bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Incident Type 2 Diabetes and Opium Use: Mediation by Body Mass and Adiposity
Authors: Nalini Mahdi , Poustchi Hossein , Roshandel Gholamreza , Kamangar Farin , Khoshnia Masoud , Gharavi Abdolsamad , Brennan Paul , Boffetta Paolo , Dawsey Sanford M , Abnet Christian C , Malekzadeh Reza , Etemadi Arash
Published: August 2023

Opiates can affect glucose metabolism and obesity, but no large prospective study (to our knowledge) has investigated the association between long-term opium use, body mass index (BMI; weight (kg)/height (m)2), and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We analyzed prospective data from 50,045 Golestan Cohort Study participants in Iran (enrollment: 2004–2008). After excluding participants with preexisting diseases, including diabetes, we used adjusted Poisson regression models to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for T2DM in opium users compared with nonusers, using mediation analysis to assess the BMI-mediated association of opium use with incident T2DM. Of 40,083 included participants (mean age = 51.4 (standard deviation, 8.8) years; 56% female), 16% were opium users (median duration of use, 10 (interquartile range), 4–20) years). During follow-up (until January 2020), 5,342 incident T2DM cases were recorded, including 8.5% of opium users and 14.2% of nonusers. Opium use was associated with an overall decrease in incident T2DM (IRR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.92), with a significant dose-response association. Most (84.3%) of this association was mediated by low BMI or waist circumference, and opium use did not have a direct association with incident T2DM (IRR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.08). Long-term opium use was associated with lower incidence of T2DM, which was mediated by low body mass and adiposity.
Population Attributable Fraction of Nonvaccination of COVID-19 Due to Vaccine Hesitancy, United States, 2021
Authors: Nguyen Kimberly H , Zhao Ruitong , Chen Siyu , Vaish Akhil K , Bednarczyk Robert A , Vasudevan Lavanya
Published: August 2023

Understanding the extent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nonvaccination attributable to vaccine hesitancy versus other barriers can help prioritize approaches for increasing vaccination uptake. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Research and Development Survey, a nationally representative survey fielded from May 1 to June 30, 2021 (n = 5,458), we examined the adjusted population attribution fraction (PAF) of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy attributed to nonvaccination according to sociodemographic characteristics and health-related variables. Overall, the adjusted PAF of nonvaccination attributed to vaccine hesitancy was 76.1%. The PAF was highest among adults who were ≥50 years of age (87.9%), were non-Hispanic White (83.7%), had a bachelor’s degree or higher (82.7%), had an annual household income of at least $75,000 (85.5%), were insured (82.4%), and had a usual place for health care (80.7%). The PAF was lower for those who were current smokers (65.3%) compared with never smokers (77.9%), those who had anxiety or depression (65.2%) compared with those who did not (80.1%), and those who had a disability (64.5%) compared with those who did not (79.2%). Disparities in PAF suggest areas for prioritization of efforts for intervention and development of messaging campaigns that address all barriers to uptake, including hesitancy and access, to advance health equity and protect individuals from COVID-19.
Validity and Reproducibility of a Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire for Measuring Intakes of Foods and Food Groups
Authors: Gu Xiao , Wang Dong D , Sampson Laura , Barnett Junaidah B , Rimm Eric B , Stampfer Meir J , Djousse Luc , Rosner Bernard , Willett Walter C
Published: August 2023

We evaluated the validity and reproducibility of a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for measuring intakes of 149 foods and 25 food groups among 736 participants of the Women’s Lifestyle Validation Study (WLVS, 2010–2012) and 649 participants of the Men’s Lifestyle Validation Study (MLVS, 2011–2013). Validity of the FFQ compared with two 7-day dietary records measured 6 months apart and the reproducibility between 2 FFQs administered 1 year apart (FFQ1 and FFQ2) were assessed using Spearman correlations and intraclass correlation coefficients. The average 1-year reproducibility of FFQ-measured foods was 0.64 in both the WLVS and MLVS. Reproducibility of the food groups (mean = 0.71 among women and 0.72 among men) was generally higher than that for individual foods. Among women, the average validity correlation for individual foods was 0.59 when comparing FFQ2 with the 7-day dietary records. Among men, the corresponding average validity correlation was 0.61. Compared with individual foods, food groups had slightly higher validity correlations in both women (range, 0.45–0.92; mean = 0.61) and men (range, 0.46–0.88; mean = 0.65). This study reaffirms that the FFQ performs well in measuring most foods and food groups and provides data to adjust for measurement errors in epidemiologic studies of foods and food groups.
Utilization rates and predictors of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use in patients with heart failure with or without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bermudez Sarah R , Anderson Joe R , Bos Alexander J , Ray Gretchen M
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular deaths and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in patients with HF. Despite this, utilization remains low. The purpose of this study was to characterize SGLT2 inhibitor utilization rates and predictors of use in a population of patients with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center, descriptive chart review study. Individuals 18 years of age or older with HF were eligible for inclusion. Charts were reviewed between August 2021 and February 2022. The primary objective was to identify rates of SGLT2 inhibitor prescribing for patients with HF within a large academic medical center. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential SGLT2 inhibitor utilization predictors (demographic characteristics, medical history, laboratory results, specialty provider visits, medication use, and medication coverage).

Results

A total of 800 patients with HF were included: 377 with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 88 with mildly reduced EF, and 335 with preserved EF. Key baseline characteristics were as follows: 43% female; 47% Hispanic; 42% with T2D; 49% with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; and mean age, 65 years. SGLT2 inhibitor utilization was 6.5% overall. Key predictors of utilization were as follows: T2D (odds ratio [OR], 33.4; 95% CI, 8.01-139.55), HFrEF (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.45-5.51), HF clinic visit (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.40-4.60), visit with pharmacist with prescriptive authority (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 3.14-10.88), and enrollment in the hospital patient assistance program (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.08-4.97).

Conclusion

Despite guideline recommendations, SGLT2 inhibitors are underutilized in patients with HF with or without T2D.
A Cohort Analysis of Early Outcomes After AlloDerm, FlexHD, and SurgiMend Use in Two-Stage Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Chu Jacqueline J , Nelson Jonas A , Kokosis George , Haglich Kathryn , McKernan Cayla D , Rubenstein Robyn , Vingan Perri S , Allen Robert J , Coriddi Michelle R , Dayan Joseph H , Disa Joseph J , Mehrara Babak J , Matros Evan
Published: August 2023

Background

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is frequently utilized in prepectoral breast reconstruction, but few studies have examined the role of ADM type in complication risk.

Objectives

This study was performed to determine the impact of ADM type on early complication rates in 2-stage alloplastic prepectoral breast reconstruction.

Methods

We performed a cohort examination of all patients who underwent mastectomy with immediate 2-stage alloplastic prepectoral breast reconstruction with ADM support at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 2018 to 2021. ADM types utilized included AlloDerm (LifeCell Corporation, Branchburg, NJ), FlexHD (MTF Biologics, Edison, NJ), and SurgiMend (Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Princeton, NJ). Complication rates based on the number of tissue expanders (TEs) were determined for each ADM type. Performance of multivariate logistic regression determined the impact of ADM type on complication risk after accounting for confounders.

Results

Overall, 726 patients (1054 TEs: 194 AlloDerm, 93 FlexHD, 767 SurgiMend) were included. The 3 cohorts differed in terms of mastectomy type (nipple-sparing: 23.5% of AlloDerm, 33.3% of FlexHD, 19.1% of SurgiMend, P = .038); ADM perforation (perforated: 94.8% of AlloDerm, 98.2% of FlexHD, 100% of SurgiMend, P < .001); and ADM size (AlloDerm: 153.2 cm2 [37.6], SurgiMend: 198.7 cm2 [10.4], FlexHD: 223.7 cm2 [37.9], P < .001). On univariate examination, no differences existed between ADM types for seroma, infection, exposure, malposition, or TE loss. Additionally, after adjustment for confounders with multivariate regression, no ADM type had higher odds of TE loss.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of prepectoral reconstruction patients, ADM type did not significantly affect the risk of complications. Additional prospective studies are warranted to better evaluate ADM choice for prepectoral breast reconstruction.

Level of Evidence: 4
Submuscular Buttock Augmentation With Silicone Implants in 80 Female Patients
Authors: Elsaftawy Ahmed , Bonczar Tomasz , Stolarski Mateusz , Gabryszuk Kamil
Published: August 2023

Background

Over the past 4 decades, gluteal augmentation has increased enormously in popularity, and numerous techniques have been developed to provide patients with the best possible outcomes. The submuscular technique has been shown to be a reliable option for a broad cohort of patients.

Objectives

The main objective of this retrospective study was to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of a group of patients who underwent gluteal augmentation by the submuscular technique.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 female patients who underwent submuscular gluteal augmentation with silicone implants between August 2019 and May 2022. All of the patients were operated on by the authors of the present study.

Results

Information about patient demographics, implants, complications, and treatments was analyzed. Moreover, the satisfaction of the patients was assessed by means of a short survey. The most frequent complication was wound dehiscence. Only 7 patients required surgical revisions, and 2 required isolated antibiotic therapy. All complications were effectively addressed and no implants had to be removed. Furthermore, the retrospective analysis revealed a noteworthy association between the size of the implant and the occurrence of complications.

Conclusions

The submuscular method provides the best aesthetic results and adequate safety for patients. It significantly minimizes the possibility of complications, such as fluid collection due to muscle fiber dissection or implant exposure/extrusion.

Level of Evidence: 4
iCpG-Pos: an accurate computational approach for identification of CpG sites using positional features on single-cell whole genome sequence data
Authors: Park Sehi , Rehman Mobeen Ur , Ullah Farman , Tayara Hilal , Chong Kil To
Published: August 2023

Motivation

The investigation of DNA methylation can shed light on the processes underlying human well-being and help determine overall human health. However, insufficient coverage makes it challenging to implement single-stranded DNA methylation sequencing technologies, highlighting the need for an efficient prediction model. Models are required to create an understanding of the underlying biological systems and to project single-cell (methylated) data accurately.

Results

In this study, we developed positional features for predicting CpG sites. Positional characteristics of the sequence are derived using data from CpG regions and the separation between nearby CpG sites. Multiple optimized classifiers and different ensemble learning approaches are evaluated. The OPTUNA framework is used to optimize the algorithms. The CatBoost algorithm followed by the stacking algorithm outperformed existing DNA methylation identifiers.

Availability and implementation

The data and methodologies used in this study are openly accessible to the research community. Researchers can access the positional features and algorithms used for predicting CpG site methylation patterns. To achieve superior performance, we employed the CatBoost algorithm followed by the stacking algorithm, which outperformed existing DNA methylation identifiers. The proposed iCpG-Pos approach utilizes only positional features, resulting in a substantial reduction in computational complexity compared to other known approaches for detecting CpG site methylation patterns. In conclusion, our study introduces a novel approach, iCpG-Pos, for predicting CpG site methylation patterns. By focusing on positional features, our model offers both accuracy and efficiency, making it a promising tool for advancing DNA methylation research and its applications in human health and well-being.
Restoring neuronal chloride extrusion reverses cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease mutations
Authors: Keramidis Iason , McAllister Brendan B , Bourbonnais Julien , Wang Feng , Isabel Dominique , Rezaei Edris , Sansonetti Romain , Degagne Phil , Hamel Justin P , Nazari Mojtaba , Inayat Samsoon , Dudley Jordan C , Barbeau Annie , Froux Lionel , Paquet Marie-Eve , Godin Antoine G , Mohajerani Majid H , De Koninck Yves
Published: August 2023

Disinhibition during early stages of Alzheimer's disease is postulated to cause network dysfunction and hyperexcitability leading to cognitive deficits. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here we show that, in mouse lines carrying Alzheimer's disease-related mutations, a loss of neuronal membrane potassium-chloride cotransporter KCC2, responsible for maintaining the robustness of GABAA-mediated inhibition, occurs pre-symptomatically in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

KCC2 downregulation was inversely correlated with the age-dependent increase in amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42). Acute administration of Aβ42 caused a downregulation of membrane KCC2. Loss of KCC2 resulted in impaired chloride homeostasis. Preventing the decrease in KCC2 using long term treatment with CLP290 protected against deterioration of learning and cortical hyperactivity. In addition, restoring KCC2, using short term CLP290 treatment, following the transporter reduction effectively reversed spatial memory deficits and social dysfunction, linking chloride dysregulation with Alzheimer's disease-related cognitive decline.

These results reveal KCC2 hypofunction as a viable target for treatment of Alzheimer's disease-related cognitive decline; they confirm target engagement, where the therapeutic intervention takes place, and its effectiveness.
Do Consumers Really Pay for SDGs? Re-Evaluating Consumer Behaviour Using Surveys in the USA, Germany, and Japan
Authors: Nakamura Eri , Nishitani Kimitaka , Mizutani Fumitoshi
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the relationship between consumers’ evaluation on sustainable development goal (SDG)-related characteristics and the actual payment for these values, while revealing effective governmental policies and business activities to enhance sustainable consumption. Using survey data from the USA, Germany, and Japan, the following results were obtained. First, the relative importance of the core element is 35–41% and that of the elements related to SDGs 8, 9, 12, and 13 dominates 52–58% of the overall product value. Second, effective approaches to enhance sustainable consumption differ among product characteristics. Third, lifestyle influences only the long-term and the medium-term goods. Fourth, while consumers rely on their experience in the choice of short-term goods, they make more deliberate decisions considering their condition factors for the medium-term and long-term goods. Based on these results, some practical implications were derived. First, active advertisement emphasizing the importance of economic aspects and actions for economic goals could be effective. Second, describing the idea that underlies the concept of SDGs could be effective rather than emphasizing each SDG. Third, incentive schemes focusing on daily goods rather than durable goods could enhance sustainable consumption further, as consumers still exhibit limited concern for daily goods. (JEL codes: D12; M20; M30; Q01; Q56; and Q58)
Phenotyping heart failure by echocardiography: imaging of ventricular function and haemodynamics at rest and exercise
Authors: Smiseth Otto A , Donal Erwan , Boe Espen , Ha Jong-Won , Fernandes Joao F , Lamata Pablo
Published: August 2023

Traditionally, congestive heart failure (HF) was phenotyped by echocardiography or other imaging techniques according to left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF). The more recent echocardiographic modality speckle tracking strain is complementary to LVEF, as it is more sensitive to diagnose mild systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, when LV systolic dysfunction is associated with a small, hypertrophic ventricle, EF is often normal or supernormal, whereas LV global longitudinal strain can reveal reduced contractility. In addition, segmental strain patterns may be used to identify specific cardiomyopathies, which in some cases can be treated with patient-specific medicine. In HF with preserved EF (HFpEF), a diagnostic hallmark is elevated LV filling pressure, which can be diagnosed with good accuracy by applying a set of echocardiographic parameters. Patients with HFpEF often have normal filling pressure at rest, and a non-invasive or invasive diastolic stress test may be used to identify abnormal elevation of filling pressure during exercise. The novel parameter LV work index, which incorporates afterload, is a promising tool for quantification of LV contractile function and efficiency. Another novel modality is shear wave imaging for diagnosing stiff ventricles, but clinical utility remains to be determined. In conclusion, echocardiographic imaging of cardiac function should include LV strain as a supplementary method to LVEF. Echocardiographic parameters can identify elevated LV filling pressure with good accuracy and may be applied in the diagnostic workup of patients suspected of HFpEF.
Secondary tricuspid valve regurgitation after isolated aortic valve replacement: outcomes and predictors
Authors: Buonocore Marianna , De Meester Pieter , Brusselmans Marius , Van Puyvelde Tim , Verrijcken Anton , Rega Filip , Verbelen Tom
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the evolution of secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) and its impact on mortality and to identify possible clinical and echocardiographic predictors of persisting and new-onset TR (TR de novo) after isolated AVR.

METHODS

Clinical and echocardiographic data of 441 patients, consecutively operated for isolated AVR between January 2017 and January 2020, were retrospectively collected. Four time points were included: preoperative, discharge, 3–6 months and last available follow-up. We followed patients with at least moderate TR (TR ≥2) over time and monitored the impact on survival. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible predictors of persistent TR and TR de novo.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 33 months. Incidence of TR ≥2 changed over the time points. Twenty-three percent of patients with preoperative TR ≥2 had persistent TR at 3–6 months follow-up, and this phenomenon was predicted by age at regression analysis. Preoperative TR ≥2 was associated with a 3-fold higher risk to die. At 3- to 6-month follow-up, 12% of patients developed TR de novo. At least moderate preoperative mitral regurgitation (≥2) was predictive of TR de novo.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TR ≥2 undergoing isolated AVR had worse long-term survival, and this was particularly evident in the elderly. Older patients were also more prone to have persistent TR after AVR. Some patients developed TR de novo after isolated AVR, but this did not affect survival.
Leak current, even with gigaohm seals, can cause misinterpretation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte action potential recordings
Authors: Clark Alexander P , Clerx Michael , Wei Siyu , Lei Chon Lok , de Boer Teun P , Mirams Gary R , Christini David J , Krogh-Madsen Trine
Published: August 2023

Aims

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) have become an essential tool to study arrhythmia mechanisms. Much of the foundational work on these cells, as well as the computational models built from the resultant data, has overlooked the contribution of seal–leak current on the immature and heterogeneous phenotype that has come to define these cells. The aim of this study is to understand the effect of seal–leak current on recordings of action potential (AP) morphology.

Methods and results

Action potentials were recorded in human iPSC-CMs using patch clamp and simulated using previously published mathematical models. Our in silico and in vitro studies demonstrate how seal–leak current depolarizes APs, substantially affecting their morphology, even with seal resistances (Rseal) above 1 GΩ. We show that compensation of this leak current is difficult due to challenges with obtaining accurate measures of Rseal during an experiment. Using simulation, we show that Rseal measures (i) change during an experiment, invalidating the use of pre-rupture values, and (ii) are polluted by the presence of transmembrane currents at every voltage. Finally, we posit that the background sodium current in baseline iPSC-CM models imitates the effects of seal–leak current and is increased to a level that masks the effects of seal–leak current on iPSC-CMs.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, we make recommendations to improve iPSC-CM AP data acquisition, interpretation, and model-building. Taking these recommendations into account will improve our understanding of iPSC-CM physiology and the descriptive ability of models built from such data.
Upper crustal Vp/Vs ratios along the northern East Pacific Rise derived from downward-continued streamer data
Authors: Di Huizhe , Xie Wenxin , Xu Min
Published: August 2023

Multi-channel seismic (MCS) imaging has been extensively used to investigate fast-spreading East Pacific Rise (EPR) crustal compressional wave velocity (Vp) structure and tectono-magmatic behaviors. However, its upper oceanic crust’s shear wave velocity (Vs) profile has remained a rarity. We first confirm that additional offset ranges can be derived for traveltime picking from downward-continued MCS data in fast-spreading tectonic settings for both early-arrival P and S waves. We then inverse independent 2-D Vp and Vs structures along a ∼80-km-long along-axis stretch of the northern EPR. The resulting Vp/Vs ratio exhibit that the upper crust comprises pillow lavas, transition zone and sheeted dykes. The average thickness of pillow lavas is ∼125 m, with Vp increasing from ∼2.8 to 3.2 km s−1 and Vs from ∼1.2 to 1.5 km s−1. The lava unit with a transition zone has high Vp/Vs ratios (∼2.1 ± 0.2), indicating that fracturing and alteration are variable but pervasive. The average thickness of the transition zone is ∼400 m, with Vp increasing from ∼3.2 to 5.3 km s−1 and Vs from ∼1.5 to 2.8 km s−1. The pillow lavas and the transition zone constitute the layer 2A with an average thickness of ∼525 m. The boundary of layer 2A/2B can be defined using a Vp/Vs ratio contour of 1.9. The layer 2B exhibits lower Vp gradients (∼1.51 s−1), Vs gradients (∼1.30 s−1) and Vp/Vs ratios (∼1.8–1.9) compared to the layer 2A (∼4.65 s−1, ∼2.98 s−1 and ∼2.1 ± 0.2). Porosity variation and crack morphology are critical in controlling the seismic velocities of layer 2A. The strong lateral heterogeneity of the Vp/Vs ratios indicates hydrothermal signatures in the upper crust. The high Vp/Vs anomalies indicate fluid pathways into and out of the oceanic upper crust. This study demonstrates that the Vp/Vs ratio can be obtained from seismic tomography of downward-continued streamer data and used as a reference to investigate the crustal structure and hydrothermal activities along fast-spreading ridges.
Post-seismic deformation following the 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku–Oki earthquake and its impact on Northeast Asia
Authors: Liu Tai , Fu Guangyu , She Yawen , Meng Guojie , Zou Zhenyu , Wu Weiwei , Shestakov Nikolay V , Gerasimenko Mikhail D , Bykov Victor G , Pupatenko Victor V
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to examine co- and post-seismic deformation following the 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku–Oki earthquake and its impact on Northeast Asia. Large-scale, long-term post-seismic deformation caused by the earthquake was extracted according to the continuous Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) observation data for Japan, South Korea, Northeast China and the Far East Russia. The present research adopted a 2-D viscoelastic model to simulate the observed large-scale seismic deformation, considering the subducting slab in the western Pacific. The duration of the after-slip in the northwest of the main rupture area was found to be greater than that in the south of the main rupture area (approximately 6 yr). The steady-state viscosity coefficient of the continental mantle was found to be 8 × 1018 Pa·s. Post-seismic deformation in Northeast Asia was primarily caused by viscoelastic relaxation of the mantle, and observations on the west side of the Tan-Lu fault were smaller than simulation, revealing the heterogeneity in viscosity structures in NE China.
The Fairness Principle in Competition-Related Economic Law
Authors: Scheuerer Stefan
Published: August 2023

Fairness appears as the guiding paradigm for regulating the digital economy. Yet its exact meaning has always remained dubious. The present article, which summarizes key insights of my doctoral thesis, ‘Fairness als Rechtsprinzip’, aims at filling this theoretical void by exploring to which extent fairness phenomena in competition-related economic law (understood as comprising unfair competition, antitrust, IP, trade secrecy, contract, anti-discrimination and data law) may be united under an overarching legal principle. Departing from the classic fairness-defining notion of ‘honest commercial practices’ enshrined in Art. 10bis para. 2 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the article overall suggests to (re-)construct the fairness principle as a normative bridge between law and society. Its task, viewed against the backdrop of a legal pluralist analysis of sociological disruptions in the globalized digital economy, is to normatively moderate the interplay of state and non-state rules of market order towards the common good from the perspective of the state.
Local government engagement practices and Indigenous interventions: Learning to listen to Indigenous voices
Authors: Elers Christine Helen , Dutta Mohan
Published: August 2023

This article examines the Māori consultation and engagement processes in a development project framed as climate adaptation and carried out by a local council that sought to expel Māori from ancestral land. Drawing on a dialogue between Kaupapa Māori (KM) theory and the culture-centered approach (CCA), land is centered as the basis for everyday meanings of health. We depict the processes of culture-centered organizing in co-creating voice infrastructures at the “margins of the margins” of the community, which serve as the spaces for voicing Indigenous knowledge to resist the modern-day confiscation of ancestral Māori land. The dialogue between KM theory and the CCA foregrounds communicative inequalities within community spaces, working with the concept “margins of the margins” to center Māori voices that have historically been silenced.
Global knowledge flows: characteristics, determinants, and impacts
Authors: Cantner Uwe , Kalthaus Martin , Menter Matthias , Mohnen Pierre
Published: August 2023

The access and utilization of global knowledge flows are becoming increasingly relevant for individuals, organizations, and countries in order to foster knowledge creation, innovativeness, productivity, and economic growth. The importance of global knowledge flows is undisputed and substantial research has been conducted to understand the different transmission channels. However, the underlying characteristics, determinants, and impacts of global knowledge flows are only partly comprehended and remain to be explored in more detail. The purpose of this special section is to bring together different perspectives on global knowledge flows in order to provide novel insights and expand our understanding of how to utilize them. After a brief review of the relevant literature, we discuss the six papers in this special section and conclude with overall theory and policy implications and highlight key avenues for further research.
On symmetric positive definite preconditioners for multiple saddle-point systems
Authors: Pearson John W , Potschka Andreas
Published: August 2023

We consider symmetric positive definite preconditioners for multiple saddle-point systems of block tridiagonal form, which can be applied within the Minres algorithm. We describe such a preconditioner for which the preconditioned matrix has only two distinct eigenvalues, $1$ and $-1$, when the preconditioner is applied exactly. We discuss the relative merits of such an approach compared to a more widely studied block diagonal preconditioner, specify the computational work associated with applying the new preconditioner inexactly, and survey a number of theoretical results for the block diagonal case. Numerical results validate our theoretical findings.
The optimal control chart selection for monitoring COVID-19 phases: a case study of daily deaths in the USA
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Xu Song Hua , Anwar Syed Masroor , Rasheed Zahid , Shabbir Javid
Published: August 2023

Epidemiologists frequently adopt statistical process control tools, like control charts, to detect changes in the incidence or prevalence of a specific disease in real time, thereby protecting against outbreaks and emergent health concerns. Control charts have proven essential in instantly identifying fluctuations in infection rates, spotting emerging patterns, and enabling timely reaction measures in the context of COVID-19 monitoring. This study aims to review and select an optimal control chart in epidemiology to monitor variations in COVID-19 deaths and understand pandemic mortality patterns. An essential aspect of the present study is selecting an appropriate monitoring technique for distinct deaths in the USA in seven phases, including pre-growth, growth, and post-growth phases. Stage-1 evaluated control chart applications in epidemiology departments of 12 countries between 2000 and 2022. The study assessed various control charts and identified the optimal one based on maximum shift detection using sample data. This study considered at Shewhart ($\bar X$, $R$, $C$) control charts and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart with smoothing parameters λ = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 were all investigated in this study. In Stage-2, we applied the EWMA control chart for monitoring because of its outstanding shift detection capabilities and compatibility with the present data. Daily deaths have been monitored from March 2020 to February 2023. Control charts in epidemiology show growing use, with the USA leading at 42% applications among top countries. During the application on COVID-19 deaths, the EWMA chart accurately depicted mortality dynamics from March 2020 to February 2022, indicating six distinct stages of death. The third and fifth waves were extremely catastrophic, resulting in a considerable loss of life. Significantly, a persistent sixth wave appeared from March 2022 to February 2023. The EWMA map effectively determined the peaks associated with each wave by thoroughly examining the time and amount of deaths, providing vital insights into the pandemic’s progression. The severity of each wave was measured by the average number of deaths $W5(1899)\,\gt\,W3(1881)\,\gt\,W4(1393)\,\gt\,W1(1036)\,\gt\,W2(853)\,\gt\,(W6(473)$. The USA entered a seventh phase (6th wave) from March 2022 to February 2023, marked by fewer deaths. While reassuring, it remains crucial to maintain vaccinations and pandemic control measures. Control charts enable early detection of daily COVID-19 deaths, providing a systematic strategy for government and medical staff. Incorporating the EWMA chart for monitoring immunizations, cases, and deaths is recommended.
LeafAI: query generator for clinical cohort discovery rivaling a human programmer
Authors: Dobbins Nicholas J , Han Bin , Zhou Weipeng , Lan Kristine F , Kim H Nina , Harrington Robert , Uzuner Özlem , Yetisgen Meliha
Published: August 2023

Objective

Identifying study-eligible patients within clinical databases is a critical step in clinical research. However, accurate query design typically requires extensive technical and biomedical expertise. We sought to create a system capable of generating data model-agnostic queries while also providing novel logical reasoning capabilities for complex clinical trial eligibility criteria.

Materials and Methods

The task of query creation from eligibility criteria requires solving several text-processing problems, including named entity recognition and relation extraction, sequence-to-sequence transformation, normalization, and reasoning. We incorporated hybrid deep learning and rule-based modules for these, as well as a knowledge base of the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) and linked ontologies. To enable data-model agnostic query creation, we introduce a novel method for tagging database schema elements using UMLS concepts. To evaluate our system, called LeafAI, we compared the capability of LeafAI to a human database programmer to identify patients who had been enrolled in 8 clinical trials conducted at our institution. We measured performance by the number of actual enrolled patients matched by generated queries.

Results

LeafAI matched a mean 43% of enrolled patients with 27 225 eligible across 8 clinical trials, compared to 27% matched and 14 587 eligible in queries by a human database programmer. The human programmer spent 26 total hours crafting queries compared to several minutes by LeafAI.

Conclusions

Our work contributes a state-of-the-art data model-agnostic query generation system capable of conditional reasoning using a knowledge base. We demonstrate that LeafAI can rival an experienced human programmer in finding patients eligible for clinical trials.
Technology issues experienced by older populations responding to COVID-19 vaccine text outreach messages
Authors: Gwynne Kaelyn , Ratwani Raj , Dixit Ram
Published: August 2023

Text messages used by healthcare organizations to communicate with patients have known limitations for certain populations, especially older adults. This study analyzed text message interactions with over 17 000 patients aged 65 and older during the initial phase of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. We coded the responses of 4247 patients who responded to this outreach to understand issues they experienced with the text message system. Our analysis highlighted areas for technology improvement and the need for more robust strategies to effectively reach older populations.
Frontier workers and the seedbeds of inequality and prosperity
Authors: Connor Dylan Shane , Kemeny Tom , Storper Michael
Published: August 2023

This article examines the role of work at the cutting of technological change—frontier work—as a driver of prosperity and spatial income inequality. Using new methods and data, we analyze the geography and incomes of frontier workers from 1880 to 2019. Initially, frontier work is concentrated in a set of ‘seedbed’ locations, contributing to rising spatial inequality through powerful localized wage premiums. As technologies mature, the economic distinctiveness of frontier work diminishes, as ultimately happened to cities like Manchester and Detroit. Our work uncovers a plausible general origin story of the unfolding of spatial income inequality.
Déjà vu All Over Again: Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDR) and Legal Liability
Authors: Ghaleigh Navraj Singh , Macinante Justin
Published: August 2023

As efforts to scale up the carbon dioxide removals (CDR) sector continue to expand, the question of liability for failed storage, also known as ‘reversals’, comes to the fore. There are a range of possibilities and views as to who should be liable if reversals do occur. As well as a need to better understand both the permanance issues and risks associated with given CDR methods, we seek to deepen understandings of and the means to address the risk of storage failure through legal approaches and structures. We review the comparable carbon market scenario that preceded entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, the current voluntary carbon market, and what implications scaling up the CDR sector may have. We canvass a range of legal approaches and structures, and argue that liability for on-going storage integrity should remain with the party that carries out the CDR project, proposing also an institutional structure building on the same.
Clinical outcomes of head and neck mucosal melanoma treated with surgery: a single-center study in Japan
Authors: Omura Go , Namikawa Kenjiro , Sakai Toshihiko , Eguchi Kohtaro , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Sakai Azusa , Kobayashi Kenya , Nakano Eiji , Ogata Dai , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Mori Taisuke , Yamazaki Naoya , Yoshimoto Seiichi
Published: August 2023

Background

Head and neck mucosal melanomas are rare malignancies. Although the prognosis is poor owing to the high incidence of distant metastases, locoregional control remains important. It is difficult to obtain results in a large cohort because of its rarity. This study aimed to elucidate the survival outcomes of patients with head and neck mucosal melanoma treated with surgery in Japan.

Methods

Patients with head and neck mucosal melanoma who were surgically treated between 2007 and 2021 at the National Cancer Center Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 47 patients were included in this study. The 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, locoregional control and relapse-free survival rates were 42%, 50%, 79% and 13%, respectively. The disease-specific survival of the oral mucosal melanoma group was significantly better than that of the sinonasal mucosal melanoma group (5-year disease-specific survival rate: 70% versus 37%, respectively; P = 0.04). Multivariate analyses revealed that sinonasal mucosal melanoma were independently significant adverse prognostic factor, for overall survival and disease-specific survival. Patients with oral mucosal melanoma patients had a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis than those with sinonasal mucosal melanoma patients (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the survival outcomes of the largest cohort of patients with head and neck mucosal melanomas treated surgically at a single institution within the past 20 years in Japan. We found that survival outcomes and incidence of nodal metastases varied by site.
Abdominal aortic occlusion in the setting of Covid 19 infection: literature review and a case report
Authors: Kimyaghalam Ali , Khan Shahkar , Bonilla Harrison , Singh Kuldeep
Published: August 2023

This case report and literature review aimed to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of abdominal aortic thrombosis in patients with COVID-19. A case report was presented of a 52-y-old male with past medical history significant only for hypertension who presented with lower extremity claudication 5 months after a mild COVID-19 infection. On imaging, he had an isolated aortic thrombus and underwent successful thrombectomy. To prevent devastating limb ischemia, we emphasize early evaluation of claudication symptoms in patients with COVID-19 or recent COVID-19 infection. A literature search was performed, which yielded nine articles relevant to concomitant COVID-19 infection and abdominal aortic occlusion (AAO). The results showed that the majority of patients presented with clinical features of acute limb ischemia, along with associated features of a hypercoagulable state. While the patient age range was wide, most patients were over the age of 50 y. The case report and literature review highlight the importance of recognizing the potential for AAO in patients with COVID-19, especially in those with risk factors such as advanced age or underlying medical conditions.
Surgical approach for thyroglossal duct cyst cancer: a case report of challenging conventional thinking
Authors: Solis-Pazmino Paola , Figueroa Luis , Pilatuña Eduardo Andres , Rocha Carla , Godoy Richard , García Cristhian
Published: August 2023

This article reports an older woman with a 2-year history of enlarging submental neck mass. Head and neck imaging displayed a group with a solid central component. Additionally, a fine-needle aspiration suggested neoplasia. Thyroglossal duct cyst cancer is sporadic, accounting for ˂1% of all thyroid malignancies. A Sistrunk procedure was followed by a total thyroidectomy and unilateral neck dissections. From histological and immunohistochemical examinations, the incidental finding of carcinoma indicates the diagnosis of thyroid tissue thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma, as it is the most common site for malignancy in ectopic thyroid tissue. The patient had an excellent recovery without additional treatments after surgery.
Acute mesenteric haematoma and hematoperitoneum following a coughing episode induced by COVID-19
Authors: Carey Charles , Khatoon Maryam , Seriki Dare , Agwunobi Anselm
Published: August 2023

Acute mesenteric haematoma (AMH) is a rare condition and established causes include blunt trauma, aneurysmal rupture, acute pancreatitis and anticoagulant use. A male patient in his 50s presented with abdominal pain and loss of consciousness that was immediately preceded by a prolonged coughing episode. A computed tomography (CT) abdomen-pelvis revealed two acute mesenteric haematomas and haematoperitoneum and admission swabs diagnosed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The patient had no other acute clinical issues and was not taking anticoagulants. The haematomas were managed conservatively and a follow up computed tomography (CT) 4 weeks post-discharge revealed significant improvement. No clear vessel was identified as the source of the bleed in any of the investigations. This case represents a rare instance of AMH and haematoperitoneum with no established cause. We theorize that the combination of the patient’s systemic response to COVID-19 and raised intra-abdominal pressure caused by coughing contributed to the bleeding.
Improving Resiliency in U.S. Air Force Healthcare Personnel: A Randomized Preventive Trial
Authors: Hernandez Stephen H A , Killian Jacqueline , Parshall Mark B , Reno Jessica , Zhu Yiliang
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The effectiveness of the Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) with U.S. military personnel has not been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of SMART in increasing resilience in Air Force healthcare personnel.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a pilot, randomized preventive trial with active component Air Force healthcare personnel. SMART was offered via an in-person, 2-h training session delivered through face-to-face or synchronous video teleconference training, or via a self-paced, computer-based training. A baseline survey included demographics questions and the Connor–Davidson-10 Resilience Scale (CD-10), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and overall quality of life (QOL) measure. Follow-up surveys with the CD-10, PSS, GAD-7, and quality of life were sent to participants at 12, 18, and 24 weeks after completing SMART.

Results

Fifty-six service members completed the baseline assessment and were randomized to either the in-person modality (comprised of video teleconference or face-to-face training) or the computer-based training modality, and 49 participants completed SMART. Significant increases in median CD-10 scores were observed among all participants, showing a 4-point (14%), 6-point (21%), and 5-point (17%) increase at week-12, -18, and -24, respectively, from the baseline. A significant overall decrease in median PSS scores from baseline were observed, with 5.5-points (22%), 7.81-points (32%), and 8.5-points (35%) decrease at 12, 18, and 24 weeks post-SMART, respectively.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, SMART demonstrated significant and meaningful improvements in self-reported CD-10 and PSS-14 scores at 12, 18, and 24 weeks post-training completion. A future replication of the study is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of SMART on a larger scale.
Comparison of Axial Force Attenuation Characteristics in Two Different Lower Extremity Anthropomorphic Test Devices
Authors: Chirvi Sajal , Pintar Frank A , Yoganandan Narayan , Joseph McEntire B
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Any type of boot or footwear is designed to attenuate and distribute loading to the bottom of the foot. Anthropomorphic test device (ATDs) are used to assess potential countermeasures against these loads. The specific aims of this study were to compare and quantify force attenuation characteristics as a function of input energy for Hybrid-III and Mil-Lx ATD human surrogates.

Materials and methods

Two lower leg ATD surrogates (Mil-Lx and Hybrid-III) were tested to investigate the influence of a commercially available military boot on lower extremity force response and assess such differences against previously published postmortem human surrogate studies. The testing apparatus impacted the bottom of the foot using a rigid plate at velocities from 2 to 10 m/s. Tests were conducted on each ATD to obtain axial force response with and without boots as a function of input energy.

Results

Peak forces ranged from 1 to 16.4 kN for the Hybrid-III, and 1 to 8.4 kN for the Mil-Lx for similar input conditions. The average force attenuation for the Hybrid-III at upper and lower load cells was 71% (59%–80%) and 70% (58%–78%). The average attenuation for the Mil-Lx at upper and lower load cells was 20% (13%–28%) and 37% (36%–37%), respectively. At the knee load cell, the attenuated peak loads ranged from 62% to 81% for the Hybrid-III and 16% to 30% for the Mil-Lx.

Conclusions

Force attenuation characteristics in the booted vs unbooted configuration of the Mil-Lx were significantly different than force attenuation characteristics of the H3 and may better represent in vivo forces during vertical impact injuries, such as IED blasts. Hence for military relevant applications where boots are used, the Mil-Lx may provide a more conservative evaluation of lower extremity protection systems.
A transient overcooling in the early Universe? Clues from globular clusters formation
Authors: Renzini Alvio
Published: August 2023

The mere existence of multiple stellar generations in Milky Way globular clusters indicates that each generation was unable to stop star formation, that instead persisted unimpeded for several million years. This evidence argues for an extended stage of star formation within a forming globular cluster, during which stellar feedback was substantially ineffective and the nascent globular cluster was able to accrete processed gas from its surrounding, and efficiently convert it into successive stellar generations. It has been argued that such delayed feedback results from core collapse in most massive stars failing to trigger an energetic supernova explosion, but rather leading directly to black hole formation. Thus, globular clusters offer a concrete phenomenological example for the lack of feedback in young starbursts, an option that has been widely advocated to account for the unexpected abundance of ultraviolet-luminous galaxies at z = 9–16, as revealed by JWST observations. The paper is meant to attract attention to this opportunity for a synergic cooperation of globular cluster and high-redshift research.