bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Privacy-Preserving Embeddings for Image Data to Be Published
Authors: Li Chu-Chen , Li Cheng-Te , Lin Shou-De
Published: September 2023

Deep learning shows superiority in learning feature representations that offer promising performance in various application domains. Recent advances have shown that privacy attributes of users and patients (e.g., identity, gender, and race) can be accurately inferred from image data. To avoid the risk of privacy leaking, data owners can resort to releasing the embeddings rather than the original images. In this article, we aim at learning to generate privacy-preserving embeddings from image data. The obtained embeddings are required to maintain the data utility (e.g., keeping the performance of the main task, such as disease prediction) and to simultaneously prevent the private attributes of data instances from being accurately inferred. We also want the hard embeddings to be successfully used to reconstruct the original images. We propose a hybrid method based on multi-task learning to reach the goal. The key idea is twofold. One is to learn the feature encoder that can benefit the main task and fool the sensitive task at the same time via iterative training and feature disentanglement. The other is to incorporate the learning of adversarial examples to mislead the sensitive attribute classification’s performance. Experiments conducted on Multi-Attribute Facial Landmark (MAFL) and NIH Chest X-ray datasets exhibit the effectiveness of our hybrid method. A set of advanced studies also shows the usefulness of each model component, the difficulty in data reconstruction, and the performance impact of task correlation.
Introduction to the ARFE Theme on Financial Economics and COVID-19
Authors: Richardson Matthew
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has arguably been one of the worst global catastrophes over the last several decades. A plethora of real-time research has been produced by the finance profession to try and understand the impact COVID-19 had on financial markets. In this issue, the Annual Review of Financial Economics provides five articles, all touching on different aspects of the COVID-19 crisis. This introductory article provides a brief review of these articles.
Effect of Al and Ca Elements on the Atmospheric Corrosion of Field-Exposed Mg–Al–Zn–Ca–Mn Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Nakatsugawa Isao , Yamada Koji , Yamashita Tomoko , Nishikawa Takashi , Taniguchi Yasuhito , Chino Yasumasa
Published: September 2023

Three different extruded Mg–Al–Zn–Ca–Mn magnesium alloys with varying alloying elements and a diecast AZ91D alloy were exposed to two coastal environments for five years. Under unsheltered exposure, Mg–Al type layered double hydroxide was primarily formed, and the mass loss corrosion rate was decreased with increasing Al content in the alloys. Under sheltered exposure, magnesium hydroxy carbonate was the main corrosion product. Additionally, Mg alloys with high Al content tended to exhibit localized corrosion. Furthermore, the negative impact of Ca addition on atmospheric corrosion occurred when the alloys were exposed under sheltered conditions.
Microstructural and Magnetic Property Investigations into Antiferromagnetic Mn2FeSi Heusler Alloy for Spintronics Applications
Authors: Jayashire R. , Sampath V. , Karthik G. , Raja M. Manivel , Khadambari B. , Ravichandran K.
Published: September 2023

Magnetic materials, possessing low magnetic moment and high spin-polarization capability, are much in demand for spintronics applications these days. In this work, a ternary Mn2FeSi Heusler alloy was prepared by vacuum arc remelting technique followed by annealing it in vacuum at 773 K for 120 h. The crystal structure, chemical composition, and magnetic properties of the alloy annealed at optimum conditions were studied and proved using relevant experimental techniques. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of the Heusler phase with a simple cubic structure with a = 5.63 Å in the alloy. This value matches well with that theoretically predicted. The chemical composition analysis of the sample shows that it is highly homogeneous and being closer to nominal. The Curie-Weiss equation was used to fit the thermomagnetic data and the paramagnetic Curie temperature (θ
P) calculated, point to the occurrence in the alloy of the antiferromagnetic ordering of spins at low temperature. The magnetic measurements of the alloy showed its antiferromagnetic transformation (TN) at 64.5 K. This study demonstrates that Mn2FeSi Heusler phase may be explored as a low magnetic moment material for spintronics applications.
Time-efficient, high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training increases cerebrovascular reactivity in midlife and older adults
Authors: Freeberg Kaitlin A. , Craighead Daniel H. , Heinbockel Thomas C. , Rossman Matthew J. , Jackman Rachel A. , Jankowski Lindsey R. , Ludwig Katelyn R. , Chonchol Michel , Bailey E. Fiona , Seals Douglas R.
Published: September 2023

Midlife/older adults with above-normal blood pressure are at increased risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia. Our findings suggest that high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST), a novel, time-efficient (5–10 min/day) form of physical training, may increase cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 and episodic memory in midlife/older adults with initial above-normal blood pressure.
Assessment of Phytoremediation Potential of Three Weed Plant Species in Soil Contaminated with Lead and Chromium
Authors: Kaur Narinderjit , Bashir Sabreen , Vadhel Agrataben , Girdhar Madhuri , Malik Tabarak , Mohan Anand
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to compare the tolerance capacity of Cyperus iria, Achyranthes aspera, and Eruca sativa to lead-contaminated and chromium-contaminated soils and to check their phytoremediation potential by pot culture experimentation. The experiment was conducted in three replicates in pots having 4 kg of sieved soil mixed with different doses of chromium, 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 mg·kg−1, and lead, 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 mg·kg−1. The experiment was conducted for 80 days, and roots were harvested two times, i.e., at 40 days and 80 days after sowing. Metal accumulation in the roots was determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. The result of the study indicated that C. iria has the maximum potential to accumulate both the metals in its roots than other two plants. The order of chromium metal accumulation was found to be C. iria > E. sativa > A. aspera. On the other hand, the order of lead metal accumulation was found to be C. iria > A. aspera > E. sativa.
Adaptive Hierarchical Collocation Method for Solving Fractional Population Diffusion Model
Authors: Yang Linqiang , Liu Yafei , Ma Hongmei , Liu Xue , Mei Shuli
Published: September 2023

The fractional population diffusion model is crucial for pest prevention. This paper presents an adaptive hierarchical collocation method for solving this model, enhancing the efficiency of algorithms based on Low-Complexity Shannon-Cosine wavelet derived from combinatorial identity theory. This function, an improvement over previous constructs, mitigates the need for iterative computation of parameters and boasts advantages like interpolation, symmetry, and compact support. The method’s extension to other time-fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) is also possible. The algorithm’s complexity analysis illustrates the concise function’s efficiency advantage over the original expression when solving time-fractional PDEs. Comparatively, the method exhibits superior numerical performance to alternative wavelet spectral methods like the Shannon–Gabor wavelet.
Edible Coating Formulated by Optimization from Aloe vera, Starch, and Arabic Gum Improved the Conservation of Banana (Musa acuminata) Fruits
Authors: Tchinda Alain Ngotio , Anoumaa Mariette , Tazo Franck Laurins Tchouala , Phounzong Eugène Tafre , Kenfack Odelonne Justine , Lekeufack Martin , Doumdi Roger Braogue , Nguemezi Jean Aghofack , Fonkou Théophile
Published: September 2023

Banana is a very perishable climacteric fruit with consequence of large postharvest losses. The objective of the present study was to improve the postharvest shelf life of bananas. Fruits from the Melong locality were treated with coating solutions formulated with a mixture of Aloe vera, starch, and Arabic gum at different concentrations. These concentrations were obtained using the response surface methodology in order to establish the relationship between independent variables (ripening parameters) and dependent variable (Aloe vera, starch and Arabic gum), which led to the generation of experimental design as well as the prediction of result model. The effects of the coating solutions were evaluated on firmness, percentage of ripening, weight loss, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total soluble solid contents. The results showed that the combination of Aloe vera, starch, and Arabic gum extended the shelf life of banana by slowing down the chlorophyll degradation, the loss of firmness, the weight loss, and the synthesis of total soluble solids. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the responses were all above 80% indicating that the experimental data fit well with the predicted responses. The interactions that influenced most of the responses were those between Aloe vera-starch and Aloe vera-Arabic gum. The optimum concentrations obtained for the mixture of the final solution were 286.799 ml.l-1 (

v
/
v

), 102.589 g.l-1 (

m
/
v

), and 1.0888% (

m
/
v

) for Aloe vera, starch, and Arabic gum, respectively.
Video Motion Magnification and Subpixel Edge Detection-Based Full-Field Dynamic Displacement Measurement
Authors: Duan Da-You , Kuang K. S. C. , Wang Zuo-Cai , Sun Xiao-Tong
Published: September 2023

Noncontact measurement techniques in structural dynamics field have progressed significantly in the past few decades. Vision-based measurement techniques are unique in that they have the ability to achieve full-field measurement and possess the typical advantages associated with noncontact measurement techniques. Recently, vision-based techniques have also been applied to streaming of videos for structural dynamic displacement measurement. The most recent trends in vision-based measurements include target tracing, digital image correlation, and target-less approaches. There are, however, some shortcomings of the vision-based techniques such as susceptibilities to image noise, prevailing light conditions, and limit in measurement resolution. To reduce these shortcomings, a method known as video motion magnification (MM) can be used to amplify small structural motions. Using the phase-based motion magnification (PBMM) and subpixel edge detection methods, the full-field dynamic displacements of the structure can be obtained. The deep convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) network is applied to aid in the selection of the frequency band for magnification in the PBMM algorithm. To achieve higher measurement accuracy, the displacement results with and without MM are combined with the finite impulse response (FIR) filter which can reduce the error caused by the PBMM procedure. In the tests, plastic optical fiber (POF) displacement sensors are introduced and used as reference measurements to compare the dynamic displacement results from the proposed vision-based method. Compared with the measured displacements with POF sensors, the proposed method offers high level of accuracy for full-field displacement measurement.
Occurrence of irAEs after Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Rechallenge: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cai Jiaqin , Wu Wenhua , Zhuang Jie , Zhang Guifeng , Wei Xiaoxia , Sun Hong
Published: September 2023

What Is Known? and Objective. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) play an important role in various cancers. The efficacy and safety of rechallenge with ICIs after immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were not well known. Accumulating studies report inconsistent findings. Thus, we conducted an updated meta-analysis by including more studies. Methods. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies reporting the rechallenge of ICIs after irAEs. The evaluation outcomes included the incidence of irAEs, objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR). Results and Discussion. A total of 896 ICI rechallenge cases from 24 studies were included. Compared to the initial treatment with ICIs, rechallenge showed a higher incidence of all-grade irAEs (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.51–5.10;

p
=
0.001

) and high-grade irAEs (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.27–2.78;

p
=
0.002

), but ORR (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.55–1.84;

p
=
0.97

) and DCR (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.68–2.15;

p
=
0.52

) were not further improved after the rechallenge of ICIs. What Is New? and Conclusion. More studies are included in this paper to compare and analyze the efficacy and safety of ICIs after rechallenge, so as to update the previous meta-analyses, and finally get different conclusions from the previous meta-analyses in terms of safety. Our results suggest that rechallenged ICIs after irAEs showed similar efficacy and lower safety than initial ICIs. However, these results need to be further verified by high-quality studies with large samples. In addition, we added subgroup analysis not available in previous meta-analyses to explore the association of cancer type, age, and gender factors with the incidence of irAE after ICI rechallenge.
Effective Reprogramming of Patient-Derived M2-Polarized Glioblastoma-Associated Microglia/Macrophages by Treatment with GW2580
Authors: Fermi Valentina , Warta Rolf , Wöllner Amélie , Lotsch Catharina , Jassowicz Lena , Rapp Carmen , Knoll Maximilian , Jungwirth Gerhard , Jungk Christine , Dao Trong Philip , von Deimling Andreas , Abdollahi Amir , Unterberg Andreas , Herold-Mende Christel
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Targeting immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic glioblastoma (GBM)-associated macrophages and microglial cells (GAM) has great potential to improve patient outcomes. Colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) has emerged as a promising target for reprograming anti-inflammatory M2-like GAMs. However, treatment data on patient-derived, tumor-educated GAMs and their influence on the adaptive immunity are lacking.

Experimental Design:

CD11b+-GAMs freshly isolated from patient tumors were treated with CSF1R-targeting drugs PLX3397, BLZ945, and GW2580. Phenotypical changes upon treatment were assessed using RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and cytokine quantification. Functional analyses included inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, phagocytosis, transmigration, and autologous tumor cell killing assays. Antitumor effects and changes in GAM activation were confirmed in a complex patient-derived 3D tumor organoid model serving as a tumor avatar.

Results:

The most effective reprogramming of GAMs was observed upon GW2580 treatment, which led to the downregulation of M2-related markers, IL6, IL10, ERK1/2, and MAPK signaling pathways, while M1-like markers, gene set enrichment indicating activated MHC-II presentation, phagocytosis, and T-cell killing were substantially increased. Moreover, treatment of patient-derived GBM organoids with GW2580 confirmed successful reprogramming, resulting in impaired tumor cell proliferation. In line with its failure in clinical trials, PLX3397 was ineffective in our analysis.

Conclusions:

This comparative analysis of CSF1R-targeting drugs on patient-derived GAMs and human GBM avatars identified GW2580 as the most powerful inhibitor with the ability to polarize immunosuppressive GAMs to a proinflammatory phenotype, supporting antitumor T-cell responses while also exerting a direct antitumor effect. These data indicate that GW2580 could be an important pillar in future therapies for GBM.
AMPK Associates with Chromatin and Phosphorylates the TAF-1 Subunit of the Transcription Initiation Complex to Regulate Histone Gene Expression in ALL Cells
Authors: Sun Guangyan , Leclerc Guy J. , Chahar Sanjay , Barredo Julio C.
Published: September 2023

The survival rates for relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain poor. We and others have reported that ALL cells are vulnerable to conditions inducing energy/ER-stress mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). To identify the target genes directly regulated by AMPKα2, we performed genome-wide RNA-seq and ChIP-seq in CCRF-CEM (T-ALL) cells expressing HA-AMPKα2 (CN2) under normal and energy/metabolic stress conditions. CN2 cells show significantly altered AMPKα2 genomic binding and transcriptomic profile under metabolic stress conditions, including reduced histone gene expression. Proteomic analysis and in vitro kinase assays identified the TATA-Box–Binding Protein–Associated Factor 1 (TAF1) as a novel AMPKα2 substrate that downregulates histone gene transcription in response to energy/metabolic stress. Knockdown and knockout studies demonstrated that both AMPKα2 and TAF1 are required for histone gene expression. Mechanistically, upon activation, AMPKα2 phosphorylates TAF1 at Ser-1353 which impairs TAF1 interaction with RNA polymerase II (Pol II), leading to a compromised state of p-AMPKα2/p-TAF1/Pol II chromatin association and suppression of transcription. This mechanism was also observed in primary ALL cells and in vivo in NSG mice. Consequently, we uncovered a non-canonical function of AMPK that phosphorylates TAF1, both members of a putative chromatin-associated transcription complex that regulate histone gene expression, among others, in response to energy/metabolic stress.

Implications:

Fully delineating the protein interactome by which AMPK regulates adaptive survival responses to energy/metabolic stress, either via epigenetic gene regulation or other mechanisms, will allow the rational development of strategies to overcome de novo or acquired resistance in ALL and other cancers.
The Surgical Management of Large Bladder Calculi and Irreducible Uterine Prolapse: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Komon Wanchat , Saraluck Apisith , Viseshsindh Wit , Chinthakanan Orawee
Published: September 2023

Bladder calculi are rare in women. We report a case of bladder calculi complicating irreducible uterovaginal prolapse. It provides diagnostic and operative challenges to the management team. A 77-year-old woman presented with irreducible complete uterovaginal prolapse. Bladder stones were appreciated on examination and confirmed with imaging. The patient was managed surgically with transabdominal hysterectomy with bilateral uterosacral colpopexy followed by cystolithotomy. The patient’s postoperative course was uncomplicated, and she had an uneventful recovery at her 3-month postoperative visit without a recurrence of prolapse and gained good continence. The presence of bladder calculi should be considered in the setting of irreducible pelvic organ prolapse. The abdominal approach of cystolithotomy with a concomitant hysterectomy and vaginal apical suspension is safe and effective.
Diabetische Retinopathie: Alterungsbedingte Veränderungen der Retina erhöhen das Risiko
Authors: Augustin Albert J.
Published: September 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and a costly complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). DR severity is associated with DM duration; thus, DR has become more devastating to individuals and healthcare systems owing to the aging population and the significantly increased human lifespan. Aging is an irreversible cellular state characterized by long-term stagnation of the cell cycle from excessive stress or damage. Furthermore, aging plays a critical role in developing age-related diseases, but its effects (direct or indirect) on DR development remain considerably understudied. Nonetheless, some studies have demonstrated that aging-related degeneration and DR development share common risk factors, which helps explain the increased prevalence of DR and visual impairment in the elderly population. This review aims to provide some conceptual insight into aging and DR development, two intertwined pathophysiological processes, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies for DR, including prevention and treatment, during this era of longevity.
Medizinische Ansätze zur Regeneration des Hornhautendothels
Authors: Català Pere , Thuret Gilles , Skottman Heli , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Parekh Mohit , Dhubhghaill Sorcha Ní , Collin Rob W. J. , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Ferrari Stefano , LaPointe Vanessa L. S. , Dickman Mor M.
Published: September 2023

Die modernste Therapie zur Behandlung von Hornhautendothel­erkrankungen ist die Transplantation. Fortschritte in der Reproduzierbarkeit und Zugänglichkeit chirurgischer Techniken erhöhen die Zahl der Hornhauttransplantationen, was zu einem weltweiten Mangel an Spenderhornhäuten führt und 12,7 Millionen Patienten mit behandelbarer Sehbehinderung zurücklässt. Ansätze zur Regeneration des Hornhautendothels bieten eine Lösung für den derzeitigen Gewebemangel und eine Behandlung für Bedürftige. Methoden zur Herstellung einer ausreichenden Zahl von Hornhautendothelzellen, um den derzeitigen Mangel zu beheben, und mögliche Strategien zu ihrer Bereitstellung sind zu einer therapeutischen Realität geworden. Klinische Studien werden in Japan, Singapur und Mexiko durchgeführt. Bis zur Zulassung solcher Therapien durch die Zulassungsbehörden und zur Einführung in die klinische Praxis ist es jedoch noch ein weiter Weg. Darüber hinaus könnten azelluläre Hornhautendotheltransplantate und bestimmte Arzneimittel eine Behandlungsoption für bestimmte Krankheiten darstellen, ohne dass Spendergewebe oder -zellen benötigt werden. Mit dem Aufkommen von Genmodulationstherapien zur Behandlung von Hornhautendothelerkrankungen wird es schließlich möglich sein, präsymptomatische Patienten oder Patienten mit frühen Symptomen zu behandeln, was den Bedarf an Spendergewebe drastisch reduzieren würde. Die Kenntnis der neuesten Entwicklungen auf diesem sich rasch entwickelnden Gebiet ist wichtig, um zu verstehen, welche Erkrankungen mit welchen Ansätzen behandelt werden können. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über aktuelle und in der Entwicklung befindliche Therapien der regenerativen Medizin zur Behandlung von Hornhautendothel­erkrankungen und vermittelt die notwendige Orientierung und das Verständnis für die Behandlung von Hornhautendothelerkrankungen.
Associations of Apixaban Dose With Safety and Effectiveness Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Severe Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Xu Yunwen , Chang Alexander R. , Inker Lesley A. , McAdams-DeMarco Mara , Grams Morgan E. , Shin Jung-Im
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Recommendations for apixaban dosing on the basis of kidney function are inconsistent between the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for patients with atrial fibrillation. Optimal apixaban dosing in chronic kidney disease remains unknown.

METHODS:

With the use of deidentified electronic health record data from the Optum Labs Data Warehouse, patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease stage 4/5 initiating apixaban between 2013 and 2021 were identified. Risks of bleeding and stroke/systemic embolism were compared by apixaban dose (5 versus 2.5 mg), adjusted for baseline characteristics by the inverse probability of treatment weighting. The Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model was used to account for the competing risk of death. Cox regression was used to examine risk of death by apixaban dose.

RESULTS:

Among 4313 apixaban new users, 1705 (40%) received 5 mg and 2608 (60%) received 2.5 mg. Patients treated with 5 mg apixaban were younger (mean age, 72 versus 80 years), with greater weight (95 versus 80 kg) and higher serum creatinine (2.7 versus 2.5 mg/dL). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was not different between the groups (24 versus 24 mL·min
–1
·1.73 m
–2
). In inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, apixaban 5 mg was associated with a higher risk of bleeding (incidence rate 4.9 versus 2.9 events per 100 person-years; incidence rate difference, 2.0 [95% CI, 0.6–3.4] events per 100 person-years; subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.04–2.54]). There was no difference between apixaban 5 mg and 2.5 mg groups in the risk of stroke/systemic embolism (3.3 versus 3.0 events per 100 person-years; incidence rate difference, 0.2 [95% CI, –1.0 to 1.4] events per 100 person-years; subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.59–1.73]), or death (9.9 versus 9.4 events per 100 person-years; incidence rate difference, 0.5 [95% CI, –1.6 to 2.6] events per 100 person-years; hazard ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.77–1.38]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with 2.5 mg, use of 5 mg apixaban was associated with a higher risk of bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation and severe chronic kidney disease, with no difference in the risk of stroke/systemic embolism or death, supporting the apixaban dosing recommendations on the basis of kidney function by the European Medicines Agency, which differ from those issued by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Age at Menopause and the Risk of Stroke: Observational and Mendelian Randomization Analysis in 204 244 Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Tschiderer Lena , Peters Sanne A. E. , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , van Westing Anniek C. , Tong Tammy Y. N. , Willeit Peter , Seekircher Lisa , Moreno‐Iribas Conchi , Huerta José María , Crous‐Bou Marta , Söderholm Martin , Schulze Matthias B. , Johansson Cecilia , Själander Sara , Heath Alicia K. , Macciotta Alessandra , Dahm Christina C. , Ibsen Daniel B. , Pala Valeria , Mellemkjær Lene , Burgess Stephen , Wood Angela , Kaaks Rudolf , Katzke Verena , Amiano Pilar , Rodriguez‐Barranco Miguel , Engström Gunnar , Weiderpass Elisabete , Tjønneland Anne , Halkjær Jytte , Panico Salvatore , Danesh John , Butterworth Adam , Onland‐Moret N. Charlotte
Published: September 2023

Background

Observational studies have shown that women with an early menopause are at higher risk of stroke compared with women with a later menopause. However, associations with stroke subtypes are inconsistent, and the causality is unclear.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data of the UK Biobank and EPIC‐CVD (European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition‐Cardiovascular Diseases) study. A total of 204 244 postmenopausal women without a history of stroke at baseline were included (7883 from EPIC‐CVD [5292 from the subcohort], 196 361 from the UK Biobank). Pooled mean baseline age was 58.9 years (SD, 5.8), and pooled mean age at menopause was 47.8 years (SD, 6.2). Over a median follow‐up of 12.6 years (interquartile range, 11.8–13.3), 6770 women experienced a stroke (5155 ischemic strokes, 1615 hemorrhagic strokes, 976 intracerebral hemorrhages, and 639 subarachnoid hemorrhages). In multivariable adjusted observational Cox regression analyses, the pooled hazard ratios per 5 years younger age at menopause were 1.09 (95% CI, 1.07–1.12) for stroke, 1.09 (95% CI, 1.06–1.13) for ischemic stroke, 1.10 (95% CI, 1.04–1.16) for hemorrhagic stroke, 1.14 (95% CI, 1.08–1.20) for intracerebral hemorrhage, and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.84–1.20) for subarachnoid hemorrhage. When using 2‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis, we found no statistically significant association between genetically proxied age at menopause and risk of any type of stroke.

Conclusions

In our study, earlier age at menopause was related to a higher risk of stroke. We found no statistically significant association between genetically proxied age at menopause and risk of stroke, suggesting no causal relationship.
Identifying Unique Subgroups of Individuals With Stroke Using Heart Rate and Steps to Characterize Physical Activity
Authors: Koffman Lily J. , Crainiceanu Ciprian M. , Roemmich Ryan T. , French Margaret A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Low physical activity (PA) is associated with poor health outcomes after stroke. Step counts are a common metric of PA; however, other physiologic signals (eg, heart rate) may help to identify subgroups of individuals poststroke at varying levels of risk of poor health outcomes. Here, we aimed to identify clinically relevant subgroups of individuals poststroke based on PA profiles that leverage multiple data sources, including step count and heart rate data, from wearable devices.

Methods and Results

Seventy individuals poststroke participated. Participants wore a Fitbit Inspire 2 for 1 year and completed clinical assessments. We defined a group‐based steps‐per‐minute threshold and an individual heart rate threshold to categorize each minute of PA into 1 of 4 states: high steps/high heart rate, low steps/low heart rate, high steps/low heart rate, and low steps/high heart rate. We used the proportion of time spent in each state along with steps per day, sedentary time, mean steps among minutes with high steps and high heart rate, and resting heart rate in a k‐means clustering algorithm to identify subgroups and compared Activity Measure for Post‐Acute Care Mobility T Score, Stroke Impact Scale, and gait speed among subgroups. We identified 3 subgroups, Active (n=8), Sedentary (n=29), and Deconditioned (n=33), which differed significantly on all clustering variables except resting heart rate. We observed significant differences in Activity Measure for Post‐Acute Care Mobility T scores between subgroups, with the Deconditioned subgroup exhibiting the lowest score.

Conclusions

Quantifying PA with heart rate and step count using readily available wearable devices can identify clinically meaningful subgroups of individuals poststroke.
Use of the Wearable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Among Patients With Myocarditis and Reduced Ejection Fraction or Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia: Data From a Multicenter Registry
Authors: El‐Battrawy Ibrahim , Koepsel Katharina , Tenbrink David , Kovacs Boldizsar , Dreher Tobias C. , Blockhaus Christian , Gotzmann Michael , Klein Norbert , Kuntz Thomas , Shin Dong‐In , Lapp Hendrik , Rosenkaimer Stephanie , Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Hamdani Nazha , Saguner Ardan Muammer , Kowitz Jacqueline , Erath Julia W. , Duru Firat , Mügge Andreas , Akin Ibrahim , Aweimer Assem , Beiert Thomas
Published: September 2023

Background

Data on the use of the wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator (WCD) among patients with myocarditis remain sparse. Consequently, evidence for guideline recommendations in this patient population is lacking.

Methods and Results

In total, 1596 consecutive patients were included in a multicenter registry from 8 European centers, with 124 patients (8%) having received the WCD due to myocarditis and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction or prior ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The mean age was 51.6±16.3 years, with 74% being male. Patients were discharged after index hospitalization on heart failure medication: Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (62.5%), angiotensin‐receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor (22.9%), aldosterone‐antagonists (51%), or beta blockers (91.4%). The initial median left ventricular ejection fraction was 30% (22%–45%) and increased to 48% (39%–55%) over long‐term follow‐up (
P
<0.001). The median BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) level at baseline was 1702 pg/mL (565–3748) and decreased to 188 pg/mL (26–348) over long‐term follow‐up (
P
=0.022). The mean wear time was 79.7±52.1 days and 21.0±4.9 hours per day. Arrhythmic event rates documented by the WCD were 9.7% for nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, 6.5% for sustained ventricular tachycardia, and 0% for ventricular fibrillation. Subsequently, 2.4% of patients experienced an appropriate WCD shock. The rate of inappropriate WCD shocks was 0.8%. All 3 patients with appropriate WCD shock had experienced ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation before WCD prescription, with only 1 patient showing a left ventricular ejection fraction <35%.

Conclusions

Patients with myocarditis and risk for occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia may benefit from WCD use. Prior ventricular arrhythmia might appear as a better risk predictor than a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction <35% in this population.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Aortic Root Replacement With Mechanical Versus Bioprosthetic Valves: Meta‐Analysis of Reconstructed Time‐to‐Event Data
Authors: Sá Michel Pompeu , Tasoudis Panagiotis , Jacquemyn Xander , Van den Eynde Jef , Caranasos Thomas G. , Ikonomidis John S. , Chu Danny , Serna‐Gallegos Derek , Sultan Ibrahim
Published: September 2023

Background

An aspect not so clear in the scenario of aortic surgery is how patients fare after composite aortic valve graft replacement (CAVGR) depending on the type of valve (bioprosthetic versus mechanical). We performed a study to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of both strategies comparatively.

Methods and Results

Pooled meta‐analysis of Kaplan‐Meier–derived time‐to‐event data from studies with follow‐up for overall survival (all‐cause death), event‐free survival (composite end point of cardiac death, valve‐related complications, stroke, bleeding, embolic events, and/or endocarditis), and freedom from reintervention. Twenty‐three studies met our eligibility criteria, including 11 428 patients (3786 patients with mechanical valves and 7642 patients with bioprosthetic valve). The overall population was mostly composed of men (mean age, 45.5–75.6 years). In comparison with patients who underwent CAVGR with bioprosthetic valves, patients undergoing CAVGR with mechanical valves presented no statistically significant difference in the risk of all‐cause death in the first 30 days after the procedure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24 [95% CI, 0.95–1.60];
P
=0.109), but they had a significantly lower risk of all‐cause mortality after the 30‐day time point (HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81–0.99];
P
=0.039) and lower risk of reintervention (HR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.24–0.45];
P
<0.001). Despite its increased risk for the composite end point in the first 6 years of follow‐up (HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.09–1.82];
P
=0.009), CAVGR with mechanical valves is associated with a lower risk for the composite end point after the 6‐year time point (HR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.31–0.67];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

CAVGR with mechanical valves is associated with better long‐term outcomes in comparison with CAVGR with bioprosthetic valves.
Democracy as a trust-building learning process: Organizational dilemmas in social movements
Authors: Rossi Federico M
Published: September 2023

Combining agonistic pluralism and social movements literature with trust studies, I propose a conceptualization for how the organizational dilemma is tackled in social movements. Defined as a trust-building organizational learning process, I show the role-played by social trust—meaning, the construction of the relational boundaries of a shared goal without diluting the heterogeneity of self-identities and interests—as an organizational prerequisite for democratic organization of a political group. Empirically, I identify four alternative pathways to the (democratic) organizational dilemma: innovation through new organizational models; repetition of past experiences; reformulation of practices; and emulation of previous organizational models.
‘Locked Down But Not Locked Out’: Everyday Experiences of Migrant Traders During the COVID-19 Pandemic Era in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mushonga R. H. , Makwara F.
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic presented possibilities of socio-political rapture as it stimulated mass evacuations and remarkable efforts to emplace. However, regardless of the measures to restrict non-essential travel and barring the entry of people into cities as a way of curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban migrants invented and reincarnated ways and means of negotiating entry into economic spaces in an effort to avoid becoming marooned in time and space. This ethnographic study explored these dynamics using the case of Nigerian migrant traders in Harare’s informal economic spaces. By drawing on their narratives, we argue that surviving the pandemic was made possible by forming, maintaining and sustaining social networks of sort. Therefore, while uncertainties (COVID-19) interrupt time, routines and the mundane aspects of life, it also has a productive potential for people to make sense of the hazards that confront them, hence reflexively crafting solutions and fashioning possible futures.
Leader similarity and international conflict
Authors: DiLorenzo Matthew , Rooney Bryan
Published: September 2023

Scholars increasingly emphasize personal biographical characteristics of leaders in explaining patterns of foreign policy behavior. This article extends insights from this agenda to study how (dis)similarities in the background characteristics of leaders at the dyadic level shape international conflict outcomes. Trust and uncertainty are central to explaining conflict via their connections to commitment- and information-related causes of war. Psychological research provides evidence that perceived similarities between individuals and groups can foment trust and cooperation. We hypothesize that leaders who share more similar backgrounds and life experiences form stronger social bonds and are more trusting of one another. As such, leaders who have more in common with one another should be able to better manage diplomatic disputes and avoid conflict. We test this hypothesis using a new measure of dyadic-leader-level similarity created with the Leader Experience and Attribute Descriptions (LEAD) dataset and data on international conflict onset in politically relevant dyads throughout the period 1946–2004. We find that pairs of leaders with more similar backgrounds are significantly less likely to experience militarized interstate disputes at all levels of hostility even after accounting for a variety of observable and unobservable determinants of conflict. The findings contribute to our understanding of the determinants of international conflict and help advance research on linkages between psychological and rationalist approaches to studying conflict.
Design, development and evaluation of a tractor mounted air blast sprayer for coconut and arecanut
Authors: Pandiselvam R , Mathew A C , Imran Syed , Pandian R Thava Prakasa , Manikantan M R
Published: September 2023

A tractor mounted air blast sprayer was designed and developed to reduce the drudgery involved in the manual spraying of pesticide by climbing coconut tree. The sprayer mounted on a small tractor, prime mover, is operated by the power taken from its power take off (PTO). In this study, the influence of two important parameters viz., blower speed (2250 and 3000 rpm) and tractor speed (1.5 and 2.5 km h−1) at different heights on the spray characteristics such as volume mean diameter (VMD), droplet density, and spray deposition were collected and analysed. The tractor speed of 1.5 kmh−1 and blower speed of 3000 rpm was observed at recommended VMD between 100–200 µm at a height above 21 m. Hence, the tractor speed of 1.5 kmh−1 and blower speed of 3000 rpm was selected for field evaluation. The mean height of the coconut tree in the tested field was 24 m. The mean droplet size and deposition were observed at 124 µm and 7.2 µl cm−2, respectively at 24 m height. The effective field capacity, field efficiency, and fuel consumption were 0.524 ha.h−1, 73.72%, and 4.67 l h−1, respectively.
COVID-19: An Anaesthetic Moment
Authors: Rai Dhananjay
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was the definite point to understand an anaesthetic moment (or social numbness), an effect of neoliberalism and neoliberal polity (NNP). The COVID-19 pandemic compels us to reread the NNP to comprehend its consequences beyond the economic sphere. The arrival of an anaesthetic moment was a painful experience wherein social numbness towards marginalised sections was ubiquitous. The challenge and negotiation during the pandemic had quadrupled due to the construal of social pain as normalisation, violence as the new normal, deaths qua number, vulnerability as negative paternalisation and fait accompli, and absenting the role of critique.
Household Assets and Indebtedness in States of India
Authors: Deb Surajit
Published: September 2023

The present contribution makes the seventeenth part of the Social Change Indicators series. We have previously deliberated on several social and economic issues and the topics have included vulnerable households across social classes, poverty, migration, living conditions, social protection, displacement of labour, old-age health and morbidity conditions, women’s time use patterns, and intimate partner violence. In this part, we examine the assets and indebtedness of households across rural and urban areas, occupational types as well as social classes in different states of India.
Book review: Hilal Ahmed, Allah Naam ki Siyasat [Politics in the Name of Allah]
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: September 2023

Hilal Ahmed, Allah Naam ki Siyasat [Politics in the Name of Allah] (Hindi), Setu Prakashan, 2022, 360 pp., ₹449, ISBN 9788195965526 (Paperback).
Examining the Double-Edged Nature of PSM on Burnout: The Mediating Role of Challenge Stress and Hindrance Stress
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Bangcheng
Published: September 2023

Extant research has demonstrated that public service motivation (PSM) might have a dark side on public employees. However, empirical research on this assumption remains unclear. Based on Job Demands-Resources Model, this study explores the psychological mechanism of PSM on burnout and examines the relationship from both positive and negative aspects by classifying work stress into challenge stress and hindrance stress. A study with 255 street-level public employees shows that PSM has significant negative effects on burnout. Specifically, perceived hindrance stress mediates a negative relationship between PSM and burnout, and perceived challenge stress mediates a positive relationship between PSM and burnout. This study not only contributes to the development of theories on the doubled-edged nature and psychological mechanism of PSM in relation to burnout but also provides management enlightenment for improving employees’ well-being and mitigating burnout.
Was the Woman with the Flow of Blood Drunk? An Exploration of the Possibility that She Was Viewed as an Anus Ebria
Authors: Reed Lily R.
Published: September 2023

This article offers a new reading of the story of the woman with the flow of blood in Mk 5:25–34 that focuses on the intersection of gender and social status. Moving away from gynaecological analysis, I use the representation of the anus ebria (drunken old woman) figure in Greco-Roman literature, drama, and art to explore how ancient readers might have responded to her conduct. Using this material, I argue that many readers would have understood the woman’s behaviour as conforming to this ancient type. The distinction is important, I contend, because, unlike widows, the anus ebria was an unsympathetic figure in ancient drama. This more intersectional reading of the woman’s social status, in turn, sharpens our reading of the revolutionary character of Jesus’s ministry in Mark.
The Necessity of Subsequent Dental Treatment for Odontogenic Sinusitis After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Zhao Xiaochang , Li Zufei , Liu Jinfeng
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To investigate the necessity of subsequent dental treatment for patients with odontogenic sinusitis (OS) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods:

OS patients who received ESS from January 2018 to May 2022 were eligible. Demographic data, medical history, Lund–Mackay (LM) computed tomography (CT) score, Lund–Kennedy (LK) endoscopic score, and OS-specific CT score were recorded and analyzed. All patients were followed up for 6 months after surgery.

Results:

A total of 48 patients (30 males and 18 females) were enrolled. A total of 35 cases (72.9%) were caused by dental diseases (periapical periodontitis), and 13 cases (27.1%) were caused by iatrogenic factors (including tooth extraction or implantation). The overall treatment success rate was 97.9%, and the success rates in the dental disease OS group (97.1%) and the iatrogenic OS group (100%) were not significantly different (X2 = 0.329, P = .729). None of the patients in the dental disease group received treatment of the causative teeth within 6 months after the operation, except for one patient who received tooth extraction treatment 6 months after the operation.

Conclusion:

Without considering the impact of dental disease on patients’ oral health, OS can be completely alleviated by ESS alone, even if no dental treatment is carried out after surgery.
Give Peace a Chance? How Regulatory Foci Influence Organizational Conflict Events in Intractable Conflict Environments
Authors: Weber Libby , Shantz Angelique Slade , Kistruck Geoffrey M. , Lount Robert B.
Published: September 2023

An intractable conflict environment (ICE) is an extreme context in which deep, unsolvable conflict between groups is central to the actors within it. While non-ICEs are typically assumed in organizational research, ICEs are increasingly common contexts for organizations. Moreover, this context influences peoples’ interpretation of potential organizational conflict incidents inside the organization and therefore the likelihood and emotional intensity of organizational conflict events. Whereas a potential conflict incident, such as a disagreement over how to complete a task, may be perceived as benign in a more typical environment, the same incident is more likely to be interpreted as much more negative and emotionally intense when taking place in an ICE, increasing the frequency of conflict events (conflictual behavior). Prior work suggests that, in a typical environment, promotion-framed (achieving positives) interventions reduce conflict more than prevention-framed (avoiding negatives) interventions by temporarily inducing promotion orientations that reduce the likelihood of interpreting conflict. However, we argue an ICE induces a strong prevention focus, which overrides promotion-framed interventions. Instead, we argue in an ICE, a prevention- rather than promotion-framed intervention is likely to be more effective because it “matches” the strong prevention focus. To test this prediction, we examine the difference in number of conflict events in farming cooperatives in rural Ghana (an ICE) after instituting prevention- versus promotion-framed interventions aimed at addressing conflict. Quantitative and qualitative findings from a 9-month field experiment support our hypothesis.
Hidden influential node selection based on cost–benefit analysis for harmful information propagation control
Authors: Liu Zhaoli , Sun Qindong , Li Shancang , Yang Zhihai , Zhang Beibei
Published: September 2023

The quick development of mobile network and smart devices provides a convenience way for information sharing in online social networks, which also accelerates the propagation of harmful information, thus how to select the hidden influential nodes with lower management cost for reducing the propagation speed of harmful information is an important task. In this article, we propose a greedy hidden influential node selection algorithm based on the epidemic model and cost–benefit analysis. First, we investigate the user behaviour dynamic characteristics from two perspectives of social relationships and interaction behaviours, and then susceptible and infected (SI) epidemic model is applied and user influence is estimated. Second, considering the management cost and benefit of different users, a greedy hidden influential node selection algorithm based on the cost–benefit analysis is proposed. Finally, a series of experiments are conducted using the public social network data set and the data set collected from Sina Weibo, to verify the performance and practicality of the developed method. The experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms other related methods in harmful information propagation control.