bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Complete Are Tobacco Sales Data? Assessing the Comprehensiveness of US Tobacco Product Retail Sales Data Through Comparisons to Excise Tax Collections
Authors: Liber Alex C , Faraji Maryam , Ranganathan Radhika , Friedman Abigail S 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Sales data analyses are increasingly used to guide tobacco regulatory science. However, such data do not cover specialist retailers like vape shops or tobacconists. Understanding the extent of the cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) markets covered by sales data is critical to establishing such analyses’ generalizability and potential biases.

Methods
Using retail sales data from Information Resources Incorporated (IRI) and Nielsen, we conduct tax gap analyses comparing states’ cigarette and ENDS tax revenue to tax collection estimates based on retail sales data. For the 23 US states in both retail sales datasets, cigarette tax gap analyses were conducted for each year from 2018 to 2020. Four (Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington) of those 23 states levied per-unit ENDS taxes and provided monthly tax revenue data covering January 2018 to October 2021, where we conducted monthly tax gap analyses for both cigarettes and ENDS.

Results
Across states covered by both sales datasets, annual mean cigarette sales in IRI and Nielsen account for 92.3% (95% CI = 88.3% to 96.2%) and 84.0% (95% CI = 79.3% to 88.7%) of state cigarette tax revenue, respectively. Monthly average coverage rates for ENDS sales were lower, ranging from 42.3% to 86.1% for IRI and 43.6% to 88.5% for Nielsen, but remained stable over time.

Conclusions
IRI and Nielsen sales data capture almost the entire US cigarette market and a substantial but lower portion of the US ENDS market. With proper care to address shortcomings, sales data analyses can capture changes in the US market for these tobacco products.

Implications
Policy evaluations and analyses using e-cigarette and cigarette sales data are often criticized because these data do not cover online sales or sales by specialty retailers like tobacconists. Cigarette sales data consistently cover nearly 90% of taxed sales, while e-cigarette sales data cover around 50% of taxed volumes. Retail sales data capture nearly all cigarette sales and a substantial portion of ENDS sales with relatively stable rates of coverage over time, supporting their continued use in tobacco surveillance and policy evaluation work.
Seeing Through the Blind: Belief About Treatment Randomization and Smoking Cessation Outcome Among People With Current or Past Major Depressive Disorder Who Smoke in a Placebo-Controlled Trial of Varenicline
Authors: Schnoll Robert , Wileyto E Paul , Bauer Anna-Marika , Fox Erica N , Blumenthal Daniel , Hosie Quinn Mackenzie , Leone Frank , Huffman Mark D , Khan Sadiya S , Gollan Jacqueline K , Papandonatos George D , Hitsman Brian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Blinding participants to randomization is a cornerstone of science. However, participant beliefs about their allocation can influence outcomes. We examined blind integrity, the association between trial arm belief and cessation, and potential mechanisms linking treatment arm and treatment arm belief among people with major depressive disorder (MDD) who smoke receiving varenicline in a placebo-controlled trial.

Aims and Methods
175 participants were asked at the end of treatment (EOT) if they thought they received placebo, varenicline, or were not sure. We assessed the relationship between treatment arm belief and actual treatment allocation, examined the association between treatment arm belief and EOT cessation, and evaluated changes in craving, withdrawal, side effects, depression symptoms, and smoking reward as mediators through which treatment arm was believed.

Results
Treatment arm belief was significantly associated with actual arm assignment (χ2(2) = 13.0, p = .002). Participants in the varenicline arm were &gt;3 times as likely to believe they were taking varenicline, versus “not sure” (RR = 3.05 [1.41–6.60], p = .005). Participants in the placebo arm were just as likely to believe they were taking placebo versus “not sure” (χ2[2] = 0.75, p = .69). Controlling for treatment arm, belief that one received varenicline was significantly associated with an increase in cessation rate (OR = 5.91 [2.06–16.92], p = .001). Change in the rewarding experience of smoking may mediate participant ability to discern getting varenicline (B = 0.077 [0.002–0.192], p &lt; .05).

Conclusions
Participants receiving varenicline can discern that they received varenicline and this belief is associated with higher cessation rates. Research is needed to continue to examine how participants correctly identify their allocation to varenicline.

Trial Registration
Data come from the trial NCT02378714.

Implications
The present study adds to the sparse literature on blind integrity, particularly in the field of tobacco cessation. Randomized clinical trial participants can discern their assignment to varenicline, and believing that one received varenicline was associated with significantly higher cessation rates. Identifying treatment arm allocation may be associated with changes in the rewarding aspects of smoking that have been well documented with varenicline use. Masking allocation to varenicline is challenging. The effects of this medication in clinical trials may represent both pharmacological effects and participants’ abilities to recognize that they are receiving the medication.
Long-term Dalbavancin for Suppression of Gram-Positive Chronic Left Ventricular Assist Device Infections
Authors: Rowe Sarah , Green Sarah , Albrecht Benjamin , Pouch Stephanie M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Infection is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Prolonged suppressive therapy should be strongly considered and is often used in patients with recurrent infections when source control cannot be achieved. Dalbavancin is a promising option in patients with LVADs requiring prolonged durations of antibiotic therapy, especially when no oral alternatives are available.

Methods
This case series included 8 patients receiving dalbavancin for the long-term suppression of gram-positive infections at Emory University Hospital and Emory St Joseph's Hospital.

Results
The overall incidence of breakthrough infections occurred in 5 of the 8 patients included in the study. One patient experienced an early breakthrough infection within 1 month of dalbavancin initiation. Another experienced a breakthrough infection within 3 and 6 months of dalbavancin initiation, and the final 3 patients experienced a breakthrough infection within 6 and 12 months. The average duration of dalbavancin suppression therapy among all patients was 229 days, and no adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions
Dalbavancin is a promising option in patients who require long-term suppression for chronic gram-positive LVAD infections, given its unique pharmacokinetic profile and excellent tissue penetration. The use of biweekly dalbavancin infusions in our 8 patients prevented infection for an extended period of time despite some of the patients not being able to consistently receive infusions. Larger studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of using dalbavancin for long-term suppression of gram-positive LVAD infections.
Rapid Diagnosis of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Triggered by Disseminated BCG Infection in Infants With Severe Combined Immunodeficiency: Case Report
Authors: Zou Ting-Ting , Liao Qiong , Liu Yang , Guo Qin , Zhu Yu , Wan Chao-min 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by disseminated Bacillus Calmette-Guerin infection is rare. Targeted next-generation sequencing for tuberculosis can rapidly identify different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex as well as drug resistance genes. Herein we report 2 cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in whom targeted next-generation sequencing rapidly identified Bacillus Calmette-Guerin as the infectious trigger.
Cryptochrome 1b represses gibberellin signaling to enhance lodging resistance in maize
Authors: Chen Shizhan , Fan Xiaocong , Song Meifang , Yao Shuaitao , Liu Tong , Ding Wusi , Liu Lei , Zhang Menglan , Zhan Weimin , Yan Lei , Sun Guanghua , Li Hongdan , Wang Lijian , Zhang Kang , Jia Xiaolin , Yang Qinghua , Yang Jianping 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide. Photoperiod, light quality, and light intensity in the environment can affect the growth, development, yield, and quality of maize. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), cryptochromes are blue-light receptors that mediate the photocontrol of stem elongation, leaf expansion, shade tolerance, and photoperiodic flowering. However, the function of maize cryptochrome ZmCRY in maize architecture and photomorphogenic development remains largely elusive. The ZmCRY1b transgene product can activate the light signaling pathway in Arabidopsis and complement the etiolation phenotype of the cry1-304 mutant. Our findings show that the loss-of-function mutant of ZmCRY1b in maize exhibits more etiolation phenotypes under low blue light and appears slender in the field compared with wild-type plants. Under blue and white light, overexpression of ZmCRY1b in maize substantially inhibits seedling etiolation and shade response by enhancing protein accumulation of the bZIP transcription factors ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (ZmHY5) and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5-LIKE (ZmHY5L), which directly upregulate the expression of genes encoding gibberellin (GA) 2-oxidase to deactivate GA and repress plant height. More interestingly, ZmCRY1b enhances lodging resistance by reducing plant and ear heights and promoting root growth in both inbred lines and hybrids. In conclusion, ZmCRY1b contributes blue-light signaling upon seedling de-etiolation and integrates light signals with the GA metabolic pathway in maize, resulting in lodging resistance and providing information for improving maize varieties.
Common co-morbidities in polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: cross-sectional study in UK Biobank
Authors: Chatzigeorgiou Charikleia , Taylor John C , Elliott Faye , O’Sullivan Eoin P , Morgan Ann W , Barrett Jennifer H , Mackie Sarah L 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim was to determine prevalent co-morbidities in cases with PMR or GCA compared with matched controls.

Methods
This was a nested, cross-sectional case–control study within the UK Biobank, which recruited participants aged 40–69 years. Case status was defined as self-reported prior diagnosis of PMR or GCA. Ten controls per case were matched for age, sex, ethnicity and assessment centre. Associations with selected self-reported co-morbidities were studied using conditional logistic regression.

Results
Of PMR (n = 1036) or GCA (n = 102) cases, 72% were female, 98% White, and 58% reported current use of glucocorticoids. Mean age was 63 years. At the time of the assessment visit, compared with controls, PMR/GCA cases were more likely to report poor general health and at least several days of low mood in the past 2 weeks. PMR was associated with hypothyroidism [odds ratio (OR) = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.67] and ever-use of HRT (OR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.47). Regarding common co-morbidities, PMR and GCA were both associated with hypertension (PMR: OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.39; GCA: OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.23, 2.81) and cataract (PMR: OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.19, 1.93; GCA: OR = 3.84; 95% CI = 2.23, 6.60). Additionally, GCA was associated with depression (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 1.59, 5.85). Neither condition was associated with diabetes.

Conclusion
Participants with a history of PMR/GCA, including those not currently taking glucocorticoids, rated their health as poorer than matched controls. Some previously described disease associations (hypothyroidism and early menopause) were replicated. Hypertension and cataract, both of which can be exacerbated by long-term glucocorticoid therapy, were over-represented in both diseases, particularly GCA.
Targeted, actionable and fair: Reviewer reports as feedback and its effect on ECR career choices
Authors: Derrick Gemma Elizabeth , Zimmermann Alessandra , Greaves Helen , Best Jonathan , Klavans Richard 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Previous studies of the use of peer review for the allocation of competitive funding agencies have concentrated on questions of efficiency and how to make the ‘best’ decision, by ensuring that successful applicants are also the more productive or visible in the long term. This paper examines the components of feedback received from an unsuccessful grant application, is associated with motivating applicants career decisions to persist (reapply for funding at T1), or to switch (not to reapply, or else leave academia). This study combined data from interviews with unsuccessful ECR applicants (n = 19) to The Wellcome Trust 2009–19, and manual coding of reviewer comments received by applicants (n = 81). All applicants received feedback on their application at T0 with a large proportion of unsuccessful applicants reapplying for funding at T1. Here, peer-review-comments-as-feedback sends signals to applicants to encourage them to persist (continue) or switch (not continue) even when the initial application has failed. Feedback associated by unsuccessful applicants as motivating their decision to resubmit had three characteristics: actionable; targeted; and fair. The results lead to identification of standards of feedback for funding agencies and peer-reviewers to promote when providing reviewer feedback to applicants as part of their peer review process. The provision of quality reviewer-reports-as-feedback to applicants, ensures that peer review acts as a participatory research governance tool focused on supporting the development of individuals and their future research plans.
Safety and efficacy of anifrolumab therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus in real-world clinical practice: LOOPS registry
Authors: Miyazaki Yusuke , Funada Masashi , Nakayamada Shingo , Sonomoto Koshiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hanami Kentaro , Fukuyo Shunsuke , Kubo Satoshi , Yamaguchi Ayako , Miyagawa Ippei , Todoroki Yasuyuki , Ueno Masanobu , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
To determine the safety and efficacy of anifrolumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) classified based on the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) in real-world clinical practice.

Methods
This retrospective observational study involved SLE patients who started anifrolumab therapy. The primary end point was the retention rate over 26 weeks after initiating anifrolumab therapy; 45 patients followed up for 12 weeks or longer were analysed in the following groups to determine the safety and efficacy up to week 12 after treatment initiation: (i) non-LLDAS achievement group and (ii) minor flare group. Safety and efficacy were compared between the minor flare group and the standard of care (SoC) group (treated by adding glucocorticoids [GCs] or immunosuppressants) after adjustment with inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity score (PS-IPTW).

Results
The retention rate of anifrolumab was 89.7% at week 26.The LLDAS achievement rates at week 12 were 42.9% and 66.7% in the non-LLDAS achievement and minor flare groups, respectively. In both groups, GC doses and SELENA–SLEDAI score significantly decreased. When the anifrolumab group with minor flare was compared with the SoC group or the GC dose increase group, the GC dose and SLEDAI score were significantly lower in the anifrolumab group than in either of the other groups; there was no significant difference in LLDAS achievement.

Conclusion
At week 26 after initiating anifrolumab therapy, ∼90% of patients remained on therapy. Anifrolumab might lower disease activity without initiating GCs and reduce GC doses, especially in patients who experience minor flares after LLDAS achievement.
Ultrasound in anti-CCP+ at-risk individuals without clinical synovitis: development of a novel 6-joint protocol for feasible risk prediction
Authors: Di Matteo Andrea , De Lorenzis Enrico , Duquenne Laurence , Nam Jacqueline L , Garcia-Montoya Leticia , Harnden Kate , Chowdhury Rahaymin , Wakefield Richard J , Emery Paul , Mankia Kulveer 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate, in anti-CCP antibody–positive individuals with musculoskeletal symptoms but no clinical synovitis (CCP+ at-risk), the additional value of US for the prediction of inflammatory arthritis. Furthermore, to define a concise US protocol for feasible risk prediction.

Methods
Demographic and clinical data were collected in 417 CCP+ at-risk (Leeds CCP cohort) with a baseline US scan assessing synovitis and bone erosions in 36 joints, and a follow-up duration ≥24 months. Multivariable binary regression models for inflammatory arthritis development at 24 months evaluated routine clinical variables associated with inflammatory arthritis alone (‘clinical’ model) and combined with a 36-joint US scanning protocol (‘clinical-US extended’ model). A ‘clinical-US short’ model was also developed.

Results
At 24 months, 92/417 (22.1%) CCP+ at-risk developed inflammatory arthritis (median time 7 months, interquartile range 3–12). The ‘clinical-US extended’ model performed better than the ‘clinical’ model [area under the curve (AUC) 0.788 vs AUC 0.731, respectively, P &lt; 0.001] with an odds ratio for inflammatory arthritis development of 3.18 (95% CI 1.80–5.63) for US synovitis and 2.54 (95% CI 1.21–5.37) for bone erosions. The ‘clinical-US short’ model, which retained the wrists, knees and MTP5 joints, performed better (AUC 0.782) than the ‘clinical’ model (P &lt; 0.001) and similarly (difference in Akaike information criteria &lt;2) to the ‘clinical-US extended’ model.

Conclusions
US provides valuable information for predicting progression to inflammatory arthritis in CCP+ individuals both alone and in addition to clinical variables. US synovitis was associated with a 3-fold increase risk of inflammatory arthritis development. A concise US protocol of six joints provides clinically feasible risk prediction in CCP+ at-risk.
Oklo natural fission reactors and dynamical models of dark energy
Authors: Davis E D 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Bounds on the cosmological variation of the fine structure constant α inferred from Oklo neutron capture data are sometimes taken cum grano salis. It is possible to quantify uncertainties related to the treatment of excitation, deformation and the Coulomb interaction. On the basis of this analysis, it is concluded that Oklo data imply the relative change in α over the last 1.9 billion years is &lt; 0.01 ppm (95% CL). Accommodation of this constraint represents a challenge to dark energy models that predict that fundamental constants do change.
Modern universal standardised trends in worker and public exposure monitoring and control in 21st century by Sohrabi URPS-based hypothesis
Authors: Sohrabi M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The Universal Radiation Protection System (URPS) was recently hypothesised by Sohrabi in order to address the many deficiencies of current radiation protection system. The ICRP system is currently practiced worldwide based on the linear no-threshold (LNT) model with no supporting health risk data at low effective doses. The ICRP only considers worker occupational doses and sets dose limits only on one portion of doses a worker or public receives. The URPS hypothesis equals human heath-effect risks per unit dose either from natural or man-made sources; formulates dose limits on all integrated doses an individual receives; considers worker also a member of public; conserves ‘cause-effect principle’ for epidemiology risk estimation; introduces dose fractionation concept in radiation protection; introduces the ‘URPS Model’ for bridging LNT, hormesis and threshold models; recommends establishing ‘National Patient Dose Registering System’; and defines modified/new exposure terms and definitions commensurate with URPS hypothesis, as advanced since 2014.
Oklo: historic and lessons learned
Authors: Nimal J C 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Two outstanding phenomena have taken place in earlier geological era where Gabon is now located: the presence of natural nuclear reactors and the appearance of a very elaborated form of life for its age. Calculations performed to establish the sustained fission history of Oklo site are presented first. Second, possible correlations between these two anomalies are discussed. Could the presence of ionizing radiation be the cause of genetic mutations? Today’s isotopic measurements allow us to improve our understanding of the irradiation suffered by organic matter over all times. The first objective is therefore to quantify the possible effects of such ionizing radiation. A second objective naturally appears: the storage of radioactive waste. Calculations issued from the first objective provide access to nuclear reactor waste formations and Oklo is the unique natural analogue of a long-term storage laboratory for nuclear waste. Returning to our primary objective, it is interesting to extend our reflections to other situations of naturally radioactive environments such as very old geological formations or lagoon.
Oklo, our scientific adventure with R. Naudet
Authors: Weber Francis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Following several years of studies of the Francevillian basin, I was a specialist of the Gabonese geology. Since the discovery of the Oklo phenomenon, I worked with Roger Naudet, Jean-Paul Pfiffelmann and François Gauthier-Lafaye on this exceptional scientific case. This article relates the beginning of this adventure.
Assessment of radioactivity levels and radiological hazard indices in phosphate and phosphate mine waste samples from Algeria
Authors: Djabou Rihab Elhouda , Belafrites Abdelfettah 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Phosphate ore is the starting raw material for production of all phosphate products including fertilisers phosphate waste. It can be of sedimentary, volcanic or biological origin. Like any other geological material found in nature, it contains various amounts of naturally occurring primordial radionuclides, such as 238U series, 232Th series and 40K. Gamma-ray spectrometry was used to assess natural radioactivity levels and radiological hazard indices in phosphate samples. In this paper, the specific activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K of phosphate ores, merchant and mine waste samples were determined. Based on the activity concentrations, the radiation hazard indices (Raeq, Hex, Hin and I𝛾𝑟), and the radiation doses (D, AED and ELCR) were calculated. The results were discussed and compared with those from other studies as well as recommended safety limit values.