bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles embedded into methacrylated hyaluronic acid wound dressings accelerate wound repair in a pressure model of diabetic ulcer
Authors: Ferroni Letizia , D’Amora Ugo , Gardin Chiara , Leo Sara , Dalla Paola Luca , Tremoli Elena , Giuliani Alessandro , Calzà Laura , Ronca Alfredo , Ambrosio Luigi , Zavan Barbara
Published: December 2023

Over the past years, the development of innovative smart wound dressings is revolutionizing wound care management and research. Specifically, in the treatment of diabetic foot wounds, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted patches may enable personalized medicine therapies. In the present work, a methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) bioink is employed to manufacture 3D printed patches to deliver small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) obtained from human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-sEVs). The production of sEVs is maximized culturing MSCs in bioreactor. A series of in vitro analyses are carried out to demonstrate the influence of MSC-sEVs on functions of dermal fibroblasts and endothelial cells, which are the primary functional cells in skin repair process. Results demonstrate that both cell populations are able to internalize MSC-sEVs and that the exposure to sEVs stimulates proliferation and migration. In vivo experiments in a well-established diabetic mouse model of pressure ulcer confirm the regenerative properties of MSC-sEVs. The MeHA patch enhances the effectiveness of sEVs by enabling controlled release of MSC-sEVs over 7 days, which improve wound epithelialization, angiogenesis and innervation. The overall findings highlight that MSC-sEVs loading in 3D printed biomaterials represents a powerful technique, which can improve the translational potential of parental stem cell in terms of regulatory and economic impact.
Visualization of photothermal therapy by semiconducting polymer dots mediated photoacoustic detection in NIR II
Authors: Lin Xiangwei , Xu Zhourui , Li Jiangao , Shi Hongji , Fu Zhenyu , Chen Yuqing , Zhang Wenguang , Zhang Yibin , Lin Haoming , Xu Gaixia , Chen Xin , Chen Siping , Chen Mian
Published: December 2023

Visualization of photothermal therapy mediated by photothermal transduction agents (PTAs) is important to promote individual treatment of patients with low side effects. Photoacoustic detection has emerged as a promising noninvasive method for the visualization of PTAs distribution but still has limitations in temperature measurement, including poor measurement accuracy and low tissue penetration depth. In this study, we developed biocompatible semiconducting polymer dots (SPD) for in situ coupling of photothermal and photoacoustic detection in the near-infrared II window. SPD has dual photostability under pulsed laser and continuous-wave laser irradiation with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 42.77%. Meanwhile, a strong correlation between the photoacoustic signal and the actual temperature of SPD can be observed. The standard deviation of SPD-mediated photoacoustic thermometry can reach 0.13 °C when the penetration depth of gelatin phantom is 9.49 mm. Preliminary experimental results in vivo show that SPD-mediated photoacoustic signal has a high signal-to-noise ratio, as well as good performance in temperature response and tumor enrichment. Such a study not only offers a new nanomaterial for the visualization of photothermal therapy but will also promote the theranostic platform for clinical applications.
Analysis of risk factors for post-operative recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in patients with lumbar disc herniation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Lin , Xie Xin , He Rongfang , Da Jun
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aimed to systematically evaluate risk factors for post-operative recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods

The eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Quality assessment was performed. The effects of binary variables (sex, Modic change (MC), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and smoking) on post-operative recurrence were evaluated as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The effects of continuous variables (sagittal range of motion (SROM), body mass index (BMI), and age) were assessed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted to evaluate the reliability of pooled results.

Results

Eight studies were included, and their methodological quality was medium. MC (OR (95% CI) = 3.88 (2.24–6.74), P < 0.001), smoking (OR (95% CI) = 1.87 (1.45, 2.42), P < 0.001), T2DM (OR (95% CI) = 1.61 (1.12, 2.31), P = 0.010), SROM (WMD (95% CI) = 2.33 (0.95, 3.70), P = 0.001), BMI (WMD (95% CI) = 1.68 (1.37, 1.99) kg/m2, P < 0.001), and age (WMD (95% CI) = 9.95 (5.05, 14.86) years, P < 0.001) were significantly related to post-operative recurrence in patients with LDH after PELD. Significant publication bias was not observed among studies in all outcome indicators.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that high levels of age, BMI, and SROM, history of T2DM or smoking, or more MC may be correlated with post-operative recurrence after PELD.
Evaluation of bone mineral density in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a three-dimensional finite element model: a retrospective study
Authors: Han Chaofan , Zhou Chaochao , Zhang Hanwen , Yin Peng , Guo Runsheng , Wang Wei , Zhang Yiqi , Cha Thomas , Li Guoan , Hai Yong
Published: December 2023

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is often accompanied by osteopenia and osteoporosis, which can cause serious complications. The aim of this study was to determine the specific bone mineral density (BMD) of each vertebral body in patients with AIS using biomechanical finite element modeling based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 56 patients with AIS. Computed tomography (CT) and radiography were performed. Spinal vertebrae were segmented from the spinal CT images of patients with AIS to reconstruct 3D vertebral models. The vertebral models were meshed into tetrahedral finite elements to assess the BMD.

Results

The mean main curve Cobb angle was 88.6 ± 36.7°, and the mean kyphosis angle was 36.8 ± 31.5°. The mean BMD of the global spine was 0.83 ± 0.15 g/cm2. The highest BMD was measured on the concave side of the apex (0.98 ± 0.16 g/cm2). Apical vertebral BMD was negatively correlated with age and height (r = − 0.490, p = 0.009 and r =  − 0.478, p = 0.043, respectively). There were no significant differences in BMD values between the concave and convex sides (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The 3D finite element modeling of BMD in patients with AIS is a reliable and accurate BMD measurement method. Using this method, the overall BMD of patients with AIS was shown to gradually decrease from the top to the bottom of the spine. Our findings provide valuable insights for surgical planning, choice of screw trajectories, and additional biomechanical analyzes using finite element models in the context of scoliosis.
Glass ornaments from southwestern Taiwan: new light on maritime glass exchange across Southeast, South and West Asia in the early-mid 1st millennium CE
Authors: Wang Kuan-Wen , Dussubieux Laure , Iizuka Yoshiyuki , Li Kuang-ti , Tsang Cheng-hwa
Published: December 2023

A total of 146 glass samples from Daoye, Daoye South, and Wujiancuo in southwestern Taiwan were subjected to elemental analysis using LA-ICP-MS and SEM–EDS. These samples cover a time span from the first to the eighth century CE. The results provide evidence of the existence of multiple long-distance glass exchange networks that directly or indirectly connected Taiwan to Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and possibly the Mediterranean region. The predominance of the South Asian m-Na-Al glass sub-type 1 suggests that Taiwan mainly participated in the South China Sea maritime glass exchange network, while the identification of a newly recognised sub-type, m-Na-Al low Al low Ca, indicates the possibility of small-scale glass production workshops or a less controlled recipe for m-Na-Al glass production. Furthermore, this research reveals compelling evidence linking early v-Na-Ca glass found in Taiwan to origins in Mesopotamia or Sasanian territories, with the secondary production areas remain unclear. In addition, a potash glass and a Roman HIMT glass were also discovered. The chemical profiles of the potash glass do not align with those of early potash glass, while the HIMT glass can be attributed to the Roman Mediterranean. Taken together, these findings shed light on the intricate maritime exchange networks that operated over vast distances, spanning from the eastern part of the South China Sea to West Asia, covering over eight thousand kilometers. This study thus addresses a significant research gap regarding the maritime exchange of glass during the understudied period of the early to mid-1st millennium CE around the South China Sea and beyond.
An expectancy value theory (EVT) based instrument for measuring student perceptions of generative AI
Authors: Chan Cecilia Ka Yuk , Zhou Wenxin
Published: December 2023

This study examines the relationship between student perceptions and their intention to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in higher education. With a sample of 405 students participating in the study, their knowledge, perceived value, and perceived cost of using the technology were measured by an Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT) instrument. The scales were first validated and the correlations between the different components were subsequently estimated. The results indicate a strong positive correlation between perceived value and intention to use generative AI, and a weak negative correlation between perceived cost and intention to use. As we continue to explore the implications of GenAI in education and other domains, it is crucial to carefully consider the potential long-term consequences and the ethical dilemmas that may arise from widespread adoption.
Patient Engagement in Research Scale (PEIRS-22): Danish translation, applicability, and user experiences
Authors: Christiansen Mille Guldager , Pappot Helle , Hamilton Clayon , Lund-Jacobsen Trine , Kristensen Anne Wilhøft , Nordentoft Sara , Høeg Beverley Lim , Bidstrup Pernille , Nielsen Iben Husted , Ulstrup Jane , Trip Anouk Kirsten , Jarden Mary , Piil Karin
Published: December 2023

Background

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in health research is gaining increased attention and acceptance worldwide. Reliable measurements are crucial to accurately assess, monitor, and evaluate patient involvement efforts in research. The Patient Engagement in Research Scale (PEIRS-22) measures meaningful patient and family caregiver engagement in research. This study focuses on three primary objectives: (1) translation of the PEIRS-22 from English to Danish, followed by linguistic validation and cultural adaptation; (2) assessing the applicability of the Danish PEIRS-22; and (3) focus group interviews to explore the user experiences of PPI.

Methods

A three-phase multi-method study was conducted. In phase one, the PEIRS-22 was translated, linguistically validated and culturally adapted to Danish. In phase two individuals from three distinct patient cancer advisory boards responded to the Danish version of PEIRS-22 to assess its applicability. Three focus group interviews were conducted in phase three, involving individuals from three patient cancer advisory boards.

Results

The translation process resulted in a Danish version of PEIRS-22, conceptually and culturally equivalent to the English version. Overall, among individuals of the three advisory boards (n = 15) the applicability was found to be satisfactory, with no missing data and all items completed. The total PEIRS-22 score among the three advisory boards was 85.2 out of a possible 100, with higher scores indicating greater meaningful involvement. A nested sample of the three patient cancer advisory boards (n = 9) participated in focus group interviews. The analysis yielded four themes: (1) The Danish PEIRS-22 captured the intended cultural meaning and contributed to self-reflection, (2) Internal motivation is a driver for involvement (3), Involvement brought a personal sense of empowerment and (4) Meaningful involvement collaborations are fostered by a trustful atmosphere.

Conclusions

The PEIRS-22 questionnaire has been translated, linguistically validated, and culturally adapted into Danish. We propose that the PEIRS-22 is now ready for use in Danish populations. This study provides a Danish version of the questionnaire that can be used to develop patient-centred practices and foster meaningful involvement and collaborations between patients and researchers in the field of cancer research in Denmark. Personal benefits of participating in PPI can vary, and we recommend using PEIRS-22 in conjunction with a qualitative approach to better explore perspectives on meaningful involvement.

Trial registration

The study was registered prospectively on October 22, 2022, by the Danish Data Protection Agency (jr. nr. P-2022–528).
Glibenclamide pretreatment attenuates early hematoma expansion of warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage in rats by alleviating perihematomal blood–brain barrier dysfunction
Authors: Zeng Zongwei , Liang Liang , Feng Zhou , Guo Peiwen , Hao Xiaoke , Xian Jishu , Feng Hua , Chen Yujie , Chen Zhi
Published: December 2023

Background

Hematoma expansion is a determinant of poor outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage but occurs frequently, especially in warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (W-ICH). In the present study, we employ the warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (W-ICH) rat model, to explore the efficacy and potential mechanism of glibenclamide pretreatment on hematoma expansion after intracerebral hemorrhage, hoping to provide proof of concept that glibenclamide in stroke primary and secondary prevention is also potentially beneficial for intracerebral hemorrhage patients at early stage.

Methods

In the present study, we tested whether glibenclamide, a common hypoglycemic drug, could attenuate hematoma expansion in a rat model of W-ICH. Hematoma expansion was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging; brain injury was evaluated by brain edema and neuronal death; and functional outcome was evaluated by neurological scores. Then blood–brain barrier integrity was assessed using Evans blue extravasation and tight junction-related protein.

Results

The data indicated that glibenclamide pretreatment significantly attenuated hematoma expansion at 24 h after W-ICH, thus mitigating brain edema and neuronal death and promoting neurological function recovery, which may benefit from alleviating blood–brain barrier disruption by suppressing matrix metallopeptidase-9.

Conclusions

The results indicate that glibenclamide pretreatment in stroke primary and secondary prevention might be a promising therapy for hematoma expansion at the early stage of W-ICH.
MI-Common Data Model: Extending Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership-Common Data Model (OMOP-CDM) for Registering Medical Imaging Metadata and Subsequent Curation Processes
Authors: Kalokyri Varvara , Kondylakis Haridimos , Sfakianakis Stelios , Nikiforaki Katerina , Karatzanis Ioannis , Mazzetti Simone , Tachos Nikolaos , Regge Daniele , Fotiadis Dimitrios I. , Marias Konstantinos , Tsiknakis Manolis
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

The explosion of big data and artificial intelligence has rapidly increased the need for integrated, homogenized, and harmonized health data. Many common data models (CDMs) and standard vocabularies have appeared in an attempt to offer harmonized access to the available information, with Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP)-CDM being one of the most prominent ones, allowing the standardization and harmonization of health care information. However, despite its flexibility, still capturing imaging metadata along with the corresponding clinical data continues to pose a challenge. This challenge arises from the absence of a comprehensive standard representation for image-related information and subsequent image curation processes and their interlinkage with the respective clinical information. Successful resolution of this challenge holds the potential to enable imaging and clinical data to become harmonized, quality-checked, annotated, and ready to be used in conjunction, in the development of artificial intelligence models and other data-dependent use cases.

METHODS

To address this challenge, we introduce medical imaging (MI)-CDM—an extension of the OMOP-CDM specifically designed for registering medical imaging data and curation-related processes. Our modeling choices were the result of iterative numerous discussions among clinical and AI experts to enable the integration of imaging and clinical data in the context of the ProCAncer-I project, for answering a set of clinical questions across the prostate cancer's continuum.

RESULTS

Our MI-CDM extension has been successfully implemented for the use case of prostate cancer for integrating imaging and curation metadata along with clinical information by using the OMOP-CDM and its oncology extension.

CONCLUSION

By using our proposed terminologies and standardized attributes, we demonstrate how diverse imaging modalities can be seamlessly integrated in the future.
Health Insurance Literacy Improvements Among Recently Diagnosed Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kirchhoff Anne C. , van Thiel Berghuijs Karely M. , Waters Austin R. , Kaddas Heydon K. , Warner Echo L. , Vaca Lopez Perla L. , Perez Giselle K. , Ray Nicole , Chevrier Amy , Allen Karlie , Fair Douglas B. , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Lewis Mark A. , Haaland Ben , Park Elyse R.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; age 18-39 years) with cancer report needing support with health insurance. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual health insurance navigation intervention (HIAYA CHAT) to improve health insurance literacy (HIL), awareness of Affordable Care Act (ACA) protections, financial toxicity, and stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HIAYA CHAT is a four-session navigator delivered program; it includes psychoeducation on insurance, navigating one's plan, insurance-related laws, and managing costs. Participants were eligible if they could access an internet-capable device, were <1 year from diagnosis, and received treatment from University of Utah Healthcare or Intermountain Health systems. We assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of HIAYA CHAT compared with usual navigation care, including HIL (nine items), insurance knowledge (13 items), ACA protections (eight items), COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST; 11 items), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; four items), using t tests and Cohen's d.

RESULTS

From November 2020 to December 2021, N = 86 AYAs enrolled (44.6% participation) and 89.3% completed the 5-month follow-up survey; 68.6% were female, 72.1% were White, 23.3% were Hispanic, 65.1% were age 26-39 years, and 87.2% were privately insured. Of intervention participants (n = 45), 67.4% completed all four sessions; among an exit interview subset (n = 10), all endorsed the program (100%). At follow-up, compared with usual navigation care, intervention participants had greater improvements in HIL, insurance and ACA protections knowledge, and PSS; effect sizes ranged from moderate to large (0.42-0.77). COST did not differ.

CONCLUSION

The results support the feasibility and acceptability of HIAYA CHAT with related improvements in HIL.
Characterizing Opioid Prescribing Trends of Medical Oncologists From 2013 to 2019: Analysis From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Part D Prescribers Database
Authors: Korst Mark R. , Santos Teles Marco , Choudhry Hassaam S. , Santitoro Joseph G. , Garcia Daniel J. , Schwab Sophia Marie T. , Kra Joshua A.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Opioid prescribing trends in medical oncology are poorly defined past 2017, the year after the CDC updated opioid prescription guidelines in noncancer settings. We aim to characterize pain management by medical oncologists by analyzing opioid and gabapentin prescribing trends from 2013 to 2019, identify physician-related factors associated with prescribing patterns, and assess whether CDC guidelines for nononcologic settings changed prescribing patterns.

METHODS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Part D Prescribers—by Provider, CMS Medicare Part D Prescribers—by Provider and Drug, and CMS Medicare Physician National Downloadable files from 2013 to 2019 were merged by National Provider Identification. The database included physicians' sex, years of practice, regions, and practice settings. Multivariable binary logistic regression identified significant predictors of total opioid, long-acting opioid, and gabapentin prescriptions.

RESULTS

Binary logistic regression modeling revealed no significant difference in mean daily total opioid prescriptions from 2013 to 2017. Daily opioid prescriptions by medical oncologists decreased significantly after 2017 ( P < .001). Increased opioid prescribing was associated with physician male sex ( P < .001), practicing over 10 years ( P < .001), and practice in nonurban areas ( P < .001). Opioid prescribing was greatest in the South and Midwest United States ( P < .001). The same patterns were observed with total long-acting opioid prescriptions, whereas gabapentin prescribing increased from 2013 to 2019 ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Opioid prescriptions by medical oncologists decreased significantly from 2013 to 2019, but this decrease was most substantial from 2017 to 2019. These results may imply that the 2016 CDC guidelines influenced medical oncologists, particularly more junior physicians in urban settings, to manage chronic cancer pain with alternative therapies.
Why Does the Inflation Reduction Act Exclude Expensive Cancer Treatments in Price Negotiations?
Authors: Horn Danea M. , Jacobson Mireille , Alpert Abby E. , Duggan Mark G.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes provisions for price negotiations of certain high-spending drugs in Medicare Parts B and D. This provision received considerable attention from those interested in the costs of cancer care since Medicare covers most patients with cancer and many cancer drugs are expensive. We simulate how many cancer drugs may be eligible for IRA price negotiations and examine the reasons that many are likely to be excluded from negotiation.

METHODS

This study uses 2021 Medicare Fee-for-Service Part B and Part D prescription drugs expenditure data. Cancer drugs were identified using the SEER Program list of cancer medications. Our measures included total spending, beneficiary users, and spending-per-beneficiary for all cancer drugs covered under Medicare. Each drug was evaluated for eligibility on the basis of IRA negotiation provisions, including estimated loss of patent exclusivity, current competitors, and orphan drug designation.

RESULTS

We found that very few cancer drugs will meet the IRA eligibility thresholds to be included in negotiations. We estimate that only 2.2% of beneficiaries with cancer will see lower costs because of the IRA negotiations. The main reason for this is that although novel cancer drug treatments are priced high, they generally treat relatively few beneficiaries and thus do not meet negotiation eligibility criteria, which are primarily based on a ranking of total spending.

CONCLUSION

The IRA negotiation provisions will have limited impact on cancer drug prices and will likely leave most patients with cancer exposed to high drug costs.
Characterizing Genetic Alterations Related to Radioiodine Avidity in Metastatic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Mu Zhuanzhuan , Zhang Xin , Sun Di , Sun Yuqing , Shi Cong , Ju Gaoda , Kai Zhentian , Huang Lisha , Chen Libo , Liang Jun , Lin Yansong
Published: December 2023

Context

Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with distant metastasis (DM) are usually not recognized as radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory DTC in a timely manner. The elucidation of genetic features related to RAI uptake patterns may shed light on the early recognition of RAI-refractory DTC.

Objective

This work aimed to elucidate the underlying molecular features behind different RAI uptake patterns.

Methods

A total of 214 patients with DM-DTC were retrospectively included in the analysis. RAI uptake patterns were defined as initially RAI refractory (I-RAIR) and initially RAI avid (I-RAIA) according to the first post-treatment scan, then I-RAIA was further divided into continually RAIA (C-RAIA), partly RAIR (P-RAIR), and gradually RAIR (G-RAIR) according to subsequent scans. The molecular subtype groups—BRAFV600E mutated, RAS mutated, fusions, and others—were classified according to main driver genes status.

Results

BRAF, TERT promoter, and TP53 mutations are more frequently detected in the I-RAIR pattern while RET fusions and RAS mutations are more frequent in the I-RAIA pattern. A late-hit mutation including TERT, TP53, or PIK3CA is more common in I-RAIR than that in I-RAIA (50.0% vs 26.9%, P = .001), particularly for those with RAS mutations in the I-RAIR group, always accompanied by TERT promoter. Isolated RET fusions accounts for 10% of I-RAIR. When compared among driver gene groups, BRAFV600E-mutated tumors have a higher rate of the I-RAIR pattern (64.4%) than RAS-mutated (4.5%, P < .001) and fusion-positive (20.7%, P < .001) tumors. In I-RAIA subgroups, BRAFV600E-mutated tumors have lower prevalence of the C-RAIA pattern than those with RAS mutation or fusions.

Conclusion

Patients with the I-RAIR pattern predominantly featured mutations of the BRAF and/or TERT promoter, of which RAS mutations were usually accompanied by late-hit mutations, while fusions mostly occurred alone.
InfrastructureModels: Composable Multi-infrastructure Optimization in Julia
Authors: Bent Russell , Tasseff Byron , Coffrin Carleton
Published: December 2023

In recent years, there has been an increasing need to understand the complex interdependencies between critical infrastructure systems, for example, electric power, natural gas, and potable water. Whereas open-source and commercial tools for the independent simulation of these systems are well established, frameworks for cosimulation with other systems are nascent and tools for co-optimization are scarce—the major challenge being the hidden combinatorics that arise when connecting multiple-infrastructure system models. Building toward a comprehensive solution for modeling interdependent infrastructure systems, this work presents InfrastructureModels, an extensible, open-source mathematical programming framework for co-optimizing multiple interdependent infrastructures. This work provides new insights into methods and programming abstractions that make state-of-the-art independent infrastructure models composable with minimal additional effort. To that end, this paper presents the design of the InfrastructureModels framework, documents key components of the software’s implementation, and demonstrates its effectiveness with three case studies on canonical co-optimization tasks arising in interdependent infrastructure systems.

History: Accepted by Ted Ralphs, Area Editor for Software Tools.

Funding: The work was funded by Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Directed Research and Development project “The Optimization of Machine Learning: Imposing Requirements on Artificial Intelligence” and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Advanced Grid Modeling projects “Joint Power System and Natural Gas Pipeline Optimal Expansion Planning” and “Coordinated Planning and Operation of Water and Power Infrastructures for Increased Resilience and Reliability.” This work was carried out under the U.S. DOE contract no. [DE-AC52-06NA25396].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0118 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0118 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Replicating and Digesting Anomalies in the Chinese A-Share Market
Authors: Li Zhibing , Liu Laura Xiaolei , Liu Xiaoyu , John Wei K. C.
Published: December 2023

We replicate 469 anomaly variables similar to those studied by Hou et al. (2020) using Chinese A-share data and a reliable testing procedure with mainboard breakpoints and value-weighted returns. We find that 83.37% of the anomaly variables do not generate significant high-minus-low quintile raw return spreads. Further adjusting risk increases the failure rate slightly to 84.22% based on CAPM alphas and 86.99% based on Fama–French three-factor alphas. We show that the conventional procedure using all A-share breakpoints with equal-weighted returns for the anomaly test is indeed problematic as it assigns too much weight to microcaps and has a very limited investment capacity. The CH3-factor, CH4-factor, and q-factor models show the best performance over the whole sample period. The q-factor model is the best performer in the post-2007 subsample period after significant improvements occurred in China’s financial market environment, such as the completion of the split-share structure reform and the implementation of new accounting standards conforming to the International Financial Reporting Standards. The non–state-owned enterprise subsample in the post-2007 period is a cleaner sample in which the CH4-factor and q-factor models are the best performers.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Funding: Z. Li acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72103043] and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities in UIBE [Grants 19QN01 and 22PY053-72103043]. L. X. Liu acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 71872006 and 72273006]. L. X. Liu and X. Liu acknowledge financial support from the Guanghua Thought Leadership Platform of Peking University. K. C. J. Wei acknowledges partial financial support from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China [Grant 15507320]. The authors acknowledge financial support from the Guanghua School of Management, Peking University; the School of Banking and Finance, University of International Business and Economics; and the Non-PAIR Research Centre “Research Centre for Quantitative Finance” at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4904 .
Conhecimento Nutricional de Adultos e Idosos do Município de Caxias do Sul-RS
Authors: Rech Eduarda Luísa , Nicoletto Bruna Bellincanta
Published: December 2023

Introdução: Conhecimento nutricional é a noção de conceitos e processos relacionados à nutrição e saúde, incluindo associações de conhecimentos sobre dieta e saúde, dieta e doenças, fontes de nutrientes e recomendações dietéticas. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento nutricional da população de Caxias do Sul e investigar suas associações com variáveis sociodemográficas e dados antropométricos. Métodos: Estudo transversal incluindo moradores do município de Caxias do Sul, entre 18 e 80 anos. Através de questionário on-line, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e antropométricos dos participantes. Para avaliar o conhecimento nutricional, foram utilizadas as seções 2 e 4 do questionário GNKQ (General NutritionKnowledgeQuestionnaire for Adults). As 26 questões possuíam diversos itens e cada item assinalado corretamente recebeu 1 ponto, totalizando 57 pontos possíveis. O conhecimento nutricional foi classificado em baixo (até 19 pontos), médio (entre 20 e 38 pontos) e alto (acima de 39 pontos). Resultados: O conhecimento nutricional médio da amostra foi 39,9 ± 6,1 pontos. A maioria dos participantes foi classificada como detentores de alto conhecimento nutricional (n=184; 61,1%, média 43,8 ± 3,6 pontos). Houve diferença estatística entre gêneros (p<0,001), renda (p=0,009), escolaridade (p=0,015) e profissionais e estudantes de Nutrição (p<0,001). Mulheres, pessoas com renda mais elevada e grau de escolaridade maior, bem como estudantes e profissionais de Nutrição apresentaram maior conhecimento nutricional. Conclusão: A amostra de adultos e idosos de Caxias do Sul-RS possui um bom conhecimento nutricional, com maiores pontuações entre as participantes do sexo feminino, maior renda, maior escolaridade e profissionais ou estudantes de Nutrição.
Nurses' perspectives and preferences on MoliCare Premium Elastic products for incontinence management
Authors: Sanaeifar Niuosha , Limam Deniz , Zettl Simone , Vechter Olga , Porsch Simon , Kesselmeier Rüdiger
Published: December 2023

Background:

With the wide range of absorbent incontinence products available, it is crucial to select the most suitable product for individuals with incontinence, ensuring that their expectations are met and their quality of life is not compromised.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the key features of the newly introduced MoliCare Premium Elastic product by nurses working with residents with incontinence in nursing homes and compare the product characteristics with those of the previous design.

Methods:

Forty-three nurses from five nursing homes in Germany were asked to complete a questionnaire focusing on key product performance aspects to elicit their views on the use of MoliCare Premium Elastic products.

Findings:

All performance features of the new product design received positive ratings from most nurses: 84% considered the overall acceptance of the new design as ‘Good’, and 52% preferred the new MoliCare Premium Elastic.

Conclusions:

The new MoliCare SkinGuard absorbent core technology performed well on each performance characteristic, demonstrating the high quality of the product and its ability to meet the needs of people with incontinence.
PS-NET: an end-to-end phase space depth estimation approach for computer-generated holograms
Authors: Madali Nabil , Gilles Antonin , Gioia Patrick , Morin Luce
Published: December 2023

In the present work, an end-to-end approach is proposed for recovering an RGB-D scene representation directly from a hologram using its phase space representation. The proposed method involves four steps. First, a set of silhouette images is extracted from the hologram phase space representation. Second, a minimal 3D volume that describes these silhouettes is extracted. Third, the extracted 3D volume is decomposed into horizontal slices, and each slice is processed using a neural network to generate a coarse estimation of the scene geometry. Finally, a third neural network is employed to refine the estimation for higher precision applications. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach yields faster and more accurate results compared to numerical reconstruction-based methods. Moreover, the obtained RGB-D representation can be directly utilized for alternative applications such as motion estimation.
Frequency and characteristics of asthma in smokers attending smoking cessation units in Spain
Authors: Riesco Juan-Antonio , Rábade Carlos , Signes-Costa Jaime , Cabrera Eva , Jimenez Carlos-A
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The interaction between smoking and asthma impairs lung function and increases airflow obstruction severity. The identification of smoking patterns in smokers with and without asthma is crucial to provide the best care strategies. The aims of this study are to estimate asthma frequency, describe asthma features, and characterize smoking in smokers attending smoking cessation units.

Material and methods

We carried out a cross-sectional study in five smoking cessation units with different geographical distribution to estimate asthma frequency in smokers, characterize asthma features in smokers, as well as smoking in asthmatic smokers.

Results

Asthma frequency among smokers was 18.6%. Asthmatic smokers presented high passive exposure, low smoking self-efficacy and will to quit smoking, as well as a high exacerbation frequency, severe symptoms, and frequent use of long-acting beta agonists, inhaled steroids, and short-acting beta agonists.

Discussion

Smokers with asthma constitute a high-risk group with worsened evolution of pulmonary involvement. All smokers should be regularly screened for asthma. Effective smoking cessation strategies should be proposed to smokers with asthma in order to reverse the harmful effects of smoking on the airway, together with a comprehensive and integral approach.
The relationships of spiritual health, pregnancy worries and stress and perceived social support with childbirth fear and experience: A path analysis
Authors: Hosaini Saeideh , Yazdkhasti Mansoureh , Moafi Ghafari Farnoosh , Mohamadi Farima , Kamran Rad Seyed Hamid Reza , Mahmoodi Zohreh
Published: December 2023

Background

Given maternal health is a major health indicator, the present research aimed at determining the causal relationships of spiritual health, worries, stress and perceived social support with the fear and experience of childbirth in pregnant women.

Methods

The present longitudinal prospective research recruited 352 pregnant women presenting to selected health centers in Qazvin, Iran in 2021. The data were collected using the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire-2 (CEQ-2), the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Persian version of the Pregnancy Worries and Stress Questionnaire (PWSQ), the Spiritual Health Questionnaire, the Socioeconomic Status (SES) questionnaire and a sociodemographic checklist, and were analyzed in SPSS-25 and Lisrel-8.8.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 28.1±6.8 years. According to the results of the path analysis, among the variables related to fear of childbirth, childbirth experience (B = -0.37, CI:-0.44;-0.22) in the direct path and perceived social support (B = -0.51, CI:-0.58;-0.43) in both direct and indirect paths demonstrated the most significant negative relationship. Among the variables related to childbirth experience, pregnancy worries and stress had a negative causal relationship (B = -0.06, CI:-0.079;-0.043) in the direct path, spiritual health showed the highest significant positive relationship (B = 0.01, CI: 0.008; 0.012) in the indirect path, and perceived social support (B = 0.112, CI: 0.092; 0.131) and the number of children (B = 0.32,CI: 0.30; 0.34) demonstrated the highest significant positive relationship in both direct and indirect paths. In other words, childbirth experience becomes more desirable as spiritual health, social support, and the number of children increases, and it becomes less desirable as pregnancy worries and stress rise.

Conclusion

According to the present findings, various psychological, social, and spiritual factors are associated with childbirth fear and experience. It is thus necessary to utilize appropriate methods and promote training and support to reduce the adverse outcomes of childbirth.
Transcriptome and metabolomics analysis of adaptive mechanism of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) to aflatoxin B1
Authors: Yang Hongsheng , Shen Meifang , Zhang Qiuyun , Li Yifeng , Tan Xiuhui , Li Xuguang , Chen Huimin , Wu Lei , He Shaofang , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: December 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), with the strong toxicity and carcinogenicity, has been reported to great toxicity to the liver and other organs of animals. It cause huge economic losses to breeding industry, including the aquaculture industry. Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis), as one of important species of freshwater aquaculture in China, are deeply disturbed by it. However, the molecular and metabolic mechanisms of hepatopancreas and ovary in crabs underlying coping ability are still unclear. Hence, we conducted targeted injection experiment with or without AFB1, and comprehensively analyzed transcriptome and metabolomics of hepatopancreas and ovary. As a result, 210 and 250 DEGs were identified in the L-C vs. L-30 m and L-C vs. L-60 m comparison, among which 14 common DEGs were related to six major functional categories, including antibacterial and detoxification, ATP energy reaction, redox reaction, nerve reaction, liver injury repair and immune reaction. A total of 228 and 401 DAMs in the ML-C vs. ML-30 m and ML-C vs. ML-60 m comparison both enriched 12 pathways, with clear functions of cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, purine metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, ABC transporters and tryptophan metabolism. Integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptome in hepatopancreas discovered three Co-enriched pathways, including steroid biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. In summary, the expression levels and functions of related genes and metabolites reveal the regulatory mechanism of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) adaptability to the Aflatoxin B1, and the findings contribute to a new perspective for understanding Aflatoxin B1 and provide some ideas for dealing with it.
Pollution halo impact in context of productive capacities, energy poverty, urbanization, and institutional quality
Authors: Mo Yuqiang , Madni Ghulam Rasool
Published: December 2023

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents a substantial development strategy spearheaded by China. Its central aim is to foster connectivity across a vast geographical area that includes countries spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. This project played a pivotal role to develop the region on the one side and also raised serious environmental concerns on the other side. There is extensive literature explored the various dimensions affecting the environment in BRI partner countries but there is hardly any study examining the impact of productive capacities, energy poverty, FDI, urbanization, and institutional quality on CO2 emission in the BRI region. Moreover, pollution halo impact is also explored so this study used panel data of 52 nations engaged in the BRI covering time span of 2001–2022 by applying OLS, Difference GMM, System GMM, Cross sectional-ARDL techniques. The results suggest that enhancing productive capacities, FDI and institutional quality significantly reduces carbon emissions in the region, while energy poverty, urbanization and economic growth is linked to higher carbon emissions. Moreover, ‘pollution halo effect’ is proved because of adoption of eco-friendly technologies through foreign corporations lead to reduction in carbon emission. The study advocates for policy measures that emphasize the promotion of productive capacities, the utilization of renewable energy sources, the adoption of practices regarding sustainable urban development, the implementation of efficient institutional structure, and inflow of eco-friendly technology through FDI.
When worlds collide: How a classically trained cellist integrates a heavy metal music camp into her learning ecology
Authors: Kattenbeck Chris , Heesch Florian
Published: December 2023

The creation of connections between learning spaces is a central dimension of music learning. However, these connections do not arise automatically, but require specific efforts from the learners. In this article, we look at these efforts, focusing in particular on the conflicts that can arise, often due to the association of places with certain genres. As an example, we attend to a classically trained cellist participating in the Wacken Music Camp, a learning space for heavy metal music. Among other things, our findings can help music educators to understand the alienation many students feel from school music lessons, and we also offer perspectives on how to address this alienation productively.
Análise comparativa da violência política de gênero na legislação dos países sul-americanos
Authors: Arnaud Rafaela Rocha
Published: December 2023

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar a legislação sul-americana que trata acerca da violência política de gênero, a fim de entender o que cada país considera como violência política e quais os mecanismos de combate para tal conduta. O método comparativo foi utilizado para analisar as diferenças entre os países, a partir da construção de uma tabela explicativa. Dentre os resultados, verificou-se que embora todas as leis contenham um conceito de violência política contra a mulher (ou de gênero) e alguma espécie de sanção, a maioria não implementa mecanismos de prevenção e reparação fortes, principalmente quanto à criação de um órgão institucional específico para a violência política. Dentre os casos estudados, apenas Bolívia, Peru e Brasil possuem uma lei específica sobre a violência política contra a mulher. Por fim, destacaram-se como mais incompletas as legislações do Brasil e da Argentina, cujo aparato institucional foi considerado fraco para o combate à violência política de gênero.
The Efficacy of Metoclopramide for Gastric Visualization by Endoscopy in Patients With Active Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vimonsuntirungsri Thanrada , Thungsuk Rattikorn , Nopjaroonsri Papatsakorn , Faknak Natee , Pittayanon Rapat
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION:

The 2021 American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines suggested using of intravenous erythromycin before endoscopy in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) to enhance endoscopic view and reduce the need for repeat endoscopy. Evidence on intravenous metoclopramide, which is more accessible, is scant, especially in patients with active UGIB. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of metoclopramide for gastric visualization in patients with active UGIB.

METHODS:

Between April 10, 2021, and October 8, 2022, this double-blind, double-center randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with active UGIB (hematemesis or presence of fresh blood in the nasogastric tube). The eligible patients were randomly assigned in a concealed 1:1 allocation to metoclopramide or placebo. The primary outcome was adequate visualization by objective endoscopic visualized gastroduodenal scores (EVS). Secondary outcomes included mean difference in EVS, duration of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), immediate hemostasis, need for a second look EGD, units of blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and 30-day rebleeding rate.

RESULTS:

Of the 68 eligible patients, 3 of each group were excluded by protocol violation. Finally, 62 patients (31 metoclopramide and 31 placebo) were analyzed. The percentage of patients with adequate visualization in metoclopramide and placebo group was 77.4% and 61.6% (odds ratio [OR] 2.16 [0.71–6.58], P = 0.16). The need for a second look EGD in the 72 hours was lower in the metoclopramide group (3.2% vs 22.6%, OR 0.11 [0.01–0.99], P = 0.02), whereas the other secondary outcomes were not different. However, in gastric lesions subgroup analysis, metoclopramide improved the adequate visualization rate (92.9% vs 50%, OR 13 [1.32–128.10], P = 0.03) and mean EVS at fundus (1.79 ± 0.42 vs 1.29 ± 0.72; P = 0.03).

DISCUSSION:

Metoclopramide did not improve endoscopic visualization but decreased the need for second look EGD in patients with overall active UGIB. It improved gastric visualization in those with UGIB due to gastric lesions, primarily by improving visualization in the fundus (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT04771481).