bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cheap Art and Creative Activism
Authors: Muller Cathleen
Published: June 2023

The premise of this article is straightforward: cheap art as a method and movement, though often ignored in the aesthetics literature, is ideally suited for creative activism. To understand this claim, we must have a working definition of the term "cheap art", which I develop in the first section. In doing so, I focus on four features of cheap art, united by the core idea of anti-elitism, that make it well suited to support creative activism: (1) Cheap art is light, quick, sloppy, and easy to do. (2) Cheap art is made from cheap materials. (3) Cheap art rejects the idea of art as a business created for the artworld elite and aims instead to provide art of the people and for the people. (4) Cheap art challenges its audience members rather than seeking to placate or soothe them. After a brief defense of the claim that cheap art is in fact art, I discuss each aspect in detail, emphasizing its advantages for creative activism. I close with two suggestions for evaluating cheap art, which I argue can be extended to creative activism more broadly.
Community engagement in the development of health-related data visualizations: a scoping review
Authors: Chau Darren , Parra José , Santos Maricel G , Bastías María José , Kim Rebecca , Handley Margaret A
Published: June 2023

Objective

This scoping review aims to address a gap in the literature on community engagement in developing data visualizations intended to improve population health. The review objectives are to: (1) synthesize literature on the types of community engagement activities conducted by researchers working with community partners and (2) characterize instances of “creative data literacy” within data visualizations developed in community-researcher partnerships.

Methods

Using the 2018 PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, the review focuses on peer-reviewed journal articles from 2010 to 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A community engagement tool was applied to the studies by independent reviewers to classify levels of community engagement, social determinants, and vulnerable populations.

Results

Twenty-seven articles were included in the scoping review. Twelve articles worked with vulnerable populations. Four articles attempted to alleviate barriers to representation in their respective studies, with addressing language barriers being the most prevalent approach. Thirteen articles considered social determinants of health. Sixteen studies engaged in iterative approaches with intended users when developing the visualization or tool.

Discussion

Only a few significant examples of creative data literacy are incorporated in the studies. We recommend a specific focus on engaging intended users at every step of the development process, addressing language and cultural differences, and empowering intended users as data storytellers.

Conclusions

There is room for deeper and more meaningful community involvement in the development of health-related data visualizations geared towards them.
Effects of adult-diet modifications on sexual maturation rate, body weight, and quantity of sperm transfer by male Mexican fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Hickin Mauri , Nadel Hannah , Carlson Jason , Conway Hugh
Published: June 2023

Mass-reared sterile Mexican fruit flies (Anastrepha ludens [Loew]) are released along the US–Mexico border to control fruit fly damage and spread. It is more cost effective for the mass rearing program if males mature at a younger age because they can be held for a shorter time at the facility before release. In this study, adult male Mexican fruit fly diets were tested to determine if the current diet used at the mass rearing facility promotes younger mating and optimal sperm transfer compared to other diet formulations. Hydrolyzed yeast presentation methods were examined: an agar-free dry mixture of yeast and sugar (Y+S), yeast embedded in the diet during the agar boiling process (current method used) and sifted dry on the ager gel surface. Methoprene, a juvenile hormone analog was also tested as a supplement to agar gel diets with and without yeast. A greater proportion of males fed Y+S mated 1 day earlier than males fed other diets. Male mating age and diet did not significantly affect the quantity of sperm transferred; however, a non-significantly higher percentage of males fed diets with embedded yeast transferred enough sperm to fill all 3 spermathecae. The results suggest that the current diet used is optimal for mass-rearing the flies and that yeast presentation method has a significant effect on A. ludens male mating age but not on the quantity of sperm transferred to females.
Aggregate Properties of Open Economy Models with Expanding Varieties
Authors: Bhattarai Saroj , Kucheryavyy Konstantin
Published: June 2023

We present a unified framework to study interconnections between business cycle and international trade models. This unified framework is built upon the standard competitive, representative-firm international real business cycle model and features production externalities in the intermediate and final goods sectors. Our main theoretical result is that this unified framework is equivalent in aggregate implications to dynamic international trade models featuring monopolistic competition, endogenous entry and exit, and heterogeneous firms. We show that a negative capital externality in the intermediate good sector is required to fit the data. This presents a puzzle for the literature because when viewed through the lens of our unified framework, we demonstrate that the standard assumptions used in dynamic trade models imply a positive capital externality.
Using a Volunteer Friends Support Scheme in a Temporary Relocation Programme
Authors: Crawshaw Marilyn , Eriksson Sanna , Brown Margot
Published: June 2023

This article describes a voluntary Friends Scheme that sits alongside a temporary relocation scheme for Human Rights Defenders at the University of York, UK. Members of the Scheme, including the scheme’s co-ordinators, are all volunteers drawn from the local community with a remit to befriend the Defenders, help orient them to the city and UK lifestyles and offer the opportunity to experience day-to-day life outside of the university.

With the erosion globally of the operational space for Human Rights Defenders’ work, many are in situations of serious risk to their health, well-being and even life, jeopardizing their long-term ability to conduct their work. This has in turn increased their protection needs with temporary relocation providing one mechanism for meeting these. The Protective Fellowship Scheme for Human Rights Defenders at Risk (PFS) at York offers an institutionalized programme and the Friends Scheme arose from the identified need for additional informal well-being support. In describing key aspects of its operation, their evolution over time, and its challenges and rewards, the article draws on feedback from both Defenders and Friends. It is brought up to date, outlining the impact of Covid-19.

Experience to date suggests the use of a Friends Scheme can be a valuable part of temporary relocation programmes for Defenders, staff running such schemes, the volunteer Friends and the local community. The use of a systemic approach to its organization through having clear processes, regular communication from and between the co-ordinators and PFS, and providing individual and group support appears valuable.
Web architecture, behavior, and predatory potential of Larinia chloris from rice fields (Araneae: Araneidae)
Authors: Khan Sozaina , Tahir Hafiz Muhammad , Butt Abida , Khan Abbas
Published: June 2023

Present study was carried out to investigate the variation in web architecture of Larinia chloris (Audouin 1826) in relation to seasonal differences and the biotic factors of the environment. In addition, relative abundance, behavior, and predatory potential of L. chloris were also recorded. For this purpose, 100 orb-webs of L. chloris were observed in rice fields (August–October, 2022) from 3 districts of Punjab (Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Kasur). Percent abundance of L. chloriswas found to be highest in rice fields from Barki road, Lahore (39.53%). All the webs of L. chloris were vertical at height equal to the height of vegetation (115.2 ± 9.7 cm). Time required to complete the web was 45 ± 5 min. There was positive correlation between web architecture and vegetation height. Web capture area and average mesh height of L. chloris also showed positive correlation with carapace length. There was a significant difference in various web parameters (number of spirals, number of radii, capture area, average mesh height, upper radii, lower radii, left radii, and right radii) among different trapping months. A total of 1,326 insects were recorded from the 100 webs of L. chloris. The prey abundance was found to be highest in the fields from Barki Road, Lahore. The majority of the prey collected from webs of L. chloris belonged to order Diptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera. However, prey items recorded during different growth stages (from vegetative to ripening) varied significantly. This is the first ever report describing the ecology of L. chloris in rice fields from Punjab, Pakistan.
Cancer survivorship care: challenges and opportunities in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Miyako
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the current international scope and practices of cancer survivorship care and the challenges and opportunities of survivorship care in Japan. Cancer is a common illness in Japan; however, the national cancer control plan focuses only on limited survivorship-related issues, and there is no official national-level survivorship care strategy that addresses the diverse unmet needs of survivors. There is an urgent need to discuss and implement measures for quality survivorship care delivery under the current healthcare system in Japan. The Development of Survivorship Care Coordination Model Research Group, 2022, organized under the National Cancer Center Japan research grant from 2019 to 2022, identified four tasks that are required to realize quality survivorship care: (i) providing education opportunities for survivorship care stakeholders to raise awareness about the concept and the necessity of cancer survivorship care, (ii) providing training opportunities and cancer survivorship care certification for community healthcare providers, (iii) enforcing the economic basis of survivorship care and (iv) creating simpler systems that are organically linked with existing care systems. Collaboration among multiple players is indispensable to developing the philosophy of survivorship care and efficient care delivery. For this purpose, we need a platform where diverse players can participate equally towards the same goal: cancer survivors’ optimal wellness.
Xylem structure and function of two saltbush shrub species (Atriplex) from differing microhabitats
Authors: Ennajeh Mustapha , Coleman Mitchell , Fickle Jaycie C , Castro Viridiana , Pratt Robert Brandon , Jacobsen Anna L
Published: June 2023

Two formerly broadly distributed woody Atriplex species now occur as fragmented populations across a range of microhabitats in the San Joaquin Valley Desert, southern California. We hypothesized that A. lentiformis and A. polycarpa exhibit inter- and intra-specific differences in their leaf and stem structural and functional traits corresponding with differences in soil salinity and aridity. Water potential, xylem structure and function and leaf traits were compared between three populations of A. lentiformis and four populations of A. polycarpa. The two species significantly differed in their xylem traits, with A. lentiformis displaying lower xylem density, wider mean and maximum vessel diameters and higher hydraulic conductivity (Ks). They also differed in their leaf traits, such that A. lentiformis had larger leaves with higher specific leaf area (SLA) than A. polycarpa. Significant intra-specific differences occurred among leaf traits (leaf area, SLA) in A. lentiformis populations. In contrast, populations varied in their stem xylem structural traits (mean vessel wall thickness, mean vessel diameter, maximum vessel length) among A. polycarpa populations. Many of these differences were associated with soil salinity in A. lentiformis, and with minimum seasonal water potential in A. polycarpa. Overall, both saltbush species showed high intra- and inter-specific trait variation. This could be a critical consideration in understanding the evolution of these native species and has important implications for their conservation and restoration.
Effect of topical agents on skin surface dose in volumetric modulated arc therapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Ueda Hikari , Ueda Yoshihiro , Ikawa Toshiki , Ohira Shingo , Miyazaki Masayoshi , Enomoto Kazumi , Sakai Kayo , Konishi Koji
Published: June 2023

In volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), the effect of an increase in skin surface dose due to topical agents might be negligible. We investigated the bolus effects of three types of topical agents in VMAT for head and neck cancer (HNC). Topical agents of different thicknesses (0.1, 0.5 and 2 mm) were prepared. When each topical agent was set, the surface doses were measured for the anterior static field and VMAT, with and without a thermoplastic mask. No significant differences were observed among the three topical agents. For topical agent thicknesses of 0.1, 0.5 and 2 mm, the increases in surface dose for the anterior static field without the thermoplastic mask were 7–9, 30–31 and 81–84%, respectively. With the thermoplastic mask, the corresponding increases were 5, 12–15 and 41–43%, respectively. The increases in surface dose for VMAT without the thermoplastic mask were 5–8, 16–19 and 36–39%, respectively, and those with the thermoplastic mask were 4, 7–10 and 15–19%, respectively. The rate of increase in surface dose with the thermoplastic mask was smaller than that without the thermoplastic mask. The increase in surface dose with topical agents of clinical standard thickness (0.02 mm) was estimated to be 2% with the thermoplastic mask. The increase in surface dose with topical agents in dosimetric simulation, compared with control situation, is not significant in clinical conditions for HNC patients.
“I took strength just by looking at the sky, stars, trees, flowers” Interview with Anar Meshimbayeva
Authors: Bennett Hayley
Published: June 2023

The former head of Kazakhstan’s national statistical office, Anar Meshimbayeva served five years in prison after being accused of embezzlement. In an interview with Hayley Bennett, she talks about life after “the case of the statisticians”
Surgical management of a rare giant ovarian serous cystadenoma with distinctive clinical manifestations
Authors: Shokrollahi Nima , Nouri Mohammad , Movahedi Alireza , Kamani Fereshteh
Published: June 2023

Giant ovarian cysts are categorized with sizes >10 cm. After reaching huge diameters, these rare tumors cause clinical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. We present a 29-year-old woman with a giant unique cystadenoma represented with unusual clinical features like low back pain and progressive constipation. Specific imaging methods demonstrated an adnexal lesion in the form of an enormous ovarian cyst; afterward, an open laparotomy was recommended to access the abdominal cavity. The critical role of timely diagnosis and accurate workups for giant ovarian cysts in increasing patients’ life expectancy and quality of life is discussed.
Abrupt onset of suture granuloma 27 years after hemithyroidectomy
Authors: Alghanemi Ryan , Steinmüller Thomas
Published: June 2023

Suture granuloma is a rare complication after thyroidectomy and usually manifests as a chronic inflammation mimicking cancer or even tuberculous lymphadenitis and can be expected within the first 2 postoperative years. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented, 27 years after her first hemithyroidectomy, with a sudden onset of a growing lump on the same site. Neck magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fast-growing tumor suggestive of a cancerous lesion. An excisional biopsy revealed only acute inflammation with pus formation. During surgery, we excised 20 thickly ligated sutures from the neck. These sutures were suggested to have caused the suture granulomas.
Comparative Venom Multiomics Reveal the Molecular Mechanisms Driving Adaptation to Diverse Predator–Prey Ecosystems in Closely Related Sea Snakes
Authors: Zheng Hao , Wang Junjie , Fan Hairong , Wang Shuocun , Ye Ruiwei , Li Linxue , Wang Sheng , Li An , Lu Yiming
Published: June 2023

Predator–prey arms races are ideal models for studying the natural selection and adaptive evolution that drive the formation of biological diversity. For venomous snakes, venom is a key bridge linking snakes with their prey, but whether and how venom evolves under the selection of diet remains unclear. Here, we focused on two closely related sea snakes, Hydrophis cyanocinctus and Hydrophis curtus, which show significant differences in prey preferences. Data-independent acquisition (DIA)–based proteomic analysis revealed different degrees of homogeneity in the venom composition of the two snakes, which was consistent with the differential phylogenetic diversity of their prey. By investigating the sequences and structures of three-finger toxins (3FTx), a predominant toxin family in elapid venom, we identified significant differences between the two sea snakes in the binding activity of 3FTx to receptors from different prey populations, which could explain the trophic specialization of H. cyanocinctus. Furthermore, we performed integrated multiomic profiling of the transcriptomes, microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and proteomes of the venom glands; constructed venom-related mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA networks; and identified a series of noncoding RNAs involved in the regulation of toxin gene expression in the two species. These findings are highly informative for elucidating the molecular basis and regulatory mechanisms that account for discrepant venom evolution in response to divergent diets in closely related snakes, providing valuable evidence for the study of coselection and coevolution in predator–prey ecosystems.
The management of incidental meningioma: An unresolved clinical conundrum
Authors: Islim Abdurrahman I , Millward Christopher P , Mills Samantha J , Fountain Daniel M , Zakaria Rasheed , Pathmanaban Omar N , Mathew Ryan K , Santarius Thomas , Jenkinson Michael D
Published: June 2023

The widespread availability and use of brain magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography has led to an increase in the frequency of incidental meningioma diagnoses. Most incidental meningioma are small, demonstrate indolent behavior during follow-up, and do not require intervention. Occasionally, meningioma growth causes neurological deficits or seizures prompting surgical or radiation treatment. They may cause anxiety to the patient and present a management dilemma for the clinician. The questions for both patient and clinician are “will the meningioma grow and cause symptoms such that it will require treatment within my lifetime?” and “will deferment of treatment result in greater treatment-related risks and lower chance of cure?.” International consensus guidelines recommend regular imaging and clinical follow-up, but the duration is not specified. Upfront treatment with surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy may be recommended but this is potentially an overtreatment, and its benefits must be balanced against the risk of related adverse events. Ideally, treatment should be stratified based on patient and tumor characteristics, but this is presently hindered by low-quality supporting evidence. This review discusses risk factors for meningioma growth, proposed management strategies, and ongoing research in the field.
Advances in PET imaging for meningioma patients
Authors: Galldiks Norbert , Albert Nathalie L , Wollring Michael , Werner Jan-Michael , Lohmann Philipp , Villanueva-Meyer Javier E , Fink Gereon R , Langen Karl-Josef , Tonn Joerg-Christian
Published: June 2023

In patients with meningioma, diagnosis and treatment planning are predominantly based on anatomical imaging using MRI or CT. Constraints of these imaging modalities include precise meningioma delineation—especially at the skull base, in the case of trans-osseus growth, and in tumors with complex geometry—and the differentiation of post-therapeutic reactive changes from meningioma relapse. Advanced metabolic imaging using PET may help to characterize specific metabolic and cellular features providing additional information beyond the information derived from anatomical imaging alone. Accordingly, the use of PET in meningioma patients is steadily increasing. This review summarizes recent advances in PET imaging helpful for improving the clinical management of patients with meningioma.
Paediatrics and discomfort with death and dying
Authors: Johnson K Taneille , Dahl Nicole
Published: June 2023

Death and dying, while uncommon in day-to-day paediatrics practice, are becoming increasingly common occurrences as children with life-limiting illnesses are living longer. We reflect on our experiences with death and dying in our residency training and whether paediatrics, as a specialty, is uncomfortable with death. Paediatric trainees should be included in honest discussions about disease trajectories and participate in providing end-of-life care. Anticipatory guidance helps personalize care and can prevent unnecessary procedures or suffering that patients may experience. While trainees may not be present at the end-of-life for many patients, managing death and dying are important competencies for future paediatricians. Current paediatricians should reflect on their comfort with death and how this may impact their patient care.
The pyrenoid: the eukaryotic CO2-concentrating organelle
Authors: He Shan , Crans Victoria L , Jonikas Martin C
Published: June 2023

The pyrenoid is a phase-separated organelle that enhances photosynthetic carbon assimilation in most eukaryotic algae and the land plant hornwort lineage. Pyrenoids mediate approximately one-third of global CO2 fixation, and engineering a pyrenoid into C3 crops is predicted to boost CO2 uptake and increase yields. Pyrenoids enhance the activity of the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco by supplying it with concentrated CO2. All pyrenoids have a dense matrix of Rubisco associated with photosynthetic thylakoid membranes that are thought to supply concentrated CO2. Many pyrenoids are also surrounded by polysaccharide structures that may slow CO2 leakage. Phylogenetic analysis and pyrenoid morphological diversity support a convergent evolutionary origin for pyrenoids. Most of the molecular understanding of pyrenoids comes from the model green alga Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). The Chlamydomonas pyrenoid exhibits multiple liquid-like behaviors, including internal mixing, division by fission, and dissolution and condensation in response to environmental cues and during the cell cycle. Pyrenoid assembly and function are induced by CO2 availability and light, and although transcriptional regulators have been identified, posttranslational regulation remains to be characterized. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of pyrenoid function, structure, components, and dynamic regulation in Chlamydomonas and extrapolate to pyrenoids in other species.
Gibberellin signaling modulates flowering via the DELLA–BRAHMA–NF-YC module in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Jian Mingyang , Li Weijun , Yao Xiani , Tan Cuirong , Qian Qian , Hu Yilong , Liu Xu , Hou Xingliang
Published: June 2023

Gibberellin (GA) plays a key role in floral induction by activating the expression of floral integrator genes in plants, but the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Here, we show that BRAHMA (BRM), a core subunit of the chromatin-remodeling SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) complex that functions in various biological processes by regulating gene expression, is involved in GA-signaling-mediated flowering via the formation of the DELLA–BRM–NF-YC module in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). DELLA, BRM, and NF-YC transcription factors interact with one another, and DELLA proteins promote the physical interaction between BRM and NF-YC proteins. This impairs the binding of NF-YCs to SOC1, a major floral integrator gene, to inhibit flowering. On the other hand, DELLA proteins also facilitate the binding of BRM to SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 (SOC1). The GA-induced degradation of DELLA proteins disturbs the DELLA–BRM–NF-YC module, prevents BRM from inhibiting NF-YCs, and decreases the DNA-binding ability of BRM, which promote the deposition of H3K4me3 on SOC1 chromatin, leading to early flowering. Collectively, our findings show that BRM is a key epigenetic partner of DELLA proteins during the floral transition. Moreover, they provide molecular insights into how GA signaling coordinates an epigenetic factor with a transcription factor to regulate the expression of a flowering gene and flowering in plants.
Alternative response officers: investing in policing alternatives and community safety in Saskatoon, Canada
Authors: Hodgkinson Tarah , Pringle Darren
Published: June 2023

The current demand for policing alternatives has never been higher. In Canada, police services are increasingly exploring these alternatives to address this demand. In 2021, the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), in collaboration with the city of Saskatoon, university partners, and numerous community stakeholders, introduced an alternative response officer (ARO). The ARO is a special constable, meaning that they are sworn in as a peace officer, but are tasked with addressing community safety concerns that do not require an armed officer to attend. SPS introduced the ARO in the downtown area of Saskatoon with the intent to increase interoperability with other community service providers, increase uniformed presence in the area to act as reassurance and deterrence, and to decrease the need for armed officers to attend low-level social disorder or social welfare calls. Using activity counts and calls for service data, this study examines the implementation and early outcomes of policing alternatives for community support and policing resource management. This study has implications for investing and expanding policing alternatives and reducing policing costs to municipalities.
Deeply embedded core normative values and their relationship with perceptions of legitimacy
Authors: Factor Roni , Mehozay Yoav
Published: June 2023

This article presents a tailored research tool developed to explore and test the recent theory of deeply embedded core normative values, which asserts that beliefs about the legitimacy of law-enforcement authorities derive in part from profound cultural orientations through which individuals act in and interpret the world. The model is based on a typology of four core normative value systems, namely religious–traditional, liberal, republican–communitarian, and ethno-national, which are associated in different ways with legitimacy. We first conducted in-depth interviews with 45 participants to develop the research tool (questionnaire), then performed a large-scale representative survey among 1,617 Israeli respondents. The findings support the main premises of the model. They show that liberal, republican–communitarian, and religious–traditional values have significant associations with two measures of legitimacy (trust and obligation to obey the police), and that these associations generally hold beyond perceptions of police conduct and performance.
Dividing Authority Three Ways: Federal–Tribal–State Relations afterOklahoma v. Castro-Huerta
Authors: Carlson Kirsten Matoy
Published: June 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta has the potential to rework the long-standing division of authority among federal, state, and tribal governments. In issuing its decision in this June 2022 case, the majority departed from its previous decisions and congressional policy by enabling state governments to exercise criminal authority over non-Indians in Indian Country. This article examines the implications of Castro-Huerta for federal, tribal, and state governments on the ground in Indian Country as well as for scholarship and teaching on federal–tribal–state relations.
The Timing of Implementation of COVID-19 Lockdown Policies: Does Decentralization Matter?
Authors: Tselios Vassilis
Published: June 2023

All countries implemented policies to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and control fatalities from COVID-19. Although early actions were pivotal in reducing confirmed cases and deaths, the timing of the introduction of these policies differed from country to country. This article assesses and compares the behavior of various decentralized countries in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the timing of implementation of containment measures and viewing timeliness of adoption as denoting a country’s level of responsiveness to a health crisis. Using international databases, this article finds that more decentralized countries delayed the start of containment measures. This article also finds that larger and more densely populated countries were more likely to delay implementation of these policies.
Ω-bounds for the partial sums of some modified Dirichlet characters
Authors: Aymone Marco
Published: June 2023

We consider the problem of Ω bounds for the partial sums of a modified character, i.e., a completely multiplicative function f such that $f(p)=\chi(p)$ for all but a finite number of primes p, where χ is a primitive Dirichlet character. We prove that in some special circumstances, $\sum_{n\leq x}f(n)=\Omega((\log x)^{|S|})$, where S is the set of primes p, where $f(p)\neq \chi(p)$. This gives credence to a corrected version of a conjecture of Klurman et al., Trans. Amer. Math. Soc., 374 (11), 2021, 7967–7990. We also compute the Riesz mean of order k for large k of a modified character and show that the Diophantine properties of the irrational numbers of the form $\log p / \log q$, for primes p and q, give information on these averages.
Factor Timing with Portfolio Characteristics
Authors: Kagkadis Anastasios , Nolte Ingmar , Nolte Sandra , Vasilas Nikolaos
Published: June 2023

In a factor timing context, academic research has focused on identifying a set of predictors that can explain the dynamics of factor portfolios. We propose an alternative approach for timing factor portfolio returns by exploiting the information from their portfolio characteristics. Different combinations of dimension reduction techniques are employed to independently reduce the number of both predictors and portfolios to predict. Characteristic-based models outperform existing methods in terms of exact predictability, as well as investment performance. (JEL G10, G11, C52, C55)
The efficacy of tobacco cessation treatment for African American adults: a systematic review
Authors: Dawson Darius B , Budhwani Shahereez , Breland Jessica Y , Kunik Mark E , Fletcher Terri L
Published: June 2023

Despite proliferation of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, African American adults still suffer higher rates of tobacco-related diseases than White adults. Although tobacco cessation treatment is efficacious, there is a need to reassess the efficacy of tobacco cessation treatment for African American adults. Previous reviews of tobacco cessation treatment studies conducted through 2007 among African American adults highlight the limited research in this area and inconsistent findings on treatment characteristics impacting efficacy. This systematic review examined the efficacy of combined behavioral and pharmacological tobacco cessation treatment for African American adults. Database searches were used to identify studies examining tobacco cessation treatment for predominantly African American samples (>50%). Eligible studies were completed between 2007 and 2021 and (i) involved randomization comparing active combined treatment to a control comparison group and (ii) reported abstinence outcomes at 6 and/or 12 months. Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Active treatment groups typically consisted of a combination of nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral counseling. Abstinence rates for African American adults ranged from 10.0% to 34% in active treatment groups compared to 0.0%–40% in comparison control groups. Our results support the efficacy of combined treatment for tobacco cessation among African American adults. However, cessation rates for African American adults found in this review are lower than those in the general adult population (15%–88%). Additionally, our findings highlight the limited number of studies examining African American tobacco cessation rates and testing of tailored treatment for this population.
Combined Platelet and Red Blood Cell Recovery during On-pump Cardiac Surgery Using same™ by i-SEP Autotransfusion Device: A First-in-human Noncomparative Study (i-TRANSEP Study)
Authors: Mansour Alexandre , Beurton Antoine , Godier Anne , Rozec Bertrand , Zlotnik Diane , Nedelec Fabienne , Gaussem Pascale , Fiore Mathieu , Boissier Elodie , Nesseler Nicolas , Ouattara Alexandre
Published: June 2023

Background

Centrifugation-based autotransfusion devices only salvage red blood cells while platelets are removed. The same™ device (Smart Autotransfusion for ME; i-SEP, France) is an innovative filtration-based autotransfusion device able to salvage both red blood cells and platelets. The authors tested the hypothesis that this new device could allow a red blood cell recovery exceeding 80% with a posttreatment hematocrit exceeding 40%, and would remove more than 90% of heparin and 75% of free hemoglobin.

Methods

Adults undergoing on-pump elective cardiac surgery were included in a noncomparative multicenter trial. The device was used intraoperatively to treat shed and residual cardiopulmonary bypass blood. The primary outcome was a composite of cell recovery performance, assessed in the device by red blood cell recovery and posttreatment hematocrit, and of biologic safety assessed in the device by the washout of heparin and free hemoglobin expressed as removal ratios. Secondary outcomes included platelet recovery and function and adverse events (clinical and device-related adverse events) up to 30 days after surgery.

Results

The study included 50 patients, of whom 18 (35%) underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft, 26 (52%) valve surgery, and 6 (12%) aortic root surgery. The median red blood cell recovery per cycle was 86.1% (25th percentile to 75th percentile interquartile range, 80.8 to 91.6) with posttreatment hematocrit of 41.8% (39.7 to 44.2). Removal ratios for heparin and free hemoglobin were 98.9% (98.2 to 99.7) and 94.6% (92.7 to 96.6), respectively. No adverse device effect was reported. Median platelet recovery was 52.4% (44.2 to 60.1), with a posttreatment concentration of 116 (93 to 146) · 109/l. Platelet activation state and function, evaluated by flow cytometry, were found to be unaltered by the device.

Conclusions

In this first-in-human study, the same™ device was able to simultaneously recover and wash both platelets and red blood cells. Compared with preclinical evaluations, the device achieved a higher platelet recovery of 52% with minimal platelet activation while maintaining platelet ability to be activated in vitro.

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Declining Use of Prone Positioning After High Initial Uptake in COVID-19 Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome*
Authors: Hochberg Chad H. , Psoter Kevin J. , Eakin Michelle N. , Hager David N.
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Prone positioning for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has historically been underused, but was widely adopted for COVID-19-associated ARDS early in the pandemic. Whether this successful implementation has been sustained over the first 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown. In this study, we characterized proning use in patients with COVID-19 ARDS from March 2020 to December 2022.

DESIGN:

Multicenter retrospective observational study.

SETTING:

Five-hospital health system in Maryland, USA.

PATIENTS:

Adults with COVID-19 supported with invasive mechanical ventilation and with a Pa
o
2/Fio
2 ratio of less than or equal to 150 mm Hg while receiving Fio
2 of greater than or equal to 0.6 within 72 hours of intubation.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS:

We extracted demographic, clinical, and positioning data from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was the initiation of proning within 48 hours of meeting criteria. We compared proning use by year with univariate and multivariate relative risk (RR) regression. Additionally, we evaluated the association of treatment during a COVID-19 surge period and receipt of prone positioning.

MAIN RESULTS:

We identified 656 qualifying patients; 341 from 2020, 224 from 2021, and 91 from 2022. More than half (53%) met severe ARDS criteria. Early proning occurred in 56.2% of patients in 2020, 56.7% in 2021, and 27.5% in 2022. This translated to a 51% reduction in use of prone positioning among patients treated in 2022 versus 2020 (RR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33–0.72; p < 0.001). This reduction remained significant in adjusted models (adjusted RR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42–0.82; p = 0.002). Treatment during COVID-19 surge periods was associated with a 7% increase in proning use (adjusted RR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.13; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of prone positioning for COVID-19 ARDS is declining. Interventions to increase and sustain appropriate use of this evidence-based therapy are warranted.
The Plasma Concentration of Ticagrelor and Aspirin as a Predictor of Bleeding Complications in Chinese Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Wang Cui-cui , Zhao Qing , Guo Bing-yan , Hao Jie , Zhao Jia-jia , Ren Jia-liang , Sun Ya-qing , Zhang Xiao-rui , Yang Xiu-ling , Liu Jin-ming
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

This study evaluated the association among the plasma concentration of ticagrelor, ARC124910XX, aspirin, and salicylic acid with the risk of recent bleeding in patients with the acute coronary syndrome. To this end, we developed an accurate model to predict bleeding.

Methods:

A total of 84 patients included in this study cohort between May 2021 and November 2021. The risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses, and statistically significant risk factors identified in the multivariate analysis were included in the nomogram. We used the calibration curve and the receiver operating characteristic curve to verify the accuracy of the prediction model.

Results:

Multivariable logistic analysis showed that ticagrelor concentration (odds ratio [OR]: 2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–4.75, P = 0.002), ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (OR: 32.2, 95% CI, 2.37–780, P = 0.016), and lipid-lowering drugs (OR: 11.52, 95% CI, 1.91–110, P = 0.015) were positively correlated with bleeding. However, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker (OR: 0.04, 95% CI, 0.004–0.213, P < 0.001) was negatively correlated with bleeding. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that ticagrelor concentration and these factors together predict the occurrence of bleeding (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.945, 95% CI, 0.896–0.994) and that ticagrelor concentration >694.90 ng/mL is the threshold of bleeding concentration (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.696, 95% CI, 0.558–0.834).

Conclusion:

In patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with dual antiplatelet therapy, ticagrelor concentration >694.90 ng/mL was an independent risk factor for bleeding (OR: 2.47, 95% CI, 1.51–4.75, P = 0.002), but ARC124910XX and salicylic acid concentration did not affect bleeding risk (P > 0.05).
An Umbrella Review of Self-Management Interventions for Health Conditions With Symptom Overlap With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sander Angelle M. , Pappadis Monique R. , Bushnik Tamara , Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , Driver Simon , Hanks Robin , Lercher Kirk , Neumann Dawn , Rabinowitz Amanda , Seel Ronald T. , Weber Erica , Ralston Rick K. , Corrigan John , Kroenke Kurt , Hammond Flora M.
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To synthesize evidence for the effectiveness of self-management interventions for chronic health conditions that have symptom overlap with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in order to extract recommendations for self-management intervention in persons with TBI.

Design:

An umbrella review of existing systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials or nonrandomized studies targeting self-management of chronic conditions and specific outcomes relevant to persons with TBI.

Method:

A comprehensive literature search of 5 databases was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and data extraction using the Covidence web-based review platform. Quality assessment was conducted using criteria adapted from the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2).

Results:

A total of 26 reviews met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of chronic conditions and a range of outcomes. Seven reviews were of moderate or high quality and focused on self-management in persons with stroke, chronic pain, and psychiatric disorders with psychotic features. Self-management interventions were found to have positive effects on quality of life, self-efficacy, hope, reduction of disability, pain, relapse and rehospitalization rates, psychiatric symptoms, and occupational and social functioning.

Conclusions:

Findings are encouraging with regard to the effectiveness of self-management interventions in patients with symptoms similar to those of TBI. However, reviews did not address adaptation of self-management interventions for those with cognitive deficits or for populations with greater vulnerabilities, such as low education and older adults. Adaptations for TBI and its intersection with these special groups may be needed.
Racial Variation in Visual Impairment of Patients With Keratoconus at Presentation
Authors: Nugent Liam , Son Hyeck-Soo , Wang Jiangxia , Varadaraj Varshini , Smith Kerry , Soiberman Uri S. , Srikumaran Divya
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate racial disparities in the severity of keratoconus (KCN) at presentation, their intersection with socioeconomic variables, and other factors associated with visual impairment.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study examined medical records of 1989 patients (3978 treatment-naive eyes) with a diagnosis of KCN seen at Wilmer Eye Institute between 2013 and 2020. A multivariable regression model adjusting for age, sex, race, insurance type, KCN family history, atopy, smoking status, and vision correction method examined factors associated with visual impairment, defined as a best available visual acuity of worse than 20/40 in the better eye.

Results:

Demographically, Asian patients were the youngest (33.4 ± 14.0 years) (P < 0.001), and Black patients had the highest median area deprivation index (ADI) of 37.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 21.0–60.5] (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed a higher risk of visual impairment for Black (OR 2.25, 95% CI, 1.71–2.95) versus White patients. Medicaid (OR 2.59, 95% CI, 1.75–3.83) and Medicare (OR 2.48, 95% CI, 1.51–4.07) were also associated with a higher odds of visual impairment compared with private insurance, and active smokers were more likely to have visual impairment than those with no prior smoking history (OR 2.17, 95% CI, 1.42–3.30). Eyes of Black patients had the highest maximum keratometry (Kmax) (56.0 ± 11.0D) (P = 0.003) and the lowest thinnest pachymetry (463.2 ± 62.5 µm) (P = 0.006) compared with eyes of other races.

Conclusions:

Black race, government-funded insurance, and active smoking were significantly associated with increased odds of visual impairment in adjusted analyses. Black race was also associated with higher Kmax and lower thinnest pachymetry, suggesting that Black patients have more severe disease at presentation.
Utilization of intense pulsed light for hair removal in pediatric auricular reconstruction using tissue expander: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Ying , Huang LvPing , Feng Yongqiang , Huo Menghua , Lin Lin , Zhang Ling
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of depilation with intense pulsed light (IPL) in congenital microtia patients during their reconstruction treatment. The hairy skin was treated with the M22TM system (Lumenis, German) using a filter of 695 to 1200 mm. A contact prob with a window of 15 cm × 35 mm or 8 cm × 15 mm was used at a radiant setting of 14 to 15 J/cm2 in the non-expander group and 13 to 14 J/cm2 in the expander group, both in a single pulse mode. The efficiency index of hair removal was classified based on the percentage of hair density reduction as excellent (>75%), good (50–75%), fair (25–50%), poor (<25%). The depilation effect was compared between the 2 groups, and any adverse effects were evaluated. A total of 159 patients were included, with 93 patients in the expander group and 66 in the non-expander group. The reduction of the hair density in the expander group after 3 treatments was higher than that in the non-expander group [82.98 (73.47–89.09)% vs 77.84 (71.50–85.34)%; P < .05, Wilcoxon rank-sum test], as well as the efficiency [excellent cases 68 (73.12%) vs 37 (56.06%); P < .05, Chi-square test]. Four cases of folliculitis, 3 cases of blisters, and no instance of expander exposure and cartilage absorption were observed in this study. Hair removal with IPL is a safe and effective photo-epilation method during all stages of ear reconstruction using tissue expander. Depilation in the skin expansion period resulted in better outcomes after 3 treatments, although after 5 treatments no difference between the 2 groups was observed.
Application of medical-nurse integration health education in aged patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty
Authors: Liang Ruirui , Zhang Huimin , Xie Lunfang , Sun Aihua , Wang Jing , Chen Jun
Published: June 2023

This study was designed to explore the effect of medical-nurse integration health education in aged patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty. A total of 72 aged patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, who obtained percutaneous vertebroplasty from June 2019 to May 2022 were selected in this study. Patients were divided into control group (n = 36) and experimental group (n = 36) according to the time of hospitalization. The patients in control group received routine health education, while the patients in the experimental group received medical-nurse integration health education. We evaluated participants on 4 key aspects, their understanding of relevant knowledge, compliance with functional exercise, residual lower back pain rate, and satisfaction with the health education received. Our study found that patients in the experimental group had a significantly higher mastery rate of health education knowledge compared to those in the control group (88.89% vs 50.00%, P < .001). Additionally, compliance with the functional exercise program was higher in the experimental group, with over 80% of patients fully compliant, compared to only about 44.4% in the control group (P = .001). The average Japanese Orthopaedic Association score of the observation group 1 week after operation was higher than that of the control group (P < .05). Moreover, most patients in the experimental group were very satisfied with the medical-nurse integration health education, while most patients in the control group were only satisfied (P < .001). For aged patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty, medical-nurse integration health education could be an effective method to improve the ability of patients to obtain relevant education, enhance the compliance of patients for functional exercise and increase patient satisfaction to the education, and reduce residual low back pain in patients.