bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of acute perianal abscess: is surgeon specialization associated with improved outcomes?
Authors: Turner Gregory A. , Tham Nicole , Chandra Raaj , Read David J. , Chittleborough Timothy J. , McCormick Jacob J. , Hayes Ian P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAcute surgical units (ASU) are increasingly being adopted and in our system are staffed by colorectal and non‐colorectal general surgeons. This study aims to evaluate whether surgeon specialization was associated with improved outcomes in perianal abscess.MethodsPatients with perianal abscess admitted to the ASU between 2016 and 2020 were identified from a prospective database and their medical records reviewed. Patients with IBD, treatment for fistula‐in‐ano within the preceding year, or perianal sepsis of non‐cryptoglandular origin were excluded. Patients admitted under an ASU colorectal (CR) consultant were compared with those under a non‐CR general surgeon in a retrospective cohort study. Primary outcome was perianal abscess recurrence. For those without initial fistula, hazard of recurrent abscess or fistula was analysed. Multivariable Cox PH regression analysis was performed.ResultsFour‐hundred and eight patients were included (150 CR, 258 non‐CR). The CR group more frequently had a fistula identified at index operation (34.0% versus 10.9%, P < 0.0001). However, Cox multivariable analysis found no difference in hazard of recurrent abscess between groups (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.65–1.95, P = 0.681)). Abscess recurred in 18.7% CR and 15.5% non‐CR. Subsequent fistula developed in 14.7% in both groups. For patients without initial fistula, there was no difference between groups in hazard of recurrent abscess or fistula (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.69–2.01, P = 0.539).ConclusionSurgeon specialization was not associated with improved outcomes for ASU patients with perianal abscess, albeit with potential selection bias. CR surgeons were more proactive identifying fistulas; this raises the possibility that drainage alone may be adequate treatment.
Suitability of machine learning for atrophy and fibrosis development in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: de la Fuente Jesus , Llorente‐González Sara , Fernandez‐Robredo Patricia , Hernandez María , García‐Layana Alfredo , Ochoa Idoia , Recalde Sergio ,   Spanish AMD group
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeTo assess the suitability of machine learning (ML) techniques in predicting the development of fibrosis and atrophy in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD), receiving anti‐VEGF treatment over a 36‐month period.MethodsAn extensive analysis was conducted on the use of ML to predict fibrosis and atrophy development on nAMD patients at 36 months from start of anti‐VEGF treatment, using only data from the first 12 months. We use data collected according to real‐world practice, which includes clinical and genetic factors.ResultsThe ML analysis consistently identified ETDRS as a relevant factor for predicting the development of atrophy and fibrosis, confirming previous statistical analyses. Also, it was shown that genetic variables did not demonstrate statistical relevance in the prediction. Despite the complexity of predicting macular degeneration, our model was able to obtain a balance accuracy of 63% and an AUC of 0.72 when predicting the development of atrophy or fibrosis at 36 months.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the potential of ML techniques in predicting the development of fibrosis and atrophy in nAMD patients receiving long‐term anti‐VEGF treatment. The findings highlight the importance of clinical factors, particularly ETDRS (early treatment diabetic retinopathy study) visual acuity test, in predicting these outcomes. The lessons learned from this research can guide future ML‐based prediction tasks in the field of ophthalmology and contribute to the design of data collection processes.
Clinical factors for central nervous system progression and survival in primary vitreoretinal lymphoma
Authors: Motomura Yotaro , Yoshifuji Kota , Tachibana Takayoshi , Takase Hiroshi , Arai Ayako , Tanaka Keisuke , Okada Keigo , Nogami Ayako , Umezawa Yoshihiro , Sakashita Chizuko , Yamamoto Masahide , Mori Takehiko , Nagao Toshikage 
Published: December 2023

SummaryPrimary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) is a rare subtype of malignant lymphoma with a poor prognosis because of high frequency of central nervous system (CNS) progression. Identification of factors associated with CNS progression is essential to improve the prognosis of patients with PVRL. We conducted a retrospective study of 54 patients diagnosed with PVRL and treated at our hospital to identify factors associated with CNS progression and prognosis. All patients were treated with intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections in the affected eyes until lesion resolution. Twenty‐four patients were treated with systemic administration of high‐dose MTX (systemic HD‐MTX) every other week for a total of five cycles following intravitreal MTX injection. Of 24 patients, 20 completed five cycles of systemic HD‐MTX. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of CNS progression and overall survival (OS) rate were 78.0% and 69.0% respectively. By univariate and multivariate analyses, bilateral disease and the detection of B‐cell clonality confirmed by flow cytometric analysis were risk factors associated with CNS progression. Moreover, systemic HD‐MTX completion reduced the risk of CNS progression and was identified as a factor affecting OS. In this study, factors for CNS progression identified may potentially contribute to the optimized therapeutic stratification to improve the survival of patients with PVRL.
Tobacco consumption in Mozambique in 2005 and 2015
Authors: Fontes Filipa , Suleman António , Silva‐Matos Carla , Mate Celina , Amado Celeste , Damasceno Albertino , Lunet Nuno 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe burden related to smoking exposure is growing in many low‐income settings. We aimed to quantify the use of smoked and smokeless tobacco in Mozambique in 2014/2015, and to compare the estimates with those obtained in 2005.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in 2014/2015 on a representative sample of the Mozambican population aged 15 to 64 years, following the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS). Prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were computed for different categories of tobacco consumption. The age‐standardised prevalence in the age‐group 25–64 years was compared with results from a STEPS survey conducted in 2005.ResultsBetween 2005 and 2014/2015, the prevalence of daily smoking decreased from 9.1% to 3.4% (p < 0.05) in women and from 33.6% to 27.3% (p < 0.05) in men. There was a significant decrease in the daily consumption of hand‐rolled cigarettes among women (from 3.1% to 1.4%, p < 0.05). Among men, there was a decrease in the prevalence of daily consumption of smokeless tobacco (from 3.5% to 1.0%, p < 0.05). In 2014/2015, both manufactured and hand‐rolled cigarette consumption were more prevalent among men, while the use of smokeless tobacco was more common among women; the consumption of both hand‐rolled cigarettes and smokeless tobacco were more prevalent in rural settings.Discussion and ConclusionsIn Mozambique, there was a decrease in the prevalence of daily smokers in both genders and of daily consumption of smokeless tobacco among men between 2005 and 2014/2015. Efforts are needed to maintain the positive trends.
Acceptability and feasibility of an intervention for Alaska Native and American Indian couples
Authors: Avey Jaedon P. , Wark Kyle , Andrews Polly , Donadio James , Bradbury Thomas , Outten Bobbi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis acceptability and feasibility study assessed a previously tested movie discussion intervention culturally adapted for a tribal health setting.BackgroundDespite family and relationships being important in Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) cultures, social health interventions supporting committed ANAI couples have not been investigated. Couples watching and discussing movies can promote and sustain relationship health as effectively as intensive skill‐building classes.MethodThis study culturally adapted a movie discussion intervention. Multiple stakeholders guided adaptations, including changes to intervention duration, recommended movies, discussion guide, and study measures. Eligible participants were cohabitating adults in a committed relationship, with at least one person in the couple being ANAI. Participants watched and discussed movies over 4 weeks at home or in person. Study measures assessed demographics, relationship characteristics, and intervention acceptability and feasibility.ResultsTwenty‐three couples participated: 87% chose at‐home participation, 70% completed the intervention. Almost 90% of couples felt comfortable discussing the movies, felt the discussion guide improved communication, and would recommend the intervention to other couples, but 26% were mildly stressed by the discussions.ConclusionThis intervention was a feasible and acceptable way to help ANAI couples maintain positive relationship features.ImplicationsThis intervention could support ANAI couples in regions with limited access to behavioral health services.
Factors associated with Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) restoration success in Oklahoma
Authors: Gary Ryan A. , Long James M. , Eachus Brian T. , Dzialowski Andrew R. , Schooley Jason D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) has been extirpated from portions of its native range due to anthropogenic habitat degradation and fragmentation, most notably the impoundment of rivers. To mitigate some of these losses in Oklahoma, Paddlefish have been stocked into reservoirs throughout the state, with variable success in establishing self‐sustaining populations. Two factors thought to contribute to success of Paddlefish stocking are spawning substrate and prey availability, which were quantified in six reservoirs and nine reservoir tributaries. Side‐scan sonar and supervised classification of aerial imagery were used to classify 4517‐ha of river substrate upstream of the river‐reservoir interface in reservoir tributaries. Zooplankton community structure, water clarity, and nutrient availability were also assessed in the same reservoirs and tributaries. One tributary had suitable spawning substrate (>40%), and the rest had minimal (<1.5%), which suggested that availability of suitable spawning substrate was not directly correlated with Paddlefish stocking success. Reservoirs with self‐sustaining Paddlefish populations had higher abundance of large zooplankton (copepods and cladocerans) than reservoirs without a reproducing population. Notably, tributaries associated with Lake Texoma, the one known example of failed restoration, were much more turbid than other rivers. We conclude that abiotic factors such as water clarity may contribute more to variable recruitment than spawning substrate or zooplankton abundance by mediating foraging success of Paddlefish post‐larvae.
Fluidization‐bed drying and microwave radiation effects on drying rate, fatty acid, protein, and germination of flaxseed
Authors: Larbi Bouamrane Omar , Mekhaneg Benyoucef , Panigrahi Shubham Subrot , Hemis Mohamed , Singh Chandra B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFlaxseeds are known for their invaluable omega‐3 fatty acids and proteins. Flaxseeds need to be dried to 10%w.b. moisture for safe long‐term storability. Traditional drying ruptures the nutritional properties, therefore, this study analyzed the effect of fluidized‐bed and microwave drying on the fatty acid and protein constituency of flaxseed. The drying air temperatures in the fluidized‐bed drying tests were 40, 50 and 60°C. Three microwave power densities were selected 0.3, 0.6 and 1 W g−1. Results showed a minor effect on fatty acids whereas a significant effect on protein content with both the drying methods. A protein reduction of 7, 21, and 23% was observed for drying air temperatures of 40, 50, and 60°C, respectively. For the microwave tests, 39, 58, and 63% protein reductions for 0.3, 0.6 and 1  W g−1 power densities were observed, respectively. The fatty acids showed a maximum increase of 0.85% for fluidized bed drying and 1.23% for microwave.Practical applicationsThis study contributes a step‐forward knowledge toward adoption of microwave technology in flaxseed oil extraction industry. Previous pilot‐scale studies solely on microwave utilization have shown limited scale‐up due to its high infrastructure cost associated with emitting high‐power densities. However, if explored with a combination approach along with fluidized bed (40°C at 0.3 W g−1) to assist in early removal of surface moisture from flaxseed, it could be a potential platform to increase the productivity in parallel to matching the associated overall cost. A proper cost analysis could be a future aspect of this study.
Unconventional Monetary Policy and Long‐Term Interest Rates
Authors: WU TAO 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper constructs a survey‐based measure capturing the evolution of market's expectations of the Federal Reserve's Large‐Scale Asset Purchases (LSAP) program during 2008–18, and examines the transmission mechanism of unconventional monetary policy. Estimation results suggest that both signaling and portfolio balance channels of the LSAP were important in lowering long‐term interest rates; Moreover, the Federal Reserve's forward guidance policy had led to a gradual extension of market's projections of the duration of the LSAP, making its effects more persistent. Model estimation also explains the 2013 taper tantrum well, and suggests that the LSAP's effects might have declined during QE III.
Organisation of the nervous system in cysts of the freshwater tardigrade Thulinius ruffoi (Parachela, Isohypsibioidea: Doryphoribiidae)
Authors: Janelt Kamil , Poprawa Izabela 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEncystment is a natural process that involves cyst formation, and at least some species of tardigrades can form cysts. However, the encystment process and cyst structure among tardigrades are still poorly understood. Despite some aspects of the encysted animals' systems organisation being examined in the past, the morphology and structure of the nervous system have never been thoroughly investigated. This study covers anatomical, histological and morphological details and proposes physiological aspects of the nervous system in encysted Thulinius ruffoi up to 11 months duration in encystment. This is the first record of the nervous system organisation in a species belonging to the family Doryphoribiidae. The cyst formation results in morphological changes in the nervous system. It comprises central and peripheral elements, which may be observable even after many months since the cyst formation. Based on the nervous system's organisation in cysts, there is no sign that histolysis is a part of encystment.
Association of multidimensional frailty and quality of life in middle‐aged and older people with stroke: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xue Rong , Chen Baoyun , Ma Ronghui , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Kaili 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this study were to (i) compare the prevalence of multidimensional frailty in middle‐aged and older people with stroke and to (ii) explore the relationship between multidimensional frailty and quality of life (QoL) in this patient population.BackgroundIn recent years, stroke patients have become increasingly younger. As an important risk factor for stroke patients, frailty has gradually drawn research attention because of its multidimensional nature.DesignThis study used a cross‐sectional design.MethodsThe study included 234 stroke patients aged 45 and older. Multidimensional frailty was defined as a holistic condition in which a person experiences losses in one or more domains of human functioning (physical, psychological and social) based on the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, and QoL was based on the short version of the Stroke‐Specific Quality of Life Scale. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the correlation factors of QoL. STROBE checklist guides the reporting of the manuscript.ResultsA total of 128 (54.7%) participants had multidimensional frailty, 48 (44.5%) were middle aged and 80 (63.5%) were older adults. The overall QoL mean score of the participants was 47.86 ± 9.04. Multidimensional frailty was negatively correlated with QoL. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that multidimensional frailty could independently explain 14.6% of the variation in QoL in stroke patients.ConclusionsMultidimensional frailty was prevalent in middle‐aged and older people with stroke, and it was a significant factor associated with QoL in stroke patients.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis study emphasises the importance of the early identification of multidimensional frailty. And targeted interventions should be studied to prevent the occurrence of multidimensional frailty and thereby improve the QoL of patients.Patient or Public Contribution/sThere are no patient or public contributions to this study.
Colostomy‐site carcinoma with primitive phenotype in a rectal cancer patient after achieving pathological complete response with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kodama Takayuki , Kanzawa Maki , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Tsukamoto Shuichi , Nishio Mari , Shigeoka Manabu , Koma Yu‐ichiro , Itoh Tomoo , Yokozaki Hiroshi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHerein, we report a rare case of a carcinoma with primitive phenotype (enteroblastic and/or hepatoid differentiation) occurring at a colostomy site. The patient was an elderly male who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer, followed by abdominoperineal resection. A biopsy specimen for the rectal carcinoma before neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was conventional tubular adenocarcinoma. Moreover, a pathological complete response was confirmed in the proctectomy specimen. However, a colostomy‐site tumor appeared 6 months after the proctectomy, and it was resected 1 year after the initial proctectomy. The colostomy‐site tumor comprised solid to focal glandular growth of atypical polygonal cells with clear to pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and was immunohistochemically positive for cytokeratin, spalt‐like transcription factor 4, glypican‐3, caudal type homeobox 2, and special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein 2. Thus, the tumor was diagnosed as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with primitive phenotype, with suggested origin from the colorectal epithelium. Additionally, a multilocular cystic lesion comprising various types of epithelia was found adjacent to the tumor, suggestive of metaplasia or heterotopia. Changes in the histology and immunophenotype, and the findings of an adjacent cystic lesion suggest a metachronous tumor rather than a recurrence of the primary tumor.
Modeling Contraception and Pregnancy in Malawi: A Thanzi La Onse Mathematical Modeling Study
Authors: Colbourn Tim , Janoušková Eva , Li Lin Ines , Collins Joseph , Connolly Emilia , Graham Matt , Jewel Britta , Kachale Fannie , Mangal Tara , Manthalu Gerald , Mfutso‐Bengo Joseph , Mnjowe Emmanuel , Mohan Sakshi , Molaro Margherita , Ng'ambi Wingston , Nkhoma Dominic , Revill Paul , She Bingling , Manning Smith Robert , Twea Pakwanja , Tamuri Asif , Phillips Andrew , Hallett Timothy B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMalawi has high unmet need for contraception with a costed national plan to increase contraception use. Estimating how such investments might impact future population size in Malawi can help policymakers understand effects and value of policies to increase contraception uptake. We developed a new model of contraception and pregnancy using individual‐level data capturing complexities of contraception initiation, switching, discontinuation, and failure by contraception method, accounting for differences by individual characteristics. We modeled contraception scale‐up via a population campaign to increase initiation of contraception (Pop) and a postpartum family planning intervention (PPFP). We calibrated the model without new interventions to the UN World Population Prospects 2019 medium variant projection of births for Malawi. Without interventions Malawi's population passes 60 million in 2084; with Pop and PPFP interventions. it peaks below 35 million by 2100. We compare contraception coverage and costs, by method, with and without interventions, from 2023 to 2050. We estimate investments in contraception scale‐up correspond to only 0.9 percent of total health expenditure per capita though could result in dramatic reductions of current pressures of very rapid population growth on health services, schools, land, and society, helping Malawi achieve national and global health and development goals.
An Analysis of Positional Generic and Individualized Speed Thresholds Within the Most Demanding Phases of Match Play in the English Premier League
Authors: Kavanagh Ronan , McDaid Kevin , Rhodes David , McDonnell Jack , Oliveira Rafael , Morgans Ryland 
Published: December 2023

Objectives: To analyze the positional distances covered above generic and individualized speed thresholds within the most demanding phases of match play. Categorized by position, 17 English Premier League players’ match data were analyzed over 2 consecutive seasons (2019–20 and 2020–21). The most demanding phases of play were determined using a rolling average across 4 periods of 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes. Distance covered in the time above the standard speed of 5.5 m/s was analyzed, with individualized metrics based on the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) test data. Results: Central defenders displayed lower values for high-intensity periods when compared with fullbacks, midfielders, and wide midfielders for both generic and individualized metrics. MAS during 1-minute periods was significantly higher for forwards when compared with central defenders (82.9 [18.9] vs 67.5 [14.8] for maximum high-speed running [HSR] and 96.0 [15.9] vs 75.7 [13.8] HSR for maximum MAS activity). The maximum effect size differences between the central midfielders, wide midfielders, and fullbacks for HSR and MAS measures under the maximum HSR criterion was 0.28 and 0.18 for the 1-minute period, 0.36 and 0.19 for the 3-minute period, 0.46 and 0.31 for the 5-minute period, and 0.49 and 0.315 for the 10-minute period. Conclusions: Individualized speed metrics may provide a more precise and comparable measure than generic values. Data appear to be consistent across playing positions except for central defenders. This information may allow practitioners to directly compare individualized physical outputs of non–central defenders during the most demanding phases of play regardless of the players’ positional group. This may provide coaches with important information regarding session design, training load, and fatigue monitoring.
The Epistemic Value of Gain of Function Experiments
Authors: Casadevall Arturo , Fang Ferric C. , Imperiale Michael J. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
The phrase “gain of function” (GOF) has recently acquired a negative connotation in experimental biology by its association with risky science. Whereas much of the discussion on the relative merits of GOF-type experiments has focused on their risk-benefit equation, relatively little has been said about their epistemic value. In this article, we recount how GOF experiments were critical for establishing DNA as the genetic material, the identification of cellular receptors, and the role of oncogenes in cancer research. Today, many of the products of the biomedical revolution such as synthetic insulin, growth factors, and monoclonal antibodies are the result of GOF experiments where cells were given the new function of synthesizing medically important products. GOF experiments and complementary loss of function experiments are epistemically powerful tools for establishing causality in biology.