bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resource Utilization and Cost Analysis of Pediatric Esophageal Foreign Bodies
Authors: Chen Tanya , Siu Jennifer M. , Madan Yasmine , Ma Gar-Way , Gill Peter J. , Carman Nicholas , Propst Evan J. , Wolter Nikolaus E. 
Published: February 2025

Objective Impacted esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) are a common but preventable presentation in children, requiring prompt removal in the operating room by esophagoscopy. Our objective was to describe the overall cost of impacted pediatric EFBs and determine factors that increase resource burden. Methods A cost analysis of pediatric patients undergoing esophagoscopy for EFB removal from 2010 to 2021 was performed. Characteristics of each EFB, patient transfer, and hospital course were collected. Direct and indirect healthcare costs were calculated using hospital-specific costs and provincial fees. Amounts were calculated in Canadian dollars. Results Six hundred and eighty patients were included. The total amount spent on pediatric EFBs from 2010 to 2021 was $2,673,288. The mean total cost per child with an EFB was $3469. An extra hour of delay before Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) consultation at a tertiary hospital corresponded to an $816 cost [95% confidence interval (CI; 244.7–1287.4)]. On average, children requiring transfer to a tertiary care center cost $1965 more than those initially presenting to a tertiary care center ( P = .001). Higher-risk EFBs (n = 165, 24%) were associated with a longer hospital stay and greater complication rate and resulted in a $4095 increase in overall cost compared to lower-risk EFBs [$6829 (standard deviation (SD) $11,347) vs $2734 (SD $10,451), P = .02]. Button battery ingestions cost 8.8 times more than non-dangerous EFBs, such as coins. Longer distance for transfer was associated with a higher likelihood of having complications [odds ratios (OR) 1.5, 95% CI (1.1–1.8)]. Conclusion EFBs pose a significant economic burden to the healthcare system, driven by transfer to a tertiary care center, delays in transfer to the operating room, and high-risk EFBs. It is critical to identify areas for improved efficiency such as increased parental education for primary prevention, early involvement of the OHNS team and improving the capacity of community hospitals to manage EFB to limit transfers when possible.
Operant Upconditioning of the Quadriceps Motor Evoked Torque as a Means to Improve Quadriceps Function After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Rodriguez Kazandra M. , Palmieri-Smith Riann M. , Krishnan Chandramouli 
Published: February 2025

Background: Diminished corticospinal excitability is theorized to contribute to poor quadriceps function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Operant conditioning of the motor evoked torque (MEPTORQUE) is a promising approach capable of improving corticospinal excitability. However, it is unknown whether increasing corticospinal excitability can improve quadriceps function after a short-term operant conditioning intervention in patients with reconstructed ACL. Hypothesis: After ACL reconstruction, patients would demonstrate increases in quadriceps strength, voluntary activation, and corticospinal excitability after a 2-week operant conditioning intervention. Study Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Level of Evidence: Level 1. Methods: A total of 22 patients with reconstructed ACL were randomized into 1 of 2 groups: group 1 received 2 weeks of operant conditioning training on the reconstructed leg to improve their transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-elicited MEPTORQUE responses (COND); group 2 received 2 weeks of TMS only (SHAM-COND). Quadriceps strength, voluntary activation, and corticospinal excitability on the reconstructed leg were evaluated before and after the 2-week intervention. Within-session changes in corticospinal excitability were also evaluated during the training sessions. Results: The COND group demonstrated a significantly higher within-session percent increase in MEPTORQUE during training compared with the SHAM-COND group, paralleled by a significant increase in corticospinal excitability after the 2-week intervention. In addition, quadriceps strength and voluntary activation improved on the reconstructed leg after the 2-week intervention, regardless of group. Conclusion: Operant conditioning training can elicit improvements in corticospinal excitability after ACL reconstruction; however, improvements in quadriceps strength and voluntary activation seem not to be attributed solely to operant upconditioning training. Clinical Relevance: Operant conditioning is a promising approach to improve corticospinal excitability after ACL reconstruction. However, optimizing the delivery of operant conditioning protocols by potentially increasing the dosage of operant conditioning and intervening earlier after surgery may be needed to translate these changes to improvements in quadriceps function.
Background and Foreground: Connections and Distinctions When Health Professions Faculty Teach Both Interprofessional Collaborative Practice and Quality Improvement—A Case Study
Authors: Stevenson Katherine , Thor Johan , D’Eon Marcel , Headrick Linda A , Andersson Gäre Boel 
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVES Despite decades of effort, programs continue to struggle to integrate competencies related quality improvement (QI) and interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) into health professions education. Additionally, while QI and ICP may seem intuitively linked and there exists some examples of a coordinated approach, the literature regarding competencies, including knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs), is still largely focused on QI and ICP as separate fields of knowledge and practice. This study explored distinctions and connections between quality improvement (QI) and interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) competency domains in health professions education. METHODS The authors used a qualitative case study approach with an instrumental case, that is, the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU), where QI and ICP were intentionally integrated as part of core curricula in health professional schools and programs. Eleven faculty members from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and health care administration participated in interviews exploring their teaching choices in either classroom or clinical settings. RESULTS Study participants defined the goal of teaching QI and ICP as enabling learners to deliver safe and patient-centered care and described the knowledge and skills required for QI and the attitudes and skills required for ICP. Furthermore, they described the relationship between QI and ICP as one mediated by systems thinking, where ICP is backgrounded as a critical pre-requisite and QI is foregrounded as a vector for developing interprofessional competencies. CONCLUSIONS The MU case elucidates the potential synergies that occur when faculty address quality improvement and interprofessional collaborative practice competencies with an integrated approach that leverages connections, while also respecting distinctions. For health professions education programs looking to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their curricular approach to these fields, it may be fruitful to consider ICP as background and QI as foreground, remembering that without each other, ICP risks losing meaning and QI risks losing impact.
Hydrological, geochemical and microbiological controls on iron mineralisation in an intermittent stream
Authors: Stevenson Zackry , Riddley Mia , McConnell Tamara , Swanner Elizabeth D. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In Clear Creek, which runs through the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa, USA, several types of iron mineralisation occur within stagnant pools and slow-moving water. This includes rusty flocs, commonly observed in mineral springs, rust-stained sediments and iridescent films (‘schwimmeisen’) on the pool surfaces. Observations of iron mineralisation over the course of more than a year in a single reach indicated that mineralisation occurred after precipitation events once water levels in the stream had dropped. Iron extracted and quantified from Clear Creek sediments and pool waters indicated the stream and its sediments were unlikely to be supplying the iron for mineralisation. We hypothesise that the observed mineralisation could result from the discharge of shallow, reducing groundwater-bearing Fe(II) into stagnant pools that form in debris-dammed areas of the stream. Piezometers installed next to the creek documented that shallow groundwater contained dissolved Fe, with the source of Fe being the floodplain sediments and the hydraulic gradient promoted groundwater discharge into the stream. Microorganisms identified in mineralised pools using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed an elevated presence of putative iron-oxidizing and iron-reducing microorganisms in mineralised vs. non-mineralised pools. Further investigation of the iridescent films revealed them to be composed of amorphous Fe(III) minerals. We further hypothesise that microbial exudates reduce surface tension and potential micro-zones for subsequent microbial iron redox cycling with dissolved organic matter in the pools. Determining the processes controlling mineralisation can lead to a better understanding of the ecological role of iron mineralisation in agricultural watersheds and the importance of contaminant degradation and nutrient cycling.
Comparative effectiveness of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for major depression in psychiatric outpatient clinics: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Malkomsen Anders , Wilberg Theresa , Bull-Hansen Bente , Dammen Toril , Evensen Julie Horgen , Hummelen Benjamin , Løvgren André , Osnes Kåre , Ulberg Randi , Røssberg Jan Ivar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
More studies with low risk of bias on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) for major depressive disorder (MDD) are needed. This study compares the outcome of CBT and STPP and examines the improvements in each treatment, focusing on effect sizes, reliable change, dropout rates, and remission rates, using broad inclusion criteria (e.g. participants using antidepressants or with strong suicidal ideation).

Methods
One hundred patients were randomly allocated to CBT or STPP. All patients were offered either 16 weekly sessions followed by 3 monthly booster sessions in CBT, or 28 weekly sessions in STPP. Primary outcome measures were Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Secondary outcome measures were Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12).

Results
No significant differences in outcomes were found between the two treatment groups on any of the measures. The within-group effects were large (> 0.8) for the primary outcome measures and moderate to large for the secondary outcome measures. According to the reliable change index (RCI), 79% of patients reliably improved on HDRS and 76% improved on BDI-II, whereas respectively 6% and 10% reliably deteriorated.

Conclusions
These findings support the assumption that CBT and STPP are equally effective treatments for patients with depressive disorders in psychiatric outpatient clinics. Additionally, they strengthen the evidence for the effectiveness of both CBT and STPP in these settings, while also highlighting that not all depressed patients respond to short-term treatment.

Clinical trial registration
Clinical Trial gov. Identifier: NCT03022071. Date of registration: 2016-11-14.
The impact of C216T and hot spot mutations of the TERT promoter on the clinicopathologic characteristics and S100A10 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a comparative study
Authors: Li Ping , Huang Chuqiang , Liu Xiaoling , Gui Huihui , Li Jian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
The C216T mutation in the TERT promoter (TERTp) is a rarely reported genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Its clinical significance remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the impact of the C216T and hot spot mutations (C228T and C250T) of TERTp on the clinicopathologic characteristics and the expression of S100A10, a member of the S100 protein family, in PTC.

Methods
In this retrospective study, a cohort comprising 8 PTC cases with the C216T mutation, 12 cases with the hot spot mutations, and 120 cases with the wildtype genotype was established. The influence of TERTp mutations on the clinicopathologic profiles of PTC was assessed.

Results
The C216T mutation was mutually exclusive with the hot spot mutations and its frequency (0.19%) fell between that of C228T (0.68%) and C250T (0.06%). Compared to PTC cases with the wildtype genotype, cases with C216T mutations did not exhibit significant differences in clinicopathologic characteristics and S100A10 expression levels. In contrast, the hot spot mutations were positively associated with extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.001), ATA recurrence risk (p < 0.001), AJCC staging (p < 0.001), and increased expression of S100A10 (p = 0.005). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between S100A10 expression and extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.005), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.013), and ATA recurrence risk (p = 0.023).

Conclusion
The C216T mutation did not induce the aggressiveness of PTC as the hot spot mutations did. Furthermore, the hot spot mutations were closely associated with the increased expression of S100A10. The latter may contribute to the pro-invasive effect of the hot spot mutations on PTC.
Progress in multi-omics studies of osteoarthritis
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Qian He , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Jian , Yan Heguo , Xiao Niqin , Zeng Sanjin , Chen Bingbing , Yang Qianqian , Lu Hongting , Xie Jing , Xie Zhaohu , Qin Dongdong , Li Zhaofu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA), a ubiquitous degenerative joint disorder, is marked by pain and disability, profoundly impacting patients' quality of life. As the population ages, the global prevalence of OA is escalating. Omics technologies have become instrumental in investigating complex diseases like OA, offering comprehensive insights into its pathogenesis and progression by uncovering disease-specific alterations across genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics levels. In this review, we systematically analyzed and summarized the application and recent achievements of omics technologies in OA research by scouring relevant literature in databases such as PubMed. These studies have shed light on new potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers, charting fresh avenues for OA diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, in our discussion, we highlighted the immense potential of spatial omics technologies in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of OA and in the development of novel therapeutic strategies, proposing future research directions and challenges. Collectively, this study encapsulates the pivotal advances in current OA research and prospects for future investigation, providing invaluable references for a deeper understanding and treatment of OA. This review aims to synthesize the recent progress of omics technologies in the realm of OA, aspiring to furnish theoretical foundations and research orientations for more profound studies of OA in the future.
Facility-Level Disparities in Radiation Use for Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tsekouras Ian T. , Hotsinpiller Whitney S. , Bonner James A. , Kole Adam J. 
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE
Treatment of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) with twice-a-day radiation therapy (RT) has remained the standard of care for many decades. Growing evidence suggests that outcomes with dose escalated twice-a-day RT may further improve outcomes. However, once-daily treatment remains common. The purpose of this study was to evaluate individual treatment facilities for utilization of twice-a-day RT.

METHODS
Patients with LS-SCLC treated with definitive chemoradiation from 2004 to 2019 were identified in the National Cancer Database. RT was classified as twice-a-day (45 Gy in 30 fractions) or once-daily (59.4-70.2 Gy in 30-39 fractions). Patients were excluded if surgery was performed. All patients received doublet chemotherapy. Unique treatment facilities delivering at least one twice-a-day treatment course during the study period were classified as BID-treating. Facilities not delivering any twice-a-day RT were classified as QD-only. The proportion of QD-only facilities was identified. Facility-level characteristics associated with QD-only classification were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 22,362 patients with LS-SCLC were treated at 1,222 unique facilities. A slight majority of facilities (n = 644, 52.7%) were BID-treating, whereas fewer (n = 578, 47.3%) were QD-only. A total of 73.9% of academic facilities were BID-treating versus 48.3% of nonacademic facility types (
P
< .001). Only 20.7% of low volume treatment facilities (lowest quartile of patients with LS-SCLC treated) used twice-a-day fractionation versus 78.2% of the highest quartile volume facilities (
P
< .001). On multivariable analysis, academic and high-volume facilities were statistically significantly associated with BID-treating classification (adjusted odds ratio, 2.5 [
P
< .001] and 4.2 [
P
< .001], respectively).

CONCLUSION
Nearly half of facilities treating LS-SCLC with definitive chemoradiation do not use twice-a-day fractionation schedules despite ongoing and growing evidence of superiority to once-daily fractionation. High-volume, academic facilities were more likely to offer twice-a-day fractionation.
Effects of Heating on Tendon Mechanical Properties and Performance during Stretch-Shortening Cycle Exercises
Authors: Sasajima Shuhei , Kubo Keitaro 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of heating on Achilles tendon mechanical properties (elongation, elastic energy, and hysteresis) and performance during stretch-shortening cycle exercise (pre-stretch augmentation and efficiency).

Methods
Fifteen males participated in this study. Before and after heating (30 min) and non-heating (control) conditions, the mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon during ramp and ballistic contractions and two kinds of jumps (no-countermovement and countermovement jumps) were measured. In addition, electromyographic activities of the plantar flexor muscles (medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles) and oxygen consumption were measured during 5 min of submaximal repetitive jumps after both interventions (heating and control).

Results
Although no changes in tendon elongation at all force levels and elastic energy during ramp and ballistic contractions were observed, tendon hysteresis decreased by 14.2% during ramp contraction (p = 0.015 according to the paired t-test) and 8.0% during ballistic contraction (p = 0.006 according to the paired t-test) after heating. No changes in no-countermovement and countermovement jump heights were found after both interventions. The electromyographic activities of gastrocnemius muscles at the first half and soleus muscle at all time points were significantly lower for heating than for control conditions. No difference in oxygen consumption was found between heating and control conditions.

Conclusions
These results suggest that heating reduces tendon hysteresis and enhances efficiency (assessed by electromyographic activity) during repetitive submaximal jumps.
NEW METHOD FOR TREATING THE SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN COWS
Authors: Vardanyan Albert V. , Nikoghosyan Erik A. , Grigoryan Liana H. , Sukiasyan Karine A. , Grigoryan Valery V. , Hakobyan Anush R. , Melkonyan Zhanna S. 
Published: February 2025

Background. Given the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy livestock as well as the numerous available methods for treatment which are not always effective, it is an urgent problem for Veterinary Medicine to develop a new, improved and effective method for treatment of this disease.
Purpose. The purpose of this research is to develop a new method for treatment of subclinical mastitis in cows by using the broad-spectrum antibiotics and immunostimulating agents.
Material and methods. We used the California mastitis test to perform the somatic cell count for identification of latent mastitis in the livestock under examination. We carry out microbiological study of the milk taken from affected cows in order to determine the composition of pathogenic microflora species as well as the sensitivity of milk microflora to various antibiotic drugs.
Based on the analogues, we formed two groups, each of 10 animals. The control group of animals was treated with Mastisan and with Bicillin-3. The experimental group was treated with ASD-2, Marfloxin, Masticef, and Dimexide. Before and during treatment, we examined morphological and biochemical parameters of blood of sick animals.
Results. In the experimental group, recovery of morphological and biochemical parameters of blood started on the 2nd day of treatment already, and it completed by the 6th day. By that day, all biochemical parameters of blood were within the normal limits; while in the control group the same parameters recovered more slowly.
Conclusion. Timely diagnosis of subclinical mastitis enables its effective treatment and prevents development of overt mastitis.
The use of antibacterial drugs with immunostimulating agents increases the effectiveness of treatment of subclinical mastitis. Treatment of subclinical mastitis by using Marfloxin, Masticef, ASD-2 and Dimexide can reduce the duration of treatment by 2-3 days.
Sponsorship statement. This work is performed in accordance with the decree of the Government of the Republic of Armenia on base funding of scientific topics in Armenia.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy and Nephrotic-Range Proteinuria: Chance or True Association?
Authors: Yang Qunlan , Liu Yan , Song Shaona , Wang Wenhong 
Published: February 2025

Aims/Background Improved life expectancy has led to an increased recognition of kidney dysfunction as a common complication in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, data on renal impairment with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) especially in pediatric populations, and remains scarce. Case Presentation We present the case of a 5-year-old male with a two-month history of foamy urine. Laboratory investigations revealed nephrotic-range proteinuria and elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. A subsequent muscle biopsy and genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of BMD. Results The patient accepted oral deflazacort for two months. Surprisingly, this targeted treatment at BMD not only led to a reduction in CK levels, but also resolved proteinuria during the two-year follow-up. Conclusion This clinical presentation of nephrotic-range proteinuria in pediatric BMD patients is novel and highlights a rare renal manifestation. Chronic kidney impairment in pediatric BMD warrants attention, and the role of kidney biopsy in characterizing DMD/BMD-associated nephropathy should be explored. Given the lifelong and heterogeneous nature of BMD, multicenter study and long-term follow-up are required to better understand the progression, underlying mechanisms, and clinical outcomes of renal complications in these patients.