bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trial of a “Dynamic Choice” Patient-Centered Care Intervention for Mobile Persons With HIV in East Africa
Authors: Ayieko James , Balzer Laura B. , Inviolata Colette , Kakande Elijah , Opel Fred , Wafula Erick M. , Kabami Jane , Owaraganise Asiphas , Mwangwa Florence , Nakato Hellen , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Camlin Carol S. , Charlebois Edwin D. , Bacon Melanie C. , Petersen Maya L. , Kamya Moses R. , Havlir Diane V. , Chamie Gabriel ,   SEARCH Study Team
Published: December 2023

Background:

Persons with HIV (PWH) with high mobility face obstacles to HIV care engagement and viral suppression. We sought to understand whether a patient-centered intervention for mobile PWH would improve viral suppression and retention in care, and if so, which subgroups would benefit most.

Methods:

In a randomized trial, we evaluated the effect of an intervention designed to address barriers to care among mobile (≥2 weeks out of community in previous year) PWH with viral nonsuppression or recent missed visits in Kenya and Uganda (NCT04810650). The intervention included dynamic choice of a “travel pack” (emergency antiretroviral therapy [ART] supply, discrete ART packaging, and travel checklist), multimonth and offsite refills, facilitated transfer to out-of-community clinics, and hotline access to a mobility coordinator. The primary outcome was viral suppression (<400 copies/mL) at 48 weeks. Secondary outcomes included retention in care and ART possession.

Results:

From April 2021 to July 2022, 201 participants were enrolled and randomized (102 intervention, 99 control): 109 (54%) were female participants and 101 (50%) from Kenya; median age was 37 years (interquartile range: 29–43). At 48 weeks, there was no significant difference in viral suppression in intervention (85%) vs. control (86%). The intervention improved retention in care (risk ratio: 1.06[1.02–1.1]; P < 0.001) and ART possession (risk ratio: 1.07[1.03–1.11]; P < 0.001), with larger effect sizes among persons with baseline nonsuppression and high mobility (≥2 weeks out of community in previous 3 months).

Conclusions:

Mobile PWH-centered care should be considered for high-risk mobile populations, including nonsuppressed and highly mobile PWH, to improve retention in care and sustain viral suppression over time.

Trial registration:

NCT04810650.
Association between geospatial access to trauma center care and motor vehicle crash mortality in the United States
Authors: Patel Vishal R. , Rozycki Grace , Jopling Jeffrey , Subramanian Madhu , Kent Alistair , Manukyan Mariuxi , Sakran Joseph V. , Haut Elliott , Levy Matthew , Nathens Avery B. , Brown Carlos , Byrne James P.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of preventable trauma death in the United States. Access to trauma center care is highly variable nationwide. The objective of this study was to measure the association between geospatial access to trauma center care and MVC mortality.

METHODS

This was a population-based study of MVC-related deaths that occurred in 3,141 US counties (2017–2020). American College of Surgeons and state-verified Level I to III trauma centers were mapped. Geospatial network analysis estimated the ground transport time to the nearest trauma center from the population-weighted centroid for each county. In this way, the exposure was the predicted access time to trauma center care for each county population. Hierarchical negative binomial regression measured the risk-adjusted association between predicted access time and MVC mortality, adjusting for population demographics, rurality, access to trauma resources, and state traffic safety laws.

RESULTS

We identified 92,398 crash fatalities over the 4-year study period. Trauma centers mapped included 217 Level I, 343 Level II, and 495 Level III trauma centers. The median county predicted access time was 47 minutes (interquartile range, 26–71 minutes). Median county MVC mortality was 12.5 deaths/100,000 person-years (interquartile range, 7.4–20.3 deaths/100,000 person-years). After risk-adjustment, longer predicted access times were significantly associated with higher rates of MVC mortality (>60 minutes vs. <15 minutes; mortality rate ratio 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–1.40). This relationship was significantly more pronounced in urban/suburban vs. rural/wilderness counties (p for interaction, <0.001). County access to trauma center care explained 16% of observed state-level variation in MVC mortality.

CONCLUSION

Geospatial access to trauma center care is significantly associated with MVC mortality and contributes meaningfully to between-state differences in road traffic deaths. Efforts to improve trauma system organization should prioritize access to trauma center care to minimize crash fatalities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological, Level III.
Streptomyces koelreuteriae sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Koelreuteria paniculata and healthy leaves of Xanthium sibiricum
Authors: Fu Li , Wang Yin-Feng , Long Pei-Lan , Xiao Yan , Jiang Ming-Guo , Gao Jian
Published: December 2023

Two actinomycete strains, designated MG62T and CRLD-Y-1, were isolated from rhizosphere soil of Koelreuteria paniculata and healthy leaves of Xanthium sibiricum, respectively, in Hunan province, PR China. They could produce abundant aerial mycelia that generated rod-shaped spores with spiny surfaces. Morphological features of the two strains are typical of the genus

Streptomyces

. Strains MG62T and CRLD-Y-1 exhibited 99.93 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between them were 99.99 and 100 %, respectively, suggesting that they belonged to the same species. 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis revealed that the two strains belonged to the genus

Streptomyces

and showed highest similarities to

Streptomyces violarus

NBRC 13104T (99.07–99.29 %) and

Streptomyces arenae

ISP 5293T (99.21–99.35 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains MG62T and CRLD-Y-1 were closely related to

S. violarus

NBRC 13104T and

S. arenae

ISP 5293T. However, the ANI, dDDH and multilocus sequence analysis evolutionary distance values between the two strains and their relatives provide a robust basis upon which to verify strains MG62T and CRLD-Y-1 as representing a novel species. Moreover, a comprehensive comparison of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics further confirmed that the two strains were distinct from their relatives. Based on all these data above, strains MG62T and CRLD-Y-1 should represent a novel

Streptomyces

species, for which the name Streptomyces koelreuteriae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MG62T (=JCM 34747T=MCCC 1K06175T).
Shaping corporate ESG performance: role of social trust in China's capital market
Authors: Tang Tiantian , Yang Liyan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the influence of social trust on the attainment of corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts panel regression analysis on a distinctive dataset for 2009–2017 on Chinese firms.

Findings

The analysis reveals a significant positive association between social trust and firm-level ESG practices. Moreover, the impact of social trust on shaping ESG outcomes is further amplified by factors such as economic growth, corporate governance standards and institutional quality. This relationship remains statistically positive when the authors employ alternative measures and methodologies, such as the instrumental variables, propensity score matching and difference-in-differences approaches. Notably, the results of heterogeneity tests indicate that the Trust–ESG nexus is more prominent for state-owned enterprises and firms with substantial market capitalization, superior profitability and higher leverage.

Originality/value

This study expands the comprehension of the determinants of ESG and underscores the influential role of social trust as an informal institution in enhancing a firm's ESG performance.
How blockchain manages supply chain risks: evidence from Indian manufacturing companies
Authors: Hong Leo , Hales Douglas N.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the contribution of blockchain technology to supply chain risk management and its impact on performance among Indian manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a resource-based view, dynamic capability and system of systems theory, this study examines the direct relationships between blockchain, supply chain risk management and supply chain performance. The authors validate the mediating effects of three supply chain risk management components, namely supply risk management, demand risk management and cyber security management, on financial transaction reliability and information reliability. Data were collected from 204 Indian manufacturing companies that have adopted blockchain technology.

Findings

The results demonstrate that companies adopting blockchain technology have experienced positive outcomes in managing supply chain-related risks, financial transaction reliability and information reliability. These findings provide valuable guidance to managers, highlighting blockchain as a competitive advantage for supply chain management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous research on blockchain-based risk management capabilities has been conducted.
Tourism and the environment in Mexico: evidence of the relationship in the short and long term
Authors: Gómez López Claudia Susana , Barrón Arreola Karla Susana
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between the environment and tourism flows, as well as the economic variables of the 32 states of Mexico for the period 1999–2019 based on data availability. The related literature studying tourism and environmental impacts is scarce at a national level, with most of them being local case studies. Some international studies find that if the relationship exists, it is weak or nonexistent, using CO2 as a proxy in most cases.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses panel data and cointegration panel methodologies, while also using geographic information systems to observe the distribution of variables at a state level between tourism and environmental variables.

Findings

The findings of the study are as follows: state gross domestic product, the inertia of environmental variables (i.e. volume of water treatment and solid waste), occupied rooms (proxy variable for tourism activity) and average temperature have an impact on the contemporary evolution of environmental variables; national and international tourist variables have no impact on the environment; the panels are integrated in such a way that there is a long-term equilibrium between states and some environmental care variables; and no conclusive evidence is found regarding the impact of tourism activity on the considered environmental variables.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations and areas of opportunity of the work refer to the amount of data available over time and the precision of the measurement of the variables. The availability, temporality and frequency of the data are also limitations of the research. An example of this is the nonexistence of CO2 emissions at the state level. Additionally, studying other countries and regions for which there are limitations of data and applied studies is also a challenge.

Practical implications

The results are important for economies (in growth) and societies whose economic growth depends on tourism flows and have done little to reverse the damage that tourism has on the environment.

Social implications

The models can contribute to study the relation between tourism and environmental variables and could be extended to regions, states and provinces for decision-making on actions to be taken for the present and future.

Originality/value

The originality of the research is innovative for the region: Mexico, Central and Latin America. There are no works that have studied these problems with this methodology and these variables. In terms of originality, the classic models of panel data and cointegration of panel data are useful and easily replicable for others to use for different countries. The results are relevant because there is apparently no relationship between tourism and some environmental variables in the short run, but there exists a weak and strong long-run relation between some of them.
Dopamine and noradrenaline activate spinal astrocyte endfeet via D1‐like receptors
Authors: Montalant Alexia , Kiehn Ole , Perrier Jean‐François
Published: December 2023

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, respond to a wide variety of neurotransmitters binding to metabotropic receptors. Here, we investigated the intracellular calcium responses of spinal cord astrocytes to dopamine and noradrenaline, two catecholamines released by specific descending pathways. In a slice preparation from the spinal cord of neonatal mice, puff application of dopamine resulted in intracellular calcium responses that remained in the endfeet. Noradrenaline induced stronger responses that also started in the endfeet but spread to neighbouring compartments. The intracellular calcium responses were unaffected by blocking neuronal activity or inhibiting various neurotransmitter receptors, suggesting a direct effect of dopamine and noradrenaline on astrocytes. The intracellular calcium responses induced by noradrenaline and dopamine were inhibited by the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390. We assessed the functional consequences of these astrocytic responses by examining changes in arteriole diameter. Puff application of dopamine or noradrenaline resulted in vasoconstriction of spinal arterioles. However, blocking D1 receptors or manipulating astrocytic intracellular calcium levels did not abolish the vasoconstrictions, indicating that the observed intracellular calcium responses in astrocyte endfeet were not responsible for the vascular changes. Our findings demonstrate a compartmentalized response of spinal cord astrocytes to catecholamines and expand our understanding of astrocyte–neurotransmitter interactions and their potential roles in the physiology of the central nervous system.
Cervical Lacerations: A Review of Risks
Authors: Salazar Susan , Grayson Kaitlyn , Tsamolias Harris
Published: December 2023

Cervical laceration (CL), although infrequent, is an often‐unrecognized complication of vaginal birth and can cause significant blood loss in the immediate postpartum period. The rate of clinically significant CL ranges from 0.14% to 0.2% of births. Nulliparity, operative vaginal birth, occiput posterior position of the fetus, induction of labor, and episiotomy have been cited as possible risk factors. Much of the available literature regarding CL, however, is dated or anecdotal, and there are varying and inconsistent risk associations with its occurrence. Given this unpredictability, CL should be considered in all women with immediate postpartum hemorrhage when there is difficulty obtaining hemostasis. Although midwives receive training about CLs, the low incidence may lead to delay in diagnosis and management. This Clinical Rounds case presents a composite case of postpartum hemorrhage caused by a CL. Risk factors, diagnosis and midwifery management are discussed.
Political studies of automated governing: A bird's eye (re)view
Authors: Öjehag‐Pettersson Andreas , Carlssson Vanja , Rönnblom Malin
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we develop an approach for analyzing the increasingly important strand of research that deals with automated systems of governing. Such systems, which figure prominently in public policy and regulation, are designed to utilize the rapid advancement in computer technology, like artificial intelligence, with the purpose of governing something or someone. Drawing on a large sample of articles we present a comprehensive analysis of scholarly works where these systems are studied as political, rather than neutral, instruments of governing. We find that the current state of the art articulates the politics of automated systems of governing in three ways. Namely, as part of ontological, epistemological and ideological questions. We conclude that future research should investigate the complex forms of marketization nested in these systems, that it should move from theoretical examples to detailed empirical studies and that political science should get more involved with the issue.
Stopping antibacterial prophylaxis in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: An internal audit
Authors: Wintjes Nina , Krämer Katja , Kolve Hedwig , Mohring Daniela , Schaumburg Frieder , Rossig Claudia , Burkhardt Birgit , Groll Andreas H.
Published: December 2023

Background

Antibacterial prophylaxis in children and adolescents undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is controversial and not recommended by international guidelines. We analyzed relevant posttransplant outcomes following discontinuation of antibacterial prophylaxis at a major European pediatric transplant center.

Methods

The single‐center retrospective audit included all pediatric allogeneic HCT patients (pts) transplanted between 2011 and 2020 before (≤2014) and after (≥2015) stopping routine antibacterial prophylaxis with penicillin, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin upon start of the conditioning regimen. The primary endpoint was overall survival until the first hospital discharge. Secondary endpoints included the occurrence of fever; bacterial infections; and cumulative days with antibacterial agents until discharge.

Results

A total of 257 HCT procedures were performed in 249 pts (median age: 10 years, range, 0.2–22.5) for leukemia/lymphoma (n = 150) and nonmalignant disorders (n = 107). Of these, 104 procedures were performed before (cohort 1) and 153 after (cohort 2) stopping prophylaxis. Overall survival until discharge was 90.4% in cohort 1 and 96.1% in cohort 2 (p = .06). No differences were observed in the occurrence of fever (92.3 vs. 94.1%; p = .57) and bacterial infections (34.6 vs. 25.5%; p = .11). The median number of days on antibacterial agents was significantly lower in cohort 2 (39 vs. 34; p = .002). Detection rates of resistant organisms were overall low.

Conclusion

In this single‐center audit, the stop of routine antibacterial prophylaxis had no effect on the occurrence of fever, bacterial infections, resistant organisms, and GVHD. Overall antibiotic use was significantly reduced, and survival was noninferior to the historical control cohort.

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House dust mite allergens, store‐operated Ca2+ channels and asthma
Authors: Parekh Anant B.
Published: December 2023

The house dust mite is the principal source of aero‐allergen worldwide. Exposure to mite‐derived allergens is associated with the development of asthma in susceptible individuals, and the majority of asthmatics are allergic to the mite. Mite‐derived allergens are functionally diverse and activate multiple cell types within the lung that result in chronic inflammation. Allergens activate store‐operated Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, which are widely expressed in multiple cell types within the lung that are associated with the pathogenesis of asthma. Opening of CRAC channels stimulates Ca2+‐dependent transcription factors, including nuclear factor of activated T cells and nuclear factor‐κB, which drive expression of a plethora of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that help to sustain chronic inflammation. Here, I describe drivers of asthma, properties of mite‐derived allergens, how the allergens are recognized by cells, the signalling pathways used by the receptors and how these are transduced into functional effects, with a focus on CRAC channels. In vivo experiments that demonstrate the effectiveness of targeting CRAC channels as a potential new therapy for treating mite‐induced asthma are also discussed, in tandem with other possible approaches.

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Genetic dissection of the degradation pathways for the mycotoxin fusaric acid in
Burkholderia ambifaria
T16
Authors: Vinacour Matias , Moiana Mauro , Forné Ignasi , Jung Kirsten , Bertea Micaela , Calero Valdayo Patricia M. , Nikel Pablo I. , Imhof Axel , Palumbo Miranda C. , Fernández Do Porto Dario , Ruiz Jimena A.
Published: December 2023

Fusaric acid (FA) is a mycotoxin produced by several
Fusarium
species.
Burkholderia ambifaria
T16 is a rhizosphere bacterium, able to use FA as sole nitrogen, carbon, and energy source. By screening a transposon insertional library, combined with proteomic analysis, genes and enzymes involved in the microbial degradation of FA were identified for the first time. A functional 2-methylcitrate cycle, an anaplerotic pathway where propionyl-coenzyme A (CoA) is converted to pyruvate and succinate, was shown to be essential for growth in the presence of FA. The proteomic profile of
B. ambifaria
T16 showed that more than 50 enzymes (including those belonging to the 2-methylcitrate cycle, fatty acid metabolism, valine catabolism, and flavin biosynthesis) were significantly more abundant when growing on FA than on citrate. Flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-dependent luciferases like monooxygenase (LLM) are shown to catalyze the pyridine-ring cleavage reaction of several N-heterocyclic compounds. Deletion of a gene encoding a predicted LLM enzyme that was highly upregulated during growth on FA, completely abolished the capability of
B. ambifaria
T16 to grow with this mycotoxin as sole nitrogen, carbon, and energy source. Re-introduction of the wild type gene was able to restore growth. The mentioned gene is part of a gene cluster of unknown function that we termed
fua
, due to its probable role in fusaric acid catabolism. Our results suggest that the LLM encoded in the
fua
cluster catalyzes the pyridine-ring opening reaction during FA degradation, and that propionyl-CoA is one of the intermediates of FA catabolism in
B. ambifaria
T16.

IMPORTANCE

Fusaric acid (FA) is an important virulence factor produced by several
Fusarium
species. These fungi are responsible for wilt and rot diseases in a diverse range of crops. FA is toxic for animals, humans and soil-borne microorganisms. This mycotoxin reduces the survival and competition abilities of bacterial species able to antagonize
Fusarium
spp., due to its negative effects on viability and the production of antibiotics effective against these fungi. FA biodegradation is not a common characteristic among bacteria, and the determinants of FA catabolism have not been identified so far in any microorganism. In this study, we identified genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways involved in the degradation of FA in the soil bacterium
Burkholderia ambifaria
T16. Our results provide insights into the catabolism of a pyridine-derivative involved in plant pathogenesis by a rhizosphere bacterium.
On the Existence of Radially Symmetric Solutions for the $ p $-Laplace Equation with Strong Gradient Nonlinearities
Authors: Tersenov Ar. S.
Published: December 2023

We consider the Dirichlet problem for the $ p $-Laplace equation
in presence of a gradient not satisfying the Bernstein–Nagumo type condition.
We define some class of gradient nonlinearities,
for which we prove the existence of a radially symmetric solution with a Hölder continuous derivative.
Genotype–phenotype correlations in paediatric and adolescent phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Seabrook Amanda , Vasudevan Anand , Neville Kristen , Gerstl Brigitte , Benn Diana , Smith Janine , Kirk Judy , Gill Anthony , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Tucker Katherine
Published: December 2023

Phaeochromocytoma (PC) and paraganglioma (PGL) syndromes associated with germline pathogenic variants are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Establishing genotype–phenotype correlations within a young population is challenging due to their rare occurrence.

Objective

To describe genotype–phenotype correlations in paediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with PC/PGL. To establish the incidence of PC/PGL in a young population and prevalence of germline pathogenic variants within this group.

Study design

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with a PC/PGL aged 0–21 years old who were reviewed within Familial Cancer Services within New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia.

Results

A germline pathogenic variant was detected in 80% (24/30) of patients;SDHB: n=12,VHL: n=11, andMAX: n=1. Only patients harbouring a germline pathogenic variant reported a family history of syndromic tumours, those with apparently sporadic disease did not (62.5% versus 0%, p=0.02). All patients withVHLpresented with an adrenal tumour compared with 25% of those withSDHB(100% versus 25%, p=0.01). Occurrence of multiple primary PC/PGL was seen in patients withVHLhowever was absent in patients withSDHB(36% versus 0%, p=0.03). Incidence rate of paediatric PC/PGL was 0.45 cases per million person years.

Conclusions

PC/PGL diagnosed in children and adolescents were strongly associated with germline pathogenic variants inVHLorSDHB. These patients should be referred to specialist services for family counselling and genetic testing along followed by investigations for the detection of bilateral, multifocal or metastatic disease, and lifelong surveillance for recurrent disease.
Long-term effect of orthokeratology on choroidal thickness and choroidal contour in myopic children
Authors: Xu Shengsong , Wang Mengyi , Lin Sijia , Jiang Jinyun , Yu Mengting , Tang Xianghua , Xie Danxi , Lu Mingxin , Li Zhouyue , Yang Xiao
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To investigate the long-term effect of orthokeratology (ortho-k) on the choroidal thickness and choroidal contour in myopic children.

Methods

Subjects were from a conducted 2-year randomised clinical trial. Children (n=80) aged 8–12 years with spherical equivalent refraction of −1.00 to −6.00D were randomly assigned to the control group (n=40) and ortho-k group (n=40). Optical coherence tomography images were collected at the baseline, 1-month, 6-month, 12-month, 18-month and 24-month visits, then the choroidal thickness and choroid contour were calculated. Axial length (AL) and other ocular biometrics were also measured.

Results

During 2 years, in the control group, the choroidal thickness became thinning and the choroidal contour became prolate with time at all visits (all p<0.001). Ortho-k can improve the choroidal thickness (all p<0.001) and maintain the choroidal contour at all visits (all p<0.05). In the ortho-k group, the choroidal contour was less changed in the temporal than nasal (p=0.008), and the choroidal thickness was more thickening in the temporal 3 mm (p<0.001). Two-year change in choroidal thickness was significantly associated with the 2-year AL change in the control group (r=−0.52, p<0.001), however, this trend was broken by ortho-k (r=−0.05, p=0.342). After being adjusted by other variables in the multivariable regression model, the effect of ortho-k on choroidal thickness was stable.

Conclusions

In the current 2-year prospective study, ortho-k can improve the choroidal thickness and maintain the choroidal contour, but this effect diminished in a long term. Further study with larger sample size and longer follow-up is warranted to refine this issue.
Evolution of atrophied T2 lesion volume in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis: results from the phase 3 ORATORIO study
Authors: Zivadinov Robert , Pei Jinglan , Clayton David , Goldman Donna E , Winger Ryan C , Cabatingan Mark S , Dwyer Michael G , Bergsland Niels
Published: December 2023

Background

Atrophied T2-lesion volume (aT2-LV) is an exploratory imaging marker in multiple sclerosis (MS) reflecting the volume of lesions subsumed into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Objective

To investigate the effect of ocrelizumab (OCR) versus placebo (PBO) over 120 weeks on the accumulation of aT2-LV in a double-blind placebo-controlled (DBP) phase 3, primary-progressive (PP) MS study (ORATORIO;NCT01194570).

Methods

This post-hoc, MRI-blinded analysis evaluated 732 PPMS randomised to OCR (488) or PBO (244). Atrophied T2-LV was calculated by overlaying baseline T2-lesion masks on follow-up CSF maps. Clinical data from DBP and open-label extension (OLE) periods were available. Treatment effect was evaluated by a mixed-effect model with repeated measures, while logistic regression explored the association of aT2-LV at week 120 and clinical outcomes in the OLE period.

Results

OCR treatment significantly reduced accumulation of aT2-LV compared with PBO (319.4 mm3vs 366.1 mm3, p=0.015) at 120 weeks. OCR showed superiority over PBO in reducing aT2-LV in patients who developed confirmed disability progression (CDP) during the DBP period at 12 (CDP12) and 24 (CDP24) weeks for the composite of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Nine-Hole Peg Test and Timed 25-Foot Walk test. Accumulation of aT2-LV at week 120 was related to CDP12-EDSS (p=0.018) and CDP24-EDSS (p=0.022) in the OLE for the patients who were treated by PBO in the DBP only.

Conclusions

OCR showed a significant effect of reducing the accumulation of aT2-LV in PPMS in the DBP period and was related to CDP-EDSS in OLE only in the PBO arm.
Redefining global cardiac surgery through an intersectionality lens
Authors: Vervoort Dominique , Elfaki Lina A , Servito Maria , Herrera-Morales Karla Yael , Kanyepi Kudzai
Published: December 2023

Although cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, six billion people lack access to safe, timely and affordable cardiac surgical care when needed. The burden of cardiovascular disease and disparities in access to care vary widely based on sociodemographic characteristics, including but not limited to geography, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, indigeneity, socioeconomic status and age. To date, the majority of cardiovascular, global health and global surgical research has lacked intersectionality lenses and methodologies to better understand access to care at the intersection of multiple identities and traditions. As such, global (cardiac) surgical definitions and health system interventions have been rooted in reductionism, focusing, at most, on singular sociodemographic characteristics. In this article, we evaluate barriers in global access to cardiac surgery based on existing intersectionality themes and literature. We further examine intersectionality methodologies to study access to cardiovascular care and cardiac surgery and seek to redefine the definition of ‘global cardiac surgery’ through an intersectionality lens.
The development of unit shaft resistance along driven piles in subsiding soil
Authors: Kania Jakub G. , Sørensen Kenny K. , Fellenius Bengt H.
Published: December 2023

The influence of bitumen coating on the development of unit shaft resistance along driven steel and precast concrete piles resulting from subsiding surrounding soft soil (gyttja) induced by fill placement at terrain was investigated. All piles were instrumented with conventional discrete-point vibrating wire strain gauges and distributed fibre optic sensors to achieve high-resolution strain measurements. The magnitude of the mobilised unit shaft resistance along uncoated piles was observed to be primarily related to an increase in effective stress resulting from the dissipation of excess pore water pressures. The unit shaft resistance along bitumen-coated piles was found to be primarily related to the rate of relative movement between pile and soil, which highlights the effectiveness of bitumen coating in reducing shaft resistance.
Micromechanical study of loess permeability and seepage erosion based on microstructure functional basic unit and seepage simulation in pore domain
Authors: Wang Weiping , Li Xi-An , Dong Haoyang , Chai Hao , Yang Wenfu
Published: December 2023

The vast majority of geological disasters in loess-covered areas are caused by seepage erosion in loess. Therefore, this study focuses on the microscopic mechanism of loess seepage erosion and constructs a loess microstructure model based on particle “core + coat”. On this basis, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) photos are imported into COMSOL to simulate the micro-scale seepage in the pore domain. Through the actual permeability test, combined with the micro-quantitative information obtained by Image-Pro-Plus and Arcgis, the micro-factors affecting loess permeability are quantitatively analyzed by grey relational analysis. The results show that the dry density affects the porosity of loess and ultimately determines the permeability of loess. Different pore types and proportions lead to different seepage erosion of loess. The erosion process mainly occurs at the junction of pores. The sudden increase of velocity, pressure drop, and maximum shear rate at the throat indicate that this area is the main action area of loess seepage erosion. The research results of this study provide an important theoretical basis for the research and prevention of geological disasters and engineering diseases related to seepage deformation and failure in loess area.
Metabolic energetics underlying attractors in neural models
Authors: Buxton Richard B. , Wong Eric C.
Published: December 2023

This work bridges two approaches for understanding brain function: cellular-level studies of the metabolic energy costs of different aspects of neural activity and neural population modeling, including the role of neural attractors. The proposed modeling framework connects energetic costs, in ATP consumed per second per neuron, to the more abstract variables used in neural population modeling. In particular, this work anchors potential neural attractors to physiologically plausible bioenergetics requirements.
Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair with Artificial Chordae: Insights from a 6-Year Single-Center Study
Authors: Bui Vinh Duc An , Nguyen Dang , Pizano Alejandro , Rutledge-Jukes Heath , Iheagwaram Chibuikem S. , Bajaj Simar S. , Van Dung Hung , Nguyen Nam Hoai , Theologou Thomas , Akbar Armaan F. , Vervoort Dominique , Harky Amer , Nguyen Dinh Hoang
Published: December 2023

Purpose. Minimally invasive mitral valve repair (MIMVR) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, but technical difficulty, outcome variation, and lack of standardized protocols undermine the utility of artificial chordae. This study aims to analyze the midterm outcomes of repair using artificial chordae through right minithoracotomy. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent MIMVR using artificial chordae at a single center in Vietnam between April 2016 and April 2022. Valve repairs were separated into two groups based on a previously validated complexity score: simple repair (Group 1) and intermediate-to-complex repair (Group 2). Demographic variables, comorbidities, operative characteristics, surgical outcomes, and follow-up data on survival and mitral regurgitation (MR) grade were analyzed. The learning curve was assessed by comparing the number of procedures with operation time and aorta cross-clamp time. Primary endpoints included survival and freedom from recurrent MR at four years. Results. Ninety patients were identified, including 41 simple and 49 intermediate-to-complex repairs. The mean age was 50.5 ± 12.9 years. Both groups had similar preoperative characteristics. The perioperative and postoperative outcomes were favorable, with no cases requiring mitral valve replacement. The median follow-up time was 30.3 months (18.2–40.4), and there were two (2.2%) cardiac deaths, with one in each group. The Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for Groups 1 and 2 at 12 and 24 months were 97% vs. 100% and 97% vs. 96%, respectively (95% CI = 0.05–12.2,

P
=
0.850

), and estimates for freedom from recurrent MR were 97% vs. 92% and 97% vs. 88%, respectively (95% CI = 0.49–12.0,

P
=
0.260

). There was a negative association between the volume of operations and the duration of operation and aortic cross-clamp time, leading to shorter durations. Conclusion. Based on our single-center experience, MIMVR using artificial chordae via right mini-thoracotomy can be safely and effectively performed in resource-limited countries for patients with MR. This approach has been shown to be applicable for a range of MR complexities, from simple to intermediate-to-complex MV repairs, and has demonstrated promising results in terms of midterm freedom from MR recurrence.
Supplementary Tables S1 and S2 from Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants
Authors: Ahmed Shadin , Wedekind Mary Frances , Del Rivero Jaydira , Raygada Margarita , Lockridge Robin , Glod John W. , Flowers Crystal , Thomas BJ , Bernstein Donna B. , Kapustina Oxana B. , Jain Ashish , Miettinen Markku , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Aldape Kenneth , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Allen Taryn , Vivelo Christina A. , Sandler Abby B. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Reilly Karlyne M.
Published: December 2023

Table S1 shows genes assayed in the TSO500 panel. Table S2 shows the sources of germline data for individual subjects.
Supplementary Fig 7 from Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants
Authors: Ahmed Shadin , Wedekind Mary Frances , Del Rivero Jaydira , Raygada Margarita , Lockridge Robin , Glod John W. , Flowers Crystal , Thomas BJ , Bernstein Donna B. , Kapustina Oxana B. , Jain Ashish , Miettinen Markku , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Aldape Kenneth , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Allen Taryn , Vivelo Christina A. , Sandler Abby B. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Reilly Karlyne M.
Published: December 2023

Performance scores, self-reported general health rating, and BMI.
Supplementary Fig 6 from Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants
Authors: Ahmed Shadin , Wedekind Mary Frances , Del Rivero Jaydira , Raygada Margarita , Lockridge Robin , Glod John W. , Flowers Crystal , Thomas BJ , Bernstein Donna B. , Kapustina Oxana B. , Jain Ashish , Miettinen Markku , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Aldape Kenneth , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Allen Taryn , Vivelo Christina A. , Sandler Abby B. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Reilly Karlyne M.
Published: December 2023

Time from diagnosis to enrollment by tumor type.
Supplementary Fig 4 from Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants
Authors: Ahmed Shadin , Wedekind Mary Frances , Del Rivero Jaydira , Raygada Margarita , Lockridge Robin , Glod John W. , Flowers Crystal , Thomas BJ , Bernstein Donna B. , Kapustina Oxana B. , Jain Ashish , Miettinen Markku , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Aldape Kenneth , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Allen Taryn , Vivelo Christina A. , Sandler Abby B. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Reilly Karlyne M.
Published: December 2023

Distribution of enrollees participating remotely (field; red) or traveling to NIHCC (clinic; blue), located in Bethesda, MD.
Supplementary Fig 3 from Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants
Authors: Ahmed Shadin , Wedekind Mary Frances , Del Rivero Jaydira , Raygada Margarita , Lockridge Robin , Glod John W. , Flowers Crystal , Thomas BJ , Bernstein Donna B. , Kapustina Oxana B. , Jain Ashish , Miettinen Markku , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Aldape Kenneth , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Allen Taryn , Vivelo Christina A. , Sandler Abby B. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Reilly Karlyne M.
Published: December 2023

Race and ancestry of participants.
Supplementary Fig 1 from Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants
Authors: Ahmed Shadin , Wedekind Mary Frances , Del Rivero Jaydira , Raygada Margarita , Lockridge Robin , Glod John W. , Flowers Crystal , Thomas BJ , Bernstein Donna B. , Kapustina Oxana B. , Jain Ashish , Miettinen Markku , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Aldape Kenneth , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Allen Taryn , Vivelo Christina A. , Sandler Abby B. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Reilly Karlyne M.
Published: December 2023

Geographic distribution of participants by age group.
FIGURE 1 from Longitudinal Natural History Study of Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors: Initial Results for First 200 Participants
Authors: Ahmed Shadin , Wedekind Mary Frances , Del Rivero Jaydira , Raygada Margarita , Lockridge Robin , Glod John W. , Flowers Crystal , Thomas BJ , Bernstein Donna B. , Kapustina Oxana B. , Jain Ashish , Miettinen Markku , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Tyagi Manoj , Kim Jung , Aldape Kenneth , Malayeri Ashkan A. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Allen Taryn , Vivelo Christina A. , Sandler Abby B. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Reilly Karlyne M.
Published: December 2023

A, Number of participants by rare tumor diagnoses (N = 197). B, Diagnoses with only one participant enrolled (N = 1). C, Month of enrollment of 197 participants in 2019 and 2020, relative to the start of COVID pandemic restrictions at NIHCC in March 2020. Clinic cohort patients are shown in red and field cohort patients are in blue.
APOL1 Gene Variants and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Duran Carlos Eduardo , Estacio Mayra , Espinosa Daniela , Manzi Eliana , Posada Juan G. , Mesa Liliana , Schweineberg Johanna
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The association of APOL1 risk variants with cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in observational and clinical trials has had inconsistent results. We aim to assess the relationship between the presence of APOL1 risk variants and the CVD risk in Afro-descendant patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: We performed an observational, cross-sectional study of Afro-descendant adult patients with ESRD who were on the waitlist for a kidney transplant. Associations of APOL1 genotypes (high-risk [HR] = 2 alleles; low-risk [LR] = 0 or 1 allele) with cardiovascular risk were the primary clinical endpoint. The relation was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: We enrolled a total of 102 patients with ESRD; 37% (38 patients) had APOL1 HR status with two alleles in homozygous (G1/G1 = 21 and G2/G2 = 3) or compound heterozygote (G1/G2 = 14) form and 63% (64 patients) had APOL1 LR status. No significant association was found between HR APOL1 genotypes and high cardiovascular risk (in adjusted Colombia Framingham Risk Score). APOL1 HR versus LR variants were not independently associated with left ventricular hypertrophy or systolic dysfunction. No cardiovascular deaths occurred during the follow-up. Conclusion: In Afro-descendent patients with ESRD, APOL1 HR status is not associated with the increase in cardiovascular risk profile and metabolic disturbances.
Preliminary Research on Indonesian Public Relations Practitioners’ Digital Skills and Competencies during Digital Technology Transformation
Authors: Wulandari Maulina Pia
Published: December 2023

The present state of global growth, which is now focused on the process of digitalization and the establishment of information technology networks, has emerged as a fundamental component within the realm of Public Relations professionals. The field of Public Relations has seen significant transformation via digitalization as practitioners have adapted their strategies to meet the increasing needs and expectations of stakeholders. Incorporating digital communication platforms, big data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has necessitated Public Relations practitioners to acquire a thorough proficiency in a new array of digital abilities. The primary objective of this preliminary research was to examine the digital skills and competencies shown by public relations practitioners in Indonesia. A quantitative research method was undertaken to investigate the implementation of Digital Public Relations in Indonesia, with surveys as the primary technique of data collecting. The study included participation from many public relations practitioners from diverse organizations as survey respondents. The study revealed that the emergence of Digital Public Relations, together with its accompanying technological advancements, has facilitated the tasks of Public Relations professionals, hence potentially enhancing their efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, many Public Relations professionals in Indonesia have already acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in digital public relations. In addition to possessing knowledge and competencies in Digital Public Relations, it is observed that a significant number of Public Relations practitioners lack practical skills in analysing the vast amount of data pertaining to their organizations on the internet and other social media platforms.
Educational Messages to Combat COVID-19 Misinformation on Instagram
Authors: Destrity Nia Ashton
Published: December 2023

Public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have the potential to generate misinformation across various media, including social media. A multitude of health information sources, encompassing news portals, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, communities, and specific platforms, utilize social media as a means to educate the public and counter the spread of misinformation. These diverse sources play a crucial role in combatting misinformation. However, there remains a limited amount of empirical research concerning the educational messages used by different health information sources to counteract misinformation. This study seeks to describe and analyze the educational messages employed to combat COVID-19 misinformation on Instagram, utilizing various health information sources such as the Ministry of Health as a governmental organization, Tirto.id as a news portal, and Pandemic Talks as a specialized platform for COVID-19 information and official data in Indonesia. Through qualitative content analysis of message posts on official Instagram accounts belonging to these three distinct health information sources, this research aims to identify and compare the educational messages designed to counter misinformation related to COVID-19. This study elucidates and underscores the critical role played by various types of health information sources in crafting educational messages to counter misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly via the social media platform Instagram. Furthermore, this research underscores the theoretical significance of disseminating educational messages regarding misinformation through social media platforms. From a practical standpoint, this research contributes to our understanding of social media's dual potential as both a channel for disseminating and combating misinformation.