bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Musculoskeletal Injury and Disability Rates in U.S. Navy Sailors Aboard Aircraft Carrier and Amphibious Assault Ships
Authors: Fraser John J , Halfpap Joshua , Rosenthal Michael
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) are the most common clinical condition in the military that affect medical readiness. Evaluation of MSKI burden and the effects of these injuries on readiness in large deck Navy ships is warranted.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study assessing population-level MSKI rates, short-term disability (restricted duty), and long-term disability episode counts of all Sailors assigned to U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers (CVNs) and Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA/LHD) from November 2016 to February 2023 was extracted from the Musculoskeletal Naval Epidemiological Surveillance Tool. A negative binomial regression and general additive (Gaussian) models evaluate the association of ship platform, deployment status, days underway, and sex with MSKI rates and the proportion of cases that resulted in short-term disability, returned-to-duty following restricted duty, or progressed to long-term disability.

Results

Sailors attached to CVNs contributed a mean 17,893.8 ± 23,280.6 person-months, with those attached to LHA/LHDs contributing an average 5,981.8 ± 8,432.7 person-months. Aboard CVNs, MSKI occurred at a rate of 0.30 ± 0.16/1,000 person-months while deployed and 0.64 ± 0.31/1,000 person-months in homeport. Aboard LHA/LHDs, Sailors incurred MSKI at a rate of 0.59 ± 0.58/1,000 person-months while on deployment and 1.24 ± 0.68/1,000 person-months in homeport. Among Sailors aboard CVNs, short-term disability occurred in 7.95 ± 7.75% of MSKI cases while deployed and 5.13 ± 5.26% while in homeport. Aboard LHA/LHDs, 8.57 ± 13.42% of MSKI cases were placed on short-term disability while deployed and 4.95 ± 5.27% while in homeport. In the multivariable assessment of short-term disability, being deployed underway was a significant factor (B = 3.62 P = .03, variance explained = 3.86%). Sailors that were female and served aboard LHA/LHDs returned to full duty at a significantly greater frequency compared to their male counterparts and Sailors serving aboard CVNs. None of the independent variables evaluated were associated with long-term disability.

Conclusion

The findings in the current study demonstrate the substantial burden of MSKI aboard large deck ships, both in homeport and while deployed. Inclusion of a physical therapist aboard LHA/LHDs, like the CVN, may help to prevent and mitigate the effects of MSKI through early access to specialized care and integral injury prevention and performance optimization methods.
Engineered Janus hydrogels: biomimetic surface engineering and biomedical applications
Authors: Pan Mingfei , Shui Tao , Zhao Ziqian , Xiang Li , Yan Bin , Gu Ning , Zeng Hongbo
Published: September 2024

Hydrogel bioadhesives, when applied to dysfunctional tissues substituting the epidermis or endothelium, exhibit compelling characteristics that enable revolutionary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Despite their demonstrated efficacy, these hydrogels as soft implants are still limited by improper symmetric surface functions, leading to postoperative complications and disorders. Janus hydrogel bioadhesives with unique asymmetric surface designs have thus been proposed as a reliable and biocompatible hydrogel interface, mimicking the structural characteristics of natural biological barriers. In this comprehensive review, we provide guidelines for the rational design of Janus hydrogel bioadhesives, covering methods for hydrogel surface chemistry and microstructure engineering. The engineering of Janus hydrogels is highlighted, specifically in tuning the basal surface to facilitate instant and robust hydrogel-tissue integration and modulating the apical surface as the anti-adhesion, anti-fouling, and anti-wear barrier. These asymmetric designs hold great potential in clinical translation, supporting applications including hemostasis/tissue sealing, chronic wound management, and regenerative medicine. By shedding light on the potential of Janus hydrogels as bioactive interfaces, this review paper aims to inspire further research and overcome current obstacles for advancing soft matter in next-generation healthcare.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Who Smoke and Want to Quit—A Cohort Profile From the Koori Quit Pack study
Authors: Mersha Amanual Getnet , Bonevski Billie , Maddox (Bagumani) Raglan , Chamberlain (Palawa) Catherine , Clarke (Worimi/Gamilaroi) Kerindy , Forster (Worimi) Joley , Roberts Barker (Wiradjuri) Kayden , Booth Kade , Segan Catherine , Kennedy (Wiradjuri) Michelle
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Reducing the prevalence of smoking is a national priority; however, there is limited evidence on what smoking cessation supports are utilized, accessible, and effective among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This paper describes a cohort profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke and want to quit to inform tailored smoking cessation interventions.

Aims and Methods

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people residing in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and Victoria, who were smokers wanting to quit, were recruited through health services and online advertisements from May to October 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and explore factors associated with previous use and adherence to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and intention to use Quitline services.

Results

One hundred and sixty-five participants were recruited. Almost all (93.9%) had made at least one previous quit attempt, and 40.6% had used behavioral support. The majority believed NRT was safe (80.6%), effective (70.3%), and tried NRT previously (89%). Preferred forms of NRT for current quit attempts were nicotine patches (85.5%) and inhalers (69.7%). Intention to use Quitline was found to be higher among participants aged 31–45 years compared to participants under 30 years (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.01 to 9.76).

Conclusions

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are highly motivated to be smoke-free. However, efforts to enhance access and adherence to cessation supports are needed. The rapid recruitment and interest in the mailout cessation support should be scaled up to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to quit.

Implications

The Australian Government has recently launched a national tobacco strategy which includes targets for reducing smoking prevalence to less than 27% among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In order to meet these targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke and want to quit should have access to culturally safe and responsive support. We found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made quit attempts, accessed evidence-based smoking cessation care, and have positive attitudes towards NRT. However, acknowledging relapse, further evidence is required to understand the factors associated with sustained quitting.
Nasrids of Granada
Authors: Fabregas Garcia Adela
Published: September 2024

The Nasrid Emirate of Granada was the last medieval Islamicate polity in the Iberian Peninsula. Chronologically, it spans the last two and a half centuries of the history of al-Andalus. (635/1238–897/1492). This small Islamicate state occupied the southern tip of Iberia—the modern provinces of Almería, Granada, Malaga, and part of Cádiz. Like other Western Islamicate states, such as the Ḥafṣids of Tunisia (1128–1526), the Zayyāni state of Tlemcen (1235–1518), and the Marinids of Morocco (1258–1465), the Nasrid state was a product of the decomposition of the Almohad Empire (See the separate Oxford Bibliographies article “Almohads”). It was the only Islamicate polity to survive the progressive deterioration of the Islamic power in al-Andalus and the increasing Christian military pressure. The history of this emirate, and of al-Andalus, finally came to an end in 1492, when it fell to the Crown of Castile. The historiography is relatively young. For too long, the geographical and chronological significance of this state in the medieval history of the Iberian Peninsula has not been adequately represented by Spanish medievalism. Even today, the history of the Nasrids is relatively unknown, and few scholars have undertaken the task to redress this situation. This may be related to the negative perception with which it has been traditionally associated. Generally, the idea of the Nasrids has gone hand-in-hand with that of the decline of al-Andalus, and most scholarly interest has focused on the emirate’s final period and the Christian conquest, rather than on Nasrid history more broadly. It is true that the integration of the two and a half centuries of Nasrid history into the social and political framework of Andalusi Spain seemed a difficult task. The Nasrids’ peculiar features made it an awkward fit for the closed social model within which Andalusi history has too often been pigeonholed, and this always led to the emirate being regarded as a historical exception in medieval Iberia. In a way, it was seen as a hybrid, contaminated society, more characterized by exception to Islamic or feudal norms than by clear compliance with any of them. Exceptionality soon turned into marginality, and this into historiographical inconsequence. Only the inescapable brilliance of its artistic achievements, with the palatine city of the Alhambra as the main example (see the separate Oxford Bibliographies article “Alhambra”), justified some attention being paid to the society that created them. Fortunately, interest in Nasrid history has grown substantially in recent decades. Little by little, a dynamic Islamicate society is taking shape, marked by its classic Islamic heritage but also a player of its own time, the European-wide transition to modernity, and intense interaction with the Latin Mediterranean world. The Nasrid Emirate is emerging as an interesting observatory to analyze the processes of change, tension, and adaptation typical of all societies in transition.
Merchant Adventurers
Authors: Leng Tom
Published: September 2024

The origins of the English trading company known as the Fellowship or Company of Merchant Adventurers can be traced back to the late thirteenth century, in the form of privileges secured by English merchants from the Duke of Brabant, recognizing them as a distinct trading community trading in his territories. By the sixteenth century, these grants had become the basis for an organization entrusted with the regulation of the most valuable branch of England’s foreign trade, the export of woolen cloth to the Low Countries. The Company acquired various privileges from successive English monarchs, culminating in letters patent granting legal rights of incorporation by Queen Elizabeth in 1564, at which point its members were at the pinnacle of London’s, and thus the nation’s, commercial elite. The Merchant Adventurers were part of a wave of commercial incorporations in the late Tudor period that sought to bring order to several geographically discrete markets, ranging from Muscovy and the Baltic to Turkey and Morocco, and encompassing the founding of the East India Company in 1600. These companies have long been associated with the globalization of English trade and ultimately the beginnings of empire. In contrast, the Company of Merchant Adventurers has often been interpreted as representing a narrower commercial order that was becoming outdated in the early modern period, focused on bilateral exchanges with England’s nearest continental neighbors. This is also reflected in its corporate form: in contrast to some of the new companies such as the East India Company, which traded under a joint stock, the Merchant Adventurers was what historians describe as a “regulated” company, with members trading independently but according to shared regulations, much like an artisanal guild. The restrictions on mercantile mobility and initiative that membership entailed have been seen by some historians as constraining the Company’s ability to adapt in the seventeenth century, a time when the value of its trade declined precipitously before it lost its privileges following the Glorious Revolution. The history of the Merchant Adventurers in the early modern period thus offers us an opportunity to study the process of institutional decline in a period more often associated with innovation, and more generally commercial growth, a story that is of relevance to the more celebrated new trading companies of the period.
History of Education in Europe
Authors: Beilinson Orel
Published: September 2024

The history of education is an extraordinarily rich field in European historiography. This annotated bibliography offers one map of the field. The article starts in the Renaissance and focuses on the history of formal education—that is, education in schools. The early modern period raises questions about the effectiveness of the scattered institutions that predated the compulsory mass education that 19th-century states sought to create. Together, Early Modern Education and The Nineteenth Century tell the story of centralization: how home education with tutors and governesses, on-the-job training at the workshop, convent schools, Jesuit colleges, unlicensed schools of practical literacy, and various other institutions merged into the modern school. Diversity also diminished at the continental level, with institutions like the German-language Gymnasium and the French-language Lycée becoming models for reforms elsewhere. The twentieth century saw continued efforts to realize the ideal of mass education while facing the challenge of radical politics, which often sought to reshape schooling entirely. The final section of the article addresses contemporary issues such as gender, nationalism, and colonialism across time. To address the broadest readership possible, the bibliography privileges English-language works.
Attention and Salience
Authors: Zarcone Alessandra
Published: September 2024

Attention guides the focus of our perceptual experience: during visual perception, for example, attention helps us filter out relevant information and allocate cognitive resources where they are needed. Attention is strongly related to another concept, that is salience. Salience is a very widely used term in linguistics, but it was also used in visual cognition, where it is typically described as the property of (part of) a perceptual input that leaps out to us, attracting attention. The term salience itself suggest some sort of bottom-up process, implying that it is the input properties which determine what part of the input attracts our attention (think of a spot of color in a black and white picture, for example). In linguistics, bottom-up salience is related to phonological prominence or to thematization—something that is noticeable (cognitively salient) for its perceptual features and/or for its being an infrequent variety. The field of visual cognition has widely addressed attentional processes, identifying a (fast) bottom-up mechanism based on the salience (or saliency) of the input, as well as a top-down mechanism driven by our goals and intents. If a perceptual input leaps out to us because of its intrinsic properties, we may not even notice it if we are allocating our cognitive resources for a specific task, for example during visual search. In linguistic tasks, a top-down goal may also determine if we notice an incongruent input or not. More recently, in computational linguistics, attention has been used as an architectural property of encoder-decoder neural networks, for example in machine translation. Interestingly, even if this property is not aimed at realistically modeling human cognitive processes, attention is the mechanism that helps some deep learning models to identify the properties of the input that are most informative to perform a certain task. For example, while generating a French translation for an English sentence, the attention mechanism may help a neural machine translation model focus on the right part of the English input required to sequentially generate the French output.
Superhero Films
Authors: Mead Bryan
Published: September 2024

Superhero films are a direct descendent of superhero comics, and many popular comic book characters over the years have been adapted for the movies. These adaptations began in the 1940s with heroes such as Superman, Batman, and the character we now know as Shazam! appearing in weekly film serials. Many, though, consider Superman and the Mole Men (1951) as the first superhero feature film, though it was not until the character appeared in Superman (1978) that a superhero film finally attained significant box office success. The Tim Burton–directed Batman (1989) made a similar impact on the box office while also expanding into ancillary markets such as video games, action figures, and apparel. Still, the Superman and Batman franchises were stand-alone successes rather than initiators of sustained popularity for the genre. It was not until the string of popular superhero films appeared in the 2000s, including X-Men (2000), Spider-Man (2002), The Incredibles (2004), Batman Begins (2006), and The Dark Knight (2008) that the genre garnered sustained critical recognition alongside commercial success. The superhero genre then became a global phenomenon with the release of Iron Man (2008) and the subsequent development of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Much of the published scholarship related to superhero films has arrived subsequent to Iron Man’s release. The General Overviews section includes textbooks and edited collections surveying the history of the genre as well as laying out the major areas of scholarship. Politics and the Post-9/11 World outlines the work in one such area, detailing the connection superhero films have to American political ideology since 11 September 2001. The section on Genre includes scholarship on the narrative strategies, thematic tendencies, and transformations of the superhero film during its history. Cultural studies have also played a major role in superhero film research as outlined in both the Gender/Bodies and Race and Ethnicity sections, while the impact of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has also garnered much scholarly attention. Connections to ancient mythology, religious tropes, and ethical decision-making are prominent topics of interest in the section on Morality and Supervillains. There is also a growing number of sources approaching the genre through the Reception and Fandom critical lens, charting the real-world impact of superhero films on society.
Multiteam Systems
Authors: Luciano Margaret , Dubrow Samantha
Published: September 2024

Operating environments are increasingly dynamic and complex, leading to many projects and problems that necessitate the coordinated efforts of multiple teams. Consequently, multiteam systems (MTSs) have gained prominence and have been enthusiastically embraced as solutions to real-world challenges. These challenges include the coordination of teams from multiple agencies in emergency response, military teams orchestrating international efforts, and scientific teams collaborating on groundbreaking discoveries. MTSs, also known as teams-of-teams and interconnected networks of teams, are characterized as multiple teams that must work interdependently toward one or more shared overarching goals, in addition to their separate team objectives. These systems represent a distinct organizational structure that spans traditional team and organizational boundaries. Although MTSs share some similarities with traditional teams and organizations, they require unique theorizing and investigation, as they confront the paradox of building strong teams that must function effectively independently and interdependently.
Product Market Competition, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Covenant Redesign
Authors: Aslan Hadiye , Kalimipalli Madhu , Kumar Praveen , Venugopal Buvaneshwaran
Published: September 2024

Industry competition shocks are major drivers of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). We document strong positive effects of competition shocks on M&A-related covenant redesign. Acquiring firms in high-competition environments are significantly more likely to undertake tender offer bond repurchases and reduce restrictions on mergers, investments, payouts, and financing, but increase change-in-control covenants. This effect is stronger for larger, more profitable firms. Moreover, announcement returns from M&A transactions of redesigning firms in more competitive settings are significantly higher, while acquisition deal premiums are lower. Our study shows the significant effect of industry competition shocks on debt recontracting in M&A. (JEL G32, G34)
Regulating Carry Trades: Evidence from Foreign Currency Borrowing of Corporations in India
Authors: Acharya Viral V , Vij Siddharth
Published: September 2024

We establish that macroprudential controls limiting capital flows can curb risks arising from foreign currency borrowing by corporates in emerging markets. Firm-level data show that Indian firms tend to issue more foreign currency debt when the interest rate differential between India and the U.S. is higher. This “carry trade” relationship, however, breaks down once regulators institute more stringent interest rate caps on borrowing; in response, riskier borrowers cut issuance most. Prior to adoption of this macroprudential measure, stock price exposure of issuers to currency risk rises after issuance, as witnessed during the “taper tantrum” episode of 2013; this source of vulnerability is nullified by the measure, as confirmed during the October 2018 oil price shock and the COVID-19 outbreak. We find no evidence of the policy’s efficacy being undermined by leakage or regulatory arbitrage.
Numerical and experimental study on the aerodynamic noise characteristics of 600-km/h high-speed maglev trains
Authors: Guo Haixia , Fu Shanqiang , Liu Jiali
Published: September 2024

High-speed maglev trains represent a new mode of transportation; however, their 600-km/h travelling speed causes serious aerodynamic noise problems, with very little research on the aerodynamic noise of such trains. To clarify the aerodynamic noise source and radiation characteristics of high-speed maglev trains, both large eddy simulations and wind tunnel experiments with a 1:8 scale three-train model were conducted to obtain the aerodynamic noise source spectrum and spatial distribution characteristics of the maglev train at different speeds; the contribution of the dipole noise source was also analysed. The results revealed that the train shape has a significant impact on the frequency distribution of the far-field aerodynamic noise below 1 kHz, with the highest sound power concentrated on the train head, especially in the areas around the track joint and streamlined sections. The surface dipole sound source energy increases linearly with speed and is mainly distributed at the bottom of the train head and tail train body. A short-streamlined train exhibited the highest ratio, especially in the trailing edge area, up to 1.42 × 1011 dB. The far-field sound pressure level of the short-streamlined maglev train is significantly higher, with a maximum difference of about 10 dBA. The distribution pattern of the far-field sound pressure level is influenced by the train type, reflected in the tail train and wake area. Different frequency intervals have different relationships between the acoustic pressure level and frequency; long-streamlined models may enhance broadband features in the sound field distribution of high-speed maglev trains. These findings could be used to guide the aero-acoustic design of maglev trains with a designed speed of 600 km/h.
A Bioassay That Yields Quantifiable Symptoms of Cucurbit Yellow Vine Disease Caused by Serratia marcescens
Authors: Mphande Kephas , Gleason Mark L. , Beattie Gwyn A.
Published: September 2024

Cucurbit yellow vine disease (CYVD), which is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Serratia marcescens and transmitted by squash bugs (Anasa tristis DeGeer), is a devastating disease of cucurbit crops that is emerging rapidly in the eastern half of the United States. The lack of a robust pathogenicity assay for CYVD in the laboratory has hampered functional tests using genomic sequences to investigate the biology of this phytopathogen. In this study we developed and validated a bioassay that yielded consistent and quantifiable CYVD symptoms on squash in the laboratory. We compared inoculation by wounding with a multipronged floral pin frog to inoculation by injection in which a needle was moved in and out of the stem multiple times in each of multiple piercings to mimic the feeding behavior of squash bugs. We found that inoculation by needle injection of ≥108 CFU/ml of S. marcescens into the stem of squash (Cucurbita pepo) plants at the cotyledon growth stage reproducibly induced CYVD symptoms, whereas injecting 106 or 107 CFU/ml did not. Additionally, we found that S. marcescens induced symptoms on all of the squash cultivars tested, and induced symptoms that have not been previously reported, including stem elongation and leaf cupping. In short, through our injection approach of mimicking the natural process of S. marcescens transmission by squash bug feeding, we obtained robust and quantifiable CYVD symptoms. This laboratory bioassay provides a crucial tool for investigating the biology and pathology of this emerging pathogen and for plant breeding screens aimed at combatting CYVD.
A New Cyst Nematode Heterodera luodingensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Heteroderinae) from Rice in China
Authors: Wen Yanhua , Liu Fuxiang , Zhen Haoyang , Ye Weimin , Ni Chunhui , Xu Chunling , Peng Deliang
Published: September 2024

A unique cyst nematode population (Heterodera spp.) was collected from rice roots in Luoding County, Guangdong Province, China. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed that it is significantly different from all previously described cyst nematode species. It is described as Heterodera luodingensis n. sp. and classified in the Cyperi group. H. luodingensis n. sp. is characterized by its lemon-shaped cyst with a prominent terminal vulval cone that is ambifenestrate with abundant bullae and a relatively short vulval slit, measuring 31.3 (24.4 to 38.7) μm in length. The second-stage juveniles (J2s) are characterized by dumbbell-shaped labials, three lip annules, and a lateral field with three incisures. The J2 stylet is 18.7 (16.9 to 19.8) μm long with anterior concave or spherical knobs. The tail is elongate conoid, tapering to a rounded terminus or zig-tapering to a rounded terminus that is 54.9 (43.9 to 64.3) μm long with a hyaline region comprising 40.3 to 52.5% of the tail. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on rDNA 28S D2D3 and ITS fragments showed that H. luodingensis n. sp. is unique and clearly separated it from other cyst nematodes. It is most closely related to H. oryzicola, H. fengi, H. elachista, H. oryzae, and H. guangdongensis. H. luodingensis n. sp. can be distinguished from H. oryzicola by its shorter vulval slit and underbridge, from H. elachista by abundant bullae, shorter vulval slit, and fenestrate width, from H. oryzae by a shorter vulval slit and underbridge, from H. fengi by a shorter vulval slit, and from H. guangdongensis by a longer cyst length and abundant bullae. Based on PCR-RFLP of rDNA-ITS, H. luodingensis n. sp. can be clearly distinguished from H. oryzicola, H. mothi, H. elachista, H. guangdongensis, and H. cyperi. A parasitism test from a pure culture derived from a single cyst in a greenhouse showed that H. luodingensis n. sp. can successfully complete its life cycle on rice, and rice is its type host.
Social Determinants of Health in Diverticulitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ueland Thomas E. , Vimalathas Praveen , Sweeting Raeshell S. , Shroder Megan M. , Younan Samuel A. , Hawkins Alexander T.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

There is growing interest in social determinants of health for surgical populations. Within diverticulitis, no systematic collation of available evidence has been performed.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess frequency, variety, and association directions for social determinants of health in colonic diverticular disease.

DATA SOURCES:

Four electronic databases were queried: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science.

STUDY SELECTION:

Included studies reported symptomatic left-sided colonic diverticular disease with respect to a social determinant of health according to the Healthy People 2030 initiative or applicable proxy variable. Studies with non-English full text, cohort size less than 50, pediatric cohorts, and exclusively non–left-sided disease were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Quality assessment using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, frequency of variables reported, and effect size trends for common comparisons.

RESULTS:

Among 50 included studies, 40 were good and 10 were fair in quality. Social determinants of health in diverticulitis were identified across economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context domains. The 2 most common variables were self-reported race and ethnicity (n = 33) and insurance (n = 22). Among 18 unique studies reporting comparisons of White versus any other self-reported race and ethnicity, 12 identified a disparity disadvantaging non-White groups with effect sizes (95% CI ranging from 1.23 [1.10–1.37] to 5.35 [1.32–21.61]). Among 15 unique studies reporting a nonprivate versus private insurance comparison, 9 identified nonprivate insurance as a risk factor with effect sizes (95% CIs) ranging from 1.15 (1.02–1.29) to 3.83 (3.01–4.87).

LIMITATIONS:

Retrospective studies, heterogeneity across cohorts, and variable definitions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Social determinants of health domains are associated with a variety of diverticulitis outcomes. Additional studies are needed to address infrequently reported domains and identify optimal strategies for intervening in clinical settings.

PROSPERO ID:

CRD42023422606
Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: AbdelAziz Suzi , El-Goly Nour A. , Maged Ahmed M. , Bassiouny Nehal , El-Demiry Nihal , Shamel Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive literature search from database inception to November 2023 using terms such as placenta creta, increta, percreta, PAS, MRI, and their respective Medical Subject Headings terms. All prospective and retrospective cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies involving prenatal magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of PAS with subsequent pathological confirmation were included.

Results:

A total of 40 studies encompassing 3664 women met the inclusion criteria, with 1894 cases confirmed pathologically as PAS. The overall sensitivity of MRI was 0.867 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.807–0.910), and the specificity was 0.860 (95% CI: 0.799–0.905), with a correlation of 0.693 between sensitivity and specificity. The estimated odds ratio was 28.693 (95% CI: 14.463–56.924), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.178 (95% CI: 0.122–0.258), and the positive likelihood ratio was 4.316 (95% CI: 3.186–5.846). Analysis of individual MRI criteria revealed estimates of sensitivity, specificity, odds ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and positive likelihood ratio for abnormal placental bed vascularization as 0.500, 0.740, 2.788, 0.571, and 1.645 respectively; 0.384, 0.985, 6.270, 0.471, and 2.720 for bladder wall interruption; 0.766, 0.818, 13.638, 0.262, and 3.375 for the presence of dark intraplacental bands; 0.691, 0.913, 10.828, 0.352, and 3.361 for heterogeneous placenta; 0.688, 0.984, 34.886, 0.254, and 7.164 for indistinctive myometrium; 0.757, 0.864, 8.496, 0.362, and 2.778 for loss of retroplacental dark zone; 0.828, 0.593, 5.829, 0.329, and 1.766 for myometrial thinning; and 0.518, 0.916, 9.473, 0.411, and 3.526 for placental bulge, respectively.

Conclusion:

MRI demonstrates significant utility in diagnosing PAS and its severity. It is recommended for use in all cases with inconclusive ultrasonographic findings.

Registration:

Registration number CRD42021267501.
Multiple primary malignancies: sequential development of Ewing sarcoma and carcinoid tumor in a single patient
Authors: Ali Huzafa , Adhikari Dipendra , Noor Azka , Abbas Husnain , Saqib Huzaifa , Siddiqa Ayesha , Khan Amna , Naeem Nayab
Published: September 2024

Introduction and importance:

Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) involve two or more distinct primary cancers in one individual, either simultaneously or at different times. The incidence of MPMs is rising due to advancements in cancer detection, improved survival rates, and long-term treatment effects. This case report, likely the first of its kind, highlights a rare instance of a 30-year-old female developing a carcinoid tumor 5 years after Ewing sarcoma, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring of cancer survivors.

Case presentation:

A 30-year-old female with a history of Ewing Sarcoma diagnosed 5 years prior, initially presenting with a vascular, hard mass on her right shoulder, underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical excision. She recently presented with high-grade fever, cough, weight loss, and severe chest pain. Imaging and biopsy confirmed a high-grade carcinoid tumor. Histopathology showed positive markers for Synaptophysin, CD56, and Chromogranin, with a Ki-67 index of 30–40%. The patient passed away after one cycle of chemotherapy.

Clinical discussion:

Diagnosing and managing MPMs is challenging due to the complexity of distinguishing primary tumors from metastases. This case fits the Warren and Gates’ criteria for MPMs. This case confirmed Ewing sarcoma and atypical carcinoid tumor as distinct primary malignancies. Delayed diagnosis worsens outcomes, especially for aggressive atypical carcinoids. This case underscores the importance of thorough diagnostics, long-term follow-up, and improved healthcare infrastructure.

Conclusion:

This case report emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, regular follow-ups, and timely detection for effective management of MPMs.
Prevalence, impact and associated factors of abnormal preoperative investigation result in patients undergoing surgery in Dilla University referral hospital: cross-sectional study
Authors: Tesfaye Adamu , Mesfine Robel , Bekele Zenebe , Mesgebu Gemechu
Published: September 2024

Background:

As one domain of preoperative assessment, preoperative investigations are often ordered to evaluate patient’s medical condition for risk stratification and assessing patient status to undergoing surgery. Despite the fact that laboratory testing can assist in ensuring the best possible preoperative condition, routine screening examinations have a number of drawbacks. Although there are evidence-based recommendations for which investigations should be done, the tradition of routine preoperative testing is still prevalent and clinical practice with abnormal results detected varies.

Method:

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 1 November to January at Dilla University Referral Hospital. Data was collected from complete pre-anaesthesia check-up sheets, investigations already done. It was collected at the individual level by using, closed-ended self-guided questionnaire. The collected data was entered, cleaned, edited and checked using SPSS version 26 for data processing and analysis. Logistic regression was performed to examine the impacts of abnormal preoperative investigation results and summarised by using tables and figures. An Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the level of significance.

Result:

Data of 208 patients (65.9 female) with mean±standard deviation age 30.83±15.340 years and 22.59±2.99 BMI were analysed. Patients were mostly American Society of Anaesthesiologists I and II underwent National Institute of Clinical and Health Excellence Grade 2 surgeries and surgical shape class 3. Totally, 178 (44.5%) test results were abnormal. CBC is the most detected abnormal result. Only 15 (3.75%) abnormalities had an impact in terms of delay, further investigations, and surgical technique. Comorbidity (AOR 7.982, 95% CI, P=0.041), medication history (AOR 1.463, 95% CI, P=0.013), ASA physical status II (AOR 3.287, 95% CI, P=0.029) and history of smoking (AOR 1.577, 95% CI, P=0.049) were factors which was significantly associated with abnormal preoperative investigation result.

Conclusion:

Only 0.6% of all tests had a significant impact in terms of changing perioperative anaesthetic management. The significant impact of abnormal investigation result noticed was delayed surgery
Origin of Peritoneal Cancer With Features of High-grade Serous Carcinoma: A Detailed Molecular Analysis
Authors: Yamagata Tomo , Watanabe Koichi , Yamanoi Koji , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Ogura Jumpei , Taki Mana , Murakami Ryusuke , Yamaguchi Ken , Hamanishi Junzo , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Ogawa Seishi , Mandai Masaki
Published: September 2024

Primary peritoneal cancer has characteristics similar to high-grade serous carcinomas of ovarian and fallopian tube origin. However, the relationship between endometriosis and primary peritoneal cancer is not well understood. This study focuses on a case of peritoneal cancer in a patient who had undergone hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy 5 yr before. In addition to morphology, there was a positive for TP53 in immunohistochemistry and homologous recombination deficiency test, which were similar to high-grade serous carcinomas. However, WT1 was negative in the tumor, and extensive endometriosis coexisted. To reveal the clonal relationship between tumor and endometriosis, we dissected 3 sites each from the tumor and endometriosis and performed whole-exome sequencing analysis. As a result, we found that the tumors were of identical origin. Contrarily, no shared mutations were found in the 3 endometriosis sites. Furthermore, several shared mutations were found between the tumor and 1 endometriosis tissue, showing that the tumor and 1 ectopic endometrial gland originated from the same clone. This study indicates that several peritoneal cancers may be derived from endometriosis. We should consider the possibility of more diverse origins of peritoneal cancer than we speculated before.
Brief Report: Stated Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable ART Among Mobile Men Living With HIV in Malawi: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Thorp Marguerite , Phiri Sam , Phiri Khumbo , Robson Isabella , Mphande Misheck , Dovel Kathryn , Hoffman Risa
Published: September 2024

Background:

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antiretroviral medications are as effective as daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) and offer discreet, less frequent dosing. LAIs may be ideal treatment options for people who experience challenges with adherence to daily oral ART, including mobile men living with HIV (MLHIV).

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative substudy within two parent trials in 24 health facilities in Malawi that enrolled MLHIV ≥15 years not on ART. We conducted in-depth interviews with a stratified random sample of participants who had taken oral ART and self-reported mobility (travel) during the 6-month study (≥1 trip of ≥3 nights). Interviews described cabotegravir/rilpivirine and asked about clients' stated preferences for LAI vs. oral ART and their reasoning. Interviews were translated, transcribed, coded in Atlas.ti, and analyzed using framework analysis.

Results:

We interviewed 29 mobile MLHIV from July 1, 2022, to August 30, 2022, median age 36 years (interquartile range: 31–41), mean 28 nights away in the past 6 months (SD: 40). Nearly all participants (26/29) expressed a preference for LAI over daily oral ART because LAI would reduce the risks of forgetting to take pills and unwanted disclosure. Three men preferred oral ART primarily because of fear of side effects from a new medication. A few men reported they would change their preference if injection site reactions prevented them from working.

Conclusions:

Mobile MLHIV in Malawi with previous ART adherence challenges expressed strong stated preferences for LAI over daily oral ART. Further research is needed to understand implementation challenges and potential effectiveness of LAI among harder-to-reach populations.
Full Thickness Nasal Reconstruction With Paired Pericranial and Paramedian Forehead Flaps
Authors: Farias Nathan , Moore Corey
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

The reconstruction of full-thickness nasal defects poses a significant challenge following oncologic resection. This study aims to share a technique using paired pericranial forehead flap (PCF) with contralateral paramedian flap (PMF) for such defects. Patient outcomes were reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of the reconstructive technique are discussed.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a single surgeon practice was done between 2019 and 2024. Cases of nasal reconstruction with a paired PCF and PMF following oncologic resection were reviewed. Defect characteristics, reconstructive technique, and postoperative complications were evaluated. A literature review summarizing the evolution of this technique from inception to April 2024 was conducted using PubMed.

Results:

The literature review identified 7 reports describing the use of a paired PCF and PMF for nasal reconstruction. The modifications and enhancements described in each study are summarized. The case series included 13 patients requiring oncologic resection for squamous cell carcinoma (8 patients) or basal cell carcinoma (5 patients). Every case required reconstruction of at least 2 nasal subunits, primarily involving the nasal tip, alae, and columella. Reconstruction was performed with the ipsilateral PCF, contralateral PMF, and structural grafts. Auricular cartilage grafts were universally used for structural support, with additional costal cartilage grafts and a split calvaria bone graft in select cases. The technique showed good functional and esthetic outcomes without any notable graft failures or donor site complications.

Conclusions:

The combination of an ipsilateral PCF and contralateral PMF is an effective strategy for reconstructing full-thickness nasal defects involving multiple nasal subunits.
Caregivers’ Perception of Child Weight and Its Implications on Children’s BMI: Examining the Role of Weight Concern and Pressed Eating Behaviors as Mediators
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Ying
Published: September 2024

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the relationship between caregivers’ perception of child weight, their concern about children’s weight, pressed eating behaviors, and children’s BMI.

Methods:

A Child Feeding Questionnaire was administered to 442 primary caregivers of school-aged children (6–12 y old) in Hangzhou, China.

Results:

Significant differences were observed in age, family average monthly income, and family care type among children with different weight statuses (P<0.05). Caregivers’ perception of child weight was positively correlated with children’s BMI. Caregivers’ perception of child weight and children’s BMI were negatively correlated with pressed eating behaviors. Caregivers’ perception of the child's weight, BMI, and pressed eating behaviors were positively correlated with caregivers’ weight concerns. Caregivers’ perception of child weight not only had a direct positive predictive effect on children’s BMI but also influenced children’s BMI through three paths: via the independent mediation of children’s weight concern, the independent mediation of pressed eating behaviors, and the chain mediation of children’s weight concern and pressed eating behaviors.

Conclusions:

Caregivers need to rectify perception biases regarding child weight, adopt reasonable feeding strategies, nurture children’s self-regulation abilities regarding diet, and prevent the occurrence of childhood overweight and obesity.
Cochlear Implant Artifacts in Continuous Electroencephalogram Recording
Authors: Nayak Anuranjita , Traboulsi Henri , Anderson Anne E. , Runco Alyssa , Riviello James J.
Published: September 2024

Cochlear implants to aid sensorineural hearing loss are becoming commonplace. In this study, we describe two cases that showed artifacts related to the cochlear implant device during scalp EEG recording. To our knowledge, cochlear implant artifacts have not been reported previously. Recognizing cochlear implant artifacts will avoid misinterpretation and resultant inappropriate treatment.
An ensemble approach integrating LSTM and ARIMA models for enhanced financial market predictions
Authors: Mochurad Lesia , Dereviannyi Andrii
Published: September 2024

Forecasting financial markets is a complex task that requires addressing various challenges, such as market complexity, data heterogeneity, the need for rapid response and constant changes in conditions, to gain a competitive advantage. To effectively address these challenges, it is necessary to constantly improve existing and develop new methods of intelligent forecasting, which will improve the accuracy of forecasts, reduce risks and increase the productivity of financial decision-making processes. In this article, we study and analyse forecasting methods in financial markets, such as support vector regression (SVR), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), long short-term memory recurrent neural network (LSTM) and extreme gradient boosting algorithm (XG-Boost). Based on this analysis, we propose an ensemble forecasting procedure that integrates LSTM and ARIMA models. Due to the careful combination of these models, our approach yields better results than individual methods. For example, our model demonstrates a significant 15% improvement in root mean square error (RMSE) and a slight improvement in coefficient of determination compared with LSTM. Furthermore, simulation results obtained on three real-world datasets and evaluated using the RMSE criterion confirm the superiority of our proposed method over alternative methods such as LSTMs, transformer models and optimized deep recurrent neural networks with long short-term memory for financial market forecasting. Furthermore, our approach creates the prerequisites for parallelizing both models, thus providing an opportunity to accelerate forecasting results in future research.
Microbial biomarkers as indicators of sperm viability in an insect
Authors: McNamara Kathryn B. , Dungan Ashley M. , Blackall Linda L. , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: September 2024

Our understanding of microbial variation in male reproductive tissues is poorly understood, both regarding how it varies spatially across different tissues and its ability to affect male sperm and semen quality. To redress this gap, we explored the relationship between male sperm viability and male gut and reproductive tract microbiomes in the Pacific field cricket,
Teleogryllus oceanicus
. We selected cohorts of males within our populations with the highest and lowest natural sperm viability and characterized the bacterial microbiota present in the gut, testes, seminal vesicle, accessory glands and the spermatophore (ejaculate) using 16S ribosomal RNA gene metabarcoding. We identified bacterial taxa corresponding to sperm viability, highlighting for the first time an association between the host’s microbial communities and male competitive fertilization success. We also found significant spatial variation in bacterial community structure of reproductive tissue types. Our data demonstrate the importance of considering the microbial diversity of both the host gut and reproductive tract when investigating male fertility in wildlife and potentially human clinical settings.