bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Educational Disparities in Preventable Deaths: Do They Explain the Longevity Gap Between Mexico and Spain?
Authors: Bramajo Octavio , García-Guerrero Víctor M. , Permanyer Iñaki 
Published: November 2024

Objective Determine how preventable causes of death contribute to the life expectancy gap between Mexico and Spain. Methods We used a linear integral decomposition to analyze the impact of preventable mortality on life expectancy between ages 30-75 (temporary life expectancy) between Mexico and Spain in 2018. Additionally, we computed cause-deleted life tables to estimate potential gains in temporary life expectancy. Analyses were stratified by educational attainment, sex, and age. Results Low-educated Mexicans showed the largest gains in temporary life expectancy from removing preventable deaths (3.4 years for males, 1.6 for females), partially explaining the gap with Spain. Removing these deaths would close the gap almost entirely due to a higher relative decrease for middle- and high-educated individuals. Discussion While access to adequate healthcare is crucial for improving population health, appropriate non-medical public policies can significantly reduce mortality disparities between Mexico and Spain, especially for individuals from higher educational backgrounds.
MG132 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia via Akt/FOXO3a/Bim pathway
Authors: Fan Zhong , Lin Wen-Hao , Liang Cong , Li Yu , Peng Chun-Jin , Luo Jie-Si , Tang Wen-Yan , Zheng Li-Min , Huang Dan-Ping , Ke Zhi-Yong , Wang Li-Na , Zhang Xiao-Li , Huang Li-Bin 
Published: November 2024

Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common pediatric cancers, characterized by the malignant proliferation of leukemic cells. Despite advancements in treatment, the prognosis for refractory and relapsed ALL remains poor, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic targets and approaches. Methods To investigate the anti-leukemic properties of MG132, MTS assays were employed to assess cell viability, and flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis. Mechanistic studies, including qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and lentivirus-mediated FOXO3a knockdown, were conducted to explore MG132’s effects on the Akt/FOXO3a/Bim signaling pathway. A xenograft mouse model was utilized to validate the in vivo efficacy of MG132 in suppressing tumor growth. Results MG132 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in both ALL cell lines and primary cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies revealed that MG132 promoted FOXO3a nuclear localization by suppressing Akt phosphorylation and preventing FOXO3a degradation, leading to increased Bim expression. Furthermore, FOXO3a knockdown significantly reduced MG132’s anti-proliferative effects. In vivo, MG132 markedly inhibited tumor growth in the xenograft model. Conclusion These findings suggest that MG132 exerts potent anti-leukemic effects through modulation of the Akt/FOXO3a/Bim axis, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for treating ALL.
Smartphone-assisted Language Training (SaLT) in Aphasia: Insights from the design and development of a multilingual smartphone application
Authors: Shenoy Rajath , Nickels Lyndsey , Krishnan Gopee 
Published: November 2024

Background Technology-based aphasia rehabilitation has witnessed steep growth over the past decades with the availability of several commercial apps. While such apps facilitate the intensity of rehabilitation, certain limitations including low multi-language capabilities and/or task-customization (for client-specific needs) result in lower uptake in multilingual countries like India. Aim We describe the development and pilot-testing of the Smartphone- assisted Language Training (SaLT) app – a new application for both mono- and multilingual people with aphasia that facilitates cross-lingual and cross-national sharing of intervention resources. Methods SaLT is a novel, clinician-prescribed, android-based therapy application for mono- and multilingual people with aphasia (SaLT-Home). It can be personalized and customized for individual clients through the clinician-operated web application (SaLT-SLP). Further, it permits asynchronous remote monitoring of therapy progress and sharing of therapy resources with other clinicians across the globe. We present details of the development and structure of the app. We also present pilot testing with four multilingual people with aphasia who undertook clinician-delivered therapy and SaLT-based home therapy. The clinician uploaded personalized tasks and training materials for practice into the SaLT app. Participants with aphasia and their caregivers were asked to practice tasks at home. The focus of this study was not on effectiveness but rather on usage and feasibility. We collected both quantitative and qualitative data regarding the use of the app. After the intervention, participants rated the user experience using the User Mobile Rating Scale. Outcomes & Results Three of the four participants with aphasia across two different languages were motivated to practice and used SaLT-Home. These participants were generally positive about the app. They provided useful insights regarding training in the use of app-delivered therapy, the transition to independent use of such apps and need for support during practice. Conclusions The SaLT application, with its customization and multi-language capabilities, hopes to redefine technology-based intervention in aphasia. Further, it provides the scope for collating and sharing therapy resources by clinicians around the world which could foster the rehabilitation of aphasia, globally. The data from pilot testing also provide insights into the prescription and use of mobile-based home therapy applications which is of general applicability to app-based therapy. The results of this study suggest that future exploration of the use of SaLT is warranted in experimentally controlled treatment studies.
Relationship Between the Relative Length of the Second Metatarsal and Occurrence of Metatarsalgia in Patients With Hallux Valgus
Authors: Togei Kosho , Shima Hiroaki , Hirai Yoshihiro , Tanaka Ken , Kumano Hozumi , Yasuda Toshito , Neo Masashi 
Published: November 2024

Background: Patients with hallux valgus (HV) may develop metatarsalgia, which is partly attributed to second metatarsal relative length (RL2M). However, no study has analyzed RL2Ms measured by various methods as predictors for metatarsalgia in HV patients. This study aimed to investigate the predictors for metatarsalgia in HV patients and calculate the cutoff values for metatarsalgia in preoperative planning for lesser metatarsal shortening osteotomy. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 103 female patients (131 feet) with HV were investigated for metatarsalgia (metatarsalgia-positive [MP] group: 55 feet; metatarsalgia-negative [MN] group: 76 feet). The HV angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angles (IMAs) (1/2 and 1/5), lateral talo–first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch angle, first metatarsal–medial cuneiform angle, and first metatarsal lift (LIFT) were measured using weightbearing radiographs. RL2Ms were assessed using the 4 methods described by Morton and Nilsonne (method A), Coughlin (method B), Hardy and Clapham (method C), and Kumano (method D). RL2M (method D) was calculated as the ratio of this distance to the second metatarsal length. These measurements were compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of developing metatarsalgia. The cutoff values were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: HVA, IMAs (1/2 and 1/5), LIFT, and RL2M (method D) were significantly higher in the MP group than in the MN group. In the multivariate analysis, HVA and RL2M (method D) were independent predictors for metatarsalgia. The cutoff values for HVA and the value and ratio of RL2M (method D) were 37.0 degrees, 13.1 mm, and 18.8%, respectively. Conclusion: HVA and RL2M measured by method D were independently associated with the occurrence of metatarsalgia in HV patients.
The underwater acoustic scattering characteristics of cylindrical shells: Effect of a coating made of micro floating raft arrays
Authors: Cui Jin , Zhao Dan , Dong Liqiang , Wu Qiong , Shu Xin , Liu Shaogang 
Published: November 2024

Coatings play a crucial role in the speed and stealth performance of underwater vehicles. While the cylindrical shell as an important component of the hull, studying acoustic scattering characteristics of the shell with coatings is an indispensable work. A novel anechoic coating is designed by introducing the floating raft mechanism to reduce the acoustic scattering of underwater vehicles. This paper comprehensively investigates the acoustic scattering characteristic of the cylindrical shell using the finite element method coupled with the boundary element method (FEM + BEM), particularly exploring the effect of the coating made of micro floating raft arrays. The results indicate that the coating can effectively absorb the detection sound waves and reduce the characteristic peaks of target echoes, due to the dissipation of acoustic energy by the coating element. Moreover, the acoustic scattering and the surface displacement of the cylindrical shell exhibit obvious attenuation. From the perspective of the stealth effect, the coating can reduce the mean target strength by an average of 7.17 dB (56% reduction in active sonar detection distance) in the case of monostatic detection. Even for the multistatic detection which can jointly receive the target echo, the coating still reduces the detection distance by 28%. Notably, the coating performs a better acoustic stealth effect than a homogenous layer, but its mass is only about half that of the homogenous one. In general, the coating can effectively reduce the acoustic scattering of the cylindrical shell and is of great significance for the lightweight design of anechoic coatings.
Limited input: Circumstances and consequences
Authors: Backus Ad , Halmari Helena 
Published: November 2024

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this introductory chapter to Effects of Limited Input, a Special Issue of the International Journal of Bilingualism, is to give a brief overview of how the topic of limited linguistic input is situated within the study of bilingualism and language contact. The seven chapters—which present samples of the varied circumstances in which bilinguals acquire, use, maintain, and sometimes suppress areas of their languages—are introduced. Research Questions: The authors of this collection address the following kinds of questions: What are the circumstances—and consequences—of limited linguistic input? What kinds of changes are likely or unlikely to happen when the amount of input is low and stylistically reduced? How meager can the input be for some degree of functional bilingualism to still develop? Design/Methodology: The methods used in the seven articles in this collection vary; they include case studies, observations, speech-rate measurements, oral narration tasks, comparisons of production vs. comprehension, and longitudinal approaches. Data and Analysis: The studies in this collection draw from a wide variety of data sets, including bilingual corpora and naturally occurring or elicited speech. The data come from children, youth, and adults, from various languages and language contact settings, and from populations with varying degrees of bilingualism. Findings/Conclusions: We argue that limited input is not restricted to bilingual situations alone; it relates also to the mastering of monolingual registers. The key argument of this introductory chapter is that limited input is the rule, not the exception, as it is very rare to find a language contact situation wherein all contact varieties are equally represented in the input that speakers receive. Therefore, we argue against the theoretical notion of “balanced bilingualism” as a realistic outcome of bilingualism and claim that variations in the circumstances of language exposure will naturally lead to different consequences and configurations in the outcomes of bilingual acquisition. One inevitable outcome is language change. Originality: All the articles in this collection are original, providing new angles to the complex topic of variation in speakers’ access to their languages in contact settings. Significance: The authors of this collection look at various aspects of language contact situations through the lens of limited input. This emphasis allows us to view bilingualism as a special case of monolingual register variation and reject the concept of “balanced bilingualism.”
Clinical and biological underpinnings of longitudinal atrophy pattern progression in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ferraro Pilar M , Filippi Laura , Ponzano Marta , Signori Alessio , Orso Beatrice , Massa Federico , Arnaldi Dario , Caneva Stefano , Argenti Lucia , Losa Mattia , Lombardo Lorenzo , Mattioli Pietro , Costagli Mauro , Gualco Lorenzo , Pulze Martina , Plantone Domenico , Brugnolo Andrea , Girtler Nicola , Diociasi Andrea , Garbarino Sara , Villani Flavio , Sormani Maria Pia , Uccelli Antonio , Roccatagliata Luca , Pardini Matteo ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2024

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently enabled to identify four distinct Alzheimer's disease (AD) subtypes: hippocampal sparing (HpSp), typical AD (tAD), limbic predominant (Lp), and minimal atrophy (MinAtr). To date, however, the natural history of these subtypes, especially regarding the presence of subjects switching to other MRI patterns and their clinical and biological differences, remains poorly understood. Objective To investigate the clinical and biological underpinnings of longitudinal atrophy pattern progression in AD. Methods 251 AD patients (16 with significant memory concern, 66 with early mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 125 with late MCI, and 44 with AD dementia) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database were assigned to their baseline MRI atrophy subtype using Freesurfer-derived cortical:hippocampal volumes ratio. Switching to other MRI patterns was investigated on longitudinal scans, and patients were accordingly classified as “ switching” and “ stable”. Logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of switching to other MRI patterns. Results 40% of Lp, 26% of HpSp, and 35% of MinAtr cases switched to other MRI patterns, with tAD representing the destination subtype of all switching HpSp and Lp, and the majority of MinAtr. At baseline significant clinical, cognitive and biomarkers differences were observed across the four subtypes. Only clinical and cognitive variables, however, were significantly associated with switch to other MRI patterns. Conclusions Our results suggest convergent directions of disease progression across atypical and typical AD forms, at least in a subset of AD subjects, and highlight the importance of deep-phenotyping approaches to understand AD heterogeneity.
Projected health benefits of air pollution reductions in a Swedish population
Authors: Oudin Anna , Flanagan Erin , Forsberg Bertil 
Published: November 2024

Background: A large part of the Swedish population is exposed to higher levels of air pollution than the health-centered air quality guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Aim: The aim of the study was to illustrate the potential health benefits of cleaner air in Sweden by conducting a comprehensive health impact assessment, using a population sample of 100,000 individuals representing the country’s demographics. Methods: Exposure-response functions for various health outcomes were derived from epidemiological literature, mainly from systematic reviews and low-exposure settings. Two hypothetical scenarios were studied: a 1 µg/m3 decrease in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and a reduction in PM2.5 or NO2 from average exposure corresponding to Sweden’s Clean Air objectives to WHO’s air quality guidelines. Results: The findings demonstrated that even a modest decrease in air pollution concentrations can yield significant health benefits. For example, reducing PM2.5 by 1 µg/m3 was projected to correspond to a 1% to 2% decrease in mortality, a 2% reduction in myocardial infarction cases, a 4% decrease in stroke incidence, a 2% decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a 1% decreases in lung cancer and type 2 diabetes annually. Moreover, this reduction is estimated to lower childhood asthma cases, incidences of hypertension during pregnancy, and premature births by 3%, 3% and 2%, respectively, each year. Conclusions: The results highlighted that even minor enhancements in air quality would lead to substantial improvements in public health.
Treatment Options for Coronal Plane Fractures of the Lunate in Kienböck Disease
Authors: Tagliero Lauren E. , Munaretto Nicholas , Lenartowicz Karina , Shin Alexander , Bishop Allen , Moran Steven L. , Kakar Sanjeev 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The treatment for Kienböck disease varies widely based on the status of the lunate. To date, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for patients with coronal plane fractures of the lunate, or Lichtman Stage IIIC. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess whether coronal plane fractures of the lunate in Kienböck disease healed after surgical intervention, and to determine the outcomes after surgical fixation of the lunate compared with treatment with salvage procedures. Methods: A retrospective review of 36 patients with Lichtman IIIC Kienböck disease was conducted. Patients were classified into lunate reconstruction (vascularized bone graft [VBG] or non-VBG) or salvage procedures (proximal row carpectomy [PRC] or limited fusion). Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain, range of motion, grip strength, and Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) were analyzed. Radiographs and computed tomographic scans were reviewed for Lichtman stage, fracture location, union, modified carpal height ratio, Stahl index, and radioscaphoid angle. Results: Thirteen patients underwent lunate reconstruction, 13 underwent limited fusion, and 10 underwent PRC. The overall union rate was 45% after lunate reconstruction, with average time to union of 7 months. There were no differences in union rates between VBG and non-VBG. All 3 groups experienced improvement in their postoperative grip strength and MWS. There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative to postoperative changes in clinical outcome measures between the 3 cohorts; however, when we compared lunate reconstruction with all patients who underwent salvage procedures (limited carpal fusion and PRC), we noted the latter had improved functional outcomes ( P = .019). Four patients (31%) in the reconstruction cohort and 2 patients (8%) in the limited carpal fusion group required reoperation at latest follow-up. Conclusions: Union rate of coronal plane fractures in Kienböck disease remains variable. While the proportion of patients requiring reoperation was higher in the reconstruction group, all groups of patients experienced improvement in their clinical outcomes, without a significant difference between cohorts.
Detecting irregularities in randomized controlled trials using machine learning
Authors: Nelson Walter , Petch Jeremy , Ranisau Jonathan , Zhao Robin , Balasubramanian Kumar , Bangdiwala Shrikant I 
Published: November 2024

Background: Over the course of a clinical trial, irregularities may arise in the data. Trialists implement human-intensive, expensive central statistical monitoring procedures to identify and correct these irregularities before the results of the trial are analyzed and disseminated. Machine learning algorithms have shown promise for identifying center-level irregularities in multi-center clinical trials with minimal human intervention. We aimed to characterize the form-level data irregularities in several historical clinical trials and evaluate the ability of a machine learning-based outlier detection algorithm to identify them. Methods: Data irregularities previously identified by humans in historical clinical trials were ascertained by comparing preliminary snapshots of the trial databases to the final, locked databases. We measured the ability of a machine learning based outlier detection algorithm to identify form-level irregularities using concordance (area under the receiver operator characteristic), positive predictive value (precision), and sensitivity (recall). Results: We examined preliminary snapshots of seven historical clinical trials which randomized a total of 77,001 participants. We extracted a total of 1,267,484 completed entries from 358 case report forms containing irregularities from all snapshots across all trials, containing a total of 24,850 form-wide irregularities (median per-form form-level irregularity rate: 1.81%). Our proposed machine learning algorithm detects form-level irregularities with a median concordance of 0.74 (interquartile range = 0.57–0.89), slightly exceeding the performance of a previously proposed machine learning approach with a median area under the receiver operator characteristic of 0.73 (interquartile range = 0.54–0.88). Conclusion: Data irregularities in historical clinical trials were ascertained by comparing preliminary snapshots of the trial database to the final database. These irregularities can be categorized according to their scope. Irregularities can be successfully detected by a machine learning algorithm as early or earlier than a human can, without human intervention. Such an approach may complement existing techniques for central statistical monitoring in large multi-center randomized controlled trials and possibly improve the efficiency of costly data verification processes.
Sex Differences in Youth and Young Adult Sport Training Patterns, Specialization, and Return to Sport Durations
Authors: Buser Anna , Schley Stacey , Render Ally , Ramirez Mario E. , Truong Caleb , Easley Kirk A. , Shenvi Neeta , Jayanthi Neeru 
Published: November 2024

Background: Young female athletes may have higher rates of overuse injuries and sport specialization than male athletes. The association of sports specialization and return to sport (RTS) timeframe is also unknown. Hypothesis: Specialized female athletes will have more intense, year-round training patterns, more overuse injuries, and longer RTS times than male athletes. Study Design: Cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Injured athletes aged 10 to 23 years presenting to a sports medicine clinic reported their degree of sport specialization and training patterns. Skeletal maturity was estimated using the Khamis-Roche method. Injury type and RTS timeframes were categorized from electronic medical records. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis assessed associations between variables. Results: A total of 485 athletes (40.2% female) were enrolled. Higher degrees of sport specialization were associated strongly with overuse injuries ( P < 0.01). After adjusting for specialization, female athletes were more likely to sustain an overuse injury (adjusted odds ratio, 1.49; P = 0.04). Female athletes participated in fewer total physical activity hours per week ( P < 0.01), fewer free play hours per week ( P < 0.01), and participated in their main sport for more months of the year than their male counterparts ( P = 0.02). Female athletes were more likely to be at a higher developmental stage than male athletes ( P < 0.01). RTS timeframes were increased in athletes with serious overuse injury; however, no association was found between degree of specialization and RTS time regardless of sex. Conclusion: Female athletes are more likely to sustain overuse injuries with more organized, year-round, training and less free play compared with their male counterparts. Clinical Relevance: Female sex may be an independent risk factor of overuse injury. Future strategies to mitigate these risks may include increased free play hours and limiting year-round training through seasonal rest.