bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
History of the Occitan and Gascon Lexicon
Authors: Carles Hélène , Glessgen Martin
Published: March 2024

The process of differentiation of the Occitan and the Gascon lexicon began under the Roman Empire, increasing from the 8th century onward, and was further accentuated during the course of the second millennium. The dialects but also the written varieties of Medieval Occitan and Gascon were highly developed and remained pluricentric. The mechanisms of lexical innovation engendered by the development of the various textual traditions, as well as by intertextuality, caused the vocabulary to develop considerably between the 12th and the 15th centuries. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, the process of elaboration of written culture began to grind to a halt, although the two languages continued to be spoken throughout the territory. The traditional vocabulary continued to diversify, parallel to the development of regional literature and the constitution of significant lexical inventories. Thus, at the start of the contemporary period, the dialectal varieties of Occitan and Gascon had reached a pinnacle of diversification, but use of the spoken variety diminished throughout the 20th century, despite the powerful revival movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. Future research should intensify its efforts in the field of lexicological analysis with the object of emphasizing the richness of dialectal varieties and the expressivity of contemporary literature.
The AP-Domain in Germanic
Authors: Rehn Alexandra , Pfaff Alexander , Petrova Svetlana
Published: March 2024

This article provides a comparative description of the properties of the adjectival domain in Germanic, focusing on differences between continental West Germanic (German, Dutch) and North Germanic (Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish). On the one hand, it addresses the morpho-syntactic phenomenon of dual inflection as one of the major characteristics unifying adjectives in Germanic but distinguishing them from adjectives in other languages. The basic questions following from this property are the rise of dual inflection in Germanic and the principles underlying the distribution of the inflectional paradigms across the individual languages. On the other hand, this article addresses questions regarding the structural representation of the adjectival domain in Germanic. They affect not only the linear order in the Determiner Phrase (DP), that is, the positional realization of modifying adjectives relative to the head noun, but also their interpretation in terms of the underlying structure. The article provides an overview of various accounts on the structural representation of the adjectival domain in Germanic, starting with observations according to which adjectives adjoin to the head noun that they modify and ending with more recent approaches according to which adjectives display their own projections in the more articulated structure of the DP.
Environmental Policy and the Double Dividend Hypothesis
Authors: Bento Antonio M.
Published: March 2024

Since the 1990s, the so-called double-dividend debate—that is, the possibility that swaps of newly environmental taxes for existing distortionary taxes such as taxes on labor or capital could simultaneously improve environmental quality and reduce the distortionary costs of tax system—has attracted the attention of policymakers and academics. And while prior to the 1990s environmental economics as a field was not ready to inform this debate, scholars quickly moved to incorporate insights of the theory of second-best from public economics to inform the discussion. The result was a substantial advancement of the field of environmental economics, with the evaluation of the welfare effects of alternative policy instruments relying on general equilibrium models with pre-existing distortions.

Initially, scholars casted substantially doubt on the prospects of a double dividend, and suggested that environmental tax reforms would not reduce the distortionary costs of the tax system. This is because studies documented that the tax-interaction effect dominated the revenue-recycling effect. That is, newly environmental taxes interact with pre-existing distortions in labor markets. And even when the revenues of environmental taxes are used to cut the rate of the labor tax, the environmental tax reform exacerbates, rather than alleviate, pre-existing distortions in labor markets. Throughout the 2000s and in more recent decades, the literature has documented many instances where a double dividend is more likely to exist, including in the context of developing countries.
Hedging and Financial Tools for Water Management
Authors: Pérez-Blanco C. Dionisio
Published: March 2024

The management of risky water episodes entails a comprehensive set of instruments that can be broadly divided into two groups: damage prevention and damage management. Damage prevention instruments aim at negating or minimizing the economic damage of water scarcity and water extremes, and they include hard and soft engineering, information and awareness campaigns, and regulations and economic incentives. Damage management instruments aim at compensating damages and facilitating recovery, and they include tort law and hedging and financial tools. The growing interconnections and cascading uncertainties across coupled human and water systems make it increasingly challenging to comprehensively predict and anticipate expected damages from water scarcity and extremes, which is giving higher prominence to the management of damages, notably through hedging and financial tools. Hedging and financial tools are a risk transfer mechanism by which a potential future damage is transferred from one party to another, typically in exchange of a pecuniary compensation (risk premium), albeit they can be also freely provided (e.g., state aid). Hedging and financial instruments are varied and include futures, options, insurance, self-capitalization, reinsurance, private actions such as charities or nongovernmental organizations, state aid, and solidarity funds.

The first section of this document discusses the political context for disaster risk reduction efforts at an international level and provides key definitions. The second section presents a taxonomy for hedging and financial instruments; assesses their strengths and weaknesses, performance, and market penetration levels; and critically reviews reform propositions in the literature toward increasing their performance and adoption. The third section discusses the interconnections between hedging and financial tools and damage prevention tools, as well as how their design can enhance each other’s performance. The last section discusses barriers and enablers for the adoption of hedging and financial tools.
Water as a Merit Good
Authors: Hanemann Michael , Whittington Dale
Published: March 2024

In economics, a merit good is a good which it is judged that an individual or group of individuals should have (at least up to a certain quantity) on the basis of some concept of need, rather than on the basis of ability or willingness to pay. Examples include public elementary education and free hospitals for the poor alongside access to safe, affordable, and reliable water and sanitation. Exactly how a merit good is provided can be subjected to an economic test, but not whether the merit good should be provided. While there are some overlaps in application, the concept of a merit good is distinct from other economic concepts: A merit good may or may not be a public good, and it may or may not involve an externality. However, water and sanitation infrastructure may indeed be viewed as a form of social overhead capital.

A merit good is an economic concept; the human right is an ethical concept—and, sometimes, a legal concept. That said, the concept of a merit good and the judgment that a particular item is a merit good clearly have an ethical component. If one accepts the existence of a human right to water and sanitation, that could certainly motivate a government decision to make the provision of water and sanitation a merit good.

Even if a commodity is deemed to be a merit good, that still leaves open questions: To which group of people should it be provided as a merit good? In what quantity should it be provided? At what price, if any? By whom should it be provided? And how should the cost be funded?
Jackson, Mae
Authors: Pillai Vijayan K. , Nagoshi Julie
Published: March 2024

Dr. Mae Allison Johnson Jackson, a social worker and activist, overcame discrimination and segregation to become the first African American woman mayor of Waco, Texas. She fought for equality, worked with the National Council of Negro Women, and participated in civil rights programs. Dr. Jackson’s impact on several aspects of development in Waco was still felt almost 20 years later.
No mitochondrial DNA variation in COI gene among widely distributed populations of a parthenogenetic praying mantid: a biogeographic puzzle
Authors: Hurd Lawrence E , Cooper Gregory J , Cabe Paul R
Published: March 2024

The endemic North American praying mantid, Brunneria borealis Scudder (1896), is obligatorily parthenogenic and wingless. The species is both geographically widespread, distributed over an essentially continuous pericoastal range of more than 2,400 km from eastern Texas to central North Carolina, and abundant in early-stage successional old fields. We used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) analysis to examine the genetic similarities among specimens of this insect and collected from 7 states along this range of distribution. We found no variations in the mitochondrial COI gene, which suggests that this wide geographic distribution of the species is surprisingly recent. We hypothesize that its obligatory parthenogenic status may be an accident of colonization of North America by a single facultative parthenogenic female, and the subsequent distribution was most likely achieved by inadvertent human transport.
GINSA: an accumulator for paired locality and next-generation small ribosomal subunit sequence data
Authors: Odle Eric , Kahng Samuel , Riewluang Siratee , Kurihara Kyoko , Wakeman Kevin C
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Motivated by the challenges of decentralized genetic data spread across multiple international organizations, GINSA leverages the Global Biodiversity Information Facility infrastructure to automatically retrieve and link small ribosomal subunit sequences with locality information.

Results

Testing on taxa from major organism groups demonstrates broad applicability across taxonomic levels and dataset sizes.

Availability and implementation

GINSA is a freely accessible Python program under the MIT License and can be installed from PyPI via pip.
Pig conceptuses utilize extracellular vesicles for interferon-gamma-mediated paracrine communication with the endometrium
Authors: Cain Joe W , Seo Heewon , Bumgardner Katie , Lefevre Carli , Burghardt Robert C , Bazer Fuller W , Johnson Gregory A
Published: March 2024

Interferon-gamma (IFNG) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by the porcine conceptus (embryo and extra-embryonic membranes) during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy. IFNG modifies the endometrial inflammatory immune response and is required for the implantation and survival of the conceptus. It is not known how IFNG from the conceptus trophectoderm is transported across the endometrial luminal epithelium (LE). In the present study, immunofluorescence analyses detected immunoreactive IFNG protein in both the trophectoderm and endometrial LE on Day 15 of pregnancy, while our previous research localized IFNG mRNA only to conceptus trophectoderm. Using minced endometrial explants to disrupt the barrier posed by the intact endometrial LE, treatment with recombinant IFNG induced the expression of genes that were not induced when IFNG was infused into the uterine lumen in vivo by McLendon et al. (Biology of Reproduction. 2020;103(5):1018–1029). We hypothesized that during pregnancy extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as intercellular signaling vehicles to transport conceptus-derived IFNG across the intact endometrial LE and into the stromal compartment of the uterus. Western blotting detected the presence of IFNG in EVs isolated from the uterine fluid of pregnant gilts, but not nonpregnant gilts. Real-time PCR demonstrated increased expression of IFNG-stimulated genes in EV-treated endometrial explants and EV-mediated IFNG transport was confirmed in whole uterine sections cultured with EVs from Day 15 of pregnancy. These results suggest that EVs are involved in IFNG transport across the endometrial LE to enable paracrine communication between the conceptus and cells within the endometrial stroma.
Palliative surgery: state of the science and future directions
Authors: Lilley Elizabeth J , Farber Orly N , Cooper Zara
Published: March 2024

Palliative surgical procedures are operations that aim to alleviate symptoms in a patient with serious, life-limiting illness. They are common, particularly within the field of surgical oncology. However, few high-quality studies have attempted to measure the durability of improvements in symptoms and quality of life after palliative surgery. Furthermore, many of the studies that do exist are outdated and employ highly inconsistent definitions of palliative surgery. Consequently, the paucity of robust and reliable evidence on the benefits, risks, and trade-offs of palliative surgery hampers clinical decision-making for patients and their surgeons. The evidence for palliative surgery suggests that, with effective communication about goals of care and careful patient selection, palliative surgery can provide symptomatic relief and reduce healthcare burdens for certain seriously ill patients.
The impact of postoperative agitated delirium on dementia in surgical patients
Authors: Sun Mingyang , Chen Wan-Ming , Wu Szu-Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the association between postoperative agitated delirium and the risk of dementia in patients who were cognitively intact before undergoing major inpatient surgery. The study included inpatients aged 20 years or older who underwent major surgery requiring general, epidural, or spinal anaesthesia and hospitalization for over one day in Taiwan between 2008 and 2018. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of postoperative agitated delirium. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance various covariates known to influence dementia risk. The final analysis included 10 932 patients (5466 in each group). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the risk of dementia, and incidence rates and incidence rate ratios were calculated. After Propensity score matching, the study cohort comprised 5467 patients without postoperative agitated delirium and 5467 patients with postoperative agitated delirium. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratio for dementia were 1.26 (95% confidence intervals, 1.08–1.46; P = 0.003) in the postoperative agitated delirium group compared to the no postoperative agitated delirium group. The incidence rates of dementia was significantly higher in patients with postoperative agitated delirium (97.65 versus 70.85 per 10 000 person-years), with an incidence rate ratio of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.04–1.40). Our study demonstrates a substantial rise in dementia incidence linked to postoperative agitated delirium. These findings stress the need for effective prevention and management strategies. Addressing this issue emerges as a vital clinical approach to reduce subsequent dementia risk, with broad implications for enhancing overall perioperative patient outcomes.
The impact of appendectomy on the occurrence of alopecia areata: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Jin Cheol , Maeng Jieun , Choi Jee Woong
Published: March 2024

We explore the association between appendectomy and a higher risk of alopecia areata (AA). Analysing data from 16 385 people who had undergone appendectomy and a matched control group we found a higher incidence of AA in the appendectomy group, with a hazard ratio of 2.27 highlighted by the analysis. This suggests that appendectomy may affect the gut microbiome and immune regulation, having an impact on hair health and highlighting the role of appendectomy in autoimmune diseases.
Four-week inhibition of the renin–angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats results in persistently lower blood pressure with reduced kidney renin and changes in expression of relevant gene networks
Authors: Byars Sean G , Prestes Priscilla R , Suphapimol Varaporn , Takeuchi Fumihiko , De Vries Nathan , Maier Michelle C , Melo Mariana , Balding David , Samani Nilesh , Allen Andrew M , Kato Norihiro , Wilkinson-Berka Jennifer L , Charchar Fadi , Harrap Stephen B
Published: March 2024

Aims

Prevention of human hypertension is an important challenge and has been achieved in experimental models. Brief treatment with renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors permanently reduces the genetic hypertension of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). The kidney is involved in this fascinating phenomenon, but relevant changes in gene expression are unknown.

Methods and results

In SHR, we studied the effect of treatment between 10 and 14 weeks of age with the angiotensin receptor blocker, losartan, or the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, perindopril [with controls for non-specific effects of lowering blood pressure (BP)], on differential RNA expression, DNA methylation, and renin immunolabelling in the kidney at 20 weeks of age. RNA sequencing revealed a six-fold increase in renin gene (Ren) expression during losartan treatment (P < 0.0001). Six weeks after losartan, arterial pressure remained lower (P = 0.006), yet kidney Ren showed reduced expression by 23% after losartan (P = 0.03) and by 43% after perindopril (P = 1.4 × 10−6) associated with increased DNA methylation (P = 0.04). Immunolabelling confirmed reduced cortical renin after earlier RAS blockade (P = 0.002). RNA sequencing identified differential expression of mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs with evidence of networking and co-regulation. These included 13 candidate genes (Grhl1, Ammecr1l, Hs6st1, Nfil3, Fam221a, Lmo4, Adamts1, Cish, Hif3a, Bcl6, Rad54l2, Adap1, Dok4), the miRNA miR-145-3p, and the lncRNA AC115371. Gene ontogeny analyses revealed that these networks were enriched with genes relevant to BP, RAS, and the kidneys.

Conclusion

Early RAS inhibition in SHR resets genetic pathways and networks resulting in a legacy of reduced Ren expression and BP persisting for a minimum of 6 weeks.
First-in-human left atrial appendage closure using the WATCHMAN FLX Pro device: a case report
Authors: Nielsen-Kudsk Jens Erik , Kramer Anders , Andersen Asger , Kim Won Yong , Korsholm Kasper
Published: March 2024

Background

Device-related thrombosis (DRT) is a known complication to left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). The surface of a LAAC device should ideally have antithrombotic properties. The novel WATCHMAN FLX Pro (WFP) incorporates a fluoropolymer-coated fabric membrane designed to increase thromboresistance and facilitate endothelialization. Such features could potentially allow for a minimal post-procedural antithrombotic regimen. Radiopaque platinum markers at the device shoulders and a large 40 mm device are other novel features of the WFP.

Case summary

A 75-year-old man with atrial fibrillation was referred for LAAC due to prior subdural haemorrhage during direct-acting anticoagulation treatment. He underwent the first-in-human WFP implantation as part of the WATCHMAN FLX Pro CT study (NCT05567172). Computed tomography (CT) was used for pre-planning, and the procedure was performed under local analgesia guided by intracardiac echocardiography from the left atrium (LA) without any complications. Post-procedural antithrombotic treatment consisted of acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg/day only, and 45-day CT, transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated optimal device position with complete LAAC. Hypoattenuated thickening (6 mm) appeared on the device as a smooth surface in continuity with the left atrial wall on CT and TEE. A specific magnetic resonance T1-weighted scan, used for visualization of fresh thrombus, suggested this to represent tissue ingrowth rather than thrombus.

Discussion

The advanced follow-up imaging protocol suggested a good WFP implantation result with signs of tissue ingrowth at 45 days. The added radiopaque markers facilitated optimal deployment, evaluation of device stability during tug test, and assessment of device protrusion into the LA.
Implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol for lung volume reduction surgery: an observational cohort study
Authors: Vandervelde Christelle M , Everaerts Stephanie , Weder Walter , Orolé Siebe , Hermans Pieter-Jan , De Leyn Paul , Nafteux Philippe , Decaluwé Herbert , Van Veer Hans , Depypere Lieven , Coppens Steve , Neyrinck Arne P , Bouneb Sofian , De Coster Johan , Coolen Johan , Dooms Christophe , Van Raemdonck Dirk E , Janssens Wim , Ceulemans Laurens J
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an established therapeutic option for advanced emphysema. To improve patients’ safety and reduce complications, an enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) was implemented. This study aims to describe and evaluate the short-term outcome of this ERP.

METHODS

This retrospective single-centre study included all consecutive LVRS patients (1 January 2017 until 15 September 2020). An ERP for LVRS was implemented and stepwise optimised from 1 August 2019, it consisted of changes in pre-, peri- and postoperative care pathways. Patients were compared before and after implementation of ERP. Primary outcome was incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo), and secondary outcomes included chest tube duration, incidence of prolonged air leak (PAL), length of stay (LOS) and 90-day mortality. Lung function and exercise capacity were evaluated at 3 and 6 months post-LVRS.

RESULTS

Seventy-six LVRS patients were included (pre-ERP: n=41, ERP: n=35). The ERP cohort presented with lower incidence of postoperative complications (42% vs 83%, P=0.0002), shorter chest tube duration (4 vs 12 days, P<0.0001) with a lower incidence of PAL (21% vs 61%, P=0.0005) and shorter LOS (6 vs 14 days, P<0.0001). No in-hospital mortality occurred in the ERP cohort versus 4 pre-ERP. Postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s was higher in the ERP cohort compared to pre-ERP at 3 months (1.35 vs 1.02 l) and at 6 months (1.31 vs 1.01 l).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of ERP as part of a comprehensive reconceptualisation towards LVRS, demonstrated fewer postoperative complications, including PAL, resulting in reduced LOS. Improved short-term functional outcomes were observed at 3 and 6 months.
Advancing Aging Research Through a Health Disparities Perspective
Authors: Teruel Camargo Juliana , Smith Jessica T , Rodriquez Erik J , Pérez-Stable Eliseo J
Published: March 2024

The proportion of older adults in the United States is growing, and the older adult population is also becoming increasingly diverse. However, there are limited data on the aging process and older adults in underserved populations. Equitable participation in research studies on aging, the research workforce, and the healthcare workforce is critical to improving health outcomes for the entire U.S. population. Health disparities frameworks offer researchers and healthcare professionals the tools to develop and evaluate aging research that addresses all levels of analysis and domains of influence. Although there have been efforts to diversify the healthcare and research workforce, significant disparities in representation remain. In this perspective, we discuss existing aging health disparities, health disparities frameworks to use as tools to better conduct aging research, methods to enhance the proportion of underrepresented populations in aging research, and the current gaps in as well as efforts to enhance the diversity of the healthcare and research workforces.
“Relationships, Very Quickly, Turn to Nothing”: Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Adaptation to Changing Social Lives Among Persons Living With Dementia and Care Partners
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin A , Allison Theresa A , Halim Madina , Garrett Sarah B , Perissinotto Carla M , Ritchie Christine S , Smith Alexander K , Harrison Krista L
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Persons with dementia and their care partners have known risks for loneliness and social isolation throughout the disease trajectory, yet little is described about social lives in a population heterogeneous for disease stage, syndrome type, and setting.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews from multiple studies to triangulate responses from a cohort of persons with dementia (n = 24), and active (n = 33) or bereaved (n = 15) care partners diverse in setting, dementia type and stage, and life experience. Interviews explored challenges related to social lives and were analyzed thematically.

Results

Persons with dementia were on average 80 years old (range: 67–94), 38% female, and 78% diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia; care partners were on average 67 years old (range: 40–87) and 69% female. We identified 3 primary themes. First, dyads lost external social networks due to complex factors, including discomfort of surrounding social networks, caregiving responsibilities, and progressive cognitive deficits. Second, care partners described disruptions of meaningful dyadic relationships due to progressive cognitive and functional deficits, leading to loneliness and anticipatory grief. Third, adaptive strategies centered on care partners facilitating shared social activities and programs addressing caregiver burden. An overarching theme of disease–course accumulation of barriers to social interactions and constant adaptations was present in all themes.

Discussion and Implications

Isolation and loneliness are a shared experience and source of distress for persons with dementia and care partners. Results can inform interventions tailored to individual needs and disease stages of dyads that enhance social connectedness.
Psychological Disorders Linked to Osteoporosis Diagnoses in a Population-Based Cohort Study of Middle and Older Age United States Adults
Authors: Godde K , Courtney Margaret Gough , Roberts Josephine
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Although it is well established that psychological disorders and osteoporosis risk are linked, how the relationship manifests is not. This study examines depressive symptoms and a history of psychological problems as potential risk factors for osteoporosis diagnosis, adjudicating between 4 theoretical models rarely tested together. We analyze these models across multiple domains (i.e., demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related), while accounting for bone mineral density (BMD) scans, which have been shown to improve health equity across sex and racial/ethnic identities.

Research Design and Methods

Data from the 2012–2016, nationally representative, population-based, cohort Health and Retirement Study (N = 18,224–18,359) were used to estimate 4 logistic regression models with the outcome of osteoporosis diagnosis. Approximately 50% of the sample identified as female and 50% as male, while about 81% identified as White/European American, 11% as Black/African American, and 8% as another race/ethnicity. The key independent variables were depressive symptoms—measured using two common scales—and a history of psychological problems.

Results

A history of psychological problems and one depressive symptoms measure were associated with the odds of osteoporosis diagnosis in the presence of other known risk factors for osteoporosis.

Discussion and Implications

Support for the theoretical models was limited. Evidence suggests possible directionality; a history of psychological distress may be a risk factor for osteoporosis, though we cannot rule out the other direction. Public health professionals and healthcare providers should consider a history of psychological problems as a risk factor for osteoporosis when deciding whether to recommend a BMD scan.
Retrieval and precise phase-velocity estimation of Rayleigh waves by the spatial autocorrelation method between distributed acoustic sensing and seismometer data
Authors: Fukushima Shun , Shinohara Masanao , Nishida Kiwamu , Takeo Akiko , Yamada Tomoaki , Yomogida Kiyoshi
Published: March 2024

In distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), optical fibre is used as sensors, which enables us to observe strain over tens of kilometres at intervals of several metres. S-wave velocity (Vs) structures of shallow sediments of high resolution have been obtained from surface wave dispersion curves by applying seismic interferometry to DAS data both onshore and offshore. However, it is known that there is a disadvantage to DAS seismic interferometry. In addition to Rayleigh waves, Love waves are also included. Consequently, the accuracy of the estimated phase velocities for Rayleigh waves is reduced due to the contamination of Love waves. To address this shortcoming, we suggest a spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) method between DAS and the vertical component of seismometer data. The SPAC method is equivalent to seismic interferometry and is useful for obtaining phase-velocity dispersion curves of surface waves from the cross-correlation functions (CCFs) between the records of two receivers. The CCFs obtained from a combination of DAS and vertical seismometer data should contain only Rayleigh waves because Love waves have no vertical component. CCFs between DAS and vertical seismometer data are therefore expected to give more accurate phase velocities of Rayleigh waves than CCFs with DAS data only. In this study, we first formulated analytical expressions of cross-spectra for DAS and three-component seismometer data because seismic observation is generally carried out using a three-component seismometer. A new SPAC method is presented in the form of analytical expressions. We showed that our formulation only includes Rayleigh and not Love waves in the cross-spectra with DAS and the vertical-component seismometer data. We applied our SPAC method to actual DAS and vertical seismometer data recorded on the seafloor. Then, we compared our new SPAC method for DAS and vertical seismometer data with a conventional SPAC method for only DAS data. The results reveal that our new SPAC method can estimate the phase velocities of Rayleigh waves more accurately than the conventional method. In addition, the analytical formulations of the cross-spectrum between DAS and three-component seismometer data, which we obtained in this study, are expected to be useful for the estimation of accurate 3-D structures in the future, although this is not available at the moment due to the lack of an applicable data set.
Local-S shear wave splitting along the length of the Alaska–Aleutian subduction zone
Authors: Lynner Colton , Toro-Acosta Cherilyn , Paulson Eve , Birkey Andrew
Published: March 2024

The Alaska–Aleutian subduction zone represents an ideal location to study dynamics within a mantle wedge. The subduction system spans several thousand kilometres, is characterized by a slab edge, and has ample seismicity. Additionally, the majority of islands along the arc house broad-band seismic instruments. We examine shear wave splitting of local-S phases originating along the length of the subduction zone. We have dense measurement spacing in two regions, the central Aleutians and beneath Alaska. Beneath Alaska, we observe a rotation in fast splitting directions near the edge of the subducting slab. Fast directions change from roughly trench perpendicular away from the slab edge to trench parallel near the boundary. This is indicative of toroidal flow around the edge of the subducting Alaska slab. In the central Aleutians, local-S splitting is primarily oriented parallel to, or oblique to, the strike of the trench. The local-S measurements, however, exhibit a depth dependence where deeper events show more consistently trench-parallel directions indicating prevalent trench-parallel mantle flow. Our local-S shear wave splitting results suggest trench-parallel orientation are likely present along much of the subduction zone excited by the slab edge, but that additional complexities exist along strike.
Re-evaluation of the methodology for estimating the US specialty physician workforce
Authors: Black-Schaffer W Stephen , Gross David J , Nouri Zakia , DeLisle Aidan , Dill Michael , Park Jason Y , Crawford James M , Cohen Michael B , Johnson Rebecca L , Karcher Donald S , Wheeler Thomas M , Robboy Stanley J
Published: March 2024

Increasing pursuit of subspecialized training has quietly revolutionized physician training, but the potential impact on physician workforce estimates has not previously been recognized. The Physicians Specialty Data Reports of the Association of American Medical Colleges, derived from specialty designations in the American Medical Association (AMA) Physician Professional Data (PPD), are the reference source for US physician workforce estimates; by 2020, the report for pathologists was an undercount of 39% when compared with the PPD. Most of the difference was due to the omission of pathology subspecialty designations. The rest resulted from reliance on only the first of the AMA PPD's 2 specialty data fields. Placement of specialty designation in these 2 fields is sensitive to sequence of training and is thus affected by multiple or intercalated (between years of residency training) fellowships. Both these phenomena have become progressively more common and are not unique to pathology. Our findings demonstrate the need to update definitions and methodology underlying estimates of the US physician workforce for pathology and suggest a like need in other specialties affected by similar trends.
The relation between eHealth literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours in pregnant women
Authors: Korkmaz Aslan Gülbahar , Kılınç İşleyen Eda , Kartal Asiye , Koştu Nazan
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between eHealth literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five family health centres in a city in the western part of Turkey. The study sample consisted of 201 pregnant women who were admitted to the five family health centres between September and December 2022. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the eHealth Literacy Scale and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours in Pregnancy Scale were used to collect data. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore predictors of health-promoting behaviours. The mean score of the eHealth Literacy Scale was 29.37 ± 6.20. The mean score of the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale was 119.69 ± 13.58. Multiple linear regression showed that predictors of healthy lifestyle behaviours among pregnant women were eHealth literacy, using internet to access health information and gestational age. eHealth literacy was found to be an important factor affecting the healthy lifestyle behaviours of pregnant women. This study highlights the importance of considering pregnant women’s eHealth literacy in interventions aimed at improving healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Making beds in early modern England: sleep, matter and environmental change
Authors: Fletcher Holly
Published: March 2024

Bringing environmental history, the history of medicine and the history of poverty into conversation with material culture studies, this article argues that sleep management in early modern England involved environmental practices in which bodies and matter were interwoven. Using records relating to the Worshipful Company of Upholders in London as a starting point, the article uncovers for the first time the range of animal and plant matter upon which early modern people slept. In so doing it transforms our view of the sleeping conditions of the early modern poor and demonstrates the significance of place-specific, material knowledge for health care practices.
Estimated Population-Level Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Against All-Cause Pneumonia Mortality Among Unvaccinated in 5 Latin American Countries
Authors: Prunas Ottavia , Shioda Kayoko , Toscano Cristiana M , Bastias Magdalena , Valenzuela-Bravo Maria Teresa , Tito Janepsy Diaz , Warren Joshua L , Weinberger Daniel M , de Oliveira Lucia H
Published: March 2024

Background

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) provide strong direct protection in children, while limited data are available on their indirect effect on mortality among older age groups. This multicountry study aimed to assess the population-level impact of pediatric PCVs on all-cause pneumonia mortality among children ≥5 years of age, and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases in Chile.

Methods

Demographic and mortality data from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico were collected considering the ≥ 5-year-old population, from 2000 to 2019, with 1 795 789 deaths due to all-cause pneumonia. IPD cases in Chile were also evaluated. Time series models were employed to evaluate changes in all-cause pneumonia deaths during the postvaccination period, with other causes of death used as synthetic controls for unrelated temporal trends.

Results

No significant change in death rates due to all-cause pneumonia was detected following PCV introduction among most age groups and countries. The proportion of IPD cases caused by vaccine serotypes decreased from 29% (2012) to 6% (2022) among people aged ≥65 years in Chile.

Discussion

While an effect of PCV against pneumonia deaths (a broad clinical definition that may not be specific enough to measure indirect effects) was not detected, evidence of indirect PCV impact was observed among vaccine-type–specific IPD cases.
Development of an ultrafast PCR to detect clinically relevant acquired vancomycin-resistance genes from cultured enterococci
Authors: Philip Axel , Oueslati Saoussen , Villa Francesco , Pannetier Christophe , Cattoir Vincent , Duranteau Jacques , Figueiredo Samy , Naas Thierry
Published: March 2024

Background

VRE are increasingly described worldwide. Screening of hospitalized patients at risk for VRE carriage is mandatory to control their dissemination. Here, we have developed the Bfast [VRE Panel] PCR kit, a rapid and reliable quantitative PCR assay for detection of vanA, vanB, vanD and vanM genes, from solid and liquid cultures adaptable to classical and ultrafast real-time PCR platforms.

Methods

Validation was carried out on 133 well characterized bacterial strains, including 108 enterococci of which 64 were VRE. Analytical performances were determined on the CFX96 Touch (Bio-Rad) and Chronos Dx (BforCure), an ultrafast qPCR machine. Widely used culture plates and broths for enterococci selection/growth were tested.

Results

All targeted van alleles (A, B, D and M) were correctly detected without cross-reactivity with other van genes (C, E, G, L and N) and no interference with the different routinely used culture media. A specificity and sensitivity of 100% and 99.7%, respectively, were determined, with limits of detection ranging from 21 to 238 cfu/reaction depending on the targets. The Bfast [VRE Panel] PCR kit worked equally well on the CFX and Chronos Dx platforms, with differences in multiplexing capacities (five and four optical channels, respectively) and in turnaround time (45 and 16 minutes, respectively).

Conclusions

The Bfast [VRE Panel] PCR kit is robust, easy to use, rapid and easily implementable in clinical microbiology laboratories for ultra-rapid confirmation of the four main acquired van genes. Its features, especially on Chronos Dx, seem to be unmatched compared to other tools for screening of VRE.
Patient factors associated with telehealth quality and experience among adults with chronic conditions
Authors: Yoon Esther , Hur Scott , Curtis Laura M , Benavente Julia Yoshino , Wolf Michael S , Serper Marina
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate patient-reported experiences of telehealth and disparities in access, use, and satisfaction with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

We examined data from the fifth wave of the COVID-19 & Chronic Conditions (C3) study conducted between December 2020 and March 2021.

Results

Of the 718 participants, 342 (47.6%) reported having a telehealth visit within the past 4 months. Participants who had a recent telehealth visit were younger, reported worse overall health and chronic illness burden, and living below poverty level. Among participants who had a telehealth visit, 66.7% reported telephone visits and most participants (57.6%) rated telehealth quality as better-or-equal-to in-person visits. Inadequate health literacy was associated with lower likelihood of reporting telehealth quality and usefulness. In multivariable analyses, lower patient activation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.19, 95% CI, 0.05-0.59) and limited English proficiency (AOR 0.12, 95% CI, 0.03-0.47) were less likely to report telehealth as being better than in-person visits; lower patient activation (AOR 0.06, 95% CI, 0.003-0.41) and income below poverty level (AOR 0.36, 95% CI, 0.13-0.98) were associated with difficulty remembering telehealth visit information.

Discussion

Most participants reported usefulness and ease of navigating telehealth. Lower socioeconomic status, limited English proficiency, inadequate health literacy, lower educational attainment, and low patient activation are risks for poorer quality telehealth.

Conclusion

The COVID pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth, however, disparities in access and self-reported visit quality persist. Since telemedicine is here to stay, we identify vulnerable populations and discuss potential solutions to reduce healthcare disparities in telehealth use.
Influence of age on the efficacy of pharmacologic treatments on fracture risk reduction and increases in BMD: RCT results from the FNIH-ASBMR-SABRE project
Authors: Schini Marian , Vilaca Tatiane , Vittinghoff Eric , Lui Li-Yung , Ewing Susan K , Thompson Austin R , Bauer Douglas C , Bouxsein Mary L , Black Dennis M , Eastell Richard
Published: March 2024

There is a common belief that antiosteoporosis medications are less effective in older adults. This study used data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether the anti-fracture efficacy of treatments and their effects on BMD differ in people ≥70 compared to those <70 yr. We used individual patient data from 23 RCTs of osteoporosis medications collected as part of the FNIH-ASBMR SABRE project. We assessed the following fractures: radiographic vertebral, non-vertebral, hip, all clinical, and all fractures. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate treatment effect for clinical fracture outcomes, logistic regression for the radiographic vertebral fracture outcome, and linear regression to estimate treatment effect on 24-mo change in hip and spine BMD in each age subgroup. The analysis included 123 164 (99% female) participants; 43% being ≥70 yr. Treatment with anti-osteoporosis drugs significantly and similarly reduced fractures in both subgroups (eg, odds ratio [OR] = 0.47 and 0.51 for vertebral fractures in those below and above 70 yr, interaction P = .19; hazard ratio [HR] for all fractures: 0.72 vs 0.70, interaction P = .20). Results were similar when limited to bisphosphonate trials with the exception of hip fracture risk reduction which was somewhat greater in those <70 (HR = 0.44) vs ≥70 (HR = 0.79) yr (interaction P = .02). Allocation to anti-osteoporotic drugs resulted in significantly greater increases in hip and spine BMD at 24 mo in those ≥70 compared to those <70 yr. In summary, anti-osteoporotic medications similarly reduced the risk of fractures regardless of age, and the few small differences in fracture risk reduction by age were of uncertain clinical significance.
Post-polypectomy surveillance: follow-up recommendations from the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Sadowski Daniel C , Kolber Michael R , Gomes Anthony , Hickle Linda , Hilsden Robert , McLean David Ross , Mok Dereck , Moysey Barbara , Nemecek Nicole , Ryan John David , Sultanian Richard , Wiseman Jessica , Yang Huiming
Published: March 2024

In 2013, the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (ACRCSP) initially published recommendations for post-colonoscopy follow-up and polypectomy. Over time, emerging evidence and evolving surveillance guidelines from various expert groups necessitated a comprehensive review to align with the healthcare landscape in Alberta. To accomplish this, an expert panel was convened. Using the Agree II tool, we identified high-quality Clinical Practice Guidelines that were relevant to the Alberta medical context. Recommendations from these guidelines were adapted to fit the specific needs of Alberta. Recognizing inconsistencies and gaps within the existing guidelines, we conducted targeted literature reviews to ensure a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to our recommendations.

Our revised recommendations build upon the assumption that a high-quality index colonoscopy has been performed at baseline. They are intended to enhance the quality of care and reduce unnecessary procedures. As well, they align with the growing consensus in the scientific literature that individuals with low-risk tubular adenomas may not require aggressive colonoscopy surveillance.

The updated Alberta recommendations aim to provide clear recommendations for practicing endoscopists, referring physicians, and their patients. They address crucial questions such as determining which patients should commence surveillance via colonoscopy and which individuals should return to average-risk screening using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Additionally, our recommendations outline the appropriate surveillance intervals for those requiring continued monitoring.
Rearing methods of four insect species intended as feed, food, and food ingredients: a review
Authors: Morales-Ramos Juan A , Tomberlin Jeffery K , Miranda Chelsea , Rojas M Guadalupe
Published: March 2024

Over the past 2 decades, the potential of insects as food and feed has been recognized globally. Insects as feed ingredients can improve sustainability because of their lower greenhouse gas emissions and their potential to transform organic wastes into high-quality feed rich in nutrients. However, currently, the practical use of insects as food or feed is limited by the high costs of insect production. A great deal of effort is required to improve the rearing technology necessary to establish the principles of insect farming. Several insect species have become industrialized using existing methods of production. The most common industrialized insect species intended as feed and food include the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae); the house cricket, Acheta domesticus L. (Orthoptera: Gryllidae); the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae); and the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae). This review focuses on describing the existing rearing methods for these 4 insect species, which may provide a basis for future research to enhance insect production capabilities.
Temporary trade shocks and regional development: evidence from the closure of Abidjan port
Authors: Shilpi Forhad , Emran M Shahe , Blankespoor Brian , Coulombe Harold
Published: March 2024

Can temporary trade restrictions reshape regional development? To analyze this, we exploit the Cote d’Ivoire civil war that disrupted access to Abidjan port for neighboring land-locked countries: Mali and Burkina Faso. Estimates from a difference-in-difference design suggest negative effects on economic activity and a reverse structural change in the treatment communes. We find evidence of persistence through irreversible investment in built-up areas and divergence in the growth of nightlights. Treatment communes at the intermediate distance from the nearest city experienced stronger adverse impacts, driven partly by a relocation to the communes close to other ports.