bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The information spillover role of corporate spin‐offs in financing activities: Evidence from equity sales by private firms through Regulation D
Authors: Kim Sangwan , Suh Jangwon
Published: October 2023

We examine whether the increased quantity of public information has a spillover impact on equity sales by private industry peer firms. To capture an increase in the quantity of public peer information, we use corporate spin‐offs as these events cause an increase in the number of independent public entities that mandatorily disclose financial reports. Using a unique dataset on private firms’ equity sales extracted from the Securities and Exchange Commission filings pursuant to Regulation D, we find that private industry peers sell more equity following spin‐offs, but the increase is not statistically significant. When we divide our spin‐off sample based on the availability of segment information on subsidiaries before spin‐offs, however, we find a significant an increase in private firms’ equity sales after spin‐offs when parent firms did not previously disclose segment reports. Additional test results suggest that our inferences regarding private industry peers are not entirely explained by an industry‐wide demand shock. Overall, we contribute to the literature by establishing an information spillover channel, incremental to the effect of common industry shocks, flowing from the public to private markets.
A protocol for creating endometriosis in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Slayden Ov D. , Luo Fangzhou , Martin, D.V.M Lauren D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Endometriosis is the presence of endometrium‐like tissue outside the uterine cavity. An experimental model of endometriosis has been created in the baboon by the transcervical collection and laparoscopic inoculation of menstrual endometrium. Macaques are the preferred model for pharmaceutical development, but the complex anatomy of the macaque cervix makes the baboon method impractical. In this work, we sought to validate a surgical approach for creating endometriosis in macaques.

Methods

Menstrual endometrium was collected via laparoscopic intrauterine puncture and transferred to the peritoneal cavity. We repeated this procedure during three menstruations. Endometriotic tissue was identified during laparoscopy, collected, and characterized by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Sham surgery‐treated animals (n = 3) failed to develop endometriosis. We identified red, powder burnt, and white lesions in 13/14 of the treated animals; the stroma of the red lesions stained positive for ovarian steroid receptors.

Conclusion

This surgical technique can reliably create hormone‐responsive endometriosis in macaques for therapeutic studies.
Idiopathic and structural episodic nonintentional head tremor in dogs: 100 cases (2004‐2022)
Authors: Liatis Theofanis , Bhatti Sofie F. M. , Dyrka Magdalena , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Gonçalves Rita , Madden Megan , De Decker Steven
Published: October 2023

Background

Although idiopathic episodic head tremor (IEHT) in dogs is well‐known, little is known about structural brain lesions causing structural episodic head tremor (SEHT).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Describe semiology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and outcome of dogs with IEHT or SEHT. We hypothesized that structural lesions affecting the middle cranial fossa or mesencephalic aqueduct could lead to SEHT.

Animals

One hundred dogs with IEHT (n = 71) or SEHT (n = 29).

Methods

Retrospective, multicenter, study of dogs with episodic (nonintentional) head tremor and brain MRI between 2004 and 2022.

Results

Lesions on MRI in SEHT dogs were localized to the middle cranial fossa (15/29), cerebrocortex (3/29), brainstem (2/29), fourth ventricle (1/29) or multifocal (8/29) with thalamus involvement (6/8). Secondary compression of the mesencephalic aqueduct (19/29), third ventricle or interthalamic adhesion or both (14/29) was common. The most common underlying condition in dogs with SEHT was a pituitary mass. Dogs with SEHT were older, had additional neurological signs and were more likely to be euthanized after diagnosis (P < .001 for all) compared to IEHT dogs. Two SEHT dogs had only tremor. In IEHT dogs, 8/10 owners reported that the tremor decreased or abated over time (range, 106‐2315 days) without treatment. Tremor remission occurred in SEHT dogs treated for underlying meningoencephalitis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Presence of additional neurological signs and older age may indicate an underlying structural cause for episodic (nonintentional) head tremor involving the mesencephalic aqueduct, third ventricle, interthalamic adhesion or some combination of these. An intracranial structural abnormality cannot be excluded in dogs with normal neurological examination.
R‐loops act as regulatory switches modulating transcription of COLD‐responsive genes in rice
Authors: He Zexue , Li Mengqi , Pan Xiucai , Peng Yulian , Shi Yining , Han Qi , Shi Manli , She Linwei , Borovskii Gennadii , Chen Xiaojun , Gu Xiaofeng , Cheng Xuejiao , Zhang Wenli
Published: October 2023

COLD is a major naturally occurring stress that usually causes complex symptoms and severe yield loss in crops. R‐loops function in various cellular processes, including development and stress responses, in plants. However, how R‐loops function in COLD responses is largely unknown in COLD susceptible crops like rice (Oryza sativa L.).

We conducted DRIP‐Seq along with other omics data (RNA‐Seq, DNase‐Seq and ChIP‐Seq) in rice with or without COLD treatment.

COLD treatment caused R‐loop reprogramming across the genome. COLD‐biased R‐loops had higher GC content and novel motifs for the binding of distinct transcription factors (TFs). Moreover, R‐loops can directly/indirectly modulate the transcription of a subset of COLD‐responsive genes, which can be mediated by R‐loop overlapping TF‐centered or cis‐regulatory element‐related regulatory networks and lncRNAs, accounting for c. 60% of COLD‐induced expression of differential genes in rice, which is different from the findings in Arabidopsis. We validated two R‐loop loci with contrasting (negative/positive) roles in the regulation of two individual COLD‐responsive gene expression, as potential targets for enhanced COLD resistance.

Our study provides detailed evidence showing functions of R‐loop reprogramming during COLD responses and provides some potential R‐loop loci for genetic and epigenetic manipulation toward breeding of rice varieties with enhanced COLD tolerance.
New liguleless (lg2) maize stocks: Genetic resources for leaf architectural and haploid induction rate assessment studies
Authors: Khulbe R. K. , Pattanayak A. , Sharma Devender , Bisht G. S. , Pant M. C.
Published: October 2023

Liguleless mutants produce defective ligules and auricles and, consequently, have more upright leaves than their ligulate counterparts, making them useful genetic material for plant architectural studies. Besides, owing to the recessive nature and amenability of the liguleless trait to phenotyping at the seedling stage, liguleless mutants are popularly used for ‘proof‐of‐concept’ demonstration and assessment of haploid induction rate (HIR) of haploid inducer lines (HILs) in maize. The commonly used liguleless testers in maize are of temperate origin and are challenging to use and maintain under tropical/sub‐tropical conditions. In the present study, liguleless lines (V 601, V 602, V 603 and V 604) derived from crosses between agronomically superior locally adapted tropical ligulate lines (V 407 and CM 152) and liguleless donors of temperate origin (PDH‐3 and PDH‐8) were evaluated for different agro‐morphological traits. Liguleless line V 602 was also used as a tester to assess the HIR of haploid inducer line EC937890 (CIM2GTAILP2). The results showed a mean HIR of 12.42% for EC937890, consistent with the HIR reported in other studies, thus demonstrating the efficacy of V 602 as a tester for determining HIR. The agronomically superior liguleless maize lines reported in this study will, therefore, be a valuable resource for leaf architectural studies, assessment of HIR of candidate HILs and maintenance of high HIR in the HILs presently in wide use in the doubled haploid (DH) programmes. Additionally, these genetic stocks carry the liguleless trait in genetic backgrounds with known heterotic affinity with early maturity Indian public maize germplasm and, therefore, can be used directly as parents in hybrid development programmes.
The effect of an organ procurement organization surgeon on pediatric organ utilization
Authors: Hwang Christine S. , Shubin Andrew D. , Patel Madhukar S. , Reese Jeffrey C. , Sanchez‐Vivaldi Jorge A. , Desai Dev M. , Vagefi Parsia A. , MacConmara Malcolm
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Organ procurement organizations (OPO) have started to employ transplant‐trained surgeons dedicated to organ procurement with the aim to increase allograft utilization and enhance the use of procured organs. We investigated the effects of an OPO‐employed surgeon on the procurement and utilization of organs from pediatric donors within the Southwestern Transplant Alliance OPO.

Methods

OPO data were obtained for all procurements that were performed between 2014 and 2019. The analysis was performed to see if the presence of an OPO donor surgeon impacted the utilization of pediatric livers. Donor and recipient demographic data were examined between allografts procured with the presence of an OPO surgeon (OPO‐Present) and those without an OPO surgeon (OPO‐Absent). A p‐value of <.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of 149 pediatric procurements, 91 included an OPO‐donor surgeon. In procurements with OPO‐Present, donors were younger (8.2 vs. 11.2, p < .05) and had longer distances to travel to the recipient center (334 vs. 175 miles p < .05), but had comparable cold ischemic times. In terms of organ share type, more OPO‐Present livers were shared nationally and there was no difference in discard rate between OPO‐Present and OPO‐Absent procurements. Finally, OPO‐Present livers were more likely to be transplanted to pediatric recipients compared to OPO‐Absent (47.3% vs. 24.1% p < .05).

Conclusion

The presence of an OPO surgeon has impacted organ utilization, leading to increased transplantation of pediatric livers in pediatric recipients, and has expanded the geographical share of pediatric livers.
Timely estimation of leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under varying light regimes by coupling light drivers to leaf traits
Authors: Song Guangman , Wang Quan , Zhuang Jie , Jin Jia
Published: October 2023

Unveiling informative chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) parameters and leaf morphological/biochemical traits under varying light conditions is important in ecological studies but has less been investigated. In this study, the trait‐ChlF relationship and regressive estimation of ChlF parameters from leaf traits under varying light conditions were investigated using a dataset of synchronous measurements of ChlF parameters and leaf morphological/biochemical traits in Mangifera indica L. The results showed that the relationships between ChlF parameters and leaf traits varied across light intensities, as indicated by different slopes and intercepts, highlighting the limitations of using leaf traits alone to capture the dynamics of ChlF parameters. Light drivers, on the other hand, showed a better predictive ability for light‐dependent ChlF parameters compared to leaf traits, with light intensity having a large effect on light‐dependent ChlF parameters. Furthermore, the responses of ФF and NPQ to light drivers differed between leaf types, with light intensity having an effect on ФF in shaded leaves, whereas it had a primary effect on NPQ in sunlit leaves. These results facilitate and deepen our understanding of how the light environment affects leaf structure and function and, therefore, provide the theoretical basis for understanding plant ecological strategies in response to the light environment.
Oil discovery, boom‐bust cycle and manufacturing slowdown: Evidence from a large industry level dataset
Authors: Alsharif Nouf , Bhattacharyya Sambit
Published: October 2023

We investigate the effects of giant oil discovery and boom‐bust price cycle on manufacturing using a large dataset of up to 49,481 two‐digit industry‐years across 136 countries over the period 1962 to 2012. We find that oil discovery reduces growth in manufacturing value added and wages. The effect on employment is insignificant. We also find strong association between oil discovery and manufacturing slowdown episodes. Oil price boom and bust both negatively affects manufacturing perhaps due to increasing input cost (boom) and declining demand (bust). We do not find any evidence in favour of a real exchange rate appreciation driven effect as outlined in standard Dutch Disease models. We speculate that the effect is primarily driven by an increase in the cost of locally sourced manufacturing input.
HLA‐DPB1*13:01 associates with enhanced, and KIR2DS4*001 with diminished protection from developing severe COVID‐19
Authors: Farias Ticiana D. J. , Brugiapaglia Silvia , Croci Susanna , Magistroni Paola , Curcio Claudia , Zguro Kristina , Fallerini Chiara , Fava Francesca , Pettini Francesco , Kichula Katherine M. , Pollock Nicholas R. , Font‐Porterias Neus , Palmer William H. , Marin Wesley M. , Baldassarri Margherita , Bruttini Mirella , Hollenbach Jill A. , Hendricks Audrey E. , Meloni Ilaria , Novelli Francesco ,   GEN‐COVID Multicenter Study Group, Renieri Alessandra , Furini Simone , Norman Paul J. , Amoroso Antonio
Published: October 2023

Extreme polymorphism of HLA and killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) differentiates immune responses across individuals. Additional to T cell receptor interactions, subsets of HLA class I act as ligands for inhibitory and activating KIR, allowing natural killer (NK) cells to detect and kill infected cells. We investigated the impact of HLA and KIR polymorphism on the severity of COVID‐19. High resolution HLA class I and II and KIR genotypes were determined from 403 non‐hospitalized and 1575 hospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients from Italy collected in 2020. We observed that possession of the activating KIR2DS4*001 allotype is associated with severe disease, requiring hospitalization (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.20–1.85, pc = 0.017), and this effect is greater in individuals homozygous for KIR2DS4*001 (OR = 3.74, 95% CI 1.75–9.29, pc = 0.003). We also observed the HLA class II allotype, HLA‐DPB1*13:01 protects SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients from severe disease (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.33–0.74, pc = 0.019). These association analyses were replicated using logistic regression with sex and age as covariates. Autoantibodies against IFN‐α associated with COVID‐19 severity were detected in 26% of 156 hospitalized patients tested. HLA‐C*08:02 was more frequent in patients with IFN‐α autoantibodies than those without, and KIR3DL1*01502 was only present in patients lacking IFN‐α antibodies. These findings suggest that KIR and HLA polymorphism is integral in determining the clinical outcome following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, by influencing the course both of innate and adaptive immunity.
Local Search and the Evolution of World Models
Authors: Bramley Neil R. , Zhao Bonan , Quillien Tadeg , Lucas Christopher G.
Published: October 2023

An open question regarding how people develop their models of the world is how new candidates are generated for consideration out of infinitely many possibilities. We discuss the role that evolutionary mechanisms play in this process. Specifically, we argue that when it comes to developing a global world model, innovation is necessarily incremental, involving the generation and selection among random local mutations and recombinations of (parts of) one's current model. We argue that, by narrowing and guiding exploration, this feature of cognitive search is what allows human learners to discover better theories, without ever grappling directly with the problem of finding a “global optimum,” or best possible world model. We suggest this aspect of cognitive processing works analogously to how blind variation and selection mechanisms drive biological evolution. We propose algorithms developed for program synthesis provide candidate mechanisms for how human minds might achieve this. We discuss objections and implications of this perspective, finally suggesting that a better process‐level understanding of how humans incrementally explore compositional theory spaces can shed light on how we think, and provide explanatory traction on fundamental cognitive biases, including anchoring, probability matching, and confirmation bias.
Evolution of sea‐surfing plant propagule as revealed by the genomes of Heritiera mangroves
Authors: Wang Jiayan , Xie Wei , Si Fa , He Ziwen , Wang Xinfeng , Shao Shao , Shi Suhua , Guo Zixiao
Published: October 2023

Coastal forests, such as mangroves, protect much of the tropical and subtropical coasts. Long‐distance dispersal via sea‐surfing propagules is essential for coastal plants, but the genomic and molecular basis of sea‐surfing plant propagule evolution remains unclear. Heritiera fomes and Heritiera littoralis are two coastal plants with typical buoyant fruits. We de novo sequenced and assembled their high‐quality genomes. Our phylogenomic analysis indicates H. littoralis and H. fomes originated (at ~6.08 Mya) just before the start of Quaternary sea‐level fluctuations. Whole‐genome duplication occurred earlier, permitting gene copy gains in the two species. Many of the expanded gene families are involved in lignin and flavonoid biosynthesis, likely contributing to buoyant fruit emergence. It is repeatedly revealed that one duplicated copy to be under positive selection while the other is not. By examining H. littoralis fruits at three different developmental stages, we found that gene expression levels remain stable from young to intermediate. However, ~1000 genes are up‐regulated and ~ 3000 genes are down‐regulated as moving to mature. Particularly in fruit epicarps, the upregulation of WRKY12 and E2Fc likely constrains the production of p‐Coumaroyl‐CoA, the key internal substrate for lignin biosynthesis. Hence, to increase fruit impermeability, methylated lignin biosynthesis is shut down by down‐regulating the genes CCoAOMT, F5H, COMT, and CSE, while unmethylated lignins are preferentially produced by upregulating CAD and CCR. Similarly, cutin polymers and cuticular waxes accumulate with high levels before maturation in epicarps. Overall, our genome assemblies and analyses uncovered the genomic evolution and temporal transcriptional regulation of sea‐surfing propagule.
Cuttings Transport With Oil- and Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Ytrehus Jan David , Lund Bjørnar , Taghipour Ali , Saasen Arild
Published: October 2023

Deviated well sections are common in most modern offshore well construction designs. In the North Sea region, which is a good example of mature areas, practically all producer or injector wells have highly deviated well sections. These wells must be constructed in an optimal manner with respect to functionality, drill time, risk, and all affiliated costs. Throughout the years, most hole-cleaning and hydraulic models have been developed based on experimental results from relatively small-scale laboratory tests with model fluids. Hole-cleaning properties and hydraulic behavior of practical drilling fluids intended for field application differ from those of most model fluids. Furthermore, results from small diameter tests may not always be relevant for or scalable to field applications because of the presence of a huge number of dimensional quantities like velocity, fluid properties, time, length, and other scale differences. Hence, studies using sufficient large-scale experimental facilities in controlled laboratory environments with the application of various field-designed drilling fluids are necessary to improve engineering models and operational practices. The current paper presents results from such laboratory tests where field-applied drilling fluids have been used. In comparison tests, the different drilling fluids have similar density and viscosity functions within the relevant field-applied shear rate range. This shear rate range is also assessed in the tests. One of the drilling fluids is oil-based, and the other one is an inhibitive water-based drilling fluid of the KCl/polymer type.
Integrated analysis of gut and oral microbiome in men who have sex with men with HIV Infection
Authors: Li Shuang , Su Bin , Wu Hao , He Qiushui , Zhang Tong
Published: October 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to severe deficiency in host immunity by depletion of CD4
+
T-cells, resulting in an imbalance between the human microbiome and host immune response. Alterations in both gut and oral microbiomes have been observed in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, the impact of an altered gut and oral microbiome on HIV disease progression and the relationship between them in PLWH have not been explored. In this longitudinal study, we enrolled acute HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) (
n
= 15), chronic HIV-infected MSM (
n
= 15), and HIV-uninfected MSM controls (
n
= 15). We collected anal and throat swab samples at recruitment (W0) from all participants and at 12 wk after antiretroviral therapy (ART) (W12) from the patients and performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of genomic DNAs extracted from these swabs. In HIV-infected individuals with CD4 T-cell counts < 350 cells/µL, the increase in abundance of
Streptococcus
in the oral microbiome was inversely correlated with that of
Streptococcus
in the gut microbiome (
r
= −0.490,
P
= 0.039). In addition, the lower CD4
+
T-cell counts (<200 cells/µL) were associated with the higher abundance of
Escherichia–Shigella
and the lower abundance of
Methylobacterium–Methylorubrum
of the gut microbiome in HIV-infected individuals. We demonstrate the alteration of gut microbiome resulting from HIV infection and ART and the relationship between the gut and oral microbiome in PLWH and controls. These findings highlight the need for a better understanding of the interactions between the oral and gut microbiome and its potential role in HIV disease progression.

IMPORTANCE

Our longitudinal integrated study has shown the marked alterations in the gut and oral microbiome resulting from acute and chronic HIV infection and from antiretroviral therapy. Importantly, the relationship between oral and gut microbiomes in people living with acute and chronic HIV infection and “healthy” controls has also been explored. These findings might contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between the oral and gut microbiomes and its potential role in HIV disease progression.
When did the Indus River of South-Central Asia take on its “modern” drainage configuration?
Authors: Najman Yani , et al.
Published: October 2023

Supplemental Text S1: Detailed analytical methodologies and sample information. Table S1: Sr-Nd bulk mudstone data. Table S2: Detrital zircon U-Pb data. Table S3: White mica Ar-Ar analyses. Fig S1: Sr-Nd mixture modeling. Fig S2: KDEs of zircon U-Pb data. Fig S3: MDS plots of zircon U-Pb data. Fig S4: KDEs of mica Ar-Ar data.
Supplemental Material: Ordovician–Early Devonian granitic magmatism as the consequence of intracontinental orogenic activity along the Qinhang belt in South China
Authors: Yuan Xinchen , Liu Junlai , et al.
Published: October 2023

Table S1: Trace element(x10-6) of zircon from the Miaoershan-Yuechengling batholith. Table S2: Ages and types of early Paleozoic igneous rocks in the SCB.
Adjunctive agents to antipsychotics in schizophrenia: a systematic umbrella review and recommendations for amino acids, hormonal therapies and anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Fond Guillaume , Mallet Jasmina , Urbach Mathieu , Benros Michael Eriksen , Berk Michael , Billeci Martina , Boyer Laurent , Correll Christoph U , Fornaro Michele , Kulkarni Jayashri , Leboyer Marion , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Misdrahi David , Rey Romain , Schürhoff Franck , Solmi Marco , Sommer Iris E C , Stahl Stephen M , Pignon Baptiste , Berna Fabrice
Published: October 2023

Question

This umbrella review and guidelines aimed to provide evidence to support the rational choice of selected adjunctive therapies for schizophrenia.

Study selection and analysis

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP)-grading recommendations, 63 randomised control trials (RCTs) (of which 4219 unique participants have completed the RCTs) and 29 meta-analyses were analysed.

Findings

Provisional recommendations (WFSBP-grade 1) could be made for two molecules in augmentation to antipsychotics: (1) N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, 1200–3600 mg/day, for >12 consecutive weeks) in improving negative symptoms, general psychopathology (positive and negative syndrome scale for schizophrenia (PANSS) general psychopathology factor (G)-G subscale), with the RCTs with the longer duration showing the most robust findings; (2) polyunsaturated fatty acids (3000 mg/day of eicosapentaenoic acid, for >12 weeks) in improving general psychopathology. Weaker recommendations (ie, WFSBP-grade 2) could be drawn for sarcosine (2 g/day) and minocycline (200–300 mg/day) for improving negative symptoms in chronic schizophrenia (not early schizophrenia), and NAC for improving positive symptoms and cognition. Weak recommendations are not ready for clinical practice. There is provisional evidence that oestrogens and raloxifene are effective in some patients, but further research is needed to determine their benefit/risk ratio.

Conclusions

The results of this umbrella review should be interpreted with caution as the number of RCTs included in the meta-analyses was generally small and the effect sizes were weak or medium. For NAC, two RCTs with low risk of bias have provided conflicting results and the WFSBP-grade recommendation included also the results of meta-analyses. These drugs could be provisionally prescribed for patients for whom no other treatments have been effective, but they should be discontinued if they prove ineffective.
Prevalence and correlates of pre-diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa using Demographic and Health Survey Data: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Walker Rebekah J , Thorgerson Abigail M , Yan Alice , Williams Joni S , Campbell Jennifer A , Dawson Aprill Z , Renta Vincent , Egede Leonard E
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective is to investigate the prevalence of pre-diabetes in Namibia and South Africa and to determine sociodemographic correlates of disease using population data.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Demographic and Health Survey for emerging (Namibia) and established (South Africa) economies in Sub-Saharan Africa collected laboratory data that allowed determination of pre-diabetes status.

Participants

3141 adults over age 18 from the 2013 Namibia survey, weighted to a population of 2176, and 4964 adults over age 18 from the 2016 South Africa survey, weighted to a population of 4627 had blood glucose/glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes information were included in the analysis.

Outcome measures

Pre-diabetes was defined as not being diagnosed with diabetes and having a blood sugar measurement of 100–125 mg/dL in Namibia or an HbA1c measurement of 5.7%–6.4%. Logistic models were run for each country separately, with pre-diabetes as the outcome and a series of sociodemographic variables (age, gender, urban/rural residence, number of children, employment status, wealth index, education level, and ethnicity (in South Africa) or religion (in Namibia)) entered as variables to investigate the independent relationship of each.

Results

The weighted prevalence of pre-diabetes was 18.7% in Namibia and 70.1% in South Africa. Rural residence was independently associated with higher odds of pre-diabetes in Namibia (1.47, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.06), while both younger age (0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99) and urban residence (0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.99) were independently associated with odds of pre-diabetes in South Africa.

Conclusions

The prevalence of pre-diabetes was 18.7% in Namibia and 70.1% in South Africa. Correlates of pre-diabetes differed between the two countries with rural residents having higher odds of pre-diabetes in Namibia and urban residents with higher odds in South Africa. Aggressive interventions, including population level education and awareness programmes, and individual level education and lifestyle interventions that account for country-specific contextual factors are urgently needed to prevent progression to diabetes.
Effects of education and age on the experience of youth violence in a very low-resource setting: a fixed-effects analysis in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Kuunibe Naasegnibe , Bountogo Mamadou , Ouermi Lucienne , Sié Ali , Bärnighausen Till , Harling Guy
Published: October 2023

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the effects of education and age on the experience of youth violence in low-income and middle-income country settings.

Design

Using a standardised questionnaire, our study collected two waves of longitudinal data on sociodemographics, health practices, health outcomes and risk factors. The panel fixed-effects ordinary least squares regression models were used for the analysis.

Settings

The study was conducted in 59 villages and the town of Nouna with a population of about 100 000 individuals, 1 hospital and 13 primary health centres in Burkina Faso.

Participants

We interviewed 1644 adolescents in 2017 and 1291 respondents in 2018 who participated in both rounds.

Outcome and exposure measures

We examined the experience of physical attacks in the past 12 months and bullying in the past 30 days. Our exposures were completed years of age and educational attainment.

Results

A substantial minority of respondents experienced violence in both waves (24.1% bullying and 12.2% physical attack), with males experiencing more violence. Bullying was positively associated with more education (β=0.12; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.22) and non-significantly with older age. Both effects were stronger in males than females, although the gender differences were not significant. Physical attacks fell with increasing age (β=−0.18; 95% CI −0.31 to –0.05) and this association was again stronger in males than females; education and physical attacks were not substantively associated.

Conclusions

Bullying and physical attacks are common for rural adolescent Burkinabe. The age patterns found suggest that, particularly for males, there is a need to target violence prevention at younger ages and bullying prevention at slightly older ones, particularly for those remaining in school. Nevertheless, a fuller understanding of the mechanisms behind our findings is needed to design effective interventions to protect youth in low-income settings from violence.
Developing a machine learning algorithm to predict the probability of aseptic loosening of the glenoid component after anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty: protocol for a retrospective, multicentre study
Authors: Macken Arno Alexander , Macken Loïc C , Oosterhoff Jacobien H F , Boileau Pascal , Athwal George S , Doornberg Job N , Lafosse Laurent , Lafosse Thibault , van den Bekerom Michel P J , Buijze Geert Alexander
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Despite technological advancements in recent years, glenoid component loosening remains a common complication after anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) and is one of the main causes of revision surgery. Increasing emphasis is placed on the prevention of glenoid component failure. Previous studies have successfully predicted range of motion, patient-reported outcomes and short-term complications after ATSA using machine learning methods, but an accurate predictive model for (glenoid component) revision is currently lacking. This study aims to use a large international database to accurately predict aseptic loosening of the glenoid component after ATSA using machine learning algorithms.

Methods and analysis

For this multicentre, retrospective study, individual patient data will be compiled from previously published studies reporting revision of ATSA. A systematic literature search will be performed in Medline (PubMed) identifying all studies reporting outcomes of ATSA. Authors will be contacted and invited to participate in the Machine Learning Consortium by sharing their anonymised databases. All databases reporting revisions after ATSA will be included, and individual patients with a follow-up less than 2 years or a fracture as the indication for ATSA will be excluded. First, features (predictive variables) will be identified using a random forest feature selection. The resulting features from the compiled database will be used to train various machine learning algorithms (stochastic gradient boosting, random forest, support vector machine, neural network and elastic-net penalised logistic regression). The developed and validated algorithms will be evaluated across discrimination (c-statistic), calibration, the Brier score and the decision curve analysis. The best-performing algorithm will be used to create an open-access online prediction tool.

Ethics and dissemination

Data will be collected adhering to the WHO regulation on data sharing. An Institutional Review Board review is not applicable. The study results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Association of patient copayment and medication adherence in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lomanto Silva Raisa , Swabe Gretchen M , Sattui Sebastian Eduardo , Magnani Jared W
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the association of medication copayment and treatment adherence to hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants for SLE.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of health claims data using Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Individuals with SLE continuously enrolled for 180 days from 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2019 were included. Adherence was defined as the proportion of days covered ≥80%. Copayment for a 30-day supply of medication was dichotomised as high (≥$10) or low (<$10). We examined the association between copayment and odds of adherence in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, including age, sex, race or ethnicity, comorbidities, educational attainment and household income.

Results

We identified 12 510 individuals (age 54.2±15.5 years; 88.2% female sex), of whom 9510 (76%) were prescribed hydroxychloroquine and 1880 (15%) prescribed hydroxychloroquine and an additional immunosuppressant (azathioprine, methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil). Median (IQR) 30-day copayments were $8 (4–10) for hydroxychloroquine, $7 (2–10) for azathioprine, $8 (3–11) for methotrexate and $10 (5–20) for mycophenolate mofetil. High copayments were associated with OR of adherence of 0.61 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.68) for hydroxychloroquine, OR 0.44 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.66) for azathioprine and OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.96) for mycophenolate mofetil. For methotrexate, the association was not significant.

Conclusion

In a large, administrative health claims database, we identified that high copayments were associated with reduced adherence to commonly prescribed medications for SLE. Incorporating awareness of the burden of copayments and its consequences into healthcare is essential to promote optimal medication adherence.
Klein–Gordon oscillator under gravitational effects in a topologically charged Ellis–Bronnikov wormhole
Authors: Pereira C. F. S. , Vitória R. L. L. , Soares A. R. , Belich H.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate the phenomenon of a relativistic quantum oscillator in non-massive wormhole spacetime, known in the literature as Ellis–Bronnikov-type wormhole, for a spin-zero particle subjected to the effects of a scalar field. We have obtained analytically the bound state solutions and your respective energy spectrum. The energy profile of this scalar field is modified by the wormhole throat as well as the scalar coupling constant of curvature. In the second part of the work, we investigate how the energy spectrum for a spin-zero particle is modified by an Aharonov–Bohm geometric phase effect. We also built a graphical representation to try to visualize this modification generated by the magnetic flux constant.
Photocatalysis-Assisted Chemical Mechanical Polishing of SiC Wafer using a Novel SiO2@TiO2 Core-Shell Composite Nanoparticles Slurry
Authors: Zhou Yan , Luo Haimei , Chen Gaopan , Luo Guihai , Pan Liyan , Pan Guoshun
Published: October 2023

Silicon carbide (SiC) is considered as a promising third-generation semiconductor material, but the surface fabrication of SiC wafer is very challenging. Photocatalysis-assisted chemical mechanical polishing of Si-face SiC wafer using a novel SiO2@TiO2 core–shell composite nanoparticles slurry is developed, for attaining high removal efficiency and high surface quality of SiC wafer. The preparation of the SiO2@TiO2 core–shell particles is introduced, and the characteristics of the new composite particle abrasive are studied through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, size distribution, X-ray diffraction and Fourier infrared spectroscopy analysis. Polishing performances of SiC wafer using the slurry with the prepared SiO2@TiO2 composite nanoparticles under UV light are evaluated. The material removal rate (MRR) by the slurry with the SiO2@TiO2 composite nanoparticles presents much higher than that by the slurry without the SiO2@TiO2 particles. Meanwhile, the ultra-smooth surface with the low roughness and atomic step structure could be acquired. The relative removal schematic of the slurry with the photo-active composite nanoparticles abrasive towards the polishing of the SiC surface is proposed.
Borehole TV Imaging Technology for Horizontal Directional Drilling Based on an Optimization Algorithm for Structural Planes
Authors: Yang Dong , Cai Wangsuo , Wang Junchao , Fang Yong
Published: October 2023

The horizontal directional drilling technology combined with the borehole TV imaging technology can be used to obtain most of the geological information in conventional adit exploration. This combination has little impact on the environment and is free from topographic constraints, thus contributing to green exploration. However, conventional algorithms for structural planes fail to accurately extract information on the attitudes of incomplete structural planes in boreholes of any azimuth. Moreover, existing borehole TV devices are mostly cable-based and, thus, difficult to put in place in horizontal drilling. They are prone to get stuck in the collapse section of boreholes, thus damaging the devices. Given these challenges, this study develops an optimization algorithm for structural planes: (1) first, information on multiple points in the 2D unfolded view is fitted using a sinusoidal function curve, three arbitrary points are constructed using the fitted curve, and the normal vector of the plane determined by the three points is calculated; (2) the normal vector in the geodetic coordinate system is obtained after two rotations of the spatial coordinate system based on the theory of transformation of Cartesian coordinate system; (3) finally, the dip angle and dip direction of a structural plane are calculated using the normal vector in the geodetic coordinate system. By making the best use of the information on multiple points in the 2D unfolded view, the optimization algorithm can overcome the defect that is difficult for conventional two-point methods to locate the highest and lowest points of discontinuous structural planes. Therefore, the optimization algorithm applies to calculating the attitudes of structural planes in boreholes of any azimuth. Based on this optimization algorithm, this study successfully develops a cable-free, storage-based TV device for boreholes of any azimuth. This device was employed for laboratory experiments on 20 complete structural planes and 32 incomplete structural planes. As indicated by the experiment results, the optimization algorithm proposed in this study is applicable to many types of structural planes, with a dip direction error of less than 10° and a dip angle error of less than 5°, thus meeting the production requirements.
Silver Nanoparticles Reduce the Toxic Effects of Cadmium on Datura stramonium Callus Culture
Authors: Jdayea Nisreen A. , Neamah Shamil I. , Alalousi Mazin A.
Published: October 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is one the most toxic metals harmful for both animals and plants. In this study, we test whether silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can protect plants from cadmium toxicity. AgNPs treatments (0 and 100 μg/L) were applied to Datura stramonium calli grown in different cadmium metal environments (0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 μM). Cd application led to a decrease in fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll content (Chl.T), tolerance index (Ti), and bioaccumulation factor (BCF). The Cd treatment increased the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), catalase (CAT), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) contents and Cd accumulation (Cd con). These results show the positive role of AgNPs in protecting the callus cultures from oxidative stress. The AgNPs pretreatment improved the growth of tissue cultures compared to nontreatment, increasing FW, DW, RWC, and Chl.T; the highest CAT and GPX activities were detected in the AgNPs pretreatment condition; and AgNPs pretreatment improved Ti and BCF, despite increased Cd. Also, this treatment caused a decrease in H2O2. Based on these results, we propose AgNPs as an effective agent to reduce the toxic effects of Cd metal on D. stramonium.
Male-Pattern Vertex Baldness Trajectories, Chest Hair Patterns, and Odds of Overall and Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Salmon Charlotte , Mesidor Miceline , Rousseau Marie-Claude , Richard Hugues , Weiss Deborah , Spence Andrea R. , Parent Marie-Elise
Published: October 2023

Background:

The link between hormones and hair growth is well established. Inconsistent associations have been found between hair patterns and cancer of the prostate, a hormone-dependent organ. We assessed vertex baldness trajectories, chest hair amount, and their relationships with the odds of developing prostate cancer in a large case–control study in Montreal, Canada.

Methods:

In-person interviews were conducted with 1,931 incident prostate cancer cases and 1,994 population-based age-matched (±5 years) controls. Participants reported their hair patterns using the validated Hamilton–Norwood scale of baldness for 10-year increments starting at age 30, and their current amount of chest hair. Group-based trajectories were used to identify men sharing similar patterns of vertex baldness severity over adulthood. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between indicators of baldness (frontal, vertex, age at onset, severity, and trajectories), chest hair, and odds of prostate cancer.

Results:

Vertex balding onset at age 30 was associated with increased odds of overall prostate cancer [Odds ratio (OR), 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.64]. Men in the trajectory characterized by early moderate vertex baldness and developing severe baldness had increased odds of overall (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03–1.96) and especially aggressive prostate cancer (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.21–3.22) compared with men without baldness. Men with little chest hair had higher odds of aggressive tumors than those with a moderate amount/a lot of chest hair.

Conclusions:

Early-onset moderate vertex baldness that progresses and having little chest hair may be useful biomarkers of aggressive prostate cancer.

Impact:

Integration of early-onset vertex balding patterns into risk prediction models of aggressive prostate cancer should be envisaged.
Macula-Off Retinal Detachment with Refractory Macular Hole Previously Closed with Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Case Report
Authors: Parisi Gugliemo , Ricardi Federico , Boscia Giacomo , Ghilardi Andrea , Gelormini Francesco , Marolo Paola , Fallico Matteo , D'Antico Sergio , Salafia Marika , Reibaldi Michele
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this report was to present a case of a refractory full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) complicated with recurrent retinal detachment (RD) previously treated with an autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) plug. A 65-year-old male patient presented to our department with a FTMH, RD, and a giant retinal break. Preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.40 logMAR (20/500). A 25-G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed, with peripheral retinal-breaks laser barrage, peeling of the internal limiting membrane, and silicon oil injection. One month later, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed the persistence of the FTMH with a diameter of 712 μm. Therefore, the patient underwent silicon oil removal and aPRP injection with good anatomical outcome and improvement of BCVA to 0.6 log-MAR (20/80). Two months later a recurrence of macula-off RD was detected, but SD-OCT showed that the aPRP plug was still in place and kept the two margins of the macular hole together. The patient underwent a further PPV with silicon oil injection and subsequent silicon oil removal with no postoperative complications. Two months later, the retina remained attached, SD-OCT confirmed FTMH closure and BCVA was 0.52 logMAR (20/63). In conclusion, this case report aims to underline the remarkable efficacy of aPRP in promoting FTMH closure, which was maintained despite subsequent recurrence of macula-off RD.
Impact of Social Vulnerability on Diabetes‐Related Cardiovascular Mortality in the United States
Authors: Bashar Hussein , Kobo Ofer , Khunti Kamlesh , Banerjee Amitava , Bullock‐Palmer Renee P. , Curzen Nick , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Social vulnerability impacts the natural history of diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there are little data regarding the social vulnerability association with diabetes‐related CVD mortality.

Methods and Results

County‐level mortality data (where CVD was the underlying cause of death with diabetes among the multiple causes) extracted from the Centers for Disease Control multiple cause of death (2015–2019) and the 2018 Social Vulnerability Index databases were aggregated into quartiles based on their Social Vulnerability Index ranking from the least (first quartile) to the most vulnerable (fourth quartile). Stratified by demographic groups, the data were analyzed for overall CVD, as well as for ischemic heart disease, hypertensive disease, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease. In the 5‐year study period, 387 139 crude diabetes‐related cardiovascular mortality records were identified. The age‐adjusted mortality rate for CVD was higher in the fourth quartile compared with the first quartile (relative risk [RR], 1.66 [95% CI, 1.64–1.67]) with an estimated 39 328 excess deaths. Among the youngest age group (<55 years), those with the highest social vulnerability had 2 to 4 times the rate of cardiovascular mortality compared with the first quartile: ischemic heart disease (RR, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.97–2.17]; heart failure (RR, 3.03 [95% CI, 2.62–3.52]); hypertensive disease (RR, 3.79 [95% CI, 3.45–4.17]; and cerebrovascular disease (RR, 4.39 [95% CI, 3.75–5.13]).

Conclusions

Counties with greater social vulnerability had higher diabetes‐related CVD mortality, especially among younger adults. Targeted health policies that are designed to reduce these disparities are warranted.
The Hazanic Revival in Later Hasidism
Authors: Bergman Dov
Published: October 2023

During the early stages of the Hasidic movement, a mixed sentiment towards hazanut (cantorial music) existed. However, a significant shift occurred during the later period of Hasidism. Embracing change, hazanim (cantors) started performing at Hasidic courts. With the rise of the ‘celebrity hazan’ in the late 19th century, certain American Hasidic rebbes harnessed the widespread popularity of hazanut to advance philanthropic endeavors within the Hasidic world.