bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Case-Control Study on the Diagnostic Values of Hemostatic Markers in Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy
Authors: Sun Qiujin , Lu Yifan , Zhong Junhui , Yang Xianchun , Zhong Lu , Zhang Wenwen , Weng Yanhua , Xu Zhengwen , Zhai Yanhong , Cao Zheng
Published: November 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the following hemostatic markers in hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP): tissue-type plasminogen activator and inhibitor-1 complex (tPAI-C), thrombomodulin, thrombin-antithrombin complex, plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complex, D-dimer, and fibrinogen degradation products.

Methods

A total of 311 individuals diagnosed with HDP and 187 healthy controls (HC) of matched gestational age were admitted, including 175 subjects with gestational hypertension, 94 with mild preeclampsia, and 42 with severe preeclampsia.

Results

Compared with those of the HC group, the plasma concentrations of all the hemostatic markers continuously increased with the clinical severity of the hypertensive disorder, regardless of their statistical significance. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, tPAI-C displayed the best discrimination performance.

Conclusion

The tPAI-C level was consistently and significantly elevated across the different HDP groups when compared with the HC group, suggesting aggravated fibrinolysis disorder increasing with the severity of the HDP.
The normative underpinnings of Ireland’s proposed regulation of assisted human reproduction
Authors: Bracken Lydia
Published: November 2022

Assisted human reproduction (AHR) challenges traditional understandings of family relationships. Yet, the Irish legislature remains focused on normative constructions of the family and has relied on this understanding as the basis to determine the sort of legal family relationships that it will accommodate in AHR under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022. The result is a Bill that adopts a binary view of reproduction that fails to align with broader legal and social developments. The Bill is also exclusionary as it seeks to limit access to AHR treatment to those families that replicate (or have the potential to replicate) the sexual family form. This article examines the normative underpinnings of the 2022 Bill by analysing the gendered language that is used to refer to different aspects of the reproductive process and by critiquing the provisions that restrict access to AHR treatment for certain intending parents. The article challenges the entrenchment of the sexual family in the legal imagination, arguing that there is a need to rethink the approach adopted in the 2022 Bill to ensure that the proposed legislation will accommodate the diverse range of families who will seek to rely on its provisions.
Hubble tensions: a historical statistical analysis
Authors: López-Corredoira Martín
Published: November 2022

Statistical analyses of measurements of the Hubble–Lemaître constant H0 (163 measurements between 1976 and 2019) show that the statistical error bars associated with the observed parameter measurements have been underestimated – or the systematic errors were not properly taken into account – in at least 15–20 per cent of the measurements. The fact that the underestimation of error bars for H0 is so common might explain the apparent discrepancy of values, which is formally known as the Hubble tension. Here we have carried out a recalibration of the probabilities with this sample of measurements. We find that thexσ deviation is indeed equivalent in a normal distribution to the xeqσ deviation in the frequency of values, where xeq = 0.83x0.62. Hence, a tension of 4.4σ, estimated between the local Cepheid–supernova distance ladder and cosmic microwave background (CMB) data, is indeed a 2.1σ tension in equivalent terms of a normal distribution of frequencies, with an associated probability P(>xeq) = 0.036 (1 in 28). This can be increased up to a equivalent tension of 2.5σ in the worst of the cases of claimed 6σ tension, which may occur anyway as a random statistical fluctuation.
The discovery of three hot Jupiters, NGTS-23b, 24b, and 25b, and updated parameters for HATS-54b from the Next Generation Transit Survey
Authors: Jackson David G , Watson Christopher A , de Mooij Ernst J W , Acton Jack S , Alves Douglas R , Anderson David R , Armstrong David J , Bayliss Daniel , Belardi Claudia , Bouchy François , Bryant Edward M , Burleigh Matthew R , Casewell Sarah L , Costes Jean C , Eigmüller Phillip , Goad Michael R , Gill Samuel , Gillen Edward , Günther Maximilian N , Hawthorn Faith , Henderson Beth A , Jackman James A G , Jenkins James S , Lendl Monika , Kendall Alicia , McCormac James , Moyano Maximiliano , Nielsen Louise D , Osborn Ares , Sefako Ramotholo R , Smith Alexis M S , Tilbrook Rosanna H , Turner Oliver , Udry Stéphane , Vines Jose I , West Richard G , Wheatley Peter J , Worters Hannah
Published: November 2022

We report the discovery of three new hot Jupiters with the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS) as well as updated parameters for HATS-54b, which was independently discovered by NGTS. NGTS-23b, NGTS-24b, and NGTS-25b have orbital periods of 4.076, 3.468, and 2.823 d and orbit G-, F-, and K-type stars, respectively. NGTS-24 and HATS-54 appear close to transitioning off the main-sequence (if they are not already doing so), and therefore are interesting targets given the observed lack of hot Jupiters around sub-giant stars. By considering the host star luminosities and the planets’ small orbital separations (0.037–0.050 au), we find that all four hot Jupiters are above the minimum irradiance threshold for inflation mechanisms to be effective. NGTS-23b has a mass of 0.61 MJ and radius of 1.27 RJ and is likely inflated. With a radius of 1.21 RJ and mass of 0.52 MJ, NGTS-24b has a radius larger than expected from non-inflated models but its radius is smaller than the predicted radius from current Bayesian inflationary models. Finally, NGTS-25b is intermediate between the inflated and non-inflated cases, having a mass of 0.64 MJ and a radius of 1.02 RJ. The physical processes driving radius inflation remain poorly understood, and by building the sample of hot Jupiters we can aim to identify the additional controlling parameters, such as metallicity and stellar age.
The HST large programme on NGC 6752 – IV. The White Dwarf sequence
Authors: Bedin L R , Salaris M , Anderson J , Scalco M , Nardiello D , Vesperini E , Richer H , Burgasser A , Griggio M , Gerasimov R , Apai D , Bellini A , Libralato M , Bergeron P , Rich R M , Grazian A
Published: November 2022

We present our final study of the white dwarf cooling sequence (WD CS) in the globular cluster NGC 6752. The investigation is the main goal of a dedicated Hubble Space Telescope large program, for which all the observations are now collected. The WD CS luminosity function (LF) is confirmed to peak at mF606W ≃ 29.3 ± 0.1, consistent within uncertainties with what has been previously reported, and is now complete down to mF606W ≃ 29.7. We have performed robust and conclusive comparisons with model predictions that show how the theoretical LF for hydrogen envelope WD models closely follow the shape of the empirical LF. The magnitude of the peak of the observed LF is matched with ages between 12.7 and 13.5 Gyr, consistent with the cluster age derived from the main sequence turn off and subgiant branch. We also find that the impact of multiple populations within the cluster on the WD LF for mF606W below 27.3 is negligible, and that the presence of a small fraction of helium envelope objects is consistent with the data. Our analysis reveals a possible hint of an underestimate of the cooling time-scales of models in the magnitude range 28.1 < mF606W < 28.9. Finally, we find that hydrogen envelope models calculated with a new tabulation of electron conduction opacities in the transition between moderate and strong degeneracy provide WD ages that are too small in comparison to the main sequence turnoff age.
Updated analysis of an unexpected correlation between dark matter and galactic ellipticity
Authors: Winters D M , Deur A , Zheng X
Published: November 2022

We investigate a correlation between the dark matter content of elliptical galaxies and their ellipticity ϵ that was initially reported in 2014. We use new determinations of dark matter and ellipticities that are posterior to that time. Our data set consists of 237 elliptical galaxies passing a strict set of criteria that selects a homogeneous sample of typical elliptical galaxies. We find a relation between the mass-to-light ratio and ellipticity ϵ that is well fitted by M/L = (14.1 ± 5.4)ϵ, which agrees with the result reported in 2014. Our analysis includes 135 galaxies that were not in the 2014 analysis, and includes data sets with refined versions of previous methods. The consistency between the present and 2014 analyses reduces the possibility that the initial observation of the correlation came from approximations in the methods used to estimate dark matter content or lower resolution data, thereby lending support to a physical origin.
S-PLUS DR1 galaxy clusters and groups catalogue using PzWav
Authors: Werner S V , Cypriano E S , Gonzalez A H , Mendes de Oliveira C , Araya-Araya P , Doubrawa L , Lopes de Oliveira R , Lopes P A A , Vitorelli A Z , Brambila D , Costa-Duarte M , Telles E , Kanaan A , Ribeiro T , Schoenell W , Gonçalves T S , Menéndez-Delmestre K , Bom C R , Nakazono L
Published: November 2022

We present a catalogue of 4499 groups and clusters of galaxies from the first data release of the multi-filter (5 broad, 7 narrow) Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS). These groups and clusters are distributed over 273 deg2 in the Stripe 82 region. They are found using the PzWav algorithm, which identifies peaks in galaxy density maps that have been smoothed by a cluster scale difference-of-Gaussians kernel to isolate clusters and groups. Using a simulation-based mock catalogue, we estimate the purity and completeness of cluster detections: at S/N > 3.3, we define a catalogue that is 80 per cent pure and complete in the redshift range 0.1 < z < 0.4, for clusters with M200 > 1014 M⊙. We also assessed the accuracy of the catalogue in terms of central positions and redshifts, finding scatter of σR = 12 kpc and σz = 8.8 × 10−3, respectively. Moreover, less than 1 per cent of the sample suffers from fragmentation or overmerging. The S-PLUS cluster catalogue recovers ∼80 per cent of all known X-ray and Sunyaev-Zel’dovich selected clusters in this field. This fraction is very close to the estimated completeness, thus validating the mock data analysis and paving an efficient way to find new groups and clusters of galaxies using data from the ongoing S-PLUS project. When complete, S-PLUS will have surveyed 9300 deg2 of the sky, representing the widest uninterrupted areas with narrow-through-broad multi-band photometry for cluster follow-up studies.
Revisiting the [C ii] 158 μm line-intensity mapping power spectrum from the EoR using non-uniform line-luminosity scatter
Authors: Murmu Chandra Shekhar , Olsen Karen P , Greve Thomas R , Majumdar Suman , Datta Kanan K , Scott Bryan R , Leung T K Daisy , Davé Romeel , Popping Gergö , Ochoa Raul Ortega , Vizgan David , Narayanan Desika
Published: November 2022

Detecting the line-intensity mapping (LIM) signal from the galaxies of the epoch of reionization is an emerging tool to constrain their role in reionization. Ongoing and upcoming experiments target the signal fluctuations across the sky to reveal statistical and astrophysical properties of these galaxies via signal statistics, e.g. the power spectrum. Here, we revisit the [C ii]$_{158 \, \mu \text{m}}$ LIM power spectrum under non-uniform line–luminosity scatter, which has a halo-mass variation of statistical properties. Line–luminosity scatter from a cosmological hydrodynamic and radiative transfer simulation of galaxies at $z$ = 6 is considered in this study. We test the robustness of different model frameworks that interpret the impact of the line-luminosity scatter on the signal statistics. We use a simple power-law model to fit the scatter and demonstrate that the mean luminosity–halo mass correlation fit cannot preserve the mean intensity of the LIM signal (hence the clustering power spectrum) under non-uniform scatter. In our case, the mean intensity changes by ∼48 per cent compared to the mean correlation fit in contrast to the general case with semi-analytical scatter. However, we find that the prediction for the mean intensity from the most-probable fit can be modelled robustly, considering the generalized and more realistic non-uniform scatter. We also explore the possibility of diminishing luminosity bias under non-uniform scatter, affecting the clustering power spectrum, although this phenomenon might not be statistically significant. Therefore, we should adopt appropriate approaches that can consistently interpret the LIM power spectrum from observations.
Realistic H i scale heights of Milky Way-mass galaxies in the FIREbox cosmological volume
Authors: Gensior Jindra , Feldmann Robert , Mayer Lucio , Wetzel Andrew , Hopkins Philip F , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André
Published: November 2022

Accurately reproducing the thin cold gas discs observed in nearby spiral galaxies has been a long standing issue in cosmological simulations. Here, we present measurements of the radially resolved H i scale height in 22 non-interacting Milky Way-mass galaxies from the FIREbox cosmological volume. We measure the H i scale heights using five different approaches commonly used in the literature: fitting the vertical volume density distribution with a Gaussian, the distance between maximum and half-maximum of the vertical volume density distribution, a semi-empirical description using the velocity dispersion and the galactic gravitational potential, the analytic assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium, and the distance from the midplane which encloses ≳60 per cent of the H i mass. We find median H i scale heights, measured using the vertical volume distribution, that range from ∼100 pc in the galactic centres to ∼800 pc in the outskirts and are in excellent agreement with recent observational results. We speculate that the presence of a realistic multiphase interstellar medium, including cold gas, and realistic stellar feedback are the drivers behind the realistic H i scale heights.
Superscattering of water waves
Authors: Qin Zijian , Qian Chao , Shen Lian , Wang Xiaoping , Kaminer Ido , Chen Hongsheng , Wang Huaping
Published: November 2022

Inspired by the concept of superscattering in optics, we for the first time theoretically predict and experimentally demonstrate the superscattering phenomenon in water waves. The subwavelength superscatterer is constructed by multi-layered concentric cylinders with an inhomogeneous depth profile. The superscatterer breaks the long-held single-channel scattering limit by several times and thus significantly enhances the total scattering strength. The underlying mechanism originates from the near degeneracy of the resonances of multiple channels. We fabricate the superscatterer prototype and experimentally measure the near-field patterns, which are consistent with theoretical prediction and numerical simulation. Our study opens a new avenue to strengthen water-wave scattering and deepen the understanding in water waves, which can be useful for ocean energy harvesting and harbor protection.
Bird–building collisions increase with weather conditions that favor nocturnal migration and with inclement and changing weather
Authors: Lao Sirena , Anderson Abigail W , Blair Robert B , Eckles Joanna W , Turner Reed J , Loss Scott R
Published: November 2022

Collisions with building windows are a top bird mortality source, but few studies have evaluated how bird–window collisions are influenced by weather. By monitoring collisions daily at 21 buildings in Minneapolis, Minnesota, over 4 migration seasons, we show that weather influences numbers of window collisions of nocturnal migrants in spring and fall, indicating that collisions may be forecastable based on weather conditions. Collisions increased with weather favoring migration, such as consecutive nights of south wind in spring and even short periods of north wind in fall. We also found evidence that spring and fall collisions increase with weather changes that impede migration, such as changes from fair conditions and tailwinds early in the night to headwinds near sunrise. Our study suggests complex weather effects never before considered in the context of bird collisions, including possible time lag effects of conditions 2–3 nights before collisions occur, effects of multi-day sequences of conditions, and interactions between conditions at different times of night. More research is needed to determine if the accuracy of weather-based collision prediction systems improves by integrating such nuances and to clarify mechanisms through which these complex effects operate, such as influences of weather on migration intensity and collision avoidance behavior. Weather-based forecasts may allow refinement of collision mitigation approaches (e.g., reducing building lighting on certain nights or using temporary glass coverings or treatments). However, because challenges remain to communicating such temporally targeted actions and implementing them in a timely manner, other bird-friendly practices (e.g., season-long lighting reduction and permanent glass treatments) should continue to be prioritized.
Low incidence of neurological recurrent side-effects following COVID-19 reimmunization
Authors: Koh Jasmine Shimin , Hoe Rebecca Hui Min , Chen Geraldine Jiangyan , Goh Yihui , Tan Benjamin Y Q , Yong Ming Hui , Hui Andrew Che-Fai , Tu Tian Ming , Yong Kok Pin , Angon Jasmyn , Tan Kevin , Quek Amy May Lin , Umapathi Thirugnanam , Seet Raymond Chee Seong
Published: November 2022

Background

Individuals who suffered a neurological adverse event after the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine could hesitate and defer reimmunization.

Aim

We examine the risk of recurrence following reimmunization among patients who developed a neurological event after the first dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

Design

Observational study.

Methods

Individuals who developed an adjudicated neurological adverse event (based on Brighton Collaboration criteria) within 6 weeks of the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine requiring hospitalization were enrolled into a multicenter national registry in Singapore. Neurological recurrence, defined by the development of another neurological event within 6 weeks of the second vaccine dose, was reviewed. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients who chose to proceed or withhold further vaccination, and between those who received timely (3–6 weeks) or delayed (>6 weeks) reimmunization.

Results

From 235 patients (median age, 67 years; 63% men) who developed an adjudicated neurological event after their first dose of mRNA vaccine between 30 December 2020 and 20 April 2021, 181 (77%) chose to undergo reimmunization. Those who decided against reimmunization were older (median age, 74 vs. 66 years) and had greater physical disability following their primary neurological event (46% vs. 20%, P < 0.001). Patients who suffered greater physical disability were three times more likely to delay their reimmunization (odds ratio 3.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.76–6.40). Neurological recurrence was observed in only four individuals (three with seizures and one with myasthenia gravis exacerbation).

Conclusions

A prior neurological event should not necessarily preclude reimmunization and the decision to proceed with reimmunization should consider the overwhelming benefits conferred by vaccination toward ending this pandemic.
Improving outcomes in scleroderma: recent progress of cell-based therapies
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Krieger Nancy , Sullivan Keith M
Published: November 2022

Scleroderma is a rare, potentially fatal, clinically heterogeneous, systemic autoimmune connective tissue disorder that is characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs, vasculopathy and immune dysregulation. The more severe form of the disease, diffuse cutaneous scleroderma (dcSSc), has no cure and limited treatment options. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has emerged as a potentially disease-modifying treatment but faces challenges such as toxicity associated with fully myeloablative conditioning and recurrence of autoimmunity. Novel cell therapies—such as mesenchymal stem cells, chimeric antigen receptor-based therapy, tolerogenic dendritic cells and facilitating cells—that may restore self-tolerance with more favourable safety and tolerability profiles are being explored for the treatment of dcSSc and other autoimmune diseases. This narrative review examines these evolving cell therapies.
Formulation of resveratrol into PGA-co-PDL nanoparticles increases its cytotoxic potency against lung cancer cells
Authors: Muller Ashley G , Sarker Satyajit D , Fatokun Amos A , Hutcheon Gillian A
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer-related deaths, and current treatment involves the use of cytotoxic drugs that have many unwanted side effects. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has promising anticancer efficacy, but its therapeutic application is hindered by low bioavailability, which the present study sought to improve through encapsulation into nanoparticles (NPs).

Methods

Resveratrol was loaded into poly(glycerol adipate-co-ω-pentadecalactone) (PGA-co-PDL; MWt 16.5 KDa) NPs with sizes 220–230 nm, and tested against Calu-3 human lung cancer cells.

Key findings

About 5% and 10% resveratrol nanoparticles (RNPs) had a high encapsulation efficiency of 78 ± 0.24% and 70 ± 0.89% and a drug loading of 39 ± 0.12 µg and 70 ± 0.89 µg (w/w), respectively. The PGA-co-PDL blank NP (BNP) at 1 mg/ml had good cytocompatibility when Calu-3 cells were exposed to it for 24 h (cell viability of 87.5 ± 4.7%). Remarkably, the 5% RNP and 10% RNP lowered, up to 80%, the IC50 for 24 h cytotoxicity of resveratrol against the cells, from 158 ± 16 µM to 32 ± 10 µM and 70 ± 13 µM, respectively.

Conclusions

Loading of resveratrol into PGA-co-PDL NPs increases its anticancer potency, thus enhancing its prospect for treating lung cancer.
Identificational Orientations among Three Generations of Migrants in France
Authors: Okai Ewurama A , Behrman Julia A
Published: November 2022

Scholarship on migrant identity increasingly shows that migrants can—and often do—construct multifaceted identities. Yet, questions around migrant identity formation remain contested in France, given a strongly assimilationist policy context that (in theory) precludes multiple identification. This paper explores intergenerational patterns of migrant identification in France using a nationally representative sample of 1st-, 1.5th-, and 2nd-generation migrants in France from five diverse sending regions in the Trajectories and Origin Survey. We conduct a latent profile analysis to identify qualitatively different unobserved (or latent) categories of migrant identification based on observed responses to questions of identification and belonging. These analyses suggest there are five distinct “identificational orientations” among migrants: assimilated, active bicultural, othered bicultural, detached bicultural, and ethnic. While the assimilated and ethnic categories provide some support for a traditional assimilation framework, biculturalism is widely prevalent and multifaceted: We identify three distinct varieties of biculturalism (active, othered, and detached). We also provide evidence of segmentation in identificational assimilation by region of origin and conduct multivariate analyses that shed insight into the experiences that correlate with different identificational orientations. Our findings question the presumed threat of strong ethnic identification to France’s national cohesion and offer starting points for future research on how complex identities are formed within strongly assimilationist receiving contexts like France.
Effect of smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy app on insomnia: a randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Watanabe Yosuke , Kuroki Taiyo , Ichikawa Daisuke , Ozone Motohiro , Uchimura Naohisa , Ueno Taro
Published: November 2022

Study Objectives

This study assessed the effects and safety of the smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) app compared with the sham app.

Methods

In this multicenter, double-blind, and parallel-group study, 175 patients with insomnia were randomized to a smartphone-based CBT-I app (Active, n = 87) or a sham app (Sham, n = 88) group. The primary endpoint was the change in Athens Insomnia Score (AIS) from baseline after 8 weeks of treatment.

Results

The change in AIS (mean ± standard deviation) from baseline, assessed using a modified-intent-to-treat analysis, was −6.7 ± 4.4 in the Active group and −3.3 ± 4.0 in the Sham group. The difference in the mean change between the groups was −3.4 (p < .001), indicating a greater change in the Active group. The change in CGI-I from the baseline was 1.3 ± 0.8 in the Active group and 0.7 ± 0.8 in the Sham group (p < .001). The proportion of patients with an AIS less than 6 was 37.9% in the Active group and 10.2% in the Sham group (p < .001). As for the safety assessment, no adverse reactions or device failures were detected in the Active group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of a smartphone-based CBT-I system for treating insomnia.

Clinical Trial Registration

ID: jRCT2032210071; trial name: Sham (software)-controlled, multicenter, dynamic allocation, double-blinded study of non-medication therapy with a software Yukumi in patients with insomnia disorders (verification study); URL: https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT2032210071
The Churches They Are a Changin’: Processes of Change in Worship Services
Authors: Roso Joseph
Published: November 2022

One of the most significant recent changes in American religious congregations is the shift toward more enthusiastic worship practices. Despite how clear and significant this trend is, the processes by which worship services have become more enthusiastic remain unclear. I address this question using linear decomposition techniques with data from the National Congregations Study—a nationally representative repeated cross-sectional survey of American religious congregations. Drawing from theories of population ecology, organizational adaptation, and institutions, I identify two distinct processes by which the population of congregations is incorporating more enthusiastic worship practices: (1) new congregations that are disproportionately nondenominational or evangelical are entering the population with highly enthusiastic worship practices, and (2) older congregations across all traditions are changing their worship to incorporate more enthusiastic practices. Because most congregations are older, the second process accounts for most of the change in the population. These findings help advance our understanding of how the population of religious congregations is changing in the 21st century.
Ethnic differences in hepatitis A and E virus seroprevalence in patients attending the Emergency Department, Paramaribo, Suriname
Authors: Mac Donald-Ottevanger M S , Prins Maria , van Dissel Jaap , Rier Neela , Reimerink Johan , Zijlmans Wilco C W R , Vreden Stephen G S , Boyd Anders
Published: November 2022

Background

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) have enteric modes of transmission and are common causes of acute hepatitis in low- and middle-income countries. HEV is also characterised as a zoonotic infection and is prevalent in high-income countries. Data on HAV and HEV prevalence in Suriname, a middle-income country in South America, are scarce.

Methods

Serum samples of 944 and 949 randomly selected patients attending the Emergency Department at the Academic Hospital of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, were analysed for anti-HAV antibodies (anti-HAV) and anti-HEV antibodies (anti-HEV), respectively. Determinants of anti-HAV and anti-HEV positive serology were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Anti-HAV prevalence was 58.3% (95% CI 55.4 to 61.4%) and higher prevalence was independently associated with belonging to the Tribal or Indigenous population and older age. Anti-HEV prevalence was 3.7% (95% CI 2.6 to 5.0%) and higher prevalence was associated with Tribal and Creole ethnicity and older age.

Conclusions

In Suriname, exposure to HAV is consistent with a very low endemic country and exposure to HEV was rare. Both viruses were more prevalent in specific ethnic groups. As anti-HAVantibodies were less frequently found in younger individuals, they could be susceptible to potential HAV outbreaks and might require HAV vaccination.
Trends in NIH Funding to Medical Schools in 2011 and 2020
Authors: Roskoski Robert
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To examine trends in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to U.S. medical schools and their academic departments and the amount of awards provided by each of the NIH institutes.

Method

All data on NIH awards to U.S. medical schools from 2000 to 2020 are publicly available and were obtained from the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools and Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. These data include the value and number of awards to each medical school, medical school department, medical school location, principal investigator, and the NIH awarding institute. Trends in the inflation-adjusted awards from 2011 to 2020 were calculated and a comparison of the awards made in 2011 and 2020 was performed.

Results

The total NIH budget increased by 16.1% from 2011 to 2020. The allocation of NIH funds to medical schools increased 26.3% ($13.7 billion to $17.3 billion) during this interval. In 2020, 29.3% of all medical school NIH funds were allocated to departments of internal medicine/medicine. Psychiatry was the second ranking department, which was followed, in order, by pediatrics, neurology, and microbiology/immunology/virology. The National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute were the top medical school funding institutes in 2011 and 2020. Medical schools as a group continue to receive the greatest percentage of NIH funding. Funding to clinical science departments increased by a larger percentage than that to basic science departments (35.3% vs 10.9%, respectively) over the 2011–2020 interval.

Conclusions

Funding for clinical science departments is increasing at a faster rate than that of basic science departments. However, that so much investigation in basic science and clinical science departments is performed by personnel with a PhD degree indicates the goals and methods of the basic and clinical sciences may not be so different.
Efficacy of Technical Modifications to the Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) Procedure
Authors: Khajeh Elias , Ramouz Ali , Dooghaie Moghadam Arash , Aminizadeh Ehsan , Ghamarnejad Omid , Ali-Hassan-Al-Saegh Sadeq , Hammad Ahmed , Shafiei Saeed , Abbasi Dezfouli Sepehr , Nickkholgh Arash , Golriz Mohammad , Goncalves Gil , Rio-Tinto Ricardo , Carvalho Carlos , Hoffmann Katrin , Probst Pascal , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

To compare the outcomes of modified-Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) techniques with those of conventional-ALPPS.

Background:

ALPPS is an established technique for treating advanced liver tumors.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched. The outcomes were assessed by single-arm and 2-arm analyses.

Results:

Seventeen studies containing 335 modified-ALPPS patients were included in single-arm meta-analysis. The estimated blood loss was 267 ± 29 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 210–324 mL) during the first and 662 ± 51 mL (95% CI, 562–762 mL) during the second stage. The operation time was 166 ± 18 minutes (95% CI, 131–202 minutes) during the first and 225 ± 19 minutes (95% CI, 188–263 minutes) during the second stage. The major morbidity rate was 14% (95% CI, 9%–22%) after the first stage. The future liver remnant hypertrophy rate was 65.2% ± 5% (95% CI, 55%–75%) and the interstage interval was 16 ± 1 days (95% CI, 14–17 days). The dropout rate was 9% (95% CI, 5%–15%). The overall complication rate was 46% (95% CI, 37%–56%) and the major complication rate was 20% (95% CI, 14%–26%). The postoperative mortality rate was 7% (95% CI, 4%–11%). Seven studies containing 215 patients were included in comparative analysis. The hypertrophy rate was not different between 2 methods (mean difference [MD], –5.01; 95% CI, –19.16 to 9.14; P = 0.49). The interstage interval was shorter for partial-ALPPS (MD, 9.43; 95% CI, 3.29–15.58; P = 0.003). The overall complication rate (odds ratio [OR], 10.10; 95% CI, 2.11–48.35; P = 0.004) and mortality rate (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.36–10.26; P = 0.01) were higher in the conventional-ALPPS.

Conclusions:

The hypertrophy rate in partial-ALPPS was similar to conventional-ALPPS. This shows that minimizing the first stage of the operation does not affect hypertrophy. Moreover, the postoperative overall morbidity and mortality rates were lower following partial-ALPPS.
Experiences of Mothers Living With HIV in a South African Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Programme: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Velapi Linda , Mayers Pat M. , Frantz Jose
Published: November 2022

More than 90% of all HIV infections in children result from mother to child transmission. Elimination of mother–child transmission is a global priority and vital for the improvement of child survival in high-burden, limited resource settings. Retention in HIV care is vital to reduce transmission risk. This qualitative study explored the experiences and adherence challenges of mothers living with HIV of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programme in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa. Interviews were conducted with purposively selected participants enrolled in a PMTCT programme at a primary care facility. Thematic analysis generated six themes. Findings demonstrate the complexity of living as a woman with HIV in a socioeconomically disadvantaged and marginalized periurban community. For each woman, there is a set of concerns relating to person, home, community, and clinic which may affect her understanding, acceptance of, and adherence to the PMTCT programme.
Impact of Preadmission Observation Hours on Key Physical Therapist Clinical Education Stakeholders: Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Bayliss Jamie , Schack-Dugre Judi , Hoang Thuha , Watkins Molly , Mitchell Katy , Mariano Mira , Greco Jamie , Colgrove Yvonne , Wheeler Emma , Kiyota Hiroshi , Pientok Colette , Stephens Laura , McCarthy Casey , McBride Gavin , Gleeson Peggy
Published: November 2022

Introduction and Review of Literature.

Physical therapist (PT) and PT assistant (PTA) education programs have historically required preadmission observation hours (ObHr) as an admission requirement. The variability of conditions surrounding ObHr lends itself to investigation. The aims of this study were to (1) identify the perceived value of ObHr to Admission Committee (AC) members, Directors of Clinical Education, current Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, and PT clinicians, (2) examine the effect that ObHr have on the decision-making process of AC members, and (3) examine the effect that ObHr had on current DPT students’ decisions to pursue a PT career.

Subjects.

Four stakeholder groups were targeted (N = 4,471).

Methods.

This descriptive, cross-sectional study utilized surveys to collect quantitative and qualitative data through closed-ended and open-ended questions. This article encompasses the analysis of the quantitative components by analyzing fixed responses on stakeholder surveys. Qualitative findings are reported in a separate article.

Results.

Perceived purposes of ObHr by stakeholders were as follows: (1) to gain an accurate understanding of the depth and breadth of the profession, (2) to confirm a desire to pursue PT as a profession, and (3) to better understand the roles and responsibilities of PT. The number of necessary ObHr varied among the groups ranging from 0 to 100 hours. Student perception that completing more hours than required would assist in their favorability for acceptance was debunked.

Discussion.

There was consensus among all groups regarding the perceived purposes. Variability of stakeholder perception of necessary ObHr to achieve goals was revealed. Doctor of Physical Therapy programs should be transparent and clarify the purpose and quantity of required ObHr.

Conclusion.

Long-standing requirements could be taxing current resources and limiting entry into the profession. Determining the minimum number of necessary ObHr, considering virtual methods, and employing distinct transparency on how ObHr are used in the decision-making process are opportunities for further study to address these issues.
Naloxone Prescribing Associated With Reduced Emergency Department Visits in the Military Health System
Authors: Costantino Ryan C. , Tilley Laura C. , Gressler Laura Elisabeth , Zarzabal Lee Ann , Vasquez Cynthia M. , Peters Sidney , Pakieser Jennifer , Highland Krista B. , dosReis Susan
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

The aim was to determine the association between the receipt of naloxone and emergency department (ED) visits within 60 days after the receipt of an opioid.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort of individuals 18 years of age or above, enrolled in TRICARE, and were dispensed an opioid at any time from January 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020 was identified within the United States Military Health System. Individuals receiving naloxone within 5 days of the opioid dispensing date were propensity score matched with individuals receiving opioids only. A logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of an ED visit in the 60-day follow-up period after the index opioid dispense event among those co-dispensed naloxone and those receiving opioids only.

Results:

Of the 2,136,717 individuals who received an opioid prescription during the study period, 800,071 (10.1%) met study inclusion criteria. Overall, 5096 (0.24%) of individuals who received an opioid prescription were co-dispensed naloxone. Following propensity score matching, those who received naloxone had a significantly lower odds of ED utilization in the 60 days after receiving an opioid prescription (odds ratio: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.68–0.80, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

This study highlights the importance of expanding access to naloxone in order to reduce ED utilization. Future research is needed to examine additional outcomes related to naloxone receipt and develop programs that make naloxone prescribing a routine practice.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as a health intervention
Authors: Mande Jerold , Flaherty Grace
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

In 2020, obesity prevalence among US children reached 19.7%, impacting about 14.7 million children and adolescents. Food insecurity among children is also a public health concern but has largely decreased or remained stable over the past decade, reaching 6.2% of US households with children in 2021. Given food insecurity and obesity's interconnected nature and their negative consequences on children's health, it is of interest to assess the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (SNAP's) impact on childhood food security, dietary quality, disease risk, and health outcomes.

Recent findings

Evidence suggests that SNAP participants, including children, struggle to meet key dietary guidelines and perform poorly on key health indicators when compared with income-eligible and higher income nonparticipants. Children participating in SNAP were more likely to have elevated disease risk and consume more sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), more high-fat dairy, and more processed meats than income-eligible nonparticipants. However, research suggests that federal food assistance programs with more stringent nutrition standards – the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) – improve dietary quality, increase birth weight and gestation periods, and reduce childhood obesity, infant mortality and healthcare costs.

After reviewing the evidence on SNAP's impacts on food insecurity, dietary quality, and health as well as research on the health impacts of other more successful federal food assistance programs, we provide three policy recommendations to strengthen SNAP's effectiveness as a health intervention for children and families.
Liver transplantation for colorectal secondaries: on the way to validation
Authors: Line Pål-Dag
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Liver transplantation for nonresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) is an emerging field within transplant oncology. This review summarizes recent developments within this field.

Recent findings

More stringent selection criteria can yield 5-year survival rates that are similar to conventional indications for liver transplantation. Response to chemotherapy, low carcinoembryonic antigen levels, limited tumor volume and stable disease with observation time exceeding 12 months are fundamental requirements in this context. Radiomic analysis of pre transplant PET/computed tomography scans to determine metabolic tumor volume (MTV) in the liver seems particularly promising with regards to prediction of a favorable tumor biology. MTV values below 70 cm3 are associated with excellent long-term survival after transplantation, whereas the MTV threshold for liver resection seem far smaller. Recent studies put into question whether technical nonresectability per se is a valid inclusion criterion for liver transplantation. In patients with high hepatic tumor burden, but otherwise favorable prognostic features as assessed by the Oslo score, liver transplantation could possibly give a clinically relevant survival benefit compared with liver resection.

Liver transplantation is feasible treatment option in highly selected patients with nonresectable CRLMs. Robust and stringent selection criteria should be applied according to international consensus guidelines.
Disparities in heart transplantation
Authors: Zhao Jane Y. , Henn Matthew C. , Mokadam Nahush A. , Lampert Brent C. , Pratt Keeley , Smith Sakima A. , Whitson Bryan A. , Ganapathi Asvin M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Heart transplantation remains the gold standard therapy for end stage heart failure, but barriers remain, preventing equitable access to and affecting outcomes following transplantation. The objective of this review is to summarize current and historical literature on the disparities that persist, and to highlight the gaps in evidence for further investigation.

Recent findings

Although progress has been made to increase the rates of advanced heart failure therapies to racial/ethnic minority populations and those with lower socioeconomic status, differential access and outcomes remain. The disparities that persist are categorized by patient demographics, social influences, geopolitical factors, and provider bias.

Disparities in heart transplantation exist, which span a wide spectrum. Healthcare professionals need to be cognizant of these disparities that patients face in terms of access to and outcomes for heart transplantation. Further research and system changes are needed to make heart transplantation a fairer option for patients of varying backgrounds with end stage heart failure.
From liver surgery to liver transplant surgery: new developments in autotransplantation
Authors: Lu Qian , Aini Abudusalamu , Tang Rui , Dong Jiahong
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

In spite of substantial technical improvements and conceptual revolutions in advanced liver surgery, there are still straitened circumstances that pose difficulties for in-situ liver resections. Ex-vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA) is a hybrid technique combining experiences from conventional liver surgery and liver transplantation. This technique is becoming more comprehensive and popular among leading centers recently.

Recent findings

Short-term and long-term outcomes are now the focus of the technique after more than a decade of cumulative progress and technical evolution. As the 5-year survival nowadays reaches over 80%, this technique is believed to be beneficial for advanced tumors. In recent years, ELRA has been applied by more centers on larger scales, and the learning curve was set at 53 cases. Progresses in disease selection, surgical indications, individualized outflow reconstruction, or autograft implantation, management of co-morbidities (e.g., Budd-Chiari syndrome, caval and/or neighboring organ involvements, obstructive jaundice) propelled the development of the technique.

This hybrid liver surgery will benefit for carefully selected patients presented with advanced benign diseases and well-differentiated malignancies.
Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A Case Report and Literature Review of an Otologic Condition Associated With Severe Psychiatric Disturbance and Suicide Attempt
Authors: Kasle David A. , Tower Jacob I. , Savoca Emily , Hildrew Douglas M.
Published: November 2022

We report the case of a man suffering from superior semicircular canal dehiscence with severe audiovestibular symptoms. The patient had a history of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and he had a presumed diagnosis of schizophrenia, with suicidal ideation. The patient was treated surgically with complete resolution of his symptoms and a retraction of his schizophrenia diagnosis. This case highlights the overlap between tinnitus and auditory hallucinations, as both result in auditory perception without an external stimulus. Ascertaining the appropriate cause of a patient’s auditory symptoms is integral to providing appropriate medical and possibly surgical care.
Decreased Psychological Well-Being in Patients With Bipolar Disorder in Remission
Authors: Katz Douglas , Kuperberg Maya , Kamali Masoud , George Nevita , Mroczek Daniel , Bastarache Emily , Stephan Nicole , Nierenberg Andrew A. , Sylvia Louisa
Published: November 2022

Background:

The goals of this study were to introduce psychological well-being as an important subject of inquiry in bipolar disorder, to compare well-being in a cohort of patients with bipolar disorder with that of a normative sample, and to assess whether common measures of well-being and mood measure empirically distinct phenomena.

Methods:

Participants were outpatients with bipolar I disorder in remission (N=37) from the Enhancing Emotion Regulation in Bipolar Disorder (EERBD) study and a matched community normative sample from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey (N=6297). The Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) was used to measure psychological well-being. We calculated means and SD of scores on the PWBS and evaluated the differences between the scores of the bipolar I and community samples. We also tested the association between raw and change scores in depression [Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D)] and eudaimonic well-being (PWBS) using Spearman correlation coefficients.

Results:

The MIDUS survey sample (N=6297) was 48% male, with a mean age of 47 years (SD=13 y). The EERBD sample (N=37) was 27% male, with a mean age of 41 years (SD=11 y). In the bipolar sample, the baseline mean score on the HAM-D was 12.7 (SD=6.0) and the mean score on the Young Mania Rating Scale was 6.1 (SD=6.2). The baseline mean sum score on the PWBS in the normative community MIDUS sample was 100 (SD=14), while that of the bipolar I EERBD sample was 79 (SD=15) at baseline, 84 (SD=13) posttreatment, and 84 (SD=12) at the 3-month follow-up assessment. The effect sizes of the differences at all timepoints were large (Hedges g=1.42 at baseline, 1.11 at the end of treatment, and 1.06 at the 3-mo follow-up). No association was found between the PWBS and depression scores.

Conclusions:

Outpatients with bipolar disorder in remission demonstrated substantially impaired psychological well-being, despite low levels of depressive symptoms, compared with a normative community sample.