bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between hypopharyngeal defect closure and quality of life in long‐term total laryngectomy survivors
Authors: Tonsbeek Anthony M. , Hundepool Caroline A. , Molier Aprilia L. , Corten Eveline , Rijken Bianca , Sewnaik Aniel , Mureau Marc A. M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have examined health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in long‐term total laryngectomy survivors in relation to the type of hypopharyngeal defect.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed in long‐term total laryngectomy survivors, treated between 2000 and 2020. The primary outcome was HRQOL, assessed using the FACE‐Q Head and Neck Cancer Module, in relation to the type of hypopharyngeal closure (primary closure, partial or circumferential reconstruction).ResultsSeventy‐nine survivors were included with a median follow‐up of 92.1 months (IQR 75.6–140.2 months). Patients requiring partial hypopharyngeal reconstruction (n = 18) scored significantly worse than patients with primary closure (n = 51) on 4 of 13 FACE‐Q domains: functional domains of eating (p = 0.03), speech (p = 0.05), and swallowing (p = 0.03), and the psychological domain of speaking‐related distress (p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences were found between the circumferential hypopharyngeal defect reconstruction group (n = 10). Stricture occurrence was the only clinical factor associated with worse eating, speaking, swallowing, eating‐related distress, and cancer worry in multivariable analyses.ConclusionSeveral functional and psychological domains were significantly worse following partial hypopharyngeal reconstruction than in patients who received primary closure. Efforts to reduce stricture rates to enhance reconstructive outcomes following total laryngectomy merit further research.
Adverse effects of cadmium on lymphoid organs, immune cells, and immunological responses
Authors: Kumari Priyanka , Nanda Kumari Pragati , Firdaus Hena 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHumans and animals possess robust immune systems to safeguard against foreign pathogens. However, recent reports suggest a greater incidence of immunity breakdown due to exposure to environmental pollutants, with heavy metals emerging as potential candidates in such immuno‐toxicological studies. While we have extensive data on the general toxicity resulting from exposure to heavy metals, comprehensive documentation of their role as immune disruptors remains scarce. Cd (Cadmium) exerts immunomodulation by interfering with immune organs and cells, leading to altered structure, physiology, and function, thereby inducing symptoms of immune deregulation, inflammation and/or autoimmunity.This review aims to summarize the link between Cd exposure and immune dysfunction, drawing from case studies on exposed human subjects, as well as research conducted on various model organisms and in‐vitro culture systems.
Cranial ultrasound in neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis
Authors: Radulova Petya , Trifonova Ekaterina , Dimitrova Violeta 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNeonatal infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) is associated with significant morbidity, high mortality, and long‐term neurological sequelae. We report the clinical case of an infant with HSV encephalitis, where the initial diagnosis was established based on cranial ultrasound (CUS) findings. These findings revealed localized, asymmetrically distributed hyperechoic areas in the parenchyma and signs of brain swelling. CUS dynamics on days 7 and 14 after the onset of clinical symptoms demonstrated multiple subcortical and perivascular zones of encephalomalacia in the right hemisphere, accompanied by ex vacuo ventricular dilatation. The cerebellum, left basal ganglia, and left hemisphere appeared to be less affected by the pathological process.
pH‐induced changes in IgE molecules measured by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Hu Jing , Wang Zuobin , Jiang Dayong , Gao Mingyan , Dong Litong , Liu Mengnan , Song Zhengxun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe environment surrounding proteins is tightly linked to its dynamics, which can significantly influence the conformation of proteins. This study focused on the effect of pH conditions on the ultrastructure of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) molecules. Herein, the morphology, height, and area of IgE molecules incubated at different pH were imaged by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the law of IgE changes induced by pH value was explored. The experiment results indicated that the morphology, height and area of IgE molecules are pH dependent and highly sensitive. In particular, IgE molecules were more likely to present small‐sized ellipsoids under acidic conditions, while IgE molecules tend to aggregate into large‐sized flower‐like structures under alkaline conditions. In addition, it was found that the height of IgE first decreased and then increased with the increase of pH, while the area of IgE increased with the increase of pH. This work provides valuable information for further study of IgE, and the methodological approach used in this study is expected to developed into AFM to investigate the changes of IgE molecules mediated by other physical and chemical factors.Research Highlights
The ultrastructure of IgE molecules is pH dependent and highly sensitive.
IgE molecules were tend to present small‐sized ellipsoids under acidic pH.
Alkaline pH drives IgE self‐assembly into flower‐like aggregates.
Age and sex differences in sarcopenic dysphagia: A secondary data analysis
Authors: Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Kakehi Shingo , Nagano Ayano , Kishima Masako , Itoda Masataka , Nishioka Shinta , Momosaki Ryo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundAge and sex differences in sarcopenic dysphagia are unknown. The purpose is to characterize age and sex differences in sarcopenic dysphagia.MethodsA cross‐sectional and retrospective cohort study using information from the Japanese database on sarcopenic dysphagia was performed. We investigated age and sex differences between sarcopenic dysphagia and other forms of dysphagia. We investigated whether differences in prognosis for swallowing function, as assessed by the Food Intake Level Scale, and activities of daily living (ADL), as assessed by the Barthel Index were influenced by age and sex in patients with sarcopenic dysphagia.ResultsThe study included 460 patients, including 229 men and 231 women, with a mean age of 81 ± 10 years. Fifty‐eight percent of the patients had sarcopenic dysphagia. Age was independently associated with sarcopenic dysphagia (odds ratio (OR): 1.056, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.035, 1.078), although sarcopenic dysphagia could also be seen in those younger than 65 years. Sex was not independently associated with sarcopenic dysphagia. The age cut‐off for the diagnosis of sarcopenic dysphagia was 82 years in all patients (sensitivity, 0.660; specificity, 0.644), 80 years in men (sensitivity, 0.619; specificity, 0.631), and 83 years in women (sensitivity, 0.723; specificity, 0.577). Sarcopenic dysphagia showed no significant differences in the improvement of swallowing function and ADL based on age and sex.ConclusionsSarcopenic dysphagia was most common in older adults in their 80s or older. The possibility of sarcopenic dysphagia should be considered when dysphagia is present in people 80 years of age or older.
HIV vulnerabilities and psychosocial health among young transgender women in Lima, Peru: results from a bio‐behavioural survey
Authors: Silva‐Santisteban Alfonso , Apedaile Dorothy , Perez‐Brumer Amaya , Leon Segundo R. , Huerta Leyla , Leon Francezka , Aguayo‐Romero Rodrigo , Reisner Sari L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionPeruvian young transgender women (YTW) ages 16−24 years are a critical but understudied group for primary HIV prevention efforts, due to sharp increases in HIV prevalence among TW ages 25 years and older.MethodsBetween February and July 2022, a cross‐sectional quantitative study with YTW ages 16−24 years in Peru (N = 211) was conducted consisting of a bio‐behavioural survey accompanied by laboratory‐based testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios between socio‐demographic and behavioural characteristics and HIV status.ResultsHIV prevalence was 41.5% (95% CI: 33.9−49.4%), recent syphilis acquisition 19.4% (95% CI: 12.7−28.4), chlamydia 6.3% (95% CI: 3.1−11.1) and gonorrhoea 12.3% (95% CI: 7.9−18.7). Almost half (47.9%) reported condomless anal sex in the past 6 months, 50.7% reported sex work in the past 30 days and 13.7% reported accepting more money for condomless sex. There were no significant differences in reported sexual behaviours by HIV status. Only 60.8% of participants reported ever having been tested for HIV, and 25.6% reported a past 6‐month STI test. More than two‐thirds (67.8%) had not heard of antiretroviral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and only 4.7% had taken PrEP in the past month. Current moderate‐to‐severe psychological distress was endorsed by 20.3%, 10.0% reported attempting suicide in the past 6 months and 85.4% reported alcohol misuse.ConclusionsFindings show that the HIV epidemic for YTW in Lima, Peru is situated in the context of widespread social exclusion, including economic vulnerabilities, violence victimization and the mental health sequelae of transphobic stigma that starts early in life. Future research should aim to further understand the intersection of these vulnerabilities. Moreover, there is an urgent necessity to design and evaluate HIV prevention programmes that address the root systems driving HIV vulnerabilities in YTW and that focus on developmentally specific clusters of stigma‐related conditions.
Ending the HIV Epidemic in Metropolitan Atlanta: a mixed‐methods study to support the local HIV/AIDS response
Authors: Piske Micah , Nosyk Bohdan , Smith Justin C. , Yeung Bianca , Enns Benjamin , Zang Xiao , Sullivan Patrick S. , Armstrong Wendy S. , Thompson Melanie A. , Daniel Gaea , del Rio Carlos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionFour counties within the Atlanta, Georgia 20‐county eligible metropolitan area (EMA) are currently prioritized by the US “Ending the HIV Epidemic” (EHE) initiative which aims for a 90% reduction in HIV incidence by 2030. Disparities driving Atlanta's HIV epidemic warrant an examination of local service availability, unmet needs and organizational capacity to reach EHE targets. We conducted a mixed‐methods evaluation of the Atlanta EMA to examine geographic HIV epidemiology and distribution of services, service needs and organization infrastructure for each pillar of the EHE initiative.MethodsWe collected 2021 county‐level data (during June 2022), from multiple sources including: AIDSVu (HIV prevalence and new diagnoses), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web‐based tools (HIV testing and pre‐exposure prophylaxis [PrEP] locations) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (HIV testing, PrEP screenings, viral suppression and partner service interviews). We additionally distributed an online survey to key local stakeholders working at major HIV care agencies across the EMA to assess the availability of services, unmet needs and organization infrastructure (June−December 2022). The Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change questionnaire assessed the organization climate for services in need of scale‐up or implementation.ResultsWe found racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in HIV disease burden and service availability across the EMA—particularly for HIV testing and PrEP in the EMA's southern counties. Five counties not currently prioritized by EHE (Clayton, Douglas, Henry, Newton and Rockdale) accounted for 16% of the EMA's new diagnoses, but <9% of its 177 testing sites and <7% of its 130 PrEP sites. Survey respondents (N = 48; 42% health agency managers/directors) reported high unmet need for HIV self‐testing kits, mobile clinic testing, HIV case management, peer outreach and navigation, integrated care, housing support and transportation services. Respondents highlighted insufficient existing staffing and infrastructure to facilitate the necessary expansion of services, and the need to reduce inequities and address intersectional stigma.ConclusionsService delivery across all EHE pillars must substantially expand to reach national goals and address HIV disparities in metro Atlanta. High‐resolution geographic data on HIV epidemiology and service delivery with community input can provide targeted guidance to support local EHE efforts.
Intestinal microbial and metabolite profile in infants with small bowel stomas after bowel resection
Authors: Piper Hannah G. , Bording‐Jorgensen Michael , Veniamin Simona , Zhang Zhengxiao , Suarez Ricardo G. , Armstrong Heather , Silverman Jason A. , Wine Eytan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundInfants with small bowel stomas (SBstoma) frequently struggle with absorption and rely on parenteral nutrition (PN). Intestinal absorption is difficult to predict based solely on intestinal anatomy. The purpose of this study was to characterize the microbiota and metabolic by‐products within stoma effluent and correlate with clinical features and intestinal absorption.MethodsProspective cohort study collecting stoma samples from neonates with SBstoma (N = 23) or colostomy control (N = 6) at initial enteral feed (first sample) and before stoma closure (last sample). Gut bacteriome (16S ribosomal RNA [rRNA] sequencing), short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs) were characterized along with volume and energy content of a 48 h collection via bomb calorimetry (last sample). Hierarchical clustering and linear regression were used to compare the bacteriome and BAs/SCFAs, to bowel length, PN, and growth.ResultsInfants with ≤50% small bowel lost more fluid on average than those with >50% and controls (22, 18, 16 mL/kg/day, p = 0.013), but had similar energy losses (7, 10, 9 kcal/kg/day, p = 0.147). Infants growing poorly had enrichment of Proteobacteria compared to infants growing well (90% vs. 15%, p = 0.004). An increase in the ratio of secondary BAs within the small bowel over time, correlated with poor prognostic factors (≤50% small bowel, >50% of calories from PN, and poor growth).ConclusionInfants with SBstoma and poor growth have a unique bacteriome community and those with poor enteral tolerance have metabolic differences compared to infants with improved absorption.
Water bead injuries by children presenting to emergency departments 2013−2023: An expanding issue
Authors: Pasman Eric A. , Khan Muhammad A. , Kolasinski Nathan T. , Reeves Patrick T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA 2023 product recall has described the risk for morbidity and mortality for children ingesting water beads. We aimed to describe water bead exposure and management trends in the United States. We used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to identify water bead injuries from 2013 to 2023. Inclusion criteria were ages 0–17 years, diagnosis of ingested object/foreign body, and the narrative word(s) suggested water bead(s). NEISS supplied weights and variance variables to generate national estimates. There were 226 water bead injuries (66% ingestion). Children under age 2 years comprised 29% of injuries. Multiple water beads were involved in 56% of cases. There was a significant uptrend in water bead injury frequency after 2020. Sixteen (7%) cases required escalation of care. Water bead injuries are rising and appear to affect children of all ages. Children aged less than 5 years appear most vulnerable.
Calculating the power of a planned individual participant data meta‐analysis to examine prognostic factor effects for a binary outcome
Authors: Whittle Rebecca , Ensor Joie , Hattle Miriam , Dhiman Paula , Collins Gary S. , Riley Richard D. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCollecting data for an individual participant data meta‐analysis (IPDMA) project can be time consuming and resource intensive and could still have insufficient power to answer the question of interest. Therefore, researchers should consider the power of their planned IPDMA before collecting IPD. Here we propose a method to estimate the power of a planned IPDMA project aiming to synthesise multiple cohort studies to investigate the (unadjusted or adjusted) effects of potential prognostic factors for a binary outcome. We consider both binary and continuous factors and provide a three‐step approach to estimating the power in advance of collecting IPD, under an assumption of the true prognostic effect of each factor of interest. The first step uses routinely available (published) aggregate data for each study to approximate Fisher's information matrix and thereby estimate the anticipated variance of the unadjusted prognostic factor effect in each study. These variances are then used in step 2 to estimate the anticipated variance of the summary prognostic effect from the IPDMA. Finally, step 3 uses this variance to estimate the corresponding IPDMA power, based on a two‐sided Wald test and the assumed true effect. Extensions are provided to adjust the power calculation for the presence of additional covariates correlated with the prognostic factor of interest (by using a variance inflation factor) and to allow for between‐study heterogeneity in prognostic effects. An example is provided for illustration, and Stata code is supplied to enable researchers to implement the method.
Assessing knowledge management's impact on supply chain performance in a strategic trend
Authors: Lehyani Fatma , Zouari Alaeddine 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSupply chain performance (SCP) is the major factor that helps companies to increase its competitiveness. However, knowledge management (KM) has, in appearance, a direct impact on SCP, but its formalization remains always ambiguous. In fact, this paper aims to determine KM impact on SCP facets (SCPF) through highlighting the relation between KM elements (KME) and SCPF. Proposed approach consists, first, to design a conceptual model identifying the relationship between KME and SCPF. Thereafter, to implement this model, quality function deployment (QFD) house of quality (HOQ) was used. Through the interrelationship matrix, the impact of each KME on whole SCPF can be measured and evaluated, similarly, the impact of whole KME on each SCPF. Finally, based on interviews treated with the managers of SIDILEC international company, a case study was implemented. The results demonstrate that knowledge application, sharing, and capitalization are the most impacting KME on all SCPF. Furthermore, reliability and sustainability are the most impacted SCPF by all KME.
Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on anterior knee pain: Patellofemoral pain and patellar tendinopathy
Authors: Ophey Martin , Koëter Sander , van Ooijen Lianne , van Ark Mathijs , Boots Fred , Ilbrink Shanna , Lankhorst Nienke A. , Piscaer Tom , Vestering Myrthe , den Ouden Vierwind Mirre , van Linschoten Robbart , van Berkel Sietske 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop a multidisciplinary guideline for patellofemoral pain (PFP) and patellar tendinopathy (PT) to facilitate clinical decision‐making in primary and secondary care.MethodsA multidisciplinary expert panel identified questions in clinical decision‐making. Based on a systematic literature search, the strength of the scientific evidence was determined according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) method and the weight assigned to the considerations by the expert panel together determined the strength of the recommendations.ResultsAfter confirming PFP or PT as a clinical diagnosis, patients should start with exercise therapy. Additional conservative treatments are indicated only when exercise therapy does not result in clinically relevant changes after six (PFP) or 12 (PT) weeks. Pain medications should be reserved for cases of severe pain. The additional value of imaging assessments for PT is limited. Open surgery is reserved for very specific cases of nonresponders to exercise therapy and those requiring additional conservative treatments. Although the certainty of evidence regarding exercise therapy for PFP and PT had to be downgraded (‘very low GRADE’ and ‘low GRADE’), the expert panel advocates its use as the primary treatment strategy. The panel further formulated weaker recommendations regarding additional conservative treatments, pain medications, imaging assessments and open surgery (‘very low GRADE’ to ‘low GRADE’ assessment or absence of scientific evidence).ConclusionThis guideline recommends starting with exercise therapy for PFP and PT. The recommendations facilitate clinical decision‐making, and thereby optimizing treatment and preventing unnecessary burdens, risks and costs to patients and society.Level of EvidenceLevel V, clinical practice guideline.
Save the subchondral bone plate: Debridement versus bone marrow stimulation in acetabular cartilage defects over 60 months of follow‐up
Authors: Riedl Moritz , Lenz Julia E. , Goronzy Jens , Sobau Christian , Steimer Oliver , Thier Steffen , Zinser Wolfgang , Landgraeber Stefan , Alt Volker , Fickert Stefan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeBone marrow stimulation is a common treatment for full‐thickness cartilage defects in the hip joint. However, common procedures may result in poor fibrous repair tissue and changes to the subchondral anatomy. This study investigated the clinical outcome of a cohort of International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades 3 and 4 cartilage defects treated with bone marrow stimulation compared to those who received simple debridement/chondroplasty.MethodsIn this retrospective registry study, 236 patients with uni‐focal acetabular chondral lesions of the hip up to 400 mm² (mean 177.4 ± 113.4 mm²) and of ICRS grade ≥3 with follow‐up of at least 12 months (mean 33.2 ± 15.3 months) were included. Eighty‐one patients underwent bone marrow stimulation (microfracture: n = 44, abrasion: n = 37) besides treatment of the underlying pathology, 155 patients underwent defect debridement/chondroplasty. The patient‐reported outcome was measured using the International Hip Outcome Tool 33 (iHOT33) score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain.ResultsiHOT33 and VAS both improved highly statistically significantly (p < 0.001) in the debridement group after 6, 12, 24, 36 and 60 months compared to the preoperative scores, whereas iHOT33 and VAS after microfracture or abrasion did not show statistically significant changes over time. Twenty‐four and sixty months postsurgery the debridement group revealed significant higher scores in the iHOT33 compared to the bone marrow stimulation groups.ConclusionPatients with chondral lesions of the hip ≤400 mm2 sustainably benefit from arthroscopic debridement under preservation of the subchondral bone plate in terms of functional outcome and pain in contrast to patients treated with bone marrow stimulation. These findings discourage the currently recommended use of microfracture in the hip joint.Level of EvidenceLevel III.