bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing post-traumatic stress severity in professional and volunteer Australian firefighters
Authors: Counson I , Sanatkar S , Knight A , Lawrence D , Harvey S B 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
While extensive research has highlighted increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in firefighters, previous research has yielded mixed results regarding the role of work status (professional versus volunteer) in the development of psychopathological symptoms.

Aims
To explore the predictive strength of work status on PTSD or post-traumatic stress symptom severity in a large sample of professional (PFFs) and volunteer (VFFs) Australian firefighters exposed to operational work-related trauma.

Methods
The stratified random sample comprised 1317 PFFs (n = 1148 (87%) males and 13%, n = 169 (13%) females) and 898 VFFs (n = 744 (83%) males and n = 154 (17%) females) who reported having experienced trauma while working or volunteering. Participants completed demographic, health and work-related questions and mental health measures of stress, trauma, PTSD, social support and use of mental health prevention programmes.

Results
The results revealed a significant relationship between work status and PTSD, with PFFs reporting higher levels of PTSD symptom severity compared to VFFs. This association persisted after controlling for demographics, health, stress away from work, social support and use of organizational mental health support programmes (debriefing and face-to-face training for mental and physical self-care).

Conclusions
This study suggests the importance of work status in PTSD amongst Australian firefighters exposed to operational trauma. Future research is needed to substantiate our findings and examine why PFFs may be more prone to developing PTSD. Implications for the provision of mental health programmes offered by fire organizations to their members are discussed.
The SYP123–VAMP727 SNARE complex delivers secondary cell wall components for root hair shank hardening in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hirano Tomoko , Ebine Kazuo , Ueda Takashi , Higaki Takumi , Watanabe-Nakayama Takahiro , Konno Hiroki , Takigawa-Imamura Hisako , Sato Masa H 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The extended tubular shape of root hairs is established by tip growth and concomitant hardening. Here, we demonstrate that a syntaxin of plants (SYP)123–vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)727-dependent secretion system delivers secondary cell wall components for hardening the subapical zone and shank of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root hairs. We found increased SYP123 localization at the plasma membrane (PM) of the subapical and shank zones compared with the tip region in elongating root hairs. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns)(3,5)P2 production impaired SYP123 localization at the PM and SYP123-mediated root hair shank hardening. Moreover, root hair elongation in the syp123 mutant was insensitive to a PtdIns(3,5)P2 synthesis inhibitor. SYP123 interacts with both VAMP721 and VAMP727. syp123 and vamp727 mutants exhibited reduced shank cell wall stiffness due to impaired secondary cell wall component deposition. Based on these results, we conclude that SYP123 is involved in VAMP721-mediated conventional secretion for root hair elongation as well as in VAMP727-mediated secretory functions for the delivery of secondary cell wall components to maintain root hair tubular morphology.
The chest CT signs for pulmonary veno-occlusive disease correlate with pulmonary haemodynamics in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Moriya Haruka , Kato Masaru , Hisada Ryo , Ninagawa Keita , Tada Maria , Sakiyama Kodai , Yasuda Mitsutaka , Kono Michihito , Fujieda Yuichiro , Amengual Olga , Kikuchi Yasuka , Tsujino Ichizo , Sato Takahiro , Atsumi Tatsuya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis (PAH-SSc) sometimes accompanies pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). We aimed to reveal the relationship between clinical signs of PVOD and severity of pulmonary vasculopathy in SSc.

Methods
This study included 52 consecutive SSc patients who had pulmonary haemodynamic abnormalities [mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) &gt;20 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance &gt;2 WU or pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) &gt;15 mmHg]. A chest CT scan was evaluated in all patients. Patients were divided into two groups, the 0–1 group and the 2–3 group, according to the number of chest CT signs for PVOD, including mediastinal lymph node enlargement, thickened interlobular septal wall and ground glass opacity. Pulmonary haemodynamics, echocardiography and MRI-based cardiac function, pulmonary function and serum biomarkers were compared between the two groups.

Results
Mediastinal lymph node enlargement, thickened interlobular septal wall and ground glass opacity were observed in 11 (21%), 32 (62%) and 11 (21%) patients, respectively. The 2–3 group (n = 15) had higher mPAP (P = 0.02) but lower diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO)/alveolar volume (P = 0.02) compared with the 0–1 group (n = 37). Other parameters, including PAWP, cardiac output, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, forced vital capacity, brain natriuretic peptide and Krebs von den Lunge-6 were not different between the two groups.

Conclusions
The CT signs for PVOD had a positive correlation with mPAP but a negative correlation with DLCO in SSc patients, indicating that PAH-SSc may reflect a spectrum of pulmonary vascular disease that ranges from the pulmonary artery to the vein.
Tolerability and comparative effectiveness of TNF, IL-17 and IL-23(p19) inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis: a target trial emulation study
Authors: Stisen Zara R , Nielsen Sabrina M , Skougaard Marie , Mogensen Mette , Jørgensen Tanja Schjødt , Dreyer Lene , de Wit Maarten , Christensen Robin , Kristensen Lars Erik 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To compare the tolerability and effectiveness of two different classes of biological DMARDs [IL-17 and IL-23(p19) inhibitors, IL-17i and IL-23(p19)i] relative to TNF inhibitors (TNFi) regarding the drug survival rates and treatment outcomes in patients with PsA.

Methods
We emulated a target trial on comparative effectiveness using observational data from a prospective cohort study based on the Parker Institute’s PsA cohort (the PIPA cohort). All patients underwent interview and a clinical examination programme at baseline and at follow-up visits at 4 and 12 months. The primary endpoint, drug survival, was assessed up to 12 months from baseline. We estimated hazard ratios from proportional hazards model and used propensity score adjustment in an attempt to deconfound and emulate a random treatment assignment.

Results
We included a total of 109 patients in the intention-to-monitor population at baseline initiating either TNFi (75 patients), IL-17i (26 patients) or IL-23(19)i (8 patients). Hazard ratios in the propensity adjusted model comparing IL-17i and IL-23(p19)i with TNFi were 1.36 (95% CI 0.59–3.14) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.10–3.24), respectively. TNFi and IL-17i had comparable effects regarding response rates and changes in clinical outcomes after 12 months, whereas IL-23(p19)i tended to perform better overall.

Conclusion
No decisive differences between drugs were observed at group level regarding drug survival and clinical outcomes after 12 months. TNFi, IL-17i and IL-23(p19)i may all be considered equally effective in the treatment of patients with PsA, advocating for investigating more in personalized treatment strategies.
Cognitive Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity: The Role of Occupational Complexity and Occupational Status
Authors: Sheftel Mara Getz , Goldman Noreen , Pebley Anne R , Pratt Boriana , Park Sung S 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Disparities in older age cognitive health by race/ethnicity persist even after controlling for individual-level indicators of childhood and adult socioeconomic status. High levels of labor market segregation mean that Black and Latino workers, on average, may not have the same exposure to jobs involving complex work with data and people as their White counterparts, aspects of work that appear to be protective of older adult cognition. However, the role of variation in exposure to occupational complexity by race/ethnicity remains understudied as an explanation for cognitive disparities at older ages. This paper uses detailed work histories constructed from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Occupation and Industry life history data to understand the role of occupational complexity in the development of dementia at older ages. It also addresses a conjecture that complexity reflects occupational status. Findings highlight that: (a) occupations involving complex work with data during working ages may be protective against dementia at older ages, potentially contributing to the differentials in dementia prevalence for Black, Latino, and White workers, and (b) occupational complexity reflects occupational status. This research increases understanding of the implications of labor market segregation for cognitive health disparities by race/ethnicity.
Effect of Transforaminal Epidural Corticosteroid Injections in Acute Sciatica A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ter Meulen Bastiaan C. , van Dongen Johanna M. , Maas Esther , van de Vegt Marinus H. , Haumann Johan , Weinstein Henry C. , Ostelo Raymond 
Published: September 2023

Objective:
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TESIs) are widely administered for sciatica. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of TESIs in patients with acute sciatica (<8 wk).

Methods:
This study was conducted in two Dutch hospitals. Participants (n=141) were randomly assigned to: 1) usual care and TESI of 1ml of 40mg/ml Methylprednisolone plus 1ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine (intervention 1); 2) usual care and transforaminal epidural injection with 1 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine and 1ml NaCl 0.9% (intervention 2); 3) usual care consisting of oral pain medication with or without physiotherapy (control). Co-primary outcomes were back- and leg pain intensity, physical functioning and recovery measured during 6-month follow-up.

Results:
There were no significant mean differences in co-primary outcomes between groups during follow-up, except for leg pain when comparing intervention group 1 with control (-0.96 95%CI:-1.83 to -0.09). For secondary outcomes, some significant between group differences were found for treatment satisfaction and surgery, but only when comparing intervention group 2 to control. Post-hoc analyses showed a significant difference in response (50% improvement of leg pain [yes/no]) between intervention 1 and the control group at 3 months and that both intervention groups used less opioids.

Discussion:
Except for a statistically significanteffect of TESI on leg pain for patients with acute sciatica compared to usual care, there were no differences in co-primary outcomes. Nonetheless, transforaminal epidural injections seem to be associated with less opioid use, which warrants further exploration.
Motor Imagery and Pain Processing in Patients with Entrapment Neuropathies
Authors: Matesanz-García Luis , Fernández-Chamorro Laura , Rubio-Vallejo Alberto , Cecilia-López David , Cuenca-Martínez Ferran , Di-Bonaventura Silvia , Fernández-Carnero Josué 
Published: September 2023

Objectives:
1) To assess the ability to generate both kinesthetic and visual motor imagery in participants with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), compared with asymptomatic participants. 2) To assess the influence of psychophysiological and functional variables in the motor imagery (MI) process.

Methods:
20 patients with unilateral CTS and 18 healthy subjects were recruited. an observational case-control study with a non-probability sample was conducted to assess visual and kinesthetic movement imagery ability and psychophysiological variables in patients with CTS compared to asymptomatic participants in a control group (CG). The trial was conducted in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement.

Results:
CTS patients have more difficulties in generating visual motor images compared to asymptomatic subjects (t=−2.099; P<.05; d=0,70). They need more time to complete the mental tasks (visual, t=−2.424; P<.05 and kinesthetic t=−2.200; P<.05). A negative correlation was found between the ability to imagine and functional deficits (r=−0.569; P=0.021), for the kinesthetic subscale and temporal summation (r=−0.515; P=<0.5). A positive correlation was found between pain pressure threshold homolateral (PPT-homolateral) and time to generate the visual mental imagens (r=0.537; P<.05).

Discussion:
CTS patients have greater difficulty generating motor images. Patients also spend more time during mental tasks. CTS patients present a relationship between temporal summation and the capacity to generated kinesthetic images. In addition, the CST patients presented a correlation between chronometry mental tasking and the mechanical hyperalgesia.
Reverse Obliquity Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: Technical Tips to Avoid Failure
Authors: Sekimura Troy , Son Sung Jun , Lee Christopher 
Published: September 2023

Summary:
Reverse obliquity intertrochanteric femur fractures represent a substantial proportion of all trochanteric hip fractures. These challenging fracture patterns are unique, with their primary fracture plane from distal-lateral to proximal-medial. The use of modern cephalomedullary fixation has yielded successful results, although technical factors including avoiding malreduction and preventing collapse remain challenging. The use of adjunctive techniques including cerclage wires, colinear clamps, and mini-fragment plates can facilitate reduction efforts. The purpose of this article was to review technical tips and common pitfalls in the operative treatment of reverse obliquity intertrochanteric femur fractures.
Factors Predicting Loss of Best-Corrected Visual Acuity After Hyperopic Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Mimouni Michael , Kaiserman Igor , Gutkovitch Elena , Ben-Shaul Or , Lavy Itay , Sela Tzahi , Munzer Gur , Sorkin Nir 
Published: September 2023

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the loss of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) after uncomplicated hyperopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods:
A retrospective study including hyperopic patients who underwent microkeratome-assisted LASIK between January 2000 and December 2019 at Care-Vision Laser Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel. Loss of CDVA was defined as ≥ 2 lines (0.20 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] increase). Excluded were patients who had loss of CDVA because of intraoperative or postoperative complications or developed cataract at their final visit.

Results:
Overall, 1998 eyes of 1998 patients were included in the study, of which 35 eyes (1.75%) had CDVA loss at final follow-up (mean 387 days). The vision-loss group had a significantly greater spherical treatment (3.4 vs. 2.8 D, P = 0.02), ablation depth (69.4 vs. 53.8 μm, P = 0.01), a higher proportion of treatments with a smaller optic zone (6.0 mm) (31.4% vs. 13.4%, P = 0.002), treatment with the EX200 (Alcon) excimer rather than the EX500 (Alcon) (74.3% vs. 39.0%, P < 0.001), and treatment with the Moria M2-90 microkeratome rather than the Moria Sub-Bowman’s keratomileusis (SBK) microkeratome (65.7% vs. 29.6%, P < 0.001). In multivariate binary logistic regression, factors that remained significant predictors of CDVA loss were a greater spherical treatment (per 1 D treatment, odds ratio = 1.42, 95% CI, 1.11–1.81, P = 0.004) and the use of the Moria M2-90 microkeratome (odds ratio = 4.66, 95% CI, 2.30–9.45, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
In patients undergoing uncomplicated hyperopic LASIK, a greater spherical hyperopic treatment is associated with a higher risk for vision loss. Transition to a newer microkeratome model significantly reduced vision loss rate.
Corneal Epithelial Cell Density Is Reduced in Young Adults With Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence
Authors: Bhattacharya Pradipta , Edwards Katie , Harkin Damien , Schmid Katrina L. 
Published: September 2023

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure on the corneal microstructure using conjunctival UV autofluorescence (CUVAF) as a marker of exposure.

Methods:
Young healthy adults aged 18 to 35 years were recruited. Participant's demographics and sun exposure behavior were recorded using questionnaires. Images of the bulbar conjunctiva from the right eye were captured and analyzed for the CUVAF area. Corneal microstructure was assessed by in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The presence of palisades of Vogt in all 4 limbal quadrants was recorded.

Results:
CUVAF was observed in 31 of 52 eyes (60%), with a mean (±SD) nasal, temporal, and total CUVAF area of 5.39 ± 4.16 mm2, 4.29 ± 4.27 mm2, and 9.67 ± 7.01 mm2, respectively. Individuals with CUVAF were significantly more likely to report undertaking moderate-intensity to high-intensity outdoor exercise (P = 0.021). Individuals with CUVAF were less likely to have visible nasal and temporal palisades of Vogt (P = 0.011). Corneal basal cell densities anterior to the nerve whorl (P < 0.001) and nasally (P = 0.005) were lower in individuals with CUVAF. Wing cell density anterior to the nerve whorl was lower in individuals with CUVAF (P = 0.011). No significant changes in the central and limbal corneal epithelial thickness were observed.

Conclusions:
Significant reductions in corneal epithelial cell density were observed in individuals with CUVAF, a biomarker of chronic UV exposure. This observation suggests that chronic UV exposure is damaging to the corneal microstructure.
Mitapivat: A Quinolone Sulfonamide to Manage Hemolytic Anemia in Adults With Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
Authors: Wills Josef , Horenstein Melissa , Kim Alicia , Silva Matthew A. , Dima Lorena 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is a rare enzyme-linked glycolytic defect resulting in mild-to-severe chronic persistent erythrocyte hemolysis. The disease is an autosomal recessive trait caused by mutations in the PK liver and red blood cell gene characterized by insufficient erythrocyte PK activity. PK deficiency is most diagnosed in persons of northern European descent and managed with packed red blood cell transfusions, chelation, and splenectomy with cholecystectomy. Mitapivat is the first approved therapy indicated for hemolytic anemia in adults with PK deficiency with the potential for delaying splenectomy in mild–moderate disease.

Mechanism of Action, Pharmacodynamics, and Pharmacokinetics:
Mitapivat is a PK activator that acts by allosterically binding to the PK tetramer and increases PK activity. The red blood cell form of PK is mutated in PK deficiency, which leads to reduced adenosine triphosphate, shortened red blood cell lifespan, and chronic hemolysis. The half-life of elimination is 3–5 hours, with 73% bioavailability, 98% plasma protein binding, and a median duration of response of 7 months.

Clinical Trials:
Mitapivat has been investigated through various clinical trials for different therapeutic indications. Pivotal trials that serve the primary focus throughout this article are ACTIVATE, ACTIVATE-T, and RISE. ACTIVATE is a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of mitapivat in adult patients who were not receiving regular blood transfusions. Contrarily, ACTIVATE-T explored the safety and efficacy of mitapivat in adults with PK deficiency who received regular blood transfusions. Both trials demonstrated favorable use of mitapivat in PK deficiency. Focusing on another indication, the ongoing RISE trial investigates the optimal dosage of mitapivat in sickle cell disease.

Therapeutic Advance:
Mitapivat is an appropriate treatment for adults with PK deficiency requiring transfusions and may be considered for patients with symptomatic anemia who do not require transfusions and/or PK deficiency with compensated hemolysis without overt anemia.
Hospital Performance Under Alternative Readmission Measures Incorporating Observation Stays
Authors: Sabbatini Amber K. , Parrish Canada , Liao Joshua M. , Wright Brad , Basu Anirban , Kreuter William , Joynt-Maddox Karen E. 
Published: September 2023

Objective:
To determine the extent to which counting observation stays changes hospital performance on 30-day readmission measures.

Methods:
This was a retrospective study of inpatient admissions and observation stays among fee-for-service Medicare enrollees in 2017. We generated 3 specifications of 30-day risk-standardized readmissions measures: the hospital-wide readmission (HWR) measure utilized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which captures inpatient readmissions within 30 days of inpatient discharge; an expanded HWR measure, which captures any unplanned hospitalization (inpatient admission or observation stay) within 30 days of inpatient discharge; an all-hospitalization readmission (AHR) measure, which captures any unplanned hospitalization following any hospital discharge (observation stays are included in both the numerator and denominator of the measure). Estimated excess readmissions for hospitals were compared across the 3 measures. High performers were defined as those with a lower-than-expected number of readmissions whereas low performers had higher-than-expected or excess readmissions. Multivariable logistic regression identified hospital characteristics associated with worse performance under the measures that included observation stays.

Results:
Our sample had 2586 hospitals with 5,749,779 hospitalizations. Observation stays ranged from 0% to 41.7% of total hospitalizations. Mean (SD) readmission rates were 16.6% (5.4) for the HWR, 18.5% (5.7) for the expanded HWR, and 17.9% (5.7) in the all-hospitalization readmission measure. Approximately 1 in 7 hospitals (14.9%) would switch from being classified as a high performer to a low performer or vice-versa if observation stays were fully included in the calculation of readmission rates. Safety-net hospitals and those with a higher propensity to use observation would perform significantly worse.

Conclusions:
Fully incorporating observation stays in readmission measures would substantially change performance in value-based programs for safety-net hospitals and hospitals with high rates of observation stays.