bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Additive and geometric transversality of fractal sets in the integers
Authors: Glasscock Daniel , Moreira Joel , Richter Florian K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBy juxtaposing ideas from fractal geometry and dynamical systems, Furstenberg proposed a series of conjectures in the late 1960's that explore the relationship between digit expansions with respect to multiplicatively independent bases. In this work, we introduce and study — in the discrete context of the integers — analogs of some of the notions and results surrounding Furstenberg's work. In particular, we define a new class of fractal sets of integers that parallels the notion of ‐invariant sets on the 1‐torus and investigate the additive and geometric independence between two such fractal sets when they are structured with respect to multiplicatively independent bases. Our main results in this direction parallel the works of Furstenberg, Hochman–Shmerkin, Shmerkin, Wu, and Lindenstrauss–Meiri–Peres and include:

a classification of all subsets of the positive integers that are simultaneously ‐ and ‐invariant;
integer analogs of two of Furstenberg's transversality conjectures pertaining to the dimensions of the intersection and the sumset of ‐ and ‐invariant sets and when and are multiplicatively independent; and
a description of the dimension of iterated sumsets for any ‐invariant set .
We achieve these results by combining ideas from fractal geometry and ergodic theory to build a bridge between the continuous and discrete regimes. For the transversality results, we rely heavily on quantitative bounds on the ‐dimensions of projections of restricted digit Cantor measures obtained recently by Shmerkin. We end by outlining a number of open questions and directions regarding fractal subsets of the integers.
Peak Performance: Characteristics and Key Factors in the Development of the World Top-8 Swimmers Based on Longitudinal Data
Authors: Chen Yuming , Huang Chenbin , Chen Hui , Huang Ting , Su Christine , Chen Jiexing 
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the peak performance characteristics of the world top-8 swimmers and the key factors involved in the journey toward achieving better peak performance. Methods: The results of the world top-8 swimmers from 2001 to 2022 were collected from the World Aquatics performance database. Progression to peak performance was tracked with individual quadratic trajectories (1191 cases). Utilizing k-means clustering to group competitive feature variables, this study investigated key developmental factors through a binary logistic regression model, using the odds ratio (OR) to represent whether a factor was favorable (OR > 1) or unfavorable (OR < 1). Results: Significant differences (P < .001) in the peak age between men (23.54/3.80) and women (22.31/4.60) were noticed, while no significant differences (P > .05) in the peak-performance window for both sexes appeared. Peak performance occurred at later ages for the sprint for both sexes, and women had a longer duration in peak-performance window for sprint (P < .05). Peak-performance occurred at later ages for the breaststroke and butterfly for both sexes (P < .05). Binary logistic regression revealed that high first-participation performance (OR = 1.502), high major-competition performance (OR = 4.165), early first-major-competition age (OR = 1.441), participation frequency above 4 times/year in both phase 2 (4.3–8.0 times/y, OR = 3.940; 8.1–20.0 times/y, OR = 5.122) and phase 3 (4.1–7.5 times/y: OR = 5.548; 7.7–15.0 times/y: OR = 7.526), and a career length of 10 years or more (10–15 y, OR = 2.102; 16–31 y, OR = 3.480) were favorable factors for achieving better peak performance. Conclusions: Peak performance characteristics varied across sex, swimming stroke, and race distance in the world top-8 swimmers. Meanwhile, the research indicated that certain specific developmental factors were key conditions for the world top-8 swimmers to achieve better peak performance in the future.
The Role of Physical Literacy in the Association Between Weather and Physical Activity: A Longitudinal Multilevel Analysis With 951 Children
Authors: Carl Johannes , Melby Paulina S. , Kurtzhals Mette L. , Nielsen Glen , Bentsen Peter , Elsborg Peter 
Published: April 2024

Background: Numerous studies showed an effect of weather on physical activity (PA) levels in children. However, no study has yet examined the relevance of personal factors in this relationship. Therefore, this study analyzes (1) whether there are systematic interindividual differences in the extent to which weather affects the PA behavior and (2) whether physical literacy (PL) moderates the weather–PA association in children. Methods: A total of 951 children in 12 Danish schools (age 9.76 [1.59] y; 54.3% girls) completed objective PA assessments via accelerometry (moderate to vigorous PA, light PA, and sedentary behavior). Local weather data (precipitation, wind speed, temperature, and sunshine duration) were provided by the Danish Meteorological Institute. Participants’ PL was measured employing the Danish version of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy-2. The 4116 accelerometer days underwent longitudinal multilevel analyses while considering their nesting into pupils and school classes (n = 51). Results: Fluctuations in all PA indicators were significantly explained by variations in weather conditions, especially precipitation (P ≤ .035). Significant interindividual differences were found for 9 of 12 analytical dimensions, suggesting that weather changes influence PA behavior differently across individuals (especially moderate to vigorous PA, χ2[4] ≥ 11.5, P ≤ .021). However, PL moderated the relationship between weather and PA in only 2 of the 48 analytical constellations. Conclusions: Despite the varying impact of weather on PA across individuals, the present study favors a main effect model in which weather and PL exert independent effects on children’s PA. The insufficient support for PL as a moderating factor calls for future studies to test alternative mechanisms in the weather–PA association.
A devastating blow: personal reflections on Argentina’s scientific decline
Authors: Perez Daniel R. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

As an Argentine scientist, the defunding of CONICET and INTA feels like a blow to progress and our future. Despite free education, these cuts force talented researchers to seek opportunities abroad. Argentina’s history of scientific achievement, from Nobel Prizes to COVID-19 vaccines, is at risk. Defunding science weakens our ability to solve problems and compete globally.
Complete genome sequence of hepatitis B virus identified from a patient suffering from chronic kidney disease in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Golzar , Islam Mahfuz , Jeba Nurejunnati , Hasan S. M. Nazmul , Akter Marjana , Mou Moslema Jahan , Paul Shyamal Kumar , Akter Sharmin , Khan Mohammad Kamruzzaman , Saha Sukumar , Ahmed Muzahed Uddin , Debnath Chirojit , Sumon Md. Arif Uddin , Salauddin Md. , Debnath Chitta Ranjan 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is reported as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we sequenced the complete genome of an HBV strain identified in a CKD patient in Bangladesh, followed by genomic characterization and mutational analyses.
3D printing: a useful tool for safe clinical practice in children with complex vasculature
Authors: Paessler Alicia , Forman Colin , Minhas Kishore , Patel Premal Amrishkumar , Carmichael James , Smith Luke , Jaradat Fayyad , Assia-Zamora Sergio , Arslan Zainab , Calder Francis , Ray Samiran , Kessaris Nicos , Stojanovic Jelena 
Published: April 2024

Background
3D printing has been used in different medical contexts, although it is underutilised in paediatrics. We present the first use of 3D printing in the management of three paediatric patients with complex renovascular disease.

Methods
Patient-specific 3D models were produced from conventional 2D imaging and manufactured using 3D polyjet printing technology. All three patients had different underlying pathologies, but all underwent multiple endovascular interventions (renal artery balloon angioplasty) prior to 3D printing and subsequent vascular surgery. The models were verified by an expert radiologist and then presented to the multidisciplinary team to aid with surgical planning.

Results
Following evaluation of the 3D-printed models, all patients underwent successful uni/bilateral renal auto-transplants and aortic bypass surgery. The 3D models allowed more detailed preoperative discussions and more focused planning of surgical approach, therefore enhancing safer surgical planning. It influenced clinical decision-making and shortened general anaesthetic time. The families and the patients reported that they had a significantly improved understanding of the patient’s condition and had more confidence in understanding proposed surgical intervention, thereby contributing to obtaining good-quality informed consent.

Conclusion
3D printing has a great potential to improve both surgical safety and decision-making as well as patient understanding in the field of paediatrics and may be considered in wider surgical areas.
Megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS): challenges in diagnosis and management
Authors: Murali Keerthika , Dhua Anjan Kumar 
Published: April 2024

Megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) is a rare, congenital functional intestinal obstruction, characterised by megacystis (bladder distention in the absence of mechanical obstruction), microcolon and intestinal hypoperistalsis (dysmotility).We are reporting a case of a female child with normal antenatal course who presented with recurrent episodes of abdominal distension since the second day of life and underwent negative exploratory laparotomy on multiple occasions. She also had urinary retention with a grossly distended bladder, requiring drainage by clean intermittent catheterisation. Surgical procedures for bowel decompression, including gastrostomy and ileostomy, were carried out without success. Genetic analysis revealed a mutation in the human smooth muscle (enteric) gamma-actin gene (ACTG2 gene), clinching the diagnosis of MMIHS. The patient was managed with parenteral nutrition and prokinetic medications and tolerated jejunostomy feeds for a brief period before she succumbed to the illness.Female neonates or infants presenting with abdominal distension and dilated urinary tract should be investigated for MMIHS early on. A timely diagnosis will enable the early involvement of a multidisciplinary team to provide the best options available for management.
The precision by the Face Arm Speech Time (FAST) algorithm in stroke capture, sex and age differences: a stroke registry study
Authors: Hagberg Guri , Ihle-Hansen Haakon , Abzhandadze Tamar , Reinholdsson Malin , Viktorisson Adam , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Stibrant Sunnerhagen Katharina 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe shift towards milder strokes and studies suggesting that stroke symptoms vary by age and sex may challenge the Face-Arm-Speech Time (FAST) coverage. We aimed to study the proportion of stroke cases admitted with FAST symptoms, sex and age differences in FAST presentation and explore any additional advantage of including new item(s) from the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) to the FAST algorithm.MethodsThis registry-based study included patients admitted with acute stroke to Sahlgrenska University Hospital (November 2014 to June 2019) with NIHSS items at admission. FAST symptoms were extracted from the NIHSS at admission, and sex and age differences were explored using descriptive statistics.ResultsOf 5022 patients, 46% were women. Median NIHSS at admission for women was (2 (8–0) and for men 2 (7–0)). In total, 2972 (59%) had at least one FAST symptom, with no sex difference (p=0.22). No sex or age differences were found in FAST coverage when stratifying for stroke severity. 52% suffered mild strokes, whereas 30% had FAST symptoms. The most frequent focal NIHSS items not included in FAST were sensory (29%) and visual field (25%) and adding these or both in modified FAST algorithms led to a slight increase in strokes captured by the algorithms (59%–67%), without providing enhanced prognostic information.Conclusions60% had at least one FAST symptom at admission, only 30% in mild strokes, with no sex or age difference. Adding new items from the NIHSS to the FAST algorithm led only to a slight increase in strokes captured.
Study protocol: improving response to malaria in the Amazon through identification of inter-community networks and human mobility in border regions of Ecuador, Peru and Brazil
Authors: Janko Mark M , Araujo Andrea L , Ascencio Edson J , Guedes Gilvan R , Vasco Luis E , Santos Reinaldo O , Damasceno Camila P , Medrano Perla G , Chacón-Uscamaita Pamela R , Gunderson Annika K , O’Malley Sara , Kansara Prakrut H , Narvaez Manuel B , Coombes Carolina , Pizzitutti Francesco , Salmon-Mulanovich Gabriela , Zaitchik Benjamin F , Mena Carlos F , Lescano Andres G , Barbieri Alisson F , Pan William K 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionUnderstanding human mobility’s role in malaria transmission is critical to successful control and elimination. However, common approaches to measuring mobility are ill-equipped for remote regions such as the Amazon. This study develops a network survey to quantify the effect of community connectivity and mobility on malaria transmission.MethodsWe measure community connectivity across the study area using a respondent driven sampling design among key informants who are at least 18 years of age. 45 initial communities will be selected: 10 in Brazil, 10 in Ecuador and 25 in Peru. Participants will be recruited in each initial node and administered a survey to obtain data on each community’s mobility patterns. Survey responses will be ranked and the 2–3 most connected communities will then be selected and surveyed. This process will be repeated for a third round of data collection. Community network matrices will be linked with each country’s malaria surveillance system to test the effects of mobility on disease risk.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been approved by the institutional review boards of Duke University (USA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Peru) and Universidade Federal Minas Gerais (Brazil). Results will be disseminated in communities by the end of the study.
Modelling of physicians’ clinical information-seeking behaviour in Iran: a grounded theory study
Authors: Daei Azra , Soleymani Mohammad Reza , Zargham‑Boroujeni Ali , Kelishadi Roya , Ashrafi-rizi Hasan 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesExploring clinical information-seeking behaviour (CISB) and its associated factors contributes to its theoretical advancement and offers a valuable framework for addressing physicians’ information needs. This study delved into the dimensions, interactions, strategies and determinants of CISB among physicians at the point of care.DesignA grounded theory study was developed based on Strauss and Corbin’s approach. Data were collected by semistructured interviews and then analysed through open, axial and selective coding.SettingThe study was conducted at academic centres affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.ParticipantsThis investigation involved recruiting 21 specialists and subspecialists from the academic centres.ResultsThe findings revealed that physicians’ CISB encompassed multiple dimensions when addressing clinical inquiries. Seven principal themes emerged from the analysis: ‘clinical information needs’, ‘clinical question characteristics’, ‘clinical information resources’, ‘information usability’, ‘factors influencing information seeking’, ‘action/interaction encountering clinical questions’ and ‘consequences of CISB’. The core category identified in this study was ‘focused attention’.ConclusionsThe theoretical explanation demonstrated that the CISB process was interactive and dynamic. Various stimuli, including causal, contextual and intervening conditions, guide physicians in adopting information-seeking strategies and focusing on resolving clinical challenges. However, insufficient stimuli may hinder physicians’ engagement in CISB. Understanding CISB helps managers, policy-makers, clinical librarians and information system designers optimally implement several interventions, such as suitable training methods, reviewing monitoring and evaluating information systems, improving clinical decision support systems, electronic medical records and electronic health records, as well as monitoring and evaluating these systems. Such measures facilitate focused attention on clinical issues and promote CISB among physicians.
Comparative analysis of antibodies to four major periodontal bacteria in respiratory diseases: a cohort study
Authors: Lund Håheim Anne Lise , Olsen Ingar , Thelle Dag S , Rønningen Kjersti S 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesTo make a descriptive comparison of antibodies to four major periodontal bacteria and their relation to the respiratory diseases asthma and bronchitis/emphysema, and to cancer incidence.MethodsThe serum of a random sample of men with no history of cancer incidence (n=621) was analysed by the ELISA method for antibody levels of four periodontal bacteria; the anaerobes of the so-called red complexTannerella forsythia(TF),Porphyromonas gingivalis(PG), andTreponema denticola(TD), and the facultative anaerobeAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans(AA). The antibody readings were divided into quartiles and the distribution of cases of the relevant diseases as compared with the non-cases. Comparisons of the quartile distributions were by the Pearson χ2test. Data and serum from the Oslo II study of Norwegian men from 2000 were used. The ELISA analyses were performed on thawed frozen serum. Cancer data from 17.5 years of follow-up were provided by the Norwegian Cancer Registry.ResultsIn all, 52 men had reported asthma and 23 men had bronchitis/emphysema at the health screening. Results on cancer incidence are given for all respiratory cancers, n=23, and bronchi and lung cancers separately, n=18. Stratified analyses were performed for the four endpoints showing significant association with low levels of TD antibodies for bronchitis; p=0.035. Both TF and TD were significant for low levels of antibodies among daily smokers; p=0.030 for TF and p<0.001 for TD in the analysis of the full study sample. For PG and AA, no such associations were observed. An association with respiratory cancers was not observed.ConclusionA low level of TD was associated with bronchitis/emphysema compared with the rest of the cohort. In the total study sample, low levels of antibodies to both TF and TD were associated with daily smoking.
Characteristics of beta parapapillary atrophy in primary angle-closure suspect
Authors: Xiang Fei , Zhang Ye , Zhang Qing , Pan Xiaohua , Feng Hui , Zhang Meijuan , Li Caixia , Ji Qianqian , Li Zhi , Li Shuning 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of beta parapapillary atrophy (β-PPA) in patients with primary angle-closure suspect (PACS).Methods and analysisIn total, 215 and 259 eyes with PACS and non-PACS (NPACS), respectively, were enrolled in this observational, cross-sectional study. Stereoscopic fundus and optical coherence tomography images were used to characterise β-PPA; the former was also used to measure the major β-PPA parameters. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors correlated with the presence of β-PPA and with β-PPA parameters.ResultsThe β-PPA occurrence rates were 48.80% and 44.40% in the PACS and NPACS groups, respectively, with no significant difference between groups. Compared with that in the NPACS group, the β-PPA area was significantly larger (p=0.005) in the PACS group, but the angular extent and maximum radial length did not differ between groups (p=0.110 and 0.657, respectively) after adjusting for age and axial length. The presence of β-PPA was associated with older age (OR 1.057, 95% CI 1.028 to 1.088, p<0.001) and larger disc area (OR 1.716, 95% CI 1.170 to 2.517, p=0.006). A larger β-PPA area was associated with older age (p=0.014), greater vertical cup-to-disc ratio (p=0.028), larger disc area (p<0.001) and PACS diagnosis (p=0.035).Conclusion48.80% of participants with PACS had β-PPA, which is slightly larger than NPACS. The area of β-PPA was larger in PACS, while the angular extent and maximum radial length did not differ between groups.
Efficacy and safety of first-line or second-line selective laser trabeculoplasty for normal-tension glaucoma: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Nitta Koji , Sugihara Kae , Narita Akiko , Naito Tomoko , Miki Takako , Katai Maki , Mizoue Shiro , Yoshikawa Keiji , Tanito Masaki , Sugiyama Kazuhisa 
Published: April 2024

Background/aimsThis study aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of first-line and second-line selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in Japanese patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).Methods100 patients with NTG were enrolled in this study. Patients were treated with SLT as a first-line or second-line treatment for NTG. Main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction rate, outflow pressure improvement rate (ΔOP), success rate at 1 year and complications. Success was defined as ΔOP≥20% (criterion A) or an IOP reduction ≥20% (criterion B) without additional IOP-lowering eye-drops, repeat SLT or additional glaucoma surgeries. The incidence of transient IOP spike (>5 mm Hg from the pretreatment IOP), conjunctival hyperaemia, inflammation in the anterior chamber and visual impairment due to SLT were assessed.ResultsA total of 99 patients (99 eyes) were initially enrolled in this study, including 74 eyes assigned to the first-line SLT group and 25 eyes to the second-line SLT group. The mean IOP of 16.3±2.1 mm Hg before SLT decreased by 17.1%±9.5% to 13.4±1.9 mm Hg at 12 months after SLT in the first-line group (p<0.001), and the mean IOP of 15.4±1.5 mm Hg before SLT decreased by 12.7%±9.7% to 13.2±2.0 mm Hg at 12 months after SLT (p=0.005) in the second-line group. Both groups showed significant reductions in IOP. Higher pre-SLT IOP and thinner central corneal thickness were associated with greater IOP reduction. The success rate at 1 year was higher in the first-line compared with the second-line group, with lower pretreatment IOP and the use of IOP-lowering medication before SLT being associated with treatment failure. Most post-treatment complications were minor and transient.ConclusionsSLT may be an effective and safe treatment option for NTG, as either a first-line or second-line treatment.Trial registration numberThe study was registered in the UMIN-CTR (UMIN Test ID: UMIN R000044059).