bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of neighborhood-level COVID-19 mortality on the increase in drug overdose mortality in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Olawole Wuraola , Li Guohua , Zhou Ziqi , Wu Zhixing , Chen Qixuan
Published: November 2024

Background

Overdose mortality increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is unclear to what extent the COVID-19 mortality had contributed to this increase at the neighborhood level.

Methods

This was an ecological study based on New York City United Hospital Fund (NYC UHF) neighborhood-level data from 2019 to 2021, split into two time-windows: pre-COVID (2019) and during-COVID (2020 and 2021). Linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of cumulative COVID-19 mortality on the increase in drug overdose mortality from the pre-COVD to during-COVID periods at the neighborhood level, with and without adjusting for neighborhood characteristics.

Results

Drug overdose mortality rate increased from 21.3 to 33.4 deaths per 100,000 person-years across NYC UHF neighborhoods from pre-COVID to during-COVID. For each additional COVID-19 death per 1,000 person-years at the neighborhood level, the increase in drug overdose mortality rose 2.4 (95% CI: 1.7, 3.3) times. Furthermore, neighborhoods with a higher percentage of Hispanic residents, a higher percentage of single-person households, and a higher percentage of residents with health insurance experienced significantly larger increases in drug overdose mortality. In contrast, neighborhoods with a higher percentage of residents aged 75 and older had a smaller increase in drug overdose mortality.

Conclusions

NYC neighborhoods with higher cumulative COVID-19 mortality experienced a greater increase in drug overdose mortality during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sudden-onset gastrointestinal bleeding in a young adult: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of a Dieulafoy’s lesion in the jejunum
Authors: Tripathi Shikhar , Narayanagowda Rakesh , Das Sri Aurobindo Prasad , Jain Sunila , Nundy Samiran
Published: November 2024

Background

A Dieulafoy’s lesion in the jejunum is at an uncommon site but may be the cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding. It is characterized by a large, tortuous submucosal artery that erodes the overlying epithelium and presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its atypical location and presentation.

Case

A 30-year-old male presented with sudden onset syncope and the passage of 200–300 ml of red blood-mixed stool. With no major comorbidities, he had hypotension with a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg, necessitating immediate transfusion of three units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Initial endoscopic evaluations, including an UGI endoscopy and colonoscopy, failed to locate the bleeding source. CT angiography identified an active bleed from the first jejunal branch leading to coil embolization. Persistent symptoms prompted capsule endoscopy, revealing angioectasia in the proximal jejunum. Despite haemoclip application and a total of 11 units of blood transfused, his symptoms persisted. He then underwent laparoscopic resection of the jejunal segment containing the polyp, followed by extracorporeal jejuno-jejunal anastomosis. Histopathology confirmed a benign polyp with central ulceration, consistent with a Dieulafoy’s lesion.

Conclusions

Advanced diagnostic techniques like CT angiography and capsule endoscopy played a pivotal role in localizing the bleeding source. Surgical intervention proved curative when less invasive methods failed. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, highlighting the efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach. A high index of suspicion and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for successful outcomes.
The impact of insulin resistance and glycaemic control on insulin-like growth factor-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: AbdlWhab Hasanain MohammedHuthaifa , Al-Saffar Araz , Mahdi Osama Abbas , Alameri Rafid Badri
Published: November 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifaceted metabolic disorder. Over the past decade, the potential role of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM has garnered scientific interest. These hormones, while interrelated, exert differential effects on glucose homeostasis; GH elevates blood glucose levels, whereas IGF-1 sustains insulin secretion and augments insulin sensitivity.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the impact of insulin resistance and glycaemic control on IGF-1 levels and to assess other risk factors influencing IGF-1 in T2DM.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Diabetes Centre, Baghdad, Iraq, from May 2020 to May 2021. Sixty patients with T2DM were evaluated for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), GH, IGF-1, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, and anthropometric measures following a comprehensive history and physical examination, focusing on any variables that could influence their metabolic profile. Patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, pituitary disease, chronic kidney disease, hepatic disease, and pregnancy were excluded from the study.

Results

Patients with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c > 8) exhibited significantly elevated IGF-1 levels compared to those with HbA1c < 8 (166 vs. 134, P = 0.016). The mean IGF-1 was significantly lower in patients with insulin resistance (IR) compared to those without IR (143 vs. 192, P = 0.001), with a significant negative correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI) and a significant positive correlation with HbA1c and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Index (QUICKI). Elevated IGF-1 levels were observed with increasing age, duration of T2DM, higher HbA1c, higher QUICKI, and lower BMI. No significant difference was found in IGF-1 values with regards to HOMA-B, fasting insulin, and waist-hip ratio.

Conclusion

Patients with poorly controlled T2DM exhibit higher IGF-1 levels, while those with obesity and high insulin resistance demonstrate lower IGF-1 levels. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the potential of using IGF-1 to reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic and glycaemic measures in individuals with T2DM and obesity or insulin resistance.
Molecular diagnosis of mtDNA syndromes in Egyptian pediatric patients: a hospital-based study
Authors: Mehaney Dina , Abaas Donia , Sayed Wajeet , Sharawy Mai , Selim Laila
Published: November 2024

Background

MCDs, or mitochondrial disorders, are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. There are few studies on the prevalence of gene mutations in pediatric MCD patients in Egypt. The objective of the current study was to determine the frequencies of the most prevalent mtDNA mutations in a group of Egyptian children with classical mitochondrial disorders.

Methods

Over two years, 140 pediatric patients clinically suspected of having classical mitochondrial disorders and 50 controls were examined for the most prevalent mtDNA mutations at Cairo University Children’s Hospital. Polymerase Chain Reaction/Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analyses were used to screen for the 17 most common mtDNA mutations (G3460A, G11778A, T14484C, T3271C, G13513A, A3243G, A8344G, G8363A, T9176C, T8993C/G, A8344G, T8356C, G8363A, C3303T, A3260G, A4300G, and C9997T) based on the suspected syndrome. To validate the abnormal patterns, direct sequencing was carried out.

Results

Of the 114 children evaluated, 54 were female and 60 were male, with a median age (range) of 3.5 years (7 months–16 years). 77 out of 114 (67.5%) patients were born into consanguineous marriages. Merely 1.8% of mtDNA point mutations were detected; of those with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, only two had the homoplasmic pathogenic variant T14484C of MTND6 verified.

Conclusions

Screening for the most prevalent mtDNA mutations could be used as preliminary noninvasive testing for such syndromes. The low positive incidence raises the possibility that these mtDNA point mutations are not unique to pediatric patients in Egypt. Given Egypt’s high percentage of consanguineous marriage, the molecular pathogenesis of such disorders is suspected to be of nuclear genetic origin.
Lower respiratory tract bacterial colonization among newly diagnosed lung cancer patients
Authors: Madkour Ashraf Mokhtar , Elkady Mona Ahmed Elhady , Melegy Amira Sabry Saad , Ibraheem Yasmeen Mohammad Mahmood Ali
Published: November 2024

Background

Recent studies suggest a mutual relationship between lung cancer and microbial colonization of the bronchial airways. However, data on this subject is scarce, especially among Egyptian studies. This study aimed to evaluate the rate and type of bronchial colonization in patients with proven lung cancer at the time of diagnosis by bronchoscopy. Fifty patients who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria underwent bronchial wash or bronchoalveolar lavage samples and were subjected to bacteriological culture and susceptibility.

Results

Bacterial colonization was recorded in 40% of the studied patients, all of which were potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs). All 23 isolated organisms were Gram-negative bacteria of which 39% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The most common were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 73.9% and Klebsiella spp. 17.4%. Double growth was detected in 15% of cases. Bronchial colonization in lung cancer had a statistically significant relationship with male gender (p = 0.032), old age (p = 0.037), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.001). The highest antibiotic sensitivity was observed with Imipenem (69.2%), while the highest antibiotic resistance rates were observed with Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Ceftriaxone (100%).

Conclusion

Gram-negative PPMs were isolated in 40% of lung cancer cases at the time of diagnosis by bronchoscopy with higher frequency among males, old age, and patients with associated COPD. Among isolated organisms, 39% were MDR pathogens.
Rescripting contested monuments amid shifting regionings of concern: the case of the President M.T. Steyn statue
Authors: Auret Hendrik , du Preez JL
Published: November 2024

The way monuments hold sway seem stable and predictable, yet their ‘meanings’ migrate and their traditionally accepted roles shift. In South Africa there are monuments that commemorate achievements once considered laudable, that have become symbols of oppressive systems. The challenge facing the current generation is to make sense of these monuments in a way that will dignify the lived situation of all stakeholders. One such contested monument is the statue of President M.T. Steyn that used to stand in front of the Main Building of the University of the Free State. The statue divided the campus community. It provoked some students to violent unrest, while others saw it as an important heritage marker. How could the seemingly irreconcilable conflict between these stakeholders be resolved while adhering to heritage laws and without alienating a significant portion of the student body? The complex process that followed relied on creative leaps to provoke public participation and stimulate new forms of appreciation amid shifting regions of concern. One important facet of this process was the construction of a reflective triangular prism installation which provoked new visual, experiential and spatial relationships with the monument, including the visual removal of the statue from the ‘axis of power’, the celebration of oblique views, and opportunities to face the statue in a distorted mirror. This article will critically reflect on the poetic process of strange-making that was followed in the relocation of the President M.T. Steyn statue in order to illustrate how traditional conflict resolution strategies can be reinterpreted in terms of German philosopher, Martin Heidegger’s notion of inceptual thinking. The resulting approach opens new possibilities for creatively rescripting contested monuments; a way of thinking which engages the inceptual regionings impacting the way people live as beings of emplaced care.
A case of right middle lobectomy for primary lung cancer in a patient with heterotaxy syndrome
Authors: Demura Ryo , Imai Kazuhiro , Takashima Shinogu , Kurihara Nobuyasu , Kuriyama Shoji , Suzuki Haruka , Harata Yuzu , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: November 2024

Background

Anatomical abnormalities in the pulmonary vessels have long aroused great interest among thoracic surgeons, and numerous variations of pulmonary vessels have been reported. Heterotaxy syndrome is an anatomical abnormality in which typically asymmetrical organs, including the lungs, develop symmetrically. We report the case of a 71-year-old man with heterotaxy syndrome undergoing radical lobectomy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Case presentation

Computed tomography (CT) revealed an irregular nodule 25 mm in diameter in the right middle lobe. Two months later, at his first visit to our University Hospital, CT revealed a rapidly growing tumor 60 mm in diameter. In addition, three-dimensional (3D) CT revealed the upper and middle lobar bronchi forming a common trunk with the mediastinal type of the right pulmonary artery (PA). The patient underwent video-assisted right middle lobectomy + systematic complete hilar and mediastinal lymph node dissection. The interlobar fissure between the right upper and middle lobes was incomplete, and the common trunk formed by the upper-middle bronchus emerged from an area between the right PA (A1+3) and the right superior pulmonary vein.

Conclusion

The finding of A4+5 branching from the right main PA and descending posterior to the right upper-middle bronchus, which formed a common trunk, resembled a mirror image of the normal left lung. To our knowledge, a common trunk with the mediastinal type of the right PA has never been reported during video-assisted right middle lobectomy. In patients with heterotaxy syndrome, 3D-CT to preoperatively understand their anatomy is essential.
Intermittent or Continuous Panitumumab Plus Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Irinotecan for First-Line Treatment of
RAS
and
BRAF
Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The IMPROVE Trial
Authors: Avallone Antonio , Giuliani Francesco , De Stefano Alfonso , Santabarbara Giuseppe , Nasti Guglielmo , Montesarchio Vincenzo , Rosati Gerardo , Cassata Antonino , Leo Silvana , Romano Carmela , Tamburini Emiliano , Silvestro Lucrezia , Lotesoriere Claudio , Nappi Anna , Santini Daniele , Petrillo Antonella , Colombo Alfredo , Febbraro Antonio , Leone Alessandra , Mannavola Francesco , Laterza Maria Maddalena , Izzo Francesco , Sobrero Alberto , Delrio Paolo , Giannarelli Diana , Budillon Alfredo
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE

To investigate whether intermittent treatment after an induction phase of first-line schedule of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus panitumumab (PAN) prevents or delays the onset of resistance and improves safety and compliance with treatment in patients with unresectable
RAS
/
BRAF
wild-type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

IMPROVE (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT04425239
) was an open-label, multicenter, randomized phase II noncomparative trial. Patients with unresectable
RAS
/
BRAF
wt mCRC were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive FOLFIRI plus PAN continuously until progression (arm A) or intermittently, with treatment-free intervals (arm B) until progression on treatment, toxicity, or death. The primary end point was progression-free survival on treatment (PFSot) at 12 months. Assuming a null hypothesis of median PFSot time ≤7 months and target PFSot ≥10 months, 65 patients per arm were needed to achieve 80% power and 10% type I error, according to the binomial test.

RESULTS

Between May 2018 and June 2021, 69 patients were randomly assigned to arm A and 68 to arm B. The median number of treatment cycles was 13 in arm A and 16 in arm B. At a median follow-up of 43.2 months (IQR, 35.0-50.5), median PFSot was 11.2 and 17.5 months with 12-month PFSot rates of 45.7% and 58.5%, for arms A and B, respectively. The overall response rates were 68.1% and 61.2%, and median overall survival rates were 36.3 and 35.1 months in arms A and B, respectively. The overall rate of grade >2 skin PAN-related adverse events was 30.3% in arm A and 17.9% in arm B.

CONCLUSION

Intermittent FOLFIRI plus PAN after the induction phase was feasible, and the primary end point was met with reduced toxicity while allowing patients more time off treatment.
Disordered Electron Transfer: New Forms of Defective Steroidogenesis and Mitochondriopathy
Authors: Miller Walter L , Pandey Amit V , Flück Christa E
Published: November 2024

Most disorders of steroidogenesis, such as forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are caused by mutations in genes encoding the steroidogenic enzymes and are often recognized clinically by cortisol deficiency, hyper- or hypo-androgenism, and/or altered mineralocorticoid function. Most steroidogenic enzymes are forms of cytochrome P450. Most P450s, including several steroidogenic enzymes, are microsomal, requiring electron donation by P450 oxidoreductase (POR); however, several steroidogenic enzymes are mitochondrial P450s, requiring electron donation via ferredoxin reductase (FDXR) and ferredoxin (FDX). POR deficiency is a rare but well-described form of CAH characterized by impaired activity of 21-hydroxylase (P450c21, CYP21A2) and 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17, CYP17A1); more severely affected individuals also have the Antley-Bixler skeletal malformation syndrome and disordered genital development in both sexes, and hence is easily recognized. The 17,20-lyase activity of P450c17 requires both POR and cytochrome b5 (b5), which promote electron transfer. Mutations of POR, b5, or P450c17 can cause selective 17,20-lyase deficiency. In addition to providing electrons to mitochondrial P450s, FDX, and FDXR are required for the synthesis of iron-sulfur clusters, which are used by many enzymes. Recent work has identified FDXR mutations in patients with visual impairment, optic atrophy, neuropathic hearing loss, and developmental delay, resembling the global neurologic disorders seen with mitochondrial diseases. Many of these patients have had life-threatening events or deadly infections, often without an apparent triggering event. Adrenal insufficiency has been predicted in such individuals but has only been documented recently. Neurologists, neonatologists, and geneticists should seek endocrine assistance in evaluating and treating patients with mutations in FDXR.
Ephemeral Diabetes After COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Mänd Sarah-Ålivia , Sjöholm Åke
Published: November 2024

We report a case of new-onset, nonautoimmune, nonketotic, and noninsulinopenic type 2-like diabetes in a previously normoglycemic middle-aged man debuting after vaccination against COVID-19. This was not a mild or short-lived glucose intolerance, but severe and long-standing hyperglycemia with a high glycated hemoglobin level. However, the course of the diabetes was highly atypical and surprising in that it spontaneously disappeared after a few months and did not recur despite the patient being off all antidiabetic drugs for several months and without any changes in body weight or lifestyle. The mechanisms by which severe diabetes unfolded and later remitted in this patient remain elusive. Nonetheless, and notwithstanding whether or not there was a cause-and-effect relation between the vaccinations and his diabetes, the highly atypical course of spontaneously remitting nonautoimmune diabetes lends itself to mechanistic efforts aimed at understanding the biology and pathophysiology of insulin-producing β cells in health and disease. This case report should not be construed as vaccine skepticism or deter anyone, especially with diabetes/obesity, from vaccination against COVID-19. However, it calls for increased vigilance among health care providers for unusual and unexpected metabolic effects of COVID-19 and its vaccines.
Relationship Between 1,5 Anhydroglucitol, Glycemia, and Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Pilot Study
Authors: Soffer Marti D , James Kaitlyn E , Callahan Michael , Rosenberg Emily A , Barth William H , Powe Camille E
Published: November 2024

Background

Assessments for hyperglycemia are vital to pregnancy and postpartum (PP) care, but gold-standard oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) are burdensome. We examined changes in 1,5 anhydroglucitol (1,5AG) levels during gestation and PP and assessed for associations with other measures of glycemia.

Study Design

Pregnant participants (n = 50) in the Study of Pregnancy Regulation of Insulin and Glucose cohort underwent OGTTs at a mean of 13 weeks ([visit 1 (V1)] and 26 weeks [visit 2 (V2)] of gestation and PP. Nonpregnant controls had a single OGTT. 1,5AG was measured using frozen plasma samples. Changes in 1,5AG across pregnancy were assessed with longitudinal mixed effects linear models. We assessed relationships between 1,5AG and glycemia at each timepoint using Spearman correlations and linear regression models. To determine the relationship of 1,5AG with breastfeeding (BF) status, stratified analyses were performed.

Results

1,5AG decreased from V1 to V2 (β = −3.6 μg/mL, P < .001) and remained low PP compared to V1 (β = −1.4 μg/mL, P = .018). Comparisons between pregnant/PP and nonpregnant participants revealed lower 1,5AG values at all timepoints (V1 β = −9.9μg/mL, P < .001; V2 β = −14.0 μg/mL, P < .001, PP β = −11.4μg/mL, P < .001). There was no association between 1,5AG and glycemia. Compared to those exclusively feeding formula, 1,5AG levels were significantly lower in exclusively BF women (β = −8.8 μg/mL, P < .001) and intermediate in women feeding both breastmilk and formula (β = −6.1μg/mL, P < .001), independent of glycemia.

Conclusion

1,5AG decreases during gestation and remains low PP. Breastfeeding is associated with lower 1,5AG levels, indicating plausible excretion into breastmilk. 1,5AG is unlikely to be useful in assessing glycemia in pregnant or PP women.
“I Authored This Book in the Absence of My Slave”: Enslaved East Africans and the Production of Occult Knowledge across the Omani Empire
Authors: AlMaazmi Ahmed Yaqoub
Published: November 2024

What role did enslaved East Africans play in producing and transmitting the occult sciences between East Africa and Oman? This article explores the relationship between enslaved East Africans and the occult sciences in the works of Nāṣir bin Abī Nabhān (1778–1846), a jurist and practitioner of the occult sciences who lived between Oman and East Africa. It argues that enslaved East Africans were instrumental in producing and disseminating valuable occult knowledge. The analysis informs how occult knowledge operated and circulated between the Arabian and African coasts, animated in occultist idioms, and was written in Arabic and Swahili. Moreover, it explores how East African and Omani actors articulated occultist knowledge by paying attention to the interlinkages between power dynamics and knowledge hierarchies during the expansion of the Bu Saidi Empire in the nineteenth century. This study explores uncharted waters in a transoceanic sphere by tracing translation processes and non-European imperial knowledge production in the Indian Ocean world.
Beyond genomic studies of congenital heart defects through systematic modelling and phenotyping
Authors: Henderson Deborah J. , Alqahtani Ahlam , Chaudhry Bill , Cook Andrew , Eley Lorraine , Houyel Lucile , Hughes Marina , Keavney Bernard , de la Pompa José Luis , Sled John , Spielmann Nadine , Teboul Lydia , Zaffran Stephane , Mill Pleasantine , Liu Karen J.
Published: November 2024

Congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common congenital anomalies, are considered to have a significant genetic component. However, despite considerable efforts to identify pathogenic genes in patients with CHDs, few gene variants have been proven as causal. The complexity of the genetic architecture underlying human CHDs likely contributes to this poor genetic discovery rate. However, several other factors are likely to contribute. For example, the level of patient phenotyping required for clinical care may be insufficient for research studies focused on mechanistic discovery. Although several hundred mouse gene knockouts have been described with CHDs, these are generally not phenotyped and described in the same way as CHDs in patients, and thus are not readily comparable. Moreover, most patients with CHDs carry variants of uncertain significance of crucial cardiac genes, further complicating comparisons between humans and mouse mutants. In spite of major advances in cardiac developmental biology over the past 25 years, these advances have not been well communicated to geneticists and cardiologists. As a consequence, the latest data from developmental biology are not always used in the design and interpretation of studies aimed at discovering the genetic causes of CHDs. In this Special Article, while considering other in vitro and in vivo models, we create a coherent framework for accurately modelling and phenotyping human CHDs in mice, thereby enhancing the translation of genetic and genomic studies into the causes of CHDs in patients.
Effects of Resistance Training on Muscular Adaptations and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Men
Authors: BAGHERI NAVID , BAGHERI REZA , MESINOVIC JAKUB , GHOBADI HAMID , SCOTT DAVID , KARGARFARD MEHDI , DUTHEIL FRED
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Obesity may blunt exercise responsiveness to improve muscular adaptations. The effect of resistance training (RT) targeting different body regions on muscle and inflammatory markers is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of upper (upper body exercises), lower (lower body exercises), or combined (upper body + lower body exercises) RT on muscle and inflammatory markers, body composition, and performance in overweight and obese men.

Methods

Sixty overweight and obese men (age, 31 ± 4 yr) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: upper-body RT (UB; n = 15), lower-body RT (LB; n = 15), combined RT (UB + LB; n = 15), or control (C; n = 15). The training protocol consisted of three exercise sessions per week for 12 wk. Blood samples for measuring serum markers (follistatin, myostatin, C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and irisin) were obtained at baseline and 48 h after the final training session. Fat mass (FM), body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and fat-free mass were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 720).

Results

SMM, fat-free mass, UB and LB strength and power, follistatin, follistatin/myostatin ratio, adiponectin, and irisin significantly increased, whereas FM, body fat percentage, myostatin, CRP, and TNF-α significantly reduced from pre- to post-training in all training groups (P < 0.05). Changes in LB muscle power (r = 0.558), both UB (r = 0.518) and LB (r = 0.419) muscle strength, and follistatin (r = 0.545) had moderate positive relationships with ΔSMM, whereas changes in myostatin (r = −0.585) had a moderate negative relationship with ΔSMM. Also, changes in myostatin (r = 0.825) and CRP (r = 0.715) had a strong positive relationship with ΔFM, whereas TNF-α (r = 0.467) had a moderate positive relationship with ΔFM. Follistatin (r = −0.789) and adiponectin (r = −0.713) had a strong negative relationship with ΔFM, whereas irisin (r = −0.426) had a moderate negative relationship with ΔFM.

Conclusions

Combined RT elicits the greatest increases in follistatin, follistatin/myostatin ratio, and adiponectin, and decreases in myostatin and CRP compared with other training groups in overweight and obese men. However, systemic improvements may be achieved through performing UB or LB RT alone.
Algorithmic Audits in Sports Medicine: An Examination of the SpartaScience TM Force Plate System
Authors: Butler Cody R , Scott W. Casan , Hando Ben , Angadi Siddhartha S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Force plate systems are increasingly utilized in the armed forces that claim to identify individuals at risk of musculoskeletal injury. However, factors influencing injury risk scores from a force plate system (SpartaScienceTM), and the effects of experimental perturbations on these scores, remain unclear.

Methods

Healthy males (n = 823; 22.7 ± 3.9 years) performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) on SpartaScienceTM force plates. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of the system’s proprietary Musculoskeletal (MSK) Health score which were then experimentally perturbed. Twelve males (30.9 ± 4.3 years) participated in a test-retest reliability study, performing three standard CMJs and one experimentally manipulated jump (50% effort) due to the observed relationship between the MSK Health score, vertical jump height and body weight.

Results

The MSK Health score was negatively correlated with vertical jump height and positively with body weight (R2 = 0.59, p < 0.001). Each inch increase in jump height decreased the MSK Health score by an average of 1.27 units (95% CI: 1.17, 1.36), while each pound of body weight increased it by 0.12 units (95% CI: 0.11, 0.13). Notably, 83% of participants in the reliability study improved their MSK Health score on the 50% effort jump.

Conclusions

The study revealed atypical relationships between MSK Health scores, vertical jump height, and body weight, with vertical jump height playing a majority role in predicting the principal output (MSK Health score). Findings indicated a higher injury risk with greater jump height but a lower risk with increased body weight. Additionally, MSK Health scores paradoxically improved with lower effort (i.e. lower vertical jump height) which highlights the dangers of using undisclosed and unvetted algorithms for the prediction of health outcomes.
Progress on implementing the WHO-GLASS recommendations on priority pathogen-antibiotic sensitivity testing in Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Hope Mackline , Kiggundu Reuben , Tabajjwa Dickson , Tumwine Conrad , Lwigale Fahad , Mwanja Herman , Waswa J. P. , Mayito Jonathan , Bulwadda Daniel , Byonanebye Dathan M. , Kakooza Francis , Kambugu Andrew
Published: November 2024

Introduction The World Health Organization global antimicrobial resistance surveillance system (GLASS) was rolled out in 2015 to guide antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. However, its implementation in Africa has not been fully evaluated. We conducted a scoping review to establish the progress of implementing the WHO 2015 GLASS manual in Africa. Methods We used MeSH terms to comprehensively search electronic databases (MEDLINE and Embase) for articles from Africa published in English between January 2016 and December 2023. The Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for scoping reviews was employed. Data were collected on compliance with WHO GLASS recommendations for AMR surveillance-priority samples, pathogens, and pathogen-antibiotic combinations and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Results Overall, 13,185 articles were identified. 7,409 were duplicates, and 5,141 articles were excluded based on titles and abstracts. 609 full-text articles were reviewed, and 147 were selected for data extraction. Of the 147 selected articles, 78.9% had been published between 2020 and 2023; 57.8% were from Eastern Africa. 93.9% of articles were on cross-sectional studies. 96.6% included only one priority sample type; blood (n=56), urine (n=64), and stool (n=22). Of the 60 articles that focused on blood as a priority sample type, 71.7%, 68.3%, 68.3%, 36.7%, 30%, and 10% reported recovery of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Salmonella species and Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively. Salmonella and Shigella species were reported to have been recovered from 91.3% and 73.9% of the 23 articles that focused on stool. E. coli and K. pneumoniae recoveries were also reported from 94.2% and 68.1% of the 69 articles that focused on urine. No article in this review reported having tested all the recommended WHO GLASS pathogen-antibiotic combinations for specific pathogens. Conclusion Progress has been made in implementing the GLASS recommendations in Africa, but adoption varies across countries limiting standardisation and comparability of data.
Exploring spatial distribution of retail stores in South Korea
Authors: Lee Changro
Published: November 2024

In location decisions, retailers generally choose to cluster stores to capture more customers. This study examines the spatial distribution of retail stores in South Korea, and provides empirical guidelines for practitioners in urban planning and property management. Three areas representing urban, semi-urban, and rural regions were chosen for the study and analyzed using the L-function and variogram analysis, which are standard evaluation tools for geographical clustering. Stores such as private academies were found to be located close to each other at the shortest distance, followed by real-estate offices and sports equipment stores. The L-function analysis showed that stores were clustered within a distance of up to 2 km in Seoul, 6 km in Gyeonggi province, and 10 km in Gangwon province. In addition, the identified scales correspond approximately to the spatial dependence ranges of land prices. These results are expected to be utilized to design commercial zones in urban planning and delineate cluster boundaries.
Impact of Temporary Store Closures on Online Sales: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Gürlek Ragıp , KC Diwas Singh , Letizia Paolo
Published: November 2024

Problem definition: This paper examines the impact of retail store closures on omnichannel sales and consumer shopping behavior in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. To explain the likelihood of store closure, we develop a novel instrumental variable motivated by varying geopolitical responses across the United States to the pandemic. Methodology/results: Using data from a luxury fashion retailer, we find that when a store is closed, the volume of online orders originating from its location increases by 24%. Furthermore, when the retailer closes 10% of its stores, the omnichannel total sales (offline + online) decrease by 5.5%. Notably, our findings indicate that the online channel enables the retailer to recover 11% of offline sales that would have otherwise been lost because of store closures. We also show that compared with existing e-shoppers, new e-shoppers are more likely to order popular product models in an effort to mitigate the heightened mismatch risk associated with online transactions. For new e-shoppers, the likelihood of ordering a popular model stands at 70%, whereas it is 45% for existing online consumers. Additionally, the conservative behavior of favoring popular models reduces the likelihood of returns by new e-shoppers. Managerial implications: Even for luxury apparel, which is often associated with in-store purchases requiring “touch and feel” and customer tryout, the option to purchase online proves immensely valuable. The tendency of new e-shoppers to limit product mismatch risk by choosing popular products may create an opportunity for retailers to strategically target these inexperienced online customers with advertisements, product promotions, or virtual fitting rooms, all geared toward reducing online shopping risk of product mismatch.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0527 .
TRANSITIONING FROM EMPIRIC TO CULTURE-SPECIFIC ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOLLOWING SURGICAL DEBRIDEMENT IN BONE AND PERIPROSTHETIC JOINT INFECTION: HOW LONG DO WE NEED TO WAIT?
Authors: Elder Ashley , Wijendra Asanka , Hotchen Andrew , Wangrangsimakul Tri , Young Bernadette , Barrett Lucinda , Ferguson Jamie
Published: November 2024

Aim

An instrumented blood culture system automatically flags when growth within the culture medium has been detected (‘work in progress’), and subsequently when the organism has been identified.

We explore using this data to switch patients to oral therapy within 72 hours post-surgery, reducing costs and improving antimicrobial stewardship.

Method

This retrospective review focused on clinically significant culture-positive bone and joint infections over a 5-month period in 2022. Two cohorts were defined as either having positive intraoperative microbiology at <72 hours or at ≥72 hours.

Results

150 patients were included. 133/150(88%) exhibited microbial growth <72hours. Of these, 98/133(74%) had all organisms identified <72-hours, and 34/133(26%) had additional organisms ≥72 hours. 19/151(12%) patients had their first positive cultures ≥72hrs from sampling.

The most common isolates identified within 72 hours were S. aureus(30%), Enterobacteriaceae (26%), and Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS)(19%). If no growth was observed by 48 hours, there was a 69.6% probability that subsequent growth wouldn't occur; this probability increases to 81.9% by 72 hours, 88.7% by 96 hours, 91.0% by 120 hours, and 95.0% by 144 hours (see figure 1). The most common isolates identified ≥72 hours were CoNS(28%), Cutibacterium acnes(16%) and S. aureus(12%). Assessing oral antibiotic regimes for isolates identified after 72 hours demonstrated that linezolid would cover isolates from 96% of patients, tetracyclines 92% of patients, clindamycin 85% of patients, and ciprofloxacin and rifampicin would cover 80% of patients. Vancomycin and meropenem, our standard empirical therapy, gave the best cover at 96% of patients.

Conclusions

This study suggests there is sufficient microbiological information at 72 hours for most patients to allow transition to a targeted regimen. If there has been no detection of growth when using an instrumented blood culture system by 72 hours, it is likely that there will be no growth.

For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly.
Creating spaces for gender-based violence conversations for male students in South African higher education
Authors: Ramohai Juliet , Patrick Rhoda
Published: November 2024

The higher education sector in South Africa has been plagued for many years with incidences of gender-based violence (GBV). Statistics reveal that nationally 10 per cent of all GBV-reported cases emanate from higher education institutions. Scholars, governments and non-governmental organisations have opened awareness and conscientisation spaces where victims of GBV could share their experiences. The authors of this article contributed through a participatory action research and action learning (PALAR) project that engaged first-year male students in one higher education institution in South Africa in critical conversations about GBV. The authors drew on Paulo Freire’s Critical Consciousness concepts of critical reflection and critical action in framing the conversations in all seminars held with the male students. It needs to be noted that the current article reports on two initial conversations that formed part of a larger university-wide project that focuses on male students and different internal and external stakeholders to conceptually dissect GBV as a plague that must be eradicated, in addition to recommending practical strategies to curb GBV at institutional levels. Emerging from these two seminars were male contestations about the definition of GBV as a concept, and critical questions of voice and responsibility as reported in this article.
Overview of SDN control of multiband over SDM optical networks with physical layer impairments [Invited Tutorial]
Authors: Casellas Ramon , Martinez Ricardo , Vilalta Ricard , Muñoz Raul
Published: November 2024

This paper, an extended version of a tutorial presentation given at OFC’24, aims to provide an overview of key aspects in the design and development of a control plane for multiband over spatial division multiplexing optical networks following software defined networking principles. The tutorial will address system design considerations such as the systematic use of data modeling model-driven development; will detail selected, industry-adopted northbound and southbound interfaces for full and partially disaggregated networks; and will introduce advanced considerations such as accounting for physical layer impairments, externalizing path computation and path validation functions or the multilevel control when considering the management of network media channels over dynamically switched spatial channels. We show a prototype of an SDN controller with multigranular nodes combining flexigrid DWDM switching over SDM/core switching, including transport API extensions for the new protocol layer qualifier.
Linear-optical four-dimensional Bell state measurement for superdense coding assisted by polarization entanglement
Authors: Zeng Zhi
Published: November 2024

With the assistance of auxiliary two-dimensional polarization entanglement, we theoretically present an efficient Bell state measurement (BSM) method for photonic four-dimensional entanglement in the path degree of freedom, in which just simple linear optical elements and common single-photon detectors are utilized. With this approach, the 16 mutually orthogonal four-dimensional path Bell states can be classified into eight distinguishable groups, which allows the transmission of 3 bits of classical information by just sending one photon in our quantum superdense coding protocol. Compared with previous quantum dense coding protocols that are also based on linear-optical BSM, our protocol has certain advantages and will be useful for other quantum communication protocols based on high-dimensional entanglement.
Quantum squeezing enhancement with a two-port feedback optical parametric amplifier
Authors: Han Yashuai , Qiang Juanzhong
Published: November 2024

In the paper, the intensity-difference squeezing enhancement from a two-port feedback optical parametric amplifier (TFPA) is theoretically discussed. The performance of squeezing enhancement with the TFPA is compared with that of a one-port feedback optical parametric amplifier (OFPA) and a phase-sensitive optical amplifier. For the ideal case, the infinite squeezing can be achieved for both TFPA and OFPA by manipulating the strength of the feedback and the phase delay induced by the feedback loops. Furthermore, the TFPA can realize the all-phase squeezing enhancement. For the lossy case, the TFPA shows unique advantages in squeezing enhancement against the other two schemes. Our results provide new ideas on the generation of high-quality intensity-difference squeezed light, which may find potential applications in quantum information and quantum metrology.
Alignment of a Ritchey-Chrétien telescope with primary mirror figure error guided by the rapid measurement of binodal astigmatism
Authors: Romer Nikolas , Zhao Nan , Karci Özgür , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: November 2024

Nodal aberration theory (NAT) is a vectorized aberration theory that was developed to describe systems without rotational symmetry. NAT predicts non-rotationally symmetric aberration field dependences for third-order astigmatism and in particular a “binodal” behavior in which there are two points in the field of view where astigmatism vanishes. This study serves to demonstrate an alignment technique based on an understanding of this binodal behavior using a custom Ritchey-Chretien telescope. A method involving a commercial Shack-Hartmann compact-format wavefront sensor was developed to rapidly measure densely sampled full-field displays of the telescope, which has its secondary mirror mounted on a precision hexapod to allow for repeatable control of the telescope alignment. Real ray-based simulations were carried out on a model of the telescope and were consistent with the observed experimental results for both aligned and misaligned states of the telescope. We then provide guidelines on how to interpret Fringe Zernike astigmatism full-field displays for use during optical system alignment. This method is particularly relevant for freeform systems, which often have asymmetric field dependencies for multiple aberration types including astigmatism.
Frequency conversion in a hydrogen-filled hollow-core fiber using continuous-wave fields
Authors: Hamer Anica , Vewinger Frank , Peters Thorsten , Frosz Michael H. , Stellmer Simon
Published: November 2024

In large-area quantum networks based on optical fibers, photons are the fundamental carriers of information as so-called flying qubits. They may also serve as the interconnect between different components of a hybrid architecture, which might comprise atomic and solid-state platforms operating at visible or near-infrared wavelengths, as well as optical links in the telecom band. Quantum frequency conversion is the pathway to change the color of a single photon while preserving its quantum state. Currently, nonlinear crystals are utilized for this process. However, their performance is limited by their acceptance bandwidth, tunability, polarization sensitivity, and undesired background emission. A promising alternative is based on stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in gases. Here, we demonstrate polarization-preserving frequency conversion in a hydrogen-filled antiresonant hollow-core fiber. This approach holds promises for seamless integration into optical fiber networks and interfaces to single emitters. Disparate from related experiments that employ a pulsed pump field, we here take advantage of two coherent continuous-wave pump fields.
Optical polarized orthogonal matrix
Authors: Zheng Shujun , Tan Jiaren , Xu Xianmiao , Liu Hongjie , Yang Yi , Lin Xiao , Tan Xiaodi
Published: November 2024

Multiplexing technology serves as an effective approach to increase both information storage and transmission capability. However, when exploring multiplexing methods across various dimensions, the polarization dimension encounters limitations stemming from the finite orthogonal combinations. Given that only two mutually orthogonal polarizations are identifiable on the basic Poincaré sphere, this poses a hindrance to polarization modulation. To overcome this challenge, we propose a construction method for the optical polarized orthogonal matrix (OPOM), which is not constrained by the number of orthogonal combinations. Furthermore, we experimentally validate its application in high-dimensional multiplexing of polarization holography. We explore polarization holography technology, capable of recording amplitude, phase, and polarization, for the purpose of recording and selective reconstruction of polarization multi-channels. Our research reveals that, despite identical polarization states, multiple images can be independently manipulated within distinct polarization channels through orthogonal polarization combinations, owing to the orthogonal selectivity among information. By selecting the desired combination of input polarization states, the reconstructed image can be switched with negligible crosstalk. This non-square matrix composed of polarization unit vectors provides prospects for multi-channel information retrieval and dynamic display, with potential applications in optical communication, optical storage, logic devices, anti-counterfeiting, and optical encryption.