bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term PM2.5 exposure and peak expiratory flow in middle-aged and older people in China: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Ye Zirong , Li Xueru , Wu Yafei , Fang Ya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
China’s Clean Air Act (CCAA) has been demonstrated to reduce the public health burden of ambient air pollution. Few studies have assessed the health effects of CCAA on lung function. We aimed to investigate the effects of CCAA and PM2.5 exposures on peak expiratory flow (PEF) in middle-aged and older people in China. Three waves (2011, 2013, and 2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included in this study. We performed a difference-in-difference (DID) model and mixed-effect method to assess the association between CCAA, PM2.5, and PEF. To increase the reliability, multiple environmental factors were considered, and spline function was utilized to fit the spatial autocorrelations. We found that the risk of decreased PEF in the policy intervention group was reduced by 46% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23% ~ 62%). The estimate showed a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 would increase the risk of decreased PEF by 10% (95% CI, 3% ~ 18%). The results of the mixed-effect model showed a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration was associated with a 2.23% (95% CI, 1.35% ~ 3.06%) decrease in the PEF. These results contributed to the limited epidemiology evidence on demonstrating the effect of PM2.5 on lung function.
This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
Three-dimensional image analysis specifies the root distribution for drought avoidance in the early growth stage of rice
Authors: Numajiri Yuko , Yoshida Saki , Hayashi Takeshi , Uga Yusaku 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Root system architecture (RSA) plays a key role in plant adaptation to drought, because deep rooting enables better water uptake than shallow rooting under terminal drought. Understanding RSA during early plant development is essential for improving crop yields, because early drought can affect subsequent shoot growth. Herein, we demonstrate that root distribution in the topsoil significantly impacts shoot growth during the early stages of rice (Oryza sativa) development under drought, as assessed through three-dimensional image analysis.

Methods
We used 109 F12 recombinant inbred lines obtained from a cross between shallow-rooting lowland rice and deep-rooting upland rice, representing a population with diverse RSA. We applied a moderate drought during the early development of rice grown in a plant pot (25 cm in height) by stopping irrigation 14 days after sowing. Time-series RSA at 14, 21 and 28 days after sowing was visualized by X-ray computed tomography and, subsequently, compared between drought and well-watered conditions. After this analysis, we investigated drought-avoidant RSA further by testing 20 randomly selected recombinant inbred lines in drought conditions.

Key Results
We inferred the root location that most influences shoot growth using a hierarchical Bayes approach: the root segment depth that impacted shoot growth positively ranged between 1.7 and 3.4 cm in drought conditions and between 0.0 and 1.7 cm in well-watered conditions. Drought-avoidant recombinant inbred lines had a higher root density in the lower layers of the topsoil compared with the others.

Conclusions
Fine classification of soil layers using three-dimensional image analysis revealed that increasing root density in the lower layers of the topsoil, rather than in the subsoil, is advantageous for drought avoidance during the early growth stage of rice.
Testing serial dependence or cross dependence for time series with underreporting
Authors: Wei Keyao , Wang Lengyang , Xia Yingcun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In practice, it is common for collected data to be underreported, an issue that is particularly prevalent in fields such as the social sciences, ecology and epidemiology. Drawing inferences from such data using conventional statistical methods can lead to incorrect conclusions. In this paper, we study tests for serial or cross dependence in time series data that are subject to underreporting. We introduce new test statistics, develop corresponding group-of-blocks bootstrap techniques and establish their consistency. The methods are shown via simulation studies to be efficient and are used to identify key factors responsible for the spread of dengue fever and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.
Beyond fossil: the synthetic fuel surge for a green-energy resurgence
Authors: Janaki Sreejaun Thothaathiri , Madheswaran Dinesh Kumar , Naresh G , Praveenkumar Thangavelu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This review offers a comprehensive overview of synthetic fuels as promising alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. The carbon-neutral potential of synthetic fuels when produced using renewable energy and captured CO2, offering significant opportunities to mitigate CO2 emissions, is discussed. Moreover, the efficiency of synthetic fuels is presented, as they do not require dedicated agricultural land or substantial water resources, addressing concerns related to the land-use change and water scarcity associated with traditional biofuels. The economic viability of synthetic fuels is explored, highlighting the advancements in technology and decreased renewable-energy costs, coupled with their independence from food crops, mitigating concerns about potential impacts on food prices. Major investments by industry leaders such as Porsche, Highly Innovative Fuels Global, and ExxonMobil, totalling $1 billion, aimed at achieving an annual production of 550 million litres by 2026, are covered in detail. This study is further extended by emphasizing the scalability of synthetic fuel production through modular processes, enabling tailored facilities to meet regional demands and contribute to a decentralized and resilient energy infrastructure. Additionally, the ‘drop-in’ nature of synthetic fuels that are seamlessly compatible with existing fuel storage, pipelines, and pumps, facilitating a smooth transition without requiring extensive infrastructure changes, is highlighted. Challenges such as the current high cost of synthetic fuel production are acknowledged, necessitating supportive government policies and incentives for widespread adoption. Overall, synthetic fuels have emerged as promising contenders in the pursuit of sustainable and adaptable energy solutions, with tangible benefits for the environment, economy, and existing energy infrastructure.
Social acceptance and associated risks of geothermal energy development in East Africa: perspectives from geothermal energy developers
Authors: Mahamoud Abdi Abdek , Murayama Takehiko , Nishikizawa Shigeo , Suwanteep Kultip 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Social acceptance is a challenging aspect that affects the development of geothermal energy and such issues have been reported in many countries, such as Germany, Japan, Greece, and Kenya. In this study, we discuss the barriers to social acceptance and associated risks faced by geothermal energy developers in East Africa. We have conducted semi-structured interviews with international organizations (38.5%), public companies (38.5%), and private companies (23.1%). The interviews were qualitatively analysed using inductive content analysis. The key barriers identified by respondents were the lack of political, market, and community awareness; lack of local political support; lack of public funding; human resource shortages; involuntary resettlement; local cultural aspects; employment issues; and demographic change. The lack of awareness of geothermal energy affects public and private funding, and leads to negative risk perception by communities. Risks, such as air, soil, and water pollution, land acquisition, social exclusion, resource risks, and drilling and project costs, were considered important by our respondents. In this study, we emphasize the need for the following: raising awareness regarding geothermal energy; training professionals; implementing strong surface studies to reduce the risks associated with the exploration stage; and conducting environmental and social impact assessment reports to mitigate negative risks to local communities, while also ensuring their engagement and raising their awareness about the negative risks of geothermal energy.
Association of Serum Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Concentration from Childhood to Early Adulthood with Age and Sex
Authors: Almer Gunter , Enko Dietmar , Kartiosuo Noora , Niinikoski Harri , Lehtimäki Terho , Munukka Eveliina , Viikari Jorma , Rönnemaa Tapani , Rovio Suvi P , Mykkänen Juha , Lagström Hanna , Jula Antti , Herrmann Markus , Raitakari Olli T , Meinitzer Andreas , Pahkala Katja 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary prevention is the cornerstone of cardiometabolic health. In the randomized, controlled Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP), dietary counseling intervention was given to children from infancy to 20 years of age and a follow-up was completed at age 26 years. We investigated the associations of age, sex, gut microbiome, and dietary intervention with the gut metabolite and the cardiac biomarker trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO).

Methods
Overall, 592 healthy participants (females 46%) from STRIP were investigated. Compared to the control group, the intervention group had received dietary counseling between ages 7 months and 20 years focused on low intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol and the promotion of fruit, vegetable, and whole-grain consumption. TMAO serum concentrations were measured by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method at ages 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 26 years. Microbiome composition was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing at 26 years of age.

Results
TMAO concentrations increased from age 11 to 26 years in both sexes. At all measurement time points, males showed significantly higher serum TMAO concentrations compared to females, but concentrations were similar between the intervention and control groups. A direct association between TMAO concentrations and reported fiber intake was found in females. Gut microbiome analysis did not reveal associations with TMAO.

Conclusions
TMAO concentration increased from childhood to early adulthood but was not affected by the given dietary intervention. In females, TMAO concentrations could be directly associated with higher fiber intake suggesting sex-specific differences in TMAO metabolism.
Recommendations for Broadening Eligibility Criteria in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Trials
Authors: Siegel Corey A , Rai Victoria , Outtier An , Vermeire Severine , Law Cindy C W , Sands Bruce E , Abdulhamid Asim , Gearry Richard , McGuire Josh , Lindsay James O , Panaccione Remo , Schweistein Hagai , Dotan Iris , Scarallo Luca , Griffiths Anne , Dubinsky Marla C 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Clinical trial recruitment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] has become more challenging over time. We aimed to develop recommendations for broadening IBD clinical trial eligibility, to improve the inclusion of a more representative patient population in a more efficient timeline.

Methods
We applied the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, focused on broadening IBD clinical trial eligibility. A literature review was performed for seven domains, each representing a different area related to trial recruitment. Based on these domains, 32 statements were developed. A questionnaire was sent to IBD specialists so as to anonymously vote on each statement with regards to its appropriateness and feasibility. After the first round of voting, participants met for a moderated discussion to review all statements. At the end of the discussion, a second round of anonymous voting led to the final recommendations.

Results
The final round of voting resulted in 26 statements. All were rated as feasible and 25 of 26 rated as appropriate. Recommendations generally are to be more inclusive of complicated disease phenotypes, more liberal around safety criteria, to recognise the importance of non-invasive imaging and biomarkers, to minimise the washout period and to not enforce a minimum or maximum number of prior medications, to allow a recently recorded colonoscopy to count as a baseline study, and to be less restrictive of age.

Conclusion
Recommendations to broaden clinical trial eligibility were found to be both appropriate and feasible, with a high degree of agreement amongst an international group of IBD specialists.
Non-invasive physiological assessment of intermediate coronary stenoses from plain angiography through artificial intelligence: the STARFLOW system
Authors: De Filippo Ovidio , Mineo Raffaele , Millesimo Michele , Wańha Wojciech , Proietto Salanitri Federica , Greco Antonio , Leone Antonio Maria , Franchin Luca , Palazzo Simone , Quadri Giorgio , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Fabris Enrico , Campo Gianluca , Giachet Alessandra Truffa , Bruno Francesco , Iannaccone Mario , Boccuzzi Giacomo , Gaibazzi Nicola , Varbella Ferdinando , Wojakowski Wojciech , Maremmani Michele , Gallone Guglielmo , Sinagra Gianfranco , Capodanno Davide , Musumeci Giuseppe , Boretto Paolo , Pawlus Pawel , Saglietto Andrea , Burzotta Francesco , Aldinucci Marco , Giordano Daniela , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Spampinato Concetto , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite evidence supporting use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous waves-free ratio (iFR) to improve outcome of patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention, such techniques are still underused in clinical practice due to economic and logistic issues.

Objectives
We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based application to compute FFR and iFR from plain CA.

Methods and results
Consecutive patients performing FFR or iFR or both were enrolled. A specific multi-task deep network exploiting 2 projections of the coronary of interest from standard CA was appraised. Accuracy of prediction of FFR/iFR of the AI model was the primary endpoint, along with sensitivity and specificity. Prediction was tested both for continuous values and for dichotomous classification (positive/negative) for FFR or iFR. Subgroup analyses were performed for FFR and iFR.
A total of 389 patients from 5 centers were enrolled. Mean age was 67.9 ± 9.6 and 39.2% of patients were admitted for acute coronary syndrome. Overall, the accuracy was 87.3% (81.2–93.4%), with a sensitivity of 82.4% (71.9–96.4%) and a specificity of 92.2% (90.4–93.9%). For FFR, accuracy was 84.8% (77.8–91.8%), with a sensitivity of 81.9% (69.4–94.4%) and a specificity of 87.7% (85.5–89.9%), while for iFR accuracy was 90.2% (86.0–94.6%), with a sensitivity of 87.2% (76.6–97.8%) and a specificity of 93.2% (91.7–94.7%, all confidence intervals 95%).

Conclusion
The presented machine-learning based tool showed high accuracy in prediction of wire-based FFR and iFR.
Support of the Description and Art. 84 EPC: Why Reactive Amendments to the Description Harm Legal Certainty
Authors: Baldus Oliver , Gebauer Dieter 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In its granting procedures, the European Patent Office often requests that the patent description conforms to the claims granted. Amendments to the description are regularly motivated to comply with Art. 84 EPC, which requires support of the description.
Decisions T 1024/18 and T 1989/18 form two prominent polar opposites of narrow and wide interpretation of the description support criterion according to Art. 84 EPC. T 1024/18 argues that support of the description should not involve a reader being confronted with any information conflicting with the wording of the claims. This means that embodiments of the invention which are not consistent with the claims must therefore be deleted. In this context, additional information of a further non-covered embodiment is regarded as conflicting information. However, any of these reactive amendments can give rise to various legal problems that could even lead to a later revocation of the patent.
In contrast, the wide interpretation of T 1989/18 of the description support criterion does not require any post-grant amendments to the description and does not cause these legal problems.
The social lives of point-of-care tests in low- and middle-income countries: a meta-ethnography
Authors: Perkins Janet , Chandler Clare , Kelly Ann , Street Alice 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Point-of-care tests (POCTs) have become technological solutions for many global health challenges. This meta-ethnography examines what has been learned about the ‘social lives’ of POCTs from in-depth qualitative research, highlighting key social considerations for policymakers, funders, developers and users in the design, development and deployment of POCTs. We screened qualitative research examining POCTs in low- and middle-income countries and selected 13 papers for synthesis. The findings illuminate five value-based logics—technological autonomy, care, scalability, rapidity and certainty—shaping global health innovation ecosystems and their entanglement with health systems. Our meta-ethnography suggests that POCTs never achieve the technological autonomy often anticipated during design and development processes. Instead, they are both embedded in and constitutive of the dynamic relationships that make up health systems in practice. POCTs are often imagined as caring commodities; however, in use, notions of care inscribed in these devices are constantly negotiated and transformed in relation to multiple understandings of care. POCTs promise to standardize care across scale, yet our analysis indicates nonstandard processes, diagnoses and treatment pathways as essential to ‘fluid technologies’ rather than dangerous aberrations. The rapidity of POCTs is constructed and negotiated within multiple distinct temporal registers, and POCTs operate as temporal objects that can either speed up or slow down experiences of diagnosis and innovation. Finally, while often valued as epistemic tools that can dispel diagnostic uncertainty, these papers demonstrate that POCTs contribute to new forms of uncertainty. Together, these papers point to knowledge practices as multiple, and POCTs as contributing to, rather than reducing, this multiplicity. The values embedded in POCTs are fluid and contested, with important implications for the kind of care these tools can deliver. These findings can contribute to more reflexive approaches to global health innovation, which take into account limitations of established global health logics, and recognize the socio-technical complexity of health systems.
Unveiling the role of chronic inflammation in ovarian aging: insights into mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Zeng Yutian , Wang Chun , Yang Cuiting , Shan Xudong , Meng Xiang-Qian , Zhang Ming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Ovarian aging, a natural process in women and various other female mammals as they age, is characterized by a decline in ovarian function and fertility due to a reduction in oocyte reserve and quality. This phenomenon is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. While these factors collectively contribute to the shaping of ovarian aging, the substantial impact and intricate interplay of chronic inflammation in this process have been somewhat overlooked in discussions. Chronic inflammation, a prolonged and sustained inflammatory response persisting over an extended period, can exert detrimental effects on tissues and organs. This review delves into the novel hallmark of aging—chronic inflammation—to further emphasize the primary characteristics of ovarian aging. It endeavors to explore not only the clinical symptoms but also the underlying mechanisms associated with this complex process. By shining a spotlight on chronic inflammation, the aim is to broaden our understanding of the multifaceted aspects of ovarian aging and its potential clinical implications.
Apprenticeship in Diplomacy, or How I Became Another Replaceable Intern at the OECD
Authors: Windfeld Frederik Carl 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
What can we learn about diplomacy by studying its practice through the body of an apprentice? Drawing on the works of Loïc Wacquant, this article argues that to understand the making of background dispositions, tacit rules, and situated know-how in international politics’ diverse fields of practice, researchers ought to consider apprenticeship as a concept and a methodological device. This argument is based on ethnographic observations from the author’s internship at the Delegation of Denmark to the OECD. As a concept, apprenticeship cultivates a sensitivity to the embodied dynamics at play in acquiring habitus. An apprenticeship is structured as a participatory and corporeal process of socialization through which an aspirant acquires or fails to acquire a prospective identity within a given field of practice. Methodologically, studying practices of initiation through the body of an apprentice enables scholars to access tacit knowledge transmissions while recognizing that such knowledge operates beneath discursive representation and logical reasoning. In advancing this argument, the article foregrounds the figure of the apprentice and the experience of apprenticeship as conduits for gaining insights into social learning in diplomacy, other fields of practice, and the broader domain of socialization in International Relations.
Patient-centered clinical decision support challenges and opportunities identified from workflow execution models
Authors: Sittig Dean F , Boxwala Aziz , Wright Adam , Zott Courtney , Gauthreaux Nicole A , Swiger James , Lomotan Edwin A , Dullabh Prashila 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo use workflow execution models to highlight new considerations for patient-centered clinical decision support policies (PC CDS), processes, procedures, technology, and expertise required to support new workflows.MethodsTo generate and refine models, we used (1) targeted literature reviews; (2) key informant interviews with 6 external PC CDS experts; (3) model refinement based on authors’ experience; and (4) validation of the models by a 26-member steering committee.Results and DiscussionWe identified 7 major issues that provide significant challenges and opportunities for healthcare systems, researchers, administrators, and health IT and app developers. Overcoming these challenges presents opportunities for new or modified policies, processes, procedures, technology, and expertise to: (1) Ensure patient-generated health data (PGHD), including patient-reported outcomes (PROs), are documented, reviewed, and managed by appropriately trained clinicians, between visits and after regular working hours. (2) Educate patients to use connected medical devices and handle technical issues. (3) Facilitate collection and incorporation of PGHD, PROs, patient preferences, and social determinants of health into existing electronic health records. (4) Troubleshoot erroneous data received from devices. (5) Develop dashboards to display longitudinal patient-reported data. (6) Provide reimbursement to support new models of care. (7) Support patient engagement with remote devices.ConclusionSeveral new policies, processes, technologies, and expertise are required to ensure safe and effective implementation and use of PC CDS. As we gain more experience implementing and working with PC CDS, we should be able to begin realizing the long-term positive impact on patient health that the patient-centered movement in healthcare promises.