bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of Repeat Sampling in Bilateral Aldosterone Suppression During Adrenal Vein Sampling for Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Halim Bella , Yong Eric X Z , Egan Matthew , MacIsaac Richard J , O’Neal David , Sachithanandan Nirupa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Accurate subtyping of PA is essential to identify unilateral disease, as adrenalectomy improves outcomes. Subtyping PA requires adrenal vein sampling (AVS), which is technically challenging and results from AVS may not always be conclusive. We present a case of a 37-year-old man with PA whose AVS studies were inconclusive due to apparent bilateral aldosterone suppression (ABAS). As a result, our patient was misdiagnosed as having bilateral PA and medically managed until a repeat AVS showed lateralization to the right adrenal gland. ABAS is an underrecognized phenomenon that may confound the subtyping of PA. We recommend repeating AVS in such cases and discuss strategies to minimize ABAS.
Are there Sensitive Periods for Skill Development in Male Adolescent Basketball Players?
Authors: Guimarães Eduardo , Baxter-Jones Adam D. G. , Williams A. Mark , Anderson David I. , Janeira Manuel A. , Garbeloto Fernando , Pereira Sara , Maia José 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Although spurts in physical capacities during adolescence are well-known, little is known about the existence of such spurts in sport-specific skill development, especially during the period of rapid growth in stature. Our aims were to examine the timing, intensity, and sequence of basketball-specific skill spurts aligned with biological [years from peak height velocity (PHV)] rather than chronological age. We then defined putative sensitive periods (windows of optimal development) for each skill aligned to the adolescent growth spurt.

Methods
Altogether, 160 adolescent male basketballers, aged 11–15 years, were tested bi-annually over three consecutive years. The years from attainment of PHV were estimated and six skill tests were aligned to each year from PHV in 3-month intervals. Skill velocities were estimated using a non-smooth polynomial model.

Results
Maximal gains in slalom dribble occurred 12 months prior to PHV attainment (intensity = 0.18 m·s−1·year−1), whereas in speed shot shooting (intensity = 9.91 pts·year−1), passing (intensity = 19.13 pts·year−1), and slalom sprint (intensity = 0.19 m·s−1·year−1) these skill spurts were attained 6 months prior to PHV attainment. The mean gains in control dribble (intensity = 0.10 m·s−1·year−1) and defensive movement (intensity = 0.12 m·s−1·year−1) peaks coincided with attainment of PHV. We identified different sized windows for optimal development for each skill.

Conclusions
Peak spurts in skill development, for most basketball skills, were attained at the same time as PHV. The multiple peaks observed within the defined windows of optimal development suggest that there is room for skill improvement even if gains might be greater earlier rather than later in practice. Our findings highlight the need to make coaches aware of where their players are relative to the attainment of PHV since different skills appear to develop differently relative to PHV. Such knowledge may help in designing more relevant training regimes that incorporate the athlete’s current growth status so that skill development can be maximized.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in a Prospective Multicenter Cohort of Older Adults
Authors: WOLF CODY , BLACKWELL TERRI L. , JOHNSON EILEEN , GLYNN NANCY W. , NICKLAS BARBARA , KRITCHEVSKY STEPHEN B. , CARNERO ELVIS A. , CAWTHON PEGGY M. , CUMMINGS STEVEN R. , TOLEDO FREDERICO G. S. , NEWMAN ANNE B. , FORMAN DANIEL E. , GOODPASTER BRET H. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measured by peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2
peak) declines with aging and correlates with mortality and morbidity. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the criterion method to assess CRF, but its feasibility, validity, and reliability in older adults are unclear. Our objective was to design and implement a dependable, safe, and reliable CPET protocol in older adults.

Methods
V̇O2
peak was measured by CPET, performed using treadmill exercise in 875 adults ≥70 yr in the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA). The protocol included a symptom-limited peak (maximal) exercise and two submaximal walking speeds. An adjudication process was in place to review tests for validity if they met any prespecified criteria (V̇O2
peak <12.0 mL·kg−1·min−1; maximum heart rate <100 bpm; respiratory exchange ratio <1.05 and a rating of perceived exertion <15). A subset (N = 30) performed a repeat test to assess reproducibility.

Results
CPET was safe and well tolerated, with 95.8% of participants able to complete the V̇O2
peak phase of the protocol. Only 56 (6.4%) participants had a risk alert and only two adverse events occurred: a fall and atrial fibrillation. Mean ± SD V̇O2
peak was 20.2 ± 4.8 mL·kg−1·min−1, peak heart rate 142 ± 18 bpm, and peak respiratory exchange ratio 1.14 ± 0.09. Adjudication was indicated in 47 tests; 20 were evaluated as valid and 27 as invalid (18 data collection errors, 9 did not reach V̇O2
peak). Reproducibility of V̇O2
peak was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97).

Conclusions
CPET was feasible, effective, and safe for older adults, including many with multimorbidity or frailty. These data support a broader implementation of CPET to provide insight into the role of CRF and its underlying determinants of aging and age-related conditions.
Concomitant treatment of ureteral calculi and ipsilateral pelvic sciatic nerve schwannoma with transperitoneal laparoscopic approach: A case report
Authors: Xiong Yang , Li Jin , Yang Han-Jie 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND
Schwannomas are rare peripheral neural myelin sheath tumors that originate from Schwann cells. Of the different types of schwannomas, pelvic sciatic nerve schwannoma is extremely rare. Definite preoperative diagnosis of pelvic schwannomas is difficult, and surgical resection is the gold standard for its definite diagnosis and treatment.
CASE SUMMARY
We present a case of pelvic schwannoma arising from the sciatic nerve that was detected in a 40-year-old man who underwent computed tomography for intermittent right lower back pain caused exclusively by a right ureteral calculus. Subsequently, successful transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery was performed for the intact removal of the stone and en bloc resection of the schwannoma. The total operative time was 125 min, and the estimated blood loss was inconspicuous. The surgical procedure was uneventful. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 with the simultaneous removal of the urinary catheter. However, the patient presented with motor and sensory disorders of the right lower limb, caused by partial damage to the right sciatic nerve. No tumor recurrence was observed at the postoperative appointment.
CONCLUSION
Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma. Thus, laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for concomitant extirpation of pelvic schwannomas and other pelvic and abdominal diseases that require surgical treatment.
Comparison of the efficacy among different interventions for radiodermatitis: A Bayesian network meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Guan Ying , Liu Shuai , Li Anchuan , Cheng Wanqin 
Published: April 2024

Background
Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a prevalent and difficult-to-manage consequence of radiation therapy (RT). A variety of interventions have been proven effective in preventing and treating RD. However, the optimal approach remains unclear. This network meta-analysis (NMA) conducted a comparison and ranking of the effectiveness and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of the interventions currently utilized in RD.

Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on the prevention and treatment of RD. The primary outcome measures included the incidence of grade≥2 RD (i.e., percentage of moist desquamation) and RD score. The secondary outcome measures encompassed patients’ subjective assessment scores of pains, itching and burning sensations.

Results
Our meta-analysis encompassed 42 studies and 4884 participants. Regarding the primary outcomes, photobiomodulation treatment (PBMT) ranked first in surface under curve cumulative ranking area (SUCRA:0.92) for reducing the incidence of grade≥2 RD. It demonstrated a significant difference when compared to Trolamine (OR 0.18,95%CrI 0.09–0.33) and Xonrid® (OR 0.28,95%CrI 0.12–0.66). Mepitelfilm (SUCRA: 0.98) achieved the highest rank in reducing the RD score, demonstrating superiority over StrataXRT® (MD -0.89, 95% CrI -1.49, -0.29). Henna (SUCRA: 0.89) demonstrated the highest effectiveness in providing pain relief, with a significant difference compared to Hydrofilm (MD -0.44, 95% CrI -0.84, -0.04) and Mepitelfilm (MD -0.55, 95% CrI -0.91, -0.19). Hydrofilm (SUCRA: 0.84) exhibited the fewest itching sensations, demonstrating superiority over Mepitelfilm (MD -0.50, 95% CrI -0.84, -0.17). No statistically significant difference was observed among various interventions in the assessment of burning sensations.

Conclusion
PBMT and Mepitelfilm demonstrated better efficacy in reducing the incidence of grade≥2 RD and RD score, respectively. In terms of PROs, Henna and Hydrofilm had fewer complaints in pain and itching sensations, respectively. However, studies with larger sample size on different interventions are warranted in the future.

Trial registration
PROSPERO registration number CRD42023428598.
Absolute monocyte counts could predict disease activity and secondary loss of response of patients with Crohn’s disease treated with anti-TNF-α drug
Authors: Hu Jia , Huang Yin , Jia Ruonan , Wang Xuehong , Wang Yongjun 
Published: April 2024

Background
Assessing Crohn’s disease (CD) activity is critical for monitoring disease progression. In CD, monocytes could release TNF-α. Thus, it is extremely important to study its role in the disease activity and loss of response to anti-TNF-α biologics.

Methods
In this study, we collected CD patients treated with biologics from January 2017 to May 2022. Indicators associated with disease activity were evaluated by Spearman correlation analysis and Mann-Whitney U test. Specifically, logistic analyses were used to explore the predictors of primary nonresponse (PNR) and secondary loss of response (SLOR) within 1 year of anti-TNF-α agents. In addition, a nomogram was developed for therapeutic effect prediction.

Results
283 patients with CD were identified. Disease activity group, defined as CDAI equal to or greater than 150, had significant elevated absolute monocyte counts than disease remission group based on CDAI score (p = 0.019, Z = -2.354). Logistic analyses showed that absolute monocyte counts could be an independent predictor of 1-year SLOR of anti-TNF-α agents in CD patients (p = 0.013). A nomogram established based on gender, absolute monocyte counts, and hemoglobin could predict SLOR within 1 year of anti-TNF-α agents reliably.

Conclusion
The results of this study support the utility of absolute monocyte counts detecting disease activity and anti-TNF-α therapy effect in patients with CD.
Large-Caliber Empiric Esophageal Dilation Results in Sustained Improvement for Selected Patients With Nonobstructive Dysphagia
Authors: Bar Nir , Pathipati Mythili , Staller Kyle , Bailey Abbey Phelan , Rao Fatima , Newman-Gaewsky Jennifer , Kuo Braden , Vélez Christopher 
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Empiric esophageal dilation (EED) remains a controversial practice for managing nonobstructive dysphagia (NOD) secondary to concerns about safety and efficacy. We examine symptom response, presence of tissue disruption, and adverse events (AEs) after EED.

METHODS:
We examined large-caliber bougie EED for NOD at 2 tertiary referral centers: retrospectively evaluating for AEs. Esophageal manometry diagnoses were also reviewed. We then prospectively assessed EED's efficacy using the NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System disrupted swallowing questionnaire to assess dysphagia at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after EED. Treatment success was defined by improvement in patient-reported outcome scores.

RESULTS:
AE rate for large-caliber dilation in the retrospective cohort of 180 patients undergoing EED for NOD was low (0.5% perforations, managed conservatively). Visible tissue disruption occurred in 18% of patients, with 47% occurring in the proximal esophagus. Obstructive motility disorders were found more frequently in patients with tissue disruption compared with those without (44% vs 14%, P = 0.05). The primary outcome, the mean disrupted swallowing T-score was 60.1 ± 9.1 at baseline, 56.1 ± 9.5 at 1 month (P = 0.03), 57 ± 9.6 at 3 months (P = 0.10), and 56 ± 10 at 6 months (P = 0.02) (higher scores note more symptoms). EED resulted in a significant and durable improvement in dysphagia and specifically solid food dysphagia among patients with tissue disruption.

DISCUSSION:
EED is safe in solid food NOD and particularly effective when tissue disruption occurs. EED tissue disruption in NOD does not preclude esophageal dysmotility.
Fractionating microplastics by density gradient centrifugation: a novel approach using LuerLock syringes in a low-cost density gradient maker
Authors: Majcen Alina , Gohla Jan , Steinhoff Anna S. , Meißner Lena , Tassoti Sebastian , Spitzer Philipp 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment and are even considered “technofossils” of the Anthropocene. Given their omnipresence and potential impact, identifying and analyzing these particles becomes increasingly crucial. Novel approaches suggest density gradient centrifugation for simultaneous extraction and fractionation of microplastic particles based on their plastic-specific densities. In this article we describe a cheap and harmless experimental setting to fractionate microplastic particles by density gradient centrifugation. An innovative low-cost Do-It-Yourself (DIY) gradient maker using Luer-Lock syringes is presented. With this gradient maker it is possible to produce density gradients with water and sucrose solutions, covering a density range of 1.00–1.32 g/cm3, as well as with water and saturated potassium carbonate solutions, covering a density range of 1.06–1.53 g/cm3. The separation performance was tested with the most broadly used plastics polyamide, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinylchloride. Both density gradients show centrifugation stability and clear banding patterns after centrifugation. Due to its cheap and easy-to-build-easy-to-use nature, this experimental setting for microplastic fractionation by density gradient centrifugation offers an approach for schools not only to address the microplastic problems, but also to integrate new methods of microplastic analysis in upper secondary school laboratories.
EU Contract Case Law, July–December 2023
Authors: Esposito Fabrizio , Almeida Lucila de , Paulesu Carolina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article provides an overview of the most relevant cases decided by the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning contract law. The present issue covers the period between the beginning of July 2023 and the end of December 2023. Out of a total of 220 judgments decided in this period, 57 had a contract law dimension.
Towards the Use of Social Robot Furhat and Generative AI in Testing Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Sabo Róbert , Beňuš Štefan , Kevická Viktória , Trnka Marian , Rusko Milan , Darjaa Sakhia , Kejriwal Jay 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Spoken communication between social robotic devices, powered by generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, and the senior population offers great potential for researching social interaction and robot identity perceptions as well as exploring the potential opportunities and challenges when implementing this human-machine interactions in real life situations and health care. In this paper we explore people’s perceptions of the social robot Furhat when administering verbal tasks similar to those used in screening for Alzheimer’s disease. We describe the Slovak system mounted on the robot that includes a speech recognizer, the scenarios powered by generative large language model ChatGPT, and a speech synthesizer. We tested the functionality of the proposed approach with two groups of participants: attendees of a large science fair and a scientific conference. The observations from 87 collected questionnaires suggest good potential and applicability of such an approach for the given task and more positive attitudes of older subjects compared to younger ones.
Beyond Factories and Laboratories: Reflecting the Relationships Between Archivists and Historians
Authors: Yu Andrew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In her influential article published in 2016, Alexandra Walsham, Professor of Modern History at the University of Cambridge, coined the metaphor that ‘Archives are the factories and laboratories of the historian’. Traditionally viewed as neutral storehouses of official records passively awaiting historians’ scrutiny, conceptions of archives have expanded in recent decades. Archives are now understood as complex social and cultural entities that actively participate in shaping understandings of the past. This paper examines shifting perspectives on the nature and functions of archives through a critical analysis of key debates. Specifically, this paper adopts a hermeneutic lens to critically engage Walsham’s metaphor and move beyond its potential limitations through situated analysis and interpretation. This paper explores how archives are actively implicated in knowledge construction through their contents, organisational frameworks, and interactions with historians. Recognising archives as fragmented, culturally contingent remnants that mediate engagement with the past, the paper calls for collaborative, reflective approaches between archivists and historians. The paper also acknowledges historians’ subjective interpretive roles while advocating consultation of archivists’ contextual expertise. Ultimately, it advances methodological discussions on writing history through a nuanced appreciation of archives as dynamic mediators within historical research, not transparent conduits neutrally supplying facts.
Introduction to special issue: languages in modern day Puerto Rico
Authors: Morales Lugo Katherine , Carroll Kevin S. , Campos Simón D. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This introduction to our special issue surveys some of the current work undertaken by scholars on the island of Puerto Rico and abroad that document the language forms, uses, and ideologies of language in the U.S. territory. We provide the “total linguistic fact” (Silverstein 1985) of what it means to speak English and Spanish in Puerto Rico, Census projections of language use, self-reported data and actual documented work on the form and social uses of languages. We provide the sociohistorical context of the history of both Spanish and English on the Island, language policies across time, and how these have played out and been contested in real time. Setting the scene for our special issue, we ask our readers to think critically on the status of contact languages in globalized times, ideological shifts of language practices, and the intimate ties between language and identity.
Migration Policy – An Oxymoron or a Management Project?
Authors: Brunsson Karin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Arguably, standardization is a key concept in contemporary global society. Not only has standardization facilitated worldwide trade of goods and services, but it has also made people amenable to similar work situations and to the production and consumption of similar products and similar information across countries. Harsh regional and national migration policies negate these effects of globalization and reflect instead a – unrealistic – managerial ideal of order. It is suggested that legislators who seek to transform states into nation states mistake states for organizations. They take an instrumental approach to citizens and migrants and see the declaration of human rights as an insignificant mission statement.
Estimation in shape mixtures of skew-normal linear regression models via ECM coupled with Gibbs sampling
Authors: Alizadeh Ghajari Zakaria , Zare Karim , Shokri Soheil 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we study linear regression models in which the error term has shape mixtures of skew-normal distribution.
This type of distribution belongs to the skew-normal (SN) distribution class that can be used for heavy tails and asymmetry data.
For the first time, for the classical (non-Bayesian) estimation of the parameters of the SN family, we apply the Markov chains Monte Carlo ECM (MCMC-ECM) algorithm where the samples are generated by Gibbs sampling, denoted by Gibbs-ECM, and also, we extend two other types of the EM algorithm for the above model.
Finally, the proposed method is evaluated through a simulation and compared with the Numerical Math-ECM algorithm and Monte Carlo ECM (MC-ECM) using a real data set.
The crystal structure of tetrakis(μ
2-(1H-benzimidazole-2-methoxo-κ2
N,O:O:O)-(n-butanol-κO)-chlorido)-tetranickel(II), C48H68Cl4N8O8Ni4
Authors: Wang Yanfei , He Xiujuan , Mao Qian , Ji Jinlan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
C48H68Cl4N8O8Ni4, tetragonal, I41/a (no. 88), a = 16.9137(5) Å, c = 19.5028(13) Å, V = 5579.2(5) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0391, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1221, T = 293 K.
Does State Dependence Matter in Relation to Oil Price Shocks on Global Economic Conditions?
Authors: Dufrénot Gilles , Ginn William , Pourroy Marc , Sullivan Adam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A common thread in the literature shows that an oil price shock can have a major impact on global economic conditions. We examine the global dimensions of changes to the global oil price and world economic uncertainty using three model types: ordinary least square (OLS); general additive model (GAM); and non-linear vector autoregression (VAR) model with local projections (LP). Our study highlights a positive and statistically significant effect of oil prices on economic uncertainty during non-expansionary periods, yet the impact is negative on economic uncertainty during periods of economic growth. Using a VAR-LP we analyze the global dimensions of a world oil price shock on global economic conditions and investigate whether there is consistency in how an oil price shock influences economic growth, consumer prices and economic uncertainty based on the state of economic conditions. The empirical evidence shows that during an expansionary (a non-expansionary) period, the impact of an oil price shock lowers (elevates) economic uncertainty. The empirical evidence from the three model types taken together indicate a presence of state dependence on the influence of an oil price shock.