bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contemporary Comparative Surgical Outcomes of Type A Aortic Dissection in US and China: an Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database and a Chinese Multi-Institutional Registry
Authors: Jiang Feng , Su Cunhua , Carmichael Michael , Chen Yanfei , Huang Ruijian , Xiao Yue , Chen Xin , Zhou Jifang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: To investigate the contemporary comparative inpatient prognosis among US and Chinese patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD).
Methods: Data from Chinese multi-institutional TAAD registry and the US National Inpatient Sample databases were analyzed. We used multivariable logistic regression models to compare in-hospital mortality and perioperative complication rates between the US and China. Length of stay and overall costs were fitted with quantile regression models. Independent prognostic factors associated with post-operative survival were assessed via Cox proportional hazards models.
Results: Among 3,121 eligible TAAD patients, 1,073 were from China (25.0% female; mean ± SD age, 53.9±12.4) and 2,048 were from the US (31.2% female; mean ± SE age, 59.8 ± 0.3). During the study period, the in-hospital mortality rates in China and the US were 15.5% and 13.3%, yet the difference was insignificant after adjustment (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.69-1.97). While there was no significant difference in overall perioperative complications (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.52-2.18), the patterns of complications differed between two cohorts. While Chinese TAAD patients experienced significantly longer duration of hospitalization (median difference, +10.4 days; 95% CI, 9.2-11.5), the US TAAD cohort had significantly greater overall hospitalization costs (49.9; 95% CI, 55.4-44.5, in 1000 USD).
Conclusions: Notwithstanding significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, TAAD patients from China and the US demonstrated comparable in-hospital mortality and overall perioperative complication rates. Future initiatives should focus on expanding surgical eligibility to the elderly Chinese TAAD patients and optimizing the duration of hospitalization without undermining meaningful clinical outcomes.
Trial registration: KY20220425-05, April 5th 25 2022
Diagnosis and treatment of iatrogenic lesions of the ureter in patients undergoing pelvic surgery in Yaoundé, a 10-year multi-institutional review
Authors: Mbouche Landry Oriole , Mbassi Achille Aurèle , Ngwa Titus Ebogo Tagang , Nditachi Fideline Sefeh-Longka , Ngallé Frantz Guy Epoupa , KAMGA Justin , Tamufor Emmanuel Njuma , Fouda Pierre Joseph , Foumane Pascal , III Fru Angwafo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Most ureteral lesions are iatrogenic, secondary to operative trauma. Iatrogenic ureteral lesions result from abdominopelvic surgery. The challenge is to diagnose them as early as possible so as to provide appropriate ureteral reconstruction early. The aim of this study was to summarize the etiologies, clinical features and general management of iatrogenic ureteral injury in a resource limited context of a low-income country.
Patients and methods
We carried out a multicentric study and reviewed all patients with iatrogenic ureteral lesions in three referral hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon, over a ten-year period.
Results
Overall, we recorded 52 cases of iatrogenic ureteral injuries out of 19053 pelvic surgeries performed during the study period, giving a rate of 0.27%. We finally included 38 cases. The average number of iatrogenic ureter lesions per year was 3.45 cases. The mean age was 46 ± 10.7 years, all female. Hysterectomy was responsible for 29 (76.3%) of the ureteral injuries. The majority, 34 of the 38 (89.47%) cases, were diagnosed post-operatively. The most frequent symptoms were flank pain and vaginal urine leakage in 18 (47.4%) and 13 (34.2%) cases respectively. The most common imaging procedure was ultrasound showing dilation of the right ureter in 21 (55.2%) cases. Ureteral injuries were found to be located mostly at the right distal segment and the mid ureter with a frequency of 30 (78%) and 8 (22%) respectively. All the patients underwent open surgical treatment including ureteroneocystostomy, uretero-ureterostomy, Boari flap reconstructions and nephrectomy. We found that 74% (n = 28) of participants had a favorable outcome and 26.3% (n = 10) developed postoperative complications.
Conclusion
In our setting, iatrogenic ureteral lesions are not uncommon in women undergoing pelvic surgery. In the absence of a high index of suspicion, diagnosis is delayed. Abdominal pelvic ultrasound usually shows the affected side. Ureteroneocystomy is commonly performed, with both minor and major complications.
A Subgradient Projection Method for Quasiconvex Minimization
Authors: Lara Felipe , Marcavillaca Raúl , Choque Juan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, a subgradient projection method for quasiconvex minimization problems is provided. By using strong subdifferentials, it is proved that the generated sequence of the proposed algorithm converges to the solution of the minimization problem of a proper, lower semicontinuous and strongly quasiconvex function (in the sense of Polyak [18]) under the same assumptions than for convex functions with the convex subdifferential. Furthermore, a quasi-linear convergence rate of the iterates, which extends similar results for the general quasiconvex case, is also provided.
The Oncogenic and Prognostic Significance of NSUN5 in Pan-Cancer and Its Potential roles in Clear Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: CHAN HUANG , Luo Mu-Yang , Wen Neng-Qiao , Chen Yu-Man , Zhang Li-Zhen , Cao Yun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: NSUN5, belonging to the NOL1/NOP2/SUN domain (NSUN) family, is implicated in RNA stabilization and widely expressed in different tumor types. Nevertheless, its precise role in pan-cancer, particularly its involvement in immunotherapy, remains poorly understood.
Methods: The publicly available databases and the vitro experiments were used to investigate the roles of NSUN5 in human tumors. CellMiner database and Checkmate-025 cohort analyzed the sensitivity of NSUN5 with various drugs, particularly in PD-1 inhibitor. Subsequently, we constructed models to predict prognosis based on the expression of NSUN5 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), glioma (GBM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) cohorts. We further investigate the association between NSUN5 expression levels and immune cell infiltration. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to identify the potential pathways with NSUN5 expression.
Results: Differential analysis revealed that 18 types of tumors expressed NSUN5 to a greater extent than normal tissues. An easy-to use nomogram based on NSUN5 and several clinicopathological factors can excellently predict the prognosis of patients with GBM, KIRC, and LIHC. In addition, NSUN5 over-expression was positively correlated with exhausted CD8+ T cells and Tregs. Particularly, KIRC patients with heightened NSUN5 expression who underwent PD-1 inhibitor exhibited a poorer prognosis. In vitro results showed that NSUN5 down-expression promoted tumor cell senescence while hindered cell proliferation and migration.
Conclusion: These findings inferred that NSUN5 acts as a prognostic factor to predict the OS in multiple types of tumors and implied the importance of developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
Spectral and Timing Calibration of eXTP-SFA Engineering Model in 100XF
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Li Wei , Luo Laidan , Hou Dongjie , Zhu Yuxuan , Meng Bin , Zhao Zijian , Xie Dong , Yang Xiongtao , Yang Yanji , Wang Yusa , Xu YuPeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The spectroscopy focusing array is one of the four main scientific instruments of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission, tasked with spectral and timing observation in the energy range 0.5-10 keV. An engineering model of the spectroscopy focusing array with a 4 mirror shells assembly and a focal plane detector using commercial detectors has now been developed. To evaluate the performance, the spectral and timing calibration of the engineering model has been held in the 100-m X-ray Test Facility. A multi-target X-ray source with multiple emission lines is used to calibrate the spectral performance. A timing X-ray source based on a grid controlled X-ray tube has been utilized for the timing calibration. The timing X-ray source can generate X-ray pulses to measure the response time distribution, and can also simulate the pulsar lightcurves to examine the detection ability for pulsars. The energy-channel relation and energy resolution are determined through spectral calibration. The energy resolution at 5.95 keV is 142 eV, now. According to the timing calibration, the mean response time of the engineering model is 1.55 μs, the full width at half maximum of the response time distribution is 0.45 μs, and the engineering model has sufficientability to detect the profile of millisecond pulsars.
30-Day Readmissions and the Need for Emergent Surgery Following Nonoperative Management of Perforated Diverticulitis
Authors: Gazzetta Joshua , Fesmire Alyssa , Orjionwe Rita , Benedict Leo Andrew , Nix Sean 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Limited data is available on the evaluation of patients with perforated diverticulitis who were managed without surgery and their outcomes.
Aims
This retrospective review was aimed at investigating the 30-day non-elective readmission rates for patients hospitalized with perforated diverticular disease who were managed without surgery, rates of patients requiring surgery on readmission and the independent predictors of readmission.
Methods
A total of 143, 546 patients from the National Readmission Database between 2016 to 2020 who were admitted with perforated diverticulitis and managed nonoperatively were reviewed. Readmitted patients were compared to those not readmitted. Comparisons for continuous and categorical variables were made using the student t-test and chi-squared test, respectively. A logistic regression model was used to determine independent factors associated with readmission. All analysis were done with SAS 9.4; P values < 0.05 identified significance.
Results
Among patients with perforated diverticulitis who were managed non-operatively, 17,868 (12.4%) were readmitted within 30 days and 4,924 (27.6%) of patients readmitted required surgical intervention. The greatest independent predictors of readmission include: patient insurance status, index length of stay, and patient disposition. Comorbidities predicting readmission include renal failure, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and hypertension. Hospital total charges were higher at the index admission for patients requiring readmission.
Conclusion
Nonoperative management of perforated diverticulitis is safe for many patients but the risks for readmission and subsequent need for emergent surgery require special consideration.
“Challenge” or “Hindrance”? The Effect of Leader–Member Exchange on Employee Resilience in Public Sector Organizations
Authors: ZHU Yan-Han , YUAN Yue 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: In complex, volatile, and uncertain societies, employee resilience is crucial for public sector organizations to navigate crises and maintain steady growth.
Methods: Whether and how leader-member exchange (LMX) influence employee resilience? The present study offers an answer to this question through a multi-method (field and experiment) research conducted with a sample of public sector organizations’ members in China. Study 1 conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to review the available evidence and assess the influence of LMX on employee resilience. Subsequently, Study 2 conducted a questionnaire survey of 118 members in public sector organizations to investigate the practical impact of LMX on employee resilience. Finally, Study 3 used a scenario-based simulation experiment to manipulate the quality of LMX and to explore the mediating role of stress appraisals.
Results:The meta-analysis conducted in Study 1, which included 42 independently extracted samples from 36 studies, explored the importance and scarcity of existing research on the influence of LMX on employee resilience in public sector organizations through two important aspects of leadership and interpersonal relationships inherent in LMX. Study 2, a questionnaire survey, showed that LMX has a significant direct positive effect on employee resilience. Furthermore, using an experimental design, Study 3 revealed that stress appraisals, both challenge and hindrance appraisals, play a mediating role in the relationship between LMX and employee resilience.
Conclusions: The present research revealed that LMX has a significant and positive effect on employee resilience; challenge and hindrance appraisals significantly mediate the relationship between LMX and employee resilience. These findings have practical implications for individuals and organizations from a pragmatic perspective.
Testing the Psychometric Properties of the Risk-Rescue Rating Scale: A Lethality Measure for Suicide Attempts
Authors: Stangeland Tormod , Hanssen-Bauer Ketil , Siqveland Johan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Health personnel often make inconsistent assessments and unclear reports about suicide attempts, in part because they lack a common standard for assessing lethality. We argue that the Risk-Rescue Rating Scale (RRRS) may help in resolving this problem. It is a measure based on observable indications of the medical danger of a suicide attempt and of the patient’s efforts to avoid or achieve rescue. The instrument is a clinician-rated supplement to self-reports and can be administered in a few minutes and learned in a single brief teaching session. We adapted the RRRS for contemporary use in a Norwegian acute adolescent mental health service clinic. We developed a training program for clinicians, a user manual, and a series of five video-based role-played interview cases for reliability testing. In this study, we recruited 28 clinicians with professional backgrounds typical of Norwegian mental health personnel. They rated five role-played video interviews using the RRRS and the well-established interview instrument the Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) and obtained 140 sets of scores. We estimated the interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) to be .93 for the RRRS and .94 for the SIS, both excellent levels. Correlation was .80 between the RRRS and SIS items that were similar to the RRRS and .53 for SIS items measuring other topics, indicating good concurrent and discriminant validity. Adopting a common standard for communicating about suicide attempts would greatly improve clinical practice, and the RRRS may prove to be a reliable and practical candidate for this task.
Comparison of fecal microbiota of Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) inhabiting coastal and inland environment
Authors: Zhang Minghui , He Yaoyin , Yang Gang , Lu Zhou , Yu Lijiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The digestive tract of birds contains diverse microbiota that are essential for their health and survival, and these gut microbiota are influenced by a variety of factors. To compare the diversity in fecal microbiota of the same bird species in different environments, this paper collected feces of Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and environmental (soil and water) samples from coastal salt water and inland freshwater areas to explore how fecal microbiota responds to different environments using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing methods.
Results
The main fecal microbiota from two sampling sites were similar at the phylum level. In terms of genus level, the dominant genera in feces from salt-water habitats (SWF) were Escherichia-Shigella (14.448%), Enterococcus (10.064%), Vibrio (7.812%), whereas there were Sporosarcina (18.241%), Citrobacter (11.987%), Acinetobacter (6.201%), Kurthia (5.725%) in feces from freshwater habitats (FWF). A few ASVs were sharedamong the egrets and the environmental samples in the two regions. The fecal microbiota between the two sampling sites showed no significant differences in α-diversity and were significant in β-diversity; there were no significant differences between the environmental microbiota diversity of the two sites. In contrast, most of the parameters reflecting α-diversity and β-diversity were shown to be significantly different between the fecal and environmental microbiota. In composition of microbiota function, the fecal microbiota of little egret and the environment microbiota were similar in relative abundances in the proportion of kegg level 1 functional pathways. But there were significant differences in some level 2 and level 3 functional pathways between the egrets from two habitats. Moreover, a portion of ASVs classified as opportunistic pathogens were detected in the feces of the egrets.
Conclusions
The results of this study indicate that there are differences in the fecal microbiota of the little egrets in different environments, and the differences are less affected by soil and water. Considering that Vibrio which was more common in the guts of marine fish, it is hypothesized that regional differences in fecal microbiota composition are related to changes in food types.
Under recognized yet a clinically relevant impact of aneurysm location in Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery (DACA) aneurysms: insights from a contemporary surgical experience
Authors: Haldar Abhishek , Das Kuntal Kanti , Kanjilal Soumen , Bhaisora Kamlesh Singh , Kumar Ashutosh , Verma Pawan Kumar , Maurya Ved Prakash , Mehrotra Anant , Srivast Arun Kumar , Jaiswal Awadhesh Kumar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Aneurysms of the distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) are rare but challenging. Even though it is known that aneurysm location on the DACA territory has treatment considerations, the literature is unclear about its clinical and prognostic role.
Material and methods
Our surgical experience over the last 5 years were reviewed to compare the clinical, operative, and outcome characteristics between aneurysms located below the mid portion of the genu of the corpus callosum (called proximal aneurysms) to those distal to this point (called distal aneurysms). A prognostic factor analysis was done using uni and multivariate analysis.
Results
A total of 34 patients were treated (M:F = 1:2.3). The distal group significantly showed poor clinical grade at presentation (n = 9, 47.4%) in contrast to (n = 2, 13.3%) proximal aneurysms (p = 0.039). Despite an overall tendency for a delayed functional improvement in these patients, the results were mainly due to favorable outcomes in the proximal group (favourable functional outcomes at discharge and at last follow-up being 80% and 86.7% respectively). On multivariate analysis, only WFNS grade (> 2) at presentation (OR = 13.75; 95CI = 1.2–157.7) (p = 0.035) and application of temporary clips (AOR = 34.32; 95CI = 2.59–454.1) (p = 0.007), both of which were more in the distal group, independently predicted a poor long term functional outcome.
Conclusion
Aneurysm location impacts preoperative clinical grade and affects intraoperative aneurysm rupture risk rate as well as temporary clipping requirement. The combination of these leads to worse short and long-term functional outcomes in distal DACA aneurysms.
The role of community-based health workers in disease surveillance of potential epidemics: A case study from Burkina Faso
Authors: Sanou H. , Korbéogo G. , Meyrowitsch D. W. , Samuelsen H. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:In 2016, Burkina Faso (BF) adopted a new model for community-based participation in disease surveillance by appointing two community-based health workers (CBHWs) in each village. The overall aim of this study was to explore the contributions of CBHWs to the response to infectious disease outbreaks and their experiences related to the strenghtening of the national community health system.
Methods:The study was conducted in Dandé health district in the south-western part of BF. Based on qualitative methods, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with CBHWs (n=15), local authorities (n=7), and health professionals (n=25), as well as through observations of the CBHWs’ working conditions. Content qualitative analysis was performed by using the Voluntary Function Inventory approch.
Results:The findings suggest that the roles of CBHWs are not restricted to awareness and monitoring of the risks of epidemic disease occurrence. In addition to the expected contributions to disease surveillance, the findings point out their general support the day-to-day activities of health centers. However, our analysis of their experiences suggests that the existing community health strategy presents difficulties regarding capacity building and their working conditions (monthly report sheets, financial incentives, etc.). Participants (CBHWs, ICPs) expected that the status (salaries, recognition, work responsibilities) of CBHWs to be improved considering their key role in strengthening the national community surveillance system, although this was not the case in the district of Dandé.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that there is a need to develop an operational plan, which clearly defines the responsibilities and the intervention fields of CBHWs, and provides the necessary resources for monitoring the work of CBHWs.
No single treatment modality exhibits clear superiority for Infantile Spasms Syndrome: insights from a retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Laurijssen Loes , Jansen Katrien , Lagae Lieven 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Infantile spasms syndrome is a severe form of infantile epilepsy. It is commonly treated with hormonal therapies or vigabatrin, either alone or in combination. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of these treatment modalities and explore associations with aetiology, and pre-existing developmental delay.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with and treated for infantile spasms syndrome at the University Hospital of Leuven between 1 January 2018 and 23 November 2022, were identified. Retrospective clinical data were analysed descriptively. Short-term and long-term outcomes determined the efficacy of the current treatments, with seizure freedom and sustained normal development at 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation as primary treatment goals.
Results: The study included 26 patients. No single treatment modality demonstrated clear superiority in terms of both short-term and long-term outcomes. Patients with unknown aetiology showed better developmental outcomes after 12 months than those with proven aetiology (30.77% with normal development versus 7.69%.) Another clear difference in treatment efficacy emerged between patients with and without pre-existing developmental issues, with only 6.67% achieving normal development after 12 months compared to 36.36%, respectively.
Conclusion: No single treatment modality demonstrated clear superiority. Associations were found between treatment efficacy and aetiology as well as pre-existing developmental delay, suggesting these as potential prognostic indicators.
Politicians Avoid Tax Increases Around Elections
Authors: Chang Andrew C. , Cohen Linda R. , Glazer Amihai , Paul Urbashee 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We examine whether politicians avoid tax increases in election years. Using a pre-analysis plan and new data that distinguish between when taxes are legislated and when they come into force, we find that in an election year implemented gasoline and corporate income tax changes are smaller and enacted tax increases are less likely. We do not find evidence that these election effects depend on other political, demographic, or macroeconomic conditions, or on changes in overall legislative output in election years. These effects are stronger for gasoline taxes, consistent with a legislative response to the high political salience of gasoline taxes.
JEL Codes: D72; D78; H24; H71; K34; P16