bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disability Claims for Female Veterans Exposed to Contaminated Water at Marine Base Camp Lejeune
Authors: Weaver Frances M , Cao Lishan , Stroupe Kevin T , Pratt Alessandra , Tanner Caroline M , Goldman Samuel M 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Between 1953 and 1987, over one million Veterans were exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We examined the relationship between toxicant exposure and subsequent disability ratings in female veterans.

Materials and Methods
Comparisons were made between females stationed at Camp Lejeune and from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California who were not known to have been exposed to these toxicants, between 1975 and 1985, using data from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry and VA data.

Results
A total of 4,491 (52%) females from Camp Lejeune and 2,811 (47%) from Camp Pendleton used VA health care between October 1, 1999 and February 17, 2021. Approximately 51% of Camp Lejeune females were exposed to toxicants. More than half (50.6% and 53.9% from Lejeune and Pendleton, respectively) had a disability rating ≥10%. Females who were Black, Hispanic, officers, or had longer duration in camp were more likely to have a disability rating, whereas females exposed to toxicants were less likely to have a disability rating. When the regression was redone examining the predictors of disability due to any of 8 presumptive conditions associated with toxicant exposure, the only significant variable was having been at Camp Lejeune (odds ratio [OR], 2.5, 95% CI, 1.3–4.7). Toxicant exposure was not significant when only Camp Lejeune females were included in the model.

Conclusion
Little attention has been given to female veterans exposed to toxicants at Camp Lejeune. Although we did not find an association between exposure and disability ratings, reliance on service-connected disability codes and small numbers were limitations. Further examination using international code of diseases diagnostic codes may be warranted.
The disparity in pediatric spinal cord tumor clinical trials: A scoping review of registered clinical trials from 1989 to 2023
Authors: Villanueva Obed Posada , Papadakis Joanna E , Mosher Amanda M , Cooney Tabitha , Fehnel Katie P 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Spinal cord tumors (SCTs) comprise 10% of all central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Pediatric SCTs are often excluded and underrepresented in clinical trials though exclusion rates haven’t been reported.

Methods
We reviewed all interventional clinical trials recruiting patients &lt;21 years with SCTs on ClinicalTrials.gov between 1989 and 2023.

Results
Five hundred and two CNS tumor trials were identified, of which 255 included SCTs and/or spincal metastases. Among these, 96.5% were open to all CNS tumors (brain or spine); however, only 3.5% were exclusive to spine tumors. One trial was specific to pediatric spine tumors (inclusive of bone, soft tissue, and neural tumors); no trial was specific to primary pediatric SCTs. Most trials were located in North America, with multisite investigations being more common than single-institution designs. Trials frequently evaluated interventions/treatments (89%), supportive care/quality of life measures (7.1%), or diagnostic protocols (3.1%). Among included treatment paradigms, systemic therapies using cytotoxic chemotherapies, targeted therapies, and/or immunotherapies were more common among brain/spine trials, while radiotherapy, surgical adjuncts, and/or local drug delivery more frequently occurred in spinal tumor trials.

Conclusions
Though SCTs comprise 10% of pediatric CNS tumors, they remain underrepresented in clinical trials. This lack of trials specific to advancing pediatric SCTs management highlights an area of clinical and research need.
Severe Mpox Among People With Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Receiving Prolonged Tecovirimat in New York City
Authors: Garcia Elizabeth A , Foote Mary M K , McPherson Tristan D , Lash Maura K , Bosompem Amma N , Bouscaren Alyssa , Chan Justin , DiLorenzo Madeline A , Feihel Dennis , Fowler Randal C , Gandhi Vani , Jenny-Avital Elizabeth R , Kopping Erik J , Mazo Dana , McLean Jacob , Mgbako Ofole , Sayegh Mark N , Shaw Raphael N , Su Michelle , Meissner Jeanne Sullivan , Wang Jade C , Wen Wendy , Winters John C , Zeana Cosmina B , Zucker Jason , Wong Marcia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Severe mpox has been observed in people with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We describe clinical outcomes of 13 patients with advanced HIV (CD4 &lt;200 cells/μL), severe mpox, and multiorgan involvement. Despite extended tecovirimat courses and additional agents, including vaccinia immune globulin, cidofovir, and brincidofovir, this group experienced prolonged hospitalizations and high mortality.
ALMA 2D super-resolution imaging of Taurus–Auriga protoplanetary disks: Probing statistical properties of disk substructures
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Muto Takayuki , Tsukagoshi Takashi , Nomura Hideko , Hirano Naomi , Nakazato Takeshi , Ikeda Shiro , Tamura Motohide , Kawabe Ryohei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In the past decade, ALMA observations of protoplanetary disks revealed various substructures including gaps and rings. Their origin of substructures may be probed through statistical studies of their physical properties. We present the analyses of archival ALMA Band 6 continuum data of 43 disks (39 Class II and four Herbig Ae) in the Taurus–Auriga region. We employ a novel 2D super-resolution imaging technique based on sparse modeling to obtain images with high fidelity and spatial resolution. As a result, we have obtained images with spatial resolutions comparable to a few au (${0_{.}^{\prime\prime}02}$–${0_{.}^{\prime\prime}1}$), which is two to three times better than conventional CLEAN methods. All dust disks are spatially resolved, with the radii ranging from 8 to 238 au with a median radius of 45 au. Half of the disks harbor clear gap structures, the radial locations of which show a bimodal distribution with peaks at ≲20 au and ≳30 au. We also see structures indicating weak gaps at all the radii in the disk. We find that the widths of these gaps increase with their depths, which is consistent with the model of planet–disk interactions. The inferred planet mass–orbital radius distribution indicates that the planet distribution is analogous to our solar system. However, planets with Neptune mass or lower may exist in all the radii.
The Beliefs of Nonbelievers: Exclusive Empiricism and Mortal Finitude Among Atheists and Agnostics
Authors: Blankholm Joseph , Cragun Ryan , Hawley Suárez Abraham , Stephen Shakir 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This essay argues that “atheist” and “agnostic” are not merely negative labels that indicate a person lacks belief in God or is not religious. Relying on a new survey of very secular Americans and the General Social Survey, we demonstrate a statistically significant and substantively meaningful relationship, in both predictive directions, between identifying as atheist or agnostic and holding certain beliefs about how best to know the world and what happens when we die. We can reliably predict that most people in the United States who trust science, reason, and evidence and do not trust religious sources will identify as atheist or agnostic—and vice-versa. We find the same bi-directional relationship with belief in mortal finitude, i.e., that death is the final end. Our findings suggest that exclusive empiricism and mortal finitude are positive tenets of belief systems that those who identify as atheist or agnostic are likely to hold.
Religion Lived In-Between. Time, Space, and Religious Practices of Roman Catholic Women in Poland
Authors: Szwed Anna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The article focuses on the role of time and space in the religious practices of Roman Catholic women. It aims to demonstrate not only how the spatial-temporal conditions of everyday life shape religious practices, but also how the space and time for practicing religion are produced as a result of practices. The article also shows how religious and other practices compete for limited spatial-temporal resources, contributing to the transformation of religious practices by incorporating new materials, technologies, and meanings. Based on the results of qualitative research among Roman Catholic women in Poland and using the praxeological lived religion approach, the analysis shows that religion is lived by women in-between—interwoven in temporal and spatial terms between other practices, either dominated by them or sometimes gaining a monopoly. The shape of religion in everyday life, therefore, does not only depend solely on the dynamics of religious practices, but also results from tensions between various social practices.
LGBTQ+ Sociopolitical Engagement: Examining the Role of House Ball Community Involvement and LGBTQ+ Community Connection
Authors: Green Joy , Gibbs Jeremy J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Recent events such as the Black Lives Matter movement, COVID-19, and political elections have highlighted the power of a socially and politically engaged society. One under-researched cultural pillar at the core of sociopolitical resistance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people of color (POC) has been the House Ball Community, a dynamic subculture made up of intricate social networks. This study uses data collected for the Social Justice Sexuality Project (N = 246) to examine LGBTQ+ community connection and House Ball Community involvement as predictors of LGBTQ+ and intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Two continuous variables, community connection and sociopolitical engagement (consisting of separate scales about LGBTQ+ individuals and LGBTQ+ POC), were included in the analysis. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between these variables. While community connection was significantly associated with both scales of sociopolitical engagement, House Ball involvement was only associated with intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Relative to community connection, House Ball involvement was more strongly associated with intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Findings suggest that House Ball involvement may influence behavior for LGBTQ+ POC. Authors discuss implications for intersectionality in social movements and culturally responsive direct, community, and systems-level social work practice within the current U.S. sociopolitical landscape.
Selection of viral variants with enhanced transmission and reduced neutralization susceptibility alongside lateral introductions may explain the persistence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in vaccinated breeding herds
Authors: Clilverd Hepzibar , Li Yanli , Martín-Valls Gerard , Aguirre Laia , Martín Marga , Cortey Martí , Mateu Enric 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the long-term evolutionary dynamics of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV-1) in an endemically infected and vaccinated pig herd. Over a one year and a half period, piglets from seven farrowing batches in a 300-sow PRRSV-vaccinated farm were monitored from birth to nine weeks of age by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Eighty-five PRRSV-positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing (Illumina Miseq), and 251 samples to open reading frame 5 (ORF5) sequencing. Farm-specific PRRSV variants’ impact on anti-PRRSV antibodies was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent and neutralizing antibody assays. The replication kinetics and cytokine inhibition capabilities (IFN-α and TNF-α) of these variants were assessed in porcine alveolar macrophages. The study revealed fluctuating PRRSV-1 incidences in farrowing units and nurseries, attributed to two key evolutionary events: an escape variant emergence and a lateral introduction of a new strain. Initially, strain 1 variant α was swiftly replaced within weeks by variant 1β (99.5 per cent genomic similarity), with twenty-five amino acid mutations, primarily in nsp1α, GP2, GP3, and GP5, including an additional glycosylation site and a deletion downstream the neutralization epitope of GP5. This shift to 1β correlated with increased incidence in nurseries and higher viral loads, with sera from 1α-exposed animals showing reduced neutralization against 1β. Consistently for in vitro assays, variant 1β demonstrated enhanced replication in porcine alveolar macrophages but no difference regarding IFN-α or TNF-α responses. Later, a new strain (strain 2, 83.3 per cent similarity to strain 1) emerged and led to incidence resurgence because of the low cross reactivity with the previous antibodies. The study highlights PRRSV’s rapid adaptability and challenges in controlling its spread, underscoring the necessity for more effective vaccines and eradication approaches.
Multidisciplinary Educational Program to Standardize Education and Management of Immune-related Adverse Events
Authors: Zibelman Matthew , Wong Victoria , Reilly Jennifer , Zawislak Carolyn , Richman Darrin , Keleher Cynthia , Herron Brianna , Rafferty Christine , Tisone Tracy , Rogers Barbara , Kokate Rutika 
Published: May 2024

Objectives:
The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as anticancer therapy across a variety of malignancies has led to durable efficacy in a subset of patients. However, associated side effects denoted immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have emerged and can result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Particularly early in the experience of using these agents, a lack of standardized education regarding irAEs among patients and clinical providers may have contributed to poor outcomes. Optimal management of these emerging toxicities depends on a coordinated institutional approach. We hypothesized that centralized educational programs and electronic health record (EHR)-based interventions, targeted both toward ICI-treated patients as well as patient-interfacing providers, would improve patient outcomes.

Methods:
We created a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and associated staff to direct a coordinated approach to the education and management of patients receiving ICIs across our institution. A 3-tiered approach was designed: patient-centered, internally centered, and externally centered. Multimedia educational products were produced for patients to improve knowledge and awareness of ICIs and associated irAEs. An EHR-based banner was deployed to improve identification of patients receiving ICIs across disciplines. Tailored educational seminars were provided to clinicians who interact with ICI-treated patients at all levels. Educational seminars were also offered to local physicians and institutions. We assessed patient uptake of educational products and surrogate patient outcomes to measure the potential impact of our interventions.

Results:
Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC)-specific ICI identification cards were created and distributed to patients. By the end of the investigational period, 98.6% of ICI-treated patients reported receiving a card. An ICI-focused on-line portal was created accessible only to ICI-treated patients, with 9.4% of these patients accessing the portal in the first 6 months without marketing promotion. Deidentified surrogate clinical endpoints of corticosteroid use, direct referral unit (DRU) visits, and hospital admissions all improved during the study period.

Conclusions:
Institutionally directed educational initiatives are feasible at a free-standing academic cancer center and may lead to improved outcomes in patients developing irAEs from ICIs. More granular patient-specific data and studies at other types of institutions are necessary to determine the applicability of similar approaches on a broader scale.
Experiences and perspectives of adults on using opioids for pain management in the postoperative period
Authors: Aljohani Dalia M. , Almalki Nabat , Dixon Diane , Adam Rosalind , Forget Patrice 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
Opioids play an important role in peri-operative pain management. However, opioid use is challenging for healthcare practitioners and patients because of concerns related to opioid crises, addiction and side effects.

OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to identify and synthesise the existing evidence related to adults’ experiences of opioid use in postoperative pain management.

DESIGN
Systematic scoping review of qualitative studies. Inductive content analysis and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were applied to analyse and report the findings and to identify unexplored gaps in the literature.

DATA SOURCES
Ovid MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All qualitative and mixed-method studies, in English, that not only used a qualitative approach that explored adults’ opinions or concerns about opioids and/or opioid reduction, and adults’ experience related to opioid use for postoperative pain control, including satisfaction, but also aspects of overall quality of a person's life (physical, mental and social well being).

RESULTS
Ten studies were included; nine were qualitative (n = 9) and one used mixed methods. The studies were primarily conducted in Europe and North America. Concerns about opioid dependence, adverse effects, stigmatisation, gender roles, trust and shared decision-making between clinicians and patients appeared repeatedly throughout the studies. The TDF analysis showed that many peri-operative factors formed people's perceptions and experiences of opioids, driven by the following eight domains: Knowledge, Emotion, Beliefs about consequences, Beliefs about capabilities, Self-confidence, Environmental Context and Resources, Social influences and Decision Processes/Goals. Adults have diverse pain management goals, which can be categorised as proactive and positive goals, such as individualised pain management care, as well as avoidance goals, aimed at sidestepping issues such as addiction and opioid-related side effects.

CONCLUSION
It is desirable to understand the complexity of adults’ experiences of pain management especially with opioid use and to support adults in achieving their pain management goals by implementing an individualised approach, effective communication and patient–clinician relationships. However, there is a dearth of studies that examine patients’ experiences of postoperative opioid use and their involvement in opioid usage decision-making. A summary is provided regarding adults’ experiences of peri-operative opioid use, which may inform future researchers, healthcare providers and guideline development by considering these factors when improving patient care and experiences.
Model-Informed Precision Dosing of Intravenous Busulfan in Thai Pediatrics Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Puangpetch Apichaya , Thomas Fabienne , Anurathapan Usanarat , Pakakasama Samart , Hongeng Suradej , Rachanakul Jiratha , Prommas Santirhat , Nuntharadthanaphong Nutthan , Chatelut Étienne , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Le Louedec Félicien 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Conditioning bifunctional agent, busulfan, is commonly used on children before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Currently, at the Ramathibodi hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, initial dosing is calculated according to age and body surface area, and 7 samples per day are used for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This study aimed to identify the best strategies for individual dosages a priori from patient characteristics and a posteriori based on TDM.

Methods:
The pharmacokinetic data set consisted of 2018 plasma concentrations measured in 135 Thai (n = 135) pediatric patients (median age = 8 years) and were analyzed using a population approach.

Results:
Body weight, presence of malignant disease, and genetic polymorphism of Glutathione S-transferase Alpha-1 (GSTA1) were predictors of clearance. The optimum sampling times for TDM concentration measurements were 0.25, 2, and 5 hours after a 3-hour infusion. This was sufficient to obtain a Bayesian estimate of clearance a posteriori. Simulations showed the poor performance of a priori formula-based dose calculations with 90% of patients demonstrating a 69%–151% exposure interval around the target. This interval shrank to 85%–124% if TDM was carried out only at day 1 and to 90%–116% with TDM at days 1 and 3.

Conclusions:
This comprehensive study reinforces the interest of TDM in managing interindividual variability in busulfan exposure. Therapeutic drug monitoring can reliably be implemented from 3 samples using the Bayesian approach, preferably over 2 days. If using the latter is not possible, the formulas developed herein could present an alternative in Thai patients.
Pathologic Analysis of Twenty-one Appendices From Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Compared to Specimens of Acute Appendicitis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Okarska-Napierała Magdalena , Woźniak Weronika , Mańdziuk Joanna , Ludwikowska Kamila Maria , Feleszko Wojciech , Grzybowski Jakub , Panczyk Mariusz , Berdej-Szczot Elżbieta , Zaryczański Janusz , Górnicka Barbara , Szenborn Leszek , Kuchar Ernest 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare, severe complication of coronavirus disease 2019, commonly involving the gastrointestinal tract. Some children with MIS-C undergo appendectomy before the final diagnosis. There are several hypotheses explaining the pathomechanism of MIS-C, including the central role of the viral antigen persistence in the gut, associated with lymphocyte exhaustion. We aimed to examine appendectomy specimens from MIS-C patients and assess their pathologic features, as well as the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional study we included 21 children with MIS-C who underwent appendectomy. The control group included 21 sex- and age-matched children with acute appendicitis (AA) unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Histologic evaluation of appendiceal specimens included hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical identification of lymphocyte subpopulations, programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen.

Results:
Appendices of MIS-C patients lacked neutrophilic infiltrate of muscularis propria typical for AA (14% vs. 95%, P < 0.001). The proportion of CD20+ to CD5+ cells was higher in patients with MIS-C (P = 0.04), as was the proportion of CD4+ to CD8+ (P < 0.001). We found no proof of SARS-CoV-2 antigen presence, nor lymphocyte exhaustion, in the appendices of MIS-C patients.

Conclusions:
The appendiceal muscularis of patients with MIS-C lack edema and neutrophilic infiltration typical for AA. SARS-CoV-2 antigens and PD-1 are absent in the appendices of children with MIS-C. These findings argue against the central role of SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the gut and lymphocyte exhaustion as the major triggers of MIS-C.