bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding Non-Participation in Armed Groups during the Sri Lankan Civil War
Authors: Meier Larissa Daria 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This article addresses the question of why individuals do not join armed groups during civil wars. Based on conflict history interviews with non-combatants and former members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), it singles out the most relevant mechanisms that inform respondents’ non-participation choices: lack of opportunity, embeddedness in disapproving networks, resource activation, resilience, and determination. These mechanisms operate at different levels of analysis and therefore highlight the fundamental importance and interplay of (changing) political contexts, (adjusting) quotidian systems of social ties and individual dispositions in shaping non-participation dynamics and in generating spatio-temporal variation in non-involvement patterns. By analyzing non-participation in armed groups, the article contributes to the growing scholarly interest in the multiple choices and roles individuals take and adopt (beyond engaging in militancy) and elucidates the complex relationship between endogenous conflict dynamics and pre-war structures and dispositions underlying micro-mobilization processes.
Exogenous GDNF promotes peripheral facial nerve regeneration in rats through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Fei Jing , Chen Shujin , Song Xuecheng , Liang Yunhong , Duan Kunling , Peng Xiaowen , Li Leiji 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFacial nerve regeneration still lacks a well‐defined and practical clinical intervention. The survival of central facial motoneuron is a critical component in the successful peripheral facial nerve regeneration. Endogenous GDNF is vital for facial nerve regeneration according to earlier investigations. Nevertheless, the low endogenous GDNF level makes it challenging to achieve therapeutic benefits. Thus, we crushed the main trunk of facial nerve in SD rats to provide a model of peripheral facial paralysis, and we administered exogenous GDNF and Rapa treatments. We observed changes in the animal behavior scores, the morphology of facial nerve and buccinator muscle, the electrophysiological of facial nerve, and the expression of GDNF, GAP‐43, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway‐related molecules in the facial motoneurons. We discovered that GDNF could boost axon regeneration, hasten the recovery of facial paralysis symptoms and nerve conduction function, and increase the expression of GDNF, GAP‐43, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway‐related molecules in the central facial motoneurons. Therefore, exogenous GDNF injection into the buccinator muscle can enhance facial nerve regeneration following crushing injury and protect facial neurons via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This will offer a fresh perspective and theoretical foundation for the management of clinical facial nerve regeneration.
Comparison of Outcomes at Midterm Follow-up of Operatively and Non-Operatively Treated Isolated Weber B Ankle Fractures
Authors: Ge Laurence , Perdue Aaron M. , Hake Mark E. , Talusan Paul G. , Holmes James R. , Walton David M. 
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE:A novel protocol was previously presented for non-operative management of Weber B (OTA/AO 44B) ankle fractures with criteria of medial clear space (MCS) <7mm on gravity stress (GS) radiographs and ipsilateral superior clear space and contralateral GS MCS within 2mm. This study recruited an operative cohort for comparison of outcomes.METHODS:Design:Retrospective cohort studySetting:Level 1 academic centerPatient Selection Criteria:The recruited operative cohort consisted of patients who may have been considered for the non-operative protocol but underwent surgery instead.Outcome Measures and Comparisons: Kellgren-Lawrence scale for evaluation of arthritis, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot, Olerud Molander Ankle (OMA), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and PROMIS (physical function, depression, pain interference) scores for the current operative cohort were compared to that of the original non-operative cohort.RESULTS:There were 20 patients in the operative cohort and 29 in the original non-operative cohort. Mean follow-up was 6.9 and 6.7 years, respectively. The following outcome scores were better for the non-operative cohort compared to the operative, respectively: LEFS, 75.2 and 68.1 (p=0.009); OMA, 94.1 and 89.0 (p=0.05); AOFAS, 98.5 and 91.7 (p=0.0003); PROMIS Physical Function, 58.2 and 50.4 (p=0.01); PROMIS Pain Interference, 42.2 and 49.7 (p=0.004). The PROMIS Depression, 42.8 and 45.4 (p=0.29), was not different between groups. All patients achieved union of their fracture. Surgical complications included implant removal (15%), SPN neurapraxia (5%), and delayed wound healing (5%).CONCLUSIONS:In carefully selected patients with isolated Weber B fractures, non-operative management may be considered as it can lead to equivalent or superior outcomes with none of the risks typically associated with surgical intervention.
Dietary intake and serum levels of copper and zinc and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: A matched case-control study
Authors: Liu Xiaozhan , Zhang Yaojun , Yishake Dinuerguli , Luo Yan , Liu Zhaoyan , Chen Yuming , Zhu Huilian , Fang Aiping 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:
Copper and zinc are involved in the development of multiple malignancies; yet, epidemiological evidence on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary intake and serum levels of copper and zinc with the risk of HCC.

Methods:
A total of 434 case-control pairs matched for sex and age (±1 year) were included in this study. Cases with newly diagnosed HCC were from the Guangdong Liver Cancer Cohort (GLCC) study, and healthy controls were from the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS). A semi-quantitative 79-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess habitual dietary intakes of copper and zinc. Serum levels of copper and zinc were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The copper (Cu)/ zinc (Zn) ratio was computed by dividing copper levels by zinc levels. Conditional logistic regression models were performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for per 1 standard deviation increase (per-SD increase) in copper and zinc levels.

Results:
Higher dietary intake (ORper-SD increase = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.96, P
trend = 0.029) and serum levels of zinc (ORper-SD increase = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.30, P
trend <0.001) were both associated with a lower risk of HCC. Subgroup analyses showed that the inverse association was only pronounced in men but not in women (P
interaction = 0.041 for dietary zinc intake and 0.010 for serum zinc levels). Serum copper levels (ORper-SD increase = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.39, 3.03, P
trend = 0.020) and serum Cu/Zn ratio (ORper-SD increase = 6.53, 95% CI: 2.52, 16.92, P
trend<0.001) were positively associated with HCC risk, while dietary copper intake and dietary Cu/Zn ratio were not associated with HCC risk.

Conclusion:
Zinc may be a protective factor for HCC, especially among men, but the effects of copper on HCC risk are not clear.
Strategy and technique for surgical treatment of Ebstein's anomaly
Authors: Wu Qingyu , Zhang Xiaoya , Zhang Mingkui , Li Hongyin , Zhang Dongya , Wang Lianyi , Wu Qingfeng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:
Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is a rare and complex congenital heart anomaly, and the effect of surgical treatment is not ideal. This study aims to introduce our experience in management strategies, surgical techniques, and operative indications for patients with Ebstein's anomaly.

Methods:
A retrospective study of 258 operations was performed in 253 patients by the same cardiac surgeon in The First Hospital of Tsinghua University between March 2004 and January 2020. 32 patients had previously received cardiac surgery in other hospitals. The clinical data including diagnosis, operative indications, techniques, pathological changes, and survival rates were collected and analyzed.

Results:
Anatomical correction was performed in 203 (78.7%) operations, 1½ ventricle repair in 38 (14.7%) operations, tricuspid valve repair only in four operations (1.6%), tricuspid valve replacement in ten (3.9%), total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) in two (0.8%), and Glenn operation in one operation (0.4%). Reoperation was performed in five patients (2.0%) during hospitalization. Among them, tricuspid valve replacement was performed in one patient, 1½ ventricle repair in two patients, and tricuspid valve annulus reinforcement in two patients. Five patients died with an early mortality rate of 2.0%. Complete atrioventricular conduction block was complicated in one patient (0.4%). A total of 244 patients was followed up (four in the 253 patients lost) with a duration of 3.0–168.0 (87.6 ± 38.4) months. Cardiac function of 244 patients improved significantly with mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class recovery from 3.5 to 1.1. The mean grade of tricuspid valve regurgitation improved from 3.6 to 1.5. Three late deaths (1.2%) occurred. The survival rates at five and ten years after surgery were 98.6% and 98.2%, respectively. Reoperation was performed in five patients (2.0%) during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:
Based on our management strategies and operative principles and techniques, anatomical correction of EA is capable of achieving excellent long-term results, and low rates of TCPC, 1½ ventricle repair and valvular replacement.
Probiotics intervention in colorectal cancer: From traditional approaches to novel strategies
Authors: Ha Suki , Zhang Xiang , Yu Jun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The intestine harbors a large population of microorganisms that interact with epithelial cells to maintain host healthy physiological status. These intestinal microbiota engage in the fermentation of non-digestible nutrients and produce beneficial metabolites to regulate host homeostasis, metabolism, and immune response. The disruption of microbiota, known as dysbiosis, has been implicated in many intestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). As the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, CRC poses a significant health burden. There is an urgent need for novel interventions to reduce CRC incidence and improve clinical outcomes. Modulating the intestinal microbiota has emerged as a promising approach for CRC prevention and treatment. Current research efforts in CRC probiotics primarily focus on reducing the incidence of CRC, alleviating treatment-related side effects, and potentiating the efficacy of anticancer therapy, which is the key to successful translation to clinical practice. This paper aims to review the traditional probiotics and new interventions, such as next-generation probiotics and postbiotics, in the context of CRC. The underlying mechanisms of probiotic anti-cancer effects are also discussed, including the restoration of microbial composition, reinforcement of gut barrier integrity, induction of cancer cell apoptosis, inactivation of carcinogens, and modulation of host immune response. This paper further evaluates the novel strategy of probiotics as an adjuvant therapy in boosting the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Despite all the promising findings presented in studies, the evaluation of potential risks, optimization of delivery methods, and consideration of intra-patient variability of gut microbial baseline must be thoroughly interpreted before bench-to-bedside translation.
Characterizing Extreme Phenotypes for Pain Interference in Persons With Chronic Pain Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project
Authors: Hoffman Jeanne M. , Ketchum Jessica M. , Agtarap Stephanie , Dams-O'Connor Kristen , Hammond Flora M. , Martin Aaron M. , Sevigny Mitch , Walker William C. , Harrison-Felix Cynthia , Zafonte Ross , Nakase-Richardson Risa 
Published: November 2023

Objective:
To define and characterize extreme phenotypes based on pain interference for persons with chronic pain following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting:
Eighteen Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) Centers.

Participants:
A total of 1762 TBIMS participants 1 to 30 years post-injury reporting chronic pain at their most recent follow-up interview.

Primary Measures:
The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) interference scale, sociodemographic, injury, functional outcome, pain, and treatment characteristics.

Results:
Participants were predominantly male (73%), White (75%), middle-aged (mean 46 years), and who were injured in motor vehicle accidents (53%) or falls (20%). Extreme phenotypes were identified based on upper and lower 25th percentiles to create low-interference (n = 441) and high-interference (n = 431) extreme phenotypes. Bivariate comparisons found several sociodemographic, injury, function, pain, and treatment differences between extreme phenotype groups, including significant differences (P < .001) on all measures of concurrent function with those in the low-interference extreme phenotype experiencing better function than those in the high-interference extreme phenotype. Lasso regression combined with logistic regression identified multivariable predictors of low- versus high-interference extreme phenotypes. Reductions in the odds of low- versus high-interference phenotypes were significantly associated with higher pain intensity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.33), having neuropathic pain (OR = 0.40), migraine headache (OR = 0.41), leg/feet pain (OR = 0.34), or hip pain (OR = 0.46), and more pain catastrophizing (OR = 0.81).

Conclusion:
Results suggest that for those who experience current chronic pain, there is high variability in the experience and impact of pain. Future research is needed to better understand how pain experience impacts individuals with chronic pain and TBI given that pain characteristics were the primary distinguishing factors between phenotypes. The use of extreme phenotypes for pain interference may be useful to better stratify samples to determine efficacy of pain treatment for individuals with TBI.
What Are the Predictors for and Psychosocial Correlates of Chronic Headache After Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?
Authors: Walker William C. , Perera Robert A. , Hammond Flora M. , Zafonte Ross , Katta-Charles Sheryl , Abbasi Katherine W. , Hoffman Jeanne M. 
Published: November 2023

Objective:Although headache (HA) is a common sequela of traumatic brain injury (TBI), early predictors of chronic HA after moderate to severe TBI are not well established, and the relationship chronic HA has with psychosocial functioning is understudied. Thus, we sought to (1) determine demographic and injury predictors of chronic HA 1 or more years after moderate to severe TBI and (2) examine associations between chronic HA and psychosocial outcomes.Setting:Community.Participants:Participants in the TBI Model System (TBIMS) with moderate to severe TBI who consented for additional chronic pain questionnaires at the time of TBIMS follow-up.Design:Multisite, observational cohort study using LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression for prediction modeling and independentttests for psychosocial associations.Main Outcome Measure(s):Chronic HA after TBI at year 1 or 2 postinjury and more remotely (5 or more years).Results:The LASSO model for chronic HA at 1 to 2 years achieved acceptable predictability (cross-validated area under the curve [AUC] = 0.70). At 5 or more years, predictability was nearly acceptable (cross-validated AUC = 0.68), but much more complex, with more than twice as many variables contributing. Injury characteristics had stronger predictive value at postinjury years 1 to 2 versus 5 or more years, especially sustained intracranial pressure elevation (odds ratio [OR] = 3.8) and skull fragments on head computed tomography (CT) (OR = 2.5). Additional TBI(s) was a risk factor at both time frames, as were multiple socioeconomic characteristics, including lower education level, younger age, female gender, and Black race. Lower education level was a particularly strong predictor at 5 or more years (OR up to 3.5). Emotional and participation outcomes were broadly poorer among persons with chronic HA after moderate to severe TBI.Conclusions:Among people with moderate to severe TBI, chronic HA is associated with significant psychosocial burden. The identified risk factors will enable targeted clinical screening and monitoring strategies to enhance clinical care pathways that could lead to better outcomes. They may also be useful as stratification or covariates in future clinical trial research on treatments.
Long-term Participation and Functional Status in Children Who Experience Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ewing-Cobbs Linda , Clark Amy , Keenan Heather 
Published: November 2023

Objective:
To evaluate the effect of child and family factors on children's participation outcomes 2 to 3 years following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting:
Two level 1 pediatric trauma centers.

Participants:
Children aged 0 to 15 years with TBI at all severity levels or an orthopedic injury.

Design:
Prospective cohort.

Main Measures:
Caregivers completed the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) at 2- and 3-year follow-ups. The CASP was categorized as more than 90 or 90 or less on a 100-point scale, with 90 or less representing the 10th percentile and below in this sample. Modified Poisson regression models were used to describe relative risk of the CASP at 90 or less at 2 to 3 years postinjury, adjusting for preinjury family environment variables and injury group. A secondary analysis only included children who were 31 months or older at injury (n = 441) to determine whether changes in functional outcome (Pediatric Injury Functional Outcome Scale, PIFOS) and executive functions (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, BRIEF) from preinjury to 1 year after injury predicted CASP scores at the 2- or 3-year follow-up.

Results:
Seventy-eight percent (596/769) of children who had a completed preinjury survey had a completed CASP. In the adjusted model, children with severe TBI had a nearly 3 times higher risk (RR = 2.90; 95% CI, 1.43-5.87) of reduced participation than children with an orthopedic injury. In the secondary analysis, lower functional skills (5-point increase in 1-year postinjury PIFOS score) (RR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.18-1.57) and less favorable family function (RR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.02-2.10) were associated with reduced participation in both girls and boys.

Conclusion:
Participation in home, school, and community activities after TBI is related to multiple biopsychosocial factors. Participation-focused interventions are needed to reduce barriers to involvement and assist children and families to close the participation gap across settings.
Caronia Glaucoma Card Versus Amsler Grid for Monitoring Patients With Advanced Glaucoma
Authors: Caronia Ronald M. 
Published: November 2023

Précis:
Caronia Glaucoma Card (CGC) design incorporates a vertical and horizontal line and seven concentric circles corresponding to 1o arc at normal reading distance. The study showed that the CGC is preferred by study patients compared to Amsler Grid and can detect central scotomas.

Purpose:
Evaluate patient acceptance and efficacy of the Caronia Glaucoma Card (CGC) in monitoring patients with severe glaucoma.

Methods:
A retrospective study of consecutive patients with severe glaucoma who agreed to monitor their visual function. Patients were given a two-sided sheet of paper. An Amsler grid was printed on one side, and a CGC was printed on the other side. The patient was given verbal and written instructions on how to perform each test. They were asked to use either one or both tests to monitor their visual function on a weekly basis. Upon return, they were asked which test they preferred and if they appreciated or noticed any change in their scotoma. Patient comments were recorded.

Results:
Sixty-seven patients were given the test card whose reported past ocular history consisted solely of severe glaucoma. Seventeen patients were eventually excluded. Fourteen patients had 1 eye that fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the study, while the other eye was excluded. Eighty-six eyes of fifty patients satisfied the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Thirty of the patients were male (60%) and 20 were female (40%). The average age was 71.8 +/− 10.7 years. They all carried a diagnosis of severe glaucoma. When asked the question which test design they preferred to use, 30 patients preferred the CGC (60%), while 8 patients preferred the Amsler grid (16%). Twelve patients found no difference between the 2 test designs (24%). [χ2 (2, 50)=16.480, ρ=0.000]. Five patients noticed a change in their scotoma while using the card (5.8%, 5 of 86 eyes). All were exclusively using the CGC.

Conclusion:
The CGC is a convenient and inexpensive tool that was able to detect a change in scotoma. It may be helpful to add to the armamentarium to monitor glaucoma and its possible progression in patients with advanced disease.
Glaucoma Detection Using Optical Coherence Tomography: Reviewing the Pitfalls of Comparison to Normative Data
Authors: Leshno Ari , De Moraes Carlos Gustavo , Tsamis Emmanouil , La Bruna Sol , Cioffi George A. , Liebmann Jeffrey M. , Hood Donald C. 
Published: November 2023

Précis:
Optical coherence tomography is essential in managing glaucoma. This review describes various artifacts that originate from using a normative database to compare the individual’s scans. This is a review paper regarding artifacts in optical coherence tomography imaging for glaucoma arising from using a normative database as a reference for healthy retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer.