bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Augmented Safety Profile of Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fat Transfer: Retrospective Study With 1815 Patients
Authors: Vidal-Laureano Natalia , Huerta Carlos T , Perez Eduardo A , Earle Steven Alexander 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Gluteal augmentation with autologous fat transfer is one of the fastest growing aesthetic surgical procedures worldwide over the past decade. However, this procedure can be associated with high mortality from fatal pulmonary fat embolism events caused by intramuscular injection of fat. Ultrasound-guided fat grafting allows visualization of the transfer in the subcutaneous space, avoiding intramuscular injection.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of gluteal fat grafting performed with ultrasound-guided cannulation.

Methods
A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing ultrasound-guided gluteal fat grafting at the authors’ center between 2019 and 2022 was performed. All cases were performed by board-certified and board-eligible plastic surgeons under general anesthesia in ASA Class I or II patients. Fat was only transferred to the subcutaneous plane when over the gluteal muscle. Patients underwent postoperative follow-up from a minimum of 3 months up to 2 years. Results were analyzed with standard statistical tests.

Results
The study encompassed 1815 female patients with a median age of 34 years. Controlled medical comorbidities were present in 14%, with the most frequent being hypothyroidism (0.7%), polycystic ovarian syndrome (0.7%), anxiety (0.6%), and asthma (0.6%). Postoperative complications occurred in 4% of the total cohort, with the most common being seroma (1.2%), local skin ischemia (1.2%), and surgical site infection (0.8%). There were no macroscopic fat emboli complications or mortalities.

Conclusions
These data suggest that direct visualization of anatomic plane injection through ultrasound guidance is associated with a low rate of complications. Ultrasound guidance is an efficacious adjunct to gluteal fat grafting and is associated with an improved safety profile that should be considered by every surgeon performing this procedure.

Level of Evidence: 3
Extracellular vesicles of Weizmannia coagulans lilac-01 reduced cell death of primary microglia and increased mitochondrial content in dermal fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Minamida Kimiko , Taira Toshio , Sasaki Masato , Higuchi Ohki , Meng Xian-Ying , Kamagata Yoichi , Miwa Kazunori 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
We investigated the properties of extracellular vesicles from the probiotic Weizmannia coagulans lilac-01 (Lilac-01EVs). The phospholipids in the Lilac-01EV membrane were phosphatidylglycerol and mitochondria-specific cardiolipin. We found that applying Lilac-01EVs to primary rat microglia in vitro resulted in a reduction in primary microglial cell death (P &lt; .05). Lilac-01EVs, which contain cardiolipin and phosphatidylglycerol, may have the potential to inhibit cell death in primary microglia. The addition of Lilac-01EVs to senescent human dermal fibroblasts suggested that Lilac-01 EVs increase the mitochondrial content without affecting their membrane potential in these cells.
Scalable kernel balancing weights in a nationwide observational study of hospital profit status and heart attack outcomes
Authors: Kim Kwangho , Niknam Bijan A , Zubizarreta José R 
Published: December 2023

Summary
Weighting is a general and often-used method for statistical adjustment. Weighting has two objectives: first, to balance covariate distributions, and second, to ensure that the weights have minimal dispersion and thus produce a more stable estimator. A recent, increasingly common approach directly optimizes the weights toward these two objectives. However, this approach has not yet been feasible in large-scale datasets when investigators wish to flexibly balance general basis functions in an extended feature space. To address this practical problem, we describe a scalable and flexible approach to weighting that integrates a basis expansion in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space with state-of-the-art convex optimization techniques. Specifically, we use the rank-restricted Nyström method to efficiently compute a kernel basis for balancing in nearly linear time and space, and then use the specialized first-order alternating direction method of multipliers to rapidly find the optimal weights. In an extensive simulation study, we provide new insights into the performance of weighting estimators in large datasets, showing that the proposed approach substantially outperforms others in terms of accuracy and speed. Finally, we use this weighting approach to conduct a national study of the relationship between hospital profit status and heart attack outcomes in a comprehensive dataset of 1.27 million patients. We find that for-profit hospitals use interventional cardiology to treat heart attacks at similar rates as other hospitals but have higher mortality and readmission rates.
Closeness Centralities of Lollipop Graphs
Authors: Dangalchev Chavdar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Closeness is one of the most studied characteristics of networks. Residual closeness is a very sensitive measure of graphs robustness. Additional closeness is a measure of growth potentials of networks. In this article, we calculate the closeness, vertex residual closeness, link residual closeness and additional closeness of lollipop graphs.
Early access to language supports number mapping skills in deaf children
Authors: Walker Kristin , Carrigan Emily , Coppola Marie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The ability to associate different types of number representations referring to the same quantity (symbolic Arabic numerals, signed/spoken number words, and nonsymbolic quantities), is an important predictor of overall mathematical success. This foundational skill—mapping—has not been examined in deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children. To address this gap, we studied 188 4 1/2 to 9-year-old DHH and hearing children and systematically examined the relationship between their language experiences and mapping skills. We asked whether the timing of children’s language exposure (early vs. later), the modality of their language (signed vs. spoken), and their rote counting abilities related to mapping performance. We found that language modality did not significantly relate to mapping performance, but timing of language exposure and counting skills did. These findings suggest that early access to language, whether spoken or signed, supports the development of age-typical mapping skills and that knowledge of number words is critical for this development.
Scoring Indices for Perianal Fistulising Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vuyyuru Sudheer K , Solitano Virginia , Singh Siddharth , Hanzel Jurij , Macdonald John K , Danese Silvio , Peyrin Biroulet Laurent , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
In this systematic review we summarise existing scoring indices for assessing disease activity and quality of life in perianal fistulising Crohn’s disease [PFCD], and highlight gaps in the literature.

Methods
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched from August 24, 2022, to identify studies evaluating clinical, radiological, or patient-reported outcome measures [PROMS] in PFCD. The primary objective was to identify all available scoring indices and describe the operating properties of these indices.

Results
A total of 53 studies reported on the use of one clinical index [Perianal Disease Activity Index: PDAI], three PROMs, and 10 radiological indices; 25 studies evaluated the operating properties of these indices. The PDAI demonstrated content validity, construct validity, and responsiveness but criterion validity or reliability were not assessed. The Van Assche Index [VAI], modified VAI, and the Magnetic Resonance Index for Assessing Fistulas in Patients with CD [MAGNIFI-CD] were the most studied radiological indices. These indices demonstrated responsiveness and reliability. The VAI and MAGNIFI-CD demonstrated construct validity; criterion and content validity and feasibility have not been assessed. Among the three PROMs, the Crohn’s Anal Fistula Quality of Life index demonstrated content and construct validity, inter-observer reliability, and responsiveness; criterion validity, intra-observer reliability, and feasibility have not been assessed for this index.

Conclusions
There are no fully valid, reliable, and responsive clinical disease or radiological indices for PFCD. Although the radiological indices demonstrated responsiveness and reliability, well-defined cut-offs for response and remission are lacking. Future research should focus on establishing standardised definitions and thresholds for outcomes.
Patients' perspective on the medical pathway from first symptoms to diagnosis in genetic lipodystrophy
Authors: Mosbah Héléna , Vatier Camille , Andriss Béatrice , Belalem Inès , Delemer Brigitte , Janmaat Sonja , Jéru Isabelle , Le Collen Lauriane , Maiter Dominique , Nobécourt Estelle , Vantyghem Marie-Christine ,   Network « Pathologies Rares de l’Insulino-Sécrétion et de l’Insulino-Sensibilité » (PRISIS), Béliard Sophie , Briet Claire , Donadille Bruno , Dubois Noémie , Gilly Olivier , Jelliman Stéphanie , Maître Julie , Reznik Yves , Rimareix Frédérique , Vergès Bruno , Vigouroux Corinne , Dumas Agnes 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
Underdiagnosis is an important issue in genetic lipodystrophies, which are rare diseases with metabolic, cardiovascular, gynecological, and psychological complications. We aimed to characterize the diagnostic pathway in these diseases from the patients' perspective.

Design
Cross-sectional study conducted through a self-reported patient questionnaire.

Methods
Patients with genetic lipodystrophy were recruited throughout the French national reference network for rare diseases of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Patients completed a self-reported questionnaire on disease symptoms, steps leading to the diagnosis, and healthcare professionals involved. Descriptive analyses were conducted.

Results
Out of 175 eligible patients, 109 patients (84% women) were included; 93 had partial familial lipodystrophy and 16 congenital generalized lipodystrophy. Metabolic comorbidities (diabetes 68%, hypertriglyceridemia 66%, hepatic steatosis 57%), cardiovascular (hypertension 54%), and gynecologic complications (irregular menstruation 60%) were frequently reported. Median age at diagnosis was 30 years (interquartile range [IQR] 23-47). The overall diagnostic process was perceived as “very difficult” for many patients. It extended over 12 years (IQR 5-25) with more than five different physicians consulted by 36% of respondents, before diagnosis, for lipodystrophy-related symptoms. The endocrinologist made the diagnosis for 77% of the patients. Changes in morphotype were reported as the first symptoms by the majority of respondents.

Conclusions
Diagnostic pathway in patients with genetic lipodystrophy is rendered difficult by the multisystemic features of the disease and the lack of knowledge of non-specialized physicians. Training physicians to systematically include adipose tissue examination in routine clinical evaluation should improve diagnosis and management of lipodystrophy and lipodystrophy-associated comorbidities.
Systematical explorations of forensic feature and population genetic diversity of the Chinese Mongolian group from northwest China via a self-constructed InDel panel
Authors: Chen Xuebing , Xu Hui , Cui Wei , Zhao Ming , Zhu Bofeng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphisms and population characteristics of Chinese Mongolian group from northwest China (NCM) through a self-developed panel including 43 autosomal insertion/deletion (A-InDel) polymorphism genetic markers. Herein, 288 unrelated healthy individuals from the NCM group were employed to obtain the genetic data of 43 A-InDels through multiplex PCR amplification and InDel genotyping using capillary electrophoresis platform. In addition, multiplex population genetic analyses were performed between the NCM group and 27 reference populations. There were no deviations at 43 loci from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in the NCM group. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) values ranged from 0.312 8 to 0.559 2, and the combined power of discrimination (CPD) and cumulative probability of exclusion (CPE) values in the NCM group were 0.999 999 999 999 999 998 77 and 0.999 814, respectively. The forensic parameter values indicated that this panel was polymorphic and informative in the NCM group and could be used as an effective tool for forensic personal identification. Furthermore, the results of pairwise genetic distances, principal component analysis, multidimensional scaling analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, and admixture analysis among the NCM group and 27 reference populations revealed that there were closer genetic relationships between the NCM group and East Asian populations, especially Chinese Hui group (CHH) from the northwest China, which is consistent with the geographical location. These present findings contributed to the ongoing genetic explorations and insights into the genetic architecture of the NCM group.
STATE-LEVEL EDUCATION CONTEXT AS A MODERATOR OF GENETIC RISK FOR POOR COGNITIVE FUNCTION ACROSS GENDER AND COHORT
Authors: Kerr Eleanor , Herd Pamela , Walsemann Katrina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
APOE, specifically the e4 allele, is the strongest known genetic risk factor for late-onset dementia. Individuals with at least one copy of the e4 allele have a 3-15 times higher risk for dementia, and faster rates of cognitive decline, than those without it. Although education has been shown to moderate this relationship, the quality of U.S. education improved significantly over the first seven decades of the 20th century and saw greater access to educational opportunities among women. In this historical context, it is important to consider if genetic risk for poor cognitive function changes across successive cohorts and if it does so differentially by gender. Consequently, we use genetic and cognition data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) linked to state-level data on educational quality available from 1920-1974. Given well-known differences in the effect of APOE genotype on dementia risk based on global and local ancestry, we restrict our sample to non-Hispanic White men (n=5,256) and women (n=6,857) who provided at least one observation on cognitive function from 2006 – 2018. We examine the relationship across three measures of cognition – global functioning, episodic memory, and numeracy. We estimate gender and cohort stratified linear mixed models and determine if states with well-resourced education systems mitigate the genetic risk on cognitive health associated with the e4 allele and compare this relationship across cohorts for men and women. These results can help inform our understanding about how early life education can differentially shape genetic risk for cognitive decline in later life.
AGE-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT PROMOTES WELL-BEING IN PEOPLE WITH SUBJECTIVE MEMORY IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Saad Odelyah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives Older people with cognitive impairment are more likely to feel lonely and to have lower well-being compared to others (Shankar et al., 2017). One way to overcome difficulties and loneliness is to live in an Age Friendly Environment (AFE) (Gibney et al., 2020). Living in an AFE enables older people to stay active even when function deteriorates (Cramm et al., 2018) and thus- maintain low loneliness and high well-being (Domènech-Abella et al., 2021). Approximately 18%-25% of people aged 60 and over whose objective cognitive function is normal report a subjective cognitive impairment (Röhr et al., 2020; Zullo et al., 2021). They are less active (Parikh et al., 2016) and so, they are lonelier (Montejo Carrasco et al., 2020). The aim of this study was to examine whether living in an AFE enables people coping with subjective memory impairment to maintain higher well-being than those who don’t. Methods Applying a correlational study design, 105 community dwelling older adults (mean age 74.5; SD-6.54), 62% of whom were women, were recruited. Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 7) assessed relationships between socio-demographic data, subjective social support (SS), loneliness, a sense of belonging, AFE, active ageing and negative affect (NA). Results Findings demonstrated a significant indirect association between age-friendly environments and negative affect, which was moderated by subjective memory impairment. Moreover, we found an interaction between AFE and memory.. Those with SMI experienced less loneliness in an AFE In conclusion, AFE is crucial for individuals with SMI to reduce loneliness and negative affect. Conclusion This study is the first to show that when AFE is low, people with subjective memory impairment cope with more loneliness compared to those without it, but when AFE is high then there is no difference in the level of loneliness between people with or without subjective memory impairment. Hence, AFE is especially significant for those coping with subjective memory impairment for reducing loneliness and negative affect. Authorities should strive to create AFE to promote active aging and high WB of older people living in the community.
NEIGHBORHOODS AS A SPACE AND PLACE FOR HEALTHY AGING: NOVEL APPROACHES AND A VIEW OF THE FUTURE
Authors: Rosso Andrea , Carlson Michelle , Michael Yvonne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The importance of neighborhood environments for health outcomes has gained increasing recognition in the past two decades. Both space (physical environment) and place (social environment) have implications for health behaviors and risk for acute events and chronic diseases. This symposium brings together a series of talks that address space (walkability, physical activity destinations) and place (racial and socioeconomic polarization) for falls and fear of falling (Pam Dunlap), physical activity behaviors (Pat Donahue), and blood pressure (Hoda Magid). The talks also advance methodology and conceptualization of space and place through use of novel exposure measurements (e.g., Google StreetView audits, spatial polarization) and more nuanced characterization of outcomes (e.g., considering risk stratification and various behavioral aspects of physical activity). Finally, we end with two talks demonstrating ways to advance methods, including the use of longitudinal data to understand long-term neighborhood exposures in relation to outcomes in older adults (Michael Desjardins) and incorporation of novel measures into existing cohorts (Jana Hirsch). These talks leverage data from a diverse range of studies including long-standing cohorts (CHS, MESA), an intervention trial, and VA nursing home data. Together, these talks further our understanding of how neighborhood environments relate to health at older ages and demonstrate the ways in which the field can advance our conceptualization of space and place as both barriers and promoters of health. Yvonne Michael will lead a discussion with the panel and audience on future directions and methodological needs for the field.
IMPROVING LONGITUDINAL STUDIES OF AGING IN GEOSPATIAL HEALTH: AN AGENDA
Authors: Desjardins Michael , Moored Kyle , Murray Emily , Baranyi Gergő , Hobbs Matthew , Curtis Sarah , Carlson Michelle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Recent decades have seen a vast demographic shift in ageing populations worldwide, where over 1.4 billion people will be aged 60 years and older by 2030. Given specific populations may be more vulnerable to medical conditions with ageing, identifying high-risk locations are essential for allocating resources and promoting healthy ageing to mitigate population-level financial- and health-associated burdens. All aspects of public health research on ageing require longitudinal analyses to fully capture the dynamics of outcomes and risk factors such as human mobility, climate change, non-communicable diseases, and endemic, emerging, and re-emerging infectious diseases. Incorporating geospatial approaches in longitudinal health research can facilitate targeted interventions and improve public health policy and decision-making. Furthermore, geospatial approaches can identify where at-risk populations are located and what influences disease risk and exposure, particularly the ‘wider determinants’ of health across the lifecourse. However, studies in geospatial health are often limited to spatial and temporal cross sections. This generates uncertainty in the timing of exposures and behaviors. Geospatial longitudinal studies can better capture spatiotemporal dynamics of ageing. Here, we outline a research agenda, including key challenges and opportunities of working with longitudinal geospatial health data. Examples include accounting for residential and human mobility, recruiting new birth cohorts, geoimputation, international and interdisciplinary collaborations, spatial lifecourse studies, and qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. As a proof of concept, we present several case studies that better capture longitudinal exposures for the Cardiovascular Health Study cohort, which previously incorporated erroneous spatial indicators of neighborhood-level exposures across baseline and follow-up measures.
AGING AND FOREIGN POLICY: EXPERIENCING THE GLOBAL TRACK OF THE HEALTH AND AGING POLICY FELLOWSHIP
Authors: Cohen Jonathan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Health and Aging Policy Fellowship includes a Global Track that provides fellows with the opportunity to shape global policy or U.S. foreign policy for an aging society. The author, a global health expert and 2022-2023 fellow, sought a fellowship placement with a member of Congress with jurisdiction over U.S. global health policy. Although global health is a significant foreign policy priority for the U.S. government, U.S. global health programs do not include dedicated funding for activities designed to benefit older adults or help development partners adapt to population aging. The result is that US-funded programs on issues from infectious disease to health systems strengthening to disaster relief lack a focus on older adults, despite their many links to this growing population. To help address this policy gap, the author secured a fellowship placement with Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Chair of the SFRC Subcommittee overseeing the State Department, US Agency for International Development, and bilateral development assistance. With his track record of legislation and oversight on issues such as Medicare, health disparities, medical research, oral health, health systems strengthening, and retirement security, Senator Cardin is well positioned to help integrate the needs of older adults into U.S. development assistance. The author used his fellowship year to help advance the global health-related legislative priorities of Senator Cardin and his Health Team, bringing his expertise and perspective on aging to the policy table while gaining invaluable skills in the policy process.