bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualized risk trajectories for iron‐related adverse outcomes in repeat blood donors
Authors: Russell W. Alton , Scheinker David , Custer Brian
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite a fingerstick hemoglobin requirement and 56‐day minimum donation interval, repeat blood donation continues to cause and exacerbate iron deficiency.

Study design and methods

Using data from the REDS‐II Donor Iron Status Evaluation study, we developed multiclass prediction models to estimate the competing risk of hemoglobin deferral and collecting blood from a donor with sufficient hemoglobin but low or absent underlying iron stores. We compared models developed with and without two biomarkers not routinely measured in most blood centers: ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor. We generated and analyzed “individual risk trajectories”: estimates of how each donors' risk developed as a function of the time interval until their next donation attempt.

Results

With standard biomarkers, the top model had a multiclass area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 77.6% (95% CI [77.3%–77.8%]). With extra biomarkers, multiclass AUC increased to 82.8% (95% CI [82.5%–83.1%]). In the extra biomarkers model, ferritin was the single most important variable, followed by the donation interval. We identified three risk archetypes: “fast recoverers” (<10% risk of any adverse outcome on post‐donation day 56), “slow recoverers” (>60% adverse outcome risk on day 56 that declines to <35% by day 250), and “chronic high‐risk” (>85% risk of the adverse outcome on day 250).

Discussion

A longer donation interval reduced the estimated risk of iron‐related adverse outcomesfor most donors, but risk remained high for some. Tailoring safeguards to individual risk estimates could reduce blood collections from donors with low or absent iron stores.
Growth factors for treating chronic venous leg ulcers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Yung , Lee Michael H. , Phillips Steven A. , Stacey Michael C.
Published: November 2021

Chronic venous leg ulcers (VLU) are wounds that commonly occur due to venous insufficiency. Many growth factors have been introduced over the past two decades to treat VLU. This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluates the impact of growth factor treatments of VLU in comparison to control for complete wound healing, percent reduction in wound area, time to wound healing, and adverse events. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised trials was conducted. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to December 2020. Studies were included if they compared a growth factor versus placebo or standard care in patients with VLU. From 1645 articles, 13 trials were included (n = 991). There was a significant difference between any growth factor and placebo in complete wound healing (P = 0.04). Any growth factor compared to placebo significantly increased the likelihood of percent wound reduction by 48.80% (P = <0.00001). There was no difference in overall adverse event rate. Most comparisons have low certainty of evidence according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. This meta‐analysis suggests that growth factors have a beneficial effect in complete wound healing of VLU. Growth factors may also increase percent reduction in wound area. The suggestion of benefit for growth factors identified in this review is not a strong one based on the low quality of evidence.
Mejora del compostaje de biorresiduos mediante la incorporación de cachaza como material de enmienda
Authors: Moreno-Escandón Laura , Perea-Soto Daniela , Soto-Paz Jonathan , Torres-Lozada Patricia , Marmolejo-Rebellón Luis Fernando
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: Evaluar cómo la modificación de cachaza (CA) como material de enmienda, afectación de la eficiencia del proceso y la calidad del producto final del compostaje de biorresiduos de origen municipal (BOM). Materiales y métodos: En este estudio se evaluó una escala piloto y en términos de estabilidad, madurez y valor agrícola, el efecto de la modificación de CA sobre el compuesto de BOM en cuatro proporciones de mezcla BOM: CA (100: 00 - control; 90:10; 80:20 y 70:30). Resultados: Los resultados que afectan en general, la modificación de CA alcanzan temperaturas termofílicas en menor tiempo que el tratamiento control y alcanzan mejores condiciones de estabilidad (consumo de oxígeno <1,0 mgO 2/ gSVh), Índice de Germinación (IG> 80%: indicador de un producto maduro) e Índice de calidad de compost (IF> 3,5: indicador de alto potencial de fertilización de suelos), siendo la proporción 80:20 la mejor calidad del producto (mayor contenido de N total: 2,32%, PT: 1,42%, CIC: 65,5 meq / 100g), menor valor de CE (0,38 dS / m) y de coliformes totales y fecales (15,3 y 4,0 NMP / g respectivamente), cumpliendo con normas técnicas como la colombiana y la chilena para productos orgánicos utilizados como fertilizantes y acondicionadores del suelo, además de los mejores resultados de IG e IF (123,40% y 4,67 respectivamente).
Diffusion coefficient of charge carriers in disordered semiconductors retaining a combination of exponential and Gaussian mobility-gap states: Application to amorphous selenium
Authors: Hossain Dilshad , Kabir M. Z.
Published: November 2021

Charge carrier transport in disordered semiconductors is highly influenced by the defect states near the mobility edges. A theoretical model for the generalized Einstein relation, namely, the diffusivity-mobility ratio, for disordered semiconductors retaining a combination of exponential and Gaussian mobility-gap states with square-root distribution of extended states, is presented in this article. The conditions for determining the diffusion coefficient of charge carriers in disordered semiconductors from the Einstein relation are described in the article. The effects of various parameters constituting the density of states (DOS) distribution on the Einstein relation are examined. The results show that the diffusivity-mobility ratio for such DOS distribution substantially deviates from the traditional constant value for carrier concentration larger than 1010 cm−3. The value of diffusivity-mobility ratio strongly depends on the amount, energy position, and the shape of the Gaussian peaks. The additional diffusion coefficient due to multiple trapping in disordered semiconductors (namely, field diffusion) under quasi-equilibrium transport is also examined as a function of electric field and carrier concentration.
Characterization of the acoustic output of single marine-seismic airguns and clusters: The Svein Vaage dataset
Authors: Prior Mark K. , Ainslie Michael A. , Halvorsen Michele B. , Hartstra Iris , Laws Robert M. , MacGillivray Alexander , Müller Roel , Robinson Stephen , Wang Liansheng
Published: November 2021

The acoustical output of marine-seismic airguns is determined from recordings of the sound pressure made on hydrophones suspended below a floating barge from which the airguns are also deployed. The signals from multiple types of airguns are considered and each type is operated over a range of deployment depths and chamber pressures. The acoustical output is characterized in terms of a “source waveform” with dimensions of the pressure-times-distance and in an infinite idealized medium, could be divided by the source-receiver distance to give the sound pressure at that receiver. In more realistic environments, the source waveform may be used to predict the pressure at any arbitrary receiver position simply by the application of a time-domain transfer function describing the propagation between the source and receiver. The sources are further characterized by metrics such as the peak source waveform and energy source level. These metrics are calculated in several frequency bands so that the resulting metrics can be used to characterize the acoustical output of the airguns in terms of their utility for seismic image-processing or possible effects on marine life. These characterizations provide reference data for the calibration of models that predict the airguns' acoustical output. They are validated via comparisons of the acoustic pressure measured on far-field hydrophones and predicted using the source waveforms. Comparisons are also made between empirically derived expressions relating the acoustic metrics to the chamber volume, chamber pressure, and deployment depth and similar expressions from the literature.
The Effects of Body Position on Trochanteric Soft Tissue Thickness—Implications for Predictions of Impact Force and Hip Fracture Risk During Lateral Falls
Authors: Lafleur Benoit R. , Tondat Alyssa M. , Pretty Steven P. , Mourtzakis Marina , Laing Andrew C.
Published: November 2021

Trochanteric soft tissue thickness (TSTT) is a protective factor against fall-related hip fractures. This study’s objectives were to determine: (1) the influence of body posture on TSTT and (2) the downstream effects of TSTT on biomechanical model predictions of fall-related impact force (Ffemur) and hip fracture factor of risk. Ultrasound was used to measure TSTT in 45 community-dwelling older adults in standing, supine, and side-lying positions with hip rotation angles of −25°, 0°, and 25°. Supine TSTT (mean [SD] = 5.57 [2.8] cm) was 29% and 69% greater than in standing and side-lying positions, respectively. The Ffemur based on supine TSTT (3380 [2017] N) was 19% lower than the standing position (4173 [1764] N) and 31% lower than the side-lying position (4908 [1524] N). As factor of risk was directly influenced by Ffemur, the relative effects on fracture risk were similar. While less pronounced (<10%), the effects of hip rotation angle were consistent across TSTT, Ffemur, and factor of risk. Based on the sensitivity of impact models to TSTT, these results highlight the need for a standardized TSTT measurement approach. In addition, the consistent influence of hip rotation on TSTT (and downstream model predictions) support its importance as a factor that may influence fall-related hip fracture risk.
Graduate Teaching Assistants’ Experiences Teaching Physical Education at a Youth Development Center
Authors: Dixon Cory E. , Russell Jared A. , Hastie Peter A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study examined the pedagogical experiences of former graduate teaching assistants following their teaching experiences at a youth development center. Method: A case study approach was utilized to investigate each participant case while a phenomenological approach was employed to analyze each case. The participants, Malik, Dante, and Ray, previously taught physical education at a youth development center as graduate teaching assistants. Results: The results of this study are presented as three cases centered on the participants and their experiences. The first case, “developing people from where they are, not where you want them to be . . .” (Malik) highlights the participants’ appreciation of their students’ culture and context. The second case, “resiliency to teach well regardless of circumstance or situation . . .” (Dante) features the participants’ ability to teach diverse learners. The third case, “uphill battles . . . you cannot learn this in a textbook . . .” (Ray) features the challenges faced while teaching at the youth development center. Discussion: Consistencies across participants’ experiences, the impact on their current careers, and implications for introducing culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies via nontraditional settings are discussed.
Validity of the Fitbit Ace and Moki Devices for Assessing Steps During Different Walking Conditions in Young Adolescents
Authors: Sun Xiyao , Adams Stephanie A. , Li Chuchu , Booth Josephine N. , Robertson Judy , Fawkner Samantha
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Using wearable monitoring devices is increasingly ubiquitous, including among young people. However, there is limited evidence of the validity of devices which are aimed at children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of Fitbit Ace and Moki monitors in healthy young adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 17 young adolescents (ages 11–13 y) ambulating between 3 different walking conditions (incidental [∼6 min], controlled, and treadmill [each 3 min], while wearing wrist-worn devices [Fitbit Ace, Moki] on each wrist [left and right, respectively]). Data from the devices were compared with observer counts (criterion). Bland–Altman plots and mean absolute percentage errors were computed. Results: Analyses identified that the Fitbit Ace showed higher levels of bias across conditions compared with the Moki device: (mean difference [SD]; Fitbit Ace: 30.0 [38.0], 3.0 [13.0], and 13.0 [23.0] steps and Moki: 1.0 [19.0], 4.0 [16.0], and 6.0 [14.0] steps, incidental, controlled, and treadmill, respectively). Mean absolute percentage errors ranged from 3.1% to 9.5% for the Fitbit Ace and 3.0% to 4.0% for the Moki device. Conclusion: The Fitbit Ace and Moki devices might not provide acceptable validity under all walking conditions, but the Moki provides more accurate estimates of incidental walking and might therefore be a good choice for free-living research or school-based interventions.
Thyroid hormone signaling promotes hepatic lipogenesis through the transcription factor ChREBP
Authors: Mendoza Arturo , Tang Catherine , Choi Jinyoung , Acuña Mariana , Logan Maya , Martin Adriana G. , Al-Sowaimel Lujain , Desai Bhavna N. , Tenen Danielle E. , Jacobs Christopher , Lyubetskaya Anna , Fu Yulong , Liu Hong , Tsai Linus , Cohen David E. , Forrest Douglas , Wilson Andrew A. , Hollenberg Anthony N.
Published: November 2021

The transcription factor ChREBP mediates lipid accumulation in the liver in response to thyroid hormone.
Evolutionary and Phenotypic Characterization of Two Spike Mutations in European Lineage 20E of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ruiz-Rodriguez Paula , Francés-Gómez Clara , Chiner-Oms Álvaro , López Mariana G. , Jiménez-Serrano Santiago , Cancino-Muñoz Irving , Ruiz-Hueso Paula , Torres-Puente Manuela , Bracho Maria Alma , D’Auria Giuseppe , Martinez-Priego Llúcia , Guerreiro Manuel , Montero-Alonso Marta , Gómez María Dolores , Piñana José Luis ,   SeqCOVID-SPAIN Consortium, González-Candelas Fernando , Comas Iñaki , Marina Alberto , Geller Ron , Coscolla Mireia
Published: November 2021

We observed repeated, independent emergence of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike involving amino acids 1163 and 1167, within the HR2 functional motif. Conclusions derived from evolutionary and genomic diversity analysis suggest that the co-occurrence of both mutations might pose an advantage for the virus and therefore a threat to effective control of the epidemic.
Bacterial Approaches for Assembling Iron-Sulfur Proteins
Authors: Esquilin-Lebron Karla , Dubrac Sarah , Barras Frédéric , Boyd Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2021

Building iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters and assembling Fe-S proteins are essential actions for life on Earth. The three processes that sustain life, photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and respiration, require Fe-S proteins.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids Reduced Renal Calcium Oxalate Stones by Regulating the Expression of Intestinal Oxalate Transporter SLC26A6
Authors: Liu Yu , Jin Xi , Ma Yucheng , Jian Zhongyu , Wei Zhitao , Xiang Liyuan , Sun Qun , Qi Shiqian , Wang Kunjie , Li Hong
Published: November 2021

Some studies found that the relative abundances of short-chain-fatty-acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria were lower in the gut microbiota of renal stone patients than healthy controls. Our previous study demonstrated that SCFAs could reduce the formation of renal calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones, but the mechanism is still unknown.
Seismicity recorded in hematite fault mirrors in the Rio Grande rift
Authors: Odlum M.L. , Ault A.K. , Channer M.A. , Calzolari G.
Published: November 2021

Exhumed fault rocks provide a textural and chemical record of how fault zone composition and architecture control coseismic temperature rise and earthquake mechanics. We integrated field, microstructural, and hematite (U-Th)/He (He) thermochronometry analyses of exhumed minor (square-centimeter-scale surface area) hematite fault mirrors that crosscut the ca. 1400 Ma Sandia granite in two localities along the eastern flank of the central Rio Grande rift, New Mexico. We used these data to characterize fault slip textures; evaluate relationships among fault zone composition, thickness, and inferred magnitude of friction-generated heat; and document the timing of fault slip. Hematite fault mirrors are collocated with and crosscut specular hematite veins and hematite-cemented cataclasite. Observed fault mirror microstructures reflect fault reactivation and strain localization within the comparatively weaker hematite relative to the granite. The fault mirror volume of some slip surfaces exhibits polygonal, sintered hematite nanoparticles likely created during coseismic temperature rise. Individual fault mirror hematite He dates range from ca. 97 to 5 Ma, and ~80% of dates from fault mirror volume aliquots with high-temperature crystal morphologies are ca. 25–10 Ma. These aliquots have grain-size–dependent closure temperatures of ~75–108 °C. A new mean apatite He date of 13.6 ± 2.6 Ma from the Sandia granite is consistent with prior low-temperature thermochronometry data and reflects rapid, Miocene rift flank exhumation. Comparisons of thermal history models and hematite He data patterns, together with field and microstructural observations, indicate that seismicity along the fault mirrors at ~2–4 km depth was coeval with rift flank exhumation. The prevalence and distribution of high-temperature hematite grain morphologies on different slip surfaces correspond with thinner deforming zones and higher proportions of quartz and feldspar derived from the granite that impacted the bulk strength of the deforming zone. Thus, these exhumed fault mirrors illustrate how evolving fault material properties reflect but also govern coseismic temperature rise and associated dynamic weakening mechanisms on minor faults at the upper end of the seismogenic zone.
Insulin sensitivity variations in apparently healthy Arab male subjects: correlation with insulin and C peptide
Authors: Suleiman Noor , Alkasem Meis , Hassoun Shaimaa , Abdalhakam Ibrahem , Bettahi Ilham , Mir Fayaz , Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Jerobin Jayakumar , Iskandarani Ahmad , Samra Tareq A , Chandra Prem , Skarulis Monica , Abou-Samra Abdul Badi
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Decreased insulin sensitivity occurs early in type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D is highly prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa regions. This study assessed the variations in insulin sensitivity in normal apparently healthy subjects and the levels of adiponectin, adipsin and inflammatory markers.

Research design and methods

A total of 60 participants (aged 18–45, body mass index <28) with a normal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) completed hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (40 mU/m2/min) and body composition test by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Blood samples were assayed for glucose, insulin, C peptide, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, adiponectin and adipsin.

Results

The subjects showed wide variations in the whole-body glucose disposal rate (M value) from 2 to 20 mg/kg/min and were divided into three groups: most responsive (M>12 mg/kg/min, n=17), least responsive (M≤6 mg/kg/min, n=14) and intermediate responsive (M=6.1–12 mg/kg/min, n=29). Insulin and C peptide responses to OGTT were highest among the least insulin sensitive group. Triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT) and albumin levels were higher in the least responsive group compared with the other groups. Among the inflammatory markers, C reactive protein (CRP) was highest in the least sensitivity group compared with the other groups; however, there were no differences in the level of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily 1B (TNFRS1B). Plasma levels of insulin sensitivity markers, adiponectin and adipsin, and oxidative stress markers, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase 1, were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

A wide range in insulin sensitivity and significant differences in triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT and CRP concentrations were observed despite the fact that the study subjects were homogenous in terms of age, gender and ethnic background, and all had normal screening comprehensive chemistry and normal glucose response to OGTT. The striking differences in insulin sensitivity reflect differences in genetic predisposition and/or environmental exposure. The low insulin sensitivity status associated with increased insulin level may represent an early stage of metabolic abnormality.
‘Care co-ordinator in my pocket’: a feasibility study of mobile assessment and therapy for psychosis (TechCare)
Authors: Gire Nadeem , Caton Neil , McKeown Mick , Mohmed Naeem , Duxbury Joy , Kelly James , Riley Miv , J Taylor Peter , Taylor Christopher D J , Naeem Farooq , Chaudhry Imran Bashir , Husain Nusrat
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The aim of the project was to examine the acceptability and feasibility of a mobile phone application-based intervention ‘TechCare’, for individuals with psychosis in the North West of England. The main objectives were to determine whether appropriate individuals could be identified and recruited to the study and whether the TechCare App would be an acceptable intervention for individuals with psychosis.

Methods

This was a mixed methods feasibility study, consisting of a test-run and feasibility evaluation of the TechCare App intervention.

Setting

Early Intervention Services (EIS) for psychosis, within an NHS Trust in the North West of England.

Participants

Sixteen participants (test-run n=4, feasibility study n=12) aged between 18 and 65 years recruited from the East, Central and North Lancashire EIS.

Intervention

A 6-week intervention, with the TechCare App assessing participants’ symptoms and responses in real-time and providing a personalised-guided self-help-based psychological intervention based on the principles of Cognitive Behaviorual Therapy (CBT).

Results

A total of 83.33% (n=10) of participants completed the 6-week feasibility study, with 70% of completers achieving the set compliance threshold of ≥33% engagement with the TechCare App system. Analysis of the qualitative data suggested that participants held the view that the TechCare was both an acceptable and feasible means of delivering interventions in real-time.

Conclusion

Innovative digital clinical technologies, such as the TechCare App, have the potential to increase access to psychological interventions, reduce health inequality and promote self-management with a real-time intervention, through enabling access to mental health resources in a stigma-free, evidence-based and time-independent manner.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02439619.
Association between neighbourhood deprivation, fetal growth, small-for-gestational age and preterm birth: a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Gootjes Dionne V , Posthumus Anke G , Jaddoe Vincent W V , Steegers Eric A P
Published: November 2021

Objective

To study the associations between neighbourhood deprivation and fetal growth, including growth in the first trimester, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Netherlands, Rotterdam.

Participants

8617 live singleton births from the Generation R cohort study.

Exposition

Living in a deprived neighbourhood.

Main outcome measures

Fetal growth trajectories of head circumference, weight and length.

Secondary outcomes measures

Small-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth (PTB).

Results

Neighbourhood deprivation was not associated with first trimester growth. However, a higher neighbourhood status score (less deprivation) was associated with increased fetal growth in the second and third trimesters (eg, estimated fetal weight; adjusted regression coefficient 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.06). Less deprivation was also associated with decreased odds of SGA (adjusted OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97, p=0.01) and PTB (adjusted OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.96, p=0.01).

Conclusions

We found an association between neighbourhood deprivation and fetal growth in the second and third trimester pregnancy, but not with first trimester growth. Less neighbourhood deprivation is associated with lower odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The associations remained after adjustment for individual-level risk factors. This supports the hypothesis that living in a deprived neighbourhood acts as an independent risk factor for fetal growth and adverse pregnancy outcomes, above and beyond individual risk factors.
Impact of multimodal warming during general anaesthesia on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with gynaecological cancer: study protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Jinxi , Song Shixiong , Zhu Qing
Published: November 2021

Background

Cognitive impairment after anaesthesia and surgery is a recognised consequence. This often leads to poor health outcomes and increases healthcare resource utilisation and associated costs, especially in elderly people. However, thus far, there have not been any effective therapies for managing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Furthermore, research on the association of multimodal warming with POCD and the clinical outcomes in older patients after gynaecological surgery has not been rigorous. For these reasons, our investigation aims to evaluate whether perioperative multimodal warming would reduce the incidence of POCD and improve prognosis in elderly patients with gynaecological cancer.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, prospective, single-blinded randomised controlled trial. One hundred and fifty patients for gynaecological cancer surgery and 16 non-surgical controls aged 65 years or older will be studied in this trial. A series of neuropsychological tests will be completed to evaluate cognitive function in surgery patients before, at day 7 and 3 months after gynaecological cancer surgery. In addition, POCD and cognitive decline will be assessed using the reliable change index using the control group’s results. The primary outcome is the prevalence of POCD in elderly gynaecological cancer surgery patients and association between perioperative multimodal warming and POCD.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol for this prospective observational study was approved by the ethics committee of the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University (NO. KX215). Recruitment will commence in April 2021 and continue to April 2022. The findings of this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100041663.
Identifying women’s preferences for treatment of urinary tract infection: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: van der Worp Henk , Brandenbarg Daan , Boek Pieter A , Braams Jort H W , Brink Leon J F , Keupers Joost , Blanker Marco H
Published: November 2021

Objective

To identify the preferences of women regarding management of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Design

A discrete choice experiment of the preferences for certain treatment attributes was conducted by survey. Attributes included treatment duration, time to complaint resolution, complication risk, side effect risk and contribution to antimicrobial resistance.

Setting

General population in the Netherlands, recruited via social media.

Participants

Women aged 18 years or older.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the relative importance of the attributes for treatment choice, using a conditional logit model. The secondary outcome was the heterogeneity in these preferences.

Results

The discrete choice experiment was completed by 833 women. Most attributes were important to decisions for UTI treatment. Women were willing to accept management with, for example, a higher chance of complications or longer time to resolution, if it could help avoid antimicrobial resistance. However, there was heterogeneity in the preferences. Women who had one previous UTI had a stronger preference for faster symptom resolution compared with those who had no previous UTI. Younger women also preferred faster symptom resolution. Finally, women with a low or middle education level gave less importance to preventing antimicrobial resistance than women with a high education level.

Conclusions

The current study indicated that a considerable part of women valued alternatives to antimicrobial treatment and were prepared to tolerate management that was less optimal in certain respects to avoid antimicrobial treatment.
Unexplained mortality during the US COVID-19 pandemic: retrospective analysis of death certificate data and critical assessment of excess death calculations
Authors: Fairman Kathleen A , Goodlet Kellie J , Rucker James D , Zawadzki Roy S
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Cause-of-death discrepancies are common in respiratory illness-related mortality. A standard epidemiological metric, excess all-cause death, is unaffected by these discrepancies but provides no actionable policy information when increased all-cause mortality is unexplained by reported specific causes. To assess the contribution of unexplained mortality to the excess death metric, we parsed excess deaths in the COVID-19 pandemic into changes in explained versus unexplained (unreported or unspecified) causes.

Design

Retrospective repeated cross-sectional analysis, US death certificate data for six influenza seasons beginning October 2014, comparing population-adjusted historical benchmarks from the previous two, three and five seasons with 2019–2020.

Setting

48 of 50 states with complete data.

Participants

16.3 million deaths in 312 weeks, reported in categories—all causes, top eight natural causes and respiratory causes including COVID-19.

Outcome measures

Change in population-adjusted counts of deaths from seasonal benchmarks to 2019–2020, from all causes (ie, total excess deaths) and from explained versus unexplained causes, reported for the season overall and for time periods defined a priori: pandemic awareness (19 January through 28 March); initial pandemic peak (29 March through 30 May) and pandemic post-peak (31 May through 26 September).

Results

Depending on seasonal benchmark, 287 957–306 267 excess deaths occurred through September 2020: 179 903 (58.7%–62.5%) attributed to COVID-19; 44 022–49 311 (15.2%–16.1%) to other reported causes; 64 032–77 054 (22.2%–25.2%) unexplained (unspecified or unreported cause). Unexplained deaths constituted 65.2%–72.5% of excess deaths from 19 January to 28 March and 14.1%–16.1% from 29 March through 30 May.

Conclusions

Unexplained mortality contributed substantially to US pandemic period excess deaths. Onset of unexplained mortality in February 2020 coincided with previously reported increases in psychotropic use, suggesting possible psychiatric or injurious causes. Because underlying causes of unexplained deaths may vary by group or region, results suggest excess death calculations provide limited actionable information, supporting previous calls for improved cause-of-death data to support evidence-based policy.
Association of apolipoprotein Cs with new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus: findings from the Chinese multi-provincial cohort study
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Zhao Dong , Liu Jing , Wang Miao , Sun Jiayi , Liu Jun , Li Yan , Deng Qiuju , Qi Yue
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Apolipoprotein Cs (apoCs), especially apoC-II and apoC-III, as the components of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, play a key role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. However, prospective studies examining direct associations between apoCs and diabetes are not reproducible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of apoCs on the risk of developing diabetes in a middle-aged population, and to explore possible mediators responsible for the relationship between apoCs and diabetes.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Community-based study carried out in Beijing.

Methods

ApoCs were measured in 1085 participants aged 45–74 years and free of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at baseline from the Chinese Multi-Provincial Cohort Study-Beijing Project. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association of apoCs with a 5-year risk of new-onset T2DM. The impacts of triglycerides, insulin and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) on the association between apoC-III and the risk of T2DM were explored by a mediation test.

Results

During the 5 years of follow-up, 97 (8.9%) participants developed T2DM. ApoC-III was significantly associated with the risk of developing T2DM after multivariable adjustment (OR=1.40; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.82). This association was mainly mediated by triglyceride levels with a significant indirect effect (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.18), followed by hs-CRP and insulin.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that higher serum apoC-III was independently associated with increased 5-year risk of new-onset T2DM in the Chinese population, and triglyceride plays a crucial role in mediating this relationship. More attention should be paid to preventive strategies of T2DM targeting apoC-III.
The production of carbon monoxide from paint in sealed compartments
Authors: Dudding J. S. , Dudley S. F. , Frederick R. C.
Published: November 2021

The air of some hermetically-sealed spaces was found to contain traces of carbon monoxide.

The source of this gas was the boiled linseed oil used to make up paint.

The presence of carbon monoxide was demonstrated by chemical and biologic methods.
Relationship of age, atherosclerosis and angiographic stenosis using artificial intelligence
Authors: Jonas Rebecca , Earls James , Marques Hugo , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Choi Jung Hyun , Doh Joon-Hyung , Her Ae-Young , Koo Bon Kwon , Nam Chang-Wook , Park Hyung-Bok , Shin Sanghoon , Cole Jason , Gimelli Alessia , Khan Muhammad Akram , Lu Bin , Gao Yang , Nabi Faisal , Nakazato Ryo , Schoepf U Joseph , Driessen Roel S , Bom Michiel J , Thompson Randall C , Jang James J , Ridner Michael , Rowan Chris , Avelar Erick , Généreux Philippe , Knaapen Paul , de Waard Guus A , Pontone Gianluca , Andreini Daniele , Al-Mallah Mouaz H , Jennings Robert , Crabtree Tami R , Villines Todd C , Min James K , Choi Andrew D
Published: November 2021

Objective

The study evaluates the relationship of coronary stenosis, atherosclerotic plaque characteristics (APCs) and age using artificial intelligence enabled quantitative coronary computed tomographic angiography (AI-QCT).

Methods

This is a post-hoc analysis of data from 303 subjects enrolled in the CREDENCE (Computed TomogRaphic Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Determinants of Myocardial IsChEmia) trial who were referred for invasive coronary angiography and subsequently underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). In this study, a blinded core laboratory analysing quantitative coronary angiography images classified lesions as obstructive (≥50%) or non-obstructive (<50%) while AI software quantified APCs including plaque volume (PV), low-density non-calcified plaque (LD-NCP), non-calcified plaque (NCP), calcified plaque (CP), lesion length on a per-patient and per-lesion basis based on CCTA imaging. Plaque measurements were normalised for vessel volume and reported as % percent atheroma volume (%PAV) for all relevant plaque components. Data were subsequently stratified by age <65 and ≥65 years.

Results

The cohort was 64.4±10.2 years and 29% women. Overall, patients >65 had more PV and CP than patients <65. On a lesion level, patients >65 had more CP than younger patients in both obstructive (29.2 mm3vs 48.2 mm3; p<0.04) and non-obstructive lesions (22.1 mm3vs 49.4 mm3; p<0.004) while younger patients had more %PAV (LD-NCP) (1.5% vs 0.7%; p<0.038). Younger patients had more PV, LD-NCP, NCP and lesion lengths in obstructive compared with non-obstructive lesions. There were no differences observed between lesion types in older patients.

Conclusion

AI-QCT identifies a unique APC signature that differs by age and degree of stenosis and provides a foundation for AI-guided age-based approaches to atherosclerosis identification, prevention and treatment.
Shading decreases and delays NDVI and flowering of prostrate Arctic shrubs
Authors: May Jeremy L. , Oberbauer Steven F. , Unger Steven L. , Simon Matthew J. , Betway Katlyn R. , Hollister Robert D.
Published: November 2021

Increases in shrub growth and canopy cover are well documented community responses to climate warming in the Arctic. An important consequence of larger deciduous shrubs is shading of prostrate plant species, many of which are important sources of nectar and berries. Here, we present the impact of a shading experiment on two prostrate shrubs, Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and Arctous alpina L., in northern Alaska over two growing seasons. We implemented three levels of shading (no shade, 40% shade, and 80% shade) in dry heath and moist acidic tundra. Plots were monitored for soil moisture content, surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and flowering. Shading was shown to, on average, lower surface temperature (0.7 °C to 5.3 °C) and increase soil moisture content (0.5% to 5.6%) in both communities. Both species- and plot-level NDVI values were delayed in timing of peak values (7 to 13 days) and decreased at the highest shading. Flower abundance of both species was lower in shaded plots and peak flowering was delayed (3 to 8 days) compared with controls. Changes in timing may result in phenological mismatches and can impact other trophic levels in the Arctic as both the flowers and resulting berries are important food sources for animals.
A parabolic local problem with exponential decay of the resonance error for numerical homogenization
Authors: Abdulle Assyr , Arjmand Doghonay , Paganoni Edoardo
Published: November 2021

This paper aims at an accurate and efficient computation of effective quantities, e.g. the homogenized coefficients for approximating the solutions to partial differential equations with oscillatory coefficients. Typical multiscale methods are based on a micro–macro-coupling, where the macromodel describes the coarse scale behavior, and the micromodel is solved only locally to upscale the effective quantities, which are missing in the macromodel. The fact that the microproblems are solved over small domains within the entire macroscopic domain, implies imposing artificial boundary conditions on the boundary of the microscopic domains. A naive treatment of these artificial boundary conditions leads to a first-order error in [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] represents the characteristic length of the small scale oscillations and [Formula: see text] is the size of microdomain. This error dominates all other errors originating from the discretization of the macro and the microproblems, and its reduction is a main issue in today’s engineering multiscale computations. The objective of this work is to analyze a parabolic approach, first announced in A. Abdulle, D. Arjmand, E. Paganoni, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I, 2019, for computing the homogenized coefficients with arbitrarily high convergence rates in [Formula: see text]. The analysis covers the setting of periodic microstructure, and numerical simulations are provided to verify the theoretical findings for more general settings, e.g. non-periodic microstructures.
Behavioral Risky Multiple Attribute Decision Making with Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Ranking Method and TOPSIS Method
Authors: Yu Wangwang , Liu Xinwang
Published: November 2021

Considering the decision maker’s psychological state will influence their evaluation result in the risky multi-attribute decision-making problem, and the uncertainty of evaluation information. In this paper, we will propose a behavioral risky multiple attribute decision making with interval type-2 fuzzy ranking method and TOPSIS method. The interval type-2 fuzzy set is used to express the uncertainty of evaluation information, the prospect theory is applied to describe people’s psychological state in the processing of risk decision making. First, we define a new ranking method for interval type-2 fuzzy set to compare the interval type-2 fuzzy evaluation information and the expectation. Second, we give a relative distance for interval type-2 fuzzy set to get the distance between the interval type-2 fuzzy evaluation information and expectation. Third, we use the prospect theory, the new defined ranking method and the new defined distance formula to obtain the comprehensive prospect value. Fourth, we use the improved TOPSIS method and the comprehensive prospect value to rank the alternatives. Based on the above-mentioned steps, we give the solution for risky interval type-2 fuzzy multiple attribute decision-making problem, which named as the behavioral risky multiple attribute decision making with interval type-2 fuzzy ranking method and TOPSIS method. Finally, we use an example to show the rationality of this method.
Critical Factors in the Formation and Development of Technology-Based Firm Networks in Incubation Environments in Brazil
Authors: Castro Cleber Carvalho de , Antunes Luiz Guilherme Rodrigues , Freire Clarissa Dourado
Published: November 2021

This research aims to identify the critical factors that influence the formation and development of the interorganizational networks that have emerged within incubators of technology-based firms in Brazil. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with startups form two networks of incubated companies (Education Network and Technology, Information and Knowledge Companies Network) and two incubators (Center of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology — CIETEC — and Incubator of Technology-Based Companies of Itajubá — INCIT). As a result, this study found eight critical factors: Actions by entrepreneurs, leadership, shared spaces, facilitation, network management, financial and brokerage, which can be framed in four characteristics: heterogeneity of the firms, lack of cooperation, interactions and the actions of the incubator. As a contribution, this research allows reflection on the effectiveness of the incubator, in addition to highlighting the complementarity of networks in the incubation processes. The study analyses different models of incubated firm networks that have been little explored as an object of study in the incubation literature and networks and what is the role of the incubator in each of these models.
Framing Causal Questions in Life Course Epidemiology
Authors: De Stavola Bianca L. , Herle Moritz , Pickles Andrew
Published: November 2021

We describe the principles of counterfactual thinking in providing more precise definitions of causal effects and some of the implications of this work for the way in which causal questions in life course research are framed and evidence evaluated. Terminology is explained and examples of common life course analyses are discussed that focus on the timing of exposures, the mediation of their effects, observed and unobserved confounders, and measurement error. The examples are illustrated by analyses using singleton and twin cohort data.
Post-Selection Inference
Authors: Kuchibhotla Arun K. , Kolassa John E. , Kuffner Todd A.
Published: November 2021

We discuss inference after data exploration, with a particular focus on inference after model or variable selection. We review three popular approaches to this problem: sample splitting, simultaneous inference, and conditional selective inference. We explain how each approach works and highlight its advantages and disadvantages. We also provide an illustration of these post-selection inference approaches.
Combinatorial Spectrum E-Auction for 5G Heterogeneous Networks: A Zether-Based Approach
Authors: Zhao Zijun , Ying Zuobin , Cai Zhiming , Ma Jianfeng
Published: November 2021

5G heterogeneous network (HetNet) is a novel network topology that integrates various kinds of wireless access technologies such as 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Wi-Fi, and so on. Despite greatly improving spectrum efficiency, it poses enormous challenges to spectrum e-auction. Firstly, due to high mobility, bidders may be interested in different spectrums in terms of time or geolocation. Secondly, one’s bidding value should be protected against rival bidders or adversaries to avoid vicious competition as well as privacy leakage. Thirdly, the ubiquitous HetNet requires a trustworthy distributed auction framework rather than a centralized auctioneer-based pattern. Aiming at overcoming these obstacles above, we proposed a blockchain-based combinatorial spectrum e-auction framework. Different from other blockchain-based solutions of using SGX to realize trust processing in the auction phase, we adopt Zether, a privacy-preserving smart contract, as the main building block. Besides, the bidding value is preserved from the beginning to the end, even though the time-consuming Paillier homomorphic encryption and garbled circuits are absent. We provide the auction security by leveraging

Σ

-Bullets, a zero-knowledge proof mechanism. Theoretical analysis and extensive evaluation also indicate that our approach is better than the state-of-the-art works in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
Screening of Altered Metabolites and Metabolic Pathways in Celiac Disease Using NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Khalkhal Ensieh , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Fathi Fariba , Nobakht M. Gh B. Fatemeh , Taherkhani Amir , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Asri Nastaran , Haidari Mohammad Hossain
Published: November 2021

Background. Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune intestinal disorder caused by gluten protein consumption in genetically predisposed individuals. As biopsy sampling is an invasive procedure, finding novel noninvasive serological markers for screening of at‐risk CeD population is a priority. Metabolomics is helpful in monitoring metabolite changes in body fluids and tissues. In the present study, we evaluated serum metabolite levels of CeD patients relative to healthy controls with the aim of introducing new biomarkers for population screening. Method. We compared the serum metabolic profile of CeD patients (n = 42) and healthy controls (n = 22) using NMR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis. Result. 25 metabolites were identified by serum metabolic profiling. Levels of 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid and isobutyrate showed significant differences in CeD patients’ samples compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). According to pathway analysis, our data demonstrated that changes in nine metabolic pathways were significantly disrupted/affected in patients with CeD. These enriched pathways are involved in aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis; primary bile acid biosynthesis; nitrogen metabolism; glutamine and glutamate metabolism; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation; taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and arginine biosynthesis. Conclusion. In summary, our results demonstrated that changes in the serum level of 25 metabolites may be useful in distinguishing CeD patients from healthy controls, which have the potential to be considered candidate biomarkers of CeD.