bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting alcohol treatment engagement post-hospitalization with brief intervention, medications and CBT4CBT: protocol for a randomized clinical trial in a diverse patient population
Authors: Edelman E. Jennifer , Rojas-Perez Oscar F. , Nich Charla , Corvino Joanne , Frankforter Tami , Gordon Derrick , Jordan Ayana , Paris, Jr Manuel , Weimer Melissa B. , Yates Brian T. , Williams Emily C. , Kiluk Brian D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly causes hospitalization, particularly for individuals disproportionately impacted by structural racism and other forms of marginalization. The optimal approach for engaging hospitalized patients with AUD in treatment post-hospital discharge is unknown. We describe the rationale, aims, and protocol for Project ENHANCE (ENhancing Hospital-initiated Alcohol TreatmeNt to InCrease Engagement), a clinical trial testing increasingly intensive approaches using a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation approach.

Methods

We are randomizing English and/or Spanish-speaking individuals with untreated AUD (n = 450) from a large, urban, academic hospital in New Haven, CT to: (1) Brief Negotiation Interview (with referral and telephone booster) alone (BNI), (2) BNI plus facilitated initiation of medications for alcohol use disorder (BNI + MAUD), or (3) BNI + MAUD + initiation of computer-based training for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT4CBT, BNI + MAUD + CBT4CBT). Interventions are delivered by Health Promotion Advocates. The primary outcome is AUD treatment engagement 34 days post-hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes include AUD treatment engagement 90 days post-discharge and changes in self-reported alcohol use and phosphatidylethanol. Exploratory outcomes include health care utilization. We will explore whether the effectiveness of the interventions on AUD treatment engagement and alcohol use outcomes differ across and within racialized and ethnic groups, consistent with disproportionate impacts of AUD. Lastly, we will conduct an implementation-focused process evaluation, including individual-level collection and statistical comparisons between the three conditions of costs to providers and to patients, cost-effectiveness indices (effectiveness/cost ratios), and cost–benefit indices (benefit/cost ratios, net benefit [benefits minus costs). Graphs of individual- and group-level effectiveness x cost, and benefits x costs, will portray relationships between costs and effectiveness and between costs and benefits for the three conditions, in a manner that community representatives also should be able to understand and use.

Conclusions

Project ENHANCE is expected to generate novel findings to inform future hospital-based efforts to promote AUD treatment engagement among diverse patient populations, including those most impacted by AUD.

Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05338151.
Reactive hypoglycemia in binge eating disorder, food addiction, and the comorbid phenotype: unravelling the metabolic drive to disordered eating behaviours
Authors: Rania Marianna , Caroleo Mariarita , Carbone Elvira Anna , Ricchio Marco , Pelle Maria Chiara , Zaffina Isabella , Condoleo Francesca , de Filippis Renato , Aloi Matteo , De Fazio Pasquale , Arturi Franco , Segura-Garcia Cristina
Published: September 2023

Background

Impaired metabolic response such as blood glucose fast fluctuations may be hypothesized in binge eating disorder (BED) and food addiction (FA) by virtue of the repetitive consumption of highly processed food. Conversely, rapid changes in plasma glucose (i.e., hypoglycemia) may trigger craving for the same food products. The investigation of early glycemic disturbances in BED and FA could enhance the understanding of the metabolic mechanisms involved in the maintenance of the disorders. Present study investigated hypoglycemia events during a 5-h-long oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in people with BED, FA, and the comorbid phenotype. Further, the association between the severity of eating psychopathology and the variability in hypoglycaemia events was explored.

Methods

Two-hundred participants with high weight and no diabetes completed the extended OGTT and were screened for BED, FA, BED-FA, or no-BED/FA. The four groups were compared in hypoglycemia events, OGTT-derived measures, and eating psychopathology. The association between predictors (eating psychopathology), confounders (demographics, metabolic features), and the outcomes (hypoglycemia, early/late hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia, reactive hypoglycemia) was examined through logistic regression.

Results

Hypoglycemia in general, and reactive hypoglycemia were highly frequent (79% and 28% of the sample, respectively). Hypoglycemia events (< 70 mg/dL) were equally experienced among groups, whilst severe hypoglycemia (< 54 mg/dL) was more frequent in BED at the late stage of OGTT (5 h; χ2 = 1.120, p = .011). The FA and BED groups exhibited significantly higher number of reactive hypoglycemia (χ2 = 13.898, p = .003), in different times by diagnosis (FA: 210′–240′; BED: at the 270′). FA severity was the only predictor of early and reactive hypoglycemia.

Conclusions

People with BED or FA are prone to experiencing reactive hypoglycemia; FA severity may predict early and symptomatic hypoglycemia events. This can further reinforce disordered eating behaviours by promoting addictive responses, both biologically and behaviourally. These results inform professionals dealing with eating disorders about the need to refer patients for metabolic evaluation. On the other hand, clinicians dealing with obesity should screen for and address BED and FA in patients seeking care for weight loss.
Impact of implant location on load distribution of implant-assisted removable partial dentures: a review of in vitro model and finite-element analysis studies
Authors: Ichikawa Hiromi , Yoda Nobuhiro , Ogawa Toru , Iwamoto Maya , Kawata Tetsuo , Egusa Hiroshi , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: September 2023

Background

Appropriate load distribution among the supporting elements is essential for the long-term success of implant-assisted removable partial dentures; however, there is little information available on load distribution.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant location on load distribution in implant-assisted removable partial dentures by reviewing in vitro models and finite-element analysis studies.

Materials and methods

English-language studies which examined the load distribution of implant-assisted removable partial dentures and were published between January 2001 and October 2022 were extracted from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus online databases, and manual searching. Two reviewers selected the articles based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by data extraction and analysis.

Results

Forty-seven studies were selected after evaluating the titles and abstracts of 264 articles; two were identified manually. After screening the text, 12 studies were included: six in vitro model experiments and six finite-element analysis studies. All included studies used a mandibular free-end missing model (Kennedy Class I or II). The influence of implant location on load distribution to the abutment tooth, implant, and mucosa under the denture base was summarized in three cases: implant at the premolar, first molar, and second molar region. Due to differences in the measurement method of load distribution and loading condition to the denture, the results differed among the studies.

Conclusions

The implant location in implant-assisted removable partial dentures can affect load distribution to the supporting elements, such as the abutment tooth, implant, and mucosa under the denture base.
Level and factors associated with compliance to iron-folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in rural Soro district, Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Arficho Tegegn Tadesse
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite the advantages of iron and folic acid supplementation, the compliance status among pregnant women for the supplements is very low in Ethiopia. However, the factors found to be associated with the compliance of iron and folic acid supplementation varies depending on geographical locations and socio-cultural characteristics within the country. Therefore, this study assessed the compliance to iron and folic acid supplements and its associated factors among pregnant women in the rural Soro district, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

Cross-sectional study design was applied to conduct the study. The total sample size was 274. This study was conducted from June 10 up to 20, 2018. Women who live in rural Soro district at least for 6months and gave live birth 12 months prior to the survey were included in the study. The study subjects were selected by applying the simple random sampling method. Independent variables with p-value less than or equal to 0.25 during bivariate analysis were candidate for multivariable analysis. Finally, during multivariable analysis the independent variables with P-value less than 0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with compliance to iron-folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.

Results

Of the whole study participants only 51(18.8%) women had taken iron folic acid supplements for at least 90 days during their last pregnancy. Women who had frequent visits to health facilities for ante natal care were more likely to be compliant with iron-folic acid supplements than their counterparts [AOR(95%CI) = 4.50(1.18, 17.14)].

Conclusion

In this study, the higher proportion of pregnant women did not take adequate dose of iron and folic acid tablets during their last pregnancy. Women who had a frequent visit to health facilities for antenatal care were more likely to be compliant for iron folic acid supplements than their counterparts. Every effort should be made in the community and health facilities by concerned bodies working in the maternal health area to mobilize pregnant women to take the antenatal care for at least four times to achieve the minimum dose of iron and folic acid supplements.
Sample size determination for external pilot cluster randomised trials with binary feasibility outcomes: a tutorial
Authors: Hemming K. , Taljaard M. , Gkini E. , Bishop J.
Published: September 2023

Justifying sample size for a pilot trial is a reporting requirement, but few pilot trials report a clear rationale for their chosen sample size. Unlike full-scale trials, pilot trials should not be designed to test effectiveness, and so, conventional sample size justification approaches do not apply. Rather, pilot trials typically specify a range of primary and secondary feasibility objectives. Often, these objectives relate to estimation of parameters that inform the sample size justification for the full-scale trial, many of which are binary. These binary outcomes are referred to as “feasibility outcomes” and include expected prevalence of the primary trial outcome, primary outcome availability, or recruitment or retention proportions.

For pilot cluster trials, sample size calculations depend on the number of clusters, the cluster sizes, the anticipated intra-cluster correlation coefficient for the feasibility outcome and the anticipated proportion for that outcome. Of key importance is the intra-cluster correlation coefficient for the feasibility outcome. It has been suggested that correlations for feasibility outcomes are larger than for clinical outcomes measuring effectiveness. Yet, there is a dearth of information on realised values for these correlations.

In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to justify sample size in external pilot cluster trials where the objective is to estimate a binary feasibility outcome. We provide sample size calculation formulae for a variety of scenarios, make available an R Shiny app for implementation, and compile a report of intra-cluster correlations for feasibility outcomes from a convenience sample. We demonstrate that unless correlations are very low, external pilot cluster trials can be made more efficient by including more clusters and fewer observations per cluster.
Is capital structure associated with corporate social responsibility?
Authors: Hsu Shu-Chen , Wu Kun-Tsung , Wang Qing , Chang Yuan
Published: September 2023

Based on a total of 1,590 listed non-financial firms on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and the Taipei Exchanges covering the period of 2007 ~ 2020, this study examines whether a firm's capital structure is affected by its corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. While existing research has explored the impact of a firm’s CSR performance on various financial and non-financial consequences, this study argues that firm engaging in CSR is putting greater emphasis on the financial and bankruptcy risks arising from the use of debt financing and to maintain firm’s sustainability, firm with better CSR performance tends to reduce the use of debt. Through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression estimation, principal outcome shows that firm with better CSR performance tends to use less debt financing and inter-temporally reduce the use of debt.
Responsible government and responsible business: the challenge of harnessing CSR in a new epoch
Authors: Taylor Ian
Published: September 2023

Much has been written of the implications for government policy on ‘responsible business’ but a comprehensive review of the subject is needed. This literature review will offer an assessment of varied insights to inform academics and practitioners on an important topic in need of scrutiny. The post-war consensus and strength of collective bargaining is waning in the Western world, and an inflection point may be nearing with a new way of working. Governments leveraging responsible business is among the options, but an understanding of the risks inherent in this option available to society is crucial. The world of business is in a new epoch of accepting social responsibility and, at the same time, a crisis of inequality means there is a need for every element of society to put their shoulder to the wheel. Businesses are an extremely powerful element in society, so how should governments harness that productivity for a social purpose? Should governments be encouraging responsible business to improve living standards and rebalance the inequity of incomes, or should political leaders be wary of engaging well-resourced businesses in areas that should be controlled from a democratic mandate? This article examines responsible business by providing comprehensive coverage of the literature in this deceptively mature subject area. Insights from secondary sources are analysed in relation to four key questions to reach an understanding of the risks inherent in crafting policy that expects more from business. The literature review concludes with a focus on the policy area of education, discussing how responsible business has been put into practice to resolve a market failure identified by J. K. Galbraith in the 1940s. Identifying areas such as this will maximise the opportunity of responsible business.
Understanding daytime functioning in insomnia: responder and correlation analyses in patients treated with daridorexant
Authors: Luyet Pierre-Philippe , Olivieri Antonio , Braunstein Guy
Published: September 2023

Background

Improving daytime functioning is a key treatment goal for patients with insomnia disorder. In a phase 3 study, using the Insomnia Daytime Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire (IDSIQ), daridorexant 50 mg significantly improved daytime functioning in adults with insomnia, as well as sleep parameters. These data are further analyzed to evaluate the clinically meaningful changes in IDSIQ scores at weekly intervals and investigate the correlation between the effects of daridorexant on daytime functioning and on sleep quality and quantity.

Methods

Nine hundred thirty patients with insomnia randomized to daridorexant 25 mg (n = 310), 50 mg (n = 310) or placebo (n = 310) for 12 weeks were analyzed, with focus on daridorexant 50 mg and placebo. Patients recorded daily their daytime functioning using the IDSIQ and their self-reported total sleep time (sTST) and sleep quality using a sleep diary questionnaire; weekly mean changes from baseline were calculated. A clinically meaningful improvement (‘response’) at a given week was defined as a ≥ 20-point decrease in IDSIQ total score from baseline.

Results

Weekly responder rates increased over time in both groups but were consistently higher each week with daridorexant. Overall, 53% (n = 165/310) of patients in the daridorexant 50 mg group perceived a response for ≥ 1 week versus 41% in the placebo group (n = 126/310). This response, which could be achieved at any time during the 12 weeks of the study, was more often continuous on daridorexant and more often intermittent on placebo. Time-to-first response was significantly different between daridorexant and placebo (hazard ratio 1.55; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.22, 1.97; p = 0.0003) with shorter time observed in daridorexant. Patient perception of the response also lasted longer on daridorexant than placebo (mean number of continuous responder weeks; 9.2 vs. 7.9 respectively). A decrease in IDSIQ total score was correlated with an increase in sTST and sleep quality and a decrease in morning sleepiness, from Week 1 onwards.

Conclusion

Patients with insomnia are more likely to perceive a clinically meaningful improvement in their daytime functioning each week with daridorexant 50 mg than placebo. The response, which can fluctuate over time, is also perceived earlier and sustained for longer than placebo. The correlations between improved daytime functioning and improved sleep quantity and quality support the benefits of daridorexant on both the night and daytime symptoms in patients with insomnia disorder.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03545191.
Single versus multiple coverage of pipeline embolization device for treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a systematic review
Authors: Bahar Ashari , Kohar Ricky Cik , Gunawan Anthony , Pranata Jambri
Published: September 2023

Background

The use of the pipeline embolization device (PED) with single or multiple coverage in cases of intracranial aneurysms is still not well defined. We aimed to compare rates of aneurysm occlusion and complications in patients covered with single versus multiple PEDs.

Methods

For this systematic review, we searched PubMed and SpringerLink databases, and citations for studies on September 2022. All peer-reviewed studies of adult patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysm covered with single and multiple PEDs were assessed, and the rates of aneurysm occlusion and complications were collected, and have been published between April 20, 2011, and September 30, 2022. The risk of bias assessment was scored using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort studies. Evidence from studies was synthesized as narrative synthesis.

Results

A total of 5 studies with 772 patients and 795 aneurysms were included. A total of 531 (68.8%) patients were covered with a single PED, while 241 (31.2%) with multiple PEDs. The aneurysms are mostly located in the anterior circulation, with 93.84% in the single PED versus 86.08% in the multiple PEDs group. A total of 525 (92.58%) saccular types of aneurysms were covered in a single PED versus 222 (86.98%) in the multiple PEDs group. The overall aneurysms occlusion rates in approximately midterm follow-up were 72.34% in the single PED versus 87.04% in the multiple PEDs group. The overall complication rates among studies were 6.54% in a single PED versus 8.24% in the multiple PEDs group.

Conclusions

There is no significant difference in overall intracranial aneurysm occlusion rates when comparing single versus multiple PEDs coverage for treatment of aneurysms, primarily with longer follow-up times, with low and no significantly different complication rates between groups.
Think outside the box: traditional meat desserts in the culture of Turkish cuisine
Authors: Çekiç İbrahim
Published: September 2023

Traditional culinary practices have the ethnic codes of the societies they belong to in terms of form and content features. These codes, which are shaped by many factors such as migration, war, famine, disaster, drought, social interaction, and religion from past to present, are also social indicators that separate cultures from each other. In traditional Turkish cuisine, there are many specific products that distinguish Anatolian society from other societies. One of them is the desserts made with meat. This study aims to identify the meat desserts in traditional Turkish cuisine and to make inferences on the content characteristics of the determined desserts. For the objectives of the study, firstly the Ottoman archives were examined and old cookbooks were reviewed. In this context, it has been determined that six desserts containing chicken, lamb, and fish (chicken breast pudding, neck dessert, anchovy dessert, quince dessert with minced meat) and fish and lamb glue (diamante dessert, diamante dessert with mutton legs) are included in traditional Turkish cuisine. As a result of the evaluations made on the current literature and old cookbooks, it has been understood that the desserts in question are on the verge of being forgotten and that ready-made jelly desserts have taken the place of diamante desserts. It is important for these desserts, which reflect the traditional taste of the Turkish nation, to be popularized and transformed into tourism products, in terms of protecting the ethnic and cultural heritage, adopting a sustainable structure, and promoting and marketing them.
Optimization of removal of toluene from industrial wastewater using RSM Box–Behnken experimental design
Authors: Jafari Dariush , Esfandyari Morteza , Mojahed Mehdi
Published: September 2023

The study is concerned with the adsorption of toluene from real wastewater using granular beads of activated carbon. The adsorbent was analyzed before and after the process using Scanning Electron Microscope analysis to characterize its surface characteristics. The adsorption parameters including solution pH, contact time, dosage of adsorbent, temperature and toluene initial concentration were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) Box-Behnken experimental design to maximize the toluene adsorption. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was 298 mg g−1 and the maximum toluene removal was 99.5% which was achieved in the following optimal conditions: pH: 2, 100 min, adsorbent dosage: 0.7 g L−1, 40 °C and initial concentration: 30 mg L−1. The adjusted coefficient of determination of the model was over 0.99 which denotes that the model was quite appropriate and accurate and also it was effective in the optimization of toluene adsorption. Finally, the activated carbon adsorbent was applied to remove toluene from a real sample of wastewater under the optimal operating conditions and the uptake percentage of 96.9% was achieved which was in accordance with the output of the removal of toluene from synthetic wastewater.
Evaluation of serum levels of interferon beta and nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain 2 gene polymorphism in children with cough asthma phenotype: a case–control study
Authors: Zedan Magdy M. , Radwan Doaa M. , Abousamra Nashwa Khairat , Wahba Yahya Mohammed , Osman Engy
Published: September 2023

Background

Individuals with asthma are thought to suffer from a variety of distinct disorders, or phenotypes, each of which is characterized by a unique combination of genetic and environmental factors. Syndromes that are exacerbated by allergens, non-allergic factors, and aspirin, as well as syndromes that are best differentiated by pathologic findings, response to therapy, and natural history, fall into this category. The best course of treatment for an individual patient with asthma can be determined by first determining his or her specific asthma phenotype and its underlying pathophysiology.

Aim of the work

Explore clinical characteristics, serum INF-β in cough asthma phenotype and allergic march asthmatic children. Also, to assess the association of NOD2 (rs2066845) gene polymorphism among those asthma phenotypes in Egyptian asthmatic children.

Patients and methods

The study included 64 cough phenotypic asthmatic children and 60 allergic march phenotypic asthmatic children in addition to 39 healthy controls (control group). The included children were subjected to full clinical history taking, full clinical examination, assessment of (total serum IgE, CBC for peripheral eosinophil percentage, cytokine profile (serum levels of INF-B), and genetic analysis: SNPs of NOD2 (rs2066845).

Results

There was a significant increase in G allele frequency, in both homozygous (GG) and heterozygous (GC) states, among asthmatic children of cough and allergic march phenotypes compared to healthy controls, with no significant difference between the two phenotypes. In addition, serum INF-β was significantly lower in cough and allergic march phenotypic asthmatics with GG genotypes versus healthy controls of the same genotype.

Conclusions

NOD2 (rs2066845) gene polymorphism is associated with both cough and allergic march asthma phenotypes in Egyptian asthmatic children. It was also shown that G allele may be implicated in asthma pathophysiology.
The iPRISM webtool: an interactive tool to pragmatically guide the iterative use of the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model in public health and clinical settings
Authors: Trinkley Katy E. , Glasgow Russell E. , D’Mello Sidney , Fort Meredith P. , Ford Bryan , Rabin Borsika A.
Published: September 2023

Background

To increase uptake of implementation science (IS) methods by researchers and implementers, many have called for ways to make it more accessible and intuitive. The purpose of this paper is to describe the iPRISM webtool (Iterative, Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model) and how this interactive tool operationalizes PRISM to assess and guide a program’s (a) alignment with context, (b) progress on pragmatic outcomes, (c) potential adaptations, and (d) future sustainability across the stages of the implementation lifecycle.

Methods

We used an iterative human-centered design process to develop the iPRISM webtool.

Results

We conducted user-testing with 28 potential individual and team-based users who were English and Spanish speaking from diverse settings in various stages of implementing different types of programs. Users provided input on all aspects of the webtool including its purpose, content, assessment items, visual feedback displays, navigation, and potential application. Participants generally expressed interest in using the webtool and high likelihood of recommending it to others. The iPRISM webtool guides English and Spanish-speaking users through the process of iteratively applying PRISM across the lifecycle of a program to facilitate systematic assessment and alignment with context. The webtool summarizes assessment responses in graphical and tabular displays and then guides users to develop feasible and impactful adaptations and corresponding action plans. Equity considerations are integrated throughout.

Conclusions

The iPRISM webtool can intuitively guide individuals and teams from diverse settings through the process of using IS methods to iteratively assess and adapt different types of programs to align with the context across the implementation lifecycle. Future research and application will continue to develop and evaluate this IS resource.
Forecasting household energy consumption based on lifestyle data using hybrid machine learning
Authors: rauf seidu agbor abdul , Adekoya Adebayo F.
Published: September 2023

Household lifestyle play a significant role in appliance consumption. The overall effects are that, it can be a determining factor in the healthy functioning of the household appliance or its abnormal functioning. The rapid growth in residential consumption has raised serious concerns toward limited energy resource and high electricity pricing. The propose 134% electricity tariffs adjustment by Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at the heat of economic hardships caused by Covid-19 has raised serious public agitation in Ghana (west Africa) . The unpredictable lifestyle of residential consumers in an attempt to attain a comfortable lifestyle and the rippling effects of population growth burdens energy demand at the residential sector. This study attempts to identify the lifestyle factors that have great influence on household energy consumption and predict future consumption of the household with mitigating factors to cushion the effects on high consumption. The study is based on lifestyle data using hybrid machine learning. The hybrid model achieved high accuracy (96%) as compared to previous models. The hybrid model performance was evaluated using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R) metrics.
A method for transforming aliased modes to true modes based on density clustering and Riemann sheets selection in acoustic logging dispersion inversion
Authors: Zhang Chao , Chen Da , Hu Hengshan , Wang Jun , He Xiaodong
Published: September 2023

Dispersion curves obtained from well logs provide crucial formation information around the borehole. An essential step in the inversion of such curves is to eliminate aliased modes, which can potentially interfere with true modes at higher frequencies. The traditional approach involves manually matching the inversion slowness values with the corresponding wave modes at each frequency, which is time consuming and labor intensive. In addition, the traditional method is applicable for the elimination of the aliased modes that are far from true modes, but it is ineffective in resolving aliased modes that approach or even intersect with the true modes. To address these limitations, a novel method is developed to transform aliased modes into true modes. The proposed method involves two key steps. First, the slownesses of individual modes are automatically picked by the density clustering algorithm. Second, based on the Riemann sheets selection of slowness, aliased modes are transformed into true modes by using the single valuedness of the wave-mode spectra and the correspondence between the amplitude spectrum and the slowness. In addition, a theoretical background is provided by introducing the concept of Riemann sheets to explain the origin of aliased modes in the computation. The proposed method can obtain comprehensive and precise dispersion curves, even in cases for which the true modes are interfered with or crossed by aliased modes. The accuracy of the method is validated by comparing the inversion results with the forward model’s dispersion curves. Furthermore, the robustness of the approach is determined by applying it to synthetic waveforms with noise and field waveforms.
Sexual and Gender Minority Invisibility in Cancer Studies: A Call for Effective Recruitment Methods to Address Cancer Disparities
Authors: Rosser B.R. Simon , Weideman Ben C.D. , Rider G. Nic , Jatoi Aminah , Ecklund Alexandra M. , Wheldon Christopher W. , Talley Kristine M.C. , Kulasingam Shalini , Smith M. Kumi , Jacobs David R. , Mitteldorf Darryl , West William , Alley Rhea , Ross Michael W.
Published: September 2023

#LGBTQ+ people with cancer are invisibilized: A call for #intersectional cancer research (link here) #healthequity
Exploring the Impact of Legislation Aiming to Ban Gender-Affirming Care on Pediatric Endocrine Providers: A Mixed-Methods Analysis
Authors: Gupta Pranav , Barrera Ellis , Boskey Elizabeth R , Kremen Jessica , Roberts Stephanie A
Published: September 2023

Context

Access to gender-affirming medical care is associated with better mental health outcomes in transgender and gender diverse youth. In 2021 and 2022, legislation aiming to ban gender-affirming medical care for youth was proposed in 24 states.

Objective

This study aimed to (1) assess the impact of this legislation on pediatric providers based on legislative status of their state of practice and (2) identify the themes of concerns reported by them.

Methods

A mixed-methods study was conducted via an anonymous survey distributed to pediatric endocrinology providers. Survey responses were stratified based on US state of practice, with attention to whether legislation aiming to ban gender-affirming care had been considered. Data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

Of 223 respondents, 125 (56.0%) were currently providing gender-affirming medical care. A total of 103 (45.7%) respondents practiced in a state where legislation aiming to ban gender-affirming care had been proposed and/or passed between January 2021 to June 2022. Practicing in legislation-affected states was associated with negative experiences for providers including (1) institutional pressure that would limit the ability to provide care, (2) threats to personal safety, (3) concerns about legal action being taken against them, (4) concerns about their career, and (5) institutional concerns about engagement with media. Major qualitative themes emerging for providers in legislation-affected states included safety concerns and the impact of laws on medical practice.

Conclusion

This study suggests that legislation aiming to ban health care for transgender youth may decrease access to qualified providers in affected states.
Correlation of ACR TI-RADS and Patient Outcomes in a Real-World Cohort Presenting for Thyroid Ultrasonography
Authors: Wilkinson Tom , Cawood Tom , Lim Anthony , Roche David , Jiang Jasmine , Thomson Ben , Marais Michelle , Hunt Penny
Published: September 2023

Context

The American College of Radiology Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) was developed to predict malignancy risk in thyroid nodules using ultrasound features. TI-RADS was derived from a database of patients already selected for fine-needle aspiration (FNA), raising uncertainty about applicability to unselected patients.

Objective

We aimed to assess the effect of ACR TI-RADS reporting in unselected patients presenting for thyroid ultrasound in a real-world setting.

Methods

Records for all patients presenting for thyroid ultrasonography in Canterbury, New Zealand, were reviewed across two 18-month periods, prior to and after implementation of TI-RADS reporting. Patient outcomes were compared between the 2 periods. Malignancy rates were calculated for nodules 10 mm or larger with a definitive FNA or histology result.

Results

A total of 1210 nodules were identified in 582 patients prior to implementation of TI-RADS; 1253 nodules were identified in 625 patients after implementation of TI-RADS. TI-RADS category was associated with malignancy rate (0% in TR1 and TR2, 3% in TR3, 5% in TR4, 12% in TR5; P = .02); however, 63% of nodules were graded TR3 or TR4, for which malignancy rate did not meaningfully differ from baseline risk. After implementation of TI-RADS there was a small reduction in the proportion of patients proceeding to FNA (49% vs 60%; P < .01) or surgery (14% vs 18%; P < .05), with no difference in cancer diagnoses (3% vs 4%, not significant).

Conclusion

TI-RADS category is associated with malignancy rate and may alter clinical decision-making in a minority of patients; however, it is nondiscriminatory in the majority of nodules. In this study of unselected patients, nodules classified as TR5 and thus considered “highly suspicious” for cancer had only a modest risk of malignancy.
Melioidosis Vaccines (MeVa): Attitudes to vaccines, melioidosis and clinical trials in key stakeholders in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Authors: Khirikoekkong Napat , Asarath Supa-at , Hill Jennifer , Wettana Benjawan , Srisawang Orathai , Cheah Phaik Yeong , Dunachie Susanna , Chamnan Parinya
Published: September 2023

Background: Melioidosis is a bacterial infection which kills an estimated 89,000 people per year in tropical and sub-tropical regions, chiefly affecting the poorest. Diabetes is the primary risk factor, conferring a 12-fold increase in risk. Despite limited funding compared to other neglected tropical diseases, melioidosis vaccine development has generated several candidates for clinical development. The most promising is CPS-CRM197/Hcp1, which will be the first to enter a phase I clinical trial, taking place in Oxford in 2023/24. As we move closer to the possibility of an effective melioidosis vaccine, it is critical to work in parallel to understand perceptions toward a vaccine among those living where melioidosis rates are high. Reasons for vaccine acceptance versus hesitancy are complex, and include perceived risk of the target disease, concern about side effects, and above all trust in government, scientists, the pharmaceutical industry and other authorities.

Methods: We will carry out a qualitative study in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, an endemic region for melioidosis, as groundwork for a potential future melioidosis vaccine efficacy study, and in the longer-term vaccine introduction. This study seeks to explore knowledge and attitudes in three main areas; 1) melioidosis disease, 2) vaccines, and 3) participation in clinical vaccine trials. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions will take place in five participant groups of different risks and exposure to melioidosis. Purposive, convenience sampling will be used, also snowball sampling to reach some participant groups. Sample size will be based on participant’s experience, to inform the line of enquiries of study, or until data saturation, expecting 66–90 participants across all groups.

Discussion: The findings of this study will be written up and published in an open access journal, and will be valuable to inform future design of clinical trials as well as engagement and communications associated with future vaccine rollout.
Raising awareness about the importance of chickenpox vaccination in children
Authors: Borkowska Aleksandra , Marosz Szymon , Marosz Karol , Chilimoniuk Zuzanna , Sobstyl Anna , Dudziński Dominik , Chałupnik Aleksandra , Krupska Katarzyna , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Varicella is an acute infectious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It is among one of the most contagious infectious diseases. The main symptoms of the disease are an itchy, papular and vesicular rash on the trunk, face, scalp, extremities, mucous membranes. In addition, there is fever, malaise, headache and muscle aches, enlargement of lymph nodes. In most cases, varicella is mild, but 2-6% of patients may develop dangerous complications. The most common complications include bacterial skin infections, neurological symptoms and acute thrombocytopenia.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to present the severe and complicated course of varicella in a 12-month-old patient.

Results: On the day of admission, the patient presented symptoms of an exacerbation of the course of varicella. The main symptoms were smallpox eruptions, increasing fever track, and enlarged and painful lymph nodes. During his stay, the patient's condition indicated a severe course of varicella. It was complicated by infection of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and lymph nodes. In addition, tests showed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and positivity for cat scratch disease. He also developed zoster during his hospitalization. Throughout his stay in the hospital, many tests and consultations were carried out to clarify his symptoms.  With appropriate treatment, the patient's condition improved and he was able to be discharged home after a 3-week hospitalization.

Conclusions: The presented case shows the severe course of varicella. Due to recommendations and the patient's too young age, he could not be vaccinated against VZV. In each patient, the course of the disease is unpredictable. Vaccination protects against severe symptoms, and also reduces the risk of developing zoster in the future. In addition, long-term immunity can be acquired through vaccination.
role of glymphatic system in neurological diseases - literature review
Authors: Niekurzak Karolina , Jędrak Maciej , Kania Krzysztof , Józefiak Maciej , Sobkiewicz Piotr , Kania Joanna
Published: September 2023

Abstract 
Introduction: The glymphatic system is the equivalent of the lymphatic system in the brain. This system is responsible for the exchange of metabolism waste products between the cerebrospinal fluid and the interstitial fluid. The glymphatic system functions mainly during sleep, and this is when the removal of interstitial metabolism waste products take place. A proper diet and physical activity are also needed for the glymphatic system to work effectively. Abnormal function of the glymphatic system can contribute to the development of diseases of the central nervous system, including neurodegenerative diseases and migraine. 
Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to review the latest knowledge linking the glymphatic system with the pathogenesis of selected neurological diseases and other lifestyle-related factors such as sleep, diet and physical activity. The study included Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, migraines and ischemic stroke. 
Materials and methods: We have reviewed the literature available in the pubmed database using keywords: “glymphatic system”; “aquaporin-4”; “Alzheimer’s disease”; “Parkinson’s disease”; “migraines”; “sleep” 
Conclusions: The studies discussed here show a clear correlation between the glymphatic system and neurological diseases. The glymphatic system may definitely be involved in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. A thorough investigation of this issue will help uncover potentially new strategies for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases.   
Key words: glymphatic system; aquaporin-4; Alzheimer’s disease; Parkinson’s disease; migraine; sleep
Disclosure Similarity and Future Stock Return Comovement
Authors: Dyer Travis A. , Roulstone Darren T. , Van Buskirk Andrew
Published: September 2023

Existing research often assumes that firms’ financial reporting choices influence their return comovement with other firms. We examine the validity of that assumption. First, we provide initial evidence suggesting that similarity in two firms’ disclosures not only predicts but influences future return comovement between those two firms. Second, we show that this predictive ability aggregates to the market level; disclosure similarity can be used to estimate more accurate forward-looking market betas. Taken together, these two results suggest that firms’ reporting decisions can influence their firms’ betas even in the absence of changes to capital structure or operations.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.

Funding: The authors are grateful for financial support from the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business and the Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4915 .
Difference-of-Convex Algorithm with Extrapolation for Nonconvex, Nonsmooth Optimization Problems
Authors: Phan Duy Nhat , Le Thi Hoai An
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we focus on the problem of minimizing the sum of a nonconvex differentiable function and a difference of convex (DC) function, where the differentiable function is not restricted to the global Lipschitz gradient continuity assumption. This problem covers a broad range of applications in machine learning and statistics, such as compressed sensing, signal recovery, sparse dictionary learning, matrix factorization, etc. We first take inspiration from the Nesterov acceleration technique and the DC algorithm to develop a novel algorithm for the considered problem. We then study the subsequential convergence of our algorithm to a critical point. Furthermore, we justify the global convergence of the whole sequence generated by our algorithm to a critical point and establish its convergence rate under the Kurdyka–Łojasiewicz condition. Numerical experiments on the nonnegative matrix completion problem are performed to demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithm and its superiority over well-known methods.
A Simple Interference and Power-based Direction of Arrival Measuring System for Modern Communication
Authors: Vu Nga , Le Thinh , Dinh Minh , Le Minh Thuy
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we present a system specialized for measuring the direction-of-arrival (DoA) of electromagnetic waves with noticeable simplicity. Unlike common methods, which are based heavily on complex computation and signal processing, our proposed system is considerably simpler, both in terms of design and operating theory. Our design consists of two directional antennas for collecting incident waves, a system of Wilkinson power combiners and dividers in which the waves collected by the antennas interfere, a result-processing block consisting of power amplifiers, rectifiers, and a microcontroller unit that respectively converts the interferometric radio-frequency (RF) signal into direct-current (DC) signal, measures its corresponding power before calculating the incident angle solely based on a simple trigonometric equation. The system yields a high accuracy of less than 7.5o with the incident angle ranging from −60o to 60o.
A Wideband, High Gain and Low Sidelobe Array Antenna for Modern ETC Systems
Authors: Tran Lan T. , Khuat Chinh D. , Phi Lam V.
Published: September 2023

Modern electronic toll collection (ETC) systems are currently moving towards a system design that is capable of fast and optimal payment handling for a single lane. Thus, the antenna of a roadside reader unit (RSU) needs to provide sufficient coverage over the vehicle lane during a payment cycle. In this paper, a left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) 2×4 array antenna is proposed for European standard RSU readers at 5.8 GHz. The proposed array antenna consists of patch element antennas with parasitic elements to enhance gain and bandwidth. Sequential phase rotation feeding networks are applied to make the antenna low-profile. By using the optimized nut-shaped metasurface, the antenna can achieve higher gain due to concentrated radiation power in the boresight direction. The antenna has a wide impedance bandwidth of 2.34 GHz (37.73%), axis ratio bandwidth of 2.07 GHz (32.9%), high gain of 17 dBi, and sidelobe level (SLL) lower than -15 dB at 5.8 GHz. Especially, half-power beamwidths are 34∘ and 17∘ in horizontal and vertical planes, respectively, which covers sufficient space for a single lane while avoiding interference with other lanes. The performance of the proposed antenna is verified by measured results. It showed that the proposed antenna is a promising candidate for ETC applications.
Partial control with overt embedded subjects in Chirag
Authors: Ganenkov Dmitry
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This article documents a previously unattested variety of obligatory control (OC) in the Nakh-Daghestanian language Chirag Dargwa, which lies at the intersection between two phenomena known from previous research: overt controlled subjects and partial control. Despite being less widespread crosslinguistically, these two phenomena do occur in various unrelated languages and are known to not quite fit in with existing theories of OC. Combined in a single construction, they yield a new empirical option in the typology of OC and provide evidence in favor of a pro analysis of controlled subjects.
Pedagogical linguistics: Connecting formal linguistics to language teaching
Authors: Trotzke Andreas
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This article reports on the beginning of a new pan-European enterprise called pedagogical linguistics, which can be distinguished from related approaches on several grounds. Crucially, pedagogical linguistics centers on teaching structural properties of 'language', not just properties of specific languages. Although this crosslinguistic perspective on language is already part of language practitioners' training, student teachers are often not able to draw the connection between formal linguistic training and their teaching in a multilingual classroom. Pedagogical linguistics addresses this lack of awareness and therefore aims at raising 'linguistic' awareness (in addition to language awareness) by highlighting the relevance of formal structural concepts for language pedagogy.