases averaging almost eight percent. Conversely, these teachers were located almost exclusively in the state's rural areas, effectively excluding most urban teachers and students and, due to the state's non-white ethnoracial concentration in urban metropolitan areas, virtually all of the state's non-White teachers and students. As states craft policy reforms to support their teacher workforces, attention must be devoted to the magnitude and the distribution of funding to ensure its equitable allocation across teacher and student characteristics and district urbanicity.
The radical left and its political communication. An examination of the campaign activities of radical left candidates in sixteen Europe countries
Authors: Katsourides Yiannos , Ioannidis Nikandros
Published: March 2024

In this paper we focus on the political communication activities of the candidates of the radical left parties (RLPs), emphasizing their campaign activities during electioneering. We aim to address three key questions. First, we seek to understand what type of political communication activities RLP candidates use. Second, we undertake a comparative analysis, contrasting these activities with those employed by candidates and MPs from other party families in order to identify any notable distinctions. Third, we explore the thematic emphasis of their campaign activities and whether it aligns with the commonly held perception of RLPs as less individualistic, particularly in light of the prevailing trend towards increased personalization in politics. Our data come from the Comparative Candidates Survey (CCS) and cover 16 European countries over the years spanning from 2005 to 2017. In sum, the findings present a nuanced perspective and do not conclusively demonstrate a distinctly unique type of candidate of the radical left.
The British state, citizenship rights and gendered folk devils: The case of Shamima Begum
Authors: Williamson Milly , Khiabany Gholam
Published: March 2024

The revoking of Shamima Begum’s citizenship exemplifies much of the purposes of contemporary anti-Muslim racism and underlines its significant gendered element. Both state and media actors constructed the 15-year old as a problematic other, both to justify conditional citizenship ideologically, and to use her case to strengthen and add to the framework for making it legal. This comes in a context in which British Muslims and members of the British Windrush generation are being denied citizenship and the rights that go with it. We argue that Shamima Begum’s construction as a gendered folk devil must be understood in the context of nation states shifting their purpose and legitimacy from ‘civil rights’ to ‘national security’ and strengthening two-tier citizenship rights to control residents of colour, increase the state’s authoritarian purpose and, as part of an ongoing process, to transform the concept of ‘national security’ into legal reality, to further militarise the state and its borders against the ‘migrant crisis’ and, ultimately, to stifle dissent.
Influence of initial electric arc root position on electric arc behavior with spark plugs in large lean burn spark ignited gas engines
Authors: Tilz Anton , Kiesling Constantin , Pirker Gerhard , Wimmer Andreas
Published: March 2024

Increasing efficiency while reducing emissions leads to high mean effective pressures, high compression ratios and increasingly lean operation for spark ignited large gas engines. Despite these boundary conditions, gas engines must be operated between knocking and misfiring at low cycle-to-cycle fluctuations. The excess air ratio and the ignition process of the lean mixture greatly influence the stability of the combustion process. To enable sufficiently low cycle-to-cycle fluctuation of the combustion process despite the ever increasing excess air ratio levels, it is necessary to understand and investigate the sub-areas of the engine process, for example, ignition, flow condition and mixture formation. This paper focuses on one sub-area of conventional spark ignition, the influence of the electric arc root position on the origin and stretching of the electric arc, because electric arc behavior is considered important in the subsequent combustion process. The results show that electric arc roots on the downstream end of the electrodes tend to enable a longer electric arc length at the first electric arc short circuit (i.e. the first abrupt shortening of the electric arc during its spark duration) than electric arcs with electric arc roots on the upstream ends of the electrodes.
Trends and Hotspots in Global Radiomics Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Wang Yan , Lv Mutian , Sang Li , Wang Xuemei , Yu Zijun , Yang Ziyi , Wang Zhongqing , Sang Liang
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to summarize the structure of radiomics-based knowledge and to explore potential trends and priorities by using bibliometric analysis. Methods: Select radiomics-related publications from 2012 to October 2022 from the Science Core Collection Web site. Use VOSviewer (version 1.6.18), CiteSpace (version 6.1.3), Tableau (version 2022), Microsoft Excel and Rstudio's free online platforms ( http://bibliometric.com ) for co-writing, co-citing, and co-occurrence analysis of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords in the field. The visual analysis is also carried out on it. Results: The study included 6428 articles. Since 2012, there has been an increase in research papers based on radiomics. Judging by publications, China has made the largest contribution in this area. We identify the most productive institutions and authors as Fudan University and Tianjie. The top three magazines with the most publications are《FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY》, 《EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY》, and 《CANCERS》. According to the results of reference and keyword analysis, “deep learning, nomogram, ultrasound, f-18-fdg, machine learning, covid-19, radiogenomics” has been determined as the main research direction in the future. Conclusion: Radiomics is in a phase of vigorous development with broad prospects. Cross-border cooperation between countries and institutions should be strengthened in the future. It can be predicted that the development of deep learning-based models and multimodal fusion models will be the focus of future research. Advances in knowledge: This study explores the current state of research and hot spots in the field of radiomics from multiple perspectives, comprehensively, and objectively reflecting the evolving trends in imaging-related research and providing a reference for future research.
Research on automatic driving strategy optimization method of high-speed train based on artificial fish swarm algorithm
Authors: Bai Shuai , Qiao Yaqiong , Liang Zhiguo , Liu Qingmeng , Liu Yiming
Published: March 2024

The existing automatic driving technology of high-speed railway trains has been able to complete the automatic driving of trains in normal scenes, and it has begun to develop in the direction of improving operational efficiency and optimizing driving strategies. Based on the current automatic driving technology, this paper proposes an optimization method of automatic driving strategy for high-speed trains based on an artificial fish swarm algorithm, aiming at reducing train energy consumption, improving train parking accuracy, train punctuality, passenger comfort, and train speed protection. Firstly, based on train dynamics, the dynamic parameter model of the train in the running process is described. Through the train dynamic parameter model, combined with line information such as speed limit, slope, and phase separation area, an artificial fish swarm algorithm is designed that aims at safety, punctuality, energy saving, comfort, and parking accuracy. The artificial fish swarm algorithm is used to simulate the optimal driving strategy of train running and generate the train driving curve. Finally, the driving curve simulated by the artificial fish swarm algorithm is compared with the driving curve simulated by the genetic algorithm and the actual driving curve of the Beijing-Shenyang high-speed train, which shows that the proposed method is effective and the convergence speed of the artificial fish swarm algorithm is better than that of the genetic algorithm.
Factors influencing the creation of an industry 4.0 strategy in the generic pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Graham John
Published: March 2024

This study aims to identify how technological, organizational, and environmental factors influence the creation of an Industry 4.0 (I4.0) strategy in the generic pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. In this study, the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework is used to explore the factors that influence the creation of an I4.0 strategy in generic pharmaceutical manufacturing organizations. A semi-structured interview case study approach was used to gather data from a generic pharmaceutical company using the company’s creation of a digital strategy as the focus of analysis. The study identifies a paradox where Regulatory Compliance serves both as a driving force for I4.0 strategy creation, aligned with stakeholder pressure, and a potential barrier due to complexity and implementation costs. The impact of regulatory changes, such as those in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, also contributes to the adoption of I4.0 technologies. The importance of organizational executive leader alignment on the broader environmental context and technical benefits for creating an I4.0 strategy is a key driver to overcome the investment barriers and risks that come with I4.0 strategy implementation in the context of a generic pharmaceutical manufacturing organization.
Antecedents of leadership efficacy development among novice school principals in Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Aziah
Published: March 2024

What motivates leaders to feel confident in their ability to lead is a relatively unexplored theme, particularly during their induction, which lasts for one to five years after their appointment. This study qualitatively examines the antecedents of leadership efficacy development among Malaysian novice school principals. The data were obtained using a phenomenological design. Twenty-one such principals participated in this study. The phenomenological interview model developed by Bevan was adapted for data collection. The findings revealed three main domains of antecedents that influence leadership efficacy, namely self-reference, internal support, and external support. Each domain comprises several antecedents derived from empirical data and analyses using sources of leadership efficacy, as discussed in previous studies. This study also puts forth recommendations for enhancing the leadership efficacy of novice school principals.
Morel-Lavallée lesion diagnosed with point-of-care ultrasound
Authors: Koroshetz Lydia , Berzins Dainis , Lynch Frederick , Allen Robert
Published: March 2024

The Morel-Lavallée lesion is an internal degloving injury seen after a traumatic force. These lesions are frequently missed on initial presentation, leading to a delay in diagnosis and increased morbidity. We present a case of a 52-year-old male who suffered an injury to his right thigh and was ultimately diagnosed with a Morel-Lavallée lesion after the third emergency department visit. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) assisted with making the diagnosis and expediting proper care.
Should We Stop Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Before Surgical or Endoscopic Procedures? Balancing Limited Evidence With Clinical Judgment
Authors: Umpierrez Guillermo , Pasquel Francisco J. , Duggan Elizabeth , Galindo Rodolfo J.
Published: March 2024

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Task Force recently recommended discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) agents before surgery because of the potential risk of pulmonary aspiration. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this recommendation, and holding GLP-1 RA treatment may worsen glycemic control in patients with diabetes. As we await further safety data to manage GLP-1 RA in the perioperative period, we suggest an alternative multidisciplinary approach to manage patients undergoing elective surgery. Well-conducted observational and prospective studies are needed to determine the risk of pulmonary aspiration in persons receiving GLP-1 RA for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, as well as the short-term impact of discontinuing GLP-1 RA on glycemic control before elective procedures in persons with diabetes.
Spillover Between Daily Marital Interactions and Parenting Practices: Sensory Processing Sensitivity as Moderators
Authors: Yan Ni , Dai Xin , Ding Xiaoqin , Bi Shuang
Published: March 2024

The present study aimed to examine whether the spillover effects existed between daily marital interactions and daily parenting practices after disentangling the between- and within-family effects and whether parents’ sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) would moderate such associations. The current study included 127 parents (83.3% female and 16.7% male; M age = 34.18, SD = 4.15) who reported their marital interactions and parenting practices over 14 consecutive days. The results of two separate dynamic structural equation models showed that the spillover effects of marital interactions to parenting occurred in a transient and mood-congruent pattern, and SPS traits moderated the relations between marital conflict and negative parenting practices.
Role of epicardial adipose tissue in diabetic cardiomyopathy through the lens of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging – a narrative review
Authors: Kotha Sindhoora , Plein Sven , Greenwood John P. , Levelt Eylem
Published: March 2024

Accumulating evidence suggests that ectopic/visceral adiposity may play a key role in the pathogenesis of nonischaemic cardiovascular diseases associated with type 2 diabetes. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a complex visceral fat depot, covering 80% of the cardiac surface with anatomical and functional contiguity to the myocardium and coronary arteries. EAT interacts with the biology of the underlying myocardium by secreting a wide range of adipokines. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the reference modality for structural and functional imaging of the heart. The technique is now also emerging as the reference imaging modality for EAT quantification. With this narrative review, we (a) surveyed contemporary clinical studies that utilized cardiovascular MRI to characterize EAT (studies published 2010–2023); (b) listed the clinical trials monitoring the response to treatment in EAT size as well as myocardial functional and structural parameters and (c) discussed the potential pathophysiological role of EAT in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We concluded that increased EAT quantity and its inflammatory phenotype correlate with early signs of left ventricle dysfunction and may have a role in the pathogenesis of cardiac disease in diabetes with and without coronary artery disease.
Double penalty? How candidate class and gender influence voter evaluations
Authors: Kim Jeong Hyun , Kweon Yesola
Published: March 2024

Why are there so few working-class women in politics? While white-collar representatives dominate legislatures in general, the deficit of working-class members is particularly pronounced among female politicians. To answer this question, this study examines the influence of class and gender in voter evaluation. Through the cross-country comparison of conjoint experiments in the U.S. and the U.K., we find that working-class backgrounds disadvantage women candidates in a way that they do not disadvantage their male counterparts. Voters tend to prefer white-collar candidates to working-class politicians. Such a negative effect of working-class backgrounds is particularly evident for female candidates because the negative traits associated with the lower economic class, such as incompetence and lack of ambition, exacerbate voters' questions about female candidates’ qualifications for political leadership. By contrast, for male candidates, whose qualifications are rarely questioned based on their gender, candidates’ working-class background has a less negative impact.
A Vulvovaginal Yeast Infection Caused by Cryptococcus victoriae in Vietnam: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Canh Hoang Dinh , Loi Cao Ba , Hung Dao Nguyen , Van Le Thi Hong , Quynh Nguyen Thi Nhu , Dung Do Thi Thuy , Tuan Nguyen Ngoc , Anh Do Ngoc
Published: March 2024

Cases of vulvovaginitis caused by Cryptococcus genus are exceedingly uncommon, with only a handful of instances having been described for this causative species. This report describes a rare case of vulvovaginitis suspected to be caused by Cryptococcus victoriae in a 58-year-old woman residing in an urban area of Hanoi city, Vietnam. The patient with a 10-year history of depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to the hospital due to vulvar itching and vaginal discharge. Vaginal swabs confirmed the presence of a yeast infection by direct microscopic examination with 10% KOH and culture on CHROMagar Candida. The yeast was identified as C victoriae using genetic sequencing tools. The patient’s treatment plan involved topical clotrimazole and a daily oral dose of 200 mg of itraconazole for 7 days. This comprehensive treatment approach resulted in the patient’s full recovery. This is the first reported case of vulvovaginitis attributed to C victoriae in humans worldwide.
Influence of Surgeon Experience and Clinic Volume on Subjective Knee Function and Revision Rates in Primary ACL Reconstruction: A Study from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry
Authors: Rizvanovic Dzan , Waldén Markus , Forssblad Magnus , Stålman Anders
Published: March 2024

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) performed by high-volume surgeons/clinics has been associated with increased graft individualization and decreased operating times, complication rates, and total costs.

Purpose:

To investigate the influence of surgeon/clinic volume on subjective knee function and revision surgery rates at 2 years after primary ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry were used to study patients who underwent primary ACLR between 2008 and 2019. Surgeons/clinics were categorized based on a combination of total caseload volume (cutoff: 50 ACLRs/surgeon, 500 ACLRs/clinic) and annual volume (cutoff: 29 ACLRs/year/surgeon, 56 ACLRs/year/clinic). The thresholds of minimal important change (MIC), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and treatment failure (TF) relative to the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and KOOS4 (mean score of the KOOS Pain, Symptoms, Sports/Rec, and QoL subscales) were applied. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess variables influencing the MIC, PASS, or TF of the KOOS and KOOS4. Adjusted Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine the hazard ratio of subsequent ACLR.

Results:

Of 35,371 patients, 16,317 had 2-year follow-up outcome data and were included. Patients who underwent primary ACLR by high-volume surgeons had significantly higher MIC and PASS rates and lower TF rates when compared with patients who underwent the procedure by low-volume surgeons: MICKOOS4: 70.6% vs 66.3%; PASSKOOS4: 46.0% versus 38.3%; and TFKOOS4: 8.7% versus 11.8% (all P < .02). Significantly decreased odds of achieving MICKOOS4 (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.88) and PASSKOOS4 (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.84) were found for ACLRs performed by low-volume surgeons. Clinic volume did not influence the odds of reaching MIC, PASS, or TF. Overall, 804 patients (2.3%) underwent subsequent ACLR at <2 years, with significantly higher revision rates among patients operated on at high-volume clinics (2.5% vs 1.7%; P < .001). However, in the adjusted Cox regression, surgeon/clinic volume had no influence on subsequent ACLR rates. High-volume surgeons/clinics had decreased time to surgery, operating time, perioperative complication rates, and use of thromboprophylaxis and nonroutine antibiotics ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Patients who underwent primary ACLR by high-volume surgeons experienced increased improvement and satisfaction regarding subjective knee function. Factors other than surgical volume influenced subsequent surgery rates. Patients might benefit from undergoing primary ACLR by high-volume providers.
Relationship Between Cognitive Impairment and Depression Among Middle Aged and Older Adults in Primary Care
Authors: Federman Alex D. , Becker Jacqueline , Carnavali Fernando , Rivera Mindt Monica , Cho Dayeon , Pandey Gaurav , Chan Lili , Curtis Laura , Wolf Michael S. , Wisnivesky Juan P.
Published: March 2024

Objectives: To determine rates of previously undetected cognitive impairment among patients with depression in primary care. Methods: Patients ages 55 and older with no documented history of dementia or mild cognitive impairment were recruited from primary care practices in New York City, NY and Chicago, IL ( n = 855). Cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8. Results: The mean age was 66.8 (8.0) years, 45.3% were male, 32.7% Black, and 29.2% Latinx. Cognitive impairment increased with severity of depression: 22.9% in persons with mild depression, 27.4% in moderate depression and 41.8% in severe depression ( p = .0002). Severe depression was significantly associated with cognitive impairment in multivariable analysis (standardized β = −.11, SE = 0.33, p < .0001). Discussion: Depression was strongly associated with previously undetected cognitive impairment. Primary care clinicians should consider screening, or expand their screening, for both conditions.
The Risk of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia and Implications for Management
Authors: Wang John E. , Jove Andre , Hwang Joo Ha , Huang Robert J.
Published: March 2024

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a known precursor to gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). Although the true prevalence of GIM is not known, it is estimated that around 5% of patients in the United States who undergo upper endoscopy with biopsies have GIM. Understanding the risk factors for progression to GAC is integral for management of this condition. In this review article, we discuss risk factors for progression to GAC and the implications for the management of patients with GIM.
Autologous Fat Transfer in Craniofacial Surgery
Authors: Malisetyan Tatevik , Harrison Joshua L. , Shahriari Shawhin R. , Clarke Tegan N. , Rogol Elizaveta V. , Borah Gregory L.
Published: March 2024

Over the past two decades, autologous fat transfer has garnered significant recognition and widespread adoption within esthetic and reconstructive surgical domains. In craniofacial surgery, fat transplantation is frequently employed to address soft tissue volumetric deficiencies and asymmetries that influence facial contours. While adipose tissue (AT) is widely regarded as an optimal choice for augmentation due to its abundant availability and biocompatibility, the unpredictability and heightened resorption rates observed with traditional lipofilling techniques present a challenge for clinicians. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) housed within the grafted tissue play a pivotal role in graft survival and offer avenues for tissue repair due to their angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties. Micro Fragmentation of Adipose Tissue (MFAT), utilized in several FDA-approved processing devices, has demonstrated promising outcomes in treating osteoarthritic joints, with success primarily attributed to enhanced paracrine function of ASCs via preservation of the perivascular niche. Currently, its application for treating bone or articular defects in the craniofacial region, including abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint, remains limited. This scarcity underscores the need for further investigation prior to its widespread integration into clinical practice.
Safety and tolerability of atogepant for the preventive treatment of migraine: a post hoc analysis of pooled data from four clinical trials
Authors: Rizzoli Paul , Marmura Michael J. , Robblee Jennifer , McVige Jennifer , Sacco Sara , Nahas Stephanie J. , Ailani Jessica , De Abreu Ferreira Rosa , Ma Julia , Smith Jonathan H. , Dabruzzo Brett , Ashina Messoud
Published: March 2024

Background

Conventional, non-specific preventive migraine treatments often demonstrate low rates of treatment persistence due to poor efficacy or tolerability. Effective, well-tolerated preventive treatments are needed to reduce migraine symptoms, improve function, and enhance quality of life. Atogepant is a migraine-specific oral calcitonin gene–related peptide receptor antagonist that is indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. This analysis evaluated the safety and tolerability profile of atogepant for the preventive treatment of migraine, including adverse events (AEs) of interest, such as constipation, nausea, hepatic safety, weight changes, and cardiac disorders.

Methods

This post hoc analysis was performed using data pooled from 2 (12-week) randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 (40- and 52-week) open-label long-term safety (LTS) trials of oral atogepant for episodic migraine (EM).

Results

The safety population included 1550 participants from the pooled RCTs (atogepant, n = 1142; placebo, n = 408) and 1424 participants from the pooled LTS trials (atogepant, n = 1228; standard care [SC], n = 196). In total, 643/1142 (56.3%) atogepant participants and 218/408 (53.4%) placebo participants experienced ≥ 1 treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) in the RCTs. In the LTS trials, 792/1228 (64.5%) of atogepant participants and 154/196 (78.6%) of SC participants experienced ≥ 1 TEAEs. The most commonly reported TEAEs (≥ 5%) in participants who received atogepant once daily were upper respiratory tract infection (5.3% in RCTs, 7.7% in LTS trials), constipation (6.1% in RCTs, 5.0% in LTS trials), nausea (6.6% in RCTs, 4.6% in LTS trials), and urinary tract infection (3.4% in RCTs, 5.2% in LTS trials). Additionally, weight loss appeared to be dose- and duration-dependent. Most TEAEs were considered unrelated to study drug and few led to discontinuation.

Conclusions

Overall, atogepant is safe and well tolerated in pooled RCTs and LTS trials for the preventive treatment of EM in adults.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02848326 (MD-01), NCT03777059 (ADVANCE), NCT03700320 (study 302), NCT03939312 (study 309).

Graphical Abstract
The impact of uro-oncology multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) on clinical decision-making and adherence to MDTM recommendation: experience from a tertiary referral centre in Malaysia
Authors: Amat Norshuhada , Jeffery Lim , Ann Chai C. , Sien Yeoh W. , Fadzli Ahmad N. , Kuppusamy Shanggar , Saad Marniza , Aik Ong T.
Published: March 2024

Background

Multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) has become an increasingly important part of disease management model, particularly in cancer care. MDTM consists of a group of doctors to provide independent opinions on diagnostic and treatment decisions, as well as personalized therapeutic plan for patients. By selecting the most suitable treatment for patients from multiple perspectives, management by multidisciplinary team (MDT) have been shown to have advantages over traditional treatment models. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of MDTM on the management of uro-oncological cases and adherence to MDTM plans.

Methods

We retrospectively collected patients’ clinical information discussed in MDTM from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2022 at our institution. The pre-MDTM treatment plan by the clinicians and the MDTM consensus plans were compared to assess the overall MDTM impact on patient management. Adherence to MDTM recommendations was also analyzed.

Results

Data on 432 patients discussed in MDTM from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2022 were collected and analyzed. Prostate cancer was the most common type of cancer discussed (n = 212, 48.8%). MDTM had a significant impact on decision-making in 276 (63.6%) cases, with changes to patient management being observed in more than half of all cases. Adherence to MDTM outcomes was high with 383 (90.5%) of patients eventually had treatment according to the MDTM recommendation.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of MDTM in the management of genitourinary malignancies, particularly in cases where no original plan exists. Patient’s compliance and adherence to the MDTM consensus plan are also very encouraging.
DiseaseNet: a transfer learning approach to noncommunicable disease classification
Authors: Gore Steven , Meche Bailey , Shao Danyang , Ginnett Benjamin , Zhou Kelly , Azad Rajeev K.
Published: March 2024

As noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant global health burden, identifying effective diagnostic and predictive markers for these diseases is of paramount importance. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, have emerged as potential indicators for NCDs. These have previously been exploited in other contexts within the framework of neural network models that capture complex relationships within the data. Applications of neural networks have led to significant breakthroughs in various biological or biomedical fields but these have not yet been effectively applied to NCD modeling. This is, in part, due to limited datasets that are not amenable to building of robust neural network models. In this work, we leveraged a neural network trained on one class of NCDs, cancer, as the basis for a transfer learning approach to non-cancer NCD modeling. Our results demonstrate promising performance of the model in predicting three NCDs, namely, arthritis, asthma, and schizophrenia, for the respective blood samples, with an overall accuracy (f-measure) of 94.5%. Furthermore, a concept based explanation method called Testing with Concept Activation Vectors (TCAV) was used to investigate the importance of the sample sources and understand how future training datasets for multiple NCD models may be improved. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of transfer learning in developing accurate diagnostic and predictive models for NCDs.
Distribution patterns of molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates on the Thai-Myanmar border during the periods of 1993–1998 and 2002–2008
Authors: Muhamad Phunuch , Phompradit Papichaya , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: March 2024

Background

Polymorphisms of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt), Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) and Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13-propeller (pfk13) genes are accepted as valid molecular markers of quinoline antimalarials and artemisinins. This study investigated the distribution patterns of these genes in P. falciparum isolates from the areas along the Thai-Myanmar border during the two different periods of antimalarial usage in Thailand.

Results

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to detect pfcrt mutations at codons 76, 220, 271, 326, 356, and 371 as well as pfmdr1 mutation at codon 86. The prevalence of pfcrt mutations was markedly high (96.4–99.7%) in samples collected during both periods. The proportions of mutant genotypes (number of mutant/total isolate) at codons 76, 220, 271, 326, 356 and 371 in the isolates collected during 1993–1998 (period 1) compared with 2002–2008 (period 2) were 97.9% (137/140) vs. 97.1% (401/413), 97.9% (140/143) vs. 98.8% (171/173), 97.2% (139/143) vs. 97.1% (333/343), 98.6% (140/142) vs. 99.7% (385/386), 96.4% (134/139) vs. 98.2% (378/385) and 97.8% (136/139) vs. 98.9% (375/379), respectively. Most isolates carried pfmdr1 wild-type at codon 86, with a significant difference in proportions genotypes (number of wild type/total sample) in samples collected during period 1 [92.9% (130/140)] compared with period 2 [96.9% (379/391)]. Investigation of pfmdr1 copy number was performed by real-time PCR. The proportions of isolates carried 1, 2, 3 and 4 or more than 4 copies of pfmdr1 (number of isolates carried correspondent copy number/total isolate) were significantly different between the two sample collecting periods (65.7% (90/137) vs. 87.8% (390/444), 18.2% (25/137) vs. 6.3%(28/444), 5.1% (7/137) vs. 1.4% (6/444) and 11.0% (15/137) vs. 4.5% (20/444), for period 1 vs. period 2, respectively). No pfk13 mutation was detected by nested PCR and nucleotide sequencing in all samples with successful analysis (n = 68).

Conclusions

The persistence of pfcrt mutations and pfmdr1 wild-types at codon 86, along with gene amplification in P. falciparum, contributes to the continued resistance of chloroquine and mefloquine in P. falciparum isolates in the study area. Regular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance in P. falciparum, incorporating relevant molecular markers and treatment efficacy assessments, should be conducted.
The methodological quality of systematic reviews regarding the Core Outcome Set (COS) development
Authors: Cao Hong , Chen Yan , Yang Zhihao , Lan Junjie , Sum-wing Kwong Joey , Zhang Rui , Zhao Huaye , Hu Linfang , Wang Jiaxue , Sun Shuimei , Tan Songsong , Cao Jinyong , He Rui , Zheng Wenyi , Zhang Jiaxing
Published: March 2024

Background

The Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) working group proposed core outcome sets (COS) to address the heterogeneity in outcome measures in clinical studies. According to the recommendations of COMET, performing systematic reviews (SRs) usually was the first step for COS development. However, the SRs that serve as a basis for COS are not specifically appraised by organizations such as COMET regarding their quality. Here, we investigated the status of SRs related to development of COS and evaluated their methodological quality.

Methods

We conducted a search on PubMed to identify SRs related to COS development published from inception to May 2022. We qualitatively summarized the disease included in SR topics, and the studies included in the SRs. We evaluated the methodological quality of the SRs using AMSTAR 2.0 and compared the overall quality of SRs with and without protocols using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

We included 175 SRs from 23 different countries or regions, and they mainly focused on five diseases: musculoskeletal system or connective tissue disease (n = 19, 10.86%), injury, poisoning, or certain other consequences of external causes (n = 18, 10.29%), digestive system disease (n = 16, 9.14%), nervous system disease (n = 15, 8.57%), and genitourinary system disease (n = 15, 8.57%). Although 88.00% of SRs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), only a few SRs (23.38%) employed appropriate tools to assess the risk of bias in RCTs. The assessment results on the basis of AMSTAR 2.0 indicated that most SRs (93.71%) were rated as ‘’critically low’’ to ‘’low’’ in terms of overall confidence. The overall confidence of SRs with protocols was significantly higher than that without protocols (P <.001). Compared to the SRs with protocols on Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET), SRs with protocols on PROSPERO were of better overall confidence (P = .017).

Conclusion

The overall quality of published SRs regarding COS development was poor. Our findings emphasize the need for researchers to carefully select the disease topic and strictly adhere to the requirements of optimal methodology when conducting a SR for the establishment of a COS.
Determinants of multimorbidity in older adults in Iran: a cross-sectional study using latent class analysis on the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program
Authors: Marzban Maryam , Jamshidi Ali , Khorrami Zahra , Hall Marlous , Batty Jonathan A , Farhadi Akram , Mahmudpour Mehdi , Gholizade Mohamad , Nabipour Iraj , Larijani Bagher , Afrashteh Sima
Published: March 2024

Background and objectives

Multimorbidity, defined as the presence of two or more long-term health conditions in an individual, is one of the most significant challenges facing health systems worldwide. This study aimed to identify determinants of classes of multimorbidity among older adults in Iran.

Research Design and methods

In a cross-sectional sample of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) from the second stage of the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program in southern Iran, latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns of multimorbidity. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to investigate factors associated with each multimorbidity class, including age, gender, education, household income, physical activity, smoking status, and polypharmacy.

Results

In 2,426 study participants (mean age 69 years, 52% female), the overall prevalence of multimorbidity was 80.2%. Among those with multimorbidity, 3 latent classes were identified. These comprised: class 1, individuals with a low burden of multisystem disease (56.9%); class 2, individuals with predominantly cardiovascular-metabolic disorders (25.8%) and class 3, individuals with predominantly cognitive and metabolic disorders (17.1%). Compared with men, women were more likely to belong to class 2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52–2.54) and class 3 (OR 4.52, 95% CI 3.22–6.35). Polypharmacy was associated with membership class 2 (OR 3.52, 95% CI: 2.65–4.68) and class 3 (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.28–2.63). Smoking was associated with membership in class 3 (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.08). Individuals with higher education levels (59%) and higher levels of physical activity (39%) were less likely to belong to class 3 (OR 0.41; 95% CI: 0.28–0.62) and to class 2 (OR 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–0.97), respectively. Those at older age were less likely to belong to class 2 (OR 0.95).

Discussion and implications

A large proportion of older adults in Iran have multimorbidity. Female sex, polypharmacy, sedentary lifestyle, and poor education levels were associated with cardiovascular-metabolic multimorbidity and cognitive and metabolic multimorbidity. A greater understanding of the determinants of multimorbidity may lead to strategies to prevent its development.