bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of a Matrix of Genotypic Correlations between Variants within a Gene for Joint Analysis of Imputed and Sequenced Data
Authors: Svishcheva G. R. , Kirichenko A. V. , Belonogova N. M. , Elgaeva E. E. , Tsepilov Ya. A. , Zorkoltseva I. V. , Axenovich T. I. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract—
When combining imputed and sequenced data in a single gene-based association analysis, the problem of reconstructing genetic correlation matrices arises. It is related to the fact that the correlations between genotypes of all imputed variants and the correlations between genotypes of all sequenced variants are known for a gene but we do not know the correlations between genotypes of variants, one of which is imputed, and the other is sequenced. To recover these correlations, we propose an efficient method based on maximising the determinant of the matrix. This method has a number of useful properties and an analytical solution for our task. Approbation of the proposed method was performed by comparing reconstructed and real correlation matrices constructed on individual genotypes from the UK Biobank. Comparison of the results of gene-based association analysis performed by the SKAT, BT, and PCA methods on reconstructed and real matrices using modelled summary statistics and calculated summary statistics on real phenotypes showed high quality of reconstruction and robustness of the method to different gene structures.
Association of complete blood count parameters with the risk of incident pulmonary heart disease in pneumoconiosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Lifang , Peng Shanshan , Wei Yuhao , Yu Wenao , Liao Jiaqiang , Du Wen , Shi Ying , He Qiurong , Wu Dongsheng , Chen Li , Han Su , Zhang Ling , Shen Jiang , Jiang Xia , Li Jiayuan , Peng Lijun , Zhang Ben , Yao Yuqin , Zhang Qin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPneumoconiosis mostly combines pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, among which pulmonary heart disease (PHD) is of major concern due to its significant impact on the survival of pneumoconiosis patients. White cell count (WCC), red cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet parameters are thought to affect inflammatory responses and may be predictors of various cardiovascular diseases. However, very few studies have focused on PHD.ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between baseline complete blood count parameters (WCC, RDW, platelet parameters) and the risk of incident PHD in pneumoconiosis patients.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingThis was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study that used data from an Occupational Disease Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan.ParticipantsA total of 946 pneumoconiosis patients from January 2012 to November 2021 were included in the study. Female patients and patients who had PHD, coronary heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, oncological disease, multiple organ dysfunction, AIDS at baseline and follow-up time of less than 6 months were also excluded.Outcome measuresWe identified PHD according to the patient’s discharge diagnosis. We constructed Cox proportional hazard regression models to assess the HR of incident PHD in pneumoconiosis, as well as 95% CIs.ResultsIn the multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, platelet count (PLT) and plateletcrit (PCT) above the median at baseline were associated with an increased risk of PHD in pneumoconiosis with adjusted HR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.09 to 2.12) and 1.42 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.99), respectively.ConclusionHigher baseline PLT and PCT are associated with a higher risk of PHD in pneumoconiosis.
Effect of pectineus muscle plane block versus femoral nerve block for postoperative analgesia and early recovery after knee surgery: a randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Wang Qian , Men Xin , Xue Yan , Qin Xia-rong 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundFemoral nerve block (FNB) is a prevalent method used for postoperative pain management after knee surgery; however, it decreases the strength of the quadriceps muscle and is not conducive to early recovery after surgery. Pectineus muscle plane (PMP) block involves the injection of a local anaesthetic into the fascial plane below the pectineus muscle, where it blocks the obturator and saphenous nerves. However, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of PMP block for analgesia after knee surgery. The aim of this trial is to assess whether PMP block can improve postoperative analgesia, promote early recovery and reduce the length of hospital stay.Methods and analysisIn this randomised controlled study, 46 patients will be randomly allocated into two groups: the PMP block group (n=23) and the FNB group (n=23). The primary outcome measures will include Visual Analog Scale scores for pain at rest and during movement at various time points following knee surgery. Secondary outcomes will include the degree of active flexion, straight leg raise test performance, get-out-of-bed test result, 20 m walk test result, total dose administered via patient-controlled analgesia infusion pumps, hospital stay duration, patient satisfaction and postoperative complications, such as pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.This study protocol adheres to rigorous standards for ethical conduct and patient safety. The findings from this trial are expected to contribute valuable insights to the optimisation of postoperative pain management strategies and the improvement of early recovery outcomes for patients who undergo knee surgery.Ethics and disseminationThis trial has been approved by the ethics committee of Zhejiang Hospital (2022(128K)) on 17 November 2022, and inpatients who meet the inclusion criteria and diagnostic requirements are eligible for this study. Any subsequent protocol and informed consent document amendments must be approved by the responsible ethics committee. All communications with the regulatory authorities and the ethics committee must be recorded. All recruited patients will be informed of the trial purposes and their duties within the trial before randomisation. Recruited patients can withdraw from the study at any time without providing any specific reason. The patient data will be stored in a separate, safe place, but that it may be reviewed by the relevant investigator. The results will be published in international peer-reviewed medical journals.Trial registration numberhttp://www.chictr.org.cn, ID: ChiCTR2300076018. Registered on 21 September 2023.
Surveillance of global, travel-related illness using a novel app: a multivariable, cross-sectional study
Authors: Lovey Thibault , Hedrich Nadja , Grobusch Martin Peter , Bernhard Julian , Schlagenhauf Patricia 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionCurrent traveller health surveillance is ‘top-down’. Mobile-based surveillance could capture infection symptoms in real time. We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of illness in travellers using a mobile app-based system.MethodsThis study (ClinicalTrials.govNCT04672577) used an application called Infection Tracking in Travellers (ITIT) that records travel-related illness symptoms with associated geolocation and weather data. The free ITIT app is available in 14 languages. Participants were recruited globally from April 2022 to July 2023. Participants >18 years of age travelled internationally and provided electronic consent. Incentives included the provision of travel health information imported from the WHO website. Symptoms were recorded with daily pop-up questionnaires and symptom severity was assessed using a Likert scale. Two post-travel questionnaires were administered. Logistic mixed models examined factors relating to symptom presence, and a random forest model examined symptom impact.Results609 participants were recruited until July 2023. Participants had an average age of 37 years (18–79), and an average travel duration of 26 days (2–281). Most participants were travelling for leisure/tourism (401; 66%), followed by ‘visiting friends and relatives’ (99; 16%) and business travel (80; 13%). All continents were visited by at least one traveller. Of 470 registered trips, symptoms were reported on 163 trips (35%). Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported on 87 trips (19%) and respiratory symptoms on 81 trips (17%). The most important factors in predicting the presence of symptoms were duration of travel, travelling in winter and high humidity. Diarrhoea, headache and nausea were symptoms with most impact on daily activities. Post-travel questionnaires showed that 12% of surveyed participants experienced symptoms with several episodes of self-treatment. Two diagnoses were recorded: Lyme disease and amoebic dysentery.ConclusionThe digital tool ITIT successfully captures the spectrum of travel-related illness. This detailed epidemiology is crucial for outbreak detection and for the formulation of travel medicine guidelines.Trial registration numberNCT04672577.
Boosting enjoyment and social inclusion to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour among older adults: protocol for a feasibility study to test the JOIN4JOY approach in five European countries
Authors: Coll-Planas Laura , Fuente-Vidal Andrea , Jerez-Roig Javier , Karkauskienė Erika , Romero-Mas Montse , Intxaurrondo Aimar , Caserotti Paolo , Skjødt Mathias , Dallmeier Dhayana , Lefebvre Guillaume , Bassinah Lucie , Forgione Dolores , Castro Ricard , Minobes-Molina Eduard , Parés-Martínez Carles , Blancafort Alias Sergi , Roman-Viñas Blanca , Socorro-Cumplido José Luis , Nieto-Guisado Ainhoa , Sansano-Nadal Oriol , Giné-Garriga Maria 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionProgrammes for older people aimed at increasing physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviour (SB) traditionally focus on achieving functional and health improvements. Focusing on enjoyment and social inclusion could strengthen adherence and help reach older people with social disadvantages. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Join4Joy approach in PA programmes and its assessment tools.Methods and analysisA multicentric, pragmatic, pre-post feasibility study using mixed methods will be conducted. The intervention will consist of a PA programme boosting enjoyment and social inclusion, grounded on a co-creation process. Trainers will offer twelve, 1-hour weekly sessions of structured, supervised, group-based PA. Participants will be encouraged to increase activity in daily living. 144 older people will be recruited from the community and nursing homes in Spain, Denmark, Italy, Germany, and France. Additionally, participants and trainers will be invited to join virtual communities of practice to share their experiences across settings and countries. Qualitative procedures will be used to explore the acceptability of the design via interviews and focus groups with participants and trainers. Quantitative methods will be used to assess uptake, adherence, retention, reach, satisfaction, enjoyment (PACES questionnaire), physical function (e.g., Short Physical Performance Battery), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L scale), perceived improvement (Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale-I), activities of daily living (Barthel index) and SB and PA patterns (IPAQ and accelerometry). The degree and type of participation in virtual communities of practice will also be assessed. SPSS software will be used for the analysis of quantitative variables. Qualitative data will be analysed using reflective thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke (2006).Ethics and disseminationA favourable report by the Research Ethics Committee of UVic-UCC (282/2023) was obtained on 26 June 26th, 2023. Participation and withdrawal will be voluntary. Participants’ (or their legal guardians’, when necessary) written permission will be required. Results of the study will be disseminated through publication of scientific articles, presentations at sport and health-related professional conferences and congresses, as well as through social media and via the Join4Joy website.Study registrationClinicalTrials.gov,NCT06100835.
Interventions to improve system-level coproduction in the Cystic Fibrosis Learning Network
Authors: Gamel Breck , Albon Dana , Bandla Srujana , Davison David W , Flath Jonathan , Sabadosa Kathryn A , Seid Michael , Silva Lindsay , Ong Thida 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundCoproduction is defined as patients and clinicians collaborating equally and reciprocally in healthcare and is a crucial concept for quality improvement (QI) of health services. Learning Health Networks (LHNs) provide insights to integrate coproduction with QI efforts from programmes from various health systems.ObjectiveWe describe interventions to develop and maintain patient and family partner (PFP) coproduction, measured by PFP-reported and programme-reported scales. We aim to increase percentage of programmes with PFPs reporting active QI work within their programme, while maintaining satisfaction in PFP-clinician relationships.MethodsConducted in the Cystic Fibrosis Learning Network (CFLN), an LHN comprising over 30 cystic fibrosis (CF) programmes, people with CF, caregivers and clinicians cocreated interventions in readiness awareness, inclusive PFP recruitment, onboarding process, partnership development and leadership opportunities. Interventions were adapted by CFLN programmes and summarised in a change package for existing programmes and the orientation of new ones. We collected monthly assessments for PFP and programme perceptions of coproduction and PFP self-rated competency of QI skills and satisfaction with programme QI efforts. We used control charts to analyse coproduction scales and run charts for PFP self-ratings.ResultsBetween 2018 and 2022, the CFLN expanded to 34 programmes with 52% having ≥1 PFP reporting active QI participation. Clinicians from 76% of programmes reported PFPs were actively participating or leading QI efforts. PFPs reported increased QI skills competency (17%–32%) and consistently high satisfaction and feeling valued in their work.ConclusionsImplementing system-level programmatic strategies to engage and sustain partnerships between clinicians and patients and families with CF improved perceptions of coproduction to conduct QI work. Key adaptable strategies for programmes included onboarding and QI training, supporting multiple PFPs simultaneously and developing financial recognition processes. Interventions may be applicable in other health conditions beyond CF seeking to foster the practice of coproduction.
Phase II basket trial of Dual Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1 blockade in Rare Tumors (DART) SWOG S1609: adrenocortical carcinoma cohort
Authors: Patel Sandip P , Othus Megan , Chae Young Kwang , Huynh Tridu , Tan Benjamin , Kuzel Timothy , McLeod Christine , Lopez Gabby , Chen Helen X , Sharon Elad , Streicher Howard , Ryan Christopher W , Blanke Charles , Kurzrock Razelle 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesMultiple common cancers benefit from immunotherapy; however, less is known about efficacy in rare tumors. We report the results of the adrenocortical carcinoma cohort of NCI/SWOG S1609 Dual Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1 blockade in Rare Tumors.Design/settingA prospective, phase 2 clinical trial of ipilimumab plus nivolumab was conducted by the SWOG Early Therapeutics and Rare Cancers Committee for multiple rare tumor cohorts across >1,000 National Clinical Trial Network sites.Participants21 eligible patients were registered. Median age was 53 years (range 26–69); 16 (76%) were women.InterventionsIpilimumab 1 mg/kg intravenously every 6 weeks with nivolumab 240 mg intravenously every 2 weeks was administered until disease progression, symptomatic deterioration, treatment delay for any reason >56 days, unacceptable or immune-related toxicity with inability to decrease prednisone to <10 mg daily, or per patient request.Main outcome measuresThe primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) (RECIST V.1.1). Secondary endpoints include clinical benefit rate (CBR) (includes stable disease (SD)>6 months), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Immune-related outcomes included immune ORR (iORR), immune CBR (iCBR), and immune PFS (iPFS). A two-stage design was used assuming: null=5% alternative=30%, n=6 in the first stage, 16 max, one-sided alpha=13%.ResultsThe median number of prior therapy lines was 2 (range: 1–9). 3 of 21 patients attained confirmed partial response (PR) (ORR=14%). In addition, one patient had an unconfirmed PR; one, stable disease (SD)>6 months; one, immune-related RECIST (iRECIST) PR (iPR); and one patient attained iSD>6 months: clinical benefit rate (response or SD>6 months)=5/21 (24%), iORR=4/21 (19%), iCBR=7/21 (33%). The 6-month PFS was 24%; 6-month iPFS, 33%. The PFS for patients (N=7) with iRECIST clinical benefit were 57, 52, 18, 15, 13, 7, and 7 months. The 6-month OS was 76%; the median OS, was 15.8 months. The most common toxicities were fatigue (62%) and rash (38%), and the most common grade 3/4 immune-related adverse events were hepatic dysfunction (9.5%) and adrenal insufficiency (9.5%). Treatment-related adverse events leading to discontinuation of therapy in four patients (21%). There were no grade 5 adverse events.ConclusionsIpilimumab plus nivolumab is active in refractory metastatic adrenocortical cancer meeting the primary endpoint of the study, with a 19% iORR and 33% iCBR (includes SD/iSD>6 months) and with the longest PFS/iPFS of 52 and 57 months.Trial registration numberNCT02834013(registered 15 July, 2016;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02834013).
Density of tertiary lymphoid structures predicts clinical outcome in breast cancer brain metastasis
Authors: Zhao Yuan-Yuan , Fan Zhen , Tao Bao-Rui , Du Zun-Guo , Shi Zhi-Feng 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPatients with breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) experience a rapid decline in their quality of life. Recently, tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), analogs of secondary lymphoid organs, have attracted extensive attention. However, the potential clinical implications of TLSs in BCBMs are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the density and composition of TLSs in BCBMs and described their prognostic value.MethodsClinicopathological data were collected from 98 patients (2015–2021). TLSs were evaluated, and a TLS scoring system was constructed. Differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between groups were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) were used to assess TLSs heterogeneity.ResultsTLSs were identified in 47 patients with BCBM. High TLSs density indicated favorable survival (OS, p=0.003; PFS, p<0.001). TLS was positively associated with OS (p=0.0172) and PFS (p=0.0161) in the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2-positive subtype, and with prolonged OS (p=0.0482) in the triple-negative breast cancer subtype. The mIF results showed significant differences in the percentages of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, M2 macrophages, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and CD8+TIM-3+T lymphocytes between the groups of TLS scores 0–3 (cytotoxic T lymphocytes, p=0.044; Tfh, p=0.021; M2 macrophages, p=0.033; CD8+TIM-3+T lymphocytes, p=0.018). Furthermore, novel nomograms incorporating the TLS scores and other clinicopathological predictors demonstrated prominent predictability of the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year outcomes of BCBMs (area under the curve >0.800).ConclusionOur results highlight the impact of TLSs abundance on the OS and PFS of patients with BCBM. Additionally, we described the immune composition of TLSs and proposed novel nomograms to predict the prognosis of patients with BCBM.
Changes in the incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus between 1990 and 2020: an observational study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)
Authors: Ellis Jessica , McHugh Neil , Pauling John D , Bruce Ian N , Charlton Rachel , McGrogan Anita , Skeoch Sarah 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo obtain updated estimates on the incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the UK, over the period 1990–2020, using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using the CPRD covering the period 1990–2020. A case ascertainment algorithm was developed in line with best practice recommendations for observational research. Incidence was calculated per 100 000 person-years and point prevalence (at the mid-year point) calculated per 100 000. Results were stratified by sex.Results9443 SLE cases were identified. 5278 incident cases were identified (4538 women, 740 men). The overall incidence rate was 5.47 (95% CI 5.33 to 5.62) cases per 100 000 person-years. Incidence rates decreased slightly across the study period, which was more pronounced for women than men. Point prevalence increased over time, from 21.4 (95% CI 17.68 to 25.67) per 100 000 in 1990 to 107.14 (95% CI 103.26 to 111.12) per 100 000 in 2020.ConclusionsThe observed fivefold increase in prevalence of SLE over the last 30 years, in the context of a modest decline in incidence rate, may suggest improved outcomes in SLE and has important implications for healthcare service delivery and planning in the UK.
A dispersive study of final-state interactions in $$K\rightarrow \pi \pi \pi $$ amplitudes
Authors: Bernard Véronique , Descotes-Genon Sébastien , Knecht Marc , Moussallam Bachir 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA system of dispersive representations of the Omnès–Khuri–Treiman–Sawyer–Wali type for the final-state interactions in the amplitudes of the$$K\rightarrow \pi \pi \pi $$K→πππweak transitions is constructed, under the assumptions that CP and isospin symmetries are conserved. Both the$$\Delta I = 1/2$$ΔI=1/2and$$\Delta I = 3/2$$ΔI=3/2transition channels are considered. The set of single-variable functions involved in these representations is identified, and the polynomial ambiguities in their definitions are discussed. Numerical solutions for the system of coupled integral relations satisfied by these functions are provided, and the determination of the subtraction constants in terms of the experimental information on the amplitudes in the decay region is addressed.
On the closed generalized Drazin–Riesz invertible operators and C0-semigroups
Authors: Abad Othman , Zguitti Hassane 
Published: July 2024

This paper is a continuation of our paper [Med. J. Math 19 (2022) 31] in which we extended the notion of generalized Drazin–Riesz invertible operators to closed operators. We establish here, results relating the notion of closed generalized Drazin–Riesz invertibility with the theory of [Formula: see text]-semigroups. First, we generalize results obtained in the bounded case [Abad and Zguitti, Ann. Funct. Anal. 12 (2021) 55] to the context of closed operators. Second, we investigate when an infinitesimal generator (generator) [Formula: see text] of a given [Formula: see text]-semigroup is closed generalized Drazin–Riesz invertible. An application to [Formula: see text]-groups and abstract second-order differential equations is proposed, and an example of a [Formula: see text]-group with closed generalized Drazin–Riesz invertible generator is given.
The Changing Role of the Attorney-General
Authors: Groves Matthew 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe office of Attorney-General is an ancient one that remains central to the legal system. The Attorney-General exercises many functions and powers important to the legal system but is also a politician and member of cabinet. This article explains the key functions of the Attorney-General and also the political position of that officer. The focus of the article is upon federal law. It also examines three federal Attorneys-General of modern times and considers how their actions have influenced or reflected the changing conceptions of that office. The article does not suggest that changing conceptions of the office are either good or bad, but instead that they are a reality. The article suggests that these changes provide a reason to reconsider some of the traditional privileges of the Attorney-General, such as the power to grant a fiat in judicial review claims and the Attorney’s privileged position in standing for judicial review of administrative action.