bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Second-order corrections to Starobinsky inflation
Authors: Rodrigues-da-Silva G. , Medeiros L. G. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHigher-order theories of gravity are extensions to general relativity (GR) motivated mainly by high-energy physics searching for GR ultraviolet completeness. They are characterized by the inclusion of correction terms in the Einstein–Hilbert action that leads to higher-order field equations. In this paper, we propose investigating inflation due to the GR extension built with all correction terms up to the second-order involving only the scalar curvature R, namely, $$R^{2}$$

R
2

, $$R^{3}$$

R
3

, $$R\square R$$

R
□
R

. We investigate inflation within the Friedmann cosmological background, where we study the phase space of the model, as well as explore inflation in slow-roll leading-order. Furthermore, we describe the evolution of scalar perturbations and properly establish the curvature perturbation. Finally, we confront the proposed model with recent observations from Planck, BICEP3/Keck, and BAO data.
D11 and small angle neutron scattering: a paradigm of ILL
Authors: White John 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper describes some of the early events in the 50 year success of D11. That, and the Institut Laue Langevin are linked by an attitude that embraces both instrument renewal and new areas of science. The neutron sources proved to be reliable and serviceable, the neutron guides and guide hall have been a great benefit, and the user concept has led to a strengthening international community of diverse and good science and to new instruments clamouring for funding in a growing facility. Designs were perfected and the second wind (Deuxième Souffle) funded the outflow from which a second strong phase has evolved.
Graphical Abstract
The Interacting Role of Corruption Control in the Relationship Between Financial Development and Ecological Footprint: Evidence from Top Selected African Countries
Authors: Farouq Ibrahim , Sulong Zunaidah 
Published: November 2023

Recent studies suggest that financial development has several implications for the ecological footprint. However, the relevance of corruption control in the nexus between financial development and ecological footprint remains an open question. Owing to the high level of corruption in the leading African economies, domestic credit may not be available to prospective investors for environmentally friendly production. Therefore, this study inspired by the growing threats to environmental quality examines the mitigating effects of financial development and corruption control on the ecological footprint of ten leading African economies. The study also investigated the moderating role of corruption control in the link between financial development and ecological impact. Our study employs the dynamic common correlated effects approach (a second-generation technique) using panel data from 1996 to 2020. Results: The empirical findings of the estimation unveiled that financial development, economic growth, and corruption control intensify ecological footprint, while economic growth square reduces it. The result confirms the U-shaped relationship between economic growth and ecological footprint. The interactive term of corruption control and financial development shows that corruption control significantly moderates the positive impact of financial development on the ecological footprint. These results persist when cross-sectional auto-regressive distributive lag is used to re-estimate the model. Furthermore, Dumitrescu and Hurlin’s causality tests show two-way causality between ecological footprint, financial development, corruption control, and economic growth. The study guides economies to develop policies to enhance financial instruments necessary to help mitigate ecological footprint.
Anisotropic flow characteristics in single-fractured tensile and shear fractures in granite subjected to various confining stress
Authors: Yang Wentao , Su Xiaopeng , Zhou Lei , Wu Wenjie , Wei Xu , Lei Ruide 
Published: November 2023

Anisotropic flow characteristics in single-fractured tensile and shear fractures in granite subjected to various confining stresses were investigated by experiments and experimental results-based flow simulations. Anisotropic characteristics in aspects such as the permeability reduction rate, stress dependency of permeability, and flow paths in fracture and fracture aperture distribution were analysed and compared between tensile and shear fractures. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) for tensile fractures, the permeability in the
X
direction,

k
X

, is slightly lower than the permeability in the
Y
direction,

k
Y

, and the average permeability anisotropic coefficient,

α

k

(

α

k

=

k
X

/

k
Y

), is in the range 0.236–0.779. For shear fractures,

k
X

is obviously lower than

k
Y

, and

α

k

is in the range 0.038–0.163; therefore, the permeability anisotropy in shear fractures is stronger than in tensile fractures. (2) Strong channelling effects exist in both shear and tensile fractures. The stress-dependence coefficient of permeability is 0.731 MPa
−1
in the
X
direction and 0.365 MPa
−1
in the
Y
direction for tensile fractures, and 0.034 and 0.010 MPa
−1
, respectively, for shear fractures, indicating that the dependency of permeability on stress also shows anisotropy. (3) An empirical model for

α

k

based on stress and fracture aperture variograms is proposed. Based on

α

k

, permeability along both the
X
and
Y
directions can be well predicted, especially under relatively high confining stress.
Impact of Short-Term Weight Loss on Hemostasis and Thrombosis after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Taha Ahmed , Eroğlu Hasan , Demirbaş İskender Eren , Demir Berkay , Dilektaşli Evren 
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Obesity causes thrombophilia and many coagulation problems related to slowing the capillary flow. We aimed to evaluate rapid weight loss outcomes in the early period after bariatric surgery on the coagulation system. Materials and Method. A prospective study enrolled 28 patients with a BMI > 40 kg/m2 who underwent bariatric surgery. Preoperative and postoperative (first and third months) demographic criteria—such as age, gender, weight, height, and alcohol and tobacco use, and biochemical parameters such as PLT, PT, aPTT, INR, bleeding time, coagulation time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, albumin, calcium, ionized calcium, vitamin D, and PTH—were analyzed. Results. We found that both bleeding and thrombotic parameters increase in early-slowing surgery. The first-month platelet levels were significantly different from the preoperative values (

p

< 0.001). The prothrombin time in the first (

p

< 0.001) and third months (

p

< 0.009) was also comparable. The PTT in the first month was higher than in the preoperative period (

p

< 0.011). INR in the first month (

p

< 0.001) was higher than that in the preoperative period and the third month (

p

= 0.007) value was higher than in the first month. In terms of fibrinogen levels, all parameters indicated statistical significance within each other; preoperative to the first month (

p

< 0.001), the first month to the third month (

p

< 0.016). Third-month D-dimer levels were lower than the first month’s values (

p

= 0.032). Conclusion. Thromboembolic events have crucial importance in the converse scenario of haemorrhagic diathesis during the first months of bariatric surgery. Vitamin support and antithrombotic agents may be recommended in the early postoperative period.
Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Algorithms Using Human Papillomavirus Testing—Lessons Learnt from a South African Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sebitloane Hannah M. , Forestier Mathilde , Ginindza Themba G. , Dhlomo Wendy , Moodley-Govender Eshia , Darragh Teresa M. , Baena Armando , Herrero Rolando , Almonte Maribel , Broutet Nathalie , De Vuyst Hugo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:
To report quantitative and qualitative results on cervical cancer human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening and treatment algorithms, with/out triage with visual inspection after acetic acid (VIA), followed by ablative treatment (AT).

Methods:
Women 30 to 54 years old from Durban, South Africa were recruited, regardless of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, randomized into one of two study arms and screened for HPV. VIA triage arm: HPV-positive women were triaged using VIA, biopsied and received AT if VIA positive and eligible; no triage arm: eligible HPV-positive women received AT. Women ineligible for AT were referred to colposcopy. Women were asked about side effects immediately and 1 week after AT. Retention to screening and treatment algorithms was compared between arms.

Results:
A total of 350 women [275 HIV-uninfected and 75 women living with HIV, (WLWH)] were allocated to receive HPV testing with VIA triage (n = 175) or no triage (n = 175). HPV prevalence was 28% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 23–33]; WLWH: 52% (95% CI = 40–64) versus HIV-uninfected: 21% (95% CI = 17–27; P &lt; 0.05). Among women who underwent VIA triage with histologic diagnosis, 3/17 were VIA negative with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2+; 14/18 were VIA positive with &lt;CIN2. Retention to screening and treatment algorithms was high (92%).

Conclusions:
This pilot demonstrated the feasibility of implementing screening and treatment algorithms, including performing triage and treatment in one visit; however, VIA triage did not reduce overtreatment and missed some precancerous lesions.

Impact:
This study reports on implementation feasibility of two World Health Organization screening and treatment algorithms (with/out VIA triage). Although the retention to screening and treatment algorithms was high in both arms, the question of how best triaging HPV-positive women deserves further consideration, particularly for WLWH.
See related In the Spotlight, p. 763
Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast in the UK Biobank
Authors: Peila Rita , Rohan Thomas E. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS), defined by the presence of three of more metabolic dysregulations such as hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, central obesity, and hypertension, has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various cancers, including invasive breast cancer (IBC). Whether MetS is a risk factor for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS), a nonobligate precursor of IBC, remains unknown.

Methods:
A total of 198,748 women ages 40 to 69 years, DCIS- and IBC-free at enrolment in UK Biobank, were included in the current study. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between MetS and DCIS.

Results:
A total of 1,251 DCIS cases were ascertained during an average follow-up of 11.4 years. There was no association between MetS and the risk of DCIS overall, or by menopausal status. Analysis of individual components of MetS showed an association between central obesity (waist circumference ≥88 cm) and increased DCIS risk in postmenopausal women.

Conclusions:
In this prospective study, we found no association between MetS and DCIS risk.

Impact:
The study findings do not support an association between MetS and this breast cancer precursor.
Facts and Hopes in Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy: Current Approvals and Emerging Evidence
Authors: Vaidya Poorva , Cohen Ezra E.W. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In 2021 and 2022, two immune checkpoint inhibitors received FDA approval in the neoadjuvant setting for the treatment of early-stage triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several more studies have since indicated the benefits, and challenges, of administering neoadjuvant immunotherapy prior to definitive surgery in the gastrointestinal, head and neck, and cutaneous realms. In addition, numerous ongoing phase II and phase III trials are investigating outcomes of neoadjuvant immune treatment in early-stage disease. As such, it is anticipated that more immune checkpoint inhibitors will receive approval for various neoadjuvant indications in the next several years. Medical oncologists, surgeons, and other providers in a multidisciplinary cancer care team will be presented with alternate treatment paradigms and clinical decisions regarding upfront surgery versus neoadjuvant treatment. Here, we describe the current evidence supporting use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for neoadjuvant treatment, ongoing studies, and clinical considerations of this treatment approach.
High-Fat Diet Promotes Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia through PPARδ-Enhanced Self-renewal of Preleukemic Progenitors
Authors: Mazzarella Luca , Falvo Paolo , Adinolfi Marta , Tini Giulia , Gatti Elena , Piccioni Rossana , Bonetti Emanuele , Gavilán Elena , Valli Debora , Gruszka Alicja , Bodini Margherita , Gallo Barbara , Orecchioni Stefania , de Michele Giulia , Migliaccio Enrica , Duso Bruno A. , Roerink Sophie , Stratton Mike , Bertolini Francesco , Alcalay Myriam , Dellino Gaetano Ivan , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Risk and outcome of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) are particularly worsened in obese-overweight individuals, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. In established mouse APL models (Ctsg-PML::RARA), we confirmed that obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) enhances leukemogenesis by increasing penetrance and shortening latency, providing an ideal model to investigate obesity-induced molecular events in the preleukemic phase. Surprisingly, despite increasing DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), HFD only minimally increased mutational load, with no relevant impact on known cancer-driving genes. HFD expanded and enhanced self-renewal of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), with concomitant reduction in long-term HSCs. Importantly, linoleic acid, abundant in HFD, fully recapitulates the effect of HFD on the self-renewal of PML::RARA HPCs through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta, a central regulator of fatty acid metabolism. Our findings inform dietary/pharmacologic interventions to counteract obesity-associated cancers and suggest that nongenetic factors play a key role.

Prevention Relevance:
Our work informs interventions aimed at counteracting the cancer-promoting effect of obesity. On the basis of our study, individuals with a history of chronic obesity may still significantly reduce their risk by switching to a healthier lifestyle, a concept supported by evidence in solid tumors but not yet in hematologic malignancies.
See related Spotlight, p. 47
Decreases in Rhinology Care Utilization by People with Cystic Fibrosis on Highly Effective Modulator Therapy
Authors: Han Ethan J. , Beswick Daniel M. , Eshaghian Patricia H. , Turner Grant A. , Lee Jivianne T. , Li Douglas A. , Wang Marilene B. , Taylor-Cousar Jennifer L. , Suh Jeffrey D. 
Published: November 2023

Background: Many people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) have chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS requires additional management beyond that of pulmonary disease and leads to increased utilization of healthcare resources. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) is a highly effective modulator therapy that has been shown to improve CRS in PwCF. However, the impact of ETI on rhinologic healthcare utilization is understudied. Objective: To compare rates of rhinologic healthcare utilization and procedures among PwCF prior to and after initiating ETI therapy. Methods: A single-center, cohort study investigating adult PwCF was performed in January 2023. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and data related to CF treatment were retrospectively abstracted. Characteristics of the cohort were compared over 2 periods: the 12-months prior to ETI initiation and the 12-months after ETI initiation. Post-ETI data were linearly extrapolated if a subject had not yet completed the full 12 months of ETI. Paired t-testing, Wilcoxon signed rank testing, and regression analysis were performed. Results: Of 126 PwCF, 98 (77.8%) were on ETI therapy and 35 (27.7%) were both on ETI and concurrently followed by the rhinology service (ETI-ENT). Rhinology clinic visits ( P = .007) and frequency of obtaining nasal cultures ( P = .046) decreased for the ETI-ENT cohort after initiating ETI treatment. There were no significant changes in the number of endoscopic sinus surgeries ( P = .452) performed. Beyond ETI use, regression analysis did not identify any factors associated with changes in utilization. Conclusion: Aspects of rhinology healthcare utilization by PwCF decreased after initiation of ETI therapy. Additional studies are needed to determine rhinologic healthcare requirements for PwCF who remain on ETI for the long-term and to evaluate larger cohorts of PwCF on ETI.
Validity of Intelligence Assessment Among the Roma Minority Population
Authors: Czekóová Kristína , Urbánek Tomáš 
Published: November 2023

An accurate assessment of cognitive abilities in populations that differ from the majority in cultural and linguistic characteristics is one of the main challenges in cognitive testing. Previously developed methods for assessment of the validity of cognitive scores in individuals with diverse backgrounds, such as the Culture-Language Interpretative Matrix (C-LIM), have not been empirically substantiated. We tested the applicability of the C-LIM in the European context, by comparing selected test scores from the Woodcock-Johnson-IV Test of Cognitive Abilities (WJ-IV) between Roma children aged 7–11 years ( n = 399) and their counterparts from the normative population ( n = 131). The largest differences were detected in WJ-IV tests requiring abstract reasoning and manipulation with complex signs. Furthermore, the C-LIM did not reliably discriminate between our groups and its use appears to be inappropriate for making diagnostic decisions about children from populations that do not traditionally rely on processes such as categorical thinking, abstract reasoning, and generalization.
Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Emotional Support and Self-rated Health among Chinese Elderly
Authors: Zeng Xuejiao , Liu Xiaoming , Mahe Jinli , Guo Kai , Wang Lei , Li Liansheng , Jing Lipeng 
Published: November 2023

Purpose This study aimed to explore sex differences in the association between emotional support and self-rated health among the elderly. Design This was a cross-sectional survey based on the sub-project of China’s National Basic Public Health Service Project—Health Management Services for the Elderly. Setting Participants were recruited from ten rural townships in Jingyuan County, Gansu Province, Northwestern China. Subjects 1405 subjects aged 60 or above. Methods Emotional support (consisting of 5 items) and self-rated health (evaluated by EQ-VAS) were investigated in this study. Multiple linear regression was conducted to consider the potential relationship. Results The frequency of children visit and the number of providers of emotional support were positively associated with self-rated health among older women (β = 1.13, 95%CI = 0.25-2.02; β = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.01-2.58), whereas the number of close friends had a positive association with self-rated health among older men (β = 1.11, 95%CI = 0.20-2.01). The number of close relatives and the frequency of seeking emotional support were not found to be associated with self-rated health among both older men and older women. Conclusion The study has found that the relationship between emotional support and self-rated health was differed by sex, calling attention to the need for sex-specific interventions.
Burden of lupus activity on health care resources utilization in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Alvarado Rodolfo Nicolas , Alle Gelsomina , Tobar–Jaramillo Mayra Alejandra , Palomino Luis Carlos , Cáceres Agustín Gabriel , Rosa Javier Eduardo , Machnicki Gerardo , Zazzetti Federico , Soriano Enrique , Scolnik Marina 
Published: November 2023

Objective The aim is to analyze health care resource utilization (HCRU) of patients with lupus (SLE) from a health management organization (HMO) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, compared with matched controls and comparing periods of flare, low disease activity, and remission. Methods This is a retrospective observational study including all SLE incident cases (ACR 1997/SLICC 2012 criteria) between 2000 and 2020 and 5 matched controls. Clinical data and HCRU (medical and nonmedical consultations, lab and imaging tests performed, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and drugs prescribed) were obtained from administrative databases and electronic medical records. For each patient with SLE, an activity state was determined in every month of follow-up: flare (BILAG A or 2 BILAG B); low disease activity (LLDAS); remission (DORIS definition); or intermediate activity (not fulfilling any of previous). Incidence rates for each HCRU item and incidence rate ratios between SLE and control patients were and between remission and flare periods were calculated. Multivariate negative binomial logistic regression analyses were performed for identification of variables associated with major resource use. Results A total of 62 SLE and 310 control patients were included, 88.7% were women, the median age at diagnosis was 46 years, and were followed for more than 8 years. Patients with SLE contributed with 537.2 patient-years (CI 95% 461.1–613.3) and controls with 2761.9 patient-years (CI 95% 2600.9–2922.8). HCRU in patients with SLE was significantly higher than in controls in all items, even in remission periods. Patients with SLE remained 74.4% of the time in remission, 12.1% in LLDAS, 12.2% in intermediate activity, and 1.3% in flare (there were 64 flares in 36 patients). HCRU was significantly higher during flare periods compared with remission periods. Number of flares was independently associated with emergency department consultations, lab tests and X-ray performed, number of drugs prescribed, and hospitalizations. Conclusion Significantly more HCRU was observed in patients with SLE in flare compared to remission periods.
Acute acquired concomitant esotropia: May COVID-19 lockdowns have changed its presentation?
Authors: Cassano Flavio , Procoli Ugo , Ferrari Luisa Micelli , Buonamassa Rosa , Zaccaro Filomena , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni 
Published: November 2023

Purpose To evaluate the effects of COVID-19 lockdown in Italy on the features of Acute Acquired Concomitant Esotropia (AACE). Subjects Patients of the Polyclinic Hospital of Bari diagnosed with AACE between January 2018 and December 2021, subdivided in pre-lockdown group – diagnosed before March 2020 – and post-lockdown group. Methods Medical records were reviewed, and statistical analysis performed. Deviation size was assessed in the 9 cardinal positions of gaze with refractive correction. Wilcoxon test for unpaired samples was used to compare data of age, near maximum deviation and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for each eye; Student's t test was used to compare far maximum deviation, difference far/near maximum deviation and spherical equivalent data. Fisher exact test was used to compare subtype cases (Bielschowsky vs Non-Bielschowsky) in the two groups. A p-value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The primary outcome measure was the difference in AACE subtypes between the two groups. Results Nineteen patients were included, of which 12 males (63.2%); 7 belong to the pre-lockdown group and 12 to the post-lockdown group. The difference in types between the two groups proved to be statistically significant (p = 0.01977). The differences in the mean of age, right BCVA, right spherical equivalent and mean spherical equivalent between the two groups proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions After the COVID-19 pandemic, the profile of the typical patient with AACE has probably changed, and now it is more probably myopic and elderly than before. Thus, we observed an increase in the Bielschowsky subtype.