bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transdermal Opioids and the Quality of Life of the Cancer Patient: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Reis Patricia Santos , Kraychete Durval Campos , Pedreira Emilie de Magalhães , Barreto Eduardo Silva Reis , Antunes Júnior César Romero , Alencar Vinicius Borges , Souza Anna Karla do Nascimento , Lins-Kusterer Liliane Elze Falcão , Azi Liana Maria Torres de Araujo
Published: April 2024

Objective:

This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of transdermal opioids in managing cancer pain and their impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients.

Data sources:

A systematic literature review conducted following the PRISMA protocol, focusing on randomized clinical trials found in the Lilacs, Embase, PubMed, and SciELO databases over the last 20 years.

Study selection and data extraction:

We included randomized clinical trials, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, which assessed the impact of transdermal opioids on the QoL. Data extraction was facilitated using the Rayyan app.

Data synthesis:

Six articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. These studies covered a population ranging from 24 to 422 cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe pain. The risk of bias was assessed in each study, generally being categorized as uncertain or high.

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice:

The findings indicate that the analgesic effectiveness and side effects of transdermal formulations (specifically buprenorphine and fentanyl) for managing moderate to severe cancer pain are comparable to, or in some cases superior to, those of oral opioids traditionally employed.

Conclusions:

Transdermal therapy was suggested to have several advantages over oral opioid therapy in enhancing cancer patients’ QoL. These benefits span various dimensions, including pain management, physical functioning, mental health, vitality, overall patient improvement, anger/aversion, strength/activity, general QoL, cognitive and emotional functions, fatigue, and insomnia.
Anti-Xa Monitoring of Apixaban (ZyQuis) in Venous Thrombo-Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Schapkaitz Elise , Ter Morshuizen Byron , Mc Cree Melanie , F. Jacobson Barry
Published: April 2024

Apixaban is a direct oral Xa inhibitor and is indicated for the treatment of venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) and prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, a generic (ZyQuis, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, India) has received Food and Drug Administration approval. While bioequivalence has been demonstrated with Eliquis (Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer, UK), it is necessary to monitor its effectiveness prior to acceptance in medical practice. This prospective study independently evaluated Apixaban (ZyQuis) at two accredited laboratories. Participants were converted from Warfarin or Rivaroxaban to Apixaban 5 mg bd for a duration of one month. Peak anti-Xa levels were measured 3-4 h post the morning dose. The samples were processed on the Atellica COAG 360 (Siemens Healthineers, Marburg, Germany) analyzers with a chromogenic anti-Xa assay (Innovance, reference interval 69-321 ng/mL). There were 26 participants; 5 men, 21 women; mean ± standard deviation age of 46 ± 12 years. Indications for anticoagulation included: VTE (88.5%) and AF (11.5%). 69.2% of the participants had at least one comorbidity. 96.2% of the anti-Xa levels were within the laboratory's 95% reference interval. Mean anti-Xa activity was 191 ± 69 ng/mL and 186 ± 68 ng/mL measured at respective laboratories. Mean differences in anti-Xa measurements represented by Bland–Altman statistics were small (bias of −2.6%, 95% confidence interval −1.11 to −4.09) and a strong correlation was observed on Deming regression analysis (0.995). Apixaban (ZyQuis) was effective for the management of VTE and AF as evidenced by anti-Xa activity.
Ruminant model for hemodialysis cannulation
Authors: Lovelady April , Glowczwski Alan , Glowczwski Justin , Azimuddin Ahad , Ross John , Hohmann Stephen , Fridley Jennifer , Simon Bradley T
Published: April 2024

Background:

Preventative strategies that minimize hemodialysis access complications remain limited.

Objective:

This study aimed to address this gap by developing a Caprine cannulation model to investigate the impact of repeated cannulations on vascular access patency rates.

Research design and measures:

In this pilot study, a meta-analysis was conducted using experimental control data from four trials to explore the impact of Caprine breed (independent variable) on the dependent variables that affect hemodialysis cannulation, including AVF growth, AVF depth, and flow rate.

Subjects:

Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVFs) were created using the carotid artery and jugular vein in the necks of seven goats from the French alpine, dwarf, and pygmy breeds. All seven AVFs exhibited vessel remodeling patterns similar to that observed in humans and remained patent, enabling hemodialysis access over the 6 month study.

Results:

Over the course of 18 weeks, a total of 291 cannulations were completed using standard 15 g dialysis needles without complications demonstrating the feasibility of using the Caprine species as a cannulation model. The ease of access coupled with the animals’ cooperative behavior further contributes to the suitability of the Caprine species for hemodialysis investigations. Notably, no infections or clinically significant incidents were observed throughout the study.

Conclusions:

The stability of AVF patency and flow underscores the viability and potential of the Caprine species animal model as a valuable research platform for exploring interventions aimed at improving vascular access survival in hemodialysis patients.
Racial discrimination in post-Apartheid South Africa? The stories of Coloured people in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Tewolde Amanuel Isak
Published: April 2024

Dominant theoretical conversations on experiences of racial discrimination are focused on how Black and other non-White people perceive and experience racial discrimination in White majority racial systems; however, research is scant on experiences of racial discrimination of racial minorities in Black majority social systems. This paper addresses this lacuna by exploring perceived experiences of racial discrimination of Coloured people in Johannesburg, South Africa, a racial minority in a Black majority country. Fourteen in-depth individual interviews were conducted with participants. Analysis of the interviews resulted in many interviewees claiming race-based discrimination in housing, employment, service delivery, political representation and education. A few participants, however, claimed that Black South Africans are also experiencing socioeconomic problems like Coloured South Africans. Racial discrimination theory and social exclusion theory are used as perspectives for the study. Based on the findings, I argue that the perceived experiences of racial discrimination of most of the participants of the study can be explained by three interrelated structural forces, namely legacies of historical racial exclusions, the neoliberal macro-economic order and government neglect.
Multimodality in third turn repetitions: Evaluation, mitigation, and the pursuit of responses in a Korean-as-foreign-language classroom
Authors: Cho Eunhae , Park Hee Jin Lee , Looney Stephen Daniel
Published: April 2024

This conversation analysis (CA) study extends our understanding of the complexity of three turn instructional sequences by investigating the multimodal turn design of a teacher’s third turn repetitions (TTRs) and the actions accomplished in the third turn position as well as subsequent post-expansions. The videorecorded data are from an undergraduate Korean as a foreign language classroom at a large US university. The analysis reveals how a teacher coordinates resources such as language, prosody, gaze, gesture, body movements, and objects during and immediately following TTRs to mitigate negative evaluation, direct student attention to trouble sources, and intimate answers. The findings show that actions accomplished by talk, i.e. negative evaluation, and actions accomplished by multimodal resources like gaze, i.e. directing attention, may be undertaken simultaneously. The article contributes to understandings of teaching as complex and contingent interactional work by unpacking in fine-grained detail the moment-by-moment multimodal unfolding of pedagogical practice. We conclude by discussing implications for teacher preparation, namely the central role microanalysis of videorecorded classroom interaction should play.
Dynamics of scale shift: Contentious places and hybrid activism on social media
Authors: Baran Zozan , Stoltenberg Daniela
Published: April 2024

This article investigates the role of social media in scale shift of contention. Contentious politics research grapples with questions of scale shift, while digital activism explores connective potential of social media. Yet, the potential of social media is not fully explored in the scale shift processes. We conduct an explorative semantic network analysis to understand how activists create connections between contentious places to facilitate spatial and substantive scale shift. We define contentious places as places bearing demands and grievances on themselves, expressed with hashtags and connected via co-hashtagging practices. We employ the notion of hybridity to understand the role of online and offline dynamics in this process. Our results show that social media enables connections within and across borders, and across issues, hence expanding contention spatially and substantively.
Violent demonstrations in marginal territories and their place in politics: A case study in Lo Hermida, Santiago de Chile
Authors: López Alonso , Ruiz-Tagle Javier
Published: April 2024

This article aims to investigate violent demonstrations in marginal territories of Santiago de Chile and their political dimension, studying the territorial deployment of structural violence, transgressive protest actions, and subjectivation processes. These three dimensions tell us about the political, social, and territorial intertwining of violent demonstrations, based on Jacques Rancière's framework. We conducted a case study in Lo Hermida, a highly politicized self-constructed neighborhood born in the 1970s that is currently surrounded by transportation infrastructure and upscale urban developments. Using secondary sources, semi-structured interviews, and photo-elicitation with 14 residents of Lo Hermida, we show the way in which structural violence is experienced across the territory, how transgressive protest actions are carried out in violent demonstrations throughout it, and how processes of political subjectivation unfold from this. The conclusions emphasize the incorporation of the political-subjective dimension in the understanding of violence in marginal territories, highlighting its emergent characteristics in space.
Max Weber’s Athens: The entanglement between charismatic domination and non-legitimate domination
Authors: Mert Kökerer Can
Published: April 2024

Contemporary reconstructions of Max Weber’s theory of democracy have failed to recognise Weber’s comparative-historical approach vis-à-vis the question of democracy. This article addresses this gap with respect to his understanding of Athenian democracy. It demonstrates that Weber’s interpretation of Athenian democracy provides a dual understanding of domination. On the one hand, Weber describes the demagogues in Athens as exercising charismatic domination through their oratory skills over ordinary citizens. On the other hand, Weber characterises the institutional structure of Athenian democracy with the atypical case of non-legitimate domination [ nichtlegitime Herrschaft]. Weber maintains that the holders of office in Athens were ultimately accountable and responsible to the ordinary people who exercised their political power in popular assemblies and popular courts. Weber interprets Athenian democracy as characterised by the entanglement between charismatic domination and non-legitimate domination. Thus, this article argues that Weber’s concept of Herrschaft is an open concept which results in his amalgamation of charismatic domination and non-legitimate domination in explaining the institutionalisation of Athenian democracy. In the end, how to maintain political leadership within democratic institutional structures was the question of democracy for Weber.
A novel mixture model for characterizing human aiming performance data
Authors: Li Yanxi , Young Derek S. , Gori Julien , Rioul Olivier
Published: April 2024

Fitts’ law is often employed as a predictive model for human movement, especially in the field of human-computer interaction. Models with an assumed Gaussian error structure are usually adequate when applied to data collected from controlled studies. However, observational data (often referred to as data gathered ‘in the wild’) typically display noticeable positive skewness relative to a mean trend as users do not routinely try to minimize their task completion time. As such, the exponentially modified Gaussian (EMG) regression model has been applied to aimed movements data. However, it is also of interest to reasonably characterize those regions where a user likely was not trying to minimize their task completion time. In this article, we propose a novel model with a two-component mixture structure—one Gaussian and one exponential—on the errors to identify such a region. An expectation-conditional-maximization (ECM) algorithm is developed for estimation of such a model and some properties of the algorithm are established. The efficacy of the proposed model, as well as its ability to inform model-based clustering, are addressed in this work through extensive simulations and an insightful analysis of a human aiming performance study.
A novel procedure for cable damage identification of cable-stayed bridge using particle swarm optimization and machine learning
Authors: Pham Van-Thanh , Thai Duc-Kien , Kim Seung-Eock
Published: April 2024

The cables are crucial components in the ensuring safety of the stayed-cable bridges. The early identification and quantification of cable damage based on the inherent structural health monitoring (SHM) system is a priority to prevent disasters. In this study, a procedure is proposed to identify the cable damage in the cable-stayed bridges using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the categorical gradient boosting (CatBoost) algorithm. The PSO-based finite element model updating method is implemented to establish the baseline model while a practical advanced analysis program is used to generate simulation data. As an efficient and up-to-date machine learning (ML) algorithm, CatBoost is utilized to capture the complex nonlinear correlations between the vibration characteristics and the cable damages. A case study of a benchmark bridge where cable damage has been identified is considered to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed procedure. The fivefold cross-validation and grid search methods are used to find the optimal model. The accuracy of the proposed cable damage identification model using CatBoost is also verified through the comparison with three existing ML methods: random forest, decision tree, and extreme gradient boosting. The identification results of both simulation and real cases of cable damage demonstrate that the proposed procedure is a novel and powerful approach for cable damage identification of the cable-stayed bridge using measurement data of the existing SHM system.
A rare case of mullerianosis of the liver and lung mimicking metastatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Panackel Charles , Francis Mathew Joe , John Nita , Jacob Mathew
Published: April 2024

Anatomically, normal cells found in an abnormal site are known as choristoma. When any two of the three-cell lineage of the mullerian duct, that is endosalpinx, endocervix and endometrium, are found at an abnormal location, it is termed mullerian choristoma or mullerianosis. Mullerianosis histologically reveals glands of varying sizes lined by cervical, tubal and endometrial cells. Individual cell lineages like endometriosis of the ovary, endosalpingiosis and endocervicosis of the urinary bladder are common. But mullerianosis is quite rare, and as per literature, only about 20 cases have been reported. We report a mullerianosis involving the liver and lung in a 41-year-old female that mimicked metastatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma. It is the first case reported in literature where there is simultaneous involvement of the liver and lung by mullerianosis. The diagnosis was made with the help of histopathology and immunohistochemistry in the resected specimens.
“Hip Hop and the Televisual Global South: Atlanta and Sintonia”
Authors: Carter Eli Lee
Published: April 2024

In recent years, audiences in the United States and around the globe have witnessed an explosion of television and streaming content focused on hip hop. Such content contemplates, historicizes, promotes, and represents the art form, artists, industry, and regional genres that have together emerged as a central feature of contemporary popular culture. This article explores the spatial and thematic links to the theoretical Global South in Atlanta and Sintonia. Analyzing the series’ respective portrayals of race and inequality from the margins, I examine how hip-hop/ funk and the Global South function as narrative tools and symbolic spaces through which notions of a shared precarity stemming from global flows of capital are constructed, consumed, and challenged. By considering the series’ connections to the Global South, this article contributes to a growing body of work that aims to move beyond research that centers the west and the nation-state.
Efficacy of Walking Adaptability Training on Walking Capacity in Ambulatory People With Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Multicenter Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zwijgers Eline , van Dijsseldonk Rosanne B. , Vos-van der Hulst Marije , Hijmans Juha M. , Geurts Alexander C. H. , Keijsers Noël L. W.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective

Balance and walking capacity are often impaired in people with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), frequently resulting in reduced functional ambulation and participation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of walking adaptability training compared to similarly dosed conventional locomotor and strength training for improving walking capacity, functional ambulation, balance confidence, and participation in ambulatory people with iSCI.

Methods

We conducted a 2-center, parallel-group, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Forty-one people with iSCI were randomized to 6 weeks of (i) walking adaptability training (11 hours of Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) training—a treadmill in a virtual reality environment) or (ii) conventional locomotor and strength training (11 hours of treadmill training and lower-body strength exercises). The primary measure of walking capacity was maximal walking speed, measured with an overground 2-minute walk test. Secondary outcome measures included the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Profile (SCI-FAP), the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P).

Results

No significant difference in maximal walking speed between the walking adaptability (n = 17) and conventional locomotor and strength (n = 18) training groups was found 6 weeks after training at follow-up (−0.05 m/s; 95% CI = −0.12-0.03). In addition, no significant group differences in secondary outcomes were found. However, independent of intervention, significant improvements over time were found for maximal walking speed, SCI-FAP, ABC, and USER-P restrictions scores. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that walking adaptability training may not be superior to conventional locomotor and strength training for improving walking capacity, functional ambulation, balance confidence, or participation in ambulatory people with iSCI.

Trial Registration

Dutch Trial Register; Effect of GRAIL training in iSCI.
MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13 Gene Polymorphisms and Haplotype Is a Risk Factor for Dupuytren Contracture: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Rodrigues Mauricio P. , Tissi Larissa H. , Oliveira Vinicius M. , Wistuba Guilherme A. S. M. , Araujo Francielle B. , Mattar-Júnior Rames , Rezende Marcelo R. , Wei Teng H. , Godoy-Santos Alexandre L. , Santos Maria Cristina L. G.
Published: April 2024

Background:

There is an increased tissue expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on Dupuytren contracture (DC). Genetic polymorphisms (single nucleotide polymorphism [SNPs]) in genes of these enzymes may individually influence these transcriptions. Haplotype analysis, which is the observation of a group of alleles, could be more useful to identify the association between SNPs and DC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of MMP-1 g.-1607 G>GG (rs1799750), MMP-8 g.-799 C>T (rs11225395), and MMP-13 g.-77 A>G (rs2252070) SNPs individually and in haplotype on DC.

Methods:

A total of 60 patients with a clinical diagnosis of DC were evaluated and matched, according to age and gender, with the control group of 100 patients without this clinical diagnosis. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples, and genotypes were obtained by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis of the results included Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-squared test, and PHASE and R software, with a significance level of 5%.

Results:

The 3 SNPs studied showed significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies between the groups: 2G in MMP-1 ( P = .018; odds ratio [OR] 1.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.88)), T in MMP-8 ( P = .015; OR 0.53 (95% CI, 0.33-0.88)), and A in MMP-13 (rs2252070) SNPs ( P = .040, OR 0.54 (95% CI, 0.33-0.90)) are risk alleles. The global haplotype analysis indicated a significant difference between both groups.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, MMP-1 g.-1607 G>GG (rs1799750), MMP-8 g.-799 C>T (rs11225395), and MMP-13 g.-77 A>G (rs2252070) SNPs, individually and in haplotype, are a risk factor for DC, indicating that these SNPs may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic factor for DC.
Perspective of Dose-Response: New Chapter With New “Exposome” and “-omics”
Authors: Cai Lu
Published: April 2024

This is an editorial from the new editor-in-chief, EIC, who starts his role in March 2024. Due to the remarkable advance of various research fields in terms of its concepts and technology, the emerging concepts of “Exposome” and associated “Exposomics” have been introduced into the toxicology research. Therefore, the mission of “Dose-Response” will remain adhered to the original goals but will incorporate with these new concepts as the next chapter’s principle and strategies. Accordingly, although it remains with special interest in the biological response to low-dose (level) ranges of stresses. The types and contents of interested manuscripts will be extended with more diverse, newer concepts from a wide range of disciplines. We wish this journal can open a door for various discipline scientists and researchers to share their state-of-the-art discoveries to shed new insight to understand the impact of environmental and toxicological medicine and develop more specific and effective intervention strategies.
The new analytical and numerical analysis of 2D stretching plates in the presence of a magnetic field and dependent viscosity
Authors: Hajizadeh Shahryar , Jalili Payam , Jalili Bahram , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: April 2024

This study explores heat transfer in a system involving Jeffery fluid of MHD flow and a porous stretching sheet. The mathematical representation of this system is initially described using a partial differential equation (PDE), which is then converted into an ordinary differential equation (ODE) through numerical techniques such as Lie similarity and transformation methods, along with the shooting approach. The results indicate that altering the variables of Jeffery fluid, heat source, porosity on a stretching sheet, and the physical characteristics of the magnetic field within the system leads to an upward trend. Implementing this enhanced heat transfer system can yield benefits across various domains, including industrial machinery, mass data storage units, electronic device cooling, etc., thereby enhancing heating and cooling processes. Furthermore, the study also utilized Akbari-Ganji’s Method, a new semi-analytical method designed to solve nonlinear differential equations of heat and mass transfer. The results obtained from this method were compared with those from the finite element method for accuracy, efficiency, and simplicity. This research provides valuable insights into heat transfer dynamics in complex systems and offers potential applications in various industrial settings. It also contributes to developing more efficient and effective heat transfer techniques.
A structural optimization analysis of cable-driven soft manipulator
Authors: Khalil Tamer A , Habib Sameh , Seadby Sara G , Maged Shady A
Published: April 2024

Cable-driven soft robots hold significant potential for surgical and industrial applications, yet their performance and maneuverability can be further enhanced through design optimization. By optimizing the design, factors such as bending angles, manipulator deformation, and overall functionality can be directly influenced, leading to improved interaction with the environment and more accurate task performance. This article presents a physics-based design optimization approach for cable-driven soft robotic manipulators, aiming to enhance bending performance through structural design enhancements. Four design criteria, namely, cross-sectional shape, material, gap shape, and gap size, are considered in the optimization process. Given the inherent nonlinearity of soft materials, finite element modeling techniques are employed to analyze the effects of modifying each design parameter on displacement and bending angle. The manipulator’s design is evaluated using ABAQUS/CAE, and an analysis of variance test is conducted to identify significant performance differences among the design parameters. The results reveal that material variation has the most substantial impact, followed by gap shape and gap size. Based on subsequent parameter optimization, Dragon Skin 10 is determined to be the optimal material for bending motion, while a trapezoidal gap shape is preferred. In addition, a genetic algorithm is utilized to select a maximum gap size of 8.87 mm. These findings provide valuable insights into key design principles for cable-driven soft manipulators, aiming to enhance flexibility and reduce actuation forces. By establishing a fundamental understanding of the relationship between morphology and motion capability, this methodology demonstrates an effective simulation-driven optimization approach that incorporates the nonlinear elastic behavior of materials to improve performance. Overall, this work establishes a framework for optimizing cable-driven architectures to suit various applications in the field of soft robotics.
Historical knowledge, importance, social identity, and memory accessibility for World War I Armistice: Comparing French- and German-speaking Belgians
Authors: Camia Christin , Scheider Jelena , Luminet Olivier
Published: April 2024

Conflictual relations between language groups make Belgium a fruitful ground to study the interplay between historical knowledge, importance, collective memory and social identity related to historical events. This study compared German-speaking and French-speaking Belgians on the these dimensions for a historical event for which contrasted responses were expected, the centenary of Armistice on 11 November 2018. We also focused on generational differences by comparing senior, intermediate, and junior age cohorts. Results showed no generational differences but revealed that German-speakers construct their social identity differently than French-speakers. Namely, German-speaking Belgians integrated political with non-political events in their collective memory and relied more on school as source of knowledge and nationally relevant memories. In contrast, French-speaking Belgians relied on family and friends as source of knowledge, intertwined more personally and nationally relevant memories, and showed a strong association of national identity with the importance attributed to World War I.
Optimal flow of high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation to prevent desaturation during sedation for bronchoscopy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhang Wen , Yuan Xiaohong , Shen Yajian , Wang Jiangling , Xie Kangjie , Chen Xinzhong
Published: April 2024

Background:

Although high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygenation is currently recommended to prevent desaturation during sedation for bronchoscopy, there is no consensus on an optimal flow rate.

Objective:

To determine the optimal oxygen flow rate for HFNC to effectively prevent desaturation during sedation for bronchoscopy.

Design:

Prospective, randomized, and controlled study.

Methods:

Patients ( n = 240) scheduled for bronchoscopy were randomized to receive HFNC with propofol sedation (fraction of inspired oxygen, 100%) at one of six flow rates of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 L/min, designated as groups 1–6, respectively.

Results:

The incidence of desaturation significantly decreased by increasing the oxygen flow rate (42.5%, 17.5%, 15%, 10%, 2.5%, and 0% for groups 1–6, respectively, p < 0.0001). The optimal oxygen flow rate for HFNC determined by probit regression to effectively prevent desaturation in 95% of patients was 43.20 (95% confidence interval, 36.43–55.96) L/min. The requirement for airway intervention was significantly decreased by increasing the oxygen flow rate.

Conclusion:

An HFNC flow rate of 50–60 L/min is recommended to prevent desaturation during sedation for bronchoscopy.

Registration:

NCT05298319 at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Abemaciclib pharmacology and interactions in the treatment of HR+/HER2− breast cancer: a critical review
Authors: Martorana Federica , Sanò Maria Vita , Valerio Maria Rosaria , Fogli Stefano , Vigneri Paolo , Danesi Romano , Gebbia Vittorio
Published: April 2024

Abemaciclib (ABE) in combination with endocrine therapy represents the mainstay treatment for either endocrine-resistant metastatic or high-risk early-stage HR+/HER2− breast cancer patients. Hence, an adequate knowledge of this agent pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and of its drug–drug interactions (DDIs) is crucial for an optimal patients management. Additionally, ABE interference with food and complementary/alternative medicines should be taken into account in the clinical practice. Several online tools allow to freely check DDIs and can be easily consulted before prescribing ABE. According to one of this instruments, ABE display the lowest number of interactions among the available cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors. Still, clinicians should be aware that online tools cannot replace the technical datasheet of the drug as well as a comprehensive clinical assessment for each patient. Here we critically review the main pharmacological features of ABE, then focusing on its potential interactions with drugs, food, and alternative medicine, in order to provide a guide for its optimal use in the treatment of HR+/HER2− breast cancer patients.
Giant spigelian hernia in a middle-aged female: The importance of intraoperative ultrasonography for hernia localization—Case report
Authors: Kavya Sanka Sai , Shaikh Faiza Azeema , Shaikh Humaira , Mushahid Hasan , Sydhom Mark , Nadeem Abdullah
Published: April 2024

Spigelian hernia is a rare type of abdominal wall hernia that accounts for only 0.12% of all abdominal hernias. A Spigelian hernia, also known as a spontaneous lateral ventral hernia or a hernia of the semilunar line, occurs when a part of the abdominal contents protrudes through the Spigelian fascia. Due to its anatomical location, Spigelian hernia can be difficult to diagnose through physical examination alone. Here we report a case of a 40-year-old female who experienced right abdominal pain and swelling, where ultrasonography imaging was crucial in the intraoperative diagnosis of Spigelian hernia. The patient underwent laparotomy mesh repair to address the condition. The lack of consistent physical findings and the rarity of the disease require a high level of clinical suspicion in the diagnosis of a Spigelian hernia. Its associated abdominal complaints are often vague and nonspecific, making it even more challenging. This case emphasizes the importance of utilizing imaging techniques to aid in the diagnosis of a Spigelian hernia and prompt surgical intervention to prevent complications associated with the hernia.
Risk Factors of Serious Adverse Events for Geriatric Hip Fractures: Is it the Frailty or the Timing?
Authors: Wang Ling-xiao , Guan Li-juan , Deng Ming-hong , Zhou Li-hua
Published: April 2024

Objective

Preoperative frailty and surgical waiting times are associated with the occurrence of adverse outcomes in patients with hip fractures. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the influence of frailty status and surgical timing on the risk of serious adverse events during hospitalization.

Methods

This study utilized an observational single cohort design and included patients aged ≥60 years with a primary diagnosis of hip fracture. Frailty was assessed using the chart-derived frailty index (CFI), which was calculated based on demographic and routine laboratory variables. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of in-hospital serious adverse events. A multivariate logistic regression model was utilized to examine the risk factors influencing outcomes.

Results

The study included 427 participants, with a mean age of 80.28 ± 8.13 years and 64.2% of whom were female. Patients with high CFI have more comorbidities ( P < .001), lower surgical rates ( P = .002), and delayed surgical times ( P = .033). A total of 239 patients (56.0%) experienced serious adverse events. The high CFI group had a significantly higher occurrence of serious adverse events compared to the low CFI group (73.4% vs 48.5%, P < .001). After adjusting for surgical timing and covariates, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high frailty significantly increased the risk for serious adverse events (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.398-4.412), infection (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.146-3.446), acute heart failure (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.607-7.045). However, the timing of surgery did not demonstrate any association with these outcomes. In addition, after adjusting for surgical factors, high CFI remains an independent risk factor for these complications.

Conclusions

Frailty serves as a reliable predictor of the probability of encountering severe adverse events while hospitalized for elderly individuals with hip fractures. This method has the potential to pinpoint particular modifiable factors that necessitate intervention, whereas the impact of surgical timing remains uncertain and necessitates additional research.
Links Between Best-Friendship Quality and Well-Being From Early Emerging Adulthood to Early Established Adulthood
Authors: Langheit Stéphanie , Poulin François
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to verify whether the links between features of best-friendship quality (intimacy, reliable alliance, conflict) and well-being indicators (self-esteem, loneliness) change from early emerging adulthood to early established adulthood. The moderating effect of gender and investment in romantic life on these links was examined as well. For the purpose, 346 individuals (58% women) completed questionnaires at age 20 and again at age 30. Multilevel analysis were performed for each well-being indicators separately. The results showed reliable alliance to be associated with both well-being indicators, and intimacy to be associated with loneliness. Age moderated the effect of intimacy on self-esteem, whereas investment in romantic life moderated the effect of reliable alliance. Finally, triple interactions emerged between conflict, gender and age in their associations with self-esteem and loneliness, underscoring particularities for men. These results underscore the most influential features of friendship quality for well-being.
Dysregulation of mood, energy, and social rhythms syndrome (DYMERS): A working hypothesis
Authors: Carta Mauro Giovanni , Fornaro Michele , Primavera Diego , Nardi Antonio Egidio , Karam Elie
Published: April 2024

A syndrome centered on the dysregulation of behavioral rhythms (DBR) is discussed. Recent pandemic brought to observe: (1) Having a DBR affecting sleep patterns, eating habits, and social interactions, before the lockdown period, was a determinant for depressive episodes during the lockdown; (2) In tighter lockdowns, DBR triggered depressive episodes in bipolar patients; (3) DBR in healthcare workers under pressure was a determinant of burnout; (4) DBR influenced the course of chronic diseases by altering immune responses. In addition, it was found that scoring positive on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was closely associated with the dysregulation of sleep rhythms. MDQ is a screening tool for bipolar disorder (BD), criticized for detecting too many false positives. Studies showed that positivity to the MDQ implied a severe impairment of quality of life even in people without psychiatric diagnoses. According to this evidence, three different hyperactivation levels could be proposed (from normality to pathology): firstly, an adaptive increase in energy (e.g. athletes performing well); secondly, a DBR determined from the continuous stimulation of stress hormones, with possible positive scores on the MDQ without a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, like in burnout syndromes and, thirdly, hyperactivity during manic episodes. The Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS), the second level of the scale, is proposed as a working hypothesis. DYMERS is also seen as a vulnerable condition that may evolve in other disorders (including BD) according to the individual susceptibility (including genetic predisposition) and the specific nature/level of the stressor.
Experiencing COVID-19 Through the Patient Lens to Promote Empathy: Pilot Testing a Virtual Reality Learning Opportunity
Authors: Thomson Heather , Prospero Lisa Di , Xiao Sarah , Legere Laurie , Harth Tamara , Rashleigh Laura , Parzanese Maria , Graves Lorraine , Wilcocks Kyle , Alam Fahad
Published: April 2024

Understanding the patient's experience with COVID-19 was essential to providing high-quality, person-centered care during the pandemic. Having empathy or being able to understand and respond to the patient's experience may lead to improved outcomes for both patients and clinicians. There is mixed evidence about how best to teach empathy, particularly related to promoting empathy during COVID-19. Literature suggests that virtual reality may be effective in empathy-related education. In collaboration with four patient partners with lived experience, a 360° VR video was developed reflecting their stories and interactions with the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to pilot test the video with interprofessional healthcare providers (HPs) to explore acceptability and utility, while also seeking input on opportunities for improvement. Eleven HPs reviewed the video and participated in one of three focus groups. Focus group data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Data suggest that video content is acceptable and useful in promoting a better understanding of the patient's experience. Building on these encouraging findings, additional iterations of videos to promote empathy will be developed and tested.
On the Relationship between Telework and Health in Germany: Causal or Selection Effects?
Authors: Hsu Chen-Hao , Engelhardt Henriette
Published: April 2024

Teleworking has become a popular work arrangement in many developed countries. Although there are heated public debates over the benefits of teleworking, empirical evidence on the causal relationship between teleworking and health is still rare. Using panel data from the German BAuA Working Time Survey (2015, 2017, and 2019), the authors investigated the effects of teleworking on health and well-being. The authors applied an innovative research design to underscore different sources of selection. Overall, no concrete evidence was found for the positive effect of teleworking on workers’ self-reported health, quality of sleep, and psychosomatic conditions. The ostensible better health outcomes among teleworkers could be partially explained by the positive selection on both prior levels and prior trajectories of health into teleworking. Moreover, the health impacts of telework were contingent on workers’ gender and parenthood status and the intensity of teleworking. These findings indicate that the positive association between teleworking and health appears to reflect selection bias rather than a causal relationship in Germany before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trends in Vaginal Intercourse Experience and Timing among Adolescent Men in the United States: A Descriptive Analysis by Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Holway Giuseppina Valle , Brewster Karin L.
Published: April 2024

Recent reports of declining prevalence of vaginal intercourse (VI) experience among adolescent men are largely silent on differences by race and ethnicity. This visualization illustrates trends by race/ethnicity in VI experience, average age at first VI, and age-specific cumulative probabilities of VI experience for young men, using retrospective data from multiple rounds of the National Survey of Family Growth covering 2006 to 2019. The authors find that although VI engagement is declining universally, the decline is substantially more pronounced among Black men than among their White and Hispanic peers. Although young Black men continue to engage in VI at higher rates and earlier ages, recent trends are narrowing long-standing racial/ethnic differences.
Information Technology and Governance: Does E-governance Aid  Budget Transparency?
Authors: Taiwo Kayode
Published: April 2024

Advancement in information and telecommunication technologies (ICTs) has helped open governance to public participation. The participation of the citizens in government is essential for transparent and sustainable governance. This study examines the relevance of e-governance in promoting transparency and accountability concerning the government’s fiscal activities. The study, employing the variation in the open budget index using the fractional probit model, finds that the adoption and use of e-governance enhance and promote budget transparency. This evidence conforms with governments’ growing adoption of ICTs in serving and communicating their fiscal activities to the public.
Indications and Outcomes of Laser Retinopexy in Eyes With High-Risk Lattice Degeneration
Authors: Kazan Adina S. , Mahmoudzadeh Raziyeh , Salabati Mirataollah , Sharpe James , Fineman Mitchell S. , Hsu Jason , Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Spirn Marc J.
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To examine the characteristics of eyes with high-risk lattice degeneration treated with laser retinopexy and determine the indications, safety, and outcomes of the treatment. Methods: This interventional single-surgeon consecutive retrospective study was conducted at Wills Eye Hospital between 2014 and 2021. The series included eyes with lattice degeneration with high-risk lesions. Documented characteristics and outcomes of these eyes and fellow eyes were documented. Results: The study comprised 167 eyes of 143 patients (53.3% women; mean age [±SD], 50 ± 17 years). Complications after laser treatment included new posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) (n = 21), epiretinal membrane (ERM) (n = 13), retinal detachment (RD) (n = 5), and additional laser required (n = 22). Eyes that developed ERMs were more likely to develop PVDs (odds ratio, 5.39; 95% CI, 1.57-18.47). Patents who developed ERMs were older (mean, 60 ± 7 years vs 49 ± 17 years; P = .016), as were those developing PVDs (mean, 59 ± 8 years vs 48 ± 17; P = .005). No eye with a new ERM required surgery (n = 13). Four eyes with a new RD required laser retinopexy alone; 1 eye was treated surgically. No eye had an RD at the most recent evaluation. Conclusions: Despite high-risk lesions in areas of lattice degeneration, few eyes developed RDs after prophylactic laser retinopexy. Older patients may have a higher risk for ERM or PVD after laser treatment. Eyes with post-laser PVD were more likely to develop an ERM.
Kvačekite, NiSbSe, a new selenide mineral from Bukov, Czech Republic
Authors: Pauliš Petr , Dolníček Zdeněk , Sejkora Jiří , Pour Ondřej , Laufek František , Ulmanová Jana , Vymazalová Anna
Published: April 2024

Kvačekite is a new mineral species discovered in a sample collected from the now abandoned Bukov uranium mine, western Moravia, Czech Republic. It occurs as rare anhedral grains, up to 15 μm in size, associated with nickeltyrrellite, tyrrellite, berzelianite, hakite-(Zn), hakite-(Cd), eucairite, clausthalite, and gold in calcite gangue. In reflected light, kvačekite is white with a faint yellowish shade; bireflectance, pleochroism and anisotropy are absent. Internal reflections were not observed. Reflectance values for the four COM wavelengths for kvačekite in air [R (%) (λ in nm)] are: 54.9 (470); 53.5 (546); 52.6 (589); and 52.2 (650). The empirical formula, based on electron-microprobe analyses (EPMA), is (Ni0.95Cu0.04Co0.03)Σ1.02Sb1.00(Se0.97S0.01)Σ0.98. The ideal formula is NiSbSe, which requires (in wt.%) Ni 22.63, Sb 46.93, Se 30.44, total 100.00. Kvačekite is cubic, P213, with unit-cell parameters a = 6.09013(13) Å, V = 225.881(15) Å3 and Z = 4. The strongest reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern of synthetic kvačekite [d, Å (I) hkl] are: 3.0458 (11) 200; 2.7242 (100) 201, 210; 2.4867 (71) 211; 1.8632(39) 311; 1.6277(29) 321, 312; and 1.3290 (13) 421. Given the similarity with ullmannite, NiSbS, the crystal structure was refined from the powder X-ray diffraction data starting from those atomic coordinates using the synthetic analogue of kvačekite. Its crystal structure is formed by corner-sharing [NiSb3Se3] octahedra which form a three-dimensional network. The identity of the natural kvačekite and synthetic cubic NiSbSe were confirmed by a study of their chemical composition, reflectance measurements, Raman spectroscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements on the mineral. Kvačekite is named after Milan Kvaček (1930–1993), a prominent Czech mineralogist. The mineral and its name have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA2023-095).