bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combating Antimicrobial Resistance by Resensitising Bacteria to Antibiotics Using CRISPR: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nair Harihara Sujit
Published: October 2024

Background:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a formidable global health threat. Conventional strategy of developing new antibiotics is costly and unsustainable. Thus, innovative approaches for resensitising bacteria using clustered regularly inter-spaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology are sought.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study was to review existing technologies and approaches with the aim to identify the most feasible and practical approach to solve AMR globally.

Methods:

It is a narrative review of CRISPR research to identify a practical medical solution for combating AMR. By considering biological, social and pharmaceutical factors, feasible solutions and their limitations were identified. Next, CRISPR solutions were examined, then filtered based on strict medical expectations. A suitable cargo type and delivery mechanism will be established. Finally, the feasibility from a practical and economic perspective is considered.

Results:

Among the Cas effector modules examined, Cas12k was identified as the most promising candidate. Notably, Cas12k possesses a small protein size and lacks trans-cleavage activity, enhancing its specificity for targeted bacterial strains. Additionally, its naturally inactivated endonuclease domain further contributes to its precision. In line with this investigation, DNA plasmid was identified as the optimal cargo storage, while lipid nanoparticles were identified as the optimal delivery method.

Conclusion:

This is the first time an end-to-end consideration to AMR was considered for CRISPR-based strategies. This review offers valuable insights into a promising solution to addressing the AMR crisis. Such knowledge is essential to guide the development of novel AMR solutions.
News Consumers’ Expectations of Journalists Vary by Differences in Journalistic Role Preference
Authors: Farrish Kate , Munno Greg , Craig Megan L.
Published: October 2024

This mixed-methods study used Q methodology to uncover two distinct perspectives among U.S. news consumers on their expectations of journalists. One expressed a traditional, neutral view of journalism. The other was more likely to accept journalistic voice and agency. The factors were similar to those uncovered in a previous study of journalists. This study revealed consensus items among news consumers, such as “a journalist’s first obligation is to the truth,” and areas of disagreement. Participants with a more traditional view were more likely to be politically conservative and older. We also found significant differences by trust and journalistic role conception.
Designing Health Interventions to Meet the Needs and Experiences of Minoritized Adolescents: #DoubleTap4Health
Authors: Joseph Patrece L. , Fleary Sasha A.
Published: October 2024

Engagement in preventive health behaviors (PHBs; i.e., healthy eating, sleep, and physical activity) during adolescence is associated with reduced risks for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, in adulthood. Although several interventions seek to improve adolescents’ engagement in health promoting behaviors, racial- and income-based disparities across PHBs persist and may be even more pronounced for adolescents with multiple minoritized identities (e.g., Black adolescents in low-income communities). Therefore, targeted interventions that better meet the needs of minoritized adolescents are critical. The design of such interventions should include: (1) adolescent involvement, (2) cultural tailoring, (3) developmental theory, and (4) consideration of the social determinants of health. This article describes how these elements have been successfully incorporated into adolescent preventive health interventions and used to design #DoubleTap4Health, a community-based social media health intervention for Black adolescents from a low-income community. The results of a feasibility pilot of #DoubleTap4Health suggest that (1) attention to these elements in the intervention design process is feasible and advantageous to ensuring that the intervention components are appropriate and well received by adolescents, and (2) the intervention demonstrated promise as adolescents showed improved engagement in PHBs and media literacy skills. Lessons learned and next steps for intervention development are discussed. Including the above four elements in the design of preventive health interventions for adolescents from minoritized communities is critical to promoting health equity.
Violence Against Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review of Literature on the Victim–Perpetrator Relationship
Authors: Barchi Francis H. , AbiNader Millan A.
Published: October 2024

Violence against children affects children in every region, nation, and community in the world. Despite a significant body of literature about the victims of such violence, there has been little empirical research, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, focused on perpetrators, their relationship to victims, and interventions that might alter their behavior. This scoping review sought to identify and summarize the scholarly literature on perpetrators of violence against children in Sub-Saharan Africa and their relationship with victims. Using a keyword search of academic databases, we included peer-reviewed studies published from January 2013 to June 2023 that focused on physical, sexual, or emotional violence against children in Sub-Saharan Africa and included prevalence data about victim–perpetrator relationships. Eighteen of the 42 studies that met eligibility criteria shared one or more primary data sources with other studies included in this review, most frequently using data from Violence Against Children Surveys (10), the Uganda Good Schools Project (7), and the National Child Homicide Study (3). The most common classifications of perpetrators, in order of frequency, were caregivers/family members, intimate partners, peers, teachers/school staff and strangers, and the most common settings in which research took place were schools. Wide variability in the taxonomies used to define and report frequencies for age, victim, perpetrator, and type of violence obscures our ability to form a complete picture of victim–perpetrator relationships. Research emphasis on victims of violence may lead to missed opportunities to disrupt the perpetration of violence against children through interventions that specifically target its source.
Effects of a combination of dyslipidemia and hypertension on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lou Heqing , Jiang Yixue , Xu Chunrong , Dong Zong-Mei , Liu De , Qiao Cheng , Zhang Pan
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

Both dyslipidemia and hypertension contribute to poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the combined effect of dyslipidemia and hypertension on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction effect between dyslipidemia and hypertension on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

A total of 2485 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected from the Xuzhou community of China by multi-stage cluster random sampling for a cross-sectional survey. Their glycated hemoglobin, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were assessed, and the interaction effects between dyslipidemia and hypertension on glycemic control were analyzed using relative excess risk due to the interaction, the synergy index, and the attributable proportion of the additive interaction.

Results:

Of the participants, 62.13% (1544/2485) had dyslipidemia and 55.01% (1367/2485) had hypertension. Of the participants, 76.66% (1905/2485) who had both dyslipidemia and hypertension also had poor glycemic control. The prevalence of poor glycemic control was higher in those with both dyslipidemia and hypertension (odds ratio 2.735, 95% confidence interval 2.117–3.532; p < 0.001) compared with those who had normal blood lipids and without hypertension, after adjustment for confounders. The relative excess risk due to the interaction, the attributable proportion, and the synergy index were 1.077 (95% confidence interval 0.558–1.596), 2.637 (95% confidence interval 1.268–4.006), and 0.394 (95% confidence interval 0.230–0.558), respectively, for the interaction between dyslipidemia and hypertension.

Conclusions:

Dyslipidemia and hypertension have an additive interaction on poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Case report: Surgical management of type 2 aortic dissection associated with bicuspid aortic valve and aortic coarctation
Authors: Arslan Caner , Bozbay Mehmet , Karagöz Seyfullah Halit , Hamid Rauf
Published: October 2024

This case report describes an exceptional case of aortic aneurysm co-occurring with type II dissection, bicuspid aortic valve, and severe aortic valve regurgitation in a patient with aortic coarctation. A 39-year-old man without any medical history was admitted to the hospital with chest pain. Physical examination revealed a holosystolic murmur and a noticeable blood pressure difference between the upper and lower extremities. Imaging studies unveiled the presence of aortic dissection, aortic coarctation, and a bicuspid aortic valve. The patient underwent an urgent single-stage surgical intervention performed via a median sternotomy approach: the procedure involved patch angioplasty, a mechanical prosthetic valve, and a Dacron tube graft. The patient’s follow-up assessments indicated successful outcomes. This case report highlights the complexity of managing concurrent pathologies, suggests a unique surgical approach, and underscores the importance of tailored interventions in rare presentations of cardiovascular diseases.
GLP-1 Agonism for Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions Across the Research Spectrum
Authors: Riehl-Tonn Victoria J. , Medak Kyle D. , Rampersad Christie , MacPhee Anne , Harrison Tyrone G.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Review:

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease in individuals that receive a kidney transplant, and those without pre-existing diabetes are at greater risk of developing diabetes following kidney transplant. A class of diabetes treatment medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) has seen recent widespread use for people with diabetes or obesity, with efficacy for improved glycemic control, weight loss, and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Given these benefits, and indications for use that often co-occur in kidney transplant recipients, use of GLP-1RAs warrants consideration in this population. Therefore, we sought to review the current literature to better understand the mechanisms of action, clinical application, and person-centred considerations of GLP-1RAs in kidney transplant recipients.

Sources of Information:

Original articles were identified between December 2023 and July 2024 from electronic databases including the Ovid MEDLINE database, PubMed, and Google Scholar using terms “kidney transplant,” “GLP-1,” “glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist,” and “diabetes.”

Methods:

A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to explore the relationship between GLP-1RAs and kidney transplant recipients. We reviewed the current state of evidence across the research disciplines of basic or fundamental science, clinical and health services research, and person-centred equity science, and highlighted important knowledge gaps that offer opportunities for future research.

Key Findings:

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the benefit of GLP-1RAs in people with and without diabetic kidney disease, including decreased risk of cardiovascular events. However, there is a paucity of high-quality randomized controlled trials and observational studies analyzing use of GLP-1RAs in kidney transplant recipients. Evidence of benefit in this population is therefore limited to small studies or inferred from research conducted in nontransplant populations. Growing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies may elucidate renoprotective mechanisms of GLP-1RAs and remove barriers to application of these drugs in the transplant recipient population. Individuals who are female, non-white, have lower socioeconomic status, and live in rural communities are at greater risk of diabetes and have lower uptake of GLP-1RAs. There is a need for clinical trials across diverse kidney transplant populations to estimate the efficacy of GLP-1RAs on important health outcomes.

Limitations:

The search strategy for this narrative review may not have been sensitive to identify all relevant articles. Our search was limited to English language articles.
A Study of the Unexplored Aspect of Energy Poverty: Overheating Risk Analysis
Authors: Choi Younhee , Song Doosam , Ozaki Akihito , Baek Seungyun
Published: October 2024

Energy poverty, defined as the inability of households to afford adequate heating or cooling, is worsened by anthropogenic climate change, leading to increased energy demand and indoor comfort challenges. This study addresses a gap in summer fuel poverty research by focusing on overheating concerns and energy subsidies. This study defines the indoor temperature and overheating risk of low-income households compared with general dwellings based on field measurements and walkthrough surveys. The difference in indoor temperature and overheating risk according to the provision of energy subsidy is analyzed. We evaluate the impact of energy subsidies on indoor temperature and the adequacy of current subsidy programs. Findings show that households without energy vouchers experience indoor temperatures around 29°C, while voucher recipients see a 2°C decrease. During Tropical Night periods, households with energy vouchers maintain similar indoor temperatures to the overall period, while those without vouchers tend to experience a 2°C increase. Although energy vouchers significantly mitigate overheating risks by approximately 95% during the summer, they are not as effective in fully eliminating summer overheating risks compared to previous winter results. This highlights the persisting issue of traditional policies providing integrated electricity subsidies. Hence, addressing indoor overheating during hot summers requires improvements in alternative subsidy distributions or cooling strategies warrants change to the energy voucher payment method or the cooling method.
Protocol for a double-blind crossover randomised controlled trial to investigate inhalation CHallenge to assess Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (CH-ILO)
Authors: Haines Jemma , Belvisi Maria G , Dubuis Eric C , Dockry Rachel J , Holt Kimberley J , Hull James H , Yorke Janelle , Fowler Stephen J , Ann Smith Jaclyn
Published: October 2024

Current ILO diagnosis is dependent on an individual being symptomatic. If results prove citric acid inhalation challenge agent provokes ILO it will provide new insights into neuronal mechanisms and support development of a standardised diagnostic test.

Introduction

Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) remains a poorly understood condition in part due to lack of understanding about the underlying neuronal mechanisms. Many suffer delayed confirmed diagnosis as no standardised assessment exists. Based on previous work, we propose citric acid (CA) is the most appropriate inhalation agent for inducing upper airway reflex responses, with a view to developing an inhalation challenge test for ILO.

Methods and analysis

A single-centre, double-blind crossover study. The primary objective is to identify if CA inhalation challenge provokes laryngeal obstruction in patients with confirmed ILO. We will recruit: 10 participants with ILO, 10 with refractory chronic cough (RCC), 10 healthy controls. Each will undergo two inhalation challenges during laryngoscopy, with ascending concentrations of citric acid or saline control; participants will be randomised sequentially by a computer-generated schedule to determine order of delivery. Follow up is a telephone consultation. Randomisation and preparation of challenge agents will be by an unblinded study team member, not involved in data analysis. Challenge agents will only be unblinded on study completion. Log10concentration of CA evoking ILO will be compared between patient groups using a one-way ANOVA, comparing participants with ILO and participants with RCC to healthy controls.

Conclusion

This will be the first randomised controlled trial to investigate the role of inhalation challenge as an assessment tool to evoke laryngeal obstruction in patients with confirmed ILO. If results prove citric acid inhalation challenge agent provokes ILO it will provide new insights into neuronal mechanisms and support development of a standardised diagnostic test.
Carotid plaque thickness predicts cardiovascular events and death in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bjergfelt Sasha S. , Sørensen Ida M. H. , Urbak Laerke , Kofoed Klaus F. , Lange Theis , Feldt-Rasmussen Bo , Sillesen Henrik , Christoffersen Christina , Bro Susanne
Published: October 2024

Background

Classical risk scoring systems underestimate the risk of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) has improved prediction of cardiovascular events in patients with CKD. The maximal carotid plaque thickness (cPTmax) measured in ultrasound scans of the carotid arteries has demonstrated similar predictive value as CACS in the general population. This is the first study to investigate whether cPTmax can predict cardiovascular events in CKD and to compare the predictive value of cPTmax and CACS in CKD.

Method

Two hundred patients with CKD stage 3 from the Copenhagen CKD Cohort underwent ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries. The assessment consisted of locating plaque and measuring the thickest part of the plaque, cPTmax. Based on the distribution of cPTmax, the participants were divided into 3 groups: No plaques, cPTmax 1.0–1.9 mm and cPTmax > 1.9 mm (median cPTmax = 1.9 mm among patients with plaques). To measure CACS, 175 of the patients underwent a non-contrast CT scan of the coronary arteries. The follow-up time spanned between the ultrasound scan and a predefined end-date or the time of first event, defined as a composite of major cardiovascular events or death of any cause (MACE).

Results

The median follow-up time was 5.4 years during which 45 patients (22.5%) developed MACE. In a Cox-regression adjusted for classical cardiovascular risk factors, patients with cPTmax > 1.9 mm had a significantly increased hazard ratio of MACE (HR 3.2, CI: 1.1–9.3), p = 0.031) compared to patients without plaques. C-statistics was used to evaluate models for predicting MACE. The improvement in C-statistics was similar for the two models including classical cardiovascular risk factors plus cPTmax (0.247, CI: 0.181–0.312) and CACS (0.243, CI: 0.172–0.315), respectively, when compared to a model only controlled for time since baseline (a Cox model with no covariates).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that cPTmax may be useful for predicting MACE in CKD. cPTmax and CACS showed similar ability to predict MACE.
Copper homeostasis and copper-induced cell death in tumor immunity: implications for therapeutic strategies in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Suhang , Huang Qibo , Ji Tuo , Li Qilin , Hu Chuanyu
Published: October 2024

Copper is an important trace element for maintaining key biological functions such as cellular respiration, nerve conduction, and antioxidant defense. Maintaining copper homeostasis is critical for human health, and its imbalance has been linked to various diseases, especially cancer. Cuproptosis, a novel mechanism of copper-induced cell death, provides new therapeutic opportunities for metal ion regulation to interact with cell fate. This review provides insights into the complex mechanisms of copper metabolism, the molecular basis of cuproptosis, and its association with cancer development. We assess the role of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) associated with tumorigenesis, their importance as prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets, and the impact of copper homeostasis on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune response. Ultimately, this review highlights the complex interplay between copper, cuproptosis, and cancer immunotherapy.
Cocoa production in the 2020s: challenges and solutions
Authors: Kongor John Edem , Owusu Margaret , Oduro-Yeboah Charlotte
Published: October 2024

Background

Cocoa (
Theobroma cacao
L.) is a crop of huge economic significance worldwide and is grown mainly in tropical and subtropical countries. Currently, West Africa produces most of the world's cocoa. The crop provides economic support to cocoa-growing countries, smallholder farmers, and the chocolate confectionery industries. Cocoa is also valued for its appealing flavours and the health-promoting properties of the bioactive phytochemicals in the beans, which have received increased global attention in recent years.

Main body

The cocoa industry is divided into two sectors: upstream (cocoa bean production and marketing), which is dominated by cocoa-producing countries, and downstream (cocoa bean processing activities to produce semi-finished and finished products). Pests and diseases, climate change, low soil fertility, high soil cadmium levels, and the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict threaten the crop's long-term production. In addition to these challenges, cocoa cultivation also contributes to environmental and biodiversity degradation.

Conclusion

To address these challenges and ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality cocoa beans to meet the rising global demand, sustainable intensification of its production in producing countries is deemed critical. These include breeding varieties that are resistant to yield-limiting factors, the use of integrated management strategies to improve soil fertility and control pests, diseases, and heavy metals like Cd, the implementation of agroforestry systems, increased farm gate prices, and the provision of social interventions such as alternative livelihoods for farmers to increase cocoa production on existing farmlands. Standardized and harmonized farm management and postharvest strategies are also required for the consistent production of high-quality beans each season.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals the commonality of immune response upon H1N1 influenza virus infection in mice and humans
Authors: Chen Yu , Cai Huaiyuan , Zhang Qian , Cao Gang , Zhang Jiahao , Yang Bing , Dai Jinxia
Published: October 2024

Seasonal influenza A virus (IAV), particularly the H1N1 subtype, poses a significant public health threat because of its substantial morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Understanding the immune response to H1N1 is crucial for developing effective treatments and vaccines. In this study, we deciphered the single-cell transcriptomic landscape of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from H1N1-infected humans and lung tissue samples from H1N1-infected mice by mining HIN1-related single-cell RNA sequencing data from the GEO database. We observed similar changes in immune cell composition following H1N1 infection, with an increase in macrophages but a decrease in T cells in both species. Moreover, significant transcriptional changes in bystander immune cells upon H1N1 infection were identified, with the upregulation of the chemokine CCL2 in human PBMCs and increased expression of interferon-stimulated genes such as Ifit3, Ifit1 and Isg15 in mouse pulmonary immune cells. Intercellular cross-talk analysis highlighted enhanced interactions among bystander immune cells during H1N1 infection, with neutrophils in humans and macrophages in mice showing the most remarkable increases in interaction intensity. Transcription factor analysis revealed the conserved upregulation of key antiviral regulons, including STAT1 and IRF7, in T cells across both species, highlighting their pivotal roles in antiviral defense. These results suggest that humans and mice exhibit common immune responses to H1N1 infection, underscoring the similarity of vital immune mechanisms across species. The conserved immune mechanisms identified in this study provide potential therapeutic targets for enhancing antiviral immunity. Our research underscores the importance of understanding species-specific and conserved immune responses to H1N1 and offers insights that could inform the development of novel antiviral therapies and improve clinical outcomes for individuals affected by influenza.
Survival Risk Score for Invasive Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer: A Real-World Analysis
Authors: Mangone Lucia , Morabito Fortunato , Tripepi Giovanni , D'Arrigo Graziella , Romeo Santina Maria Grazia , Bisceglia Isabella , Braghiroli Maria Barbara , Marinelli Francesco , Bisagni Giancarlo , Neri Antonino , Pinto Carmine
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

This study aimed to develop a multivariable, weighted overall survival (OS) risk score (SRS) for nonmetastatic (M0) invasive breast cancer (M0-BC, SRS
M0-BC
).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included a training (1,890 patients) and a validation cohort (850 patients) from the Reggio Emilia Cancer Registry (RE-CR). Ten traditional prognostic variables were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the training set, all the variables but the human epidermal growth factor receptor were significantly associated with OS at univariable analysis. A multivariable model identified an increased death risk for estrogen receptor (hazard ratio [HR], 2.0 [95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1];
P
= .021), tumor stages T2-T3 (HR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.3 to 4.7];
P
= .009) and T4 (HR, 5.1 [95% CI, 2.0 to 13.0];
P
< .001), and age >74 years (HR, 5.7 [95% CI, 4.0 to 8.2];
P
< .001). By assigning scores according to HRs, four risk categories were generated (
P
for trend <.001). The HRs of death in the high- (282 patients, 15.6%), intermediate-high (275 patients, 15.2%), and intermediate-risk (349 patients, 19.2%) categories patients were, respectively, 27.3, 12.9, and 3.5 times higher, compared with the low-risk (909 patients, 50%) group. Harrell'C index was 81.1%, and the explained variation in mortality was 66.6. Internal cross-validation performed on the accrual index dates yielded a Harrell’C index ranging from 79.5% to 82.3% and an explained variation in mortality ranging from 60.3% to 69.4%. In the validation set, the same risk categories (
P
for trend <.001) were devised. The Harrell’C index and the explained variation in mortality were 76.1% and 53.7%, respectively, in the whole cohort, maintaining an elevated percentage according to the two accrual index dates.

CONCLUSION

SRS
M0-BC
using the real-world RE-CR data set may represent a low-cost, accessible, globally applicable model in daily clinical practice, helping to prognostically stratify patients with invasive M0-BC.
Uptake of Risk-Reducing Surgeries in an International Real-World Cohort of Hispanic Women
Authors: Chavarri-Guerra Yanin , Ferrigno-Guajardo Ana , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia , Martinez-Cannon Bertha Alejandra , Abugattas-Saba Julio , Fontaine Annette C. , Horcasitas Darling J. , Mora-Alferez Pamela , Unzeitig Gary W. , Brown Sandra , Mohar-Betancourt Alejandro , Nehoray Bita , Del Toro-Valero Azucena , Daneri-Navarro Adrian , Ganschow Pamela , Komenaka Ian , Rodriguez Yenni , Gutierrez Seymour Gubidxa , Valdez Leonora , Blazer Kathleen R. , Ellis Shellie , Weitzel Jeffrey N.
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Women with pathogenic variants (PVs) in breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) associated genes are candidates for cancer risk-reducing strategies. Limited information is available regarding risk-reducing surgeries (RRS) among Hispanics. The aim of this study was to describe the uptake of RRS in an international real-world experience of Hispanic women referred for genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) and to identify factors affecting uptake.

METHODS

Between July 1997 and December 2019, Hispanic women, living in the United States or in Latin America, enrolled in the Clinical Cancer Genomics Community Research Network registry were prospectively included. Demographic characteristics and data regarding RRS were obtained from chart reviews and patient-reported follow-up questionnaires. Median follow-up was 41 months.

RESULTS

Among 1,736 Hispanic women referred for GCRA, 27.2% women underwent risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM), 25.5% risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) and, 10.7% both surgeries. Among
BRCA
carriers, rates of RRM and RRSO were 47.6% and 56.7%, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, being a carrier of a BC susceptibility gene (odds ratio [OR], 3.44), personal history of BC (OR, 6.22), living in the US (OR, 3.90), age ≤50 years (OR, 1.68) and, family history of BC (OR, 1.56) were associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing RRM. Carrying an OC susceptibility gene (OR, 6.72) was associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing RRSO.

CONCLUSION

The rate of RRS among Hispanic women is suboptimal. PV carriers, women with personal history of cancer, and those with a family history of cancer were more likely to have RRS, with less uptake outside the US. Understanding personal and systemic factors influencing uptake may enable interventions to increase risk appropriate uptake of RRS.
Identity in Court Decision-Making
Authors: Ahrsjö Ulrika , Niknami Susan , Palme Mårten
Published: October 2024

We explore the role of identity along multiple dimensions in high-stakes decision-making. Our data contain information about demographic and socioeconomic indicators for defendants and randomly assigned jurors in a Swedish court. Our results show that defendants are 4 to 6 percent less likely to get a prison sentence if judged by one more juror belonging to the same identity-forming group. Moreover, they are given 10 percent shorter prison sentences. Socioeconomic background and demographic attributes are equally important for identity effects, and these effects stem from trials of longer duration and where the defendant is present in the courtroom. (JEL D91, J15, J16, K42, Z13)
Διερεύνηση της ανάγκης για συμμόρφωση της αναπνευστικής υποστήριξης και φροντίδας ατόμων που χρήζουν μη επεμβατικό αερισμό
Authors: Καραγιάννης Αθανάσιος
Published: October 2024

Εισαγωγή: Η αποφρακτική άπνοια ύπνου (ΑΥΑ) είναι μια διαταραχή του ύπνου που επηρεάζει σημαντικό αριθμό ανθρώπων παγκοσμίως. Ενώ οι συσκευές συνεχούς θετικής πίεσης των αεραγωγών (CPAP) έχουν αποδειχθεί αποτελεσματικές στην ανακούφιση των συμπτωμάτων, η διασφάλιση της συνέπειας καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια του έτους μπορεί να αποτελέσει πρόκληση για πολλούς ασθενείς. Σκοπός: Η παρούσα ποσοτική μελέτη παρατήρησης διερευνά τη συνοχή στον μη επεμβατικό αερισμό για ασθενείς με ΑΥΑ και προσπαθεί να εντοπίσει ανεξάρτητους παράγοντες πρόβλεψης και διαφορές στη συμμόρφωση όλο το χρόνο σε ένα μεγάλο δείγμα Ελλήνων ασθενών. Υλικό και Μέθοδοι: Συλλέχθηκαν δεδομένα από 1987 ασθενείς με ΑΥΑ που χρησιμοποιούσαν συσκευές CPAP από τον Μάρτιο του 2022 έως τον Φεβρουάριο του 2023. Οι παράγοντες που αξιολογήθηκαν στη μελέτη περιλάμβαναν τον δείκτη άπνοιας-υπόπνοιας (AHI), τον τύπο μάσκας, τις διαρροές μάσκας και τις ώρες χρήσης της συσκευής CPAP. Αποτελέσματα: Η πλειονότητα ήταν άνδρες (77.2%), ηλικίας άνω των 60 ετών (57.9%). Η χρήση CPAP ποικίλλει, με 14,0% τον πρώτο χρόνο, 44,2% για 2-4 χρόνια και 41,7% για <4 χρόνια. Η συμμόρφωση ήταν υψηλότερη στους χρήστες άνω των 4 ετών (54.9%) και στους χρήστες ρινικής μάσκας/μαξιλαριού (59.1%). Η εποχιακή συμμόρφωση ποικίλλει, με το καλοκαίρι να έχει τους περισσότερους μη συμμορφούμενους ασθενείς (32.8%). Η πολυωνυμική λογιστική παλινδρόμηση έδειξε ότι ο Δείκτης Μάζας Σώματος (ΔΜΣ), ο τύπος της μάσκας και η εποχή επηρέασαν τη συμμόρφωση. Οι μάσκες πλήρους προσώπου επηρέασαν θετικά τη συμμόρφωση (OR=0,585, p=0.001). Η μη συμμόρφωση συσχετίστηκε με μεγαλύτερη διαρροή μάσκας την άνοιξη (OR=3.051, p=0.018) και χρήση CPAP για < 4 χρόνια (OR=3.855, p=0.001). Για 50% και 75% συμμόρφωση, η εποχιακή διαρροή μάσκας και η διάρκεια χρήσης επηρέασαν τη συμμόρφωση. Συμπεράσματα: Τα δεδομένα της συσκευής CPAP μπορούν να παρέχουν αξιοποιήσιμες πληροφορίες για τη συνοχή της θεραπείας ΑΥΑ. Η εποχικότητα παίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στην συμμόρφωση στη χρήση της συσκευής CPAP, όπως και ο τύπος της μάσκας σε σχέση με τη διαρροή αέρα.
Effect of thermocycling on flexural strength of dental CAD/CAM ceramics of variable thicknesses and structures: an in vitro study
Authors: Ellakany Passent , A. Al-Dulaijan Yousif , M. Aly Nourhan , Alshehri Turki , T. Alameer Shahad , Akhtar Sultan , Al Dehailan Laila
Published: October 2024

Background This study examined the effect of thermocycling on the flexural strength properties of four CAD/CAM ceramic materials at different thicknesses. Methods Four CAD/CAM ceramics of different types: advanced lithium disilicate (ALD), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) lithium disilicate (LD), and leucite reinforced (LE), and at three varying thicknesses 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm were examined. After subjecting all specimens to 5000 thermomechanical cycles, flexural strength was determined using a universal testing apparatus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for analysis. Two factorial ANOVA models assessed the association of different factors (ceramic type and thickness) with flexural strength and elastic modulus. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and adjusted means were computed. A p-value < 0.05 was designated significant. Results ZLS exhibited the highest flexural strength at 1.5 mm thickness, while LD showed the highest Young’s modulus of elasticity. The lowest flexural strength was observed in the 0.5 mm thickness group. There were notable variations in flexural strength across all ceramic materials, with the highest adjusted mean strength in the ZLS group, ALD, LD, and LE, respectively. Additionally, significant differences were noted in ceramic thickness, with 1.5 mm thickness showing the highest strength and 0.5 mm thickness the lowest. Conclusions Ceramic material thickness significantly impacts flexural strength, with 1.5 mm thickness deemed suitable for posterior restorations. Ceramic materials with zirconia fillers or matrix demonstrated higher flexural strength than other ceramics.
Rethinking Food and Nutrition Security: Why Income Alone Isn’t Enough in Coffee-Producing Areas of Ethiopia.
Authors: Jemal Omarsherif , Callo-Concha Daniel , van Noordwijk Meine
Published: October 2024

Background Coffee-growing communities in Yayu, Southwestern Ethiopia, are perceived to be food secure due to income from coffee production. However, while income ensures caloric sufficiency, it does not necessarily translate into complete food security, especially in terms of nutrient intake. Our study assessed the food and nutrition security of smallholder farm households in Yayu, with a particular focus on dietary diversity and hidden hunger. We found significant gaps in nutritional intake, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and children under five. Policy and Implications Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) targets food-insecure areas based on economic status, assuming that income ensures food security. However, our findings suggest that this approach may be flawed, as households in coffee-growing regions are often labeled food secure despite significant deficiencies in essential nutrients such as heme iron. This calls for a re-evaluation of food security policies in cash-crop-dominated areas to address not only income but also access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods. Recommendations 1. Enhance Nutritional Education: Implement targeted educational programs focusing on the importance of dietary diversity, particularly in coffee-producing areas. 2. Diversify Agriculture: Encourage smallholder farmers to diversify crops, integrating nutrient-dense foods alongside coffee cultivation. 3. Improve Market Access: Strengthen local markets to ensure that nutrient-rich foods are available and affordable during both surplus and shortage seasons. 4. Revise PSNP Criteria: Use localized food and nutrition data rather than income alone to identify food insecurity in cash-crop regions. Conclusion Income from coffee production in Yayu improves caloric sufficiency but does not guarantee nutritional adequacy. To combat hidden hunger, policies must move beyond income-based indicators of food security and prioritize access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods. This will ensure a more comprehensive approach to food and nutrition security in Ethiopia’s coffee-growing regions.
Cost-effectiveness of hearing and vision support for residents with dementia in long-term care in Ireland: A Health Economic Analysis Plan (HEAP) for a simulation model for the SENSE-Cog Care feasibility trial
Authors: Äijälä Mikael , Leroi Iracema , Trépel Dominic
Published: October 2024

Introduction Sensory challenges exacerbate the dementia symptoms of nursing home residents. The Sense-Cog Care trial is piloting a multi-faceted intervention to investigate whether optimising and supporting hearing, vision, and sensory-friendly environments through the “sensory champion” model in Irish nursing homes can improve quality of life and dementia-related outcomes and be cost-effective (Connelly et al., 2023). A Health Economic Analysis Plan (HEAP) provides a standardised and comprehensive framework by outlining the systematic approach, methodologies, and key considerations involved in assessing the cost-effectiveness of a healthcare intervention. The HEAP presented in this paper describes the alongside-trial decision modelling approach used for preliminary estimates of cost-effectiveness and to inform the design of the final intervention. Methods A Markov model will be used to simulate residents' health progression with and without the intervention. Costs will be estimated from the Irish health and social care perspective. A key output of the planned economic analysis will be the Incremental-Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) which describes the cost over one additional unit of Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY). A Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis (PSA) will be conducted in the form of a Monte Carlo simulation to examine parameter uncertainty and the probability of a sensory champion being cost-effective. Results Tables for inputs and outputs are presented, and graphical representations for uncertainty, such as a tornado plot and a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Curve (CEAC), will be produced. The results will be interpreted in the context of the Irish cost-effectiveness thresholds of €20,000 and €45,000 per QALY. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first study to model the cost-effectiveness of a sensory intervention for nursing home residents with dementia. We aim to develop an early-stage Bayesian model that serves as a prior for further research.
Transición energética y conflictos territoriales: hacia un modelo de gestión participativa.
Authors: Delgado Cabeza Manuel , Talego Vázquez Félix
Published: October 2024

La “transición energética” es un empeño que comparten los actores políticos institucionales y sectores políticos muy mayoritarios de la ciudadanía, dado el fin de los combustibles fósiles baratos y las evidencias crecientes de la crisis climática causada por la quema masiva de estos desde la revolución industrial. Pero los actores institucionales, acogidos al consenso del llamado “Pacto Verde”, no están llevando a cabo un reemplazo de fuentes fósiles, sino que amparan la continuidad de su consumo intensivo, que continúa incrementándose, con el complemento de la energía eólica y solar. No tiene lugar por tanto una transición, sino una expansión energética. No asistimos a un cuestionamiento ni, aún menos, a una corrección del “modo de vida imperial”, sostenido en muy altos niveles de consumo de energía y materiales. Más aun, permanece intocada la máxima industrialista de que más consumo de energía conlleva, por sí misma, mayor bienestar. Tal “transición energética” está teniendo implicaciones sociales y territoriales preocupantes, como el aumento de la extracción minera y su justificación, especialmente en áreas del Sur Global (extractivismo) y el consecuente ahondamiento de la condición de “tierra de sacrificio” de viejos territorios colonizados, a los que están sumándose nuevas áreas, que son alcanzadas por la extensión de las fronteras de la extracción y de los sumideros de los crecientes desechos industriales. En nuestro texto proponemos algunas claves críticas de esta estrategia de “transición”, que son el marco para el estudio de casos que abordan los artículos del monográfico.
Transición Energética y Ecosocial: Aprovechamiento del Potencial Solar para una Comunidad Energética en Orcasitas.
Authors:   ,, Domínguez Bravo Javier , Domínguez Benito María , Martín Ávila Ana María , Arranz Beatriz
Published: October 2024

La conexión entre la transición energética y ecosocial, así como la relevancia para informar procesos participativos y analizar casos concretos de transición energética en comunidades específicas, definen la finalidad de las investigaciones realizadas en diferentes ámbitos. El estudio analiza la viabilidad de implementar una comunidad energética renovable, centrándose en el potencial de aprovechamiento de la energía solar fotovoltaica en el Poblado Dirigido de Orcasitas en Madrid. Los resultados muestran un potencial esperanzador, con más de 6,5 MWp disponibles en cubiertas que podrían generar cerca de 8.500 MWh anuales, cubriendo aproximadamente la mitad del consumo eléctrico estimado para todas las viviendas del barrio. Se destaca que, a nivel de edificio, el potencial fotovoltaico varía según el tipo de vivienda y su orientación, siendo los bloques en altura de vivienda colectiva los más afectados por esta variación. Además, se sugiere la integración de la tecnología solar desde el diseño inicial de los proyectos de construcción o rehabilitación. El estudio concluye que estos hallazgos pueden contribuir al desarrollo del autoconsumo solar y el apoyo a las comunidades energéticas, en consonancia con los objetivos de transición energética y ecosocial, promoviendo un enfoque participativo en la toma de decisiones territorial.
Después de una catástrofe, una asesoría técnica para la sostenibilidad de un asentamiento popular.
Authors: Sugranyes Bickel Ana , Carroza Athens Nelson , Muñoz Ebensperger Florencia , Sepúlveda Voullième Daniel , Castillo Vera Gonzalo , García Pinto Melina , Sepúlveda Vera Gustavo , Vergara San Martín Ana
Published: October 2024

A inicios de 2024, un incendio intencional en el área metropolitana de Valparaíso mató a 137 personas y destruyó siete mil viviendas, de las cuales la mitad corresponden a asentamientos populares, llamados campamentos en Chile. En la dinámica de la ayuda de emergencia, nueve organizaciones de unas 500 familias afectadas solicitaron a un grupo de profesionales la elaboración de un plan maestro de reconstrucción, que incluyera la puesta en valor de su arraigo en el territorio, a través de un trabajo de levantamiento de memoria. En medio del trauma sufrido y ante amenazas de desalojo, las comunidades se reorganizan, adoptan el nombre de Villa La Unión, para reformular su propuesta colectiva de un barrio en proceso de regularización. En pocas semanas, esta experiencia de asesoría espontánea, que no se enmarca en los programas oficiales de reconstrucción, revisa el marco legal y normativa; apoya el ejercicio de rescate de la memoria del asentamiento; propone elementos hacia un plan maestro, para la integración urbana y una nueva centralidad para el sector periférico de la comuna de Quilpué; con sistemas de prevención de riesgos, combinando cortafuegos y humedales construidos con la reutilización de aguas grises; con diferentes densidades y opciones de acceso a la vivienda.
Evaluación de las políticas e inversiones en desarrollo local en la España vaciada. Comarca Molina de Aragón-Alto Tajo, Guadalajara, 2000-22.
Authors: Núñez Martí Paz , Goycoolea Prado Roberto
Published: October 2024

n En la denominada “España vaciada”, a pesar de la promulgación de leyes y programas, la ejecución de inversiones y el desarrollo del turismo rural, la despoblación y el declive económico persisten. Se analiza esta contradicción en la Comarca de Molina de Aragón-Alto Tajo, Guadalajara, una extensa región empobrecida y con menor densidad poblacional que Siberia. Hacia el 2000, la creación del Parque Natural del Alto Tajo, la disponibilidad de distintas ayudas al desarrollo local y un incipiente turismo rural basado en la belleza paisajística y cercanía relativa a Madrid, anunciaban prosperidad; sin embargo, la población ni la economía han repuntado. La evaluación realizada muestra una situación compleja, con causas estructurales, como el modelo territorial, la gestión de las ayudas, la geografía adversa y el enfoque turístico, así como causas circunstanciales, como los recursos humanos, la idiosincrasia y algunas malas praxis. Resulta imperativo implementar nuevas estrategias de desarrollo porque, con las actuales estrategias contra el reto demográfico y desarrollo local, pronto no habrá nadie a quien apoyar.
El estudio de la cerámica neolítica en el sudeste de la meseta sur de la península ibérica: tendencias en la investigación.
Authors: Lozano-López Néstor , Mingo Alberto , Cubas Morera Miriam
Published: October 2024

El Neolítico en el sudeste de la meseta sur de la península ibérica ha recibido una escasa atención en comparación con otras regiones cercanas, como Andalucía o el territorio valenciano. En los estudios de la cerámica neolítica en este territorio ha predominado la caracterización morfo-decorativa, aunque la importancia de los aspectos tecnológicos ha ido aumentando progresivamente en consonancia con los cambios en los marcos teóricos predominantes en cada momento. Los análisis mineralógicos y químicos de la cerámica neolítica han sido muy escasos y se han incorporado a la investigación de forma tardía. Sin embargo, las nuevas aproximaciones en el estudio de la cerámica como resultado de una secuencia tecnológica de producción obligan a plantear nuevos objetivos de investigación, en los que los análisis mineralógicos y químicos, entre otros, permiten comprender el papel de esta tecnología, así como abordar algunos problemas arqueológicos desde nuevas perspectivas. En este artículo se exponen las principales corrientes en la investigación aplicadas en los estudios de cerámica adscrita al Neolítico en este territorio y se relacionan con sus dinámicas y trayectorias a una escala más amplia.
“Parva parvum semper decent”. Encrucijadas clientelares en la arqueología de la Restauración: José Gestoso y José Ramón Mélida.
Authors: Casado Rigalt Daniel , Salas-Alvarez Jesús
Published: October 2024

En este artículo se analiza correspondencia inédita entre el arqueólogo José Ramón Mélida y el historiador del arte José Gestoso en el período comprendido entre 1884 y 1916. Ambos fueron miembros del Cuerpo Facultativo de Archiveros, Bibliotecarios y Arqueólogos, si bien sus carreras describieron trayectorias distintas. El encuentro entre ambos motiva ciertas reflexiones sobre la complejidad e importancia de las redes de contacto informales y las dinámicas institucionales en un período turbulento de la arqueología española.
Code and Data Repository for Robust Sourcing Under Multi-level Supply Risks: Analysis of Random Yield and Capacity
Authors: Zhao Ming , Freeman Nickolas , Pan Kai
Published: October 2024

This repository includes the data set and code used in the computational experiments of the paper: Robust Sourcing Under Multi-level Supply Risks: Analysis of Random Yield and Capacity, which is co-authored by Ming Zhao, Nickolas Freeman, and Kai Pan.