bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Two-Stage Approach to Alveolar Clefts Repair with Combined Cortical and Cancellous Bone Grafting
Authors: Jing Bingshuai , Yao Meilin , Tsauo Chialing , Luo Xiao , Shi Bing , Zheng Qian , Li Chenghao
Published: November 2024

Background:

Achieving optimal efficacy in secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) poses a considerable challenge for patients with alveolar clefts post-canine eruption. This study introduces a novel technique called the "two-stage SABG" to improve the treatment outcomes for patients who have missed the optimal timing for bone grafting.

Methods:

Patients aged 12 and above, presenting with unilateral, complete alveolar clefts after canine eruption, were divided into two cohorts: conventional and two-stage groups. The two-stage group underwent oronasal fistula closure and mucoperiosteal sealing during the initial stage, followed by particulate cancellous bone marrow (PCBM) and mandibular cortical bone grafting in the second stage after a three-month interval. Six months after surgery, the SABG was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using computed tomography (CT).

Results:

A total of 81 patients (median age: 14 years; male/female: 49/32) were included in the conventional group, while the two-stage group consisted of 33 patients (19 years; 20/13). The two-stage group exhibited significantly superior outcomes (P < 0.01) in terms of radiographic healing rate (> 4 points) (96.97% vs. 55.56%), bone bridge height (12.17mm, IQRs=4.26mm), bone bridge width (9.09mm, IQRs=2.74mm), bone formation rate (69.73%, IQRs=22.73%), and bone resorption rate (48.85%, IQRs=22.57%). Additionally, the average three-dimensional deviations greater than 3.5mm at the affected piriform aperture margin.

Conclusions:

The novel two-stage SABG approach demonstrates significant benefits in the repair of alveolar clefts and pyriform foramen deformities through combined cortical and cancellous bone grafting.
Refining a Multidisciplinary “Vasculo-plastic” Approach to Limb Salvage: An Institutional Review Examining 300 Lower Extremity Free Flaps
Authors: Li Karen R. , Huffman Samuel S. , Gupta Nisha J. , Truong Brian N. , Lava Christian X. , Rohrich Rachel N. , Atves Jayson N. , Steinberg John S. , Akbari Cameron M. , Youn Richard C. , Attinger Christopher E. , Evans Karen K.
Published: November 2024

Background:

The use of free tissue transfer (FTT) is effective for chronic, non-healing lower extremity (LE) wounds, requiring collaboration across plastic, vascular, podiatric, orthopedic, and infectious disease disciplines for comprehensive treatment plants to optimize limb salvage. This study aims to describe our vasculo-pathic approach with 300 LE FTTs, comparing outcomes between the first 200 LE FTT and the most recent 100 procedures performed.

Methods:

A single-institution, retrospective review of 300 LE FTTs from July 2011 to January 2023 was performed. Patients were compared between the first 200 (Group 1, July 2011 – February 2020) and last 100 flaps (Group 2, February 2020 – January 2023) performed. Patient characteristics, preoperative management, intraoperative details, and outcomes were collected.

Results:

Group 2 patients had significantly higher rates of diabetes (67.0% vs. 48.5%, p=0.002), peripheral vascular disease (56.0% vs. 24.5%, p<0.001), history of venous thromboembolisms (13.0% vs. 6.0%, p=0.039), venous reflux (81.9% vs. 67.8%; p=0.028), and preoperative venous thromboses on venous testing (25.5% vs. 10.5%; p=0.003) compared to Group 1. Group 2 underwent more pre-FTT endovascular interventions (23.0% vs. 16.5%, p=0.039) and vascular bypasses (4.0% vs. 0.0%, p =0.012). While immediate flap success and amputation rates were similar between the groups, Group 2 had higher rates of partial flap necrosis (7% vs. 3%; p=0.012).

Conclusions:

The adoption of a vasculo-plastic approach allows LE FTT to remain successful and achieve long-term limb salvage despite a highly comorbid population.
Categorizing Care Delays and Their Impact on Hospital Length of Stay
Authors: Nadler Adam D. , Eid Shaker M. , Kisuule Flora , Michtalik Henry J. , Kantsiper Melinda E. , Harris Che M. , Gundareddy Venkat P.
Published: November 2024

Background and Objective:

Unnecessary care delays of hospitalized patients increase the risk of hospital-related complications and drive up health care costs. While health systems focus on reducing the length of stay of hospitalized patients, not many studies looked at specific causes of the care delays that prolong length of stay. In this study, we sought to systematically identify and categorize the various care delays that contribute to prolonged length of stay on a hospital medicine service.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study looking at all inpatient encounters to the hospitalist service (N = 6633) for the fiscal year 2021. Observation status, COVID-19 positive, and other services’ discharged patients were excluded (N = 2849) leaving 3784 eligible encounters. The resulting 5% stratified random sample accounted for 190 encounters accounting for a total of 1152 patient-days. Using a standardized data extraction tool, a day-by-day review of the sample encounters was performed for all care delays. These care delays were categorized into specific groups (System, Discharge, Provider, Patient/Family, or Consultant related) and subgroups based on predetermined criteria.

Results:

The stratified sample was found to be comparable to the total patient population, with no statistically significant differences in key demographic and clinical metrics. About 30% of all patient-days had a care delay; 33% of these delays were attributable to system delays internal to the hospital such as waiting for imaging/procedures; 28% of delays were due to discharge barriers, driven overwhelmingly by a lack of available post-acute care beds, and about 20% of delays were attributable to the provider.

Conclusion:

Our study systematically looked at care delays that led to prolonged hospital length of stay. Most of these care delays were caused by either wait times for procedures and imaging studies or by a lack of post-acute care bed availability. Hospitals and health systems can use this approach to better determine which systemic changes are likely to be the most effective at reducing length of stay.
First-in-Human
Authors: Loft Mathias , Clemmensen Andreas , Christensen Emil Nørgaard , Denholt Charlotte Lund , Johannesen Helle Hjorth , Gillings Nic , Carlsen Esben Andreas , Clausen Malene Martini , Hutchings Martin , Andersen Thomas Lund , Ardenkjær-Larsen Jan Henrik , Kjaer Andreas
Published: November 2024

Hyperpolarized 1-13C-pyruvate magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and MRS imaging (MRSI) offer noninvasive and real-time direct assessment of the altered metabolism of cancer cells known as the Warburg effect—a key hallmark of cancer. When combined with simultaneously acquired 18F-FDG PET in a PET/MR scanner, coined hyperPET by us, this dual-modality may unveil cancer-type specific glucose metabolic phenotypes with potential implications for patient prognostication, treatment-response assessment, and prediction. We here present the first human data of simultaneously acquired hyperpolarized MRS/MRSI and PET performed in a PET/MR scanner—and the first human hyperpolarized MRS/MRSI data from a patient with lymphoma.
Biochemical recurrence after open radical prostatectomy in a single-center cohort with a minimum follow-up of 10 years
Authors: Stankovic Mladen , Mendes Joao , Wolff Laura , Wieder Teresa
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

To investigate the long-term oncological outcomes and report biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival for men who underwent open radical prostatectomy at a single center.

Materials and methods:

A total of 360 patients who underwent open radical prostatectomy at our institution between 2003 and 2011 were included in this study. The BCR-free survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank analysis. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to test the effect of other factors such as age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, and surgical margins on BCR.

Results:

Median patient age was 65.4 years, with a median preoperative PSA level of 6.21 ng/ml. Operating time had a median duration of 155.1 minutes, ranging from 104 to 301 minutes. Nerve-sparing surgery was achievable in 48.1% of patients, including 34.2% undergoing bilateral procedures and 13.9% unilateral. In terms of surgical precision and outcomes, the overall rate of positive surgical margins was 23.6%, which decreased significantly to 11.1% in patients with localized prostate cancer. Lymph node involvement occurred in 3.6% of cases. Postoperative care statistics revealed a median catheterization duration of 9.1 days (range: 4–30 days) and a low rate of significant complications (4.4%). The early continence rate in a standardized pad test was 80.6%. At a median follow-up of 150.5 months, the 5-year and 10-year BCR-free survival rates for the entire cohort were 91.4% and 77.5%, respectively. The 10-year BCR-free survival rates were 84.8%, 81.5%, and 68.5% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively. Furthermore, the 10-year BCR-free survival rates were 78.8% and 62.8% for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer, respectively. Preoperative PSA >20 ng/ml, postoperative Gleason sum ≥3 + 4, and positive surgical margins were associated with increased risk of BCR on multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion:

Our long-term oncological results match or exceed those previously published in similar contemporary cohorts with long follow-up.
Self-Rated ECT Outcomes in Patients With Depression
Authors: Berger Shane R. , Kung Simon , Lapid Maria I.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered to be the most effective treatment for severe depression. This study investigated recent ECT outcomes for depression at a large tertiary center, which also provides community care.

Methods

Data were obtained from Mayo Clinic Rochester patients ages 18 and older who received an acute course of ECT between August 1, 2017 and April 30, 2024. Patients were included if there was a depressive disorder diagnosis (unipolar or bipolar) and a self-rated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) within 10 days of the start and end of the acute course. Patients were excluded if the starting PHQ-9 score was less than 10. The age, sex, number of acute course treatments, stimulus electrode lead placement, and PHQ-9 scores were collected. Response (PHQ-9 improvement ≥50%) and remission (PHQ-9 < 5) rates were calculated. Linear and logistic regressions were performed to investigate predictors of response and remission.

Results

Of 1206 patients identified, 408 met final inclusion and exclusion criteria. The response rate was 80.4%, and remission rate was 52.7%. Logistic regression for response showed no significant predictors; the P value for age just missed statistical significance (odds ratio, 1.0152; 95% confidence interval, 0.9991–1.0316; P = 0.0641). Logistic regression for remission showed only a lower baseline PHQ-9 score (odds ratio, 0.9465; 95% confidence interval, 0.9049–0.9891; P = 0.0152) as a significant predictor.

Conclusions

Our results affirmed the high efficacy of ECT in severe depression. No other established treatment for depression can report a response rate as high as 80% in a naturalistic study. This study supports the continued relevance and place of ECT for severe depression.
Chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Fijian migrants to the UK
Authors: Nevin William D. , Melhuish Jake , Jones Jayne , Cunningham Lucas , Dodd James , Toriro Romeo , Routledge Matthew , Swithenbank Luke , Troth Thomas D. , Woolley Stephen D. , Fountain Angela , Hennessy Claire , Foster Simon A. , Hughes Charlotte , Riley Mark R. , Rai Simran , Stothard Russell , Nicol Edward D. , Dermont Mark , Wilson Duncan , Woods David , Lamb Lucy , O'Shea Matthew K. , Beeching Nicholas J. , Fletcher Thomas
Published: November 2024

Introduction.
Strongyloides stercoralis, the human threadworm, is a parasitic nematode with global distribution, estimated to infect over 600 million people. Chronic infection is often asymptomatic, but hyperinfection and dissemination syndromes can occur in the immunosuppressed with high case fatality rates. Whilst strongyloidiasis is endemic in Fiji, its prevalence in Fijian migrant groups in the UK is unknown.

Gap Statement. No previous studies have been conducted on the prevalence of Strongyloides and other gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in Fijian migrants to the UK.

Aim. We conducted a cross-sectional study of the prevalence of GIPs in a Fijian migrant population.

Methodology. Participants completed a questionnaire on residence, travel and clinical symptoms and were asked to provide a serum sample for S. stercoralis IgG ELISA, venous blood samples for eosinophil count and a faecal sample for charcoal culture, multiplex real-time PCR (rtPCR) and microscopy after formalin-ethyl acetate concentration. Sequencing was performed on pooled Strongyloides larvae for nuclear 18S rRNA hyper-variable regions (HVRs) I and IV.

Results. A total of 250 participants (94% male) with median (range) age 37 (20–51) years entered the study, 15 (1–24) years since leaving Fiji. S. stercoralis IgG ELISA was positive in 87/248 (35.1 %) and 14/74 (18.9 %) had a GIP detected in faeces. This included 7/74 (9.5 %) with Strongyloides and 5/74 (6.8 %) with hookworms. Dermatological symptoms were more common in those with Strongyloides, and eosinophilia (>0.5×109 cells per litre) was present in 55.6% of those with positive S. stercoralis IgG. rtPCR was the most sensitive faecal diagnostic test for Strongyloides and hookworms in faeces. Sequences of nuclear 18S rRNA for HVRs I and IV confirmed the presence of S. stercoralis.

Conclusion. This first cross-sectional study in Fijian migrants found a high rate of chronic infection with GIPs, particularly S. stercoralis. Faecal microscopy was insensitive compared to charcoal culture, rtPCR or serology, demonstrating the importance of specialist parasitological tests when investigating people with a suspected chronic infection. Our study highlights an overlooked burden of strongyloidiasis in the UK and has implications for screening and treatment programmes in Fiji and for migrants from Fiji.
Leveraging the corporate university model to develop and deliver customized course content
Authors: Goldstein James C.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

These experiences can provide two significant findings for researchers and other organizations seeking to develop similar training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper documents how a financial institution developed a customized bank accounting course for its employees through the well-researched and frequently used “Corporate University Model.” It did so through leveraging the educational expertise of a local university professor, and the subject matter expertise of bank managers. The organization followed up on this success by developing a customized risk management course. As before, the bank utilized the Corporate University Model. However, the content was more specialized than that of the previous course since it related to the unique operations of the organization. Therefore, the bank found it necessary to make some adjustments to its development and delivery approach.

Findings

First, even though corporate universities are often depicted as complex separate entities within companies, the Corporate University Model can be successfully utilized to develop and deliver individual courses that are managed by individual departments. Second, the bank’s risk management course demonstrated how a professional instructor could be used in conjunction with a company’s subject matter experts to effectively deliver course content. This approach is very effective with course content that is unique to the organization’s specific operations.

Research limitations/implications

While literature indicates that corporate universities often involve the creation of a separate entity, which can be difficult to configure due to their complexity (Lui Abel and Li, 2012), the leveraging of the CU model to construct and deliver single courses has not been explored. Additionally, the existing models do not discuss how roles outlined in the CU model (Patrucco et al., 2017) may change due to content complexity. From a limitation standpoint, it would be helpful to apply this approach to additional courses and organizations. Additionally, data could be collected to evaluate course effectiveness by learning goal.

Practical implications

This case study shows that the CU model has value for individual courses that continue to reside and be managed in the departments that developed them. Additionally, it shows that even though a professional instructor may not have all requisite knowledge in more specific knowledge domains, this can be solved by involving SMEs in content delivery. This still allows the benefit of a professional instructor who is skilled in course delivery and development.

Originality/value

These findings provide insights that have not been described in other papers that detail the application of the Corporate University Model. This helps to expand the manner in which companies can attain its benefits.
Climate change and lethal violence: a global analysis
Authors: Amin Saqib
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study aims to uncover the relationship between rising temperatures, increased greenhouse gas emissions and the prevalence of lethal violence, encompassing suicides and homicides. It also sought to identify how climate change affects different economic strata in countries, notably in high and middle-income nations, and across Asia and Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study rigorously explored the link between global climate change and lethal violence across 201 countries from 1970 to 2020. Climate change was measured using annual surface temperature fluctuations and greenhouse gas emissions, while lethal violence was estimated using data on suicides and homicides.

Findings

The analysis revealed significant positive associations between escalating temperatures, heightened greenhouse gas emissions and lethal violence. These connections were evident across different economic levels and geographic regions in Asia and Africa.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to combat human-induced climate change and mitigate its extensive negative impacts on society, particularly its association with increased violent behavior.
What innovation and technology delivers to internationalization? The case of European and Central Asia regions
Authors: Pereira José , Correia Aldina , Braga Alexandra , Alves Wellington , Ratten Vanessa , Braga Vitor
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the impact of technology and innovation on businesses’ internationalization process as well as the relationship between innovation and technology and internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on quantitative analysis of secondary data from 30 economies in Europe and Central Asia, extracted from the Enterprise Surveys – The World Bank database, using the multivariate statistical techniques of multiple linear regression and cluster analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that innovation and technology (I&T) mutually and positively influence the internationalization of firms. In this sense, innovative firms are more successful in competing internationally and exposure to alternative business contexts culminates in innovation. The results suggest a positive relationship between the percentage of firms that introduced a process innovation, the percentage of firms with websites and the businesses’ internationalization.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is based on the methodological approach that allowed the identification of the most significant variables for stimulating the internationalization of firms based on innovation and technology. Given the predominance of economies with higher I&T and internationalization in Europe, it is proposed as future research projects to ascertain the reasons for such a phenomenon.
The impact of eco-innovation on companies’ financial performance: an analysis of key contributions and trends in the literature
Authors: Lopes José Luís , Basso Leonardo Fernando Cruz
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to present a bibliometric analysis combined with a systematic review of the empirical literature to verify whether the relationship between the impact of eco-innovation and the financial performance of companies is corroborated.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses bibliometric analysis and systematic review methods on 122 articles from Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct, combining quantitative frequency and co-citation analysis with a qualitative exploration of themes in eco-innovation research.

Findings

In their research on eco-innovation, the authors found that there is a need to better understand the impact of eco-innovation on companies’ financial performance in the knowledge gaps.

Research limitations/implications

Research on eco-innovation identifies knowledge gaps and directions for future studies exploring environmental strategies to boost corporate commitment to sustainability.

Originality/value

This study finds that eco-innovation is decisive for enhancing operational performance and understanding its effect on companies’ financial outcomes, offering perspectives on how environmental practices influence organizational finance.
Rainfall is associated with divorce in the socially monogamous Seychelles warbler
Authors: Bentlage A. A. , Speelman F. J. D. , Komdeur J. , Burke T. , Richardson D. S. , Dugdale H. L.
Published: November 2024

Divorce—terminating a pair bond whilst both members are alive—is a mating strategy observed in many socially monogamous species often linked to poor reproductive success. As environmental factors directly affect individual condition and reproductive performance, they can indirectly influence divorce. Given current climate change, understanding how environmental fluctuations affect partnership stability has important implications, including for conservation. Yet, the relationship between the environment and divorce remains largely unstudied.

We examined the influence of temporal environmental variability on the prevalence of within‐ and between‐season divorce and the possible underlying mechanisms in a socially monogamous passerine.

Analysing 16 years of data from a longitudinal dataset, we investigated the relationship between rainfall and divorce in the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis). First, we performed climate window analyses to identify the temporal windows of rainfall that best predict reproductive success and divorce. Then, we tested the effects of these temporal windows of rainfall on reproductive success and divorce and the influence of reproductive success on divorce whilst controlling for covariates.

Annual divorce rates varied from 1% to 16%. The probability of divorce was significantly associated with the quadratic effect of 7 months of total rainfall before and during the breeding season, with divorce increasing in years with low and high rainfall. This quadratic relationship was driven by a heavy rainfall event in 1997, as excluding 1997 from our analyses left a significant negative linear relationship between rainfall and divorce. Although the same temporal window of rainfall predicting divorce significantly influenced reproductive success, we found no significant correlation between reproductive success and divorce.

Our findings suggest that rainfall impacts divorce. Given that this effect is likely not directly mediated by reproductive success, we discuss other possible drivers. Although the 1997 super El Niño event shows how heavy rainfall may affect socially monogamous partnerships, more data are required to estimate the robustness of this effect. By adding to the growing body of literature showing that environmental conditions influence the stability of socially monogamous partnerships, we provide novel insights that may also be important for conservation efforts in times of climate change.
Enforcing export controls learning from and using the financial system
Authors: Hilgenstock Benjamin , Ribakova Elina , Vlasyuk Anna , Wolff Guntram
Published: November 2024

Russian imports of battlefield goods subject to export controls have surged since mid‐2022 and reached levels close to those prior to Russia's full‐scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia thus continues to be able to acquire foreign components critical for its military industry. These imports largely occur via mainland China, Hong Kong, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, while other countries including Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic have also seen massive increases in tech imports that likely end up in Russia. The enforcement of export controls faces multifaceted challenges centred around complex supply chains, lack of transparency and opaque financial structures, issues familiar from anti‐money laundering (AML) and countering financing of terrorism (CFT) frameworks. We propose using a similar framework in export control enforcement: First, financial institutions need to play a role in monitoring trade in export‐controlled goods and blocking illicit transactions. Second, non‐financial companies could learn from banks' efforts in the AML/CFT sphere to implement proper due‐diligence procedures and to ensure export controls compliance. Public‐sector investigations and appropriate fines are critical to increase the incentives for firms to act. Technology sanctions will remain part of the economic statecraft toolbox. The Russia case will test their effectiveness and credibility.
Screening accuracy and developmental language disorder remain stable between 2.5 and 3 years
Authors: Nayeb Laleh , Lagerberg Dagmar , Sarkadi Anna , Salameh Eva‐Kristina , Eriksson Mårten
Published: November 2024

Aim

This study re‐evaluated the classification accuracy of language screening. This is because the new Swedish child health programme moved this screening from 3 to 2.5 years of age. Another aim was to investigate the stability of diagnoses between these two time points.

Methods

Children were recruited consecutively during 2016–2017 from three Child Health Services in Gävle, Sweden. Forty‐eight monolingual children (31 boys) and 93 bilingual children (38 boys) underwent language screening and a clinical examination by a speech and language pathologist at 2.5 years of age. They were re‐examined after 6 months (at 36–38 months) for clinical diagnosis.

Results

Of the 48 monolingual children, 45 retained their status at both 2.5 and 3 years of age, while three no longer met the criteria for development language disorder. Among the 93 bilingual children, 87 retained their 2.5‐year status at age 3, two no longer met the criteria, and four new cases were diagnosed. These differences were not statistically significant. All changes in screening parameters between 2.5 and 3 years were within the 95% Confidence Interval, indicating stable classification.

Conclusion

Screening accuracy and language status were robust between 2.5 and 3 years, providing no support for a wait‐and‐see approach.
Impact of histopathological and serological assessments on early diagnosis of leprosy relapse
Authors: de Carvalho Dornelas Bruno , da Costa Willian Vargas Tenório , de Abreu João Pablo Ferraz , Daud Juliana Salomão , dos Anjos Rodrigues Campos Felipe , de Oliveira Campos Deiriene Rodrigues , Antunes Douglas Eulálio , de Araújo Lúcio Borges , dos Santos Diogo Fernandes , Soares Cleverson Teixeira , Goulart Isabela Maria Bernardes
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to identify laboratory factors predicting leprosy relapse (LR) after multi‐drug therapy (MDT). A case–control study included 80 patients treated with MDT at a national reference center over 12 years. The Relapse Group had 40 patients who relapsed after an average of 89.2 months post‐MDT, while the Control Group had 40 patients who remained asymptomatic for an average of 113.1 months. Significant predictors of LR included neural/perineural lymphocytic infiltrate (OR = 4.67; p = 0.0076) and foamy granulomas (OR = 15.55; p = 0.0005), increasing odds by 4.7 and 15.6 times, respectively. The Relapse Group had a mean histological bacillary index (hBI) of 3.23+ compared to 1.8 in the Control Group (p = 0.004). An hBI ≥3+ had 72% sensitivity and 65% specificity for detecting LR (AUC = 0.72; p = 0.0002). Elevated anti‐phenolic glycolipid I (anti‐PGL‐I) IgM antibody levels (ELISA index, EI ≥1) were also associated with LR (OR = 4.67; p = 0.0031). An EI ≥3.6 had 71% sensitivity and 62% specificity (AUC = 0.70; p = 0.0012). Multivariate analysis indicated that neural/perineural infiltrate, foamy granulomas, hBI ≥ 1+, and EI ≥ 1 significantly predicted LR, with up to 94.32% probability. Conclusively, these factors can identify individuals at high probability of LR after MDT.
Real‐world use of androgen‐deprivation therapy intensification for metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Raval Amit D. , Chen Stephanie , Littleton Natasha , Constantinovici Niculae , Goebell Peter J.
Published: November 2024

Objective

To conduct a systematic literature review of real‐world data (RWD) studies to summarise treatment patterns among men with metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). While androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) is a primary treatment strategy for mHSPC, ADT intensification with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) and/or chemotherapy is recommended by current guidelines and has improved clinical outcomes in the last decade.

Methods

We searched electronic databases (PubMed; Excerpta Medica dataBASE [EMBASE]) for eligible studies (retrospective or prospective observational RWD studies examining mHSPC treatment patterns) between database inception and July 2023, and manually screened the past 2 years of relevant conference proceedings.

Results

Of 2336 retrieved citations, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering North America (United States, n = 21; Canada, n = 2), Europe (n = 8), and Asia (n = 6). Most studies utilised retrospective cohorts (n = 26) and included men with a median age of ≥70 years (n = 20). ADT monotherapy was predominantly used across geographies, followed by ADT + ARPI and ADT + docetaxel in the United States and Europe but not in Asia, where use of each combination remained low. Studies with recent electronic medical record data from cancer centres/registries showed >40% use of ADT + ARPI in the United States and Europe. Abiraterone was the most frequently used ARPI, followed by enzalutamide. Quantitative factors associated with ADT intensification were high disease burden, younger age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0 to 1, fewer comorbidities, and oncologist physician specialty; qualitative factors were patient preference, unsatisfactory response to ADT, ability to tolerate adverse events, and absence of cost barriers.

Conclusion

While there was an increasing trend in ADT intensification for mHSPC over the study period across geographies, use remained suboptimal considering the high proportion of patients who were still receiving ADT monotherapy only. These findings highlight the need for interventions to further optimise current mHSPC therapies with high guideline concordance.
The prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in a historical epilepsy post‐mortem collection
Authors: Ryniejska Maritchka , El‐Hachami Hanaa , Mrzyglod Alicja , Liu Joan , Thom Maria
Published: November 2024

Previous post‐mortem epilepsy series showed phosphorylated tau (pTau) accumulation in relation to traumatic brain injury (TBI) rather than driven by seizure frequency. The Corsellis Epilepsy Collection, established in the mid‐20th century, represents brain samples collected from patients living with a range of epilepsies from the 1880s to 1990s. Our aim was to interrogate this historical archive to explore relationships between epilepsy, trauma and tau pathology. AT8 immunohistochemistry for pTau was carried out in 102 cases (55% male, with mean age at death of 62 years) on frontal, temporal, amygdala, hippocampal and lesional cortical regions and evaluated using current NINDS criteria for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Braak staging with beta‐amyloid, AT8‐GFAP and other pTau markers (CP13, PHF1, AT100, AT180) in selected cases. CTE‐neuropathologic change (CTE‐NC) was identified in 15.7% and was associated with the presence of astroglial tau, a younger age of onset of epilepsy, evidence of TBI and institutionalisation for epilepsy compared to cases without CTE‐NC, but not for seizure type or frequency. Memory impairment was noted in 43% of cases with CTE‐NC, and a significantly younger age of death; more frequent reports of sudden and unexpected death (p <0.05–0.001) were noted in cases with CTE‐NC. In contrast, a higher Braak stage was associated with late‐onset epilepsy and cognitive decline. Of note, 9% of cases showed no pTau, including cases with long epilepsy duration, poor seizure control and a history of prior TBI. In summary, this cohort includes patients with more severe and diverse forms of epilepsy, with CTE‐NC observed more frequently than reported in non‐epilepsy community‐based studies (0%–8%) but lower than published series from contact sports participants (32%–87%). Although the literature does not report increased epilepsy occurring in CTE syndrome, our findings support an increased risk of CTE in epilepsy syndromes, likely primarily related to increased TBI.
Children and young people's access to food, education, play and leisure in times of crisis: An international, integrative review of policy responses, impacts and adaptations during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Andres Lauren , Moawad Paul , Kraftl Peter , Stevens Stuart Denoon , Marais Lochner , Matamanda Abraham , Bizzotto Luciana , Giatti Leandro
Published: November 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to an unprecedented global moment when the core needs of children and young people (rights for education, food, play and leisure) were not adequately addressed, recognised from a policy perspective and to varying extents, ignored. This paper, by bringing scholarship and grey literature together, provides an integrative, international, comprehensive review and analysis of how the pandemic affected children's core needs (and rights) simultaneously. It also reviews and compares adaptations—often local, informal and/or community‐led—that attempted to respond to the shortcomings and negative impacts of more formal policy measures, including lockdowns themselves. By doing so, it engages with the question of resilience and calls for children and young people's needs and voices to be heard in the future, particularly considering future forms of crisis‐preparedness that can better account for children and young people's needs.
Frequent Occurrence of High‐Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma in Xeroderma Pigmentosum: A Histopathological Insight From an Indian Cohort
Authors: Imran Shafaque , Dagar Shivangi , Ahuja Rhea , Swaroop Devesh Kumar Jag , Gupta Somesh , Arava Sudheer , Verma Kaushal K. , Bhari Neetu
Published: November 2024

Background

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a genodermatosis, characterized both by premature aging and significantly increased risk of non‐melanoma and melanoma skin cancers at an early age. However, limited literature is available on the common histopathological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in these patients.

Methods

In this ambispective case series, we recruited patients of XP who had either a currently present skin tumor or previously excised one, provided their histopathological sections were available. Cytogenetic analysis was performed in all the patients. The histopathological findings were recorded by two trained dermatopathologists.

Results

Of 22 recruited patients with XP, 12 patients had 41 BCCs, and 23 (56.09%) of them showed a high‐risk histopathological subtype. Basosquamous carcinoma (10, 24.39%) was the most frequent high‐risk tumor followed by infiltrative variant (7, 17.07%). Mixed‐histopathological subtypes were noted in six (14.63%) cases, and all of them had a high‐risk component. The low‐risk subtypes included nodular (n = 17, 41.46%) and superficial BCC (1, 2.43%). Though a deep dermal involvement was seen in 27 (65.85%) lesions, none showed a perineural invasion or necrosis. Three (7.31%) lesions showed ulceration, while 10 (24.39%) showed presence of pigmentation.

Conclusions

A frequent occurrence of high‐risk basal cell carcinoma was noted in patients with XP‐mandating creation of appropriate treatment and follow‐up strategies in these patients.
Delineating Notch1 and Notch2: Receptor‐Specific Significance and Therapeutic Importance of Pinpoint Targeting Strategies for Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Tamizhmani Priyadharshini , Balamurugan Banumathi , Thirunavukarasu Kishore , Shanmugam Velayuthaprabhu , Subramaniam Selvakumar , Velusamy Thirunavukkarasu
Published: November 2024

Notch1 and Notch2, transmembrane receptors belonging to the Notch family, are pivotal mediators of intercellular communication and have profound implications including cell fate determination, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis in various cellular processes. Despite their structural homology, Notch1 and Notch2 exhibit discrete phenotypic characteristics and functional nuances that necessitate their individualized targeting in specific medical scenarios. Aberrant Notch signaling, often driven by the dysregulated activity of one receptor over the other, is implicated under various pathological conditions. Notch1 dysregulation is frequently associated with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, whereas Notch2 perturbations are linked to B‐cell malignancies and solid tumors, including breast cancer. Hence, tailored therapeutic interventions that selectively inhibit the relevant Notch receptor need to be devised to disrupt the signaling pathways driving the specific disease phenotype. In this review, we emphasize the importance of distinct tissue‐specific expression patterns, functional divergence, disease‐specific considerations, and the necessity to minimize off‐target effects that collectively underscore the significance of “individualized” targeting for Notch1 and Notch2. This comprehensive review sheds light on the receptor‐specific characteristics of Notch1 and Notch2, providing insights into their roles in cellular processes and offering opportunities for developing tailored therapeutic interventions in the fields of biomedical research and clinical practice.
Cannabinoid‐like compounds found in non‐cannabis plants exhibit antiseizure activity in genetic mouse models of drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Yip Ka Lai , Udoh Michael , Sharman Laura A. , Harman Thomas , Bedoya‐Pérez Miguel , Anderson Lyndsey L. , Banister Samuel D. , Arnold Jonathon C.
Published: November 2024

Objective

The cannabinoid cannabidiol has established antiseizure effects in drug‐resistant epilepsies such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Amorfrutin 2, honokiol, and magnolol are structurally similar to cannabinoids (cannabis‐like drugs) but derive from non‐cannabis plants. We aimed to study the antiseizure potential of these compounds in various mouse seizure models. In addition, we aimed to characterize their molecular pharmacology at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and at T‐type calcium channels, which are known targets of the cannabinoids.

Methods

Brain and plasma pharmacokinetic profiles were determined. Antiseizure activity was assessed against hyperthermia‐induced seizures in a Scn1a+/− mouse model of Dravet syndrome. We then elaborated on the most promising compounds in the maximal electroshock (MES) test in mice and the Gabrb3+/D120N mouse model of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Fluorescence‐based assays were used to examine modulatory activity at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and T‐type calcium channel subtypes CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3 overexpressed in mammalian cells. Automated patch‐clamp electrophysiology was then used to confirm inhibitory activity on CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3 channels.

Results

Magnolol and honokiol had high brain‐to‐plasma ratios (3.55 and 7.56, respectively), unlike amorfrutin 2 (0.06). Amorfrutin 2 and magnolol but not honokiol significantly increased the body temperature threshold at which Scn1a+/− mice had a generalized tonic–clonic seizure. Both amorfrutin 2 and magnolol significantly decreased the proportion of mice exhibiting hindlimb extension in the MES test. Furthermore, magnolol reduced the number and duration of atypical absence seizures in Gabrb3+/D120N mice. The three compounds inhibited all T‐type calcium channel subtypes but were without specific activity at cannabinoid receptors.

Significance

We show for the first time that amorfrutin 2 and magnolol display novel antiseizure activity in mouse drug‐resistant epilepsy models. Our results justify future drug discovery campaigns around these structural scaffolds that aim to develop novel antiseizure drugs for intractable epilepsies.
Fatigue Behavior of Al/Steel Dissimilar Friction Stir Welds and the Effect of Die‐Press Forming
Authors: Uematsu Yoshihiko , Miyata Ryousuke , Caiza Paul Dario Toasa
Published: November 2024

6016‐T4 aluminum (Al) alloy plate was butt welded to the cold‐rolled steel plate by a friction stir welding (FSW) technique, and the fatigue properties of Al/steel dissimilar welds were investigated. Some dissimilar welds were die‐press formed to the hat shape, and specimens were sampled from the corners of the hat shape, where severe plastic deformation occurred by the die‐press forming. The die‐press‐formed samples had better tensile strengths and hardness than the as‐welded ones because of the work hardening. It indicates that the die‐press forming is applicable for the Al/steel dissimilar welds. However, large voids were formed around the steel fragments dispersed into Al matrix by die‐press forming. Those voids acted as the fatigue crack nucleation sites, thus reducing the fatigue lives of the die‐press‐formed specimens. When the bottom side of the welds experienced tension plastic deformation, the fatigue strength was the lowest.
An Optimization Procedure to Convert Time‐Domain Complex Loadings to the Frequency Domain for Low‐Cost Fatigue Analysis
Authors: Gonçalves Raphael Paulino , de Lima Cícero Ribeiro
Published: November 2024

The time domain is the most widely chosen alternative in mechanical fatigue tests to completely represent random events. However, the main disadvantages of this approach are the long time required to complete the tests and the high cost of the complex equipment. On the other hand, fatigue test in the frequency domain is a potential alternative to overcome these disadvantages. That is, it requires less sophisticated equipment, because it uses only simple actuators instead of servo actuators. Moreover, the duration of the fatigue test is reduced, because the total length of the event is replaced by constant repetitions and constant damage. The objective of this work is to propose and develop a methodology that uses the results of structural fatigue as a starting point, and through an optimization problem solved by the genetic algorithm, it determines which loads/displacements caused them in the frequency domain. The purpose is to assist future developments in fatigue tests, supplanting tests in the time domain without losing the correlation in results.
Research Situation, Hotspots, and Global Trends in Laser Treatment of Acne Scars: A Bibliometric Analysis of Related Research From 2014 to 2024
Authors: Wen Yang , Cai Yuan , Zhang Lanfang , Li Lin , Wang Jing , Jiang Feng , Sun Nana , Zeng Ni
Published: November 2024

Background

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, commonly resulting in acne scars. Treating acne scars remains a significant challenge in dermatology. With advancements in laser technology, its clinical use for treating acne scars has been increasing annually. However, bibliometric analysis on laser treatment for acne scars is lacking. This study aims to use bibliometrics to comprehensively understand the development trends and research hotspots in laser treatment for acne scars.

Methods

Using “acne scar” and “laser” as search terms, literature on laser treatment of acne scars from 2014 to 2024 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. The literature data were visualized using VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and R software, generating maps of countries, research institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords.

Results

The analysis included 536 articles from 46 countries, with the United States and China leading in publications. Publications focusing on laser treatment of acne scars exhibit a consistent growth trend annually. Key research institutions include Mahidol University in Thailand, Cairo University in Egypt, and Hallym University in South Korea. The “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” had the highest number of articles in this field, while “Dermatologic Surgery” was the most cited publication. These publications involved contributions from 2135 authors, with Professor Manuskiatti Woraphong from Mahidol University in Thailand being the most prolific author in this field. Research on the efficacy of laser treatment for acne scars is a major focus in this field. Among the different types of lasers, CO2 lasers are the most commonly used. Emerging research focuses include therapies such as platelet‐rich plasma, picosecond laser, trichloroacetic acid, and burn scar.

Conclusions

Treatment efficacy is the primary focus of research in the field of laser treatment for acne scars. Platelet‐rich plasma, and novel picosecond lasers, have emerged as hot topics and trends in this research field. However, it is important to note that the impact factors of journals publishing in this field are currently low. Therefore, clinicians must consider and explore strategies for publishing high‐quality clinical research in the future.
Longitudinal assessment of thyroid function in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism: Clinical outcomes and prevalence of autoantibodies
Authors: Sieber‐Ruckstuhl Nadja S. , Riond Barbara , Fracassi Federico , Kuemmerle‐Fraune Claudia , Meunier Solène , Hofmann‐Lehmann Regina , Reusch Claudia E. , Mueller Claudia , Hofer‐Inteeworn Natalie , Boretti Felicitas S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Knowledge about primary hypoadrenocorticism coexisting with immune‐mediated thyroiditis (Schmidt's syndrome) in dogs is limited.

Objective

To evaluate thyroid function in dogs with naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism before and during treatment.

Animals

Sixty‐six client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Measurement of canine thyroid stimulating hormone (cTSH), total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine, and autoantibodies against thyroglobulin, T4, and total triiodothyronine.

Results

Thirty‐eight dogs were assessed before and 28 during treatment. Follow‐up data were available for 24/38 and 17/28 dogs, with median follow‐up duration of 3.8 years (range, <1.0‐8.8 years) and 4 years (range, 1.1 weeks to 10.5 years), respectively. Canine thyroid stimulating hormone was above the reference range at the time of diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism in 10 of 38 dogs but decreased into the reference range in 7 for which follow‐up data was available. Hypothyroidism was confirmed in 5 dogs at a median age of 11 years (range, 7‐15 years). In 4 dogs, the condition was diagnosed after a median treatment duration of 5.75 years (range, 2.6‐10 years), while in 1 dog, the diagnosis was made concurrently. One dog had detectable thyroid autoantibodies.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Hypothyroidism occurs as a rare concurrent condition in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism, potentially at any phase of treatment. Close monitoring of cTSH levels in these dogs could be beneficial, as early changes might indicate the onset of hypothyroidism. The low prevalence of detectable thyroid autoantibodies suggests that nonimmune mechanisms might contribute to thyroid dysfunction.