bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figure S2 from Time-dependent prognostic value of serological and measurable residual disease assessments after idecabtagene vicleucel
Authors: Paiva Bruno , Manrique Irene , Rytlewski Julie , Campbell Timothy , Kazanecki Christian C. , Martin Nathan , Anderson Larry D. , Berdeja Jesus G. , Lonial Sagar , Raje Noopur S. , Lin Yi , Moreau Philippe , San-Miguel Jesus F. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Kaiser Shari
Published: September 2024

Landmark PFS
Multiple Myeloma Risk and Outcomes Are Associated with Pathogenic Germline Variants in DNA Repair Genes
Authors: Thibaud Santiago , Subaran Ryan L. , Newman Scott , Lagana Alessandro , Melnekoff David T. , Bodnar Saoirse , Ram Meghana , Soens Zachry , Genthe William , Brander Tehilla , Mouhieddine Tarek H. , Van Oekelen Oliver , Houldsworth Jane , Cho Hearn Jay , Richard Shambavi , Richter Joshua , Rodriguez Cesar , Rossi Adriana , Sanchez Larysa , Chari Ajai , Moshier Erin , Jagannath Sundar , Parekh Samir , Onel Kenan
Published: September 2024

First-degree relatives of patients with multiple myeloma are at increased risk for the disease, but the contribution of pathogenic germline variants (PGV) in hereditary cancer genes to multiple myeloma risk and outcomes is not well characterized. To address this, we analyzed germline exomes in two independent cohorts of 895 and 786 patients with multiple myeloma. PGVs were identified in 8.6% of the Discovery cohort and 11.5% of the Replication cohort, with a notable presence of high- or moderate-penetrance PGVs (associated with autosomal dominant cancer predisposition) in DNA repair genes (3.6% and 4.1%, respectively). PGVs in BRCA1 (OR = 3.9, FDR < 0.01) and BRCA2 (OR = 7.0, FDR < 0.001) were significantly enriched in patients with multiple myeloma when compared with 134,187 healthy controls. Five of the eight BRCA2 PGV carriers exhibited tumor-specific copy number loss in BRCA2, suggesting somatic loss of heterozygosity. PGVs associated with autosomal dominant cancer predisposition were associated with younger age at diagnosis, personal or familial cancer history, and longer progression-free survival after upfront high-dose melphalan and autologous stem-cell transplantation (P < 0.01).

Significance: Our findings suggest up to 10% of patients with multiple myeloma may have an unsuspected cancer predisposition syndrome. Given familial implications and favorable outcomes with high-dose melphalan and autologous stem-cell transplantation in high-penetrance PGV carriers, genetic testing should be considered for young or newly diagnosed patients with a personal or family cancer history.

See related commentary by Walker, p. 375
A Role for Germline Variants in Multiple Myeloma?
Authors: Walker Brian A.
Published: September 2024

In Blood Cancer Discovery, Thibaud and colleagues report the incidence of pathogenic germline variants (PGV) in patients with multiple myeloma and that these PGVs are associated with DNA repair pathway genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. They find an association of patients with PGVs and previous family or personal history of cancer, and that these patients are diagnosed slightly earlier than those without PGVs. Patients with PGVs had a longer progression-free survival than those without PGVs when they received high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant, providing a therapeutic rationale for diagnostic germline testing in myeloma.

See related article by Thibaud et al., p. 428
Table S4 from Synergistic Effects of PARP Inhibition and Cholesterol Biosynthesis Pathway Modulation
Authors: Rutkowska Anna , Eberl H. Christian , Werner Thilo , Hennrich Marco L. , Sévin Daniel C. , Petretich Massimo , Reddington James P. , Pocha Shirin , Gade Stephan , Martinez-Segura Amalia , Dvornikov Dmytro , Karpiak Joel , Sweetman Gavain M.A. , Fufezan Christian , Duempelfeld Birgit , Braun Florian , Schofield Christopher , Keles Hakan , Alvarado David , Wang Zhuo , Jansson Keith H. , Faelth-Savitski Maria , Curry Edward , Remlinger Katja , Stronach Euan A. , Feng Bin , Sharma Geeta , Coleman Kevin , Grandi Paola , Bantscheff Marcus , Bergamini Giovanna
Published: September 2024

Niraparib matrix (affinity enrichment chemoproteomics)
Table S2 from Synergistic Effects of PARP Inhibition and Cholesterol Biosynthesis Pathway Modulation
Authors: Rutkowska Anna , Eberl H. Christian , Werner Thilo , Hennrich Marco L. , Sévin Daniel C. , Petretich Massimo , Reddington James P. , Pocha Shirin , Gade Stephan , Martinez-Segura Amalia , Dvornikov Dmytro , Karpiak Joel , Sweetman Gavain M.A. , Fufezan Christian , Duempelfeld Birgit , Braun Florian , Schofield Christopher , Keles Hakan , Alvarado David , Wang Zhuo , Jansson Keith H. , Faelth-Savitski Maria , Curry Edward , Remlinger Katja , Stronach Euan A. , Feng Bin , Sharma Geeta , Coleman Kevin , Grandi Paola , Bantscheff Marcus , Bergamini Giovanna
Published: September 2024

PARP1 PARP2 engagement (ITDR)
USAID Democracy Promotion as a Possible Predictor of Revolutionary Destabilization
Authors: Kostin Maksim , Korotayev Andrey
Published: September 2024

USAID democracy promotion programs might not only influence the democracy levels, but also increase the likelihood of revolutionary uprisings in the recipient states. Democracy promotion can strengthen political opponents of the incumbent regime via support for alternative media, civil society groups and political parties, on one hand, and, on the other, support democratic institutions that in contrast to autocracies are more tolerable towards political opponents and thus allow more room for expressing political will on the streets. Since democracy aid targets “democrats” who are less prone to exert armed violence, the authors expect it to be associated with unarmed uprisings. Using logit regression models, they find that the volume of the USAID financial democracy assistance appears to be a significant predictor of unarmed revolutionary destabilization, but its effect is relatively weak. Some particular sub-sectors of democracy assistance have an impact on revolutionary destabilization, namely: civil society, elections, human rights and media assistance. These correlations might be partly explained by the fact that USAID assistance goes disproportionately to anocracies. This aid tends to increase the probability of revolutionary destabilization in two ways – directly (through strengthening political opponents of the regime) and indirectly (through increasing the number of anocracies in the world).
Mythodesign in Modern Kazakh Realities
Authors: Nukezhanova Samal , Dyussembekova Maira , Zelenin Vsevolod
Published: September 2024

Kazakhstan is in a state of transformation. This is due, on the one hand, to the internal processes of generational change, the economic crisis, and demographic changes. But also, on the other hand, to the collapse of the global security system and the dysfunctionality of international organisations such as Amnesty International, Red Cross, OSCE, and UN. These challenges lead to the construction of a new system of meanings that will help unite Kazakh society. Mythodesign can be a technology for achieving this. In scientific publications, there are gaps in the analysis of how mythodesign is used in Kazakhstan. The article will analyse the state and prospects of mythodesign development in modern Kazakh reality. Mythodesign in the first thirty years of Kazakhstan’s independence included the following elements. Domestic policy: multiculturalism and dialogue in Kazakh society, especially the between the titular (Kazakh) and non-titular (Russian) nations. Foreign policy: a multi-vector policy that came about as a response to Kazakhstan’s geopolitical position. This manifests itself in Kazakhstan’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union. The key political figure who constructed the national myth was N. Nazarbayev, whose political brand followed these key elements. This study can be used to develop new mythologemes for Kazakhstan.
CMIP6 Models Underestimate Arctic Sea Ice Loss during the Early Twentieth-Century Warming, despite Simulating Large Low-Frequency Sea Ice Variability
Authors: Bianco Elena , Blanchard-Wrigglesworth Edward , Materia Stefano , Ruggieri Paolo , Iovino Doroteaciro , Masina Simona
Published: September 2024

The variability of Arctic sea ice extent (SIE) on interannual and multidecadal time scales is examined in 29 models with historical forcing participating in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) and in twentieth-century sea ice reconstructions. Results show that during the historical period with low external forcing (1850–1919), CMIP6 models display relatively good agreement in their representation of interannual sea ice variability (IVSIE) but exhibit pronounced intermodel spread in multidecadal sea ice variability (MVSIE), which is overestimated with respect to sea ice reconstructions and is dominated by model uncertainty in sea ice simulation in the subpolar North Atlantic. We find that this is associated with differences in models’ sensitivity to Northern Hemispheric sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Additionally, we show that while CMIP6 models are generally capable of simulating multidecadal changes in Arctic sea ice from the mid-twentieth century to present day, they tend to underestimate the observed sea ice decline during the early twentieth-century warming (ETCW; 1915–45). These results suggest the need for an improved characterization of the sea ice response to multidecadal climate variability in order to address the sources of model bias and reduce the uncertainty in future projections arising from intermodel spread.

Significance Statement

The credibility of Arctic sea ice predictions depends on whether climate models are capable of reproducing changes in the past climate, including patterns of sea ice variability which can mask or amplify the response to global warming. This study aims to better understand how latest-generation global climate models simulate interannual and multidecadal variability of Arctic sea ice relative to available observations. We find that models differ in their representation of multidecadal sea ice variability, which is overall larger than in observations. Additionally, models underestimate the sea ice decline during the period of observed warming between 1915 and 1945. Our results suggest that, to achieve better predictions of Arctic sea ice, the realism of low-frequency sea ice variability in models should be improved.
Endovascular Perclose ProGlide complication puncture site, treated successful by cutting balloon dilatation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Yulong , Xie Xinsheng , Wang Lixin
Published: September 2024

Perclose ProGlide were created as preferred for puncture site closure of femoral artery. Femoral artery occlusion is one of the serious device-related complications. This report presents a continuous endovascular technique combined with peripheral cutting balloon (PCB) treatment for a case of a 32s woman diagnosed with lower extremity ischaemia caused by right superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusion following the use of the Perclose ProGlide system in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. During the primary operation, limb ischaemia symptoms were relieved with vessel perfusion and reconstruction after regular balloon dilatation. A secondary operation was conducted 6 weeks later, and the obstructive lesions were recanalised without residual stenosis after PCB dilatation. No vessel-related adverse events such as dissection, rupture or distal embolisation occurred during the perioperative period. The patient recovered uneventfully after the operation, with complete alleviation of symptoms. Follow-up computed tomography angiography 3 month post-operatively revealed an undeformed shape and excellent patency of the right SFA.
Dietary omega-3 intake and cognitive function in older adults
Authors: Wang Bingdian , Li Deqin , Peng Cuicui , Hong Jingfang , Wu Yonggui
Published: September 2024

Objective

Dietary habits have long been known to be a critical factor influencing cognitive health, especially among older adults. Despite extensive research on various dietary components, the impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on cognitive function has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This research seeks to determine whether more intake of omega-3 PUFAs correlates with improved cognitive function in older adults.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included 2430 elderly participants aged 60 and above. The association between omega-3 consumption and cognitive outcomes was evaluated using linear regression models. Smoothing curves and threshold effect analysis were employed to examine nonlinear associations. Subgroup studies were conducted to demonstrate the strength and reliability of the correlation and factors affecting them.

Results

The fully adjusted model demonstrated significant positive correlations between omega-3 intake and scores on all 3 cognitive assessments performed. Specifically, in the final model, the beta coefficients for the CERAD Word Learning test, Animal Fluency Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test were 0.53 (95% CI: 0.33-0.72; P < 0.0001), 0.29 (95% CI: 0.12-0.47; P = 0.001), and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.19-1.03; P = 0.0045), respectively.

Conclusion

Increased intake of omega-3 was positively and independently associated with cognitive function in older adults, suggesting that consumption of omega-3 PUFAs may help to prevent cognitive decline with aging. Prospective studies are needed to determine the direct of effect in this association.
Managing Flow: Drainage and Flood Control in Eighteenth-Century London
Authors: van Lieshout Carry
Published: September 2024

The rapid expansion and urban development of eighteenth-century London altered existing drainage patterns and increased flood risk. The early modern sewer commissions, set up to deal with the status quo, struggled to cope with these changes. As the city expanded, a network of public and private drains and sewers was built up haphazardly over time, resulting in an exceedingly complex system that was difficult to manage and almost impossible to know. While most previous histories of London’s sanitation and drainage have been centered on the larger-scale sanitation schemes of the nineteenth century, this study sheds light on the water infrastructure and administration that preceded these interventions. It shows that eighteenth-century London’s management of water was an iterative process of reactive decision-making rather than a grand plan.
Robert Bernasconi and the challenges of a Critical Philosophy of Race: (Un)learning to read and teach the history of moral philosophy
Authors: Décarie-Daigneault Benjamin
Published: September 2024

This essay is an attempt to determine what Robert Bernasconi’s body of work in Critical Philosophy of Race can teach us about the way in which we, philosophers and professors of philosophy, ought to treat our institutional heritage. What should we make, for instance, of moral claims made by philosophers of the modern era who – tacitly or explicitly – manifested certain levels of endorsement toward the Atlantic Slave Trade? How should we comprehend the conceptual tools that we have inherited from them, knowing that those were formulated alongside justificatory claims for the enslavement of Africans – claims that we now deem undoubtably and universally immoral? I extract from Bernasconi’s writings an implicit methodology that can be broken down into three main moves: (1) a historiographical work, akin to Michel Foucault’s ‘archaeological’ method, aimed at uncovering the material conditions that allowed for the emergence of philosophical ideas of the past, (2) a dialectical work aimed at interpreting this collection of historical data through the critical lens of race, and (3) a pedagogical work aimed at transforming the practice of academic philosophy in light of the critique. I conclude that his methodological contribution culminates in an invitation to revisit and transform the past of the institution by treating the history of academic philosophy as philosophically and conceptually relevant rather than merely incidental. Such a commitment toward critically engaging the past of our institution urges us to revisit the canon in specific ways.
The relationship between Parkinson’s disease and sexual hyperactivity secondary to drug treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Aparicio-López Verónica , Rueda-Extremera María , Cantero-García María
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

This review addresses the prevalence of hypersexual behavior in Parkinson’s patients and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, identifying risk and protective factors, comparing incidence among different treatments, and proposing recommendations for management and prevention.

Objective:

To conduct a review on the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and hypersexual behavior as a result of pharmacological treatment.

Methodology:

The search strategy, guided by PRISMA and PICOS criteria, focuses on the correlation between Parkinson’s disease and hypersexual behavior due to pharmacological treatment. Utilizing databases like PubMed and Proquest, studies from the last 10 years in English or Spanish were selected, emphasizing clinical trials with Parkinson’s patients under treatment. Inaccessible, irrelevant, or mixed-sample studies were excluded. The Cochrane Scale assessed the risk of bias.

Results:

Out of 122 records, 103 remained after eliminating duplicates; 48 were reviewed, and ultimately, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis.

Conclusions:

Synthesizing the risk and protective factors linked to hypersexual behavior in Parkinson’s patients receiving pharmacological treatment underscores the critical need for early detection and incorporation of these factors into clinical care. The suggested guidelines for managing and preventing hypersexual behavior in these patients carry substantial practical implications.
Lack of a direct link between macular cones function and photophobia in interictal migraine
Authors: Casillo Francesco , Di Renzo Antonio , Sebastianelli Gabriele , Abagnale Chiara , Martelli Francesco , Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Serrao Mariano , Falsini Benedetto , Parisi Vincenzo , Coppola Gianluca
Published: September 2024

Background

It is still debatable whether the mechanisms underlying photophobia are related to altered visual cortex excitability or specific abnormalities of colour-related focal macular retino-thalamic information processing.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined Ganzfeld blue-red (B-R) and blue-yellow (B-Y) focal macular cone flash ERG (ffERG) and focal-flash visual evoked potentials (ffVEPs) simultaneously in a group of migraine patients with (n = 18) and without (n = 19) aura during the interictal phase, in comparison to a group of healthy volunteers (HVs) (n = 20). We correlate the resulting retinal and cortical electrophysiological responses with subjective discomfort from exposure to bright light verified on a numerical scale.

Results

Compared to HVs, the amplitude and phase of the first and second harmonic of ffERG and ffVEPs were non-significantly different in migraine patients without aura and migraine patients with aura for both the B-R and the B-Y focal stimuli. Pearson's correlation test did not disclose correlations between clinical variables, including the photophobia scale and electrophysiological variables.

Conclusions

These results do not favour interictal functional abnormalities in L-M- and S-cone opponent visual pathways in patients with migraine. They also suggest that the discomfort resulting from exposure to bright light is not related to focal macular retinal-to-visual cortex pathway.
Two-step Passenger-to-Train and Route Assignment Model for Urban Rail Transit
Authors: Dong Ningning , Li Tiezhu , Liu Hui , Bo Yiyong , Lin Fei
Published: September 2024

Accurate passenger flow assignment results are crucial for the operational organization of urban rail transit. However, because of barrier-free transfer, the transfer information of passengers is not recorded. The paper proposes the two-step passenger-to-train and route assignment (TPTRA) model to address this issue. Each passenger is assigned to the trains and one route considering the complex transfer situation using TPTRA compared with the existing passenger-to-train model. Constraints on passengers, trains, and routes are constructed based on a large amount of real automatic fare collection data, train schedules, and metro topology networks to improve accuracy and transferability over traditional survey-based methods. The generalized logistic is first used to evaluate the egress time, access time, and transfer time distributions. Finally, TPTRA is developed based on the constraints and distributions. The model estimates the probability of passengers choosing the feasible routes and boarding the first train. It also calculates transfer passenger flow values and the probability of passengers being left behind. The analysis demonstrates a notable enhancement in the accuracy of the egress time distribution fitting using the generalized logistic distribution, with an improvement of 84.41% compared with the lognormal distribution and 15.78% compared with the normal distribution. Furthermore, the model’s effectiveness is validated through sectional passenger flow comparisons, yielding R-squared values between 0.847 and 0.902, indicating the effectiveness and reliability of the TPTRA model.
Daqing and China’s quest for oil: between survival and ingenuity in times of resource scarcity
Authors: Hauser Stephan
Published: September 2024

Daqing in China is well-known as a, if not the, “Chinese oil city”. However, the reasons behind its importance for the People’s Republic of China and the origins of its current spatial organization remain unclear. “How was such growth achieved against the backdrop of the so-called de-urbanization processes? What was occurring at the local level? What happened to the people of my parents’ generation?” Hou Li, a leading Chinese urban scholar, addresses these questions in her latest book, Building for Oil, explaining how the lowering of urban construction standards to the level of rural ones, the focus of investments on production, and the reliance on individual commitment led to China’s unprecedented growth. Despite the absence (or the concealment) of a critical opinion on the part of the author on the events and decisions described, this contribution is of particular importance to understand the path leading to contemporary China.
Clinical Versus Ultrasound Assessment of Joint Activity in Patients with Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia
Authors: Azad Fayaz Hussain , Bhat Tariq , Naik Muzafar , Mir Mohammad Farooq , Lahdol Padma , Hussain Manzoor
Published: September 2024

Background:

In this study, we aimed to investigate subclinical ultrasonographic change suggestive of gouty arthritis in the hyaline cartilage, joints and tendons from asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH) individuals with hyperuricemia.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study including US examinations of the knees and first MTPJs as well as of the tendons and enthesis. The normal distribution of different parameters was tested by the Shapiro–Wilk normality test. Quantitative data were expressed in mean ± standard deviation and the difference between means of two groups was tested by Student’s t-test while qualitative data were expressed in frequency and the difference between proportions was tested by the chi-square test or Fisher exact test.

Results:

Fifty-nine AH individuals and 52 normouricemic subjects were included. A total of 118 knees, ankles and first MTPJs in patients with AH and 104 in the normouricemic subjects were studied. The most common abnormality found on USG was power Doppler signal in 1st MTPJ (37% vs. 0%; P < .001) followed by joint cavity widening (31% vs. 0%; P < .001). Double contour sign was found in 11% of the first MTPJs from AH individuals versus none in the control group ( P < .001). Posterior tibialis tenosynovitis (6% vs. 0%; P < .01) and Achilles tendon enthesopathy (8% vs. 0%; P < .001).

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that subclinical changes detected in the US suggestive of gouty arthritis induced by chronic hyperuricemia frequently occur in both intra- and extra-articular structures of clinically AH individuals.
Grand confusion after Sanchez v. France: Seven reasons for concern about Strasbourg jurisprudence on intermediaries
Authors: Husovec Martin , Grote Tatjana , Mazhar Yara , Mikhaeil Cham , Escalona Harold Miñarro , Kumar Pragya Sinha , Sreenath Sanjana
Published: September 2024

The latest Grand Chamber decision of the European Court of Human Rights in Sanchez v. France makes the previous Delfi test absolutely unpredictable. This article explains why the uncertainty now concerns almost every single aspect of this test, and why case law hardly offers any guidance on the most basic questions. It is argued that with Sanchez, the Strasbourg case law on liability for the speech of others online officially descended into chaos without a proper sense of direction. Grand confusion about Sanchez now has the potential to threaten legal certainty introduced by EU law, as illustrated by its application in Zöchling v. Austria. Despite the Court's proclaimed deference to national law and increased use of the subsidiarity principle, it is striking that democratically adopted European legislation about digital services has been ignored for so long in Strasbourg. Sanchez now raises a serious prospect that the ECtHR is on a collision course with the EU's newly adopted legislation, the Digital Services Act, that builds on the last 20 years of rules.
Magnetically frequency-modulated piezoelectric energy harvester for ultra-low-frequency wave motion
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Wang Chensheng , Yang Bowen , Liu Renwen , Fan Wei , He Lipeng
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a magnetically frequency modulated piezoelectric energy harvester (MFPEH) for ultra-low-frequency wave motion is proposed. The MFPEH employs multiple sets of magnets coupled to achieve optimal electrical output at ultra-low-frequency excitation (<2 Hz). A straight rack and pinion drive converts the vertical motion of the float into rotational motion, and magnets on the rotor provide excitation to the piezoelectric cantilever. As a result, the MFPEH converts random wave motion into steady rotational motion. The MFPEH uses a rational combination of multiple sets of magnets and frequency modulation by magnetic coupling, which greatly improves the output performance. This paper describes the key factors affecting the output performance of MFPEH. An experimental system simulating a wave environment is designed and constructed. Under the most effective experimental parameters, the MFPEH achieves an optimal power of 32.76 mW. In a real wave environment, the MFPEH was able to illuminate 85 LEDs and power a thermohygrometer for normal operation. These results validate the potential of the MFPEH to power small electronic devices.
Experimental analysis of a prestressed mechanism with multi-antagonistic and hysteretic SMA actuation
Authors: Boufayed Rym , Chapelle Frédéric , Blaysat Benoit , Destrebecq Jean-François , Balandraud Xavier
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the experimental analysis of a multi-antagonistic actuation system involving nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) wires that can be thermally activated individually, one or more at a time. In particular, the study focuses on the hysteretic effects that occur during the thermal activation sequences. A planar structure involving six NiTi SMA wires has been designed as a first step. Particular attention was paid to the tightening at the ends of the wires. A solution to reduce slippage has been proposed by using a specific thermal cycle during the tightening operation. Then, an experimental setup involving infrared and visible range cameras was developed to measure the movement of the mobile platform and the SMA wire temperatures, respectively. Finally, important points of the actuation have been studied through different tests, particularly the “attraction” effect of any heating step on the following steps. The study also highlights system initialization challenges (resetting the reference position of the mobile platform and initial prestressing), leading to shifts with respect to the positions obtained by finite element simulations. The paper shows that the multi-antagonistic and hysteretic character of actuation systems involving more than two NiTi SMA wires can be successfully managed.
The Role of Human Factors, Ergonomics, and 3D Modeling When Evaluating Incidents Involving Micromobility Devices: An E-Scooter Fall Case Study
Authors: Figueroa Jacinto Rosemarie , Webb Janna
Published: September 2024

Micromobility devices—encompassing a range of lightweight devices such as bicycles, pedal-assist bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, and electronic skateboards—are promising as a complement to existing modes of travel. Human factors and ergonomics professionals can leverage available technology, education, and experience to assess aspects of human behavior, perception, expectations, performance, and kinematics when interacting with micromobility devices. This study discusses the application of Human Factors and 3D modeling when assessing micromobility devices during real-world incident investigations and showcases various tools that can be used for these types of assessments. This article outlines an incident case study involving an operator-owned e-scooter purchased from the manufacturer.
The Use of Antibiotics at the End of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Miranda-Chavez Brayan , Fuentes-Yufra Andre , Hueda-Zavaleta Miguel , Copaja-Corzo Cesar , Flores-Cohaila Javier A. , Rivarola-Hidalgo Marco
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To identify and analyze antibiotics’ prescription patterns and associated factors among terminally ill patients at a hospital in southern Peru.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on adult patients who died in Hospital III Daniel Alcides Carrion in Tacna, Peru, 2023. Data were collected from electronic medical records, focusing on antibiotic use during the last hospitalization. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression to adjust for potential confounders.

Results:

The study included 239 patients with an average age of 76. Antibiotics were administered to 93.72% of patients, with 42.46% lacking an identified infectious focus. Ceftriaxone, Meropenem, and Vancomycin were the most used antibiotics. A lower use of antibiotics within 72 hours prior to death was associated with hospitalizations longer than 18 days and having 2 or more comorbidities.

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of antibiotic use at the end of life, often without an infectious focus, suggests a need for better guidelines and education on palliative care to avoid inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Improved communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families is essential for optimizing end-of-life care.
Simulation and optimization design of air distribution in a cigarette production factory
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Zhang Yu-gui , Xie Dong , Luo Xiao , Yao Meng-yu
Published: September 2024

Air-conditioning energy consumption accounts for a significant proportion of the total energy usage in large commercial buildings. This study utilizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to examine the airflow distribution in a cigarette factory with a high ceiling. Numerical simulations were performed to assess the effectiveness of various air supply methods. Using FLUENT, the researchers analyzed the uniformity of airflow, temperature and humidity fields under summer conditions. The findings indicate that employing an upper supply and lower return air method can decrease air-conditioning energy consumption by 7.25%. Field measurements were carried out to validate the numerical simulations, with the measured values used as initial parameters. The average deviation between the measured and simulated temperature and humidity in critical work areas was within 2%. The comparative analysis of the simulation and measurement results confirms the reliability and effectiveness of airflow organization simulations in large commercial buildings. These results offer a scientific foundation and computational guidance for designing and implementing energy-efficient upgrades to air-conditioning systems in similar industrial facilities.
Comparison of machine learning models to predict complications of bariatric surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Nopour Raoof
Published: September 2024

Background and aim: Due to changes in lifestyle, bariatric surgery is expanding worldwide. However, this surgery has numerous complications, and early identification of these complications could be essential in assisting patients to have a higher-quality surgery. Machine learning has a significant role in prediction tasks. So far, no systematic review has been carried out on leveraging ML techniques for predicting complications of bariatric surgery. Therefore, this study aims to perform a systematic review for better prediction insight. Materials and methods: This review was conducted in 2023 based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We searched scientific databases using the inclusion and exclusion criteria to obtain articles. The data extraction form was used to gather data. To analyze the data, we leveraged the narrative synthesis of the quantitative data. Results: Ensemble algorithms outperformed others in large databases, especially at the national registries. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) performed better than others based on one-single-center database. Also, Deep Belief Networks (DBN) and ANN obtained favorable performance for complications such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, thrombosis, leakage, and depression. Conclusion: This review gave us insight into using ensemble and non-ensemble algorithms based on the types of datasets and complications.
Social workers’ consideration of dental support for people living with dementia: Findings from interviews and care assessment documentation
Authors: Soilemezi Dia , Wanyonyi Kristina , Hill Valerie , Manthorpe Jill
Published: September 2024

Social work assessments underpin support plans for many people living with dementia in their own homes in England, but it is unclear how they acknowledge that dementia places people at greater risk of mouth and dental problems affecting their wellbeing. We explored if and how dental needs are addressed during care assessments and social workers’ perceptions of this aspect of personal care. This study analysed (a) semi-structured interviews with 14 social workers providing support to people living with dementia in their own homes, (b) data from 39 care assessments and support plans from two English local authorities. Interviews were recorded online, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Documents were analysed descriptively and presented visually. Participants acknowledged that oral care may be overlooked during assessments and reflected on various reasons, including assumptions of responsibility and role restrictions, limited training, and poor links with dental services. This was further evident in the analysis of assessment documentation. Participants identified potential strategies and practice changes to better integrate oral care in social work practice. These included increased awareness and more discussions around dental needs, skills training and streamlining of support. The findings have implications for social workers, educators, and commissioners or funders engaging with people affected by dementia in social work and beyond.
Wrist arthrodesis in flexed position combined with proximal row carpectomy and ostectomy of the distal radius for spastic patients
Authors: Al-Qattan Mohammad M.
Published: September 2024

Wrist arthrodesis in spastic patients combined with proximal row carpectomy and ostectomy of the distal radius to allow a position of slight flexion (COF technique) results in a better outcome when compared to arthrodesis after proximal row carpectomy only technique.

Level of evidence: III
Talking politics, doing theory
Authors: Bodden Shawn
Published: September 2024

This response reflects on two major themes running through the questions and suggestions offered by the five respondents in this forum: it seeks to clarify what might be at stake in ordinary language philosophers’ frequent reference to ‘the ordinary’, and what bearing these concerns have on differing styles of critical theory. Along the way, it suggests that the writings of Clive Barnett offer a standing challenge to geographers to reconsider how and why they write, read, and otherwise ‘do’ theory.
Surgical reconstruction for spasticity and contracture: An underutilised rehabilitative strategy of adult stroke
Authors: Chung Marvin Man Ting , Ip Wing Yuk
Published: September 2024

Summary

Post-stroke spasticity and contracture remain prevalent and pose significant challenges in stroke rehabilitation. While non-surgical management is the mainstay, surgical reconstruction offers a valuable adjunct when conservative measures are exhausted. This clinical review article provides an overview of surgical reconstruction for limb spasticity and contracture following adult stroke, encompassing the rationale and specifics of these interventions. It highlights the underutilization of surgical reconstruction in rehabilitation of adult stroke patients with spasticity and contracture, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration including surgeons in stroke rehabilitation to optimize functional outcomes.
Excision of a nasal dermoid sinus cyst and primary reconstruction using an autologous fascia lata graft in a cat
Authors: Manzoni Sara , Aloisi Roberta , Bongartz Alexandre
Published: September 2024

Case summary

A 6-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 7-month history of a subcutaneous mass on the dorsal nasal surface. A CT examination revealed the presence of a nasal dermoid sinus cyst with a nasal bone defect. The cyst was excised and an autologous fascia lata graft was used for reconstruction. The dorsal nasal bone was reconstituted and no compromise of respiratory function was reported in the long-term outcome. No short-term complications were observed at the 2-week follow-up. No long-term complications or recurrence were observed at the 2- and 12-month follow-ups. Fascia lata grafting appears to be an effective method for repairing a nasal bone defect after surgical excision of a nasal dermoid sinus cyst in cats. It is inexpensive and the tissue is easily harvested and provides good functional and cosmetic results.

Relevance and novel information

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report that evaluates the effectiveness of repairing a nasal bone defect after dermoid sinus cyst excision in a cat using an autologous fascia lata graft.
Bridging the Gap: A Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Quality Perceptions Between the Older People and Healthcare Providers
Authors: Karin Željka , Matković Roberta , Matijaca Danira , Guzzi Pietro Hiram , Angelopoulou Efthalia , Kiskini Chrysanthi , Stevović Danica , Martinović Vlatka , Luštrek Mitja , Vukojević Katarina
Published: September 2024

In our study aimed at improving the healthcare system for the aging population, we compared healthcare quality evaluations between 96 older individuals and 30 healthcare providers in Split-Dalmatia County (Croatia). Using nonparametric analyses such as the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests on Likert scale questionnaire scores, we found most participants highlighted challenges such as healthcare affordability, long wait times, reliance on private care, poor public transportation, and insufficient rural healthcare services. Healthcare providers rated these quality indicators even more negatively. Both groups rated healthcare for dementia patients notably lower, while emergency response, treatment quality, and hospitalization ease were generally rated positively. The heightened awareness among healthcare providers raises the question: why is there a significant delay between recognizing these problems and implementing effective solutions to address them?
Analysis of autonomic responses during transnasal cooling via facial temperature and heart rate monitoring
Authors: Gonuguntla Akhilesh , Tandri Ananya , Tripathi Hemantkumar , Kolandaivelu Aravindan , Tandri Harikrishna
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Transnasal cooling has been shown to improve symptoms in patients with migraine headaches in a recent clinical trial. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unclear.

Methods

We sought to explore the potential autonomic responses to transnasal cooling in 10 patients by measuring changes in facial temperature and heart rate.

Results

We observed a decrease in average facial temperatures at the end of intervention compared to baseline in all regions measured, namely the forehead (−0.55 ± 0.58°F, p = 0.007), the opposite cheek (−0.44 ± 0.34°F, p = 0.027), and the same cheek (−0.64 ± 0.91°F, p = 0.001). The average baseline heart rate was 70.1 ± 10.5 bpm and did not undergo a change throughout the three phases (p = 0.22).

Conclusion

Bilateral facial temperature reduction despite unilateral cooling, prolonged cooling effect post-intervention, and no significant change in heart rate suggest a local sympathetic response to transnasal cooling.
Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: Double Trouble – Single Solution
Authors: Satish Oruganti Sai , Ponnana Hemanth Harish
Published: September 2024

WPW syndrome with rheumatic mitral stenosis is a rare and deadly combination. We report a patient with the above combination, presenting with drug-refractory antidromic tachycardia due to left atrial flutter and marked dyspnea. She underwent successful radiofrequency ablation of left-sided accessory pathway, left atrial flutter, and percutaneous mitral commissurotomy in a single sitting.
Deep neural network models for cell type prediction based on single-cell Hi-C data
Authors: Zhou Bing , Liu Quanzhong , Wang Meili , Wu Hao
Published: September 2024

Background

Cell type prediction is crucial to cell type identification of genomics, cancer diagnosis and drug development, and it can solve the time-consuming and difficult problem of cell classification in biological experiments. Therefore, a computational method is urgently needed to classify and predict cell types using single-cell Hi-C data. In previous studies, there is a lack of convenient and accurate method to predict cell types based on single-cell Hi-C data. Deep neural networks can form complex representations of single-cell Hi-C data and make it possible to handle the multidimensional and sparse biological datasets.

Results

We compare the performance of SCANN with existing methods and analyze the model by using five different evaluation metrics. When using only ML1 and ML3 datasets, the ARI and NMI values of SCANN increase by 14% and 11% over those of scHiCluster respectively. However, when using all six libraries of data, the ARI and NMI values of SCANN increase by 63% and 88% over those of scHiCluster respectively. These findings show that SCANN is highly accurate in predicting the type of independent cell samples using single-cell Hi-C data.

Conclusions

SCANN enhances the training speed and requires fewer resources for predicting cell types. In addition, when the number of cells in different cell types was extremely unbalanced, SCANN has higher stability and flexibility in solving cell classification and cell type prediction using the single-cell Hi-C data. This predication method can assist biologists to study the differences in the chromosome structure of cells between different cell types.
Real world analysis of treatment change and response in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alone and with concomitant psychiatric comorbidities: results from an electronic health record database study in the United States
Authors: Liman Christian , Schein Jeffrey , Wu Ashley , Huang Xueyan , Thadani Simran , Childress Ann , Kollins Scott H. , Bhattacharjee Sandipan
Published: September 2024

Background

The objectives of this study were to examine the association of psychiatric comorbidities and patient characteristics with treatment change and response as well as to assess the association between treatment change and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) among adult patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychiatric comorbidities.

Methods

De-identified electronic health records from the NeuroBlu Database (2002–2021) were used to select patients ≥ 18 years with ADHD who were prescribed ADHD-specific medication. The index date was set as the first prescription of ADHD medication. The outcomes were treatment change (discontinuation, switch, add-on, or drop) and HCRU (inpatient, outpatient, composite) within 12 months of follow-up. Cox proportional-hazard model was used to assess the association between clinical and demographic patient characteristics and treatment change, while generalized linear model with negative binomial distribution and log link function was used to assess the association between key risk factors linked to treatment change and HCRU rates.

Results

A total of 3,387 patients with ADHD were included (ADHD only: 1,261; ADHD + major depressive disorder (MDD): 755; ADHD + anxiety disorder: 467; ADHD + mood disorder: 164). Nearly half (44.8%) of the study cohort experienced a treatment change within the 12-month follow-up period. Treatment switch and add-on were more common in patients with ADHD and comorbid MDD and anxiety disorder (switch: 18.9%; add-on: 20.5%) compared to other cohorts (range for switch: 8.5–13.6%; range for add-on: 8.9–12.1%) Survival analysis demonstrated that the probability of treatment change within 12 months from treatment initiation in the study cohort was estimated to be 42.4%. Outpatient visit rates statistically significantly increased from baseline (mean [SD] 1.03 [1.84] visits/month) to 3 months post-index (mean [SD] 1.62 [1.91] visits/month; p < 0.001), followed by a gradual decline up to 12 months post-index. Being prescribed both a stimulant and a non-stimulant at index date was statistically significantly associated with increased risk of treatment change (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.38; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

This real-world study found that treatment change was common among patients with ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities. These findings support the need for future studies to examine the unmet medical and treatment needs of this complex patient population.