bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of a giant fibroadenoma during lactation
Authors: Hagen Krista , Wieland Ruth , Read Rebecca L
Published: February 2024

Fibroadenomas are the most common breast lesion in women of reproductive age. During pregnancy and lactation, fibroadenomas can undergo rapid growth in response to hormonal stimulus. These changes may prompt further investigation and/or intervention due to the risk of an underlying phyllodes tumour. We present a case of a female patient who underwent surgical excision of a giant fibroepithelial lesion at 4 months post partum while continuing to breastfeed. The lesion was successfully excised while maintaining lactation. A postoperative milk fistula resolved with non-operative management. There is limited literature on the surgical management of breast lesions in lactating women. This case illuminates the surgical management of breast lesions in an often well informed group of patients who may choose to have surgery while lactating in spite of the increased risk of complications. This case also highlights the need for a holistic approach to maintain the overall health of mother and child.
Should we prioritise children 6–23 months of age for vitamin A supplementation? Case study of West and Central Africa
Authors: Laillou Arnaud , Nanama Simeon , Hussen Alemayehu , Ntambi John , Baye Kaleab
Published: February 2024

Background

Vitamin A (VA) supplementation has been associated with reductions of all-cause child mortality. Child mortality amenable to VA, particularly related to infectious diseases, may be age dependent; hence, the beneficial effect of VA supplementation may differ between younger and older children. We aimed to estimate the all-cause child mortality disaggregated by younger and older than 2 years of age and estimate the contribution of VA supplementation in preventing child death in West and Central Africa.

Methods

Using the most recent (post-2010) cross-sectional Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, we analysed child-level data (n=187 651) from 20 West and Central African countries. Age-specific (all-cause) mortality rates were estimated using survival analyses. Age-specific VA supplementation coverage was linked with the age-specific all-cause child mortality to estimate the contribution of the supplementation in averting child death.

Results

The cost per averted child death was also estimated using an average cost of US$1.2/child and VA supplementation coverage which ranged from 14% in Cote d’Ivoire to 81% in the Gambia. About 75% of the under-5 mortality occurred in the first 2 years of life. The share of excess (all-cause) mortality averted by VA supplementation was significantly higher in the first 2 years of life. A mean reduction of 7.1 deaths/1000 live births was estimated for children 6–23 months, compared to a reduction of 2.5 deaths/1000 live births for older children (24–59 months). The mean cost/averted child death for the 20 countries was 2.8 times lower for the 6–23 than the 24–59 months age group.

Conclusion

Prioritising VA supplementation for children in the first 2 years of life could be more cost-effective than when implemented among 6–59 months of age.
Uptake of community health care provision by community health entrepreneurs for febrile illness and diarrhoea: a cross-sectional survey in rural communities in Bunyangabu district, Uganda
Authors: van der Hoeven Marinka , van Lettow Monique , Boonstra Pien , Hoekstra Trynke , Rutebemberwa Elizeus , Tweheyo Raymond , Kok Maarten Olivier
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess the uptake of services provided by community health workers who were trained as community health entrepreneurs (CHEs) for febrile illness and diarrhoea.

Design

A cross-sectional survey among households combined with mapping of all providers of basic medicine and primary health services in the study area.

Participants

1265 randomly selected households in 15 rural villages with active CHEs.

Setting

Bunyangabu district, Uganda.

Outcome measures

We describe the occurrence and care sought for fever and diarrhoea in the last 3 months by age group in the households. Care provider options included: CHE, health centre or clinic (public or private), pharmacy, drug shop and other. Geographic Information Ssystem (GIS)-based geographical measures were used to map all care providers around the active CHEs.

Results

Fever and diarrhoea in the last 3 months occurred most frequently in children under 5; 68% and 41.9%, respectively. For those who sought care, CHE services were used for fever among children under 5, children 5–17 and adults over 18 years of age in 34.7%, 29.9% and 25.1%, respectively. For diarrhoea among children under 5, children 5–17 and adults over 18 years of age, CHE services were used in 22.1%, 19.5% and 7.0%, respectively. For those who did not seek care from a CHE (only), drug shops were most frequently used services for both fever and diarrhoea, followed by health centres or private clinics. Many households used a combination of services, which was possible given the high density and diversity of providers found in the study area.

Conclusions

CHEs play a considerable role in providing care in rural areas where they are active. The high density of informal drug shops and private clinics highlights the need for clarity on the de facto roles played by different providers in both the public and private sector to improve primary healthcare.
Analysis of factors related to the development of ocular biometric parameters in Chinese children aged 6–10 years: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Ting , Wu Rong , Wang Weisuo , Li Hua , Peng Xiaoyan
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Emmetropia depends on the precise coordination of ocular biometry, including axial length (AL), corneal curvature, lens thickness and anterior chamber depth (ACD). Disruption of this coordination leads to refractive errors such as myopia. This article aimed to determine the factors affecting ocular biometry and myopia development in young children.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was conducted in a primary school in the Yanqing district of Beijing, China.

Participants

792 students in grades 1–3 without hyperopia (>+2.00 D), strabismus, or amblyopia were selected. Exclusions: students had conditions affecting best corrected visual acuity and whose guardians refused to provide informed consent. Ocular biometric measurements and non-cycloplegia autorefraction were performed. The questionnaire addressed factors such as perinatal factors and environmental factors.

Interventions

None.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Ocular biometry and myopia.

Results

According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, electronic screen use >2 hours/day (OR=2.175, p=0.013), paternal myopia (OR=1.761, p=0.002), maternal myopia (OR=1.718, p=0.005), taller height (OR=1.071, p<0.001), maternal education (OR=0.631, p=0.012) and maternal gestational hypertension (OR=0.330, p=0.042) were associated with myopia. AL was affected by female sex (OR=0.295, p<0.001), older age (OR=1.272, p=0.002) and taller height (OR=1.045, p<0.001). Female sex (OR=0.509, p<0.001), taller height (OR=1.046, p<0.001), use of electronic screens >2 hours each day (OR=3.596, p<0.001) and time spent outdoors >2 hours each day (OR=0.431, p=0.001) influenced ACD incidence. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was associated with older age (OR=1.113, p=0.008), paternal education (OR=1.474, p=0.007), premature birth (OR=0.494, p=0.031), history of blue light therapy in infancy (OR=0.636, p=0.041) and history of incubator therapy in infancy (OR=0.263, p=0.009). Only sex influenced corneal curvature.

Conclusions

The factors associated with myopia were partly related to ACD and AL, and perinatal factors were associated with myopia and CCT.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200065398.
Perception and views about individualising antibiotic duration for respiratory tract infections when patients feel better: a qualitative study with primary care professionals
Authors: Moragas Ana , Uguet Paula , Cots Josep M , Boada Albert , Bjerrum Lars , Llor Carl
Published: February 2024

Background

Evidence shows a high rate of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care. There is increasing evidence showing that shorter courses for RTIs are safe and help in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Stopping antibiotics earlier, as soon as patients feel better, rather than completing antibiotic courses, may help reduce unnecessary exposure to antibiotics and AMR.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and views of primary care healthcare professionals about customising antibiotic duration for RTIs by asking patients to stop the antibiotic course when they feel better.

Design

Qualitative research.

Setting and participants

A total of 21 qualitative interviews with primary care professionals (experts and non-experts in AMR) were conducted from June to September 2023. Data were audiorecorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Overall, experts seemed more amenable to tailoring the antibiotic duration for RTIs when patients feel better. They also found the dogma of ‘completing the course’ to be obsolete, as evidence is changing and reducing the duration might lead to less AMR, but claimed that evidence that this strategy is as beneficial and safe as fixed courses was unambiguous. Non-experts, however, believed the dogma of completing the course. Clinicians expressed mixed views on what feeling better might mean, supporting a shared decision-making approach when appropriate. Participants claimed good communication to professionals and patients, but were sceptical about the risk of medicalisation when asking patients to contact clinicians again for a check-up visit.

Conclusions

Clinicians reported positive and negative views about individualising antibiotic courses for RTIs, but, in general, experts supported a customised antibiotic duration as soon as patients feel better. The information provided by this qualitative study will allow improving the performance of a large randomised clinical trial aimed at evaluating if this strategy is safe and beneficial.
Implementation of rapid genomic sequencing in safety-net neonatal intensive care units: protocol for the VIrtual GenOme CenteR (VIGOR) proof-of-concept study
Authors: D'Gama Alissa M , Hills Sonia , Douglas Jessica , Young Vanessa , Genetti Casie A , Wojcik Monica H , Feldman Henry A , Yu Timothy W , G Parker Margaret , Agrawal Pankaj B
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Rapid genomic sequencing (rGS) in critically ill infants with suspected genetic disorders has high diagnostic and clinical utility. However, rGS has primarily been available at large referral centres with the resources and expertise to offer state-of-the-art genomic care. Critically ill infants from racial and ethnic minority and/or low-income populations disproportionately receive care in safety-net and/or community settings lacking access to state-of-the-art genomic care, contributing to unacceptable health equity gaps. VIrtual GenOme CenteR is a ‘proof-of-concept’ implementation science study of an innovative delivery model for genomic care in safety-net neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods and analysis

We developed a virtual genome centre at a referral centre to remotely support safety-net NICU sites predominantly serving racial and ethnic minority and/or low-income populations and have limited to no access to rGS. Neonatal providers at each site receive basic education about genomic medicine from the study team and identify eligible infants. The study team enrols eligible infants (goal n of 250) and their parents and follows families for 12 months. Enrolled infants receive rGS, the study team creates clinical interpretive reports to guide neonatal providers on interpreting results, and neonatal providers return results to families. Data is collected via (1) medical record abstraction, (2) surveys, interviews and focus groups with neonatal providers and (3) surveys and interviews with families. We aim to examine comprehensive implementation outcomes based on the Proctor Implementation Framework using a mixed methods approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the institutional review board of Boston Children’s Hospital (IRB-P00040496) and participating sites. Participating families are required to provide electronic written informed consent and neonatal provider consent is implied through the completion of surveys. The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and data will be made accessible per National Institutes of Health (NIH) policies.

Trial registration number

NCT05205356/clinicaltrials.gov.
A scoping review of Indigenous community-specific physical activity measures developed with and for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
Authors: Johnson Shara R. , Chilibeck Phil , Oosman Sarah N. , Foulds Heather J.A.
Published: February 2024

Historical factors including colonization and ongoing socioeconomic inequities impact Indigenous Peoples’ ability to mitigate chronic disease risks such as achieving recommended physical activity (PA) levels. Reliably assessing, reflecting, and promoting PA participation among Indigenous Peoples may be impacted by a lack of culturally appropriate assessment methods and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities throughout the research process. The objectives of this scoping review were to examine: (1) How PA research with Indigenous Peoples used community-specific PA measures developed with and/or for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand; and (2) How the studies utilized community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles to engage communities. A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases (Web of Science, Medline, University of Saskatchewan Indigenous Portal, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global). Thirty-one ( n = 31) articles were identified and data extracted for narrative synthesis. Studies using community-specific PA measures have been increasing over time. Adapting questionnaires to traditional Indigenous activities such as cultural dances, ceremonies, and food-gathering activities were the most frequent adjustments undertaken to use community-specific measures. There are, however, gaps in research partnering with communities with only 6% of studies including all eight CBPR principles. Practical ways researchers can engage Indigenous communities and build capacity such as training and employing community members were highlighted. More needs to be done to facilitate community self-determination and develop long-term sustainable initiatives. Using culturally appropriate and relevant methodologies including partnering with Indigenous communities may help identification and implementation of culturally relevant and sustainable health-promoting initiatives.
Effect of feeding calcium gluconate embedded in a hydrogenated fat matrix on performance, gastrointestinal fermentation, ruminal morphology, carcass merit, and meat quality for finishing beef heifers
Authors: Watanabe Daniel H.M. , Doelman John , Seymour Dave J. , Sanz-Fernandez M. Victoria , López-Campos Óscar , Prieto Nuria , Górka Pawel , Penner Gregory B.
Published: February 2024

Twenty-one beef heifers were used in a randomized complete block design lasting 206 ± 8 day (mean ± SD) to evaluate dry matter intake (DMI), growth, and gastrointestinal tract and carcass characteristics with increasing dose of dietary hydrogenated fat-embedded calcium gluconate (HFCG). Dietary treatments included HFCG included at: 0.0% (CON), 0.09% (CG09), or 0.18% (CG18) DM. Heifers were fed individually and fecal samples were collected on d 171 and 192. Gastrointestinal tissue, digesta, carcass merit, and meat quality and sensory characteristics were assessed after slaughter. Data were analyzed to determine the linear and quadratic effects of HFCG dose. DMI, average daily gain (ADG), and G:F were not affected ( P ≥ 0.08) by dose of HFCG. Gastrointestinal fermentation was minimally affected, while quadratic responses ( P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively) were observed for jejunal digesta pH and the molar proportion of isovalerate in colonic digesta where both increased and then decreased as HFCG dose increased. Carcass ( P ≥ 0.30), meat quality ( P ≥ 0.06), and sensory characteristics ( P ≥ 0.21) were not affected by dose of HFCG. We conclude that feeding HFCG to finishing beef heifers did not affect DMI, growth, gastrointestinal fermentation parameters, or carcass merit, meat quality, and palatability.
Entanglement island versus massless gravity
Authors: Miao Rong-Xin
Published: February 2024

Entanglement islands play an essential role in the recent breakthrough in addressing the black hole information paradox. Inspired by double holography, it is conjectured that the entanglement islands can exist only in massive gravity. There are many pieces of evidence but also debates for this conjecture. This paper recovers the massless entanglement island in wedge holography with negative DGP gravity on the brane. However, the spectrum of negative DGP gravity includes a massive ghost, implying the model is unstable. Our work supports the view that there is no entanglement island in a well-defined braneworld model of massless gravity if one divides the radiation and black hole regions by minimizing entanglement entropy. However, such a partition results in a zero radiation region containing no information. Whether there are other physical non-trivial partitions of the radiation region is an open question and deserves further study.
The Hubble tension from the standpoint of quantum cosmology
Authors: Kuzmichev V. E. , Kuzmichev V. V.
Published: February 2024

The Hubble tension is analyzed in the framework of quantum cosmological approach. It is found that there arises a new summand in the expression for the total energy density stipulated by the quantum Bohm potential. This additional energy density acts similarly to a stiff matter component, modifying the expansion history of the early universe and decaying with scale factor a as $$a^{-6}$$

a

-
6

, faster than radiation, in late universe. Taking account of this matter-energy component of quantum nature can, in principle, eliminate a discrepancy between the direct late time model-independent measurements of the Hubble constant and its indirect model dependent estimates. The considered model allows one to extend the standard cosmology to quantum sector.
Improving Testing of Deep-Learning Systems
Authors: Deokuliar Harsh , Sangwan Raghvinder S. , Badr Yoaukim , Srinivasan Satish M.
Published: February 2024

A combination of differential and mutation testing results in better test data.
Mixed Graph Contrastive Network for Semi-supervised Node Classification
Authors: Yang Xihong , Wang Yiqi , Liu Yue , Wen Yi , Meng Lingyuan , Zhou Sihang , Liu Xinwang , Zhu En
Published: February 2024

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have achieved promising performance in semi-supervised node classification in recent years. However, the problem of insufficient supervision, together with representation collapse, largely limits the performance of the GNNs in this field. To alleviate the collapse of node representations in semi-supervised scenario, we propose a novel graph contrastive learning method, termed
M
ixed
G
raph
C
ontrastive
N
etwork (MGCN). In our method, we improve the discriminative capability of the latent embeddings by an interpolation-based augmentation strategy and a correlation reduction mechanism. Specifically, we first conduct the interpolation-based augmentation in the latent space and then force the prediction model to change linearly between samples. Second, we enable the learned network to tell apart samples across two interpolation-perturbed views through forcing the correlation matrix across views to approximate an identity matrix. By combining the two settings, we extract rich supervision information from both the abundant unlabeled nodes and the rare yet valuable labeled nodes for discriminative representation learning. Extensive experimental results on six datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and the generality of MGCN compared to the existing state-of-the-art methods. The code of MGCN is available at
https://github.com/xihongyang1999/MGCN
on Github.
Multimodal Attentive Representation Learning for Micro-video Multi-label Classification
Authors: Jing Peiguang , Liu Xianyi , Zhang Lijuan , Li Yun , Liu Yu , Su Yuting
Published: February 2024

As one of the representative types of user-generated contents (UGCs) in social platforms, micro-videos have been becoming popular in our daily life. Although micro-videos naturally exhibit multimodal features that are rich enough to support representation learning, the complex correlations across modalities render valuable information difficult to integrate. In this paper, we introduced a multimodal attentive representation network (MARNET) to learn complete and robust representations to benefit micro-video multi-label classification. To address the commonly missing modality issue, we presented a multimodal information aggregation mechanism module to integrate multimodal information, where latent common representations are obtained by modeling the complementarity and consistency in terms of visual-centered modality groupings instead of single modalities. For the label correlation issue, we designed an attentive graph neural network module to adaptively learn the correlation matrix and representations of labels for better compatibility with training data. In addition, a cross-modal multi-head attention module is developed to make the learned common representations label-aware for multi-label classification. Experiments conducted on two micro-video datasets demonstrate the superior performance of MARNET compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Dynamic Transitive Closure-based Static Analysis through the Lens of Quantum Search
Authors: Ren Jiawei , Sui Yulei , Cheng Xiao , Feng Yuan , Zhao Jianjun
Published: February 2024

Many existing static analysis algorithms suffer from cubic bottlenecks because of the need to compute a dynamic transitive closure (DTC). For the first time, this article studies the quantum speedups on searching subtasks in DTC-based static analysis algorithms using quantum search (e.g., Grover’s algorithm). We first introduce our oracle implementation in Grover’s algorithm for DTC-based static analysis and illustrate our quantum search subroutine. Then, we take two typical DTC-based analysis algorithms: context-free-language reachability and set constraint-based analysis, and show that our quantum approach can reduce the time complexity of these two algorithms to truly subcubic (

\(O(N^2\sqrt {N}{\it polylog}(N))\)

), yielding better results than the upper bound (
O
(
N
3
/log
N
)) of existing classical algorithms. Finally, we conducted a classical simulation of Grover’s search to validate our theoretical approach, due to the current quantum hardware limitation of lacking a practical, large-scale, noise-free quantum machine. We evaluated the correctness and efficiency of our approach using IBM
Qiskit
on nine open-source projects and randomly generated edge-labeled graphs/constraints. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach and shed light on the promising direction of applying quantum algorithms to address the general challenges in static analysis.
Enhancing Out-of-distribution Generalization on Graphs via Causal Attention Learning
Authors: Sui Yongduo , Mao Wenyu , Wang Shuyao , Wang Xiang , Wu Jiancan , He Xiangnan , Chua Tat-Seng
Published: February 2024

In graph classification, attention- and pooling-based graph neural networks (GNNs) predominate to extract salient features from the input graph and support the prediction. They mostly follow the paradigm of “learning to attend,” which maximizes the mutual information between the attended graph and the ground-truth label. However, this paradigm causes GNN classifiers to indiscriminately absorb all statistical correlations between input features and labels in the training data without distinguishing the causal and noncausal effects of features. Rather than emphasizing causal features, the attended graphs tend to rely on noncausal features as shortcuts to predictions. These shortcut features may easily change outside the training distribution, thereby leading to poor generalization for GNN classifiers. In this article, we take a causal view on GNN modeling. Under our causal assumption, the shortcut feature serves as a confounder between the causal feature and prediction. It misleads the classifier into learning spurious correlations that facilitate prediction in in-distribution (ID) test evaluation while causing significant performance drop in out-of-distribution (OOD) test data. To address this issue, we employ the backdoor adjustment from causal theory—combining each causal feature with various shortcut features, to identify causal patterns and mitigate the confounding effect. Specifically, we employ attention modules to estimate the causal and shortcut features of the input graph. Then, a memory bank collects the estimated shortcut features, enhancing the diversity of shortcut features for combination. Simultaneously, we apply the prototype strategy to improve the consistency of intra-class causal features. We term our method as CAL+, which can promote stable relationships between causal estimation and prediction, regardless of distribution changes. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world OOD benchmarks demonstrate our method’s effectiveness in improving OOD generalization. Our codes are released at
https://github.com/shuyao-wang/CAL-plus
.
Improving Energy Storage Properties of KNN Ceramic through Composition Modification
Authors: Yang Ya , Li Yuesong , Deng Jizhong , Li Ronglian , An Mingxing , Gao Zhiming , Wang Yuanyu
Published: February 2024

In this study, (1−x)K0.5Na0.5NbO3−xBa0.5Sr0.5(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3, [(1−x)KNN-xBSZN] lead-free relaxor ceramics were fabricated by a conventional solid-state reaction method. XRD and Raman spectra confirm the R-C phase transition of the ceramics. The incorporation of BSZN effectively suppresses grain growth, enhanced the electrical resistivity, and improved the relaxation behavior. By analyzing the ferroelectric property of the sample under breakdown field, it is found that when x = 0.08, the ceramic demonstrates the smallest variation in polarization (∆P = 12.43 μC cm−2), the highest recoverable energy storage density (W
rec = 0.8 J cm−3) and energy storage efficiency (η = 58.8%). The enhancement of energy storage is attributed to the introduction of BSZN, which effectively suppresses grain growth and improves the relaxation behavior of the ceramics. The results show that the ceramic enables be used in pulsed-power systems at low electrical field.
Cournot–Bertrand Duopoly Model: Dynamic Analysis Based on a Computed Cost
Authors: Askar S. S. , Alshamrani Ahmed M.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, some mathematical properties and dynamic investigations of a Cournot–Bertrand duopoly game using a computed nonlinear cost are studied. The game is repeated and its evolution is presented by noninvertible map. The fixed points for this map are calculated and their stability conditions are discussed. One of those fixed points is Nash equilibrium, and the discussion shows that it can be unstable through flip and Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. The invariant manifold for the game’s map is analyzed. Furthermore, the case when both competing firms are independent is investigated. Due to unsymmetrical structure of the game’s map, global analysis gives rise to complicated basin of attraction for some attracting sets. The topological structure for these basins of attraction shows that escaping (infeasible) domain for some attracting sets becomes unconnected and the rise of holes is obtained. This confirms the existence of contact bifurcation.
Long-Term Clinical and Imaging Findings in Patients with Lower Extremity Varicose Veins Treated with Endovenous Laser Treatment: A Follow-Up Study of up to 12 Years
Authors: Ghanaati Hossein , Jalali Amir Hossein , Shakiba Madjid , Zarei Diana , Ghavami Nafiseh , Firouznia Kavous
Published: February 2024

Introduction. This study investigates the long-term effectiveness and safety of endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition commonly caused by dysfunctional valves in the venous circulation system. Materials and Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, patients underwent EVLT and were followed up for successive short intervals and one last time after a median duration of 9-year postprocedural. Pre- and postprocedure duplex ultrasound was used to assess changes in the great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter, reflux, and saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ). Results. Sixty-eight patients with a mean age of 52.4±12.4 years were enrolled in the study. The mean follow-up time was 8.9±2.1 years, ranging from 5 to 12 years. The mean GSV diameter significantly decreased in all patients (whole group) across proximal (from 5.8±2.3 mm to 4.2±2.1 mm), middle (from 4.7±1.6 mm to 2.8±2.2 mm), and distal (from 4.5±2.3 mm to 2.2±2.2 mm) segments, with P<0.001. A disease recurrence rate of 33.8% was noted, predominantly in male patients and those with larger middle GSV diameters (OR=5.2 (95%CI=1.3-20.4) and OR=1.5 (95%CI=1-2.1), respectively). The average follow-up time for patients without recurrence was 8.8±2.1 years. Almost half of the patients without recurrence were followed up for 10 years or more (49%). Conclusion. The efficacy of EVLT in managing varicose veins is demonstrated by its relatively low recurrence rate over a 10-year follow-up period, highlighting EVLT as a viable long-term treatment strategy.
Mass Spectrometry of Putrescine, Spermidine, and Spermine Covalently Attached to Francisella tularensis Universal Stress Protein and Bovine Albumin
Authors: Schopfer Lawrence M. , Girardo Benjamin , Lockridge Oksana , Larson Marilynn A.
Published: February 2024

Bacterial and mammalian cells are rich in putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. Polyamines are required for optimum fitness, but the biological function of these small aliphatic compounds has only been partially revealed. Known functions of polyamines include interaction with nucleic acids that alters gene expression and with proteins that modulate activity. Although polyamines can be incorporated into proteins, very few naturally occurring polyaminated proteins have been identified, which is due in part to the difficulty in detecting these adducts. In the current study, bovine albumin and the recombinant universal stress protein from Francisella tularensis were used as models for mass spectrometry analysis of polyaminated proteins. The proteins were covalently bound to putrescine, spermidine, or spermine by the action of carbodiimide or microbial transglutaminase. Tryptic peptides, subjected to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), were identified using Protein Prospector software. We describe the search parameters for identifying polyaminated peptides and show MS/MS spectra for adducts with putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. Manual evaluation led us to recognize signature ions for polyamine adducts on aspartate, glutamate, and glutamine, as well as neutral loss from putrescine, spermidine, and spermine during the fragmentation process. Mechanisms for the formation of signature ions and neutral loss are presented. Manual evaluation identified a false-positive adduct that had formed during trypsinolysis and resulted in peptide sequence rearrangement. Another false positive initially appeared to be a 71 kDa putrescine adduct on a cysteine residue. However, it was an acrylamide adduct on cysteine for a sample extracted from a polyacrylamide gel. The information presented in this report provides guidance and serves as a model for identifying naturally occurring polyaminated proteins.
Simple Integration of Cavity-Backed Antenna with Patch Antenna for Developing Hybrid Antenna Using SIW Technology
Authors: Murshed A. H. , Hossain M. A. , Kiem N. K. , Hai N. H. , Nishiyama E. , Toyoda I. , Mahbub I.
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a novel scheme for developing a linearly polarized (LP) hybrid antenna using a simple integration of a planner cavity-backed antenna with a conventional rectangular patch antenna. To substantiate, a half-mode rectangular substrate-integrated waveguide technique is divided into halves to reduce the size and later integrated with a patch antenna. The patch antenna is getting excited by the mutual coupling of TE101 mode and resonating in the vicinity of the cavity resonator. These two different combinations of strategy let the antenna obtain superior characteristics such as bandwidth and gain. To make this structure enable to use in the planner circuit, a 50 Ω microstrip line is incorporated. This proposed hybrid antenna is simulated and tested experimentally to justify its worthiness. The simulated and measured data maintained good agreements regarding S11, bandwidth, gain, radiation pattern, and efficiency.
Worldwide Survey on Digital Assistive Technology (DAT) Provision
Authors: Margot-Cattin Isabel , Deblock-Bellamy Anne , Wassmer Julie , Ledgerd Ritchard , von Zweck Claudia , World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
Published: February 2024

Occupational therapists have long been involved in assistive technology (AT) provision worldwide. AT is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance functioning, independence, and autonomy and ultimately promote well‐being for people living with disabilities. With the digitalisation of societies, the everyday lives and occupations of individuals are changing, becoming more reliant on digital solutions. The development of digital assistive technology (DAT) also offers opportunities for people with disabilities to access, interact, and pilot the digital world. However, we do not know how occupational therapists are involved in DAT provision worldwide. A survey was conducted in the global occupational therapist’s community in June 2022 to describe DAT provision and the factors influencing it. Occupational therapy practitioners were included (n = 660) in the analysis. In DAT provision, occupational therapists mostly provide advice to people, assess their needs, provide instruction or training, prescribe DAT, and fit DAT to people and their environment. The clients served through DAT provision are most frequently people with neurological impairments, chronic illnesses, sensory impairments, and older people. The reasons for providing DAT focus on education, work, school, and leisure. It is expected that DAT provision will enhance independence, self‐esteem, occupational participation, and social relationships. Issues faced by occupational therapists when providing DAT are costs of product and funding schemes, sufficient knowledge, and access to knowledge sources. Survey respondents are mostly from Western countries with access to the Internet and the digital world, including having digital literacy, highlighting the digital divide that exists between world regions and countries, but also within countries worldwide. There is a need to continue research to better understand the issues related to digitalisation and the digital participation of people living with disabilities.
Disruption Risk Analysis of Substitutable Dual Product Supply Chain: A System Dynamics Framework
Authors: Ke Jing , Jia Weiqiang , Zhou Ye , Wang Xin
Published: February 2024

Uncertain events such as earthquakes, epidemics, and wars have increased the risk of supply chain disruption. Due to the needs of carbon reduction policies and environmental protection, a large number of enterprises have started to produce both traditional and green products. Studying the issue of supply chain disruption for such enterprises has significant practical significance. We have developed a system dynamics model for a substitutable dual product supply chain with two levels of supply sources. Through simulation analysis, we found that (1) supply chain disruption can cause fluctuations in the manufacturer’s inventory, and disruptions from second tier suppliers have a higher impact on the manufacturer’s inventory than that from primary suppliers. In addition, the disruption of traditional products will cause consumers to flow to the green product market, resulting in a sudden increase in order for green products and components in a short period of time, causing a delayed impact on the inventory of suppliers and manufacturers of green products. (2) The disruption of upstream suppliers in traditional products causes the highest profit losses for all traditional product suppliers, while the disruption of downstream suppliers in green products causes the highest profit losses for the manufacturer and all green product suppliers. (3) From the perspective of the service level, compared to other components, the disruption of critical components in traditional products poses the highest risk of out of stock in the supply chain, while the risk of out‐of‐stock in the intermediate component of green product is the smallest. (4) Common sense may suggest that the more the suppliers disrupt, the higher the damage of the supply chain. However, due to the ripple effect, this article finds that from the perspectives of profit, inventory, and service level, multisupplier disruption is not necessarily inferior to single supplier disruption.
Supplementary Table S1 from Genetic and Environmental Causes of Variation in an Automated Breast Cancer Risk Factor Based on Mammographic Textures
Authors: Ye Zhoufeng , Dite Gillian S. , Nguyen Tuong L. , MacInnis Robert J. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Makalic Enes , Al-Qershi Osamah M. , Nguyen-Dumont Tu , Goudey Benjamin , Stone Jennifer , Dowty James G. , Giles Graham G. , Southey Melissa C. , Hopper John L. , Li Shuai
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Table S1 shows that the total variance was relatively constant across age groups except for the age group of 55-60 years, in which the total variance was 14.51. It also shows that different age group-specific familial correlation patterns were observed for three types of pairs. For MZ pairs, the familial correlations were stronger in age groups of 55-59 years, 60-64 years, and 65-70 years; for DZ pairs, the correlations were relatively constant across ages; for non-twin sister pairs, the correlations were stronger at the age group 40-45 years and 65-70 years.
Supplementary Table 2 from Patterns of Anticoagulation Use and All-Cause of Mortality in Cancer Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Han Xu , Yang Xiaolei , Hidru Tesfaldet H. , Wang Chengfang , Xia Yunlong
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Table 2 describes Clinical variables according to anticoagulation status in patients who had an elevated thromboembolic risk but a lower risk for bleeding.
Supplementary Table S1 from Community-Level Factors Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence and Mortality: An Observational Registry Study
Authors: Mezzacappa Catherine , Rossi Raiza , Jaffe Ariel , Taddei Tamar H. , Strazzabosco Mario
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Table S1: Rural-Urban Commuter Area (RUCA) Codes and Classifications
Supplementary Figure S9 from Community-Level Factors Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence and Mortality: An Observational Registry Study
Authors: Mezzacappa Catherine , Rossi Raiza , Jaffe Ariel , Taddei Tamar H. , Strazzabosco Mario
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Figure S9: Distribution of average annual cases of HCC by community type.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Community-Level Factors Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence and Mortality: An Observational Registry Study
Authors: Mezzacappa Catherine , Rossi Raiza , Jaffe Ariel , Taddei Tamar H. , Strazzabosco Mario
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Figure S2: Correlation between average annual cases of HCC (y-axis) and proportion Black race (x-axis).
Supplementary Figure S14 from Community-Level Factors Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence and Mortality: An Observational Registry Study
Authors: Mezzacappa Catherine , Rossi Raiza , Jaffe Ariel , Taddei Tamar H. , Strazzabosco Mario
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Figure S14: Correlation between average annual cases of HCC (y-axis) and proportion of adults with a preventive health visit in the last year (x-axis).
Supplementary Table S3 from Decline in the Incidence of Distant Recurrence of Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Health Record Linkage Study, Australia 2001–2016
Authors: Lord Sarah J. , Daniels Benjamin , O'Connell Dianne L. , Kiely Belinda E. , Beith Jane , Smith Andrea L. , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Chiew Kim-Lin , Bulsara Max K. , Houssami Nehmat
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Table S3: Cumulative incidence of distant recurrence (%) and absolute risk difference at 5 and 9 years after breast cancer diagnosis, 2001-2002 and 2006-2007 cohorts, by area-level socioeconomic status (more disadvantaged, less disadvantaged) and age group (<50, 50-69, ≥70 years).
Data from Potential for Cure by Stage across the Cancer Spectrum in the United States
Authors: Hubbell Earl , Clarke Christina A. , Smedby Karin E. , Adami Hans-Olov , Chang Ellen T.
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground:
Cure fraction—the proportion of persons considered cured of cancer after long-term follow-up—reflects the total impact of cancer control strategies, including screening, without lead-time bias. Previous studies have not reported stage-stratified cure fraction across the spectrum of cancer types.
Methods:
Using a mixture cure model, we estimated cure fraction across stages for 21 cancer types and additional subtypes. Cause-specific survival for 2.4 million incident cancers came from 17 US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries for adults 40 to 84 years at diagnosis in 2006 to 2015, followed through 2020.
Results:
Across cancer types, a substantial cure fraction was evident at early stages, followed by either a sharp drop from stages III to IV or a steady decline from stages I to IV. For example, estimated cure fractions for colorectal cancer at stages I, II, III, and IV were 62% (95% confidence interval: 59%–66%), 61% (58%–65%), 58% (57%–59%), and 7% (7%–7%), respectively. Corresponding estimates for gallbladder cancer were 50% (46%–54%), 24% (22%–27%), 22% (19%–25%), and 2% (2%–3%). Differences in 5-year cause-specific survival between early-stage and stage IV cancers were highly correlated with between-stage differences in cure fraction, indicating that survival gaps by stage are persistent and not due to lead-time bias.
Conclusions:
A considerable fraction of cancer is amenable to cure at early stages, but not after metastasis.
Impact:
These results emphasize the potential for early detection of numerous cancers, including those with no current screening modalities, to reduce cancer death.
Fecal Immunochemical Test Screening: Maximizing Success by Minimizing Failure
Authors: Anderson Joseph C. , Robertson Douglas J.
Published: February 2024

Implementing fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) through clinic based opportunistic screening or programmatic mailing is not as straightforward as it seems. Liu and colleagues present data for 56,980 individuals who submitted a FIT in a safety net hospital system. In 10.2% (N = 5,819), the test was deemed unsatisfactory. These data demonstrate that there is significant room for improvement in clinical practice regarding colorectal cancer screening with FIT. The high rate of 10% for unsatisfactory FIT tests is higher than the 5% benchmark suggested by the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer screening. To maximize FIT success, there needs to be a preoccupation with failure at the system level that results in reducing the number of FIT tests that are rejected. Completing a stool test independently at home is not easy. The medical system needs to help and support individuals in completing the test every step of the way. Suggestions include patient related tips such as labelling and mailing the tests. There are also suggestions for the ordering clinician including administrative tracking to notify clinicians when a FIT has not been performed or is rejected. Papers like this get us focused exactly where we need to be to improve FIT-based screening.

See related article by Liu et al., p. 215
Rare Delayed Ifosfamide Encephalopathy: A Case Report of Chemotherapeutic Neurotoxicity
Authors: Menon Ambika , Enunwa Chidiebele A. , Read William L. , James Kyle P.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Neurotoxicity is a well-documented side effect of ifosfamide chemotherapy. The presentation includes hallucinations, seizures, disorientation, coma, and death. Treatment with methylene blue can shorten the duration and severity of symptoms. Ifosfamide neurotoxicity almost always happens during or shortly after drug infusion and so is usually immediately recognized. Here, we describe a case of ifosfamide neurotoxicity with onset 14 days after treatment started. Case Presentation: A 25-year-old woman with round cell sarcoma of the jaw presented to the emergency department with 2 days of encephalopathy and bizarre behavior. Antipsychotic medications and benzodiazepines produced no benefit. After consultation, oncology recommended methylene blue, hypothesizing that her symptoms could be a rare presentation of delayed ifosfamide-induced neurotoxicity, 14 days after first administration. After 4 days of methylene blue infusion, her functioning returned to baseline. Conclusion: Delayed ifosfamide-related neurotoxicity is a rare side effect of this chemotherapeutic agent and should be considered in the workup of altered mental status, even if symptoms occur after the previously accepted 5-day standard. In such patients, delayed symptomology may require extended use of methylene blue as treatment.