bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective versus objective sleep in men with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Fjermestad K. W. , Finnbakk R. R. , Solbakk A.-K. , Gravholt C. H. , Huster R. J.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To investigate sleep among men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).

Method

We compared the sleep domains latency, disturbance, and efficiency in 30 men with KS (M age = 36.7 years, SD = 10.6) to 21 age-matched non-KS controls (M age = 36.8 years, SD = 14.4). Actigraphs were used to objectively measure sleep across 7 days and nights. Participants also completed a sleep diary over the same period, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

The mean correlation between the objective and subjective sleep measures was lower for the KS sample (M r = .15) than for controls (M r = .34). Sleep disturbance was significantly larger in the KS sample, as measured by actigraphy (p = .022, d = 0.71) and the PSQI (p = .037, d = 0.61). In regression models predicting sleep domains from KS status, age, educational level, vocational status, IQ, and mental health, KS status was not a significant predictor. Higher age was associated with more actigraphy-measured sleep disturbance. Higher educational level and being employed were associated with better sleep efficiency.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbance may be a particular problem for men with KS and should be measured with complimentary methods.
Somatic mutation spectrum of a Chinese cohort of pediatrics with vascular malformations
Authors: Zhang Bin , He Rui , Xu Zigang , Sun Yujuan , Wei Li , Li Li , Liu Yuanxiang , Guo Wu , Song Li , Wang Huijun , Lin Zhimiao , Ma Lin
Published: September 2023

Background

Somatic mutations of cancer driver genes are found to be responsible for vascular malformations with clinical manifestations ranging from cutaneous birthmarks to life-threatening systemic anomalies. Till now, only a limited number of cases and mutations were reported in Chinese population. The purpose of this study was to describe the somatic mutation spectrum of a cohort of Chinese pediatrics with vascular malformations.

Methods

Pediatrics diagnosed with various vascular malformations were collected between May 2019 and October 2020 from Beijing Children’s Hospital. Genomic DNA of skin lesion of each patient was extracted and sequenced by whole-exome sequencing to identify pathogenic somatic mutations. Mutations with variant allele frequency less than 5% were validated by ultra-deep sequencing.

Results

A total of 67 pediatrics (33 males, 34 females, age range: 0.1–14.8 years) were analyzed. Exome sequencing identified somatic mutations of corresponding genes in 53 patients, yielding a molecular diagnosis rate of 79.1%. Among 29 PIK3CA mutations, 17 were well-known hotspot p.E542K, p.E545K and p.H1047R/L. Non-hotspot mutations were prevalent in patients with PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum, accounting for 50.0% (11/22) of detected mutations. The hotspot GNAQ p.R183Q and TEK p.L914F mutations were responsible for the majority of port-wine stain/Sturge–Weber syndrome and venous malformation, respectively. In addition, we identified a novel AKT1 p.Q79K mutation in Proteus syndrome and MAP3K3 p.E387D mutation in verrucous venous malformation.

Conclusions

The somatic mutation spectrum of vascular malformations in Chinese population is similar to that reported in other populations, but non-hotspot PIK3CA mutations may also be prevalent. Molecular diagnosis may help the clinical diagnosis, treatment and management of these pediatric patients with vascular malformations.
Biomechanical effect of neurologic dance training (NDT) for breast cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial and preliminary baseline data
Authors: Lantis Kristen , Schnell Patrick , Bland Courtney R. , Wilder Jacqueline , Hock Karen , Vargo Craig , Glover Nelson A. , Hackney Madeleine E. , Lustberg Maryam B. , Worthen-Chaudhari Lise
Published: September 2023

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most common forms of cancer experienced by women. Up to 80% of BC survivors treated with chemotherapy experience chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN), which degrades motor control, sensory function, and quality of life. CIN symptoms include numbness, tingling, and/or burning sensations in the extremities; deficits in neuromotor control; and increased fall risk. Physical activity (PA) and music-based medicine (MBM) are promising avenues to address sensorimotor symptoms. Therefore, we propose that we can combine the effects of music- and PA-based medicine through neurologic dance training (NDT) through partnered Adapted Tango (NDT-Tango). We will assess the intervention effect of NDT-Tango v. home exercise (HEX) intervention on biomechanically-measured variables. We hypothesize that 8 weeks of NDT-Tango practice will improve the dynamics of posture and gait more than 8 weeks of HEX.

Methods

In a single-center, prospective, two-arm randomized controlled clinical trial, participants are randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to the NDT-Tango experimental or the HEX active control intervention group. Primary endpoints are change from baseline to after intervention in posture and gait. Outcomes are collected at baseline, midpoint, post, 1-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up. Secondary and tertiary outcomes include clinical and biomechanical tests of function and questionnaires used to compliment primary outcome measures. Linear mixed models will be used to model changes in postural, biomechanical, and PROs. The primary estimand will be the contrast representing the difference in mean change in outcome measure from baseline to week 8 between treatment groups.

Discussion

The scientific premise of this study is that NDT-Tango stands to achieve more gains than PA practice alone through combining PA with MBM and social engagement. Our findings may lead to a safe non-pharmacologic intervention that improves CIN-related deficits.

Trial registration

This trial was first posted on 11/09/21 at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT05114005.
Robust beamforming design for UAV communications based on integrated sensing and communication
Authors: Zhang Haolin , Yang Tao , Wu Xiaofeng , Guo Ziyu , Hu Bo
Published: September 2023

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has been a promising technique in various wireless communication applications. In this paper, we investigate a beamforming design method based on ISAC waveforms in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications. An integrated state prediction and beamforming design framework is presented. We utilize the target states from sensing algorithms to improve the prediction performance. Based on the predicted states, we formulate the mathematical form of the communication interruption probability. To enhance the beamforming performance, we propose a design approach that satisfies both sensing and communication metrics and the communication interruption constraints. We show that the proposed method achieves robust communication under the integrated state prediction and beamforming design framework. Simulation results show that by using the ISAC signal, our method significantly lowers the communication interruption probability in the beamforming process and achieves better communication performance.
Timing and threshold of high sensitive troponin T measurement for the prediction of mortality after cardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Koköfer Andreas , Cozowicz Crispiana , Wernly Bernhard , Rodemund Niklas
Published: September 2023

Background

High sensitive cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) is a widely used biomarker of myocardial injury. Along with other high sensitive troponins, HsTnT can predict mortality in both cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the association between hsTnT serum elevations in the immediate postoperative period until 120 h after cardiac surgery and the occurrence of in‐hospital mortality compared to the Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS3). Additionally, we identified an ideal hsTnT serum threshold to predict in‐hospital mortality.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single-institutional cohort analysis of 2179 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from 2013 to 2021. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate an association of hsTnT at various time points and in-hospital mortality. The model was adjusted for relevant covariates including SAPS3, lactate and administered norepinephrine dosage. ROC analysis was performed to estimate the accuracy to predict mortality by serum hsTnT concentrations. This prediction was compared to the SAPS3 score. An ideal cutoff of hsTnT concentration was calculated by means of Youden index.

Results

In total 7576 troponins were measured at the predefined timepoints. 100 (4.59%) patients died during the hospital stay. The fourth hsTnT on d3 (at 96–120 h postoperatively) showed the highest association with in-hospital death (OR 1.56; 95% CI (1.39–1.76); p < 0.001). This finding persisted after multivariable adjustment (aOR 1.34; 95% CI (1.18–1.53); p < 0.001). In contrast, the third hsTnT on d2 (at 48–72 h postoperatively) showed the best discrimination for in-hospital mortality (AUC 82.75%; 95% CI (0.77–0.89). The prediction by the third hsTnT was comparable to the in-hospital mortality prediction by SAPS3 (AUC 79.36%; 95% CI (0.73–0.85); p = 0.056). The optimal cutoff for the third hsTnT was calculated to be 1264 ng/L (Sensitivity 0.62; Specificity 0.88).

Conclusion

Elevated hsTnT after cardiac surgery was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. HsTnT measured on postoperative day 2 and 3 were most accurate to predict in-hospital mortality. The prediction of in-hospital mortality using hsTNT is comparable to mortality prediction using the SAPS3 score. HsTnT serum levels currently recommended to establish clinically important periprocedural myocardial injury are lower than thresholds identified in this study.
Reviews
Authors: Aitken Julie
Published: September 2023

Big Data Analytics in Earth, Atmospheric, and Ocean Sciences, edited by Thomas Huang, Tiffany Vance, and Christopher Lynnes, 2022.
Risk Factors for Relapse in Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer After Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection With Viable Residual Cancer
Authors: Antonelli Luca , Ardizzone Davide , Tachibana Isamu , Adra Nabil , Cary Clint , Hugar Lee , Sexton Wade J. , Bagrodia Aditya , Mego Michal , Daneshmand Siamak , Nicolai Nicola , Nazzani Sebastiano , Giannatempo Patrizia , Franza Andrea , Heidenreich Axel , Paffenholz Pia , Saoud Ragheed , Eggener Scott , Ho Matthew , Oswald Nathaniel , Olson Kathleen , Tryakin Alexey , Fedyanin Mikhail , Naoun Natacha , Javaud Christophe , Cazzaniga Walter , Nicol David , Gerdtsson Axel , Tandstad Torgrim , Fizazi Karim , Fankhauser Christian Daniel ,   in collaboration with the EAU-YAU Penile and Testis Cancer Working Group
Published: September 2023

What is the role of pcRPLND in men with retroperitoneal vital cancer after first-line chemotherapy? This question arises because of the potential predictive value of miR371 in identifying residual cancer even before pcRPLND! @cdfankhauser shared data within a multicenter cohort study redefining future practice in the miR371 era.
Thymic Hyperplasia and Graves Disease: A Nonincidental Association
Authors: Pla Peris Begoña , Abellán Galiana Pablo , Maravall Royo Francisco Javier , Merchante Alfaro Agustín Ángel
Published: September 2023

We present 2 cases referred for evaluation of Graves disease (GD) associated with an incidental mediastinal mass. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans showed a 1.2 × 2.4 × 4.3 cm and a 5.7 × 2.6 × 7 cm thymic enlargement, respectively, consistent with thymic hyperplasia (TH) in the 2 patients. Patient 1 had been assessed by thoracic surgery for the mediastinal mass, and thymectomy had been performed to exclude thymoma, with an anatomopathological diagnosis consistent with thymic hyperplasia. Patient 2 was treated with methimazole. CT scan was repeated after he maintained a euthyroid state, which revealed total regression of the mass. There is a well-documented association between these 2 entities, but it is often underdiagnosed and unrecognized in routine clinal practice. The benign evolution, as evidenced by regression of thymic hyperplasia after resolution of the hyperthyroidism, is characteristic. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing the association of GD and TH and warrant a conservative approach, preventing unnecessary thymic evaluation and surgery.
Yo Era Indígena: Race, Modernity, and the Transformational Politics of Transnational Labor
Authors: Loza Mireya
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines the experience of several indigenous communities in the Bracero Program. Recognizing the shifting meanings of race that indigenous migrants experienced in the United States, this chapter explores the formation of mid-twentieth-century racial constructs in Mexico and the subsequent role of indigeneity in the context of US and Mexican state nation-building projects.
Calibrated microphone array recordings reveal that a gleaning bat emits low-intensity echolocation calls even in open-space habitat
Authors: de Framond Léna , Beleyur Thejasvi , Lewanzik Daniel , Goerlitz Holger R.
Published: September 2023

Echolocating bats use ultrasound for orientation and prey capture in darkness. Ultrasound is strongly attenuated in air. Consequently, aerial-hawking bats generally emit very intense echolocation calls to maximize detection range. However, call levels vary more than tenfold (>20 dB) between species and are tightly linked to the foraging strategy. The brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) is a primarily gleaning, low-amplitude species that may occasionally hawk airborne prey. We used state-of-the-art calibrated acoustic 3D-localization and automated call analysis to measure P. auritus’ source levels. Plecotus auritus emits echolocation calls of low amplitude (92 dB rmsSPL re. 20 µPa at 10 cm) even while flying in open-space. While P. auritus thus probably benefits from delayed evasive manoeuvres of eared insects, we propose that low-amplitude echolocation did not evolve as an adaptive countermeasure, but is limited by morphological constraints.
A Constructivist Perspective on Empirical Discrimination Research
Authors: Rose Evan K.
Published: September 2023

Contemporary scholars view race as a constructed social category, not a biological fact. Yet most empirical discrimination research treats race no differently than other individual characteristics typically observed in data. This article considers the implications of adopting a constructivist perspective instead. I develop a simple model where agents use observable characteristics to both interpret membership in racial social categories and make decisions. Discrimination is the result of acting based on perceived social identity. The model highlights the need to measure the racial “first stage”—the social identity contrast between individuals—instead of relying on race as coded in data, and draws a novel distinction between race-based and direct statistical discrimination. I illustrate some implications using data on wages, speech patterns, and skin color and conclude with strategies for future research that build on the constructivist model. (JEL J15, J31, J71, K38)
The Enduring Effects of Racial Discrimination on Income and Health
Authors: Eli Shari J. , Logan Trevon D. , Miloucheva Boriana
Published: September 2023

We investigate the effect of income on the long-standing racial mortality gap in the United States by using evidence from White and Black Civil War veterans who went on to receive postwar pensions. To circumvent endogeneity, we propose an exogenous source of variation in pension income: the judgment of the doctors who certified disability. We find large effects of pension income on longevity; large enough to close the Black–White mortality gap, in principle. However, because physicians discriminated against Blacks when evaluating the existence and severity of disabilities, Blacks received reduced pension benefits that failed to eliminate racial mortality gaps in practice. Our findings shed light on the role of beliefs about race, as opposed to racial animus, in contributing to racial differentials in well-being. (JEL H55, I12, I14, I24, J15, N31)
Meritocracy and Representation
Authors: Sethi Rajiv , Somanathan Rohini
Published: September 2023

A standard conception of meritocracy, reflected in state referenda and the many legal filings against university admissions policies, is that selection rules should be blind to group identity and monotonic in measures of past accomplishment. We present theoretical arguments and survey empirical evidence challenging this view. Past accomplishment is often a garbled signal of multiple traits, some of which matter more for future performance than others. In such cases, group identity can be informative as a predictor of success and the increased representation of resource-disadvantaged groups could improve organizational performance. This perspective helps explain some recent empirical findings regarding the efficiency effects of group-contingent selection and moves us toward a conception of meritocracy more closely tied to organizational mission. (JEL I23, I26, I28, J15)
Mariomm Shopping: desafios para a implementação da plataforma de vendas online
Authors: Santos Maira , Sciencia do Prado Lucas
Published: September 2023

O Mariomm Shopping foi um dos pioneiros a investir na criação de uma nova plataforma própria de vendas online para integrar com o seu formato offline. A empresa criou um marketplace no qual os lojistas do shopping poderiam ofertar seus produtos para clientes das lojas e consumidores que não frequentavam o espaço físico. Entretanto, após algum tempo de operação, a liderança de marketing da empresa precisava tomar uma decisão: manter ou não a operação. Diferentes pontos de vista dos públicos envolvidos na decisão são apresentados, tornando o caso adequando para discussões em disciplinas de marketing, canais de marketing e varejo.
Η ξενιτεία στην Δημώδη Βυζαντινή Λογοτεχνία (12ος -15ος αιώνας)
Authors: Νταής Βασίλειος
Published: September 2023

Θέμα της διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η ξενιτεία στη λογοτεχνική παραγωγή του Βυζαντίου από τον 12ο έως τον 15ο αιώνα. Βεβαίως, η ξενιτεία κατά τους τελευταίους αιώνες της Βυζαντινής αυτοκρατορίας, τη λεγόμενη υστεροβυζαντινή εποχή, αποτελεί αναμφίβολα αναπόσπαστο χαρακτηριστικό της κοινωνίας. Το 1204 αποτελεί σταθμό και ταυτόχρονα κρίσιμη καμπή της ιστορίας της αυτοκρατορίας. Η κατάκτηση της Κωνσταντινούπολης από τους Σταυροφόρους οδήγησε στην κατάλυση της ενότητάς της και επηρέασε πολιτικούς και οικονομικούς θεσμούς καθώς και κοινωνικές δομές. Μία από τις κύριες συνέπειες της πρώτης αυτής άλωσης υπήρξε η ξενιτεία. Η ανακατάληψη της Κωνσταντινούπολης ήταν ένα παροδικό επίτευγμα. Η συρρίκνωση των εδαφών συνεχίστηκε αμείωτη οδηγώντας ακόμη περισσότερους ανθρώπους στην ξενιτεία και στην εγκατάλειψη των εστιών τους. Η ελπίδα για αυτοκρατορική βοήθεια εξέλιπε με τα χρόνια και η φυγή υπήρξε η μόνη λύση για την αποφυγή της υποδούλωσης, του εξισλαμισμού και του θανάτου. Ως εκ τούτου, η ξενιτεία υπήρξε μια συνεχής πραγματικότητα. Βεβαίως, η λογοτεχνία αποτελεί τον καθρέφτη ιστορικών μεταβολών οι οποίες συμβαίνουν σε μια κοινωνία. Κατά αυτόν τον τρόπο, τέτοιες βίαιες ανακατατάξεις στην καθημερινή ζωή δεν θα μπορούσαν παρά να αποτυπωθούν στη λογοτεχνική παραγωγή της εποχής, αντικατοπτρίζοντας την ιστορική πραγματικότητα. Συνεπώς, η ξενιτεία μετατρέπεται σε λογοτεχνικό κοινό τόπο που προσφέρει πλήθος ενδιαφερουσών πληροφοριών στον ερευνητή και τον σύγχρονο αναγνώστη.
Η επίδραση των ιστοσελίδων κοινωνικής δικτύωσης στην εφηβική ηλικία
Authors: Παναγιωτίδου Γεωργία
Published: September 2023

Σκοπό της παρούσας διατριβής αποτελεί η μελέτη και διερεύνηση του ρόλου που διαδραματίζει η χρήση των ιστοσελίδων κοινωνικής δικτύωσης σε συνάρτηση με τους νέους τρόπους επικοινωνίας που έχει επιβάλει στην εφηβική ηλικία η επέλαση της τεχνολογίας στις κοινωνικές, οικογενειακές και προσωπικές τους σχέσεις, καθώς οι έφηβοι αποτελούν μία εξαιρετικά ενεργή ηλικιακή ομάδα στο σύγχρονο διαδικτυακό περιβάλλον. Συγκεκριμένα, μελετήθηκαν οι τρόποι με τους οποίους επιτελείται η λειτουργία της επικοινωνίας μεταξύ των εφήβων στις διαδικτυακές πλατφόρμες κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, ο βαθμός επίδρασής τους στις κοινωνικές, οικογενειακές και προσωπικές τους σχέσεις, οι παράγοντες που διαμορφώνουν τη διαδικτυακή τους ταυτότητα, οι επιρροές που δέχονται οι έφηβοι ως καταναλωτές από τα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, ο βαθμός ενημέρωσης και ετοιμότητάς τους, ώστε να αντιμετωπίσουν τους κινδύνους που παραμονεύουν στις διαδικτυακές πλατφόρμες, αλλά και το αποτύπωμα όλων αυτών των παραγόντων στην ευρύτερη δομή της κοινωνίας. Για την επίτευξη των στόχων αυτών εκπονήθηκε μία μελέτη περίπτωσης των μαθητών και μαθητριών του 4ου Γενικού Λυκείου Κατερίνης με ημιδομημένες ατομικές συνεντεύξεις 20 μαθητών και μαθητριών, όπως επίσης και μία ποσοτική έρευνα με ερευνητικό εργαλείο το ερωτηματολόγιο, σε δείγμα 500 εφήβων ηλικίας 15 έως 18 ετών με δειγματοληψία χιονοστιβάδας. Όσον αφορά στη μελέτη περίπτωσης πραγματοποιήθηκε θεματική ανάλυση περιεχομένου των ατομικών συνεντεύξεων, ενώ τα ερευνητικά δεδομένα της ποσοτικής έρευνας αναλύθηκαν με το λογισμικό στατιστικής ανάλυσης SPSS. Επιπλέον πραγματοποιήθηκε μία «bottom up» ανάλυση περιεχομένου στις ανοιχτές ερωτήσεις του ερωτηματολογίου, η οποία προσέδωσε μία ποιοτική χροιά σε ποσοτικά δεδομένα. Η τριγωνοποίηση ως μεθοδολογική επιλογή έδωσε σαφείς, ολοκληρωμένες, σφαιρικές και σε βάθος απαντήσεις στο υπό διερεύνηση φαινόμενο, φωτίζοντας κάθε πλευρά της επίδρασης των ιστοσελίδων κοινωνικής δικτύωσης στην εφηβική ηλικία. Τα αποτελέσματα και των δύο ερευνών ταυτίζονται, γεγονός που μας επέτρεψε να γενικεύσουμε τα συμπεράσματα που εξήχθησαν στο γενικό πληθυσμό των εφήβων του μελετώμενου ηλικιακού εύρους, ενώ εξαιρετικό ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζει το γεγονός, πώς τα ερευνητικά δεδομένα που προέκυψαν από τις δύο εκπονηθείσες έρευνες, δε μας οδηγούν στο συμπέρασμα πως τα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, ακόμα κι αν έχουν εισχωρήσει στην καθημερινότητα όλων, έχουν τη δύναμη να μεταβάλουν το status και τη δομή των σχέσεων που αναπτύσσουν οι έφηβοι μεταξύ τους, αλλά και με το οικογενειακό και σχολικό τους περιβάλλον, όπως αρχικά υποθέσαμε. Αντιθέτως, φαίνεται πως οι έφηβοι είναι μία πολύ ισχυρή ηλικιακή ομάδα, που επιδεικνύει τρομερή δυναμική επί των μέσων κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, στα οποία επιβάλλεται κι ενδεχομένως κυριαρχεί, καθώς σε μία μετα-ανάλυση των ερευνητικών ευρημάτων προκύπτει, πως τα νέα μέσα τείνουν να προσαρμόζονται στα χαρακτηριστικά του πιο δυναμικού τους κοινού και όχι το αντίστροφο.
Therapeutic relationship elements and therapy session outcomes: Protocol for a longitudinal study of the patient’s perspective.
Authors: Stefana Alberto , Fusar-Poli Paolo , Vieta Eduard , Youngstrom Eric A.
Published: September 2023

Background: There is a growing recognition of the key role of the therapeutic relationship in the outcomes of psychotherapy. However, current understanding of its specific components, their interplay and related patient-therapist dynamics is limited.

Objective: (a) To validate two self-report measures to assess subjective affective reactions of patients toward their psychotherapists during specific therapy sessions, and (b) to explore the relationships and dynamics among four elements of the therapeutic relationship: patient reactions toward the therapist, working alliance, alliance ruptures and repairs, and the real relationship.

Methods: This study uses a nonrandomized, two-time point longitudinal design. The target population is adult patients currently engaged in individual psychotherapy for heterogeneous mental conditions. Participants are recruited through two online recruitment platforms: Research for Me and ResearchMatch. Data collection involves administering two surveys through the Qualtrics online survey platform. The baseline survey assesses information about the most recent therapy session and the preceding week, while the follow-up survey collects data on the subsequent therapy session and the days leading up to it.

Discussion: This research offers three main contributions: (a) it furthers evidence-based assessment in psychotherapy by creating and validating two novel, succinct self-report tools; (b) it enhances theoretical understanding within therapeutic relationship research by exploring the significant impact of patients' perceptions of relationship elements on session outcomes variability; and (c) it will identify therapeutic relationship elements that can either enhance or hinder the overall relationship quality and session outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The results will be published in indexed peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant psychology and psychiatry conferences.
Truncated Balancing Policy for Perishable Inventory Management: Combating High Shortage Penalties
Authors: Zhang Can , Ayer Turgay , White Chelsea C.
Published: September 2023

Problem definition: Motivated by a platelet inventory management problem, we study a fixed lifetime perishable inventory management problem under a general demand process. Determining an optimal ordering policy for perishable inventory systems is particularly challenging because of the well-known “curse of dimensionality.” Approximation policies with worst-case performance bounds have been developed in the literature for perishable inventory systems. However, using real data, we observe that the existing policies tend to underorder when the unit shortage penalty is high, which is an important concern for critical perishable products, such as lifesaving blood products. We seek to address this problem in this paper. Methodology/results: We present a new approximation policy for perishable inventory systems, which we call a truncated balancing (TB) policy. In particular, we first define a new balancing ordering quantity and prove a novel lower bound on the optimal ordering quantity. We then define our TB policy such that the maximum between the balancing ordering quantity and the lower bound is ordered at each period. We prove that when first in, first out is an optimal issuing policy, (1) our proposed TB policy admits a worst-case performance bound of two, and (2) it is asymptotically optimal when the unit shortage penalty goes to infinity. Finally, we present a calibrated numerical study based on real data from our partner hospital and show that our proposed policy performs significantly better than the existing policies in practical scenarios with reasonably high shortage penalties. Managerial implications: Our analysis offers managerial insights for perishable inventory management, especially for systems with an imbalance in underage and overage cost parameters. When the unit shortage penalty is high, simply balancing the underage and overage costs can lead to underordering, whereas our proposed policy effectively addresses this drawback.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0644 .
Repairing Repair: Postcolonial Paranoia, Affective Temporalities, and Reparative Reading
Authors: De Chavez Jeremy
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Recent work at the intersection of affect theory and postcolonial studies has generally been skeptical of the reparative turn and concerned about its potential complicity with imperialist agendas. That skepticism is often accompanied by reaffirmations of the value of paranoia as a reliable basis for critique. This essay examines the consequences of paranoia as the default orientation of postcolonial criticism and reflects on how a reparative sensibility might expand the field's understanding of what constitutes meaningful critique. To that end, this essay argues that reparative reading cultivates attentiveness to the ecology of temporalities that are immanent in postcolonial texts—an attentiveness that can facilitate the envisioning of alternative futures. The essay grounds its theoretical reflections by revisiting Jessica Hagedorn's Dogeaters (1990) and examining the predominantly paranoid critical response that the novel has generated before offering an alternative reparative reading of the work.
Segregation and Desegregation of the Southern Schools for the Deaf: The Relationship between Language Policy and Dialect Development
Authors: Lucas Ceil , Bayley Robert , Hill Joseph C. , Mccaskill Carolyn
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Recent research has shown that a distinct variety of American Sign Language, known as Black ASL, developed in the segregated schools for deaf African Americans in the US South during the pre-civil rights era. Research has also shown that in some respects Black ASL is closer than most white varieties to the standard taught in ASL classes and found in ASL dictionaries. This article explores the circumstances that resulted in the creation of a distinct ASL variety, with attention to the role of language in education policy in both the white and Black Southern schools for the deaf. Archival research shows that while white deaf students were long subjected to oral instruction and forbidden to sign in class, Black students, although their severely underfunded schools provided only basic vocational education, continued to receive their education in ASL, with classes often taught by deaf teachers. The differences in language education policy explain the difficulties Black students experienced in understanding their teachers and white classmates after integration occurred, despite great resistance, in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the fact that Black signers from the South, particularly older Black signers, are more likely than their white counterparts to use traditional features.*
Fungal infections in Sudan: An underestimated health problem
Authors: Ahmed Sarah A. , Ismail Mawahib , Albirair Mohamed , Nail Abdelsalam Mohamed Ahmed , Denning David W.
Published: September 2023

Fungal diseases are associated with high morbidity and mortality, yet their epidemiology and burden are not well addressed. While deaths probably exceed 1.5 million per year, many cases remain undiagnosed and underreported. Estimating the burden of these diseases is needed for prioritization and implementation of effective control programs. Here we used a model based on population at risk to estimate the burden of serious fungal infections in Sudan. The prevalence of the susceptible population including HIV, TB, cancer, asthma, and COPD was obtained from the literature. Incidence and prevalence of fungal infections were calculated using local data when applicable and if not available then regional or international figures were used. In total, the estimated number of Sudanese suffering from fungal disease is 5 M (10% of the total population). Tinea capitis, recurrent vulvovaginitis and keratitis are estimated to affect 4,127,760, 631,261, and 6,552 patients, respectively. HIV-related mycosis is estimated to affect 5,945 oral candidiasis, 1,921 esophageal candidiasis, 571 Pneumocystis pneumonia, and 462 cryptococcal meningitis cases. Aspergillus infections are estimated as follow: 3,438 invasive aspergillosis, 14,950 chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, 67,860 allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis cases, while the prevalence of severe asthma with fungal sensitization and fungal rhinosinusitis was 86,860 and 93,600 cases, respectively. The neglected tropical disease eumycetoma was estimated to affect 16,837 cases with a rate of 36/100,000. Serious fungal infections are quite common in Sudan and require urgent attention to improve diagnosis, promote treatment, and develop surveillance programs.
A structural classification of the variant surface glycoproteins of the African trypanosome
Authors: Đaković Sara , Zeelen Johan P. , Gkeka Anastasia , Chandra Monica , van Straaten Monique , Foti Konstantina , Zhong Janet , Vlachou Evi P. , Aresta-Branco Francisco , Verdi Joseph P. , Papavasiliou F. Nina , Stebbins C. Erec
Published: September 2023

Long-term immune evasion by the African trypanosome is achieved through repetitive cycles of surface protein replacement with antigenically distinct versions of the dense Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat. Thousands of VSG genes and pseudo-genes exist in the parasite genome that, together with genetic recombination mechanisms, allow for essentially unlimited immune escape from the adaptive immune system of the host. The diversity space of the "VSGnome" at the protein level was thought to be limited to a few related folds whose structures were determined more than 30 years ago. However, recent progress has shown that the VSGs possess significantly more architectural variation than had been appreciated. Here we combine experimental X-ray crystallography (presenting structures of N-terminal domains of coat proteins VSG11, VSG21, VSG545, VSG558, and VSG615) with deep-learning prediction using Alphafold to produce models of hundreds of VSG proteins. We classify the VSGnome into groups based on protein architecture and oligomerization state, contextualize recent bioinformatics clustering schemes, and extensively map VSG-diversity space. We demonstrate that in addition to the structural variability and post-translational modifications observed thus far, VSGs are also characterized by variations in oligomerization state and possess inherent flexibility and alternative conformations, lending additional variability to what is exposed to the immune system. Finally, these additional experimental structures and the hundreds of Alphafold predictions confirm that the molecular surfaces of the VSGs remain distinct from variant to variant, supporting the hypothesis that protein surface diversity is central to the process of antigenic variation used by this organism during infection.
Investigation of germline variants in Bahraini women with breast cancer using next-generation sequencing based-multigene panel
Authors: Al-Kafaji Ghada , Jassim Ghufran , AlHajeri Amani , Alawadhi Amna Mohamed Tayeb , Fida Mariam , Sahin Ibrahim , Alali Faisal , Fadel Elias
Published: September 2023

Germline variants inBRCA1andBRCA2(BRCA1/2) genes are the most common cause of hereditary breast cancer. However, a significant number of cases are not linked to these two genes and additional high-, moderate- and low-penetrance genes have been identified in breast cancer. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) allowed simultaneous sequencing of multiple cancer-susceptibility genes and prompted research in this field. So far, cancer-predisposition genes other thanBRCA1/2have not been studied in the population of Bahrain. We performed a targeted NGS using a multi-panel covering 180 genes associated with cancer predisposition to investigate the spectrum and frequency of germline variants in 54 women with a positive personal and/or family history of breast cancer. Sequencing analysis revealed germline variants in 29 (53.7%) patients. Five pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in four DNA repair pathway-related genes were identified in five unrelated patients (9.3%). TwoBRCA1variants, namely the missense variant c.287A>G (p.Asp96Gly) and the truncating variant c.1066C>T (p.Gln356Ter), were detected in two patients (3.7%). Three variants in non-BRCA1/2genes were detected in three patients (1.85% each) with a strong family history of breast cancer. These included a monoallelic missense variant c.1187G>A (p.Gly396Asp) inMUTYHgene, and two truncating variants namely c.3343C>T (p.Arg1115Ter) inMLH3gene and c.1826G>A (p.Trp609Ter) inPMS1gene. Other variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were also detected, and some of them were found together with the deleterious variants. In this first application of NGS-based multigene testing in Bahraini women with breast cancer, we show that multigene testing can yield additional genomic information on low-penetrance genes, although the clinical significance of these genes has not been fully appreciated yet. Our findings also provide valuable epidemiological information for future studies and highlight the importance of genetic testing, and an NGS-based multigene analysis may be applied supplementary to traditional genetic counseling.
Examining influential factors in newly diagnosed cancer patients and survivors: Emphasizing distress, self-care ability, peer support, health perception, daily life activity, and the role of time since diagnosis
Authors: Shahsavar Yeganeh , Choudhury Avishek
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the complex interrelationships between peer support, mental distress, self-care abilities, health perceptions, and daily life activities among cancer patients and survivors while considering the evolving nature of these experiences over time. A cross-sectional survey design is employed, utilizing de-identified data from the National Cancer Institute’s 2022 nationally representative dataset, which comprises responses from 1234 participants, including 134 newly diagnosed patients undergoing cancer treatment. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is employed for data analysis. The results reveal that peer support significantly reduces mental distress and positively influences the perception of self-care abilities and health perceptions among cancer patients and survivors. Additionally, the study finds that mental distress negatively affects daily life activities and self-care abilities. This means that when cancer patients and survivors experience high levels of mental distress, they may struggle with everyday tasks and find it challenging to care for themselves effectively. The research also shows that mental distress tends to decrease as time passes since diagnosis and health perceptions improve, highlighting the resilience of cancer patients and survivors over time. Furthermore, the study uncovers significant moderating effects of age, education, and income on the relationships between daily life activity difficulties, perception of self-care ability, and perception of health. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate associations between the variables of interest among cancer patients and survivors. The findings underscore the importance of peer support and targeted interventions for promoting well-being, resilience, and quality of life in this population, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers. Identifying moderating effects further emphasizes the need to consider individual differences when designing and implementing support systems and interventions tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients and survivors.
Using the metabolite alterations monitoring the AEG-1 expression level and cell biological behaviour of U251 cell in vitro
Authors: Sheng Yurui , Yin Di , Zeng Qingshi
Published: September 2023

Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is an important oncogene that overexpresses in gliomas and plays a vital role in their occurrence and progression. However, few reports have shown which biomarkers could reflect the level of AEG-1 expression in vivo so far. In recent years, intracellular metabolites monitored by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) as non-invasive imaging biomarkers have been applied to the precise diagnosis and therapy feedback of gliomas. Therefore, understanding the correlation between 1H MRS metabolites and AEG-1 gene expression in U251 cells may help to identify relevant biomarkers. This study constructed three monoclonal AEG-1-knockout U251 cell lines using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) /Cas9 technique and evaluated the biological behaviors and metabolite ratios of these cell lines. With the decline in AEG-1 expression, the apoptosis rate of the AEG-1-knockout cell lines increased. At the same time, the metastatic capacities decreased, and the relative contents of total choline (tCho) and lactate (Lac) were also reduced. In conclusion, deviations in AEG-1 expression influence the apoptosis rate and metastasis capacity of U251 cells, which the 1H MRS metabolite ratio could monitor. The tCho/creatinine(Cr) and Lac/Cr ratios positively correlated with the AEG-1 expression and malignant cell behavior. This study may provide potential biomarkers for accurate preoperative diagnosis and future AEG-1-targeting treatment evaluation of gliomas in vivo.
Mendelian randomization study shows a causal effect of asthma on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Wang Weina , Zhou Dengfeng , Lu Qiaofa , Li Lili , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2023

Background

This study was performed to explore the causal association between asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).

Methods

We obtained summary statistics for asthma from 408,442 Europeans in an open genome-wide association study (GWAS) from the UK Biobank to select strongly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms that could serve as instrumental variables for asthma (P < 5×10−8). Additional summary statistics for COPD were obtained from 193,638 individuals of European ancestry in the GWAS published by FinnGen. Univariable Mendelian randomization(UVMR) analysis was performed using inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method of analysis. The reliability of the results was verified by multivariable MR(MVMR), reverse and replication MR analysis, and sensitivity analysis.

Results

In the UVMR analysis, asthma increased the risk of COPD, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–1.39, P = 5.44×10−7). Estimates were consistent in MVMR analyses by the adjustments of smoking initiation, age of smoking initiation, cigarettes per day, PM 2.5, and the combination of the above factors. In the reverse MR analysis, there was no evidence of a causal effect of COPD on asthma risk(OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97–1.07, P = 0.3643). In the replication MR analysis, asthma still increased the risk of COPD. Sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of the above associations.

Conclusions

We found that genetically predicted asthma was positively associated with the risk of COPD. Additionally, there was no evidence that COPD increases the risk of asthma. Further clarification of this link and underlying mechanisms is needed to identify feasible measures to promote COPD prevention.
The development of a Cannabis Knowledge Assessment Tool (CKAT)
Authors: Bayat Ava , Mansell Holly , Taylor Jeff , Szafron Michael , Mansell Kerry
Published: September 2023

Background

Misconceptions about the health risks of cannabis remain prevalent, indicating the need to improve public health messaging and determine the effectiveness of educational programming. Our objective was to develop a standardized questionnaire to measure knowledge about cannabis in the context of cannabis legalization.

Methods

A Cannabis Knowledge Assessment Tool (CKAT) was created using the Delphi method. A purposive sample of healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, patients, and students served as the content and development experts. Principal component analysis from the codes identified from open-ended feedback guided the item development. Upon completion, the CKAT was administered as a pre- and post-test in four schools (7th and 9th Grade) in Canada. The data were analysed to determine whether knowledge scores changed after participating in a cannabis education program.

Results

Twenty-four experts initially participated in the Delphi process and 18 (75% retention) continued throughout. Principal component analysis identified 3 domains: 1) effects of cannabis on the individual, 2) general information about cannabis, and 3) cannabis harm reduction. The final questionnaire consisted of 16 multiple-true-false questions (64 items) and received a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 6.3, and a SMOG index score of 7.6. The CKAT was completed by 132 students; seventy-three 7th grade and fifty-nine 9th grade students. The baseline mean CKAT score was 46.2 (SD:5.5), which increased to 50.7 (SD:4.6) after the cannabis educational program (p<0.05).

Conclusions

A novel tool to measure knowledge of cannabis was developed and piloted in 7th grade and 9th grade students. Future studies are required to test usability and validity of the CKAT in other contexts.
Death of a guitar hero: The art of metal reputation maintenance
Authors: East Bernard
Published: September 2023

Combining insights from identity, gender and ethnicity studies while incorporating notions of the sacred, the death of guitar hero, Randy Rhoads, in a plane crash in 1982 is addressed to establish how maintenance of Rhoads’s reputation as a saintly, innocent character who died because of a mysterious accident has been constructed and maintained for over forty years. Situating his death in a comparative analysis with premature deaths of other guitarists, Tommy Bolin and Allen Collins, in addition to artists from other musical genres, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston and Donna Summer, frames of similarities and differences emerge to reveal how identity and reputation is achieved and maintained after death within heavy metal but also in other genres. Three specific tropes including accident equals innocence, transgression equals recklessness and transgression equals criminality are defined and applied throughout. These reveal that posthumous identity, be it positive or negative, is actively constructed and is imbued at times with gendered and racial elements. Via the application of criticality, the findings show how the posthumous consecration of Rhoads and other decedents is accomplished via selective emphasis on particular claims and the silencing of others, with locus of responsibility for a tragic death, either internal or external, being crucial.
Don’t Break the Oath, Henrik Marstal (2022)
Authors: Zaddach Wolf-Georg
Published: September 2023

Review of: Don’t Break the Oath, Henrik Marstal (2022)

London: Bloomsbury, 152 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-50135-438-0, h/bk, £60.00

ISBN 978-1-50135-437-3, p/bk, £16.99

ISBN 978-1-50135-439-7, e-book, £15.29
Optimization of Parameters for the Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants from Boxberry Tree (Myrica esculenta) Bark Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Kieu Trinh Do Thi , Thanh Tinh Nguyen Thi , Thu Hoa Ho Thi , An Nguyen Tien
Published: September 2023

The boxberry tree (Myrica esculenta) bark has been known to have multiple health benefits and is used as a traditional medicine. A critical gap in knowledge exists on a simple but effective method to isolate the bioactive components from the bark. This study aimed to optimize the operating conditions, including temperature, ethanol concentration, and time, for the extraction of phenolic antioxidants from the boxberry bark sample using a response surface methodology. Results showed that the second-order polynomial regression models were statistically significant and sufficient to estimate the responses. Response surface optimization for all responses was successfully carried out to determine the optimum extraction conditions, which were a temperature, an ethanol concentration, and an extraction time of 75.8 °C, 48.3% (v/v), and 117 min, respectively. At these conditions, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) scavenging capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power were predicted to be 205.9 mg GAE/100 g, 37.8 mg CE/100 g, 271.3 mg AAE/100 g, and 111.4 mg AAE/100 g, respectively. The insignificant difference between the estimated and the experimental values suggested that the predictive models were valid to predict the process outcomes.