bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameter Estimation and Testing for the Doubly Geometric Process with Lognormal Distribution: Application to Bladder Cancer Patients’ Data
Authors: Pekalp Mustafa Hilmi , Eroğlu İnan Gültaç , Aydoğdu Halil 
Published: May 2024

The geometric process (GP) has been widely utilized as a stochastic monotone model in the fields of probability and statistics. However, its practical application is often limited by certain assumptions. To address this, [Wu (2018). Doubly geometric process and applications. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 69(1), 66–67] introduced the doubly geometric process (DGP) as an extension of the GP model, relaxing some of its assumptions. Due to its ability to overcome the limitations of the GP model, the DGP has gained significant popularity in recent times. This study focuses on the parameter estimation problem for the DGP when the distribution of the first interarrival time follows a lognormal distribution with parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We employ the maximum likelihood method to obtain estimates for both the model parameters and the distribution parameters. Additionally, we investigate the asymptotic joint distribution and statistical properties such as asymptotic unbiasedness and consistency of the estimators. Furthermore, we propose a novel test procedure to distinguish between the GP and DGP models. To assess the performance of the estimators and the proposed test procedure, we conduct a simulation study involving various sample sizes and parameter values. Finally, we present an application of the developed methods in fitting data from bladder cancer patients.
On a group under which symmetric Reed–Muller codes are invariant
Authors: Toplu Sibel Kurt , Arıkan Talha , Aydoğdu Pınar , Yayla Oğuz 
Published: May 2024

The Reed–Muller codes are a family of error-correcting codes that have been widely studied in coding theory. In 2020, Yan and Lin introduced a variant of Reed–Muller codes called symmetric Reed–Muller codes. We investigate linear maps of the automorphism group of symmetric Reed–Muller codes and show that the set of these linear maps forms a subgroup of the general linear group, which is the automorphism group of punctured Reed–Muller codes. We provide a method to determine all the automorphisms in this subgroup explicitly for some special cases.
Development and Validation of a Low-Cost Drilling Model
Authors: LIAO Janice Chin-Yi , LE Lan Anh Thi , LEOW Mabel Qi-He , YUSOFF Siti K. M. , CHONG Alphonsus Khin-Sze , LIM Jin Xi 
Published: May 2024

Background: Simulation models enable learners to have repeated practise at their own time, to master the psycho-motor and sensory acuity aspects of surgery and build their confidence in the procedure. The study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a low-cost drilling model to train surgeons in the drilling task. The model targets three aspects of drilling – (1) Reduce plunge depth, (2) Ability to differentiate between bone and medullary canal and (3) Increase accuracy drilling in various angles. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted after obtaining ethics approval. We invited Consultants in the field of Orthopaedic or Hand Surgery to form the ‘expert’ group, and the ‘novice’ group consisted of participants who had no prior experience in bone drilling. We developed a drilling simulator model made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe filled with liquid silicone. This model cost less than US$5. An electric Bosch drill (model GBM 10 RE) with a 1.4 mm K-wire 10 cm in length (6.5 cm outside the drill) was used for drilling. The main outcomes of the study were time taken for drilling, plunge depth, ability to penetrate the far cortex and accuracy. Results: Thirty-one participants were recruited into the study, of which 15 were experts and 16 were novices. The experts performed significantly better for plunge depth (t = −3.65, p = 0.0003) and accuracy (t = −2.07, p = 0.04). The experts required 20% less time to complete the drilling tasks, but it was not statistically significant (t = −0.79, p = 0.43). Conclusions: The low-cost drilling model could be useful in training Residents in the drilling task. It will allow Residents to practise independently at their own time and assess their own performance.
Ulnar Neuropathy after Distal Radius Fractures – A Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: MAGTOTO Ian Jason , KANG Gavrielle Hui-Ying , TEOH Lam Chuan 
Published: May 2024

Background: Ulnar neuropathy after a distal radius fracture is rare and has limited reports in literature. As such, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment and management of such injuries. We report our experience with managing these uncommon injuries. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted where patients presenting with ulnar neuropathy after sustaining a distal radius fracture were identified from January 2021 to December 2023 from our hospital database. Results: A total of four patients were identified. All of them underwent surgical fixation for their respective fractures. None of them underwent immediate or delayed exploration and decompression of the ulnar nerve. All patients had clinical improvement at 3 months after their initial injuries. Three patients eventually had resolution of the neuropathy between 5 and 9 months post injury, while one had partial recovery and developed a neuroma but declined surgery due to symptoms minimally affecting work and daily activities. Conclusions: Ulnar neuropathy after distal radius fractures may not be as rare as previously thought. Expectant management of the neuropathy would be a reasonable treatment as long as there is no evidence of nerve discontinuity or translocation and that there is clinical and/or electrodiagnostic improvement at 3–4 months after the initial injury. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Isolated Unilateral Absence of Lunate: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: EDWIN Ajin , BHARDWAJ Praveen , SALYAN Shrutikanth , SABAPATHY S. Raja 
Published: May 2024

Isolated unilateral absence of lunate is an extremely rare condition with only one such case reported in English literature so far. The rarity of this condition can lead to diagnostic dilemma, especially if patient has an old history of trauma or surgery around the wrist, leading to unnecessary intervention and difficulty in ensuring a good surgical outcome. We present such a case and discuss the clinical pointers to the diagnosis of this condition. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Effect of Incorporating 1 Avocado per Day Versus Habitual Diet on Vascular Function in Adults With Abdominal Obesity: An Ancillary Study of HAT, a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Davis Kristin M. , Petersen Kristina S. , Matthan Nirupa R. , Legro Richard S. , Kris‐Etherton Penny M. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Abdominal obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction and poorer vascular health. Avocado consumption improves postprandial endothelial function; however, the longer‐term effects remain unclear. It was hypothesized that the daily addition of 1 avocado to a habitual diet for 6 months would improve flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity in individuals with abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥35 in for women, ≥40 in for men), compared with a habitual diet low in avocados.

Methods and Results

HAT (Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial) was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel‐arm study that investigated the health effects of adding 1 avocado per day to a habitual diet in individuals with abdominal obesity. At the Pennsylvania State University, University Park study center (n=134; age, 50 ± 13 years; women, 78%; body mass index, 32.6 ± 4.8 kg/m
2
), markers of vascular function were measured, including endothelial function, assessed via brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation, and arterial stiffness, assessed via carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity. Between‐group differences in 6‐month change in flow‐mediated dilation and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity were assessed using independent
t
tests. Prespecified subgroup analyses were conducted using linear regression. No significant between‐group differences in flow‐mediated dilation (mean difference=−0.62% [95% CI, −1.70 to 0.46]) or carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (0.25 m/s [95% CI, −0.13 to 0.63]) were observed. Results of the subgroup analyses were consistent with the primary analyses.

Conclusions
Longer‐term consumption of 1 avocado per day as part of a habitual diet did not improve measures of vascular function compared with a habitual diet low in avocados in individuals with abdominal obesity.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03528031.
Prevalence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Type 2 NSTEMI in Hospitalized Patients With COVID‐19
Authors: Patel Sahishnu , Visotcky Alexis , Devine Adam , Kode Vishwajit , Kotlo Srisha , Aljadah Michael , Sparapani Rodney , Kulinski Jacquelyn 
Published: May 2024

Background
Data on the incidence of type 2 non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (T2MI) in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 has been limited to single‐center studies. Given that certain characteristics, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, have been associated with higher mortality in COVID‐19 infections, we aimed to define the incidence of T2MI in a national cohort and identify pre‐hospital patient characteristics associated with T2MI in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19.

Methods and Results

Using the national American Heart Association COVID‐19 Cardiovascular Disease Quality Improvement Registry, we performed a retrospective 4:1 matched (age, sex, race, and body mass index) analysis of controls versus cases with T2MI. We performed (1) conditional multivariable logistic regression to identify predictive pre‐hospital patient characteristics of T2MI for patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 and (2) stratified proportional hazards regression to investigate the association of T2MI with morbidity and mortality. From January 2020 through May 2021, there were 709 (2.2%) out of 32 015 patients with T2MI. Five hundred seventy‐nine cases with T2MI were matched to 2171 controls (mean age 70; 43% female). Known coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, payor source, and presenting heart rate were associated with higher odds of T2MI. Anti‐hyperglycemic medication and anti‐coagulation use before admission were associated with lower odds of T2MI. Those with T2MI had higher morbidity and mortality (hazard ratio, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.13–1.74];
P
=0.002).

Conclusions
In hospitalized patients with COVID‐19, those with a T2MI compared with those without had higher morbidity and mortality. Outpatient anti‐hyperglycemic and anti‐coagulation use were the only pre‐admission factors associated with reduced odds of T2MI.
Letters, Mirrors, and Fiction in Iamblichus’ Babyloniaka
Authors: Jackson Claire Rachel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This article explores the depiction of letters, epigraphs, and other texts in Iamblichus’ fragmentary Babyloniaka, primarily preserved by the ninth-century writer Photius in his Bibliotheca, and argues that they act as evidence for the novel’s own cultural and literary positioning. These texts, while superficially unconventional in their form and mode of transmission, in practice reiterate traditional anxieties about written texts found throughout Greek literary history. As such, this paper argues that these embedded texts act as mirrors to the novel’s own framing as a self-proclaimed Babylonian fiction constructed through imperial Greek linguistic and literary models. By considering the hitherto neglected depictions of letters and other texts within Photius’ summary of the Babyloniaka, this approach sheds new light on the literary allusivity and cultural framing of the now-lost novel and its later reception.
An Acrostic in Quintus Serenus’ Liber medicinalis?
Authors: Silva Gabriel A.F. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The aim of this note is to highlight an acrostic regarding leprosy (lepra) in Quintus Serenus’ Liber medicinalis (vv. 48-52), arguing that it is no accident but intentional. To this end, I show its relevance in context and take as examples the structure and contents of the poem, namely its reference to the case of Sulla’s disease.
Patterns and correlates of health service contact prior to serious offences by people with severe mental illness
Authors: Goodhand Corrie , Lyons Georgia , Johnson Anina , Nielssen Olav , Large Matthew , Dean Kimberlie 
Published: May 2024

Background: Contact with health services prior to offences committed by people with mental illness is an opportunity for intervention and prevention. This study examines the pattern and correlates of health service contact by people with severe mental illness before a serious offence. Method: Linkage of a cohort of 477 Forensic Patients found not guilty due to mental illness between 1990 and 2016, and statewide databases of contact with emergency departments, hospital admission and outpatient mental health services in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Results: A total of 84% of the sample had contact with any health service and 76% had contact with an outpatient mental health service prior to the index offence. About two-thirds of the sample had contact with a mental health service in the year before the offence. Factors independently associated with the absence of contact at any point prior to the index offence were non-English-speaking background, being engaged in employment or study, and an absence of childhood abuse or neglect. Although nearly every Forensic Patient had a psychotic illness at the time of the index offence, psychosis was not diagnosed at the time of 61/106 (57.5%) emergency department presentations, in 54/174 (31.0%) hospital admissions and 149/222 (67.1%) attendances at outpatient mental health services prior to the offence. Conclusions: Most Forensic Patients had contact with health services prior to their offences but many were not identified as having a psychotic illness. Although the symptoms of psychosis may have emerged in the period between contact and the offence, the findings suggest that emerging or underlying psychosis were missed or attributed to other conditions.
Dreamtelling: The value of dreaming and sharing dreams in relations: Part I: From collective preoccupations to shared dreaming
Authors: Friedman Robi 
Published: May 2024

This article looks at the group approach to shared dreams following previous publications, including Dreams In Group Psychotherapy: Theory and Technique (Neri et al. 2002) and further papers1, and a natural extension to a 2022 publication (Friedman, 2022). One innovative perspective is the notion that it is often a ‘collective preoccupation’ which starts a group’s shared elaboration process (dreaming), which to begin with is transmitted through interpersonal and transpersonal communication to a delegated dreamer. Another new perspective is to view dreaming (mental digestion) as the main process of a revised four step ‘dream cycle’. The dream cycle goes from collective preoccupation, through personal dreaming, then through an inner narrative, followed by a potentially shared relational elaboration. This helps to understand that ‘dreamtelling’ is only the fourth step in the shared process of mental ‘digestion’ of peoples’ excessive threats/excitements. In Part I I describe the central approach to a shared dream in group analysis as ‘personal responses first’, meaning the predilection of a free-floating discussion of a dream, involving the whole group’s conscious and unconscious mirroring and resonance, while postponing traditional interpretation. Dreams should be understood as both the result and the motor of group processes. Through the joint elaboration of collective preoccupations, dreams that are shared can contribute to the reciprocal healing of relation disorders and dysfunctional relational patterns. I will describe the four-step ‘dream cycle’, which changes the location of mental digestion. By putting transpersonal and interpersonal communication into action, the individual’s and the group’s mind develops (Köhncke and Mies, (2012)). In the final phase, preoccupying situations and conflictual emotions in dreams are elaborated by free discussion, ‘personal responses first’ which is ‘open communication’ in relational configurations in the ‘society of individuals’ (Elias,1939). This process, which I call ‘dreamtelling’, describes discourse (Schlapobersky, 1993) with potential partners who will ‘(re)dream the dream’, and offer further digestion of the collective preoccupation. A series of clinical vignettes discuss notions such as ‘the location of elaboration’ moves in the relations, e.g. ‘dreaming for others’ and ‘delegation’ as well as the notion of an ‘inner group’ and the unconscious communication between dreamers and listeners. In Part II, I provide deeper exploration of a clinical example in group-analytic group therapy, describing group work with a dream. The uniqueness of the group-analytic approach to the dream’s contents and its communicative aspect will be stressed. Requests for containment preoccupy relations and participants and should be differentiated during the discourse of ‘dreamtelling’.
Differences in imaging biomarkers between patients with intermediate and advanced non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the University of Colorado AMD registry
Authors: Lisker-Cervantes Andres , Gill Zafar , Gnanaraj Ramya , Rajeswaren Vivian , Mehta Nihaal , Gange Bill , Patnaik Jennifer L , Lynch Anne M , Palestine Alan G , Mathias Marc , Manoharan Niranjan , Mandava Naresh , de Carlo Forest Talisa E 
Published: May 2024

Purpose To quantify and compare the different prevalence rates of specific retinal imaging biomarkers in patients with intermediate AMD (iAMD) and advanced non-neovascular AMD (nnAMD). Methods Cross-sectional study of patients with iAMD and advanced nnAMD. Imaging studies were reviewed for qualitative imaging biomarkers. Choroidal thickness measurements were obtained subfoveally and in 1000 um and 2000 um intervals away from the fovea. The Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare rates of imaging biomarkers among the two cohorts. P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results 376 eyes of 197 patients with iAMD and 187 eyes of 97 patients with advanced nnAMD were recruited. There were significantly lower rates of the following imaging biomarkers in the iAMD compared with the advanced nnAMD cohorts: soft drusen (66.0% vs. 84.2%, p = 0.001), calcified drusen (4.3% vs. 40.0%, p < 0.0001), RPD (26.2% vs. 53.3%, p < 0.0001), ORT (0.5% vs. 46.9%, p < 0.0001), RP (1.1% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.0001), pigment migration (53.2% vs. 100%, p < 0.0001), and iRORA (17.9% vs. 80.2%, p < 0.0001). In the iAMD cohort, choroidal thickness was significantly greater at 188 µm (SD: 60) and 194 µm (SD: 69), compared to the advanced nnAMD with measurements of 153 µm (SD: 68), and 161 µm (SD: 76). This difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002). Conclusions Our results highlight significant differences in imaging biomarkers between both cohorts. Key biomarkers, such as iRORA, RPD, pigment migration, and thinner choroidal thickness, were associated with advanced nnAMD. Identifying these biomarkers early may help target patients who could benefit from new treatments, potentially delaying vision loss.
Assessment of swallowability and acceptability of scored darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablets in HIV-1–infected children aged ≥6 to <12 years, using matching placebo tablets: A randomized study
Authors: Van Hemelryck Sandy , Van Landuyt Erika , Hufkens Veerle , Vanveggel Simon 
Published: May 2024

Background Darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) fixed-dose combination (FDC) was developed as a once-daily, complete antiretroviral (ARV) regimen therapy to address the need for simplified protease inhibitor-based ARV regimens. This study assessed the swallowability and acceptability for long-term use of scored placebo tablets matching the D/C/F/TAF FDC tablets in children living with HIV-1. Methods This study (NCT04006704) was a Phase 1, open-label, randomized, single-dose, 2-period, 2-sequence crossover study in children living with HIV-1, aged ≥6 to <12 years and weighing ≥25 to <40 kg, on a stable ARV regimen for ≥3 months. Participants were asked to swallow whole (size, 21 × 11 × 7 mm) and split matching placebo D/C/F/TAF tablets. Swallowability of the matching placebo D/C/F/TAF tablets (primary endpoint) was assessed by observers. Acceptability of taking matching placebo D/C/F/TAF tablets and current ARVs was evaluated by participants using a 3-point questionnaire. Participants rated the acceptability for long-term daily use of the placebo D/C/F/TAF tablets, and observers assessed how easily caregivers could split a scored tablet by hand, using 3-point questionnaires. Results Among the 24 participants who enrolled and completed the study, 95.8% (23/24) were able to swallow the whole and split matching placebo D/C/F/TAF tablets after 1 or 2 attempts. Most participants (>70%) rated the acceptability of tablets for long-term daily use as acceptable or good to take. Breaking the tablets was considered easy or OK by 79.2% (19/24) of caregivers. Conclusion Scored D/C/F/TAF FDC tablets are swallowable – with whole favoured over split – and considered at least acceptable for long-term daily intake in children living with HIV-1 aged ≥6 to <12 years. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04006704.
Utility of Toe-Brachial Index
Authors: Del Valle William 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The toe-brachial index is typically an adjunctive examination to the ankle-brachial index, which has long been the primary physiologic modality for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease. The goal of this project was to determine toe-brachial index reliability, particularly with patients with diabetes. Methods: We compared duplex ultrasound to the ankle-brachial index and toe-brachial index on 100 patients (200 legs) with suspected symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. Duplex ultrasound stenosis in the femoral/popliteal/infrapopliteal arteries was at least a doubling of velocity between adjacent segments. A blunted systolic Doppler waveform was consistent with proximal occlusive disease. Normal physiologic ranges were arbitrarily set as ankle-brachial index 1.2 to 0.9 and toe-brachial index 0.9 to 0.5. We calculated overall sensitivity/specificity values by averaging. Results: Both physiologic modalities had overall low sensitivity (ankle-brachial index 62%, toe-brachial index 56%). In diabetics, ankle-brachial index sensitivity was 61% and toe-brachial index sensitivity was 57%. Sensitivity improved in the presence of inflow disease (ankle-brachial index 78%, toe-brachial index 63%). Both modalities had good overall specificity (ankle-brachial index 96%, toe-brachial index 86%). In patients with diabetes, the ankle-brachial index specificity was 94% and toe-brachial index specificity was 79%. Both physiologic modalities had identical accuracy (0.43) in comparison to duplex ultrasound. Conclusion: Routine toe-brachial index in conjunction with the ankle-brachial index may not be clinically productive.