bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nationwide analysis of the impact of COVID-19 in patients with a cardiovascular, oncological or chronic pulmonary disease in the context of an Eastern European country with a low vaccination rate, Bulgaria: March 2020–April 2022
Authors: Dimitrov George , Valkov Trifon , Batselova Hristiana , Kounchev Ognyan , Momekov Georgi , Argirova Radka
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study focused on Bulgarian patient cohorts harbouring a single documented chronic comorbidity–cardiovascular pathology, an oncological disease or a chronic pulmonary diseases (CPD) comparing the outcomes in fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated populations classified by sex and age groups in ambulatory, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) settings at the national level.

Design

Retrospective analysis

Settings, participants and outcome measures

In total, 1 126 946 patients with confirmed COVID-19, on a national level, were retrospectively analysed between March 2020 and April 2022, using data from the Ministry of Health’s United Information Portal, launched in March 2020.

Results

Of all the confirmed 247 441 hospitalised cases of COVID-19, 67 723 (27.3%) had documented cardiovascular disease (CVD), 2140 (0.9%) had confirmed solid malignancy (regardless of stage) and 3243 (1.3%) had established CPD as their only chronic pathology. The number of cumulative deaths in each subgroup was 10 165 (in-hospital=5812 and ICU=4353); 4.0% vaccinated (410/10 165, p<0.001), 344 (in-hospital=196 and ICU=148), 4.9% vaccinated (17/344, p<0.001), 494 (in-hospital=287 and ICU=207) and 5.2% vaccinated (26/494, p<0.001), respectively. Statistical significance (p<0.001) was obtained in favour of reduced ambulatory, hospitalisation and both in-hospital and ICU-related mortality in the vaccinated cohorts, and BNT162b2 was the most effective at preventing mortality in all age groups.

Conclusions

This retrospective analysis shows that patients vaccinated against COVID-19 demonstrated trends of reduced hospitalisations and premature mortality in patients with CVD, solid malignancy or CPD as a single comorbidity.
What is the current state of research concerning self-efficacy in exercise behaviour? Protocol for two systematic evidence maps
Authors: Bill Vanessa , Wilke Annika , Sonsmann Flora , Rocholl Marc
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Knowing about a risk factor is not sufficient to ensure corresponding behaviour as additional psychological factors play a role. Self-efficacy is one of the major factors. This also applies to physical activity and exercise behaviour, which is a major public health topic in both primary and secondary prevention. The amount of research on self-efficacy in exercise behaviour is high yet remains uncharted. This protocol presents the research design for two systematic evidence maps on self-efficacy in exercise behaviour in (1) primary prevention and (2) secondary prevention. These maps will thus provide a comprehensive overview over the current state in published empirical research as a starting point for future researchers.

Methods and analysis

The databases Medline (via PubMed) and PsycINFO (via EbscoHost) will be searched using the search terms ‘self-efficacy’ and any of the search terms ‘sport’ and ‘exercise’ in titles and abstracts. All empirical research studies which have measured self-efficacy in relation to exercise behaviour will be included. The primary prevention systematic evidence map will aggregate all studies on healthy humans and the secondary prevention systematic evidence map will include all studies on humans with a pre-existing condition. We will extract and present the data points authors, title, year, sample size (N), age groups, surveyed sport and method of measuring self-efficacy in both systematic evidence maps. Moreover, we will extract and present the target group in the systematic evidence map on primary prevention and the pre-existing condition in the systematic evidence map on secondary prevention. In addition to a data table, we will create freely accessible evidence maps in the form of graphs.

Ethics and dissemination

Since this is a protocol, an ethics approval is not required for the presented and planned work. The results of the two systematic evidence maps will be disseminated via publication in international peer-reviewed journals. In addition, data will be shared in detail via the Open Science Framework platform.
How capacity building of district health managers has been designed, delivered and evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review and best fit framework analysis
Authors: Bosongo Samuel , Belrhiti Zakaria , Ekofo Joël , Kabanga Chrispin , Chenge Faustin , Criel Bart , Marchal Bruno
Published: August 2023

Objectives

We aimed to understand how capacity building programmes (CBPs) of district health managers (DHMs) have been designed, delivered and evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa. We focused on identifying the underlying assumptions behind leadership and management CBPs at the district level.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

We searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Health Systems Evidence, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar) on 6 April 2021 and 13 October 2022. We also searched for grey literature and used citation tracking.

Eligibility criteria

We included all primary studies (1) reporting leadership or management capacity building of DHMs, (2) in sub-Saharan Africa, (3) written in English or French and (4) published between 1 January 1987 and 13 October 2022.

Data extraction and synthesis

Three independent reviewers extracted data from included articles. We used the best fit framework synthesis approach to identify an a priori framework that guided data coding, analysis and synthesis. We also conducted an inductive analysis of data that could not be coded against the a priori framework.

Results

We identified 2523 papers and ultimately included 44 papers after screening and assessment for eligibility. Key findings included (1) a scarcity of explicit theories underlying CBPs, (2) a diversity of learning approaches with increasing use of the action learning approach, (3) a diversity of content with a focus on management rather than leadership functions and (4) a diversity of evaluation methods with limited use of theory-driven designs to evaluate leadership and management capacity building interventions.

Conclusion

This review highlights the need for explicit and well-articulated programme theories for leadership and management development interventions and the need for strengthening their evaluation using theory-driven designs that fit the complexity of health systems.
Understanding the valuation of paediatric health-related quality of life: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Yu Alice , Luo Yiting , Bahrampour Mina , Norman Richard , Street Deborah , Viney Rosalie , Devlin Nancy , Mulhern Brendan James
Published: August 2023

Introduction

There is evidence from previous studies that adults value paediatric health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and adult HRQoL differently. Less is known about how adolescents value paediatric HRQoL and whether their valuation and decision-making processes differ from those of adults. Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are widely used to develop value sets for measures of HRQoL, but there is still much to understand about whether and how the methods choices in the implementation of DCE valuation tasks, such as format, presentation and perspective, affect the decision-making process of participants. This paper describes the protocol for a qualitative study that aims to explore the decision-making process of adults and adolescents when completing DCE valuation tasks. The study will also explore the impact of methodological choices in the design of DCE studies (including decisions about format and presentation) on participants’ thinking process.

Methods and analysis

An interview protocol has been developed using DCE valuation tasks. Interviews will be conducted online via Zoom with both an adolescent and adult sample. In the interview, the participant will be asked to go through some DCE valuation tasks while ‘thinking aloud’. After completion of the survey, participants will then be asked some predetermined questions in relation to various aspects of the DCE tasks. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for this study has been received for the adult sample (UTS ETH20-9632) as well as the youth sample (UTS ETH22-6970) from the University of Technology Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee. Results from this study will inform the methods to be used in development of value sets for use in the health technology assessment of paediatric interventions and treatments. Findings from this study will also be disseminated through national/international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
Psychological capital and perceived supervisor social support as mediating roles between role stress and work engagement among Chinese clinical nursing teachers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Xiangjie , Yin Haiyan , Liu Chunlan , Zhao Fenge
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the work engagement of clinical nursing teachers and examine whether psychological capital and perceived supervisor social support mediates the association between role stress and work engagement among clinical nursing teachers.

Design

A cross-sectional study design was used.

Setting

This study was conducted in five tertiary hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Shandong Province, China.

Participants

A total of 412 clinical nursing teachers were recruited out of which 406 completed the questionnaires effectively.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered offline and the items consisted of social demographic characteristics, scale related to role stress, psychological capital, perceived supervisor social support and work engagement. T-tests, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS, and mediation analysis was performed using structural equation modelling.

Results

The work engagement scores of clinical nursing teachers were high, with an average score of 4.76±0.69. Structural equation modelling showed a good fit of the data to the hypothesised model. Role stress did not directly affect work engagement (β=0.057, p>0.001). However, a strong indirect effect of role stress on work engagement (β=−0.373, p<0.001) mediated by psychological capital and perceived supervisor social support was observed, with path coefficient of −0.319 (p<0.01) and −0.054 (p<0.01), respectively. The model explains 57% of the variance in work engagement.

Conclusion

Psychological capital and perceived supervisor social support fully mediated the relationship between role stress and work engagement among clinical nursing teachers. Thus, to promote the work engagement of clinical nursing teachers, their psychological capital needs to be improved. Furthermore, superiors should provide more support, particularly to clinical nursing teachers experiencing high role stress.
Comparison of conventional and cooled radiofrequency treatment of the genicular nerves versus sham procedure for patients with chronic knee pain: protocol for a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial (COGENIUS)
Authors: Vanneste Thibaut , Belba Amy , van Kuijk Sander , Kimman Merel , Bellemans Johan , Bonhomme Vincent , Sommer Micha , Emans Pieter , Vankrunkelsven Patrik , Tartaglia Katrien , Van Zundert Jan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of chronic knee pain is increasing. Osteoarthritis (OA) and persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) are two important causes of knee pain. Chronic knee pain is primarily treated with medications, physiotherapy, life-style changes and intra-articular infiltrations. A radiofrequency treatment (RF) of the genicular nerves is a therapeutical option for refractory knee pain. This study investigates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of conventional and cooled RF in patients suffering from chronic, therapy resistant, moderate to severe knee pain due to OA and PPSP.

Methods and analysis

The COGENIUS trial is a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial with 2-year follow-up. Patients and outcome assessors are blinded. Patients will be recruited and treated in Belgium and the Netherlands. All PPSP after a total knee prothesis and OA patients (grades 2–4) will undergo a run-in period of 1–3 months where conservative treatment will be optimised. After the run-in period, 200 patient per group will be randomised to conventional RF, cooled RF or a sham procedure following a 2:2:1 ratio. The analysis will include a comparison of the effectiveness of each RF treatment with the sham procedure and secondarily between conventional and cooled RF. All comparisons will be made for each indication separately. The primary outcome is the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score at 6 months. Other outcomes include knee pain, physical functionality, health-related quality of life, emotional health, medication use, healthcare and societal cost and adverse events up to 24 months postintervention.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University of Antwerp (Number Project ID 3069-Edge 002190-BUN B3002022000025), the Ethics committee of Maastricht University (Number NL80503.068.22-METC22-023) and the Ethics committee of all participating hospitals. Results of the study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05407610.
Racial disparities in functional outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy in a cohort of patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Srinivas Tara , Ran Kathleen , Nair Sumil K , Hung Alice , Young Christopher C , Tamargo Rafael J , Huang Judy , Marsh Elizabeth , Hillis Argye , Yedavalli Vivek , Urrutia Victor , Gailloud Philippe , Caplan Justin M , Gonzalez L Fernando , Xu Risheng
Published: August 2023

Background

Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients experience increased prevalence of stroke risk factors and stroke incidence compared with non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients. However, little is known about >90-day post-stroke functional outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy.

Objective

To describe patient characteristics, evaluate stroke risk factors, and analyze the adjusted impact of race on long-term functional outcomes to better identify and limit sources of disparity in post-stroke care.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 326 patients with ischemic stroke who underwent thrombectomy at two centers between 2019 and 2022. Race was self-reported as NHB, NHW, or non-Hispanic Other. Stroke risk factors, insurance status, procedural parameters, and post-stroke functional outcomes were collected. Good outcomes were defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 and/or discharge disposition to home/self-care. To assess the impact of race on outcomes at 3-, 6-, and 12-months’ follow-up, we performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Patients self-identified as NHB (42%), NHW (53%), or Other (5%). 177 (54.3%) patients were female; the median (IQR) age was 67.5 (59–77) years. The median (IQR) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 15 (10–20). On univariate analysis, NHB patients were more likely to have poor short- and long-term functional outcomes, which persisted on multivariate analysis as significant at 3 and 6 months but not at 12 months (3 months: OR=2.115, P=0.04; 6 months: OR=2.423, P=0.048; 12 months: OR=2.187, P=0.15). NHB patients were also more likely to be discharged to rehabilitation or hospice/death than NHW patients after adjusting for confounders (OR=1.940, P=0.04).

Conclusions

NHB patients undergoing thrombectomy for ischemic stroke experience worse 3- and 6-month functional outcomes than NHW patients after adjusting for confounders. Interestingly, this disparity was not detected at 12 months. Future research should focus on identifying social determinants in the short-term post-stroke recovery period to improve parity in stroke care.
Fishery participation and location choice model: the West Coast salmon troll commercial fishery
Authors: Vasquez Caballero Smit , Sylvia Gil , Holland Daniel S.
Published: August 2023

Random utility models have been widely used to model spatial choice within fisheries, but less attention has been paid to modeling participation and movement between fisheries. Fishers may switch fisheries in response to time closures or changes in profitability potentially creating management implications for those fisheries, as well as the fishery with the closure. We used a random utility maximization framework to model participation, fishery choice, and location choice for a large fleet of West Coast salmon trollers, many of which also participate in other fisheries. We used the model to demonstrate substitution effects across fisheries due to spatial policies implemented in the salmon fishery. Our work suggests that spatial management of a single fishery needs to take into consideration fishers’ full choice set to predict behavioral responses to spatial policies. Our analysis also provides insights into how fishers construct multifishery harvest strategies that enable them to more fully use capital or adjust to closures or changes in relative profitability.
The large-scale structure of the universe from a modified Friedmann equation
Authors: Ambjørn J. , Watabiki Y.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we have suggested that the late time expansion of the Universe is caused by the absorption of baby universes. This absorption leads to a modified Friedmann equation with one free parameter B replacing the cosmological constant. The late time cosmology is modified in such a way that one can obtain agreement with the measured values of the Hubble parameter H(z) for z between 0 and the value corresponding to the time of last scattering of CMB for a suitable choice of B. In this paper, we show that the modified Friedmann equation with this choice of B also describes well other aspects of the large-scale structure of the Universe.
Development of a biosensor based on a surface plasmon resonance structure comprising strontium titanate, graphene and affinity layers for malaria diagnosis
Authors: Almawgani Abdulkarem H. M. , Taya Sofyan A. , Abutailkh Mariam A. , Abohassan Khedr M. , Hindi Ayman Taher , Colak Ilhami , Pal Amrindra , Patel Shobhit K.
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the numerical analysis of a highly performed surface plasmon resonance (SPRE)-based sensor employing a hybrid structure of SrTiO3 (STO) and graphene for rapid detection of malaria. The investigation is performed using the angular interrogation technique and transfer matrix method. The SPRE device has a glass prism, silver (Ag), STO, graphene, affinity layer and sensing medium (SGM). Four coupling prisms are examined and we found the prism N-FK51A corresponds to the highest sensitivity. The sensitivity of the structure N-FK51A/Ag/STO/graphene/affinity layer/SGM is found to be 205.405, 222.222 and [Formula: see text]/RIU for Schizont, Trophozoite and Ring malaria stages. The layer thicknesses are then optimized and it is found that the proposed SPRE sensor can achieve a sensitivity of 278.378, 227.027 and [Formula: see text]/RIU for Schizont, Trophozoite and Ring malaria stages with 30 nm (silver), 1[Formula: see text]nm (STO), mono-sheet of graphene and 5[Formula: see text]nm of the affinity layer. These findings demonstrate that the proposed method and structure can be used efficiently for biomedical applications.
Effect of doping on vibration frequency of graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Wang Zhiqin , Wang Jing , Zhao Pengsen , Ouyang Fangping
Published: August 2023

Graphene has excellent mechanical properties and vibration frequency is an important mechanical property. In this paper, the effects of doping elements and doping concentrations on the vibration characteristics of graphene nanoribbons were investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. The vibration characteristics are influenced by the doping element, depending on the bond structural difference in bond structure between doping atoms and carbon atoms. The vibration frequencies of Nitrogen (N)-doped and Nitrogen–Nitrogen (N–N)-doped graphene nanoribbons are slightly lower than those of pure graphene nanoribbons. However, the vibration frequencies of Sulfur (S)/Phosphorus (P)-doped and Sulfur–Sulfur (S–S)/Phosphorus–Phosphorus (P–P)-doped graphene nanoribbons are significantly lower than those of pure graphene nanoribbons. In addition, with the increase of S (P) doping concentration, the vibration frequency of monolayer graphene nanoribbons decreases gradually.
Perception About Applying Acquired Knowledge and the Relationship with Work Performance
Authors: Rodrigues Eliane C. N. , Lizarelli Fabiane L. , Poltronieri Camila F.
Published: August 2023

Knowledge management is an important topic for different types of organisations, since one of the results of applying knowledge can be an increase in work performance. However, the process of knowledge creation and acquisition is complex and depends on several factors to make an impact on the performance of activities. This study aims to verify the relationships between the perception of knowledge value, acquisition and the impact on work performance in public organisations. The relationship between knowledge creation, organisational learning and work performance was also observed. An empirical study was carried out through a survey, using an electronic questionnaire as a data collection instrument, which obtained a sample of 49.3% of 136 Master’s graduates from a Professional Master’s Program focussed on public organisations. These graduates had gained knowledge that can be applied to work, addressing the use of the knowledge obtained in the Program and the relationship with their work performance. After analysing the research results using the PLS–SEM (Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling) technique, the proposed model was assessed and validated. The results support that when knowledge is understood as having more value, there is greater potential for acquiring this knowledge. Acquisition positively impacts knowledge creation, and this, in turn, has a positive relationship with organisational learning. Both knowledge creation and organisational learning positively impact work performance. Additionally, it was observed, through a multigroup analysis, that the relationships between knowledge creation and organisational learning, and between perceived value of knowledge and knowledge acquisition are greater for employees who had worked for less time in the institution and who were younger, identifying greater knowledge application, perception of knowledge creation impact and organisational learning by people who have worked for less than 10 years in the same institution.
Evolution of Knowledge Management Towards Wisdom Management
Authors: Jakubik Maria
Published: August 2023

To provide solutions to the world’s global challenges, there is an urgent demand for wise organisations, wise leadership, wise workers, and most importantly, for wise actions. Since the mid-1990s, Knowledge Management (KM) as a discipline and practice has emerged internationally, and it has passed through several phases of development. Simultaneously, in the last four decades we have experienced a growth of wisdom research and intensified discourses about Wisdom Management (WM) as a possible venue for dealing with wicked problems. The dilemma is whether the current sixth phase of KM is able to address the global problems of the world. Therefore, this conceptual paper seeks to answer the question if WM will complement or replace KM. This paper explores the evolutionary phases of KM; it presents the discourses about WM, and it discovers the presence of wisdom in the KM literature (1995–2022). The research approach is explorative and inductive. Methods of Computational Social Sciences and RStudio as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) are utilised for analysing, visualising, and interpreting the data. This paper analyses 255 wisdom-related keywords that emerged from 39 sources written by 50 authors. The three data analyses methods are: word cloud data analysis; dictionary-based data analysis, and bipartite network analysis. The findings are presented in word clouds; keywords frequency; bipartite network, and in a synthesised framework to show the similar and different concepts of KM and WM. The novelty value of this paper is the result of the bipartite network analysis that allows to identify how authors and wisdom-related keywords are connected with the same word nodes. This paper contributes to KM because it is the first study to explore and illustrate the presence of wisdom attributes in the KM literature.
The 2018 Eruption of Kīlauea: Insights, Puzzles, and Opportunities for Volcano Science
Authors: Anderson Kyle R. , Shea Thomas , Lynn Kendra J. , Montgomery-Brown Emily K. , Swanson Donald A. , Patrick Matthew R. , Shiro Brian R. , Neal Christina A.
Published: August 2023

The science of volcanology advances disproportionately during exceptionally large or well-observed eruptions. The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano (Hawai‘i) was its most impactful in centuries, involving an outpouring of more than one cubic kilometer of basalt, a magnitude 7 flank earthquake, and the volcano's largest summit collapse since at least the nineteenth century. Eruptive activity was documented in detail, yielding new insights into large caldera-rift eruptions; the geometry of a shallow magma storage-transport system and its interaction with rift zone tectonics; mechanisms of basaltic tephra-producing explosions; caldera collapse mechanics; and the dynamics of fissure eruptions and high-volume lava flows. Insights are broadly applicable to a range of volcanic systems and should reduce risk from future eruptions. Multidisciplinary collaboration will be required to fully leverage the diversity of monitoring data to address many of the most important outstanding questions.
▪Unprecedented observations of a caldera collapse and coupled rift zone eruption yield new opportunities for advancing volcano science.▪Magma flow to a low-elevation rift zone vent triggered quasi-periodic step-like collapse of a summit caldera, which pressurized the magma system and sustained the eruption.▪Kīlauea's magmatic-tectonic system is tightly interconnected over tens of kilometers, with complex feedback mechanisms and interrelated hazards over widely varying timescales.▪The eruption revealed magma stored in diverse locations, volumes, and compositions, not only beneath the summit but also within the volcano's most active rift zone.
ThesProcess and Beyond
Authors: Lugaro Maria , Pignatari Marco , Reifarth René , Wiescher Michael
Published: August 2023

Neutron captures produce the vast majority of abundances of elements heavier than iron in the Universe. Beyond the classical slow ( s) and rapid ( r) processes, there is observational evidence for neutron-capture processes that operate at neutron densities in between, at different distances from the valley of β stability. Here, we review the main properties of the s process within the general context of neutron-capture processes and the nuclear physics input required to investigate it. We describe massive stars and asymptotic giant branch stars as the s-process astrophysical sites and discuss the related physical uncertainties. We also present current observational evidence for the s process and beyond, which ranges from stellar spectroscopic observations to laboratory analysis of meteorites.
3D Integration via D2D Bump-Less Cu Bonding with Protruded and Recessed Topographies
Authors: Roshanghias Ali , Kaczynski Jaroslaw , Rodrigues Augusto , Karami Reza , Pires Mariana , Burggraf Juergen , Schmidt Andreas
Published: August 2023

Bump-less copper (Cu) bonding is currently the most attractive approach for fine-pitch (<20 μm) 3D integration due to its compatibility with the wafer back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) fabrication process. In this study, themocompression bonding of bump-less Cu pads with a diameter of 4 μm and a pitch size of 10 μm was pursued, while chemical mechanical polishing (CMP)-processed Cu pads enclosed in SiO2 were employed with both protruded and recessed topographies. The effects of Cu topography (protruded or recessed) and bonding temperature on the electrical and microstructural properties of the die bonds as well as mechanical bonding strength were investigated. It was found that thermocompression bonding of CMP-processed Cu can be realized at shorter processing times, lower bonding temperatures, and pressures than standard electroplated Cu bonding. The bonding yield of the three configurations, i.e. protruded-protruded, protruded-recessed, and recessed-recessed Cu pads was also compared.
Ab-Initio Calculations of Structural, Optoelectronic, Thermoelectric, and Thermodynamic Properties of Mixed-Halide Perovskites RbPbBr3−xIx (x = 0 to 3): Applicable in Renewable Energy Devices
Authors: Rani Monika , Kamlesh Peeyush Kumar , Kumawat Sunil , Anuradha  , Rani Upasana , Arora Gunjan , Verma Ajay Singh
Published: August 2023

In the present research work, we have examined the variations in the structural, electronic, optical, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties of mixed halide perovskites, RbPbBr3-xIx (x = 0 to 3) by utilizing the FP-LAPW approach in the WIEN2k code within the GGA-PBE for exchange-correlation functionals. The orthorhombic halides RbPbBr3-xIx are found to exhibit direct band gap semiconducting character with band gap between 2 and 3 eV, as consensus with available experimental and theoretical results for the RbPbBr3 and RbPbI3 compounds. The thermal stability of these materials are confirmed by the thermodynamic results obtained by Gibbs approximations. Moreover, optical parameters for RbPbI3 are higher than those for other halide perovskites; encouraging its use for photovoltaic applications. The thermoelectric parameters of these materials are investigated at 300, 600, and 900 K, which reveals that RbPbIBr2 is the most efficient for thermoelectric devices among the other investigated materials.
Context-dependent effects of CCN2 on β-cell mass expansion and indicators of cell stress in the setting of acute and chronic stress
Authors: Townsend Shannon E. , Fuhr Jennifer D. , Gannon Maureen
Published: August 2023

CCN2 promotes β-cell mass expansion in settings of suboptimal β-cell mass. Here, we demonstrate that the ability of CCN2 to induce β-cell mass expansion in the setting of β-cell stress is context-dependent. Our results suggest that β-cell stress is necessary but insufficient for CCN2 to increase β-cell proliferation and mass. Furthermore, we found that CCN2 promotes upregulation of a key antioxidant transcription factor, suggesting that modulation of β-cell oxidative stress contributes to the actions of CCN2.
Complex urban atmosphere alters alveolar stem cells niche properties and drives lung fibrosis
Authors: Belgacemi Randa , Ribeiro Baptista Bruno , Justeau Grégoire , Toigo Marylène , Frauenpreis Andrew , Yilmaz Rojda , Der Vartanian Audrey , Cazaunau Mathieu , Pangui Edouard , Bergé Antonin , Gratien Aline , Macias Rodriguez Juan Camilo , Bellusci Saverio , Derumeaux Geneviève , Boczkowski Jorge , Al Alam Denise , Coll Patrice , Lanone Sophie , Boyer Laurent
Published: August 2023

Urban pollution is known to have major adverse effects on lung health. To assess the effect of pollution on alveolar regeneration, we exposed adult mice to a simulated high-pollution urban atmosphere, using an innovative CESAM simulation chamber (Multiphase Atmospheric Experimental Simulation Chamber, https://cesam.cnrs.fr/ ). We demonstrated that urban atmosphere alters alveolar mesenchymal stem cell niche properties by inducing a lipofibroblast to myofibroblast shift and induces alveolar epithelial dysfunction.
The thermoception task: a thermal imaging-based procedure for measuring awareness of changes in peripheral body temperature
Authors: Vabba Alisha , Panasiti Maria Serena , Scattolin Marina , Spitaleri Marco , Porciello Giuseppina , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: August 2023

We developed a novel task measuring awareness of changes in peripheral body temperature (i.e., thermal interoception). To avoid tactile confounds present in existing thermoceptive tasks, we used an infrared light bulb to deliver stimuli of different temperature intensities to the hand of participants and asked them to judge the perceived change in their hand temperature. Performance in the task showed good interindividual variability, did not correlate with cardiac interoceptive tasks, and was associated with self-reported thermosensitivity.
Effects of wrist posture and stabilization on precision grip force production and muscle activation patterns
Authors: Popp Werner L. , Richner Lea , Lambercy Olivier , Shirota Camila , Barry Alexander , Gassert Roger , Kamper Derek G.
Published: August 2023

We explored the interdependence between wrist and fingers by assessing the influence of wrist posture and external stabilization on precision grip force generation. We found that maximum precision grip force occurred at an extended wrist posture and was 20% greater when the wrist was Externally Stabilized. The latter resulted from amplification of muscle activation patterns from the Self-Stabilized condition rather than adoption of new patterns exploiting external wrist stabilization.
Bilateral arm movements are coordinated via task-dependent negotiations between independent and codependent control, but not by a “coupling” control policy
Authors: Kitchen Nick M. , Yuk Jisung , Przybyla Andrzej , Scheidt Robert A. , Sainburg Robert L.
Published: August 2023

Minimization of performance and control costs and efferent coupling between bilaterally homologous muscle groups have been separately hypothesized to describe patterns of bimanual coordination. Here, we address whether the mechanisms mediating independent and codependent control between limbs can be weighted for successful task performance. Using bilaterally asymmetric visuomotor gain perturbations, we show bimanual coordination can be characterized as a negotiation along a spectrum between extremes of independent and codependent control, but not efferent control coupling.
Recurrent Strokes in a Woman with a History of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Adimora Ijele , Zhang Bingnan , Idowu Modupe
Published: August 2023

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a microangiopathy characterized by mechanical hemolytic anemia, resulting in end-organ damage. We describe a case of TTP which presented as an ischemic stroke. The patient presented with stroke as the primary manifestation of TTP despite a normal platelet count and mildly elevated lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH). The patient underwent two transfusions of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and ADAMTS13 levels confirmed the diagnosis of TTP after discharge. This case demonstrates the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for TTP in the setting of normal laboratory values and reveals the many atypical manifestations of TTP.
Harnessing Natural Killer Cells for Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ma Shoubao , Caligiuri Michael A. , Yu Jianhua
Published: August 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although natural killer (NK) cells are garnering interest as a potential anticancer therapy because they selectively recognize and eliminate cancer cells, their use in treating solid tumors, including lung cancer, has been limited due to impediments to their efficacy, such as their limited ability to reach tumor tissues, the reduced antitumor activity of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, and the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the cross-talk between the lung cancer TME and NK cells. We highlight the various mechanisms used by the TME to modulate NK-cell phenotypes and limit infiltration, explore the role of the TME in limiting the antitumor activity of NK cells, and discuss the current challenges and obstacles that hinder the success of NK-cell–based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Potential opportunities and promising strategies to address these challenges have been implemented or are being developed to optimize NK-cell–based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Through critical evaluation of existing literature and emerging trends, this review provides a comprehensive outlook on the future of NK-cell–based immunotherapy for treating lung cancer.
Supplementary Table S2 from Socioeconomic Status at Birth and Breast Tissue Composition in Adolescence and Adulthood
Authors: Kehm Rebecca D. , Lilge Lothar , Walter E. Jane , White Melissa , Herbstman Julie B. , Perera Frederica P. , Miller Rachel L. , Terry Mary Beth , Tehranifar Parisa
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table S2 shows the characteristics of adolescent girls by maternal education at birth in the Columbia Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (Columbia-BCERP) Study, n = 165.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Characteristics of Cancer Epidemiology Studies That Employ Metabolomics: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yu Catherine T. , Farhat Zeinab , Livinski Alicia A. , Loftfield Erikka , Zanetti Krista A.
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure S5 shows scatterplot illustrating 80 cancer-metabolomics primary analyses from 77 studies. Studies that had multiple cancer outcomes were considered separately in the analysis.
Supplementary Table 1 from Patterns of Evidence-Based Care for the Diagnosis, Staging, and First-line Treatment of Breast Cancer by Race–Ethnicity: A SEER-Medicare Study
Authors: Herbach Emma L. , Nash Sarah H. , Lizarraga Ingrid M. , Carnahan Ryan M. , Wang Kai , Ogilvie Amy C. , Curran Michaela , Charlton Mary E.
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table 1 provides detailed definitions for all study variables, including billing codes and data sources used.
Data from Socioeconomic status at birth and breast tissue composition in adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Kehm Rebecca D. , Lilge Lothar , Walter E Jane , White Melissa , Herbstman Julie B. , Perera Frederica P. , Miller Rachel L. , Terry Mary Beth , Tehranifar Parisa
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) at birth is associated with breast cancer risk. Whether this association is driven by changes in breast tissue composition (BTC) prior to adulthood remains unclear.

Methods: We used multivariable linear regression models to examine whether SES at birth is associated with BTC in adolescence and adulthood using data from a New York City cohort of daughters (n=165, 11-20 years) and mothers (n=160, 29-55 years). We used maternal-reported data on daughters’ household income and maternal education at birth, analyzed individually and in combination (SES index). Women also reported their own mothers’ education at birth. We used optical spectroscopy to evaluate BTC measures that positively (water content, collagen content, optical index) and negatively (lipid content) correlate with mammographic breast density, a recognized breast cancer risk factor.

Results: Being in the highest versus lowest category of the SES index was associated with lower lipid content (βadjusted=-0.80, 95% CI=-1.30,-0.31) and higher collagen content (βadjusted=0.54, 95% CI=0.09,0.99) in adolescence. In women with a BMI <30 kg/m2, higher maternal education at birth (≥ vs. < high school degree) was associated with lower lipid content (βadj = -0.57, 95% CI = -0.97,-0.17), higher water content (βadj = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.26,1.14), and higher optical index (βadj = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.10,0.95).

Conclusions: This study supports that SES at birth is associated with BTC in adolescence and adulthood, although the latter association may depend on adult BMI.

Impact: Further research is needed to identify the socially patterned early life factors influencing BTC.
Data from Characteristics of Cancer Epidemiology Studies that Employ Metabolomics: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yu Catherine T. , Farhat Zeinab , Livinski Alicia A. , Loftfield Erikka , Zanetti Krista A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract
An increasing number of cancer epidemiology studies use metabolomics assays. This scoping review characterizes trends in the literature in terms of study design, population characteristics, and metabolomics approaches and identifies opportunities for future growth and improvement. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science: Core Collection databases and included research articles that used metabolomics to primarily study cancer, contained minimum 100 cases in each main analysis stratum, used an epidemiological study design, and were published in English from 1998–June 2021. 2048 articles were screened of which 314 full texts were further assessed resulting in 77 included articles. The most well-studied cancers were colorectal (19.5%), prostate (19.5%), and breast (19.5%). Most studies used a nested case-control design to estimate associations between individual metabolites and cancer risk and a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry untargeted or semi-targeted approach to measure metabolites in blood. Studies were geographically diverse, including countries in Asia, Europe, and North America; 27.3% of studies reported on participant race, majority reporting White participants. Most studies (70.2%) included fewer than 300 cancer cases in their main analysis. This scoping review identified key areas for improvement, including needs for standardized race and ethnicity reporting, more diverse study populations, and larger studies.
Data from Associations between ambient air pollutants and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP)
Authors: Leiser Claire L. , Whitsel Eric A. , Reiner Alexander , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Taylor Kent D. , Tracy Russel P. , Kooperberg Charles , Smith Albert Vernon , Mason JoAnn E. , Mychaleckyj Josyf C. , Bick Alexander G. , Szpiro Adam A. , Kaufman Joel D.
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is an age-related somatic mutation associated with incident hematologic cancer. Environmental stressors which, like air pollution, generate oxidative stress at the cellular level, may induce somatic mutations and some mutations may provide a selection advantage for persistence and expansion of specific clones.

Materials and Methods
We used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) N=4,379 and the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) N=7,701 to estimate cross-sectional associations between annual average air pollution concentrations at participant address the year before blood draw using validated spatiotemporal models. We used covariate-adjusted logistic regression to estimate risk of CHIP per interquartile range increases in PM2.5 (4 ug/m3) and NO2 (10 ppb) as odds ratios (95% confidence intervals).

Results
Prevalence of CHIP at blood draw (variant allele fraction > 2%) was 4.4% and 8.7% in MESA and WHI, respectively. The most common CHIP driver mutation was in DNMT3A. Neither pollutant was associated with CHIP: ORMESA PM2.5=1.00 (0.68-1.45), ORMESA NO2=1.05 (0.69-1.61), ORWHI PM2.5=0.97 (0.86-1.09), ORWHI NO2=0.98 (0.88-1.10); or with DNMT3A-driven CHIP.

Conclusions
We did not find evidence that air pollution contributes to CHIP prevalence in two large observational cohorts.

Impact
This is the first study to estimate associations between air pollution and CHIP.
Data from Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Cancer Mortality Beginning One Year after a Negative Fecal Occult Blood Test, among Screen-Eligible 76- to 85-Year-Olds
Authors: Dalmat Ronit R. , Ziebell Rebecca A. , Kamineni Aruna , Phipps Amanda I. , Weiss Noel S. , Breslau Erica S. , Burnett-Hartman Andrea N. , Corley Douglas A. , Doria-Rose V. Paul , Green Beverly B. , Halm Ethan A. , Levin Theodore R. , Schottinger Joanne E. , Chubak Jessica
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground:
Colorectal cancer screening is universally recommended for adults ages 45 to 75 years. Noninvasive fecal occult blood tests are effective screening tests recommended by guidelines. However, empirical evidence to inform older adults’ decisions about whether to continue screening is sparse, especially for individuals with prior screening.
Methods:
This study used a retrospective cohort of older adults at three Kaiser Permanente integrated healthcare systems (Northern California, Southern California, Washington) and Parkland Health. Beginning 1 year following a negative stool-based screening test, cumulative risks of colorectal cancer incidence, colorectal cancer mortality (accounting for deaths from other causes), and non-colorectal cancer mortality were estimated.
Results:
Cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer in screen-eligible adults ages 76 to 85 with a negative fecal occult blood test 1 year ago (N = 118,269) was 0.23% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.20%–0.26%] after 2 years and 1.21% (95% CI, 1.13%–1.30%) after 8 years. Cumulative colorectal cancer mortality was 0.03% (95% CI, 0.02%–0.04%) after 2 years and 0.33% (95% CI, 0.28%–0.39%) after 8 years. Cumulative risk of death from non-colorectal cancer causes was 4.81% (95% CI, 4.68%–4.96%) after 2 years and 28.40% (95% CI, 27.95%–28.85%) after 8 years.
Conclusions:
Among 76- to 85-year-olds with a recent negative stool-based test, cumulative colorectal cancer incidence and mortality estimates were low, especially within 2 years; death from other causes was over 100 times more likely than death from colorectal cancer.
Impact:
These findings of low absolute colorectal cancer risk, and comparatively higher risk of death from other causes, can inform decision-making regarding whether and when to continue colorectal cancer screening beyond age 75 among screen-eligible adults.
Supplementary Figure 5 from Podoplanin Drives Amoeboid Invasion in Canine and Human Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Shinada Masahiro , Kato Daiki , Motegi Tomoki , Tsuboi Masaya , Ikeda Namiko , Aoki Susumu , Iguchi Takaaki , Li Toshio , Kodera Yuka , Ota Ryosuke , Hashimoto Yuko , Takahashi Yosuke , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kato Yukinari , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: August 2023

ROCK inhibition suppresses cell proliferation, survival, and migration.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Overlaid Transcriptional and Proteome Analyses Identify Mitotic Kinesins as Important Targets of Arylsulfonamide-Mediated RBM39 Degradation
Authors: Coomar Seemon , Mota Pedro , Penson Alexander , Schwaller Jürg , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Gillingham Dennis
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure S5
TABLE 3 from Integrative Prognostic Machine Learning Models in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hill Holly A. , Jain Preetesh , Ok Chi Young , Sasaki Koji , Chen Han , Wang Michael L. , Chen Ken
Published: August 2023

Cox regression models
Supplementary Table 1 from Integrative Prognostic Machine Learning Models in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hill Holly A. , Jain Preetesh , Ok Chi Young , Sasaki Koji , Chen Han , Wang Michael L. , Chen Ken
Published: August 2023

Initial Treatment List for Mantle Cell Lymphoma Patients