bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed primary flexor tendon repair in zone II injuries: results of using WALANT and controlled true active motion
Authors: Emir Zeynep , Güngör Sedanur , Çevik Kadir , Ayhan Egemen
Published: January 2025

Early repair of flexor tendon injuries is ideal, but delays are common. We studied the outcomes of flexor tendon repairs delayed from 5 days to 6 months and carried out under wide-awake local anaesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT). Twenty-four patients (29 fingers) who underwent primary flexor tendon repair on zone II using a four- to six-strand core suture technique, followed by controlled early active motion therapy. Clinical assessments, including total active motion (TAM) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, were made 6, 8 and 12 weeks after operation. All outcomes improved significantly over time. At the final assessment, 93% of fingers showed excellent TAM outcomes. Extension deficit was between 5° and 20° in eight of 26 fingers. The results of this study suggest that delayed primary flexor tendon repair under WALANT can achieve excellent functional outcomes, although longer follow-up is needed for extension deficit recovery.

Level of evidence: IV
Myxomatous degeneration of aortic valve causing severe aortic regurgitation. A rare case report
Authors: Kodakkandla Rakesh Kumar , Sarraju Venkata Sreedatta , Ayalasomayajula Nagesh
Published: January 2025

Myxomatous degeneration of a valve is a non-inflammatory degenerative process due to the disruption of the fibrous layer of the valve with mucopolysaccharide accumulation. It is mostly seen in the mitral valve but involvement in only aortic valve is rare. Here we present a case report of a 37-year-old man who came with shortness of breath for the past three months and was diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation due to myxomatous aortic valve causing rupture of the non-coronary and right coronary cusp. After preoperative workup, he was taken for aortic valve replacement surgery. Intraoperative findings confirmed the rupture of right and non-coronary cusps from their annular attachment and the myxomatous nature of the aortic valve. Histopathological examination confirmed the myxomatous changes in the valve. The patient underwent aortic valve replacement with a 23 mm TTK Chitra valve and on follow-up, he is doing well. Although aortic valve regurgitation is a common disease, myxomatous degeneration of isolated aortic valve leading to aortic regurgitation is rare. This patient did not have any signs of connective tissue disorders like Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos, etc., but presented with myxomatous aortic valve throwing an insight into further research into this rare disease.
Temporal Dynamics Between Depression and Anxiety Symptoms During Internet-Based Therapy and in the General Population
Authors: Tammilehto Jaakko , Saarni Suoma E. , Stenberg Jan-Henry , Ritola Ville , Joffe Grigori , Jokela Markus , H. Rosenström Tom
Published: January 2025

Symptoms of depression and anxiety frequently co-occur, but traditional discrete-time models fail to capture their causal interactions. To explore the dynamic relationship between these symptoms, we applied two advanced methodologies—non-Gaussian direction of dependence analyses and continuous-time structural equation modeling—across two therapist-guided internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) samples and two general-population cohorts ( N = 22,530). Our findings revealed that in iCBT, neither depression nor anxiety exhibited causal dominance; instead, changes were driven by shared transdiagnostic processes. In the general population, depression showed unidirectional causal dominance over anxiety; stable symptom levels were sustained by shared time-invariant factors over multiple years. Overall, this large-scale study suggests that the interplay between depression and anxiety is primarily driven by shared transdiagnostic processes alongside the causal primacy of depression. These insights underscore the importance of non-Gaussian and continuous-time modeling in understanding mental-health comorbidities and advocate for transdiagnostic practices in treating both depression and anxiety.
Pain and Functional Outcome After Microsurgical Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Very Short- and Long-Term Postoperative Analysis
Authors: Graebsch Carolin , Buser Zorica , Leroy Sophie , Wang Jeffrey C. , Yoon Tim , Bone Stefan , Meisel Hans Jörg , Schenk Philipp ,   AO Spine Knowledge Forum Degenerative
Published: January 2025

Study Design

Multicenter, prospective observational cohort study.

Objectives

109 patients with lumbar spine stenosis (LSS) undergoing minimally invasive decompression in 6 different centers (Germany, Italy, USA).

Methods

The demographic, surgical and clinical data was collected. Patients were examined preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, at 6 and 12 months after surgery with regard to pain (back and legs) and functional outcomes (ODI, SF-36, EQ5D).

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 67 ± 11 years, with a BMI of 31.8 ± 6.6 kg/m². Most patients (93%) underwent single-level decompression, and postoperative adverse events occurred in 17% of cases. Significant initial reductions in back (6.0 ± 2.8 to 2.4 ± 2.1) and leg pain (6.4 ± 2.1 to 2.1 ± 2.5) were observed ( P < 0.001). However, pain levels increased significantly by the 12-month period, reaching 3.9 ± 2.7 for back pain and 3.9 ± 2.4 for leg pain ( P < 0.001). Functional scores (ODI) improved from 43 ± 18 at baseline to 36 ± 18 post-treatment but showed no further significant change ( P = 0.509) by 12 months. Health status (EQ5D index) improved from 0.53 ± 0.33 to 0.82 ± 0.16 immediately post-treatment but declined to 0.75 ± 0.21 by 12 months ( P = 0.011). SF36 physical scores also showed initial improvement but plateaued at follow-ups. Notably, high BMI and prior spine surgery were associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusion

Although minimally invasive decompression without fusion initially led to a significant improvement in patients with LSS, the results deteriorated significantly over the course of the observation period. Future studies should focus on strategies to ensure sustained improvement in symptoms in patients with lumbar stenosis undergoing decompression procedure.
Evaluating the social-economic recovery impacts of the built environment post- pandemic: A case study of COVID-19
Authors: Ma Shuang , Zhou Xuanyu , Cai Wei , Chen Mo , Li Shuangjin
Published: January 2025

The post-pandemic era presents dual challenges for urban recovery: overcoming its impacts and shaping a new socio-economic pattern. Promoting urban recovery through non-pharmaceutical intervention is crucial. This study examines the impacts of built environment on urban socio-economic recovery in Metropolitan Nagoya in the post-pandemic period. Here we find that the geographical weighted random forest (GWRF) model has a better performance on urban recovery in central districts (kappa value is 67 ± 18%) compared to the peripheral areas in Nagoya, Japan. The balance of jobs and housing pre-pandemic emerges as crucial factor in urban recovery, especially in the low recovery level area. Moreover, accessibility to secondary roads notably promotes urban recovery in central area, while this factor also introduces the risk of lower recovery levels. By integrating nonlinear and spatial methodology, this study offers policymakers crucial insights into how different built environment can impact urban socio-economic recovery and environmental sustainability as the pandemic becoming frequently.
MRD-guided zanubrutinib, venetoclax and obinutuzumab in relapsed CLL: primary endpoint analysis from the CLL2-BZAG trial
Authors: Fürstenau Moritz , Robrecht Sandra , Schneider Christof , Tausch Eugen , Giza Adam , Ritgen Matthias , Bittenbring Jörg T , Hebart Holger , Schöttker Björn , Illert Anna Lena Lena , Graeven Ullrich , Stoltefuss Andrea , Heinrich Bernhard , Eckert Robert , Fink Anna-Maria , Stumpf Janina , Fischer Kirsten , Al-Sawaf Othman , Simon Florian , Kleinert Fanni , Weiss Jonathan , Kreuzer Karl-Anton , Schilhabel Anke , Brüggemann Monika , Langerbeins Petra , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Eichhorst Barbara , Hallek Michael J , Cramer Paula
Published: January 2025

The phase 2 CLL2-BZAG trial tested a measurable residual disease (MRD)-guided combination treatment of zanubrutinib, venetoclax and obinutuzumab after an optional bendamustine debulking in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL. In total, 42 patients were enrolled and two patients with ≤2 induction cycles were excluded from the analysis population per protocol. Patients had a median of one prior therapy (range 1-5), 18 patients (45%) had already received a BTK inhibitor (BTKi), seven patients (17.5%) venetoclax, and of these, five (12.5%) had received both. Fifteen patients (37.5%) had a TP53 mutation/deletion and 31 (77.5%) had unmutated IGHV. With a median observation time of 21.5 months (range 8.0-35.3) the most common adverse events were COVID-19 (n=26 patients), diarrhea (n=15), infusion-related reactions (n=15), thrombocytopenia (n=14), nausea (n=12), fatigue (n=12) and neutropenia (n=12). Two patients had fatal adverse events (COVID-19, fungal pneumonia secondary to COVID-19). After six months of the triple combination all patients responded and 21 (52.5%, 95% confidence interval 36.1%-68.5%) showed uMRD in peripheral blood. In many patients remissions deepened over time with a best uMRD rate of 85%. The best uMRD rate was similar in patients with TP53 aberrations (80%) and patients previously exposed to venetoclax/BTKi (80%). The estimated progression-free and overall survival rates at 18 months were 96% and 96.8%. No patient has yet required a subsequent treatment. In summary, the MRD-guided triple combination of zanubrutinib, venetoclax and obinutuzumab induced deep remissions in a relapsed CLL population enriched for patients previously treated with a BTKi/venetoclax. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04515238
Polymorphisms and dental age in non-syndromic cleft lip and palate: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fonseca-Souza Gabriela , Alves-Souza Lhorrany , de Menezes-Oliveira Maria Angélica Hueb , Daratsianos Nikolaos , Beisel-Memmert Svenja , Kirschneck Christian , Scariot Rafaela , Feltrin-Souza Juliana , Küchler Erika Calvano
Published: January 2025

Background

Children with non-syndromic cleft lip with or without palate (CL ± P) may present alterations in dental development. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare the dental age (DA) between children with and without CL ± P, and whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding growth factors are associated with DA variations.

Methods

Children aged between 5 and 14 years with and without CL ± P were recruited to participate in this study. DA was evaluated by calibrated examiners (kappa > 0.80) using the method proposed by Demirjian et al. (1973). Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells, and SNPs in Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) – rs4444903 and rs2237051, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) – rs2227983 –, Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFB1) – rs1800470 and rs4803455 –, and Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 2 (TGFBR2) – rs3087465 – were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reactions using the TaqMan assay. The Student T-test was used to compare the variations in DA between the phenotypes “with CL ± P” and “without CL ± P”, and the ANOVA two-way test was performed to compare the variations in DA among the genotypes (α = 0.05). A post-hoc analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction.

Results

Two hundred and nine (n = 209) children (100 with CL ± P and 109 without CL ± P) with a mean chronological age of 8.66 years – standard deviation (SD) = 1.92 – were included. The group with CL ± P demonstrated a significantly delayed DA (mean=-0.23; SD = 0.71) compared to the group without CL ± P (mean=-0.01; SD = 0.88) (p = 0.049). Genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The SNP rs4803455 in TGFB1 was significantly associated with DA variations in children without CL ± P (p < 0.01). In the group with CL ± P, no significant differences in DA were observed among the genotypes.

Conclusion

Children with CL ± P presented delayed DA compared with children without CL ± P. The SNP rs4803455 in TGFB1 is associated with variations in DA in children without CL ± P.
Allograft tolerance after adult living donor liver transplantation: a case-control study
Authors: Habl Mohamed S. , Emara Moataz Maher , Zayed Reham A. , Sultan Ahmed M. , Elsabagh Ahmed , Elsaid Ahmed Marwan , Abdel-khalek Ehab E. , El-Saadany Mohamed M. , Wahab Mohamed Abdel , Shehta Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Background

To investigate the incidence and potential predictors of immune tolerance among adult living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients.

Methods

This case-control study included adult recipients who underwent LDLT between May 2004 and January 2018, with at least a 5-year follow-up after LDLT. We divided the study recipients into two groups: Group 1 (Tolerance Group) included recipients who achieved operational or prope tolerance for at least one year; Group 2 (Control Group) included recipients who did not achieve tolerance. We used logistic regression analysis to study the potential predictors of tolerance after LDLT.

Results

We included 368 recipients, 275 (74.7%) in Group 1 and 93 (25.3%) in Group 2. Operational tolerance occurred in 13/275 (4.7%) recipients and prope tolerance in 262/275 (95.3%) recipients. Age was significantly higher in Group 1. The median time for tolerance among the study recipients was 60 months (36–168). During follow-up, Group 1 showed lower serum levels of bilirubin, liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Group 1 had a lower incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR), recurrent viral hepatitis, and biliary complications. Logistic regression identified preoperative MELD, indication for LDLT, ACR, recurrent viral hepatitis, and biliary complications as significant predictors for allograft tolerance after LDLT.

Conclusion

Allograft tolerance occurred in 74.7% of this cohort. We suggest that the MELD score, indication for LT, ACR, recurrent viral hepatitis, and biliary complications are predictors of allograft tolerance after LDLT.
Dermatology education in U.S. ophthalmology residency: a survey of the program directors
Authors: Fan Winnie , Nekoonam Rojina , Ramanathan Saras , Twigg Amanda
Published: January 2025

Background

Many ocular conditions have associated dermatological findings. However, the inclusion of dermatology education in U.S. Ophthalmology residency programs remains limited. This study aims to characterize dermatology education in U.S. ophthalmology residency programs through program directors’ (PDs’) opinions.

Method

The authors designed and electronically distributed a national survey in August 2022 to PDs of 124 ophthalmology residency programs. The survey instruments examined the availability and characteristics of dermatology rotation, the PDs’ perceptions of such rotation, and their perspectives on trainees’ dermatology knowledge. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey responses. Sample t-tests were used to compare responses between PDs from programs with and without dermatology rotation.

Results

49 PDs (39.5%) responded to the survey. Most programs (n = 27 [61.4%]) did not offer dermatology rotations and, of these programs, most (n = 15 [83.3%]) did not consider increasing dermatology exposure important. 57.1% (n = 8) of PDs at residency programs with dermatology rotation considered such education beneficial for their trainees. Most PDs do not consider their residents comfortable with procedures such as laser or cryotherapy, procedures relevant to ocular care.

Conclusion

Dermatology rotations were uncommon among U.S. ophthalmology residencies. Perceptions towards dermatology education varied among PDs, with those from programs with dermatology rotation expressing more favorable opinions.
Associations between inflammation and striatal dopamine D2-receptor availability in aging
Authors: Crine Vanessa , Papenberg Goran , Johansson Jarkko , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Wåhlin Anders , Lindenberger Ulman , Lövdén Martin , Riklund Katrine , Bäckman Lars , Nyberg Lars , Karalija Nina
Published: January 2025

Background

Normal brain aging is associated with dopamine decline, which has been linked to age-related cognitive decline. Factors underlying individual differences in dopamine integrity at older ages remain, however, unclear. Here we aimed at investigating: (i) whether inflammation is associated with levels and 5-year changes of in vivo dopamine D2-receptor (DRD2) availability, (ii) if DRD2-inflammation associations differ between men and women, and (iii) whether inflammation and cerebral small-vessel disease (white-matter lesions) serve as two independent predictors of DRD2 availability.

Methods

Analyses were performed in a sample of healthy adults > 60 years assessed at two measurement occasions separated by 5 years. At both occasions, DRD2 availability was estimated by 11C-raclopride PET, and white-matter lesions by MRI. Inflammation was assessed by two C-reactive protein-associated DNA methylation scores at study baseline.

Results

Individuals with higher DNA methylation scores at baseline showed reduced striatal DRD2 availability. An interaction was found between DNA methylation scores and sex in relation to striatal DRD2 availability, such that associations were found in men but not in women. DNA methylation scores at study entrance were not significantly associated with 5-year striatal DRD2 decline rates. No significant association was found between DNA methylation scores and white-matter lesions, but higher scores as well as higher lesion burden were independently associated with reduced striatal DRD2 availability in men.

Conclusions

These findings suggest negative associations between one proxy of inflammation and DRD2 availability in older adults, selectively for men who had higher DNA methylation scores. Future studies should investigate other inflammatory markers in relation to dopamine integrity.
Comprehensive review of myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery: prevention, intervention, and long-term management strategies
Authors: Mohyeldin Moiud , Norman Sarah J. , Carney Ayzia , Odza Courtney
Published: January 2025

Myocardial Injury after Noncardiac Surgery (MINS) is an increasingly recognized complication that significantly impacts postoperative morbidity and mortality. Characterized by elevated cardiac troponin levels without overt ischemic symptoms, MINS presents a challenge in perioperative care. This review article explores the epidemiology, etiology, and management of MINS, with a particular focus on prevention and the latest management strategies. We discuss the role of aspirin, statins, anticoagulation, and Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) within the context of MINS, drawing on evidence from notable clinical trials as well as observational studies. Despite advancements in understanding and managing MINS, the condition continues to be associated with high mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), underscoring the need for ongoing research and development of more effective management protocols.
Diagnosis and management of superficial arteriovenous malformations: French healthcare network’s recommendations
Authors: Boccara Olivia , Salvan Didier , Laurian Claude , Degrugillier-Chopinet Caroline , Degardin Nathalie , Dillinger Jean-Guillaume , Malloizel-Delaunay Julie , Mouton Stéphane , Munck Stéphane , Maruani Annabel , Bisdorff-Bresson Annouk
Published: January 2025

Superficial arteriovenous malformations are rare fast-flow lesions. They consist of arteriovenous shunts, without cellular hyperplasia or proliferation, which develop in the surrounding tissues (cutaneous, subcutaneous, muscular, bone). Although benign, they are among the most severe of superficial malformations. Their evolution can be life-threatening in exceptional cases. With the aim of optimizing diagnosis and management worldwide, this  protocol offers a state of the art for the diagnosis and management of these diseases. To this end, the French healthcare network specialized in these diseases have drawn on literature data and experience. Developed from the French National Diagnosis and Care Protocol, it presents the patient journeys for initial and differential diagnoses, and personalized therapeutic strategies. This requires a multidisciplinary team, with specialized professionals in handling genetic, treatment and psychosocial issues.
Key performance indicators in emergency department simulation: a scoping review
Authors: Mehrolhassani Mohammad Hossein , Behzadi Anahita , Asadipour Elaheh
Published: January 2025

Background

One way to measure emergency department (ED) performance is using key performance indicators (KPIs). Thus, identifying reliable KPIs can be critical in appraising ED performance. This study aims to introduce and classify the KPIs related to ED in simulations through the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework.

Method

This scoping review was performed in 2024 without any time limitation based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework. The electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, MathSciNet, Google Scholar, and Persian databases such as IranDoc, MagIran, and SID were searched. The winter simulation conference was also investigated through manual searching. Furthermore, the screening process of included studies was based on the PRISMA reporting checklist. The data were analyzed by content analysis deductively and inductively. The extracted KPIs were coded as analysis units and transferred to the MAXQDA2020 software. Then, the KPIs were integrated and organized based on similarity. Moreover, the two authors discussed disagreements to reach a consensus on the final codes. The final KPIs classification was carried out based on the BSC framework to achieve a holistic view. The BSC is a managerial tool for evaluating organizations' performance via different dimensions. It contains four main dimensions: Customer, Financial, Growth and infrastructure, and Internal Processes. In addition, the management (vision, objectives, and strategies) has been positioned at the heart of the framework.

Result

Initially, 4257 articles were retrieved, and 125 articles were included after screening. Finally, 109 KPIs were extracted and classified into five categories. They include input, processing time, cost and revenue, utilization and productivity, and output indicators. Then, each category of KPIs was positioned in the BSC framework dimensions. Additionally, the findings showed that most indicators were related to the time of process indicators.

Conclusions

The study findings have collected a comprehensive set of KPIs to measure ED performance in simulations. These results can assist policymakers, managers, and researchers in measuring ED performance and help improve ED performance through a holistic view.
A child with Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis and celiac disease: accidental association or two different aspects of the same condition?
Authors: Bossi Grazia , Gorone Maria Sole Prevedoni , Lungarotti Luca , Pelillo Francesco , Mascolo Amelia , Naso Matteo , Veraldi Daniele , Olivero Francesca , Chirico Costanza , Marino Maria Vittoria , Dutto Cristina , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare auto-inflammatory disease that mainly affects children, and manifests with single or multiple painful bone lesions. Due to the lack of specific laboratory markers, CNO diagnosis is a matter of exclusion from different conditions, first and foremost bacterial osteomyelitis and malignancies. Whole Body Magnetic Resonance (WBMR) and bone biopsy are the gold standard for the diagnosis. Although the association with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been reported in the literature, cases of CNO in celiac patients have never been described before.

Case presentation

We report about a girl of 3 years and 8 months of age who presented with severe bone pain, slight increase of inflammatory markers, micro-hematuria and high calprotectin values. Her personal medical history was uneventful, apart from low weight growth. She had never complained of abdominal pain or other gastro-intestinal symptoms. WBMR showed the classical features of multifocal CNO, and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Celiac disease (CD) was suspected on the basis of antibody screening, and confirmed by gut biopsy. With gluten-free diet the patient achieved rapid and complete symptom remission together with healing of all the bone lesions proven by WBMR. Three years after the onset of the disease the girl is healthy and totally asymptomatic, still on clinical and radiological follow-up.

Conclusions

Based on our experience, the diagnostic work-up of new cases of CNO should include the screening test for CD and, according to the literature, the possibility of IBD should also be properly ruled out. When CNO and CD coexist, gluten-free diet, combined with antinflammatory therapy, could be able to completely reverse bone lesions, shortening the duration of medical treatment. Because the diseases’ onset is seldom simultaneous, patients with CNO and IBD deserve a properly extended follow-up. Finally, the analysis of the relationship between CNO and autoimmune intestinal diseases provides a unique opportunity to understand the pathophysiological pro-inflammatory network underlying both types of disorders and it is necessary to make the most suitable therapeutic choice.
Safety and validity of extracorporeal fenestration and in situ fenestration in patients with aortic disease involving the left subclavian artery: a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled study
Authors: Jia Xiaojian , Wu Jingjin , Ding Caiyou , Lou Yanbo
Published: January 2025

Background

Thoracic aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch are a great challenge for vascular surgeons. Maintaining the patency of supra-aortic branches while excluding the aortic lesion remains difficult. Thoracic EndoVascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) with fenestrations provides a feasible and effective approach for this type of disease. The main purpose of this trial is to assess the safety and validity of extracorporeal fenestration and in situ fenestration in patients with aortic disease involving the left subclavian artery.

Methods

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled study. A total of 170 eligible patients will be recruited from The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China and randomized on a 1:1 basis either to the group A (extracorporeal fenestration) or the group B (in situ fenestration). The primary outcome will be the all-cause mortality (30 days). The secondary outcomes will include incidence of secondary intervention (30 days, 6 months, 1 year), incidence of endoleak (30 days, 6 months, 1 year), incidence of major adverse events (MAE) (i.e., immediate procedural success and complications) (30 days, 6 months, 1 year), immediate technical success rate, and all-cause mortality (6 months, 1 year).

Discussion

Suppose extracorporeal fenestration non-inferior to in situ fenestration in patients with aortic disease involving the left subclavian artery. This trial aims to demonstrate the safety and validity of extracorporeal fenestration and in situ fenestration in patients with aortic disease involving the left subclavian artery, which is expected to provide a reference for Thoracic EndoVascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) with fenestrations.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06256757. Registered on February 5, 2024. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06256757.
Global research trends in music therapy for surgery: a bibliometric analysis (2009–2023)
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Zhong Zhenglan , Yi Yong
Published: January 2025

Music therapy, known for its profound impact on human emotions and physiology, has gained increasing attention for its applications in medical settings, particularly in surgery. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of publications on the application of music therapy in surgery from 2009 to 2023, utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) as the primary database. A total of 479 publications were analyzed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Microsoft Excel, and online bibliometric tools. Findings indicate a steady increase in annual publications since 2009, peaking in 2021. The USA leads global research efforts with 31.7% of publications, followed by China (17.7%) and Italy (10%). Harvard University was identified as the top contributing institution, while the Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing was the primary publishing journal, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was the highest co-cited journal. Cao Hua contributed the most publications, and Nilsson U was identified as the most co-cited author (n = 131). Keyword analysis highlighted anxiety, therapy, music therapy, and pain as primary research trends. This study provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of music therapy research in surgical contexts. Future efforts should focus on expanding interdisciplinary collaborations, exploring advanced technologies for personalized interventions, and investigating optimal implementation strategies to enhance the integration of music therapy into surgical practice.
A non-conditioned bone marrow transplantation mouse model to study clonal hematopoiesis and myeloid malignancies
Authors: Bentivegna Sofia , Almosailleakh Marwa , Zhao Lin-Pierre , Schuster Mikkel Bruhn , Benquet Sébastien , Balhuizen Alexander , Munch-Petersen Helga Fibiger , Sjö Lene Dissing , Andersen Mads Hald , Dulphy Nicolas , Porse Bo , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: January 2025

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a condition where blood or bone marrow cells carry mutations associated with hematological malignancies. Individuals with CHIP have an increased risk of developing hematological malignancies, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) of cells carrying CHIP mutations into irradiated mice are useful procedures to investigate the dynamics of clonal expansion and potential therapeutic strategies, but myeloablative conditioning can induce confounding effects. We established a non-conditioned BMT model using C57BL/6J-Kit

W-41J
/J (W41) recipient mice to overcome the unwanted effects of irradiation. Conditional Tet2 deletion using tamoxifen was used to obtain Tet2

−/−
cells from donor mice. Total BM Tet2

−/−
cells were transplanted into W41 recipients, and longitudinal and terminal analyses at 10 months post-BMT were performed. We showed that W41 mice can be used for BMT procedures without myeloablative pre-conditioning. The transplantation of Tet2

−/−
BM cells led to a progressive expansion of the donor cells in W41 recipients. By modulating the numbers of Tet2

−/−
cells transplanted, recipient mice developed features of clonal hematopoiesis or myeloid malignancies. In conclusion, our model is an alternative to conventional irradiation-based transplantation models to study mechanisms underlying malignant hematopoiesis without confounding effects derived from pre-conditioning regimen.
Dexmedetomidine alleviates acute kidney injury in a rat model of veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Yu Min , Wei Shilin , Shen Xueyang , Ying Junjie , Mu Dezhi , Wu Xiangyang , Li Yongnan
Published: January 2025

Background

Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an effective technique for life support, the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) during ECMO support remains high. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), which has been widely used for sedation during ECMO, possesses several properties that help reduce the occurrence of AKI. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of DEX on kidney function during ECMO.

Methods

A total of 18 male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham, ECMO, and ECMO + DEX groups. ECMO was established through the right jugular vein for venous drainage and right femoral artery for arterial infusion and lasts for four hours. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate the kidney Paller score for the rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of kidney injury biomarkers and cytokines in the serum. Reagent kits were used to measure the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels, which helped determine kidney function. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate neutrophil infiltration in the kidney.

Results

The pathological Paller score was substantially lower in the ECMO + DEX group. The levels of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were also significantly reduced. The kidney functionality, as indicated by BUN and Cr, was significantly improved compared with the ECMO group. The levels of cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, were also significantly decreased in the ECMO + DEX group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that dexmedetomidine could reduce inflammatory response and alleviate AKI during ECMO support.
Nomogram based on dual-energy computed tomography to predict the response to induction chemotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a two-center study
Authors: Ren Huanhuan , Huang Junhao , Huang Yao , Long Bangyuan , Zhang Mei , Zhang Jing , Li Huarong , Huang Tingting , Liu Daihong , Wang Ying , Zhang Jiuquan
Published: January 2025

Background

Previous studies utilizing dual-energy CT (DECT) for evaluating treatment efficacy in nasopharyngeal cancinoma (NPC) are limited. This study aimed to investigate whether the parameters from DECT can predict the response to induction chemotherapy in NPC patients in two centers.

Methods

This two-center retrospective study included patients diagnosed with NPC who underwent contrast-enhanced DECT between March 2019 and November 2023. The clinical and DECT-derived parameters of tumor lesions were calculated to predict the response. We employed univariate and multivariate analysis to identify significant factors. Subsequently, the clinical, DECT, and clinical-DECT nomogram models were developed using independent predictors in the training cohort and validated in the test cohort. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the models’ performance.

Results

A total of 321 patients were included in the study, predominantly male [247 (76.9%)] with an average age of 52.04 ± 10.87 years. The training cohort (Center 1) comprised 252 patients, while the test cohort (Center 2) comprised 69 patients. Of these, 233 out of 321 patients (72.6%) were responders to induction chemotherapy. The clinical-DECT nomogram showed an AUC of 0.805 (95% CI, 0.688–0.906), outperforming both the DECT model (Extracellular volume fraction [ECVf]) (AUC, 0.706 [95% CI, 0.571–0.825]) and the clinical model (Ki67) (AUC, 0.693 [95% CI, 0.580–0.806]) in the test cohort.

Conclusions

Ki67 and ECVf emerged as independent predictive factors for response to induction chemotherapy in NPC patients. The proposed nomogram, incorporating ECVf, demonstrated accurate prediction of treatment response.
Increased expression of the small lysosomal gene SVIP in the Drosophila gut suppresses pathophysiological features associated with a high-fat diet
Authors: Mercola Brennan M. , Villalobos Tatiana V. , Wood Jocelyn E. , Basu Ankita , Johnson Alyssa E.
Published: January 2025

Lysosomes are digestive organelles that are crucial for nutrient sensing and metabolism. Lysosome impairment is linked to a broad spectrum of metabolic disorders, underscoring their importance to human health. Thus, lysosomes are an attractive target for metabolic disease therapies. In previous work, we discovered a novel class of tubular lysosomes that are morphologically and functionally distinct from traditionally described vesicular lysosomes. Tubular lysosomes are present in multiple tissues, are broadly conserved from invertebrates to mammals, are more proficient at degrading autophagic cargo than vesicular lysosomes, and delay signs of tissue aging when induced ectopically. Thus, triggering tubular lysosome formation presents one mechanism to increase lysosome activity and, notably, overproduction of the small lysosomal protein, SVIP, is a robust genetic strategy for triggering lysosomal tubulation on demand. In this study, we examine whether SVIP overexpression in the fly gut can suppress pathophysiological phenotypes associated with an obesogenic high-fat diet. Indeed, our results indicate that increasing SVIP expression in the fly gut reduces lipid accumulation, suppresses body mass increase, and improves survival in flies fed a high-fat diet. Collectively, these data hint that increasing lysosomal activity through induction of tubular lysosomal networks, could be one strategy to combat obesity-related pathologies.
The Benefits of Revealing Race: Evidence from Minority-Owned Local Businesses
Authors: Aneja Abhay , Luca Michael , Reshef Oren
Published: January 2025

Is there latent demand to support Black-owned businesses? We explore this question by analyzing a new feature that made it easier to identify Black-owned restaurants on an online platform. We find that labeling restaurants as minority-owned increased customer engagement and firm performance, as measured by online traffic, calls, orders, and in-person visits. These effects were more pronounced in areas characterized by greater support for the Democratic Party and lower implicit bias against racial minorities. Labeled restaurants also see an increase in the fraction of reviews that are written by White customers. (JEL D22, J15, L25, L83, L86)
Análise de variância como suporte para a Filosofia Lean na fabricação de gesso
Authors: Santos Pedro Vieira Souza , Silva Eduína Carla da , Rocha Isabela Tito Pereira , Araújo Maurilio Arruda de
Published: January 2025

Considerando as diversas abordagens que são propostas e dispostas para aplicação nas indústrias dos mais variados setores, pode-se citar a estatística como uma das mais consolidadas. Trata-se de uma área que pode contribuir com uma gama de testes e tratamento de dados. Por outro lado, a Filosofia Lean possui um leque de ferramentas que viabilizam a redução de desperdícios. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo objetivou utilizar informações estatísticas para projetar o nível de produção de sacos de gesso, em uma calcinadora pernambucana. Nesse contexto, a avaliação estatística somada à abordagem proposta pelo Lean Manufacturing justifica-se diante da necessidade de proposição de melhorias no processo produtivo do gesso. Trata-se de um enfoque metodológico híbrido, que une duas vertentes a favor do caso analisado. A maior parte das empresas da região carece de estudos e métodos que proporcionem ganhos efetivos em qualidade e produtividade dos processos internos. Quanto aos objetivos, esta pesquisa pode ser enquadrada como exploratória e, em relação aos procedimentos técnicos, a pesquisa classifica-se como sendo um estudo de campo, pois busca aprofundar o debate acerca da realidade específica do Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) do Gesso, em Pernambuco. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em duas fases: inicialmente,as análises estatísticas foram executadas e, posteriormente, os dados da produção obtidos foram submetidos ao processo de nivelamento, com o método Heijunka. Definiu-se o nível de produção local em 10.000 sacos para cada linha de produção. Com isso, haverá uma quantidade de 500 sacos produzidos acima da demanda, que serão tratados como estoque de segurança. Pode-se evidenciar a associação possível de informações estatísticas como entrada para ferramentas da manufatura enxuta.
Diagnóstico da alfabetização financeira dos professores na rede municipal de ensino
Authors: Roncato Patricia Eveline dos Santos , Flores Silvia Amélia Mendonça , Fonseca Aline Moraes , Garcia Fabiane Tubino
Published: January 2025

A alfabetização financeira é essencial para o fortalecimento da cidadania e o desenvolvimento do bem-estar financeiro. Contudo, percebe-se uma carência de investigações em diversos contextos geográficos e níveis de ensino, particularmente no escolar, em que os professores desempenham um papel crucial como mediadores na construção desse conhecimento. Diante disso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo mensurar o nível de alfabetização financeira dos professores de educação fundamental da rede municipal na cidade de Dom Pedrito, Rio Grande do Sul. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva e quantitativa, utilizando como método o survey. Ao todo, 110 questionários foram respondidos, aplicando-se uma metodologia já validada no Brasil, conhecida como o termômetro da alfabetização financeira. Os resultados indicaram que a maioria dos respondentes apresentou um baixo nível de alfabetização financeira, uma vez que essa alta alfabetização requer um bom desempenho nas dimensões de atitude, comportamento e conhecimentos financeiros. Com base nesses resultados, enfatiza-se a premência de intensificar a mobilização em torno da alfabetização financeira nas escolas, incluindo as ações específicas direcionadas aos professores.
Defining Urban Health for Strategic Action
Authors: Siri José Gabriel , Kim Jinhee , Indvik Katherine , de Leeuw Evelyne , Dora Carlos , Gatzweiler Franz , Holm Elsa , Iossifova Deljana , Obando Francisco , Simos Jean
Published: January 2025

Cities play a dominant and expanding role in human lives and civilization. As such, urban health is an increasingly important facet of public, global, and planetary health, and its profound links to other areas of sustainable development make it an important nexus issue. However, there is considerable variation in how urban health is conceived and understood, including different ideas about its scope and boundaries, proper remit, subjects, protagonists, locus and sources of authority, and relationships to other rubrics. These differences derive from the complexity of urban environments and the emergence and evolution of the field of urban health from actions and perspectives spanning multiple sectors, scales, and domains. Recognizing the value of diverse viewpoints and usages, we explore and clarify several conceptual issues and debates and propose a definition of urban health as a shared basis for strategic action.
Gender Differences in High-Stakes Performance and College Admission Policies
Authors: Arenas Andreu , Calsamiglia Caterina
Published: January 2025

The Gale-Shapley algorithm is one of the most popular college allocation mechanisms around the world. A crucial policy question in its setting is designing admission priorities for students, understanding how they disadvantage certain demographic groups, and whether these differences relate to differences in college performance potential. Studying a policy change in Spain, we find a negative effect of increasing the weight of standardized high-stakes exams on female college admission grades, driven by students expected to be at the top. The impact on admission grades does not affect enrollment, but the percentage of female students in the most selective degrees declines, along with their career prospects. Using data on the college performance of prereform cohorts, we find that female students most likely to lose from the reform tend to do better in college than male students expected to benefit from the reform. The results show that rewarding high-stakes performance in selection processes may come along with gender differences unrelated to the determinants of subsequent performance.

This paper was accepted by Dorothea Kubler, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: A. Arenas received financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science [Grant PID2020-120359RA-I00].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.02979 .
Market Ambiguity Attitude Restores the Risk-Return Trade-Off
Authors: Ghazi Soroush , Schneider Mark , Strauss Jack
Published: January 2025

A positive relation between the conditional mean and conditional volatility of aggregate stock returns, although viewed as a fundamental law of finance, has been challenging to find empirically. We consider a representative agent asset pricing model with Knightian uncertainty and demonstrate that this risk-return trade-off depends on the agent’s ambiguity attitude (reflecting the agent’s degree of optimism or pessimism). The model predicts that the conditional equity premium is increasing in market volatility, but its slope flattens as market optimism rises. We develop a methodology to extract the representative agent’s ambiguity attitude from our asset pricing model. Results validate our model predictions. We document the significant in-sample and out-of-sample explanatory power of ambiguity attitude in explaining the risk-return trade-off. In our sample, market volatility is not significant in forecasting returns. However, including the market ambiguity attitude leads to a significant positive relationship between volatility and future returns. Hence, our model and results identify market ambiguity attitude as a missing state variable that can explain why the literature has found it difficult to empirically validate the risk-return trade-off.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.03595 .
Treacher Collins syndrome: aetiology, clinical features and multidisciplinary management
Authors: Pierse Jenna , McSwiney Timothy
Published: January 2025

This article provides an overview of Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS), its diagnostic features, aetiology and management. TCS is a genetic disorder that results in congenital craniofacial malformation. The facial, dental manifestations and orthodontic implications of TCS are outlined. General dental practitioners (GDPs) and orthodontists play a critical role in the multidisciplinary care of these patients.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should be aware of the challenges in treating this cohort of patients.
Identificación de la pobreza en Colombia
Authors: Muñetón Santa Guberney , Pérez Aguirre Carlos Andrés , Orozco-Arroyave Juan Rafael
Published: January 2025

This study examines poverty identification in Colombia by comparing the multidimensional poverty index and the social program beneficiary identification system. The results are analyzed in Colombia and the City of Medellín using measures of agreement and a contingency table. A statistical learning model is employed to estimate the classification of the social program beneficiary identification system, achieving a balanced accuracy of 78%. Qualitative analysis reveals the multidimensional poverty of four families not identified as poor by the beneficiary identification system. These findings highlight a low and insignificant agreement between the two measuring systems. The results contribute to improving the definition and identification of poverty in the country, supporting public policy design.
Inversión en maquinaria y equipo en Colombia y la región
Authors: Vásquez-Escobar Diego , Granger Clark , Rodríguez-Niño Norberto , Sánchez Jabba Andrés , O. Vargas Carmiña , Arias-Rodríguez Fernando , Lozano-Espitia Ignacio
Published: January 2025

Colombia experienced a decline in investment due to the COVID-19 shock, resulting in a negative gap of -2.8% of GDP in the second quarter of 2020. The recovery of investment in Colombia has been relatively slow but has been bolstered by sustained and growing dynamics in machinery and equipment purchases. This paper analyzes the macroeconomic factors influencing this type of investment and its behavior during the pandemic. The results confirm the expected effects: purchases of machinery and equipment decrease when the cost of capital use and the real exchange rate rise, while they increase in response to growth in economic activity and industrial confidence. Control variables include additional factors that may affect investment decisions, such as loan availability and degree of openness.