bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4137175: Functional Mitral Regurgitation as a Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence Following Catheter Ablation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chierici Pereira Lucas , Wattanachayakul Phuuwadith , Marotta Riley , Srikulmontri Thitiphan , Carvalho Ferreira Andre , Amanullah Aman
Published: November 2024

Background:
Recent studies showed that functional mitral valve regurgitation (FMR) was associated with higher long-term mortality in chronic heart failure patients and poorer outcomes in those with atrial fibrillation (AF), including a higher risk of atrial cardiomyopathy. However, the effect of baseline FMR on outcomes post-AF catheter ablation remains unclear due to inconsistent evidence.

Methods:
We systematically reviewed studies from Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to April 2024. Eligible studies must report the association between baseline FMR and risk of AF recurrence post-AF catheter ablation compared to individuals without FMR. Relative Risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CIs were retrieved from each study and combined using the generic inverse variance method.

Results:
Our meta-analysis included 7 cohort studies and found that baseline FMR was associated with a higher risk of AF recurrence compared to those without FMR. The pooled risk ratios (RR) were 1.40 (95% CI 1.11-1.78, I2 = 31%, p = 0.005). No publication bias was identified on the funnel plot.

Conclusions:
Our pooled analysis found that patients with FMR who underwent AF catheter ablation had a higher risk of AF recurrence compared to those without FMR. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and their clinical implications.

Keyword:
Functional mitral regurgitation, Atrial fibrillation, Catheter ablation, Atrial fibrillation recurrence, Systematic review, Meta-analysis
Abstract 4137180: Effectiveness of Exercise-based Interventions in the Prevention of Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Xiong Xingyu , Ding Hexiao , Ma Ruisi , Liu Ting
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Breast cancer patients receiving anticancer therapy are at risk of developing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). While exercise has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in these patients, its effectiveness in preventing CTRCD remains unclear.

Research Questions:
How do exercise-based interventions affect CTRCD in breast cancer patients? Which exercise modality is most effective in preventing CTRCD?

Goals:
This network meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions based on cardiac function parameters and to identify the optimal exercise modality for preventing CTRCD.

Methods:
A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to March 4, 2024. Studies that used exercise interventions, either exercise alone or with other interventions, were included. Outcome measures included at least one cardiac function parameter such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or global longitudinal strain (GLS). Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed using R software (v.4.3.3).

Results:
A total of 1149 participants from 14 RCTs were included. Compared to the usual care, exercise-based interventions significantly improved LVEF (MD=1.68; 95% CI=0.59-2.77; p＜0.05) and GLS (MD=1.40; 95% CI=0.59-2.21; p＜0.05). Based on the ranking probabilities, combined aerobic and resistance exercise was the most effective way to improve LVEF (4 studies, SUCRA: 96.46%), followed by cardiac rehabilitation (2 studies, SUCRA: 45.31%) and aerobic exercise (4 studies, SUCRA: 41.57%). In terms of improving GLS, combined aerobic and resistance exercise also ranked highest (3 studies, SUCRA: 87.77%). However, cardiac rehabilitation (2 studies, SUCRA: 46.70%) and aerobic exercise (1 study, SUCRA: 44.92%) were still less effective.

Conclusion:
This network meta-analysis provides low-certainty evidence for the potential efficacy of exercise-based interventions in preventing CTRCD, especially the combined aerobic and resistance training. Further rigorous studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions in the prevention of CTRCD.
Abstract 4137181: High-Intensity Walking Exercise Minutes and Improved Walking Performance in Peripheral Artery Disease: LITE Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Thangada Neela , Xu Shujun , Tian Lu , Zhao Lihui , McDermott Mary
Published: November 2024

Background:
The LITE randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of high-intensity vs low-intensity walking exercise on walking ability for peripheral artery disease (PAD). In post-hoc analyses, this study evaluated whether people with PAD who walked more exercise minutes per week had greater six-minute walk (6MW) improvement, compared to those who walked fewer exercise minutes per week. Within each quartile of exercise minutes, change in 6MW was compared between high and low-intensity exercise groups.

Methods:
People with PAD were randomized to walking exercise that induced ischemic leg symptoms (high-intensity), walking exercise at a comfortable pace without ischemic leg symptoms (low-intensity), or a control group that did not exercise for 12 months. Participants randomized to exercise were asked to walk 5 days/week up to 50 minutes/day. High-intensity exercise was defined and objectively measured using an ActiGraph. Participants wore an ActiGraph during exercise to measure exercise minutes/week. The primary outcome was 12-month change in 6MW.

Results:
Of 305 PAD participants randomized (47% women, 59% Black), 208 were assigned to exercise and had data available for analyses. The high-intensity exercise group walked fewer exercise minutes/week than the low-intensity exercise group (51.95 vs 136.82, P< 0.0001). In each exercise group, greater exercise minutes/week at target intensity were associated with greater 6MW improvement (Table). Within each quartile of exercise minutes/week, high-intensity exercise improved 6MW significantly more than low-intensity (Table).

Conclusion:
In the LITE randomized trial, among people randomized to high-intensity and low-intensity exercise, respectively, more minutes of exercise per week were associated with greater 6MW improvement. However, within each quartile of exercise minutes/week, high-intensity exercise improved 6MW significantly more than low-intensity exercise.
Abstract 4137186: No Room for Chronotropic Incompetence in Living Fontan Patients: Enhanced Heart Rate Increase in Response to Exercise to Compensate Low Stroke Volume Reserve
Authors: Tsuda Takeshi , Kernizan Daphney
Published: November 2024

Background:
Fontan patients reveal decreased peak exercise performance in combination with low peak heart rate (HR), which is frequently interpreted as chronological incompetence. This is counterproductive as HR increase has to be enhanced to compensate limited stroke volume increase in Fontan physiology.

Methods:
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) data in asymptomatic Fontan patients and age-matched control subjects were retrospectively studied. Peak and submaximal CPET parameters were obtained by cycle ergometer. Chronotropic capacity was assessed by peak HR/peak [WR/kg] and submaximal slope of HR/[work rate (WR)/kg] (ΔHR/Δ[WR/kg]) for males and females, separately.

Results:
Table 1 presents CPET data of Fontan patients (51) and controls (65). Fontan patients showed significantly lower peak HR, peak WR, peak oxygen consumption (VO2)/kg, %predicted maximum VO2, and peak oxygen pulse (pOP)/kg than controls in both sexes whereas peak HR/peak [WR/kg] was significantly higher in Fontan patients, indicating higher HR at the maximum effort in Fontan patients than in controls. Fontan patients showed higher ΔHR/Δ[WR/kg], a marker for HR-dependency, and lower Δ[VO2/kg]/ΔHR, a surrogate of stroke volume, suggesting higher HR was compensating lower stroke volume during submaximal phase of exercise in Fontan patients. Figure 1 demonstrates a linear relationship between ΔHR/ΔWR and peak HR/peak WR in both sexes. Male Fontan patients revealed a comparable trend with controls, whereas female Fontan patients showed higher HR increase at the peak exercise effort than controls with the same ΔHR/ΔWR, suggesting more limited stroke volume reserve than male Fontan patients.

Conclusions:
Fontan patients showed higher HR-response to exercise than controls in both sexes due to limitation in stroke volume increase. Our data indicate that lower peak HR in Fontan patients results from early exhaustion due to limited stroke volume reserve rather than primary chronotropic incompetence.
Abstract 4137188: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moinul Sheikh , Urina-Jassir Manuel , Rodriguez-Taveras Joan , Yuyun Matthew
Published: November 2024

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia globally, with an escalating incidence in the United States. It is known that racial and ethnic disparities exist in the management of AF. Although current guidelines recommend catheter ablation (CA) as one of the most effective rhythm control strategies, recent data suggest that minority populations, including Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals with AF, are less likely to undergo CA, and aggregate data are lacking in this area.

Aims/Hypothesis:
To determine differences in CA rates and the likelihood of undergoing CA for AF in racial/ethnic minority populations compared to Caucasians. We hypothesized that minorities are less likely to undergo CA for AF than their non-minority counterparts.

Methods:
A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, based on an a priori registered protocol (PROSPERO Registration CRD42024496174), from January 1st, 2010, to January 2nd, 2024, was conducted to identify studies with ≥ 500 participants assessing CA use in AF in at least two racial/ethnic groups. Data were combined using a random-effects model meta-analysis.

Results:
A total of 431 non-duplicate records were identified. After independent screening based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 19 studies comprising 12,598,109 patients were included. Among them, 9,577,652 (76.0%) were White, 789,954 (6.3%) were Black, 476,216 (3.8%) were Hispanic, 113,005 (0.9%) were Asian, while 1,641,282 (13.0%) were classified as other or were missing race/ethnicity data. The proportion of White subjects who underwent CA for AF was 4% (95% CI 3-5%). In contrast, the proportion of Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals with AF who underwent CA was 2% (95% CI 1-3%), respectively, for each group. Pooled odds ratios (OR) of having CA for AF compared to Whites were 0.68 (95% CI 0.56 - 0.83), 0.72 (95% CI 0.63 - 0.82), 0.64 (95% CI 0.48 - 0.86) for Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, respectively.

Conclusions:
The use of CA among the total AF population was low across all ethnic groups. Moreover, racial/ethnic minority groups were significantly less likely to undergo CA compared to White patients.
Abstract 4137191: Association of Cost-Related Medication Non-Adherence with Food Insecurity in U.S. Adults with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ambrosini Alexander , Mangalesh Sridhar , Fishman Emily , Faridi Kamil , Nanna Michael
Published: November 2024

Background:
The association of cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) with food insecurity (FI) is not well described in those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Research Questions:
Is FI associated with CRN in those with ASCVD, and does enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) modify this effect?

Methods:
Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2011-2018 cycles were analyzed. A total of 22,304 adults (weighted: 17.7 million) with ASCVD and available food security, medication adherence and linked mortality data from the National Death Index were included. FI was defined as 3 or more affirmative responses to the USDA food security survey. CRN was identified by an affirmative response to delayed prescription filling, took less medication, or skipped medication doses to save money in the past 12 months. Analyses accounted for the complex survey design to obtain nationally representative estimates. Survey-weighted logistic regression was used to determine predictors of CRN, and Cox regression was used for mortality analyses.

Results:
Among adults with ASCVD, 13.3% (95% CI 12.7-13.9%; 2.34 million) reported CRN, 15.0% (95% CI 14.3-15.7%; 2.65 million) reported FI, and 5.7% (95% CI 5.3-6.2%; 1.01 million) reported both concomitantly. Those reporting CRN were more likely to be younger, female, non-white, without health insurance, below the federal poverty limit, have lower educational attainment, more comorbidities, and report FI. FI and SNAP enrollment were significantly associated with CRN after multivariable adjustment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.35 [95% CI 3.74-5.05] and 1.28 [95% CI 1.06-1.55], respectively). A significant interaction was observed between FI and SNAP enrollment (Pint = 0.001), and FI was associated with lower odds of CRN among the SNAP-enrolled versus unenrolled (aOR 2.50 [95% CI 1.98-3.14] vs 5.74 [95% CI 4.82-6.85]) (Figure 1). CRN and food security were not significant predictors of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in the fully adjusted models.

Conclusion:
Among adults with ASCVD, FI and SNAP enrollment independently predict CRN. Among adults with ASCVD and FI, more than one third reported CRN and those without SNAP had more than twice the odds of CRN. Greater SNAP enrollment may improve medication adherence in those with ASCVD and FI.
Abstract 4137205: Management Patterns and Outcomes in the Use of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation for Patients with Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Tucker Grant , Grubb Christopher , Bionghi Neda , Chen Catherine , Lussier Bethany , Kershaw Corey , Ratti Gregory , Mehta Roma , Ayers Colby , Hendren Nicholas , Grodin Justin , Thibodeau Jennifer , Navar Ann Marie , Farr Maryjane , Das Sandeep , de Lemos James , Hall Eric
Published: November 2024

Background:
Approximately half of all patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). While there have been significant advances in the management of patients requiring IMV based on data primarily derived from medical intensive care patients with respiratory failure, little is known regarding the management and outcomes of IMV in patients with CS.

Methods:
We conducted an analysis of patients treated for CS who required IMV at an academic safety net hospital from 2017-2023. Indications for IMV, ventilator settings, and medications were obtained from the medical record. The primary outcome was unsuccessful extubation, defined as reintubation within 48 hours of extubation.

Results:
A total of 110 patients with CS who received IMV were identified. Median age was 60yo; 28% of the cohort was female, 39% of Hispanic ethnicity, and 38% of Black race. Primary reasons for intubation included ongoing cardiac arrest (35%) and hypoxic respiratory failure (34%). Most patients were on minimal ventilator support at 24 hours after intubation (median FiO2 40% [IQR 30-50%], post-end expiratory pressure [PEEP] 5cm H2O [IQR 5-8]). Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was present in 40% of patients at 24 hours post-intubation. Protocolized spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) were delayed in 77% of patients, primarily due to hemodynamic instability (88%). Planned or unplanned extubation occurred in 63% of patients after a median of 4.8 days [IQR 2.1-8.0]. Ten percent of patients transferred hospitals while on IMV, while 27% were palliatively extubated or died on IMV. The majority (58%) of patients undergoing non-palliative extubation were on vasoactive medications preceding extubation, with only 2% on MCS. Most patients (58%) were extubated to nasal cannula or room air. A total of 13% of patients experienced unsuccessful extubation.

Conclusions:
In a cohort of patients with CS requiring IMV, most patients were on minimal ventilator settings within 24 hours yet remained intubated with SBTs delayed due to hemodynamic instability. Rates of failed extubation were comparable to published data from other forms of critical illness. Further work is necessary to determine optimal approaches to ventilator liberation and circulatory support in intubated patients with CS where hemodynamic derangements rather than respiratory insufficiency represent the primary barrier to extubation.
Abstract 4137243: Dynamic changes of pericoronary fat attenuation index predicting changes of coronary plaque burden
Authors: Zhang Tianhao , Gao Xuelian , Zhang Xiaoming , Du Yu , Zhou Yujie
Published: November 2024

Background:
Percent atheroma volume (PAV) is a validated index of coronary plaque burden, linking to adverse cardiac events. Meanwhile, pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) image is a novel prognostic marker of coronary inflammation.

Research Questions:
It is unknown the impact of coronary inflammation (i.e., FAI) on the progression of coronary PAV in patients at an increased risk of adverse cardiac events.

Methods:
Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent at least two clinically indicated CCTA examinations (time interval > 1 year) at our center were potentially eligible for enrollment. Eligible patients presented with more than one study plaque, defined as non-obstructive stenosis at baseline and not being intervened during serial CCTA. Longitudinal CCTA images were assessed for FAI and compositional plaque characteristics (e.g., PAV) using dedicated post-processing softwares. The relationships between changes in FAI and progression of compositional PAV were examined using the logistic and linear regression analysis.

Results:
A total of 204 T2DM patients (mean age, 61.2 ± 9.3 years; male, 68.1%) with 366 study plaques were enrolled. All patients were treated with statins, and their time interval between longitudinal CCTAs was 14.1 (12.9, 17.6) months. Compared with patients with improved coronary inflammation (ΔFAI ≤ 0), those with deteriorated coronary inflammation (ΔFAI > 0) had lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol and baseline FAI, whereas higher blood pressure (all
p
< 0.05). Meanwhile, compared to patients with ΔFAI ≤ 0, those with ΔFAI > 0 had more Δoverall and Δnon-calcified PAV (all
p
< 0.05). Importantly, these findings were consistent in a dedicated propensity score matching analysis. In logistic regression analysis, ΔFAI > 0 was associated with annual progression of overall PAV and non-calcified PAV, whereas ΔFAI ≤ 0 associated with annual regression of overall PAV and non-calcified PAV after adjusting for cardiac risk factors, baseline PAV and medications (all
p
< 0.05). Similarly, in linear regression analysis, changes of FAI were independently positively associated with annual changes of overall PAV (β=0.545,
p<
0.001) and non-calcified PAV (β=0.461,
p<
0.001) (Figure 1).

Conclusion:
In this longitudinal CCTA study, changes of coronary inflammation are closely correlated with changes of overall and non-calcified PAV among T2DM patients treated with statins.
Abstract 4137246: Atrial Fibrillation Wave Vectors Determined by Artificial-Intelligence Indicate Clinical Phenotypes
Authors: Anbazhakan Suhaas , Abad Juan Ricardo Carlos , Ruiperez-Campillo Samuel , Rodrigo Miguel , Narayan Sanjiv
Published: November 2024

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, which may be reduced by ablation. However, it is difficult to predict patients who will respond, which is currently done using bedside variables since even experts find it difficult to interpret electrical signals (electrograms) or maps in AF, or link them with phenotype, acute or long-term ablation response.

Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that determining if AF waves consistently propagate away from the pulmonary veins (PV), identified using artificial-intelligence (AI) tools applied to spatial grids in multipolar catheters, may reflect phenotypes of response to ablation or other clinical features.

Methods:
We studied 26,640 electrograms in N=37 patients at AF ablation ( 66.3 ± 8.6 years, 13.5% women, 59.5% non-paroxysmal AF). We trained AI-algorithms to identify activation patterns and calculate propagation vectors in AF. Each patient had AF recordings from 64-pole basket catheters, from which we calculated AI-based vectors in 48 spatial grids of 3X3 electrodes (covering ~1-3 cm
2
) over 1 minute (720 per patient). Fig. A illustrates AF waves predominantly exiting the PVs in a 60 year old man. We studied wave maps exiting the PVs in relation to AF type, termination of AF during ablation and 1 year outcome.

Results:
Ablation success for the cohort was 71.4% at 1 year. Wave direction in AF shifted over time, as expected, but predominant vectors correlated with clinical outcomes. Fig. B showed that AF waves were significantly more likely to exit the PVs for patients with success than failed ablation (<0.05). Fig. C showed that PV wave direction did not differ for AF type, nor for patients with or without acute AF termination by ablation (p=NS).

Conclusions:
In this study of patients with various types of AF, a novel AI-based approach showed that AF vectors indicating waves exiting the PVs predicted , clinical phenotypes, particularly patients with successful ablation targeting the PVs.
Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Blood Pressure in NHANES 2011 to 2018
Authors: McGraw Katlyn E. , Domingo-Relloso Arce , Riggs Daniel W. , Medgyesi Danielle N. , Neupane Raghavee , Stingone Jeanette A. , Sanchez Tiffany R.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Exposure to VOCs is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, including elevated blood pressure in susceptible populations. However, research in the general population, particularly among nonsmoking adults, is limited. We hypothesized that higher VOC exposure is associated with higher blood pressure and hypertension, among nonsmokers.

METHODS:

We included 4 cycles of data (2011–2018) of nonsmoking adults (n=4430) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Urinary VOC metabolites were measured by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, adjusted for urine dilution, and log-transformed. We estimated mean differences in blood pressure using linear models and prevalence ratio of stage 2 hypertension using modified Poisson models with robust standard errors. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycle.

RESULTS:

Participants were 54% female, with a median age of 48 years, 32.3% had hypertension, and 7.9% had diabetes. The mean differences (95% CI) in systolic blood pressure were 1.61 (0.07–3.15) and 2.46 (1.01–3.92) mm Hg when comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of urinary acrolein (N-acetyl-S-[2-carboxyethyl]-L-cysteine) and 1,3-butadiene (N-acetyl-S-[3,4-dihydroxybutyl]-L-cysteine) metabolites. The prevalence ratios for hypertension were 1.06 (95% CI, 1.02–1.09) and 1.05 (95% CI, 1.01–1.09) when comparing the highest with lowest quartiles of urinary acrolein (N-acetyl-S-[2-carboxyethyl]-L-cysteine) and 1,3-butadiene (N-acetyl-S-[3,4-dihydroxybutyl]-L-cysteine), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Exposure to VOCs may be a relevant yet understudied environmental contributor to cardiovascular disease risk in the nonsmoking, US population.
Out of the Mouth of Babes … (Ps. 8:2)
Authors: Weinreich Matthias
Published: November 2024

The present paper investigates the role of children as mediators between the world of humans and the divine, as reflected in Zoroastrian Middle Persian texts. Taking the curious portrayal of the main protagonist of the Pahlavi “Story of Jōišt ī Friyān” as a starting point, it examines how the author of the tale accentuates his own educational message by attributing it to an underage boy. In this context the article attempts to contribute to the discussion on the place of visions in traditional Zoroastrian society and literature.
Progress and Regress in the Interpretation of the Concept of Essential Security Interests in International and Regional Courts
Authors: Al-Kuwari Jassim Salih
Published: November 2024

This article explores the concept of ‘essential security interests’ (esi) within the framework of international and regional law, specifically focusing on its historical evolution and current interpretations. The esi exception, which allows states to prioritize their security concerns over international obligations, has gained increased relevance since the turn of the millennium. This study provides a detailed analysis of how the International Court of Justice (icj) and the European Court of Justice (ecj) interpret esi clauses, highlighting the convergence and divergence between international and regional jurisprudence. By examining both self-judging and non-self-judging esi clauses, the article assesses their reviewability and the implications for legal consistency and state sovereignty. The analysis aims to clarify the practical application of esi exceptions and offer insights into potential areas for improvement in their judicial review.
Cotton-mycorrhizal symbiosis: a comprehensive review of benefits for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Santosh Savitha , Velmourougane Kulandaivelu , Verma Pooja , Santosh HB , Blaise Desouza
Published: November 2024

Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals have played crucial role in modern agriculture. However, their excessive and imbalanced use over decades has resulted in the degradation and deterioration of soil health. The sustainability of agricultural systems largely depends on improving soil health. In this context, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) association is a well-known interaction among plant microbial symbiotic associations that plays a multifunctional role in maintaining plant-soil health. More than 90% of terrestrial crop plants, including cultivated cotton, have a mutualistic symbiotic association with AMF. Symbiosis provides several benefits, such as the acquisition of mineral nutrients (primarily phosphorus), protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, and improved yield and fiber quality, contributing to the growth and development of the host plant. Under controlled conditions, the percent root length colonization of cotton was 50 to 70%, indicating the potential of AMF as a biological agent and plant growth promoter for sustainable cotton production. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of cotton-mycorrhizal symbiosis and its benefits.
Pheosia liwangi—a new species from coniferous forests of southeastern Tibet (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae, Notodontinae)
Authors: PROZOROV ALEXEY M. , SCHINTLMEISTER ALEXANDER , MOROZOV PAVEL S. , YAKOVLEV ROMAN V. , MÜLLER GÜNTER C.
Published: November 2024

A new species of the genus Pheosia Hübner, 1819, Pheosia liwangi Prozorov, Schintlmeister & Müller sp. nov., from Xizang and Sichuan Provinces in China is described. The new species is compared with Pheosia gelupka Gaede, 1934; Pheosia buddhista (Püngeler, 1899); and Pheosia mayri Saldaitis, Prozorov, Morozov, Yakovlev, Müller & Dûda, 2024. Adults of both sexes, their genitalia and map of collecting localities are illustrated.
Verification of Operational Forecast Models in Cases of Extratropical Transition of North Atlantic Hurricanes
Authors: Bower Erica , Reed Kevin A. , Alaka Ghassan J. , Hazelton Andrew T.
Published: November 2024

Operational forecast models are necessary for the prediction of weather events in real time. Verification of these models must be performed to assess model skills and areas in need of improvement, particularly with different types of weather events that may occur. Despite the devastating impacts that can be caused by tropical cyclones (TCs) that undergo extratropical transition (ET) and become post-tropical cyclones (PTCs), these storms have not been extensively studied in the context of short-term weather prediction. This study completes the first analysis of the Global Forecast System (GFS) and a preoperational version of the newly operational Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS) models in forecasting the occurrence of ET and the rainfall associated with ET storms in the North Atlantic basin. GFS’s skill exceeds that of HAFS in forecasting the occurrence of ET, but HAFS tends to have lower track and rain-rate errors in the fully tropical phase of ET storms’ life cycles. Both models simulate rain rates that are often too high near the storm center and fail to capture the larger area of moderate rain rates that greatly contributes to total rainfall accumulation. The discrepancies in rain rates between the models and Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) could be attributed to the models’ tendency to keep storms too intense and too compact with an overly strong warm core, even throughout the ET process.
Chinese Cinephiles in the Post-Pandemic Pandemic Era: Comparing the Transition from Traditional Theatres to OTT Platforms
Authors: Yaqoub Muhammad , Al-Kassimi Khaled , Matusitz Jonathan , Haizhou Wang
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped film consumption patterns in China, driving a notable transition from traditional theatres to over-the-top (OTT) platforms. This study investigates the factors influencing post-pandemic cinephile preferences, particularly the interplay between OTT platforms and traditional cinema-going platforms. The surge in online streaming, boosted by pandemic-induced restrictions, has been critical with regional giants such as iQIYI restyling Chinese entertainment traditions. This research aims to uncover the determinants guiding cinephile choices by analysing demographic variables, technological advancements and consumption patterns. Through a survey in Tier II cities, data from 656 participants were analysed to determine the OTT platform and cinema usage. The findings reveal nuanced trends: females slightly favour OTT platforms, while males prefer traditional cinemas. Young adults aged 21 to 25 years are the most active users of both platforms, with education level slightly affecting usage. Smartphone usage is widespread, with 70% accessing OTT platforms via mobile. While 40% view OTT platforms as challenging traditional cinemas, 65% view OTT platforms in the future. Key factors influencing future cinema-going include OTT platform accessibility and time constraints—over 80% expressed satisfaction with their cinema experiences, with peak seasons significantly impacting ticket prices. Comedy, drama and action genres were most popular among cinemagoers, each with over 60% preference. These findings imply that the future of film consumption in China will likely be shaped by the balance and integration of OTT platforms and traditional cinema experiences.
Canada and the United Nations: Setting the Record Straight
Authors: Buck Kerry , Manulak Michael W.
Published: November 2024

In response to the 2023 report, “Canada and the United Nations: Rethinking and Rebuilding Canada's Global Role,” Jack Cunningham argues that Canada should instead marginalize the United Nations. In response, this rejoinder maintains that, while the UN has weaknesses, the world would be a worse place without it. Look to the UN's work to close the hole in the ozone layer, deliver life-saving vaccines to millions, or give food and shelter to the displaced. The UN has been a remarkably successful norm-setter, creating vital international standards on issues that range from the more political to the technical. Cunningham favours a retreat by Canada to smaller clubs of like-minded states, without explaining how this retrenchment might produce more effective results on global issues, such as climate change. He offers no alternative to the UN. It is hard to see how abandoning the field to China, Russia, and Iran, would serve Canada's interests.
To be heard or not to be heard: Precarity in the lives of Turkish musicians in Paris and Istanbul
Authors: Peksan Selcan
Published: November 2024

This phenomenological study explores Turkish musicians’ precarity experiences in Paris and Istanbul. Based on in-depth interviews conducted with 11 professional musicians in each city, it focuses on participants’ lived experiences and interpretations to understand how the precarity varies in these cities with different social policy tools available to musicians. The themes resulting from the data analysis indicate similar challenges in both cities, namely insufficient and low income, employment uncertainty, and informal work relations. Nevertheless, these problems manifest differently in each case. Musicians in Istanbul endure more severe consequences of precarity, lacking fundamental social rights. Hence, the essence of their precarity experience is a sense of invisibility, marginalization, and an unassured future. On the contrary, social policy measures, particularly the “Intermittence du Spectacle” regime tailored for intermittent performance workers in France, provide a significant safety net to mitigate the effects of precarity in the Paris case.
Evaluating Quoddy Region archaeological site vulnerability to sea-level rise and erosion through the integration of geographic information system modeling and surveys
Authors: DeWater Katelyn Anna , Anderson Arthur W , Hrynick M Gabriel , Kochtitzky William
Published: November 2024

Modeling archaeological site erosion often depends on regional site databases that record sites accurately but with variable precision. This study examines the impact of sea-level rise (SLR) on 10 archaeological sites in the Quoddy Region of Maine through comparing models and field observations. Sites were categorized as low, mid, or high priority for field excavation based on exposure to tides. These model results were compared to field reports of site condition to evaluate the accuracy of modeling SLR as an indicator of erosion and to evaluate the application of models in developing prioritization protocols for site investigations. Models for current sea level scenarios broadly underestimate the degree of erosion reported by field observations because not all site locations were recorded at the precision required for analysis. This study emphasizes the importance of field audits for sites recorded in databases to enable large-scale modeling for the prioritization of urgently threatened sites.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for improving hope and happiness in men with visual impairment
Authors: Khodabakhshi-Koolaee Anahita , Ghadyani Samira , Malekitabar Alireza
Published: November 2024

Hope and happiness are positive emotions that affect an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. These two variables also affect different aspects of an individual’s life such as physical health, lifespan, academic performance, socialization process, creative thinking, problem-solving ability, and mental health. This study seeks to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in improving hope and happiness in visually impaired people. Employing a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design with a control group, this study sought to examine the degree of the effectiveness of MBSR therapy in improving hope and happiness in visually impaired people. The participants were selected from all visually impaired men aged 20 and 40 living in Tehran in 2023, who were supported by the State Welfare Organization of Iran and were members of the White Cane Society. A total of 40 visually impaired people were selected as the participants and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (each with 20 members). The data were collected using Snyder’s Adult Hope Scale (1991) and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ; 1990). The participants in the intervention group attended eight 90-min MBSR intervention sessions once a week. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data. The mean hope scores in the pre-intervention and post-intervention stages were 20 ± 3.28 and 25.53 ± 3.138, respectively. The mean happiness scores in the pre-intervention and post-intervention stages were 66.86 ± 5.91 and 75.93 ± 4.47, respectively (mean difference = 75.93 – 66.86). The findings showed that MBSR was effective in improving hope ( F = 32.7; p = .01) and happiness ( F = 45.86; p < .001) in men with visual impairment. As a result, MBSR can be considered an effective intervention to enhance happiness and hope while reducing the psychological complications associated with visual impairment in affected individuals.
Defer, disagree, or disengage? Relational mobility, self-changeability, culture, and responses to inconsistency
Authors: Hillman James G. , Son Eun Ju , Jyung Mina , MacDonald Tara K.
Published: November 2024

Past research has found that people often engage in one of three behaviours to resolve inconsistencies with others: validation, conforming, or distancing. While much of the social influence literature has assessed contexts in which conformity is more or less likely, little has explored alternatives to conformity, such as validation and distancing. The present research as aims to assess what underlying factors that affect these preferences. We used vignettes of inconsistency in relational contexts to assess people’s preferred responses. In Study 1, we assessed Canadian participants’ preferences responses following social inconsistency. We found that more perceived self-changeability increased preference for conformity and decreased preference for validation and distancing, while more perceived relational mobility increased preference for distancing and decreased preference for conformity and validation. In Study 2 we assessed how these behaviours may vary culturally. We found that compared to Canadians, Koreans expressed greater preference for conformity and less preference for validation. The patterns of results for perceived changeability and mobility were largely the same across Canadian and Korean, with Koreans demonstrating similar or smaller effects. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
A dangerous liaison: Spreading depolarization and tissue acidification in cerebral ischemia
Authors: Farkas Eszter , Rose Christine R
Published: November 2024

Brain pH is precisely regulated, and pH transients associated with activity are rapidly restored under physiological conditions. During ischemia, the brain's ability to buffer pH changes is rapidly depleted. Tissue oxygen deprivation causes a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism and the accumulation of lactic acid and protons. Although the degree of tissue acidosis resulting from ischemia depends on the severity of the ischemia, spreading depolarization (SD) events emerge as central elements to determining ischemic tissue acidosis. A marked decrease in tissue pH during cerebral ischemia may exacerbate neuronal injury, which has become known as acidotoxicity, in analogy to excitotoxicity. The cellular pathways underlying acidotoxicity have recently been described in increasing detail. The molecular structure of acid or base carriers and acidosis-activated ion channels, the precise (dys)homeostatic conditions under which they are activated, and their possible role in severe ischemia have been addressed. The expanded understanding of acidotoxic mechanisms now provides an opportunity to reevaluate the contexts that lead to acidotoxic injury. Here, we review the specific cellular pathways of acidotoxicity and demonstrate that SD plays a central role in activating the molecular machinery leading to acid-induced damage. We propose that SD is a key contributor to acidotoxic injury in cerebral ischemia.
Extending Cochran’s Sample Size Rule to Stratified Simple Random Sampling with Applications to Audit Sampling
Authors: Qing Siyu , Valliant Richard
Published: November 2024

Audit samples are selected by businesses, institutions, government agencies, and other organizations to check the accuracy of financial reports and assess the quality of services provided among other reasons. A standard design used in auditing is stratified simple random sampling. Point estimates and confidence intervals for population values are usual products of an audit. Cochran’s sample size rule and its extension by Sugden, Smith, and Jones provided minimum sample size formulas for a simple random sample to ensure effective normal approximation and adequate coverage for nominal 95% confidence intervals of a standardized or Studentized sample mean. The purpose of this paper is to extend Cochran’s rule and establish a formula for the minimum sample size for the normal approximation and the use of traditional one-sided or two-sided confidence intervals to be acceptable for mean estimation in stratified simple random samples. We concentrate on variables that are at least partially continuous. Simulations are used to examine the performance of our sample size formula with a variety of skewed populations based on ones encountered in auditing.
Numerical study on the effects of strands consistency on metallurgical transport behaviours of low-carbon steel in tundish–submerged entry nozzle–mould systems
Authors: Yao Cheng , Wang Min , Cao Li , Xing Lidong , Li Kai , Wang Boteng , Song Jian , Wei Daichun , Bao Yanping
Published: November 2024

In this study, the innovative tundish–submerged entry nozzle (SEN)–mould systems that enabled data transmission between the tundish and the mould were constructed to investigate the effect of strands consistency on the metallurgical transport behaviours of low-carbon steel. The velocity magnitude near stopper-rod A and T-outlet A was notably low. Owing to inactive flow regions and temperature variations near the stopper-rods, the maximum temperature difference between T-outlet A and T-outlet B was approximately 2.8 K. In case 2, a vortex occurred near the right narrow face of the steel–slag interface, while no vortex was present near the left narrow face. In cases 3, 5 and 6, some streamlines existed approximately perpendicular to the steel–slag interface. These phenomena increased the possibility of slag entrainment via the upward flow mechanism and shear layer instability. Cases belonging to strand A featured a higher temperature gradient than cases belonging to strand B, and this trend was related to the temperature difference between T-outlet A and T-outlet B. The extreme differences in temperature gradient were 0.067 K/mm for case 3 and 0.056 K/mm for case 4. At an SEN port angle of 15°, strands consistency had the greatest influence on the uniformity of the temperature gradient. Different solutes exhibited similar distribution patterns, and solute segregation was closely related to the partition coefficient. Various velocity components and SEN structures determined the position of the impact point, thereby influencing fluid flow and temperature distribution in the mould. The concentration distribution of solutes was closely related to the velocity at T-outlet A/B. The thickness of the solidified shell and mushy zone closely depended on the temperature at T-outlet A/B. Strands consistency impacted metallurgical transport behaviours in the mould and the quality of the bloom.
Yielding onset in FGM thick-walled spherical shells under thermo-mechanical loading
Authors: Mamandi Ahmad
Published: November 2024

Based on von Mises yield criterion, a thermoelasto-plastic analysis of a thick-walled spherical shell composed of functionally graded material (FGM) subjected to internal pressure and thermal gradient is conducted in order to accurately predict the onset radius of yielding within the vessel wall. The modulus of elasticity, thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficients, and yield stress of FGM are assumed to follow power-law functions in radius according to Erdogan’s model. The equilibrium differential equation of the shell under thermo-mechanical loading in steady-state conduction heat transfer are derived analytically and then solved to determine through-thickness variations of the radial and circumferential stresses and radial displacement in elastic and perfectly plastic zones in the vessel wall. The presented approach leads to the definition of new formulation to predict the onset radius of yielding. Moreover, a neural network (NN) solution to reliable quantify the influence of all uncertain input parameters with respect to uncertain output parameter is utilized. The numerical results showed that for various FGM parameters and specific thermal gradient, the plastic zone can commence from inside radius, outside radius, simultaneously in both radii, or may be launched in the intermediate radius of the spherical shell wall.
Impact localization of CFRP laminate based on FBG sensing and GWO-BP neural network
Authors: Ding Guoping , Chen Yuxin
Published: November 2024

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures are susceptible to external energy impact during service, resulting in invisible damage. Therefore, accurate localization of these impact sites is crucial for the maintenance and safety of CFRP structures. In this paper, the strain data of the impact response of the CFRP laminate is obtained by using the fiber grating (FBG) sensor, and the data are mapped to the impact location by BP neural network. However, the traditional BP neural network is susceptible to local minima and slow convergence speed. Therefore, Grey Wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) is introduced in this study to optimize the BP neural network, which improves the convergence speed and positioning accuracy of the model. The experimental results show that the GWO-BP neural network model has excellent performance in impact positioning, with the maximum positioning error of 17.01 mm and the average positioning error of 13.05 mm. Compared with other machine learning methods, it has higher accuracy and efficiency.
Innovative Complementary Cooling Intervention for Women's Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Colsch Renee , Guthrie Patricia Finch , Koopman Michelle L. , Rippie Sara
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This mixed-methods study examined the relationship between multiple sclerosis symptoms to perceived severity, frequency of Uhthoff's phenomenon, the effectiveness of complementary cooling therapy on women's symptom clusters, and quality of life. This study explored the experiences of women with multiple sclerosis when using the Opal Cool Wrap related to heat intolerance, a complementary alternative therapy. Methods: Quantitative analysis of results from surveys from 62 women and seven qualitative semi-structured interviews with a subset of women who completed the surveys validated and illustrated the quantitative findings. Findings: Significant improvement in perceived severity for health transition, physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, and social functioning based on pre-/post-cooling therapy use. Three themes emerged from seven interviews: (1) being overheated impacts the quality of life; (2) cool wrap, a helpful tool for managing heat symptoms; and (3) strategies to remain cool. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive mixed-methods lens on the unique challenges women with multiple sclerosis face and information for disease management. Heat-related multiple sclerosis symptom clusters and Uhthoff's phenomenon women experience are common and impact safety, independence, health, and quality of life. Identifying complementary strategies such as cool showers and a cooling device to prevent and manage heat-related symptoms is a priority.