bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Figure 12 from Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating LINE-1 ORF1p as a Specific Multicancer Biomarker
Authors: Taylor Martin S. , Wu Connie , Fridy Peter C. , Zhang Stephanie J. , Senussi Yasmeen , Wolters Justina C. , Cajuso Tatiana , Cheng Wen-Chih , Heaps John D. , Miller Bryant D. , Mori Kei , Cohen Limor , Jiang Hua , Molloy Kelly R. , Chait Brian T. , Goggins Michael G. , Bhan Irun , Franses Joseph W. , Yang Xiaoyu , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Wang Xinan , Christiani David C. , Johnson Bruce E. , Meyerson Matthew , Uppaluri Ravindra , Egloff Ann Marie , Denault Elyssa N. , Spring Laura M. , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Fairman Jennifer E. , Jung Euihye , Arora Kshitij S. , Yilmaz Osman H. , Cohen Sonia , Sharova Tatyana , Chi Gary , Norden Bryanna L. , Song Yuhui , Nieman Linda T. , Pappas Leontios , Parikh Aparna R. , Strickland Matthew R. , Corcoran Ryan B. , Mustelin Tomas , Eng George , Yilmaz Ömer H. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Chan Andrew T. , Skates Steven J. , Rueda Bo R. , Drapkin Ronny , Klempner Samuel J. , Deshpande Vikram , Ting David T. , Rout Michael P. , LaCava John , Walt David R. , Burns Kathleen H.
Published: January 2024

Screening of newly developed monoclonal antibody candidates.
Supplementary Figure 11 from Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating LINE-1 ORF1p as a Specific Multicancer Biomarker
Authors: Taylor Martin S. , Wu Connie , Fridy Peter C. , Zhang Stephanie J. , Senussi Yasmeen , Wolters Justina C. , Cajuso Tatiana , Cheng Wen-Chih , Heaps John D. , Miller Bryant D. , Mori Kei , Cohen Limor , Jiang Hua , Molloy Kelly R. , Chait Brian T. , Goggins Michael G. , Bhan Irun , Franses Joseph W. , Yang Xiaoyu , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Wang Xinan , Christiani David C. , Johnson Bruce E. , Meyerson Matthew , Uppaluri Ravindra , Egloff Ann Marie , Denault Elyssa N. , Spring Laura M. , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Fairman Jennifer E. , Jung Euihye , Arora Kshitij S. , Yilmaz Osman H. , Cohen Sonia , Sharova Tatyana , Chi Gary , Norden Bryanna L. , Song Yuhui , Nieman Linda T. , Pappas Leontios , Parikh Aparna R. , Strickland Matthew R. , Corcoran Ryan B. , Mustelin Tomas , Eng George , Yilmaz Ömer H. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Chan Andrew T. , Skates Steven J. , Rueda Bo R. , Drapkin Ronny , Klempner Samuel J. , Deshpande Vikram , Ting David T. , Rout Michael P. , LaCava John , Walt David R. , Burns Kathleen H.
Published: January 2024

Engineered Nanobody constructs.
Data from Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating LINE-1 ORF1p as a Specific Multicancer Biomarker
Authors: Taylor Martin S. , Wu Connie , Fridy Peter C. , Zhang Stephanie J. , Senussi Yasmeen , Wolters Justina C. , Cajuso Tatiana , Cheng Wen-Chih , Heaps John D. , Miller Bryant D. , Mori Kei , Cohen Limor , Jiang Hua , Molloy Kelly R. , Chait Brian T. , Goggins Michael G. , Bhan Irun , Franses Joseph W. , Yang Xiaoyu , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Wang Xinan , Christiani David C. , Johnson Bruce E. , Meyerson Matthew , Uppaluri Ravindra , Egloff Ann Marie , Denault Elyssa N. , Spring Laura M. , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Fairman Jennifer E. , Jung Euihye , Arora Kshitij S. , Yilmaz Osman H. , Cohen Sonia , Sharova Tatyana , Chi Gary , Norden Bryanna L. , Song Yuhui , Nieman Linda T. , Pappas Leontios , Parikh Aparna R. , Strickland Matthew R. , Corcoran Ryan B. , Mustelin Tomas , Eng George , Yilmaz Ömer H. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Chan Andrew T. , Skates Steven J. , Rueda Bo R. , Drapkin Ronny , Klempner Samuel J. , Deshpande Vikram , Ting David T. , Rout Michael P. , LaCava John , Walt David R. , Burns Kathleen H.
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Improved biomarkers are needed for early cancer detection, risk stratification, treatment selection, and monitoring treatment response. Although proteins can be useful blood-based biomarkers, many have limited sensitivity or specificity for these applications. Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) open reading frame 1 protein (ORF1p) is a transposable element protein overexpressed in carcinomas and high-risk precursors during carcinogenesis with negligible expression in normal tissues, suggesting ORF1p could be a highly specific cancer biomarker. To explore ORF1p as a blood-based biomarker, we engineered ultrasensitive digital immunoassays that detect mid-attomolar (10−17 mol/L) ORF1p concentrations in plasma across multiple cancers with high specificity. Plasma ORF1p shows promise for early detection of ovarian cancer, improves diagnostic performance in a multianalyte panel, provides early therapeutic response monitoring in gastroesophageal cancers, and is prognostic for overall survival in gastroesophageal and colorectal cancers. Together, these observations nominate ORF1p as a multicancer biomarker with potential utility for disease detection and monitoring.
Significance:
The LINE-1 ORF1p transposon protein is pervasively expressed in many cancers and is a highly specific biomarker of multiple common, lethal carcinomas and their high-risk precursors in tissue and blood. Ultrasensitive ORF1p assays from as little as 25 μL plasma are novel, rapid, cost-effective tools in cancer detection and monitoring.

See related commentary by Doucet and Cristofari, p. 2502.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489
Supplementary Table from RETRACTED: In Vivo Monitoring of Polycythemia Vera Development Reveals Carbonic Anhydrase 1 as a Potent Therapeutic Target
Authors: Murakami Shohei , Barroca Vilma , Perié Leïla , Bravard Anne , Bernardino-Sgherri Jacqueline , Tisserand Amandine , Devanand Caroline , Edmond Valérie , Magniez Aurélie , Tenreira Bento Sabrina , Torres Claire , Pasquier Florence , Plo Isabelle , Vainchenker William , Villeval Jean-Luc , Roméo Paul-Henri , Lewandowski Daniel
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Table from RETRACTED: In Vivo Monitoring of Polycythemia Vera Development Reveals Carbonic Anhydrase 1 as a Potent Therapeutic Target
Supplementary Table S1 from Pain and Its Association with Survival for Black and White Individuals with Advanced Prostate Cancer in the United States
Authors: Rencsok Emily M. , Slopen Natalie , McManus Hannah D. , Autio Karen A. , Morgans Alicia K. , McSwain Lawrence , Barata Pedro , Cheng Heather H. , Dreicer Robert , Gerke Travis , Green Rebecca , Heath Elisabeth I. , Howard Lauren E. , McKay Rana R. , Nowak Joel , Pileggi Shannon , Pomerantz Mark M. , Rathkopf Dana E. , Tagawa Scott T. , Whang Young E. , Ragin Camille , Odedina Folakemi T. , Kantoff Philip W. , Vinson Jake , Villanti Paul , Haneuse Sebastien , Mucci Lorelei A. , George Daniel J.
Published: January 2024

Study sites for IRONMAN participants by race (N = 38 sites)
Wirksamkeit von Teprotumumab bei der chronischen endokrinen Orbitopathie
Authors: Bertelmann Eckart
Published: January 2024

Context: Early inflammatory thyroid eye disease (TED) can lead to symptomatic chronic disease including disabling proptosis. Teprotumumab, an IGF-1 receptor inhibitor, previously demonstrated efficacy in acute, high-inflammation TED trials. Objective: We present data from the first placebo-controlled trial with teprotumumab in chronic/low disease activity TED. Design: This was a randomized double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted in 11 US centers. Participants: Adults with TED duration 2–10 years, Clinical Activity Score (CAS) ≤ 1 or no additional inflammation or progression in proptosis/diplopia for ≥ 1 year, proptosis ≥ 3 mm from before TED/from normal, euthyroid/mildly hypo/hyperthyroid, no prior teprotumumab, and no steroids within 3 weeks of baseline participated. Intervention: Patients received (2:1) intravenous teprotumumab or placebo once every 3 weeks (total 8 infusions). Main outcome measures: The primary endpoint was proptosis (millimeter) improvement at Week-24. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Results: 42 teprotumumab and 20 placebo patients were randomized. At Week-24, mean (SD) proptosis improvement was greater with teprotumumab (-2.41 [0.228]) than placebo (-0.92 [0.323]), difference -1.48, 95%CI -2.28, -0.69, P = .0004. Proportions of patients with AEs were similar between groups. Hyperglycemia was reported in 6(15%) vs 2(10%) and hearing impairment in 9(22%) vs 2(10%) with teprotumumab and placebo respectively. AEs led to discontinuation in one teprotumumab (left ear conductive hearing loss with congenital anomaly) and one placebo patient (infusion-related). There were no deaths.
Endoscopic Management of Dysfunctioning Gastric Band after Sleeve Gastrectomy with the Luso-Cor® Esophageal Stent
Authors: Damião Filipe de Sousa , Santos Patrícia , Lopes João , Raposo João , Noronha Ferreira Carlos , Marinho Rui
Published: January 2024

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can be aided by the addition of a calibration silicone ring, banded SG (BSG). It provides better weight loss than non-banded SG but with higher rate of adverse events. The aim of this case report is to further contribute to the knowledge of how to endoscopically manage these patients by placing a new esophageal stent (Luso-Cor®). A 58-year-old female with grade III obesity (weight 110 kg, BMI: 45.2 kg/m2) underwent SG in 2013. Due to the limited weight loss, a surgical calibration silicon ring was placed in 2017. In the following months, she developed recurrent and abundant postprandial regurgitation, achieving a minimum weight of 66 kg (BMI: 27.1 kg/m2). Gastroesophageal transit showed a stricture at the junction of the gastric corpus and antrum, causing gastric outlet obstruction. Endoscopy identified a regular luminal stenosis with normal mucosa, which allowed easy passage of the endoscope with slight pressure. Two sessions of endoscopic dilatation were performed, first with an 18-mm through-the-scope balloon and later with a 30-mm pneumatic balloon without symptomatic relief. A two-step endoscopic therapeutic approach was proposed to first promote intragastric ring erosion by placing a new partially covered metallic stent, Luso-Cor® esophageal stent 30/20/30 × 240 mm, and subsequently retrieve the stent, followed by cutting and retrieval of the ring. The proximal flare with a 30 mm diameter was placed in the distal esophagus and the distal edge in the prepyloric antrum. However, 2 weeks later, she complained of vomiting and abdominal fullness. Complete migration of the proximal flare of the stent into the remnant gastric fundus was seen on the contrast study. Endoscopy was performed, and the stent was easily removed. A blue calibration ring, partially eroded into the gastric lumen, was observed at the site of gastric tube stenosis. After stent removal, the patient was asymptomatic, and so conservative follow-up was decided. A follow-up endoscopy, performed 5 months later, showed complete reepithelization of the eroded ring. The patient remains asymptomatic after 3 years of follow-up and has regained weight up to 76 kg (BMI: 31.2 kg/m2). The efficacy of endoscopy on the management of ring-related adverse events has been previously reported. Small-case series describe the use of multiple pneumatic dilations or the deployment of plastic or covered metallic stents to cause erosion of the overlying mucosa, followed by cutting and retrieval of the ring. In conclusion, we believe that the mural pressure exerted by the Luso-Cor® esophageal stent, in the limited period it remained in situ, was sufficient to relieve the luminal pressure of the silicon ring, realigning the ring with the remnant gastric tube. This rare clinical entity highlights the potential role of specific metallic stents in the management of these patients.
Evaluation of Voice in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Tahir Emel , Ustaoğlu Müge , Yaşar Özlem Cangökçe
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel diseases, which are among the most common chronic gastrointestinal diseases, can also affect the voice for different reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate acoustic, perceptual, and subjective voice evaluation parameters in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Methods: This prospective case-control study included a total of 80 participants: 28 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 22 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), and 30 healthy controls. Following the endoscopic examination, the fundamental frequency (F0), shimmer (dB), jitter (%), and harmonic/noise ratio (HNR) were measured. GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain) scale was used for perceptual evaluation, and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) Turkish version was used for subjective assessment. Results: The F0 value was within normal limits in both disease groups in male and female participants and in the control group. Jitter and shimmer values were statistically higher in the UC and CD groups than in the control group. HNR did not differ between CD and control; however, it was statistically lower in the UC group when compared to both the control and CD groups. The total GRBAS score did not differ between the UC and CD groups; however, it was greater in IBD patients compared to the control group. However, these differences were within normative parameters. Although total VHI-10 score did not differ between UC and CD groups, both had a higher voice handicap than the control group. Conclusion: IBD might have an effect on the voice and voice quality. This disease group was discovered to have perceptual and subjective voice problems additionally.
Characterization and Polyphasic Identification of Novel Rhizobacteria Strain Isolated from Sand Dunes Ecosystem
Authors: Arte Widane Ketut , Widyasari Annisaa , Retnaningrum Endah
Published: January 2024

The coastal sand dune ecosystem at the Parangtritis Coast of Yogyakarta, Indonesia has unique characteristics such as low moisture sandy soil, high salinity and low nutrient content. Fimbristylis cymosa is one of the plant species having the capability to survive in that unique ecosystem. In this study, rhizobacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of F. cymosa were isolated to be further analyzed on their phosphate solubilizing and antagonistic properties against Fusarium oxysporum which cause the Wilt disease. The isolates of Phosphate Solubilizing Rhizobacteria (PSR) having the most potential capabilities were then polyphasically identified based on phenotypic and genotypic characters followed by 16S rDNA sequencing. The results showed that four PSR isolates (I8, I11, I12 and I24) have high phosphate dissolution indices. The highest indices were observed in isolates I11 (3.08) and I12 (3.44), respectively. Analysis of the dual plate experiments for PSR I11 and PSR I12 isolates against the growth of F. oxysporum also showed quite high inhibitory activities, i.e., isolate PSR I11 was 42.40%, while isolate PSR I12 was 42.08%. The two isolates were polyphasically identified as Burkholderia dolosa. This study clearly showed that PSR I11 and PSR I12 isolates are very potential and prospective to be used as marginal land inoculants and as providers of phosphorus. This study also showed that the isolates are useful as biocontrol agents against F. oxysporum in plants.
Keywords: inhibitory activity, phosphate dissolution index, phosphorus, polyphasic identification, sandy soil
Approval, Evidence, and “Off-Label” Device Utilization: The Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Story
Authors: Goldsweig Andrew M. , Deng Yihong , Yao Xiaoxi , Desai Nihar R. , Cohen David J. , Aronow Herbert D. , Messé Steven R. , Ross Joseph S. , Lansky Alexandra J. , Savitz Samuel T.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Following regulatory approval, medical devices may be used “off-label.” Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is indicated to reduce recurrent stroke but has been proposed for other indications, including migraine, transient ischemic attack, and diving decompression illness. We sought to evaluate PFO closure rates and indications relative to the timing of regulatory approval and publication of key randomized trials.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective cohort study using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse of US commercial insurance enrollees from 2006 to 2019. We quantified PFO closure among individuals with ≥2 years of preprocedure coverage to establish indications, classified hierarchically as stroke/systemic embolism, migraine, transient ischemia attack, or other.

RESULTS:

We identified 5315 patients undergoing PFO closure (51.8% female, 29.2%≥60 years old), which increased from 4.75 per 100 000 person-years in 2006 to 6.60 per 100 000 person-years in 2019. Patients aged ≥60 years accounted for 29.2% of closures. Procedure volumes corresponded weakly with supportive clinical publications and device approval. Among patients with PFO closure, 58.6% underwent closure for stroke/systemic embolism, 10.2% for transient ischemia attack, 8.8% for migraine, and 22.4% for other indications; 17.6% of patients had atrial fibrillation at baseline; and 11.9% developed atrial fibrillation postprocedure. Those aged ≥60 years and male were less likely to undergo closure for migraine than stroke/systemic embolism.

CONCLUSIONS:

From 2006 to 2019, PFO closure use was consistently low and corresponded weakly with clinical trial publications and regulatory status. Nearly half of patients underwent PFO closure for indications unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration. Regulators and payers should coordinate mechanisms to promote utilization for approved indications to ensure patient safety and should facilitate clinical trials for other possible indications.
Self-Measured Blood Pressure–Guided Pharmacotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of United States-Based Telemedicine Trials
Authors: Acharya Sameer , Neupane Gagan , Seals Austin , KC Madhav , Giustini Dean , Sharma Sharan , Taylor Yhenneko J. , Palakshappa Deepak , Williamson Jeff D. , Moore Justin B. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Pokharel Yashashwi
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

The optimal approach to implementing telemedicine hypertension management in the United States is unknown.

METHODS:

We examined telemedicine hypertension management versus the effect of usual clinic-based care on blood pressure (BP) and patient/clinician-related heterogeneity in a systematic review/meta-analysis. We searched United States-based randomized trials from Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Compendex, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and 2 trial registries. We used trial-level differences in BP and its control rate at ≥6 months using random-effects models. We examined heterogeneity in univariable metaregression and in prespecified subgroups (clinicians leading pharmacotherapy [physician/nonphysician], self-management support [pharmacist/nurse], White versus non-White patient predominant trials [>50% patients/trial], diabetes predominant trials [≥25% patients/trial], and White patient predominant but not diabetes predominant trials versus both non-White and diabetes patient predominant trials].

RESULTS:

Thirteen, 11, and 7 trials were eligible for systolic and diastolic BP difference and BP control, respectively. Differences in systolic and diastolic BP and BP control rate were −7.3 mm Hg (95% CI, −9.4 to −5.2), −2.7 mm Hg (−4.0 to −1.5), and 10.1% (0.4%–19.9%), respectively, favoring telemedicine. Greater BP reduction occurred in trials where nonphysicians led pharmacotherapy, pharmacists provided self-management support, White patient predominant trials, and White patient predominant but not diabetes predominant trials, with no difference by diabetes predominant trials.

CONCLUSIONS:

Telemedicine hypertension management is more effective than clinic-based care in the United States, particularly when nonphysicians lead pharmacotherapy and pharmacists provide self-management support. Non-White patient predominant trials achieved less BP reduction. Equity-conscious, locally informed adaptation of telemedicine interventions is needed before wider implementation.
Navigating the New Normal: The European Union's Changing Stance on Globalization in the Era of  Trade Conflicts
Authors: Sjöholm Fredrik
Published: January 2024

The EU is becoming more inward-looking and more hesitant toward globalization. This paper examines recent transformations in the EU's economic policies, with a focus on international trade and industrial policy. It argues that these changes reflect the EU's response to the evolving global economic and political landscape, driven by factors such as China's rise and the United States’ protectionist policies. By analyzing the potential consequences of these policy adjustments on EU industries’ competitiveness and trade relations, the paper offers insights into the future prospects of EU economic policies and their role in shaping the global economy.
A Bayesian Approach to Uncertainty in Word Embedding Bias
Estimation
Authors: Dobrzeniecka Alicja , Urbaniak Rafal
Published: January 2024

Multiple measures, such as WEAT or MAC, attempt to quantify the magnitude of bias present in word embeddings in terms of a single-number metric. However, such metrics and the related statistical significance calculations rely on treating pre-averaged data as individual data points and utilizing bootstrapping techniques with low sample sizes. We show that similar results can be easily obtained using such methods even if the data are generated by a null model lacking the intended bias. Consequently, we argue that this approach generates false confidence. To address this issue, we propose a Bayesian alternative: hierarchical Bayesian modeling, which enables a more uncertainty-sensitive inspection of bias in word embeddings at different levels of granularity. To showcase our method, we apply it to Religion, Gender, and Race word lists from the original research, together with our control neutral word lists. We deploy the method using Google, GloVe, and Reddit embeddings. Further, we utilize our approach to evaluate a debiasing technique applied to the Reddit word embedding. Our findings reveal a more complex landscape than suggested by the proponents of single-number metrics. The datasets and source code for the paper are publicly available.1
Collaborative Exploration of Storm-Scale Probabilistic Guidance for NWS Forecast Operations
Authors: Wilson Katie A. , Burke Patrick C. , Gallo Burkely T. , Skinner Patrick S. , Lindley T. Todd , Gravelle Chad , Bieda Stephen W. , Madden Jonathan G. , Monroe Justin W. , Guerra Jorge E. , Morris Dale A.
Published: January 2024

The operational utility of the NOAA National Severe Storm Laboratory’s storm-scale probabilistic Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS) was examined across the watch-to-warning time frame in a virtual NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) experiment. Over four weeks, 16 NWS forecasters from local Weather Forecast Offices, the Storm Prediction Center, and the Weather Prediction Center participated in simulated forecasting tasks and focus groups. Bringing together multiple NWS entities to explore new guidance impacts on the broader forecast process is atypical of prior NOAA HWT experiments. This study therefore provides a framework for designing such a testbed experiment, including methodological and logistical considerations necessary to meet the needs of both local office and national center NWS participants. Furthermore, this study investigated two research questions: 1) How do forecasters envision WoFS guidance fitting into their existing forecast process? and 2) How could WoFS guidance be used most effectively across the current watch-to-warning forecast process? Content and thematic analyses were completed on flowcharts of operational workflows, real-time simulation interactions, and focus group activities and discussions. Participants reported numerous potential applications of WoFS, including improved coordination and consistency between local offices and national centers, enhanced hazard messaging, and improved operations planning. Challenges were also reported, including the knowledge and training required to incorporate WoFS guidance effectively and forecasters’ trust in new guidance and openness to change. The solutions identified to these challenges will take WoFS one step closer to transition, and in the meantime, improve the capabilities of WoFS for experimental use within the operational community.

Significance Statement

A first-of-its-kind experiment brought together forecasters from local weather forecast offices and national centers to examine the experimental Warn-on-Forecast System’s (WoFS’s) potential applications across watch-to-warning scales. This experiment demonstrated that WoFS can provide great benefit to forecasters, though a few challenges remain. Benefits provided by WoFS frequently overlap roles and responsibilities at local and national scales, suggesting the potential for enhanced cross-office collaboration. The challenges anticipated for WoFS operational use are far fewer than the benefits, and some solutions to these challenges are now being implemented. Finally, the mixed-methods experimental framework described herein also provides guidance for future collaborative experiments in testbed research that examine impacts of new technologies across NWS entities.
Association Between Remnant Cholesterol and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography and/or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Luo Baolin , Huang Xizhen , Peng Yanchun , Luo Hanbin , Chen Liangwan , Lin Yanjuan
Published: January 2024

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute renal complication that can occur after the use of iodinated contrast media. Remnant cholesterol (RC) is one of the markers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. We evaluated the impact of RC on CIN and clinical outcomes after coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Consecutive patients ( n = 3332) undergoing CAG and/or PCI were assessed in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into four groups based on baseline RC levels. In the quartile analysis, RC were associated with a higher risk of CIN, especially when RC ≤0.20 or ≥0.38 mmol/L ( P < .05). However, after adjustment, the association of RC with CIN was not significant. There was a significant correlation between RC and repeated revascularization in patients undergoing PCI ( P < .001) and driven primarily by the highest quartile level. After adjustment, this remained statistically significant (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.06; 95% CI 2.10–7.87; P < .001). This is the first large study to show a possible association between RC and the risk of CIN after CAG and/or PCI; however, this finding was not further confirmed after adjustment. The complex clinical risk profile of patients, rather than RC itself, may contribute to the risk of CIN in this high-risk subgroup.
The Effect of Gender on Triple Heart Valve Surgery Outcomes; Reinforcing Women’s Health
Authors: Alhijab Fatimah A. , Ismail Huda , Albabtain Monirah , Alfonso Juan , Algarni Khaled D. , Pragliola Claudio , Adam Adam I. , Arafat Amr A.
Published: January 2024

Female gender is a risk factor in several cardiac surgery risk stratification systems. This study explored the differences in the outcomes following triple heart valve surgery in men vs women. The study included 250 patients (males n = 101; females n = 149) who underwent triple valve surgery from 2009 to 2020. BMI (body mass index) was higher in females (29.6 vs 26.5 kg/m2, P < .001), and diabetes was more common in males (44 vs 42%, P = .012). The ejection fraction was higher in females (55 vs 50%, P < .001). The severity of mitral valve stenosis and tricuspid valve regurgitation was significantly greater in females (33.11 vs 27.72%, P = .003 and 44.30 vs 19.8%, P < .001, respectively). Mitral valve replacement was more common in females ( P < .001), and they had lower concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting ( P = .001). Bleeding and renal failure were lower in females ( P = .021 and <0.001, respectively). Hospital mortality, readmission, and reintervention were not significantly different between genders. By multivariable analysis, male gender was a risk factor for lower survival [HR (hazard ratio): 2.18; P = .024]. Triple valve surgery can be performed safely in both genders, with better long-term survival in females. Female gender was not a risk factor in patients undergoing triple valve surgery.
Normal Weight Central Obesity is a Poor Prognostic Factor for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Wang Shih-Wei , Tai Shu-Yu , Chen Chin-Kuo , Li Kuan-Hui , Chang Ning-Chia , Wang Ling-Feng , Liu Hui-Li , Ho Kuen-Yao , Chien Chen-Yu
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

To investigate the role of normal weight central obesity (NWCO) in the prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods:

We retrospectively investigated 807 cases of SSNHL from January of 2008 to August of 2019 from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in southern Taiwan. We analyzed the association between overweight and obesity, NWCO, and the prognosis of SSNHL. The demographic and clinical characteristics, audiometry results, and outcomes were also reviewed.

Results:

The nonobese (body mass index [BMI] < 24 kg/m2) and overweight and obese groups (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) comprised 343 (42.50%) and 464 (57.50%) patients, respectively. The favorable prognosis rates in the nonobese and the overweight and obese groups were 45.48% and 45.91%, respectively, without a significant difference ( P = .9048). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that BMI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.948-1.062, P = .9165) was not significantly associated with SSNHL recovery. The normal weight noncentral obesity (NWNCO) and NWCO groups comprised 266 (77.55%) and 77 (22.45%) patients, respectively, and had favorable prognosis rates of 48.50% and 35.06%, respectively. The difference between the groups was significant ( P = .0371). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NWCO (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.292-5.019, P = .0075) was significantly associated with SSNHL recovery.

Conclusions:

NWCO may significantly affect the prognosis of SSNHL.
Understanding Brazil’s New Right and Its Impact on Social Policy
Authors: Farias Lara Lisboa
Published: January 2024

The new right is central to an understanding of Brazilian political and cultural reality with direct impacts on the development of social policy. A qualitative analysis based on a review of the literature with a focus on critical theory shows that the context of the rise of the new right in the country corroborates implementation of social policy focused on the moralization and criminalization of the subject typical of neoconservatism while generating major profits for the owners of capital within the market logic so dear to neoliberalism.

A nova direita é o eixo central de compreensão da É importante alterar o tempo, evitando termos como “atual”, sinalizando o recorte temporal de 2018 a 2022, já que o artigo foi escrito dentro de um contexto passado. Atualmente, houve mudanças importantes com a eleição de Lula com impactos diretos no formato das políticas sociais. Uma análise qualitativa tendo por base uma revisão de literatura narrativa com foco na teoria crítica corrobora a implementação de políticas sociais centradas na moralização e criminalização do sujeito típicas do neoconservadorismo ao mesmo tempo que gera grandes lucros aos detentores do capital, dentro de uma lógica de mercado, tão cara ao neoliberalismo.
The adoption footprints of Koha as a library management system in university libraries of Pakistan
Authors: Jabeen Munazza
Published: January 2024

The study investigated the adoption footprints of Koha in university libraries in Pakistan by using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The UTAUT model suggests that the decision to use technology is influenced by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. The study used a survey questionnaire to collect data from 250 librarians working in libraries and analysed the results using a quantitative research approach. The findings of the study revealed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions positively influenced the intention to adopt Koha. Interestingly, social influence had no significant effect on the adoption of Koha, indicating that the opinions of others did not play a significant role in the decision to adopt Koha. Personal innovativeness had a negative impact on the behavioural intention of librarians to use Koha. Personal innovativeness refers to the willingness of individuals to adopt new technology, and this finding suggests that librarians who are less willing to adopt new technology may be less probably to adopt Koha. The study also found that the significance of information and communication technology (ICT) background among librarians in Pakistan was low. This can be attributed to inadequate perceived social influence and facilitating conditions towards adopting new information technology (IT) solutions. To increase the use of Koha among librarians, the study recommends that libraries improve social influence and provide better conditions for adoption. This study has important implications for library managers and policymakers who are seeking to enhance the use of open-source library management system (LMS) in university libraries.
Primary cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma in a mitral valve involved with rheumatic disease
Authors: Izzat Mohammad Bashar , Kara Tahhan Nour , Izzat Ahmad Walid , Chatty Eyad M
Published: January 2024

A 51-year-old female underwent emergency mitral valve replacement for mitral stenosis with an undetermined mass which was attached to the anterior mitral leaflet. Histopathological testing of the excised specimen confirmed the diagnosis of rheumatic mitral disease in combination with a primary rhabdomyosarcoma. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with pazopanib hydrochloride was given. At 10 months of follow-up, repeated computed tomographic screening has not shown any signs of local recurrence or secondary metastases. The potential for the existence of primary rhabdomyosarcomas should be borne in mind when faced with undetermined masses on mitral leaflets, even in the presence of rheumatic disease.
Book review: Nikhil Govind, The Moral Imagination of the Mahabharata
Authors: Bhat Sheetala
Published: January 2024

Nikhil Govind, The Moral Imagination of the Mahabharata (New Delhi: Bloomsbury, 2023), 161 pp.
Influences of laser remelting on mechanical performances of AISI4140 steel
Authors: Shi Chuan , Schulze Volker , Dietrich Stefan
Published: January 2024

Laser remelting is a promising in-operando method to improve surface quality and eliminate defects simultaneously in the laser-powder bed fusion process. In this study, the optimal processing parameters for laser remelting and the influences of laser remelting on porosity, microcracks, surface roughness, microhardness and mechanical properties of the AISI 4140 steel manufactured by laser-powder bed fusion were investigated. The results showed that laser remelting improved the relative density to 99.6% and defects in the microstructure changed from lack of fusion to keyhole morphology as the number of remelting steps increased. The roughness on the upper surface was reduced by 73% after remelting, but the roughness on the lateral surfaces deteriorated by 4.5% when remelting twice. Specimens built in the transverse orientation and treated with a single remelting step exhibit the highest tensile strength (1277 MPa). Furthermore, there is a slight improvement in the fatigue limit after remelting once. However, laser remelting in the manufacturing process did not eliminate microcracks.
Role of δ-phase on recrystallisation behaviour of Inconel 718
Authors: Padasale Basavaraj , Potphode Lokendra , D’silva Preetish C. , Hegde Subray R.
Published: January 2024

The present work investigates the annealing behaviour of prior-coldworked Inconel 718 (IN718) sheets over wide reduction and temperature ranges by performing cold-rolling and isothermal annealing, followed by mechanical testing and structural characterisation. The study reveals that, with increasing annealing temperature, the prior-coldworked alloy shows non-monotonic M-Type variation with double peak-hardening at 0.3 Tm and 0.6 Tm. The study discovers that the first peak is due to the ‘static–strain–aging phenomenon’ that precedes recovery-softening. The second peak-hardening is due to precipitation-hardening, following which, the alloy softens due to recrystallisation. Supported by SEM, electron back-scattered diffraction and X-Ray diffraction results, the investigation suggests that the precipitation of fine rod-shaped δ-phase creates numerous nucleation sites at the shear bands that cause recrystallisation-burst at 0.75 Tm. However, above 0.75 Tm absence of the δ-phase activates grain-boundary migration resulting in rapid grain-coarsening.
Microstructural characterisation of grain size effect on creep properties of 304HCu SS
Authors: Jeyaraj A. , Vijayanand V.D. , Reddy G.V. Prasad , Mannan S.L. , Sankaran S.
Published: January 2024

The influence of grain size, in the range of 10 to 180 μm, on creep properties of 304HCu stainless steel (SS) was evaluated at 180 MPa and 923 K. A 30 μm grain size showed a peak in creep life and minimum in steady-state creep rate with low damage potential. Detailed microstructural investigations revealed an increase in the tendency to intergranular fracture at grain sizes above 30 μm, whereas ‘transgranular fracture coupled with isolated intergranular cracks/cavities’ have been observed with decreasing grain size from 30 to 10 μm.
The fundamental research on suspended dross in hot dip Al–Zn galvanising process
Authors: Chu Rensheng , Wang Zhe , Sun Ningjie , Deng Xiaoxuan , Xu Chengliang , Guo Zhancheng
Published: January 2024

In this research, supergravity enrichment experiment was conducted to determine compounds in suspended dross and to analyse density of the suspended dross in the hot-dip Al–Zn (ZA) melt. It was found that the suspended dross was composed of Al–Fe–Si–Zn intermetallic compounds (IMCs), mixtures of Fe2Al5Zn0.4 and Alx–Fe3–Siy with various Al and Si contents. The density of suspended dross was small compared with the molten hot-dip ZA liquid. After being quenched in water, the morphology of the suspended dross was confirmed as polygonal granular structures. Thermodynamics was applied to explain why there were various morphological structures of the suspended dross in the solidified hot-dip ZA melt. This research had also demonstrated that it was technically feasible to separate the suspended dross from the molten hot-dip ZA melt in a supergravity field.
Effect of parameters on quality of IN718 parts using laser additive manufacturing
Authors: Dwivedi Aman , Khurana M. K. , Bala Y. G.
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of process parameters such as laser power, scanning speed and layer thickness on the mechanical properties, microstructure and fracture mechanism of Inconel 718 using laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process. Full factorial design, regression modelling and response surface methodology are used to optimise the process parameters. The highest tensile strength occurs at 350 W laser power, 1300 mm/s scanning speed and 30 µm layer thickness. The optimal parameters for multi-objective optimisation are identical to those used for single-objective optimisation for tensile strength. The difference between the predicted and actual tensile strength is 0.33%. This work shows a successful methodology using IN718 superalloy for various applications in aerospace industry.
Alumina/GNPs coating on textured WC/Co substrate: microstructure and tribology
Authors: Sun Junqiang , Liu Changxia , Venturi Federico , Romero Acacio Rincon , Hussain Tanvir
Published: January 2024

This work aims to provide a method for improving the tribological properties of WC/Co substrates. Laser surface texturing technology was employed to fabricate micro-grooves on the substrate surfaces. Suspension high velocity oxy fuel thermal spraying technique was used to deposit 99 wt-% alumina + 1 wt-% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) coating on the substrate surface with micro-grooves. Characterisations such as micromorphology, composition analysis and tribological performance were examined. Results showed that the morphology of the laser prepared micro-groove consisted of two hills and one valley. The grid-textured samples sprayed with alumina/GNPs coating showed the lowest coefficient of friction and wear rate, which was benefited from the larger texture density and the friction reduction of GNPs lubrication film.
Feature Engineering and Decision Trees for Predicting High Crash-Risk Locations Using Roadway Indicators
Authors: Sarigiannis Dimitrios , Atzemi Maria , Oke Jimi , Christofa Eleni , Gerasimidis Simos
Published: January 2024

Road crashes are a prevalent public health issue across the globe. The objective of this research was to develop a methodology for accurately classifying high-risk crash locations. The hypothesis of this study was that readily obtained roadway indicators can be used along with machine learning techniques to categorize locations as high crash-risk. A database containing 5,383 locations was created during 2012 to 2015 as part of the Hellenic National Road Safety Project and used to develop three binary machine learning models to classify high crash-risk locations based on roadway indicators. The three models were random forest, gradient boosting, and extra trees. This research used features engineering to reduce the number of indicators in the model, and the synthetic minority oversampling technique to address imbalances in the dataset between the minority (high crash-risk locations identified using crash reports) and majority classes (medium to low crash-risk locations identified based on local police testimonies, site inspections, and geometry analysis). Although all three models performed similarly, the extra trees model outperformed the other two on a range of performance metrics, including the area under the precision–recall curve and the F1-score. The findings revealed that design speeds, pavement markings, signage presence, and pavement condition were the most influential factors affecting roadway safety. The contribution of this research is in the development of a transferable methodology for classifying high crash-risk locations in addition to revealing key indicators for crash-risk potential, which in turn can inform cost-effective data collection and maintenance activities.
Considerations for Correction of Micronutrient Deficiencies Through Supplementation in Pregnant Women and Children Under-5 in Latin America
Authors: Fernández-Gaxiola Ana C. , Neufeld Lynnette M. , García-Guerra Armando
Published: January 2024

Background:

Micronutrient deficiencies in Latin America are a public health concern, nonetheless, lack of information still exists in many countries, so that the true magnitude of the problem remains uncertain.

Objective:

To summarise experiences that can inform the development of policies and programs to address micronutrient deficiencies throung supplementation in pregnant women and chlidren under five years of age in Latin American.

Methods:

Review of the most evidence on the effects of micronutrients supplementation, focusing on pregnant women and children under five years of age.

Results:

Certain population groups, as women of reproductive age and children under 2 years of age, are at increased risk for deficiency due to their high micronutrient requirements. This is compounded by the limited access to micronutrient-rich foods for many people living in vulnerable situations. Micronutrient supplementation is an effective intervention to prevent and treat deficiency and to mitigate its adverse effects on health, nutrition, and pregnancy outcomes in micronutrient-deficient populations. The potential benefits of supplementation programs, however, are realized only when they reach those who have the potential to benefit, that is, with inadequate intakes of micronutrients from dietary sources, and when the quality of design and delivery of the programs aresufficient to reach that population timely, regularly, and effectively to enable and motivate consumption.

Conclusions:

Several resources and experiences exist that can help favor the development of programs that can realize this biological and programmatic potential. There is need for continuous efforts to augment coverage and achieve results that can translate into economic benefits for individuals, families, and nations.
Perceptions of Local Special Education Administrators on Facilitating Career Development Services in Rural Districts
Authors: Schutz Michele A.
Published: January 2024

Local special education administrators (LSEAs) are integral in facilitating career development services for students with disabilities alongside their peers, particularly in rural school districts. This qualitative study explored the perceptions of 12 LSEAs regarding their contributions related to career development for students with disabilities in their southeastern U.S. rural districts and the factors they perceive to shape their own ability in this area. The emergent grounded theory indicated that LSEAs viewed their own roles in career development to vary widely and compete with other priorities as well as to be contextualized by their knowledge and awareness of opportunities within their districts and communities. Furthermore, LSEAs perceived these roles to be shaped by their collaborations within their districts, their partnerships in the community, the involvement of students’ families, and training and supports available to them. Recommendations for research, practice, and policy with respect to extending the contributions of LSEAs are provided.
A School Psychology for All: Realizing Evidence-Based Practice Through Social Justice
Authors: Schanding G. Thomas
Published: January 2024

Generally, psychology (as well as school psychology) aligns with medicine in establishing and utilizing evidence-based practices (EBP). More recently, strong calls have been made and advanced to ensure that psychology evolves and incorporates social justice principles to safeguard equity, diversity, and inclusion to benefit all. This essay explores some of the issues surrounding EBP and social justice within school psychology, noting some of the tensions that play out in research and practice. Ultimately, it is the opinion of the author that social justice practices will only enhance EBP, and the field has much work to do.
Canadian Association of Radiologists Head and Neck Imaging Referral Guideline
Authors: Hamel Candyce , Avard Barb , Campbell Ross , Kontolemos Mario , Murphy Amanda
Published: January 2024

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Head and Neck Expert Panel consists of radiologists, a laryngologist and laryngeal surgeon, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. After developing a list of 11 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, a systematic rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of these clinical/diagnostic scenarios. Recommendations from 17 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop 26 recommendation statements across the 11 scenarios. This guideline presents the methods of development and the referral recommendations for sinus disease, tinnitus, thyroid and parathyroid disease, neck mass of unknown origin, acute sialadenitis, chronic salivary conditions, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.