bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on provincial decomposition method of total carbon emission control target based on greenhouse gas inventory
Authors: Pan Xiao , Shang Wenying , Cheng Mengzeng , Liu Guangshuo , Liu Yutong , Guo Zhanqiang , Wang Chenlong
Published: February 2023

Realizing the transformation from “dual control of energy consumption” to “dual control of carbon emissions” is the inherent requirement of realizing the “dual carbon” goal. Scientific planning of the provincial decomposition method of total carbon emissions is an important content of the top-level design of carbon emissions management, and an important support for the implementation of total carbon emissions control. Based on the application research of greenhouse gas inventory in all fields, this paper conducts a full factor analysis of the total carbon emissions of the whole society, establishes a comprehensive decomposition index system, and proposes a simple and transparent provincial decomposition method of the total carbon emissions control target, which considers fairness and efficiency. The simulated decomposition results show that the decomposition method is scientific and operable and can be used as an important reference for future practical decomposition operations.
Construction and Application of Distributed Power Storage System
Authors: Li Molin , Chen Yue , Liu Chuanyi , Wang Dongliang , Qin Hui
Published: February 2023

In today’s society, with the continuous development of China’s economy, the power industry is also growing rapidly. As an important part of the logistics distribution system, the warehousing system plays an important role in the production and operation of the entire enterprise. Therefore, effective utilization of distributed generation is of great significance for improving energy supply efficiency and reducing operating costs. This paper mainly introduces the background and application status of distributed generation technology, analyzes and discusses the research and simulation of power supply network scheduling optimization methods based on DGS structure model and DGs topology mode, and gives the corresponding solutions. After the design of the system, this paper conducts a performance test on the system to determine whether the system can operate normally. The test results show that the performance of the distributed power storage system is basically stable at more than 80% under different power storage capacities, and the power utilization efficiency is also more than 90%. This shows that the performance of the power storage system can meet the needs of users.
Quantifying the Impact of Intelligence on Energy Efficiency in China
Authors: Xian Fu
Published: February 2023

To boost energy efficiency and assure more wise resource allocation, China has developed a manufacturing power strategy, meaningfully implemented green manufacturing and intelligent manufacturing projects, and promoted the green, intelligent, and high-end manufacturing sector. China’s illogical energy structure, significant pollution problems, low energy consumption efficiency, and other crucial challenges are now seriously impeding the integration of China’s industrialization and informationization processes. Investigating whether intelligence may have a direct impact on energy efficiency is beneficial in order to attain intelligent energy and smart energy in the era of intelligent development. Using panel data from 30 provinces from 2011 to 2019, this study constructs a fixed-effects model to evaluate the aggregate and mediating impacts of energy efficiency. The findings demonstrate that intelligence may greatly increase energy efficiency, but the effect is defined by geographical variability, as opposed to improving energy efficiency through fostering technical advancement.
Changement climatique et santé : défis et opportunités pour la santé publique
Authors: Chaix Basile , Slama Rémy
Published: February 2023

Au-delà de la déshydratation, de l’hyperthermie et d’effets sur les systèmes cardiaque, respiratoire, endocrinien, immunitaire et nerveux, les fortes chaleurs sont associées à une augmentation de la mortalité, des accidents au travail, des suicides, ainsi que des violences domestiques et agressions. Les îlots de chaleur urbains amplifient les effets sanitaires des vagues de chaleur. Les événements climatiques extrêmes entraînent notamment décès et traumatismes. Plus indirectement, le change- ment climatique induit une modification de la distribution géographique de maladies à vecteurs et de bactéries aquatiques. Les températures élevées et les événements extrêmes sont associés à une diminution des rendements agricoles, qui peut induire malnutrition et troubles de la croissance. Le changement climatique pourrait renforcer la prolifération d’algues toxiques, et il a des implications en termes d’allergies. Il impactera aussi la concentration atmosphérique de polluants, augmentera la fréquence des feux de forêts et des tempêtes de sable et de poussière, associés à des problèmes respiratoires. L’augmentation du niveau de la mer pourrait contribuer à des migrations climatiques de masse, induisant des problèmes de maladies infectieuses et de conflits. L’acidification des océans pourrait déstabiliser les économies reposant sur la pêche. Les mesures de lutte contre et d’adaptation au changement climatique concernent les secteurs de l’agriculture, de l’urbanisme, des transports, de l’énergie et de l’industrie, qui façonnent des déterminants majeurs de la santé (alimentation, activité physique, pollution atmosphérique et bruit, contaminants chimiques). La lutte contre le changement climatique constitue ainsi une fantastique opportunité pour améliorer la santé.
Von Riesen, Leitern und künstlicher
Intelligenz
Authors: Megerle Kai
Published: February 2023

Im angloamerikanischen Raum ist das Bild der Zwerge, die auf den Schultern von Riesen
stehen, sehr beliebt. Nur auf den Schultern der Riesen, die neue Erkenntnisse
gebracht haben, können die Zwerge die vorangegangenen Riesen
überragen und noch weiter nach vorne blicken. Wissenschaftliche
Zeitschriften wie die HaMiPla spielen in diesem personenzentrierten Bild
normalerweise keine Rolle. Das ist etwas schade, denn die Zeitschriften sind quasi
die Leiter, mit der die Zwerge die Schultern der Riesen überhaupt erst
erklimmen können und darüber hinaus an der Entstehung der Riesen
auch nicht ganz unbeteiligt.
Intersektorales Management von Patienten mit unklarer Leberwerterhöhung und nichtalkoholischer Fettlebererkrankung (NAFLD)
Authors: Teufel Andreas , Geier Andreas , Sarrazin Christoph , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Kautz Achim , Dorner Rebecca , Kramer Jan , Jerysiak Katrin , Baars Theodor , Hönscheid Bastian , Müller-Wieland Dirk , Rossol Siegbert , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank , Canbay Ali
Published: February 2023

Die Prävalenz der Fettlebererkrankung hat in den letzten Jahren auch in Deutschland
erheblich zugenommen. Sie gehört mit geschätzten 18 Mio. betroffenen Bundesbürgern
mittlerweile zu den großen Volkskrankheiten. Sie gilt ferner als ein relevanter unabhängiger
Risikofaktor für weitere kardiovaskuläre Volkskrankheiten wie Herzinfarkt oder Schlaganfall.
Schließlich begünstigt ein Diabetes mellitus die Entstehung einer Fettleber und eines
ungünstigeren Verlaufs der Fettlebererkrankung. Vor dem Hintergrund der hohen Prävalenz und
Komplikationen kommt das deutsche Gesundheitssystem bei der Versorgung dieser Patienten an die
Grenzen seiner Ressourcen.

Daher ist eine enge Abstimmung und Vernetzung aller an der Behandlung dieser Patienten
beteiligten Fachgebiete und Versorgungsbereiche essenziell notwendig. In einem
Expertenkonsensus unter Einbindung niedergelassener Kollegen und Krankenhausärzten der
Gastroenterologie, Endokrinologie, Kardiologie, Hausärzten und Labormedizinern sowie in enger
Abstimmung mit Patientenvertretern haben wir ein Konzept der Versorgung dieser Patienten im
deutschen Gesundheitssystem entworfen. Darin werden auch notwendige Entwicklungen adressiert.
Neben dem Nutzen als praxisnahem Leitfaden soll dies auch die gesundheitspolitische Arbeit
unterstützen, insbesondere bei der Erarbeitung von praktischen Versorgungslösungen auf
medizinischer Ebene.
Das eigene Handeln mit Abstand betrachten – Im Gespräch über Metakognition
Authors: Klibor Andrea , Tuena-Küpfer Simone
Published: February 2023

Die Wahrnehmung auf das eigene Denken zu richten, benötigt Zeit, Überzeugung, Motivation und Leidenschaft. Im Rahmen des Clinical Reasoning hat das in der Physiotherapie einen hohen Stellenwert. Andrea Klibor, Praxisinhaberin aus Zürich, und Simone Tuena-Küpfer, seit vielen Jahren Fachhochschuldozentin, tauschen sich im Gespräch darüber aus, wie die Theorie zur Praxis wird – in der Lehre und später im Berufsalltag.
Filigranes Kartenhaus – Schmerzhafte Schulter
Authors: Albrecht Sindy
Published: February 2023

Schulterschmerzen sind komplex. Goldstandards fehlen aufgrund unzureichender Evidenzen. Ein zu enger Fokus auf beispielsweise die Bildgebung vernachlässigt biopsychologische, biomechanische und neurowissenschaftliche Aspekte. Eine zu vage Anamnese übersieht mitunter die eigentliche Schmerzursache. Sindy Albrecht erklärt, warum selbst (Mikro-)Traumata zu Schmerzen und pathologischen Bewegungsmustern führen. Das motorische Wiedererlernen gelingt durch sinnvolle und nicht schmerzende Alltagsaktivitäten.
Es braucht Mut, um die Zukunft der Perinatologie gemeinsam zu gestalten
Authors: Schleußner Ekkehard
Published: February 2023

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen

Menschen demonstrieren vor
Krankenhäusern oder dem Landtag in Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern oder
Thüringen für den Erhalt ihrer Geburtsklinik vor Ort. Petitionen
werden an die Bundes- und Landesministerien für Gesundheit geschickt, dass
ihr Perinatalzentrum Level I nicht durch die Mindestmengen ab 2023/24
betroffen sein darf…
Providing Online Portal Access to Families of Adolescents and Young Adults with Diminished Capacity at an Academic Children's Hospital: A Case Report
Authors: Carlson Jennifer L. , Pageler Natalie , McPherson Tom , Anoshiravani Arash
Published: February 2023

Background For caregivers of adolescents and young adults with severe cognitive deficits, or “diminished capacity,” access to the medical record can be critical. However, this can be a challenge when utilizing the electronic health record (EHR) as information is often restricted in order to protect adolescent confidentiality. Having enhanced access for these proxies would be expected to improve engagement with the health system for the families of these medically complex adolescents and young adults.

Objectives To describe a process for granting full EHR access to proxies of adolescents with diminished capacity and young adults who are legally conserved while respecting regulations supporting adolescent confidentiality.

Methods The first step in this initiative was to define the “diminished capacity” access class for both adolescents and young adults. Once defined, workflows utilizing best practice alerts were developed to support clinicians in providing the appropriate documentation. In addition, processes were developed to minimize the possibility of erroneously activating the diminished capacity access class for any given patient. To enhance activation, a support tool was developed to identify patients who might meet the criteria for diminished capacity proxy access. Finally, outreach and educations were developed for providers and clinics to make them aware of this initiative.

Results Since activating this workflow, proxies of 138 adolescents and young adults have been granted the diminished capacity proxy access class. Approximately 54% are between 12 and 17 years with 46% 18 years and older. Proxies for both age groups have engaged with portal functionality at higher rates when compared to institutional rates of use by proxies of the general pediatric population.

Conclusion With this quality improvement initiative, we were able to enhance EHR access and engagement of families of some of the most complex adolescent and young adult patients without inadvertently compromising adolescent confidentiality.
Is government spending in the education and health sector necessary for human capital development?
Authors: Kousar Shazia , Ahmed Farhan , Afzal Muhammad , Segovia Juan E. Trinidad
Published: February 2023

This study intends to examine the impact of current health expenditure, domestic government health expenditure, government education expenditure, social protection, population growth, and foreign direct investment (FDI) on human capital formation in the context of Pakistan. This study utilized skill and health to measure human capital. The study utilized annual data for the period of 1990–2020 and data has been extracted from World Development Indicators (WDI) and World Bank. The study utilized auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound test to examine long-run co-integration among defined variables. Furthermore, the study employed ARDL Model to obtain long-run and short-run empirical estimates for modeled variables. The results of this study indicated that current health expenditure (CHE), domestic government health expenditure (DGHE), government education expenditures (GEE), foreign direct expenditure (FDI), and social protection program (SP) have a positive and significant association with human capital in term of primary, secondary, and tertiary education attainment and life expectancy at birth. Moreover, domestic government spending on health and education, and social protection program significantly decreases child mortality in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study found that population growth has a negative and significant association with primary attainment. The findings of this study suggest that the Government of Pakistan should allocate more of its budget for health, education, and social protection programs to uplift its human capital.
Reflective graphene metasurface without a metallic plate
Authors: Ikeda Taro , Kojima Etsumi , Sugiura Shinya , Iizuka Hideo
Published: February 2023

Reflective metasurfaces for arbitrary wave-front control require unit cells to achieve both 2π phase rotation and unity amplitude in reflection waves, and such requirements are a fundamental challenge for ultra-thin metasurfaces without the use of a metallic plate. We analytically show that in two coupled resonators, tuning the resonance frequency with the external decay rate for one of the resonators enables near 2π phase rotation and unity amplitude in the reflection wave, where no reflector is required. We implement the mechanism on a reflective graphene metasurface with its thickness being less than a 0.03 free space wavelength. As an illustration, we numerically demonstrate that in a wireless communication scenario, the actively tunable graphene metasurface is able to reflect an incident wave to a receiver or be transparent for an incident wave, which is the significant advantage arising from the structure without a metallic plate. In addition, the loss effect of the metasurface on the performance is discussed in terms of the conductive loss of graphene and the deviation of the reflection phase from a desired distribution. Our results open up opportunities for reflective metasurfaces without a metallic plate.
The role of symmetric vibrational modes in the decoherence of correlation-driven charge migration
Authors: Vester J. , Despré V. , Kuleff A. I.
Published: February 2023

Due to the electron correlation, the fast removal of an electron from a molecule may create a coherent superposition of cationic states and in this way initiate pure electronic dynamics in which the hole-charge left by the ionization migrates throughout the system on an ultrashort time scale. The coupling to the nuclear motion introduces a decoherence that eventually traps the charge, and crucial questions in the field of attochemistry include how long the electronic coherence lasts and which nuclear degrees of freedom are mostly responsible for the decoherence. Here, we report full-dimensional quantum calculations of the concerted electron-nuclear dynamics following outer-valence ionization of propynamide, which reveal that the pure electronic coherences last only 2–3 fs before being destroyed by the nuclear motion. Our analysis shows that the normal modes that are mostly responsible for the fast electronic decoherence are the symmetric in-plane modes. All other modes have little or no effect on the charge migration. This information can be useful to guide the development of reduced dimensionality models for larger systems or the search for molecules with long coherence times.
State of charge estimation for lithium-ion battery based on whale optimization algorithm and multi-kernel relevance vector machine
Authors: Chen Kui , Zhou Shuyuan , Liu Kai , Gao Guoqiang , Wu Guangning
Published: February 2023

Lithium–ion batteries are key elements of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, and their accurate State of Charge (SOC) estimation is momentous for battery energy management, safe operation, and extended service life. In this paper, the Multi-Kernel Relevance Vector Machine (MKRVM) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) are used to estimate the SOC of lithium–ion batteries under different operating conditions. In order to better learn and estimate the battery SOC, MKRVM is used to establish a model to estimate lithium–ion battery SOC. WOA is used to automatically adjust and optimize weights and kernel parameters of MKRVM to improve estimation accuracy. The proposed model is validated with three lithium–ion batteries under different operating conditions. In contrast to other optimization algorithms, WOA has a better optimization effect and can estimate the SOC more accurately. In contrast to the single kernel function, the proposed multi-kernel function greatly improves the precision of the SOC estimation model. In contrast to the traditional method, the WOA-MKRVM has a higher precision of SOC estimation.
How should metaphors be rendered in audiovisual translation?
Authors: Božović Petar
Published: February 2023

Although metaphors are one of the most challenging problems in translation, their treatment is still understudied under the specific constraints of audiovisual translation. The research is especially scarce regarding empirical reception studies as most research is product or process but not user-oriented. The main questions that the present study aims to answer are what are the general preferences and expectations of viewers regarding the translation strategies used for rendering metaphors in subtitling and what could be the underlying reasons for these. To this end, we conducted an experiment with 322 participants and compared the results with a semi-structured interview with 53 participants. The results suggest that viewers prefer a domesticated approach both for lexicalized and non-lexicalized metaphors except for visualized metaphors regardless of their level of transculturality. The potential underlying reasons for this are also discussed.
Locally-enhanced optical properties in a hybrid organic/inorganic (coronene/MoS2) Van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Gadelha Andreij C , Santos Joyce C C , Rabelo Cassiano , Vasconcelos Thiago L , Alencar Rafael S , Monken Vitor , Miranda Hudson L S , Cury Luiz A , Jaques Ygor M , Tromer Raphael M , Galvão Douglas S , Cançado Luiz G , Neves Bernardo R A , Jorio Ado
Published: February 2023

Hybrid organic/inorganic Van der Waals heterostructures have emerged recently with enormous potential applications in nanotechnology and industrial areas. In these heterostructures, the interfacial effects can modulate the final properties, creating further possibilities in the design and operation of innovative devices. With this perspective in mind, we report on an experimental investigation of a hybrid organic/inorganic heterostructure of coronene and a few-layers

MoS

2

. We observe a local enhancement of

MoS

2

optical properties using both far-field and near-field Raman scattering and photoluminescence. Mainly located at

MoS

2

edges and defects, the local enhancement is due to the assembling of coronene molecules in

MoS

2

, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy. Quantum semi-empirical and fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were also used to gain further insights into these phenomena. Our results pave the way to engineer molecules in two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials and control and modulate optical phenomena.
Recent advances in magnetoresistance biosensors: a short review
Authors: Dey Clifton , Yari Parsa , Wu Kai
Published: February 2023

Recent years have seen the development of spintronic devices and their applications in biomedical areas. Spintronic devices rely on detecting or manipulating a magnetic field, a field to which biological matter is relatively transparent. The recent use of spintronic devices in biomedical areas has included diagnosing diseases such as cancer and cirrhosis, genotyping DNA, point-of-care devices, and flexible electronics. Up to date, most of the spintronic devices in biomedical applications fall into three mainstream types: anisotropic, giant, and tunneling magnetoresistance devices. Each of these has its advantages and drawbacks, which are explored and discussed in this article. The advent of spintronics gives us a new low-power, low-cost, ease-of-manufacture alternative to standard CMOS sensors. The sensitivity of spintronic biosensors has been progressing steadily, expected to increase tremendously in the next few years.
A smart alarm for particle accelerator beamline operations
Authors: Tennant Chris , Freeman Brian , Kazimi Reza , Moser Daniel , Abell Dan , Edelen Jonathan , Einstein-Curtis Joshua
Published: February 2023

We present the initial results of a proof-of-concept ‘smart alarm’ for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility injector beamline at Jefferson Lab. To minimize machine downtime and improve operational efficiency, an autonomous alarm system able to identify and diagnose unusual machine states is needed. Our approach leverages a trained neural network capable of alerting operators (a) when an anomalous condition exists in the beamline and (b) identifying the element setting that is the root cause. The tool is based on an inverse model that maps beamline readings (diagnostic readbacks) to settings (beamline attributes operators can modify). The model takes as input readings from the machine and computes machine settings which are compared to control setpoints. Instances where predictions differ from setpoints by a user-defined threshold are flagged as anomalous. Given data corresponding to 354 anomalous injector configurations, the model can narrow the root cause of an anomalous condition to three potential candidates with 94.6% accuracy. Furthermore, compared to the current method of identifying anomalous conditions which raises an alarm when machine parameters drift outside their normal tolerances, the data-driven model can identify 83% more anomalous conditions.
PFresGO: an attention mechanism-based deep-learning approach for protein annotation by integrating gene ontology inter-relationships
Authors: Pan Tong , Li Chen , Bi Yue , Wang Zhikang , Gasser Robin B , Purcell Anthony W , Akutsu Tatsuya , Webb Geoffrey I , Imoto Seiya , Song Jiangning
Published: February 2023

Motivation

The rapid accumulation of high-throughput sequence data demands the development of effective and efficient data-driven computational methods to functionally annotate proteins. However, most current approaches used for functional annotation simply focus on the use of protein-level information but ignore inter-relationships among annotations.

Results

Here, we established PFresGO, an attention-based deep-learning approach that incorporates hierarchical structures in Gene Ontology (GO) graphs and advances in natural language processing algorithms for the functional annotation of proteins. PFresGO employs a self-attention operation to capture the inter-relationships of GO terms, updates its embedding accordingly and uses a cross-attention operation to project protein representations and GO embedding into a common latent space to identify global protein sequence patterns and local functional residues. We demonstrate that PFresGO consistently achieves superior performance across GO categories when compared with ‘state-of-the-art’ methods. Importantly, we show that PFresGO can identify functionally important residues in protein sequences by assessing the distribution of attention weightings. PFresGO should serve as an effective tool for the accurate functional annotation of proteins and functional domains within proteins.

Availability and implementation

PFresGO is available for academic purposes at https://github.com/BioColLab/PFresGO.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Phase IIb randomized CONTROL study demonstrates a novel topical isotretinoin formulation, TMB-001, is safe and effective in participants with either recessive X-linked or autosomal recessive lamellar congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Murrell Dedee F , Teng Joyce M C , Guenthner Scott , Marathe Kalyani , Kempers Steven , Eads Kimmie , Castelo-Soccio Leslie , Mendelsohn Alan M , Raiz Jessica , Bunick Christopher G
Published: February 2023

Background

In two severe congenital ichthyosis subtypes, autosomal recessive lamellar ichthyosis (ARCI-LI) and X-linked recessive ichthyosis (XLRI), cutaneous manifestations include widespread scaling. Approved topical treatment options are limited to emollients and keratolytics.

Aim

This analysis from the randomized phase IIb CONTROL study assessed whether the efficacy and safety of TMB-001, a novel topical isotretinoin ointment formulation, differed between ARCI-LI and XLRI subtypes.

Methods

Participants ≥ 9 years with genetically confirmed XLRI or ARCI-LI and ≥ 2 (of 4) Visual Index for Ichthyosis Severity (VIIS) assessment areas with ≥ 3 scaling score were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to TMB-001 0.05%/TMB-001 0.1%/vehicle, twice daily for 12 weeks. The proportion of participants with ≥ 50% reduction vs. baseline in VIIS scaling (VIIS 50; primary endpoint) and ≥ 2-grade reduction in Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA)-scaling score vs. baseline (key secondary endpoint) were evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored.

Results

Among enrolled participants (TMB-001 0.05%, n = 11; 0.1%, n = 10; and vehicle, n = 12), 52% had ARCI-LI and 48% XLRI subtypes. Mean age was 33.6 and 35.4 years for participants with ARCI-LI and XLRI, respectively. Overall, 33%, 50% and 17% of participants with ARCI-LI and 100%, 33% and 75% of participants with XLRI achieved VIIS 50 in the TMB-001 0.05%, TMB-001 0.1% and vehicle groups, respectively (nominal P = 0.24 for 0.05% vs. vehicle, intent-to-treat population). Improvement of ≥ 2-grade IGA score was observed in 33%, 50% and 0% of participants with ARCI-LI and 83%, 33% and 25% of participants with XLRI in the TMB-001 0.05%, TMB-001 0.1% and vehicle groups, respectively (nominal P = 0.03 for 0.05% vs. vehicle, intention-to-treat population). Most AEs were application-site reactions.

Conclusion

Regardless of congenital ichthyosis subtype, TMB-001 demonstrated greater proportions of participants achieving VIIS 50 and ≥ 2-grade IGA improvement vs. vehicle.
Kidney function changes in acute heart failure: a practical approach to interpretation and management
Authors: Kenneally Laura Fuertes , Lorenzo Miguel , Romero-González Gregorio , Cobo Marta , Núñez Gonzalo , Górriz Jose Luis , Barrios Ana Garcia , Fudim Marat , de la Espriella Rafael , Núñez Julio
Published: February 2023

Worsening kidney function (WKF) is common in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) syndromes. Although WKF has traditionally been associated with worse outcomes on a population level, serum creatinine concentrations vary greatly during episodes of worsening heart failure, with substantial individual heterogeneity in terms of their clinical meaning. Consequently, interpreting such changes within the appropriate clinical context is essential to unravel the pathophysiology of kidney function changes and appropriately interpret their clinical meaning. This article aims to provide a critical overview of WKF in AHF, aiming to provide physicians with some tips and tricks to appropriately interpret kidney function changes in the context of AHF.
Trends in Surgical Recurrence Among Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Patients Using Administrative Claims Data
Authors: Egberg Matthew D , Zhang Xian , Phillips Michael , Kappelman Michael D
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the growing armamentarium of medical therapies for Crohn’s disease (CD), well over half of patients with CD will require surgical intervention. We estimated the surgical recurrence risk and characterized postoperative treatment and colonoscopy use in pediatric CD patients using a large, geographically diverse administrative claims database.

Methods

We analyzed postresection pediatric (≤18 years) CD patients identified in the 2007–2018 IQVIA Legacy PharMetrics administrative claims database using diagnosis and procedural codes. We estimated the surgical recurrence risk over time, characterized postoperative treatments, and reported the frequency of colonoscopy 6–15 months postoperatively.

Results

Among 434 pediatric CD patients who underwent intestinal resection (median age 16 years, 46% female), risk of surgical recurrence was 3.5%, 4.6%, and 5.3% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Patients were most commonly prescribed an immune modulator (33%), anti-tumor necrosis factor agent (32%), or antibiotic (27%) postoperatively. Among 281 patients with ≥15 months of follow-up, 24% underwent colonoscopy 6–15 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Surgical recurrence risk increases over time and the low colonoscopy rates and treatment variation postoperatively represent an opportunity for practice improvement.
Sex differences in potential triggers of myocardial infarction
Authors: Olsson Anneli , Mohammad Moman A , Rylance Rebecca , Platonov Pyotr G , Sparv David , Erlinge David
Published: February 2023

Aims

Internal and external triggers affect seasonal and circadian variations of myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to assess sex differences in the common triggers of MI.

Methods and results

A nationwide, retrospective, cross-sectional postal survey study was conducted. Individuals who experienced a MI during holidays and weekdays were identified through the SWEDEHEART registry. Twenty-seven potential MI triggers were rated in regards to occurring more or less than usual during the last 24 h before the MI. Three areas were covered: activities, emotions, and food or alcohol consumption. A logistic regression model was used to identify sex differences for each trigger and odds ratios (ORs) were reported. Four hundred and fifty-one patients, of whom 317 were men, responded. The most commonly reported triggers were stress (35.3%), worry (26.2%), depression (21.1%), and insomnia (20.0%). Women reported emotional triggers including sadness [OR 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92–6.45], stress (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.52–3.71), insomnia (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.39–3.81), and upset (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.47–4.95) to a greater extent than men. Outdoor activity was less reported by women (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.14–0.87). No significant sex differences were found in other activities or food and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Self-experienced stress and distress were higher among women prior to MI compared with men. Understanding sex perspectives in acute triggers may help us find preventive strategies and reduce the excess numbers of MI.
Three-dimensional-mapping-guided permanent conduction system pacing in paediatric patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Silvetti Massimo Stefano , Favoccia Carla , Saputo Fabio Anselmo , Tamburri Ilaria , Mizzon Chiara , Campisi Marta , Gimigliano Fabrizio , Rinelli Gabriele , Rava Lucilla , Drago Fabrizio
Published: February 2023

Aims

In congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) the right ventricle (RV) is systemic. Atrioventricular block (AVB) and systolic dysfunction are frequently observed. Permanent pacing of the subpulmonary left ventricle (LV) may worsen RV dysfunction. The aim of this study was to seek out if LV conduction system pacing (LVCSP) guided by three-dimensional-electroanatomic mapping systems (3D-EAMs) can preserve RV systolic function in paediatric CCTGA patients with AVB.

Methods and results

Retrospective analysis of CCTGA patients who underwent 3D-EAM-guided LVCSP. Three-dimensional-pacing map guided lead implantation towards septal sites with narrower paced QRS. Electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, and lead parameters (threshold, sensing, and impedance) were compared at baseline (pre-implantation) and at 1-year follow-up. Right ventricle function was evaluated by 3D ejection fraction (EF), fractional area change (FAC), RV global longitudinal strain (GLS). Data are reported as median (25th–75th centiles). Seven CCTGA patients aged 15 (9–17) years, with complete/advanced AVB (4 with prior epicardial pacing), underwent 3D-guided LVCSP (5 DDD, 2 VVIR). Baseline echocardiographic parameters were impaired in most patients. No acute/chronic complications occurred. Ventricular pacing was >90%. At 1-year follow-up QRS duration showed no significant changes compared with baseline; however, QRS duration shortened in comparison with prior epicardial pacing. Lead parameters remained acceptable despite ventricular threshold increased. Systemic RV function was preserved: FAC and GLS improved significantly, and all patients showed normal RV EF (>45%).

Conclusion

Three-dimensional-EAM-guided LVCSP preserved RV systolic function in paediatric patients with CCTGA and AVB after short-term follow-up.
On the origin of patterns of temperature-dependent sex determination
Authors: Krueger Caleb J , Janzen Fredric J
Published: February 2023

Species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) exhibit significant variation in the relationship between incubation temperatures and the sex ratios they produce, making this an ideal system for comparing processes producing variation above and below the species level. Furthermore, a deeper mechanistic understanding of TSD macro- and microevolution may help reveal the currently unknown adaptive significance of this variation or of TSD as a whole. Here, we probe these topics by examining the evolutionary dynamics of this sex-determining mechanism in turtles. Our ancestral state reconstructions of discrete patterns of TSD suggest that producing females at cool incubation temperatures is derived and potentially adaptive. However, the ecological irrelevance of these cool temperatures and a strong genetic correlation across the sex-ratio reaction norm in Chelydra serpentina both contradict this interpretation. We further find the phenotypic consequence of this genetic correlation in C. serpentina reflected across all turtle species, suggesting that a single genetic architecture underlies both intra- and interspecific variation in TSD in this clade. This correlated architecture can explain the macroevolutionary origin of discrete TSD patterns without assigning cool-temperature female production an adaptive value. However, this architecture may also constrain adaptive microevolutionary responses to ongoing climate change.
Pain Increases the Risk for Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Adults: Results From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Koyanagi Ai , Barbagallo Mario , Dominguez Ligia J , Maggi Stefania , Soysal Pinar , Bolzetta Francesco , Ruotolo Giovanni , Castagna Alberto , Smith Lee
Published: February 2023

Background

Pain and sarcopenia are common in older people. Cross-sectional studies have reported a significant association between these two conditions, but cohort studies exploring pain as a potential risk factor for sarcopenia are scarce. Given this background, the aim of the present work was to investigate the association between pain (and its severity) at baseline, and the incidence of sarcopenia over 10 years of follow-up in a large representative sample of the English older adult population.

Methods

Pain was diagnosed using self-reported information and categorized as mild to severe pain at four sites (low back, hip, knee, and feet). Incident sarcopenia was defined as having low handgrip strength and low skeletal muscle mass during the follow-up period. The association between pain at baseline and incident sarcopenia was assessed using an adjusted logistic regression analysis, and reported as odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The 4 102 participants without sarcopenia at baseline had a mean ± standard deviation age of 69.7 ± 7.2 years, and they were mainly male (55.6%). Pain was present in 35.3% of the sample. Over 10 years of follow-up, 13.9% of the participants developed sarcopenia. After adjusting for 12 potential confounders, people with pain reported a significantly higher risk of sarcopenia (OR = 1.46: 95% CI: 1.18–1.82). However, only severe pain was significantly associated with incident sarcopenia, without significant differences across the four sites assessed.

Conclusions

The presence of pain, particularly severe pain, was associated with a significantly higher risk of incident sarcopenia.
Using interactive television-based art therapy to treat post-traumatic symptoms among survivors of abduction in Nigeria
Authors: Anazor Anikpe Ekenechukwu , Onosahwo Iyendo Timothy , Krydz Ikwuemesi Chukwuezugo , Sani Ine-Ere Rita , Akabuike Chikelue Chris , Apuke Oberiri Destiny , Gever Verlumun Celestine
Published: February 2023

This study was a quasi-experimental design that was aimed at understanding the impact of interactive television-based art therapy for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among school children who have experienced abduction. Participants took part in a 12-week art therapy delivered through interactive television. The result showed that art therapy was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms. A follow-up assessment after 6 months showed a steady decline in PTSD symptoms among participants in the treatment group when compared with their counterparts in the non-treatment group. The implications of these results have been discussed and recommendations made.
Disease-associated mutations in Drp1 have fundamentally different effects on the mitochondrial fission machinery
Authors: Bauer Brianna L , Rochon Kristy , Liu Jasmine C , Ramachandran Rajesh , Mears Jason A
Published: February 2023

Patient mutations have been identified throughout dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), the key protein mediator of mitochondrial fission. These changes generally impact young children and often result in severe neurological defects and, in some instances, death. Until now, the underlying functional defect leading to patient phenotypes has been largely speculative. We therefore analyzed six disease-associated mutations throughout the GTPase and middle domains (MD) of Drp1. The MD plays a role in Drp1 oligomerization, and three mutations in this region were predictably impaired in self-assembly. However, another mutant in this region (F370C) retained oligomerization capability on pre-curved membranes despite being assembly-limited in solution. Instead, this mutation impaired membrane remodeling of liposomes, which highlights the importance of Drp1 in generating local membrane curvature before fission. Two GTPase domain mutations were also observed in different patients. The G32A mutation was impaired in GTP hydrolysis both in solution and in the presence of lipid but remains capable of self-assembly on these lipid templates. The G223V mutation also exhibited decreased GTPase activity and was able to assemble on pre-curved lipid templates; however, this change impaired membrane remodeling of unilamellar liposomes similar to F370C. This demonstrates that the Drp1 GTPase domain also contributes to self-assembly interactions that drive membrane curvature. Overall, the functional defects caused by mutations in Drp1 are highly variable even for mutations that reside within the same functional domain. This study provides a framework for characterizing additional Drp1 mutations to provide a comprehensive understanding of functional sites within this essential protein.
The risk of miscarriage following COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rimmer Michael P , Teh Jhia J , Mackenzie Scott C , Al Wattar Bassel H
Published: February 2023

STUDY QUESTION

What is the risk of miscarriage among pregnant women who received any of the COVID-19 vaccines?

SUMMARY ANSWER

There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mass roll-out of vaccines helped to boost herd immunity and reduced hospital admissions, morbidity, and mortality. Still, many were concerned about the safety of vaccines for pregnancy, which may have limited their uptake among pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception until June 2022 using a combination of keywords and MeSH terms.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

We included observational and interventional studies that enrolled pregnant women and evaluated any of the available COVID-19 vaccines compared to placebo or no vaccination. We primarily reported on miscarriage in addition to ongoing pregnancy and/or live birth.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

We included data from 21 studies (5 randomized trials and 16 observational studies) reporting on 149 685 women. The pooled rate of miscarriage among women who received a COVID-19 vaccine was 9% (n = 14 749/123 185, 95% CI 0.05–0.14). Compared to those who received a placebo or no vaccination, women who received a COVID-19 vaccine did not have a higher risk of miscarriage (risk ratio (RR) 1.07, 95% CI 0.89–1.28, I2 35.8%) and had comparable rates for ongoing pregnancy or live birth (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97–1.03, I2 10.72%).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Our analysis was limited to observational evidence with varied reporting, high heterogeneity and risk of bias across included studies, which may limit the generalizability and confidence in our findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

COVID-19 vaccines are not associated with an increase in the risk of miscarriage or reduced rates of ongoing pregnancy or live birth among women of reproductive age. The current evidence remains limited and larger population studies are needed to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No direct funding was provided to support this work. M.P.R. was funded by the Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health Grant No: MR/N022556/1. B.H.A.W. hold a personal development award from the National Institute of Health Research in the UK. All authors declare no conflict of interest.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021289098.
The 2022 n2c2/UW shared task on extracting social determinants of health
Authors: Lybarger Kevin , Yetisgen Meliha , Uzuner Özlem
Published: February 2023

Objective

The n2c2/UW SDOH Challenge explores the extraction of social determinant of health (SDOH) information from clinical notes. The objectives include the advancement of natural language processing (NLP) information extraction techniques for SDOH and clinical information more broadly. This article presents the shared task, data, participating teams, performance results, and considerations for future work.

Materials and Methods

The task used the Social History Annotated Corpus (SHAC), which consists of clinical text with detailed event-based annotations for SDOH events, such as alcohol, drug, tobacco, employment, and living situation. Each SDOH event is characterized through attributes related to status, extent, and temporality. The task includes 3 subtasks related to information extraction (Subtask A), generalizability (Subtask B), and learning transfer (Subtask C). In addressing this task, participants utilized a range of techniques, including rules, knowledge bases, n-grams, word embeddings, and pretrained language models (LM).

Results

A total of 15 teams participated, and the top teams utilized pretrained deep learning LM. The top team across all subtasks used a sequence-to-sequence approach achieving 0.901 F1 for Subtask A, 0.774 F1 Subtask B, and 0.889 F1 for Subtask C.

Conclusions

Similar to many NLP tasks and domains, pretrained LM yielded the best performance, including generalizability and learning transfer. An error analysis indicates extraction performance varies by SDOH, with lower performance achieved for conditions, like substance use and homelessness, which increase health risks (risk factors) and higher performance achieved for conditions, like substance abstinence and living with family, which reduce health risks (protective factors).
Comprehensive Characterization and Identification of Chemical Constituents of Xiangsha Pingwei Pills by UPLC–Q-TOF-MS
Authors: Xiong Hui , Li Na , Yu Yongzhou , Liu Zi , Li Zhe , Zhao Lanqingqing
Published: February 2023

Background

Xiangsha Pingwei Pills (XPP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, which is widely used to treat epigastric pain in China. Its systematic chemical characteristics have rarely been reported, which hinders the interpretation of the material basis of its prescription.

Objective

To establish a rapid and effective component characterization method for XPP using ultra-HPLC–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–Q-TOF-MS) and the data post-processing program, Peakview 1.2 software.

Methods

A UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method coupled with Peakview 1.2 software was successfully established for the first time to investigate the complex constituents of XPP. Accurate MS and MS/MS data were detected in positive and negative ion mode. The compounds were tentatively identified based on their retention times, MS, and MS/MS data, as well as reference standards and from the literature.

Results

The chemical profile of XPP was acquired, and a total of 130 compounds in XPP were preliminarily identified for the first time, including 6 organic acids, 59 flavonoids, 13 lignans, 20 terpenoids, 9 phenylpropanoids, 6 alkaloids, 5 amino acids, and 12 other compounds.

Conclusion

A rapid and effective UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method for the main chemical components of XPP has been established for further characterizing constituents and the overall quality control of XPP.

Highlights

This is the first report of a comprehensive analysis method for the main chemical components of XPP, which aims to lay a solid foundation for the chemical basis and overall quality control of XPP.