bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety of Colonoscopies in Patients on Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Who Received a Heart Transplant
Authors: Ansari Zaid , Ahmad Akram , Khan Osama Sharjeel , Reddi Vuha , Castro Fernando 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionPatients undergoing evaluation for a heart transplant are frequently on inotropic medications or mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, which places them at a higher risk for anesthesia‐related complications. These patients often require colonoscopies for bleeding or screening purposes, but there are limited data on the safety and outcomes of colonoscopy in this setting.MethodsThis is a retrospective, two‐center study between the years 2015 and 2021 of patients with heart failure who subsequently underwent a heart transplant. To be included in the study, patients were required to be on advanced heart failure therapies at the time of colonoscopy. Advanced heart failure therapies were defined as requiring inotropes (milrinone or dobutamine), vasopressors (norepinephrine or vasopressin), or MCS such as an impella, left ventricular assist device (LVAD), intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP), or extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Indications for colonoscopy, adequacy of bowel preparation, and complications were reported.ResultsA total of 92 patients were included in the study. The most common indication was colon cancer screening (67%), and the remainder were performed due to gastrointestinal bleeding. An inadequate bowel preparation was reported on 20% of patients, but the cecum was reached in all of them. There was no association between the inadequacy of bowel preparation and the presence of MCS (20% vs. 17%, p value 0.67). In colonoscopies performed for screening, 8% (5/62) of patients were found to have an advanced adenoma. In colonoscopies performed for bleeding, 17% (5/30) had a source that required therapeutic intervention and use of hemostatic clips was the preferred modality. Only four patients had a complication of bleeding requiring clips after polypectomy during the index procedure, with no anesthesia‐related adverse events (such as hypotension, arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest) or addition of inotropes, vasopressors, or MCS.DiscussionColonoscopy in patients on advanced heart failure therapies is acceptable with not only a low rate of complications but also a high rate of inadequate bowel preparation.
C10 Has Positive Turán Density in the Hypercube
Authors: Grebennikov Alexandr , Marciano João Pedro 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe ‐dimensional hypercube is a graph with vertex set such that there is an edge between two vertices if and only if they differ in exactly one coordinate. For any graph , define to be the maximum number of edges of a subgraph of without a copy of . In this short note, we prove that for any ,
where is the number of edges of . Our construction is strongly inspired by the recent breakthrough work of Ellis, Ivan, and Leader, who showed that ‘daisy’ hypergraphs have positive Turán density with an extremely clever and simple linear‐algebraic argument.
How do we define normal bowel frequency from newborn to teens?: A Bayesian meta‐analysis
Authors: Munasinghe Sachith , Manathunga Supun , Hathagoda Wathsala , Kuruppu Chandrani , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Devanarayana Niranga M. , Baaleman Desiree F. , Benninga Marc A. , Rajindrajith Shaman 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesDefecation disorders are a common pediatric problem and bowel frequency is crucial in identifying them. The aim of this analysis is to define normal bowel frequencies in healthy children ranging from newborns to adolescents.MethodsA literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from their inception to February 2024, aiming to identify studies reporting bowel habits of healthy children (0–18 years). A Bayesian distribution modeling approach was adopted to pool the mean frequency of bowel opening using inverse‐variance weighing. A subgroup analysis and a meta‐regression were performed with Bayesian generalized additive mixed distributional models. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale modified for cross‐sectional studies.ResultsSeventeen studies were included in the analysis, including 22,698 children aged from 0 to 18 years. The subgroup meta‐analysis showed mean bowel frequencies for newborns, 1–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–5 years, and over 5 years are 3.24 (95% credible interval [CrI]: 2.83–3.63), 1.99 (95% CrI: 1.77‐2.19), 1.66 (95% CrI: 1.45–1.88), 1.53 (95% CrI: 1.37–1.7), 1.15 (95% CrI: 0.99–1.31), and 1.02 (95% CrI 0.88–1.18), respectively. Between studies, heterogeneity demonstrated a near‐normal distribution with a mean of 0.16 and a 95% CrI of 0.04–0.28. The variance of the distribution of mean bowel frequency reduced with age.DiscussionIn this Bayesian meta‐analysis, we found that younger children have a higher bowel frequency. The reported bowel frequencies for each age group could serve as normal values in clinical practice to differentiate health and disease.
Comment On: “Impact of Spousal Mental Illness on Healthcare Utilization Among Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer”
Authors: Liu Chenye , Zhou Yuejun 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMujtaba Khalil and colleagues published their study “Impact of Spousal Mental Illness on Healthcare Utilization Among Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer” in the Journal of Surgical Oncology provides important insights into the impact of spousal mental illness on healthcare utilization and expenditure for patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Although the study is innovative, there are limitations such as sample representativeness and underestimation of mental health diagnosis. It is recommended that future studies expand the sample size, combine clinical and administrative data to improve diagnostic accuracy, conduct long‐term follow‐up studies, conduct intervention studies, and explore solutions at the policy level to more fully understand and address the impact of spousal mental illness on patients' medical utilization and expenditure.
Measurement invariance of the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 across eight countries and samples with diverse trauma experiences
Authors: Cyniak‐Cieciura Maria , Popiel Agnieszka , Zawadzki Bogdan , Cremeans‐Smith Julie K. , Fruehstorfer David B. , Bielak Patryk , Camino Victoria , Cha Eun Jung , Cho Yunkyung , Galarregui Marina , Goldfarb Rocío , Hyun Myoung‐Ho , Kalinina Zhanna , Keegan Eduardo , Mambetalina Aliya , McHugh Louise , Miracco Mariana , Oshio Atsushi , Park Chowon , Partarrieu Andrés , De Rosa Lorena , Sabirova Raikhan , Samekin Adil , Sánchez Emiliano , Sarno María , Tarruella Cecilia , Tulekova Gulmira M. , Topanova Gulmira Tuyakovna 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5) is a well‐known tool for measuring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Although the tool has been translated into many different languages, only one study, conducted in European countries, has examined measurement invariance (MI) across these versions. The present study aimed to verify PCL‐5 MI in eight countries: Argentina, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Poland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All samples included at least 200 participants. Regarding trauma type, the highest number of individuals reported experiencing a traffic accident (n = 3,128) and/or physical assault (n = 2,609), and the fewest reported captivity (n = 575) and/or contributing to someone else's harm, injury, or death (n = 559). A symptom structure model based on DSM‐5 criteria showed a satisfactory fit to the data, χ2(164, N = 4,064) = 2,571.18, p < .001, robust CFI = .931, robust RMSEA = .078, 90% CI [.075, .081], robust TLI = .920, SRMR = .037. Data fit and invariance were obtained with regard to identical structure and factor loadings (configural and metric invariance) as well as for the partial scalar invariance (equal intercepts). In all samples, PTSD symptoms were strongly or moderately positively correlated with levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress‐related symptoms and moderately or weakly positively correlated with COVID‐19–related stressors, emotional stability/neuroticism, and emotional reactivity. The results indicate that the PCL‐5 is a generally effective measure of universal indicators of PTSD across different countries.
Photo survey estimates of annual recruitment in eastern North American sea duck populations
Authors: Hewitt Jacob E. , Roberts Anthony J. , Sullivan Kelsey M. , Straub Jacob N. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSea duck (tribe mergini) populations have experienced significant declines in recent years, though underlying causes are poorly understood. Information on population demographic parameters may provide insight for wildlife managers seeking to maintain sustainable harvest. However, population monitoring capacity for sea ducks is limited relative to other waterfowl species because of their remote breeding distribution. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service organizes a Parts Collection Survey (PCS), which estimates recruitment in sea duck populations using age ratios (juveniles/adult), though estimates are biased because harvest vulnerability differs between age cohorts. We used a photo survey to calculate estimates of annual recruitment for long‐tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), black scoter (Melanitta americana), surf scoter (M. perspicillata), and white‐winged scoter (M. deglandi; hereafter sea ducks) populations in eastern North America. Our team of surveyors collected photos of flighted sea ducks from shore and by boat in 11 states and 1 province from 15 October–15 December annually in 2019–2022. We classified photographed birds according to age and sex and calculated juvenile proportions of each species using a Bayesian binomial model. To compare photo survey estimates with PCS estimates, we used a paired t‐test organized by year. We found strong evidence that PCS estimates of juvenile proportions were greater than photo survey estimates for 3 sea duck species, indicating a consistent positive bias in PCS driven by harvest vulnerability. We also derived novel estimates of juvenile harvest vulnerability using the mean difference between within‐year estimates. Our work demonstrated the photo survey methodology produced annual recruitment estimates for 4 poorly monitored waterfowl populations with greater sample sizes and reduced systematic biases relative to existing methods; we recommend managers continue to adopt this approach in future years with additional consideration given for spatial representation and refinement of image classification procedures for long‐tailed duck estimates.
High‐Performance Chiral Mode Switching Devices Using Silicon Metamaterial Waveguides Beyond 1.55 µm
Authors: Li Kang , Peng Hejie , Wang Siwei , Yi Qiyuan , Chen Lin , Zhang Yu , Zeng Jinwei , Wang Jian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDynamically encircling exceptional points (EPs) in non‐Hermitian systems has garnered considerable attention for enabling chiral mode switching, where the nature of the output mode is determined solely by the encircling handedness. However, typical chiral transmission devices primarily operate within the 1.55 µm waveband and encounter the wavelength‐dependent mode mismatch, which constrains operational range and degrades mode purity. In this study, we address these limitations by introducing metamaterial waveguides to tailor the requisite optical properties and achieve ultra‐broad‐bandwidth and ultra‐high‐purity chiral mode switching at 1.55 µm and beyond. Simulation results spanning the optical communication and 2 µm wavebands show near‐unity transmission efficiency and high mode purity (> 98.8%) across a record 500 nm bandwidth. Moreover, experimental results at 2 µm waveband reveal an average transfer efficiency of < 1 dB and high mode purity exceeding 95% within a setup‐limited bandwidth of 85 nm. This work paves the way for achieving high‐efficiency and high‐purity chiral transmission devices in the near/mid‐infrared ranges, presenting compelling prospects for future practical EP‐based devices and applications.
Optimize the Corrosion and Mechanical Performance of Additive‐Manufactured Nano‐Size WC‐Reinforced Stainless Steel Matrix Composites by Heat Treatments
Authors: Zhou Yiqi , Xu Xiaochang , Wang Shuoyang , Kong Decheng , Zhang Fan , Li Lili , Liu Tingting , Li Xiaogang , Qu Xuanhui , Yan Yu , Dong Chaofang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAdding 200 nm WC can dramatically increase the mechanical properties of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 420 stainless steel, whereas the evolution of the microstructure, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and tensile performance in LPBF 420 + 2 wt% WC MMCs is not researched yet. WC increases the hardness of the LPBF MMCs. WC offers W and C to the matrix during laser scanning, with C diffusing to the matrix to form austenite and Cr‐rich carbides. The austenite content increases with higher tempering temperatures by up to 22% after heat treatment at 400°C. However, more numbers and large size Cr‐rich carbides are formed after being tempered at 600°C. Austenite increases pitting corrosion resistance by a higher critical pitting potential and lower pit growth kinetics. Wear resistance is linearly related to the hardness value, with smaller grain and more austenite improving ductility without sacrificing tensile strength. Overall, LPBF 420 + 2 wt% WC MMCs has the best corrosion in 0.1 M NaCl, with optimized mechanical properties.
MVP‐VSASL: measuring MicroVascular Pulsatility using velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling
Authors: Chen Conan , Barnes Ryan A. , Bangen Katherine J. , Han Fei , Pfeuffer Josef , Wong Eric C. , Liu Thomas T. , Bolar Divya S. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeBy leveraging the small‐vessel specificity of velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL), we present a novel technique for measuring cerebral MicroVascular Pulsatility named MVP‐VSASL.Theory and MethodsWe present a theoretical model relating the pulsatile, cerebral blood flow‐driven VSASL signal to the microvascular pulsatility index (), a widely used metric for quantifying cardiac‐dependent fluctuations. The model describes the dependence of the of VSASL signal (denoted ) on bolus duration (an adjustable VSASL sequence parameter) and provides guidance for selecting a value of that maximizes the SNR of the measurement. The model predictions were assessed in humans using data acquired with retrospectively cardiac‐gated VSASL sequences over a broad range of values. In vivo measurements were also used to demonstrate the feasibility of whole‐brain voxel‐wise pulsatility mapping, assess intrasession repeatability of , and illustrate the potential of this method to explore an association with age.ResultsThe theoretical model showed excellent agreement to the empirical data in a gray matter region of interest (average value of 0.898 0.107 across six subjects). We further showed excellent intrasession repeatability of the pulsatility measurement (, ) and the potential to characterize associations with age (, ).ConclusionWe have introduced a novel, VSASL‐based cerebral microvascular pulsatility technique, which may facilitate investigation of cognitive disorders where damage to the microvasculature has been implicated.
Long‐Term Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Compared to Standard Medical Care for Improving Quality of Life in Muscle Disorders
Authors: Graham Christopher D. , Rose Michael , Edwards Victoria , Vari Chiara , O'Connell Nicola , Taylor Emma , McCracken Lance M. , Radunovic Aleksander , Rakowicz Wojtek , Norton Sam , Chalder Trudie 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsA previous randomized controlled trial showed that guided self‐help acceptance and commitment therapy plus standard medical care (ACT+SMC) was superior to standard medical care alone (SMC) for improving quality of life (QoL) and mood at 9‐weeks post randomization in a sample of people with muscle disorders (MD). This follow‐up study evaluated whether these effects were maintained in the longer term alongside individual patterns of response.MethodsThe original study was a two‐arm parallel group randomized controlled trial, which compared ACT+SMC to SMC. The primary outcome of QoL was assessed with the Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life Questionnaire. We recruited people with different MDs from UK National Health Service clinics and patient registries. In this follow‐up study, we re‐administered all outcome measures to participants at 6 months post randomization.ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 109 participants (70.3% of the original sample). At six months, the adjusted group difference in QoL continued to favor ACT+SMC, which was significant with moderate effect size. Improvements in secondary outcomes of mood and aspects of psychological flexibility also favored ACT+SMC. Reliable improvement was evident in 33.9% of the ACT+SMC group and 5.7% of the SMC group. Reliable deterioration was uncommon following ACT+SMC (1.8% of participants.)DiscussionThe beneficial impacts of guided self‐help ACT for QoL and mood were maintained in the longer‐term. A third of participants showed response to this brief intervention, and negative individual outcomes were very rare. As is common in psychological interventions, there was a considerable group of non‐responders.
Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Differences in Micturition‐Related Brain Activity Between Volitional and Involuntary Detrusor Contractions
Authors: Ha Nhi T. , Abedi Aidin , Ojeda Luis Alejandro Morales , Montero Stefania , Kohli Priya , Chapman David , Abedi Armita , Gaburak Petr , Ginsberg David , Harvey Richard L. , Liu Charles Y. , Jann Kay , Kreydin Evgeniy 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionDetrusor contractions can be classified as either volitional or involuntary. The latter are a hallmark of urge urinary incontinence. Understanding differences in neuroactivation associated with both types of contractions can help elucidate pathophysiology and therapeutic targets. In this study we aim to compare brain activity associated with voluntary and involuntary detrusor contractions.MethodsTwenty seven stroke survivors with secondary storage lower urinary tract symptoms underwent four filling cycles of simultaneous urodynamics and BOLD‐signal fMRI. After each fill, participants were instructed to void. Voids inside the designated 10‐s period were considered voluntary contractions. All others were considered involuntary. Each contraction was then segmented into phases: Early (10 s before start of contraction), Rise (start of contraction to peak vesical pressure), Plateau, and Fall (from peak pressure to resolution of the contraction). BOLD‐effect was compared between the two contraction types, employing a minimum cluster size of 25 voxels and significance threshold at p < 0.005.ResultsCompared to volitional contractions, involuntary contractions were associated with diminished brain activity in each contraction phase. During the Early phase, this difference was most prominent in areas implicated with sensory and autonomic function, shifting to regions tasked with motor control as the contraction continued and eventually attenuating as the contraction resolved.ConclusionThis study uniquely contrasts brain activation associated with volitional and involuntary contractions. Relative to involuntary contractions, volitional contractions revealed increased activity in motor, sensory, and executive functioning regions. These findings reflect both the physiological mechanism of volitional contractions and suggest the displacement of this mechanism by a subcortical reflex in involuntary contractions.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT05301335.
External Carotid Artery Ligation Versus Selective Artery Ligation in Transoral Surgery for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Mackie Aaron , Goehring Lexi , Tuller Elizabeth , Oxford Lance , Lippert Dylan , Britt Christopher 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveProphylactic ligation of the external carotid artery (ECA) during oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) resection is known to reduce severe postoperative oropharyngeal bleeding events, however, there is limited research on whether bleed rates vary between selective ligation of individual vessels or total ligation of the ECA. This study assesses outcomes related to total versus selective ligation of the ECA in patients who underwent transoral resection for OPSCC of the base of tongue or palatine tonsils.Study DesignRetrospective review.SettingPatients who underwent OPSCC resection of the base of tongue or palatine tonsils at a single institution between October 2019 and September 2023.MethodsBleeding events within 30 days of surgery from the oropharyngeal surgical site were analyzed as well as other potential complications including stroke. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test or χ2 testing were used to analyze the data.ResultsOf 140 patients, 51 underwent base of tongue resection, and 89 had tonsillar resection. Total ECA ligation was performed in 56 patients, while 80 had selective ligation. There was no significant difference in oropharyngeal bleeding between the 2 groups (total 3.8% vs selective 3.7% P > .05). One patient in the total ECA ligation group had a stroke after resection (1.9%). On multivariate analysis, age (P = .024) and radiation exposure (P = .011) were found to be significant risk factors for hemorrhage.ConclusionSelective ligation of external carotid vessels versus total ligation of the ECA shows similar rates of oropharyngeal bleeding without any significant risk of stroke.
Revealing Factors Influencing Digital Transformation in South Africa's Social Security Organisations
Authors: Frota Luis , Chitiga‐Mabugu Margaret , Mazenda Adrino 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe study analyses factors influencing digital transformation in South Africa's national social security organisations. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with 20 purposefully selected respondents and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found seven factors influencing digital transformation in South Africa's national social security organisations: Legal authority, Policy autonomy, Human resources, Finance, digital data collection and use, digital infrastructure and applications and digital skills and collaborative work. The study's findings showed that digitalisation per se does not lead to a better balance between policy alignment and organisational autonomy. On the contrary, the unprecedented access to ubiquitous data and massive processing capacity can heighten the tendencies of rigid systems for greater hierarchical control and lead to a future where decision‐making is further centralised, data are inaccessible, the staff is disempowered and innovation is stifled. However, the study also highlights a potential solution—the need for hierarchical leaders to transition into collaborative workspace enablers who enhance the agencies' operational capabilities. This shift in leadership style can inspire innovation and empower staff, thereby mitigating the negative effects of digitalisation.