bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Reverse 2-Step Algorithm forClostridioides difficileTesting in the Microbiology Laboratory on Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Hilt Evann E , Vaughn Byron P , Galdys Alison L , Evans Michael D , Ferrieri Patricia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMultistep laboratory testing is recommended for the diagnosis of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The aim of this study was to present the impact of multistep CDI diagnostic testing in an academic hospital system and evaluate the toxin B gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle threshold (Ct) values of PCR-positive tests.MethodsIn October 2022, our system began reflex testing all PCR-positive stool samples with the C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE (Techlab), an enzyme immunoassay–based test with results for the glutamate dehydrogenase antigen (GDH) and C difficile toxin A/B. Hospital-onset (HO) CDI and CDI antibiotic use before and after testing were tracked. Ct values were obtained from the Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to examine the sensitivity and specificity for identifying GDH+/toxin+ and GDH−/toxin− at various Ct thresholds.ResultsThe HO-CDI rate decreased from 0.352 cases per 1000 patient-days to 0.115 cases per 1000 patient-days post–reflex testing (P &lt; .005). Anti-CDI antibiotics use decreased, but the decrease was not commensurate with CDI rates following reflex testing. PCR+/GDH+/toxin+ samples had a lower mean Ct value than PCR+/GDH–/toxin– samples (23.3 vs 33.5, P &lt; .0001). A Ct value of 28.65 could distinguish between those 2 groups. Fifty-four percent of PCR+/GDH+/toxin− samples had a Ct value below that cut-off, suggesting the possibility of CDI with a negative toxin test.ConclusionsReflex testing for a laboratory diagnosis of CDI results in rapid, systemwide decreases in the rate of HO-CDI. Additional research is needed to distinguish CDI from C difficile colonization in patients with discordant testing.
Ectopic adrenal tissue in the mesosalpinx of an older female: the fourth case report in the literature
Authors: Al-Janabi Moatasem Hussein , Salamah Doaa , Suleiman Marah , Mansour Marah , Salloum Rabab 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Ectopic adrenal tissue is a rare finding often encountered incidentally during histopathological examinations. The most common site is the genitourinary tract and pelvis, and more frequently in males than females. Ectopic adrenal tissue is primarily found in neonates and is extremely rare in adults. Although it is an unexpected entity, pathologists should be aware of it because it may be confused with metastasis of clear cell renal carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of ectopic adrenal tissue in the mesosalpinx of the fallopian tube have been reported in the medical literature, making this case the fourth one. In our report, we discussed an ectopic adrenal tissue that was discovered incidentally in the mesosalpinx of an older female.
Primary small lymphocytic lymphoma of the breast: a rare presentation of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Passeggiata Matthew , Badaro Geovanna , Kim Hui Un , Umbu Landry , Mashburn Penelope , Nath Manju 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Primary Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma of the breast is a rare presentation of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In this report, we present the case of primary small lymphocytic lymphoma of the breast in a 65-year-old female who presented with an abnormal breast ultrasound significant for a nodule of the right breast consistent with BI-RADS 4, indicating follow-up with ultrasound-guided biopsy for further diagnostic evaluation. The patient had no prior history of extramammary lymphoma or widespread disease. A sample of the breast mass was obtained via ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy and the pathology report revealed low-grade B-cell Lymphoma. After discussion with medical oncology and the explanation of risks, benefits and alternatives to surgery, a lumpectomy was performed, and the final pathology report of the mass revealed primary low-grade B-cell lymphocytic lymphoma of the breast. On follow up, the PET scan was unremarkable and showed no evidence of abnormal glucose metabolism or adenopathy.
Identifying the clinical and histopathological characteristics of amelanotic melanoma: a case series
Authors: Sohail Aroon , Kavaklieva Svetlana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Amelanotic melanoma (AM) is a subtype of melanoma where the lesion demonstrates no pigmentation. This can lead to delays in referral with studies showing a higher mortality rate. To determine the characteristics of AM lesions, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with confirmed AM. Of the 16 patients, 68.75% were male and the mean age at diagnosis was 78 years. The most common location for AM was the head (37.5%) which also demonstrated a higher mitotic rate (10.67 mm2) compared to the average (7.31 mm2). More than half of the lesions (56%) had been present for more than 1 year. With a misdiagnosis rate of 87.5%, the likelihood of delays were evident. There was no unifying feature on clinical assessment, however conspicuous vessel findings were noted on 62.5% of lesions. We have demonstrated that AM continues to remain a missed diagnosis with the potential for a more lethal cancer to form.
Refractory status epilepticus in a pediatric patient: Exploring the association with thyroid dysfunction
Authors: Hmeedan Alaa , Rabee Hadi Adnan , Doudein Mahmoud , Shubietah Abdalhakim R M 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and thyroid-specific autoantibodies. Hashimoto’s encephalopathy, a rare entity associated with these antibodies, presents as a relapsing encephalopathy with neuropsychiatric manifestations and seizures. A 15-year-old girl, initially healthy, experienced a tonic-clonic seizure. Despite unremarkable initial assessments, she returned with generalized convulsive status epilepticus. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was suggested by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, low thyroxine levels, and high anti-thyroid antibodies, and was confirmed by ultrasound. Steroids were not used initially due to seizure cessation with anesthesia. Post-treatment with levothyroxine and antiepileptics, she was seizure-free at follow-up and eventually maintained solely on levothyroxine. Hashimoto’s encephalopathy, characterized by diverse symptoms, often necessitates corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and plasmapheresis, as traditional anti-seizure medications fail. Further research into its etiology and pathophysiology is essential. Consider Hashimoto’s encephalopathy in unexplained seizures, especially with ineffective standard treatments. Pediatric diagnostic criteria need to be revisited.
Cystic adrenal pheochromocytoma, a very exceptional form: case report
Authors: Kabila Badr , Imrani Kaoutar , Kaddouri Soufiane , Riad Amal , Boujida Ismail , Rifai Kaoutar , Iraqi Hind , Gharbi Hassan , Bernoussi Zakia , Nassar Itimad , Billah Nabil Moatassim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A pheochromocytoma is a tumor that typically originates within the chromaffin cells of the adrenal glands, resulting in excessive production of catecholamines. Cystic forms are exceptional and pose a diagnostic challenge, especially those that are non-secreting. The most prevalent symptom associated with this condition is arterial hypertension, which can be either persistent or, more commonly, intermittent. The Ménard triad, comprising headaches, excessive sweating, and palpitations, may accompany episodes of hypertension. The presence of elevated levels of methoxylated derivatives serves to confirm the diagnosis of an adrenal pheochromocytoma. We report the case of a woman who presented with arterial hypertension associated with the Ménard triad, along with elevated methoxylated derivative levels. Imaging modalities revealed a predominantly cystic left retroperitoneal mass. The diagnosis of a cystic pheochromocytoma was established and confirmed through histological examination of the surgical specimen after adrenalectomy.
Neutrinos from Core-Collapse Supernova Explosions
Authors: Suzuki Hideyuki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The observation of supernova neutrinos from SN1987A by Kamiokande was an epoch-making event for both neutrino astronomy and supernova physics. Basic points in the standard pictures of stellar evolution and core-collapse supernovae were verified and research on them entered new advanced stages. In this article we give an overview of the supernova neutrinos emitted from core-collapse supernova explosions as well as the significance of their observations.
Development of a machine learning model and nomogram to predict seizures in children with COVID-19: a two-center study
Authors: Liu Yu-Qi , Yuan Wei-Hua , Tao Yue , Zhao Lian , Guo Wan-Liang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to use machine learning to evaluate the risk factors of seizures and develop a model and nomogram to predict seizures in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Material and methods
A total of 519 children with COVID-19 were assessed to develop predictive models using machine learning algorithms, including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF) and logistic regression (LR). The performance of the models was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values. Importance matrix plot and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were calculated to evaluate feature importance and to show the visualization results. The nomogram and clinical impact curve were used to validate the final model.

Results
Two hundred and seventeen children with COVID-19 had seizures. According to the AUC, the RF model performed the best. Based on the SHAP values, the top three most important variables in the RF model were neutrophil percentage, cough and fever duration. The nomogram and clinical impact curve also verified that the RF model possessed significant predictive value.

Conclusions
Our research indicates that the RF model demonstrates excellent performance in predicting seizures, and our novel nomogram can facilitate clinical decision-making and potentially offer benefit for clinicians to prevent and treat seizures in children with COVID-19.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Chronic Postoperative Pain in Same-day Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Boko Melodie Fanay , Khanna Ashish K. , D’Aragon Frederick , Spence Jessica , Conen David , Patel Ameen , Ayad Sabry , Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Choinière Manon , Sessler Daniel I. , Carrier Francois Martin , Harlock John , Koopman Josèph S. H. A. , Durand Madeleine , Bhojani Naeem , Turan Alparslan , Pagé Gabrielle , Devereaux P. J. , Duceppe Emmanuelle ,   for the VALIANCE Study Collaborators
Published: April 2024

Background
The amount of same-day surgery has increased markedly worldwide in recent decades, but there remains limited evidence on chronic postsurgical pain in this setting.

Methods
This study assessed pain 90 days after ambulatory surgery in an international, multicenter prospective cohort study of patients at least 45 yr old with comorbidities or at least 65 yr old. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory. Chronic postsurgical pain was defined as a change of more than 1 point in self-rated average pain at the surgical site between baseline and 90 days, and moderate to severe chronic postsurgical pain was defined as a score greater than 4 in self-rated average pain at the surgical site at 90 days. Risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

Results
Between November 2021 and January 2023, a total of 2,054 participants were included, and chronic postsurgical pain occurred in 12% of participants, of whom 93.1% had new chronic pain at the surgical site (i.e., participants without pain before surgery). Moderate to severe chronic postsurgical pain occurred in 9% of overall participants. Factors associated with chronic postsurgical pain were active smoking (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.76), orthopedic surgery (odds ratio, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.24 to 9.7), plastic surgery (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.97 to 9.2), breast surgery (odds ratio, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.29 to 5.8), vascular surgery (odds ratio, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.09 to 6.7), and ethnicity (i.e., for Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, odds ratio, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.68 to 6.9 and for First Nations/native persons, odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.05 to 15.4).

Conclusions
Persistent postsurgical pain after same-day surgery is common, is usually moderate to severe in nature, and occurs mostly in patients without chronic pain before surgery.

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Single-dose Intraoperative Methadone for Pain Management in Pediatric Tonsillectomy: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Einhorn Lisa M. , Hoang Julia , La Jong ok , Kharasch Evan D. 
Published: April 2024

Background
More than 500,000 elective tonsillectomies are performed in U.S. children annually. Pain after pediatric tonsillectomy is common, often severe, and undertreated. There is no consensus on the optimal management of perioperative tonsillectomy pain. Methadone, with an elimination half-life of 1 to 2 days, has a longer duration of effect than short-duration opioids such as fentanyl. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the intraoperative use of methadone for pediatric tonsillectomy. It tested the hypothesis that methadone would result in less postoperative opioid use compared with short-duration opioids in children after tonsillectomy.

Methods
This double-blind, randomized, parallel group trial in children (3 to 17 yr) undergoing tonsillectomy compared single-dose intravenous methadone (0.1 mg/kg then 0.15 mg/kg age-ideal body weight, in a dose escalation paradigm) versus as-needed short-duration opioid (fentanyl) controls. Opioid use, pain, and side effects were assessed in-hospital and 7 days postoperatively via electronic surveys. The primary outcome was total 7-day opioid use in oral morphine equivalents per kilogram (kg). Secondary outcomes were opioid use in the postanesthesia care unit, daily pain scores, and total number of 7-day opioid doses used.

Results
Data analysis included 60 children (20/group), age 5.9 ± 3.7 yr (mean ± SD; median, 4; range, 3 to 17). Total 7-day opioid use (oral morphine equivalents per kg median [interquartile range]) was 1.5 [1.2, 2.1] in controls, 0.9 [0.1, 1.4] after methadone 0.1 mg/kg (P = 0.045), and 0.5 [0, 1.4] after methadone 0.15 mg/kg (P = 0.023). Postanesthesia care unit opioid use (oral morphine equivalents per kg) in controls was 0.15 [0.1, 0.3], 0.04 [0, 0.1] after methadone 0.1 mg/kg (P = 0.061). and 0.0 [0, 0.1] after methadone 0.15 mg/kg (P = 0.021). Postoperative pain scores were not different between groups. No serious opioid-related adverse events occurred.

Conclusions
This small initial study in children undergoing tonsillectomy found that single-dose intraoperative methadone at 0.15 mg/kg age ideal body weight was opioid-sparing compared with intermittent fentanyl.

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The Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of the OMT Classification Among Physicians With a Different Background
Authors: ten Cate Feikje Julia , Don Griot Johan Peter William , Alewijnse Juul Vera , Alsem Mattijs Willibrord , Warnink-Kavelaars Jessica , van der Zeeuw Frederique Theresia , Dekker Sarah , Lachkar Nadia , van Doesburg Margriet Harmke Maria 
Published: April 2024

Background:
The Oberg–Manske–Tonkin (OMT) classification established excellent reliability scores in several validation studies. However, one study published in 2022 found much lower scores in a subanalysis of their sample when very simple anomalies were excluded. Our study assessed the reliability of the OMT among physicians with a different background, all involved in congenital hand anomaly care, and analyzed codes with less agreement. Time required for classification was recorded to give an indication on its usability.

Methods:
One hundred digital cases were classified twice with a minimal 1-month time interval, with the use of the 2020 version of the OMT. Two pediatric hand surgeons, 2 rehabilitation specialists, and 2 plastic surgery residents participated in this reliability analysis. The use of multiple codes was allowed. The intra- and interrater reliability was assessed for all 15 possible rater couples by calculating percentage of agreement. Cohen's kappa was calculated along with a 95% confidence interval. For the analysis of individual codes with less agreement, we calculated positive agreement with the use of a summed agreement table. Time necessary for classification was documented in seconds.

Results:
The inter- and intrarater agreement was moderate with a mean Cohen's kappa of 0.45 and 0.60 retrospectively. On average, 39 seconds per case were necessary for the first and 24 seconds for the second rating. Background did not influence the level of agreement. Lowest agreement levels (ie, lowest positive agreement) were observed with all the arthrogryposis multiplex congenita subgroups, the “other” subgroups of isolated congenital contractures, syndromic syndactyly, and synpolydactyly. Codes commonly used interchangeably were symbrachydactyly and transverse deficiency and the distinction between these anomalies of only the hand or the entire upper limb; symbrachydactyly and brachydactyly; and camptodactyly and distal arthrogryposis.

Conclusions:
Our study showed a moderate reliability, emphasizing the complexity of this heterogeneous patient population. Despite its imperfections, the OMT remains the best and most versatile classification tool at hand. Its main purpose may lie in contributing to a universal language for research.

Level of Evidence:
I
Long-term Outcomes of Surgically Treated Congenital Dislocation of the Knee
Authors: Honcharuk Erin M. , Jeans Kelly A. , Polk Jordan L. , Johnston Charles E. 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Congenital dislocation of the knee (CDK) may be idiopathic or associated with another condition, such as Larsen syndrome or arthrogryposis. Surgical reduction of type-3 dislocation may require quadricepsplasty (QP) or femoral diaphyseal shortening (FS). Because it is unknown which treatment is more effective, we evaluated long-term outcomes using patient-reported questionnaires and gait analysis, comparing results by surgery type and underlying diagnosis.

Methods:
Twelve patients (mean age, 19 mo) were treated surgically for CDK from 1985 to 2015 and studied 9 to 30 years postoperatively. Three participants had idiopathic CDK, 5 had Larsen syndrome, and 4 had arthrogryposis. Eleven knees underwent QP and 7 underwent FS. Participants were evaluated in our movement science laboratory and completed patient-reported outcome questionnaires. Data were compared with healthy, age-matched control values at the same visit.

Results:
Surgically treated knees had less flexion during swing (P<0.01), less overall motion (P<0.01), greater coronal instability (P<0.04), and slower gait (P<0.01) compared with controls. QP knees had more instability in midstance (P=0.03) and less flexion during gait compared with FS knees, less sagittal power generation than controls (P<0.01), and trended toward lower scores on Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome and Lysholm Knee Questionnaires than FS patients did. The idiopathic group had the gait most similar to that of controls, followed by the Larsen syndrome group and then the arthrogryposis group. The idiopathic group also had a better UCLA Activity Score (P=0.03) than the arthrogryposis group did.

Conclusions:
Surgical treatment of type-3 CDK will not likely restore normal knee function, suggesting teratologic joint abnormality. In this small series, FS produced better gait mechanics and patient-reported outcomes compared with QP. Not surprisingly, patients with idiopathic CDK had better outcomes than those with a syndromic diagnosis, likely related to having only a single joint affected.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Associations Between Volume of Early Intravenous Fluid and Hospital Outcomes in Septic Patients With and Without Heart Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Beagle Alexander J. , Prasad Priya A. , Hubbard Colin C. , Walderich Sven , Oreper Sandra , Abe-Jones Yumiko , Fang Margaret C. , Kangelaris Kirsten N. 
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the relationship between early IV fluid volume and hospital outcomes, including death in-hospital or discharge to hospice, in septic patients with and without heart failure (HF).

DESIGN:
A retrospective cohort study using logistic regression with restricted cubic splines to assess for nonlinear relationships between fluid volume and outcomes, stratified by HF status and adjusted for propensity to receive a given fluid volume in the first 6 hours. An ICU subgroup analysis was performed. Secondary outcomes of vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation, and length of stay in survivors were assessed.

SETTING:
An urban university-based hospital.

PATIENTS:
A total of 9613 adult patients were admitted from the emergency department from 2012 to 2021 that met electronic health record-based Sepsis-3 criteria. Preexisting HF diagnosis was identified by the International Classification of Diseases codes.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
There were 1449 admissions from patients with HF. The relationship between fluid volume and death or discharge to hospice was nonlinear in patients without HF, and approximately linear in patients with HF. Receiving 0–15 mL/kg in the first 6 hours was associated with lower likelihood of death or discharge to hospice compared with 30–45 mL/kg (odds ratio = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41–0.90; p = 0.01) in HF patients, but no significant difference for non-HF patients. A similar pattern was identified in ICU admissions and some secondary outcomes. Volumes larger than 15–30 mL/kg for non-HF patients and 30–45 mL/kg for ICU-admitted non-HF patients were not associated with improved outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:
Early fluid resuscitation showed distinct patterns of potential harm and benefit between patients with and without HF who met Sepsis-3 criteria. Restricted cubic splines analysis highlighted the importance of considering nonlinear fluid outcomes relationships and identified potential points of diminishing returns (15–30 mL/kg across all patients without HF and 30–45 mL/kg when admitted to the ICU). Receiving less than 15 mL/kg was associated with better outcomes in HF patients, suggesting small volumes may be appropriate in select patients. Future studies may benefit from investigating nonlinear fluid–outcome associations and a focus on other conditions like HF.