bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-based sales forecasting during crises: Evidence from a Turkish women's clothing retailer
Authors: Kizgin Kiymet Tabak , Alp Selcuk , Aydin Nezir , Yu Hao
Published: January 2025

Background

Retail involves directly delivering goods and services to end consumers. Natural disasters and epidemics/pandemics have significant potential to disrupt supply chains, leading to shortages, forecasting errors, price increases, and substantial financial strains on retailers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for retail sectors to prepare for crisis impacts on sales forecasts by regularly assessing and adjusting sales volumes, consumer behavior, and forecasting models to adapt to changing conditions.

Methods

This study explores strategies for adapting sales forecasts and retail approaches in response to such crises. By employing different machine learning (ML) methods, we analyze consumer behavior changes and sales impacts across various product categories, including bottom wear, top wear, one piece, accessories, outwear, and shoes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

The gradient boosting and CatBoost algorithms excelled in product groups with significant sales changes during the pandemic. The Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) algorithm performed well in low-volume categories like accessories and footwear. Meanwhile, MLP, LightGBM, and XGBoost were effective in medium-volume categories such as outerwear and underwear.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the efficacy of these models in adapting sales forecasts to crisis conditions, offering a practical approach to enhancing retail resilience against future disruptions. This study offers an effective approach for adapting sales forecasting to shifting consumer behaviors during crises.
The prevalence of disordered eating habits in female collegiate athletes
Authors: Luther Olivia Joyce , West Eric
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of disordered eating habits in college-aged females is at an all-time high. This population is more likely to experience issues with body image and poor eating behaviors due to the pressure of being a collegiate athlete. The objective of this qualitative study aimed to determine the prevalence of disordered eating habits in female collegiate athletes and determine if playing a sport puts them at risk of harmful behaviors. An anonymous survey was sent out to participants of various sports, asking them to answer a 10-question survey about eating habits and compensatory behaviors such as excessive exercise and caloric restriction. Results indicated that 75% of those surveyed said playing a collegiate sport negatively impacts their relationship with food, and 71% said playing a sport negatively impacts their body image. While some female athletes do not meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, a large portion still displays disordered eating behaviors, which can be detrimental to their overall well-being. It is essential for the safety of these athletes that staff members, health professionals, and the athletes themselves are aware of these circumstances and can prevent them from progressing into fully diagnosed eating disorders.
Israel–Palestine: Unresolved group trauma is an obstacle for peace
Authors: Ezquerro Arturo , Cañete María
Published: January 2025

This article explores key aspects of man-made human suffering from a psychoanalytic, group-analytic and group attachment standpoint. It postulates that, when unresolved individual and group trauma remains untreated, it can be a fuel for vicious cycles of hatred, terror and destruction. In order to explore this, the article focuses on the intractable Israel–Palestine conflict; it invites the reader to reflect on the Jewish Holocaust and the Palestinian Nakba and their role in the perpetuation of the ongoing conflict. It includes a clinical case study of a Holocaust survivor who benefited from combined individual and group psychotherapy and became able to come to terms with her traumatic past. The aim of the present research is to encourage working harder for peace, endeavouring to achieve a deeper understanding of unconscious individual and group psychological defence mechanisms in the clinical setting as well as the sociopolitical context.
Improving Gait Ability and Cognition Function through Action Observation Training in Elderly with Dementia
Authors: Kang Choel-Jin , Park Se-Hee , Son Sung-Min
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Action observation training (AOT) on gait ability and cognition in older individuals with dementia.

Methods

A total of 36 participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=18) or control (n=18) group. The 5-week intervention involved 45-min sessions. The participants engaged in general group exercises for 30 min. The experimental group watched a training video for 5 min, while the control group watched a scenic video. Subsequently, both groups underwent functional training for 10 min. All participants were assessed using a gait analyzer (G-walk), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), timed up and go (TUG) test, and the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) before and after the intervention.

Results

The two groups showed significant within-group changes in gait velocity, cadence, stride length, DGI, and MoCA-K scores (p<0.05). However, the TUG test showed a significant differences only in the experimental group (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups regarding the changes in gait velocity, cadence, DGI, TUG test, and MoCA-K score after the intervention (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The study suggest that AOT is effective in improving the gait and cognitive abilities of older individuals with dementia.
Functional Independence and Elbow Strength in Tetraplegia: Analysis of Tendon Transfers
Authors: García-Rudolph Alejandro , Mendez José Manuel , Ledesma Lidia , Wright Mark Andrew , del Arco Alejandro , Dachs Frederic
Published: January 2025

Background

Over half of spinal cord injuries result in tetraplegia, profoundly impairing daily activities (ADLs).

Objective

To evaluate biceps-to-triceps (B-T) and deltoids-to-triceps (D-T) tendon transfers, comparing their impacts on elbow extension strength and ADL independence.

Methods

Retrospective review of tendon transfers performed between 2003 and 2023 at a neurorehabilitation center. Post-surgery muscle strength was assessed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and ADL independence with the motor Functional Independence Measure (mFIM). We used ANOVA to identify post-surgery associations between MRC achieved scores and performance in ADLs.

Results

A total of 34 individuals (42 arms) underwent B-T or D-T surgeries, predominantly at C5 level (66.7%) with 69.0% classified as AIS A. Post-surgery, 81% of B-T and 76.2% of D-T achieved antigravity elbow extension (MRC 3–4), with mean MRC scores of 3.2 for both groups. The B-T group, older at surgery (39.9 vs. 27.8 years) and with shorter time since injury to surgery (2.3 vs. 5.0 years), showed significant post-surgery improvements in Self-care, Transfers, Locomotion, and total mFIM. In contrast, significant associations between MRC scores and mFIM outcomes in D-T transfers involved Self-care, Sphincter control, Transfers, and total mFIM.

Conclusions

MRC scores and ADLs were positively impacted by rehabilitation tendon transfers.
Identifying New Susceptibility Genes of Non-Syndromic Orofacial Cleft Based on Syndromes Accompanied With Craniosynostosis
Authors: Zhang Si-Di , Lin Yan-Song , Shi Bing , Jia Zhong-Lin
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Orofacial cleft (OC) can be classified into syndromic orofacial cleft (SOC) and non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOC), depending on whether there are other congenital deformities. Craniosynostosis, the premature closure of cranial sutures, is a common phenotype of SOC resulting in abnormal ossification of skull and brain development disorders. Its correlation with OC offers a promising approach to identify susceptibility genes for NSOC by examining causative genes of SOCs with craniosynostosis.

Materials and Methods

This study included 2556 patients with NSOC and 2255 normal controls from western Han Chinese with their genomic DNA samples. We selected 31 causative genes of 34 syndromes with both craniosynostosis and OC as candidate genes and performed quality control. Allelic and genotypic association analyses and haplotype analysis were performed to identify statistically significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Results

In allelic association analysis performed with 1265 qualified SNPs in 20 genes, only rs2239936, located in MYH3 gene, was statistically associated with non-syndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO) ( P = 1.70×10−07, OR  =  1.33, 95%CI: 1.17-1.52) and non-syndromic cleft palate only (NSCPO) ( P = 6.43×10−05, OR  =  1.33, 95%CI: 1.16-1.52). The higher frequency of allele G in NSCPO suggesting that minor allele G at rs2239936 will result in an elevated risk of NSCPO. However, rs2239936 only exhibited a statistical association with NSCPO in genotypic association analysis ( P = 8.06×10−06) and haplotype analysis ( P = 1.43×10−05).

Conclusion

This study identified that allele G at rs2239936 in MYH3 gene was significantly associated with NSCPO as a risk factor and MYH3 was a new susceptibility gene for NSCPO in western Han Chinese population.
Breathing Easy: A Qualitative Analysis of School Nurse and Administrator Perspectives on Stock Inhalers and School-Based Asthma Management
Authors: Edenfield Krista , Hingston Danita , Hardy Paige , Ongtengco Ana , Wilt Emily , Saggar Aastha , Martin Molly A. , Pappalardo Andrea A.
Published: January 2025

Stock inhalers are unassigned rescue inhalers available for students who experience asthma symptoms at school. This study sought to understand school nurse and administrator perspectives on school-based asthma management and stock inhaler policy implementation. Twenty-three semistructured interviews were conducted with professionals from five high asthma burdened counties in varied geographic settings. Thematic analysis revealed three themes. “School-Based Asthma Management” revealed concerns about management methods of asthma and respiratory emergencies, and incident tracking. “Access to a Supportive Asthma School Environment” emphasized growth opportunities for family education, staff training, and resource access. “Stock Inhaler Programming” described how stock inhalers ensure consistent asthma medication access with easy integration into existing emergency protocols. With proper adoption and dissemination, stock inhaler programming has the capacity to enhance school-based asthma management and emergency responsiveness in schools across the country. This study highlights how health policy implementation and its integration into practice can transform school health.
Figment made flesh: minstrelsy and nonbinary embodiment in Of Montreal's Georgie Fruit saga
Authors: Falek Joshua
Published: January 2025

Between 2007 and 2011, Kevin Barnes, the white founding member and vocalist of indie group Of Montreal, performed as a Black trans alter-ego named Georgie Fruit. In 2020, Barnes came out as nonbinary and apologised for Fruit but acknowledged that playing Fruit helped them actualise their own gender. This article takes seriously the relationship between white nonbinary self-actualisation and an imagination of Black transness, questioning what yoking Fruit to the development of Barnes’ own white nonbinariness does, even and especially as they disavow the significance of Fruit's Blackness. I analyse the records Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? and Skeletal Lamping and their respective paratexts (press releases, interviews, documentaries, etc.) through trans negativity, a theoretical framework that considers how liberal trans identity is bound to anti-Blackness. Tracing the affective and psychic processes through which Fruit furnishes Barnes’ sense of self, this article interrogates the particularities of fungibility. As a character performed on stage, Fruit is interpreted as a form of contemporary minstrelsy that serves as a defensive mechanism to distance Barnes from their desires enough for sexual and gendered exploration. Through juxtaposition to minstrelsy, the affect of animatedness is revealed to subtend Barnes’ actualisation as nonbinary, establishing a veneer of freedom that mobilises Fruit as a pliable body. Encountering Barnes as a means through which to elaborate the anti-Blackness that can furnish the psychic structure of white nonbinary embodiment, this article concludes by questioning the resonances between the plasticisation accorded to Blackness and the imagined plasticity of nonbinariness. Can the plasticity of Barnes’ nonbinariness be extricated from that of Blackness? Finding a relationship between animatedness, the plasticisation of Blackness and white nonbinariness, I suggest that trans studies take more seriously the anti-Blackness of gender consolidation.
Assessing the knowledge of ChatGPT and Google Gemini in answering peripheral artery disease-related questions
Authors: Cetin Hakkı Kursat , Demir Tolga
Published: January 2025

Introduction

To assess and compare the knowledge of ChatGPT and Google Gemini in answering public-based and scientific questions about peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Methods

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about PAD were generated by evaluating posts on social media, and the latest edition of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline was evaluated and recommendations about PAD were translated into questions. All questions were prepared in English and were asked to ChatGPT 4 and Google Gemini (formerly Google Bard) applications. The specialists assigned a Global Quality Score (GQS) for each response.

Results

Finally, 72 FAQs and 63 ESC guideline-based questions were identified. In total, 51 (70.8%) answers by ChatGPT for FAQs were categorized as GQS 5. Moreover, 44 (69.8%) ChatGPT answers to ESC guideline-based questions about PAD scored GQS 5. A total of 40 (55.6%) answers by Google Gemini for FAQs related with PAD obtained GQS 5. In addition, 50.8% (32 of 63) Google Gemini answers to ESC guideline-based questions were classified as GQS 5. Comparison of ChatGPT and Google Gemini with regards to GQS score revealed that both for FAQs about PAD, and ESC guideline-based scientific questions about PAD, ChatGPT gave more accurate and satisfactory answers ( p = 0.031 and p = 0.026). In contrast, response time was significantly shorter for Google Gemini for both FAQs and scientific questions about PAD ( p = 0.008 and p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that both ChatGPT and Google Gemini had limited capacity to answer FAQs and scientific questions related with PDA, but accuracy and satisfactory rate of answers for both FAQs and scientific questions about PAD were significantly higher in favor of ChatGPT.
Ascending aortic replacement versus aortic root replacement in patients with type A aortic dissection involving the aortic root
Authors: Biancari Fausto , Gatti Giuseppe , Mäkikallio Timo , Juvonen Tatu , Mariscalco Giovanni , El-Dean Zein , Pettinari Matteo , Rodriguez Lega Javier , Perrotti Andrea , Onorati Francesco , Wisniewki Konrad , Demal Till , Kacer Petr , Perna Dario Di , Vendramin Igor , Rinaldi Mauro , Ferrante Luisa , Quintana Eduard , Buech Joscha , Radner Caroline , Fiore Antonio , Dell’Aquila Angelo M. , D’Errigo Paola , Rosato Stefano , Polvani Gianluca , Peterss Sven
Published: January 2025

Background:

Extensive surgical resection of the thoracic aorta in patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is thought to reduce the risk of late aortic wall degeneration and the need for repeat aortic operations.

Objectives:

We evaluated the early and late outcomes after aortic root replacement and supracoronary ascending aortic replacement in patients with TAAD involving the aortic root.

Design:

Retrospective, multicenter cohort study.

Methods:

The outcomes after aortic root replacement and supracoronary ascending aortic replacement in patients with TAAD involving the aortic root, that is dissection flap located at least in one of the Valsava segments, were herein evaluated. In-hospital mortality, neurological complications, dialysis as well as 10-year repeat proximal aortic operation, and mortality were the outcomes of this study.

Results:

Supracoronary ascending aortic replacement was performed in 198 patients and aortic root replacement in 215 patients. During a mean follow-up of 4.0 ± 4.0 years, 19 patients underwent 22 repeat procedures on the aortic root and/or aortic valve. No operative death occurred after these reinterventions. The risk of proximal aortic reoperation was significantly lower in patients who underwent aortic root replacement (5.5% vs 12.9%, adjusted subdistributional hazard ratio (SHR) 0.085, 95% CI 0.022–0.329). Aortic root replacement was associated with higher rates of in-hospital (14.4% vs 12.1%, adjusted odds ratio 2.192, 95% CI 1.000–4.807) and 10-year mortality (44.5% vs 30.4%, adjusted hazard ratio 2.216, 95% CI 1.338–3.671). Postoperative neurological complications and dialysis rates were comparable in the study groups.

Conclusion:

Among patients with TAAD involving the aortic root, its replacement was associated with a significantly lower rate of repeat proximal aortic operation of any type compared to supracoronary aortic replacement. Still, aortic root replacement seems to be associated with an increased risk of mortality in these patients.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04831073 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04831073 ).
Distress is not delicious: Appetitive conditioning is weaker with high psychological distress
Authors: Kemp Laurens T. , Smeets Tom , Jansen Anita , Houben Katrijn
Published: January 2025

Appetitive and aversive conditioning seemingly plays a role in the development and maintenance of various psychopathologies, including anxiety, mood, eating, and substance use disorders. However, studies on conditioning typically only study either appetitive or aversive conditioning in the context of psychopathology, and they are poorly integrated. In this study, 80 healthy volunteers performed both an appetitive and an aversive conditioning task, in which they associated complex 3D objects with appetitive or aversive tastes. An individual measure of learning asymmetry was calculated by comparing their expectancy ratings for these tastes, which was examined in relation to self-report scales on psychological distress, substance use frequency, impulsivity, and anhedonia to determine whether stronger learning asymmetry is associated with more symptoms of psychopathology. It was found that learning asymmetry was significantly associated with psychological distress (R2 = .05). Aversive learning showed no difference related to distress, but weaker appetitive learning was associated with higher distress. Substance use, impulsivity, and anhedonia showed no relation to learning asymmetry. These findings suggest that relative differences in appetitive and aversive learning may play a role in the sensitivity to psychopathology.
Suspected Transient Ischemic Attack Related to Dysfunctional Quadricuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Katwaroo Arun , Kawall Jessica , Ramcharan Priya , Seecheran Valmiki , Seecheran Rajeev , Ali Nafeesah , Khan Shari , Seecheran Naveen Anand
Published: January 2025

We describe a 30-year-old Caribbean-Black woman with a clinical presentation suggestive of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) with no conventional cerebrovascular risk factors, albeit with a newly diagnosed quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) with moderate aortic regurgitation (AR). Although QAV is a recognized congenital cardiac defect, its association with TIA remains elusive. This case highlights the importance of considering potential atypical etiologies, such as QAV, in the evaluation and management of young patients presenting with cerebrovascular events.
Long-term Clinical Outcomes After Syndesmosis Fixation With K-wires in Ankle Fractures With Syndesmotic Instability
Authors: Vieira Cardoso Diogo , Pierobon Filippo , Lübbeke-Wolff Anne , Dubois-Ferrière Victor
Published: January 2025

Background:

Syndesmotic instability is a significant concern in the management of unstable ankle fractures, occurring in approximately 10% to 13% of these cases. Early recognition and stabilization of syndesmotic injuries are essential to ensure optimal long-term outcomes. Several techniques are currently in use, often involving complex procedure and/or costly devices. Our study presents a syndesmosis fixation technique using K-wires that is both simple and cost-effective.

Methods:

This is a retrospective single-center case series. Three hundred seventy-seven ankle fractures with intraoperative syndesmosis instability and subsequent syndesmosis fixation with a K-wire were treated between 2002 and 2012. Of the 377 patients, 51 died and we were able to obtain long-term questionnaire completions from 94 patients (29% of presumed living patients), with a mean follow-up of 10.6 ± 3.0 years.

Results:

The mean age was 46.6 ± 18.5 years; 42% were Danis-Weber type B and 58% type C fractures. Syndesmosis fixation failure was observed in 9 (2%) patients, and 5 (1%) patients had K-wire displacement without loss of syndesmosis reduction. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) was obtained 10±3 years after surgery. The mean MOXFQ pain score was 25.9 ± 25.4, the mean functional score was 18 ± 24.8, and the mean social score was 13.7 ± 22.2.

Conclusion:

We report long-term (10.6 ± 3 years) functional outcomes using a validated patient-reported questionnaire in patients who underwent syndesmosis fixation with 2 K-wires for unstable ankle fractures. In the subset of patients we were able to find in follow-up, we found low rates of syndesmosis fixation failure, low pain scores, and excellent functional outcomes. The availability and low cost of these implants make this technique an accessible and cost-effective solution to consider for syndesmosis fixation.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Purine-rich element binding protein alpha: a DNA/RNA binding protein with multiple roles in cancers
Authors: Yu Shiyi , Jiang Chengyang , Yang Yawen , Cheng Fei , Liu Fangchen , Liu Chang , Gong Xue
Published: January 2025

Proteins that bind to DNA/RNA are typically evolutionarily conserved with multiple regulatory functions in transcription initiation, mRNA translation, stability of RNAs, and RNA splicing. Therefore, dysregulation of DNA/RNA binding proteins such as purine-rich element binding protein alpha (PURα) disrupts signaling transduction and often leads to human diseases including cancer. PURα was initially recognized as a tumor suppressor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and prostate cancer (PC). Most recently, several studies have revealed that PURα is dysregulated in multiple cancers, such as breast cancer (BC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The oncogenic or tumor-suppressive functions of PURα are realized via regulating RNA/protein interaction, mRNA translation, formation of stress granules (SGs), and transcriptional regulation of several oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Although DNA/RNA binding proteins are hardly targeted, novel strategies have been applied to identify compounds targeting PURα and have demonstrated promising anti-tumor efficacy in the preclinical study. The present review summarizes the most recently discovered critical roles of PURα in various cancer types, providing an overview of the biomarker and therapeutic target potential of PURα for patients with cancer.
Patterns of psychiatric healthcare use during pandemic times among boys and girls with pre-existing diagnoses: a Norwegian nationwide primary and specialist healthcare registry study
Authors: Lund Ingunn Olea , Jensen Pia , Madsen Christian , Hauge Lars Johan , Havdahl Alexandra , Reneflot Anne , Brandlistuen Ragnhild , Ask Helga
Published: January 2025

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced complexities that were likely more demanding for some groups, such as children and adolescents, and especially those with pre-existing mental health diagnoses. This study examines long-term patterns of psychiatric healthcare use among this vulnerable group, providing insights into shifts in psychiatric healthcare use during a global health crisis.

Methods

We use data from the primary and specialist healthcare registries available from the Norwegian emergency preparedness register for COVID-19 (Beredt C19) to estimate patterns of psychiatric healthcare use. The data spans 2017 to 2022, covering children and adolescents aged 6–19. We identified young people with recent diagnoses of mental health conditions and compared weekly consultation volumes before and during the pandemic for mental health conditions overall and the following diagnostic or symptom categories separately: anxiety/depression and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). Analyses were stratified by gender.

Results

There was a consistent trend of lower-than-predicted weekly healthcare consultations among young people with pre-existing mental health diagnoses in both primary and specialist healthcare during the pandemic. The reduction was more pronounced in later follow-up periods. The study highlights gender disparities, with boys experiencing more notable declines in healthcare consultations, especially in specialist care. Additionally, the time trends varied across different diagnostic groups. While consultations for anxiety/depression were consistently below the predicted levels, declines in ADHD occurred later in the pandemic. The data suggests an overall decline in healthcare use rather than a shift between sectors.

Conclusion

The findings offer insights into healthcare use during pandemic times among children and adolescents with pre-existing mental health diagnoses. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and support for this group, ensuring accessible and responsive healthcare during public health emergencies.
Factors associated with lung cancer among firefighters: a systematic literature review
Authors: Kang Augustine W. , Lui Natalie S.
Published: January 2025

This short review addresses the pressing issue of lung cancer among firefighters, a population facing unique occupational hazards such as smoke inhalation and asbestos exposure. With lung cancer being a leading global cause of death, the study emphasizes the disproportionate burden on firefighters. Notably, wildfire smoke, containing carcinogenic elements, poses a rising significant threat to firefighters’ respiratory health. Despite evidence linking firefighting to increased lung cancer risk, few studies have explored the underlying mechanisms. This study conducts a comprehensive review employing PRISMA guidelines to synthesize existing literature from 1972 to 2022. We discuss the association between age, race, and time spent fighting fires with lung cancer development. Our review also underscores the scarcity of studies investigating specific carcinogens and their role in firefighters’ lung cancer risk, emphasizing the need for more targeted research. The study advocates for improved methodology, suggesting the use of individual-level exposure metrics like “fire-hours” to enhance causal inference. Despite limitations in current literature, the findings stress the urgency of understanding the intricacies of lung cancer development among firefighters and call for further research to inform preventive measures and potential screening protocols.
Implementation of a sexual health clinic in an oncology setting: patient and provider perspectives
Authors: Matthew Andrew G. , Incze Taylor , Stragapede Elisa , Guirguis Steven , Neil-Sztramko Sarah E. , Elterman Dean S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among cancer survivors, significantly impacting patient and partner quality of life. Despite this, sexual health clinics (SHCs) remain rare in cancer centres across Canada. An innovative clinic was developed at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada to address this significant gap in survivorship care. This study examines factors affecting the provision of sexual healthcare and the implementation of a sexual health clinic within a large urban centre.

Methods

The Quality Implementation Framework was used to explicate patient and provider experience and identify barriers and facilitators to integrating sexual healthcare into routine cancer care workflows. Healthcare providers and patients representing selected cancer types (prostate, cervical, ovarian, testicular, bladder, kidney, and head and neck cancer) participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Framework qualitative analysis protocol.

Results

The analysis identified three organizing domains and ten themes that describe the unique aspects of the sexual healthcare experience and critical factors for sexual health implementation. Both patients and providers described a lack of sexual health support in the oncology setting and emphasized the need for comprehensive and personalized care. Limitations of current care provision included mutual silence between patients and providers due to discomfort in discussing sexual issues, insufficient provider confidence in delivering optimal sexual healthcare, and constraints related to space and time. Key Factors for implementing a sexual health clinic in oncology emphasized the importance of having a dedicated clinic, flexibility in service delivery, proactive patient engagement, and ongoing staff education.

Conclusions

Findings highlight significant challenges in addressing sexual health in an oncology setting, underscoring the need for specialized sexual health clinics that are integrated with, but distinct from, routine oncology care. This study further emphasizes the need for incorporating sexual healthcare in survivorship programs as well as the necessity of conducting thorough implementation research, involving multiple stakeholders, prior to launching new programs.
Spatiotemporal analysis of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding antigen-175 gene dimorphism in Ghana
Authors: Kpirikai Abraham Y. , Ofosu Belinda A. , Okai Josie N. A. , Kornu Victor , Kassim Abdul Rashid , Donkor Esther , Malm Frederica , Ahmed Osumanu , Sakyi Mona-Liza E. , Saiid Samirah , Kudakpo Albert Yao , Mensah Charles , Dzabeng Francis , Morang’a Collins , Awandare Gordon A. , Aniweh Yaw , Amenga-Etego Lucas N.
Published: January 2025

Background

Malaria remains a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 600,000 lives each year. Over 90% of these deaths, mostly among children under 5 years, occur in sub-Saharan Africa and are caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The merozoites stage of the parasite, crucial for asexual development invade erythrocytes through ligand-receptor interactions. Erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA)-175 is one of the key ligands facilitating invasion via interaction with glycoprotein A (GpA) receptors on the erythrocytes. EBA-175 is known to exist in two dimorphic allelic (F and C) forms with each found to infer different virulence. There is paucity of data on the prevalence of these alleles and their epidemiology in the Ghanaian malaria landscape and hence this study.

Methods

Parasite gDNA was extracted from archived Dried Blood Spots (DBS) prepared from 700 confirmed malaria-infected individuals and analysed for P. falciparum EBA-175 dimorphism. Selective eba-175 gene amplification via nested PCR and allele scoring using agarose gel electrophoresis for F, C and F/C alleles.

Results

Of the total 632 successfully genotyped samples, prevalence of F, C, and F/C allelic forms were 61.2% (n = 387), 20.7% (n = 131), and 18.0% (n = 114), respectively. Seasonality analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of dimorphic forms between the wet (n = 475) and dry (n = 157) seasons (p = 0.051). The prevalence ratio (wet/dry) for C, F and F/C were determined to be 1.0, 1.1 and 1.4, respectively. Between 2019 and 2022, the prevalence of the alleles changed significantly (χ2 = 6.5427, p = 0.03). Geometric mean parasite density for the C, F, and F/C alleles were 21,477.1 [95%CI 15,749.2 − 29,288.1], 18,308.0 [95%CI 15,149.9–22,124.5] and 22,690.4[95% CI 16,891.9–30,479.2], respectively.

Conclusion

The F-allele was the most prevalent form across all age groups, followed by the C allele and mixed F/C alleles. No significant difference in allele prevalence was observed between the high malaria season (wet) and low malaria season (dry). However, a statistically significant difference in the temporal prevalence of pure alleles (F & C) between two time points was observed.

The current study adds to the existing body of knowledge on eba-175 allelic dimorphism and highlights the co-circulation of alleles in high malaria endemic areas in Ghana.
Motif clustering and digital biomarker extraction for free-living physical activity analysis
Authors: Liang Ya-Ting , Wang Charlotte
Published: January 2025

Background

Analyzing free-living physical activity (PA) data presents challenges due to variability in daily routines and the lack of activity labels. Traditional approaches often rely on summary statistics, which may not capture the nuances of individual activity patterns. To address these limitations and advance our understanding of the relationship between PA patterns and health outcomes, we propose a novel motif clustering algorithm that identifies and characterizes specific PA patterns.

Methods

This paper proposes an elastic distance-based motif clustering algorithm for identifying specific PA patterns (motifs) in free-living PA data. The algorithm segments long-term PA curves into short-term segments and utilizes elastic shape analysis to measure the similarity between activity segments. This enables the discovery of recurring motifs through pattern clustering. Then, functional principal component analysis (FPCA) is then used to extract digital biomarkers from each motif. These digital biomarkers can subsequently be used to explore the relationship between PA and health outcomes of interest.

Results

We demonstrate the efficacy of our method through three real-world applications. Results show that digital biomarkers derived from these motifs effectively capture the association between PA patterns and disease outcomes, improving the accuracy of patient classification.

Conclusions

This study introduced a novel approach to analyzing free-living PA data by identifying and characterizing specific activity patterns (motifs). The derived digital biomarkers provide a more nuanced understanding of PA and its impact on health, with potential applications in personalized health assessment and disease detection, offering a promising future for healthcare.
Impact of early versus late artificial rupture of membranes during oxytocin induction of labour on the incidence of chorioamnionitis: a randomised controlled trial (ARM trial)
Authors: Hill Meghan G. , Wise Michelle R. , Pauleau Emmanuelle , Treadwell Beatrice , Sadler Lynn
Published: January 2025

Background

The approach to induction of labour differs internationally, with timing of amniotomy being controversial. Some institutions favour performing artificial rupture of membranes prior to commencement of oxytocin infusion, with the belief that the labour will progress more efficiently. In other institutions, the approach recommended is for oxytocin infusion with intact amniotic membranes until the person has reached the active phase of labour, citing risk of infection with early amniotomy. Current evidence is inconclusive. We are performing a randomised controlled trial assessing whether delaying amniotomy until the active phase of labour can decrease the rate of chorioamnionitis.

Methods

This is a randomised controlled trial at a single centre in New Zealand. Pregnant people undergoing induction of labour at ≥ 37 weeks gestational age with intact membranes and a singleton gestation are eligible for the trial. Participants are randomised to ‘Early’ amniotomy, at the commencement of oxytocin infusion, or to ‘Late’ amniotomy, when they have reached a cervical dilation of 6 or more centimetres or when they have been receiving oxytocin infusion for 12 h. The primary outcome of the trial is chorioamnionitis. To detect a decrease in chorioamnionitis from 9 to 3% with a power of 80% and a 95% CI, we will require 488 participants in total, randomised in a 1:1 ratio.

Discussion

If delaying amniotomy reduces the rate of chorioamnionitis, this is important to inform future practice. Chorioamnionitis entails risk to both the pregnant person and the fetus and is an important contributor to neonatal sepsis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, maternal sepsis, caesarean, wound infection and postoperative infective complications. Conversely, if the rate of chorioamnionitis is not affected by timing of amniotomy, this will allow for safe individualization of care.

Trial registration

The trial is registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, anzctr.org.au. Full registry title is ‘Impact of early versus late artificial rupture of membranes during oxytocin induction of labour on the incidence of chorioamnionitis: A randomised controlled trial’. Trial ID: ACTRN12621000405819. Date registered 14 April 2021.
Interrupted time series datasets from studies investigating the impact of interventions or exposures in public health and social science: a data note
Authors: Turner Simon L , Korevaar Elizabeth , Karahalios Amalia , Forbes Andrew B , McKenzie Joanne E
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The interrupted time series (ITS) design is commonly used to investigate the impact of an intervention or exposure in public health. There are many statistical methods that can be used to analyse ITS data and to meta-analyse their results. We undertook two empirical studies to investigate: (i) how effect estimates (and associated statistics) compared when six statistical methods were applied to 190 real-world datasets; and (ii) how meta-analysis effect estimates (and associated statistics) compared when the combinations of two ITS analysis methods and five meta-analysis methods were applied to 17 real-world meta-analyses including 283 ITS datasets. Here we present a curated repository of a subset of ITS datasets from these studies.

Data description

The repository includes 430 ITS datasets curated from the two empirical studies. The datasets are diverse in the populations, interruptions and outcomes examined, and are methodologically diverse in the outcome types, aggregation time intervals, number of timepoints and segments. Most of the datasets are from public health. For each dataset, we provide the outcome value at each timepoint and the segment (indicating different interruptions), along with characteristics of the dataset. This repository may be of value for future research of ITS studies, and as a source of examples of ITS for use in teaching.
Results comparison of cervical cancer early detection using cerviray ® with VIA test
Authors: Harsono Ali Budi , Susiarno Hadi , Suardi Dodi , Mantilidewi Kemala Isnainiasih , Wibowo Viko Duvadilan , Hidayat Yudi Mulyana
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study investigates the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, namely Cerviray AI®, compared with Cerviray® expert, aiming to compare its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC). The Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) test is used as the gold standard.

Results

The study involved 44 patients from various health centers in West Java Province. Performance of Cerviray AI®, or Cerviray® expert, and lastly VIA tests were compared in their ability to detect pre-cancerous cervical lesions in high-risk women of childbearing age. The current study indicated that Cerviray AI® had a sensitivity of 42.9%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, and ROC AUC values of 71.4%. In comparison, the evaluation of the Cerviray® expert demonstrated a sensitivity of 71.4%, specificity of 97.3%, PPV of 83.3%, and ROC AUC values of 84.4%. In conclusion, the evaluation of Cerviray® expert outperformed Cerviray AI® in ROC AUC values.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT06518070 Retrospectively registered.
Drug-drug interaction between ensitrelvir and tacrolimus in a patient undergoing treatment for COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Miyata Yuki , Yamaguchi Ryo , Yamamoto Takehito , Kishida Toshiyuki , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Harada Hiroaki , Tsutsumi Takeya , Fujio Keishi , Takada Tappei
Published: January 2025

Background

Ensitrelvir is a novel SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease inhibitor, similar to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Several case reports have demonstrated the efficacy of 3-chymotrypsin-like protease inhibitors in treating prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in immunocompromised patients. Tacrolimus (TAC) is a widely used immunosuppressive agent whose blood level can increase significantly due to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P-glycoprotein by nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Since ensitrelvir also inhibits CYP3A and P-gp, similar elevations in TAC levels are expected. A prior case report observed an increase in TAC trough levels with concurrent administration of ensitrelvir. However, no studies have quantitatively described the changes in TAC blood levels and clearances before and after ensitrelvir administration when TAC administration was discontinued to mitigate the drug-drug interaction (DDI) risk; data on safe dosing protocols to avoid the DDI during co-administration of ensitrelvir and TAC remain lacking. Here, we report a case in which TAC levels were successfully managed in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who received ensitrelvir for persistent COVID-19 by preemptive discontinuation of TAC and close monitoring of TAC blood levels following ensitrelvir administration.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old Japanese woman who had been administered TAC (1.5 mg once daily) for RA received two courses of remdesivir for moderate COVID-19. However, her viral load remained high and her respiratory status deteriorated. Considering persistent COVID-19, we initiated combination therapy with remdesivir and ensitrelvir (day 0). TAC was discontinued, and the TAC blood levels decreased from 3.6 ng/mL to 1.1 ng/mL over five days. Subsequently, we re-administered TAC (0.2 mg), observing a level of 1.0 ng/mL by day 7. The TAC dose was adjusted to 1.0 mg daily, and TAC levels on day 12 and 14 were 6.5 and 3.7 ng/mL, respectively. TAC (1.5 mg daily) was resumed on day 15. The calculated t1/2 of TAC were 33.7, 71.9, and 114.6 h from day -1 to 0, day 0 to 2, and day 2 to 5, respectively. The t1/2 of TAC was extended to 3.4-fold its original duration under ensitrelvir treatment.

Conclusions

This DDI extended the half-life of TAC by approximately 3.4-fold, an effect that gradually diminished over 7 to 10 days. When patients receiving TAC treatment start ensitrelvir therapy, a dose reduction of TAC by approximately one-third to one-fourth is considered appropriate.
Associations between disease severity, depression, health-related quality of life, and physical activity in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ademoyegun Adekola B. , Adeyemo Mutiu A. , Adewuyi Babatunde Y. , Ibitoye Adebukola G. , Akerele Olalekan I. , Awotidebe Taofeek O. , Mbada Chidozie E.
Published: January 2025

Background

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are faced with a plethora of challenges that affect their quality of life, mood, and physical and social participation. Physical activity (PA) is known to reduce inflammatory activity and enhance psychosocial health in individuals with chronic illnesses; however, there exist controversies on the role of PA in disease severity (DS), depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in SCD.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the role of PA in the level of DS, depression, and HRQoL in SCD and investigate mediation models among DS, depression, HRQoL, and PA in adults with SCD.

Methods

A total of 385 patients with SCD (mean age 35.45 ± 12.01 years; 51.70% female) attending hematology clinics in two Nigerian tertiary hospitals participated in this cross-sectional study. Data on DS, depression, HRQoL, and PA were assessed through modified disease severity scoring protocol, patient health questionnaire-9, 12-item short-form health survey, and international physical activity questionnaire short-form, respectively. Multiple hierarchical regression and mediation analyses were applied.

Results

The findings show that 53.5% are physically inactive, and PA accounts for 27.50%, 18.40%, 38.80%, and 8.50% of the variance observed in DS, depression, and physical component summary (PCS-12) and mental component summary (MCS-12) of HRQoL, respectively. There was a significant mediating role of DS in the relationship between PA and depression (β =  − 0.0026; LLCI − 0.0031; ULCI − 0.0022), PCS-12 (β = 0.0019; LLCI 0.0013; ULCI 0.0024), and MCS-12 (β = 0.0009; LLCI 0.0001; ULCI 0.0018). The relationship between DS and depression was mediated only through PCS-12 (β = 0.2975; LLCI 0.1825; ULCI 0.4066). Similarly, only PCS-12 significantly mediated the relationship between PA and depression (β =  − 0.0021; LLCI − 0.0026; ULCI − 0.0017).

Conclusion

Individuals with SCD with high levels of PA have low levels of DS and symptoms of depression and reported better HRQoL. Furthermore, patients with better HRQoL, especially physical health showed low depressive symptoms in adults with SCD. Clinicians and policymakers should consider incorporating PA assessments and interventions into the care of patients with SCD. The formulation of specific PA guidelines for patients with SCD is also warranted.