bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing utilization of intrauterine device insertion at hysteroscopic endometrial evaluation for patients with endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Ciesielski Katharine M. , Mann Pavan K. , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Klar Maximilian , Roman Lynda D. , Wright Jason D. , Matsuo Koji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To examine the utilization and characteristics related to the use of hysteroscopy at the time of endometrial evaluation for endometrial hyperplasia in the outpatient surgery setting.

Methods
This cross-sectional study queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample. The study population was 3218 patients with endometrial hyperplasia who underwent endometrial evaluation from January 2016 to December 2019. Performance and clinical characteristics of hysteroscopic endometrial evaluation were assessed with multivariable binary logistic regression models.

Results
A total of 2654 (82.5%) patients had hysteroscopic endometrial tissue evaluation. Patients with postmenopausal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, and polycystic ovary syndrome were more likely to undergo hysteroscopic endometrial evaluation in multivariable analysis (all, adjusted-P < 0.001). Uterine injury occurred in 4.9 per 1000 hysteroscopic endometrial evaluations; none had uterine injury in the non-hysteroscopy cohort. Among the 2654 patients who had hysteroscopic endometrial evaluation, 106 (4.0%) patients had intrauterine device insertion at surgery, and the utilization increased from 2.9 to 5.8% during the study period (P-trend < 0.001). Younger age, more recent year surgery, and obesity were independently associated with increased utilization of intrauterine device insertion at hysteroscopic endometrial evaluation (all, adjusted-P < 0.05). Among 2023 reproductive-age patients with endometrial hyperplasia, 1666 (82.4%) patients underwent hysteroscopic endometrial evaluation. On multivariable analysis, patients with heavy menstrual bleeding were more likely to have hysteroscopic endometrial evaluation (adjusted-P < 0.05). Intrauterine device insertion increased from 3.7% in 2016 to 8.0% in 2019 (P-trend = 0.007).

Conclusion
This nationwide analysis suggests that the insertion of intrauterine devices at the time of hysteroscopic endometrial tissue evaluation for endometrial hyperplasia is increasing among reproductive-age population.
Occurrence of mucosa-affecting diseases of the upper airways in middle ear cholesteatoma patients: a nationwide case–control study
Authors: Modée Borgström Agnes , Mogensen Hanna , Engmér Berglin Cecilia , Knutsson Johan , Bonnard Åsa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Exploring a possible link between upper airway inflammation and the development of cholesteatoma by studying the association between mucosa-affecting diseases of the upper airways and cholesteatoma surgery.

Methods
This is a nationwide case–control study of 10,618 patients who underwent surgery for cholesteatoma in Sweden between 1987 and 2018. The cases were identified in the National Patient Register and 21,235 controls matched by age, sex and place of residency were included from national population registers. Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the association between six types of mucosa-affecting diseases of the upper airways and cholesteatoma surgery.

Results
Chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis were more common in cholesteatoma patients than in controls (OR 1.5 to 2.5) as were both adenoid and tonsil surgery (OR > 4) where the strongest association was seen for adenoid surgery. No association was seen between allergic rhinitis and cholesteatoma.

Conclusion
This study supports an association between mucosa-affecting diseases of the upper airways and cholesteatoma. Future studies should aim to investigate the mechanisms connecting mucosa-affecting diseases of the upper airways and cholesteatoma formation regarding genetic, anatomical, inflammatory and mucosa properties.
Persons with multiple sclerosis older than 55 years: an analysis from the German MS registry
Authors: Goereci Yasemin , Ellenberger David , Rommer Paulus , Dunkl Veronika , Golla Heidrun , Zettl Uwe , Stahmann Alexander , Warnke Clemens 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Persons with MS (PwMS) ≥ 55 years are underrepresented in therapy studies leading to a lack of evidence.

Objective and methods
To study the subgroup of PwMS ≥ 55 years in the German MS registry in comparison with PwMS < 55 years. Endpoints of interest were the grade of disability, leading symptoms, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging activity, and use of disease modifying therapy.

Results
At the time of analysis, data from 40,428 PwMS were available for analysis. In PwMS aged ≥ 65 and PwMS aged ≥ 55 to 64 years, compared with PwMS aged < 55 years, the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale Scores were higher (5.3, 4.2 and 2.7, respectively), while the proportion of individuals with current use of disease modifying therapy was lower (42.6%, 60.9% and 76.7%, respectively). The older patient groups were more likely to be labeled with progressive MS and the frequency of occupational invalidity was high (38.8% in PwMS aged ≥ 55 to 64 years). Gait disorder, fatigue, bladder dysfunction, and spasticity were among the leading symptoms in PwMS aged ≥ 55 years.

Conclusion
PwMS ≥ 55 years have a high degree of disability, but a large proportion do not receive disease modifying therapy, exposing an unmet need.
Addressing the psychosocial aspects of transition to adult care in patients with cystinosis
Authors: Stabouli Stella , Sommer Anna , Kraft Stefanie , Schweer Katharina , Bethe Dirk , Bertholet-Thomas Aurelia , Batte Suzanne , Ariceta Gema , Brengmann Sandra , Bacchetta Justine , Emma Francesco , Levtchenko Elena , Topaloglu Rezan , Willem Lore , Haffner Dieter , Oh Jun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCystinosis is a rare autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disease that progressively affects multiple organs beginning with the kidneys. Patients require lifelong multidisciplinary care for the management of kidney disease and progressive extra-renal manifestations, and thus, they are especially fragile and vulnerable during transition from pediatric to adult care. Previous documents have provided guidance to help the medical transition of these highly burdened patients. Patients and their families often experience great psychological distress and face significant social challenges; for these reasons, they often need help from psychologists, social workers, and other psychosocial professionals. Due to the rarity of the disease, most psychosocial professionals have no expertise in this disorder and require advice. To this end, a steering committee (SC) composed of six experts, including pediatric nephrologists, psychologists, and social workers with experience in the care for patients with cystinosis, have identified and addressed seven key questions related to psychosocial challenges of the disease and the burden of treatment. Ten additional international experts (the extended faculty, EF) were invited to answer these questions. Since robust evidence is lacking, as in many rare diseases, conclusions were based on collective agreement between members of the SC and the EF, and the consolidated answers were summarized into expert opinion statements. The present document contains information on the concerns and psychosocial burden of patients with cystinosis and of their caregivers, and provides practical advice for timely and appropriate support to facilitate the transition to adult care.
Graphical abstract
Three-Dimensional Modelling of a Large-Diameter Sealing Concept in a Deep Geological Radioactive Waste Disposal
Authors: Alonso Matías , Vaunat Jean , Vu Minh-Ngoc , Talandier Jean , Olivella Sebastià , Gens Antonio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency is leading the design of a deep geological radioactive waste disposal to be located in the Callovo-Oxfordian formation. At the disposal main level, large-diameter galleries will ensure access to the storage cells and connection between zones. After a long operational period, the disposal will be closed by sealing structures located at some key positions to ensure post-closure safety over the long term. The seals are intended to prevent the flow of water and the migration of radionuclides from the disposal to the biosphere throughout the entire storage life. Thus, the long-term safety of the disposal relies to a large extent on the performance of these structures. The paper presents the work carried out to assess and simulate the phenomena underlying the response and performance of a large-diameter sealing concept under real disposal conditions. The complexity of the problem is addressed by considering in the simulations large-scale 3D geometries, advanced constitutive models, complex coupled phenomena, key geometric details at decimetre scale, and all the phases from the excavation to the post-closure period (~ a few thousand years).
Comparisons of real versus synthetic proficiency testing items
Authors: MacKenzie Finlay , Marrington Rachel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBoth real and synthetic materials are regularly used by providers of external quality assessment and proficiency testing schemes, and there are, in most cases, justifiable reasons for the choice made. This article focusses on the field of clinical biochemistry and discusses the different properties of a material and the benefits and limitations of using real or synthetic material. However, the overarching principles should be able to be applied to all sectors within the laboratory. Whilst genuine/real material would appear to be the preferred matrix, this is not always practicable, and synthetic material may be a suitable alternative. Synthetic material covers a wide range of material, be it that the material is 100% artificial to real material being used as a ‘base’ item, which is manipulated either by the addition of further real material from a different source or by the addition of exogenous analyte. A number of real-life cases are presented to demonstrate the impact of material matrix, storage conditions, volume, and interferences.
Sarcopenia is associated with leukopenia in urothelial carcinoma patients who receive tislelizumab combined with gemcitabine and cisplatin therapy
Authors: Gao Zhimin , Pang Yubin , Qin Xu , Li Gang , Wang Zewei , Zhang Lei , Wang Junqi , Qi Nienie , Li Hailong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
In the era of combination therapy, there has been limited research on body composition. Specific body composition, such as sarcopenia, possesses the potential to serve as a predictive biomarker for toxic effects and clinical response in patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) undergoing tislelizumab combined with gemcitabine and cisplatin (T + GC).

Materials and Methods
A total of 112 UC patients who received T + GC were selected at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from April 2020 to January 2023. Baseline patient characteristics and detailed hematological parameters were collected using the electronic medical system and laboratory examinations. The computed tomography images of patients were analyzed to calculate psoas muscle mass index (PMI). We evaluated the association between sarcopenia (PMI < 4.5 cm2/m2 in men; PMI < 3.3 cm2/m2 in women) and both hematological toxicity and tumor response.

Results
Overall, of the 112 patients (65.2% male, median age 56 years), 43 (38.4%) were defined as sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia were notably older (p = 0.037), more likely to have hypertension (p = 0.009), and had poorer ECOG-PS (p = 0.027). Patients with sarcopenia were more likely to develop leukopenia (OR 2.969, 95% CI 1.028–8.575, p = 0.044) after receiving at least two cycles of T + GC. However, these significant differences were not observed in thrombocytopenia and anemia. There were no significant differences in the tumor response and grade 3–4 hematological toxicity between patients with sarcopenia and those without sarcopenia.

Conclusions
Patients with sarcopenia were more likely to develop leukopenia after receiving T + GC. There were no notable alterations observed in relation to anemia or thrombocytopenia. No significant difference was found between the sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenia group in terms of tumor response and grade 3–4 hematological toxicity.
Costs attributable to hypercholesterolemia in a single period and over the life cycle
Authors: Reitzinger Stephanie , Reiss Miriam , Czypionka Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease leading to reduced (healthy) life years. The aim of this study is to quantify the societal costs associated with hypercholesterolemia. We use epidemiologic data on the distribution of cholesterol levels as well as data on relative risks regarding ischemic heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The analytical approach is based on the use of population-attributable fractions applied to direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs using data of Austria. Within a life-cycle analysis we sum up the costs of hypercholesterolemia for the population of 2019 and, thus, consider future morbidity and mortality effects on this population. Epidemiologic data suggest that approximately half of Austria’s population have low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels above the target levels (i.e., are exposed to increased risk). We estimate that 8.2% of deaths are attributable to hypercholesterolemia. Total costs amount to about 0.33% of GDP in the single-period view. In the life-cycle perspective, total costs amount to €806.06 million, €312.1 million of which are medical costs, and about €494 million arise due to production loss associated with hypercholesterolemia. The study points out that significant shares of deaths, entries into disability pension and care allowance, full-time equivalents lost to the labor market as well as monetary costs for the health system and the society could be avoided if LDL-C-levels of the population were reduced.
Analysing citizen science data to address the demographic expansion of the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) in southern Spain
Authors: De la Cruz Andrés , Morales Abraham , Korneeva Yana , Castro Macarena 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCitizen science platforms such as eBird provide essential spatiotemporal information and big data for the study of birds. The analysis of an extensive 20-year dataset of the distribution of the Eurasian Magpie Pica pica showed that the species is steadily expanding within urbanised areas in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. The occurrence of the species in the eBird checklists in the study area has an average exponential growth rate greater than 20%. The area occupied by the species has multiplied by 40 in the last 20 years, going from 25 to almost 1000 km2. In order to test potential negative impacts of this demographic expansion on potential Magpie prey species, such as other birds, a seasonal study of the Magpie’s diet through pellet analysis showed that its stable diet consists of insects, snails and seeds, while other birds or food from anthropogenic sources does not constitute a significant part of its diet. The combined use of new open-science big data technologies together with classical monitoring and laboratory study offers indispensable tools for the assessment of species distribution and potential spatial management.
Turkish and German university students’ emotions and protection intentions regarding wolves and wild boars
Authors: Dervişoğlu Sevilay , Menzel Susanne 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEmotional responses to wildlife can guide human responses to wildlife conflicts. At the same time, responses to wildlife often relate to cultural contexts. In this study, emotions associated with wolves and wild boars were examined in two samples taken from Turkish (N = 637) and German (N = 415) university students. As expected, different patterns of emotional responses emerged in the two samples. For example, while negative emotions such as disgust and anger toward the wild boar were prevalent in the Turkish sample, positive emotions such as joy, surprise, and interest occurred in the German sample. Significant differences between the emotions associated with wolves and wild boars were revealed in both samples. In the Turkish sample, wolves caused stronger fear, joy, and interest, whereas wild boars caused stronger anger and disgust. In the German sample, wolves caused stronger joy, surprise, interest, and sadness, whereas wild boars caused stronger disgust. Fear, however, was expressed toward both wolves and wild boars in both samples. The predictive power of emotions on students’ intentions to protect wild boars and wolves was examined as well as intentions to protect human interests against these animals. Disgust was the strongest (negative) predictor of a protection intention toward the wild boar in the Turkish sample. In the German sample, joy and interest were the emotions that best predicted conservation intentions (positive) for both animals.
Maintaining the completion-time mechanism for Greening tasks scheduling on DVFS-enabled computing platforms
Authors: Hagras Tarek , El-Sayed Gamal A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe key factor in reducing the consumed energy when dependent-tasks applications are scheduled on DVFS-enabled computing platforms is task execution time slots. The unique and axiomatic approach to reduce the energy consumption on such platforms involves scaling down the execution frequency of each task within its execution time slot, provided a suitable scaling-down frequency is available. Regrettably, scheduling algorithms often shrink task execution time slots due to minimizing task completion times. This paper presents BlueMoon, a mechanism that reschedules the application tasks to extend the execution time slot of each task while ensuring that the overall completion time of the application tasks remains unaffected. BlueMoon is implemented and tested on numerous schedules of application graphs. The experimental results, conducted through computer simulations, demonstrate that BlueMoon substantially extends the execution time slots of tasks when compared to other mechanisms.
Admixture and reproductive skew shape the conservation value of ex situ populations of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino
Authors: Elsner-Gearing Franziska , Kretzschmar Petra , Shultz Susanne , Pilgrim Mark , Dawson Deborah Ann , Horsburgh Gavin John , Hruby Jírí , Hopper Jane , King Tony , Walton Catherine 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSmall populations of endangered species risk losing already eroded genetic diversity, important for adaptive potential, through the effects of genetic drift. The magnitude of drift can be mitigated by maximising the effective population size, as is the goal of genetic management strategies. Different mating systems, specifically those leading to reproductive skew, exacerbate genetic drift by distorting contributions. In the absence of an active management strategy, reproductive skew will have long-term effects on the genetic composition of a population, particularly where admixture is present. Here we examine the contrasting effects of conservation management strategies in two ex situ populations of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino(Diceros bicornis michaeli), one managed as a semi-wild population in South Africa (SAx), and one managed under a mean-kinship breeding strategy in European zoos. We use molecular data to reconstruct pedigrees for both populations and validate the method using the zoo studbook. Using the reconstructed pedigree and studbook we show there is male sex-specific skew in both populations. However, the zoo’s mean-kinship breeding strategy effectively reduces reproductive skew in comparison to a semi-wild population with little genetic management. We also show that strong male reproductive skew in SAx has resulted in extensive admixture, which may require a re-evaluation of the population’s original intended role in the black rhino meta-population. With a high potential for admixture in many ex situ populations of endangered species, molecular and pedigree data remain vital tools for populations needing to balance drift and selection.
Examining Youth Flexible ACT Model Implementation in the Netherlands
Authors: Broersen Marieke , Frieswijk Nynke , van Vugt Maaike , Vermulst Ad A. , Creemers Daan H. M. , Kroon Hans 
Published: March 2024

AbstractModel adherence is a key indicator of mental health care quality. This study investigates the degree of model adherence, as well as content and staging of care, among the first Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams in the Netherlands. Model fidelity was assessed in sixteen teams with the Youth Flexile ACT model fidelity scale (2014 version). Mental health workers completed a ‘content of care questionnaire’ to map the interventions applied in the teams. Model fidelity scores revealed that twelve teams adhered to the Youth Flexible ACT standard with ‘optimal implementation’ (≥ 4.1 on a 5 point scale) and four teams with ‘adequate implementation’. Most disciplines were well integrated within the teams; however, several items regarding the involvement of specific disciplines and the availability of treatment interventions (peer support worker, employment and education specialist and programs, family interventions, integrated dual disorder treatment) scored below the optimum. Frequency of contact during ACT and the use of Routine Outcome Monitoring instruments scored below the optimum as well. The ‘content of care’ data showed that most clients received an individual psychological intervention, and nearly half of the client sample received scaled-up / intensified ACT care. The findings indicate a predominantly successful translation of care from the theoretical Flexible ACT framework into practice, covering both ACT and non-ACT functions. Further room for improvement lies in the incorporation of specialized disciplines in the personal and social recovery domains, including the peer support worker and employment and education specialist, as well as in specific protocolled interventions.
Genome-wide identification, characterization and evolutionary analysis of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHX) genes in maize (Zea mays) under salt stress
Authors: Maghraby Amaal , Alzalaty Mohamed 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBetaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHX) play important roles in the response to salt stress. This is the first study to identify the BADH and NHX genes in maize (Zea mays) via genome-wide analysis. The qRT‒PCR results indicated that ZmNHX was upregulated by 4.38-fold, while a significant difference was not observed in ZmBADH or ZmMAPK, with fold changes of 0.96 and 1.06, respectively, under salinity stress. Genome-wide analysis revealed 8 ZmBADH, 19 ZmMAPK and 11 ZmNHX proteins in Z. mays. Domain analysis confirmed the presence of the aldehyde dehydrogenase superfamily (ALDH-SF), protein kinase and Na_H_Exchanger domains in the ZmBADH, ZmMAPK and ZmNHX proteins, respectively. Motif analysis indicated that the phylogenetic relationships were similar to the conserved motif distributions within the clade. The Ka/Ks ratio indicated that the ZmBADH, ZmMAPK and ZmNHX genes were influenced primarily by purifying selection. This study provides comprehensive identification, characterization, and evolutionary analysis for a better understanding of the ZmBADH, ZmMAPK and ZmNHX genes in maize.