bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 16051: Heart Transplantation With a Positive Crossmatch in Pediatric Recipients is Associated With Increased Mortality in the Current Era: An Analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing Database
Authors: O'Connor Matthew J , Vu Courtney , Zhang Xuemei , Ampah Steve , Edwards Jonathan J , Lin Kimberly , Maeda Katsuhide , Rossano Joseph , Wittlieb-Weber Carol , Edelson Jonathan B
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Congenital heart disease (CHD) patients undergoing heart transplantation (HT) often have anti-HLA antibodies (sensitization), increasing the likelihood of a positive crossmatch and in turn an increased risk of mortality post-HT. The burden of sensitization in pediatric HT recipients and outcomes in such patients in the current era are unknown.

Methods:
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried for patients <18 y/o with CHD undergoing HT between 4/1/2015 and 12/31/2019. Panel reactive antibody (PRA) at HT was collected; patients were grouped into 3 categories: nonsensitized (PRA <10%), moderately sensitized (PRA 10-79%), and highly sensitized (PRA ≥80%). Data regarding crossmatch at HT were collected. One-year post-HT mortality based on sensitization category and crossmatch result were evaluated using multivariable Cox regression.

Results:
During the study period, 881 CHD patients with PRA data underwent HT; 69% nonsensitized, 22% moderately sensitized, and 9% highly sensitized. Positive crossmatch by flow cytometry or cytotoxicity was more commonly seen in highly sensitized patients (Table 1). Highly sensitized patients had 28% 1-year mortality. After adjustment, both 1-year mortality and graft loss were higher in highly sensitized patients than nonsensitized patients (HR 4, CI 2.4-6.7, P<0.001 and HR 6.8, CI 3.6-12.8, P<0.001, respectively); positive crossmatch by flow cytometry or cytotoxicity was also associated with increased risk of mortality and graft loss (HR 2.1, CI 1.3-3.4, P = 0.002 and HR 3.1, CI 1.7-5.6, P<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions:
Highly sensitized pediatric CHD patients have 1-year post-HT mortality of nearly 30%, a 4-fold increase compared to nonsensitized patients; positive crossmatch also increased the risk of mortality and graft loss. Due to these poor outcomes, aggressive desensitization as well as alternatives to transplant should be considered in these high-risk patients.
Abstract 16264: Safety and Efficacy Outcomes of Micra Leadless Pacemakers: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analaysis
Authors: Haseeb Shahan , Ansari Umair A , Chhetri Chandra , Masoud Ahmed T. , Sohail Hamza , Haseeb Shawal , Munir Shafia , Zulqarnain Muhammad , Goyal Rajat
Published: December 2023

Background:
The Micra leadless pacemaker (LP) is a novel pacing technology that has revolutionized the management of bradyarrhythmias and eliminated the need for intra-cardiac leads. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the long term safety and efficacy outcomes of the LP.

Methods:
We included a total of 60 studies. Data was analyzed to calculate outcomes in the pooled proportion of patients undergoing LP implant. Primary efficacy endpoints were successful implantation and acceptable capture threshold of <2V at 1 year. Primary safety outcomes were vascular injury, tamponade, device dislodgement, pneumothorax, and major complications (complications resulting in intervention, prolonged hospital stay, readmission or death).

Results:
Successful LP implantation was found to be 99.4% (Cl [99.1%, 99.6%], (P = 0.95)) and acceptable capture threshold of <2V at 1 year was 97.1% (CI [96%, 98.2%], P = 0.001). Major complications occurred in 2.5% (CI [1.3%, 3.6%], P = 0.001). Infection occurred in 0.5% (Cl [0.0%, 0.9%], P = 0.03) and the analysis was homogeneous (I2 = 45.16%, P = 0.04). Vascular injury occurred in 0.9% (CI [0.4%, 1.3%], P = 0.001), cardiac tamponade in 0.4% (CI [0.2%, 0.7%], P = 0.002)) and device dislodgement in 0.3% (CI [0.2%, 0.4%], P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
LPs had a high rate of successful implantation and capture threshold at 99.4% and 97.1% respectively, while having low rates of major complications, infections, dislodgement, cardiac tamponade and vascular injury.
Abstract 16290: Lipoprotein (a) as a Predictor of Recurrent Myocardial Infarction/Coronary Revascularization in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Who Underwent PCI: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Singh Dyutima , Srikanth Sashwath , Subramanian Lakshmi , Bhanushali Aditi K , Suchday Pooja , Guddeti Ananth V , Naseem Hamna , Shenoy Ankita , puli srikanth , Desai Rupak
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has been recognized as an independent predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, there is limited data on the association between Lp(a) levels and risk of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI)/coronary revascularization in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:
PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched for studies evaluating the association of Lp(a) with recurrent ischemic events from the year 2000-2023. Patients with coronary artery disease or ACS with baseline Lp(a) who underwent PCI or coronary stenting and had outcomes as recurrent MI/ coronary revascularization were included. Random effects models and I
2
statistics were used for pooled hazard ratios (HR), odds ratio (OR), and heterogeneity assessment. A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was also performed.

Results:
The initial search resulted in 651 articles, of which nine studies with 27964 patients (mean age 58-66 years, 74.79% male) were included. Of the nine studies, six were retrospective and three prospective. Mean±SD/Median (IQ) follow-up duration was four years [range 2-7 years]. There was an increased risk of recurrent MI/coronary revascularization associated with Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL (OR, 1.44, 95% CI: 1.09-1.89, I
2
= 79.24%, p=0.009) (Fig 1a) and Lp(a) ≥10-30 mg/dL (OR, 1.19, 95% CI: 1.009-1.416, I
2
= 0%, p=0.039) (Fig 1b), but failed to reach significance with Lp(a) as a continuous variable (OR, 1.004, 95% CI: 0.998-1.009, I
2
= 85.02%, p=0.221) (Fig 1c). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis showed an equivalent result for various Lp(a) cutoffs (Fig 1a, 1b, and 1c).

Conclusions:
Our meta-analysis suggests an association of raised Lp(a) with increased risk of recurrent MI/coronary revascularization in ACS patients who underwent PCI.
Abstract 16325: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Age of Onset of Type II Diabetes Among United States Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Srivastava Shreya , Visaria Aayush , Dave Payal , Sharma Ranita
Published: December 2023

Background
Several studies have examined racial/ethnic differences in Type II Diabetes (T2D) incidence and prevalence in the United States and have found significantly increased risk of T2D in African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations. However, it is still unknown whether age of onset of T2D is different across racial/ethnic groups, specifically that of Asian Indians, a group known to have a high incidence of T2D and cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods:
We used the National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) from 1999-2019 to identify participants with self-reported T2D diagnosed after the age of 18. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to identify differences in age of onset of diabetes by race/ethnicity. Covariates of interest included sex, insurance status, education, alcohol use, smoking history, physical activity, BMI, coronary heart disease, hypertension, COPD, liver disease and kidney disease. Sample weighting and survey analysis was conducted per NHIS guidelines to generate nationally representative estimates.

Results:
A total of 53,613 individuals (representative of 36,543,628, 1% Asian Indian, 65% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 16% non-Hispanic Black (NHB), 14% Hispanic, 1.3% Native American, 0.53% Chinese with mean age 62 years [SD, 14]) were included. Asian Indians, after adjusting for covariates of interest, had an estimated age of onset of 3.83 years earlier than NHW (p-value <0.001). Additionally, Asian Indians had an earlier age of onset compared to NHB, Hispanic, Native American and Chinese groups (age of onset 2.95 years earlier, 3.14 years earlier, 3.76 years earlier, and 3.31 years later compared to NHW, respectively). (
Figure 1)
.

Conclusions:
Among the study population, Asian Indians had an earlier predicted onset of diabetes, ranging from 0.69 to 6.96 years younger, compared to NHW, NHB, Native American, Hispanic, and Chinese populations. This may suggest utility in a younger screening age for higher risk groups.
Abstract 16332: Atrial Fibrillation Monitoring in Patients on Ibrutinib
Authors: Patel Ruchi , Singh Arushi , Meng Zhiying , Baldridge Abigail , Akhter Nausheen
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Ibrutinib increases risk of atrial and ventricular arrythmias, especially atrial fibrillation (AF). No guidelines exist for arrhythmia monitoring, but experts suggest 24h Holter assessments for patients at risk of new or recurring AF or with CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2. We sought to describe current practices in cardiac event monitoring in high risk or symptomatic patients on ibrutinib.

Methods:
We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of 168 ibrutinib-treated patients with no prior AF or atrial flutter (AFL). Patients were followed from 2013 to 2022. Event monitor data was obtained by a single reviewer through chart review.

Results:
Among 168 patients followed over a median of 6.4 years, 44 developed AF/AFL (25%) with 31 (70%) with paroxysmal AF. Mean (SD) age at ibrutinib initiation was 66 (11.1) years. Fewer than half (n=50; 30%) were female. Event monitoring was performed for 31 (18.4%) patients, 18 (58%) during treatment and 13 (42%) after treatment completion (
Table 1
). The most common monitoring reasons were palpitations (10, 32%) and assessing AF burden (9, 29%). Cardiologists outside electrophysiology and cardio-oncology ordered the most monitors (17, 55%). Monitors most captured unspecified SVT (11, 36%) or no significant findings (9, 29%). Monitors most likely resulted in no management changes (19, 61%). The most common management changes were: placement of DC-PM (3, 10%), discontinuing anticoagulation (AC) (3, 10%) and diagnosis of AF (3, 10%). Of note, 14 monitors were done after AF diagnosis of which 7 (50%) showed no AF.

Conclusions:
Even with increased risk of arrythmias, use of monitors was low across a cohort of 168 patients. Notably, 3 monitors were used to discontinue AC and 3 monitors found new AF. Recent studies show most AF/AFL in ibrutinib users occurs within the first 6 months of initiation which may inform decisions in screening. Further guidance and standardization are needed for the use of monitors in the ibrutinib population.
Abstract 16434: 104-Week Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy With Evolocumab in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia/Hypercholesterolemia in Japan: Results of Post-Marketing Surveillance
Authors: Yokote Koutaro , Ako Junya , Kitagawa Kazuo , Osada Nobuhiro , sheng feng , Sonoda Masae , Kubo Tadamichi , Teramoto Tamio
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Evolocumab is the first monoclonal antibody against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 approved in Japan for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and hypercholesterolemia (HC).

Aims:
This study assessed the 104-week safety and effectiveness of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering therapy with evolocumab in patients with FH (homo/heterozygous) and HC in a real-world setting in Japan.

Methods:
Overall, 3721 and 2792 patients (108 and 91 homozygous FH, 2007 and 1613 heterozygous FH, 1606 and 1088 HC) from 668 clinical sites comprised the safety and effectiveness analysis sets, respectively. Primary safety endpoints: incidence (%) and number of patients with adverse drug reactions and serious adverse events. Effectiveness endpoints: % change in LDL-C from baseline at Week 12 (n=2386, primary endpoint) and Weeks 4-104 (secondary endpoint).

Results:
Mean age: 63.2 years; female: 33.8%. The mean±SD follow-up duration was 545.5±218.8 days. Adverse drug reaction subject incidence was 5.2%. Serious adverse event subject incidence was 8.9% (330/3721). The adverse event incidences of myocardial infarction and stroke were 0.6% (n=23/3721) and 0.6% (n=21/3721; 0.3% ischemic stroke [n=12]/0.2% hemorrhagic stroke [n=9]), respectively. Table 1 shows adverse events by lowest achieved LDL-C levels. The mean±SD % change in LDL-C from baseline to Weeks 12 and 104 were –45.7%±28.2% (n=84) and –50.9±21.1% (n=48) in homozygous FH patients (
P
<0.001 vs baseline; two-sided paired
t
-test), –56.0%±28.9% (n=1440) and –54.5±28.3% (n=905) in heterozygous FH patients (
P
<0.001), and –63.3%±23.7% (n=862) and –60.8±28.1% (n=352) in HC patients (
P
<0.001), respectively.

Conclusions:
There were no trends between the lowest achieved LDL-C levels and adverse events in Japanese patients. Evolocumab was well tolerated and sustained LDL-C reduction in patients with FH and HC in a real-world clinical setting in Japan.
Abstract 16455: A Costly Mix-Up: Genotype-Phenotype Mismatch of Hereditary Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Galani Jemi , Lin Muling , BROWN MATTHEW , Bhatt Kunal
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) is an infiltrative process caused by the extracellular deposition of misfolded amyloid fibrils, resulting in a restrictive cardiomyopathy. Over 100 pathogenic genetic variants are associated with hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (hATTR-CM); however, genetic penetrance is unknown. Typical echocardiographic findings include unexplained left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy - specifically concentric LV wall thickness greater than 12mm - and relative apical sparing of longitudinal LV strain. Cardiac MRI shows a characteristic diffuse subendocardial or transmural myocardial delayed gadolinium enhancement (DGE) pattern. Lastly, technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy (PYP) scan, an emerging sensitive and specific imaging modality, reveals grade 2 or greater myocardial uptake.

Methods:
We present a case series of three young patients, two who presented with new-onset, non-ischemic systolic heart failure, and one who presented with LV hypertrophy - suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis. Genetic testing and cardiac imaging with echocardiography, cardiac MRI and/or PYP scan were performed.

Results:
Genetic testing for all patients revealed the autosomal dominant and variably penetrant Valine 122 Isoleucine mutation, commonly associated with hATTR-CM. However, imaging for these patients was not suggestive of ATTR-CM. Therefore, they most likely represent silent carriers with alternate etiologies of heart failure.

Discussion:
This case series exemplifies several instances of genotype-phenotype mismatch in hATTR-CM. With the increasing use of genetic testing and the variable penetrance of this common pathogenic variant, a thorough evaluation must be conducted to ensure true cardiac infiltration in order to avoid inappropriately initiating the costly transthyretin stabilizer, Tafamidis, or disregarding alternative - potentially reversible - etiologies of heart failure.
Abstract 16516: CMR-ECG Imaging in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Detects Electrophysiological Abnormalities Before Hypertrophy or ECG Changes
Authors: Joy George , Webber Matthew , Ardissino Alessandra M , Wilson James , Chan Fiona , Hughes Rebecca , Moschonas Konstantinos , Shiwani Hunain , Pierce Iain , Jamieson Robert , Koncar Vladan , tao xuyuan , Guger Christoph , Velazquez Paula , Dall'Armellina Erica , Macfarlane Peter , Kellman Peter , Davies Rhodri , Tome Maite , Rudy Yoram , Hughes Alun , Manisty Charlotte , Lambiase Pier , Moon James C , Lopes Luis , Orini Michele , Captur Gabriella
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION:
In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), ventricular arrhythmia associates with severity of LVH and scar, and presence vs absence of a sarcomeric gene mutation (G+LVH+ vs G-LVH+). Also, ECG changes in subclinical HCM (G+LVH-) signal increased risk of phenotype progression.

HYPOTHESES:
ECG Imaging (ECGI) can detect: i) subtle electrophysiological (EP) abnormalities in subclinical HCM (pre-LVH). ii) EP abnormalities related to genetic status (G+ vs G-LVH+) and structural changes (late gadolinium enhancement [LGE], max. wall thickness [MWT]) in overt disease.

METHODS:
200 participant multicenter study: 70 G+LVH-, 51 G+LVH+, 53 G-LVH+ and 26 healthy volunteers (HV) underwent 12-lead ECG (to detect abnormal Q-waves, repolarization changes, LVH criteria) and CMR-ECGI computing epicardial unipolar electrograms (UEGs) to derive: activation time (AT), activation-recovery intervals (ARIc), spatial gradients (activation: G
AT
, repolarisation: G
RT
) and fractionation.

RESULTS:
Compared to HV, G+LVH- had prolongation of AT (40.3±7.3 vs 35.4±6.1 ms p=0.003) and steeper G
RT
(mean: 1.12±0.27 vs 1.00±0.23 ms/mm p=0.042, max: 11.7±2.8 vs 10.0±1.9 ms/mm p=0.005). AT was prolonged even in G+LVH- with a normal 12-lead ECG (p<0.004).

Compared to G+LVH-, G+LVH+ had similar AT but a more prolonged ARIc (275±29 vs 245±26 ms p<0.001).

Compared to G-LVH+, G+LVH+ had similar MWT and LGE, but more signal fractionation (0.02±0.02 vs 0.01±0.03% UEGs with ≥2 deflections p=0.002).

In overt HCM (all LVH+), MWT associated with AT (
r
s 0.25 p=0.011) while LGE burden associated with G
AT
(
r
s=0.27 p=0.006) and fractionation (
r
s=0.22 p=0.025).

CONCLUSION:
Cardiac activation prolongation and repolarization abnormalities occur in subclinical HCM (before hypertrophy). Activation is prolonged even in subclinical HCM with normal 12-lead ECG. In overt HCM, ECGI abnormalities track adverse structural changes and reveal greater fractionation in those with a sarcomeric mutation.
Abstract 17777: Sorafenib Aggravates Atherosclerotic Progression Involving With Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell (VSMCs) Phenotypic Switching and Proliferation by PKM2-Mediated Glycolysis
Authors: Yu Qi
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
As a VEGF-targeting agent, sorafenib has been used to treat a number of solid tumors but can easily lead to adverse vascular effects, including hypertension, myocardiopathy and coronary artery spasm. Our previous study reveals that sorafenib impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, whereas the effect of sorafenib on atherosclerotic progression has not been determined.

Hypothesis:
Hence, we hypothesize that sorafenib may promote atherosclerotic progression via such adverse vascular effects.

Methods:
ApoE
-/-
mice were orally administered by sorafenib for 12 weeks, indicating that sorafenib aggravates atherosclerotic progression via promoting the formation of foam cells and the accumulation of VSMCs in intima. To study the underlying mechanism, we used sorafenib to incubate VSMCs (0, 3 and 6 mg/L) for 48 h.

Results:
We found that sorafenib promoted the proliferation, migration and synthetic phenotype-related gene expression in VSMCs. More importantly, sorafenib increased lactate production, the extracellular acidification rate, PKM2 expression and PK activity in VSMCs. Interestingly, after deletion of PKM2 in VSMCs by AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 system, decreased lactate production and the extracellular acidification rate were found. Meanwhile, sorafenib-induced the proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching of VSMCs were suppressed.

Conclusions:
Sorafenib can aggravate atherosclerotic progression and smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching, which may be partly ascribed to PKM2-depended glycolysis.
Challenges of providing biochemistry results in a patient with Evans syndrome
Authors: Ríos Natividad Rico , Bransfield Alison , Joyce Caroline M , Cahill Mary R , O’Shaughnessy Michelle , Costelloe Seán J.
Published: December 2023

A case report of in vivo hemolysis in a female patient with Evans syndrome is described. The patient was admitted with anemia and jaundice and, during her 26-day hospital admission, had 83 samples taken for biochemistry analyses. The laboratory hemolytic index (HI) was frequently elevated due to persistent complement-mediated in vivo hemolysis despite multiple lines of therapy. Initially, the release of many biochemical parameters was blocked per the manufacturer´s recommendations and reported as “sample hemolyzed”. The patient developed severe acute kidney injury, ultimately requiring dialysis. Automated and timely reporting of indicative creatinine and other biochemical results in the context of ongoing hemolysis, therefore, became essential to patient care. Following a review of literature from various sources, a laboratory algorithm was designed to ensure the timely release of numerical biochemical values, where possible, with appropriate interpretative comments appended. Biochemistry, hematology, and nephrology teams were in regular communication to ensure patient samples were rapidly identified, analyzed and validated according to the algorithm, informing timely, safe and appropriate patient care. Ultimately, the patient died due to multiple disease- and treatment-related complications. In conjunction with clinical users, laboratories should plan for situations, such as in vivo hemolysis, where significant unavoidable interferences in biochemistry methodologies may occur in an ongoing manner for certain patients. Reporting categorical or best-estimate biochemistry results in such cases can be safer for patients than failing to report any results. Interpretation of these results by clinical teams requires input from appropriately trained and qualified laboratory personnel.
UG-schematic Annotation for Event Nominals: A Case Study in Mandarin
Chinese
Authors: Li Wenxi , Zhang Yutong , Emerson Guy , Sun Weiwei
Published: December 2023

Divergence of languages observed at the surface level is a major challenge encountered by multilingual data representation, especially when typologically distant languages are involved. Drawing inspiration from a formalist Chomskyan perspective towards language universals, Universal Grammar (UG), this article uses deductively pre-defined universals to analyze a multilingually heterogeneous phenomenon, event nominals. In this way, deeper universality of event nominals beneath their huge divergence in different languages is uncovered, which empowers us to break barriers between languages and thus extend insights from some synthetic languages to a non-inflectional language, Mandarin Chinese. Our empirical investigation also demonstrates this UG-inspired schema is effective: With its assistance, the inter-annotator agreement (IAA) for identifying event nominals in Mandarin grows from 88.02% to 94.99%, and automatic detection of event-reading nominalizations on the newly-established data achieves an accuracy of 94.76% and an F1 score of 91.3%, which significantly surpass those achieved on the pre-existing resource by 9.8% and 5.2%, respectively. Our systematic analysis also sheds light on nominal semantic role labeling. By providing a clear definition and classification on arguments of event nominal, the IAA of this task significantly increases from 90.46% to 98.04%.
Classification and quantification of timestamp data quality issues and its impact on data quality outcome
Authors: Ambe Rex
Published: December 2023

Timestamps play a key role in process mining because it determines the chronology of which events occurred and subsequently how they are ordered in process modelling. The timestamp in process mining gives an insight on process performance, conformance, and modelling. This therefore means problems with the timestamp will result in misrepresentations of the mined process. A few articles have been published on the quantification of data quality problems but just one of the articles at the time of this paper is based on the quantification of timestamp quality problems. This article evaluates the quality of timestamps in event log across two axes using eleven quality dimensions and four levels of potential data quality problems. The eleven data quality dimensions were obtained by doing a thorough literature review of more than fifty process mining articles which focus on quality dimensions. This evaluation resulted in twelve data quality quantification metrics and the metrics were applied to the MIMIC-III dataset as an illustration. The outcome of the timestamp quality quantification using the proposed typology enabled the user to appreciate the quality of the event log and thus makes it possible to evaluate the risk of carrying out specific data cleaning measures to improve the process mining outcome.
Exploring Attentive Siamese LSTM for Low-Resource Text Plagiarism Detection
Authors: Bao Wei , Dong Jian , Xu Yang , Yang Yuanyuan , Qi Xiaoke
Published: December 2023

Low-resource text plagiarism detection faces a significant challenge due to the limited availability of labeled data for training. This task requires the development of sophisticated algorithms capable of identifying similarities and differences in texts, particularly in the realm of semantic rewriting and translation-based plagiarism detection. In this paper, we present an enhanced attentive Siamese Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network designed for Tibetan-Chinese plagiarism detection. Our approach begins with the introduction of translation-based data augmentation, aimed at expanding the bilingual training dataset. Subsequently, we propose a pre-detection method leveraging abstract document vectors to enhance detection efficiency. Finally, we introduce an improved attentive Siamese LSTM network tailored for Tibetan-Chinese plagiarism detection. We conduct comprehensive experiments to showcase the effectiveness of our proposed plagiarism detection framework.
Learning in Cities from Within and Across Cities: A Scoping Review
Authors: Banerjee Pradipta , Petersen Sobah Abbas
Published: December 2023

Cities evolve rapidly while providing both opportunities and posing challenges. To cope with the emerging behaviours of cities, contextual innovations and development are essential. Driving innovations through the learning of contextual knowledge in cities is crucial. In this study, we explore relevant studies to identify the frameworks for human-centric innovations in cities that consider learning from within and/or across cities. We analyse how learning in cities has been addressed in those studies and find that even though some aspects of learning in cities have been studied, a comprehensive framework for how cities can learn as an innovation ecosystem is missing. Based on the findings of a scoping review and insights from the theories of the Triple, Quadruple and Quintuple helices of innovation, we present a high-level conceptual model for cities as innovation ecosystems. The model is aimed to support sustainable human-centric development through the understanding of city learning through multilevel interactions and feedback.
Resistance in the City, in-between Bodies and “Dysfunctional” Languages
Authors: Akın Kaan
Published: December 2023

Based on the work of Kurdish film-maker Ali Kemal Çınar, this article investigates the intersections between Kurdish and queer cinema. It asks whether and how the notion of queer cinema might be expanded beyond Western contexts to include concerns related to ethnicity, resistance, and language. The article analyses Ali Kemal Çınar’s cinema from a queer perspective and sheds light on the way in which Çınar’s films speak to broader tendencies within queer cinema. It argues that viewing Ali Kemal Çınar’s films from a queer perspective allows us to expand the definition of Kurdish cinema and in this way build a bridge with queer cinema.
Obituary
Authors: Bocheńska Joanna
Published: December 2023

This article presents the output of Yevgeniya Vasilyeva, one of the most outstanding Russian Kurdologists. Vasilyeva graduated from the Faculty of Oriental Studies of Leningrad State University and served from 1958 until 2016 as a researcher in the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences. She specialized in the study of Persian-language Kurdish chronicles. She translated Bidlisi’s Sharafnama into Russian, but she is best known for editing, translating and annotating several nineteenth-century chronicles of Ardalan. The historiography of the two Kurdish emirates of Ardalan and Baban became her life work, resulting in a rich monograph on the history of South-Eastern Kurdistan from the seventeenth to the early nineteenth centuries.
Literature, Feminism, and Activism in Rojhelat and the Diaspora
Authors: Hamelink Wendelmoet , Sophie Essmat
Published: December 2023

In this conversation, Essmat Sophie (author of the novel and animation film Dancing Amid Fire, Rising Above Ruins), talks with Wendelmoet Hamelink (researcher on gender, migration, activism, and conflict at the University of Oslo), about her interest in literature, about the creation of her novel and film, and about feminist life in the Diaspora. We discuss the fragmented lives of people who left Iran and can never return, and the history of the city Sine/Sanandaj. The conversation shows the complexity of Kurdish Iranian women’s triple struggle to escape political oppression, state violence, male dominance, as well as enduring a life of exile and marginalization. Essmat remembers the literature gatherings she attended in Sine, where women writers made a deep impact on her life as a young woman. Arguably, activist lives can be found in unexpected places and through creative strategies developed by women on the margins.
Afterword
Authors: Dirik Dilar
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the portrayal of queer/LGBTQI+ existence as a foreign imposition, backed by western cultural hegemony, has gained currency in the Middle East and beyond. Worldwide, the demonization of queerness perpetuates hostility and violence. At the same time, the queer/LGBTQI+ and feminine body is becoming central to the functioning of capitalism and the nation-state at multiple levels. From economic arrangements to security policy, historically marginalized people are no longer only at the receiving end of violence and dispossession. Today, Kurdishness and queerness face comparable geopolitical contradictions that speak to the changing role of identity politics under neoliberalism and neo-colonialism in the age of mass communication. What interventions can Kurdish queer/LGBTQI+ studies make to retain their critical, emancipatory impetus a hundred years after Lausanne, amid global mechanisms of punishment and reward for the oppressed, under changing conditions for academia and identity politics, and in times of war and occupation?
The first Palaeodictyoptera (Insecta) from the late Carboniferous of Ogassa (Catalonia, Spain)
Authors: DELCLÒS XAVIER , PEÑALVER ENRIQUE , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: December 2023

A new species of palaeodictyopteridan insect, Heolus martinclosasi sp. nov., based on a partial wing, has been identified in the uppermost Pennsylvanian (Stephanian C local stage) deposits of the Castellar de N’Hug-Camprodon Basin, located in the Surroca-Ogassa coalfield within the Pyrenees of Catalonia, Spain. This species belongs to the Palaeodictyoptera, and is the first of this order described from the Paleozoic deposits of Spain. Heolus martinclosasi sp. nov. is the second species within the relatively small Heolidae family, originally described by Handlirsch in 1906, in the USA. This new species was found alongside remains of in situ fossil plants such as Calamites suckowii, Sphenophyllum oblongifolium, and marattialean tree ferns, all of which grew between river channels. This suggests that these insects possibly lived in lake-like, permanently inundated floodplain deposits.
New Baltic amber Rhagionidae (Insecta, Diptera)
Authors: PEYROT CHARLINE , NGÔ-MULLER VALERIE , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: December 2023

A new species of Rhagionidae, Symphoromyia odileae, is described from the Middle Eocene Baltic amber. Chrysopilus meunieri Kerr, 2010, also from the Baltic amber, is redescribed on the basis of a new specimen, and its attribution to the genus Chrysopilus is confirmed. This specimen of Chrysopilus can be considered as the first accurate fossil representative of this genus. Although Symphoromyia odileae sp. nov. shows the diagnostic characters of the genus, it has also a series of hind tibia macrosetae, unlike in the other representatives of the genus. Chrysopilus meunieri Kerr, 2010 differs from the extant species in the cell cua being open.
First green lacewing species of the tribe Chrysopini (Insecta: Neuroptera: Chrysopidae: Chrysopinae) from the Eocene Baltic amber and Miocene Mexican amber
Authors: CHEN ZU-LUAN , GAO YU-HE , MAKARKIN VLADIMIR N. , LIU XING-YUE
Published: December 2023

The family Chrysopidae (green lacewings) is a highly diverse group of Neuroptera, with rich fossil records. The Cenozoic fossils of green lacewings currently comprise 21 genera and 42 species. Here we describe two new green lacewing species of the tribe Chrysopini, tentatively placed in the genus Chrysopa Leach, 1815, namely Chrysopa? extensa sp. nov. and Chrysopa? prominenta sp. nov. from Eocene Baltic amber and Miocene Mexican amber, respectively. These species represent the second chrysopid occurrence and the first record of the tribe Chrysopini from Baltic amber, and the first occurrence of Chrysopidae from Mexican amber, respectively. Both new species are assigned to Chrysopini based on the following characters: the intramedian cell eutriangular without crossvein, and the basal-most RP branch origins distal to the intramedian cell in the forewing.
New silky lacewings from the Middle Jurassic of Northeastern China (Neuroptera: Psychopsidae)
Authors: LIU XIAO-TIAN , SHIH CHUNG-KUN , REN DONG , WANG YONG-JIE
Published: December 2023

Psychopsidae, a small family of Neuroptera, comprises only 27 extant species and 38 fossil species. The limited species records and poor specimen preservation greatly hinder our exploration of the early evolutionary process of Psychopsidae. In this paper, one new genus with one new species, Nullipsychops longialatus gen. et sp. nov., and two new species of Cretapsychops Jepson et al., 2009, namely, C. stigmosus sp. nov. and C. epunctatus sp. nov., are described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia of China. Based on the new fossil material, we summarized in detail the intraspecific variation of venation and wing markings in Cretapsychops decipiens Peng et al., 2010. Furthermore, we also systematically review the morphological features of Cretapsychops among Cretaceous lineages and Jurassic lineages; and a key to Cretapsychops species is provided. Considering the relatively rare Jurassic psychopsids, the newly discovered Jurassic psychopsids enhance the species diversity of Jurassic psychopsids, and promote our understanding of the early evolution of Psychopsidae.
On ten jumping spider species described by Song and Chai (1992) based on type specimens (Araneae, Salticidae)
Authors: LIN YEJIE , XIN YAFEI , WANG CHENG , LI SHUQIANG
Published: December 2023

Ten jumping spider species published by Song and Chai in 1992 are restudied. The following new synonyms are proposed: Chinattus emeiensis (Peng & Xie, 1995) syn. nov. [=C. undulatus (Song & Chai, 1992)], Evarcha paralbaria Song & Chai, 1992 syn. nov. (= E. coreana Seo, 1988), Ptocasius nanyuensis (Xie & Peng, 1995) syn. nov. [=P. badongensis (Song & Chai, 1992)]. Evarcha orientalis (Song & Chai, 1992) is transferred to Nigorella Wesołowska & Tomasiewicz, 2008. The synonymy status of Chinattus szechwanensis (Prószyński, 1992) with C. undulatus (Song & Chai, 1992) and Nigorella hunanensis (Peng, Xie & Kim, 1993) with N. hirticeps (Song & Chai, 1992) are restored.
Studies on Neotropical crickets: A new Perugryllae cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllinae: Gryllini: Brachytrupina) from the foothills of the Colombian Andes
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , QUINTANA-ARIAS RONALD FERNANDO , TAVARES GUSTAVO COSTA
Published: December 2023

A new tiny field cricket species of the genus Laureopsis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), from the foothills of the Colombian Andes is described. With the description of Laureopsis andinus n. sp., the distribution of the Perugryllae Group expands outside the Amazon rainforest of Colombia and Peru, and is recorded for the first time in areas of Andean influence. A distribution map and a key for the identification of the species of the group are also provided. Finally, the morphology and distribution of the species of the two genera known for the Perugryllae group are discussed.
Establishment of CA19-9 reference intervals in an apparently healthy adult population in Singapore
Authors: Lee Joanne Mee Yin , Teo Pearline , Lam Leslie Choong Weng
Published: December 2023

Background

CA19-9 is elevated in pancreatic cancer and other malignancies, and commonly used in clinical practice. Unfortunately, CA19-9 immunoassays are not harmonized, and reference intervals may differ between assays. The aim of this study was to establish the reference interval of the ADVIA Centaur/Atellica IM CA19-9 assay in an apparently healthy Singapore adult population.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. De-identified data from Health Screening participants were extracted from our database. Subjects with biochemical results suggesting anaemia, diabetes mellitus, viral hepatitis or abnormal liver, and renal and tumour markers were excluded. Outlier and subclass analyses by age and sex were performed. CA19-9 reference limits and 90% confidence intervals were then determined for candidate subclasses.

Results

Data from 12,174 subjects (5846 males and 6328 females) were available after exclusion criteria were applied. CA19-9 results did not follow a normal distribution and were higher in females compared to males ( P < .001). Although CA19-9 means were statistically different between certain age groups, the evaluable 99th percentile reference limits were not statistically different. The overall 99th percentile reference limits for the Centaur/Atellica CA19-9 assay was 37 U/mL for males 21–80 years, and 60 U/mL for females 21–80 years.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that separate CA19-9 reference intervals should be applied for males and females.
Perceived Impact of the Parental Rights in Education Act (“Don’t Say Gay”) on LGBTQ+ Parents in Florida
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , Abreu Roberto L. , Flores Andrew R.
Published: December 2023

Prior studies indicate that anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has negative consequences for the well-being of LGBTQ+ people, their families, and their communities. In July of 2022, Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, also called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, was signed into law. The law aimed to limit K–3 instruction and discussion related to sexuality and gender, encompassing LGBTQ+ identities. The present study surveyed 113 LGBTQ+ parents in Florida about their experiences and perceptions related to the Parental Rights in Education Act. Qualitative content analysis revealed five major themes and 14 subthemes, including: (a) living in Florida: pros and cons; (b) initial reactions to the law; (c) feelings over time; (d) coping with worries; and (e) beyond “coping”: considering the future and possibility of relocation. Recommendations center on the need for counseling psychologists to use their privilege and training to advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ parents, families and others impacted by this legislation.
Professionals’ Perceived Influence on Outcomes of Multisystem-Involved Youth
Authors: Grayson Annee , Spurlock Kassandra , Thompson Brad , Parnell Justine
Published: December 2023

Youth involved in multiple systems, such as special education, juvenile justice, and foster care, often face complex challenges. Professionals inherently contribute to youth outcomes by supporting multisystem-involved youth. Through interviews, we explored the perspectives of a special education teacher, a school resource officer, a school administrator, and a youth parole supervisor to understand their perceived influence on youth. We synthesized these perspectives to identify the patterns of connection between the overlapping works of these professionals. A grounded theory model is provided as a result of data analysis to efficiently illustrate the connection of conceptual insights shared. These include expected outcomes, professional successes, youth agency, and contextual factors. These elements converge to demonstrate how professionals’ influence on youth outcomes develops.
Design and Implementation of a Federal Program to Engage Community Partners to Reduce Disparities in Adult COVID-19 Immunization Uptake, United States, 2021-2022
Authors: Ashenafi Samrawit G. , Martinez Gisela Medina , Jatlaoui Tara C. , Koppaka Ram , Byrne-Zaaloff Moria , Falcón Adolph P. , Frank Alexa , Keitt Sheree H. , Matus Katherine , Moss Synovia , Ruddock Charmaine , Sun Tracy , Waterman Mary B. , Wu Tsu-Yin
Published: December 2023

Vaccination disparities are part of a larger system of health inequities among racial and ethnic groups in the United States. To increase vaccine equity of racial and ethnic populations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designed the Partnering for Vaccine Equity program in January 2021, which funded and supported national, state, local, and community organizations in 50 states—which include Indian Health Service Tribal Areas; Washington, DC; and Puerto Rico—to implement culturally tailored activities to improve access to, availability of, and confidence in COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. To increase vaccine uptake at the local level, CDC partnered with national organizations such as the National Urban League and Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum to engage community-based organizations to take action. Lessons learned from the program include the importance of directly supporting and engaging with the community, providing tailored messages and access to vaccines to reach communities where they are, training messengers who are trusted by those in the community, and providing support to funded partners through trainings on program design and implementation that can be institutionalized and sustained beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on these lessons will ensure CDC and other public health partners can continue to advance vaccine equity, increase vaccine uptake, improve health outcomes, and build trust with communities as part of a comprehensive adult immunization infrastructure.
School-Located Vaccine Clinics: An Effective Strategy for Expanding Access to COVID-19 Vaccines in Los Angeles County
Authors: Biederman Cassandra Fink , Pham Matthew A. , Jimoh Lilly , Aguinaldo Jeanne L. , Ramirez Susana , Alabadi-Bierman Alaa , Yeganeh Nava
Published: December 2023

A key component of decreasing severe disease, hospitalizations, and death due to COVID-19 has been increasing vaccine accessibility to residents in communities where access to health care is poor and residents are at increased risk of poor health outcomes. Driven by the expansive geography and diverse population it serves, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health built an extensive school vaccination network by partnering with the county’s roughly 3000 schools and vaccine providers. We report on the process of building this network and its impact on vaccination coverage. We describe a unique equity metric (HPI+) that used a combination of the Healthy Places Index (HPI) and COVID-19 transmission and vaccination data to prioritize school-located vaccination efforts. More than 328 991 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered at 1050 schools in Los Angeles County from April 15, 2021, through June 18, 2022. Nearly 10% of all doses administered to children aged 5-11 years in Los Angeles County were at school-located vaccine clinics. Most vaccine clinic days (77.3%) were held at schools in HPI+ zip codes. Most doses (68.3%) were administered in HPI+ regions and to people aged ≥12 years (70.3%). Vaccinating the community at schools is an effective public health intervention; however, increased outreach efforts were required in HPI+ regions to ensure equitable access to vaccines. This case study can be used to replicate public health interventions using schools to support access to health care services for students and the surrounding community.
Eco-friendly approaches of zinc oxide and silver nitrate nanoparticles along with plant extracts against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Shabir Aqsa , Sarwar Zahid Mahmood , Ali Habib
Published: December 2023

The tobacco cutworm ( Spodoptera litura) is a widespread pest that inflicts severe damage on various crops, including cotton, tobacco, and vegetables, with a particular preference for solanaceous plants. Traditional control methods often rely heavily on synthetic insecticides, leading to adverse effects on the environment, human health, and the development of insecticide resistance. In light of these challenges, this study explores the potential of nanotechnology as an innovative and sustainable approach to combat this notorious pest. Bioassays were conducted using laboratory-reared 3rd instar S. litura larvae. Eight different plant extracts coated with zinc oxide and silver nitrate nanoparticles were tested, with concentrations in both distilled water and ethanol at 3, 5, and 7 ml. Data were collected at 24, 48, and 72-h intervals. The results revealed that the highest larval mortality, reaching 98%, was observed in the group treated with silver nitrate nanoparticles derived from Cymbopogon citratus. In comparison, the group treated with zinc oxide nanoparticles dissolved in ethanol exhibited a larval mortality rate of 90%. Ethanol is a polar solvent that is widely used in the synthesis of nanocomposites. It is capable of forming strong hydrogen bonds with oxygen atoms, making it a good dispersant for zinc oxide nanoparticles. Additionally, ethanol has a low boiling point and a non-toxic nature, which makes it a safe and effective option for the dispersion of nanoparticles. Notably, the study concluded that silver nanoparticles combined with ethanol exhibited prolonged and more potent toxic effects against S. litura when compared to zinc oxide nanoparticles. Overall, this research underscores the potential of nanotechnology as a valuable component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. By integrating nanotechnology into pest management practices, we can promote sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches that benefit both farmers and the ecosystem.
Book review: Rakhshanda Jalil and Debjani Sengupta, Bangladesh: Writings on 1971, Across Borders
Authors: Ray Chandrika
Published: December 2023

Rakhshanda Jalil and Debjani Sengupta, Bangladesh: Writings on 1971, Across Borders (Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan, 2022), 292pp., ₹875 (Paperback). ISBN: 9789354422126.