bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Tribocorrosion Synergism of Laser Shock Peened Steel Deposited by Cold-Spray Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Ralls Alessandro M. , Frizell Jacob , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: April 2024

In this work, laser shock peening (LSP) was utilized as a surface-processing technique to modify the tribocorrosion characteristics of cold-spray (CS) 316L SS. Results indicate that with the influence of LSP, the degree of wear–corrosion synergism was effectively decreased. Particularly, the degree of wear loss being accelerated by electrochemical degradation was effectively reduced due to the cumulative effects of refined crystallinity, increased surface hardness, closure of surface pores, and decrease in wettability. Consequentially, the wear mechanism transitioned from being an abrasive type with cracking and delamination to an abrasive type free of any defects. From these findings, it can be inferred that LSP is indeed a viable method to improve the tribocorrosion characteristics of CS 316L SS.
Sex differences in vocal behavior in virtual rooms compared to real rooms
Authors: Papadimitriou Georgios , Brunskog Jonas , Heuchel Franz M. , Lyberg Åhlander Viveka , Öhlund Wistbacka Greta
Published: April 2024

This study investigates speech production under various room acoustic conditions in virtual environments, by comparing vocal behavior and the subjective experience of speaking in four real rooms and their audio-visual virtual replicas. Sex differences were explored. Males and females (N = 13) adjusted their voice levels similarly to room acoustic changes in the real rooms, but only males did so in the virtual rooms. Females, however, rated the visual virtual environment as more realistic compared to males. This suggests a discrepancy between sexes regarding the experience of realism in a virtual environment and changes in objective behavioral measures such as voice level.
Increasing Sport Fans’ Receptivity to Sustainability Messaging Through the Enhancement of Brand Authenticity
Authors: Do Chanwook , Kim Minjung , McCullough Brian P. , Kim Han Soo , Lee Hyun-Woo
Published: April 2024

Brand authenticity is a crucial concept in determining a continuing relationship between a team and its fans. To better understand brand authenticity in the sport industry, this study explored how professional sport teams’ brand authenticity can be enhanced by its antecedents and what is the role of brand authenticity on fan loyalty, ultimately enhancing receptivity to environmental sustainability messaging. A total of 349 fans of the National Football League participated in an online survey. This research employed structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among the eight main constructs in the hypothesized research model. The results indicated that the five predictors positively influenced the team’s brand authenticity. Furthermore, enhanced brand authenticity impacted fan loyalty, while receptivity to environmental sustainability messaging was affected by fan loyalty and environmental sustainability attitude. The findings demonstrate how sport organizations can increase fans’ receptivity to environmental sustainability messaging through fans’ perceived brand authenticity and loyalty.
Characterizing ActiGraph’s Idle Sleep Mode in Free-Living Assessments of Physical Behavior
Authors: LaMunion Samuel R. , Brychta Robert J. , Freeman Joshua R. , Saint-Maurice Pedro F. , Matthews Charles E. , Ishihara Asuka , Chen Kong Y.
Published: April 2024

ActiGraph’s idle sleep mode (ISM) is an optional battery- and memory-conserving feature believed to engage during periods of nonwear, inactivity, and sleep, but it has not been well studied in free-living environments. Thus, we investigated ISM during a 7-day assessment in a nationally representative sample of 13,649 participants (6–80 years) in the United States and found it engaged 43.6% ± 0.2% (mean ± SE) of the 24 hr per day. ISM engagement was highest (78.4% ± 0.2%) during early morning (00:00–05:59) and lowest (20.4% ± 0.3%) during afternoon (12:00–17:59), corresponding to quadrants of lowest and highest of movement, respectively. ISM engagement was also inversely correlated with daily activity across all participants (R = −.72, p < .001). When restricted to participants averaging ≥21 hr per day of wear (N = 10,482), ISM still engaged 39.5% ± 0.2% of the day and inversely correlated to daily activity (R = −.58, p < .001). These results suggest ISM engages in activity level-dependent temporal patterns. Additional research is needed to better inform analyses and interpretation of ISM-enabled data including whether it is appropriate to process them with existing methods that were developed and validated using data without ISM enabled. This issue may be particularly relevant for methods used to detect and score sleep, as ISM engaged during a substantial portion of the typical overnight sleep period in the 8-hr window between ≥22:00 and <06:00 (74.0% ± 12.6%, mean ± SD).
BLinG-Health: A Peer-Led Physical Activity Program for Black Adolescent Girls—A Pilot Study
Authors: Blackshear Tara B. , Baucum Taylor
Published: April 2024

Background: Culturally relevant approaches that address low physical activity rates among Black girls are increasing, yet opportunities to engage in physical activity (PA) remain minimal. Coupled with deficit approaches to school-based PA programming, positioning Black adolescent girls as PA leaders is missing from practice. BLinG-Health aims to develop peer leaders to participate in and deliver group fitness sessions in an after-school PA program. Methods: Black adolescent girls engaged in a culturally relevant, 8-week pretest and posttest quasi-experimental pilot study examining the impact of a peer-led school-based PA intervention program in a Baltimore, Maryland, public school. After peer leaders engaged in a 12-hr fitness education, training, and certification program using the Interactive Fitness Trainers of America’s Tabata group fitness instruction and certification series, peer leaders led classmates in group fitness 2–3 days a week for 8 weeks. Peer leaders and participants completed two assessment rounds at baseline and Week 9, including height and weight, to compute body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, hip-to-waist ratio, a 12-min run/walk, and push-up test. Results: Participants (n = 7; Mage = 16.43 years) significantly improved in cardiovascular endurance (p = .025) and muscular endurance (p = .013) with modest, nonsignificant changes in anthropometric measures. Discussion: Challenging deficit narratives on Black girls’ PA engagement, participants consistently attended weekly group fitness sessions and improved cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Empowering Black adolescent girls to lead group fitness sessions among peers may enhance PA engagement. Schools should consider culturally relevant programming to increase Black girls’ opportunities to engage in PA.
Continuous production of ultratough semiconducting polymer fibers with high electronic performance
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Li Peiyun , Xiong Miao , Zhang Liang , Chen Jupeng , Lei Xun , Pan Xiran , Wang Xiu , Deng Xin-Yu , Shen Weiyu , Mei Zi , Liu Kai-Kai , Liu Guangchao , Huang Zhen , Lv Shixian , Shao Yuanlong , Lei Ting
Published: April 2024

Conjugated polymers have demonstrated promising optoelectronic properties, but their brittleness and poor mechanical characteristics have hindered their fabrication into durable fibers and textiles. Here, we report a universal approach to continuously producing highly strong, ultratough conjugated polymer fibers using a flow-enhanced crystallization (FLEX) method. These fibers exhibit one order of magnitude higher tensile strength (>200 megapascals) and toughness (>80 megajoules per cubic meter) than traditional semiconducting polymer fibers and films, outperforming many synthetic fibers, ready for scalable production. These fibers also exhibit unique strain-enhanced electronic properties and exceptional performance when used as stretchable conductors, thermoelectrics, transistors, and sensors. This work not only highlights the influence of fluid mechanical effects on the crystallization and mechanical properties of conjugated polymers but also opens up exciting possibilities for integrating these functional fibers into wearable electronics.
The impact of hUC MSC–derived exosome-nanoliposome hybrids on α-synuclein fibrillation and neurotoxicity
Authors: Aliakbari Farhang , Marzookian Kimia , Parsafar Soha , Hourfar Hamdam , Nayeri Zahra , Fattahi Arghavan , Raeiji Mohammad , Boroujeni Narges Nasrollahi , Otzen Daniel E. , Morshedi Dina
Published: April 2024

Amyloid aggregation of α-synuclein (αSN) protein amplifies the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Consequently, blocking aggregation or redirecting self-assembly to less toxic aggregates could be therapeutic. Here, we improve brain-specific nanocarriers using a hybrid of exosomes (Ex) from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC MSCs) and nanoliposomes containing baicalein (Ex-NLP–Ba) and oleuropein (Ex-NLP–Ole). The hybrids contained both lipid membranes, Ex proteins, and baicalein or oleuropein. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis confirmed their proper integration. The hybrids reduced the extent of αSN fibrillation and interfered with secondary nucleation and disaggregation. They not only reduced αSN pathogenicity but also enhanced drug internalization into cells, surpassing the efficacy of NLP alone, and also crossed the blood-brain barrier in a cellular model. We conclude that Ex can be successfully extracted and efficiently merged with NLPs while retaining its original properties, demonstrating great potential as a theranostic drug delivery vehicle against NDs like PD.
Power-integrated, wireless neural recording systems on the cranium using a direct printing method for deep-brain analysis
Authors: Kwon Yong Won , Ahn David B. , Park Young-Geun , Kim Enji , Lee Dong Ha , Kim Sang-Woo , Lee Kwon-Hyung , Kim Won-Yeong , Hong Yeon-Mi , Koh Chin Su , Jung Hyun Ho , Chang Jin Woo , Lee Sang-Young , Park Jang-Ung
Published: April 2024

Conventional power-integrated wireless neural recording devices suffer from bulky, rigid batteries in head-mounted configurations, hindering the precise interpretation of the subject’s natural behaviors. These power sources also pose risks of material leakage and overheating. We present the direct printing of a power-integrated wireless neural recording system that seamlessly conforms to the cranium. A quasi–solid-state Zn-ion microbattery was 3D-printed as a built-in power source geometrically synchronized to the shape of a mouse skull. Soft deep-brain neural probes, interconnections, and auxiliary electronics were also printed using liquid metals on the cranium with high resolutions. In vivo studies using mice demonstrated the reliability and biocompatibility of this wireless neural recording system, enabling the monitoring of neural activities across extensive brain regions without notable heat generation. This all-printed neural interface system revolutionizes brain research, providing bio-conformable, customizable configurations for improved data quality and naturalistic experimentation.
Cynomolgus macaques as a translational model of human immune responses to yellow fever 17D vaccination
Authors: Mantel Nathalie , Piras-Douce Fabienne , Chautard Emilie , Marcos-Lopez Ernesto , Bodinham Caroline L. , Cosma Antonio , Courtois Virginie , Dhooge Nina , Gautheron Sylviane , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. , Pizzoferro Kathleen , Lewis David J. M. , Martinon Frédéric , Pagnon Anke , Raynal Franck , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Le Grand Roger
Published: April 2024

The non-human primate (NHP) model (specifically rhesus and cynomolgus macaques) has facilitated our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of yellow fever (YF) disease and allowed the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of YF-17D vaccines. However, the accuracy of this model in mimicking vaccine-induced immunity in humans remains to be fully determined. We used a systems biology approach to compare hematological, biochemical, transcriptomic, and innate and antibody-mediated immune responses in cynomolgus macaques and human participants following YF-17D vaccination. Immune response progression in cynomolgus macaques followed a similar course as in adult humans but with a slightly earlier onset. Yellow fever virus neutralizing antibody responses occurred earlier in cynomolgus macaques [by Day 7[(D7)], but titers > 10 were reached in both species by D14 post-vaccination and were not significantly different by D28 [plaque reduction neutralization assay (PRNT)
50
titers 3.6 Log vs 3.5 Log in cynomolgus macaques and human participants, respectively;
P
= 0.821]. Changes in neutrophils, NK cells, monocytes, and T- and B-cell frequencies were higher in cynomolgus macaques and persisted for 4 weeks versus less than 2 weeks in humans. Low levels of systemic inflammatory cytokines (IL-1RA, IL-8, MIP-1α, IP-10, MCP-1, or VEGF) were detected in either or both species but with no or only slight changes versus baseline. Similar changes in gene expression profiles were elicited in both species. These included enriched and up-regulated type I IFN-associated viral sensing, antiviral innate response, and dendritic cell activation pathways D3–D7 post-vaccination in both species. Hematological and blood biochemical parameters remained relatively unchanged versus baseline in both species. Low-level YF-17D viremia (RNAemia) was transiently detected in some cynomolgus macaques [28% (5/18)] but generally absent in humans [except one participant (5%; 1/20)].

IMPORTANCE

Cynomolgus macaques were confirmed as a valid surrogate model for replicating YF-17D vaccine-induced responses in humans and suggest a key role for type I IFN.
Defective viral genomes: advances in understanding their generation, function, and impact on infection outcomes
Authors: Brennan Justin W. , Sun Yan
Published: April 2024

Defective viral genomes (DVGs) are truncated derivatives of their parental viral genomes generated during an aberrant round of viral genomic replication. Distinct classes of DVGs have been identified in most families of both positive- and negative-sense RNA viruses. Importantly, DVGs have been detected in clinical samples from virally infected individuals and an emerging body of association studies implicates DVGs in shaping the severity of disease caused by viral infections in humans. Consequently, there is growing interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of
de novo
DVG generation, how DVGs interact with the innate immune system, and harnessing DVGs as novel therapeutics and vaccine adjuvants to attenuate viral pathogenesis. This minireview focuses on single-stranded RNA viruses (excluding retroviridae), and summarizes the current knowledge of DVG generation, the functions and diversity of DVG species, the roles DVGs play in influencing disease progression, and their application as antivirals and vaccine adjuvants.
Joseph A. Cushman and the study of Foraminifera
Authors: Todd Ruth
Published: April 2024

Cushman's interest in forams began with his examination of the Albatross collections. In 1906, when he began his systematic study of the Foraminifera for the U.S. National Museum, they were regarded as little more than scientific curiosities of no geologic value because most were believed to range from Cambrian to Recent. Cushman found the existing ten-family classification insufficiently detailed to encompass the myriad distinctions seen in his material. That classification, based primarily upon shape, did not take into consideration the different kinds of wall composition nor the phylogenies of genera.

In 1912, Cushman began an intermittent lifelong association with the U.S. Geological Survey. Two years later he successfully used forams to determine the ages of beds in a water well in South Carolina. In the early 1920s, Cushman took a consulting job with the Marland Oil Company to work briefly in Mexico. His fee gave him the financial means to retire from commercial work at the age of 43 and to build a private laboratory in Sharon, Massachusetts. There he resumed his research studies, accepted students, and started his journal. In the middle 1920s, a controversy developed between Cushman and J. J. Galloway over publication of their respective classifications. Emotions ran high for some years because Galloway believed that Cushman had stolen ideas from his manuscript, which the two had discussed together.
Condensates of the Magnetoexcitations in Quantum Hall Dielectrics
Authors: Gorbunov A. V. , Larionov A. V. , Kulik L. V. , Timofeev V. B.
Published: April 2024

A high-resolution large-aperture optical system is used to visualize the formation and spreading in real space of dense photoexcitation ensembles in integer and fractional quantum Hall dielectrics at filling factors ν = 2 and ν = 1/3. A comparative analysis is performed of the correlation between the transport properties and spatial coherence of these ensembles.
Low socioeconomic status is associated with worse treatment outcomes in patients with Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Visser Tjerk Sleeswijk , Brul Stefano , Deng Jie , Bonsel Joshua , van Es Eline , Eygendaal Denise , de Vos Robert-Jan
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess whether there is a difference in symptom severity at baseline and 24 weeks follow-up between conservatively managed patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) with low socioeconomic status (SES) compared with those with high SES.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 200 patients with AT were included and treated according to current guidelines. We linked a neighbourhood SES indicator based on income, employment and education level and divided the patient population into quintiles, with Q1 being the highest SES and Q5 the lowest. Symptom severity at baseline and follow-up was assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score. Treatment adherence was not measured. We used a general linear model and the mean VISA-A scores at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks follow-up were compared between Q1 (n=45) and Q5 (n=39), while adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Ankle Activity Score, symptom duration and baseline VISA-A score.

Results

Patients had a median age of 51 years and median BMI of 25.4, 40% were female. 74%, 70% and 58% of the participants completed the VISA-A at 6, 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. VISA-A scores at baseline were similar for Q1 and Q5 (43.9 and 41.8, p=0.591). At 24 weeks, there was a mean (95% CI) difference of 11.2 (1.0 to 21.3, p=0.032) points in favour of Q1 on the VISA-A score.

Conclusion

AT patients with low SES may have worse outcomes when treated using the current guidelines. The difference in VISA-A score at 24 weeks is larger than the minimal clinically important difference and might be clinically relevant, but comes with uncertainty due to the large dispersion in the data. Clinicians need to consider the impact of social inequality when developing and implementing treatment plans.
Willingness of healthcare providers to perform population-based cancer screening: a cross-sectional study in primary healthcare institutions in Tianjin, China
Authors: Zheng Senshuang , Zhang Xiaorui , Greuter Marcel J. W. , de Bock Geertruida H , Lu Wenli
Published: April 2024

Objective

To evaluate the willingness of healthcare providers to perform population-based screening in primary healthcare institutions in China.

Methods

Healthcare providers of 262 primary healthcare institutions in Tianjin were invited to fill out a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, workload, and knowledge of, attitude towards and willingness to perform breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening. Willingness to screen was the primary outcome. Multilevel logistic regression models were conducted to analyse the determinants of healthcare providers’ willingness to screen. ORs and 95% CIs were estimated.

Results

A total of 554 healthcare providers from 244 institutions answered the questionnaire. 67.2%, 72.1% and 74.3% were willing to perform breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening, respectively. A negative attitude towards screening was associated with a low willingness for cervical (OR=0.27; 95% CI 0.08, 0.94) and colorectal (OR=0.08; 95% CI 0.02, 0.30) cancer screening, while this was not statistically significant for breast cancer screening (OR=0.30; 95% CI 0.08, 1.12). For breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening, 70.1%, 63.8% and 59.0% of healthcare providers reported a shortage of staff dedicated to screening. A perceived reasonable manpower allocation was a determinant of increased willingness to perform breast (OR=2.86; 95% CI 1.03, 7.88) and colorectal (OR=2.70; 95% CI 1.22, 5.99) cancer screening. However, this was not significant for cervical cancer screening (OR=1.76; 95% CI 0.74, 4.18).

Conclusions

In China, healthcare providers with a positive attitude towards screening have a stronger willingness to contribute to cancer screening, and therefore healthcare providers’ attitude, recognition of the importance of screening and acceptable workload should be optimised to improve the uptake of cancer screening.
Gendered gaps to tuberculosis prevention and care in Kenya: a political economy analysis study
Authors: Abdullahi Leila H , Oketch Sandra , Komen Henry , Mbithi Irene , Millington Kerry , Mulupi Stephen , Chakaya Jeremiah , Zulu Eliya M
Published: April 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health concern in Kenya despite the massive global efforts towards ending TB. The impediments to TB prevention and care efforts include poor health systems, resource limitations and other sociopolitical contexts that inform policy and implementation. Notably, TB cases are much higher in men than women. Therefore, the political economy analysis (PEA) study provides in-depth contexts and understanding of the gender gaps to access and successful treatment for TB infection.

Design

PEA adopts a qualitative, in-depth approach through key informant interviews (KII) and documentary analysis.

Setting and participants

The KIIs were distributed among government entities, academia, non-state actors and community TB groups from Kenya.

Results

The themes identified were mapped onto the applied PEA analysis framework domains. The contextual and institutional issues included gender concerns related to the disconnect between TB policies and gender inclusion aspects, such as low prioritisation for TB programmes, limited use of evidence to inform decisions and poor health system structures. The broad barriers influencing the social contexts for TB programmes were social stigma and cultural norms such as traditional interventions that negatively impact health-seeking behaviours. The themes around the economic situation were poverty and unemployment, food insecurity and malnutrition. The political context centred around the systemic and governance gaps in the health system from the national and devolved health functions.

Conclusion

Broad contextual factors identified from the PEA widen the disparity in targeted gender efforts toward men. Following the development of effective TB policies and strategies, it is essential to have well-planned gendered responsive interventions with a clear implementation plan and monitoring system to enhance access to TB prevention and care.
Rehabilitation interventions to modify physical frailty in adults before lung transplantation: a systematic review protocol
Authors: McGarrigle Laura , Norman Gill , Hurst Helen , Todd Chris
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Lung transplantation is the gold-standard treatment for end-stage lung disease for a small group of patients meeting strict acceptance criteria after optimal medical management has failed. Physical frailty is prevalent in lung transplant candidates and has been linked to worse outcomes both on the waiting list and postoperatively. Exercise has been proven to be beneficial in optimising exercise capacity and quality of life in lung transplant candidates, but its impact on physical frailty is unknown. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of exercise interventions in modifying physical frailty for adults awaiting lung transplantation.

Methods and analysis

This protocol was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database. We will search four databases plus trial registries to identify primary studies of adult candidates for lung transplantation undertaking exercise interventions and assessing outcomes pertaining to physical frailty. Studies must include at least 10 participants. Article screening will be performed by two researchers independently at each stage. Extraction will be performed by one reviewer and checked by a second. The risk of bias in studies will be assessed by two independent reviewers using tools appropriate for the research design of each study; where appropriate, we will use Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 or ROBINS-I. At each stage of the review process, discrepancies will be resolved through a consensus or consultation with a third reviewer. Meta-analyses of frailty outcomes will be performed if possible and appropriate as will prespecified subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Where we are unable to perform meta-analysis, we will conduct narrative synthesis following Synthesis without Meta-analysis guidance. The review will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical issues are predicted due to the nature of this study. Dissemination will occur via conference abstracts, professional networks, peer-reviewed journals and patient support groups.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022363730.
Validation of the Scandinavian guidelines for minor and moderate head trauma in children: protocol for a pragmatic, prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study
Authors: Wickbom Fredrik , Calcagnile Olga , Marklund Niklas , Undén Johan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Mild traumatic brain injury is common in children and it can be challenging to accurately identify those in need of urgent medical intervention. The Scandinavian guidelines for management of minor and moderate head trauma in children, the Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee guideline 2016 (SNC16), were developed to aid in risk stratification and decision-making in Scandinavian emergency departments (EDs). This guideline has been validated externally with encouraging results, but internal validation in the intended healthcare system is warranted prior to broad clinical implementation.

Objective

We aim to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the SNC16 to predict clinically important intracranial injuries (CIII) in paediatric patients suffering from blunt head trauma, assessed in EDs in Sweden and Norway.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, pragmatic, observational cohort study. Children (aged 0–17 years) with blunt head trauma, presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 9–15 within 24 hours postinjury at an ED in 1 of the 16 participating hospitals, are eligible for inclusion. Included patients are assessed and managed according to the clinical management routines of each hospital. Data elements for risk stratification are collected in an electronic case report form by the examining doctor. The primary outcome is defined as CIII within 1 week of injury. Secondary outcomes of importance include traumatic CT findings, neurosurgery and 3-month outcome. Diagnostic accuracy of the SNC16 to predict endpoints will be assessed by point estimate and 95% CIs for sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, negative predictive value and positive predictive value.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the ethical board in both Sweden and Norway. Results from this validation will be published in scientific journals, and a tailored development and implementation process will follow if the SNC16 is found safe and effective.

Trial registration number

NCT05964764.
Real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes from a retrospective chart review study of patients with recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer who progressed following prior systemic therapy in Europe
Authors: Zhang Jingchuan , Kelkar Sneha S , Prabhu Vimalanand S , Qiao Yao , Grall Véronique , Miles Nicola , Marth Christian
Published: April 2024

Objective

To evaluate real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer patients who progressed following prior systemic therapy in clinical practice in Europe.

Design

Endometrial Cancer Health Outcomes-Europe (ECHO-EU) is a retrospective patient chart review study.

Setting

ECHO-EU is a multicentre study conducted in the UK, Germany, Italy, France and Spain.

Participants

Patients with recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer who progressed between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2019 following prior first-line systemic therapy were eligible and data were collected until last available follow-up through November 2021.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Data collected included patient demographics, clinical and treatment characteristics, and clinical outcomes. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed since initiation of second-line therapy to estimate time to treatment discontinuation, real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 475 patients were included from EU5 countries. Median age was 69 years at advanced endometrial cancer diagnosis, 78.7% had stage IIIB–IV disease, 45.9% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status ≥2 at second-line therapy initiation. In second line, a majority of patients initiated either non-platinum-based chemotherapy (55.6%) or endocrine therapy (16.2%). Physician-reported real-world overall response rate (classified as complete or partial response) to second-line therapy was 34.5%, median rwPFS was 7.4 months (95% CI 6.2 to 8.0) and median OS was 11.0 months (95% CI 9.9 to 12.3).

Conclusions

Patients had poor clinical outcomes with a median OS of <1 year and rwPFS of approximately 7 months, highlighting the significant unmet medical need in pretreated recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer patients. Novel therapies with potential to improve PFS and OS over conventional therapies could provide significant clinical benefit.
Alcohol use among in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone
Authors: Osborne Augustus , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Olorunsaiye Comfort Z , James Peter Bai , Bangura Camilla , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Kangbai Jia B , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: April 2024

Objective

To examine the prevalence of alcohol use and its associated factors among in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone.

Design

Data for the study was sourced from the 2017 Sierra Leone Global School-Based Student Health Survey, a nationally representative survey conducted among in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years using a multistage sampling methodology. Percentages were used to present the prevalence of alcohol use among in-school adolescents. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with alcohol use among in-school adolescents. The results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI).

Setting

Sierra Leone.

Participants

A weighted sample of 1730 in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone.

Outcome measure

Current alcohol use.

Results

The prevalence of alcohol use among in-school adolescents was 10.7% (7.3, 15.3). In-school adolescents in senior secondary schools were more likely to use alcohol compared with those in junior secondary school (aOR=2.13; 95% CI 1.37, 3.30). The odds of alcohol use was higher among in-school adolescents who were truant at school relative to those who were not (aOR=2.24; 95% CI 1.54, 3.26). Also, in-school adolescents who were bullied (aOR=1.85; 95% CI 1.24, 2.76), ever engaged in sexual intercourse (aOR=2.06; 95% CI 1.39, 3.06), and used marijuana (aOR=3.36; 95% CI 1.72, 6.53) were more likely to use alcohol compared with those who were not. However, in-school adolescents who reported that their parents understood their problems (aOR=0.52; 95% CI 0.33, 0.82) had a lower likelihood of consuming alcohol.

Conclusion

Our study has shown that alcohol use is prevalent among in-school adolescents in Sierra Leone. Grade level, experiences of being bullied, history of sexual intercourse, truancy at school, and previous use of marijuana were the factors influencing alcohol use among in-school adolescents. The findings emphasise the necessity of creating school-based health interventions in Sierra Leone that can effectively identify in-school adolescents potentially vulnerable to alcohol-related issues. Also, existing policies and programmes aimed at reducing alcohol use among in-school adolescents need to be strengthened.
Estimating the return on investment of the New York Tobacco Control Programme: a synthetic control study
Authors: Nonnemaker James , Mann Nathan , MacMonegle Anna J , Gaber Jennifer , Fajobi OlaOluwa
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess the return on investment (ROI) of the New York Tobacco Control Programme (NY TCP).

Setting

New York and other states of the USA.

Interventions

NY TCP.

Outcomes

Smoking prevalence, smoking-attributable healthcare expenditures (SAEs), smoking-attributable mortality, years of life lost (YLL), the dollar value of YLL and the ROI for healthcare expenditures and mortality.

Design and methods

We used a synthetic control method to estimate the effectiveness of NY TCP funding on smoking prevalence. The synthetic control method created a comparison group that best matched the adult smoking prevalence trend in New York state in the period prior to implementation of the NY TCP and compared smoking prevalence in the state to smoking prevalence in the synthetic control in the period after treatment (2001–2019). The synthetic control group represents what the trend in smoking prevalence in New York would have been had there been no tobacco control expenditures. The ROI was calculated as net savings for each outcome divided by net programme expenditures.

Results

Cumulative savings in SAE in New York from 2001 to 2019 amounted to US$13.2 billion. An estimated 41 771 smoking-attributable deaths (SADs) were averted in New York from 2001 to 2019, and an estimated 672 141 YLL averted as a result of NY TCP funding in the same period. From 2001 to 2019, the ROI for SAE in New York was approximately 14, the economic value ROI of the YLL due to SAD was nearly 145 and the combined ROI was almost 160.

Conclusions

In this study, we found relatively large ROIs for the NY TCP, which suggests that the programme—which lowers SAE and saves lives—is an efficient use of public funds.
Safety and efficacy of coated flow diverters in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Goertz Lukas , Hohenstatt Sophia , Vollherbst Dominik F , Weyland Charlotte Sabine , Nikoubashman Omid , Styczen Hanna , Gronemann Christian , Weiss Daniel , Kaschner Marius , Pflaeging Muriel , Siebert Eberhard , Zopfs David , Kottlors Jonathan , Pennig Lenhard , Schlamann Marc , Bohner Georg , Liebig Thomas , Turowski Bernd , Dorn Franziska , Deuschl Cornelius , Wiesmann Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A , Kabbasch Christoph
Published: April 2024

Background

This multicenter study evaluated the safety and efficacy of coated flow diverters (cFDs) for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Consecutive patients treated with different cFDs for ruptured aneurysms under tirofiban at eight neurovascular centers between 2016 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The majority of patients were loaded with dual antiplatelet therapy after the treatment. Aneurysm occlusion was determined using the O'Kelly-Marotta (OKM) grading scale. Primary outcome measures were major procedural complications and aneurysmal rebleeding during hospitalization.

Results

The study included 60 aneurysms (posterior circulation: 28 (47%)) with a mean size of 5.8±4.7 mm. Aneurysm morphology was saccular in 28 (47%), blister-like in 12 (20%), dissecting in 13 (22%), and fusiform in 7 (12%). Technical success was 100% with a mean of 1.1 cFDs implanted per aneurysm. Adjunctive coiling was performed in 11 (18%) aneurysms. Immediate contrast retention was observed in 45 (75%) aneurysms. There was 1 (2%) major procedural complication (a major stroke, eventually leading to death) and no aneurysmal rebleeding. A good outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) was achieved in 40 (67%) patients. At a mean follow-up of 6 months, 27/34 (79%) aneurysms were completely occluded (OKM D), 3/34 (9%) had an entry remnant (OKM C), and 4/34 (12%) had residual filling (OKM A or B). There was 1 (3%) severe in-stent stenosis during follow-up that was treated with balloon angioplasty.

Conclusions

Treatment of ruptured aneurysms with cFDs was reasonably safe and efficient and thus represents a valid treatment option, especially for complex cases.
Real time artificial intelligence assisted carotid artery stenting: a preliminary experience
Authors: Sakakura Yuya , Kono Kenichi , Fujimoto Takeshi
Published: April 2024

Background

Neurointerventionalists must pay close attention to multiple devices on multiple screens simultaneously, which can lead to oversights and complications. Artificial intelligence (AI) has potential application in recognizing and monitoring these devices on fluoroscopic imaging.

Methods

We report out preliminary experience with a real time AI assistance software, Neuro-Vascular Assist (iMed technologies, Tokyo, Japan), in six patients who underwent carotid artery stenting. This software provides real time assistance during endovascular procedures by tracking wires, guiding catheters, and embolic protection devices. The software provides notification when devices move out of a predefined region of interest or off the screen during the procedure. Efficacy, safety, and accuracy of the software were evaluated.

Results

The software functioned well without problems and was easily used. Mean number of notifications per procedure was 21.0. The mean numbers of true positives, false positives, and false negatives per procedure were 17.2, 3.8, and 1.2, respectively. Precision and recall were 82% and 94%, respectively. Among the 103 true positive notifications, 24 caused the operator to adjust the inappropriate position of the device (23%), which is approximately four times per procedure. False notifications occurred because of false positive device detection. No adverse events related to the software occurred. No periprocedural complications occurred.

Conclusions

Neuro-Vascular Assist, a real time AI assistance software, worked appropriately and may be beneficial in carotid artery stenting procedures. Future large scale studies are warranted to confirm.
Skeletal muscle mass during chemotherapy for haematological malignancies: a retrospective study
Authors: Takahashi Mamiko , Kondo Shin , Kagawa Kumiko , Nakamura Masafumi , Maeda Yusaku , Sumitani Ryohei , Yagi Hikaru , Oura Masahiro , Sogabe Kimiko , Harada Takeshi , Fujii Shiro , Miki Hirokazu , Endo Itsuro , Abe Masahiro , Nakamura Shingen
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study investigated whether baseline or alteration in muscle mass affects complications during chemotherapy or overall survival (OS) in haematological malignancies.

Methods

Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) was evaluated by bioimpedance analysis before and after chemotherapy in patients with haematological malignancies, and the association between muscle mass and clinical data was retrospectively analysed.

Results

Exactly 104 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 62.2 years. SMI was 7.85 and 6.08 in male and female patients under 65 years and 7.10 and 5.92 over 65 years, before chemotherapy, respectively. Lower baseline SMI was not correlated with worse OS in total patients (p=0.915). After a median measurement interval of 30 days after chemotherapy (n=67), body weight and SMI decreased by 2.73% and 2.87% (mean), respectively. The decrease in body weight correlated with the loss of trunk muscle mass (R2=0.2107) but was more strongly associated with the loss of lower limbs muscle mass (R2=0.3985). The muscle mass of lower limbs significantly decreased in lymphoma patients who experienced febrile neutropenia (−0.42% vs −6.04%, p=0.040). OS significantly decreased in lymphoma patients with loss of lower limbs muscle ≥2.8% (p=0.0327).

Conclusions

Muscle loss occurred following anticancer treatments, significantly contributing to worse outcomes. Body composition assessment and relevant multimodal prevention of muscle loss may be vital for patients receiving chemotherapy for haematological malignancies.
The behavioral strategies of multiple stakeholders in the NIMBY facility public-private partnership project: a tripartite evolutionary game analysis based on prospect theory
Authors: Cheng Xiaotong , Cheng Min , Liu Yaqun
Published: April 2024

In this study, evolutionary game method, prospect theory, and system dynamics (SD) method are combined to analyze the key stakeholders’ behaviors in the public-private partnership project of not-in-my-back-yard facility. First, the interaction behavior of the public sector, the private sector, and the public and their equilibrium state was analyzed based on the evolutionary game method and prospect theory. Then, the SD method was used to simulate and analyze the impact of different variables on the behavior of the three stakeholders. The results show that the greater the perceived cost difference between the active and negative behavior among the three stakeholders, the more likely they are to take negative behavior. The private sector tends to act opportunistically under low-risk loss situations. Dynamic rewards are more likely to incentivize the public to supervise than high rewards. Some recommendations to promote active behavioral interactions and cooperation among stakeholders were presented accordingly.
Sensitivity to CP discovery in the presence of Lorentz invariance-violating potential at T2HK/T2HKK
Authors: Pan Supriya , Chakraborty Kaustav , Goswami Srubabati
Published: April 2024

The investigation of conservation/violation of conjugation and parity (CP) symmetry in the leptonic sector is essential to understanding the evolution of the universe. Lorentz invariance and CPT are fundamental symmetries of nature. The violation of Lorentz invariance can also lead to CPT violations. The standard three-flavor neutrino oscillation framework presents a scenario for observing the signature of Lorentz invariance and CP violations. This work focuses on the effect of Lorentz invariance-violating parameters on the sensitivity to CP violation. We investigate the sensitivity in two proposed configurations of the upcoming T2HK experiment: (i) one detector each placed at 295 km and 1100 km, and (ii) two identical detectors at 295 km. This study probes the effect of CPT-violating parameters $$a_{e\mu },a_{e\tau },a_{\mu \tau }$$

a

e
μ

,

a

e
τ

,

a

μ
τ

.
Curing the high-energy perturbative instability of vector-quarkonium-photoproduction cross sections at order $$\alpha \alpha _s^3$$ with high-energy factorisation
Authors: Lansberg Jean-Philippe , Nefedov Maxim , Ozcelik Melih A.
Published: April 2024

We cure the perturbative instability of the total-inclusive-photoproduction cross sections of vector S-wave quarkonia observed at high photon-proton-collision energies ($$\sqrt{s_{\gamma p}}$$

s

γ
p

) in Next-to-Leading Order (NLO) Collinear-Factorisation (CF) computations. This is achieved using High-Energy Factorisation (HEF) in the Doubly-Logarithmic Approximation (DLA), which is a subset of the Leading-Logarithmic Approximation (LLA) of HEF which resums higher-order QCD corrections proportional to $$\alpha _s^n \ln ^{n-1} ({\hat{s}}{/}M^2)$$

α
s
n

ln

n
-
1

(

s
^

/

M
2

)

in the Regge limit $${\hat{s}}\gg M^2$$

s
^

≫

M
2

with $$M^2$$

M
2

being the quarkonium mass and $${\hat{s}}$$

s
^

is the squared partonic-center-of-mass energy. Such a DLA is strictly consistent with the NLO and NNLO DGLAP evolutions of the parton distribution functions. By improving the treatment of the large-$${\hat{s}}$$

s
^

asymptotics of the CF coefficient function, the resummation cures the unphysical results of the NLO CF calculation. The matching is directly performed in $${\hat{s}}$$

s
^

space using the Inverse-Error Weighting matching procedure which avoids any possible double counting. The obtained cross sections are in good agreement with data. In addition, the scale-variation uncertainty of the matched result is significantly reduced compared to the LO results. Our calculations also yield closed-form analytic limits for $${\hat{s}}\gg M^2$$

s
^

≫

M
2

of the NLO partonic CF and numerical limits for contributions to those at NNLO scaling like $$\alpha _s^2 \ln ({\hat{s}}/M^2)$$

α
s
2

ln

(

s
^

/

M
2

)

.
Carboxymethyl cellulose-water-based hybrid nanofluid mixed convection flow between porous vertical plates: Entropy generation analysis
Authors: Ummeda Padma , Ontela Surender
Published: April 2024

This paper analyzes the thermodynamic second law analysis of mixed convection heat transfer of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)-water based viscoelastic hybrid nanofluid flow in a vertical parallel plate channel filled with porous medium. In mixed convection flow, where both buoyancy and viscous forces play significant roles in the flow behavior, the inclusion of viscous dissipation in the analysis is crucial. The governing equations of the problem are converted into a system of ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity transformations, which are then solved by the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The behavior of non-dimensional velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, entropy generation and Bejan number profiles for a range of pertinent flow parameter values is displayed graphically and deliberated. Study reveals that a decrease in the dominance of viscous forces relative to inertial forces within the porous medium lowers entropy generation in the system.
Designing a Fully Current-Controlled Memristors-Based Oscillator
Authors: Liang Yan , Wang Shichang , Lu Zhenzhou , Li Yiqing , Wang Kangtai
Published: April 2024

One of the promising applications of locally-active memristors (LAMs) is to construct oscillators for oscillatory neural networks. By using two current-controlled (CC) LAMs, a fully CC LAM-based oscillator is designed in this paper. The oscillator principle originates from the small-signal inductive and capacitive impedance characteristics of two different CC LAMs, and thus extra reactance element is not required in the circuit. Based on bifurcation theory and small-signal analysis method, conditions of the equilibrium point instability are quantitatively derived. Theoretical analysis indicates that the circuit oscillation is dependent on three critical parameters. Then, according to the conditions of the equilibrium point instability, parameters design methods of the two LAMs are proposed, including the static and dynamic parameters. A simple NbOx CC LAM model is taken as an example to conduct detailed simulation analysis. The simulation results verify the feasibility of the proposed circuit and analysis methods. Finally, the effects of the LAM model parameters on the oscillator performance are investigated, which is helpful for optimal design of the oscillator.