bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical characteristics of the alveolar process and basal bone that have an effect on socket healing
Authors: Araújo Maurício G. , Dias Debora R. , Matarazzo Flavia
Published: August 2023

Following tooth extraction, a sequence of events takes place in order to close the wound and restore tissue homeostasis, a process called socket healing. The outcome of socket healing includes a marked reduction of the ridge dimensions. The amount of tissue loss that occurs during healing is influenced by several local and systemic factors. Thus, the aim of the present review was to describe the effect of anatomical characteristics of the alveolar process and basal bone on the socket healing outcome. The studies included showed that the quantity (number) and quality (composition) of socket walls exhibited a significant influence on the ridge diminution. A damaged socket (3 walls or less), as well as a thin buccal bone wall, which quickly resorbs negatively affected the healing outcome. Periodontally compromised sockets appeared to promote more extensive dimensional changes. Angulation between tooth and basal bone in addition to basal bone dimensions may also have altered the wound environment and influenced socket healing. The findings from the present review suggest that some anatomical characteristics of the alveolar process and basal bone have an effect on socket healing.
Delineating beauty: On form and the boundaries of the aesthetic
Authors: Paris Panos
Published: August 2023

Philosophical aesthetics has recently been expanding its purview—with exciting work on everyday aesthetics, somaesthetics, gustatory aesthetics, and the aesthetics of imperceptibilia like mathematics and human character—reclaiming territory that was lost during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when the discipline begun concentrating almost exclusively on the philosophy of art and restricted the aesthetic realm to the distally perceptible. Yet there remains considerable reluctance towards acknowledging the aesthetic character of many of these objects. This raises an important question—partly made salient again by the ongoing expansion of the aesthetic domain, and partly by the fact that many still seem resistant to this aesthetic diversification—which aestheticians seem to avoid: what, if anything, constrains the scope of beauty or the aesthetic? I argue that form, construed as comprising a degree, however minimal, of experienceable complexity, is necessary and sufficient for an object's candidature for the possession of aesthetic properties. Such a condition serves to discriminate between attempts to expand the scope of the aesthetic that are legitimate and those that are not. If correct, my view suggests that the aesthetic realm, though not limitless, is very broad indeed—but this, I think, is as it should be.
Moving beyond stereotype: A qualitative study of long‐standing recipients of the Indonesian conditional cash transfers (CCT/PKH)
Authors: Habibullah Habibullah , Yuda Tauchid Komara , Setiawan Hari Harjanto , Susantyo Badrun
Published: August 2023

This qualitative study explores the experiences and attitudes of welfare recipients towards Indonesia's conditional cash transfer (CCT/PKH) program. The specific objectives of our paper include examining the program's impact on impoverished families, their response to stereotyping, and the implications of stereotyping for government policy among Indonesian low‐income families. We conducted twenty in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders (program professionals, community leaders, program facilitators) and end‐users (beneficiaries). Despite the attached stereotype, our findings show that not all beneficiaries with improved socioeconomic conditions wish to leave the program. In many cases, this occurs as beneficiaries use their CCT/PKH accounts as collateral to borrow from unregulated lenders and repay their debts. A few instances where we found self‐voluntary withdrawal from the program were only caused by the shame of receiving stickers attached to their homes – not because of their social‐economic status improvement – leading to difficulty affording their necessities afterwards. Overall, the finding that individuals, whether eligible or not, are not ashamed to claim PKH, despite the stigma attached to the program, contrasts with studies on welfare stigma, claiming that stigma can prevent individuals from claiming their welfare rights.
Insufficient measles antibody protection in 6‐month‐old Malawian infants: Reconsider vaccination schedule?
Authors: Baroncelli Silvia , Galluzzo Clementina Maria , Orlando Stefano , Luhanga Richard , Mphwere Robert , Kavalo Thom , Amici Roberta , Floridia Marco , Andreotti Mauro , Ciccacci Fausto , Marazzi Maria Cristina , Giuliano Marina
Published: August 2023

Measles vaccination is currently recommended at 9 months, since maternal antibodies are supposed to protect infants until that age. In this study of 6‐month‐old Malawian infants 98.3% (58/59) had non‐protective IgG levels against measles, irrespective of HIV exposure. Anticipating the first dose at 6 months could be considered.
Can regional cooperation mitigate the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on greenfield investments? Evidence from the belt and road initiative
Authors: Fang Jing , Lu Yue , Yao Shujie
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on greenfield investments using a large panel dataset comprising 78 countries and regions at the monthly level from January 2019 to August 2021 (32 months). Particular attention is paid to whether the Belt and Road (BRI), a regional cooperation initiative, contributes to mitigating these shocks. Three indicators are used to measure greenfield investments, i.e., capital inflows, projects and employees. The lockdown measure due to the pandemic is used to conduct a difference‐in‐difference analysis. This paper finds that the pandemic significantly reduces global greenfield investments, while the BRI participants experience a lesser shock than the non‐BRI countries (regions). Robustness checks using the numbers of monthly confirmed cases and deaths also support the role of the initiative in helping the BRI participants to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on greenfield investments.
Association of blood donor characteristics and in vitro haemolysis of packed red blood cell concentrates during storage
Authors: Dhawan Bhuvandeep , Mittal Kshitija , Kaur Paramjit , Jaswal Shivani , Tahlan Anita , Kaur Ravneet , Sood Tanvi , Kaur Gagandeep , Rohilla Ravi
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Blood donor variability can affect the storage properties of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). This study aimed to determine the association of donor characteristics with in vitro storage haemolysis of PRBCs.

Materials and Methods

In the prospective observational study, a total of 109 whole blood donors were enrolled using the purposive sampling method. A pre‐donation sample was collected for haemoglobin (Hb) and serum uric acid (UA) levels. PRBC aliquots were tested for potassium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Hb, haematocrit, plasma Hb and haemolysis on days 1, 21 and 35 of storage. The association of these parameters with donor age, sex, donation status, dietary pattern and body mass index was determined.

Results

Mean haemolysis was significantly higher in PRBCs from donors with UA levels ≤6 mg/dL than donors with UA levels >6 mg/dL on day 35 of storage (0.22 ± 0.11 vs. 0.18 ± 0.07, p = 0.03). Median plasma Hb (mg/L) was significantly higher in PRBCs from first‐time donors on day 21 (586 vs. 509, p = 0.05) and day 35 (1507 vs. 1358, p = 0.02) of storage in comparison to frequent donors. Significantly higher mean potassium (p = 0.04 day 1; p = 0.02 day 21) and median LDH values (p = 0.02 day 1, p = 0.05 day 21) were observed in PRBCs from male donors. A statistically significant positive association was observed between donor UA and LDH levels of PRBCs on day 35 of storage (β coefficient: 715.52, p‐value: 0.003) on multiple regression analysis.

Conclusion

In vitro haemolysis of PRBCs is affected by blood donor characteristics.
Satisfacción laboral en tiendas de conveniencia mexicanas: un análisis desde la teoría de recursos-demandas laborales
Authors: Cavazos-Arroyo Judith , Máynez Guaderrama Aurora Irma
Published: August 2023

Este trabajo evalúa los efectos del liderazgo, ajuste persona-organización, claridad de rol y agotamiento sobre la satisfacción laboral, en tiendas de conveniencia mexicanas. Asimismo, se buscan diferencias significativas asociadas al puesto. La investigación es probabilística, cuantitativa, explicativa y transversal. La muestra es de 204 empleados. Se emplea un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales PLS. Se identifican efectos directos entre liderazgo y ajuste persona-organización, claridad de rol y satisfacción laboral y una diferencia asociada al puesto en la relación entre liderazgo y claridad de rol. En estudios futuros se recomienda indagar en los efectos de las variables estudiadas sobre cinismo organizacional e ineficacia, ambas dimensiones del Burnout y valorar otros estilos de liderazgo, como el de servicio o el ético.
Influence of External Magnetic Field on Mechanical and Metallurgical Properties of Pressure Vessel Steel (SA 516 Grade 70) Welds Using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Authors: Shakya Paramjeet , Singh Kulwant , Arya Harish Kumar
Published: August 2023

The mechanical and metallurgical properties of the weld play the most important role in the performance of welds which needs to be enhanced. The superimposing external magnetic field to the welding arc provided wonderful and favorable results for improving the shape and properties of the weld. In this research, different configurations of specially designed electromagnets were used to investigate their effects on the weld characteristics of SA 516 grade 70 welds. It was observed that 0–0–S–N configuration yielded maximum penetration (3.92 mm) compared with other configurations as well as the conventional gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. Tensile test, Charpy impact test and microhardness were performed to investigate the mechanical properties and microstructure analysis was used to determine the metallurgical properties of the weld joints. The results show that the tensile strength, impact strength, and microhardness of magnetically controlled GTAW (MC-GTAW) weld was 620 MPa, 275 J and 198 HV respectively which is 3.16%, 22.76%, and 1.51% higher than the weld produced by GTAW process. It has also been observed that electromagnetic stirring refined the microstructure of the weld pool. The average grain size of MC-GTAW weld was 31.035 μm whereas 42.558 μm average grain was obtained in conventional GTAW weld. The electromagnetic stirring enhanced the weld cooling rate resulting in the formation of more acicular ferrite which is desirable.
Using Mobile 360° Video as a Tool for Enhancing Sport Referee Performance: A Case Study
Authors: Cunningham Ian , Roche Lionel , Mascarenhas Duncan
Published: August 2023

Many new video-based technologies (e.g., eye trackers, point-of-view camera) have been integrated into sport referee performance monitoring and training. Mobile 360° video (an omnidirectional video-capture tool affixed to the referee during their performance using a chest harness) provides moving images recorded from a first-person perspective. This case study explored rugby union referees’ and referee coaches’ engagement with mobile 360° video during a viewing of another referee’s performance. Using an other-confrontation interview approach, referees’ and referee coaches’ cognitive activity (interests, concerns, noticing, and knowledge) while viewing mobile 360° video was elicited and studied. Participants experienced heightened immersion in the situation, as well as enhanced discovery and noticing behavior, and they constructed different types of embodied and corporeal knowledge. Using a rugby union setting, this occurred through enhanced perceptual involvement provided by mobile 360° video for reflection on referee positioning and movement, contextual inference about decisions, and sensitivity to player cues and interactions. This study provides preliminary evidence for the utility and acceptability of mobile 360° video as a pedagogical innovation in referee training to enhance referees’ decision making, game management, and reflexivity. Limitations, challenges, and applications of immersive mobile 360° video as a pedagogical tool in rugby union refereeing and other sports are discussed.
Simultaneous Upper- and Lower-Limb Postactivation Performance Enhancement After Clean and Jerk
Authors: Caldeira Cleonir , Lima-Silva Adriano E. , Tricoli Valmor , Rodacki Cintia L.N. , Paulo Anderson C.
Published: August 2023

Studies on postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) have used different exercises as a conditioning activity to investigate potentiation, but exclusively in upper limbs (UL) or lower (LL) limbs, or contralateral potentiation. A single exercise capable of inducing PAPE in both UL and LL is currently unknown. The present study explored the effect of the clean and jerk (C&J) as a conditioning activity for simultaneously producing PAPE interlimbs at the fourth, seventh, and 12th minutes postintervention. Twelve male weightlifters with 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in the C&J equivalent to ≥1.15 × body mass were randomly submitted to 2 experimental conditions (C&J and control [CON]). The C&J condition consisted of general warm-up (running on a treadmill and self-selected preparatory exercises) and 4 sets of 3 repetitions of C&J with 2 minutes between them (30%1RM, 50%1RM, 65%1RM, and 80%1RM) followed by a countermovement jump and a bench-press throw on a Smith machine after 4, 7, and 12 minutes, to measure the magnitude of PAPE in UL and LL. No previous exercise preceded countermovement-jump and bench-press-throw tests in the CON besides general warm-up. The main finding was that, regardless of time, the C&J resulted in greater height on countermovement jump and Smith machine bench-press throw when compared with the CON, presenting a similar effect size between UL and LL (34.6 [3.9] vs 33.4 [4.1] cm [+3.66%]; P = .038; effect size = 0.30 and 30.3 [4.7] vs 29.0 [5.1] cm [+4.44%]; P = .039; effect size = 0.26), respectively. Thus, C&J can be useful to produce PAPE simultaneously among members.
Qualitative Insights on the Importance of Sociocultural Contexts on Asian Indian Migrant Participation in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Fernandes Siona , Hinckson Erica , Richards Justin
Published: August 2023

Background: Influences on physical activity and sedentary behavior may differ for migrants moving from their country of origin to a new country. This study aimed to explore the range of contextual factors that influence physical activity and sedentary behavior among Indian migrants, making comparisons with India. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 Indian migrants (10 men and 11 women) aged between 18 and 65 years living in Melbourne, Australia. Data were analyzed thematically, coded inductively, and managed with NVivo. Results: Participants perceived a lack of social connection as a key barrier to physical activity participation. Group-based physical activity fostered social connections. Cultural associations were sites to engage in cultural physical activity and integrate with other Indians. Australia’s physical contexts (eg, availability of facilities and built environment) facilitated physical activity behavior. Workplace environments (eg, the nature of the job) prompted sedentary behavior. Other contextual shifts with migration related to activities of daily living (eg, shifts in transport [walking] behavior in India to a greater reliance on cars in Australia) and migrant-friendly health communication (messaging from Australian health/allied health practitioners). Conclusions: Sociocultural contexts remain key influences on migrant physical activity participation. Prioritizing integrated approaches and engaging insider codesign are important in tailoring and promoting migrant physical activity and limiting sedentary behavior.
Delftia tsuruhatensis
TC1 symbiont suppresses malaria transmission by anopheline mosquitoes
Authors: Huang Wei , Rodrigues Janneth , Bilgo Etienne , Tormo José R. , Challenger Joseph D. , De Cozar-Gallardo Cristina , Pérez-Victoria Ignacio , Reyes Fernando , Castañeda-Casado Pablo , Gnambani Edounou Jacques , Hien Domonbabele François de Sales , Konkobo Maurice , Urones Beatriz , Coppens Isabelle , Mendoza-Losana Alfonso , Ballell Lluís , Diabate Abdoulaye , Churcher Thomas S. , Jacobs-Lorena Marcelo
Published: August 2023

Malaria control demands the development of a wide range of complementary strategies. We describe the properties of a naturally occurring, non–genetically modified symbiotic bacterium,
Delftia tsuruhatensis
TC1, which was isolated from mosquitoes incapable of sustaining the development of
Plasmodium falciparum
parasites.
D. tsuruhatensis
TC1 inhibits early stages of
Plasmodium
development and subsequent transmission by the
Anopheles
mosquito through secretion of a small-molecule inhibitor. We have identified this inhibitor to be the hydrophobic molecule harmane. We also found that, on mosquito contact, harmane penetrates the cuticle, inhibiting
Plasmodium
development.
D. tsuruhatensis
TC1 stably populates the mosquito gut, does not impose a fitness cost on the mosquito, and inhibits
Plasmodium
development for the mosquito’s life. Contained field studies in Burkina Faso and modeling showed that
D. tsuruhatensis
TC1 has the potential to complement mosquito-targeted malaria transmission control.
Ship fuel rules have altered clouds and warmed waters
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: August 2023

An unprecedented test of reverse geoengineering unfolds above the oceans
India moves to adopt bill that would weaken forest protections
Authors: Gupta Tanvi Dutta
Published: August 2023

Government says measure is needed to fight climate change, but conservationists have opposed it
Late Mesozoic impact of paleo-Pacific subduction on the North China craton revealed by apatite U-Pb and fission-track double dating and trace element analysis in the eastern Yanshan fold belt, northeastern Asia
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhang Zhiyong , Malusà Marco G. , Chew David , Wu Lin , Xiang Dunfeng , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: August 2023

The late Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern North China craton was intimately related with the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. This study sheds light on Late Jurassic−Early Cretaceous basin-mountain coupling during paleo-Pacific subduction based on low-temperature thermochronology and geochemical analyses from the easternmost Yanshan fold belt, located at the northern edge of the craton. We performed apatite U-Pb and fission-track double dating and trace element analyses of basement and sedimentary rock samples, integrated with zircon and apatite (U-Th)/He analyses on bedrock samples. Our results revealed that the easternmost Yanshan fold belt experienced two stages of rapid cooling and exhumation in the Middle Jurassic−earliest Cretaceous (ca. 170−140 Ma) and in the Early Cretaceous (ca. 140−90 Ma). The Middle Jurassic−earliest Cretaceous exhumation (ca. 170−140 Ma) is mainly recorded by bedrock along the margins of intermontane basins of the eastern Yanshan fold belt. This exhumation event is consistent with compressional Yanshan movement during the Middle Jurassic−earliest Cretaceous coeval with paleo-Pacific flat-slab subduction. Subsequent Early Cretaceous rapid cooling is ascribed to the progressive evolution of the metamorphic core complexes and associated tectonic exhumation of major plutons of northeastern Asia, which were likely controlled by rollback of the paleo-Pacific slab. A middle Cretaceous (ca. 110−90 Ma) tectonic exhumation event is revealed by very low lag-time values in middle Cretaceous strata. Our findings illustrate the potential of a thermochronology approach that combines single-grain double dating and trace element analyses in synmagmatic orogenic systems, which may find application to other orogenic settings worldwide.
Association between antenatal corticosteroids and risk of serious infection in children: nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yao Tsung-Chieh , Chang Sheng-Mao , Wu Chi-Shin , Tsai Yi-Fen , Sheen Kun-Hua , Hong Xiumei , Chen Hui-Yu , Wu Ann Chen , Tsai Hui-Ju
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the associations between exposure to antenatal corticosteroids and serious infection in children during the first three, six, and 12 months of life.

Design

Nationwide cohort study.

Setting

National Health Insurance Research Database, Birth Reporting Database, and Maternal and Child Health Database, 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2019, to identify all pregnant individuals and their offspring in Taiwan.

Participants

1 960 545 pairs of pregnant individuals and their singleton offspring. 45 232 children were exposed and 1 915 313 were not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids.

Main outcome measures

Incidence rates were estimated for overall serious infection, sepsis, pneumonia, acute gastroenteritis, pyelonephritis, meningitis or encephalitis, cellulitis or soft tissue infection, septic arthritis or osteomyelitis, and endocarditis during the first three, six, and 12 months of life in children exposed versus those not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to quantify adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for each study outcome.

Results

The study cohort was 1 960 545 singleton children: 45 232 children were exposed to one course of antenatal corticosteroids and 1 915 313 children were not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids. The adjusted hazard ratios for overall serious infection, sepsis, pneumonia, and acute gastroenteritis among children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids were significantly higher than those not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids during the first six months of life (adjusted hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.18 to 1.47, P<0.001, for overall serious infection; 1.74, 1.16 to 2.61, P=0.01, for sepsis; 1.39, 1.17 to 1.65, P<0.001, for pneumonia; and 1.35, 1.10 to 1.65, P<0.001, for acute gastroenteritis).

Similarly, the adjusted hazard ratios for overall serious infection (P<0.001), sepsis (P=0.02), pneumonia (P<0.001), and acute gastroenteritis (P<0.001) were significantly higher from birth to 12 months of life. In the sibling matched cohort, the results were comparable with those observed in the whole cohort, with a significantly increased risk of sepsis in the first six (P=0.01) and 12 (P=0.04) months of life.

Conclusions

This nationwide cohort study found that children exposed to one course of antenatal corticosteroids were significantly more likely to have an increased risk of serious infection during the first 12 months of life. These findings suggest that before starting treatment, the long term risks of rare but serious infection associated with antenatal corticosteroids should be carefully weighed against the benefits in the perinatal period.
Development of a complex exercise rehabilitation intervention for people with pulmonary hypertension: the supervised pulmonary hypertension exercise rehabilitation (SPHERe) trial
Authors: Ennis Stuart , Sandhu Harbinder Kaur , Bruce Julie , Seers Kate , Pincus Tamar , Underwood Martin , McGregor Gordon
Published: August 2023

Background

People with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are not routinely referred for exercise rehabilitation despite the potential for reducing breathlessness and improving quality of life. We describe the development of a supervised pulmonary hypertension exercise rehabilitation (SPHERe) programme for people with PH.

Methods

Development was completed in three phases: (1) systematic review, (2) stakeholder engagement with consensus from patients and experts and (3) prepilot intervention acceptability testing. We completed systematic reviews to identify international cardiopulmonary rehabilitation guidance and trials of exercise-based interventions for people with PH. Evidence from systematic reviews and stakeholder consensus shaped the SPHERe intervention, including addition of individual behavioural support sessions to promote exercise adherence. The draft SPHERe intervention was ratified through discussions with multidisciplinary professionals and people living with PH. We acceptability tested the centre-based intervention with eight participants in a prepilot development phase which identified a number of condition-specific issues relating to safety and fear avoidance of activity. Comprehensive intervention practitioner training manuals were produced to ensure standardised delivery. Participant workbooks were developed and piloted. Trial recruitment began in January 2020 but was subsequently suspended in March 2020 further to COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdowns’. In response to the pandemic, we undertook further development work to redesign the intervention to be suitable for exclusively home-based online delivery. Recruitment to the revised protocol began in June 2021.

Discussion

The final SPHERe intervention incorporated weekly home-based online group exercise and behavioural support ‘coaching’ sessions supervised by trained practitioners, with a personalised home exercise plan and the optional loan of a stationary exercise bike. The intervention was fully manualised with clear pathways for assessment and individualised exercise prescription. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of the SPHERe online rehabilitation intervention is currently being tested in a UK multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Trial registration number

ISCRTN10608766.
Impact of hospitalist care model on patient outcomes in acute medical unit: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Hyun Jeong , Kim Jinhyun , Ohn Jung Hun , Kim Nak-Hyun
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess a newly introduced, hospitalist-run, acute medical unit (AMU) care model at a tertiary care hospital in the Republic of Korea.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital in the Republic of Korea.

Participants

We evaluated 6391 medical inpatients admitted through the emergency department (ED) from 1 June 2016 to 31 May 2017.

Interventions

The study compared multiple outcomes among medical inpatients from the ED between the non-hospitalist group and the AMU hospitalist group.

Outcome measures

In-hospital mortality (IHM), intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), ED-LOS and unscheduled readmission rates were defined as patient outcomes and compared between the two groups.

Results

Compared with the non-hospitalist group, the AMU hospitalist group had lower IHM (OR: 0.43, p<0.001), a lower ICU admission rate (OR: 0.72, p=0.013), a shorter LOS (coefficient: −0.984, SE: 0.318; p=0.002) and a shorter ED-LOS (coefficient: −3.021, SE: 0.256; p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the 10-day or 30-day readmission rates (p=0.974, p=0.965, respectively).

Conclusions

The AMU hospitalist care model was associated with reductions in IHM, ICU admission rate, LOS and ED-LOS. These findings suggest that the AMU hospitalist care model has the potential to be adopted into other healthcare systems to improve care for patients with acute medical needs.
Fluid retention-associated adverse events in patients treated with BCR::ABL1 inhibitors based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS): a retrospective pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Huang Jing , Cai Juanjuan , Ye Qingqing , Jiang Qiaoying , Lin Huan , Wu Lun
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to conduct a thorough analysis of fluid retention-associated adverse events (AEs) associated with BCR::ABL inhibitors.

Design

A retrospective pharmacovigilance study.

Setting

Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database for BCR::ABL inhibitors was searched from 1 January 2004 to 30 September 2021.

Main outcome measures

Reporting OR (ROR) and 95% CI were used to detect the signals. ROR was calculated by dividing the odds of fluid retention event reporting for the target drug by the odds of fluid retention event reporting for all other drugs. The signal was considered positive if the lower limit of 95% CI of ROR was >1. The analysis was run only considering coupled fluid retention events/BCR::ABL inhibitors with at least three cases.

Results

A total of 97 823 reports were identified in FAERS. Imatinib had the most fluid retention signals, followed by dasatinib and nilotinib, while bosutinib and ponatinib had fewer signals. Periorbital oedema (ROR=24.931, 95% CI 22.404 to 27.743), chylothorax (ROR=161.427, 95% CI 125.835 to 207.085), nipple swelling (ROR=48.796, 95% CI 26.270 to 90.636), chylothorax (ROR=35.798, 95% CI 14.791 to 86.642) and gallbladder oedema (ROR=77.996, 95% CI 38.286 to 158.893) were the strongest signals detected for imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib and ponatinib, respectively. Pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and pulmonary oedema were detected for all BCR::ABL inhibitors, with dasatinib having the highest RORs for pleural effusion (ROR=37.424, 95% CI 35.715 to 39.216), pericardial effusion (ROR=14.146, 95% CI 12.649 to 15.819) and pulmonary oedema (ROR=11.217, 95% CI 10.303 to 12.213). Patients aged ≥65 years using dasatinib, imatinib, nilotinib or bosutinib had higher RORs for pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and pulmonary oedema. Patients aged ≥65 years and females using imatinib had higher RORs for periorbital oedema, generalised oedema and face oedema.

Conclusions

This pharmacovigilance study serves as a clinical reminder to physicians to be more vigilant for fluid retention-associated AEs with BCR::ABL inhibitors.
Effectiveness of a proficiency-based progression e-learning approach to training in communication in the context of clinically deteriorating patients: a multi-arm randomised controlled trial
Authors: McCarthy Nora , Neville Karen , Pope Andrew , Barry Lee , Livingstone Vicki
Published: August 2023

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of proficiency-based progression (PBP) e-learning in training in communication concerning clinically deteriorating patients.

Design

Single-centre multi-arm randomised double-blind controlled trial with three parallel arms.

Randomisation, setting and participants

A computer-generated program randomised and allocated 120 final year medical students in an Irish University into three trial groups.

Intervention

Each group completed the standard Identification, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation communication e-learning; group 1 Heath Service Executive course group (HSE) performed this alone; group 2 (PBP) performed additional e-learning using PBP scenarios with expert-determined proficiency benchmarks composed of weighted marking schemes of steps, errors and critical errors cut-offs; group 3 (S) (self-directed, no PBP) performed additional e-learning with identical scenarios to (PBP) without PBP.

Main outcome measures

Primary analysis was based on 114 students, comparing ability to reach expert-determined predefined proficiency benchmark in standardised low-fidelity simulation assessment, before and after completion of each group’s e-learning requirements. Performance was recorded and scored by two independent blinded assessors.

Results

Post-intervention, proficiency in each group in the low-fidelity simulation environment improved with statistically significant difference in proficiency between groups (p<0.001). Proficiency was highest in (PBP) (81.1%, 30/37). Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed statistically significant differences between (PBP) and self-directed (S) (p<0.001) and (HSE) (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference existed between (S) and (HSE) (p=0.479). Changes in proficiency from pre-intervention to post-intervention were significantly different between the three groups (p=0.001). Post-intervention, an extra 67.6% (25/37) in (PBP) achieved proficiency in the low-fidelity simulation. Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed statistically significant differences between (PBP) and both (S) (p=0.020) and (HSE) (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between (S) and (HSE) (p=0.156).

Conclusions

PBP e-learning is a more effective way to train in communication concerning clinically deteriorating patients than standard e-learning or e-learning without PBP.

Trial registration number

NCT02937597.
Widening ethnic inequities in heart failure incidence in New Zealand
Authors: Chan Daniel ZL , Grey Corina , Doughty Rob N , Lund Mayanna , Lee Mildred Ai Wei , Poppe Katrina , Harwood Matire , Kerr Andrew
Published: August 2023

Objective

Ethnic inequities in heart failure (HF) have been documented in several countries. This study describes New Zealand (NZ) trends in incident HF hospitalisation by ethnicity between 2006 and 2018.

Methods

Incident HF hospitalisations in ≥20-year-old subjects were identified through International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision-coded national hospitalisation records. Incidence was calculated for different ethnic, sex and age groups and were age standardised. Trends were estimated with joinpoint regression.

Results

Of 116 113 incident HF hospitalisations, 12.8% were Māori, 5.7% Pacific people, 3.0% Asians and 78.6% Europeans/others. 64% of Māori and Pacific patients were aged <70 years, compared with 37% of Asian and 19% of European/others. In 2018, incidence rate ratios compared with European/others were 6.0 (95% CI 4.9 to 7.3), 7.5 (95% CI 6.0 to 9.4) and 0.5 (95% CI 0.3 to 0.8) for Māori, Pacific people and Asians aged 20–49 years; 3.7 (95% CI 3.4 to 4.0), 3.6 (95% CI 3.2 to 4.1) and 0.5 (95% CI 0.4 to 0.6) for Māori, Pacific people and Asians aged 50–69 years; and 1.5 (95% CI 1.4 to 1.6), 1.5 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.7) and 0.5 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.6) for Māori, Pacific people and Asians aged ≥70 years. Between 2006 and 2018, ethnicity-specific rates diverged in ≥70-year-old subjects due to a decline in European/others (annual percentage change (APC) −2.0%, 95% CI −2.5% to −1.6%) and Asians (APC −3.3%, 95% CI −4.4% to −2.1%), but rates remained unchanged for Māori and Pacific people. In contrast, regardless of ethnicity, rates either increased or remained unchanged in <70-year-old subjects.

Conclusion

Ethnic inequities in incident HF hospitalisation have widened in NZ over the past 13 years. Urgent action is required to address the predisposing factors that lead to development of HF in Maori and Pacific people.
Chronic immune-related adverse events in patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review
Authors: Barron Carly C , Stefanova Isabella , Cha Yevin , Elsolh Karam , Zereshkian Arman , Gaafour Nessma , McWhirter Elaine
Published: August 2023

Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are toxicities resulting from use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These side effects persist in some patients despite withholding therapy and using immunosuppressive and immune-modulating agents. Little is known about chronic irAEs and they are felt to be rare. We performed a systematic review to characterize non-endocrine chronic irAEs reported in the literature and describe their management. Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for reports of adult patients with solid cancers treated with ICIs who experienced chronic (>12 weeks) non-endocrine irAEs. Patient, treatment and toxicity data were collected. Of 6843 articles identified, 229 studies including 323 patients met our inclusion criteria. The median age was 65 (IQR 56–72) and 58% were male. Most patients (75%) had metastatic disease and the primary cancer site was melanoma in 43% and non-small cell lung cancer in 31% of patients. The most common ICIs delivered were pembrolizumab (24%) and nivolumab (37%). The chronic irAEs experienced were rheumatological in 20% of patients, followed by neurological in 19%, gastrointestinal in 16% and dermatological in 14%. The irAE persisted for a median (range) of 180 (84–2370) days and 30% of patients had ongoing symptoms or treatment. More than half (52%) of patients had chronic irAEs that persisted for >6 months. The ICI was permanently discontinued in 60% of patients and 76% required oral and/or intravenous steroids. This is the first systematic review to assess and report on moderate/severe chronic non-endocrine irAEs after treatment with ICI in the literature. These toxicities persisted for months-years and the majority required discontinuation of therapy and initiation of immunosuppression. Further research is needed to better understand chronic irAEs, which hold potential substantial clinical significance considering the expanded use of ICIs and their integration into the (neo)adjuvant settings.
Dysthyroidism during immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with improved overall survival in adult cancers: data mining of 1385 electronic patient records
Authors: Beaufils Mathilde , Amodru Vincent , Tejeda Manuel , Boher Jean Marie , Zemmour Christophe , Chanez Brice , Chrétien Anne Sophie , Gorvel Laurent , Gravis Gwenaelle , Bruyat Damien , Mari Roxane , Madroszyk Anne , Cuny Thomas , Gonçalves Anthony , Lisberg Aaron E , Olive Daniel , Tassy Louis , Castinetti Frederic , Rochigneux Philippe
Published: August 2023

Background

Dysthyroidism (DT) is a common toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and prior work suggests that dysthyroidism (DT) might be associated with ICI efficacy.

Patients and methods

ConSoRe, a new generation data mining solution, was used in this retrospective study, to extract data from electronic patient records of adult cancer patients treated with ICI at Institut Paoli-Calmettes (Marseille, France). Every DT was verified and only ICI-induced DT was retained. Survival analyses were performed by Kaplan-Meier method (log-rank test) and Cox model. To account for immortal time bias, a conditional landmark analysis was performed (2 months and 6 months), together with a time-varying Cox model.

Results

Data extraction identified 1385 patients treated with ICI between 2011 and 2021. DT was associated with improved overall survival (OS) (HR 0.46, (95% CI 0.33 to 0.65), p<0.001), with a median OS of 35.3 months in DT group vs 15.4 months in non-DT group (NDT). Survival impact of DT was consistent using a 6-month landmark analysis with a median OS of 36.7 months (95% CI 29.4 to not reported) in the DT group vs 25.5 months (95% CI 22.8 to 27.8) in the NDT group. In multivariate analysis, DT was independently associated with improved OS (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.69, p=0.001). After adjustment in time-varying Cox model, this association remained significant (adjusted HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.90, p=0.010). Moreover, patients with DT and additional immune-related adverse event had increased OS compared with patients with isolated DT, with median OS of 38.8 months vs 21.4 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Data mining identified a large number of patients with ICI-induced DT, which was associated with improved OS accounting for immortal time bias.
Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in the COVID-19 pandemic: adherence to legal standards
Authors: Guastella Virginie , Lambert Céline , Lafforgue Aurore , Metretin Pauline , Verstreate Aude , Watelet Sophie , Perceau-Chambard Élise , Lautrette Alexandre
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In France, when the patient is unable to express his wishes, the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment (WWLST) is made following a collegial procedure described by a law. The aim of our study was to assess how closely this WWLST decision-making procedure in end of life patients was maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective observational multicentre study compared the rate of non-compliance with WWLST decision-making procedures during the pandemic period from March to June 2020 with control period in 2019, in Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon Hospitals. Secondary objectives were to determine the factors associated with non-compliance.

Results

In 430 deceased patients included (176 in 2019 and 254 in 2020), the rate of non-compliance was 61.4% in 2019 and 59.1% in 2020 (p=0.63). In multivariable analysis, non-compliance was associated with immunosuppression status (OR 1.69, 95% CI (1.12 to 2.54), p=0.01) but was lower in intensive care unit (OR 0.54, 95% CI (0.36 to 0.82), p=0.003) and when the patient had visits from relatives (OR 0.41, 95% CI (0.22 to 0.75), p=0.004).

Conclusion

In France, more than half of WWLST decisions do not comply with the law. The COVID-19 pandemic did not increase this non-compliance rate. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying non-compliance with WWLST decision-making procedure.

Trial registration number

NCT04452487.
Characteristics of a sea louse (Caligus clemensi) epizootic in wild Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii)
Authors: Páez David J. , Gregg Jacob L. , MacKenzie Ashley H. , Hall Sophie A. , Hershberger Paul K.
Published: August 2023

We characterized a natural sea louse epizootic of Caligus clemensi and the effects of parasitism on Pacific herring Clupea pallasii in Port Angeles Harbor, WA, USA. Infestation prevalence on newly metamorphosed age 0 Pacific herring reached 100% prevalence by mid-August. At this time, the mean louse intensity was 4.6 lice/fish, and a positive correlation occurred between louse intensity and herring body length. The epizootic then waned, with infestation prevalence decreasing to less than 25% and the mean parasite intensity falling below 1 louse. While skin injuries were not detected, motile lice preferentially aggregated around head and anterior dorsal areas. However, louse tropism became evenly distributed over the body as the parasite intensity increased. Louse-induced mortality in herring was negligible in controlled experiments. These results indicate that Caligus clemensi epizootics reach high prevalence, but also fade from mid-summer to early fall. Due to the predominant presence of motile copepod stages, we suggest that the epizootic fades because lice complete their life cycle and dislodge from the host; however, multiple explanations for epidemic fading are possible.
Visual Security Index Combining CNN and Filter for Perceptually Encrypted Light Field Images
Authors: Wen Wenying , Huang Minghui , Zhang Yushu , Fang Yuming , Zuo Yifan
Published: August 2023

Visual security index (VSI) represents a quantitative index for the visual security evaluation of perceptually encrypted images. Recently, the research on visual security of encrypted light field (LF) images faces two challenges. One is that the existing perceptually encrypted image databases are often too small, which is easy to cause overfitting in convolutional neural network (CNN). The other is that existing VSI models did not take a full account the intrinsic characteristics of the LF images and highly relied on handcrafted feature extraction. In this article, we construct a new database of perceptually encrypted LF images, called the PE-SLF, which is 2.6 times as big as the existing largest perceptual encrypted image database. Moreover, a novel visual security index (VSI) model is proposed by taking into full consideration the intrinsic spatial-angular characteristics of the LF images and the outstanding capabilities of CNN in feature extraction. First, we exploit CNN to detect the texture and structure features of encrypted sub-aperture images in the spatial domain. Second, we apply the Gabor filter to detect the Gabor feature over the epi-polar plane images in angular domain. Last, the spatial and angular similarity measurements are subsequently calculated for jointly yielding the final visual security score. Experimental results on the constructed PE-SLF demonstrate that the proposed VSI model is closer to the perception of HVS in visual security evaluation of encrypted LF images compared to other classical and state-of-the-art models.
Head Pose Estimation Patterns as Deepfake Detectors
Authors: Becattini Federico , Bisogni Carmen , Loia Vincenzo , Pero Chiara , Hao Fei
Published: August 2023

The capacity to create “fake” videos has recently raised concerns about the reliability of multimedia content. Identifying between true and false information is a critical step toward resolving this problem. On this issue, several algorithms utilizing deep learning and facial landmarks have yielded intriguing results. Facial landmarks are traits that are solely tied to the subject’s head posture. Based on this observation, we study how Head Pose Estimation (HPE) patterns may be utilized to detect deepfakes in this work. The HPE patterns studied are based on FSA-Net, SynergyNet, and WSM, which are among the most performant approaches on the state-of-the-art. Finally, using a machine learning technique based on K-Nearest Neighbor and Dynamic Time Warping, their temporal patterns are categorized as authentic or false. We also offer a set of experiments for examining the feasibility of using deep learning techniques on such patterns. The findings reveal that the ability to recognize a deepfake video utilizing an HPE pattern is dependent on the HPE methodology. On the contrary, performance is less dependent on the performance of the utilized HPE technique. Experiments are carried out on the FaceForensics++ dataset that presents both identity swap and expression swap examples. The findings show that FSA-Net is an effective feature extraction method for determining whether a pattern belongs to a deepfake or not. The approach is also robust in comparison to deepfake videos created using various methods or for different goals. In the mean the method obtain 86% of accuracy on the identity swap task and 86.5% of accuracy on the expression swap. These findings offer up various possibilities and future directions for solving the deepfake detection problem using specialized HPE approaches, which are also known to be fast and reliable.
Retrieving Similar Trajectories from Cellular Data of Multiple Carriers at City Scale
Authors: Shen Zhihao , Du Wan , Zhao Xi , Zou Jianhua
Published: August 2023

Retrieving similar trajectories aims to search for the trajectories that are close to a query trajectory in spatio-temporal domain from a large trajectory dataset. This is critical for a variety of applications, like transportation planning and mobility analysis. Unlike previous studies that perform similar trajectory retrieval on fine-grained GPS data or single cellular carrier, we investigate the feasibility of finding similar trajectories from cellular data of multiple carriers, which provide more comprehensive coverage of population and space. To handle the issues of spatial bias of cellular data from multiple carriers, coarse spatial granularity, and irregular sparse temporal sampling, we develop a holistic system
cellSim
. Specifically, to avoid the issue of spatial bias, we first propose a novel map matching approach, which transforms the cell tower sequences from multiple carriers to routes on a unified road map. Then, to address the issue of temporal sparse sampling, we generate multiple routes with different confidences to increase the probability of finding truly similar trajectories. Finally, a new trajectory similarity measure is developed for similar trajectory search by calculating the similarities between the irregularly-sampled trajectories. Extensive experiments on a large-scale cellular dataset from two carriers and real-world 1,701 km query trajectories reveal that cellSim provides state-of-the-art performance for similar trajectory retrieval.