bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hot Hands in the Home Run Derby
Authors: Lantis Robert , Nesson Erik 
Published: March 2024

We investigate the hot hand hypothesis using home run derby data for the 2016 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022 contests. In each contest, eight batters are seeded and go head to head for three rounds, progressing to the next round if they hit more home runs than their opponent. Unlike at bats taken during a game, the home run derby is a more controlled environment, and it provides swings on similar pitches without long breaks between swings. We find robust evidence that a “hot hand” exists in hitting home runs, where if a home run was hit on the previous swing the likelihood the player hits a home run on their current swing increases by approximately four percentage points, or a 10% increase. Furthermore, we find that longer streaks of home runs have even greater effects on the probability of hitting a home run on the current swing. Though even in streaks, hitting a home run on the previous pitch is necessary for a streak to improve the probability of a home run on the next pitch. JEL codes: Z20, Z29, D91.
Repeated Filling of Elastomeric Pumps for Home-Based Subcutaneous Infusions: A Cost Analysis of 240 Devices
Authors: Simões Carolina , Julião Miguel , Calaveiras Patrícia , Costa Elisabeth , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: March 2024

Background The use of continuous subcutaneous infusion of drugs using the repeated filling of elastomeric infuser pumps (EIP) has gained clinical recognition for palliative care at home. However, to date, there has been a notable absence of research examining the cost implications associated with the repeated EIP filling procedure. We aimed to evaluate the cost associated to the repeated filling of EIP used in a home-based palliative care team. Methods We conducted an analysis of the cost associated to the repeated filling of 240 EIP (1-day, n = 136; 2-day, n = 102; 7-day, n = 2) (110 patients). Results The refilling procedure led to a reduction in the utilization of 409 devices, resulting in savings of €4.031. EIP refilling did not result in a decrease in the number of home visits, the duration of each visit, the expenses associated with transportation to patients’ residences, or the nurse-to-hour cost. Conclusion Refilling EIPs reduces costs by reducing the number of devices purchased. No additional cost savings were noted in nursing time, number of home visits and duration, and expenses with transportation. Further cost savings could be realized by training laycarers to refill EIP at home independently. Future research should assess the feasibility of laycarers training programs on performing EIP filling at home.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Lymphatic Endothelial Markers in Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome
Authors: Bakker Andrea C. , Fishman Steven J. , Liang Marilyn G. , Al-Ibraheemi Alyaa , Kozakewich Harry P. , Mulliken John B. , Slack Jonathan C. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is an uncommon vascular anomaly characterized by multifocal cutaneous, visceral, and other soft tissue or solid organ venous malformations. We observed that BRBNS lesions express immunohistochemical markers of lymphatic differentiation. Methods: BRBNS histopathologic specimens assessed at our institution during the past 27 years were reviewed. Slides from 19 BRBNS lesions were selected from 14 patients (9 cutaneous, 9 gastrointestinal, and 1 hepatic). We recorded the involved anatomical compartments and presence/absence of thrombi or vascular smooth muscle. Immunohistochemical endothelial expression of PROX1 (nuclear) and D2-40 (membranous/cytoplasmic) was evaluated semi-quantitatively. Results: Endothelial PROX1 immunopositivity was noted in all specimens; the majority (89.5%) demonstrated staining in more than 10% of cells. D2-40 immunopositivity was present in one-third (33%) of cutaneous lesions and only 1 gastrointestinal lesion. Conclusion: Endothelial cells in BRBNS almost always express 1 or more immunohistochemical markers of lymphatic differentiation.
‘Being bilingual will open doors for them’: Ideologies informing French immersion educators’ perspectives on bilingualism
Authors: Bokhorst-Heng Wendy D. , Marshall Kelle 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: New Brunswick, Canada, established its English-French Official Languages Act (OLA) in 1969 to promote linguistic equality for historically minoritized Francophones, premised on a language-as-right ideology. The OLA has been presented to Anglophones, however, as creating access to English-French bilingualism for various kinds of capital through a neoliberal language-as-resource ideology. In this context of conflicting ideologies, we wondered about the perspective of French immersion (FI) educators – the interface between policy and practice – regarding the purposes of bilingualism. We frame our question within Bakhtin’s notion of ideological becoming, asking: As potential mediators of their students’ ideological becoming, what are the perspectives of FI teachers and principals regarding the purposes of bilingualism? Design/data: We examine nine principals’ and 17 FI teachers’ discourse in semi-structured interviews conducted in New Brunswick. Data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory procedures, and further categorized according to Bourdieu’s constructs of capital. Findings: Our analysis indicates the dialogic nature of ideological becoming. On the one hand, authoritative neoliberal ideologies dominate the educators’ discourse regarding the purposes of bilingualism for their students. There was little attention to a socially-situated view of bilingualism enacted in a variety of communities of practice. On the other hand, we also note evidence of resistance against and distancing from this dominant ideology in educators’ own ideological becoming regarding bilingualism’s purposes for themselves. Originality: Bakhtin’s theory of ideological becoming provides a way to consider the entangled workings of ideology within language education for both educators and students. Implications: We thus propose professional development for educators to understand their own ideological becoming and develop students’ ideological becoming and their identities as bi/multilingual speakers.
The epidemiological characteristics of sleep disordered breathing in congestive heart failure: A prospective, single centre study in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lourdesamy Anthony Albert Iruthiaraj , Abdul Rani Rosilawati 
Published: March 2024

Background: The presence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with poor prognosis and is underdiagnosed despite advances in CHF management. The prevalence of SDB in CHF remains understudied in South East Asia. Methods: A prospective, observational single-centre study was conducted where 116 consecutive patients in a specialised heart failure clinic underwent level 1, attended polysomnography (PSG). Results: The prevalence of SDB was 78% using the apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI), AHI ⩾ 5/h threshold, and 59% with the AHI ⩾ 15/h threshold. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was the predominant type of SDB and was associated with increased body mass index and neck circumference. STOP-BANG was predictive of SDB, especially in men. Central sleep apnoea (CSA) patients had worse sleep indexes and lower awake arterial carbon dioxide. SDB was also homogenously present in preserved ejection fraction (EF) CHF. Conclusion: Most of the CHF patients were found to have SDB with the utility of PSG. Local CHF guidelines should include sleep testing for all patients with CHF. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05332223) as ‘The Epidemiological Characteristics of SDB in Patients with Reduced or Preserved EF CHF’.
Plethysmography: A game changer for chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up
Authors: Guven Hakan 
Published: March 2024

Objective Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) presents a various clinical symptoms and treatment options. Although it is generally known which treatment option is more appropriate in which situations in CVI, it is even more difficult to find the right option in some uncertain situations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential contribution of Digital Photoplethysmography (D-PPG) in the diagnosis of CVI and especially in the selection of treatment options. Patients and method This retrospective study was conducted at Bursa Heart and Arrhythmia Hospital, involving 721 consecutive patients diagnosed with CVI and with Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) indication. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the extent of the failure in Doppler USG. In Group 1, the insufficiency ended above the knee, and in Group 2, the insufficiency progressed to below the knee. Patients were evaluated based on anamnesis, physical examination, Doppler USG, and D-PPG. Clinical classification, Venous Clinic Severity Score (VCSS), Quality of Life (QoL) assessment, venous pump capacity (VPC), and venous refill time (VRT) were measured. Results The study included 263 male and 458 female patients with a mean age of 52.37 ± 12.26 years. Significant differences were observed between Group 1 (above knee reflux) and Group 2 (below knee reflux) patients in terms of VCSS, QoL, VPC, and VRT values. The mean values of VCSS, patient complaints, VPC, and VRT were higher in Group 2 patients. Similar findings were observed within the CEAP 2 subgroup. Conclusion D-PPG shows potential as a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of CVI. By providing information about venous hemodynamics and volume changes, it can assist in optimizing treatment decisions, including saphenous vein preservation. Combining D-PPG with Doppler USG may improve the comprehensive assessment of CVI and change the treatment option, especially for CEAP 2 patients. More research is needed to confirm these findings and explore wider applications of plethysmographic methods in the management of CVI.
Neurotropin® ameliorates chronic pain associated with scar formation in a mouse model: A gene expression analysis of the inflammatory response
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Iida Hiroki , Li Yuqiang , Ota Akinobu , Zhuo Lisheng , Nobuhara Reiko , Terajima Yuki , Naiki Mitsuru , Reddi A Hari , Kimata Koji , Ushida Takahiro 
Published: March 2024

Background: Scar formation after trauma and surgery involves an inflammatory response and can lead to the development of chronic pain. Neurotropin® (NTP) is a nonprotein extract of inflamed skin of rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus. It has been widely used for the treatment of chronic pain. However, the in vivo effects of NTP on painful scar formation have not been determined. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of NTP on the inflammatory response, we evaluated gene expression in the scar tissues and dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) of mice administered NTP and control mice. Methods and results: Mice injected with saline or NTP were used as controls; other mice were subjected to surgery on the left hind paw to induce painful scar formation, and then injected with saline or NTP. Hind paw pain was evaluated by measuring the threshold for mechanical stimulation using the von Frey test. The paw withdrawal threshold gradually returned to pre-operative levels over 4 weeks post-operation; NTP-treated mice showed a significantly shortened recovery time of approximately 3 weeks, suggesting that NTP exerted an analgesic effect in this mouse model. Total RNA was extracted from the scarred hind paw tissues and DRGs were collected 1 week post-operation for a microarray analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the expression of some gene sets related to inflammatory responses was activated or inhibited following surgery and NTP administration. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis results for several genes were consistent with the microarray results. Conclusion: The administration of NTP to the hind paws of mice with painful scar formation following surgery diminished nociceptive pain and reduced the inflammatory response. NTP inhibited the expression of some genes involved in the response to surgery-induced inflammation. Therefore, NTP is a potential therapeutic option for painful scar associated with chronic pain.
Th2-skewed peripheral T-helper cells drive B-cells in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Luo Rong-Guang , Wu Yi-Fan , Lu Hai-Wen , Weng Dong , Xu Jia-Yan , Wang Le-Le , Zhang Li-Sha , Zhao Cai-Qi , Li Jian-Xiong , Yu Yong , Jia Xin-Ming , Xu Jin-Fu 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPatients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) suffer from repeated exacerbations. The involvement of T-cell subsets remains unclear.MethodsWe enrolled ABPA patients, asthma patients and healthy controls. T-helper type 1 (Th1), 2 (Th2) and 17 (Th17) cells, regulatory T-cells (Treg) and interleukin (IL)-21+CD4+T-cells in total or sorted subsets of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and ABPA bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analysed using flow cytometry. RNA sequencing of subsets of CD4+T-cells was done in exacerbated ABPA patients and healthy controls. Antibodies of T-/B-cell co-culturesin vitrowere measured.ResultsABPA patients had increased Th2 cells, similar numbers of Treg cells and decreased circulating Th1 and Th17 cells. IL-5+IL-13+IL-21+CD4+T-cells were rarely detected in healthy controls, but significantly elevated in the blood of ABPA patients, especially the exacerbated ones. We found that IL-5+IL-13+IL-21+CD4+T-cells were mainly peripheral T-helper (Tph) cells (PD-1+CXCR5−), which also presented in the BALF of ABPA patients. The proportions of circulating Tph cells were similar among ABPA patients, asthma patients and healthy controls, while IL-5+IL-13+IL-21+Tph cells significantly increased in ABPA patients. Transcriptome data showed that Tph cells of ABPA patients were Th2-skewed and exhibited signatures of follicular T-helper cells. When co-culturedin vitro, Tph cells of ABPA patients induced the differentiation of autologous B-cells into plasmablasts and significantly enhanced the production of IgE.ConclusionWe identified a distinctly elevated population of circulating Th2-skewed Tph cells that induced the production of IgE in ABPA patients. It may be a biomarker and therapeutic target for ABPA.
Pulmonary vascular phenotype identified in patients withGDF2(BMP9) orBMP10variants: an international multicentre study
Authors: Grynblat Julien , Bogaard Harm Jan , Eyries Mélanie , Meyrignac Olivier , Savale Laurent , Jaïs Xavier , Ghigna Maria-Rosa , Celant Lucas , Meijboom Lilian , Houweling Arjan C. , Levy Marilyne , Antigny Fabrice , Chaouat Ari , Cottin Vincent , Guignabert Christophe , Coulet Florence , Sitbon Olivier , Bonnet Damien , Humbert Marc , Montani David 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundBone morphogenetic proteins 9 and 10 (BMP9 and BMP10), encoded byGDF2andBMP10, respectively, play a pivotal role in pulmonary vascular regulation.GDF2variants have been reported in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). However, the phenotype ofGDF2andBMP10carriers remains largely unexplored.MethodsWe report the characteristics and outcomes of PAH patients inGDF2andBMP10carriers from the French and Dutch pulmonary hypertension registries. A literature review explored the phenotypic spectrum of these patients.Results26 PAH patients were identified: 20 harbouring heterozygousGDF2variants, one homozygousGDF2variant, four heterozygousBMP10variants, and one with bothGDF2andBMP10variants. The prevalence ofGDF2andBMP10variants was 1.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Median age at PAH diagnosis was 30 years, with a female/male ratio of 1.9. Congenital heart disease (CHD) was present in 15.4% of the patients. At diagnosis, most of the patients (61.5%) were in New York Heart Association Functional Class III or IV with severe haemodynamic compromise (median (range) pulmonary vascular resistance 9.0 (3.3–40.6) WU). Haemoptysis was reported in four patients; none met the HHT criteria. Two patients carryingBMP10variants underwent lung transplantation, revealing typical PAH histopathology. The literature analysis showed that 7.6% ofGDF2carriers developed isolated HHT, and identified cardiomyopathy and developmental disorders inBMP10carriers.ConclusionsGDF2andBMP10pathogenic variants are rare among PAH patients, and occasionally associated with CHD. HHT cases amongGDF2carriers are limited according to the literature.BMP10full phenotypic ramifications warrant further investigation.
Illness perceptions, cognitive and behavioural responses to chronic breathlessness in individuals living with advanced respiratory disease: an observational study
Authors: Reilly Charles C. , Higginson Irene J. , Chalder Trudie 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundUnderstanding the complexity and multidimensional nature of chronic breathlessness is key to its successful management. The aim of this study was to explore illness perceptions, cognitive and behavioural responses to chronic breathlessness in individuals living with advanced respiratory disease.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of data from a feasibility randomised control trial (SELF-BREATHE) for individuals living with chronic breathlessness due to advanced disease. All participants completed the following questionnaires: numerical rating scale (NRS) breathlessness severity, NRS distress due to breathlessness, NRS self-efficacy for managing breathlessness, Dyspnea-12 (D-12), Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ) and the Cognitive and Behavioural Responses Questionnaire, short version (CBRQ-S). The associations between the Brief IPQ and CBRQ-S with NRS breathlessness severity, distress and self-efficacy, D-12 and CRQ were examined using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient rs. A Spearman's rsof ≥0.50 was predefined as the threshold to denote important associations between variables. A p-value of <0.008 was considered statistically significant, to account for the number of comparisons performed.ResultsThe illness perception items consequences, identity, concern and emotional response were associated with increased breathlessness severity, increased distress, reduced breathlessness self-management ability and lower health-related quality of life. Symptom focusing and embarrassment avoidance were identified as important cognitive responses to chronic breathlessness.ConclusionInterventions that directly target illness perceptions, cognitive and behavioural responses to chronic breathlessness may improve symptom burden, self-efficacy and health-related quality of life.
Association of interleukin-17A and chemokine/vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis in newly diagnosed patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Moadab Ali , Valizadeh Mohammad Rafie , Nazari Alireza , Khorramdelazad Hossein 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The human interleukin-17 (IL-17) family comprises IL-17A to IL-17 F; their receptors are IL-17RA to IL-17RE. Evidence revealed that these cytokines can have a tumor-supportive or anti-tumor impact on human malignancies. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of CXCR2, IL-17RA, and IL-17RC genes at the mRNA level as well as tissue and serum levels of IL-17A, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in patients with bladder cancer (BC) compared to control.

Results
This study showed that gene expression of IL-17RA, IL-17RC, and CXCR2 in the tumoral tissue of BC patients was significantly upregulated compared with normal tissue. The findings disclosed a significant difference in the serum and tissue concentrations of IL-17A, VEGF, and TGF-β between the patient and the control groups, as well as tumor and normal tissues.

Conclusion
This study reveals notable dysregulation of CXCR2, IL-17RA, and IL-17RC genes, alongside changes in IL-17A, VEGF, and TGF-β levels in patients with BC than in controls. These findings indicate their possible involvement in BC development and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Usefulness of lactate to albumin ratio for predicting in-hospital mortality in atrial fibrillation patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a retrospective analysis from MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Huang Ting , Lin Sen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
High lactate to albumin ratio (LAR) has been reported to be associated to with poor prognosis in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). However, its role in predicting in-hospital mortality in AF patients admitted to ICU has not been explored.

Methods
The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database was used to retrieve information on patients who had been diagnosed with AF. X-tile software was utilized to determine the optimal cut-off LAR. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were conducted to assess the prediction performance of LAR for in-hospital mortality.

Results
Finally, 8,287 AF patients were included and 1,543 death (18.6%) occurred. The optimal cut-off value of LAR is 0.5. Patients in lower LAR (< 0.5) group showed a better in-hospital survival compared to patients in higher LAR (≥ 0.5) group (HR: 2.67, 95%CI:2.39–2.97, P < 0.001). A nomogram for in-hospital mortality in patients with AF was constructed based on multivariate Cox analysis including age, CCI, β blockers usage, APSIII, hemoglobin and LAR. This nomogram exhibited excellent discrimination and calibration abilities in predicting in-hospital mortality for critically ill AF patients.

Conclusion
LAR, as a readily available biomarker, can predict in-hospital mortality in AF patients admitted to the ICU. The nomogram that combined LAR with other relevant variables performed exceptionally well in terms of predicting in-hospital mortality.
First reported human case of isolation of Vagococcus fluvialis from the urine of a former zoo clerk in Japan: a case report
Authors: Kitano Hiroyuki , Kitagawa Hiroki , Tadera Kayoko , Saito Kohei , Kohada Yuki , Takemoto Kenshiro , Kobatake Kohei , Sekino Yohei , Hieda Keisuke , Ohge Hiroki , Hinata Nobuyuki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Vagococcal infections are extremely rare in humans. There are limited studies on the optimal methods for identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and clinical manifestations of vagococcal infections. Herein, we report a patient with a urinary tract infection who had Vagococcus fluvialis in the urine.

Case presentation
An 84-year-old man presented to our urology department with a fever that had persisted for several days. He previously worked as a zoo clerk. The patient underwent a left nephroureterectomy for ureteral cancer 5 years ago, and total cystectomy and right cutaneous ureterostomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer 1 year prior. He was empirically treated with 500 mg of levofloxacin intravenously every 24 h for the urinary tract infection. V. fluvialis was detected in his urine samples and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in his urine and blood samples. Two bacterial species were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. He was administered intravenous levofloxacin for approximately 1 week, followed by oral levofloxacin for another week, after which the infections were eradicated.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of V. fluvialis detected in human urine in Japan. Vagococcus spp. is commonly isolated from fish or animals, and based on the patient’s work history, it is possible that the patient was a carrier because of transmission from animals.