bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell‐Free Fetal DNA for Prenatal Screening of Aneuploidies and Autosomal Trisomies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Belabbes Kenza Benchekroun , Tufanisco Elena Bendala , Sheth Chirag C. 
Published: October 2024

Aim: This study was aimed at comparing the positive predictive value of a high‐risk cell‐free fetal DNA test result for sex chromosome aneuploidies (45,X0, 47,XXX, 47,XXY, and 47,XYY) and autosomal trisomies (T21, T18, and T13) with confirmatory tests in singleton pregnancies. Additionally, we identify the main reason for discordant and inconclusive results.Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from 2017 for primary research articles on cell‐free fetal DNA testing of autosomal trisomies and sex chromosome aneuploidies in singleton pregnancies. The methodological characteristics and the statistical results of the studies were collected, and the risk of bias was assessed.Results: Fourteen studies were included. Among the autosomal trisomies, T21 had the highest, whereas T13 showed the lowest positive predictive values. As for the sex chromosome aneuploidies, the lowest values were found with 45,X0. Although discordant and inconclusive results were reported inconsistently, false positives were mainly caused by mosaicism, and inconclusive results were mostly secondary to a low fetal DNA fraction.Conclusion: Cell‐free fetal DNA is a reliable screening tool for autosomal trisomies. It is also useful for sex chromosome aneuploidies, although the positive predictive values are lower. A positive screening result should be followed with a confirmatory test.
A Cross‐Sectional Study on the Occurrence of Maternal Mortality in Some Selected Hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis Using Zero‐Inflated Negative Binomial
Authors: Agyekum Gerald Ohene , Ofori Michael Fosu , Adarkwa Samuel Akwasi , Ofori Michael Arthur 
Published: October 2024

Background: Maternal mortality is one of the most devastating and emotionally distressing occurrences that can be experienced by a family or society. The objective of the study was to investigate the risk factors associated with maternal mortality across the various sub‐metros using zero‐inflated models.Methods: The study used secondary data obtained from eight health facilities within Kumasi metropolis from 2018 to 2022. The zero‐inflated negative binomial (ZINB) is useful when dealing with count outcomes that show greater variability than would be expected in a standard Poisson distribution, a phenomenon known as overdispersion.Results: The maternal mortality rates (MMRs) for 2018 to 2022 were 427.53, 385.68, 284.21, 323.74, and 440.78 per 100,000 live births, respectively, in the Kumasi metropolis. The study found unsafe abortion, sepsis, tuberculosis, hemorrhage, and hypertension to be significantly associated with maternal mortality.Conclusion: We recommend a continuous health education campaign to encourage pregnant women to seek prompt medication when they suspect sepsis, hypertension, tuberculosis, and hemorrhage. Also, awareness about the risk associated with unsafe abortions should be promoted.
Predictive Value of Triglyceride‐Glucose Index for All‐Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Feng Xiaoxuan , Deng Yishou , Chen Chaolei , Liu Xiaocong , Huang Yuqing , Feng Yingqing 
Published: October 2024

Objective: To determine the associations between triglyceride‐glucose (TyG) index and mortality from all causes and cardiovascular causes in diabetic population.Methods: 3349 participants with diabetes mellitus (DM) from the 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), aged 18–85 years were included and grouped based on the TyG index in quintiles. Mortality was followed up through December 31th, 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We clarified the shape of association between TyG index and mortality using restricted cubic splines and piecewise linear regression.Results: After a median follow‐up period of 82 months, 800 (23.9%) deaths occurred, of which 190 (5.7%) were due to cardiovascular causes. Participants in the top quintile had higher risks of all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.04–1.48) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.32–4.45) than those in the lowest quintile. TyG index and all‐cause mortality had a J‐shaped relationship with a threshold value of 9.32, while TyG index and cardiovascular mortality had a reversed L‐shaped relationship with a threshold value of 9.37. Higher TyG index was associated with increased risks of all‐cause mortality (per SD increment, HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.27–1.82) and cardiovascular mortality (per SD increment, HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.54–3.04) when above the threshold values. The sensitivity analyses demonstrated similar findings.Conclusions: TyG index in diabetic patients was nonlinearly correlated with mortality risks, potentially predicting all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Association Between Eye Color and Postoperative Pain in Female Patients With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis in Mandibular Molars: A Prospective, Parallel‐Group, Observational Study
Authors: Sarı Merve , Yılmaz Koray 
Published: October 2024

Background: Current evidence indicates that some phenotypic characteristics, such as eye or hair color, might be associated with the experience of pain. We, therefore, compared the anesthetic success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) and postoperative pain scores between light eyes and dark eyes in female patients who experienced symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) in a mandibular molar.Methods: This prospective, parallel‐group, observational study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06206304). A total of 110 adult female patients who experienced moderate or severe pain with SIP participated in this study. All patients received IANB with 4% articaine with 1:100.000 epinephrine. Endodontic access cavity preparation was initiated after confirmation of IANB. Pain during treatment was recorded by using a Visual Analog Scale. Anesthetic success was recorded as “none” or “mild” pain. Root canal treatment was performed, with standardized protocols. Postoperative pain scores were also recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days after treatment. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using the independent t‐test, repeated measures ANOVA test, and Pearson’s chi‐square test. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05.Results: No significant differences were found in the success rate of IANB and postoperative pain scores between light‐ and dark‐eyed patients at any time point (p > 0.05). The success rate of IANB was 72.73% and 67.27% for light‐ and dark‐eyed patients, respectively.Conclusion: Pain scores decreased significantly after RCT in both groups on all days (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the success rate of IANB and postop pain scores between light‐ and dark‐eyed female patients who experienced SIP in a mandibular molar.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06206304
Hypoglycemic Assessment of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera on Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Amina Egbujo Ejike , Adisa James O. , Gamde Solomon Matthias , Omoruyi Etinosa Beauty , Kwaambwa Habauka M. , Mwapagha Lamech M. 
Published: October 2024

Background: Moringa oleifera leaf is used for diabetes due to its pharmacologic effects. Patients with hyperglycemia experience beta cell destruction. However, no research on risk awareness has been done to ascertain its safety. The present study describes the antidiabetic effect of Moringa oleifera leaf, such as the protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, before addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity.Methods: Forty‐five Wistar rats weighed 160 ± 10 g were divided into nine groups. All animal operations complied with the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals as approved by the Animal Ethical Committee, University of Jos. Group I was normal control and Group II was diabetic animals induced with alloxan. Insulin and extract doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg were given to diabetic Groups III‐VI. Normal animals in Groups VII–IX were given extract at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 28 days. Tissues were retrieved for biochemical and histological investigations using standard techniques.Results: There was decrease relative body weight of diabetic animals (95.50 ± 5.50) when compared to normal control (142.75 ± 20.08) with increased levels of urea (control 6.13 ± 0.523 and diabetes 29.23 ± 1.267) and creatinine (control 0.70 ± 0.057 and diabetes 2.13 ± 0.185). Histology of the liver and pancreas also points to organ damage due to hyperglycemia. However, oral administration of extract showed antidiabetic effect with protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, no glycogen was deposited in the liver, addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity. Further discovery revealed that extract elevated antioxidant enzyme expression.Conclusion: Leaf extract from Moringa oleifera reduces blood sugar and lessens the damage caused by hyperglycemia in the pancreas and liver.
Complete Dental Implant Restoration in an Individual With Systemic Sclerosis and Microstomia: A Case Report
Authors: Hashemi Ashtiani Alireza , Moradinejad Mehrnaz , Rakhshan Vahid 
Published: October 2024

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SS) is a debilitating disease that affects oral and any other tissues including skin, bone, blood vessels, and the connective tissues by excessive collagen accumulation. It is a difficult case for oral rehabilitation, let alone dental implantation. In this regard, only few studies have been conducted. This article reports a case of full‐mouth implant–supported prostheses in a SS patient.Case: After diagnosing most remaining teeth as hopeless through clinical and radiographic examinations, implant‐based fixed prosthesis for both jaws was planned, considering the progressive microstomia. Hopeless teeth were extracted. In the maxilla, the areas of central incisors, canines, first premolars, and first molars were implanted. In the mandible, the areas of the lateral incisors and the right second premolar were implanted. Also, according to the surgeon’s opinion, the anterior mandible needed bone grafting. After 3 months, the prosthetic treatment was started. Because in scleroderma, the limitation of mouth opening is progressive (and also in order to allow the restoration of the prosthesis in the future), screw‐retained abutments were used for the posterior segment. Nevertheless, the anterior abutments were cement‐retained.Result: The patient was followed up until the present time (for 3 years). In these follow‐ups, no bone resorption was observed, and the treatment was deemed successful.Conclusion: This report suggests that dental implants might be successful and safe for at least some cases of systemic scleredema.
Association of Race and Ethnicity with Genomic Testing at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Carolina
Authors: Meernik Clare , Wang Frances , Raveendran Yadurshini , Green Michelle F. , Check Devon K. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Sutton Linda M. , Strickler John H. , Akinyemiju Tomi F. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Genomic testing, which analyzes tumor cells or circulating tumor DNA to guide cancer treatment, is increasingly used in precision oncology. However, data on racial and ethnic disparities in its use are limited. This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non–small cell lung cancer, or prostate cancer in 2014 to 2019. Patients were identified from an institutional multilevel data warehouse, and their data were linked to an institutional genomics database and electronic health records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the receipt of tumor-specific genomic testing among non-Hispanic (NH) Black and NH White patients, stratified by cancer type. The linked dataset included 3,461 patients, 44.5% of whom received genomic testing. NH Black patients with prostate cancer were less likely to use genomic testing versus NH White patients across the study period (fully adjusted OR, 0.55, 95% CI, 0.32–0.95), as were NH Black patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 to 2016 (OR adjusted for patient-level covariates: 0.34, 95% CI, 0.11–0.99). No differences in testing were observed between NH Black and NH White patients with colorectal or non–small cell lung cancer or breast cancer diagnosed in 2017 to 2019. Lower documented use of tumor-specific genomic testing among NH Black patients with prostate cancer across the study period underscores the need to monitor trends and address disparities in the use of emerging precision oncology technologies. Future work targeting multilevel barriers to genomic testing is a crucial next step forward.

Significance:
Non-Hispanic Black patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2014 and 2019 and treated at a comprehensive cancer center were less likely to use tumor-specific genomic testing compared with non-Hispanic White patients. Disparities in the use of precision oncology technologies should be monitored and addressed to ensure equitable cancer care.
Faculty mobility and research dynamics at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Yan Erjia , Ni Chaoqun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a foundational role in promoting equality in U.S. higher education and society. Studying faculty transitions and research dynamics at HBCUs is crucial to understanding and addressing these institutions’ challenges, such as the brain drain and its relationships with faculty research practices. By tracking the affiliation changes of 139 professors and their research outcomes (consisting of 4,269 publications) and comparing them with a matched control group with similar backgrounds, we revealed a moving penalty for professors moving from Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) to HBCUs, who experienced declines in research productivity and citation impact. In contrast, professors transitioning from HBCUs to PWIs benefited from the moving premium of increasing high-impact publications. Professors at HBCUs tend to increase their collaborations with PWIs before transitioning, while those moving to PWIs reduce their collaborations with HBCUs. Our findings highlight the ongoing challenges HBCUs face and underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to strengthen these institutions’ research functionality and ultimately their overall academic standing.
Humanitarianism’s Volunteers: The Italian Lay Missionary Movement in the Long 1960s
Authors: Salvatici Silvia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This essay focuses on the experiences, emotions and aspirations of lay volunteers who in the long 1960s contributed to the emergence of non-governmental humanitarianism in Italy. I argue that we cannot disconnect the analysis of relief practices from that of the relievers’ feelings and emotions, because they have moulded each other in specific historical, cultural and social contexts. Young lay volunteers who joined missionaries in the 1960s and the early 1970s received specific assignments, but performed their tasks driven by enthusiasm and frustration, commitment and distress, love for others and a sense of isolation. Their daily work sprang out of this complex entanglement. This essay analyses this by intertwining multiple sources: reports, journal articles, interviews, letters and diaries. These sources allow the reconstruction of lay volunteers’ collective experiences and reveal what they felt, thought, and imagined.
Exploring the effect of family function on non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese adolescents in different family socioeconomic status
Authors: Ao Meng Qin , Luo Dan , Hou Hao , Jiang Yu Lei , Lv Zi Yao , Li Bowen , Lyu Na , Yan Shu , Zou Huijing , Yang Bing Xiang 
Published: October 2024

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents represents an alarming public health concern worldwide. Both family function and family socioeconomic status (SES) were found to play important roles in adolescent NSSI engagement. However, the effects of family function on NSSI among adolescents in different family SES are not well evidenced. Aims: This study aimed to explore how family functions (adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve) affect NSSI among adolescents in different family SES levels. Methods: Data used in this study was derived from the Students’ Mental Health Network Project (SMHN), a survey conducted among 8,872 pairs of adolescent-caregivers in a city in central China. Socio-demographic characteristics, family function, NSSI, adverse life events, and depressive symptoms were measured among adolescents. Family SES were generated from caregivers self-reported information using principal component analysis. Chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were adopted to analyze the effects of family function on NSSI. Results: It revealed that 10.2% of adolescents reported engaging in NSSI in the past 12 months. Poor family function and high family SES were positively associated with NSSI. Partnership, both adaptation and affection, resolve were NSSI-protective factors for adolescents in low, middle, high family SES, respectively. Conclusions: Efforts to address NSSI should acknowledge the association between family function and NSSI among adolescents in different family SES levels.
Police Officers’ Perspectives of Harm Reduction Programs in West Virginia
Authors: Rudisill Toni Marie , Mohamed Rowida 
Published: October 2024

Background As the United States’ drug epidemic continues and resources dwindle, some police agencies are searching for alternatives to combat drug use in their communities. Some police agencies are interacting with harm reduction programs (HRPs) more frequently. Few studies have documented polices’ perspectives of these programs in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to garner police officers’ perspectives of HRPs and how these programs may influence their work in a rural state. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with police officers from January to February 2023. Participants had to be ≥18 years of age and be currently employed as an officer within the state of West Virginia. Participants were recruited across the state using non-probability sampling techniques. The interviews were conducted using a standardized script, audio recorded, and transcribed. Two researchers partook in a thematic analysis with inductive coding to determine themes using NVIVO v11 software. Results Participants ( N = 11) were mainly ≥45 years of age (55%) with ≥25 years of enforcement experience (55%). Five themes transpired: (1) nature of police work, (2) perceived benefits of HRPs, (3) perceived detriments of HRPs, (4) need for education, and (5) programmatic effectiveness and accessibility. Many officers felt HRPs could serve as an alternative to arrest for people who use drugs (PWUD) and decrease their drug use, crime, and infectious disease (i.e., improve safety) overtime. Conversely, officers felt HRPs could be detrimental if they were ineffectual as they could draw more PWUD into a community which could increase crime. Officers also discussed how harm reduction principles often conflict with their training. Conclusions From law enforcements’ perspective, HRPs can positively and negatively impact their work. Officers want more education and data on HRP effectiveness and accessibility. These findings may inform future HRP implementation in rural states such as West Virginia.
Long-term Prognosis of Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee) in Young, Elite Volleyball Players: Tendon Changes 11 Years After Baseline
Authors: Visnes Håvard , Bache-Mathiesen Lena Kristin , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Gilhuus Hans Petter , Algaard Knut Robert Hector , Hisdal Erling , Bahr Roald 
Published: October 2024

Background: The long-term prognosis of jumper's knee and whether structural changes in the patellar tendon persist is unknown. Purpose: To investigate whether limitations in knee function and structural changes persisted beyond the athletic career of young elite volleyball players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Volleyball players (mean ± SD age, 18 ± 0.8 years) enrolled in 2006-2011 in a prospective cohort study were invited in 2020-2022 to a follow-up study. Participants rated their knee function with the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Patellar Tendon (VISA-P) score (baseline and follow-up) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (follow-up) and reported if jumper's knee had influenced their decision to retire from sport. Tendon thickness and structural changes were assessed with ultrasound (baseline) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (follow-up) of both patellar tendons. Results: We included 138 of 143 former athletes (97%) 11.4 ± 1.6 years after their baseline examination. At baseline, 37 persons (52 knees) had developed jumper's knee. At follow-up, participants reported lower knee function scores in knees diagnosed with jumper's knee at baseline than healthy knees (VISA-P scores: jumper's knee, 81 [95% CI, 70-92]; healthy, 90 [95% CI, 86-94]; P < .001; IKDC scores: jumper's knee, 82 [95% CI, 75-89]; healthy, 92 [95% CI, 91-95]; P < .001). Jumper's knee problems directly caused 7 of the 37 athletes (19%) with jumper's knee at baseline to retire from competitive volleyball. Of the 138 players included, 97 (70%) completed a bilateral MRI examination (194 knees). At follow-up, 38 of the 54 abnormal tendons (70%) had no structural changes ( P < .001 vs baseline) while 22 of the 140 normal tendons (16%) had developed structural changes. Clinical symptoms were not correlated with tendon structure at follow-up (VISA-P scores for normal tendons: 85 [95% CI, 73-87]; abnormal: 89 [95% CI, 85-92]; P = .48). Conclusion: Jumper’s knee is not a self-limiting condition; volleyball players who had developed jumper's knee during adolescence reported persistent reductions in knee function 11 years later, leading one-fifth to retire from competitive volleyball. Although approximately 70% of tendons with structural changes at baseline were normal at follow-up, there was no clear relationship between structure and function.