bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervicovaginal Metabolome and Tumor Characteristics for Endometrial Cancer Detection and Risk Stratification
Authors: Lorentzen Georgia M. , Łaniewski Paweł , Cui Haiyan , Mahnert Nichole D. , Mourad Jamal , Borst Matthew P. , Willmott Lyndsay , Chase Dana M. , Roe Denise J. , Herbst-Kralovetz Melissa M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

Endometrial cancer is highly prevalent and lacking noninvasive diagnostic techniques. Diagnosis depends on histological investigation of biopsy samples. Serum biomarkers for endometrial cancer have lacked sensitivity and specificity. The objective of this study was to investigate the cervicovaginal environment to improve the understanding of metabolic reprogramming related to endometrial cancer and identify potential biomarker candidates for noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tests.

Experimental Design:

Cervicovaginal lavages were collected from 192 participants with endometrial cancer (n = 66) and non-malignant conditions (n = 108), and global untargeted metabolomics was performed. Using the metabolite data (n = 920), we completed a multivariate biomarker discovery analysis.

Results:

We analyzed grade 1/2 endometrioid carcinoma (n = 53) and other endometrial cancer subtypes (n = 13) to identify shared and unique metabolic signatures between the subtypes. When compared to non-malignant conditions, downregulation of proline (P < 0.0001), tryptophan (P < 0.0001), and glutamate (P < 0.0001) was found among both endometrial cancer groups, relating to key hallmarks of cancer including immune suppression and redox balance. Upregulation (q < 0.05) of sphingolipids, fatty acids, and glycerophospholipids was observed in endometrial cancer in a type-specific manner. Furthermore, cervicovaginal metabolites related to tumor characteristics, including tumor size and myometrial invasion.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide insights into understanding the endometrial cancer metabolic landscape and improvement in diagnosis. The metabolic dysregulation described in this article linked specific metabolites and pathophysiological mechanisms including cellular proliferation, energy supply, and invasion of neighboring tissues. Furthermore, cervicovaginal metabolite levels related to tumor characteristics, which are used for risk stratification. Overall, development of noninvasive diagnostics can improve both the acceptability and accessibility of diagnosis.
Impinging Flow Mediates Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury through the PKCα/ERK/PPARγ Pathway in vitro
Authors: Xing Zelong , Hao Zheng , Zeng Yanyang , Tan Jiacong , Zhang Zhixiong , Zhao Yeyu , Zhu Huaxin , Li Meihua
Published: April 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying endothelial injury in the context of intracranial aneurysm formation and development, which are associated with vascular endothelial injury caused by hemodynamic abnormalities. Specifically, we focus on the involvement of PKCα, an intracellular signaling transmitter closely linked to vascular diseases, and its role in activating MAPK. Additionally, we investigate the protective effects of PPARγ, a vasculoprotective factor known to attenuate vascular injury by mitigating the inflammatory response in the vessel wall. Methods: The study employs a modified T-chamber to replicate fluid flow conditions at the artery bifurcation, allowing us to assess wall shear stress effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. Through experimental manipulations involving PKCα knockdown and Ca2+ and MAPK inhibitors, we evaluated the phosphorylation status of PKCα, NF-κB, ERK5, ERK1/2, JNK1/2/3, and P38, as well as the expression levels of PPARγ, NF-κB, and MMP2 via Western blot analysis. The cellular localization of phosphorylated NF-κB was determined using immunofluorescence. Results: Our results showed that impinging flow resulted in the activation of PKCα, followed by the phosphorylation of ERK5, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2/3, leading to a decrease in PPARγ expression, an increase in the expression of NF-κB and MMP2, and the induction of apoptotic injury. Inhibition of PKCα activation or knockdown of PKCα using shRNA leads to a suppression of ERK5, ERK1/2, JNK1/2/3, and P38 phosphorylation, an elevation in PPARγ expression, and a reduction in NF-κB and MMP2 expression, alleviated apoptotic injury. Furthermore, we observe that the regulation of PPARγ, NF-κB, and MMP2 expression is influenced by ERK5 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and activation of PPARγ effectively counteracts the elevated expression of NF-κB and MMP2. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the PKCα/ERK/PPARγ pathway plays a crucial role in mediating endothelial injury under conditions of impinging flow, with potential implications for vascular diseases and intracranial aneurysm development.
Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: Meta-Analysis of Reconstructed Time-to-Event Data
Authors: da Fontoura Galvão Gustavo , Verly Gabriel , Bessa Matheus Duque , Galvão Santos Bernardo Lisboa , Valença Pablo , Domingues Flávio Sampaio , Reis da Silva Marcello , Marcondes Jorge
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Cavernomas are vascular lesions with a genetic heritage that can be spotted on the central nervous system. Whenever these lesions are localized in eloquent regions, surgical resection is not recommended. In this type of situation, Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS) could be a feasible option for treating patients. Thus, we aimed to explore the outcomes associated with this procedure. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data based on Kaplan-Meier curves. A thorough search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase databases targeting papers that provided information regarding hemorrhagic outcomes associated with GKSRS through Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: After a systematic search in the specific databases, seven studies were included in this review. Notably, a total of 1,071 patients had 1,104 cavernomas treated by GKSRS. Assessment of short-term and long-term post-procedure outcomes was performed, with the estimated overall events-free rate at 2 years being 89.8% (95% CI: 87.7–91.5), while, at 10 years, the estimated overall events-free rate was 71.3% (95% CI: 67.2–75.1). Conclusion: GKSRS seems to be a good alternative for the control of symptomatic events in early and long-term follow-up, despite the need for further investigation provided by future studies.
Contacto policial y conductas antinormativas en adolescentes de Argentina
Authors: Guibert Micaela , Arbach Karin , Bobbio Antonella , Viano-Tello Consuelo María
Published: April 2024

(analytical)The research analyzed the relationship between antinormative behavior and police contact in adolescents and young people from Córdoba and Tucumán, Argentina. Three groups evaluated at different times were compared: G1 (n= 277, 13 to 19 years), G2 (n= 1077, 13 to 19 years) and G3 (n= 103,18 to 25 years). In each group, the prevalences of police contact were 13 %, 6 % and 37 %, and the prevalences of antisocial behaviors were 74 %, 43 %, and 80 %, respectively. The type of antinormative behavior was significantly associated with police contact in both sexes, and males showed higher prevalences of police contact, regardless of the type of antinormative behavior. The implications of the results for police training and public policies aimed at crime prevention in adolescents are discussed.
Interplay Between Systemic Inflammation, Myocardial Injury, and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From the LiiRA Study
Authors: Weber Brittany , Weisenfeld Dana , Massarotti Elena , Seyok Thany , Cremone Gabrielle , Lam Ethan , Golnik Charlotte , Brownmiller Seth , Liu Feng , Huang Sicong , Todd Derrick J. , Coblyn Jonathan S. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Cai Tianrun , Dahal Kumar , Kohler Minna , Yinh Janeth , Barrett Leanne , Solomon Daniel H. , Plutzky Jorge , Schelbert Heinrich R. , Campisi Roxana , Bolster Marcy B. , Di Carli Marcelo , Liao Katherine P.
Published: April 2024

Background

Coronary microvascular dysfunction as measured by myocardial flow reserve (MFR) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to determine the association between reducing inflammation with MFR and other measures of cardiovascular risk.

Methods and Results

Patients with RA with active disease about to initiate a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor were enrolled (NCT02714881). All subjects underwent a cardiac perfusion positron emission tomography scan to quantify MFR at baseline before tumor necrosis factor inhibitor initiation, and after tumor necrosis factor inhibitor initiation at 24 weeks. MFR <2.5 in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease was defined as coronary microvascular dysfunction. Blood samples at baseline and 24 weeks were measured for inflammatory markers (eg, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hsCRP], interleukin‐1b, and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hs‐cTnT]). The primary outcome was mean MFR before and after tumor necrosis factor inhibitor initiation, with Δhs‐cTnT as the secondary outcome. Secondary and exploratory analyses included the correlation between ΔhsCRP and other inflammatory markers with MFR and hs‐cTnT. We studied 66 subjects, 82% of which were women, mean RA duration 7.4 years. The median atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk was 2.5%; 47% had coronary microvascular dysfunction and 23% had detectable hs‐cTnT. We observed no change in mean MFR before (2.65) and after treatment (2.64,
P
=0.6) or hs‐cTnT. A correlation was observed between a reduction in hsCRP and interleukin‐1b with a reduction in hs‐cTnT.

Conclusions

In this RA cohort with low prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, nearly 50% of subjects had coronary microvascular dysfunction at baseline. A reduction in inflammation was not associated with improved MFR. However, a modest reduction in interleukin‐1b and no other inflammatory pathways was correlated with a reduction in subclinical myocardial injury.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02714881.
Invasive Cardiac Hemodynamics in Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Malik Awais A. , Saraswati Ushasi , Miranda William R. , Covington Megan , Scott Christopher G. , Lee Alex T. , Arruda‐Olson Adelaide , Geske Jeffrey B. , Klarich Kyle W. , Anand Vidhu
Published: April 2024

Background

Symptomatic limitations in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may occur because of diastolic dysfunction with resultant elevated left ventricular filling pressures, cardiac output limitation to exercise, pulmonary hypertension (PH), valvular abnormalities, and/or arrhythmias. In this study, the authors aimed to describe invasive cardiac hemodynamics in a cohort of patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

Patients presenting to a comprehensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy center with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were identified (n=542) and those who underwent invasive hemodynamic catheterization (n=47) were included in the study. Of these, 10 were excluded due to postmyectomy status or incomplete hemodynamic data. The mean age was 56±18 years, 16 (43%) were women, and ejection fraction was preserved (≥50%) in 32 (91%) patients. The most common indication for catheterization was dyspnea (48%) followed by suspected PH (13%), and preheart transplant evaluation (10%). Elevated left ventricular filling pressures at rest or exercise were present in 32 (86%) patients. PH was present in 30 (81%) patients, with 6 (20%) also having right‐sided heart failure. Cardiac index was available in 25 (86%) patients with elevated resting filling pressures. Of these, 19 (76%) had reduced cardiac index and all 6 with right‐sided heart failure had reduced cardiac index. Resting hemodynamics were normal in 8 of 37 (22%) patients, with 5 during exercise; 3 of 5 (60%) patients had exercise‐induced elevation in left ventricular filling pressures.

Conclusions

In patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergoing invasive hemodynamic cardiac catheterization, 86% had elevated left ventricular filling pressures at rest or with exercise, 81% had PH, and 20% of those with PH had concomitant right‐sided heart failure.
Perioperative Risk of Noncardiac Surgery in Patients With Asymptomatic Significant Aortic Stenosis: A 10‐Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Bak Minjung , Lee Seung‐Hwa , Park Sung‐Ji , Park Jungchan , Kim Jihoon , Kim Darae , Kim Eun Kyoung , Chang Sung‐A , Lee Sang‐Chol , Park Seung Woo
Published: April 2024

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a representative geriatric disease, and there is an anticipated rise in the number of patients requiring noncardiac surgeries in patients with AS. However, there is still a lack of research on the primary predictors of noncardiac perioperative complications in patients with asymptomatic significant AS.

Methods and Results

Among the cohort of noncardiac surgeries under general anesthesia, with an intermediate to high risk of surgery from 2011 to 2019, at Samsung Medical Center, 221 patients were identified to have asymptomatic significant AS. First, to examine the impact of significant AS on perioperative adverse events, the occurrences of major adverse cardiovascular events and perioperative adverse cardiovascular events were compared between patients with asymptomatic significant AS and the control group. Second, to identify the factors influencing the perioperative adverse events in patients with asymptomatic significant AS, a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used. There was no significant difference between the control group and the asymptomatic significant AS group in the event rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (4.6% at control group versus 5.5% at asymptomatic significant AS group;
P
=0.608) and perioperative adverse cardiovascular events (13.8% at control group versus 18.3% at asymptomatic significant AS group;
P
=0.130). Cardiac damage stage was a significant risk factor of major adverse cardiovascular events and perioperative adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in major postoperative cardiovascular events between patients with asymptomatic significant AS and the control group. Advanced cardiac damage stage in significant AS is an important factor in perioperative risk of noncardiac surgery.
Screening of probiotic strains to improve visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome by using in vitro and in vivo approaches
Authors: Torres-Maravilla E. , Carvalho F.A. , Holowacz S. , Delannoy J. , Lenoir L. , Jacouton E. , Barbut F. , Langella P. , Bermúdez-Humarán L.G. , Waligora-Dupriet A.-J.
Published: April 2024

Oral administration of probiotics has been proposed as a promising biotherapy to prevent and treat different diseases related to gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Due to the increasing research area on the characterisation of new probiotic bacterial strains, it is necessary to perform suitable in vitro experiments, using pertinent cellular models, in order to establish appropriate readout profiles based on IBS symptoms and subtypes. In this work, a collection of 30 candidate strains, belonging mainly to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, were screened using three different sets of in vitro experiments with different readouts to identify promising probiotic strains with: (1) the ability to inhibit the synthesis of IL-8 production by TNF-α stimulated HT-29 cells, (2) immunomodulatory properties quantified as increased IL-10 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs), and (3) the ability to maintain epithelial barrier integrity by increasing the trans-epithelial/endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values in Caco-2 cells. Based on these criteria, three strains were selected: Lactobacillus gasseri PI41, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus PI48 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis PI50, and tested in a murine model of low-grade inflammation induced by dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS), which mimics some of the symptoms of IBS. Among the three strains, L. gasseri PI41 improved overall host well-being by preventing body weight loss in DNBS-treated mice and restored gut homeostasis by normalising the intestinal permeability and reducing pro-inflammatory markers. Therefore, the potential of this strain was confirmed in a second murine model known to reproduce IBS symptoms: the neonatal maternal separation (NMS) model. The PI41 strain was effective in preventing intestinal permeability and reducing colonic hypersensitivity. In conclusion, the set of in vitro experiments combined with in vivo assessments allowed us to identify a promising probiotic candidate strain, L. gasseri PI41, in the context of IBS.
The Legal Definition of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Chiappini Daniele
Published: April 2024

In the last five years, several issues related to the development of artificial intelligence have been tackled by various countries and international organisations and the legal definition is one of them. Fundamentally to understand what Artificial Intelligence is, and when to apply the related rules, the definition issue is addressed in this essay considering various documents adopted by several countries and international organizations, such as the European Union, United Kingdom, United States of America, China and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (oecd). Moreover, the paper also considers the intended meaning of “trustworthy ai” in considered countries and supranational organizations and eventually, aims to give a comprehensive definition of Artificial Intelligence starting from what is exposed and trying to merge the considered solutions.
Defatted black soldier fly larvae meal in lactating sow and pre-weaning piglet diets: impacts on growth performance, fecal microbiota, and metabolic pathways
Authors: Zhao J. , Sato M. , Takao N. , Ban T. , Tamamaki K. , Kagami M. , Yano K. , Kawasaki K.
Published: April 2024

To address the underexplored use of black soldier fly larval (BSFL) meal in pig farming for sustainable development, this study examined the effects of substituting conventional protein with defatted BSFL meal in the pre-weaning diet of piglets farrowed from sows fed defatted BSFL diets (0%, 2.3%, and 4.6%). Fifty-four piglets (18 piglets in each treatment) were housed with sows until 28 days of age and fed a pre-weaning diet containing 0%, 12.5%, or 25% defatted BSFL meal based on their respective sows’ dietary treatments (0%, 2.3%, and 4.6% defatted BSFL diets) from 21 to 35 days of age. The growth performances and fecal microbiota of piglets were investigated. The results showed that sow diets and defatted BSFL meal-incorporated pre-weaning diets did not have a significant effect on the growth performance of piglets (). However, piglet growth tended to decrease with increasing defatted BSFL meals in the pre-weaning diets. Additionally, piglets nursed by sows fed defatted BSFL diets showed higher fecal short-chain fatty acid and lower ammonia levels at 21 days of age than those nursed by sows fed a control diet (). Furthermore, defatted BSFL meal-incorporated pre-starter diets decreased fecal amino acids and modified the gut microbial metabolic pathways associated with stress response. These findings suggest that the appropriate inclusion of defatted BSFL meal in the diets of lactating sows and piglets did not adversely affect the growth performance of piglets and may potentially improve the health of piglets at weaning; however, attention should be paid to the chitin content in BSFL diets, which may affect nutrient digestibility. Incorporating 2.3% defatted BSFL to sow and 12.5% to pre-weaning piglet diets may serve as a feeding strategy in pig farming. The results obtained will aid the application of BSFL meal in the swine industry and the study of its dietary effect on weaning stress in piglets.
Enhanced MNB Method for SPAM E-mail/SMS Text Detection Using TF-IDF Vectorizer
Authors: Dasgupta Anoushka , Mehr Shideh
Published: April 2024

Spam, whether in the form of SMS or email, poses significant threats by compromising user privacy and potentially leading to unauthorized access to personal data. In the era of smartphones, where users store sensitive information, the risk of cyber-attack through spam messages is heightened. This research addresses the pressing issue of spam SMS and email detection using a dataset comprising 5574 messages from reputable sources. The collection includes contributions from the National University of Singapore SMS Corpus, Grumble text Website, Caroline Tag’s PhD Theses, and SMS Spam Corpus v.0.1 Big. With a meticulous approach encompassing data cleaning, balancing, preprocessing, and exploratory data analysis, the research employs the TF-IDF (Term Frequency and Inverse Document Frequency) vectorizer to enhance the model’s ability to capture the importance of individual words. This foundational work sets the stage for evaluating various machine learning models, including Support Vector Machine, Multinomial Naïve Bayes, Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Random Forest, AdaBoost, K-Nearest Neighbors, XGBoost, Gradient Boost Classifier, Bagging Classifier, and Extra Tree Classifier. Notably, the Multinomial Naïve Bayes model emerges as a standout performer with 100% accuracy and 97% precision in phishing detection. The research introduces an intuitive user interface, facilitating real-time interactivity for model assessment and offering valuable insights for cybersecurity applications. The study contributes to the advancement of robust cybersecurity systems, emphasizing precision and accuracy in spam SMS and email text detection.
Risk Factors for Skin Flap and Nipple-Areolar Necrosis in Patients Undergoing Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy With Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Ray Hannah R. , Doren Erin L. , Adamson Karri , Kong Amanda L. , Cortina Chandler S.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction is a surgical option for select patients with or at risk of breast cancer. However, post-operative skin flap and nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis remain common complications. This study aimed to identify factors associated with necrosis in patients undergoing NSM with DIEP reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed from 2015 to 2023. 74 variables were analyzed in patients undergoing NSM with DIEP. Patients were stratified into 3 groups based on post-operative skin/NAC necrosis: none, partial thickness, and full thickness. Comparative and descriptive statistics were performed via t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-squared tests.

Results

34 women with 31 breast cancers met inclusion. 44% experienced necrosis: 15% partial thickness and 29% full thickness. The majority were white (85.3%) with mean age of 50 years (SD = 9.11). In patients with immediate DIEP reconstruction, hypoperfused areas identified by SPY angiography increased risk of necrosis ( P = .012). Approximately 50% of both partial thickness and full thickness necrosis patients had concerns on SPY angiography. Former smokers in the full thickness necrosis group had more pack years than those without necrosis (9 vs .65 pack years, P = .035).

Conclusion

In patients receiving NSM with DIEP flap reconstruction, those with hypoperfusion on SPY angiography and longer smoking history had higher necrosis rates. This supports the continued used of SPY angiography and the role of pre-operative counseling in former smokers with increased pack years on their risk of necrosis and the role of preventative measures in the perioperative setting.
Assessing ChatGPT’s Responses to Otolaryngology Patient Questions
Authors: Carnino Jonathan M. , Pellegrini William R. , Willis Megan , Cohen Michael B. , Paz-Lansberg Marianella , Davis Elizabeth M. , Grillone Gregory A. , Levi Jessica R.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate ChatGPT’s performance in addressing real-world otolaryngology patient questions, focusing on accuracy, comprehensiveness, and patient safety, to assess its suitability for integration into healthcare.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted using patient questions from the public online forum Reddit’s r/AskDocs, where medical advice is sought from healthcare professionals. Patient questions were input into ChatGPT (GPT-3.5), and responses were reviewed by 5 board-certified otolaryngologists. The evaluation criteria included difficulty, accuracy, comprehensiveness, and bedside manner/empathy. Statistical analysis explored the relationship between patient question characteristics and ChatGPT response scores. Potentially dangerous responses were also identified.

Results:

Patient questions averaged 224.93 words, while ChatGPT responses were longer at 414.93 words. The accuracy scores for ChatGPT responses were 3.76/5, comprehensiveness scores were 3.59/5, and bedside manner/empathy scores were 4.28/5. Longer patient questions did not correlate with higher response ratings. However, longer ChatGPT responses scored higher in bedside manner/empathy. Higher question difficulty correlated with lower comprehensiveness. Five responses were flagged as potentially dangerous.

Conclusion:

While ChatGPT exhibits promise in addressing otolaryngology patient questions, this study demonstrates its limitations, particularly in accuracy and comprehensiveness. The identification of potentially dangerous responses underscores the need for a cautious approach to AI in medical advice. Responsible integration of AI into healthcare necessitates thorough assessments of model performance and ethical considerations for patient safety.
PRINT® Survey as an Opportunity-Reduction Supervision Tool: Outcomes for Justice-Involved Individuals on Supervised Release
Authors: Alarid Leanne F. , Jones Mark
Published: April 2024

Using an environmental corrections and opportunity-reduction framework, this study examined whether offender relapse, new crimes and revocation outcomes would improve if supervision officers utilized personality instrument results during individual meetings. Adult male and female offenders on federal supervised release (245 in the treatment group and 271 in the comparison group) were tracked for a minimum of 2 years. Revocation rates for the treatment/PRINT group were significantly lower than the comparison group. Results suggested that opportunity reduction strategies from the PRINT instrument may have contributed to lower revocation rates. However, the techniques learned may not have been strong enough to offset the strong habitual and reactionary pull of relapse, or complications caused by involvement in a new crime.
Enhancing adherence to recommended food practices in Norwegian kindergartens: The role of knowledge and application of national guidelines for food and meals
Authors: Fjæra Kristin E , Lekhal Ratib , Helseth Sølvi , Småstuen Hagen Milada , Lekhal Samira
Published: April 2024

Aim:

This study sought to investigate the relationship between knowledge and the practical application (including grocery lists, meal plans and food-related pedagogical plans) of Norwegian national guidelines for food and meals in kindergartens, together with the quality of food served in adherence to these guidelines. The study also examined the frequency of daily meals provided and the quality of food served. Moreover, it explored whether pedagogical staff’s knowledge of these guidelines was linked to their practical application.

Method:

Data were collected from 324 kindergarten staff members by means of a web-based questionnaire distributed to both public and private kindergartens in Norway between 2018 and 2020. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were employed to explore associations between pedagogical staff knowledge of the content of national guidelines and food quality in line with national guidelines.

Results:

Of the 324 participating kindergartens, two-thirds were private providers and one-third were public. A total of 155 kindergartens were in eastern Norway, 41 in mid-Norway, 50 in the west, 48 in the south and 26 in northern Norway. The study found that pedagogical staff’s knowledge and the use of national guidelines were positively associated with better food quality and adherence to guidelines for food and meals in kindergartens. In addition, the frequency of daily meals provided by kindergartens was associated with food quality.

Conclusions:

An association was found between pedagogical staff’s knowledge and application of national guidelines for food and meals, and the quality of food served in adherence to these guidelines. In addition, a correlation was observed between the frequency of meals provided by a kindergarten and food quality. These findings suggest that stressing the development of a better understanding of the content of national guidelines for food and meals could potentially enhance food and meal practices in kindergartens, but further research to explore this possibility is warranted.
When Antimicrobial Treatment and Surgical Prophylaxis Collide: A Stewardship Opportunity
Authors: Fiallo Priscila , Williams Timothy , Bush Larry M.
Published: April 2024

Background: In 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Surgical Infection Prevention (SIP) project for the purposes of developing and standardizing quality improvement measures known to reduce the rates of post-operative surgical site infections (SSIs). Four years later the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP), an expansion of SIP, was published in governmental Specifications Manual for National Inpatient Quality Measures and provided several additional initiatives applicable to the perioperative period. Central to both projects are the assurance of the timeliness, selection, and duration of peri-operative surgical prophylactic antibiotics. In support of this objective, various medical associations, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), have developed the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery. To ensure compliance with quality measures, hospitals are required to report data to the Physicians Quality Reporting System, which is then reviewed by CMS for reimbursement purposes and to measure hospital performance. To maintain optimal standards of care and satisfy all core measures, it is expected that patients undergoing most categories of surgical procedures receive prophylactic antibiotics. We recognized that patients already being administered antimicrobial therapy as treatment for the condition requiring the surgery not uncommonly also were prescribed unwarranted and redundant pre-operative antibiotics. Our study was meant to quantify such antibiotic redundancy, which only risks the development of antimicrobial resistance and adverse events, to bolster our and other hospitals antimicrobial stewardship programs. Methods: A retrospective analysis of computerized hospital records over a one-month period of time (November 2022) was conducted focusing on hospital admissions that involved surgical operative procedures. Only those patients who had received a pre-operative surgical prophylactic antibiotic were included in the analysis. Results: Of the 92 surgeries that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 38 (41.3%) were performed on patients who were already receiving therapeutic antibiotics for more than 24 hours targeted to treat the infection for which they were undergoing surgery. These included laparoscopic cholecystectomy (24), appendectomy (12), wound debridement (12), and soft tissue incision and drainage procedures (9), comprising nearly 50% of each type of these operations performed during the study time period. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate a clear opportunity to strengthen both our, and presumably other, hospitals antimicrobial stewardship programs. Together with physician education, granting the pharmacy the ability to cancel unnecessary and redundant surgical prophylactic antibiotics would conceivably be of great benefit.
Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura Following COVID-19 Vaccination (ChAdOx1 –nCov-19): A Case Report With OneYear Follow-Up
Authors: Mathew Merrin , Theempalangad Rovin M. , Sebastian Juny , Ravi M.D.
Published: April 2024

Background: Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) is a hematological disorder, where its primary cause is unknown. This can be triggered through any secondary underlying diseases or other environmental agents such as drugs, vaccination, natural viral infections etc. After the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, a 4-fold increase in ITP cases was observed globally. Many of the COVID-19 vaccines such as m-RNA and viral-vector vaccines already demonstrated a cause-effect relationship between the event of ITP and immunization. Case presentation: A 54 year old diabetic patient presented to the hospital with complaints of gum bleeding and fatigue. He was diagnosed with severe ITP following COVID-19 vaccination with a platelet count of 5000 cumm. Initially his condition was considered as idiopathic and the COVID-19 vaccine exposure (13 days prior to the clinical presentation) was not suspected. Later the immunization timeline and onset of the reaction was traced by his hematologist. The patient underwent multiple platelet transfusions and was given corticosteroid therapy. The patient was followed for a period of 1 year and throughout the follow-up period the patient had fluctuating platelets count, especially after tapering steroids. Conclusion: ITP in this case is found to have a consistent causal association to COVID-19 vaccination as per the World Health Organization Causality assessment algorithm and is categorized under vaccine product related reactions. One year follow-up conducted showed that the thrombocytopenia following COVID-19 vaccine may be prolonged.
Examining the Measurement Invariance and Psychometrics of the Drug Abuse Screening Test for Adolescents (DAST-A) in Justice-Involved Youth
Authors: Mogadam Alexandra , Skilling Tracey A. , Peterson-Badali Michele , Hannah Liam
Published: April 2024

Substance abuse is a serious mental health concern and reoffense risk factor for justice-involved youth. The Drug Abuse Screening Test for Adolescents (DAST-A) is used to assess drug abuse in different contexts, yet its psychometric properties have not yet been thoroughly explored in youth justice samples. We examined the measurement invariance and psychometrics of the DAST-A in a diverse sample of 741 justice-involved youth ( Nyoung men = 636). The tool showed strong reliability in the overall sample and subgroups (ω = .88–.94), and good convergent and concurrent validity. Logistic regression results indicated that, with each unit increase in DAST-A score, the odds of an substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis increased by 23% (overall sample). The predictive validity findings were more robust for White youth than Black youth and as a result, a different cut-off score was explored for Black youth. The DAST-A demonstrated measurement invariance across gender and race. Practice implications are discussed.
Economic, social and psychological drivers of labor trafficking and its impacts: A case study on returned Bangladeshi survivors
Authors: Khan Ahmed Abidur Razzaque , Stevens Garry J. , Georgeou Nichole , Bolton Dianne , Landells Terry
Published: April 2024

Irregular maritime migration from Bangladesh to Malaysia presents serious risks for Bangladeshi laborers who seek work overseas to change their precarious living conditions. Survivors’ voices are often unheard and their motivation and experiences are largely undocumented. This study details the accounts of 25 survivors of labor trafficking, all men, from three major trafficking hubs in Bangladesh. Interviews with selected stakeholders provide insights into this industry and its business model. The study seeks to understand how and why decisions to undertake the journey were made. It details the multi-faceted consequences for survivors, including loss of key assets (e.g., land, livestock, cash and future work opportunities). Most of the survivors never reached their planned destination and only two persons secured work for more than six months. As a direct result of migration, most moved from living marginally below the poverty line at pre-departure to extreme poverty. Migration, precarity and motivation theories help explain the perspectives and migration decisions of the research participants. These insights can inform policymakers to develop more holistic prevention, prosecution and reintegration measures.
Epidermoid Cyst of the Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chau Ivy Yenwen , Chou Jiann-Shang , Hsueh Chih-Jen
Published: April 2024

Epidermoid cysts are rare benign lesions that can derive from abnormally situated ectodermal tissue during embryological development or from implanted epithelium after trauma or surgery. In the oral and maxillofacial regions, epidermoid cysts usually develop in the floor of the mouth and rarely in other sites. We describe a rare case of an epidermoid cyst arising in the right maxillary sinus. A 29-year-old man with a known diagnosis of Marfan syndrome presented with progressive swelling and tenderness in the right buccal region, mimicking facial cellulitis, and refractory to medical treatment. Computed tomography scan showed a cystic lesion extending widely into the right maxillary sinus. The cyst was successfully removed with a medial maxillectomy through inferior antrostomy approach under general anesthesia. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst, showing a cystic wall lined with a thin layer of keratinizing squamous epithelium and fibroma connective tissue infiltrated with inflammatory cells, with no skin appendages. There has been no evidence of recurrence during the 4 year follow-up. We also conduct a review of the English literature for the reported cases of maxillary epidermoid cyst.
Navigating Place: Extending perspectives on place in organization studies
Authors: Dacin M. Tina , Zilber Tammar B. , Cartel Mélodie , Kibler Ewald
Published: April 2024

We draw upon the metaphor of navigation to rethink how we think about place. We highlight three extensions that dominate current place-sensitive organizational research. We draw upon a set of six important papers published in Organization Studies that showcase the diversity, multiplicity and multidimensionality of place. The studies we select highlight three important movements in the study of place – from stable to dynamic, from physical to polymorphic, and from neutral to political. In doing so, they serve as a compass to guide our thinking and research on how place is created, negotiated and experienced.
‘We’ve got this policy, now what?’ The security politics of implementing the Family Protection Law in Jordan
Authors: Forester Summer
Published: April 2024

In this article, I bring together scholarship from feminist international relations and comparative gender politics to investigate how and why Jordan has implemented its policy addressing domestic violence, the 2008 Family Protection Law. Through a qualitative case study, I find that implementation is partial. Aspects of the policy that elevate Jordan’s status in the international arena and sustain domestic male privilege are implemented. Attempts at implementing aspects of the policy that grant greater autonomy to women are met with intense opposition, which is justified on the basis of preserving state stability. Taken together, this article demonstrates how international pressure and national security (i.e., state-centric) practices combine with domestic conservatism to produce unintended consequences: ineffective violence against women policies that are minimally implemented. The analysis adds nuance to both the feminist international relations and comparative gender politics literatures by demonstrating how domestic gender policymaking processes are influenced by national and international security politics.
Wrestling With the Academy: Future Directions for the Cultural Politics of Sport
Authors: Wallace Brandon T. , Nowosatka Lauren , Drafts-Johnson Lilah , Weber Emilio , Yang Junbin
Published: April 2024

Synthesizing and responding to the arguments made throughout this special issue, we share our perspectives as early-career researchers on how to revive the study of the cultural politics of sport. First, we argue that the malaise of cultural politics work should be attributed to academic and disciplinary structures that have disincentivized a contextual and political study of sport. Second, we suggest that supporting and highlighting studies about nonelite, noncommercialized sporting practices can assist in unveiling the hidden politics that shape our sporting experiences and everyday routines. Third, we propose that transforming the academic structures that have discouraged a study of cultural politics will require scholars to do the unglamorous political work of organizing in their workplaces, institutions, and local communities.
Energy expenditure and physiological markers during a city mountain hike in the heat: A case study
Authors: Wardenaar Floris C. , Hoogervorst Daan , Ainsworth Barbara E.
Published: April 2024

Background: Energy expenditure may be difficult to assess when hiking difficult trails. Case presentation: We measured physical activity exercise energy expenditure (PAEE) directly from oxygen uptake using a mobile device (cardiopulmonary exercise testing, CPET), and by using a formula based on heart rate (HR), or metabolic equivalent values from the Compendium of Physical Activity, and other physiological outcomes. Outcomes and implications: Total PAEE (1342 kcal) using CPET showed a two-fold difference between ascending and descending (887 vs. 455 kcal) during a 124-min hike. For HR, PAEE was 1893kcal (+551 kcal overreporting), while compendium-based scenarios ranged from 1179 to 1446 kcal, which was in closer range (−163 to +104 kcal/min) compared to the CPET data. Fluid consumption was 1300 mL/hour, with 1.1% bodyweight loss, peak skin temperature of 35.2°C and core body temperature of 39.2°C. Recommendations: Tables reasonably predict energy expenditure while not precisely reflecting the actual situation.
Improved tricuspid regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement is associated with better survival: Systematic review and meta-analysis with reconstructed time-to-event data
Authors: Naito Noritsugu , Takagi Hisato
Published: April 2024

Background

This meta-analysis compared survival outcomes among patients experiencing improvement in untreated significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis, in contrast to those without improvement.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through January 2024. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Employing network meta-analysis, a comparison involving four post-procedural TR categories (improved, no improvement, worsened, and no change) was executed. Subsequently, these categories were amalgamated into two groups (less TR after TAVR and same or greater TR after TAVR), and a standard meta-analysis was conducted. Kaplan-Meier curves depicting long-term all-cause mortality were reconstructed utilizing individual patient data derived from the studies.

Results

A systematic review identified seven non-randomized studies encapsulating 698 patients. Network meta-analysis revealed that improved TR after TAVR correlated with significantly lower long-term all-cause mortality compared to the remaining cohorts. Similarly, pooled all-cause mortality of standard meta-analysis demonstrated significant reduction in patients whose TR was sub-baseline than those exhibiting same or greater TR after TAVR (HR [95% CI] = 0.43 [0.32-0.58], p < .01). The hazard ratio, derived from reconstructed time-to-event data, showed a lower long-term all-cause mortality in patients with less TR after TAVR relative to the other cohort (HR [95% CI] = 0.46 [0.32-0.67], p < .01).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis revealed that improved TR after TAVR correlates with superior long-term survival. The benefits of simultaneous or staged intervention on the tricuspid valve in individuals undergoing TAVR warrant validation in future investigations.
Percutaneous tendon dry needling and thrust manipulation as an adjunct to multimodal physical therapy in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dunning James , Mourad Firas , Bliton Paul , Charlebois Casey , Gorby Patrick , Zacharko Noah , Layson Brus , Maselli Filippo , Young Ian , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César
Published: April 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of adding electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation into a multimodal program of exercise, mobilization, and ultrasound in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Design

Randomized, single-blinded, multicenter, parallel-group trial.

Setting

Thirteen outpatient physical therapy clinics in nine different US states.

Participants

One hundred and forty-three participants (n = 143) with lateral elbow tendinopathy were randomized.

Intervention

Cervical spine manipulation, extremity manipulation, and percutaneous tendon electrical dry needling plus multimodal physical therapy (n = 73) or multimodal physical therapy (n = 70) alone.

Main measures

The primary outcome was elbow pain intensity and disability as measured by the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months. Secondary outcomes included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Tennis Elbow Functional Scale, Global Rating of Change, and medication intake.

Results

The 2 × 4 analysis of covariance demonstrated that individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy receiving electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation plus multimodal physical therapy experienced significantly greater improvements in disability (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation: F = 19.675; P < 0.001), elbow pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale: F = 22.769; P < 0.001), and function (Tennis Elbow Function Scale: F = 13.269; P < 0.001) than those receiving multimodal physical therapy alone at 3 months. The between-group effect size was large for pain and disability (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation: standardized mean difference = 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.78, 1.48) in favor of the electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation group.

Conclusions

The inclusion of percutaneous tendon electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation into a multimodal program of exercise, mobilization and ultrasound was more effective than multimodal physical therapy alone in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03167710 May 30, 2017.