bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability, Variability and Minimal Detectable Change of the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull in Adolescent Dancers
Authors: Kolokythas Nico , Metsios George S. , Galloway Shaun M. , Allen Nick , Wyon Matthew A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

The importance and potential benefits of muscular strength in the adolescent’s development for health and fitness has been demonstrated in the literature. Maximal muscular strength and its assessment, however, is not a primary assessment criterium in the selection of young talented dancers.

Methods:

The present study evaluated the within- and between session reliability, variability, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Thirty-five participants (female n = 17) participated in 2 identical assessments on the same day with 4-hour break in between. Three 3-second IMTP were performed, and the mean peak force value was used for the analyses.

Results:

Within-session the ICC indicated excellent reliability (ICC = .99, 95% CI: 0.98-0.99). Between-session reliability was excellent (ICC = .98, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99). The standard error of measurement was 4% (48 N), the minimum detectable change was 12% (134 N) and the CV was 3%. There were no within-session statistically significant differences, but statistically significant differences between-session were observed ( P < .001). Limits of agreement ranged from −121 N (95% CI −186 to −56 N) to 307 N (95% CI 243-372 N).

Conclusion:

The observed results demonstrated excellent within- and between sessions reliability, low variability, and an MDC of 12%. The consistency of the within-session scores suggest that peak force data may be obtained with single try efforts. The statistically significant difference in the means of the retest session, however, suggests that the time of the day or the time since entrained awakening may be affecting performance in adolescent dancers. The results of the current study indicate that the IMTP is a reliable assessment tool for maximal muscular strength in adolescent dancers.
Acid Orange 3
Authors: Burnett Christina L. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Cohen David E. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Rettie Allan E , Ross David , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Tilton Susan , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed updated information that has become available since their original assessment from year 2000, along with updated information regarding product types, and frequency and concentrations of use, and reaffirmed their original conclusion that Acid Orange 3 is safe for use in hair dye formulations at concentrations <.2%.
PEG Soy Sterols
Authors: Cherian Priya , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Cohen David E. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Rettie Allan E , Ross David , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Tilton Susan , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed newly available studies since their original assessment in year 2000, along with updated information regarding product types and concentrations of use, and confirmed that PEG-5, -10, -16, -25, -30, and -40 Soy Sterol are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration as described in this report.
Gross and Histologic Placental Abnormalities Associated With Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Kim Charlotte F. , Carreon Chrystalle Katte , James Kaitlyn E. , Bates Sara V. , Mueller Sarah B. , Boyd Theonia K. , Roberts Drucilla J.
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To elucidate particular placental pathology findings that are associated with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and determine which patterns are associated with adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes.

Study Design:

Multi-institutional retrospective case-control study of newborns with HIE (2002–2022) and controls. Four perinatal pathologists performed gross and histologic evaluation of placentas of cases and controls.

Results:

A total of 265 placentas of neonates with HIE and 122 controls were examined. Infants with HIE were more likely to have anatomic umbilical cord abnormalities (19.7% vs 7.4%, P = .003), fetal inflammatory response in the setting of amniotic fluid infection (27.7% vs 13.9%, P = .004), and fetal vascular malperfusion (30.6% vs 9.0%, P = <.001) versus controls. Fetal vascular malperfusion with maternal vascular malperfusion was more common in those who died of disease ( P = .01).

Conclusion:

Placental pathology examination of neonates with HIE may improve our understanding of this disorder and its adverse outcomes.
Placental Lesions Associated With Stillbirth by Gestational Age, as Related to Cause of Death: Follow-Up Results From the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network
Authors: Cersonsky Tess E. K. , Cersonsky Rose K. , Silver Robert M. , Dudley Donald J. , Pinar Halit
Published: September 2023

Background:

We previously identified placental lesions associated with stillbirths of varying gestational ages (GA) using advanced feature analysis. We further investigated the relationships between placental lesions and cause of death in stillbirths within these GA ranges.

Methods:

Using data from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network, we derived a sample of stillbirths who underwent placental examination and Initial Causes of Fetal Death (INCODE) evaluation for determining cause of death. We then compared the rates of causes of death within and among GA ranges (extreme preterm stillbirth [PTSB] [<28 weeks], early PTSB [28–336/7 weeks], late PTSB [34–366/7 weeks], term stillbirth [≥37 weeks]) according to the presence of these lesions.

Results:

We evaluated 352 stillbirths. In extreme PTSB, obstetric complications and infections were associated with acute funisitis. In early PTSB, uteroplacental insufficiency was associated with parenchymal infarcts. In term stillbirth (vs early PTSB), increased syncytial knots were associated with umbilical cord causes and infection.

Conclusions:

Placental lesions of high importance in distinguishing stillbirths at different GAs are associated with specific causes of death. This information is important in relating the presence of placental lesions and fetal death and in helping to understand etiologies of stillbirths at different GAs.
The Participatory Documentary ‘Age Is Just a Bingo Number’
Authors: Palladino Simona
Published: September 2023

The film ‘ Age is Just a Bingo Number’ is a mid-length (40 minutes) participatory documentary exploring the experiences of a community of ageing Italians in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. As a product of social science research, this documentary aims to bridge the gap between academia and the general audience, by disseminating research findings in creative ways, through art practices. This documentary constitutes an empirical contribution to the sociology of community studies, by exploring the social interactions of a small place-based group of older migrants. Hence, the documentary introduces the audience to a recreational centre in the heart of the city, where the participants gather on a weekly basis to play Bingo. This place, and the sense of community it conveys, aims at promoting social aspects of the environment for older people. Furthermore, by illustrating how older migrants can become closely attached to places, it aims at raising awareness of issues of ageing in the context of migration. In this sense, the film is an original contribution to the sociology of ageing and transnational migration.
Prospective validation of Bowel Injury Prediction Score for early diagnosis of surgically significant blunt bowel and mesenteric injury
Authors: Gupta Shubham Kumar , Singh Pramod Kumar , Sharma Sumit , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar
Published: September 2023

Background

Blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (BBMI) are frequently missed despite the widespread use of computed tomography (CT). Early diagnosis for timely management of surgically significant blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (sBBMI) can be challenging. Several tools predictive for sBBMI have been proposed such as the “Bowel Injury Prediction Score” (BIPS) that is based on presence of abdominal tenderness, white blood cell count ≥17,000/mm3 and CT grade. The utility of this scoring system for early diagnosis of sBBMI has neither been studied in an Indian population nor prospectively validated.

Methods

A single-centre prospective cohort study was conducted at a Trauma Centre in India. After screening of 1793 patients with blunt trauma abdomen who presented between 1st January 2022 and 31st August 2022 and underwent CT scan, eventually, 80 patients of age >18 years, hemodynamically stable and CT finding suspicious of BBMI were included. BIPS score was calculated. Patients were followed to evaluate the outcome.

Results

The incidence of sBBMI was 3.06%. Mean age of study patients was 36.2 ± 16.5 years with male predominance (92.5%) and road traffic accidents the commonest mode of injury. Patients with BBMI were more likely to require operative intervention in the presence of abdominal tenderness at presentation (p < 0.01) and CT grade ≥4 (p < 0.01). For patients with WBC counts of ≥17,000/mm3, no statistically significant difference was noted in the need for operative intervention. BIPS ≥2 had 94.5% sensitivity, 72% specificity, 88% PPV, and 86% NPV for identifying patients with sBBMI.

Conclusion

Calculation of BIPS at the time of presentation can avoid unnecessary delays in surgical management and thereby reduce overall morbidity and mortality even in an Indian setup. However, WBC counts > 17,000/mm3 were not found to be predictive of sBBMI.
“Indoctrinated by the left!.”: How politicians respond to street protest on social media
Authors: Staes Luna , Wouters Ruud
Published: September 2023

On social media, politicians present themselves on public issues to achieve re-election. Protest provides one opportunity for politicians to do so. In this study, we ask: How do politicians respond to protest on social media? And, which factors determine how politicians react? Building upon classic typologies of politicians’ rhetorical strategies, we study Twitter and Facebook posts ( N = 8211) of Belgian politicians ( N = 225) who respond to protest ( N = 124) staged in Brussels (Belgium). Results show that politicians predominantly engage in position taking when responding to protest and rarely engage in advertising, blame attribution, or credit claiming, although latter reactions are more prevalent on Facebook than Twitter. A pattern of how politician features impact rhetorical responsiveness stands out. Executives are more likely to claim credit, opposition politicians are more likely to blame politics, right-wing politicians are more likely to blame demonstrators. Findings lay bare politicians’ online protest communication strategy and speak to party–protest interactions.
A comparison study of loss generation between twin-entry and double-entry volutes of nozzled mixed-flow turbines
Authors: Yang Mingyang , Xue Yingxian , Lu Zhaokai , Yang Bijie
Published: September 2023

Turbochargers whose turbines contain two-entry volutes are advantageous as they help to improve the low-end torque and transient performance of internal combustion engines. Two types of two-entry turbines are applied currently in turbocharging, which are the twin-entry turbine (TE) and the double-entry turbine (DE). To develop more efficient turbocharged engines, a further understanding of the performance characteristics and loss mechanisms of two types of two-entry turbines is needed. However, few investigations have been carried out to directly compare these two types of turbines. Through an experimentally validated numerical method, this paper compares the performance and detailed flow mechanism of twin/double-entry turbines with the same nozzled mixed-flow rotor. The 3D simulation is validated against the measured performance as well as the flow field carried out on test rigs. Results show that the performance of the double-entry turbine is notably superior over that of the twin-entry counterpart although their peak swallowing capacities and efficiencies are at a similar level. In particular, the efficiency and swallowing capacity deteriorate more gently for the double-entry turbine as operational condition deviates from full admission. It was revealed via the loss breakdown of turbine components that, the volute and the nozzle are the main contributors to the performance discrepancy between the two turbines. Specifically, the loss in the twin-entry volute is higher than that of the double-entry one, especially in the case of partial admissions. Flow analysis shows that the flow is mixed strongly in the vicinity of the limb divider of the twin-entry volute in the whole circumference, while it only concentrates in the vicinity of the tongues for the double-entry turbine. Therefore, a higher entropy-rise is generated in the twin-entry volute. Moreover, the mixing flow attenuates the flow distortion in the nozzle and produces more uniform entropy rise in the nozzle for the twin-entry configuration. On the other hand, flow distortion is well preserved in nozzle for the double-entry turbine, thus regions with high entropy-rise appear in a portion of nozzle passages. Consequently, a higher loss is produced in the volute and the nozzle for the twin-entry turbine. This paper provides knowledge of performance characteristics of two two-entry turbines and sheds light on the performance improvement of two-entry turbines.
Best Practices for Telehealth in Nurse-Led Care Settings—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Weiss Charlotte R. , Roberts Mia , Florell Melissa , Wood Rachel , Johnson-Koenke Rachel , Amura Claudia R. , Kissler Katherine , Barton Amy J. , Jones Jacqueline
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic in the US prompted a sudden shift to telehealth in nurse-led care sites which provide services to diverse geolocations. Using a lens of intersectionality, this study characterizes provider and patient-perceived best and promising practices emerging from geographical variation. The aim of this study was to identify best practices of implementing telehealth in nurse-led care models in Colorado through patient and provider experiences of the sudden implementation of telehealth that can enhance health equity. In this exploratory/descriptive qualitative study, a purposive sample of 18 providers and 30 patients were interviewed using a guide informed by the RE-AIM implementation and evaluation framework to capture the contextual experiences related to the sudden shift to telehealth. Textual theme analysis and reflexive team strategies guided the interpretation. Four primary themes of perceived best practices were identified: using multiple modalities, tailoring triage and scheduling, cultivating safety through boundaries and expectations, and differentiating established versus new patient relationships. The findings suggest that telehealth is a flexible and powerful tool to enhance the delivery of equitable care through nurse-led care models within diverse communities such as the one represented in this study. Nurse leaders are positioned to participate in innovative research and create policies and protocols to ensure telehealth is a viable resource to deliver equitable, safe, and accessible high-quality healthcare.
TXNIP activates NLRP3/IL-1β and participate in inflammatory response and oxidative stress to promote deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Fei Jianwen , Wang Haixia , Han Jin , Zhang Xuefeng , Ma Hongfu , Qin Xiao , Yu Chaoxiao , Jiang Junjie
Published: September 2023

Increasing evidence indicates that deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common peripheral vascular disease. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in deep venous thrombosis (DVT). A total of 66 Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were employed to conduct DVT model. DVT rat was treated with silenced TXNIP (si-TXNIP) lentivirus and MCC950 (a NLRP3 inhibitor). The thrombosis weight and weight/length ratio, tissue factor, inflammatory factors, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining was used to investigate the pathological change. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression level. The expression level of thioredoxin (TRx) was suppressed, whereas TXNIP and NLRP3 were elevated in DVT rat. Si-TXNIP or MCC950 could reduce the thrombosis weight and weight/length ratio, ameliorate the pathological change, and decrease inflammatory reaction. Mechanistically, si-TXNIP or MCC950 inhibited the expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, and interleukin (IL)-1β while elevating the TRx level, thereby suppressing the DVT. Our study indicated that si-TXNIP or MCC950 injection rescued the injury of vein induced by DVT. The possible mechanisms connected with the inhibition of TXNIP and NLRP3. TXNIP is a possible therapeutic target for DVT.
Longitudinal dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Müller-Nedebock Amica C , Cuttler Katelyn , Pfaff Abigail L , Kõks Sulev
Published: September 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested as potential biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to identify blood-based lncRNA transcripts that are dysregulated in PD over time and could serve as peripheral biomarkers. Using RNA-sequencing data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, differential expression between case and control groups at five different time points was detected, and pathway analysis was conducted. Seven transcripts, not previously linked to PD, were consistently dysregulated across all time points, while PD-linked lncRNAs were dysregulated at some but not all time points. Pathway analysis highlighted pathways, known to be affected in PD. This suggested that dysregulated lncRNA transcripts could play a role in PD pathogenesis by affecting well-known PD pathways and highlighted their potential as longitudinal biomarkers for PD. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the potential use of identified lncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
A Pilot Study of the Gut Microbiota in Spine Fusion Surgery Patients
Authors: Cyphert Erika L. , Clare Shannon , Dash Alexander , Nixon Jacob C. , Raphael Joseph , Harrison Jonathan , Heilbronner Alison , Kim Han Jo , Cunningham Matthew , Lebl Darren , Schwab Frank , Hernandez Christopher J. , Stein Emily M.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The microbiome has been identified as a contributor to bone quality. As skeletal health is critical to success of orthopedic surgery, the gut microbiome may be a modifiable factor associated with postoperative outcomes. For spine fusion surgery in particular, de novo bone formation and sufficient bone mineral density are essential for successful outcomes. Given the prevalence and complexity of these procedures, the identification of novel factors that may be related to operative success is important.

Questions/purposes:

We sought to investigate how the composition of the microbiota related to bone health in a focused spinal fusion surgery cohort.

Methods:

We investigated the composition of the microbiome in a cohort of 31 patients prior to spinal fusion surgery, as well as changes in the microbiome over 6 weeks postoperatively. Preoperative areal bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results:

Composition of gut microbiota differed among spinal fusion patients with low bone mass ( T-score ≤ −1.0) and those with normal BMD ( P = .03). There was no significant change in composition of the gut microbiota between preoperative evaluation and 6 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Our findings in this small sample suggest there may be a relationship between BMD and composition of the gut microbiome in patients who undergo spinal fusion surgery. Further work is needed to investigate these relationships as well as potential interventions to foster a favorable microbial composition in spinal fusion surgery patients.
HIV testing during pregnancy among women with a recent live birth—Seven US States, 2016–2019
Authors: Nwangwu-Ike Ndidi , Kapaya Martha , Oladapo Keydra , DAngelo Denise V
Published: September 2023

Background:

Although the United States has made progress in reducing the transmission of HIV from mother-to-child, it has not yet met the goal of reducing such transmissions to 70%. Self-reported HIV testing varied by state of residence. Approximately, two in three women reported that their health care provider asked them about HIV testing during prenatal care, and 82.3% of those asked reported receipt of a test.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was (1) to examine the prevalence of receipt of an HIV test during pregnancy and (2) to examine differences in HIV testing during pregnancy by race/ethnicity, state of residence, and other sociodemographic characteristics.

Design:

Population-based surveillance of women with a recent live birth from seven US states. Individuals were sampled from birth certificate records 2–6 months postpartum and surveyed about their behaviors and experiences before, during, and shortly after pregnancy.

Methods:

Data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a large, population-based survey, were used to estimate the prevalence of HIV testing during pregnancy during 2016–2019. Weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated overall and by demographic and other selected characteristics.

Results:

Approximately two-thirds of women (66.1%) self-reported having a test for HIV during pregnancy. Prevalence varied by maternal characteristics and was highest among women who were non-Hispanic Black (80.7%) and among women who were aged ⩽ 24 years, had a high school education or less, were unmarried, or had Medicaid or no insurance for prenatal care (each > 70%). Self-reported HIV testing varied by state of residence. Approximately two in three women reported that their health care provider asked them about HIV testing during prenatal care, and 82.3% of those asked reported receipt of a test.

Conclusion:

About one in three Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System respondents did not report an HIV test during pregnancy. Health care providers can help educate pregnant patients about the importance of HIV testing and ensure universal testing to help identify individuals needing treatment and reduce the rates of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
From influencing school food to handling hate speech: Methods, areas, and limitations of active citizenship in Finnish social studies textbooks
Authors: Mikander Pia , Satokangas Henri
Published: September 2023

Historically, education for active citizenship has not been a high priority in Finnish schools. In this discursive study of Finnish social studies textbooks for grades 4–6, we investigate how students are encouraged to practice active citizenship, where the focus of active citizenship lies, and how active citizenship is limited in antidemocratic ways. Referring to the theoretical discussion about democracy in education, we note a discursive focus on individual influencing and communication skills as methods for active citizenship education. We find that active citizenship focuses on students’ immediate surroundings, the school, and the local area as potential fields of influence. We note how antidemocratic threats to active citizenship are often portrayed with a focus on individual feelings and manners, not on understanding democratic structures and antidemocratic threats such as silencing voices through online hate speech. We welcome a discussion about how young students can become active citizens, by encouraging a more democratic classroom culture within social studies, thereby creating space for imagining alternative futures and utopian thinking.
Domain-specific cognitive impairment 6 months after stroke: The value of early cognitive screening
Authors: Milosevich Elise T , Moore Margaret J , Pendlebury Sarah T , Demeyere Nele
Published: September 2023

Background:

Cognitive screening following stroke is widely recommended, yet few studies have considered the prognostic value of acute domain-specific function for longer-term cognitive outcome. Identifying which post-stroke cognitive impairments more commonly occur, recover, and persist, and which impairments hold prognostic value, could inform care planning, and resource allocation.

Aims:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of domain-specific impairment acutely and at 6 months, assess the proportion of change in cognitive performance, and examine the prognostic value of acute domain-specific cognitive screening.

Methods:

A prospective stroke cohort completed the Oxford Cognitive Screen acutely (⩽2 weeks) and 6 months post-stroke. We determined the prevalence of acute and 6-month domain-specific impairment and proportion of change in performance from acute to 6 months. Hierarchical multivariable regression was used to predict global and domain-specific cognitive impairment at 6 months adjusted for demographic/vascular factors, stroke severity, and lesion volume.

Results:

A total of 430 stroke survivors (mean/SD age 73.9/12.5 years, 46.5% female, median/interquartile range (IQR) National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 5/2–10) completed 6-month follow-up. Acutely, domain-specific impairments were highly prevalent ranging from 26.7% ( n = 112) in praxis to 46.8% ( n = 183) in attention. At 6 months, the proportion of domain-specific recovery was highest in praxis ( n = 73, 71%) and lowest in language ( n = 89, 46%) and memory ( n = 82, 48%). Severity of 6-month cognitive impairment was best predicted by the addition of acute cognitive impairment (adj R2 = 0.298, p < 0.0001) over demographic and clinical factors alone (adj R2 = 0.105, p < 0.0001). Acute cognitive function was the strongest predictor of 6-month cognitive performance ( p < 0.0001). Acute domain-specific impairments in memory ( p < 0.0001), language ( p < 0.0001), and praxis ( p < 0.0001) significantly predicted overall severity of cognitive impairment at 6 months.

Conclusion:

Post-stroke cognitive impairment is highly prevalent across all domains acutely, while impairments in language, memory, and attention predominate at 6 months. Early domain-specific screening can provide valuable prognostic information for longer-term cognitive outcomes.
Long-Term Efficacy of Dupilumab for Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tsunemi Yasuhiro , Nakayama Tsuguhisa , Kashiwagi Takashi , Akutsu Makoto , Saito Shota , Haruna Shinichi
Published: September 2023

Background

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS) is a type 2 inflammatory disease that frequently recurs after surgery. In recent years, dupilumab has been available for the treatment of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis since 2020 in Japan. Although there are some reports of its usefulness, there are not enough reports of its clinical efficacy for longer than 1 year, especially for olfactory recovery.

Methods

Twenty patients with eCRS who had recurrence after surgery and had been receiving dupilumab were enrolled retrospectively. The nasal polyp score (NPS), computed tomography (CT) score, T&T olfactometer, and olfactory cleft opacification on CT were evaluated at baseline, at an average of 5.1 months later (short term), and at an average of 18.3 months later (long term).

Results

At the short-term evaluation, there were significant improvements in the NPS and CT scores ( P < .001, P = .008, respectively). The CT score was further improved at the long-term evaluation compared to the short-term evaluation ( P = .018) and baseline ( P = .008). T&T detection/recognition thresholds and olfactory cleft opacification showed significant improvements only at the long-term evaluation compared to baseline ( P = .002, P = .006, and, P = .006, respectively).

Conclusion

The NPS remained improved, and the CT score showed further improvement with long-term treatment, whereas olfactory function and olfactory cleft opacification showed significant improvement only after long-term treatment. There was a dissociation between the time to improve in the NPS and CT scores and the time to improve in olfactory function and olfactory cleft opacification. Based on these results, dupilumab should be administered for longer than 1 year, especially for olfactory function.
Temporal validity as meta-science
Authors: Munger Kevin
Published: September 2023

The “credibility revolution” has forced quantitative social scientists to confront the limits of our methods for creating general knowledge. As a result, many practitioners aim to generate valid but local knowledge and then synthesize and apply that knowledge to predict what will happen in a target context. Positivist social science has until recently been hamstrung with other, more immediate threats to validity and inference, but I argue that recent advances in statistical approaches to the problem of external validity reveal limits of the current paradigm. This article and the term “temporal validity” illustrate the intrinsic limits of agnostic (i.e., assumption-free) external validity when the target setting is in the future. These limits, I argue, suggest a re-orientation of social science methodology. We should acknowledge that no research design, no empirical knowledge, is perfectible; instead, we should explicitly aim to increase the amount and quality of knowledge we produce. I believe it is useful to characterize this perspective as part of “Meta-Science,” an emerging paradigm within the social sciences. “Temporal validity” and the implied “knowledge decay” thus represent a meta-scientific intervention aimed at increasing the usefulness of the knowledge we produce. Among other structural reforms, I argue that the binary reality of academic scholarship (a paper is published or not) reifies the perfectibility of empirical knowledge and is thus an impediment to recognizing the continuous nature of all forms of scientific validity.
Successful Anticoagulation With Warfarin After Switching From Rifampin to Rifabutin
Authors: Alnewais Marwah E. , Landolfa Samantha L. , Bean Madelyne , Fermo Joli D.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

A case of a patient receiving warfarin for pulmonary embolism (PE) concomitantly with rifampin for treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is presented. A successful clinical intervention whereby the patient achieved therapeutic anticoagulation after switching to an alternative rifamycin antibacterial, rifabutin, is described.

The drug-drug interaction between warfarin and rifampin is well known and documented. However, to our knowledge, no case reports of the interaction between warfarin and rifabutin have been published, and literature describing this interaction is lacking. We describe the case of a 27-year-old African American female referred to a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic for treatment of PE with warfarin. The patient was also being treated for active tuberculosis with rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Warfarin was initiated and over the course of 1 month was continuously increased to a total weekly dose (TWD) of 140 mg without ever achieving the target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2 to 3. In an attempt to reach the target INR, rifampin was switched to rifabutin to minimize the drug-drug interaction with warfarin. Six days after this switch, the target INR was achieved with a lower warfarin TWD of 115 mg. Rifabutin interacts with warfarin to a lesser degree than rifampin and may be considered as an alternative in patients taking warfarin who require treatment with a rifamycin.

Conclusion:

For patients in whom therapeutic anticoagulation with warfarin has been difficult, the use of rifabutin may be considered in place of rifampin when the concomitant use of a rifamycin is required.
Evaluation of a New MRI-Based Classification of Graft Status After Superior Capsule Reconstruction
Authors: Lee Jun-Bum , Kholinne Erica , Yeom Ji Woong , So Sang-Pil , Ben Hui , Alsaqri Hood , Koh Kyoung-Hwan , Jeon In-Ho
Published: September 2023

Background:

A classification system for the graft state after superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been described previously.

Purpose:

To introduce a new, MRI-based classification system for graft integrity after SCR and to evaluate the system according to postoperative outcomes.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Method:

Included were 62 consecutive patients who underwent SCR using autologous fascia lata graft between January 2013 and April 2021. Postoperative outcomes were assessed (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Constant score, pain visual analog scale [pVAS], range of motion [ROM], acromiohumeral distance [AHD], Hamada grade). Graft status was classified by 2 orthopaedic surgeons on postoperative MRI in accordance with the signal intensity and the presence or extent of the tear, as follows: type 1 (hypointense signal without tear), type 2 (hyperintense signal without tear), type 3 (partial-thickness tear), type 4 (full-thickness tear with partial continuity), and type 5 (full-thickness tear with complete discontinuity). Intra- and interobserver agreement were assessed using Cohen kappa. The correlation between postoperative outcomes (ASES score, Constant score, pVAS, ROM, AHD, and Hamada grade) and the SCR graft classification system was assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient, and the outcomes were compared according to classification type.

Results:

Patients were classified according to the new system as follows: type 1 (n = 15), type 2 (n = 20), type 3 (n = 7), type 4 (n = 8), and type 5 (n = 12). There was excellent interobserver agreement (κ = 0.819) and intraobserver agreement (κ = 0.937 and 0.919). The classification system showed a moderate to high correlation with the ASES score ( r = –0.451; P = .001), pVAS ( r = 0.359; P = .005), AHD ( r = –0.642; P < .001), and Hamada grade ( r = 0.414; P < .001). Patients classified as having types 1 and 2 showed better outcomes in terms of ASES score, pVAS, ROM, and AHD compared with type 5 patients ( P ≤ .021 for all).

Conclusion:

The new classification system was highly reproducible and showed clinical utility for both radiological and clinical evaluation after SCR.
“I think”: integrating project-based learning and case study to teach fundamentals of evolutionary tree-thinking
Authors: Firneno Thomas J. , Welsh Gabrielle T. , Nimlos Peter J. , Larson Erica L.
Published: September 2023

The theory and practice of evolutionary tree-thinking is pervasive through many scientific fields and is a critical component of biological literacy. Many elements of tree-thinking are introduced early in undergraduate biology education. However, basic concepts are often not revisited/reinforced and are assumed to have been fully conceptually grasped in upper-level courses and beyond. Here, we present a project-based activity that we developed to aid upper-level biology students to learn, conceptualize, and practice tree-thinking. This approach allows them to identify the misconceptions that they may have about tree-thinking, while reinforcing the theories and concepts that they may have encountered in introductory courses. It also integrates several pedagogical styles (instructor-led and student-centered), along with an organismal case study to make concepts concrete and realistic to students.
Capsular warning syndrome—a case of atrial fibrillation and corona radiata infarct
Authors: Tan Sarah En Mei , Heng Kenneth Wei Jian
Published: September 2023

Background

Capsular warning syndrome (CWS) is a rare clinical syndrome characterised by recurrent and transient episodes of focal neurological deficits with high risk of infarction. The exact physiological mechanism of CWS remains unclear but is most commonly believed to be a result of haemodynamic insufficiency in diseased, small penetrating vessels. There are no defined treatment guidelines or established effective therapy.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 65-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of dysarthria coupled with right facial droop and right-sided weakness. Symptoms recurred a total of ten times within a span of 3 h. He had new onset atrial fibrillation. An initial cerebral angiogram showed mild intracranial atherosclerotic disease with no proximal large vessel occlusion or acute infarct. Magnetic resonance imaging 1 h later demonstrated an infarct in the left corona radiata.

Conclusions

This case illustrates an uncommon etiology of CWS. We will also discuss the lack of consensus in treatment options for CWS to mitigate a complete stroke.
Inferring circadian gene regulatory relationships from gene expression data with a hybrid framework
Authors: Hu Shuwen , Jing Yi , Li Tao , Wang You-Gan , Liu Zhenyu , Gao Jing , Tian Yu-Chu
Published: September 2023

Background

The central biological clock governs numerous facets of mammalian physiology, including sleep, metabolism, and immune system regulation. Understanding gene regulatory relationships is crucial for unravelling the mechanisms that underlie various cellular biological processes. While it is possible to infer circadian gene regulatory relationships from time-series gene expression data, relying solely on correlation-based inference may not provide sufficient information about causation. Moreover, gene expression data often have high dimensions but a limited number of observations, posing challenges in their analysis.

Methods

In this paper, we introduce a new hybrid framework, referred to as Circadian Gene Regulatory Framework (CGRF), to infer circadian gene regulatory relationships from gene expression data of rats. The framework addresses the challenges of high-dimensional data by combining the fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm with dynamic time warping distance. Through this approach, we efficiently identify the clusters of genes related to the target gene. To determine the significance of genes within a specific cluster, we employ the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Subsequently, we use a dynamic vector autoregressive method to analyze the selected significant gene expression profiles and reveal directed causal regulatory relationships based on partial correlation.

Conclusion

The proposed CGRF framework offers a comprehensive and efficient solution for understanding circadian gene regulation. Circadian gene regulatory relationships are inferred from the gene expression data of rats based on theAanattarget gene. The results show that genesPde10a, Atp7b, Prok2, Per1, Rhobtb3andDclk1stand out, which have been known to be essential for the regulation of circadian activity. The potential relationships between genesTspan15, Eprs, Eml5andFsbpwith a circadian rhythm need further experimental research.
New-onset dyslipidemia in adult cancer survivors from medically underserved areas: a 10-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jung Yun Hwa , Yun IL , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Sung-In
Published: September 2023

Background

Cancer survival rates are increasing; however, studies on dyslipidemia as a comorbidity of cancer are limited. For efficient management of the disease burden, this study aimed to understand new-onset dyslipidemia in medically underserved areas (MUA) among cancer survivors > 19 years.

Methods

This study used 11-year (2009–2019) data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service sample cohort. Cancer survivors for five years or more (diagnosed with ICD-10 codes ‘C00-C97’) > 19 years were matched for sex, age, cancer type, and survival years using a 1:1 ratio with propensity scores. New-onset dyslipidemia outpatients based on MUA were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of the 5,736 cancer survivors included in the study, the number of new-onset dyslipidemia patients was 855 in MUA and 781 in non-MUA. Cancer survivors for five years or more from MUA had a 1.22-fold higher risk of onset of dyslipidemia (95% CI = 1.10–1.34) than patients from non-MUA. The prominent factors for the risk of dyslipidemia in MUA include women, age ≥ 80 years, high income, disability, complications, and fifth-year cancer survivors.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors for five years or more from MUA had a higher risk of new-onset dyslipidemia than those from non-MUA. Thus, cancer survivors for five years or more living in MUA require healthcare to prevent and alleviate dyslipidemia.
Stellate nonheritable idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis in juveniles: case report
Authors: Liu Jianan , Wang Yanhui , Wang Lifei
Published: September 2023

Background

Stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis (SNIFR) is a rare type of retinoschisis with a spoke-like splitting that occurs in the outer plexus layer. We present a case of stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis in a juvenile, in which two eyes show different development trends and macular retinoschisis could be associated with mechanical force in the Henle fibre layer. The removal of mechanical force can partially restore vision.

Case presentation

A 14-year-old girl with bilateral SNIFR was diagnosed and followed up with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). During the two follow-up visits, vitreous adhesion was released in the left eye, and visual acuity improved. Neuroepithelial detachment was aggravated in the right eye, and visual acuity decreased. Therefore, vitrectomy was performed on the right eye. After surgery, the patient’s retina was reattached, and her vision was partially restored.

Conclusions

We reported a juvenile with bilateral SNIFR. Each of her eyes showed different development trends, so we adopted different treatment methods for each eye. Vitrectomy was performed on the patient to address progressive vision loss, which improved the patient’s vision. It was further confirmed that the Henle layer of SNIFR patients was susceptible to posterior vitreous membrane adhesion.
Inability to get needed health care during the COVID-19 pandemic among a nationally representative, diverse population of U.S. adults with and without chronic conditions
Authors: Ponce Stephanie A. , Wilkerson Miciah , Le Randy , Nápoles Anna María , Strassle Paula D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Delays in health care have been observed in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the prevalence of inability to get needed care and potential disparities in health care access have yet to be assessed.

Methods

We conducted a nationally representative, online survey of 5,500 American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Latino (English- and Spanish-speaking), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White, and multiracial adults between 12/2020–2/2021 (baseline) and 8/16/2021–9/9/2021 (6-month follow-up). Participants were asked “Since the start of the pandemic, was there any time when you did not get medical care that you needed?” Those who responded “Yes” were asked about the type of care and the reason for not receiving care. Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between sociodemographics and inability to receive needed care; all analyses were stratified by chronic condition status. Chronic conditions included: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease or on dialysis, sickle cell disease, cancer, and immunocompromised state (weakened immune system).

Results

Overall, 20.0% of participants at baseline and 22.7% at follow-up reported not getting needed care. The most common reasons for being unable to get needed care included fear of COVID-19 (baseline: 44.1%; follow-up: 47.2%) and doctors canceled appointment (baseline: 25.3%; follow-up: 14.1%). Routine care (baseline: 59.9%; follow-up: 62.6%) and chronic care management (baseline: 31.5%; follow-up: 30.1%) were the most often reported types of delayed care. Fair/poor self-reported physical health was significantly associated with being unable to get needed care despite chronic condition status (≥ 1 chronic condition: aPR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.04–1.78); no chronic conditions: aPR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.28–1.80). The likelihood of inability to get needed care differed in some instances by race/ethnicity, age, and insurance status. For example, uninsured adults were more likely to not get needed care (≥ 1 chronic condition: aPR = 1.76, 95%CI = 1.17–2.66); no chronic conditions: aPR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.00–1.56).

Conclusions

Overall, about one fifth of participants reported being unable to receive needed care at baseline and follow-up. Delays in receiving needed medical care may exacerbate existing conditions and perpetuate existing health disparities among vulnerable populations who were more likely to have not received needed health care during the pandemic.
The effects of synbiotics supplementation on reducing chemotherapy-induced side effects in women with breast cancer: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Khazaei Yasaman , Basi Ali , Fernandez Maria Luz , Foudazi Hossein , Bagherzadeh Rafat , Shidfar Farzad
Published: September 2023

Background

The prevalence of breast cancer and its mortality rate are increasing rapidly among women worldwide. On other hand, the courses of chemotherapy as the main treatment for these patients are too much exhaustive and annoying. This study was designed to evaluate the use of synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) supplementation as a safe and inexpensive adjuvant treatment in reducing common chemotherapy side effects in women with breast cancer.

Methods

The current study was conducted on 67 women with definitive diagnosis of breast cancer who were hospitalized to receive one-day chemotherapy sessions, and met the inclusion criteria. The patients were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group to receive synbiotics or placebo, respectively. They received oral consumption of synbiotics supplements twice a day for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the changes in severity or experience of chemotherapy complication, analyzed by intention to treat (ITT). The instruments included 7 validated questionnaires which were used to assess chemotherapy complications in the initiation, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after intervention. Dietary intake was measured by 24-h dietary recall at the beginning, week 4 and week 8. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 24. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

67 breast cancer patients participated in the study. 8 weeks after intervention and adjusting the confounders, the severity of chemotherapy complications including unnormal defecation (P = 0.005) and fatigue (P < 0/001) decreased significantly in the synbiotics group compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, nausea/vomiting (P = 0.015), and anorexia (P < 0.001) were decreased at the end of the study compared to the first visit, but it was not statistically significant compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions

Synbiotics supplementation during chemotherapy can potentially reduce the severity of fatigue and abnormal defecation. It can help reduce anorexia and nausea/vomiting.

Trial Registration

This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) (registered code: IRCT20091114002709N56) (date of registration: 5/5/2021). Direct link to the trial page:https://www.irct.ir/trial/54559.