bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pivotal Role of Genetic Counselors in the Uptake of Germline Genetic Testing in Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer and the Impact of Testing on Surgical Decision Making
Authors: Erali Richard A. , Pu Tracey , Vu Thuy M. , Mangieri Christopher W. , Jee Yoonsun , Wise Jordan S. , Perry Kathleen C. , Hsu Fang-Chi , Levine Edward A. , McNatt Marissa H. , Chiba Akiko
Published: May 2023

Background

Genetic testing is increasingly utilized in breast cancer patients; however, testing rates remain low. We aimed to evaluate the rate of genetic testing at a tertiary academic medical center utilizing a multidisciplinary clinic model including genetic counselor.

Methods

A single-center retrospective chart review was performed on a cohort of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients from January 2018 through February 2019. Patients were reviewed for genetic screening eligibility, consultation with a genetic counselor, and test results.

Results

Final analysis included 426 patients. 261 (61.3%) were found to meet National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for genetic testing, of which 178 patient (68.2%) underwent testing and 32 patients (12.3%) declined testing. Of the 165 not eligible for testing, 5 patients were tested. A total of 183 patients underwent testing and 116 (63.4%) had a negative result, 17 (9.3%) were positive for at least one gene mutation and 50 (27.3%) were identified to have a variant of unknown significance (VUS). There was a positive association between those patients who met with a genetic counselor and eligibility for testing (OR 31.1, 95% CI 16.0-60.5).

Conclusions

Genetic testing result has become an increasingly important factor when defining optimal surgical treatment for breast cancer patients. Increasing the availability of genetic consultation for breast cancer patients can improve testing rates and patient selection.
Incidence of Cancer and Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in BRCA Mutation Carriers Undergoing Prophylactic Mastectomies
Authors: Fat Shelby Chun , Weed Christina , Samaha Yasmina , Chung Alice , Boyle Marissa K. , Giuliano Armando , Ray Edward , Amersi Farin
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Breast surveillance in patients with BRCA mutations include mammography (MMG) and MRI. Patients may elect to undergo risk-reducing bilateral prophylactic mastectomies (BPM). Sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) are frequently performed and associated with increased morbidity. This study sought to determine the correlation between preoperative imaging and the final pathology and evaluate the role of SLNB in these high-risk patients.

Methods

A prospective database identified BRCA patients who underwent BPM between 2006 and 2022. Imaging, pathology, and operative reports were reviewed.

Results

170 patients with BRCA 1/2 mutations were identified. 162 (95.3%) had imaging within one year of BPM. Of these, 28 (17.3%) patients had a MMG/ultrasound, 53 (32.7%) had an MRI, and 81 (50%) had both; 21/162 (13.0%) patients had abnormal imaging. Bilateral SLNB were performed in 31 (18.2%) patients, of which 7 had abnormal imaging; unilateral SLNB were performed in 4 (2.4%) patients, of which 3 had abnormal imaging. 11/170 (6.4%) patients had a malignancy and only one (9%) of these patients had imaging abnormalities. 1/170 (0.6%) patient had an invasive carcinoma requiring an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and 10/170 (5.9%) patients had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). 25/170 (14.7%) had ADH/ALH. Only 7/170 (4.1%) patients had imaging abnormalities and abnormal pathology. All SLNB and ALND performed demonstrated no metastatic disease.

Discussion

There is a high rate of discordance between preoperative imaging prior to surgery in BRCA patients undergoing prophylactic mastectomies and final pathology. This study does not support routine SLNB at the time of BPM.
Evaluation of Guidelines For Tonsillectomy in Adults With Recurrent Acute Tonsillitis
Authors: Houborg Hannah Inez , Klug Tejs Ehlers
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

The criteria for selecting patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis (RT) for tonsillectomy remain unsettled and different guidelines are used internationally. We aimed to evaluate currently used guidelines for tonsillectomy in adults with RT and identify the best predictive parameters for improved throat-related quality of life (TR-QOL) after surgery.

Methods:

About 66 RT patients undergoing tonsillectomy was prospectively included and categorized into 3 groups based on which guideline(s) they met: Group 1: patients not meeting any of the Danish/Paradise/Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines. Group 2: patients meeting the Danish guidelines. Group 3: patients meeting the Paradise and/or the SIGN guidelines. TR-QOL was assessed using the Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory 14 (TOI-14) before and 6 months after tonsillectomy as well as the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Predictive parameters for improved TR-QOL were investigated using multiple linear regression.

Results:

About 61 (92%) patients completed the questionnaires. Patients in all groups had significant TR-QOL improvements (Group 1 (n = 20): ΔTOI-14 31.1; GBI 29.4; Group 2 (n = 31): ΔTOI-14 32.0; GBI 36.4; Group 3 (n = 10): ΔTOI-14 45.6; GBI 39.7) and satisfaction rates were high (94%-100%). Preoperative TOI-14 score was the best predictor for improved TR-QOL ( P < .001, R2 = .80), followed by the number of tonsillitis episodes with physician verification within the previous 12 months ( P = .002, R2 = .25).

Conclusions:

Patients in all groups experienced massive TR-QOL improvements suggesting that currently used guidelines may be too restrictive. Preoperative TOI-14 score was the best parameter for predicting TR-QOL improvement, and this tool may be useful in the selection of adults with RT for tonsillectomy.
Predictors of the 6-year outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Findings from the Netherlands Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Association study
Authors: Tibi Lee , van Oppen Patricia , van Balkom Anton JLM , Eikelenboom Merijn , Visser Henny , Anholt Gideon E
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by a chronic course that can vary between patients. The knowledge on the naturalistic long-term outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder and its predictors is surprisingly limited. The present research was designed to identify clinical and psychosocial predictors of the long-term outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Methods:

We included 377 individuals with a current diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, who participated in the Netherlands Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Association study, a multicenter naturalistic cohort study. Predictors were measured at baseline using self-report questionnaires and clinical interviews. Outcome was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale at 2-, 4- and 6-year follow-up.

Results:

The overall course of obsessive-compulsive disorder was characterized by two prominent trends: the first reflected an improvement in symptom severity, which was mitigated by the second, worsening trend in the long term. Several determinants affected the course variations of obsessive-compulsive disorder, namely, increased baseline symptom severity, late age of onset, history of childhood trauma and autism traits.

Conclusion:

The long-term outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder in naturalistic settings was characterized by an overall improvement in symptom severity, which was gradually halted to the point of increased worsening. However, after 6 years, the severity of symptoms remained below the baseline level. While certain determinants predicted a more favorable course, their effect diminished over time in correspondence to the general worsening trend. The results highlight the importance of a regular and continuous monitoring for symptom exacerbations as part of the management of the obsessive-compulsive disorder, regardless of the presence of putative predictors.
Remediating family memories of Italian colonialism: Beyond the Frame as process and product
Authors: Brioni Simone , Mancosu Gianmarco
Published: May 2023

The article analyzes Beyond the Frame ( Oltre i bordi, 2023), a film based on Simone Brioni's fortuitous discovery of a family archive: a box of photographs taken in Italian East Africa in the 1930s by a distant relative. Beyond the Frame discusses colonial photography and visuality, as well as the material legacies of that past, challenging the gaze through which they framed the subjective and collective idea of Africa in Italian society. The article is divided into two parts, each of which discusses colonial photography and how Beyond the Frame observes, interprets, and reflects on how the legacy of colonialism shapes our present. In the first part, Brioni traces the process that led to the construction of a narrative that interweaves personal reflections and collective history. In the second part, Gianmarco Mancosu draws upon Ann Laura Stoler's work to discuss how the colonial archive and the remains of empire fashion our present, with a particular emphasis on photography and on colonial traces in the Italian cityscape. The article shows how the film works with as well as against the archive: how it enacts a process of resignification, thus modifying the original meaning of colonial pictures.
Does Financial Statement Line-Item Comparability Affect Analysts’ Forecasts?
Authors: Henry Elaine , Liu Fang-Chun , Yang Steve , Zhu Xiaodi
Published: May 2023

This study investigates comparability of firms’ financial statement presentation, that is, the display of line items on financial statements. The line items that are displayed on financial statements are the result of disclosure choices such as placement, formatting, and aggregation. Given the emergence of machine-readable data (for example, XBRL-tags used in this paper in creating our test variable), a question arises about the relevance of items’ presentation on the face of the human-readable financial statements. This paper examines the relation between line-item comparability (based on the face of financial statements) and financial statement users’ judgments as proxied by attributes of analysts’ forecasts. We posit that greater line-item comparability likely lowers analysts’ processing costs and enhances analysts’ ability to evaluate firms’ economic performance. Our results indicate that greater line-item comparability is associated with more analyst coverage, increased forecast accuracy, reduced forecast dispersion, and greater timeliness of forecasts. Overall, these results suggest that comparability of line items on the face of financial statement enhances informativeness.
Customer Concentration and Income Smoothing Activities
Authors: Jung Boochun , Kim Tae Wook , Park Sang Hyun , Yoon Sung Wook
Published: May 2023

We examine how customer concentration affects managers’ income smoothing incentives to signal their private information about risk and future earnings. We find a negative relation between customer concentration and income smoothing, suggesting that improved information sharing from suppliers to customers through private channels reduces managers’ incentives to smooth earnings. To mitigate endogeneity issues, we perform (a) a change in variables analysis, (b) a propensity score matching approach, and (c) a two-stage least squares regression analysis. Finally, we document that managers’ income smoothing activities decrease as the length of the relationship between a supplier and its major customers increases, corroborating our main findings. Prior studies have paid relatively little attention to the effects of various stakeholders, especially customers, on managers’ income smoothing activities. Our study fills this void in the literature by illustrating that customer concentration is an important determinant of income smoothing incentives.
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair of an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Uchino Motonori , Fumoto Hideyuki , Yunoki Junji , Nakayama Yoshihiro
Published: May 2023

A 74-year-old man with a history of two thoracic aortic repairs, including a modified Bentall procedure using a mechanical valve and total arch replacement, was referred to our hospital with the development of hoarseness. Computed tomography revealed an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm between the prosthetic grafts in the ascending aorta. Two aortic cuffs for abdominal aorta were deployed through the left axillary artery using a transcatheter aortic valve replacement guidewire placed at the supra-aortic mechanical valve during ventricular rapid pacing and were successfully covered with an inlet to the pseudoaneurysm on postoperative computed tomography. The postoperative course was favorable.
Global tourism and local ethnicity: Reconfiguring racial and ethnic relations in central Laos
Authors: Lee Sangmi
Published: May 2023

Based on ethnographic research in a multi-ethnic village in Laos, this article examines how global tourism reconfigured racial and ethnic relations between foreign tourists and locals, as well as among villagers of different ethnicities. While tourists of various nationalities were homogeneously racialized by the locals as farang (white foreigners) who are fundamentally different, they were generally in a dominant socioeconomic position. However, such global hierarchies could be upended when they became long-term stayers employed by local tourist businesses and were incorporated into the power structure. Likewise, ethnic hierarchies among local villagers that used to privilege majority youth on the job market were temporarily reconstituted as minority youth became more desirable employees in the tourism industry because of their superior English-language abilities acquired from an NGO-supported, informal class in the village. Nonetheless, recent changes in global tourism indicate that structural ethnic hierarchies persist and continue to subject ethnic minorities to employment uncertainty.
The response of geographical processes to landscape restoration: China’s research progress
Authors: Liu Yanxu , Han Yu , Wu Jincheng , Wang Chenxu , Fu Bojie
Published: May 2023

The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) provides a new momentum for scaling up ecosystem restoration efforts to landscape restoration. China’s recent experience with transformative investment in landscape restoration provides invaluable guidance for the world. We retrospectively reviewed the scientific evidence on the responses of physical, ecological, and social processes to China’s landscape restoration under geographic heterogeneity and obtained four experiences and lessons. First, China’s forest landscape restoration has successfully promoted vegetation growth and enlarged the carbon sink. Second, landscape restoration has reduced the local water yield, while the regional responses of rainfall are still not clear. Third, the local conditions of soil erosion and habitat quality were largely improved by landscape restoration, while the decreases in soil moisture and streamflow demonstrated significant trade-offs among ecosystem services. Last, geographical differentiation existed in the local responses of livelihoods to landscape restoration strategies, and the win‒win solutions between human development and nature improvement under different landscape contexts were still uncertain. We summarize three additional questions as future prospects: what is the scale of the thresholds to prevent overshoot and cascading negative ecological effects? what are people’s prior needs from nature? considering that there may be no universal win‒win pathways, how to promote co-benefits based on regional human–nature relationships?
Front face strain compliance for quantification of short crack growth in fatigue testing
Authors: Saeed Hasan , Chaudhuri Somsubhro , De Waele Wim
Published: May 2023

Short fatigue crack growth investigation is of considerable scientific interest as it comprises a significant portion of the total fatigue life of a structure. It is very challenging to accurately quantify this stage of fatigue crack growth experimentally. In this article, a novel front face strain compliance technique for single-edge notched specimens subjected to four-point bending is proposed. Finite element analysis is performed to determine the correlation between crack length and strain change near the crack. This relationship is then validated by experiments in which strains are measured by strain gauges attached near the short crack, and crack length is quantified by examining beachmark lines at the fracture surfaces. Based on the numerical and experimental results, it is concluded that the strain measured near the notch allows quantifying short crack growth for normalised crack lengths in the range 0.01 ≤  a/W ≤ 0.06 ( a/W being the ratio of crack length over specimen width). A compliance equation based on the front face strain is finally presented.
Copyright literacy of library and information science professionals in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Ghalib , Basir Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Library and information science professionals are considered to have appropriate skills and competencies with regard to copyright and related issues. Using a quantitative survey at the provincial level (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), the copyright literacy of library and information science professionals was investigated in Pakistan. Out of 311 respondents, 279 participated in the survey. The results indicate that library and information science professionals are somewhat familiar with copyright and related issues. The majority of them (94%) mentioned that published materials such as books and articles are under the protection of copyright. Similarly, 73% were aware of local copyright laws; however, they were less familiar with international copyright legislation. Library professionals mentioned that the current library and information science curriculum is not providing adequate knowledge about copyright, therefore, most (94%) expressed the need to include copyright legislation and basic concepts of copyright in the library and information science curriculum at all levels. The findings suggest practical measures to enhance the level of the copyright literacy of Pakistani library and information science professionals.
Implementable Regional Truck Freight Planning Practices: Quick Ways to Get Started
Authors: Miller John S. , Alsumait Khaled
Published: May 2023

To support the elevation of truck freight within the regional planning process, this study identified seven practices regional planners can initiate: coordinating land planning and truck freight planning; using freight advisory committees; monetizing reliability in project prioritization; quantifying truck parking deficiencies; using engineering strategies; incorporating truck freight into scenario planning; and obtaining freight data from public sources. A review of the literature and agency actions was conducted to identify these practices. Although these practices benefit from regional support, they cannot be fully implemented at the regional level. Some require municipal or county authority: reservation of street space for truck parking, modification of local zoning ordinances to mandate truck parking, and allowance of trucks in lanes reserved for transit in select cities. Some require state authority: allowing trucks to use park and ride lots at night, supporting private sector participation financially in regional freight advisory committees, or using the value of travel time reliability to evaluate freight project benefits. Some require either local or state support: notably, expansion or modification of truck routes based, in part, on examination of truck patterns. All practices carry some type of financial or political cost: one interviewee noted that increased zoning requirements might reduce a locality’s ability to compete for industrial businesses. However, regional staff can start the analysis required to support these practices by identifying the benefits, costs, and feasibility of these initiatives through the regional planning process.
Video Observations and Large Accessible Transit Vehicle Operator Evaluations of Two Wheelchair Securement Systems
Authors: Choi Jimin , Maisel Jordana L. , Perez Brittany , Paquet Victor
Published: May 2023

Wheelchairs need to be secured properly during transit to reduce the risk of passenger injury. New wheelchair securement systems have been developed in an attempt to provide increased usability and independence for passengers who need to use them. This field study evaluated newer wheelchair securement system usage through a retrospective review of on-board video surveillance recordings and large accessible transit vehicle (LATV) operators’ perceived usability of two newer wheelchair securement systems on fixed-route LATVs. Results showed that nonuse and misuse of securement systems were more prevalent with trips using the 3-point, forward-facing (3P-FF) tiedown system compared with trips using the semi-automated, rear-facing (SA-RF) system. While a majority of nonuse and misuse of the 3P-FF system was because of LATV operator error, the reasons for nonuse and misuse of the SA-RF system were more complex and mostly involved system design and transit policy issues. Operators most preferred using the 3P-FF system on the LATV rather than the SA-RF system. Findings support the need for further development and implementation of wheelchair securement with improved usability, innovative securement systems that can be operated independently by wheelchair users, and improved securement training for bus operators and wheelchair passengers.
Quality Assessment of OpenStreetMap’s Points of Interest with Large-Scale Real Data
Authors: Klinkhardt Christian , Kühnel Fabian , Heilig Michael , Lautenbach Sven , Wörle Tim , Vortisch Peter , Kuhnimhof Tobias
Published: May 2023

OpenStreetMap (OSM) data are geographical data that are easy and open to access and therefore used for a large set of applications including travel demand modeling. However, often there is a limited awareness about the shortcomings of volunteered geographic information data, such as OSM. One important issue for the application in travel demand modeling is the completeness of OSM elements, particularly points of interest (POI), since it directly influences the predictions of trip distributions. This might cause unreliable model sensitivities and end up in wrong predictions leading to expensive misinterpretations of the effects of policy measures. Because of a lack of large-scale real-world data, a detailed assessment of the quality of POI from OSM has not been done yet. Therefore, in this work, we assess the quality of POI from OSM for use within travel demand models using surveyed real-world data from 49 areas in Germany. We perform a descriptive and a model-based analysis using spatial, demographic, and intrinsic indicators for two common trip purpose categories used in travel demand modeling. We show that the completeness of POI data in OSM depends on the category of POI. We further show that intrinsic indicators and indicators calculated based on data from other sources (e.g., land use or census data) are able to detect quality deficiencies of OSM data.
Evaluation of Rail Decarbonization Alternatives: Framework and Application
Authors: Hernandez Adrian , Ng Max T. M. , Siddique Nazib , Durango-Cohen Pablo L. , Elgowainy Amgad , Mahmassani Hani S. , Wang Michael , Zhou Yan (Joann)
Published: May 2023

The Northwestern University Freight Rail Infrastructure & Energy Network Decarbonization (NUFRIEND) framework is a comprehensive industry-oriented tool for simulating the deployment of new energy technologies including biofuels, e-fuels, battery-electric, and hydrogen locomotives. By classifying fuel types into two categories based on deployment requirements, the associated optimal charging/fueling facility location and sizing problem are solved with a five-step framework. Life-cycle analysis (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) are used to estimate carbon reduction, capital investments, cost of carbon reduction, and operational impacts, enabling sensitivity analysis with operational and technological parameters. The framework is illustrated on lower-carbon drop-in fuels as well as battery-electric technology deployments for the US Eastern and Western Class I railroad networks. Drop-in fuel deployments are modeled as admixtures with diesel in existing locomotives, while battery-electric deployments are shown for varying technology penetration levels and locomotive ranges. When mixed in a 50% ratio with diesel, results show biodiesel’s capacity to reduce emissions at 36% with a cost of $ 0.13 per kilogram of CO2 reduced, while e-fuels offer a potential reduction of 50% of emissions at a cost of $ 0.22 per kilogram of CO2 reduced. Battery-electric results for 50% deployment over all ton-miles highlight the value of future innovations in battery energy densities as scenarios assuming 800-mi range locomotives show an estimated emissions reduction of 46% with a cost of $ 0.06 per kilogram of CO2 reduced, compared with 16% emissions reduction at a cost of $ 0.11 per kilogram of CO2 reduced for 400-mi range locomotives. The NUFRIEND framework provides a systematic method for comparing different alternative energy technologies and identifying potential challenges and benefits in their future deployments.
Understanding the Sensitivity of Mixture Cracking Performance Tests to Binder Properties and Long-Term Aging
Authors: Elwardany Michael , Veginati Varun , Andriescu Adrian , Mensching David
Published: May 2023

The asphalt community is focused on the paradigm shift in mixture design from volumetrics to an optimization procedure based on performance tests called balanced mixture design (BMD). Laboratory performance tests are being assessed for their relationship to binder properties and field performance. However, existing BMD practice does not account for long-term oven aging (LTOA). This gap limits the appropriateness of thresholds and the potential of BMD for improving pavement performance. The Federal Highway Administration’s Asphalt Materials Research Program has launched a three-phase study to provide insights into relevant performance testing. Phase I compared seven cracking performance tests after short-term aging, whereas Phase II evaluated the sensitivity of selected performance tests to LTOA. Phase III, in which seven loose mixtures collected from Montana, Vermont, Ohio, and Florida were subjected to LTOA, is presented in this paper. The indirect tensile cracking, Illinois Flexibility Index, dynamic modulus, and cyclic fatigue tests were employed before and after two proposed LTOA conditioning protocols. Additionally, chemical, rheological, and fracture properties were obtained from extracted binders to obtain a better understanding of the impact of binder properties on mixture performance indices. Results illustrate that LTOA is critical for a comprehensive BMD framework and, thus, some of the testing protocols, indices, and thresholds need to be refined further.
Sexual Health Knowledge and Sexual Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Sexual Risk Behaviors in Women
Authors: Richner Danielle C. , Lynch Shannon M.
Published: May 2023

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the proportion of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnoses among women in the United States has more than doubled between 1984 and 2019 and rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in all individuals increased 30% between 2015 and 2019. Further, the CDC has designated women ages 13 to 44 years as a group vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STD infection, in part due to frequency of engaging in sexual risk behaviors. Sexual self-efficacy is associated with decreased sexual risk behaviors and counters norms that emphasize passivity and compliance as traditional sexual behavior in women. In the current study, we assessed knowledge of HIV and STD transmission and risk factors, sexual self-efficacy, and frequency of sexual risk behaviors in 281 woman-identified respondents aged 18–44 years in an online survey. Knowledge of HIV and STDs was low (averages of 63.3% and 49.9%, respectively). Younger women, and women who identified as single, White, and/or LGBTQ+ reported more sexual risk behaviors. HIV knowledge and sexual self-efficacy were independently associated with fewer risk behaviors and significantly interacted to predict sexual risk behaviors. STD knowledge and sexual self-efficacy were independently associated with fewer sexual risk behaviors. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, widespread, and identity-inclusive sexual health education.
Spin in the Abstracts of Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews: Quadriceps Tendon Graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Gulbrandsen Matthew T. , Taka Taha M. , Peterson Joshua G. , Chung Jun Ho , Syed Hasan M. , Amin Nirav H. , Stone Austin V. , Xerogeanes John W. , Liu Joseph N.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Spin is a reporting bias that misrepresents research. Ultimately it can affect surgeon decision making and patient care. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is common, but debate continues over optimal treatment modalities.

Purpose:

To identify the prevalence of spin in meta-analysis and systematic review abstracts regarding the treatment of ACL injuries with quadriceps tendon graft.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Electronic libraries (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for meta-analyses and systematic reviews regarding the treatment of ACL tears with quadriceps tendon graft. The 9 most severe types of spin commonly found in abstracts were used as an evaluation tool to assess the articles. Two reviewers each performed a blinded assessment of each article for spin. A third reviewer helped after review was done to address any discrepancies between the original reviewers. Further evaluation included year of publication, number of citations, journal impact factor, and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) score.

Results:

The electronic database search resulted in 986 articles, of which 13 met our inclusion criteria. After review, we found that 53.8% (7/13) of the included articles contained 1 of the 9 most severe forms of spin. Of the 13 articles, 15.4% (n = 2) contained 2 types of spin, and 38.5% (n = 5) contained 1 type of spin. No studies contained ≥3 types of spin. Of the types of spin evaluated, the most prevalent (n = 4; 30.8%) was type 3 (“selective reporting of or overemphasis on efficacy outcomes or analysis favoring the beneficial effect of the experimental intervention”). All studies, regardless of the presence of spin, were found to be low or critically low quality according to the AMSTAR-2 assessment.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated the presence of spin in 53.8% of meta-analysis and systematic review abstracts pertaining to quadriceps tendon graft for ACL reconstruction. Orthopaedic surgeons should learn to recognize spin as they review articles when deciding the treatment course for ACL injuries. Additionally, strict criteria should be considered to reduce the prevalence of spin in orthopaedic literature.
Intersectionality and Dependency Lenses in Neonatal Mortality: Evidence of Regional, Residential, and Socioeconomic Inequalities from Post-colonial Tanzania, 1991–2016
Authors: Langa Neema
Published: May 2023

While neonatal mortality is a critical measure of national health and well-being, efforts to reduce it in post-colonial, global south national contexts continue to yield unsatisfactory (sometimes worsening) odds of such events. This paper applies the intersectionality framework and dependency theory to time-based changes in neonatal mortality in Tanzania from 1991 to 2016 as a new model for understanding these persistent odds of neonatal mortality in the underdeveloped world. Analysis of data from the Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (from 1991 to 2016) discloses an unambiguous intersection between residence, region, and socioeconomic status in Tanzania. At the national level, neonatal mortality decreased slightly between 1991 and 2016. However, the likelihood of neonates dying increased during that time for women living in rural and unprivileged areas with lower socioeconomic status. An intersectionality framework and dependency theory contextualize these findings by considering structural elements within Tanzania from 1991 to 2016. This new model affords fresh insights, recommendations, and policy discussion for reducing neonatal mortality in Tanzania and other post-colonial, global south nations.
Identification of critical genes associated with lead exposure based on in silico analysis
Authors: Sharma Swati , Kumar Vijay L , Bhardwaj Anuradha
Published: May 2023

High blood levels of lead have been shown to relate to its toxicity, and its early detection in occupational workers is important to take necessary measures. The genes associated with lead toxicity were identified by in silico analysis of expression profile (GEO-GSE37567) based on lead exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells maintained in culture. The GEO2R tool was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among three groups: control versus day-1 treatment, control versus day-2 treatment, and control versus day-1 treatment versus day-2 treatment, and their enrichment analysis was performed to categorize them for molecular function, biological process, cellular component, and KEGG pathways. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed using a STRING tool and hub genes were identified by using the CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. Top 250 DEGs were screened in the first and second groups and 211 DEGs were in the third group. Fifteen critical genes viz. MT1G, ASPH, MT1F, TMEM158, CDK5RAP2, BRCA2, MT1E, EDNRB, MT1H, KITLG, MT1X, MT2A, ARRDC4, MT1M, and MT1HL1 were selected for functional enrichment and pathway analysis. The DEGs were primarily enriched in metal ion binding, metal absorption, and cellular response to metal ions. The significantly enriched KEGG pathways included mineral absorption, melanogenesis, and cancer signaling pathways. PPI network analysis revealed that seven genes of the MT family exhibited good connectedness and served as a marker of lead induced toxicity. Our study suggests that MT1E, MT1H, MT1G, MT1X, MT1F, MT1M, and MT2A of the metallothioneins gene family may act as potential biomarkers to monitor lead exposure.
Audio or Video? Access to Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Services Varies by the Type of Telehealth, Especially for Black Children
Authors: Grefe Annette , Chen Shyh-Huei , Ip Edward H. , Kirkendall Eric , Nageswaran Savithri
Published: May 2023

Background

Children of minority race/ethnicity face barriers to accessing specialty services. During the COVID pandemic, health insurance companies reimbursed telehealth services. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of audio versus video visits on children's access to outpatient neurology services, particularly for Black children.

Methods

Using Electronic Health Record data, we collected information about children who had outpatient neurology appointments in a tertiary care children's hospital in North Carolina from March 10, 2020, to March 9, 2021. We used multivariable models to compare appointment outcomes (canceled vs completed, and missed vs completed) by visit type. We then conducted similar evaluation for the subgroup of Black children.

Results

A total of 1250 children accounted for 3829 scheduled appointments. Audio users were more likely to be Black and Hispanic, and to have public health insurance than video users. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for appointments completed versus canceled was 10 for audio and 6 for video, compared to in-person appointments. Audio visits were twice as likely as in-person visits to be completed versus missed; video visits were not different. For the subgroup of Black children, aOR for appointments completed versus canceled for audio was 9 and video was 5, compared to in-person appointments. For Black children, audio visits were 3 times as likely as in-person visits to be completed versus missed; video visits were not different.

Conclusions

Audio visits improved access to pediatric neurology services, especially for Black children. Reversal of policies to reimburse audio visits could deepen the socioeconomic divide for children's access to neurology services.
Development and Characterization of a AuNP-Genipin-Viscoelastic Collagen Material
Authors: Bradley Janae , Grant Sheila A , Grant David , Pfeiffer Ferris M , Brockman John
Published: May 2023

Lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting 11.9% of the population worldwide and studies have shown that intervertebral disc degeneration is a common cause for chronic lower back pain. We have explored the combination of three components, viscoelastic collagen, genipin, and gold nanoparticles to determine its potential to promote regeneration of the intervertebral disc, specifically for nucleus pulposus regeneration. The goal of this study was to develop, fabricate and characterize different formulations of viscoelastic collagen conjugated with gold nanoparticles and genipin to assess the feasibility as a tissue template. Results demonstrated the successful attachment of gold nanoparticles to the viscoelastic collagen utilizing the genipin crosslinker. For each of the viscoelastic collagen compositions examined, cell biocompatibility was achieved. The results also demonstrated an increase in stiffness of the material with different sizes and concentrations of AuNPs. Results from the TEM and STEM also demonstrated that the viscoelastic collagen that was developed did not display the characteristic D banding pattern of polymerized collagen. The findings from this study could lead to the development of a more efficient and cost-effective treatment for patients with chronic back pain caused by IVD degeneration.
Sociodemographic Differences in Menthol Cigarette Use in the United States
Authors: Talluri Rajesh , Shete Sanjay
Published: May 2023

Background:

Menthol cigarette use is associated with higher smoking initiation and reduced smoking cessation. We investigated sociodemographic differences in menthol and nonmenthol cigarette use in the United States.

Methods:

We used the most recent available data from the May 2019 wave of the nationally-representative Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The survey weights were used to estimate the national prevalence of individuals who currently smoke among individuals who use menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes. Survey-weighted logistic regression methods were used to estimate the association of menthol cigarette use with formerly smoking cigarettes and attempting to quit within the past 12 months while adjusting for several sociodemographic factors associated with smoking.

Results:

The prevalence of current smoking in individuals who ever smoked menthol cigarettes was higher 45.6% (44.5%-46.6%) compared to 35.8% (35.2%-36.4%) in individuals who ever smoked nonmenthol cigarettes. Non-Hispanics Blacks who used menthol cigarettes had a higher likelihood of being an individual who currently smokes (OR 1.8, 95% CI: [1.6-2.0], P-value <.001) compared to Non-Hispanic Whites who used nonmenthol cigarettes. However, Non-Hispanics Blacks who used menthol cigarettes were more likely to make a quit attempt (OR 1.4, 95%CI: [1.3-1.6], P-value <.001) compared to non-Hispanic Whites who used nonmenthol cigarettes.

Conclusions:

Individuals who currently use menthol cigarettes are more likely to make attempts to quit smoking. However, this did not translate to successfully quitting smoking, as evidenced by the proportion of individuals who formerly smoked within the population which used menthol cigarettes.
Why Device-Related Digital Inequalities Matter for E-Government Engagement?
Authors: Dodel Matías
Published: May 2023

Mobile devices were key drivers for recent Internet expansion in lower-income countries, democratizing access. Nonetheless, concerns arose regarding their role in the creation of new digital underclass related to the capital-enhancing consequences of Internet use. Among these, e-government engagement allows individuals to reduce the administrative burdens of governmental interactions. Nonetheless, its uptake has been proven to be highly stratified in Latin American countries where most services are not digital-by-default. The article argues that disparities in digital access play a role in this e-government divides. It examines the antecedents and determinants of household computer access and mobile-only Internet use, and e-government engagement in Brazil. Based on “TIC Domicilios 2019” survey, using logistic regressions to predict household access to computers, mobile-only Internet access, and e-government engagement. Mediation analyses of the latter models are conducted, testing the sequential nature of socio-digital inequalities based on the DiSTO framework. Findings show that living in a household with computers reduces the chances of being a mobile-only user and increases the odds of e-government engagement. Mobile-only access reduces e-government engagement. The effects of socioeconomic status and digital inequalities are mediated by household access to computers and mobile-only use. Implications for digital inclusion policies are discussed.
High-damping polyurethane-based composites modified with amino-functionalized graphene
Authors: Ma Chi , Shan Yi , Wang Na , Jiao Jianjian , Wang Yingdan , Li Fan , Sin Lee Tin
Published: May 2023

A series of damping composites containing polyurethane/poly (butyl methacrylate) (PU/PBMA) as the polymer matrix and graphene nanoplates (GNP) or amino-functionalized graphene nanoplates (NGNP) as a modifier was successfully synthesized through in situ polymerization. The chemical structure, microphase configuration, damping properties, and thermal stability of the GNP–PU/PBMA and NGNP–PU/PBMA composites were evaluated. Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies revealed that the amino (–NH2) groups on the NGNP surface presumably reacted with the isocyanate (R–N = C = O) groups of the polymer matrix. This led to robust bonding between the NGNP and the hard segments in PU, resulting in an NGNP/polymer-matrix compatibility superior to that of GNP–PU/PBMA. Structural investigations based on scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed dispersion-state-related differences between the GNP and NGNP in the PU/PBMA matrix; the amino-functionalized GNP were more uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix than their unmodified counterparts, and microphase separation between the hard and soft segments intensified in NGNP–PU/PBMA, resulting in a greater degree of phase separation, as confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the maximum damping peak (tan δmax) of the composite with 0.7 wt.% NGNP was 22.7% higher than that of pristine PU/PBMA. Additionally, a large independent damping peak appeared in the DMA curve of 0.7 wt.% NGNP–PU/PBMA in the high-temperature range, indicating broadening of the damping temperature range. Moreover, the NGNP incorporation effectively improved the thermal stability of the composite. Overall, this study demonstrates the viability of realizing PU-based materials with excellent thermodynamic and damping properties by incorporating amino-bearing NGNP.
An air supply system regulation method for PEMFCs based on disturbance observation and MPC control
Authors: Song Dafeng , Wu Qingtao , Zeng Xiaohua , Zhang Xuanming , Yang Dongpo , Qian Qifeng
Published: May 2023

The optimal tracking control of air pressure and air flow is an important guarantee to improve the output characteristics of fuel cells. However, under the load disturbances scenario, the optimal control effect is difficult to guarantee. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a new control method based on real-time disturbances observation and MPC optimal control. The decoupling of air pressure and air flow is realized by feedback linearization, and then an extended state observer is designed to achieve accurate estimation of load disturbances. Based on the principle of optimal output power of the fuel cell system, the reference trajectory of air pressure and air flow is obtained. Based on this, the optimal MPC controller is designed to achieve accurate tracking of air pressure and air flow by controlling the motor voltage of the air compressor and the opening of the back pressure valve. Under load disturbances, compared with feedback linearization control, improved tracking and robust performances of the proposed strategy can be exhibited through offline and online tests, the net power of PEMFCs is increased by 3%.
Asynchronous control for Markov jump systems subject to actuator saturation and partial mode information
Authors: Chen Jiafeihong , Ning An , Jiang Shan , Wang Zhiping , Du Guanzheng , Yu Longbao
Published: May 2023

This article studies the control problem of Markov jump systems subject to actuator saturation and partial mode information. The asynchronous phenomenon between the controller and the plant is addressed by introducing a hidden Markov model. By means of convex hull method, some sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee the stochastic stability of the saturated Markov jump systems. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Serum pentraxin 3 in systemic lupus erythematosus: A potential indicator of cutaneous disease activity
Authors: Ismail Sahar A. , Awad Sara M. , Gamal Rania M. , Gaber Marwa A. , Hussein Safaa M. , Hammam Nevin
Published: May 2023

Background

Although skin manifestations are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there is still a lack of a diagnostic marker for cutaneous involvement. Pentraxin3 (PTX3) has been studied in SLE patients; however, it has not been investigated in relation to cutaneous manifestations.

Objective

To assess the serum PTX3 level in SLE patients, and to investigate its relationship with disease activity as well as with variable skin manifestations.

Patients and Methods

Thirty-four patients with SLE (17 patients with skin manifestations and 17 without) and 30 healthy subjects were included in the study. Patients were evaluated clinically for systemic and skin manifestations of SLE. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2k) and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Activity and Severity Index (CLASI) scores were calculated. Serum level of PTX3 was measured in patients and controls using ELISA.

Results

Higher serum PTX3 level was found in SLE patients compared to controls ( p < 0.001). Patients with skin manifestations showed higher SLEDAI-2k scores and had higher PTX3 level compared to those without skin manifestations ( p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). PTX3 showed higher levels in association with malar rash ( p < 0.001), mucosal ulcers ( p < 0.001), alopecia ( p < 0.001), and purpuric eruption ( p = 0.002). Moreover, PTX3 level positively correlated with CLASI scores ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results reinforce the important role of Pentraxin3 in SLE patients with skin manifestations, and it may be considered an interesting biomarker for the pattern and extent of cutaneous involvement in SLE.