bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epiglottic retroversion as a cause of upper airway obstruction: A case report
Authors: Lee Seung Jun , Heo Manbong , Jeong Jong Hwan , Park Ji-Ho , Lee Chang Min , Won Seong Jun , Lee Jong Deog 
Published: February 2024

Rationale:
Epiglottic retroversion is the abnormal movement of the epiglottis to the rima glottis, resulting in blockage of inspiratory airflow. Acute upper airway obstruction caused by epiglottic retroversion can lead to sudden respiratory failure. Epiglottic retroversion has occasionally been reported in horses and dogs; however it is extremely rare in humans. Herein, we report a case of epiglottic retroversion causing recurrent upper airway obstruction in human.

Patient concerns:
We present the case of a 74-year-old man who was diagnosed with epiglottic retroversion without evidence of epiglottis. The patient presented with recurrent episodes of abnormal breathing sounds and dyspnea. Inspiratory stridor was evident whenever the patient experienced dyspnea.

Diagnosis:
Epiglottic retroversion was diagnosed as the cause of upper airway obstruction using fiber-optic bronchoscopy.

Interventions:
The patient underwent tracheostomy to prevent acute respiratory failure because the recurrent episodes of stridor and dyspnea did not improve.

Outcomes:
The episodic dyspnea and oxygen desaturation did not relapse after tracheostomy and he could be discharged home.

Lessons:
This case highlights the importance of considering epiglottic retroversion as a cause of acute upper airway obstruction.
Invasive pulmonary and central nervous system aspergillosis in a child: A case report and literature review
Authors: Meng Dongmei , Zou Yingxue , Li Jiao , Zhai Jia , Guo Run , Jin Xingnan 
Published: February 2024

Rationale:
Children with haematological malignancies have a higher risk of developing aggressive pulmonary aspergillosis and a higher mortality rate. The most common site of extrapulmonary aspergillosis in children is the central nervous system (CNS), and the death rate is higher when CNS is affected. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of invasive aspergillosis are essential for reducing mortality.

Patient concerns:
We report a case of an 8-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who developed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis complicated by CNS aspergillosis. Aspergillus was confirmed by metagenomic sequencing of pathogenic microorganisms.

Diagnoses:
Invasive pulmonary and central nervous system aspergillosis.

Interventions:
The patient was treated with combined systemic antifungal agents (voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B) and intrathecal injection of amphotericin B.

Outcomes:
The treatment was well tolerated and resulted in remarkable clinical and radiological head improvements.

Lessons:
Invasive aspergillosis has a high mortality rate and requires early diagnosis and treatment. Pathogenic microbial metagenomic sequencing is a convenient method to assist in the early diagnosis of aspergillosis. Voriconazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis. When CNS aspergillosis occurs, it can be combined with other systemic antifungal drugs and intrathecal injection of amphotericin B.
Total arch replacement via single upper hemisternotomy approach for aortic aneurysm in syphilis: Case report
Authors: Xia Lin , Yang Zhonglu , Liu Yu , Ge Yuguang , Wang Lu , Jiang Hui 
Published: February 2024

Rationale:
Syphilitic aortic aneurysm is a relatively rare type of cardiovascular syphilis. A small number of patients with syphilitic aortic aneurysms will be accompanied by aortic regurgitation and coronary stenosis. Apart from aortic rupture or dissection, syphilitic aortic aneurysm often causes associated vascular disorders, including left common carotid artery, innominate artery, and celiac artery stenosis or obstruction.

Patient concerns:
In this case, we observed left common carotid artery occlusion based on both ultrasound and intraoperative exploration. For patients with syphilitic aortic aneurysm, the first choice is still sufficient antibiotic therapy. The surgical indications include symptom relief and prevention of aortic rupture or sudden death.

Diagnoses:
Aortic valve insufficiency, aortic aneurysm, and syphilis.

Interventions:
Aortic valve replacement, aneurysmectomy and total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation via single upper hemisternotomy approach.

Outcomes:
The patient did not suffer reventilation and reoperation. No transient or permanent neurological dysfunction was observed in this patient. And no acute renal failure occurred. The patient was discharged on 43 days after the operation.

Lessons subsections:
The upper hemisternotomy has the advantages of faster postoperative recovery, shorter ventilation time, shorter intensive care unit stay, less blood transfusion, and less incisional pain compared with the full sternotomy, which is one of the reasons why we chose this procedure for this patient.
APOC3 siRNA and ASO therapy for dyslipidemia
Authors: Chebli Jasmine , Larouche Miriam , Gaudet Daniel 
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review
The aim of this review is to present the clinical indications of apolipoprotein C-III (apoC3) inhibition in the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of lipid disorders and associated risks and to compare the most advanced modalities of apoC3 inhibition currently available or in development, specifically APOC3 antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Recent findings
ApoC3 inhibition significantly decreases triglyceride levels by mechanisms coupling both lipoprotein lipase (LPL) upregulation and LPL-independent mechanisms. The main apoC3 inhibitors in advanced clinical development are the GalNAc-ASO olezarsen and the GalNAc-siRNA plozasiran. Clinical studies conducted with volanesorsen, the olezarsen precursor, showed a favorable effect on hepatic steatosis (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD). Olezarsen does not appear to be associated with the main side effects attributed to volanesorsen including thrombocytopenia. Plozasiran is in advanced clinical development and requires subcutaneous injection every 3 months and present to-date an efficacy and safety profile comparable to that of the monthly ASO.

Summary
Inhibition of apoC3 is effective across all the spectrum of hypertriglyceridemia, might have a favorable effect on hepatic steatosis (NAFLD) and the effect of apoC3 inhibition on cardiovascular risk is not limited to its effect on plasma triglycerides. APOC3 GalNAc-conjugated ASO and siRNA are both effective in decreasing plasma apoC3 and triglyceride levels.
Trajectories of pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and pain interference in the perinatal and postpartum period
Authors: Jessa Jenna , Tomfohr-Madsen Lianne , Dhillon Ashley , Walker Andrew , Noel Melanie , Sedov Ivan , Miller Jillian Vinall 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Chronic pain (pain >3 months) is a growing epidemic. Normal pregnancy may give rise to recurrent and sometimes constant pain for women. Women with worse pain symptoms are more likely to report symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia during the perinatal period, which may impact labor and delivery outcomes. We examined the relationship between demographic and psychological predictors of pain throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum.

Objectives:
To examine trajectories of pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and pain interference during pregnancy and the early postpartum, and associated sociodemographic predictors of trajectory membership.

Methods:
One hundred forty-two pregnant women were assessed at 4 time points for measures of pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, pain interference, and symptoms of insomnia, depression, and generalized anxiety. Women completed the first survey before 20 weeks’ gestation and were reassessed every 10 weeks. Surveys were completed on average at 15 weeks', 25 weeks', and 35 weeks' gestation, and at 6-week postpartum. Using latent class mixed models, trajectory analysis was used to determine trajectories of pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and pain interference.

Results:
A 1-class pain intensity model, 2-class pain catastrophizing model, and 3-class pain interference model were identified. Adaptive lasso and imputation demonstrated model robustness. Individual associations with trajectories included baseline symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and pain symptomology.

Conclusion:
These findings may help to identify women who are at high risk for experiencing pain symptoms during pregnancy and could aid in developing targeted management strategies to prevent mothers from developing chronic pain during their pregnancy and into the postpartum period.
Resection of the Primary Tumor and Survival in Patients with Single-Site Synchronous Oligometastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Propensity-Matched Analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Rodriguez-Quintero Jorge Humberto , Jindani Rajika , Kamel Mohamed K , Zhu Roger , Vimolratana Marc , Chudgar Neel P , Stiles Brendon M 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Local therapy for the primary tumor is postulated to remove resistant cancer cells as well as immunosuppressive cells from the tumor microenvironment, potentially improving response to systemic therapy (ST). We sought to determine whether resection of the primary tumor was associated with overall survival (OS) in a multicentric cohort of patients with single-site synchronous oligometastatic non–small cell lung cancer.

STUDY DESIGN:
Using the National Cancer Database (2018 to 2020), we evaluated patients with clinical stage IVA disease who received ST and stratified the cohort based on receipt of surgery for the primary tumor (S). We used multivariable and propensity score-matched analysis to study factors associated with S (logistic regression) and OS (Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier), respectively.

RESULTS:
Among 12,215 patients identified, 2.9% (N = 349) underwent S and 97.1% (N = 11,886) ST (chemotherapy or immunotherapy) without surgery. Patients who underwent S were younger, more often White, had higher income levels, were more likely to have private insurance, and were more often treated at an academic facility. Among those who received S, 22.9% (N = 80) also underwent resection of the distant metastatic site. On multivariable analysis, metastasis to bone, N+ disease, and higher T-stages were independently associated with less S. On Cox regression, S and resection of the metastatic site were associated with improved survival (hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.80 and hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.88, respectively). After propensity matching, OS was improved in patients undergoing S (median 36.8 vs 20.8 months, log-rank p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Advances in ST for non–small cell lung cancer may change the paradigm of eligibility for surgery. This study demonstrates that surgical resection of the primary tumor is associated with improved OS in selected patients with single-site oligometastatic disease.
Cocaine sensitization in male rats requires activation of estrogen receptors
Authors: Menéndez-Delmestre Raissa , Agosto-Rivera José L. , González-Segarra Amanda J , Segarra Annabell C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGonadal steroids play a modulatory role in cocaine use disorders, and are responsible for many sex differences observed in the behavioral response to cocaine. In females, it is well established that estradiol enhances the behavioral response to cocaine. In males, we have recently shown that testosterone enhances sensitization to cocaine but its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. The current study investigated the contribution of DHT, a non-aromatizable androgen, and of estradiol, in regulating cocaine-induced sensitization in male rats. Gonadectomized (GDX) male rats treated with estradiol sensitized to repeated cocaine administration, while GDX rats treated with DHT did not, implicating estradiol in cocaine sensitization. Furthermore, intact male rats treated with the antiestrogen ICI 182,780 did not show sensitization to repeated cocaine. This study demonstrates the pivotal role of estradiol in cocaine-induced neuroplasticity and neuroadaptations in the rodent brain.
Rectus Femoris Electromyography Signal Clustering: Data-Driven Management of Crouch Gait in Patients with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Davoudi Mehrdad , Salami Firooz , Reisig Robert , Patikas Dimitrios A. , Wolf Sebastian I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate how electromyography (EMG) cluster analysis of the rectus femoris (RF) could help to better interpret gait analysis in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The retrospective gait data of CP patients were categorized into two groups: initial examination (E1, 881 patients) and subsequent examination (E2, 377 patients). Envelope-formatted EMG data of RF were collected. Using PCA and a combined PSO-K-means algorithm, main clusters were identified. Patients were further classified into crouch, jump, recurvatum, stiff and mild gait for detailed analysis. The clusters (labels) were characterized by a significant peak EMG activity during mid-swing (L1), prolonged EMG activity during stance (L2), and a peak EMG activity during loading response (L3). Notably, L2 contained 76% and 92% of all crouch patients at E1 and E2, respectively. Comparing patients with a crouch gait pattern in L2-E1 and L2-E2, two subgroups emerged: patients with persistent crouch (G1) and patients showing improvement at E2 (G2). The minimum activity of RF during 20-45% of the gait was significantly higher (p= 0.025) in G1 than in G2. A greater chance of improvement from crouch gait might be associated with lower RF activity during the stance phase. Using our findings, we could potentially establish an approach to improve clinical decision-making regarding treatment of patients with CP.
Assessing Population-level Target Product Profiles of Broadly-protective Human Influenza A Vaccines
Authors: Yang Qiqi , Park Sang Woo , Saad-Roy Chadi , Ahmad Isa , Viboud Cécile , Arinaminpathy Nimalan , Grenfell Bryan T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInfluenza A has two main clades, with stronger cross-immunity to reinfection within than between clades. Here, we explore the implications of this heterogeneity for proposed cross-protective influenza vaccines that may offer broad, but not universal, protection. While the development goal for the breadth of human influenza A vaccine is to provide cross-clade protection, vaccines in current development stages may provide better protection against target clades than non-target clades. To evaluate vaccine formulation and strategies, we propose a novel perspective: a vaccine population-level target product profile (PTPP). Under this perspective, we use dynamical models to quantify the epidemiological impacts of future influenza A vaccines as a function of their properties. Our results show that the interplay of natural and vaccine-induced immunity could strongly affect seasonal clade dynamics. A broadly protective bivalent vaccine could lower the incidence of both clades and achieve elimination with sufficient vaccination coverage. However, a univalent vaccine at low vaccination rates could permit a resurgence of the non-target clade when the vaccine provides weaker immunity than natural infection. Moreover, as a proxy for pandemic simulation, we analyze the invasion of a variant that evades natural immunity. We find that a future vaccine providing sufficiently broad and long-lived cross-clade protection at a sufficiently high vaccination rate, could prevent pandemic emergence and lower the pandemic burden. This study highlights that as well as effectiveness, breadth and duration should be considered in epidemiologically informed TPPs for future human influenza A vaccines.
A GWAS for grip strength in cohorts of children – advantages of analysing young participants for this trait
Authors: Abbondanza Filippo , Wang Carol A. , Schmitz Judith , Pennell Craig E. , Whitehouse Andrew J.O. , Paracchini Silvia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGrip strength (GS) is a proxy measure for muscular strength and a predictor for bone fracture risk among other diseases. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been conducted in large cohorts of adults focusing on scores collected for the dominant hand, therefore increasing the likelihood of confounding effects by environmental factors. Here, we perform the first GWAS meta-analyses on maximal GS with the dominant (GSD) and non-dominant (GSND) hand in two cohorts of children (ALSPAC, N = 5,450; age range = 10.65 – 13.61; Raine Study, N = 1,162, age range: 9.42-12.38 years).We identified a novel significant association for GSND (rs9546244,LINC02465,p= 3.43e-08)and replicated associations previously reported in adults including with aHOXB3gene marker that shows an eQTL effect. Despite a much smaller sample (∼3%) compared to the UK Biobank we replicated correlation and polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses previously reported in this much larger adult cohort. Specifically, we observed genetic correlations with coronary artery disease and a PRS association with the risk of overall fracture. Furthermore, we observed a higher SNP-heritability (24-41%) compared to previous studies (4-24%) in adults. Our results suggest that cohorts of children might be better suited for genetic studies of grip strength, possibly due to the shorter exposure to confounding environmental factors compared to adults.
Bioinformatical enrichment analysis of genes involved in the pathway of endometriosis disease
Authors: Kusum Kusum , Ashish Ashish , Bhushan Ravi , Chaube Radha , Rai Sangeeta , Singh Royana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEndometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of uterine (eutopic) endometrial glands and tissues outside the intra-uterine locations, in ectopic regions such as the pelvic peritoneum, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Approximately 5-10% of reproductive and 20-50% of infertile women are affected by endometriosis. The pathogenesis of endometriosis involves various factors, including hormonal, environmental, genetic, and immune system components, directly or indirectly altering estrogen levels and impacting women’s reproductive health.This study aimed to identify novel and potential biomarkers for endometriosis using mRNA seq analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from raw gene expression profiles, and their functional analysis was subsequently conducted. A total of 552 DEGs (312 upregulated and 240 downregulated) were identified in samples from women with endometriosis compared to control subjects.Major DEGs, such as C3, PSAP, APP, GNG12, were identified as hub nodes and found to be involved in various functions, including epithelial cell differentiation and development, proteolysis, gland development, muscle fiber development, and response to hormone stimulus. These DEGs may play a direct or indirect role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, serving as potential biomarkers for ectopic endometrium. While this study provides a preliminary insight into the mechanism of endometriosis, further detailed studies are necessary to fully understand its path of action.
Barriers to risk management in small construction projects in Sri Lanka
Authors: Lebunu Hewage Udara Willhelm Abeydeera , Wadu Mesthrige Jayantha , Too Eric G. 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study explores the current status of risk management (RM) in Sri Lanka and the obstacles in implementing RM in Sri Lankan small construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe current research study adopted a quantitative research method. Using a purposeful sampling strategy, 100 construction companies engaged in small construction projects in Sri Lanka were selected and a questionnaire was distributed among top managerial employees of these companies. Employees belonging to 47 companies responded to the survey which provided information relating to 812 construction projects. The collected data were analyzed using the RM implementation index (RMII) and other quantitative measures such as mean, median and percentages.FindingsThe research findings indicated that RM incorporation was at a lower degree in small construction projects in Sri Lanka. The findings further indicated that RM incorporation was relatively high in the public construction projects compared to the private construction projects. The main obstacles identified through the survey for RM implementation were: “lack of funding”, “lack of time”, “low profit margin”, “not economical” and “lack of knowledge”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to exploring RM implementation in small construction projects in Sri Lanka. The study was limited to the building construction companies under the 150-million-rupee (approx. below 450,000 USD) financial limit registered with the construction industry development authority in Sri Lanka.Originality/valueRM in small construction projects in developing countries is a relatively less explored domain. Sri Lankan construction industry is another relatively less explored domain in terms of new management technique implementation such as RM and value management. The quantitative approach used for the study revealed that RM implementation is at a lower degree in the small construction projects. Moreover, several obstacles pertaining to RM implementation were recognized through this study. These findings will be useful for the construction stakeholders to overcome the recognized barriers and effectively use RM in their respective construction projects.
Proactive behaviors matter for my job! The roles of career decidedness and career stress in face of VUCA
Authors: Le Huong , Lee Joohan , Gopalan Neena , Van der Heijden Beatrice 
Published: February 2024

PurposeDrawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study examines how proactive skill development (PSD) influences job performance and mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying the above relationship.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a sample of 261 full-time workers in three waves, spaced by a six-week interval (Time 1, N = 360; Time 2, N = 320; Time 3, N = 261).FindingsThe results confirmed that career stress mediated the relationship between PSD and job performance. Additionally, high career decidedness strengthened this negative relationship between stress and performance. Furthermore, career decidedness significantly moderated the indirect PSD–performance relationship via career stress, accentuating the indirect effect when decidedness is higher.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on the important role of proactive skills development in influencing job performance and what factors can affect this relationship. It offers practical implications by highlighting how targeted training can boost employees' proactivity and performance.
Neurodiversity and HRM: a practice-based review and research agenda
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , Follmer Kayla 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis article provides an overview of lessons we can learn from human resource (HR) policies and practices related to neurodiversity.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a practice-based review using information obtained from organizations’ websites, summarized the information and reflected on how scholars can continue to advance this area of research based on what is happening in practice.FindingsThe review provided a selective overview of programs and practices per HR cluster: selection and recruitment; onboarding, integration and retention; job design; flexible work options and working remotely; training; employee resource groups (ESGs) and support. The review provides a description of practices and policies implemented within organizations that focus on neurodiversity among employees.Originality/valueOur review showed that organizations have a multitude of HR practices and policies in place to include neurodivergent individuals in their workforces, though many of these have not been empirically investigated. Sharing this knowledge is important so that research insights and practice can reciprocally influence one another.