bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Occupational Epidemiology in Western Iran
Authors: Darbandi Mitra , Rezaeian Shahab , Najafi Farid , Shadmani Fatemeh Khosravi , Ghavi Saeed , Miryan Mahsa , Pasdar Yahya , Barzegar Akbar 
Published: June 2023

Objective
The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), biochemical and anthropometric indicators, and lifestyle among 10 occupational groups.

Method
The sample included 4818 men aged 35 to 65 years. The occupational group is based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations.

Result
The highest prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus was observed in managerial occupational groups (18.62%) and technicians and associate professionals (14%), respectively. Musculoskeletal disorders were more in skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers, as well as craft-related trades workers, and elementary occupations. The highest body mass index was related to the managers.

Conclusions
Noncommunicable diseases were higher in managers, while musculoskeletal disorders belonged to farmers and workers. Finally, lifestyle modification can help reduce NCDs and improve biochemical markers by increasing physical activity.
Stratifying Risk of Future Growth Among Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Marinelli John P. , Schnurman Zane , Killeen Daniel E. , Nassiri Ashley M. , Hunter Jacob B. , Lees Katherine A. , Lohse Christine M. , Roland J. Thomas , Golfinos John G. , Kondziolka Douglas , Link Michael J. , Carlson Matthew L. 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveIn certain cases, clinicians may consider continued observation of a vestibular schwannoma after initial growth is detected. The aim of the current work was to determine if patients with growing sporadic vestibular schwannomas could be stratified by the likelihood of subsequent growth based on initial growth behavior.Study DesignSlice-by-slice volumetric tumor measurements from 3,505 serial magnetic resonance imaging studies were analyzed from 952 consecutively treated patients.SettingThree tertiary-referral centers.PatientsAdults with sporadic vestibular schwannoma.InterventionsWait-and-scan.Main Outcome MeasuresComposite end point of subsequent growth- or treatment-free survival rates, where growth is defined as an additional increase of at least 20% in tumor volume from the volume at the time of initial growth.ResultsAmong 405 patients who elected continued observation despite documented growth, stratification, of volumetric growth rate into less than 25% (reference: n = 107), 25 to less than 50% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.39;p= 0.06; n = 96), 50 to less than 100% (HR, 1.71;p= 0.002; n = 112), and at least 100% (HR, 2.01;p< 0.001; n = 90) change per year predicted the likelihood of future growth or treatment. Subsequent growth- or treatment-free survival rates (95% confidence interval) at year 5 after detection of initial growth were 31% (21–44%) for those with less than 25% growth per year, 18% (10–32%) for those with 25 to less than 50%, 15% (9–26%) for those with 50 to less than 100%, and 6% (2–16%) for those with at least 100%. Neither patient age (p= 0.15) nor tumor volume at diagnosis (p= 0.95) significantly differed across stratification groups.ConclusionsAt the time of diagnosis, clinical features cannot consistently predict which tumors will ultimately display aggressive behavior. Stratification by volumetric growth rate at the time of initial growth results in a stepwise progression of increasing likelihood of subsequent growth. When considering continued observation after initial growth detection, almost 95% of patients who have tumors that double in volume between diagnosis and the first detection of growth demonstrate further tumor growth or undergo treatment if observed to 5 years.
Tobacco Smoking and Pack-Years Are Associated With Frailty Among People With HIV
Authors: Ruderman Stephanie A. , Odden Michelle C , Webel Allison R. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Crane Paul K. , Nance Robin M. , Drumright Lydia N. , Whitney Bridget M. , Mixson Lyndsey Sarah , Ma Jimmy , Willig Amanda L. , Haidar Lara , Eltonsy Sherif , Mayer Kenneth H. , O'Cleirigh Conall , Cropsey Karen L. , Eron Joseph J. , Napravnik Sonia , Greene Meredith , McCaul Mary , Chander Geetanjali , Cachay Edward , Lober William B. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Austad Steven , Landay Alan , Pandya Chintan , Cartujano-Barrera Francisco , Saag Michael S. , Kamen Charles , Hahn Andrew W. , Kitahata Mari M. , Delaney Joseph A. C. , Crane Heidi M. 
Published: June 2023

Background:Tobacco smoking increases frailty risk among the general population and is common among people with HIV (PWH) who experience higher rates of frailty at younger ages than the general population.Methods:We identified 8608 PWH across 6 Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems sites who completed ≥2 patient-reported outcome assessments, including a frailty phenotype measuring unintentional weight loss, poor mobility, fatigue, and inactivity, and scored 0–4. Smoking was measured as baseline pack-years and time-updated never, former, or current use with cigarettes/day. We used Cox models to associate smoking with risk of incident frailty (score ≥3) and deterioration (frailty score increase by ≥2 points), adjusted for demographics, antiretroviral medication, and time-updated CD4 count.Results:The mean follow-up of PWH was 5.3 years (median: 5.0), the mean age at baseline was 45 years, 15% were female, and 52% were non-White. At baseline, 60% reported current or former smoking. Current (HR: 1.79; 95% confidence interval: 1.54 to 2.08) and former (HR: 1.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.12 to 1.53) smoking were associated with higher incident frailty risk, as were higher pack-years. Current smoking (among younger PWH) and pack-years, but not former smoking, were associated with higher risk of deterioration.Conclusions:Among PWH, smoking status and duration are associated with incident and worsening frailty.
Regulatory T Cell Biomarkers Identify Patients at Risk of Developing Acute Cellular Rejection in the First Year Following Heart Transplantation
Authors: Kim Ji-Young V. , Assadian Sara , Hollander Zsuzsanna , Burns Paloma , Shannon Casey P. , Lam Karen , Toma Mustafa , Ignaszewski Andrew , Davies Ross A. , Delgado Diego , Haddad Haissam , Isaac Debra , Kim Daniel , Mui Alice , Rajda Miroslaw , West Lori , White Michel , Zieroth Shelley , Keown Paul A. , McMaster W. Robert , Ng Raymond T. , McManus Bruce M. , Levings Megan K. , Tebbutt Scott J. 
Published: June 2023

Background.
Acute cellular rejection (ACR), an alloimmune response involving CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, occurs in up to 20% of patients within the first year following heart transplantation. The balance between a conventional versus regulatory CD4+ T cell alloimmune response is believed to contribute to developing ACR. Therefore, tracking these cells may elucidate whether changes in these cell populations could signal ACR risk.

Methods.
We used a CD4+ T cell gene signature (TGS) panel that tracks CD4+ conventional T cells (Tconv) and regulatory T cells (Treg) on longitudinal samples from 94 adult heart transplant recipients. We evaluated combined diagnostic performance of the TGS panel with a previously developed biomarker panel for ACR diagnosis, HEARTBiT, while also investigating TGS’ prognostic utility.

Results.
Compared with nonrejection samples, rejection samples showed decreased Treg- and increased Tconv-gene expression. The TGS panel was able to discriminate between ACR and nonrejection samples and, when combined with HEARTBiT, showed improved specificity compared with either model alone. Furthermore, the increased risk of ACR in the TGS model was associated with lower expression of Treg genes in patients who later developed ACR. Reduced Treg gene expression was positively associated with younger recipient age and higher intrapatient tacrolimus variability.

Conclusions.
We demonstrated that expression of genes associated with CD4+ Tconv and Treg could identify patients at risk of ACR. In our post hoc analysis, complementing HEARTBiT with TGS resulted in an improved classification of ACR. Our study suggests that HEARTBiT and TGS may serve as useful tools for further research and test development.
Parkinson's disease – genetic cause
Authors: Cherian Ajith , K.P Divya , Vijayaraghavan Asish 
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review
Our knowledge of the genetic architecture underlying Parkinson's disease has vastly improved in the past quarter century. About 5–10% of all patients suffer from a monogenic form of Parkinson's disease.

Recent findings
Mutations in autosomal dominant genes (e.g. SNCA, LRRK2, VPS35) or autosomal recessive genes (e.g. PRKN, PINK1, DJ-1) can cause genetic Parkinson's disease. Recessive DNAJC6 mutations can present predominantly as atypical parkinsonism, but also rarely as typical Parkinson's disease. Majority of Parkinson's disease is genetically complex. Mutation in RIC3, a chaperone of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit α-7 (CHRNA7), provides strong evidence for the role of cholinergic pathway, for the first time, in cause of Parkinson's disease. X-linked parkinsonism manifests at a young age accompanied by many (atypical) features such as intellectual disability, spasticity, seizures, myoclonus, dystonia, and have poor response to levodopa.

Summary
This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview on Parkinson's disease genetics. MAPT, which encodes the microtubule associated protein tau, TMEM230, LRP10, NUS1 and ARSA are the five new putative disease-causing genes in Parkinson's disease. The validation of novel genes and its association with Parkinson's disease remains extremely challenging, as genetically affected families are sparse and globally widespread. In the near future, genetic discoveries in Parkinson's disease will influence our ability to predict and prognosticate the disease, help in defining etiological subtypes that are critical in implementation of precision medicine.
Improvement Effect of Upper Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy During Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy on the Prognosis in Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Efficacy Index and Propensity Score Matching Analyses
Authors: Oshikiri Taro , Goto Hironobu , Kato Takashi , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Kanaji Shingo , Yamashita Kimihiro , Fujino Yasuhiro , Tominaga Masahiro , Matsuda Takeru , Kakeji Yoshihiro 
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:
The effect of lymphadenectomy around the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in open esophagectomy has been demonstrated with the efficacy index (EI). However, it remains unclear whether this effect exists for minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in the prone position. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy contributed to improved prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN:
This study included 339 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with MIE in the prone position at Kobe University or Hyogo Cancer Center, Japan, from 2010 to 2015. EIs for each station, correlations between metastatic lymph nodes around the left RLN and RLN palsy, and survival of patients with and without upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy were investigated.

RESULTS:
Among 297 patients treated with upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy, Clavien- Dindo grade ≥ II left RLN palsy occurred in 59 patients (20%). Overall, EIs for the right RLN (7.4) and left RLN (6.6) were higher than EIs for other stations. For patients with upper-third or middle-third tumors, the trend was stronger. Left RLN palsy was more likely in patients with metastatic lymph nodes around the left RLN than in those without (44% vs 15%, p < 0.0001). After propensity score-matching, 42 patients were included in each group with and without upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy. In survival analyses, the 5-year overall survival rates were 55% vs 35% and cause-specific survival rates were 61% vs 43% for the patients with and without upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy respectively. Significant differences were confirmed in survival curves (overall survival: p = 0.03; cause-specific survival: p = 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:
Upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy contributes to improved prognosis with high EIs in MIE in the prone position.
Transcriptomics Reveals Tumorigenesis and Pathogen Response in Scombrid Puffy Snout Syndrome
Authors: Leidholt Savanah L. , Bistolas Kalia , Pastey Manoj , Dasenko Mark , Miller Emily , Van Houtan Kyle S. , Boustany Andre , Galivn Tatiana , Vega Thurber Rebecca 
Published: June 2023

AbstractScombrids represent some of the most economically important fisheries globally. However, increased interest in creating aquaculture systems for these fish has also increased the risk for disease emergence. One such disease, Puffy Snout Syndrome (PSS), causes collagenous tissue growths on the face in numerous scombrid taxa. PSS has mainly been documented in captive-held fish populations and can lead to high mortality rates. Despite this, little is known about the causative agent(s) of PSS and the immune response they elicit. Therefore, we leveraged transcriptomic data of PSS symptomatic-captive, asymptomatic-captive, and healthy-wild Pacific Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) to evaluate the physiological characteristics of PSS infections and identify a potential mechanism of disease. Captive symptomatic and asymptomatic mackerel showed distinct gene expression patterns from their wild counterparts. Genes involved in tumorigenesis, immune response, and tissue remodeling were overexpressed in captive-held fish. WNT9 was the most overexpressed gene in captive groups, and the WNT signaling pathway itself showed a ∼3 fold increase in KEGG pathway enrichment analysis in captive animals. When captive fish were compared, asymptomatic fish showed lower expression of inflammation genes, but high expression of tumor suppressor genes compared to symptomatic-captive fish. Together, these host pathophysiological data and our past visual identification of RNA virus-like particles in afflicted tissues suggest that viral-mediated oncogenesis may be driving PSS in captive mackerel.
Significant factors affecting the New Zealand transportation infrastructure project cost – quantity surveyors' perception
Authors: Atapattu Chinthaka Niroshan , Domingo Niluka , Sutrisna Monty 
Published: June 2023

PurposeCost overrun is one of the critical issues faced in construction projects, as nine out of ten projects will likely go over the budget. In particular, transportation infrastructure (TI) projects, such as roads and bridges, are vastly affected by cost overruns, which can delay the entire project. This research intends to identify the factors affecting the cost overruns in New Zealand (NZ) TI projects.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted using a questionnaire survey involving ninety-two participants experienced in infrastructure project estimation in NZ. Quantitative methods were used to analyse the data.FindingsFifty-three factors were identified through literature under ten categories. Based on the survey, ten significant factors were identified with a high grade of importance. The three most critical factors were “frequent design changes,” “poor planning and scheduling” and “inadequate tender documentation.” It was found that the cost overrun is primarily affected by the pre-contract stage causes.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected from professionals involved in NZTI projects. Therefore, the implications may be different for other contexts.Practical implicationsThe results will improve the current estimation practice by developing a new statistical model considering all the significant variables for NZTI projects.Originality/valueAlthough much research is done to identify these factors, they are only considered in a few statistical cost models. These new statistical models mainly focused on technical variable factors similar to the current standard estimation process. However, the results of this research, qualitative and quantitative factors, will be used for the future cost model.
Business process reengineering for designing a knowledge-enabled customer-centric competitiveness strategy
Authors: Al-Shammari Minwir M. 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe study aims to design a holistic multi-stage hierarchical model that leverages the firm's knowledge-enabled distinctive core competencies (DCCs) and builds enduring and profitable customer relationships to achieve sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) in dynamic and challenging environments. It developed a knowledge-enabled customer-centric competitiveness strategy (KCCS) model that integrates four pillars: business process reengineering (BPR), knowledge management (KM), customer relationship management (CRM) and competitiveness strategy. It also proposed a BPR model to enable cross-functional cooperation and coordination for firms dealing with customers, provided a blueprint for KCCS's successful implementation and compared the KCCS model with other customer-centric (CC) approaches.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted an exploratory research design based on a literature review of relevant studies. It has systematically analyzed 130 articles and books from Scopus, the Web of Science, Google Scholar and other renowned databases from 1982 to 2022. The analysis involved identifying and selecting relevant literature and conducting thematic research to develop a theoretical KCCS model that integrates BPR, KM, CRM, competitiveness strategy and the firm's SCA into a KCCS model.FindingsThis study developed an integrative KCCS theoretical model rooted in the extant literature in BPR, KM, CRM, competitiveness strategy, DCCs, SCA and other fields. The study proposed a BPR model as a significant component of KCCS that enables cross-functional cooperation and coordination, which are often troublesome for firms in their dealings with customers. The study also provided a blueprint for successfully implementing the KCCS model and compared the KCCS model with other CC approaches.Originality/valueThis study filled many research gaps in the literature in which knowledge-enabled CC frameworks are widely scattered. It offered a conceptual multi-stage hierarchical KCCS model that combines interrelated elements of BPR, KM, CRM, and competitiveness strategy. It proposed a BPR model as a significant component of the KCCS that enables cross-functional cooperation and coordination, which frequently form barriers when dealing with customers. It also provided a blueprint for successfully implementing the KCCS and compared it with other CC approaches.
Target classification using radar cross-section statistics of millimeter-wave scattering
Authors: Coşkun Aysu , Bilicz Sándor 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the classification of targets based on their radar cross-section (RCS). The wavelength, the dimensions of the targets and the distance from the antenna are in the order of 1 mm, 1 m and 10 m, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach
The near-field RCS is considered, and the physical optics approximation is used for its numerical calculation. To model real scenarios, the authors assume that the incident angle is a random variable within a narrow interval, and repeated observations of the RCS are made for its random realizations. Then, the histogram of the RCS is calculated from the samples. The authors use a nearest neighbor rule to classify conducting plates with different shapes based on their RCS histogram.

Findings
This setup is considered as a simple model of traffic road sign classification by millimeter-wavelength radar. The performance and limitations of the algorithm are demonstrated through a set of representative numerical examples.

Originality/value
The proposed method extends the existing tools by using near-field RCS histograms as target features to achieve a classification algorithm.
Investigating crowd logistics platform operations for local food distribution
Authors: Cramer Florian , Fikar Christian 
Published: June 2023

PurposeShort food supply chains have the potential to facilitate the transition to more sustainable food systems. Related distribution processes, however, can be challenging for smallholder and family farmers. To extend the market reach of farmers without the need for extensive investments, crowd logistics (CL) can be used. The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits and trade-offs of implementing CL platforms in short food supply chains (SFSCs).Design/methodology/approachA decision support system (DSS) based on agent-based and discrete event simulation (DES) modelling is developed, which closely approximates the behaviour of customers and distribution processes at outlets. Different scenarios are explored to evaluate the potential of CL in rural and urban settings using the example of regions from Bavaria, Germany.FindingsResults show that CL can be used to increase the reach of farmers in SFSCs at the cost of minor food quality losses. Moreover, a difference between urban and rural settings is noted: An urban scenario requires less investment in the driver base, whereas the rural scenario shows a higher potential to increase market reach.Originality/valuePlatform-based food delivery services are still mostly unexplored in the context of SFSCs. This research shows that platform services such as CL can be used to support local agriculture and facilitate the distribution of perishable food items, introducing a simulation-based DSS and providing detailed results on various application settings; this research serves as a steppingstone to facilitate successful real-world implementations and encourage further research.
Active community for climate change: a Dynamic Performance Governance analysis of a biodiversity preservation program
Authors: Vignieri Vincenzo 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This study aims to illustrate how collaborative platforms may leverage active community for climate change adaptation to implement biodiversity preservation policies.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts the Dynamic Performance Governance methodological framework to analyze the causal relationships affecting biodiversity preservation policy outcomes.

Findings
Active community reduces harmful factors for biodiversity (i.e. biological threats and anthropogenic pressure), limiting the risk of extinction of perennial plants. Stakeholders’ prior knowledge is an enabling condition of climate adaptation processes as it triggers the adoption of prescriptions and cultural changes in a community.

Practical implications
The study provides methodological guidance to define measures to deliver material information to support environmental performance governance. It elaborates an inventory of short- and long-term performance indicators integrating natural-science targets into accounting measures that can support policymakers operating in other contexts to implement climate change adaptation policies.

Social implications
As a response to the study findings, social implications provide insights into how active community in collaborative platforms for climate change may support stakeholders to address natural resources imbalances, define strategies to share the burden among them and intervene on multiple policy domains (e.g. financial, environmental and social).

Originality/value
Climate change adaptation challenges are conceptualized as “super wicked problems,” and the collaborative platforms designed to address them are rendered as complex adaptive systems. This makes the paper go beyond traditional environmental governance, demonstrating that stakeholders’ interactions within collaborative platforms harness active community specialized knowledge.