bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of mechanical circulatory support in elective high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions: a literature-based review
Authors: Geppert Alexander , Mashayekhi Kambis , Huber Kurt 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Contemporary medical practices allow complete percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a considerable number of patients who previously would have been considered too ‘high-risk’ for such procedures. The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices during these high-risk PCIs (HR-PCIs) is thought to reduce the potential risk for major adverse events during and after revascularization. The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO), and the Impella are the most common MCS devices in use. This review aims to summarize the clinical evidence for each of these devices and the potential mechanisms for the improvement in patient outcomes in HR-PCI. The IABP use has rapidly declined in recent years due to no evidence of benefit in HR-PCI and cardiogenic shock. The V-A ECMO results in low rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) but higher rates of acute kidney injury and increased need for transfusions. In initial studies, Impella resulted in a reduced need for repeat interventions and reduced rates of hypotension, but no benefit in mortality. However, MACCE rates with Impella have gradually declined over the last 10 years, reflecting increased operator experience and technical improvements. Thus, a large, randomized trial is needed to assess the efficacy of Impella in HR-PCI with contemporary standards of care. There is currently no individual parameter that can identify patients who would benefit from MCS use in elective HR-PCI. To address this gap, we propose an algorithm that combines anatomical complexity, comorbidities, and clinical presentation to accurately identify candidates for MCS-assisted HR-PCI.
Long-term survival after surgical treatment for post-infarction mechanical complications: results from the Caution study
Authors: Matteucci Matteo , Ronco Daniele , Kowalewski Mariusz , Massimi Giulio , De Bonis Michele , Formica Francesco , Jiritano Federica , Folliguet Thierry , Bonaros Nikolaos , Sponga Sandro , Suwalski Piotr , De Martino Andrea , Fischlein Theodor , Troise Giovanni , Dato Guglielmo Actis , Serraino Filiberto Giuseppe , Shah Shabir Hussain , Scrofani Roberto , Kalisnik Jurij Matija , Colli Andrea , Russo Claudio Francesco , Ranucci Marco , Pettinari Matteo , Kowalowka Adam , Thielmann Matthias , Meyns Bart , Khouqeer Fareed , Obadia Jean-Francois , Boeken Udo , Simon Caterina , Naito Shiho , Musazzi Andrea , Lorusso Roberto 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
Mechanical complications (MCs) are rare but potentially fatal sequelae of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Surgery, though challenging, is considered the treatment of choice. The authors sought to study the early and long-term results of patients undergoing surgical treatment for post-AMI MCs.

Methods and results
Patients who underwent surgical treatment for post-infarction MCs between 2001 through 2019 in 27 centres worldwide were retrieved from the database of the CAUTION study. In-hospital and long-term mortality were the primary outcomes. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine independent factors associated with overall mortality. The study included 720 patients. The median age was 70.0 [62.0–77.0] years, with a male predominance (64.6%). The most common MC encountered was ventricular septal rupture (VSR) (59.4%). Cardiogenic shock was seen on presentation in 56.1% of patients. In-hospital mortality rate was 37.4%; in more than 50% of cases, the cause of death was low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Late mortality occurred in 133 patients, with a median follow-up of 4.4 [1.0–8.6] years. Overall survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 54.0, 48.1, and 41.0%, respectively. Older age (P &lt; 0.001) and post-operative LCOS (P &lt; 0.001) were independent predictors of overall mortality. For hospital survivors, 10-year survival was 65.7% and was significantly higher for patients with VSR than those with papillary muscle rupture (long-rank P = 0.022).

Conclusion
Contemporary data from a multicentre cohort study show that surgical treatment for post-AMI MCs continues to be associated with high in-hospital mortality rates. However, long-term survival in patients surviving the immediate post-operative period is encouraging.
The politics of death in Nnedi Okorafor’s Africanfuturist Novels
Authors: Adeniyi Ifeoluwa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This essay discusses the politics of death in Nnedi Okorafor’s early novels, Who Fears Death and The Book of Phoenix, not least because both novels are linked and underscore the writer’s commitments to necropolitics. Both novels also highlight death worlds founded on genocides and the eradication of minoritized and racialized bodies. I show that Okorafor’s artistic commitments in both works are organized around a critique of the necropolitical conditions of past and contemporary imperial world orders. At the heart of this critique is the Black woman, whom Okorafor positions at the crucial interfaces of alternative future worlds founded on visions of martyrdom and renewal/transfiguration as necessary in the struggle against necropower.
Femurs in patients with hip dysplasia have fundamental shape differences compared with cam femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Harris Michael D , Gaffney Brecca M.M , Clohisy John C , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Femoral deformities are common in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), but decisions about how to treat them are not standardized. Of interest are deformities that may be akin to cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We used three-dimensional and two-dimensional measures to clarify the similarities and differences in proximal femur shape variation among female patients with DDH (n = 68) or cam FAI (n = 60). Three-dimensional measures included femoral head asphericity, as well as shape variation using statistical shape modeling and principal component analysis (PCA). Two-dimensional measures included the α-angle, head–neck offset (HNO) and the neck–shaft angle (NSA). Significant shape variations were captured in the first five PCA modes, with the greatest shared variation between groups being the length from the lesser trochanter to the femoral head and greater trochanter height. Variations unique to DDH were irregularities at different areas of the femoral head, but not at the lateral femoral head–neck junction where variation was strong in FAI. The FAI group also had unique variations in greater trochanter shape. DDH femoral heads were less spherical, as indicated by larger sphere-fitting errors (P &lt; 0.001). Radiographically, the DDH group had significantly smaller α-angles (P &lt; 0.001), larger head–neck offsets (P = 0.02) and larger NSAs (P &lt; 0.001). Both the articular and extra-articular regions of the proximal femur have distinct shape features in DDH and cam FAI that can uniquely affect the biomechanics of each disorder. Accordingly, approaches to addressing each disorder should be unique.
Engaging Ulama in the Promotion of International Humanitarian Law: A Case Study from Mindanao
Authors: Magon Datuan , Earnshaw Dominic 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In 2006 the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) produced rules of engagement in hostilities for members of its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, which reference Islamic law and are also compliant with international humanitarian law (IHL). The release of these rules came following engagement with the MILF by both national and international humanitarian organizations. This article examines the role of Islamic scholars in the MILF and how they contributed to the development of the rules of engagement and the dissemination of humanitarian principles and IHL to its fighters. It also examines the support that humanitarian organizations provided to MILF’s Islamic scholars in their work on IHL. The findings show that MILF’s religious scholars played a major role in promoting IHL to the group’s armed wing through a framing of IHL from an Islamic perspective. A major motivation for the MILF to engage its Islamic scholars on IHL was the desire for international legitimacy as it was involved in a peace process with the government of the Philippines.
The Strain and the Clinical Outcome of Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Abou Chakra Claire Nour , Gagnon Anthony , Lapointe Simon , Granger Marie-Félixe , Lévesque Simon , Valiquette Louis 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The association between bacterial strains and clinical outcomes in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has yielded conflicting results across studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess the impact of these strains.

Methods
Five electronic databases were used to identify studies reporting CDI severity, complications, recurrence, or mortality according to strain type from inception to June 2022. Random effect meta-analyses were conducted to assess outcome proportions and risk ratios (RRs).

Results
A total of 93 studies were included: 44 reported recurrences, 50 reported severity or complications, and 55 reported deaths. Pooled proportions of complications were statistically comparable between NAP1/BI/R027 and R001, R078, and R106. Pooled attributable mortality was 4.8% with a gradation in patients infected with R014/20 (1.7%), R001 (3.8%), R078 (5.3%), and R027 (10.2%). Higher 30-day all-cause mortality was observed in patients infected with R001, R002, R027, and R106 (range, 20%–25%).
NAP1/BI/R027 was associated with several unfavorable outcomes: recurrence 30 days after the end of treatment (pooled RR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.02–3.84); admission to intensive care, colectomy, or CDI-associated death (1.88; 1.09–3.25); and 30-day attributable mortality (1.96; 1.23–3.13). The association between harboring the binary toxin gene and 30-day all-cause mortality did not reach significance (RR, 1.6 [0.9–2.9]; 7 studies).

Conclusions
Numerous studies were excluded due to discrepancies in the definition of the outcomes and the lack of reporting of important covariates. NAP1/BI/R027, the most frequently reported and assessed strain, was associated with unfavorable outcomes. However, there were not sufficient data to reach significant conclusions on other strains.
Detection of the neutral iron line from the supernova remnant W 49 B with Suzaku
Authors: Suzuki Nari , Yamauchi Shigeo , Nobukawa Kumiko K , Nobukawa Masayoshi , Katsuda Satoru 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Recent studies of supernova remnants (SNRs) have revealed that some SNRs exhibit a neutral iron line emission at 6.4 keV. This line has been proposed to originate from the interaction of high-energy particles formed in the SNR shell with the surrounding cold matter. We searched for the neutral iron line emission in the SNR W 49 B. Significant detection of the 6.4 keV line is found in the north-west region, close to the molecular cloud interacting with the SNR shell. In addition, an excess emission at 8–9 keV, in which Kγ, Kδ, and Kϵ lines of He-like iron exist, is also significantly found in the region where the radio shell is not bright. We discuss the origin of the 6.4 keV line and the excess emission at 8–9 keV.
Monte Carlo calculated photon interaction coefficients for several body tissues
Authors: Sengul Aycan , Bozkurt Ahmet 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Absorption of energy in body tissues because of radiation interactions may induce harmful outcomes such as cancer and hereditary effects due to a variety of damages in the integrity and activity of the cells. This study presents Monte Carlo calculated $\boldsymbol{\mu} /\boldsymbol{\rho}$, ${\boldsymbol{\mu}}_{\boldsymbol{en}}/\boldsymbol{\rho}$ and ${\boldsymbol{\mu}}_{\boldsymbol{tr}}/\boldsymbol{\rho}$ values of some common tissues and organs found in the human body (namely, adipose tissue, blood, bone-cortical, brain-grey/white matter, breast tissue, eye lens, lung tissue, muscle-skeletal, ovary, soft tissue and testes) as well as water for comparison purposes. The simulation model involves a monoenergetic point source producing a pencil beam where, depending on the parameter under study, particle flux, energy flux or absorbed dose from photon interactions are scored in the range of 10 keV to 20 MeV energy. The simulations were performed using the Monte Carlo package MCNP6.1 and provided $\boldsymbol{\mu} /\boldsymbol{\rho}$, ${\boldsymbol{\mu}}_{\boldsymbol{en}}/\boldsymbol{\rho}$ and ${\boldsymbol{\mu}}_{\boldsymbol{tr}}/\boldsymbol{\rho}$ values. The data produced in this study were compared with theoretical photon attenuation data from the XMUDAT database and demonstrated good agreement. The results, which are based on a simple model geometry and pure elemental compositions, indicate that this approach can be applied to evaluate $\boldsymbol{\mu} /\boldsymbol{\rho}$, ${\boldsymbol{\mu}}_{\boldsymbol{en}}/\boldsymbol{\rho}$ and ${\boldsymbol{\mu}}_{\boldsymbol{tr}}/\boldsymbol{\rho}$ in a broad energy range for any element, compound or mixture.
An overview of genetic manipulation tools in the studies of ciliates, with emphasis on gene knockout, knockdown, and overexpression
Authors: Fu Jinyu , Gao Yunyi , Gao Feng , Sheng Yalan , Al-Farraj Saleh A , Chen Zigui , Wang Chundi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Microorganisms have expanded our understanding of biodiversity and exhibit crucial research values. Ciliated protists are a highly differentiated group of eukaryotic microorganisms with exceptional features, such as numerous cilia, dimorphic nuclei, and genome-wide gene rearrangement, that have made them ideal research models for revealing many biological processes. Studies of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila have greatly advanced our understanding of RNA self-splicing and enzymatic activity, telomere biology, and the Nobel Prize-winning telomerase mechanisms. Genome rearrangement during the sexual reproduction (conjugation) of ciliates, involving the elimination of ~25–90% of germline DNA, provides an opportunity to study large-scale genome remodelling while also revealing a more thorough mode of transposon repression, i.e. Piwi-interacting small RNA-mediated DNA deletion in the somatic nucleus. Although much progress has been made, research has focused mainly on a few model species that are amenable to gene editing. For other species, although they are more suitable to address some scientific gaps, research cannot be carried out owing to limitations of genetic engineering. Here, we summarize the existing genetic engineering strategies for ciliates, expecting to provide inspiration for the development and optimization of genetic engineering tools for ciliates and other organisms cannot yet be edited genetically.
Late Preterm Antenatal Steroids for Reduction of Neonatal Respiratory Complications
Authors: Yenuberi Hilda , Ross Benjamin , Sasmita Tirkey Richa , Benjamin Santosh Joseph , Rathore Swati , Karuppusami Reka , Lal Aadarsh , Thomas Niranjan , Mathew Jiji Elizabeth 
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the efficacy of antenatal corticosteroids in reducing neonatal respiratory complications when administered to those at risk of preterm delivery between 34 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation.

METHODS:
This was a single-center, triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in southern India enrolling pregnant participants at risk of preterm delivery between 34 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation. Computer-generated block randomization was used with participants randomized to either one course of intramuscular betamethasone or placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of treatment for respiratory distress in the neonate, defined as need for oxygen or continuous positive airway pressure or mechanical ventilation for at least 2 hours in the first 72 hours of life. Neonatal secondary outcomes were transient tachypnea of the newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, stillbirth, and early neonatal death; maternal secondary outcomes were chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, puerperal fever, and length of hospitalization. All analyses were based on intention to treat. A sample size of 1,200 was planned with 80% power to detect a 30% reduction in rates of respiratory distress. After a planned interim analysis, enrollment was stopped for futility.

RESULTS:
From March 2020 to August 2022, 847 participants were recruited, with 423 participants randomized to betamethasone and 424 participants randomized to placebo. There were 22 individuals lost to follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome (betamethasone 4.9% vs placebo 4.8%, relative risk 1.03, 95% CI, 0.57–1.84, number needed to treat 786). There were no statistically significant differences in secondary neonatal or maternal outcomes.

CONCLUSION:
Betamethasone administered in the late preterm period to those at risk for preterm delivery did not reduce the need for treatment of neonatal respiratory distress.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
Clinical Trials Registry of India, CTRI/2019/09/021321.
Postoperative Immobilization Period for Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures: The Shorter the Better?
Authors: Jones Neil John , Zarook Essa , Ayub Anouska , Manoukian Dimitrios , Maizen Claudia , Bijlsma Paulien , Ramachandran Manoj , Firth Gregory 
Published: February 2024

Background:
There are now recognized standards of care published by the British and American Orthopaedic Associations which detail key areas of evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of children with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. Although many aspects of treatment are covered in these recommendations, both the American and British Orthopaedic Associations do not recommend the exact duration of immobilization postoperatively.

Methods:
This study retrospectively compared outcomes of operatively managed supracondylar fractures immobilized postoperatively for short immobilization (SI) defined as 28 days or less, with long immobilization (LI) defined as more than 28 days. The outcomes measured were clinical (deformity, range of motion, and pin site infection) and radiologic (loss of position after the removal of K-wires, Baumann’s angle, anterior humeral line, refracture, and signs of osteomyelitis). Demographic data were recorded to evaluate and ensure satisfactory matching of the 2 groups for analysis.

Results:
The study included 193 pediatric supracondylar fractures over a 4-year period which were treated with manipulation under anesthetic and K-wire fixation. The difference in average time in plaster between the 2 groups was statistically significant (SI: n=27.5 d, SD 1.23; LI: n=43.9 d, SD 15.29, P=0.0001). Data for operative techniques—closed or open reduction (SI: n=66, LI: n=78, P=0.59), and crossed wires (SI: n=37, LI: n=50, P=0.57) between the two groups showed no statistical significance. There was no statistical difference between the groups for the average number of days postoperatively at which wires were taken out (SI: n=28.9 d, SD 5.95, LI: n=30.1 d, SD 5.57, P=0.15), number of pin site infections requiring antibiotic treatment (SI: n=3, LI: n=5, P=0.70), or children from each group who were recorded to have regained full range of motion symmetrical to their contralateral arm (SI: n=79, LI: n=99, P=0.74).

Conclusions:
Our study therefore suggests that shorter immobilization of these patients (SI group) does not yield a higher rate of complications including refracture and malunion.
Repeated Lacrimal Gland Biopsies
Authors: Kaushik Megha , Vahdani Kaveh , Neumann Inga , Magan Tejal , Rose Geoffrey E. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
To examine the indications for repeated lacrimal gland biopsies, and the rate of detection of a new diagnosis.

Methods:
A single-center, retrospective review of patients who underwent more than 1 lacrimal gland biopsy, either ipsilateral or contralateral, between 2000 and 2022.

Results:
One hundred and twenty-three patients (80 female; 65%) had repeated lacrimal gland biopsy. The commonest diagnosis on initial biopsy was chronic nonspecific dacryoadenitis (NSD) (49/123; 40%). Indications for repeated biopsy were uncertainty in making a histopathological diagnosis (16/123; 13%), poorly-responsive or recurrent ipsilateral disease (61/123; 50%), new or continued/worsening contralateral disease (30 patients; 24%), and planned tumor resection after initial biopsy (16/123; 13%). Of the 40 patients (33%) with a different histopathological diagnosis after repeated lacrimal biopsy, 4 (10%) had lymphoma, initially reported as NSD (4/49 with NSD; 8%), and 7/40 (18%) (14% of the 49 NSD patients) were reclassified as having specific inflammations (including 2 with granulomatous polyangiitis); of the 7 having reclassification as a specific dacryoadenitis, 6/7 had ipsilateral disease failing to respond to primary treatment, and 1/7 had new onset or progression of contralateral disease. All histology after the primary biopsy of 16 patients with lacrimal gland malignancies retained the same tissue diagnosis.

Conclusion:
Repeated biopsy for lacrimal gland disease in this study revealed a diagnosis of malignancy in 20%, including lymphoma in 8% of those initially diagnosed with NSD. There was a 14% rate of diagnostic progression from “non-specific” dacryoadenitis to a more specific inflammatory disease.
Construct Validity Testing of the Provider Co-Management Index to Measure Shared Care in Provider Dyads
Authors: Norful Allison A. , Dierkes Andrew , de Jacq Krystyna , Brewer Katherine C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Co-management encompasses the dyadic process between two health care providers. The Provider Co-Management Index (PCMI) was initially developed as a 20-item instrument across three theory-informed subscales.

Objective
This study aimed to establish construct validity of the PCMI with a sample of primary care providers through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants randomly selected from the IQVIA database across New York State. Mail surveys were used to acquire a minimum of 300 responses for split sample factor analyses. The first subsample (derivation sample) was used to explore factorial structure by conducting an exploratory factor analysis. A second (validation) sample was used to confirm the emerged factorial structure using confirmatory factor analysis. We performed iterative analysis and calculated good fit indices to determine the best-fit model.

Results
There were 333 responses included in the analysis. Cronbach's alpha was high for a 3-item per dimension scale within a one-factor model. The instrument was named PCMI–9 to indicate the shorter version length.

Discussion
This study established the construct validity of an instrument that scales the co-management of patients by two providers. The final instrument includes 9 items on a single factor using a 4-point, Likert-type scale. Additional research is needed to establish discriminant validity.