bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Michael Wirth’s Kunstbüchlein: Books of Arts and Weapons Magic in a Sorcery Trial from Seventeenth-Century Germany
Authors: Rowlands Alison 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
How did men and magical objects interact in the early modern period, and with what consequences? This article seeks to answer these questions through a close reading of the trial for sorcery of an urban artisan named Michael Wirth, who was accused in 1663 of murdering his neighbour by magical means. The article foregrounds the role that Wirth’s Kunstbüchlein (books of arts) played in his practice of magic (in his case, a type of weapons magic aimed at ensuring his accuracy in musket-shooting) and in his acquisition of a reputation for malevolent sorcery in the eyes of some of his neighbours. In so doing, it analyses the competing claims made by different trial protagonists about Wirth’s relationship with, and use of, his books of arts, and explores how the books themselves participated in these meaning-making processes. The article furthers our understanding of the practice of weapons magic and the use of books of arts by urban artisans in the seventeenth century. It also contributes to ongoing debates about the gendering and material culture of magic in early modern Germany, and about the agency of human and non-human actors in networks of social practices.
Reducing Ageism and Ableism With Brief Videos Providing Education About Aging and Disabilities and Exposure to Positive Intergenerational Contact
Authors: Monahan Caitlin , Levy Sheri R , Lytle Ashley 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Older adults living with a disability (LWD) face both ageism and ableism, but there are few interventions to address this significant and growing social problem.

Research Design and Methods
Drawing on the Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experiences model, 3 online studies involved participants randomly assigned to watch 4 brief online videos providing education about aging and disability and exposure to positive contact between younger adults and older adults/older adults LWD (experimental condition) or videos about interior design (control condition). Studies 1 (community sample) and 2 (university sample) included an immediate posttest whereas Study 3 (2 university samples) additionally included a pretest and delayed posttest.

Results
Experimental condition (vs control) participants reported greater agreement with older adults LWD as contributors to society (immediate posttest in Studies 1 and 2; immediate and delayed posttest in Study 3), lesser (greater) endorsement of negative (positive) stereotypes of older adults and older adults LWD, lesser agreement with older adults LWD as burdensome, lesser intergenerational tension with older adults (immediate posttest in Study 2; immediate and delayed posttest in Study 3), and greater openness to careers working with older adults and older adults LWD (immediate and delayed posttest in Study 3).

Discussion and Implications
Brief online interventions that involve education about aging and disabilities as well as exposure to positive intergenerational contact can be an effective means of reducing ableism and ageism toward older adults and older adults LWD.
(Re)constructing global health security and universal health coverage: norm contestation and interaction
Authors: Lal Arush , Parkhurst Justin , Wenham Clare 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
To effectively tackle public health challenges, policy-makers increasingly advocate for aligning global health security (GHS) and universal health coverage (UHC), two influential norms driving international health cooperation. However, despite operating within overlapping spheres of governance, the normative histories linking GHS and UHC remain relatively unexplored in the literature. This article examines how GHS and UHC have been (re)constructed—from distinct policy sectors to synergistic norm regimes—through repeated contestation and interaction. Utilizing the ‘norm life-cycle’ framework to trace development across three stages (emergence, tipping-point/cascade and internalization), this study discursively analyses key texts from major crises and international agreements spanning several decades to unpack how norms and their underlying discourses and core functions have influenced each other as they evolved. The findings illustrate that GHS and UHC norms would be better understood as dynamic ‘processes’ rather than static concepts. The article concludes that GHS and UHC norms have shaped each other more significantly than previous scholarship suggests, characterizing them as continuously evolving, closely interlinked and increasingly integrated. This work contributes not only to the broader scholarship on international norms theory, but also offers pragmatic implications for navigating normative development where multiple norms compete for influence amid ever-shifting priorities.
Hitting the High-dimensional notes: an ODE for SGD learning dynamics on GLMs and multi-index models
Authors: Collins-Woodfin Elizabeth , Paquette Courtney , Paquette Elliot , Seroussi Inbar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We analyze the dynamics of streaming stochastic gradient descent (SGD) in the high-dimensional limit when applied to generalized linear models and multi-index models (e.g. logistic regression, phase retrieval) with general data-covariance. In particular, we demonstrate a deterministic equivalent of SGD in the form of a system of ordinary differential equations that describes a wide class of statistics, such as the risk and other measures of sub-optimality. This equivalence holds with overwhelming probability when the model parameter count grows proportionally to the number of data. This framework allows us to obtain learning rate thresholds for the stability of SGD as well as convergence guarantees. In addition to the deterministic equivalent, we introduce an SDE with a simplified diffusion coefficient (homogenized SGD), which allows us to analyze the dynamics of general statistics of SGD iterates. Finally, we illustrate this theory on some standard examples and show numerical simulations, which give an excellent match to the theory.
Randomized phase III study comparing re-irradiation stereotactic body radiotherapy and conventional radiotherapy for painful spinal metastases: Japan Clinical Oncology Group study JCOG2211 (RESCORE study)
Authors: Kita Ryosuke , Ito Kei , Machida Ryunosuke , Sekino Yuta , Nakamura Naoki , Nakajima Yujiro , Saito Tetsuo , Imano Nobuki , Fukuda Haruhiko , Ito Yoshinori , Mizowaki Takashi ,   Japan Clinical Oncology Group Radiation Therapy Study Group
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Bone metastases are often associated with pain and can occur in various types of cancer, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. Despite the high response rates to initial conventional radiotherapy in patients with painful spinal metastases, recurrence and inadequate response still occur. Thus, the development of a highly effective strategy for pain recurrence is crucial to improving the quality of life in patients with advanced metastatic cancer. This randomized phase III trial aims to confirm the superiority of re-irradiation with stereotactic body radiotherapy (24 Gy in 2 fractions) over conventional radiotherapy (8 Gy in a single fraction) in achieving a complete pain response at 12 weeks in patients with previously irradiated painful spinal metastases. A total of 158 patients from 33 hospitals will be enrolled in Japan over 3.5 years. This trial has been registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials as jRCTs1030240172 (https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT1030240172).
Basophils induce protumorigenic cytokines from A549 lung adenocarcinoma via mechanisms requiring IgE, galectin-3, and IL-3 priming
Authors: Schroeder John T , Ehrlich Laurent , Bieneman Anja P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is implicated in innate immune cell activation in a host of diseases/conditions. We identified a unique response whereby human basophils secrete interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 when cocultured with A549 cells—lung adenocarcinoma. While displaying parameters consistent with standard IgE-dependent activation, these Gal-3–dependent responses occurred in the absence of specific IgE/allergens and required cell-to-cell contact. We now hypothesize that this mode of activation also impacts A549 function. Our findings show that cytokines are induced in basophil/A549 cocultures that are not detected when either cell is cultured alone, in particular IL-6. As previously shown for IL-4/IL-13, IL-6 production also required cell-to-cell contact and was dependent on A549-Gal-3, as clones deficient of this lectin induced less cytokine. Using culture-derived basophils (CDBAs), we demonstrate that the IL-6 response and production of another tumorigenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), are induced in CDBA/A549 cocultures but only after passively sensitizing CDBAs with IgE, in a manner similar to IL-4/IL-13. However, IgE-dependent activation of basophils/CDBAs cultured alone failed to induce IL-6/VEGF. Importantly, IL-3–primed basophils, even those fixed with paraformaldehyde, readily induced IL-6/VEGF-A in cocultures, thus verifying that these cytokines are derived from A549. Overall, these results suggest a complex mechanism whereby Gal-3/IgE interactions between IL-3–primed basophils and A549 have the potential to modulate cytokine production by both cells. With Gal-3 implicated not only in many diseases ranging from asthma to cancer, but also in normal physiological conditions, such as wound healing, these findings are predicted to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which this lectin (and IgE) functions in these processes.
The WEIRD Trio: The Cultural Gap between Physicians, Learners, and Patients in Pluralistic Societies
Authors: Liao Lester 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Physicians are shaped by sociological and philosophical factors that often differ from those of their patients. This is of particular concern in pluralistic societies when navigating ethical disagreements because physicians often misunderstand or even dismiss patient perspectives as being irrational. This paper examines these factors and why many physicians approach ethics as they do while elucidating various patient perspectives and demonstrating how they make sense when considered from a different cultural worldview. Many physicians are trained in contexts that are WEIRD: Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic. These sociological characteristics tend to go hand in hand with the trio of individualism, secularism, and existentialism. These then shape an approach to ethics that focuses on the individual patient, makes no reference to the divine, and focuses on a patient’s personal desires. This contrasts significantly with many patients who are collectivistic or religious, and then make rational decisions based on other values. The social fact of pluralism implores physicians to temper confidence in their own cultures while considering others to promote mutual understanding and improved care. This paper concludes with a discussion of how bridges can be built across cultures without sliding into relativism, beginning with recognizing and communicating our shared moral intuitions.
Impact of chemotherapy on patients with mismatch repair deficient advanced endometrial carcinomas—a meta-analysis
Authors: Tjokrowidjaja Angelina , Kok Peey-Sei , Antill Yoland C , Scott Clare L , Mileshkin Linda R , Friedlander Michael L , Lee Chee K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Chemo-immunotherapy is standard of care for women with recurrent or advanced mismatch repair deficient endometrial carcinoma. However, it is uncertain whether patients with mismatch repair deficient advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma derive less benefit from chemotherapy than those with mismatch repair proficient endometrial carcinoma.

Methods
We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma to determine the difference in the benefit of chemotherapy in mismatch repair deficient vs mismatch repair proficient endometrial carcinoma. Data on chemotherapy outcomes including objective response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival were retrieved. We pooled these data using the inverse variance method and examined subgroup difference by mismatch repair status. We also compared differences in PFS and overall survival outcomes by creating individual patient data from the Kaplan–Meier curves of trial publications for sensitivity analyses.

Results
A total of 5 RCTs with 1137 participants (mismatch repair deficient, 26%; mismatch repair proficient, 74%) were included. All participants were treated with carboplatin-based chemotherapy. There was no difference between the mismatch repair deficient and mismatch repair proficient subgroups for objective response rate (66.5% vs 64.0%; P = .20 for subgroup difference), PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77 to 1.12; P = .44; median PFS = 7.6 vs 9.5 months) or overall survival (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.73 to 1.44; P = .88; median overall survival = not reached vs 28.6 months).

Conclusions
Objective response rate, PFS, and overall survival were similar among those with mismatch repair deficient vs mismatch repair proficient endometrial cancer treated with front-line, platinum-doublet chemotherapy in RCTs. These findings reinforce the importance of combining chemotherapy together with immune checkpoint inhibitors until the results of trials comparing immune checkpoint therapy alone with combination therapy are available.
Rare finding of ectopic pancreas in a cholecystectomy specimen: case report and literature review
Authors: Baz Carolina , Nudotor Richard , Buseey Ian , Stitely Kevin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Ectopic pancreatic tissue (EPT) is a rare condition in which pancreatic tissue is situated outside its normal position. It is commonly found in the stomach and small bowel, typically asymptomatic, and is usually discovered incidentally during histopathological analysis. Although fewer than 40 cases of ectopic pancreatic tissue in the gallbladder have been reported, its significance relies on the risk of malignant transformation, highlighting the need for a thorough pathological study. This case report describes the presence of EPT in the gallbladder incidentally found during the pathological examination following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy of a 37-year-old female due to chronic cholecystitis.
A rare finding of pulmonary nodules in a middle ear neuroendocrine tumor: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alharbi Nader , Alotaibi Ghadah , Alabood Saleh , AlSulaiman Ibrahim , Bakry Essa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are usually found in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas; however, they are rare in the middle ear. The presentation of vague symptoms, such as tinnitus and conductive hearing loss, complicates the diagnosis. We present a 46-year-old male with a history of right ear discharge and a previous canal wall-down mastoidectomy, suspected to have cholesteatoma recurrence. Imaging and surgery demonstrated a well-differentiated G1 NET in the middle ear. Postoperative metastatic workup revealed few pulmonary nodules needing ongoing observation. Middle-ear NETs are difficult to diagnose due to their rarity. This case underscores the importance of histological and immunohistochemical evaluation and the need for systemic assessment to rule out metastasis due to pulmonary nodules. We contribute to the limited literature highlighting the need to include NETs in the differential of middle ear masses and the usefulness of interdisciplinary teamwork.
A dTALE approach demonstrates that induction of common bean OVATE Family Protein 7 promotes resistance to common bacterial blight
Authors: Gaudin Charlotte , Preveaux Anne , Aubineau Nathan , Le Goff Damien , Jacques Marie-Agnès , Chen Nicolas W G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Common bacterial blight (CBB) is a devastating seed-transmitted disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), caused by Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli and Xanthomonas citri pv. fuscans. The genes responsible for CBB resistance are largely unknown. Moreover, the lack of a reproducible and universal transformation protocol limits the study of genetic traits in common bean. We produced X. phaseoli pv. phaseoli strains expressing artificially designed transcription-activator like effectors (dTALEs) to target 14 candidate genes for resistance to CBB based on previous transcriptomic data. In planta assays in a susceptible common bean genotype showed that induction of PvOFP7, PvAP2-ERF71, or PvExpansinA17 expression by dTALEs resulted in CBB symptom reduction. After PvOFP7 induction, in planta bacterial growth was reduced at early colonization stages, and RNA-seq analysis revealed up-regulation of cell wall formation and primary metabolism, together with major down-regulation of heat shock proteins. Our results demonstrated that PvOFP7 contributes to CBB resistance, and underlined the usefulness of dTALEs for functional validation of genes whose induction impacts Xanthomonas–plant interactions.
A Novel, Low-Fidelity, Low-Cost Residency “Simulation Festival” Competition
Authors: MacKinnon Rene , Boedeker David , Chatfield Lindsay , Owens Amanda 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Simulation has rapidly expanded in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) for teaching surgical skills, reinforcing medical knowledge and assessing surgical proficiency. Low-fidelity simulations are typically lower cost to produce and have been proven to be beneficial for surgical training. The aim of this study is to describe an innovative simulation competition among residency programs to develop, present, and share low-cost, low-fidelity surgical simulation.

Materials and Methods
We developed and executed a novel simulation competition in October 2022 at our annual military OB/GYN conference. All 9 military residency programs presented a unique, cost-effective simulation relevant to the field of OB/GYN. A 1-hour session was dedicated to showcasing these innovations. Participants were invited to complete a postevent survey. This study was deemed Institutional Review Board exempt.

Results
A total of 111 people registered for our event. Seventy-seven individuals completed our postevent survey (69.4% response rate), comprising medical students (12.99%), residents (58.44%), and staff or fellows (28.57%). Most respondents reported that simulation holds substantial value in OB/GYN training (96.10%). All respondents expressed a desire for the event to be a recurring feature at future meetings. Among resident responders, 97.7% was either “very likely” or “likely” to incorporate one of the showcased simulations into their future resident academics. Fifteen respondents were actively involved in creating simulations for the festival, with the majority deeming the process either very easy (60.00%) or easy (33.33%), and all simulations were deemed highly reproducible (100.00%).

Conclusions
This event succeeded in nurturing innovative, cost-effective, and readily replicable simulations in the field of OB/GYN. This event can be replicated at meetings to foster novel simulation development.
High-dose Probiotic Mix of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacillus coagulans, and Saccharomyces boulardii to Prevent Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea in Adults: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial (SPAADA)
Authors: Hodzhev Vladimir , Dzhambazov Karen , Sapundziev Nikolay , Encheva Milena , Todorov Spiridon , Youroukova Vania , Benchev Rumen , Nikolov Rosen , Bogov Boris , Momekov Georgi , Hadjiev Veselin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Probiotics have been used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), but practical guidelines are sparse. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a high-dose, multistrain probiotic mix (Sinquanon), specially designed for prevention of AAD in adults.

Methods
A phase IV, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted over 5 months. Participants receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered the specialized probiotic mix or placebo from the first dose of antibiotics until 14 days after the last antibiotic dose. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of AAD.

Results
In total, 564 participants were randomized (probiotic mix: 285; placebo: 279), of which 9 participants discontinued the trial early (probiotic mix: 3; placebo: 6), had no efficacy data, and were excluded from the efficacy analysis. The 555 remaining participants completed the trial and were included in the efficacy analysis (probiotic mix: 282; placebo: 273). AAD occurred less frequently in the studied probiotic mix versus placebo group (9.2% vs 25.3%, P &lt; .001), resulting in an absolute risk reduction of 16% and a number needed to treat of 6 (95% confidence interval, 4.55–10.49). A significant improvement in the average gastrointestinal quality of life in the studied probiotic mix versus placebo group was also observed. There were no clinically relevant differences in the incidence of adverse events between the studied probiotic mix and the placebo group.

Conclusions
The specially designed high-dose, multistrain probiotic mix (Sinquanon) demonstrated to be beneficial compared with placebo in the prevention of AAD in adults who received broad–spectrum antibiotics.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier and URL
NCT05607056; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05607056.
Etiology of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in children at a tertiary-care centre in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Besner Anne-Sophie , Renaud Christian , Gravel Jocelyn 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to identify the bacteria responsible for community-acquired bacterial meningitis in infants and children.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study including children aged 1 day to 18 years with confirmed bacterial meningitis, evaluated at a tertiary-care, Canadian emergency department between 2014 and 2022. The primary outcome was the pathogen identified. Other variables of interest were complications, age, and diagnostic method. Medical charts were reviewed by a co-investigator and 25% were assessed in duplicate.

Results
All 79 eligible cases were included. The main causal agents were Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (n = 20; 25%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 16; 20%), Neisseria meningitidis (n = 16; 20%), and Haemophilus influenzae (n = 9; 11%). Etiology exhibited age-dependent variations, with 85% of GBS and 100% of Escherichia coli infections in children under 2 months. All pneumococcal and Group A Streptococcus cases were in children older than 6 months. All children infected by S. pneumoniae were vaccinated but the serotype was not covered by vaccination in 7/8 infections. All children with N. meningitidis were either too young to be vaccinated (n = 10) or infected by a serotype not covered by the given vaccine. Fifty-five bacteria were identified by cerebrospinal fluid culture, 17 by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and 7 by both methods.

Conclusion
GBS is now the leading etiology of paediatric community-acquired bacterial meningitis at our centre. The etiology of bacterial meningitis varies greatly by age. Future studies should focus on improving the serotype spectrum of vaccines, identifying strategies to lower GBS infection, and improving the use of PCR as a diagnostic tool.