bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabin-pessary or McDonald Cerclage in Cervical Shortening?
Authors: Jafarzade Aytaj , Aghayeva Sveta , Mungan Tamer , Biri Aydan , Ekiz Osman Ufuk 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective The aim of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of Arabin pessary and McDonald cervical cerclage on preterm delivery.
Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent either Arabin pessary or McDonald cerclage between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2023. A total of 174 patients were included in the study, with 31 undergoing Arabin pessary and 143 receiving cervical cerclage using the McDonald technique in singleton pregnant women with cervical insufficiency, which applied between 14 and 22 gestational weeks. We included singleton pregnant women with normal morphology, and with normal combined test. The primary outcome was the impact of each method on preterm delivery (< 34 gestational weeks).
Results The weeks of cervical cerclage or pessary application were compatible with each other (p < 0.680). The pessary group had a statistically significant longer time to delivery compared with the Cerclage group (cerclage group mean 30.8 c 7.1 standard deviation [SD] versus pessary group mean 35.1 ± 4.4 SD; p < 0.002). A statistically significant difference was found between the pessary and cerclage groups in terms of delivery at < 34 weeks (p = 0.002). In patients with cervical length between 25 and 15mm and < 15mm, no significant difference was found between the pessary and cerclage groups in terms of delivery week (p < 0.212; p < 0.149). Regardless of the technique applied, no statistically significant difference was observed between cervical length and birth < 34 weeks.
Conclusion Our study found that pessary use for cervical insufficiency is statistically more effective than cervical cerclage surgery in preventing preterm births < 34 weeks in singleton pregnancy.
Is There an Association between Platelet Count and Blood Loss in the Parturient? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Beilin Yaakov , Liu Helen , Hyers Benjamin M. , Mijovic Vasilije , Katz Daniel 
Published: December 2023

Objective The influence of thrombocytopenia on blood loss and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) has been conflicting. Our aim was to determine if there is an association between predelivery platelet count and quantitative blood loss (QBL) and PPH in both vaginal (VD) and cesarean deliveries (CD).
Study Design We conducted a retrospective database study at a single institution from April 1, 2017 to September 9, 2020. The platelet count closest to time of delivery and the QBL was assessed separately for VD and CD.
Results A total of 22,479 records were reviewed, of which 16,822 (75%) were VD and 5,657 (25%) were CD. A total of 2,600 (12%) patients had thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count <150,000/mm3. Of these, 1,980 (76%) had a VD and 620 (24%) had CD. We found a statistically significant difference in QBL between parturients with thrombocytopenia compared with those without, with a median estimated difference in QBL of 25 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16–32) and 57 mL (95% CI: 31–87) in VD and CD patients, respectively. We also found a statistically significant difference in QBL when comparing patients among all the platelet count ranges except in the lowest platelet count range of 50,000 to 69,999/mm3 with a mean difference of 52 (95% CI: 25–81) and 107 mL (95% CI: 39–180) in the VD and CD patients, respectively in the platelet count range of 70,000 to 99,999/mm3 . We also found the incidence of PPH was greater in those with thrombocytopenia, p < 0.001, but the median difference in QBL in all platelet groups was small.
Conclusion We found a statistically significant association between lower predelivery platelet counts and QBL and PPH. The clinical significance of these results is debatable, because at all platelet count ranges, differences in blood loss were small.
Key Points
The media, terrorism, and censorship in the UK: conflicting imagined audiences in British parliamentary debates in 1988 and 2018
Authors: Rodrigo-Jusué Itoiz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOver the last three decades, there has been a significant growth in media control policies in the UK. Nonetheless, academic literature has so far failed to examine British political elites’ understandings of the relationship between the media and political violence. This article makes an original contribution by conducting a historical comparison of political elites’ discourses on terrorism, the media, and audiences through the analysis of key parliamentary debates in which British MPs discussed the introduction of far-reaching media control measures (i.e. the 1988 Broadcasting Ban and the 2019 Counter-terrorism and Border Security Act). Employing the concept of the “imagined audience”, the analysis, based on a discourse-historical approach (DHA), demonstrates significant differences in how MPs constructed media audiences in these discussions. In 1988, British MPs consistently invoked rational, well-informed, and responsible audiences, whilst thirty years later, constructions of unknowledgeable and easily influenced audiences were discursively deployed by MPs in support of highly restrictive media control measures. The article suggests that this transformation is based on a resurgence of the media “contagion theory” and Islamophobic notions that construct certain sections of the population as vulnerable, irrational, and highly susceptible, in contrast to the intelligent and sensible audiences envisioned by MPs in 1988.
Development of an open access, virtual bioinformatics lab for students in medical laboratory sciences
Authors: Fukuto Hana S , Viboud Gloria I 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Despite the growing importance of bioinformatics in molecular diagnostics, not all medical laboratory sciences (MLS) programs provide instruction in this field. We developed and assessed a virtual laboratory learning unit to introduce basic bioinformatics concepts and tools to MLS students.

Methods
The unit included a video tutorial, written instructions for the online laboratory activity, and a postactivity review video. The effectiveness of the instruction was evaluated using preassessment and postassessment questions, performance of the online tasks, and a survey assessing the students’ attitudes toward the learning unit.

Results
A prototype of the module was tested with 32 graduate and undergraduate students. Modifications were made based on the pilot test results and student feedback, and the refined version was subsequently evaluated with a different group of 20 undergraduate students. The participants responded favorably to the learning unit and successfully achieved the learning objectives, gaining familiarity with fundamental bioinformatics concepts and terminology, effectively employing basic computational tools, and developing an appreciation for the field.

Conclusions
Our learning unit is a promising tool for introducing MLS students to the field of bioinformatics. As an open educational resource, it has the potential to be integrated into molecular biology education for MLS programs anywhere.
Artificial achievements
Authors: Kieval Phillip Hintikka 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
State-of-the-art machine learning systems now routinely exceed benchmarks once thought beyond the ken of artificial intelligence (AI). Often these systems accomplish tasks through novel, insightful processes that remain inscrutable to even their human designers. Taking AlphaGo’s 2016 victory over Lee Sedol as a case study, this paper argues that such accomplishments manifest the essential features of achievements as laid out in Bradford’s 2015 book Achievement. Achievements like these are directly attributable to AI systems themselves. They are artificial achievements. This opens the door to a challenge that calls out for further inquiry. Since Bradford grounds the intrinsic value of achievements in the exercise of distinctively human perfectionist capacities, the existence of artificial achievements raises the possibility that some achievements might be valueless.
The role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mediating the effects of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in mouse ovarian antral follicles
Authors: Neff Alison M , Inman Zane , Mourikes Vasiliki E , Santacruz-Márquez Ramsés , Gonsioroski Andressa , Laws Mary J , Flaws Jodi A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a pervasive environmental toxicant used in the manufacturing of numerous consumer products, medical supplies, and building materials. DEHP is metabolized to mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). MEHP is an endocrine disruptor that adversely affects folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in the ovary, but its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays a functional role in MEHP-mediated disruption of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. CD-1 mouse antral follicles were isolated and cultured with MEHP (0–400 μM) in the presence or absence of the AHR antagonist CH223191 (1 μM). MEHP treatment reduced follicle growth over a 96-h period, and this effect was partially rescued by co-culture with CH223191. MEHP exposure alone increased expression of known AHR targets, cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1, and this induction was blocked by CH223191. MEHP reduced media concentrations of estrone and estradiol compared to control. This effect was mitigated by co-culture with CH223191. Moreover, MEHP reduced the expression of the estrogen-sensitive genes progesterone receptor (Pgr) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr) and co-treatment with CH223191 blocked this effect. Collectively, these data indicate that MEHP activates the AHR to impair follicle growth and reduce estrogen production and signaling in ovarian antral follicles.
Ordering the Islands? Pacific Responses to China’s Strategic Narratives
Authors: Wallis Joanne , Xie Geyi , Waqavakatoga William , Habru Priestley , Koro Maima 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Metropolitan powers are concerned that China is seeking to influence Pacific Island countries and reshape Pacific Islands’ regional order in its favour. But there is a risk that the effectiveness of China’s efforts has been overinterpreted by metropolitan powers. In this article we analyse the effectiveness of one element of China’s activities: the deployment of narrative power. We do this by examining the reception and role of China’s strategic narratives in the Pacific Islands. We analyse how China’s strategic narratives have been interpreted, adopted, and/or instrumentalised by Pacific Island countries and leaders using case studies of three key regional states: Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa. We conclude that while Fijian, Solomon Islands, and Samoan leaders have incorporated elements of China’s strategic narratives into their discourse, they have done so using their own interpretations and, at times, instrumentalised those narratives for their own purposes. We conclude that this suggests that narrative power is more limited than it is often assumed. However, we acknowledge that narrative power may have indirect effects, with China’s narratives in the Pacific Islands region, as well as their instrumental adoption by Pacific Island countries, motivating changes in the policies and narratives of metropolitan powers.
The Comorbidity of Patient-Reported Crohn’s Disease Activity and Depression: The Role of Health Behavior Mediators
Authors: Gaines Lawrence S , Kappelman Michael D , Schwartz David A , Horst Sara N , Beaulieu Dawn B , Scoville Elizabeth S , Dalal Robin L , Pabla Baldeep S , Slaughter James C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Longitudinal research reveals a unidirectional relationship between a nonsomatic symptom of depression, a negative view of the self, and later reported Crohn’s disease (CD) activity. We evaluated whether health behaviors mediated this association using a longitudinal design.

Methods
We studied 3304 adult volunteers with a self-reported diagnosis of CD who completed a baseline survey that included demographics, CD activity, a symptom-specific index of depression, and measures of physical activity, smoking, and sleep quality. Crohn’s disease status and the cognitive index of depression were also measured 6 and 12 months after the baseline evaluation. We specified single-mediator and multiple-mediator models to elucidate the depression–disease activity relationship.

Results
Among 2395 females and 909 males, we found a significant mediation effect for activity level (P &lt; .001) after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. There was no evidence that sleep quality and smoking are significant single mediators. When we considered multiple mediation models, smoking and less activity partially mediate the depression–CD association.

Conclusions
Smoking and lower levels of physical activity are potential mediators of the unidirectional association between a nonsomatic symptom of depression—a negative view of the self—and patient-reported CD activity. Evaluating and treating specific symptoms of depression may reduce the frequency of CD exacerbations.
MCPtaggR: R package for accurate genotype calling in reduced representation sequencing data by eliminating error-prone markers based on genome comparison
Authors: Furuta Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Toshio 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Reduced representation sequencing (RRS) offers cost-effective, high-throughput genotyping platforms such as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). RRS reads are typically mapped onto a reference genome. However, mapping reads harbouring mismatches against the reference can potentially result in mismapping and biased mapping, leading to the detection of error-prone markers that provide incorrect genotype information. We established a genotype-calling pipeline named mappable collinear polymorphic tag genotyping (MCPtagg) to achieve accurate genotyping by eliminating error-prone markers. MCPtagg was designed for the RRS-based genotyping of a population derived from a biparental cross. The MCPtagg pipeline filters out error-prone markers prior to genotype calling based on marker collinearity information obtained by comparing the genome sequences of the parents of a population to be genotyped. A performance evaluation on real GBS data from a rice F2 population confirmed its effectiveness. Furthermore, our performance test using a genome assembly that was obtained by genome sequence polishing on an available genome assembly suggests that our pipeline performs well with converted genomes, rather than necessitating de novo assembly. This demonstrates its flexibility and scalability. The R package, MCPtaggR, was developed to provide functions for the pipeline and is available at https://github.com/tomoyukif/MCPtaggR.
Early Intestinal Ultrasound Response to Biologic Therapy Predicts Endoscopic Remission in Children with Ileal Crohn’s Disease: Results from the Prospective Super Sonic Study
Authors: Dolinger Michael Todd , Aronskyy Illya , Kellar Amelia , Spencer Elizabeth , Pittman Nanci , Dubinsky Marla C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
STRIDE-II recommends early biomarker targets for treatment optimization to achieve treat-to-target [T2T] endoscopic remission [ER] in Crohn’s disease [CD]. The predictive capabilities of intestinal ultrasound [IUS] for T2T ER remain unknown. We aimed to evaluate IUS response to predict ER in children with CD.

Methods
This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study of children with ileal [TI] CD initiating biologic therapy undergoing IUS, clinical disease activity, and C-reactive protein [CRP] assessments at baseline, week 8, 6 months, and T2T within 1 year. The primary outcome was the accuracy of optimal cut-points to predict TI ER [SES-CD ≤ 2] for change in bowel wall thickness [BWT] on IUS from baseline to week 8, and BWT at week 8. Area under the receiver operating curve [AUROC] analysis was performed and univariate analysis tested associations.

Results
In total, 44 children (median age 13 [IQR 12–17] years, 29 [66%] biologic naïve) were included, and 29 [66%] achieved ER. A ≥18% decrease in TI BWT at week 8 predicted ER with an AUROC of 0.99 [95% CI 0.98–1.00], 100% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 97% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value, superior to a ≥46% decrease in PCDAI (AUROC 0.67 [95% CI 0.49–0.84]) and ≥84% decrease in CRP (AUROC 0.49 [95% CI 0.31–0.67]) at week 8.

Conclusions
Early change in TI BWT on IUS is highly predictive of ER in children with CD and superior to symptoms and CRP. Our findings suggest that IUS could be used for treatment optimization and tight control to guide T2T strategies.
A case report of Bow Hunter’s syndrome with intravascular ultrasound showing changing significant severe stenosis of the left vertebral artery associated with turning left
Authors: Takafumi Sasaki , Hojo Rintaro , Tsuchiyama Takaaki , Fukamizu Seiji 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Bow Hunter’s syndrome is vertebral basilar artery insufficiency caused by mechanical occlusion of the vertebral artery during head rotation. This is often due to the formation of osteophytes, herniated discs, cervical spondylosis, or tumours. However, whether the contralateral vessel is organically stenotic is not well known.

Case summary
A 79-year-old man was referred to our department for a close examination of syncope because the transient loss of consciousness occurring when he was made to turn his head to the left was reproducibly induced and recovered when his face was returned to the normal position. The carotid massage did not induce significant bradycardia or hypotension bilaterally, and Holter electrocardiography, echocardiography, head-up tilt test, coronary angiography, and an acetylcholine stress test showed no obvious abnormalities. A 3D CT angiography was performed to investigate the possibility of vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency, as C3/4 cervical spondylosis, and the left vertebral artery was compressed by the C4 superior process osteophyte, indicating hypoplasia of the contralateral vertebral artery. Vertebral artery angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) showed moderate stenosis of the left vertebral artery, and IVUS showed a half-circumferential calcified lesion. Compared to the midline position, the stenosis worsened at the site of compression and drainage when the patient turned left downward, and a diagnosis of Bow Hunter’s syndrome was made.

Discussion
Bow Hunter’s syndrome is characterized by vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Intravascular ultrasound clearly showed that the lesion was not only stenotic due to compression but also had plaque growth due to continuous mechanical stimulation.
Sex steroids and androgen biomarkers in the healthy man study: within-person variability and impact of fasting
Authors: Handelsman David J , Sartorius Gideon , Desai Reena , Idan Amanda , Turner Leo , Savkovic Sasha , Ly Lam P , Forbes Elise , Allan Carolyn A , McLachlan Robert , Conway Ann J 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveSerum testosterone measurements in clinical practice mostly utilize “direct” (non-extraction) immunoassays which have method-specific bias due to steroid cross-reactivity and nonspecific matrix artifacts. Although more accurate, sensitive, and specific liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) dominates in clinical research, the within-person variability of serum testosterone in healthy men using LCMS measurement is not reported.DesignLongitudinal multi-sampling observational study of men in excellent health over 3 months.MethodsElite healthy men (n = 325) over 40 years of age in excellent, asymptomatic health provided 9 blood samples over 3 months with serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), and estrone (E1) measured by validated LCMS with conventional biochemical and anthropometric variables.ResultsQuantitative estimates of within-person variability within day and between day, week, month, and quarter were stable other than an increase due to fasting. The androgen biomarkers most sensitive to age and testosterone among widely used biochemical and anthropometric variables in middle-aged and older men were identified.ConclusionsThis study provides estimates of variability in serum testosterone and the best androgen biomarkers that may prove useful for future studies of androgen action in male ageing.
The Branding of Female Authorship in Enlightenment Europe: A Paratextual Study of Les Journées amusantes (1722–31) by Madeleine-Angélique Poisson de Gomez
Authors: Genieys-Kirk Séverine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As revisionist studies have recently shown in the wake of Gérard Genette’s Seuils (1987), editorial paratexts in translated works, such as prefaces and illustrations, are valuable documents for capturing the ideological parameters which early modern publishers and translators had to skilfully exploit to promote their work. A case in point is the little known yet important eighteenth-century collection of framed-novelle Les Journées amusantes (1722–31) by Madeleine-Angélique Poisson de Gomez (1684–1776). Through the lens of intertextuality and intericonicity, this article offers a two-part analysis of the paratextual material (verbal and visual) contained in the foreign editions of this work. It evaluates the strategies which ‘image-makers’ used to ensure the legitimacy of a text which was originally written by a woman. In particular, it highlights transnational instances of dialogic interplay and cultural transfer, allowing for a better understanding of the female writer’s status across Europe and revealing the cultural and pedagogical parts which translators, publishers and engravers played in the formation of eighteenth-century European readerships.
Tuberculosis on Display: Tuberculosis Travelling Museums in Wilhelmine Germany
Authors: Murakami Hiroaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the overcoming of chronic illnesses such as tuberculosis, venereal disease and alcoholism became a central issue in public health measures in Europe. Tuberculosis had the highest mortality rate among these three illnesses and was therefore a particular priority. Anti-tuberculosis campaigns gained momentum. This article focuses on one particular form of communication that sought to convey information about this illness: the travelling museum. An ‘exhibition era’ had started in Europe in the mid-nineteenth century, and health education campaigns of the time favoured the use of exhibitions, for example the Dresden International Hygiene Exhibition of 1911, as an educational medium. As this article shows, tuberculosis exhibitions were first established on the initiative of local organizations, but their number grew as a result of cooperation between central organizations and local advocates. Instructions were issued for how travelling exhibits might be displayed and advertised, and when they departed the exhibitions often left behind a new energy for tackling the problems associated with tuberculosis. While the exhibits sought to communicate scientifically established facts, the article notes that issues that were pending resolution were also raised without recognition of ongoing debate. By the 1920s, travelling museums as a means of communication were being overtaken by film.