bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The past, present, and future of the brain imaging data structure (BIDS)
Authors: Poldrack Russell A. , Markiewicz Christopher J. , Appelhoff Stefan , Ashar Yoni K. , Auer Tibor , Baillet Sylvain , Bansal Shashank , Beltrachini Leandro , Benar Christian G. , Bertazzoli Giacomo , Bhogawar Suyash , Blair Ross W. , Bortoletto Marta , Boudreau Mathieu , Brooks Teon L. , Calhoun Vince D. , Castelli Filippo Maria , Clement Patricia , Cohen Alexander L. , Cohen-Adad Julien , D’Ambrosio Sasha , de Hollander Gilles , de la Iglesia-Vayá María , de la Vega Alejandro , Delorme Arnaud , Devinsky Orrin , Draschkow Dejan , Duff Eugene Paul , DuPre Elizabeth , Earl Eric , Esteban Oscar , Feingold Franklin W. , Flandin Guillaume , Galassi Anthony , Gallitto Giuseppe , Ganz Melanie , Gau Rémi , Gholam James , Ghosh Satrajit S. , Giacomel Alessio , Gillman Ashley G. , Gleeson Padraig , Gramfort Alexandre , Guay Samuel , Guidali Giacomo , Halchenko Yaroslav O. , Handwerker Daniel A. , Hardcastle Nell , Herholz Peer , Hermes Dora , Honey Christopher J. , Innis Robert B. , Ioanas Horea-Ioan , Jahn Andrew , Karakuzu Agah , Keator David B. , Kiar Gregory , Kincses Balint , Laird Angela R. , Lau Jonathan C. , Lazari Alberto , Legarreta Jon Haitz , Li Adam , Li Xiangrui , Love Bradley C. , Lu Hanzhang , Marcantoni Eleonora , Maumet Camille , Mazzamuto Giacomo , Meisler Steven L. , Mikkelsen Mark , Mutsaerts Henk , Nichols Thomas E. , Nikolaidis Aki , Nilsonne Gustav , Niso Guiomar , Norgaard Martin , Okell Thomas W. , Oostenveld Robert , Ort Eduard , Park Patrick J. , Pawlik Mateusz , Pernet Cyril R. , Pestilli Franco , Petr Jan , Phillips Christophe , Poline Jean-Baptiste , Pollonini Luca , Raamana Pradeep Reddy , Ritter Petra , Rizzo Gaia , Robbins Kay A. , Rockhill Alexander P. , Rogers Christine , Rokem Ariel , Rorden Chris , Routier Alexandre , Saborit-Torres Jose Manuel , Salo Taylor , Schirner Michael , Smith Robert E. , Spisak Tamas , Sprenger Julia , Swann Nicole C. , Szinte Martin , Takerkart Sylvain , Thirion Bertrand , Thomas Adam G. , Torabian Sajjad , Varoquaux Gael , Voytek Bradley , Welzel Julius , Wilson Martin , Yarkoni Tal , Gorgolewski Krzysztof J.
Published: February 2024

The Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) is a community-driven standard for the organization of data and metadata from a growing range of neuroscience modalities. This paper is meant as a history of how the standard has developed and grown over time. We outline the principles behind the project, the mechanisms by which it has been extended, and some of the challenges being addressed as it evolves. We also discuss the lessons learned through the project, with the aim of enabling researchers in other domains to learn from the success of BIDS.
“Now I Get It!”: Eureka Experiences During the Acquisition of Mathematical Concepts
Authors: Barot Charlotte , Chevalier Louise , Martin Lucie , Izard Véronique
Published: February 2024

Many famous scientists have reported anecdotes where a new understanding occurred to them suddenly, in an unexpected flash. Do people generally experience such “Eureka” moments when learning science concepts? And if so, do these episodes truly vehicle sudden insights, or is this impression illusory? To address these questions, we developed a paradigm where participants were taught the mathematical concept of geodesic, which generalizes the common notion of straight line to straight trajectories drawn on curved surfaces. After studying lessons introducing this concept on the sphere, participants (N = 56) were tested on their understanding of geodesics on the sphere and on other surfaces. Our findings indicate that Eureka experiences are common when learning mathematics, with reports by 34 (61%) participants. Moreover, Eureka experiences proved an accurate description of participants’ learning, in two respects. First, Eureka experiences were associated with learning and generalization: the participants who reported experiencing Eurekas performed better at identifying counterintuitive geodesics on new surfaces. Second, and in line with the firstperson experience of a sudden insight, our findings suggest that the learning mechanisms responsible for Eureka experiences are inaccessible to reflective introspection. Specifically, reports of Eureka experiences and of participants’ confidence in their own understanding were associated with different profiles of performance, indicating that the mechanisms bringing about Eureka experiences and those informing reflective confidence were at least partially dissociated. Learning mathematical concepts thus appears to involve mechanisms that operate unconsciously, except when a key computational step is reached and a sudden insight breaks into consciousness.
The Missing VP Illusion in Spanish: Assessing the Role of Language Statistics and Working Memory
Authors: Pañeda Claudia , Lago Sol
Published: February 2024

In English, double center-embedded sentences yield a so-called “missing VP illusion”: When they are ungrammatical due to a missing verb, they are judged as equally or even more acceptable than their grammatical counterparts. The illusion is often attributed to working memory limitations. Additionally, it has been suggested that statistical differences across languages—e.g., the lower frequency of consecutive verb clusters in verb-initial languages—play a role, since languages with verb-final embedded clauses are less susceptible to the illusion than English. In two speeded acceptability experiments, we demonstrate that the illusion arises in Spanish, a verb-initial language. We also find that the strength of the illusion is modulated by the number of consecutive verbs, consistent with the involvement of language statistics. By contrast, we do not find that participants’ working memory modulates the illusion, failing to support a role of memory limitations. Our results support the generalization that cross-linguistic variation in the missing VP illusion is associated with language statistics and verb position and they demonstrate that this is the case even in languages in which word order is not a reliable processing cue.
Description of the full-grown larva and barcode of Athripsodes taounate taounate Dakki & Malicky 1980 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae), an Iberic-Maghrebian endemic
Authors: RUIZ-GARCÍA ANTONIO , LARA-RODRÍGUEZ ANDRÉS , GARZÓN ANDRÉS
Published: February 2024

In this paper we describe the main morphological characteristics that distinguish the full-grown larva of Athripsodes taounate taounate, an Iberic-Maghrebian endemic. The conspecificity of the larva and adult was confirmed by DNA analysis. Morphological features that discriminate it from the described Iberian-Maghrebian species of Athripsodes are given.
An Empirical Study of the Implications of Service Sector Growth for Output Growth in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Tonmoyee , Hoque Mohammad Morshedul
Published: February 2024

Due to the growing importance of Bangladesh’s service economy and the country’s expanding industrial sector, strengthening the service sector has become a primary objective. Given the size and interconnectedness of the services sector with the rest of the economy, it is critical to understand how it affects other macroeconomic variables, most notably output growth. Our primary objective is to survey and analyse the service sector’s current state to ascertain its contribution to economic growth. This study undertakes this investigation using systematic econometric approaches and annual data from 1972 to 2021. Findings suggest that expanding the service industry in Bangladesh positively impacts the country’s per capita income (PCI) growth rate. Particularly, if the service sector growth increases by one percentage point, the growth of per capita real GDP will increase by 0.62 percentage points. The finding has important policy implications. Most importantly, government needs to enact policies to promote the service sector of the country in an effort to achieve economic prosperity.

JEL Codes: L80, O11, O14
Effect of seawater aging on the erosive wear response of aramid fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Eslava-Hernández Abel , Rodríguez-González Julio A , Rubio-González Carlos , Martínez-Pérez Armando I , Vera-Cárdenas Edgar E
Published: February 2024

This study presents the effect caused by the saline environment (artificial seawater) on the physical and tribological properties of laminated composite materials reinforced with aramid fibers when they are subjected to erosive wear by sand particles. Composite materials made by epoxy resin and reinforced with glass fiber, carbon fiber and hybrid fiber (aramid with carbon) were studied. The laminates were superficially reinforced with layers of Kevlar fiber and prepared by the vacuum-assisted resin infusion process. The samples were subjected to a seawater accelerated aging process at 70°C for 1122 h. To reproduce erosive wear conditions of marine structural components, sea sand was used as solid particle under conditions of 4.5 bar of pressure, impact speed of 4.7 m/s and impact angle of 90°. The results showed that aged materials absorb more impact energy with respect to unaged counterparts, causing less material loss and a less depth in the wear track. The information generated by this research work may serve for the design and durability analysis of marine structures such as tidal turbine blades.
Microfoundations of domestic audience costs in nondemocratic regimes: Experimental evidence from Putin’s Russia
Authors: Smetana Michal
Published: February 2024

Do leaders in nondemocratic regimes face public backlash when they threaten to use military force and back down? Whether citizens disapprove of empty threats is central to studying the domestic ‘audience costs’ in international crisis bargaining, but there is little experimental evidence of this phenomenon from autocracies. In this research article, I present the results of an original survey experiment investigating the microfoundations of domestic audience costs in the Russian Federation. My findings showed that even in Putin’s Russia, the citizens expressed attitudes in line with the audience costs theory. However, I also demonstrate that the effect of audience costs treatments was significantly stronger for the opponents of the current Russian leadership than for the supporters. The results of this study represent an important contribution to the existing literature by providing micro-level empirical evidence from a personalist nondemocratic regime.
Early Perceptions of Teaching and Learning Using Generative AI in Higher Education
Authors: Damiano Amanda D. , Lauría Eitel J.M. , Sarmiento Christian , Zhao Ningjing
Published: February 2024

This project explored perceptions of ChatGPT in higher education among students and faculty to assess teaching and learning implications of this Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI)–based novel tool. Two theoretical frameworks inspired the project, including Diffusion of Innovation theory (Rogers, 1962) and Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989). An online survey was completed by 380 participants ( N = 380). Participants indicated that they would not use ChatGPT to plagiarize but believed others would. When asked to rate the accuracy of ChatGPT's output, more than half took the incorrect output as correct/somewhat correct or could not tell whether it was correct or incorrect. Results varied based on participant demographics, including age, gender, and occupation. These findings support the need for data literacy. If Generative AI is to be used in higher education to aid in the learning process, it is imperative to continue teaching critical thinking.
Towards a core outcome set for dysarthria after stroke: What should we measure?
Authors: Mitchell Claire , Woodward-Nutt Kate , Dancer Annette , Taylor Stephen , Bugler Joe , Bowen Audrey , Conroy Paul , Whelan Brooke-Mai , Wallace Sarah J , El Kouaissi Sabrina , Kirkham Jamie
Published: February 2024

Objective

To identify and agree on what outcome domains should be measured in research and clinical practice when working with stroke survivors who have dysarthria.

Design

Delphi process, two rounds of an online survey followed by two online consensus meetings.

Setting

UK and Australia.

Participants

Stroke survivors with experience of dysarthria, speech and language therapists/pathologists working in stroke and communication researchers.

Methods

Initial list of outcome domains generated from existing literature and with our patient and public involvement group to develop the survey. Participants completed two rounds of this survey to rate importance. Outcomes were identified as ‘in’, ‘unclear’ or ‘out’ from the second survey. All participants were invited to two consensus meetings to discuss these results followed by voting to identify critically important outcome domains for a future Core Outcome Set. All outcomes were voted on in the consensus meetings and included if 70% of meeting participants voted ‘yes’ for critically important.

Results

In total, 148 surveys were fully completed, and 28 participants attended the consensus meetings. A core outcome set for dysarthria after stroke should include four outcome domains: (a) intelligibility of speech, (b) ability to participate in conversations, (c) living well with dysarthria, (d) skills and knowledge of communication partners (where relevant).

Conclusions

We describe the consensus of ‘what’ speech outcomes after stroke are valued by all stakeholders including those with lived experience. We share these findings to encourage the measurement of these domains in clinical practice and research and for future research to identify ‘how’ best to measure these outcomes.
The Impact of Fluid Balance on Acute Kidney Injury in Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Merrill Dante , Craven Jack M. , Silvey Scott , Gouger Daniel , Wang Chen , Patel Rishi , Yajnik Vishal
Published: February 2024

Background: Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can lead to poor neurologic outcomes, particularly when delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) occurs. Maintenance of euvolemia following SAH is thought to reduce the risk of DCI. However, attempts at maintaining euvolemia often err on the side of hypervolemia. In this study, we assessed the relationship between fluid balance and acute kidney injury (AKI) in SAH patients, assessing hypervolemia versus euvolemia and their impact on AKI. Methods: In a quaternary care center, neuroscience intensive care unit we conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis in adult patients who suffered a nontraumatic SAH. Results: Out of 139 patients, 15 (10.8%) patients developed an AKI while hospitalized, with 7 stage I, 3 stage II, and 5 stage III injuries. Acute kidney injury patients had higher peak sodium (150.1 mEq/L vs 142.7 mEq/L, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [2.7-12.1 mEq/L]), higher discharge chloride (109.1 mEq/L vs 104.9 mEq/L, 95% CI: [0.7-7.6 mEq/L]), and lower hemoglobin at discharge (9.3 g/dL vs 11.3 g/dL, 95% CI: [1.0-2.9 g/dL]). At 7 days, AKI patients had a fluid balance that was 1.82 L higher ( P = .04), and 3.38 L higher at 14 days ( P = .02), in comparison to day 3. Acute kidney injury was associated with significant mortality increases. This increase in mortality was found at 30 days from admission with a 9.52-fold increase, and at 60 days with a 6.25-fold increase. As a secondary outcome, vasospasm (19 patients, 13.7%) showed no association with AKI. Conclusions: Acute kidney injury following SAH is correlated with clinically significant hypervolemia, elevated sodium, elevated chloride, decreased urine output, and decreased hemoglobin at discharge—risk factors for all SAH patients. This study further elucidates the harm of hypervolemia and gives greater practical evidence to physicians attempting to balance the dangers of vasospasm and AKI.
Historical Legacies and Their Impact on Human Capital: Comparing Regions within Romania
Authors: Bădescu Gabriel , Angi Daniela , Benedek Jozsef , Constantinescu Sorana
Published: February 2024

This article asks if the measures of human capital, ethnic diversity, and gender equality from 1930 explain current levels of human capital in Romania, while also assessing the role of macro-regional differences in the manifestation of historical legacies. We focus on human capital, measured by educational attainment and by conscientiousness, a personality trait we estimate using a behavioral measure. The analysis is based on a recent large-scale national survey from 2019–2020 and census data from 1930. We find that contemporary human capital levels are influenced by a combination of factors, including historical human capital levels, ethnic diversity, and gender equality. Additionally, we show that the long-term impact of these factors can vary by region. Specifically, our study identifies four distinct long-term effects within the historical region of Transylvania and two in the rest of the country. In Transylvania, the present educational attainment is shaped by both the 1930 literacy rate and gender equality, while in the other regions, only the literacy rate exerts a statistically significant influence. Similarly, when it comes to current levels of conscientiousness, Transylvania’s levels are affected by both the 1930 literacy rate and ethnolinguistic fractionalization, whereas in the rest of the country, only ethnolinguistic fractionalization has a statistically significant impact.
Sharing Evaluation Information to Strengthen Nonprofit Accountability: The Influence of Learning and Data Utilization Practices
Authors: Robichau Robbie Waters , Bryan Tara Kolar , Lee Jooho
Published: February 2024

This study examines the role of learning and evaluation data utilization in nonprofit accountability practices. Survey data of 243 nonprofit managers were used to assess the pathway between learning environments and practices to evaluation data utilization and the subsequent sharing of evaluation information. Results from partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) indicate that supportive learning environments, where nonprofit managers and staff engage in learning practices, can facilitate data utilization for internal decision-making, thereby resulting in stronger linkages to sharing evaluation information. Our research suggests the need for intentional strategies around learning and data cultures in nonprofits, as nonprofit managers serve as the linchpin to internal accountability through using evaluation results to inform decisions, assess progress, improve programs, and train staff. Our research contributes to the nonprofit literature by showing how the combination of learning environments and practices serve as drivers for data-driven decision-making, which in turn improves nonprofit accountability practices.
Zooarchaeological perspectives in the framework of the Anthropocene: Contributions to ecological, environmental and conservation studies from South America
Authors: Mignino Julián , López José Manuel , Samec Celeste Tamara
Published: February 2024

This special volume considers major recent changes in southern South American animal communities. Eleven papers consider megafauna, pinnipeds, marine mammals, small terrestrial mammals and birds and are grouped under four sub-headings: (1) Isotopic insights into guanaco populations; (2) Historical sources and marine ecosystem change; (3) Changes in small mammal communities and human impacts; and (4) megafaunal extinction, domestication, avifauna and recent interactions with humans. Although some of these contributions include changes that occurred earlier in the Holocene, many highlight a current decrease in the taxonomic diversity of communities and ecosystems in different environments, which are likely to have been caused by modern human activities. The Anthropocene concept is seen as providing a useful framework for understanding and mitigation of such adverse human impacts.
Retroperitoneal Sarcomatoid Yolk Sac Tumor in a Chemotherapy-Naive Patient With Testicular Postpubertal Type Teratoma: A Rare Case Report With Emphasis on Molecular Features
Authors: Zhang Bo , Kapur Payal , Koduru Prasad R. , Jia Liwei
Published: February 2024

Sarcomatoid yolk sac tumor is a very rare histologic type of testicular germ cell tumor and is mainly reported in testicular germ cell tumor patients who receive chemotherapy. Herein, we report an extremely rare concurrent retroperitoneal sarcomatoid yolk sac tumor in a man with a testicular postpuberal teratoma before he received chemotherapy. A 37-year-old man initially presented with a persistent abdominal pain. Subsequent imaging studies revealed a 9.6-cm retroperitoneal mass, and 2 testicular masses (3.1 cm and 0.9 cm in greatest dimension, respectively). His serum tumor markers were within normal ranges. His radical orchiectomy demonstrated a postpubertal type teratoma with an adjacent scarring nodule. Later, his retroperitoneal tumor showed spindle tumor cells embedded in predominantly myxoid and focally fibrous stroma with diffuse and strong immunoreactivity for keratin AE1/AE3, SALL4 and glypican 3. No tumor necrosis or brisk mitotic figures were observed. A diagnosis of sarcomatoid yolk sac tumor was rendered. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of his retroperitoneal sarcomatoid yolk sac tumor revealed polysomy 12 and MYC amplification, whereas no evidence of isochromosome 12p [i(12p)], and DNA sequencing showed 6 mutations per megabase (muts/Mb), and the somatic alterations included ARAF amplification and ATR I774Yfs*5. Considering its rarity, sarcomatoid yolk sac tumor may pose diagnostic challenges. Therefore, relevant clinicoradiologic information and ancillary work up, including immunohistochemistry and molecular studies, may be helpful for the accurate classification. Our tumor further raises awareness of this rare event, expands the spectrum of its clinical presentation, and explores the molecular features.
Inpatient thrombophilia workup; does hematology consult prevent unnecessary testing?
Authors: Anderson Zackary , Ahsan Mohammed , Aguirre Carlos , Ramirez Michele , Plowman Keegan
Published: February 2024

Hypercoagulable disorders are best described as a group of acquired and hereditary conditions that increase the risk for the development of thrombi within veins or arteries. In the setting of an unprovoked venous thromboembolism, common practice in the inpatient setting has been further investigation via a thrombophilia workup to establish an underlying cause. Current Hematology-Oncology guidelines argue against inpatient workup as the results rarely influence inpatient management. Following American Society of Hematology guidelines (Middledorp), the current study found that only 15% (11/72) of patients met appropriate criteria for thrombophilia testing. There was no relationship between appropriate thrombophilia testing and diagnosis of thrombophilia or initiation of anticoagulation. There was a relationship between appropriate thrombophilia testing and Hematology-Oncology consultation. This demonstrates the need for expert consultation if thrombophilia testing is being considered. The current study provides more evidence that a strong recommendation against inpatient testing should be made as testing does not aid in diagnosis or change management and is an overutilization of healthcare resources.
Going meta: Interaction at the normative boundaries of the news interview
Authors: Hutchby Ian
Published: February 2024

In the modern hybrid media landscape, the relations between journalists and politicians in arenas such as the broadcast news interview can seem less stable. Politicians and their advisors seem increasingly confident in identifying when and how to engage with political interviewers while journalists, in response, feel under pressure to intensify their role as scrutineering tribunes of the people. In such an environment, the normative interactional boundaries of the news interview itself can come under pressure from both sides, and even be breached. This article discusses the phenomenon of ‘going meta’ – occasions in which participants break out of the interview’s interactionally managed frame, and render topical the very practices that, ordinarily, constitute and reproduce the rules of that frame. Going meta is a practice that simultaneously breaches the ‘rules’ of the interview, and invokes the same rules in the construction of complaints about the behaviour of a coparticipant. The analysis shows how interview participants use going meta to raise questions of objectivity, truth, and the interests of ‘the people’, often in moments of heightened conflict talk.
Aligning Schwartz’s model of culture with that of Minkov-Hofstede
Authors: Minkov Michael , Kaasa Anneli
Published: February 2024

Recent studies have shown that the validated dimensions in the best-known models of national culture converge into a two-dimensional default model, yielding a cultural map of the world reminiscent of the geographic one. The revised Minkov-Hofstede model is very similar to that default, whereas Inglehart-Welzel’s model is a rotated and flipped variant of it. However, another popular model - Schwartz’s - differs from the default: it does not have a dimension capturing the cultural contrast between East Asia and Latin America plus Africa. Consequently, it cannot explain national differences in educational achievement and a number of other important national indicators, relevant in international business. This omission in Schwartz’s model is puzzling as its author claims to have analyzed all values with invariant meanings across the world. On the other hand, Schwartz’s model has an idiosyncratic “mastery-harmony” dimension that is not consistent with any geo-economic pattern and has poor predictive properties, constituting another weakness. We show that these idiosyncrasies of Schwartz’s model stem from Schwartz’s controversial decision to ipsatize his items and use multidimensional scaling: a method which, even without ipsatization, can create spatial opposites of items that are not negatively correlated. A principal component analysis of raw (non-ipsatized) Schwartz value domains does yield a variant of the default model of culture. We argue that although ipsatizing Schwartz value measures is not wrong in an absolute sense, it yields an impoverished and somewhat puzzling image of cultural differences across the globe, whereas raw measures reproduce the Minkov-Hofstede variant of the default model relatively well, although a different selection of values might perform even better.
Comparison of Treatment Outcomes Between Thoracoscopic Surgery and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tian Qin , Zhao Xinxin , Zhang Cong , Tian Nannan , Bian Hongchun
Published: February 2024

Objective: To compare the risk of death, tumor recurrence, metastasis, and disease progression in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with thoracoscopic surgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Methods: Patients who underwent radical surgery and SBRT for NSCLC between April 2010 and November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney U and Chi-square test, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to evaluate the survival outcomes of each patient group. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to estimate the risk of death, tumor recurrence, metastasis, and disease progression. Results: A total of 167 patients were enrolled, of whom 75 and 92 underwent SBRT and surgery, respectively. The median follow-up was 45 months (range, 4-105 months). SBRT patients were observed to be significantly older (median, 76.0 vs 67.0 years; P < .001), and associated with significantly higher mortality rate (42.7% vs 26.1%, P = .024). However, no significant difference in overall survival duration was seen between the SBRT and surgery groups (45.0 vs 41.0 months; P = .199). SBRT patients demonstrated significantly lower rates of metastasis (12.0% vs 30.4%, P = .004), and significantly longer metastasis-free survival (39.0 months vs 35.5 months, P = .020). The remaining outcomes, including tumor recurrence and disease progression rates, were similar between the groups. Compared to surgery, SBRT did not significantly associate with death, recurrence, or disease progression. Kaplan–Meier curves showed significant differences in overall, tumor recurrence-free, and disease progression-free survival between the groups (log-rank P < .05). Conclusions: SBRT demonstrated similar overall survival compared to radical surgery, and associated with significantly reduced risk of tumor metastasis. Our study thereby suggests SBRT as the best treatment option for patients with inoperable NSCLC.
Unpacking urban scaling and socio-spatial inequalities in mobility: Evidence from England
Authors: Gao Qi-Li , Zhong Chen , Wang Yikang
Published: February 2024

Prior research on the scaling of city size and inequality has a primary focus on economic factors such as income. Limited research has addressed socio-spatial disparities in mobility, involving physical activities and social interactions among individuals and population groups. Utilising mobile phone app data, this study measured inequalities using multiple mobility-related indicators (i.e. the number of activity points, the radius of gyration, self-containment, and social interaction indices) and related to population size by scaling models. In England’s context, these indicators unfolding mobility patterns and social issues display different scaling regimes, varying from sublinear to super-linear. It was observed that larger cities are associated with greater social interactions, particularly among socioeconomically advantaged groups; however, they also exhibit exacerbated self-segregation. Due to the radiation effect of big cities, the performances (e.g. travel radius) of small surrounding towns deviate from the predicted values of scaling models. Within cities, the evenness of indicators is independent of population size and produces distinct spatial patterns. The findings expand upon previous research and provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between city size, urban inequality, and human mobility.
Xylazine and Adulterants in the Evolving Drug Supply: Urgent Call for Responsive Education Models
Authors: Jawa Raagini , Murray Stephen , Blakemore Samantha , Ventura Alicia S. , Hristova Tavita , Wilder Alexa , Shang Margaret , LaBelle Colleen
Published: February 2024

Novel adulterants and synthetic substances are rapidly infiltrating the US drug supply causing new clinical harms. There is an urgent need for responsive education and training to address these evolving harms and mitigate new risks. Since 2020, xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, has become increasingly common in the illicit opioid supply, especially alongside fentanyl. Training and technical assistance (TTA) programs employing an adaptive model can quickly disseminate emerging information and provide the tools to respond effectively. We describe our TTA program’s experience developing and delivering virtual instructor-led xylazine training to a diverse group of addiction care professionals. The training objectives included the following: (1) introducing epidemiologic trends, pharmacology, and existing literature related to xylazine; (2) reviewing xylazine-associated harms and management; and (3) discussing harm reduction strategies related to xylazine use. We conducted 14 training sessions between October 2022 and July 2023, which were attended by over 2000 individuals across 49 states. We review our experience developing innovative training content and managing flexible training logistics and highlight our lessons learned, including targeting multidisciplinary professionals, leveraging online synchronous delivery methods, and a need for sustainable funding for TTA programs.
Can Credit Ratings be Modelled on the Basis of Financial Metrics? An Evidence from Ind-Ra Ratings of Indian Firms Using Conjoint Analysis Approach
Authors: Nagpal Ankita , Jasti Naga Vamsi Krishna , Nagpal Gaurav
Published: February 2024

The credit ratings play an important role in the allocation of capital among the enterprises, and thereby, in the growth of any economy. The different credit rating methodologies and criteria are used by different credit rating agencies, and the criteria may also differ from industry to industry. This research study tries to explore if it is possible to model credit ratings as the outcome of financial metrics. The study deploys the conjoint analysis approach to forecast the Ind-Ra ratings given to 50 firms, as a dependent variable and the key financial metrics as independent variables. First, the independent variables are computed based on financial statements. Then, the model is executed. It is found that the debt-equity ratio is negatively rated to credit rating, while the other three variables (profitability, asset turnover ratio and current ratio) are positively related to credit ratings. The study shows that financial metrics are not the only influencer of credit ratings but many subjective criteria such as future expected consumer trends, leadership overview, management aptitude and so on. Therefore, the model proposed in this study using financial statements has a 60% accuracy only because the subjective factors as mentioned above are difficult to be quantified and captured in the model as predictor variables.
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy in patients with immunodeficiencies – impact of drug packaging and administration method on patient reported outcomes
Authors: Mallick R. , Solomon G. , Bassett P. , Zhang X. , Patel P. , Lepeshkina O.
Published: February 2024

Background

Here, the perspective of patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiency receiving subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) via introductory smaller size pre-filled syringes (PFS) or vials were compared.

Methods

An online survey was conducted in Canada by the Association des Patients Immunodéficients du Québec (APIQ) (10/2020–03/2021). Survey questions included: reasons for choosing SCIg packaging and administration methods, training experiences, infusion characteristics, and switching methods. The survey captured structured patient-reported outcomes: treatment satisfaction and its sub-domains, symptom state, general health perception, and physical and mental function. Respondents using PFS were compared with vial users, overall and stratified by their administration method (pump or manual push).

Results

Of the 132 total respondents, 66 respondents used vials, with 38 using a pump and 28 using manual push. PFS (5 and 10 mL sizes) were being used by 120 respondents, with 38 using a pump and 82 using manual push. PFS users were associated with a 17% lower median (interquartile range) SCIg dose (10 [8, 12] vs. 12 [9, 16] g/week, respectively), a significantly shorter infusion preparation time (15 [10, 20] vs. 15 [10, 30] mins, respectively), and a trend for shorter length of infusion (60 [35, 90] vs. 70 [48, 90] mins, respectively) compared with those on vials. Patient-reported treatment satisfaction scores were overall similar between vial and PFS users (including on the domains ofeffectivenessandconvenience), except for a higher score for vials over PFS on the domain ofglobal satisfaction(p=0.02).

Conclusions

Consistent with prescribing that reflects a recognition of less wastage, PFS users were associated with a significantly lower SCIg dose compared with vial users. PFS users were also associated with shorter pre-infusion times, reflecting simpler administration mechanics compared with vial users. Higher global satisfaction with treatment among vial users compared with PFS users was consistent with users being limited to smaller PFS size options in Canada during the study period. Patient experience on PFS is expected to improve with the introduction of larger PFS sizes. Overall, treatment satisfaction for SCIg remains consistently high with the introduction of PFS packaging compared with vials.
New insights into QTNs and potential candidate genes governing rice yield via a multi-model genome-wide association study
Authors: Sachdeva Supriya , Singh Rakesh , Maurya Avantika , Singh Vikas K , Singh Uma Maheshwar , Kumar Arvind , Singh Gyanendra Pratap
Published: February 2024

Background

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the globally important staple food crops, and yield-related traits are prerequisites for improved breeding efficiency in rice. Here, we used six different genome-wide association study (GWAS) models for 198 accessions, with 553,229 single nucleotide markers (SNPs) to identify the quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and candidate genes (CGs) governing rice yield.

Results

Amongst the 73 different QTNs in total, 24 were co-localized with already reported QTLs or loci in previous mapping studies. We obtained fifteen significant QTNs, pathway analysis revealed 10 potential candidates within 100kb of these QTNs that are predicted to govern plant height, days to flowering, and plot yield in rice. Based on their superior allelic information in 20 elite and 6 inferior genotypes, we found a higher percentage of superior alleles in the elite genotypes in comparison to inferior genotypes. Further, we implemented expression analysis and enrichment analysis enabling the identification of 73 candidate genes and 25 homologues of Arabidopsis, 19 of which might regulate rice yield traits. Of these candidate genes, 40 CGs were found to be enriched in 60 GO terms of the studied traits for instance, positive regulator metabolic process (GO:0010929), intracellular part (GO:0031090), and nucleic acid binding (GO:0090079). Haplotype and phenotypic variation analysis confirmed that LOC_OS09G15770, LOC_OS02G36710 and LOC_OS02G17520 are key candidates associated with rice yield.

Conclusions

Overall, we foresee that the QTNs, putative candidates elucidated in the study could summarize the polygenic regulatory networks controlling rice yield and be useful for breeding high-yielding varieties.
Analysis of the success rate of conversion using ibutilide administration in radiofrequency catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation and its effects on postoperative recurrence
Authors: Li Meijuan , Liu Xiping , Zhang Yan , Huang Weibin , Hou Bingbo , Huang Sen , Gao Feng
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess the efficacy of ibutilide administration during radiofrequency catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), to explore the success rate of conversion and related influential factors, and to analyze the effects of ibutilide on postoperative recurrence.

Methods

A total of 192 patients with persistent AF who underwent catheter ablation from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. These patients failed in conversion of AF to normal sinus rhythm by intraoperative catheter ablation. Patients were categorized into effective group (115 cases) and ineffective group (77 cases) based on whether sinus rhythm was restored after application of ibutilide.

Results

The overall success rate of conversion using ibutilide administration was 59.9%. The success rate was associated with weight ((68.12 ± 11.72 vs. 72.83 ± 12.08) kg, P = 0.008), the duration of AF ((34.67 ± 55.68 vs. 66.52 ± 95.21) months, p = 0.008), diameter of left atrium (LAD) ((44.39 ± 5.80 vs. 47.36 ± 6.10) mm,P = 0.002), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level ((854.85 ± 770.84 vs. 662.88 ± 659.18) pg/ml,P = 0.030). The results showed the duration of AF was associated with early recurrence, while early recurrence was not a risk factor for late recurrence. And duration of AF was associated with postoperative maintenance time of normal sinus rhythm, whereas successful conversion into normal sinus rhythm using ibutilide administration had no influence on postoperative maintenance time of normal sinus rhythm.

Conclusion

Ibutilide showed to be effective in catheter ablation of AF, the success rate of conversion was correlated with the duration of AF, LA diameter, and NT-proBNP level. Besides, the duration of AF was found as a risk factor for early postoperative recurrence, while ibutilide administration for successful conversion had no influence on predicting postoperative recurrence and had no influence on postoperative maintenance time of sinus rhythm.
Identifying individuals at risk of needing CKD associated medications in a European kidney disease cohort
Authors: Stamellou Eleni , Saritas Turgay , Froissart Marc , Kronenberg Florian , Stenvinkel Peter , Wheeler David C. , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Floege Jürgen , Fotheringham James
Published: February 2024

Background

The consequences of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be addressed with a range of pharmacotherapies primarily prescribed by nephrologists. More accurate information regarding future CKD-related pharmacotherapy requirements could guide clinical decisions including follow-up frequency.

Methods

Following assignment to derivation and validation groups (2,1), variables predicting individually future use of vitamin D receptor agonists (VDRA), phosphate binders, erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron were identified using logistic regression in a prospective cohort study containing demography, comorbidity, hospitalization, laboratory, and mortality data in patients with CKD stage G4/G5 across six European countries. Discriminative ability was measured using C-statistics, and predicted probability of medication use used to inform follow-up frequency.

Results

A total of 2196 patients were included in the analysis. During a median follow-up of 735 days 648 initiated hemodialysis and 1548 did not. Combinations of age, diabetes status and iPTH, calcium, hemoglobin and serum albumin levels predicted the use of ESA, iron, phosphate binder or VDRA, with C-statistics of 0.70, 0.64, 0.73 and 0.63 in derivation cohorts respectively. Model performance in validation cohorts were similar. Sixteen percent of patients were predicted to have a likelihood of receiving any of these medications of less than 20%.

Conclusions

In a multi-country CKD cohort, prediction of ESA and phosphate binder use over a two-year period can be made based on patient characteristics with the potential to reduce frequency of follow-up in individuals with low risk for requiring these medications.
Development of a nomogram for prediction of central lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Qiu Pengjun , Guo Qiaonan , Pan Kelun , Lin Jianqing
Published: February 2024

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in thyroid carcinoma. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors associated with central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and establish a nomogram model that can assess the probability of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM).

Methods

The clinicopathological data of 377 patients with cN0 PTMC were collected and analyzed from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from July 1st, 2019 to December 30th, 2021. All patients were examined by underwent ultrasound (US), found without metastasis to central lymph nodes, and diagnosed with PTMC through pathologic examination. All patients received thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy with therapeutic or prophylactic central lymph node dissection (CLND). R software (Version 4.1.0) was employed to conduct a series of statistical analyses and establish the nomogram.

Results

A total of 119 patients with PTMC had central lymph node metastases (31.56%). After that, age (P < 0.05), gender (P < 0.05), tumor size (P < 0.05), tumor multifocality (P < 0.05), and ultrasound imaging-suggested tumor boundaries (P < 0.05) were identified as the risk factors associated with CLNM. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the training cohort was 0.703 and that of the validation cohort was 0.656, demonstrating that the prediction ability of this model is relatively good compared to existing models. The calibration curves indicated a good fit for the nomogram model. Finally, the decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that a probability threshold of 0.15–0.50 could benefit patients clinically. The probability threshold used in DCA captures the relative value the patient places on receiving treatment for the disease, if present, compared to the value of avoiding treatment if the disease is not present.

Conclusion

CLNM is associated with many risk factors, including age, gender, tumor size, tumor multifocality, and ultrasound imaging-suggested tumor boundaries. The nomogram established in our study has moderate predictive ability for CLNM and can be applied to the clinical management of patients with PTMC. Our findings will provide a better preoperative assessment and treatment strategies for patients with PTMC whether to undergo central lymph node dissection.
Cognitive impairment as a predictor of long-term psychological distress in patients with polysubstance use disorders: a prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Hetland Jens , Lundervold Astri J. , Erga Aleksander H.
Published: February 2024

Background

The association between polysubstance use disorder (pSUD), mental illness, and cognitive impairments is well established and linked to negative outcomes in substance use disorder treatment. However, it remains unclear whether cognitive impairment predicts long-term psychological distress among treatment seeking patients with pSUD. This study aimed to investigate the associations and predictive ability of cognitive impairment on psychological distress one and 5 years after treatment initiation.

Methods

N = 164 treatment seeking patients with pSUD were sampled at treatment initiation. We examined associations between cognitive impairment according to Montreal Cognitive Assessment® (MoCA®), Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), and Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult version (BRIEF-A) administered at treatment initiation and psychological distress defined by the Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) at treatment initiation, one and five years later. We ran hierarchical logistic regressions to assess the predictive ability of the respective cognitive instruments administered at treatment initiation on psychological distress measured one and five years later including psychological distress at treatment initiation and substance intake at the time-points of the measurements as covariates.

Results

The main results was that MoCA® and BRIEF-A predicted psychological distress at years one and five, but BRIEF-A lost predictive power when accounting for psychological distress at treatment initiation. WASI predicted psychological distress at year five, but not at year one.

Conclusions

Results from MoCA® and WASI was found to be less sensitive to the effect of psychological distress than BRIEF-A. Cognitive impairment at treatment initiation may hold predictive value on later psychological distress, yet its clinical utility is uncertain.