bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Neoadjuvant Radiation Therapy Contribute to the Incidence of Pulmonary Complications Following Esophagectomy for Malignant Neoplasm?
Authors: Beier Matthew A. , Greenbaum Alissa A. , Kangas-Dick Aaron W. , August David A. 
Published: October 2022

Background Post-operative pulmonary complications (POPC) are common in patients undergoing esophagectomy and neoadjuvant radiotherapy may exacerbate POPC. This study assessed whether neoadjuvant radiation increases the incidence of POPC in patients undergoing esophagectomy for malignancy. Methods The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database files from 2016 to 2018 were queried for patients undergoing esophagectomy for malignancy. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to create balanced cohorts in which the control group received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) and the treatment cohort received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). A subset analysis was performed on patients with pre-existing pulmonary disease (PEPD). Primary outcomes were POPC and 30-day mortality. Results The all-patient analysis did not demonstrate a consistent association between neoadjuvant radiation and POPC. However, in patients with PEPD, POPC occurred more often in the nCRT cohort. Comparing nCRT to nCT and after IPTW adjustment for confounders, there was higher odds of pneumonia (aOR = 3.0, P = .002), unplanned intubation (aOR = 2.0, P = .03), and extended mechanical ventilation (aOR = 3.6, P = .002). Discussion In esophageal cancer patients with PEPD that undergo nCRT vs nCT prior to esophagectomy, the greater risk of POPCs must be weighed against the potential for improved oncologic outcomes.
Gustatory Function of Patients With and Without Cholesteatoma Undergoing Middle Ear Surgery
Authors: Neumann Aline Sophie , Soyka Michael B. , Rushing Elisabeth J. , Röösli Christof 
Published: October 2022

Objective: To compare measured and perceived taste function before and after surgery of patients with chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma (OMCC) to patients without cholesteatoma (patients with chronic suppurative otitis media [CSOM] and patients with lateral skull base lesions [LSB]). Methods: This prospective cohort study included 29 patients undergoing surgery for unilateral OMCC. The chorda tympani nerve (CTN) was resected in 8 of these patients. Fourteen patients undergoing surgery for unilateral CSOM and 5 patients undergoing surgery for unilateral LSB (with CTN resection) served as the comparison group. Taste function was measured using taste strips on both sides of the tongue before surgery, 2 weeks postoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The affected side of the tongue was compared to the unaffected side. A questionnaire on taste perception was completed at each visit. Results: Preoperatively, cholesteatoma patients showed higher taste strip scores than non-cholesteatoma patients, indicating a larger difference between the healthy and affected sides of the tongue. Despite this difference in measured taste function few cholesteatoma patients reported taste alteration before surgery (3/29 [10.3%]). Postoperatively, patients with CTN resection (OMCC patients with CTN resection and LSB patients) showed a decreased measured taste function. Subjectively, only approximately 20% of these patients reported taste alteration 3 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Before surgery, cholesteatoma patients displayed an impaired measured taste function compared to patients without cholesteatoma (CSOM, LSB). Subjectively this was often unnoticed. After surgery, despite removal of the CTN and consequent reduction of measured taste function, few patients reported taste alteration and subjective taste perception was seen to be improving. In regards to middle ear surgery, perceived taste function does not seem to reflect measured gustatory function.
Verification of the Bühlmann fPELA turbo faecal elastase assay on the Binding Site Optilite benchtop analyser
Authors: Handley Simon A , Dote Nikko P , Wanandy Troy , Prentice Louise 
Published: October 2022

Background Pancreatic elastase-1 (PE1) can be measured to assess exocrine activity of the pancreas. A semi-automated particle-enhanced, open-channel turbidimetric immunoassay has been introduced by Bühlmann (fPELA turbo, Bühlmann Laboratories AG, Schoenenbuch, Switzerland). Published evaluation data is lacking. We therefore verified performance of the assay on the Binding Site Optilite benchtop analyser and undertook a sample comparison with the DiaSorin PE1 assay on the Liaison. Methods Accuracy, imprecision, lower limit of quantitation (LLoQ) and linearity of the Bühlmann fPELA turbo assay on the Binding Site Optilite analyser was ascertained. Comparison with the DiaSorin Liaison PE1 assay was also undertaken. Difference between assays was evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and method comparison was undertaken using Spearman’s rank correlation (rs), Bland–Altman and Passing–Bablok regression analyses. Results The fPELA turbo assay was linear between 5 and 2500 μg/g. The LLoQ was 5 µg/g. Intra- and inter-assay imprecision was <6%. There was a good agreement (rs = 0.92) and no significant bias (5.8 µg/g, P = 0.29) present between the Bühlmann fPELA turbo and DiaSorin PE1 assays. Conclusion The Bühlmann fPELA turbo assay performs well on the Binding Site Optilite analyser. Faecal elastase results are commutable between with Bühlmann fPELA turbo and DiaSorin Liaison PE1 assays.
Peer leaders in reproductive health: A job that ended up much more
Authors: Koren Ainat , Marchburn Coutney 
Published: October 2022

Objective: Adolescents’ unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections have a significant impact on the individuals themselves and on society. Peer leaders are students trained to become role models and leaders who promote positive behaviour change in their schools and community. A few studies have examined the effects of taking the role of peer leaders on the teenagers themselves including the long-term benefits. The aim of this study was to enhance understanding of the peer leader experience as it relates to peer leaders themselves and to explore the lasting impact of their experience. Design: The study used an exploratory qualitative design. Setting: Included peer leaders were employed by a non-profit organisation working with Southeastern Massachusetts communities with a high teenage pregnancy rate. Methods: Qualitative research included individual semi-structured interviews with 18 past and present peer leaders. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded and analysed for common themes. Results: Being a peer leader was a life-changing experience. The benefits varied from learning reproductive health content to developing life skills, friendships and long-lasting career-related skills. Being a member of a peer leader group provided an instant support group and a new circle of friends as well as a purpose. It also removed peer leaders from health risk behaviours. Their experience assisting others in need was rewarding as well as being a confidence builder. Through community service, the peer leaders changed their perceptions about and towards the needs of the people residing in their community. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the value of incorporating peer leaders in sexual and reproductive health programmes. The peer leader programme examined was not only instrumental in providing education in sexual health but it also created change in the lives of the peer leaders themselves, their families and communities.
A study of prisms and therapy in attention loss after stroke (SPATIAL): A feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Longley Verity , Woodward-Nutt Kate , Turton Ailie J. , Stocking Katie , Checketts Matthew , Bamford Ann , Douglass Emma , Taylor Julie , Woodley Julie , Moule Pam , Vail Andy , Bowen Audrey 
Published: October 2022

Objective Investigate feasibility and acceptability of prism adaptation training for people with inattention (spatial neglect), early after stroke, during usual care. Design Phase II feasibility randomised controlled trial with 3:1 stratified allocation to standard occupational therapy with or without intervention, and nested process evaluation. Setting Ten hospital sites providing in-patient stroke services. Participants Screened positive for inattention more than one-week post-stroke; informal carers. Occupational therapists participated in qualitative interviews. Intervention Adjunctive prism adaptation training at the start of standard occupational therapy sessions for three weeks. Main measures Feasibility measures included recruitment and retention rates, intervention fidelity and attrition. Outcomes collected at baseline, 3 weeks and 12 weeks tested measures including Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale. Acceptability was explored through qualitative interviews and structured questions. Results Eighty (31%) patients were eligible, 57 (71%) consented, 54 randomised (40:13, +1 exclusion) and 39 (74%) completed 12-week outcomes. Treatment fidelity was good: participants received median eight intervention sessions (IQR: 5, 12) lasting 4.7 min (IQR: 4.1, 5.0). All six serious adverse events were unrelated. There was no signal that patients allocated to intervention did better than controls. Twenty five of 35 recruited carers provided outcomes with excellent data completeness. Therapists, patients and carers found prism adaptation training acceptable. Conclusions It is feasible and acceptable to conduct a high-quality definitive trial of prism adaptation training within occupational therapy early after stroke in usual care setting, but difficult to justify given no sign of benefit over standard occupational therapy. Clinical trial registration https://www.isrctn.com/ Ref ISRCTN88395268.
Comparison of locking compression plate and distal femoral replacement for periprosthetic distal femoral fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Fu Peng , Liang Wenwei , Gao Zhenzhen , Zheng Song , Fan Weimin 
Published: October 2022

Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of locking compression plate (LCP) and distal femoral replacement (DFR) for periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs) after total knee arthroplasty. Methods This retrospective study identified patients with PDFFs in an institutional database between January 2012 and December 2021. Demographic data and clinical outcomes, including postoperative complications, reoperation, 1-year mortality, Knee Society Scores (KSS) and Knee Society Functional Score (KSFS) were analysed. Results In total, 12 patients treated with LCP and six patients treated with DFR were included. There was no significant difference between the LCP and DFR groups in terms of postoperative complications (25.0% versus 33.3%, respectively), reoperation (8.3% versus 0.0%), respectively, 1-year mortality (8.3% versus 16.7%, respectively) or mean ± SD KSS (80.3 ± 8.3 versus 78.0 ± 2.5, respectively). However, the mean ± SD KSFS was significantly better for patients with LCP than for those with DFR (51.8 ± 12.5 versus 37.0 ± 6.7, respectively). Conclusion DFR provides similar clinical outcomes compared with LCP for PDFFs. Patients with advanced age may benefit from DFR to allow early weight bearing.
A study of the analgesic efficacy of rectus sheath block in single-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Choi Byung Jo , Choi Se Gyu , Ryeon Ohnchae , Kwon Woojin 
Published: October 2022

Objective To investigate the postoperative analgesic effects of rectus sheath block (RSB) in combination with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) compared with PCA alone after single-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) Methods This randomized, single-blind study enrolled female patients that underwent single-port TLH. The patients were randomized to receive either fentanyl PCA (PCA group) or RSB with the same PCA. The primary outcomes were fentanyl consumption at 8 h postoperatively and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, which represented the severity of postoperative pain. Results A total of 36 patients were enrolled in the study: 18 in the PCA group and 18 in the RSB group (two patients were excluded). The primary outcome of fentanyl consumption was significantly lower at 8 h postoperatively in the RSB group than in the PCA group (148 ± 61 µg versus 222 ± 107 µg, respectively). VAS scores were significantly lower at arrival in the post-anaesthesia care unit and at 30 min after arrival in the RSB group compared with the PCA group. There were no significant differences in the nausea/vomiting score and in additional analgesic consumption between the two groups. Conclusions RSB can be used as a multimodal approach for pain control in single-port TLH procedures. Clinical Research Information Service (no. KCT0001461).
Zoonotic Politics: The Impossible Bordering of the Leaky Boundaries of Species
Authors: Cudworth Erika , Hobden Stephen 
Published: October 2022

Zoonotic pandemics shine an uncomfortable light on how human lifeways facilitate the sharing of pathogens across species. Yet our lack of acknowledgement of our shared vulnerability with those non-human animals we raise or hunt to kill and eat, whose habitats we encroach upon and destroy, whose populations we undermine and threaten, has led us to the current human health crisis. The predominant political response to zoonotic pandemic has been bordering practices of surveillance, securitisation and bodily separation. These practices reflect intra-human and species hierarchies. They also fail to acknowledge the extent to which the boundaries of species are leaky, and are continually breached. A posthumanist zoonotic politics seeks not to attempt to border the leaky boundaries of species, but rather to insist on a re-ordering of species relations towards less exploitative and extractive ways of sharing the planet with the myriad creatures that constitute our world. Politique zoonotique : l’impossible confinement des espèces
Predicting the Objective and Subjective Clinical Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Machine Learning Analysis of 432 Patients
Authors: Ye Zipeng , Zhang Tianlun , Wu Chenliang , Qiao Yi , Su Wei , Chen Jiebo , Xie Guoming , Dong Shikui , Xu Junjie , Zhao Jinzhong 
Published: October 2022

Background: Sports levels, baseline patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and surgical procedures are correlated with the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Machine learning may be superior to conventional statistical methods in making repeatable and accurate predictions. Purpose: To identify the best-performing machine learning models for predicting the objective and subjective clinical outcomes of ACLR and to determine the most important predictors. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 432 patients who underwent anatomic double-bundle ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft between January 2010 and February 2019 were included in the machine learning analysis. A total of 15 predictive variables and 6 outcome variables were selected to validate the logistic regression, Gaussian naïve Bayes machine, random forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), isotonically calibrated XGBoost, and sigmoid calibrated XGBoost models. For each clinical outcome, the best-performing model was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), whereas the importance and direction of each predictive variable were demonstrated in a Shapley Additive Explanations summary plot. Results: The AUC and accuracy of the best-performing model, respectively, were 0.944 (excellent) and 98.6% for graft failure; 0.920 (excellent) and 91.4% for residual laxity; 0.930 (excellent) and 91.0% for failure to achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the Lysholm score; 0.942 (excellent) and 95.1% for failure to achieve the MCID of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score; 0.773 (fair) and 70.5% for return to preinjury sports; and 0.777 (fair) and 69.2% for return to pivoting sports. Medial meniscal resection, participation in competitive sports, and steep posterior tibial slope were top predictors of graft failure, whereas high-grade preoperative knee laxity, long follow-up period, and participation in competitive sports were top predictors of residual laxity. High preoperative Lysholm and IKDC scores were highly predictive of not achieving the MCIDs of PROMs. Young age, male sex, high preoperative IKDC score, and large graft diameter were important predictors of return to preinjury or pivoting sports. Conclusion: Machine learning analysis can provide reliable predictions for the objective and subjective clinical outcomes (graft failure, residual laxity, PROMs, and return to sports) of ACLR. Patient-specific evaluation and decision making are recommended before and after surgery.
“If I’m at home, I do it at home”: Qualitative study on HIV self-testing among transgender women in Argentina
Authors: De Luca Amalia , Zalazar Virginia , Salusso Diego , Frontini Emilia , Fabian Solange , Cardozo Nadir Fernana , Cesar Carina , Cahn Pedro , Sued Omar , Aristegui Inés 
Published: October 2022

Background Evidence among key populations supports acceptability of HIV self-testing (HIVST) due to its privacy and convenience. However, insufficient research has been done among transgender women (TGW), especially in Latin America. Consequently, the aim of this study was to explore the acceptability, perceptions and recommendations for HIVST implementation among TGW in Buenos Aires. Methods A focus group was conducted in July 2019. Particpants were invited to touch and learn about a displayed HIVST kit. The following main topics were explored: acceptability, reasons for seeking self-testing, preferences for training, distribution, periodicity and recommendations for HIVST implementation. Results The sample consisted of 12 TGWs; mean age of 26 years (IQR = 22–28); 66% had history of sex-work. The main motivations for seeking HIVST were convenience, privacy, and usage to reduce stigma and discrimination by health-care providers. Recommendations for HIVST were: distribution from primary health centers and trans-sensitive centers; affordable price; assistance by peer health promoters; and the provision of clear written and video instructions. Conclusions Tailored implementation of HIVST can increase HIV testing rates, early detection, and linkage to HIV-care in this high-prevalence group. This study provided community-driven suggestions to inform and adapt an HIVST feasibility pilot study and future implementation in Argentina.
A service evaluation of current practices in the assessment of mental-health and referral for support following disclosure of sexual violence
Authors: Clarke Jenny , Hyde Alice , Caswell Rachel J 
Published: October 2022

Sexual violence (SV) has significant impacts on physical, social and psychological wellbeing, with associated mental illness and suicide. Despite no specific guidelines regarding mental health and SV, recommendations suggest all patients should have the opportunity to discuss their mental health and be offered referrals for support. A service evaluation was performed at a large Sexual and Reproductive Health Service (SRHS) with n = 179 patient records reviewed between 30/07/2021 to 01/10/21, who had disclosed SV including n = 83 referred from Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). Patient exclusions included duplicates and non-attendances. Data on patient demographics, mental health assessment and referral services were analysed. Referral services included Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), a specialist third sector organisation Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP), and an inhouse specialist SV clinic, Abuse Survivors Clinic (ASC). Demographic analysis demonstrated that 43% of cases were aged over 25 years, 47% were 18–25 and 10% under 18. Females comprised 85% of cases. Mental health history was documented in 91% of SARC referrals, compared to 77% of patients who directly attended SRHS. Current mental health was assessed in 83% of SARC referral patients, compared to 75% of direct SRHS patients. RSVP was offered to 81% of patients, more than any other service. ISVA was offered to 40% of patients, and ASC was offered to 3% of patients. In total, 11% of patients were offered no service referrals. Findings suggest improvements should be made to ensure all patients have discussions around their mental health and are offered support services following SV disclosure. Further research is required to determine whether these changes improve patient outcomes.
In-hospital Mortality Rates in SARS-CoV-2 Patients Treated with Enoxaparin and Heparin
Authors: Alroomi Moudhi , Alsaber Ahmad , Al-Bader Bader , Almutairi Farah , Malhas Haya , Pan Jiazhu , Zhanna Kobalava D. , Ramadhan Maryam , Saleh Mohammad Al , Abdullah Mohammed , Alotaibi Naser , AlNasrallah Noor , Rajan Rajesh , Hussein Soumoud , Aboelhassan Wael 
Published: October 2022

Аbstrасt Objectives This study aimed to investigate in-hospital mortality rates in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) according to enoxaparin and heparin use. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 962 patients admitted to two hospitals in Kuwait with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Cumulative all-cause mortality rate was the primary outcome. Results A total of 302 patients (males, 196 [64.9%]; mean age, 57.2 ± 14.6 years; mean body mass index, 29.8 ± 6.5 kg/m2) received anticoagulation therapy. Patients receiving anticoagulation treatment tended to have pneumonia (n = 275 [91.1%]) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 106 [35.1%]), and high D-dimer levels (median [interquartile range]: 608 [523;707] ng/mL). The mortality rate in this group was high (n = 63 [20.9%]). Multivariable logistic regression, the Cox proportional hazards, and Kaplan-Meier models revealed that the use of therapeutic anticoagulation agents affected the risk of all-cause cumulative mortality. Conclusion Age, hypertension, pneumonia, therapeutic anticoagulation, and methylprednisolone use were found to be strong predictors of in-hospital mortality. In elderly hypertensive COVID-19 patients on therapeutic anticoagulation were found to have 2.3 times higher risk of in-hospital mortality. All cause in-hospital mortality rate in the therapeutic anticoagulation group was up to 21%.
Hair Bias in the Workplace: A Critical Human Resource Development Perspective
Authors: Trusty Juanita , Ward David Akili , Good-Perry Ward Mijean , He Mengying 
Published: October 2022

The Problem Managers and other individuals in the workplace may have a bias, either conscious or unconscious, against Black women based on their appearance. Since slavery, Black people with lighter skin complexion and straighter hair have been given preferences and privileges not afforded Black people with darker skin or those with naturally kinky hair. This study brings this subtle form of discrimination to the attention of Human Resource Development professionals and sheds light on how such interactions may affect their learning, development, and performance. The Solution Using a critical Human Resource Development lens, we suggest that managers, organizational leaders, and decision-makers are educated to recognize and address hair bias. Leaders must ensure compliance with the CROWN Act and legislation that prohibits discrimination against natural and protective hairstyles. The Stakeholders Stakeholders include U. S. Human Resource Development professionals, hiring managers, recruiters, and leaders who are concerned with hiring and promoting diverse talent.