bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Penalized Inverse-Variance Weighted Estimator for Mendelian Randomization with Applications to COVID-19 Outcomes
Authors: Xu Siqi , Wang Peng , Fung Wing Kam , Liu Zhonghua 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMendelian randomization utilizes genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) to estimate the causal effect of an exposure variable on an outcome of interest even in the presence of unmeasured confounders. However, the popular inverse-variance weighted (IVW) estimator could be biased in the presence of weak IVs, a common challenge in MR studies. In this article, we develop a novel penalized inverse-variance weighted (pIVW) estimator, which adjusts the original IVW estimator to account for the weak IV issue by using a penalization approach to prevent the denominator of the pIVW estimator from being close to zero. Moreover, we adjust the variance estimation of the pIVW estimator to account for the presence of balanced horizontal pleiotropy. We show that the recently proposed debiased IVW (dIVW) estimator is a special case of our proposed pIVW estimator. We further prove that the pIVW estimator has smaller bias and variance than the dIVW estimator under some regularity conditions. We also conduct extensive simulation studies to demonstrate the performance of the proposed pIVW estimator. Furthermore, we apply the pIVW estimator to estimate the causal effects of five obesity-related exposures on three coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. Notably, we find that hypertensive disease is associated with an increased risk of hospitalized COVID-19; and peripheral vascular disease and higher body mass index are associated with increased risks of COVID-19 infection, hospitalized COVID-19, and critically ill COVID-19.
Elevated bone turnover markers predict bone mineral density accrual in adolescents with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Wiromrat Pattara , Namphaisan Phanpaphorn , Wongsurawat Nantaporn , Panamonta Ouyporn , Nasomyont Nat 
Published: August 2022

AbstractContextPrognostic biomarkers for monitoring bone health in adolescents with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) are needed.ObjectivesTo assess associations between concentrations of baseline bone turnover markers (BTMs) including osteocalcin (OC) and type‐I collagen C‐terminal telopeptide (CTX) and changes in lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) in adolescents with classic 21OHD.Designs and patientsA retrospective‐prospective study of 33 adolescents with classic 21OHD who had baseline data for LSBMD, bone age (BA), and BTM concentrations.MethodsBTM concentrations were converted into z‐scores according to BA. We measured LSBMD at the follow‐up study visit and calculated the annual percentage change in LSBMD (%∆LSBMD).ResultsAt baseline, participants (55% female, 79% Tanner 5) had mean (±SD) age of 14.6 ± 3.6 years, BA 16.7 ± 2.9 years, and average glucocorticoid (GC) dose 17.3 ± 5.6 mg/m2/day of hydrocortisone equivalent. The mean follow‐up duration was 14.4 ± 5.6 months. Median (Q1–Q3) %∆LSBMD was 3.6% (0–8.5)/year. %∆LSBMD was similar among genders or 21OHD subtypes. Prednisolone versus hydrocortisone replacement resulted in lower %∆LSBMD (p = .004). %∆LSBMD was increased across tertiles of CTX z‐score (p = .014). %∆LSBMD correlated negatively with GC dose (p = .01) and positively with CTX and OC z‐scores (p < .01). In regression analyses, only CTX z‐score positively associated with %∆LSBMD (p = .003), adjusting for sex, BA, body mass index, testosterone, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, and GC type and dose.ConclusionsHigher GC dose and the use of prednisolone were associated with decreased LSBMD accrual in adolescents with 21OHD. CTX z‐score independently associated with LSBMD accrual, suggesting its potential for prognostic bone biomarker.
Analysis of impacts of inflation on the distribution of household consumption expenditures
Authors: Taylor Lester D. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAs a consequence of the COVID‐19 pandemic of early 2020, production in the United States, as in much of the world, largely came to a standstill. Unemployment in the United States quickly rose from 3.5% in February to 13.2% in May, quarter‐to‐quarter GDP fell 7.8%, and substantial transfers were enacted to maintain household income. The resulting mismatch between aggregate supply and demand not surprisingly ignited an inflation that by early 2022 had reached a year‐over‐year 40‐year high. The purpose of the present communication is to utilize a framework developed from data embodied in surveys of households’ consumer expenditures to analyze impacts of this inflation on separate categories of expenditure. The engine for the analysis, whose construction is described in detail by Taylor (2013, is a matrix of “intra‐budget” coefficients that represent the direct relationships amongst different categories of expenditure in households’ budgets. The elements of this matrix are constructed from the information in 58 quarters of data (2006 through 2019) from the ongoing BLS Survey of Consumer Expenditure to analyze effects and impacts on 16 categories of US household consumption expenditure of the 2021–2022 inflation. Principal findings include: expenditures for housing, transportation, gasoline and oil, and personal insurance consistently endure the largest impacts from inflation; real‐ income effects from inflation differ from those arising from a like cut in nominal income; not surprisingly, food expenditures are most impacted at low income.
Common hippopotamus in the upper Dhidhessa River and its conflicts with Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Factory, Ethiopia
Authors: Teshome Kena , Erena Mosissa Geleta 
Published: August 2022

AbstractDue to the loss of wetlands, land‐use change, and confrontations with humans, the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is one of the largest land mammals currently threatened and classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The common hippo is found in protected and unprotected habitats, marshes, and inland major rivers of Ethiopia. However, little is known about the population status of hippos in the country. Hence, this study aimed to reveal the current population size of hippos and its conflicts with sugarcane plantation in Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Factory. Data on population size, diet composition, and potential hippo conflicts was also collected from August 2020 to February 2021. The complete on‐foot count method was used to estimate the hippo population during the wet and dry seasons. The backtracking approach was used to determine the hippo's diet, which involved identifying and quantifying foraged species using quadrats. The total sugarcane stalk damage was counted in the sampled fields to determine sugarcane damage. Direct observation and interviews with sugarcane guards were used to identify mitigation methods employed to prevent hippo attacks. During the wet and dry seasons, a total of 96 and 182 hippos were documented in the upper Dhidhessa River, respectively. Hippos ate 23 plant species from 11 different families. The Poaceae family made up 51.32% of the hippo's diet. During the wet and dry seasons, a total of 662 (36.5%) and 1156 (63.5%) sugarcane stalks/ha were damaged, respectively. The best mitigation techniques against hippo assaults in the area were guarding, fencing, trenching, and burning fire. A sound conservation action plan for hippos along the Dhidhessa River and associated banks must be developed. Furthermore, while hippos are encircled by the Arjo‐Dhidhessa sugarcane irrigation scheme, modern mitigation measures and corridors for hippos should be implemented.
Developmental changes in colour constancy in a naturalistic object selection task
Authors: Wedge‐Roberts Rebecca , Aston Stacey , Beierholm Ulrik , Kentridge Robert , Hurlbert Anya , Nardini Marko , Olkkonen Maria 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWhen the illumination falling on a surface change, so does the reflected light. Despite this, adult observers are good at perceiving surfaces as relatively unchanging—an ability termed colour constancy. Very few studies have investigated colour constancy in infants, and even fewer in children. Here we asked whether there is a difference in colour constancy between children and adults; what the developmental trajectory is between six and 11 years; and whether the pattern of constancy across illuminations and reflectances differs between adults and children. To this end, we developed a novel, child‐friendly computer‐based object selection task. In this, observers saw a dragon's favourite sweet under a neutral illumination and picked the matching sweet from an array of eight seen under a different illumination (blue, yellow, red, or green). This set contained a reflectance match (colour constant; perfect performance) and a tristimulus match (colour inconstant). We ran two experiments, with two‐dimensional scenes in one and three‐dimensional renderings in the other. Twenty‐six adults and 33 children took part in the first experiment; 26 adults and 40 children took part in the second. Children performed better than adults on this task, and their performance decreased with age in both experiments. We found differences across illuminations and sweets, but a similar pattern across both age groups. This unexpected finding might reflect a real decrease in colour constancy from childhood to adulthood, explained by developmental changes in the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms underpinning colour constancy, or differences in task strategies between children and adults.Highlights
Six‐ to 11‐year‐old children demonstrated better performance than adults on a colour constancy object selection task.
Performance decreased with age over childhood.
These findings may indicate development of cognitive strategies used to overcome automatic colour constancy mechanisms.
An ethics of anthropology‐informed community engagement with COVID‐19 clinical trials in Africa
Authors: Edwards Sarah J. L. , Silaigwana Blessing , Asogun Danny , Mugwagwa Julius , Ntoumi Francine , Ansumana Rashid , Bardosh Kevin , Ambe Jennyfer 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has reinforced the critical role of ethics and community engagement in designing and conducting clinical research during infectious disease outbreaks where no vaccine or treatment already exists. In reviewing current practices across Africa, we distinguish between three distinct roles for community engagement in clinical research that are often conflated: 1) the importance of community engagement for identifying and honouring cultural sensitivities; 2) the importance of recognising the socio‐political context in which the research is proposed; and 3) the importance of understanding what is in the interest of communities recruited to research according to their own views and values. By making these distinctions, we show that current practice of clinical research could draw on anthropology in ways which are sometimes unnecessary to solicit local cultural values, overlook the importance of socio‐political contexts and wider societal structures within which it works, potentially serving to reinforce unjust political or social regimes, and threaten to cast doubt on the trustworthiness of the research. We argue that more discerning anthropological engagement as well as wider collaboration with other social scientists and those working in the humanities is urgently needed to improve the ethics of current biomedical and pharmaceutical research practice in Africa.
Stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification System over time in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Huroy Menal , Behlim Tarannum , Andersen John , Buckley David , Fehlings Darcy , Kirton Adam , Pigeon Nicole , Mishaal Ram A. , Wood Ellen , Shevell Michael , Oskoui Maryam 
Published: August 2022

AimTo assess the stability of the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) from time of preliminary diagnosis (~2 years of age) to time of diagnosis (~5 years of age), and to examine factors associated with reclassification.MethodWe conducted a longitudinal study using a sample from the Canadian CP Registry. Stability was analysed by using the percentage of agreement between timepoints and a weighted prevalence and bias adjusted kappa statistic. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify variables associated with reclassification.ResultsThe study included 1670 children (857 males, 713 females) with a mean age of 11 years 4 months (SD 4 years, range 3 years 5 months–20 years 1 month) at time of data extraction (3rd September 2019), of which 1435 (85.9%) maintained a stable GMFCS, with a weighted kappa of 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.89–0.92). Univariate logistic regression showed that initial GMFCS level, CP subtype, and the presence of cognitive impairment were associated with the likelihood of change in the GMFCS level (p < 0.1). In the multivariate analysis, however, the likelihood was associated with initial GMFCS level only (odds ratio 7.10–8.88, p < 0.00).InterpretationThe GMFCS has good stability in early childhood. For the majority of children, it is predictive of their long‐term motor function.What this paper adds

The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) rating in early childhood is stable over time.
There is no directionality in the reclassification of the GMFCS.
The initial GMFCS level was related to the likelihood of change in follow‐up GMFCS level.
Implementing telepsychiatry in an early psychosis service during COVID‐19: Experiences of young people and clinicians and changes in service utilization
Authors: Randall Leigh‐Anne , Raisin Cara , Waters Flavie , Williams Chelsey , Shymko Gordon , Davis Deepak 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAimIn response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, our early psychosis program rapidly transitioned to telepsychiatry. This study examined the change in health service utilization and experiences of young people and clinicians in response to the implementation of telepsychiatry.MethodsMixed methodology and triangulation of evidence drawn from health service databases and survey data. Using a retrospective observational design, health service data from pre‐ (Time 1) and post‐(Time 2) telepsychiatry periods were compared. Surveys were also conducted with representation from clinicians and young people.ResultsThe number of appointments increased between Time 1 and 2, although this was accompanied by a near‐doubling in missed appointments (8% to 13%). Young people had mixed views about telepsychiatry. While convenience was a frequently cited benefit, clients reported technological issues, isolation and lack of human connection. A preference for face‐to‐face appointments was linked to younger age and anxiety when using telepsychiatry. Clinicians reported improved workplace satisfaction and efficiency but noted some limitations in the use of telepsychiatry including difficulty interviewing and managing unwell clients remotely and called for greater skill development.ConclusionsThe introduction of telepsychiatry in response to COVID‐19 was associated with an increase in service activity; however, there was an increase missed appointments by young people. Although clinicians and clients reported positive experiences, telepsychiatry was not completely endorsed as a replacement for face‐to‐face interactions.
Acceptability and feasibility of a multidomain harmonized data collection protocol in youth mental health
Authors: Youn Sarah , Mamsa Somayra , Allott Kelly , Berger Maximus , Polari Andrea , Rice Simon , Schmaal Lianne , Wood Stephen , Lavoie Suzie 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo develop targeted treatment for young people experiencing mental illness, a better understanding of the biological, psychological, and social changes is required, particularly during the early stages of illness. To do this, large datasets need to be collected using standardized methods. A harmonized data collection protocol was tested in a youth mental health research setting to determine its acceptability and feasibility.MethodEighteen participants completed the harmonization protocol, including a clinical interview, self‐report measures, neurocognitive measures, and mock assessments of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and blood. The feasibility of the protocol was assessed by recording recruitment rates, study withdrawals, missing data, and protocol deviations. Subjective responses from participant surveys and focus groups were used to examine the acceptability of the protocol.ResultsTwenty‐eight young people were approached, 18 consented, and four did not complete the study. Most participants reported positive subjective impressions of the protocol as a whole and showed interest in participating in the study again, if given the opportunity. Participants generally perceived the MRI and neurocognitive tasks as interesting and suggested that the assessment of clinical presentation could be shortened.ConclusionOverall, the harmonized data collection protocol appeared to be feasible and generally well‐accepted by participants. With a majority of participants finding the assessment of clinical presentation too long and repetitive, the authors have made suggestions to shorten the self‐reports. The broader implementation of this protocol could allow researchers to create large datasets and better understand how psychopathological and neurobiological changes occur in young people with mental ill‐health.
Seizures following COVID‐19 vaccination in Mexico: A nationwide observational study
Authors: Núñez Isaac , García‐Grimshaw Miguel , Castillo Valencia Carlos Yoel , Aguilera Callejas Daniel Eduardo , Moya Alfaro Mónica Libertad , Saniger‐Alba María del Mar , Gutiérrez‐Romero Alonso , Carrillo‐Mezo Roger , Ceballos‐Liceaga Santa Elizabeth , Baptista‐Rosas Raúl C. , López‐Gatell Hugo , Reyes‐Terán Gustavo , Díaz‐Ortega Jose Luis , Arauz Antonio , Valdés‐Ferrer Sergio Iván , Hernández‐Vanegas Laura E. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic led to the development and emergency approval of an array of effective vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2. Given the relatively small number of patients included in vaccine trials, postapproval epidemiological surveillance is crucial to detect infrequent vaccine‐related adverse events. We conducted a nationwide retrospective descriptive study evaluating the incidence of seizures among recipients of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in Mexico from December 24, 2020 (date of administration of first doses nationwide) to October 29, 2021. Among 81 916 351 doses of any vaccine that were administered, we documented seizures in 53 patients, of which 31 (60%) were new onset seizures. The incidence rate of seizures per million doses was highest for mRNA‐1273 (Moderna) with 2.73 per million, followed by BNT162b2 (Pfizer‐BioNTech) with 1.02 per million, and Ad5‐nCoV (CanSino) with 1.01 per million. Thus, we found that seizures following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination are exceedingly rare events.
Gangs, gang members, and geography
Authors: Bloch Stefano 
Published: August 2022

AbstractGangs are geographically oriented social entities as evidenced by the display of cardinal points in their graffiti, the use of neighborhood namesakes, a focus on territoriality as their raison d'être, as well as in the way they are policed and legally cordoned. Despite gang members' real and imagined penchant for transgressive place‐making and demarcation, it has been sociologists and criminologists, not geographers, who have produced the lion's share of spatially nuanced research on gangs. In this article, I provide a review of the social scientific literature on gangs, concluding with a call for how to make the discipline of geography more inclusive for gang researchers who possess real‐world experience with assertive place‐making practices.
Relationship between oral health and social activity among community‐dwelling older adults in Korea: Focusing on the mediating effect of depressive symptoms
Authors: Park Han Nah , Yoon Ju Young 
Published: August 2022

AimThis study aimed to examine the relationship between oral health and social activity, and explore the mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between oral health and social activity among community‐dwelling older adults in Korea.MethodsA total of 5033 community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years were included in the analysis. Data were obtained from the seventh wave (2018) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis and path analysis for mediation analysis were used.ResultsPath analysis showed that older adults with better oral health had more social activities (β = 0.177, P < 0.001) and fewer depressive symptoms (β = −0.174, P < 0.001). Depressive symptoms had a mediating role partially in the relationship between oral health and social activity (β = 0.014, P < 0.001). The results of in‐depth exploration using oral health subdomains showed that physical oral function and oral pain or discomfort were directly related to the social activity (β = 0.083 and β = 0.149, respectively) and indirectly mediated by depressive symptoms (β = 0.006 and β = 0.004, respectively). However, psychosocial oral function only had an indirect effect on social activity mediated by depressive symptoms (β = 0.006, P = 0.005).ConclusionsBetter oral health had a significant association with higher levels of social activities, which was partially mediated by decreased depressive symptoms. It is necessary to pay more attention to oral health promotion for older adults to decrease depressive symptoms and increase participation in social activities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 766–772.
Extrarenal renal cell carcinoma arising in the kidney proximity but without an identifiable renal primary – an intriguing dilemma: report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Mansoor Mehdi , Young‐Speirs Morgan , Ren Bing , Gotto Geoffrey , Merten Larissa , Sawhney Summit , Siadat Farshid , Acosta Andres M , Agaimy Abbas , Trpkov Kiril 
Published: August 2022

AimTo raise awareness of the existence of extrarenal renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Methods and resultsWe report three patients with extrarenal RCC found in the renal proximity, but unattached to the kidney. None had a history of RCC or an identifiable primary renal neoplasm at the time of the diagnosis and on follow‐up. The patients included two males and one female aged 57, 77, and 63 years, respectively. One carcinoma was found in the perirenal tissue adjacent to the adrenal, one involved the adrenal gland, and one was a retroperitoneal mass found within the lymph nodes. Two extrarenal RCCs represented clear‐cell RCCs and one was an unclassifiable RCC. No patient had evidence of metastases at presentation and disease progression during the follow‐up. This report adds to the literature on this unusual clinical scenario and further supports the concept of extrarenal RCC, which is not a well‐recognized clinical phenomenon. We also reviewed other similar reports documenting the absence of identifiable renal primaries in the setting of either disseminated metastatic disease or isolated distant metastases of presumed renal origin. Similarly, some carcinomas of apparent renal derivation have been also identified during a work‐up of metastatic carcinomas of unknown primary.ConclusionsThere should be an awareness of this unusual and intriguing clinical scenario that currently lacks a definitive explanation and standardized therapy strategies. Establishing a correct diagnosis may allow treatment with specific targeted therapies in selected clinical cases.