bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Isolated Open Gastrocnemius Recession for the Treatment of Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Purnell Jennifer , Johnson Anne Holly , Cody Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2023

Background: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a common condition causing pain and dysfunction. Patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, and obesity are at increased risk of developing IAT. These comorbidities also carry an increased risk of wound healing complications following surgery. Therefore, there is a need for alternative management strategies for this high-risk patient population. This study investigated the potential role of isolated GR in patients with chronic IAT. Methods: This study is a single-institution retrospective review of adult patients who underwent isolated GR to address chronic IAT with a minimum 1-year follow-up. Demographics, complications, radiographic findings, and preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) were collected. The primary outcome was improvement in PROMIS scores from preoperative to postoperative. Secondary outcomes were complication and reoperation rates. Results: Sixteen patients underwent open GR with a mean follow-up of 2.7 years. Postoperative PROMIS domain scores improved significantly from preoperative scores for physical function, pain interference, pain intensity, and global physical function. Two patients (13%) underwent reoperation (open calcaneal exostectomy and tendon debridement) at a mean time of 7 months from gastrocnemius recession. One patient developed a postoperative hematoma that resolved with conservative management. Conclusion: This single-institution series reports on a small cohort of patients with chronic IAT treated with open GR. We found significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes. Rates of complication and reoperation were low. This study supports the potential use of isolated gastrocnemius recession in IAT patients who, because of age or medical comorbidities, may benefit from a less invasive surgery and faster rehabilitation. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case control study.
Outcomes After Hallux Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis
Authors: Braswell Matthew J. , Hysong Alexander A. , Macknet David M. , Jones Carroll P. , Ford Samuel E. , Ellington J. Kent 
Published: September 2023

Background: Hallux interphalangeal joint arthrodesis (HIPJA) is indicated for a variety of pathologies. Despite high nonunion rates, techniques remain unchanged. The aim of this study is to examine nonunion and complication rates and describe risk factors for treatment failure. Methods: A query of an institutional database was performed to identify all patients undergoing HIPJA procedure over a 10-year period. Records were reviewed to the procedure, evaluate patient factors, indications, and radiographic/clinical arthrodesis. Radiographic union was defined as 2 cortical continuations or bridging at the arthrodesis site, absence of hardware failure, and the absence of lytic gapping of the arthrodesis. Clinical fibrous union was defined as radiographic nonunion with painless toe range of motion and physical examination consistent with fusion across the interphalangeal joint. Results: Two hundred twenty-seven primary HIPJA procedures were identified. Our cohort demonstrated a 25.5% nonunion rate (58/227) and 21.1% reoperation rate (48/227). Patients with diabetes were at higher risk for nonunion ( P = .014), but no significant differences were identified based on smoking status or diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. No difference was seen between implant groups: single screw, multiple screws, screw plus other fixation, nonscrew fixation. Patients with prior hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis did not have a significantly higher nonunion rate than patients without prior first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Patients diagnosed with radiographic nonunion were at higher risk for reoperation ( P < .0001). Conclusion: Our cohort represents the largest single-center series of HIPJA procedures published to date. We found relatively high nonunion and reoperation rates with standard current techniques. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case series.
Influence of Comorbidity Burden, Socioeconomic Status, and Race and Ethnicity on Survival Disparities in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Cooper Robert M. , Chao Chun , Mukherjee Amrita , Zhuang Zimin , Haque Reina 
Published: September 2023

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the association of comorbidity burden with overall survival, accounting for racial/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in patients with cancer. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients newly diagnosed with cancer between 2010 and 2018 were identified from a large health plan in southern California. Cancer registry data were linked with electronic health records (EHR). Comorbidity burden was defined by the Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI). Patients were followed through December 2019 to assess all-cause mortality. Association of comorbidity burden with all-cause mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards model. Crude and adjusted hazard ratio (HR, 95%CI) were determined. Results Of 153,270 patients included in the analysis, 29% died during the ensuing 10-year follow-up. Nearly 49% were patients of color, and 32% had an ECI > 4. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer stage, smoking status, insurance payor, medical center, year of cancer diagnosis, and cancer treatments, we observed a trend demonstrating higher mortality risk by decreasing socioeconomic status (SES) (P-trend<.05). Compared to patients in the highest SES quintile, patients in the lowest, second lowest, middle, and second highest quintiles had 25%, 21%, 18%, and 11% higher risk of mortality, respectively [(HR, 95%CI): 1.25 (1.21-1.29), 1.21 (1.18-1.25), 1.18 (1.15-1.22), and 1.11 (1.07-1.14), respectively]. When we additionally adjusted for ECI, the adjusted HRs for SES were slightly attenuated; however, the trend persisted. Patients with higher comorbidity burden had higher mortality risk compared to patients with ECI score = 0 in the adjusted model [(HR, 95%CI): 1.22 (1.17-1.28), 1.48 (1.42-1.55), 1.80 (1.72-1.89), 2.24 (2.14-2.34), and 3.39 (3.25-3.53) for ECI = 1, 2, 3, 4, and >5, respectively]. Conclusions Comorbidity burden affects overall survival in cancer patients irrespective of racial/ethnic and SES differences. Reducing comorbidity burden can reduce some, but not all, of the mortality risk associated with lower SES.
Obstetric racism and perceived quality of maternity care in Canada: Voices of Black women
Authors: Boakye Priscilla N , Prendergast Nadia , Bandari Bahareh , Anane Brown Eugenia , Odutayo Awura-ama , Salami Sharon 
Published: September 2023

Background: Obstetric racism in healthcare encounters impact on access to quality maternal healthcare for Black childbearing women yet remains underexplored in Canada. Understanding the experiences of Black Canadian women is critical to inform policy and create targeted interventions to address obstetric racism and advanced maternal health equity. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of obstetric racism and its influence on perceived quality of maternity care among Black women in Toronto, Canada. Design: Qualitative research was conducted using a critical qualitative inquiry approach. Methods: We conducted a semi-structured interviews with 24 Black women who were pregnant and/or have given birth in the last 3 years. The interviews explored their experiences seeking care during pregnancy/childbirth and perceived quality of care. Results: Two themes were generated through the process of thematic analysis: (1) Manifestations and Impacts of Obstetric Racism and (2) Strategies for Addressing Obstetric Racism. Narratives of being dismissed, objectified, dehumanized, trauma and paternalism were reflected in the accounts of the participants. These experiences undermined the quality of care, hindered therapeutic relationships and contributed to mistrust. Conclusion: Black women understood the nature and impact of obstetric racism as it relates to the quality of maternal health care, their safety, and well-being. Participants recommended the need for anti-Black racism training specific to caring of Black childbearing women and increasing Black healthcare provider representation in perinatal settings as strategies to address obstetric racism. Investment in Black maternal health research is urgently needed to generate meaningful evidence to inform policy and interventions to advanced maternal health equity.
Response prediction by mutation- or methylation-specific detection of ctDNA dynamics in pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Doleschal Bernhard , Kirchweger Patrick , Schwendinger Simon , Kupferthaler Alexander , Burghofer Jonathan , Webersinke Gerald , Jukic Emina , Wundsam Helwig , Biebl Matthias , Petzer Andreas , Rumpold Holger 
Published: September 2023

Background: Serial analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels is a promising tool for both relapse prediction in the curative setting, as well as predicting clinical benefit from systemic treatment in metastasic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Most data in this context are derived from treatment naive patients. Objective: To predict progressive disease (PD) as early as possible through monitoring of changes in ctDNA levels during systemic treatment in pretreated patients with mCRC. Design: A prospective, single-center, observational study. Methods: Patients treated beyond first-line were prospectively included between February 2020 and September 2021. Blood for ctDNA detection was taken before every treatment cycle from start of treatment until first restaging by CT-scan. ctDNA was detected by mutation- (mut-ctDNA) and methylation-specific ddPCR. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)-analysis was used to describe sensitivity and specificity for prediction of PD at restaging for all time points. Results: A total of 42 patients were included who all carried a mutation in tumor tissue. Detection rate of mut-ctDNA was 88.1% and 74.4% for meth-ctDNA. Absolute ctDNA levels before treatment were prognostic in terms of overall survival. Levels of ctDNA were significantly higher in patients with PD at restaging. Median time from start of treatment to restaging was 93 days (95% CI 88.8–96). After a median of 19 days of treatment (95% CI 16.1–20.2), a decline of either mutation- or methylation-specific ctDNA levels of ⩽58% predicted PD at restaging with a sensitivity/specificity of 92.9/85.7% and 85.7/100%, respectively. Median time to restaging was 66 days (95% CI 56.8–75.2). There was no significant increase of sensitivity/specificity at later time points of ctDNA measurements. Conclusion: Monitoring early changes of ctDNA levels either by mut- or meth-ctDNA allows for early prediction of PD in pretreated patients with mCRC. This has the potential to complement RECIST-based treatment assessment with the aim to switch potentially insufficient treatments as early as possible, which is of particular interest in higher treatment lines.
The effects of advanced maternal age on perinatal mortality in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bekele Gemechu Gelan , Yohannes Roga Ephrem , Gonfa Dajane Negesse , Yami Amare Tesfaye , Fekene Daniel Belema , Kabale Wogene Daro 
Published: September 2023

Background: Pregnancy in women over the age of 35 years is considered advanced maternal age. The relationship between advanced maternal age and the risk of perinatal mortality is still controversial. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to clarify the relationship between advanced maternal age and perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. Methods: The following electronic databases were used for this systematic review and meta-analysis: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, HINARI, and African Journals Online up to March 2022. Addis Ababa, Gondor, and Jimma University research repositories were also searched. A random-effects model was used to pool study-specific odds ratios. Results: A total of 18 articles, including a total of 45,541 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 11 cross-sectional, 2 case-control, and 5 cohort studies were included. The overall pooled estimate indicates that women with advanced maternal age had a 1.58 higher risk of perinatal mortality compared to women in the younger age group (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.13–2.03). The subgroup analysis also revealed that there were differences in the effect size as the geographical region differed. The result showed that the odd of perinatal mortality was highest in the Oromia region and lowest in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Region. Conclusion: The overall pooled estimate indicates that women with advanced maternal age had a 1.58-fold higher risk of perinatal mortality. Even though this risk could also be increased with other comorbid diseases, it is important for healthcare providers and other concerned stakeholders to be aware of the increased risks associated with advanced maternal age and provide different intervention programs designed to create awareness and provide counseling services to couples who seek to have a child in their later ages about the risks of advanced maternal age pregnancy on perinatal mortality and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Validity of the UCEEM in use: How Does it Triangulate with Qualitative Data in Measuring the Effect of an Educational Intervention?
Authors: Jones Alexander , Hartley James , Jones Nicola 
Published: September 2023

Objectives Improving medical student placements relies on being able to reliably evaluate how students experience clinical learning environments. The Undergraduate Clinical Education Environment Measure (UCEEM) is an increasingly used validated tool designed to allow such evaluations. This study aims to further characterize how the UCEEM relates to qualitative evaluation. methods Students on placement at one hospital were invited to complete the UCEEM before and after the implementation of an innovative new placement structure. Additionally, focus groups were employed to collect qualitative data on their experiences. a novel protocol to triangulate the output of the UCEEM with the qualitative data was developed. Results The UCEEM showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha 0.79-0.91) and internal correlation. Implementation of the intervention created significant improvements in the overall UCEEM scores ( P = .008) and in the “Learning in and through work and quality of supervision” ( P = .048), “Preparedness for student entry” ( P = .033) and “Workplace interaction patterns and student inclusion” ( P = .039) domains. The triangulation of qualitative data with UCEEM output showed that the UCEEM allowed evaluation of some perceptions not reached through open questioning. However, mixed interpretations of UCEEM items by students led to the conflation of themes and challenges in deriving the meaning behind the score. This appeared to be the case for 14 of the 24 UCEEM items. Conclusion This investigation adds to the literature supporting the UCEEM as a validated tool. It also elucidates the limitations and relationships to qualitative data that investigators need to be aware of in its use.
Reduction of Posterior Malleolus Fractures With Open Fixation Compared to Percutaneous Treatment
Authors: Haws Brittany E. , Karnyski Steven , DiStefano David A. , Soin Sandeep P. , Flemister Adolph S. , Ketz John P. 
Published: September 2023

Background: Operative decision making between approaches to posterior malleolus reduction remains a challenge. The purpose of this study is to compare the quality of reduction between percutaneous and open reduction of posterior malleolus fractures and to identify factors associated with malreduction. Methods: Operatively managed ankle fractures that included posterior malleolus fixation were reviewed. Fracture characteristics were determined on preoperative CT scans. Initial postoperative radiographs were used to measure reduction of the posterior malleolus articular surface and graded as satisfactory (<2 mm step-off) or malreduced (≥2 mm step-off). Final postoperative PROMIS scores and 1-year complications were compared between percutaneous and open cohorts. A multivariate stepwise regression model was used to evaluate predictors for malreduction. Results: A total of 120 patients were included. Open reduction was performed in 91 (75.8%) compared with 29 (24.2%) who underwent percutaneous reduction. Malreduction (≥2-mm articular step-off) occurred in 11.7% of patients. Malreduction rates were significantly higher with percutaneous fixation than open fixation (24.1% vs 7.7%, P = .02). Multiple fragments and those with ≥5 mm of displacement demonstrated higher malreduction rates with percutaneous fixation ( P < .05 for both), whereas single fragments and those with <5 mm of displacement experienced similar malreduction rates with percutaneous or open fixation. Initial displacement ≥5 mm (relative risk [RR] = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.2-11.5, P = .02) and percutaneous treatment (RR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.6-10.5, P < .01) were identified as independent risk factors for malreduction. There were no significant differences in 1-year complication rates or final PROMIS scores between groups. Conclusion: Open reduction of the posterior malleolus may lead to improved fracture reduction compared to percutaneous reduction without significant increase in complications. Open fixation improves reduction among fractures with multiple fragments or ≥5 mm of displacement, whereas fractures with a single fragment or <5 mm of displacement achieve similar reductions regardless of approach. Initial displacement ≥5 mm and percutaneous reduction are independent risk factors for malreduction. Level of evidence: Level III, therapeutic.
Geospatial assessment of the convergence of communicable and non-communicable diseases in South Africa
Authors: Cuadros Diego F , Moreno Claudia M , Tomita Andrew , Singh Urisha , Olivier Stephen , Castle Alison , Moosa Yumna , Edwards Johnathan A , Kim Hae-Young , Siedner Mark J , Wong Emily B , Tanser Frank 
Published: September 2023

Introduction Several low-and middle-income countries are undergoing rapid epidemiological transition with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). South Africa (SA) is a country with one of the largest HIV epidemics worldwide and a growing burden of NCDs where the collision of these epidemics poses a major public health challenge. Methods Using data from a large nationally representative survey, the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS 2016), we conducted a geospatial analysis of several diseases including HIV, tuberculosis (TB), cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases to identify areas with a high burden of co-morbidity within the country. We explored the spatial structure of each disease and associations between diseases using different spatial and visual data methodologies. We also assessed the individual level co-occurrence of HIV and the other diseases included in the analysis. Results The spatial distribution for HIV prevalence showed that this epidemic is most intense in the eastern region of the country, mostly within the Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Kwazulu-Natal provinces. In contrast, chronic diseases had their highest prevalence rates the southern region of the country, particularly in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. Individual-level analyses were consistent with the spatial correlations and found no statistically significant associations between HIV infection and the presence of any NCDs. Conclusions We found no evidence of geospatial overlap between the HIV epidemic and NCDs in SA. These results evidence the complex epidemiological landscape of the country, characterized by geographically distinct areas exhibiting different health burdens. The detailed description of the heterogenous prevalence of HIV and NCDs in SA reported in this study could be a useful tool to inform and direct policies to enhance targeted health service delivery according to the local health needs of each community.
Telomeric repeat-containing RNA is dysregulated in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Catto Luiz Fernando B. , Zanelatto Leonardo C. , Donaires Flavia S. , de Carvalho Vinicius S. , Santana Bárbara A. , Pinto André L. , Fantacini Daianne , de Souza Lucas Eduardo B. , Fonseca Natasha P. , Telho Bruno S. , Ayrosa Madeira Maria Isabel , Barbosa Pagnano Katia Borgia , Firmato Ana Beatriz , Fagundes Evandro Maranhão , Higashi Marcia , Nunes Elenaide Coutinho , Traina Fabiola , Lobo de F. Pontes Lorena , Rego Eduardo M. , Calado Rodrigo T. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
TERRA (telomeric repeat-containing RNA) is a class of long noncoding RNAs transcribed from subtelomeric and telomeric regions. TERRA binds to the subtelomeric and telomeric DNA–forming R-loops (DNA-RNA hybrids), which are involved in telomere maintenance and telomerase function, but the role of TERRA in human cells is not well characterized. Here, we comprehensively investigated for the first time TERRA expression in primary human hematopoietic cells from an exploratory cohort of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), patients with telomere biology disorder (TBD), and healthy subjects. TERRA expression was repressed in primary human hematopoietic cells, including healthy donors, patients with ALL, and patients with TBD, irrespective of their telomere length, except for AML. A second cohort comprising 88 patients with AML showed that TERRA was overexpressed in an AML subgroup also characterized by higher R-loop formation, low TERT and RNAseH2 expression, and a paucity of somatic splicing factor mutations. Telomere length did not correlate with TERRA expression levels. To assess the role of TERRA R-loops in AML, we induced R-loop depletion by increasing RNAseH1 expression in 2 AML cell lines. Decreased TERRA R-loops in AML cell lines resulted in increased chemosensitivity to cytarabine. Our findings indicate that TERRA is uniformly repressed in primary human hematopoietic cells but abnormally expressed in an AML subset with low telomerase.