bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How inclusive were UK-based randomised controlled trials of COVID-19 vaccines? A systematic review investigating enrolment of Black adults and adult ethnic minorities
Authors: Herieka Hibba , Babalis Daphne , Tzala Evangelia , Budhathoki Shyam , Johnson Nicholas A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To establish if Black adults and adult ethnic minorities, defined as any group except White British, were represented in UK-based COVID-19 vaccination randomised controlled trials (RCTs) when compared to corresponding UK population proportions, based on 2011 census data.

Design
Systematic review of COVID-19 Randomised Controlled Vaccine Trials

Setting
United Kingdom

Participants
Randomised Controlled Trials of COVID-19 vaccines conducted in the UK were systematically reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. MeSH terms included “Covid-19 vaccine”, “Ad26COVS1”, and “BNT162 Vaccine” with keywords such as [covishield OR coronavac OR Vaxzevria OR NVX-CoV2373] also used. Studies that provided (A) participant demographics and (B) full eligibility criteria were included. The following key data was extracted for analysis: number of participants analysed, number of Black adults and number of adult minority ethnicity participants.

Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures
The primary outcome is the mean percentage of Black adults randomised to COVID-19 vaccine trials deemed eligible within this review. The secondary outcome is the mean percentage of adult ethnic minorities randomised.

Results
The final review included 7 papers and a total of 87 sets of data collated from trial sites across the UK. The standard mean percentage of Black adults included in the trials (0.59%, 95% CI: 0.13% - 1.05%) was significantly lower compared to the recorded Black adult population (2.67%) indicating that they were under-served in UK based COVID-19 vaccine RCTs (p < 0.001). Adult ethnic minority presence (8.94%, 95% CI: 2.07% - 15.80%) was also lower than census data (16.30%), indicating they were also under-served (p = 0.039).

Conclusion
The findings show that COVID-19 vaccine trials failed to adequately randomise proportionate numbers of Black adults and adult minority ethnicities. More inclusive practices must be developed and implemented in the recruitment of underserved groups to understand the true impact of COVID-19.
The Hamas massacre of Oct 7, 2023, and its aftermath, medical crimes, and the Lancet commission report on medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust
Authors: Reis Shmuel P. , Wald Hedy S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The report of the Lancet Commission on medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust, released in November 2023, calls for this history to be required for all health professions education, to foster morally courageous health professionals who speak up when necessary.

Main body
The report was released a month after Hamas’ October 7 invasion of Israel, with the accompanying massacre of over 1200 people, taking of civilian hostages, and gender-based violence. These acts constitute crimes against humanity including genocide. Post-October 7, war in Gaza resulted, with a legitimate objective of Israel defending itself within international law. The authors discuss an accompanying Statement to the report condemning Hamas crimes and denouncing the perpetrators’ use of their own civilians as human shields, including in healthcare facilities, and with the Hamas attack unleashing immense and ongoing suffering in Israel and beyond. With some exceptions, the medical literature shows a marked absence of condemnation of Hamas atrocities and includes unsubstantiated criticisms of Israel’s military. A significant surge in global antisemitism including on university campuses since October 7, 2023, has occurred; and health professionals, according to the Commission, have a special responsibility to fight antisemitism and discrimination of all kinds. In this context, the authors discuss the controversy and criticism regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion education programs (“DEI”) including such programs failing to protect Jews on campuses, especially as the U.S. President Biden’s “The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism,” released in May 2023, calls for the inclusion of issues of antisemitism and religious discrimination within all DEI education programs. The authors support an evidence-based approach to the Hamas massacre, its aftermath and its relevance to health professionals both within medicine and their global citizenship, including refuting the international community accusations and anti-Israel libel.

Conclusions
The report of the Lancet Commission on medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust has striking relevance to the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023 and its aftermath. This is further conveyed in an accompanying Statement, that describes the report’s implications for contemporary medicine, including: 1) provision of skills required to detect and prevent crimes against humanity and genocide; (2) care for victims of atrocities; (3) upholding the healing ethos central to the practice of medicine; and (4) fostering history-informed morally courageous health professionals who speak up when necessary.
MSCO: Mobility-aware Secure Computation Offloading in blockchain-enabled Fog computing environments
Authors: Thangaraj Veni , Raja Sree Thankaraja 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFog computing has evolved as a promising computing paradigm to support the execution of latency-sensitive Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The mobile devices connected to the fog environment are resource constrained and non-stationary. In such environments, offloading mobile user’s computational task to nearby fog servers is necessary to satisfy the QoS requirements of time-critical IoT applications. Moreover, the fog servers are also susceptible to numerous attacks which induce security and privacy issues.Offloading computation task to a malicious fog node affects the integrity of users’ data. Despite the fact that there are many integrity-preserving strategies for fog environments, the majority of them rely on a reliable central entity that might have a single point of failure. Blockchain is a promising strategy that maintains data integrity in a decentralized manner. The state-of-art blockchain offloading mechnanisms have not considered the mobility during secure offloading process. Besides, it is necessary to ensure QoS constraints of the IoT applications while considering mobility of user devices. Hence, in this paper, Blockchain assisted Mobility-aware Secure Computation Offloading (MSCO) mechanism is proposed to choose the best authorized fog servers for offloading task with minimal computational and energy cost. To address the optimization issue, a hybrid Genetic Algorithm based Particle Swarm Optimization technique is employed. Experimental results demonstrated the significant improvement of MSCO when compared to the existing approaches in terms of on average 11 % improvement of total cost which includes the parameters of latency and energy consumption.
Does the health information system in Jordan support equity to improve health outcomes? Assessment and recommendations
Authors: Alnawafleh Ahmad H. , Rashad Hoda 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
This study is based on extensive evidence-based assessments. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how well Jordan’s health information system (HIS) incorporates social determinants of health inequity (SDHI) and to propose suggestions for future actions.

Methods
An extensive evidence-based assessment was performed. A meta-synthesis of the inclusion of the SDHI in the HIS in Jordan was conducted. After searching and shortlisting, 23 papers were analyzed using Atlas.ti 9.0 employing thematic analysis technique.

Results
The HIS in Jordan is quite comprehensive, comprising numerous data sources, various types of information, and data from multiple producers and managers. Nevertheless, the HIS confronts several obstacles and fails to ensure the timely and secure publication of available data. The assessment of the inclusion of the SDHI in the HIS showed that the HIS allows for the measurement of progress in relation to social policies and actions but has a very limited database for supporting the inclusion of health inequity measures. One reason for the difficulty in identifying fairness is that certain crucial information necessary for this task cannot be obtained through the available institutional HIS or population survey tools. Additionally, relevant modules for fairness may be missing from population surveys, possibly due to a failure to fully utilize the capabilities of the institutional HIS.

Conclusion
There are opportunities to make use of Jordan’s dedication to fairness and its already established strong HIS. Some social determinants of health exist in the HIS, but much more data, information, and effort are needed to integrate the SDHI into the Jordanian HIS. A proposal from a regional initiative has put forward a comprehensive set of indicators for integrating SDHI into HIS, which could aid in achieving health equity in Jordan.
Replication study identified EFEMP1 association with varicose vein predisposition among Indians
Authors: Mehra Rohit , Patra Vikram , Dhillan Rishi , Sharma Anuka , Kashyap Sonal , Rastogi Garima , Gupta Love , Singh Reena , Chopra Chirag , Sharma Varun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Varicose vein is a chronic condition that affects the lower extremities of the human body. Several factors have been implicated in the development of this disease, viz age, gender, weight, height and prolonged standing. Recently, genome-wide studies have identified genetic biomarkers that are associated with varicose veins in different ethnic groups. Such genetic studies are lacking in South Asians specifically in Indians where the prevalence of varicose veins is high, and it is important to replicate these variants in the stated population. The study aimed to replicate the association of genetic variants associated with varicose veins in this target population, which were found to be associated with the other ethnic groups.

Methodology
The studied cohort is of the Indian population comprising unrelated 104 varicose veins cases and 448 non-varicose vein controls. The samples were genotyped using the Illumina Global Screening Array. Using the genomic data from UK BioBank and 23andMe studied cohorts; eight genetic variants were selected to replicate in our dataset. The allelic association was performed to identify the effective allele and risk was estimated using odds ratio and p-value as level of significance. Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction was used to estimate the cumulative effect of variants in Indians.

Result
Variant rs3791679 of EFEMP1 was found to be associated with varicose veins in Indians. After observing the association of the EFEMP1 with varicose veins, we further ensued to identify all genetic variants within EFEMP1 to uncover the additional variants associated with this trait. Interestingly, we identified six new variants of EFEMP1 gene that have shown association. Moreover, the cumulative effect of all associated variations was estimated and the risk was 2.7 times higher in cases than controls whereas independently their effect ranges from 0.37–1.58.

Conclusion
This study identifies EFEMP1 as a potential gene related to the risk of varicose veins in Indians. It also highlights that evaluating the maximum number of variants of a gene rather than focusing solely on replicating single variations offers a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the genetic factors contributing to a complex trait like varicose veins.
“We wish we had the option”: a qualitative study of women’s perspectives and experiences with contraception in a provincial prison in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Jones Reilly , Lemberg-Pelly Sasha , Dineley Brigid , Jurgutis Jessica , Kouyoumdjian Fiona G , Liauw Jessica 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Evidence suggests that women who are incarcerated desire access to contraception while incarcerated, and that this need is not currently being met. Our objective in this study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of women in prisons regarding contraception and contraception access using data from focus groups with women in a provincial prison. We analyzed focus group data collected in a provincial prison in Ontario, Canada using content analysis and a constructivist epistemology.

Results
We conducted three focus groups, each approximately one hour in length. Discussions revolved around (1) knowledge and decision making about contraception, (2) accessing contraception, and (3) ideas for increasing access to contraception in the prison setting. Decision making about contraception was mainly related to concerns about side effects, consistent access to care, impacts on future fertility, and autonomy around decision-making. Participants discussed a wide range of experiences with contraception. Ideas for increasing access to contraception included information sessions, inclusion of discussions about contraception as a component of admission and release planning, and time spent in prison as a crucial juncture for decision-making about contraception.

Conclusions
More qualitative research is needed to better understand the needs of women in prisons related to contraception. The findings of this study suggest that programs should focus on consistency and continuity of access to care, education opportunities, and integration of discussions about contraception into official admission and release procedures.
A case of multidrug-resistant intractable pylephlebitis and intra-abdominal abscess due to perforated appendicitis successfully treated with open abdominal management
Authors: Norimatsu Yu , Takemura Nobuyuki , Yoshikawa Kaoru , Ito Kyoji , Inagaki Fuyuki , Mihara Fuminori , Yamada Kazuhiko , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Pylephlebitis, a rare and lethal form of portal venous septic thrombophlebitis, often arises from infections in regions drained by the portal vein. Herein, we report a case of peritonitis with portal vein thrombosis due to acute severe appendicitis, managed with intensive intraperitoneal drainage via open abdominal management (OAM).

Case presentation
A 19-year-old male with severe appendicitis, liver abscesses, and portal vein thrombosis developed septic shock and multi-organ failure. After emergency interventions, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. Antibiotic treatment based on cultures revealing multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis and anticoagulation therapy (using heparin and edoxaban) was initiated. Despite continuous antibiotic therapy, the laboratory results consistently showed elevated levels of inflammatory markers. On the 13th day, open abdominal irrigation was performed for infection control. Extensive intestinal edema precluded wound closure, necessitating open-abdominal management in the intensive care unit. Anticoagulation therapy was continued, and intra-abdominal washouts were performed every 5 days. On the 34th day, wound closure was achieved using the anterior rectus abdominis sheath turnover method. The patient recovered successfully and was discharged on the 81st day.

Conclusions
Alongside appropriate antibiotic selection, early surgical drainage and OAM are invaluable. This case underscores the potential of anticoagulation therapy in facilitating safe surgical procedures.
Heterogeneity in the volatility spillover of cryptocurrencies and exchanges
Authors: Wu Meiyu , Wang Li , Yang Haijun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines the volatility spillovers in four representative exchanges and for six liquid cryptocurrencies. Using the high-frequency trading data of exchanges, the heterogeneity of exchanges in terms of volatility spillover can be examined dynamically in the time and frequency domains. We find that Ripple is a net receiver on Coinbase but acts as a net contributor on other exchanges. Bitfinex and Binance have different net spillover effects on the six cryptocurrency markets. Finally, we identify the determinants of total connectedness in two types of volatility spillover, which can explain cryptocurrency or exchange interlinkage.
Privacy and security of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data and network: a comprehensive review
Authors: Ajiboye Priscilla Oyeladun , Agyekum Kwame Opuni-Boachie Obour , Frimpong Emmanuel Asuming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe traditional electrical grid has to be digitally improved as digitalization and effective integration of renewable energy bring better efficiency, intelligence, and safety into the grid; hence, the transition from the traditional grid to a smart grid. A smart grid is a modernized and digitalized standard electrical infrastructure that has a key component known as the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). AMI, also known as smart metering, is a key technological enabler of the smart grid that allows automatic collection and reporting of power-consumed data via two-way communication networks. However, the collected power consumption data is confidential; hence, its privacy must be maintained. Similarly, for the benefit of the smart grid to be consistently maximized, the AMI data and network security must always be intact despite the evolving threats and attacks targeted at it.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the existing vulnerabilities/attacks, security and privacy challenges associated with the smart metering data and network system, its open issues, and future direction. The major contributions of this review paper lie in the AMI vulnerabilities, AMI state-of-the-art security schemes with their pros and cons, its communication protocols analysis, and its emerging security measures. This gave enumerated recommendations for the efficiency improvement of AMI security in terms of its latency reduction while implementing efficient security measures in its future work.
3-[18F]Fluoro-para-hydroxyphenethylguanidine (3-[18F]pHPG) PET—A Novel Imaging Modality for Paraganglioma
Authors: Else Tobias , Wong Ka Kit , Frey Kirk A , Brooks Allen F , Viglianti Benjamin L , Raffel David M 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Functional positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for the characterization of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PCC/PGL) and for detection of metastases in malignant disease, offers valuable clinical insights that can significantly guide patient treatment.

Objective
This work aimed to evaluate a novel PET radiotracer, 3-[18F]fluoro-para-hydroxyphenethylguanidine (3-[18F]pHPG), a norepinephrine analogue, for its ability to localize PCC/PGL.

Methods
3-[18F]pHPG PET/CT whole-body scans were performed on 16 patients (8 male:8 female; mean age 47.6 ± 17.6 years; range, 19-74 years) with pathologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed PCC/PGL. After intravenous administration of 304 to 475 MBq (8.2-12.8 mCi) of 3-[18F]pHPG, whole-body PET scans were performed at 90 minutes in all patients. 3-[18F]pHPG PET was interpreted for abnormal findings consistent with primary tumor or metastasis, and biodistribution in normal organs recorded. Standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements were obtained for target lesions and physiological organ distributions.

Results
3-[18F]pHPG PET showed high radiotracer uptake and trapping in primary tumors, and metastatic tumor lesions that included bone, lymph nodes, and other solid organ sites. Physiological biodistribution was universally present in salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual), thyroid, heart, liver, adrenals, kidneys, and bladder. Comparison [68Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT was available in 10 patients and in all cases showed concordant distribution. Comparison [123I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine [123I]mIBG planar scintigraphy and SPECT/CT scans were available for 4 patients, with 3-[18F]pHPG showing a greater number of metastatic lesions.

Conclusion
We found the kinetic profile of 3-[18F]pHPG PET affords high activity retention within benign and metastatic PCC/PGL. Therefore, 3-[18F]pHPG PET imaging provides a novel modality for functional imaging and staging of malignant paraganglioma with advantages of high lesion affinity, whole-body coregistered computed tomography, and rapid same-day imaging.
Wassily Leontief's Research Program: Science, Beliefs, Institutions
Authors: Carret Vincent 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Wassily Leontief met with decades of success for the development of input-output analysis, and yet he remained a staunch critic of the economics profession throughout his life. To understand his success, its limits, and the origins of his discontent, this article separates the scientific activities of input-output from the system of belief built around it, and from the institutions set up to advance Leontief's research program. This leads to considering the interaction of input-output with other research programs through three poles: the scientific debate, the collision of belief systems about the world, and an institutional fight for funds and researchers. The end result is a picture of how Leontief managed to build a successful research program in which scientific inquiry led to beliefs about the world that were able to justify building institutions promoting input-output, in an environment of competition and cooperation.
The Challenge in 2000−2009 to Phillips-Curve-Based Accounts of UK Economic Policy: Comment on Cristiano
Authors: Nelson Edward 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A series of research papers that appeared from 2000 to 2009 made the case that the UK authorities in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s eschewed Phillips-curve-based analysis and that, consequently, the UK Great Inflation of the 1970s should not be regarded as resulting from policymakers’ pursuit of a perceived long-run inflation/unemployment trade-off. The position advanced in these 2000−2009 papers was that, instead, UK economic policy until 1979 subscribed to a nonmonetary perspective on inflation. This perspective implied UK authorities’ rejection of Phillips-curve-type trade-off analysis, but it also meant that they misjudged the importance of monetary policy in inflation control, thereby compounding the country's inflation problem. When this series of papers began to appear at the start of the 2000s, the trade-off-centered interpretation of the US Great Inflation was highly prevalent and was also being applied to the UK Great Inflation. By late in the decade, however, the case—as outlined in the 2000−2009 papers—against Phillips-curve-based accounts of historical policy conduct had gained notable acceptance among central bankers and academic researchers who discussed the UK Great Inflation. This article corrects erroneous statements that the challenge to Phillips-curve-based accounts of historical UK policymaker behavior only appeared in research starting in the 2010s.
Nineteenth-Century French Liberal Economists and Women's Work: The Dark Side of Industrialization
Authors: Sigot Nathalie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article reconstructs the debates on the woman question in which nineteenth-century French liberal economists participated: it aims at showing that their analysis contradicted their conviction that, in Bastiat's words, “men's interests, when left to themselves, tend to . . . work together for progress and the general good.” Indeed, French liberals are usually labeled optimistic: they denounced the pessimistic and fatalist character of the “English school of economics” based on Ricardo's rent theory and Malthus's law of population. On the contrary, they attempted to prove that economic development improved the situation of all, especially that of workers. However, their optimism did not extend to their analysis of the situation of women: most of them recognized that women were not benefiting from the general improvement in terms of wages, labor conditions, and social mobility. The article then shows that the reasons they gave to explain the bad situation of women present many challenges, linked respectively to the issue of state intervention and wage theory. Moreover, it is unlikely that the only solution they proposed for improving it, that is, the promotion of female education, could have worked.