bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Figure 8 from DAZAP1 Phase Separation Regulates Mitochondrial Metabolism to Facilitate Invasion and Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Ni Zihui , Zhang Yu , Guo Yan , Zhai Rundong , Wang Mengqi , Gong Zizhen , Wang Mengyao , Zeng Fanrui , Gu Ziyue , Chen Qianming , Liu Laikui , Wang Zhiyong , Zhu Weiwen
Published: November 2024

Detection of Dazap1 knockdown efficiency in 4MOSC2 cells after transduced by Tet-on lentivirus.
Table S2 from A Dual-Payload Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting CD276/B7-H3 Elicits Cytotoxicity and Immune Activation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Zhuoxin “Zora” , Si Yingnan , Zhang Jiashuai , Chen Kai , George Ashley , Kim Seulhee , Zhou Lufang , Liu Xiaoguang “Margaret”
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Table S2
Table S1 from A Dual-Payload Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting CD276/B7-H3 Elicits Cytotoxicity and Immune Activation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Zhuoxin “Zora” , Si Yingnan , Zhang Jiashuai , Chen Kai , George Ashley , Kim Seulhee , Zhou Lufang , Liu Xiaoguang “Margaret”
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Table S1
Supplementary Figure S9 from A Dual-Payload Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting CD276/B7-H3 Elicits Cytotoxicity and Immune Activation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Zhuoxin “Zora” , Si Yingnan , Zhang Jiashuai , Chen Kai , George Ashley , Kim Seulhee , Zhou Lufang , Liu Xiaoguang “Margaret”
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S9
Supplementary Figure S6 from A Dual-Payload Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting CD276/B7-H3 Elicits Cytotoxicity and Immune Activation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Zhuoxin “Zora” , Si Yingnan , Zhang Jiashuai , Chen Kai , George Ashley , Kim Seulhee , Zhou Lufang , Liu Xiaoguang “Margaret”
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S6
Supplementary Figure S3 from A Dual-Payload Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting CD276/B7-H3 Elicits Cytotoxicity and Immune Activation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Zhuoxin “Zora” , Si Yingnan , Zhang Jiashuai , Chen Kai , George Ashley , Kim Seulhee , Zhou Lufang , Liu Xiaoguang “Margaret”
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S3
Data from Association of Race and Ethnicity with Genomic Testing at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Carolina
Authors: Meernik Clare , Wang Frances , Raveendran Yadurshini , Green Michelle F. , Check Devon K. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Sutton Linda M. , Strickler John H. , Akinyemiju Tomi F.
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Genomic testing, which analyzes tumor cells or circulating tumor DNA to guide cancer treatment, is increasingly used in precision oncology. However, data on racial and ethnic disparities in its use are limited. This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non–small cell lung cancer, or prostate cancer in 2014 to 2019. Patients were identified from an institutional multilevel data warehouse, and their data were linked to an institutional genomics database and electronic health records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the receipt of tumor-specific genomic testing among non-Hispanic (NH) Black and NH White patients, stratified by cancer type. The linked dataset included 3,461 patients, 44.5% of whom received genomic testing. NH Black patients with prostate cancer were less likely to use genomic testing versus NH White patients across the study period (fully adjusted OR, 0.55, 95% CI, 0.32–0.95), as were NH Black patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 to 2016 (OR adjusted for patient-level covariates: 0.34, 95% CI, 0.11–0.99). No differences in testing were observed between NH Black and NH White patients with colorectal or non–small cell lung cancer or breast cancer diagnosed in 2017 to 2019. Lower documented use of tumor-specific genomic testing among NH Black patients with prostate cancer across the study period underscores the need to monitor trends and address disparities in the use of emerging precision oncology technologies. Future work targeting multilevel barriers to genomic testing is a crucial next step forward.
Significance:
Non-Hispanic Black patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2014 and 2019 and treated at a comprehensive cancer center were less likely to use tumor-specific genomic testing compared with non-Hispanic White patients. Disparities in the use of precision oncology technologies should be monitored and addressed to ensure equitable cancer care.
The Values-Based Psychopathology of Antoni Kępiński (1918–1972)
Authors: Moskalewicz Marcin , Kapusta Andrzej , Rządeczka Marcin , Stanghellini Giovanni
Published: November 2024

Background: The question of the role of personal values in the constitution of and recovery from mental illness is a divisive subject discussed in contemporary psychopathology. This article critically examines the psychopathological theories and contributions of Antoni Kępiński – a seminal yet internationally under-recognized Polish psychiatrist. Summary: Drawing upon a multilayered framework incorporating biological, affective-emotional, and sociocultural dimensions, Kępiński posited mental disorders as disturbances in the energy and information metabolism with the environment leading to an increase in entropy. Kępiński’s work also contributes to a richer understanding of schizophrenia (whose essence he metaphorically described as the plasma membrane rupture) and the complexities inherent in the decision-making processes of patients. In a quasi-phenomenological vein, Kępiński encouraged to re-evaluate delusions and hallucinations as opportunities to access unfiltered insights into reality. He also argued for the potential for moral growth within psychiatric treatment. Key Messages: Kępiński’s theories anticipated many concepts now foundational in neuroscientific research and clinical psychiatry, showcasing his role as a forward-thinking figure in the history of the profession.
Who Changes Indwelling Urinary Catheters in Male Nursing Home Residents and Where? Results from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in Germany
Authors: Czwikla Jonas , Schmiemann Guido , Schleef Tanja , Stiel Stephanie , Hoffmann Falk
Published: November 2024

Introduction: We examined the practice and variability of indwelling urinary catheter changes in male nursing home residents. Methods: Cross-sectional data from a nationwide survey conducted in a representative sample of German nursing homes in 2023 were analyzed. The professions conducting most transurethral/suprapubic catheter changes in men were identified, and proportions for whom respective catheters are changed in nursing homes were determined. Associations between these proportions and nursing home characteristics were investigated via multivariable logistic regressions. Results: Of 1,369 invited facilities, 330 (24.1%) participated. Urologists changed most catheters in 72.8% (transurethral catheters) and 88.3% (suprapubic catheters) of the facilities. The median proportion of men whose catheters were changed in nursing homes was 8.5% (transurethral catheters; interquartile range 0.6%–100.0%) and 1.0% (suprapubic catheters; interquartile range 0.0–100.0%). Facilities in which urologists changed most catheters were less likely to have a high proportion (≥90%) of in-home catheter changes compared to the reference group (odds ratio 0.44 [transurethral catheters; 95% confidence interval 0.24–0.82] and 0.30 [suprapubic catheters; 0.12–0.76]). Conclusion: The proportion of men whose catheters were changed in nursing homes varied considerably between facilities and was lower where urologists were involved.
Safety and Efficacy of Infusional Perioperative Tacrolimus Therapy in Crohn’s Disease Patients Undergoing Intestinal Resection
Authors: Beck Maximilian , Schomburg Niklas , Albers Max , Bartsch Detlef , Knapp Niklas , Granseyer Jan , Gress Thomas , Bauer Christian
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Perioperative optimization of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients is mandatory in order to ensure favorable outcomes and limit perioperative morbidity such as anastomosis-related complications. The use of perioperative tacrolimus may offer beneficial inflammatory control and improve postoperative outcome. However, it also may exhibit unwanted effects of immunosuppression on infectious complications and wound healing. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective study of CD patients undergoing intestinal resection between 2009 and 2018. Characteristics of CD patients receiving infusional perioperative tacrolimus or not were systematically evaluated and exploratively compared. To investigate the impact of tacrolimus and other predictors on postoperative infectious complications, simple regression with a threshold of p < 0.05 was used. Significant predictors of the simple regression analysis, as well as tacrolimus, were then included into multiple logistic regression. Results: This analysis included 30 patients (34.88%) having received tacrolimus perioperatively and 56 patients (65.12%) that were not treated with tacrolimus. In median, 1 mg/day of tacrolimus was given intravenously for 11 days. Adverse events occurred in 3 patients (10%). The most common adverse events were headache and paresthesia. Tacrolimus showed no significant correlation to postoperative infectious complications. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis found no significant effect of tacrolimus on postoperative infectious complications when controlling for previously identified confounders. Conclusion: Administration of tacrolimus showed no negative impact on postoperative infectious complications in the study cohort, indicating safety of perioperative tacrolimus therapy. By describing in detail our study population of patients receiving perioperative tacrolimus, we provide data guiding future prospective studies.
The Impact of Vascular Risk Factors on Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: A Cohort Study in Hereditary Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and a Systemic Review in Sporadic Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Voigt Sabine , Rasing Ingeborg , van der Plas Maaike C. , Khidir Sarah J.H. , Koemans Emma A. , Kaushik Kanishk , van Etten Ellis S. , Schoones Jan W. , van Zwet Erik W. , Wermer Marieke J.H.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) has a remarkably variable disease course, even in monogenetic hereditary forms. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of vascular risk factors and their effect on disease onset and course in Dutch-type hereditary (D-)CAA and sporadic CAA. Methods: We performed a cohort study in D-CAA to investigate the association between vascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and alcohol use) and age of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) onset and time of ICH recurrence with survival analyses. In addition, we performed a systematic review to assess the prevalence of vascular risk factors and their effect on clinical outcome in sporadic CAA. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from 1987 to 2022 and included cohorts with ≥10 patients. We created forest plots, calculated pooled estimates, and reported variability (heterogeneity plus sampling variability) and risk of bias. Results: We included 70 participants with D-CAA (47% women, mean age 53 years). Sixteen (23%) had hypertension, 15 (21%) had hypercholesterolemia, 45 (64%) were smokers, and 61 (87%) used alcohol. We found no clear effect of vascular risk factors on age of first ICH (log-rank test hypertension: p = 0.35, hypercholesterolemia: p = 0.41, smoking: p = 0.61, and alcohol use: p = 0.55) or time until ICH recurrence (log-rank test hypertension: p = 0.71, hypercholesterolemia: p = 0.20, and smoking: p = 0.71). We identified 25 out of 1,234 screened papers that assessed the prevalence of risk factors in CAA and 6 that reported clinical outcomes. The pooled prevalence estimates of hypertension was 62% (95% CI: 55–69%), diabetes was 17% (95% CI: 14–20%), dyslipidemia was 32% (95% CI: 23–41%), and tobacco use was 27% (95% CI: 18–36%). One study reported study diabetes and hypertension to be associated with a lower risk of recurrent ICH, whereas another study reported hypertension to be associated with an increased risk. All other studies showed no association between vascular risk factors and clinical outcome. High-quality studies focusing on vascular risk factors were lacking. Conclusion: In patients with D-CAA and sporadic CAA, the prevalence of vascular risk factors is high. Although this suggests an opportunity for prevention, there is no clear association between these risk factors and CAA-related ICH onset and recurrence.
Generalization Analysis of Transformers in Distribution Regression
Authors: Liu Peilin , Zhou Ding-Xuan
Published: November 2024

In recent years, models based on the transformer architecture have seen widespread applications and have become one of the core tools in the field of deep learning. Numerous successful and efficient techniques, such as parameter-efficient fine-tuning and efficient scaling, have been proposed surrounding their applications to further enhance performance. However, the success of these strategies has always lacked the support of rigorous mathematical theory.

To study the underlying mechanisms behind transformers and related techniques, we first propose a transformer learning framework motivated by distribution regression, with distributions being inputs, connect a two-stage sampling process with natural language processing, and present a mathematical formulation of the attention mechanism called attention operator. We demonstrate that by the attention operator, transformers can compress distributions into function representations without loss of information. Moreover, with the advantages of our novel attention operator, transformers exhibit a stronger capability to learn functionals with more complex structures than convolutional neural networks and fully connected networks. Finally, we obtain a generalization bound within the distribution regression framework. Throughout theoretical results, we further discuss some successful techniques emerging with large language models (LLMs), such as prompt tuning, parameter-efficient fine-tuning, and efficient scaling. We also provide theoretical insights behind these techniques within our novel analysis framework.
One new species and one new record of the genus Trirogma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Ampulicidae) in China, with a key to the world species
Authors: LIU ZHI-ZHI , MA LI , LI QIANG
Published: November 2024

The taxonomy of the genus Trirogma from China is studied, with description of one new species from Guangdong and Yunnan Provinces in China, namely Trirogma lobusicurvus Liu et Li, sp. nov. Meanwhile, one newly recorded species, Trirogma kohima Girish Kumar and Sheela, 2018 from China is reported and the female is described for the first time. An updated key to the world species of Trirogma is provided.
Discovery of Bucculatrix koreana sp. nov. and newly recorded Bucculatrix duanwuia (Lepidoptera: Bucculatricidae) in Korea
Authors: OH JAE-IN , LEE JI-YOUNG , KIM SANG-YOON , JEONG JUNE-HYEOK , SONG YOUNG-GWANG , BYUN BONG-KYU
Published: November 2024

In this study, we describe a new species, Bucculatrix koreana sp. nov., and report B. duanwuia Liu, 2020, for the first time in Korea. Adults and genitalia of both species are illustrated. Additionally, we provide and discuss DNA barcode sequences for Bucculatrix species known from Korea.
Measuring Student Translators’ Cognitive Effort with Pauses: A Comparative Analysis of Human Translation and MT Post-Editing
Authors: Jiayi Wang
Published: November 2024

Measuring the cognitive effort involved in the translation production is one of the most important issues in translation and in MT post-editing. The present study investigated student translators’ cognitive effort with pauses by comparing their processes in human translation and MT post-editing. Translog II, a keyboard recording software, was used to record the translation process data. Sixteen sophomores majoring in English participated in the experiment. Mean duration of processing time and average pause duration per word under different thresholds (TG300, TG500, TG1000, TG2000 and TG5000) were used as indicators to measure cognitive effort. The results show that students translators tend to perform post-editing tasks faster than human translation, and their post-editing processes need less cognitive effort than human translation as indicated by less mean duration processing time and shorter average pause duration per word under the thresholds of 300 ms, 500 ms and 1000 ms (TG300, TG500, TG1000). It is worth mentioning that when the thresholds of pauses are longer, reaching 2000 ms or more, there is no significant difference between the two tasks for student translators. In the process of post-editing, the student translators were more concerned about machine translation text, mainly for checking and correcting machine translation errors, especially grammatical errors; while in the process of human translation, they invested more cognitive effort to understand the source text.
Self-poisoning in young Australians: The impact of COVID-19 and recent trends following easing of restrictions
Authors: Buckley Nicholas A , Noghrehchi Firouzeh , Elliott Rohan A , Wylie Carol , Merwood Nick , Benger Lauren , Brown Jared , Cairns Rose
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Self-poisoning is the most common form of hospitalised self-harm in young people and has been increasing over the last decade. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with further increases in self-harm in adolescents. There are limited data on changes after pandemic restrictions ended. This study aimed to describe recent trends in self-poisoning in young people.

Setting:

Australia 2018–2023.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of self-poisoning calls to Australia’s poisons information centres. Intentional poisoning exposures in people aged 5–19 years were included in the main analysis. We also examined intentional poisonings in people aged 20 and over for comparison. We used interrupted time-series analysis to estimate the impact of COVID-19 (March 2020) and ‘re-opening’ (December 2021), when many restrictions were lifted in Australia. We compared effects in the jurisdictions with most disruptions and lockdowns with other jurisdictions.

Results:

There were 201,755 self-poisonings documented, 64% female, with 19,946 children (aged 5–14, 9.9%) and 44,388 adolescents (aged 15–19, 22.0%). There was a steep increase in the rate of poisoning in female children and adolescents – with the annual increase being 1.361 (95% confidence interval = [1.074, 1.735]) and 1.154 (95% confidence interval = [1.049, 1.283]) times faster than pre-pandemic trends in these two groups between March 2020 and December 2021. Following relaxation of restrictions, there was a sudden drop and then slow decline in self-poisonings (despite rising COVID-19 infection rates). There was an overall 29.6% increase in intentional poisonings in young people over the study period. This is markedly more pronounced among young females (37.0%) vs males (11.2%). There were substantial jurisdictional variations, with larger increases in Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

Conclusion:

There has been a marked increase in child and adolescent female self-poisonings over the last 6 years, with increases strongly associated with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions but persisting after their removal.
Examining Infectious Complications Following Lumbar Puncture in Children
Authors: Seddik Talal B. , Burns Julianne E. , Chen Sharon F. , Schwenk Hayden T. , Liao Yungting , Horstman Kimberly , Waris Rabbia , dos Santos Lyn M.
Published: November 2024

Little is known about infectious complications of lumbar puncture (LP) in children. We reviewed records of children with bacterial meningitis, intraspinal abscess, and vertebral osteomyelitis over a 3-year period to identify infections following LP. Four children with bacterial meningitis and 1 child with vertebral osteomyelitis were identified and their clinical presentations were described. These cases were scored by infectious disease experts, using a Likert scale, for the possibility of iatrogenic causation; these scores were variable, reflecting uncertainty. The bacterial meningitis cases had repeat LPs, and the latter cerebrospinal fluid analyses were diagnostic of bacterial meningitis; the interval between the initial “index” LP (I-LP) and symptom onset was 8 to 10 hours in most cases. Pediatricians should be aware of this possibility, and have a low threshold to repeat LP if there is a clinical change after the I-LP that could be consistent with meningitis.
The lycanthropic ambivalence within the biopolitical operations of the state power in Jo Nesbø’s Macbeth
Authors: Golban Tatiana
Published: November 2024

Although lycanthropy is a medical term and a psychological phenomenon, depicted in myths and literature as the metamorphosis of divine or human beings into various animals, the political theory has viewed it as a space to explore the biopolitical strategies of assimilation or exclusion in a sovereign state. This research focuses on Jo Nesbø’s Macbeth (2018), an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play which addresses the anxieties about being human at a time when humanism has been deeply challenged. Informed by Agamben views on the ‘wolf-man’ and homo sacer, together with Derrida’s shrewd insights on ‘political bestiary’ which conveys the shared ‘outlaw’ status of the beast and the sovereign, this study explores Nesbø’s Macbeth in relation to Shakespeare’s infinite complexities to reveal the lycanthrope, a liminal being, who is pushed to the threshold of community to live permanently under threat of expulsion and annihilation or who transforms into a beast to survive in the contemporary political climate.
Use of Adaptive Conjoint Analysis–Based Values Clarification in a Patient Decision Aid Is Not Associated with Better Perceived Values Clarity or Reduced Decisional Conflict but Enhances Values Congruence
Authors: Yılmaz Nida Gizem , Pieterse Arwen H. , Timmermans Danielle R. M. , Becker Annemarie , Witte-Lissenberg Birgit , Damman Olga C.
Published: November 2024

Background

Evidence is lacking on the most effective values clarification methods (VCMs) in patient decision aids (PtDAs). We tested the effects of an adaptive conjoint analysis (ACA)–based VCM compared with a ranking-based VCM and no VCM on several decision-related outcomes, with the decisional conflict and its subscale “perceived values clarity” as primary outcomes.

Design

Online experimental study with 3 conditions: no VCM versus ranking-based VCM versus ACA-based VCM ( N = 282; Mage = 63.11 y, s = 12.12), with the latter 2 conditions including attributes important for a lung cancer treatment decision. We assessed 1) decisional conflict, 2) perceived values clarity (decisional conflict subscale), 3) perceived cognitive load, 4) anticipated regret, 5) ambivalence, 6) preparedness for decision making, 7) hypothetical treatment preference, and 8) values congruence (proxy). We performed analysis of covariance and linear regression. Age and level of deliberation were included as potential moderators, and we controlled for subjective numeracy (covariate). We exploratively tested the moderating effects of subjective numeracy and health literacy (without covariates).

Results

We found no significant effect of type of VCM on overall decisional conflict or perceived values clarity. Age had a moderating effect: in younger participants, no VCM (v. ranking-based VCM) led to more values clarity, while in older participants, a ranking-based VCM (v. no VCM) led to more values clarity. Completing the ACA-based VCM, compared with no VCM, resulted in more values congruence.

Limitations

The hypothetical choice situation might have induced lower levels of cognitive/affective involvement in the decision.

Conclusions

This study found mixed effects of an ACA-based VCM. It did not decrease decisional conflict or increase perceived values clarity, yet it did improve values congruence.

Implications

Completion of an ACA-based VCM in a PtDA may increase values congruence.

Highlights

An adaptive conjoint analysis or a ranking-based values clarification method did not decrease analog patients’ decisional conflict nor did it increase their perceived values clarity. In younger participants, no VCM (v. ranking-based VCM) led to more values clarity, while in older participants, a ranking-based VCM (v. no VCM) led to more values clarity. An adaptive conjoint analysis task for values clarification resulted in more values congruence.
Can machine learning models improve the prediction of surgical site infection in abdominal surgery than traditional statistical models?
Authors: Piebpien Pongsathorn , Tansawet Amarit , Pattanaprateep Oraluck , Pattanateepapon Anuchate , Wilasrusmee Chumpon , Mckay Gareth J. , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: November 2024

Objective

To externally validate by revision and update the study on the efficacy of nosocomial infection control (SENIC) model of surgical site infection (SSI) using logistic regression (LR) and machine learning (ML) approaches.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of hospital database-derived data from patients that had undergone gastrointestinal, colorectal and hernia surgeries (identified by ICD-9-CM). The SENIC index was calculated and fitted in an LR. MLs were developed using decision-tree (DT), random forest (RF), extreme-gradient-boosting (XGBoost) and Naïve Bayes (NB).

Results

The prevalence of an SSI was 3.21% (404 of 12 596 surgeries; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.91%, 3.53%). The C-statistic for the original SENIC model was 0.668 (95% CI 0.648, 0.688) with an observed/expected (O/E) ratio of 0.998 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.750, 1.047). An updated-SENIC-LR model with six predictors had a C-statistic of 0.768 (95% CI 0.745, 0.790) and O/E ratio of 0.999 (IQR 0.976, 1.004). The performance of MLs considering 14 predictors was poorer than the updated-SENIC-LR with C-statistics of 0.679, 0.675, 0.656 and 0.651 for NB, XGBoost, RF and DT, respectively. Overfitting was detected for ML approaches, particularly for DT, RF and XGBoost.

Conclusion

The updated-SENIC-LR model and NB may be useful for monitoring SSI risk following abdominal surgery.
Ultrasound-Guided Venous Catheter Placement in Prone Position
Authors: Yu Kuan-Pen , Wang Tzu-Chun , Kung Yu-Chung , Cheng Kuang-Hua
Published: November 2024

The prone position is often used for patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome and specific surgical postures. When performing venous cannulation in this position, it is important to have a structured review to introduce the available major veins and ultrasound-guided procedure. In this review, we discuss the techniques of ultrasound-guided cannulation and provide insights into various aspects, including the anatomical locations of veins, vein sizes, placement techniques, surrounding structures at risk, and reported experiences with catheter placements. Eight major veins can be accessed in the prone position: the internal jugular vein, external jugular vein, brachiocephalic vein, basilic vein, mid-thigh femoral vein, popliteal vein, posterior tibial vein, and small saphenous vein. To minimize the risk of venous thromboembolism, the ratio of catheter diameter to vessel diameter should be less than 0.67. The review also presents the minimal requirement of venous diameter for different catheters in a tabulated form. For larger veins, real-time ultrasound guidance with the long-axis view/in-plane technique is suggested, while for smaller vessels, the short-axis view/out-of-plane technique is recommended. The review includes sonographic illustrations of the two techniques and surrounding arteries and nerves for the eight major veins. The aim of this review is to help clinicians assess the eight major veins and safely insert various types of catheters for patients in the prone position.
When Is Teasing Abuse? A Grounded Theory of Teasing Among Mexican American Adolescent Dating Couples
Authors: Rueda Heidi , Rankin Lela , peace-tuskey kim
Published: November 2024

This study examined the use of teasing during observed videotaped interactions of Mexican American adolescent dating couples ( N = 34; 15–17 years old) from an urban area of the Southwest United States. During the interaction task, couples discussed two relationship problems for 14 min and nearly all interactions (88.2%) contained teasing. In turn, we developed a grounded theory of teasing that delineated who initiated the teasing (boys/girls), teasing types, levels of severity of teasing incidents, youth’s motivations for teasing, and the resulting consequences of teasing in real time. We found that most teasing incidents were mild to moderately severe and that girls initiated teasing to a greater extent than boys. Regarding motives, youth used teasing to exert power during the interaction and/or to repair a problem in the relationship. Despite various types of teasing, the resulting consequences were hurt feelings, power struggles, and shame. Participants overtly stated that they desired improved communication. We recommend that socioemotional learning and dating violence prevention programs include teasing as part of conflict resolution skill sets and that these programs be informed by the cultural values of Mexican-origin youth.
Agenda-setting as a trade union strategy: the case of the minimum wage in the Netherlands
Authors: Kloosterboer Dirk
Published: November 2024

When political issues remain under the radar, politicians can lend their ears to lobbyists rather than the electorate, without being held accountable in elections. In such a situation, one potential strategy for trade unions and other organisations is to boost the visibility of these issues in the media, so that voters can take them into account when deciding who to vote for. This article proposes a method for exploring the feasibility of such a strategy. The minimum wage campaign conducted by the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV), which resulted in an 8–20 per cent increase in the minimum wage, is discussed as a case study. It is shown that the outcomes of the campaign are largely consistent with expectations based on the feasibility study conducted before it was launched. It is also argued that while other factors may have contributed to the outcome, they cannot explain the timing and nature of the political and media response.
The Effect of Breastfeeding Education to Immigrant Mothers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on Breastfeeding Success: A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Ceylan Sibel Serap , Güner Elmas , Keskin Züleyha , Ceylan Selim
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of education given to immigrant mothers on breastfeeding success of mothers.

Method:

The randomized-controlled, single-blind study was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit of a state hospital in Turkey. The Mother–infant information form, Nutrition monitoring form, and LATCH Assessment Tool were used to collect the study data.

Results:

In the study, the mean LATCH score of the mothers in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group ( P < .05). It was determined that the breastfeeding duration of the mothers in the experimental group was longer, and the number of infants fed exclusively by breastfeeding was higher in the last follow-up ( P < .05).

Discussion:

It was found that breastfeeding education positively affected the breastfeeding success of immigrant mothers. This study reveals the positive effects of health education programs designed for immigrants on immigrant health.
Adversity and Resilience: The Stories of People Living With HIV in Ecuador
Authors: Zamora-Moncayo Emilia C. , Herrera-Díaz Bernarda , Camacho Juan Francisco , Jiménez Alexia , Brown Ser , Troya Valeria
Published: November 2024

People living with HIV (PLHIV) in Ecuador experience challenges including discrimination, violence, and limited access to healthcare, which impacts their mental health and well-being. However, research shows that PLHIV also rely on social resources to foster resilience. In the Ecuadorian context, there is no literature exploring these narratives, which results in a lack of qualitative data to improve the reality of PLHIV in the country. To gain a deeper understanding of these stories, 15 semi-structured interviews were undertaken (15 verbatim hours) within the context of a peer- and professional-led support group for PLHIV and were analyzed through a thematic approach based on Skovdal and Daniel’s conceptual framework on resilience and adversity. Findings suggest that PLHIV face multifaceted challenges across the home, community, and political-economy spheres. Families and communities can elicit pain and fear, leading individuals to avoid discussing their diagnosis due to ongoing rejection. Further, discrimination perpetuated within the public health sector, as well as societal violence, exacerbates adversity. Nevertheless, participants stress the indispensable role of family support, community networks, and accessible healthcare in fostering resilience. Specifically, support, emotional reassurance, and willingness to learn enabled PLHIV to build resilience. These findings emphasize the need for approaches that counter discrimination, enhance well-being, ensure integral and intersectional healthcare access, and promote knowledge around HIV.
Speech Outcomes in Children with Robin Sequence Treated with a Pre-Epiglottic Baton Plate
Authors: Schmidt Gül , Engeli Nora , Matuschek Carsten , Hunn-Stohwasser Christa , Bestendonk Carolin , Heiland Max , Hirschfelder Anke , Hofmann Elena
Published: November 2024

Objective

To analyze speech outcomes and cleft shape changes in children diagnosed with Robin sequence (RS) treated with a customized pre-epiglottic baton plate (PEBP).

Design

Single-surgeon retrospective analysis.

Setting

Tertiary care institution.

Patients and Participants

Twenty-five patients with RS who were treated with PEBP and primary cleft palate repair between 2010 and 2019.

Interventions

Postnatal use of a PEBP.

Main Outcome Measures

Speech assessment at the age of 3.5 to 4.5 years documenting hypernasality, nasal emission, nasal turbulence, voice quality, and consonant production, and analysis of digitally scanned cast models before and after the use of PEBP to quantify changes in cleft shape and width.

Results

The study cohort ( N = 25) consisted of 19 patients with hard and soft cleft palates and 6 patients with soft cleft palate only and postnatal use of PEBP. The mean reduction in cleft width following PEBP treatment prior to cleft palate repair in 19 infants with hard and soft cleft palates was 41.30% (standard deviation, 13.25). Speech assessments were conducted at a mean age of 48.5 months in all 25 children treated with PEBP. Most children presented with absent or mild hypernasality (96%), a rate of 8% of nasal emission and 4% of nasal turbulence was found. The most frequent findings were articulation errors in 14 children (56%), of whom 2 presented with cleft-type characteristics.

Conclusions

Children with RS and cleft palate treated with PEBP demonstrated a narrowing of the cleft palate prior to a timely surgical repair, and favorable speech outcomes already at a young age during childhood.
Premaxillary Setback in the Management of Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip: A 2 Decade Review
Authors: Jolibois Marah I. , Lasky Sasha , Stanton Eloise W. , Roohani Idean , Moshal Tayla , Foster Lacey , Husain Fatemah , Munabi Naikhoba CO , Urata Mark M. , Magee William P. , Hammoudeh Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study analyzes indications and outcomes of premaxillary setback (PS) and presents an algorithm for its use in patients with bilateral cleft lip and/or palate (BCL ± P).

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

A retrospective review was conducted evaluating patients with BCL ± P undergoing lip repair from 2003–2023. Patients were categorized as undergoing repair with (BCL + PS) or without (BCL-PS) simultaneous PS. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM), indications for PS, timing of surgery, and complications were collected.

Interventions

BCL with PS, BCL + PS.

Main Outcome Measures(s)

Primary outcomes included rates of postoperative complications and revision surgeries. Secondary outcome was the need for orthognathic surgery to correct midface hypoplasia in patients at least 14 years old at their most recent follow-up.

Results

Of 1193 patients, 262 met inclusion criteria. One hundred forty-nine patients (56.9%) were referred for NAM. Fifty-one patients (19.5%) underwent PS during primary BCL repair. Patients who failed repositioning of the premaxilla following presurgical NAM (n = 12) were not candidates for NAM (n = 31) or presented late with a protruding premaxilla (n = 8, 12.977 ± 8.196 months) underwent PS. Median age at surgery was 4.29 months. Complications included wound dehiscence (n = 3) and abscess formation (n = 2). No premaxillary necrosis occurred. Overall revision rates were 9.9%. Of 41 patients over 14 years old, 53.6% needed orthognathic surgery. BCL + PS had comparable rates of wound dehiscence (2.0% vs 4.0%; P = .790), lip revisions (7.8% vs 10.4%; P = .770), and orthognathic surgery (50.0% vs 56.3%; P > .999).

Conclusion

PS is a safe and effective method to facilitate BCL repair in patients who are not candidates for NAM.
Defining Appropriate Comparator Populations for Placental Pathology for Pregnant People With HIV
Authors: Goldstein Jeffery A. , Gernand Alison D. , Gallagher Kelly , Shanes Elisheva D. , Bebell Lisa M. , Yee Lynn M.
Published: November 2024

Background. Widespread adoption of antiretroviral therapy has reduced perinatal transmission of HIV; however, people living with HIV (PWH) have higher rates of preterm birth and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The placenta is the critical fetal support organ in pregnancy, and multiple investigations have sought associations in PWH between HIV and placental pathology. However, results have been inconclusive. We posit that selection of control group populations influences the apparent anomalies in placentas from PWH and examined the differences seen between these placentas and those of four comparator populations. Methods. Placentas from PWH were compared with those from all patients without HIV, controls from a recent study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in pregnancy, patients with a history of melanoma—an indication for examination relatively orthogonal to other problems in pregnancy, and patients paired with PWH using propensity score matching. Results. People living with HIV differ in demographics and comorbidities from comparator groups other than propensity score–matched patients. Placentas from PWH had higher rates of acute placental inflammation, including maternal inflammatory response and fetal inflammatory response, than multiple comparator groups. Placentas from PHW had lower rates of chronic placental inflammation than three of four comparator groups, including the largest comparator group and the group matched to PWH using propensity scores. Conclusion. Differences in placental pathology in PWH depend on the comparator group. Commonly used comparator groups have significantly different demographic and comorbidity profiles, suggesting they are inappropriate comparators for PWH. Propensity score matching may be useful in identifying comparator populations.
Love wave along the corrugated interface between an elastic half-space and the corrugated porous layer containing two fluids
Authors: Kaur Rajbir , Arora Ashish
Published: November 2024

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of Love wave propagation along the interface between a porous layer saturated with two immiscible fluids and an underlying elastic half-space. The study places particular emphasis on the corrugated nature of both the interface and the upper boundary of the porous layer. A complex dispersion relation, governed by appropriate boundary conditions, is derived and subsequently simplified into four distinct subcases. The effects of corrugation parameters at the upper boundary of the porous layer and the interface between the layer and the elastic half-space are investigated. The influence of the undulation parameter, which represents the combined effects of wave number and porous layer thickness is also analyzed on the phase speed of the Love wave. In the numerical discussion, a geological structure analogous to oil-contaminated sandstone aquifers in contact with sedimentary bedrock, a common formation in coastal regions, is considered as a realistic example. The key findings reveal that the phase speed of Love waves is highly sensitive to both the corrugation and undulation parameters. Increased corrugation at the upper boundary of the layer enhances phase speed, while corrugation at the interface decreases it. An increase in the undulation parameter decreases the phase speed of the Love wave. Additionally, the presence of oil and water within the porous sandstone significantly reduces phase speed, particularly at lower frequencies, due to higher viscosity and internal friction. This study provides valuable insights into wave propagation dynamics in complex geological settings, with implications for hydrogeology, environmental monitoring, and seismic risk assessment.
Artificial Intelligence can Facilitate Application of Risk Stratification Algorithms to Bladder Cancer Patient Case Scenarios
Authors: Yudovich Max S , Alzubaidi Ahmad N , Raman Jay D
Published: November 2024

Background:

Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) has previously been shown to accurately predict colon cancer screening intervals when provided with clinical data and context in the form of guidelines. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) guideline on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) includes criteria for risk stratification into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups based on patient and disease characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of ChatGPT to apply the NCCN Guidelines to risk stratify theoretical patient scenarios related to NMIBC.

Methods:

Thirty-six hypothetical patient scenarios related to NMIBC were created and submitted to GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 at two separate time points. First, both models were prompted to risk stratify patients without any additional context provided. Custom instructions were then provided as textual context using the written versions of the NMIBC NCCN® Guidelines, followed by repeat risk stratification. Finally, GPT-4 was provided with an image of the NMIBC risk groups table, and the risk stratification was again performed.

Results:

GPT-3.5 correctly risk stratified 68% (24.5 of 36) of scenarios without context, slightly increasing to 74% (26.5 of 36) with textual context. Using GPT-4, the model had accuracy of 83% (30 of 36) without context, reaching 100% (36 of 36) with textual context ( P = .025). GPT-4 with image context maintained similar accuracy to GPT-4 without context, with accuracy 81% (29 of 36). ChatGPT generally performed poorly when stratifying intermediate risk NMIBC (33%-63%). When risk stratification was incorrect, most responses were overestimations of risk.

Conclusions:

GPT-4 can accurately risk stratify patients with respect to NMIBC when provided with context containing guidelines. Overestimation of risk is more common than underestimation, and intermediate risk NMIBC is most likely to be incorrectly stratified. With further validation, GPT-4 can become a tool for risk stratification of NMIBC in clinical practice.
Cancer Biomarkers and Precision Oncology: A Review of Recent Trends and Innovations
Authors: AlDoughaim Maha , AlSuhebany Nada , AlZahrani Mohammed , AlQahtani Tariq , AlGhamdi Sahar , Badreldin Hisham , Al Alshaykh Hana
Published: November 2024

The discovery of cancer-specific biomarkers has resulted in major advancements in the field of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, therefore significantly lowering cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Cancer biomarkers can be generally classified as prognostic biomarkers that predict specific disease outcomes and predictive biomarkers that predict disease response to targeted therapeutic interventions. As research in the area of predictive biomarkers continues to grow, precision medicine becomes far more integrated in cancer treatment. This article presents a general overview on the most recent advancements in the area of cancer biomarkers, immunotherapy, artificial intelligence, and pharmacogenomics of the Middle East.
Choice, calculation, and consumer empowerment
Authors: Nøjgaard Mikkel , Bajde Domen , Özçağlar-Toulouse Nil , Askegaard Søren
Published: November 2024

Consumer choices are always relationally produced, an outcome of consumers’ inevitable reliance on such entities as choice architectures, calculation tools, discourses, and more. This means that giving consumers choice does not make them free from external influences. But if consumer choice cannot fully liberate consumers, must we abandon choice promotion as a path to consumer empowerment, a widely embraced approach in neoliberal societies? While this seems to be the conclusion of many critics of empowerment-through-choice, this conceptual article argues that choice promotion can still play an important role in empowering consumers. We make our case by developing a Callonian perspective on choice and consumer empowerment, which calls attention to the role of “calculative devices” in configuring consumers as more or less powerful choosers. We identify four qualities of calculative devices that enhance the “calculative power” of consumers: (1) calculative enrichment, (2) calculative stabilization, (3) calculative flexibilization, and (4) calculative contestation. The Callonian perspective opens new ways to study consumer empowerment and offers a critical account of consumer autonomy.
The Role of the Public Health Workforce in Securing Political Commitment for Tackling Childhood Obesity in Local Government
Authors: Taheem Ravita , Woods-Townsend Kathyrn , Lawrence Wendy , Baird Janis , Godfrey Keith M. , Chase Debbie , Hanson Mark A.
Published: November 2024

Local government is well placed to provide leadership for the national ambition in England to halve childhood obesity by 2030 and has delegated authority for many policies thought necessary for effective action. However, with currently constrained local government finances, resources may not be prioritized for the wide range of policies and interventions necessary. Thus, local political commitment is vital for directing local government investment to tackle the issue. This qualitative study investigated how political commitment has been demonstrated in local government, the strategies used to build such political commitment, and the role of the public health workforce. Public health staff from 13 local authorities participated in semi-structured telephone interviews using questions informed by a conceptual framework composed of five previously defined levels of political commitment: rhetorical, institutional, operational, embedded, and system-wide. Thematic analysis showed that public health officers secured a political commitment by framing childhood obesity in line with existing priorities to build support among councillors in a position to advocate for the issue. Public health officers also engaged with multiple stakeholders, gathering data and insights to develop operational and embedded commitment. The study shows that effective health promotion practice requires a skilled and committed public health workforce, acting as policy entrepreneurs to secure system-wide political commitment in local government by proactively navigating local governance and policy processes, to build in opportunities for feedback and accountability.