bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can blubber steroid hormone measurements reveal reproductive state in narwhals?
Authors: Hudson Justine M , Simonee James , Watt Cortney A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Hormone measurements from blubber samples have been used to assess reproduction in cetaceans and are a widely applicable technique, as blubber samples are often collected from necropsied individuals and biopsies are readily collected from live, free-swimming cetaceans. Many studies have assessed reproduction in cetaceans based on blubber hormone concentrations but few have validated their findings with individuals of known reproductive state. The objectives of this study were to use a unique dataset of paired female narwhal (Monodon monoceros) reproductive tracts and blubber samples to: (1) determine narwhal reproductive state based on ovarian analysis; (2) evaluate progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and corticosterone concentrations in paired blubber samples to validate the use of blubber hormone measurements as a technique to assess reproductive state in narwhals; and (3) determine narwhal reproductive rates using reproductive tract and hormone analyses. Female narwhals with complete reproductive tracts or known ages (n = 13) were categorized as: pregnant (fetus or placenta present; n = 5), active (at least one corpus luteum present; n = 2), resting (at least one corpus albicans present; n = 3) or immature (absence of corpora lutea and albicantia or age &lt;8; n = 3), and eight individuals were classified as unknown due to incomplete reproductive tracts. Estradiol, testosterone, and corticosterone concentrations were not useful for assessing reproductive state; however, progesterone concentrations were higher in pregnant narwhals (432.66 ± 182.13 ng/g) than active (1.57 ± 0.42 ng/g), resting (1.52 ± 0.87 ng/g) and immature (1.44 ± 0.71 ng/g) individuals, validating the use of blubber progesterone concentrations in determining pregnancy in narwhals. Using a progesterone threshold for pregnancy, determined in this study, we were able to classify three individuals with incomplete reproductive tracts as pregnant and identify a potential impending pregnancy loss. The results from this study suggest that blubber progesterone concentrations are useful for assessing pregnancy and can help inform reproductive rates of narwhal populations.
Age-Specific Association Between Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability and Hearing Loss: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Guo Xinyue , Sun Renjian , Cui Xiaorui , Liu Yahang , Yang Yating , Lin Ruilang , Yang Hui , Wu Jingyi , Xu Jiaqin , Peng Yuwei , Zheng Xueying , Qin Guoyou , Chen Jiaohua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Hearing loss is common and undertreated, and the impact of blood pressure variability (BPV) on the development of hearing loss remains unclear. We aimed to examine the age-specific association between visit-to-visit BPV and hearing loss.

Research Design and Methods
This nationally representative cohort study included 3,939 adults over 50 years from the Health and Retirement Study in the United States. Variabilities of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed by standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation, and variability independent of the mean (VIM), using SBP and DBP from 3 visits. Hearing loss was assessed by self-rated questions. Cox proportional risk models were used to evaluate age-specific associations (50–64, 65–79, and ≥80 years) between BPV and hearing loss. The generalized additive Cox models were further used to visualize the combined effect of age and BPV.

Results
During the follow-up up to 7.0 years, 700 participants developed hearing loss. Among people aged under 65 years, we observed a 36% increased risk of hearing loss with per-SD increment in VIM of SBP (hazard ratio [HR] per SD 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.63) and a slightly significant association between VIM of DBP (HR per SD 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.45) and hearing loss. We did not observe significant associations among groups aged over 65 years (p &gt; .05). The generalized additive Cox models also showed younger participants had stronger associations between BPV and hearing loss.

Discussion and Implications
Higher visit-to-visit variabilities of SBP were associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in middle-aged adults (50–65 years). Intervention in early BPV may help decrease hearing loss in adults aged over 50 years.
More Problems More Money? Does China Lend More to African Countries with Higher Credit Risk Levels?
Authors: Landry David 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
China has provided hundreds of billions of dollars in loans to developing countries. Researchers and pundits have focused on China’s motivations for allocating development finance, particularly in Africa, due to debt sustainability concerns. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the ways in which creditworthiness impacts the Chinese government’s development finance allocation decisions. In doing so, it examines the impact of African countries’ creditworthiness levels on Chinese development finance commitments. It also explores the impact of African country creditworthiness on Chinese loan cancellations and forgiveness. This paper finds that a disproportionate share of Chinese government loan commitments to African countries are made to governments with high credit risk levels. It also finds that, as African countries’ creditworthiness decreases, their likelihood of having Chinese loan commitments canceled increases. This underscores the importance of greater transparency from—and coordination with—China in its approach to debt sustainability and its attitude toward risk on the African continent, as well as the importance of building African debt management and capacity to ensure responsible borrowing. Finally, the paper finds negative, though weak, relationship between creditworthiness and Chinese loan forgiveness. In other words, as opposed to what the debt trap diplomacy hypothesis would suggest, Chinese loans to risky countries are more likely to be forgiven.
From silence to vigilance: overcoming barriers in public reporting of bid-rigging and cartel violations
Authors: Arai Koki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
There are several ways to collect information on violations of antitrust laws, including ex officio detection, reports from the general public, and the use of leniency systems. There have been many discussions on improvements in the use of leniency systems and refining the ex officio detection method by improving the use of data by methods of analysis. However, improvements in public reporting have not often been considered. In this study, we confirm that 68.8 per cent of the general public provides information on bid-rigging and 49.6 per cent of the general public provides information on cartels, and that the reason for not providing information is the unlikelihood of success, which means a sense of powerlessness against powerful companies, followed by a feeling of lack of responsibility. Therefore, addressing that perception is the key to increasing information from the general public.
Criteria for Deployment of the United States National Guard to Domestic Sudden-Onset Natural Disasters: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dickason R Myles , Davis Terri , Taubman Cara B , Tin Derrick , Hata Ryan , Weinstein Eric S 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This study is a scoping review to identify literature pertinent to the question: “What are the criteria for deployment of the United States National Guard (USNG) to domestic sudden-onset natural disasters (SODs)?” As this question relies on factors across many disciplines—legal, medical, technical, cultural—and as there is no foundational body of academic literature or unified governmental or USNG policy addressing this question, a scoping review was designed to identify the body of literature on which further research and policy decisions surrounding this question may be based.

Materials and Methods
On January 23, 2023 a modified PRISMA-ScR search was performed using an online search engine of the following databases: Academic Search Premier, Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, Web of Science, and WorldCat. The inclusion criteria included the involvement of the USNG response to U.S. domestic SOD. Non-SOD results were excluded. Results from all years and of any type of literature were considered and were limited to the English language. First, titles and abstracts were screened by 2 independent reviewers. Then, a full-text review was performed by 2 independent reviewers. Finally, data were extracted from included texts by 2 independent reviewers. A third reviewer resolved any discrepancies at each stage. This study did not require approval of an institutional review board.

Results
Out of the 886 results identified by the original search, after the complete review process, 34 sources were relevant to the research question. Fifteen criteria for the deployment of the USNG to SODs were identified. Overwhelmed local responders, utility failure, the need for the provision of security, and the need for logistical coordination were the most commonly identified criteria. Hurricanes were the most common SOD addressed in the included literature, and most results were event reports.

Conclusions
This modified PRISMA-ScR identified a foundation on which elected officials, USNG leadership, and the larger disaster response community may develop policies and disaster response plans to optimize available resources through the activation of the USNG when responding to SODs.
Suzaku observation of an iron K-shell line in the spiral galaxy NGC 6946
Authors: Yamauchi Shigeo , Inaba Azusa , Anraku Yumiko 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
An emission line at ∼6.7 keV is attributable to an He-like iron K-shell transition, which indicates existence of a thin thermal plasma with a temperature of several keV. Using Suzaku archival data, we searched for the iron K-line from the spiral galaxy NGC 6946, and found it at 6.68 ± 0.07 keV at the 3.1σ level in the central $r\le {2.^{\prime }5}$ region. The iron line luminosity from the central region was estimated to be (2.3 ± 1.2) × 1037 erg s−1 at a distance of 5.5 Mpc. The origin of the iron emission line is discussed.
Cerebrovascular disease in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome: a transcranial Doppler and magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Ricarte Irapuá Ferreira , Dutra Lívia Almeida , Rodrigues Daniela Laranja Gomes , Barsottini Orlando Graziani Povoas , de Souza Alexandre Wagner , Carrete Henrique , Massaud Ana Paula Scalzaretto , Andrade Danieli , Mangueira Cristóvão Luís Pitangueira , Sampaio Silva Gisele 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and brain MRI may be useful in evaluating patients with APS, helping to stratify the risk of cerebrovascular ischaemic events in this population. This study aimed to assess the frequency of brain MRI abnormalities in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome, secondary antiphospholipid syndrome and SLE and correlate to TCD findings.

Methods
The study, conducted over four years at two autoimmune disease referral centres, included 22 primary antiphospholipid syndrome patients, 24 secondary antiphospholipid syndrome patients, 27 SLE patients without APS and 21 healthy controls. All participants underwent TCD to assess cerebral haemodynamics, detect microembolic signals and evaluate right-to-left shunts, followed by brain MRI and magnetic resonance angiography. MRI scans were reviewed for acute microembolism, localized cortical infarctions, border infarctions, lacunar infarctions, ischaemic lesions, white matter hyperintensity, micro and macro haemorrhages and arterial stenosis ≥50% of the cervical carotid artery, by two neuroradiologists blinded to the clinical data.

Results
Brain MRI findings were similar between the groups, except for lacunar infarction, more frequent in patients with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (P = 0.022). Patients with intracranial stenosis detected by TCD had a higher frequency of territorial infarction (40% vs 7.5%, P = 0.02), lacunar (40% vs 11.3%, P = 0.075) and border zone infarcts (20% vs 1.9%, P = 0.034).

Conclusions
Patients with intracranial stenosis presented a higher frequency of territorial, lacunar and border zone infarcts, suggesting that evaluating the intracranial vasculature should not be neglected in patients with APS and stroke.
A descriptive study of sleep patterns and knowledge among department of juvenile services staff
Authors: Woodward Krista P , Bistline Lily , Vermette Erin , Carlucci Marianna , Crowley Stephanie J , Jackson Dylan B , Wolfson Amy R 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Study Objectives
Little is known about sleep health among staff in the US juvenile justice system. Poor sleep health is associated with negative mental and physical health, which may impact daily interactions and treatment of detained youth. The current study explored sleep–wake patterns and sleep health knowledge of Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) staff in Maryland (MD).

Methods
DJS Staff (N = 218) were invited to complete a survey that queried staff on their own sleep–wake patterns, job role and schedule, and knowledge of youth sleep needs. Descriptive analyses and multivariate analyses of variance (MANCOVA) were conducted to summarize workers’ sleep–wake patterns and examine differences by staff position and schedule.

Results
Fifty-one percent of staff served as RAs who directly supervise the youth. Just over half (55%) worked in detention and 45% in treatment facilities. Staff reported sleeping 7.24 hours (SD = 4.10) on workdays and 8.59 hours (SD = 2.69) on non-workdays. RA staff working night/rotating versus day shifts reported the most sleep irregularity with larger weekend oversleep times. A little more than half of the staff (53.9%) were knowledgeable regarding youth sleep health with differences by position type.

Conclusions
Findings show that DJS staff are meeting recommended sleep duration guidelines but are still experiencing sleep schedule and time in bed irregularity. Knowledge variability of youth sleep health across staff may necessitate focused educational programming. Overall, this study may inform future development and prioritization of sleep and circadian health interventions and educational campaigns for staff who work with detained juveniles. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Health in the Justice System Collection.
Ameliorative impacts of astaxanthin against atrazine-induced renal toxicity through the modulation of ionic homeostasis and Nrf2 signaling pathways in mice
Authors: Soliman Mohamed Mohamed , Alotaibi Khalid S , Albattal Shatha B , Althobaiti Saed , Al-Harthi Helal F , Mehmood Arshad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Astaxanthin (ASX), a red pigment belonging to carotenoids, has antioxidant activity and anti-oxidative stress effect. Atrazine (ATZ), a frequently used herbicide, whose degradation products are the cause for nephrosis and other oxidative stress associated diseases. This study was aimed to reveal the potential protective mechanism of astaxanthin against atrazine-induced nephrosis. Atrazine was orally given (250 mg/kg bw) to the mice along with astaxanthin (100 mg/kg bw) for 28 days. Serum biochemical indicators, oxidative stress biomarkers, ATPase activities, ion concentration, histomorphology, and various renal genes expression linked with apoptosis, Nrf2 signaling pathway, and aquaporins (AQPs) were assessed. It was found that serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and MDA levels were significantly increased after the treatment of atrazine, whereas serum renal oxidative stress indicators like CAT, GSH, T-AOC, SOD decreased. Renal histopathology showed that atrazine significantly damaged renal tissues. The activities of Ca 2+-Mg 2+-ATPase were increased whereas Na +-K +-ATPase decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, results confirmed that the expression of AQPs, Nrf2, and apoptosis genes were also altered after atrazine administration. Interestingly, astaxanthin supplementation significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved atrazine-induced nephrotoxicity via decreasing SCr, BUN, oxidative stress, ionic homeostasis and reversing the changes in AQPs, Nrf2, and apoptosis gene expression. These findings collectively suggested that astaxanthin has strong potential ameliorative impact against atrazine induced nephrotoxicity.
Incidence of Intraoperative Cardiothoracic Intervention During Open Surgery Following Acute Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Injury: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Galina Jesse M. , Miller Sawyer D. , Whelan Timothy J. , Pavlesen Sonja , Ferrick Michael R. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Acute posterior sternoclavicular joint injuries are rare but potentially lethal injuries—signs of mediastinal compression range from nonspecific to neurovascular compromise. Currently, orthopaedic experts recommend a cardiothoracic surgeon be placed on standby during open surgery for potential intraoperative complications. However, few studies have reported on how often cardiothoracic intervention is required.

Methods:
First, we identified patients in our institution by CPT codes 23530, 23525, and 23532 from January 1, 2002 to May 1, 2023. Demographic variables and intraoperative cardiothoracic intervention rates were collected. Second, we systematically reviewed the literature to identify articles on acute posterior sternoclavicular injury using PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases (through August 20, 2023). Exclusion criteria included conservative treatment, successful closed reduction, chronic injury (>6 wk) cadaver studies, reviews, and nonavailable text.

Results:
Thirteen local patients underwent open surgery for an acute posterior sternoclavicular joint injury, 11 males and 2 females with an average age of 18.2 years old (range: 15 to 32.4). The most common mechanism of injury was sports (n=9; 69.2%). Four (30.8%) patients had physical or radiographic evidence of mediastinal compression. No patients required intraoperative cardiothoracic intervention in our institution. The literature search yielded 132 articles and 512 open surgeries for acute posterior sternoclavicular joint injuries. Four patients required intraoperative cardiothoracic intervention, all of whom presented with polytrauma and/or clinical or radiographic signs of neurovascular compromise, giving a combined overall rate of 0.76%.

Conclusions:
Expert opinion commonly recommends cardiothoracic backup during open surgery for acute posterior sternoclavicular joint injuries. On the basis of our local data and systematic literature review, we found an overall cardiothoracic intervention rate of 0.76%. In the presence of polytrauma and/or findings of neurovascular compromise, we suggest having cardiothoracic surgery on close standby during the procedure. However, a patient with an isolated acute posterior sternoclavicular joint injury and no clinical or radiographic findings of neurovascular compromise does not appear to require a cardiothoracic surgeon on standby. Ultimately, the decision to involve cardiothoracic backup during open surgery for an acute posterior sternoclavicular injury should be made on a case-by-case basis after a thorough physical and radiographic evaluation of the patient.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Simulation-Based Cardiopulmonary Examination Skills Checklist: Assessment of Inter-rater Reliability
Authors: Pata Rachel , O'Sullivan Sara , Peterson Danielle , Superchi Laura , Feinn Richard 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
Experiential learning using high-fidelity simulation is a valuable tool for teaching Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students the cardiopulmonary examination. There are currently no standardized assessment tools to evaluate student performance and provide feedback on these skills. The cardiovascular and pulmonary section of the American Physical Therapy Association recently published recommended competency levels for entry-level physical therapists including examination skills. The primary aim of this study was to create and assess inter-rater reliability of a cardiopulmonary examination skills checklist that aligns with these recommendations and can be used in the simulation environment.

Methods:
A skills checklist with 6 sections was developed to assess student performance on the cardiopulmonary examination within a high-fidelity simulation experience. Training videos on the cardiopulmonary examination and checklist use were created and given to 3 graders. Seventy-three DPT students performed the cardiopulmonary examination within simulation while being recorded. Three graders then assessed the same 25 randomly selected videos using the checklist. Inter-rater reliability, item % agreement and student performance were analyzed.

Results:
The overall interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the checklist was calculated to be 0.858, demonstrating strong agreement between graders. The ICC for individualized checklist sections ranged from 0.659 to 0.960, demonstrating good to near perfect agreement. The average percent correct achieved by students was 80.48 (6.91%), R = 65% to 93.33%. There were >80% agreement for 55/60 items and >90% agreement for 44/60 items.

Conclusion:
The checklist provided an effective tool to assess student performance on the cardiopulmonary examination and demonstrated consistent scoring between graders.
38-year-old woman with septic arthritis and retroperitoneal abscess after intraarticular corticosteroid injection: A case report
Authors: Archer Holden , Zapata Nuñez Esteban , Valdez Mauricio , Everett Brandon , Wells Joel E. 
Published: May 2024

Rationale:
Septic arthritis (SA) is an uncommon condition in which a pathogen invades a joint. SA presents clinically with monoarticular joint pain, swelling, and fever. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are common diagnostic modalities for SA in conjunction with lab work such as white blood cell count. SA is typically treated by joint drainage and antibiotics and is associated with poor outcomes.

Patient concerns:
A 38-year-old woman with 3 prior arthroscopies over a seven-year period presented with an unresolved eight-year history of sharp intermittent pain in the groin and lateral hip. She was referred for nonsurgical treatment of her pain and received 2 corticosteroid hip injections. Subsequently following the injection, the patient developed fever, chills, and a mottled rash over her hip.

Diagnoses:
Magnetic resonance imaging and inflammatory markers were obtained. Osteomyelitis with septic arthritis of the right hip with extension into the retroperitoneum was confirmed.

Interventions:
The patient underwent resection arthroplasty with open retroperitoneal decompression of the iliopsoas abscess. Cultures isolated Staphylococcus aureus. Subsequent staged articulating hip spacer followed by reimplantation with total hip arthroplasty were performed.

Outcomes:
The patient had significant improvement as measured by patient reported outcomes scores.

Lessons:
This case report describes a unique case of hip septic arthritis, with retroperitoneal abscess post-intra articular injection, that resulted in subsequent open retroperitoneal incision and debridement followed by two-stage resection arthroplasty with articulating spacer and total hip arthroplasty.