bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Pre‐Hospitalization ECG Abnormalities Associated With Increased Mortality in COVID‐19 Patients? A Quantitative Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Askey Danielle , Smith Ann 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundWhile COVID‐19 is predominantly a respiratory disease, cardiovascular complications occur and are associated with worse outcomes. Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are frequently observed in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, some of which are associated with increased mortality. It is unclear whether ECG abnormalities occurring before hospitalization are associated with increased mortality. This quantitative systematic literature review aims to determine which ECG changes occurring before hospitalization are associated with mortality and discuss whether these findings can aid the assessment of patients and decision‐making in the pre‐hospital environment.MethodsA systematic search of the following digital databases was conducted: CINAL, PUBMED, MEDLINE, and Coronavirus Research Database. Eight cohort studies (primary papers) including COVID‐19 patients with ECGs taken in the Emergency Department before hospitalization were selected for quantitative synthesis and results were obtained for the prevalence of ECG changes among survivors compared with non‐survivors. Odds and hazard ratios for ECG abnormalities associated with mortality were also collected and compared.ResultsIdentification of ECG abnormalities on pre‐hospitalization ECG is associated with increased mortality in COVID‐19 patients. These ECG abnormalities include non‐sinus rhythm, QTc prolongation, left bundle branch block, axis deviation, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, right ventricular strain patterns, ST segment changes, T wave abnormalities, and evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy.ConclusionElectrocardiogram assessment in the pre‐hospital environment may be beneficial when assessing COVID‐19 patients and could help identify patients at increased risk of mortality.
Unusual Recurrent Multivessel Coronary Artery Spasm: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Amro Alhareth M. , Yasini Mohammad , Sharif Ghayda' , Nassr Mohammed 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTCoronary artery spasms (CAS) can manifest in various forms, from silent ischemia to severe cardiac events like myocardial infarction and sudden death. This case involves a 56‐year‐old male with recurrent ischemic chest pain and varying ECG signs. Cardiac catheterization revealed multiple coronary spasms that resolved spontaneously or with intracoronary nitroglycerin. The report emphasizes the severe presentations of multiple CAS and the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation to avoid unnecessary interventions, highlighting the diagnostic challenges in managing such cases.
Micropapillary pattern in colorectal cancer: an Australian multicentre experience
Authors: Bakmiwewa Supun Madushani , Diab Jason , De Silva Dinuke , Ng Zi Qin , Rutland Tristan , Sarofim Mina , MacKenzie Scott 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Micropapillary carcinoma (MPC) is increasingly identified as a poor prognostic marker in various cancers, including breast, bladder and lung. It remains an under recognized subtype in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, implications and impact on survival of MPC in colorectal cancer in an Australian cohort.MethodsA retrospective review of all colorectal cancer resections in two tertiary centres in Sydney Australia was performed, between 2019 and 2024. MPC was identified on histolopathology as per standard guidelines of the resected specimens. Variables collected included age, sex, TNM, site, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and lymph node involvement.ResultsOf 597 colorectal cancer resections during the study period, 21 cases of MPC were identified (3.5%). Mean age was 60 years (SD 15 years). Twenty patients (95%) had T3–T4 tumours, 19 (90%) had positive lymph node involvement, 18 (86%) had confirmed or suspected LVI, and 4 (19%) had distant metastatic disease. Overall 1‐year survival was 90% and 3‐year survival was 76%.ConclusionMPC is associated with high risk features in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Accurate histopathological diagnosis of these more aggressive cancers should guide prognostication, individualized adjuvant treatment and close surveillance.
Counseling About Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Qualitative Study of Patient and Clinician Perspectives
Authors: Cernat Alexandra , Carruthers Andrea , Taneja Shipra , Popoola Anuoluwa , Greyson Devon , Panday Janelle , Darling Elizabeth , McDonald Sarah D. , Black Morgan , Murray‐Davis Beth , Vanstone Meredith 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionLegalization in many jurisdictions has increased the prevalence of cannabis use, including during pregnancy and lactation. Accordingly, clinicians providing perinatal and infant care are increasingly required to counsel about this topic, even if they do not feel comfortable or prepared for this conversation. The aim of this research was to explore how prenatal clinicians and pregnant and lactating women interact with cannabis consumption.MethodsUsing qualitative description, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with 75 individuals in Canada: 23 clinicians who provide pregnancy and lactation care, and 52 individuals who made cannabis consumption decisions during pregnancy and/or lactation. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsThree phases of the clinical encounter influenced decision‐making about cannabis consumption: initiation of a discussion about cannabis, sense‐making, and the outcome of the encounter. Patients and clinicians described similar ideals for a counseling encounter about cannabis consumption during pregnancy or lactation: open, patient‐centered conversation grounded in an informed decision‐making model to explore the benefits, risks, and alternatives to cannabis. While clinicians described these values as reflecting real clinical interactions, patients reported that in their experience, actual interactions did not live up to these ideals.ConclusionClinicians and pregnant and lactating people report desiring the same things from a counseling interaction about cannabis: sharing of information, identification of values, and facilitation of a decision. Both groups endorse an open, nonjudgemental counseling approach that explores the reasons why a patient is considering cannabis consumption and reflects these reasons against available evidence and alternatives known to be safe.
Breaking the barriers: Overcoming cancer resistance by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Pazhouhesh Far Nazanin , Hajiheidari Varnousafaderani Mahsa , Faghihkhorasani Ferdos , Etemad Sareh , Abdulwahid Al‐Hasnawi Rasool Riyadh , Bakhtiarinia Negar , Mousaei Afsaneh , Dortaj Elahe , Karimi Soroush , Ebrahimi Nasim , Aref Amir Reza 
Published: October 2024

AbstractInflammation has a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of various cancers, contributing to crucial processes such as metastasis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, the release of cytokines mediated by inflammation within the tumour microenvironment (TME) has a crucial role in orchestrating these events. The activation of inflammatory caspases, facilitated by the recruitment of caspase‐1, is initiated by the activation of pattern recognition receptors on the immune cell membrane. This activation results in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL‐1β and IL‐18, and participates in diverse biological processes with significant implications. The NOD‐Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome holds a central role in innate immunity and regulates inflammation through releasing IL‐1β and IL‐18. Moreover, it interacts with various cellular compartments. Recently, the mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation have garnered considerable attention. Disruption in NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been associated with a spectrum of inflammatory diseases, encompassing diabetes, enteritis, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and tumours. The NLRP3 impact on tumorigenesis varies across different cancer types, with contrasting roles observed. For example, colorectal cancer associated with colitis can be suppressed by NLRP3, whereas gastric and skin cancers may be promoted by its activity. This review provides comprehensive insights into the structure, biological characteristics and mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome, with a specific focus on the relationship between NLRP3 and tumour‐related immune responses, and TME. Furthermore, the review explores potential strategies for targeting cancers via NLRP3 inflammasome modulation. This encompasses innovative approaches, including NLRP3‐based nanoparticles, gene‐targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Tumor immune microenvironment dynamics and outcomes of prognosis in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Kamitani Rei , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Anno Tadatsugu , Murakami Tetsushi , Masuda Tsukasa , Yasumizu Yota , Takeda Toshikazu , Morita Shinya , Kosaka Takeo , Mikami Shuji , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAgents that target PD‐1 and PD‐L1 have been developed in the treatment of bladder cancer (BC). However, the diversity of immune cell infiltration in non‐muscle‐invasive BC (NMIBC) and the dynamics of the microenvironment as it progresses to muscle‐invasive/metastatic disease remains unknown. To assess tumor immune activity, hierarchical clustering was applied to 159 BC samples based on cellular positivity for the defined immune cellular markers (CD3/CD4/CD8/FOXP3/CD20/PD‐1/PD‐L1/LAG3/TIGIT), divided into two clusters. There was a “hot cluster” (25%) consisting of patients with a high expression of these markers and a “cold cluster” (75%) comprising those without. The expression of CD39, CD44, CD68, CD163, IDO1, and Ki67 was significantly higher in tumors in the hot cluster. Immunologically, high‐grade T1 tumors were significantly hotter, whereas tumors that had progressed to muscle invasion turned cold. However, a certain number of high‐grade NMIBC patients were in the cold cluster, and these patients had a significantly higher risk of disease progression. Using an externally available TCGA dataset, RB1 and TP53 alterations were more frequently observed in TCGA hot cluster; rather FGFR3, KDM6A, and KMT2A alterations were common in TCGA cold/intermediate cluster. Analyses of recurrent tumors after BCG therapy revealed that tumor immune activity was widely maintained before and after treatment, and high FGFR3 expression was detected after recurrence in tumors initially classified into the cold cluster. Collectively, we revealed the dynamics of the tumor microenvironment in BC as a whole and identified candidate molecules as therapeutic targets for recurrent NMIBC, e.g., after BCG therapy.
Benign polymorphisms in the BRCA genes with linkage disequilibrium is associated with cancer characteristics
Authors: Lee Kuo‐Ting , Chen Dao‐Peng , Loh Zhu‐Jun , Chung Wei‐Pang , Wang Chih‐Yang , Chen Pai‐Sheng , Cheung Chun Hei Antonio , Chang Chih‐Peng , Hsu Hui‐Ping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGermline pathogenic mutation of the BRCA gene increases the prevalence of breast cancer. Reports on the benign variants of BRCA genes are limited. However, the definition of these variants might be altered with the accumulation of clinical evidence. Therefore, in the present study, we focused on benign single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of BRCA genes. Linkage disequilibrium was calculated from whole genome sequencing of the BRCA genes obtained from 500 healthy controls and 49 breast cancer patients. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the mutation. The linkage disequilibrium was noted for seven and three SNPs in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, respectively. Breast cancer with BRCA1/2 linkage disequilibrium was not correlated with a personal history of benign diseases or family history of cancer. Nevertheless, breast cancer with BRCA1 linkage disequilibrium was correlated with high tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes and positive extensive intraductal components. The patients with BRCA1 linkage disequilibrium tended to have worse disease‐specific survival. Cancers with BRCA2 linkage disequilibrium are associated with a lower ratio of grade III cancer. Moreover, patients with BRCA2 linkage disequilibrium tended to have better overall survival. In conclusion, linkage disequilibrium from benign SNPs of the BRCA genes potentially affects cancer characteristics.
Agency and voice: Using critical theory to reposition children from refugee backgrounds when considering their transition to school in Australia
Authors: Green Jennifer , Neilsen‐Hewett Cathrine , Howard Steven , Mekonnen Tebeje Molla 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA wide range of benefits are associated with children's positive transition to school. Applying a critical sociological lens in understanding transitions allows for cycles of sociocultural inequality to be challenged and disrupted. This is of particular importance for understanding transition experiences of children from socially demarcated groups, such as children from refugee backgrounds. This paper outlines how critical sociological theory can be used to identify settler‐colonial ideology and to unpack how children are understood and positioned within their broader sociocultural context, and how this understanding can lead to a strength‐based approach that recognises the rights, agency and voice of children and their families.
Patch test results to the Spanish baseline patch test series according to age groups: A multicentric prospective study from 2019 to 2023
Authors: Pesqué David , Planella‐Fontanillas Nidia , Borrego Leopoldo , Sanz‐Sánchez Tatiana , Zaragoza‐Ninet Violeta , Serra‐Baldrich Esther , Miquel‐Miquel Francisco Javier , Silvestre‐Salvador Juan Francisco , Córdoba‐Guijarro Susana , Sánchez‐Gilo Araceli , Mercader‐García Pedro , Navarro‐Triviño Francisco José , Ortiz‐de‐Frutos Francisco Javier , Tous‐Romero Fátima , Rodríguez‐Serna Mercedes , Melé‐Ninot Gemma , Barrabés‐Torrella Cristina , Ruiz‐González Inmaculada , Pastor‐Nieto María Antonia , Carrascosa‐Carrillo José Manuel , Gómez‐de‐la‐Fuente Enrique , Sánchez‐Pedreño‐Guillén Paloma , Sánchez‐Pérez Javier , Pereyra‐Rodríguez José Juan , Gatica‐Ortega María Elena , González‐Pérez Ricardo , Pujol Ramon Maria , Descalzo Miguel Ángel Gallego , García‐Doval Ignacio , Giménez‐Arnau Ana María 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionPatch test results may be influenced by age‐related factors. However, there is still discordant evidence between age and patch test results.ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate the patch test results reflecting skin sensitisation, their relevance and association with clinical features by age group.MethodsProspective multicentric study of all patients patch tested with the Spanish baseline series in participating centres. Age groups were pre‐defined as children (0‐ to 11‐years), adolescents (12‐ to 18‐years), young adults (19‐ to 30‐years), middle‐aged adults (31‐ to 65‐years) and older adults (≥66‐years). Occurrence of sensitisation, relevance and clinical features were compared by age group. Factors associated with skin sensitisation were investigated with multivariate logistic regression.ResultsA total of 13 368 patients were patch‐tested. Differences in positive patch test results and relevance by age were detected with the highest proportion in middle‐aged adults. Age‐related trend differences were found for nickel, potassium dichromate, caines, colophony, Myroxylon pereirae resin, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and limonene hydroperoxide. The multivariate logistic analysis (adjusted for sex, atopic dermatitis, body location and occupational dermatitis) showed an association between the age group of 31–65 (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.26–1.58) and above 66‐years (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.32) with a higher proportion of positive results, compared with young adults.ConclusionsPositive patch test results vary according to age, with the highest occurrence in middle‐aged adults. Most haptens did not present age‐related differences, reinforcing the use of baseline series regardless of age.
Non‐invasive vagus nerve stimulation to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery: randomized feasibility trial and efficacy assessment (IDEAL Stage 2B)
Authors: Chapman Stephen J. , Kowal Mikolaj , Helliwell Jack A. , Lockwood Sonia , Naylor Maureen , Croft Julie , Farley Katherine , Stocken Deborah D. , Jayne David G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimIleus is characterized by a period of intestinal dysmotility after surgery, leading to vomiting and constipation. In preclinical models, vagus nerve stimulation reduces intestinal inflammation and prevents smooth muscle dysfunction, accelerating the return of gut function. This study explored the feasibility of a definitive trial of non‐invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) along with an early assessment of efficacy.MethodA multicentre, randomized feasibility trial (IDEAL Stage 2B) of self‐administered nVNS was performed. Patients undergoing colorectal surgery were randomized to nVNS or sham before and after surgery. Feasibility outcomes comprised assessments of recruitment, compliance, blinding and attrition. Clinical outcomes were measures of intestinal function and adverse events. All participants were followed up for 30 days. Interviews with patients and health professionals explored barriers to feasibility and perspectives around implementation.ResultsIn all, 125 patients were approached about the study and 97 (77.6%) took part. Across all randomized groups, the median compliance to treatment was 19 out of 20 stimulations (interquartile range 17–20). The incidence of adverse events was similar across groups. In this unpowered feasibility study, the time taken for the return of gut function (such as first passage of stool) was similar between nVNS and sham treatments. According to interviews, patients were highly motivated to use the device because it provided them with an opportunity to engage actively in their care. Health professionals were highly driven to tackle the problem of ileus.ConclusionPowered assessments of clinical efficacy are required to confirm or refute the promise of nVNS, as already demonstrated in preclinical models. This feasibility study concludes that a definitive randomized assessment of the clinical benefits of nVNS is desired and feasible.
1118. Dendrocacalia crepidifolia (Nakai) Nakai
Authors: Nagamasu Hidetoshi , Yamanaka Masumi , Yasue Naoko 
Published: October 2024

SummaryThe monotypic genus Dendrocacalia (Nakai) Nakai, with the species Dendrocacalia crepidifolia (Nakai) Nakai, a large shrub or small tree from the Bonin Islands or Ogasawara of Japan, is described and illustrated. Its ecology, pollination, dioecy and conservation are discussed; a detailed description is given. The species is now apparently restricted to the Haha‐jima island group, where the largest number of populations exist on Haji‐jima itself. Threats to its conservation are from two invasive trees, Ficus microcarpa and Psidium littorale.
The University of Tokyo's Conservation Work in the Ogasawara Islands
Authors: Kawakita Atsushi , Komaki Yoshiteru , Tanaka Takefumi , Ideno Takahito 
Published: October 2024

SummaryThe flora of the Ogasawara Islands is briefly described, and the causes of its decline are discussed. The conservation of endangered plants of Ogasawara since the 1980s by the Koishikawa Botanical Garden, The University of Tokyo, is detailed, with notes on the pollination biology of endemic species.
The Political Economy of Reparations and the Dialectic of Transnational Capitalism
Authors: Watson Hilbourne A. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe contemporary global capitalist crisis provides the context for studying reparations, the struggles for which face uphill challenges, foremost because transnational capital will only engage with reparations to serve its own interests. Far from being a panacea for historical wrongs, reparations campaigns are shaped by the historical logics of capitalist accumulation and the liberal racial social contract. The cases of Namibia and the Commonwealth Caribbean (CARICOM) that are examined in this study highlight the contradictions that underpin the demand for reparations arising from genocide in Namibia and capitalist slavery in the CARICOM region. The cases reveal an association of reparations initiatives with buying complicity or capitalist fixes rather than reparative justice for historical grievances, while more autonomous demands for reparations face violent suppression, as in the case of Haiti. Today's reparations struggles are further undermined by revolutionary innovations in digital and robotics technology, confronting exploited racialized populations with a rapidly dwindling supply of jobs. This article locates the contemporary reparations debate within the wider context of global capitalism and its racialized liberal foundations, tracing the links between colonial wrongs, international power relations and ongoing systems of capitalist accumulation which reparations are used to stabilize rather than challenge. It is thus difficult to make a case for the transformational potential of reparations.
Ukrainian refugees in Romania: perception and social challenges
Authors: Mitrică Bianca , Bălteanu Dan , Damian Nicoleta , Saghin Despina , Precup Irinel , Ilieș Marin , Lupchian Maria‐Magdalena 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMillions of people from Ukraine have been forced to flee their homes to seek safety, protection, and assistance owing to armed conflict. This study aims to draw a parallel between the meaning and importance of the initial impact of Russian military aggression in February 2022 and the recent plight of Ukrainian refugees on Romania's territory. It is based on the results of a dedicated thematic survey of Ukrainian refugees as part of fieldwork carried out by the authors between March and April 2022 and a survey launched by the United Nations Refugee Agency in Romania between October 2022 and August 2023. The study emphasises the importance of raising awareness and building solidarity and support to counterbalance the effects of the crisis with respect to: (i) refugees in their hometowns and losses incurred; (ii) refugees' needs, help provided, and expectations; (iii) the need to integrate refugees into different fields of daily life; and (iv) a return to Ukraine.