bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength in Athletes With Iliotibial Band Tightness: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Unuvar Bayram Sonmez , Demirdel Ertugrul , Gercek Hasan 
Published: August 2024

Context: We designed this study to investigate the effects of 2 myofascial release techniques, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Foam Roller (FR), on pain, joint range of motion, and muscle strength in athletes suffering from iliotibial band (ITB) tightness. Design: A total of 39 male soccer players were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial, aged between 18 and 23 years who were divided into 3 groups: Only Exercise, IASTM, and FR. Methods: All participants performed daily strengthening and stretching exercises, while 1 group added IASTM, and the other added FR to the exercise program. We evaluated ITB tightness with the Ober test and an inclinometer, pressure pain threshold, using an algometer, and we evaluated muscle strength with the Cybex Norm Isokinetic device. Results: We found that all 3 groups exhibited an increase in the Ober inclination angle after the interventions (P = .001), but the increase was greater for participants in the IASTM and FR groups, compared with exercise alone. Additionally, both the IASTM and FR groups displayed an increased pressure pain threshold (P = .001), whereas there was no change in the control group. Moreover, while all 3 groups experienced an increase in hip muscle strength (P = .001), the IASTM and FR groups exhibited a greater increase compared with exercise alone (P = .001). Conclusions: Based on these findings, exercise improves pain, range of motion, and muscle strength in athletes with ITB tightness, and IASTM, and FR techniques enhanced exercise effects but did not differ from one another. While our study demonstrated that both IASTM and FR techniques significantly enhance the benefits of exercise for athletes with ITB tightness, further research could delve into the long-term effects of these interventions.
Nature should be the model for microbial sciences
Authors: Baker Brett J. , Hyde Emily , Leão Pedro 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Until recently, microbiologists have relied on cultures to understand the microbial world. As a result, model organisms have been the focus of research into understanding Bacteria and Archaea at a molecular level. Diversity surveys and metagenomic sequencing have revealed that these model species are often present in low abundance in the environment; instead, there are microbial taxa that are cosmopolitan in nature. Due to the numerical dominance of these microorganisms and the size of their habitats, these lineages comprise mind-boggling population sizes upward of 10
28
cells on the planet. Many of these dominant groups have cultured representatives and have been shown to be involved in mediating key processes in nature. Given their importance and the increasing need to understand changes due to climate change, we propose that members of Nitrosophaerota (
Nitrosopumilus maritimus
), SAR11 (
Pelagibacter ubique
), Hadesarchaeia, Bathyarchaeia, and others become models in the future. Abundance should not be the only measure of a good model system; there are other organisms that are well suited to advance our understanding of ecology and evolution. For example, the most well-studied symbiotic bacteria, like
Buchnera
,
Aliivibrio
, and
Rhizobium
, should be models for understanding host-associations. Also, there are organisms that hold new insights into major transitions in the evolution of life on the planet like the Asgard Archaea (Heimdallarchaeia). Innovations in a variety of
in situ
techniques have enabled us to circumvent culturing when studying everything from genetics to physiology. Our deepest understanding of microbiology and its impact on the planet will come from studying these microbes in nature. Laboratory-based studies must be grounded in nature, not the other way around.
Appendicolith classification: physical and chemical properties of appendicoliths in patients with CT diagnosed acute appendicitis – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Vanhatalo Sanja , Mäkilä Ermei , Hakanen Antti J , Munukka Eveliina , Salonen Jarno , Saarinen Timo , Grönroos Juha , Sippola Suvi , Salminen Paulina 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveAppendicoliths are associated with a more complicated course of acute appendicitis and failure of non-operative treatment. We aimed to update the appendicolith classification originally described in 1966 and to assess the association of appendicolith characteristics with appendicitis severity.DesignThis prospective predefined MAPPAC-trial (ClinicalTrials.govNCT03257423) substudy included patients with CT diagnosed appendicitis presenting with an appendicolith. CT visible appendicoliths were harvested at surgery, measured and characterised by morphological examination complemented with micro-CT and micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Patients were categorised into two groups: appendicolith appendicitis without other complications and appendicolith appendicitis with complications (appendiceal gangrene, perforation and/or abscess). The association of appendicolith classification and characteristics with appendicitis severity was evaluated.ResultsOf 78 patients with a CT appendicolith, 41 appendicoliths were collected and classified based on the degree of hardness into three classes. The hardest appendicoliths (class 3) were less common (19.5%) presenting with a stone-hard outer layer and concentrically layered inner structure around a core. The layered inner structure was also observed in class 2 appendicoliths, but was absent in soft, class 1 appendicoliths. Appendicolith hardness or measures (maximum length, diameter and weight) were not associated with appendicitis severity. The spatial distribution of the main inorganic elements of calcium and phosphorus varied within most appendicoliths.ConclusionThis updated classification confirms categorisation of CT visible appendicoliths into three classes based on their physical and chemical characteristics. The data on clinical and aetiopathological characteristics of appendicoliths is scarce and using this systematic classification would add to this understanding.
Feasibility of forecasting future critical care bed availability using bed management data
Authors: Palmer John , Manataki Areti , Moss Laura , Neilson Aileen , Lo Tsz-Yan Milly 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThis project aims to determine the feasibility of predicting future critical care bed availability using data-driven computational forecast modelling and routinely collected hospital bed management data.MethodsIn this proof-of-concept, single-centre data informatics feasibility study, regression-based and classification data science techniques were applied retrospectively to prospectively collect routine hospital-wide bed management data to forecast critical care bed capacity. The availability of at least one critical care bed was forecasted using a forecast horizon of 1, 7 and 14 days in advance.ResultsWe demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of forecasting critical care bed capacity without requiring detailed patient-level data using only routinely collected hospital bed management data and interpretable models. Predictive performance for bed availability 1 day in the future was better than 14 days (mean absolute error 1.33 vs 1.61 and area under the curve 0.78 vs 0.73, respectively). By analysing feature importance, we demonstrated that the models relied mainly on critical care and temporal data rather than data from other wards in the hospital.DiscussionOur data-driven forecasting tool only required hospital bed management data to forecast critical care bed availability. This novel approach means no patient-sensitive data are required in the modelling and warrants further work to refine this approach in future bed availability forecast in other hospital wards.ConclusionsData-driven critical care bed availability prediction was possible. Further investigations into its utility in multicentre critical care settings or in other clinical settings are warranted.
Cross-sectional study of determinants of undernutrition among children aged 6–36 months in Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Rezaee Mohammad Taqi , Zakki Shahbaz Ahmad , Haq Ijaz ul , Rahimi Noorullah , Fayaz Mehwish 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThe current study aimed to find the distribution and factors associated with undernutrition among children aged 6–36 months in Kabul.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingPublic Ataturk Children’s Hospital, Kabul.Participants385.MethodsA structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic conditions and anthropometry of children. Logistic regression was used to find determinants of undernutrition.ResultsThe distribution of stunting, wasting and underweight was 38.7%, 11.9% and 30.6%, respectively. Among the children studied, 54% did not receive breast milk within the first hour of birth, 53.2% were not exclusively breastfed, 21% received complementary feeding before the age of 6 months, 22.1% lacked access to safe water and 44.7% did not practise hand washing with soap. The odds of stunting were lower (p<0.05) in girls (AOR 5.511, 95% CI 3.028 to 10.030), children of educated fathers (OR 0.288, 95% CI 0.106 to 0.782), those from nuclear families (OR 0.280, 95% CI 0.117 to 1.258), those exclusively breastfed (OR 0.499, 95% CI 0.222 to 1.51) and those practising good hygienic practices (OR 0.440, 95% CI 0.229 to 0.847). Boys had high odd of girls (OR 6.824, 95% CI 3.543 to 13.143) while children of educated fathers (OR 0.340, 95% CI 0.119 to 0.973), those receiving complementary food at 6 months (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.148 to 1.393) and those practising good hygiene (OR 0.310, 95% CI 0.153 to 0.631) had lower odds (p<0.05) of being underweight. Boys (OR 3.702, 95% CI 1.537 to 8.916) had higher odds of being wasted, whereas children of educated mothers (OR 0.480, 95% CI 0.319 to 4.660), those from nuclear families (OR 0.356, 95% CI 0.113 to 1.117), those receiving early breast feeding (OR 0.435, 95% CI 0.210 to 1.341) and those practising hand washing (OR 0.290, 95% CI 0.112 to 0.750) had lower odds (p<0.05) of being wasted.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the sex of the child, illiteracy of fathers, not practising hand washing and not observing hygiene, late initiation of breast milk, complementary feeding timings, and lack of proper exclusive breast feeding as contributing factors to the under-nutrition of the children in the study population.
Exploring the MAPPING application to facilitate risk communication and shared decision-making between physicians and patients with gynaecological cancer
Authors: Koning Mijra , Lok Christianne , Ubbink Dirk T , Aarts Johanna Wilhelmina Maria 
Published: August 2024

This is an observational study in which we evaluated current levels of risk communication (RC) among gynaecological oncologists and their view on the Mapping All Patient Probabilities in Numerical Graphs (MAPPING) application as a possible tool to facilitate RC and shared decision-making (SDM). In part A, we audio-recorded 29 conversations between gynaecological oncologists and patients when discussing treatment options. In part B, interviews were performed with eight gynaecological oncologists.RC and SDM were measured using two observer-based measures, that is, the RC content (RCC) tool (scale 0–2) and the OPTION-5 instrument (scale 0–100). We used CollaboRATE questionnaire (scale 0–10) and a self-developed survey to assess patient-reported RC and SDM. In part B, we evaluated physicians’ attitudes regarding the use of the MAPPING application to support RC. Patients were minimally involved in the decision-making process (OPTION-5 25.9%±13.4 RCC 0.21±0.18). Patient-reported SDM was high (mean collaboRATE score 9.19±1.79) and patients preferred receiving numeric information, whereas most physicians used qualitative risk terms rather than exact numbers. In part B, gynaecologists had a positive attitude towards the MAPPING application. However, they stated that the app was difficult to use improvement of layout and better implementations are needed.
Stakeholders’ engagement with law to address gender-based violence in Southwest Nigeria: a qualitative study using normalisation process theory to explore implementation challenges
Authors: Ikuteyijo Olutoyin Opeyemi , Martin Hilber Adriane , Fatusi Adesegun Olayiwola , Akinyemi Akanni Ibukun , Merten Sonja 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundSexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a significant issue in Nigeria. In 2015, the Federal Government of Nigeria enacted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) to address all forms of violence. This study explored the challenges faced by stakeholders in implementing VAPP for the reduction of SGBV in Nigeria.MethodsQualitative data were collected from 29 state and non-state actors, including government officials, police and lawyers in Lagos and Oyo States through informant interviews and using normalisation process theory. Data collection involved a review of policies and programmes and their experience regarding the implementation of VAPP.FindingsThe implementation of the VAPP Act faces several challenges, including prolonged delays in the family court system, insufficient human resources, bureaucratic obstacles, impunity, overcrowded shelters and inadequate protection for survivors and witnesses. These issues often lead to delays and stalling in securing justice for survivors.ConclusionThe effective implementation of antiviolence laws requires overcoming significant obstacles. Collaboration among stakeholders, adequate funding and resources are critical to ensuring timely justice and reducing SGBV in Nigeria.
Quality improvement project aiming to reduce inappropriate use of abdominal x-rays in the ED
Authors: Love Sam , Mount Alexander , Kinch Lucy , Kugan Suren , Vora Arjun , Davies Teifion 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThere is compelling evidence that AXRs have limited clinical value in the acute setting. Despite this, they are frequently used in many EDs. This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to reduce unnecessary AXR use in a single-centre ED.MethodAll consecutive AXRs conducted on patients aged 16 years and above in a District General Hospital ED in England between 2 August 2021 and 5 June 2022 were included. This period of time was divided into a pre-intervention and intervention period, during which iterative plan–do–study–act cycles were undertaken to implement a wide range of educational and system level interventions.Results501 AXRs were performed during the QIP. The average number of AXRs per fortnight fell from 27.5 during the preintervention period to 17.6 during the intervention period and met criteria for special cause variation. No special cause variation in CT usage was observed, with an average number of 70.7 and 74 CT abdomen–pelvis scans during the preintervention and intervention periods, respectively. 119 (23.8%) AXRs showed acute and clinically significant findings, and of this group 118/119 (99.2%) underwent further imaging. In contrast, 382 (76.2%) AXRs had no acute or clinically significant findings, and of this group 344/382 (90.1%) proceeded to further imaging.ConclusionIn this single-centre QIP, coordinated multidisciplinary interventions were effective in reducing unnecessary AXR usage without resulting in excess CTs. The methods and interventions described are easily reproducible at minimal expense and may be of interest to other departments undertaking quality improvement work in this area.
Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in IBD but underserved: a need to expand specialised IBD care
Authors: Elford Alexander Thomas , Beattie William , Downie Andrew , Kaushik Varun , Mitchell Jeni , Prentice Ralley , Al-Ani Aysha H , Segal Jonathan , Christensen Britt 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveSexual dysfunction is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data on IBD disease activity and IBD patients’ desire to seek specialist advice regarding sexual dysfunction are lacking. We aimed to identify sexual healthcare needs in patients with IBD.Design/methodWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult patients with IBD at a tertiary teaching hospital. Clinical disease activity was assessed using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index for patients with Crohn’s disease and the Patient-Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index for patients with ulcerative colitis. Sexual health questions were derived from the validated IBD-Specific Female Sexual Dysfunction and IBD-Male Sexual Dysfunction Scales. Comparisons between those with inactive and active disease were made using Fisher’s exact test.Results101 respondents completed the survey, of which 53 (52%) were female and 57 (56%) had Crohn’s disease. The median age was 38 (IQR 28–52). 34 respondents (34%) had active disease. Respondents with active Crohn’s disease trended towards having more significant sexual dysfunction than those in remission for all domains on the sexual dysfunction scale. 74% reported interest in accessing specialist advice regarding their sexual function while 20% have attempted to seek this advice. 36% would wish to be contacted by the IBD team if a sexual health service became available.ConclusionsNegative impacts on sexual function were common in our cohort, particularly in the presence of active disease. Most patients with IBD are interested in obtaining advice regarding their sexual function. This is an unmet need among IBD services.
Shared germline genomic variants in two patients with double primary gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs)
Authors: Moura David S , López López Daniel , di Lernia Davide , Martin-Ruiz Marta , Lopez-Alvarez Maria , Ramos Rafael , Merino Jose , Dopazo Joaquin , Lopez-Guerrero Jose , Mondaza-Hernandez Jose L , Romero Pablo , Hindi Nadia , Garcia-Foncillas Jesus , Martin-Broto Javier 
Published: August 2024

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are prevalent mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, commonly exhibiting structural variations in
KIT
and
PDGFRA
genes. While the mutational profiling of somatic tumours is well described, the genes behind the susceptibility to develop GIST are not yet fully discovered. This study explores the genomic landscape of two primary GIST cases, aiming to identify shared germline pathogenic variants and shed light on potential key players in tumourigenesis.

Methods
Two patients with distinct genotypically and phenotypically GISTs underwent germline whole genome sequencing. CNV and single nucleotide variant (SNV) analyses were performed.

Results

Both patients harbouring low-risk GISTs with different mutations (
PDGFRA
and
KIT
) shared homozygous germline pathogenic deletions in both
CFHR1
and
CFHR3
genes. CNV analysis revealed additional shared pathogenic deletions in other genes such as
SLC25A24
. No particular pathogenic SNV shared by both patients was detected.

Conclusion

Our study provides new insights into germline variants that can be associated with the development of GISTs, namely,
CFHR1
and
CFHR3
deep deletions. Further functional validation is warranted to elucidate the precise contributions of identified germline mutations in GIST development.
Sensitivity of classification criteria from time of diagnosis in an incident systemic lupus erythematosus cohort: a population-based study from Norway
Authors: Haukeland Hilde , Moe Sigrid Reppe , Brunborg Cathrine , Botea Antonela , Damjanic Nenad , Wivestad Gro Årthun , Øvreås Heidi Kverneggen , Bøe Thea Bjerkestrand , Orre Anniken , Torhild Garen , Sanner Helga , Lerang Karoline , Molberg Øyvind 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesTo compare the sensitivity of 2019 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) classification criteria against 1997 ACR criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), for incident SLE cases in the presumably complete population-based Nor-SLE cohort from Southeast Norway (2.9 million inhabitants).MethodsAll cases International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) coded as SLE during 2000–2017 were individually reviewed. Those with a confirmed SLE diagnosis by expert clinical assessment were included in the Nor-SLE cohort. Core clinical data were recorded, and the cases were classified according to 2019 EULAR/ACR and 1997 ACR criteria. Juvenile SLE was defined as <16 years at diagnosis and adult SLE was defined as ≥16 years at diagnosis.ResultsWe included 737 incident SLE cases (701 adults, 36 juveniles). At diagnosis, 2019 EULAR/ACR criteria were more sensitive than 1997 ACR criteria for adults (91.6% vs 77.3%; p<0.001), but not for juveniles (97.2% vs 88.9%). The 2019 EULAR/ACR counts at diagnosis differed by age group and ethnicity, being higher in young cases and those originating from Asia. From time of diagnosis to study end the fulfilment rate of 2019 EULAR/ACR criteria for the adult cohort increased from 92.5% and 86.5% to 94.6% and 91.0%, respectively, for females and males (mean disease duration of 7.5 years).ConclusionShowing 92% criteria fulfilment already at time of SLE diagnosis by 2019 EULAR/ACR criteria versus 77% by 1997 ACR criteria, the results from this population-based study suggest that the 2019 EULAR/ACR criteria will achieve its goal of capturing more early-SLE cases for clinical trials.
Osimerinib haematological toxicities in non-small cell lung cancer: a randomised controlled trials meta-analysis
Authors: Xiong Fangfang , Shen Yunzhu , Liu Ting , Zhang Yin , Jiang Xuehui 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveOsimertinib plays a crucial role in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the haematological toxicities caused by osimertinib in such a population have not been well characterised. This analysis was performed to determine the incidence of osimertinib-related haematological toxicity in patients with NSCLC.MethodA literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Eligible studies were included to describe the pooled incidences of anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia secondary to osimertinib in NSCLC patients.Results1288 patients from 10 studies were enrolled in this study. The overall incidences of osimertinib-related all-grade anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in NSCLC patients were 21.1% (95% CI 10.9% to 33.3%), 14.6% (95% CI 5.9% to 26.1%) and 28.4% (95% CI 12.4% to 47.6%), respectively. In items of high-grade haematological toxicities, there were 0.5% (95% CI 0.1% to 1.1%) for anaemia, 2.0% (95% CI 0.3% to 4.6%) for neutropenia and 0.4% (95% CI 0% to 1.1%) for thrombocytopenia.ConclusionsThere is non-negligible haematological toxicity associated with osimertinib, and it should be taken seriously.