bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the trade openness–unemployment nexus: an application of the novel JKS panel causality test with static and dynamic panel models
Authors: Bhat Mudaser Ahad , Beg Mirza Nazrana
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper documents a robust empirical regularity: higher trade openness is associated with a lower unemployment rate. This paper also examines whether or not the effects of trade liberalisation depend on countries' income levels. Further, the dynamic causation between trade openness and unemployment is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to obtain insight into the openness–unemployment nexus, following empirical methods were utilised - static panel models, dynamic panel models and a novel panel Granger causality approach proposed by Juodis et al. (2021).

Findings

Results suggest that openness negatively affects unemployment; the extent to which trade liberalisation affects unemployment depends on the income level of each country. The Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis (JKS) test confirmed that the past values of trade openness, inflation, foreign direct investment and gross domestic product per capita contain information that helps to predict unemployment in a more robust manner. To simply put, opening upto trade may eventually become a requirement for creating more job opportunities, but this alone may not be enough. The extent to which nations benefit from trade liberalisation is largely dependent on the overall economic conditions and their capability to move up the income scale.

Originality/value

A major difference between this study and those performed previously is that this study does not only examine the impact of trade openness on unemployment, but also investigates whether the unemployment effect of liberalisation is affected by countries' income levels – an issue that has received little attention in the past. Additionally, the unique panel non-causality approach put forth by Juodis et al. (2021) is used in the first instance to look into the causal link between trade openness and unemployment. This method has advantages in that the method enables capturing Granger-causality in homogeneous or heterogeneous panels amongst multiple variables.
Exploring the educational needs and challenges faced by undocumented sub-Saharan students in Moroccan public schools
Authors: Ismaili Yassine
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the educational experiences of sub-Saharan African undocumented students in Moroccan public schools, as well as the perceptions of instructors regarding the challenges and needs of sub-Saharan students in the capital city of Morocco, Rabat.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative interpretative case study approach was implemented to investigate this topic. This study involved seven respondents who had experience working with sub-Saharan students in their classrooms.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that Moroccan public schools provide sub-Saharan African students with free education and a welcoming and secure learning environment. However, inadequate educational conditions, such as deficiencies in the designed programs, possibly limited competence of teachers, lack of professional instructors capable of teaching migrants and insufficient resources, can all hinder the learning process and educational integration of sub-Saharan African students.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited body of research on intercultural education in the Northern African region. The educational challenges and needs of hundreds or thousands of sub-Saharan African immigrants settling in Morocco are often overlooked or not given adequate consideration in scholarly works.
Role of service quality factors in word of mouth through student satisfaction
Authors: Rasheed Rizwana , Rashid Aamir
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Service quality in academics is imperatively crucial. Therefore, the purpose of the current research is to examine the effect of academic service quality factors in higher education institutions which mainly focuses on students' satisfaction and the extent of recommending the same institution to other students.

Design/methodology/approach

This research evaluated the effect of service quality on student satisfaction and word of mouth (WOM). Data were collected from 200 respondents from various business schools, and hypotheses were tested through a quantitative method using partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS to validate the measurement model.

Findings

The findings of the current research revealed that all three components of service quality including information quality, teaching quality and service efficiency have a significant impact on student satisfaction. Results also indicated that student satisfaction is significantly linked with WOM which means satisfied students spread positive WOM and recommend the same institution to other students.

Originality/value

This research provides an extension towards the body of knowledge on the issue, which will be used in future detailed and critical examinations. The focus of the research was on SERVQUAL and how, when and why business schools may spot possible applications that can have an influence on their admissions by WOM.
Much ado about ChatGPT: libraries and librarians perspectives
Authors: Oyelude Adetoun A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The study aims to find out the uses of ChatGPT for research work and the demerits as well. The application of ChatGTP for aiding scholarly writing was also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses literature search from Blogs, Wikis and the internet to find out the trends in libraries using ChatGTP. The literature search and review are presented thematically.

Findings

It was found that just as ChatGPT has positive uses, the demerits may outweigh because it does not check sources of the information. Its advantage as a preparatory writing tool is recognized by libraries and librarians.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review may be one of the few currently on the trends in ChatGPT from blogs, wikis and the cybersphere.
Lumped parameter model for vertical vibrations of surface circular foundations on nonhomogeneous soil
Authors: Zahafi Amina , Hadid Mohamed , Bencharif Raouf
Published: April 2023

Purpose

A newly developed frequency-independent lumped parameter model (LPM) is the purpose of the present paper. This new model’s direct outcome ensures high efficiency and a straightforward calculation of foundations’ vertical vibrations. A rigid circular foundation shape resting on a nonhomogeneous half-space subjected to a vertical time-harmonic excitation is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple model representing the soil–foundation system consists of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system incorporating a lumped mass linked to a frequency-independent spring and dashpot. Besides that, an additional fictitious mass is incorporated into the SDOF system. Several numerical methods and mathematical techniques are used to identify each SDOF’s parameter: (1) the vertical component of the static and dynamic foundation impedance function is calculated. This dynamic interaction problem is solved by using a formulation combining the boundary element method and the thin layer method, which allows the simulation of any complex nonhomogeneous half-space configuration. After, one determines the static stiffness’s expression of the circular foundation resting on a nonhomogeneous half-space. (2) The system’s parameters (dashpot coefficient and fictitious mass) are calculated at the resonance frequency; and (3) using a curve fitting technique, the general formulas of the frequency-independent dashpot coefficients and additional fictitious mass are established.

Findings

Comparisons with other results from a rigorous formulation were made to verify the developed model’s accuracy; these are exceptional cases of the more general problems that can be addressed (problems like shallow or embedded foundations of arbitrary shape, other vibration modes, etc.).

Originality/value

In this new LPM, the impedance functions will no longer be needed. The engineer only needs a limited number of input parameters (geometrical and mechanical characteristics of the foundation and the soil). Moreover, a simple calculator is required (i.e. we do not need any sophisticated software).
Long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes of discordant twins delivered at term: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Choi Eun‐Saem , Jung Young Mi , Cho Kyu‐Dong , Ha Sungyeon , Sohn Jeongwon , Hong Su Jung , Oh Min‐Jeong , Park Chan‐Wook , Park Joong Shin , Jun Jong Kwan , Lee Seung Mi , Cho Geum Joon
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes of discordant twins delivered at term.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Nationwide (Republic of Korea).

Population

All twin children delivered at term between 2007 and 2010.

Methods

The study population was divided into two groups according to inter‐twin birthweight discordancy: the ‘concordant twin group’, twin pairs with inter‐twin birthweight discordancy less than 20%; and the ‘discordant twin group’, twin pairs with inter‐twin birthweight discordancy of 20% or more. The risk of long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes was compared between the concordant twin group and the discordant twin group. Long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes between smaller and larger twin children within twin pairs were further analysed. The composite adverse neurodevelopmental outcome was defined as the presence of at least one of the following: motor developmental delay, cognitive developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders/attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, tics/stereotypical behaviour or epileptic/febrile seizure.

Main Outcome Measures

Long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.

Results

Of 22 468 twin children (11 234 pairs) included, 3412 (15.19%) twin children were discordant. The risk of composite adverse neurodevelopmental outcome was higher in the discordant twin group than in the concordant twin group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.24). The long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes were not significantly different between smaller and larger twin children in discordant twin pairs (adjusted HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.81–1.28).

Conclusion

In twin pairs delivered at term, an inter‐twin birthweight discordancy of 20% or greater was associated with long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes; and long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes were not significantly different in smaller or larger twin children in discordant twin pairs.
Googling preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes: A systematic review of patient information available on the internet
Authors: Hall Megan , Challacombe Fiona , Curran Ciara , Shennan Andrew , Story Lisa
Published: April 2023

Background

Preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (PPROM) complicates 3% of pregnancies and is associated with an increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. In an attempt to better understand this diagnosis, patients routinely resort to the internet for medical information. The lack of governance online leaves patients at risk of relying on low‐quality websites.

Objectives

To assess systematically the accuracy, quality, readability and credibility of World Wide Web pages on PPROM.

Search Strategy

Five search engines (Google, AOL, Yahoo, Ask and Bing) were searched with location services and browser history disabled. Websites from the first page of all searches were included.

Selection Criteria

Websites were included if they provided at least 300 words of health information aimed at patients relating to PPROM.

Data Collection and Analysis

Validated assessments of health information readability, credibility and quality were undertaken, as was an accuracy assessment. Pertinent facts for accuracy assessment were based on feedback from healthcare professionals and patients through a survey. Characteristics were tabulated.

Main Results

In all, 39 websites were included, with 31 different texts. No pages were written with a reading age of 11 years or less, none were considered credible, and only three were high quality. An accuracy score of 50% or more was obtained by 45% of websites. Information that patients considered pertinent was not consistently reported.

Conclusions

Search engines produce information on PPROM that is low quality, low accuracy and not credible. It is also difficult to read. This risks disempowerment. Healthcare professionals and researchers must consider how to ensure patients have access to information that they can recognise as high quality.
Study on the standard components of digital forensics laboratory
Authors: Shin Su‐Min , Hong Jae‐Won , Kim Gi‐Bum
Published: April 2023

Recently, digital forensics has become increasingly important as it is used by investigation agencies, corporate, and private sector. To supplement the limitations of evidence capacity and be recognized in court, it is essential to establish an environment that ensures the integrity of the entire process ranging from collecting and analyzing to submitting digital evidence to court. In this study, common elements were extracted by comparing and analyzing ISO/IEC 17025, 27001 standards and Interpol and Council of Europe (CoE) guidelines to derive the necessary components for building a digital forensic laboratory. Subsequently, based on 21 digital forensic experts in the field, Delphi survey and verifications were conducted in three rounds. As a result, 40 components from seven areas were derived. The research results are based on the establishment, operation, management, and authentication of a digital forensics laboratory suitable for the domestic environment, with added credibility through collection of the opinions of 21 experts in the field of digital forensics in Korea. This study can be referred to in establishing digital forensic laboratories in national, public, and private digital forensic organizations as well as for employing as competency measurement criteria in courts to evaluate the reliability of the analysis results.
Virulence of entomopathogenic fungi isolated from wild mosquitoes against Aedes aegypti
Authors: Aguilar‐Durán Jesús A. , Villarreal‐Treviño Cuauhtémoc , Fernández‐Santos Nadia A. , Hamer Gabriel L. , Rodríguez‐Pérez Mario A.
Published: April 2023

The entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana are highly virulent control tools for insect pests and have been under evaluation for the control of globally important mosquito vectors such as Aedes aegypti. Here, we identified and isolated other virulent entomopathogenic fungi against Ae. aegypti. We collected 7 species of mosquitoes by human landing catch in 5 municipalities in Central and Northern Mexico and isolated 28 species of fungi. We harvested fungal conidia from six and assessed virulence against Ae. aegypti females. We observed variation in virulence of fungi in Ae. aegypti with the most virulent being Aspergillus tamarii, with a LT50 of 6.4 (±0.65) days and the least virulent was Trichoderma euskadiense with a LT50 of 16.3 (±1.5) days. Additional assays evaluated the impact of the fungi on Ae. aegypti fecundity and fertility and A. tamarii had the highest for both, resulting in 60% and 37% decrease, respectively. These results provide support for the potential utility of A. tamarii as an entomopathogenic control tool for the dengue vector, Ae. aegypti, pending further evaluations of environmental and nontarget safety.
Non‐response for health‐related quality of life outcomes in ICU patients: A systematic review of the reporting in randomised trials
Authors: Kjær Maj‐Brit Nørregaard , Madsen Martin Bruun , Meier Nick , Granholm Anders , Møller Morten Hylander , Egerod Ingrid , Perner Anders
Published: April 2023

Background

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is frequently assessed in randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in the intensive care unit (ICU), but data are limited regarding the proportions of patients without responses or not surviving to HRQoL follow‐up and the handling of this. We aimed to describe the extent and pattern of missing HRQoL data in intensive care trials and describe how these data and deaths were handled statistically.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis following a published protocol. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library for RCTs involving adult ICU patients reporting HRQoL as an outcome and excluded RCTs unobtainable in full text. We performed risk of bias assessment independently and in duplicate.

Results

We included 196 outcomes from 88 RCTs published in the years 2002–2022; the numbers of patients alive and eligible to respond HRQoL were reported in 76% of trials. At follow‐up, median 27% (interquartile range 14%–39%) of patients had died, and median 20% (9%–38%) of survivors did not respond across outcomes. Analyses of 80% of outcomes were restricted to complete cases only. The handling of non‐survivors in analyses were reported for 46% of outcomes, with 26% of all outcomes reported as including non‐survivors (using the value zero or the worst possible score).

Conclusion

For HRQoL outcomes in ICU trials, we found that mortality at time of follow‐up was high and non‐response among survivors frequent. The reporting and statistical handling of these issues were insufficient, which may have biased results.
Deletion of quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase gene accelerates frailty phenotypes and neuromuscular decline with aging in a sex‐specific pattern
Authors: Chung Tae , Bopp Taylor , Ward Chris , Notarangelo Francesca M. , Schwarcz Robert , Westbrook Reyhan , Xue Qian‐Li , Walston Jeremy , Hoke Ahmet
Published: April 2023

Decline in neuromuscular function with aging is known to be a major determinant of disability and all‐cause mortality in late life. Despite the importance of the problem, the neurobiology of age‐associated muscle weakness is poorly understood. In a previous report, we performed untargeted metabolomics on frail older adults and discovered prominent alteration in the kynurenine pathway, the major route of dietary tryptophan degradation that produces neurotoxic intermediate metabolites. We also showed that neurotoxic kynurenine pathway metabolites are correlated with increased frailty score. For the present study, we sought to further examine the neurobiology of these neurotoxic intermediates by utilizing a mouse model that has a deletion of the quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT) gene, a rate‐limiting step of the kynurenine pathway. QPRT−/− mice have elevated neurotoxic quinolinic acid level in the nervous system throughout their lifespan. We found that QPRT−/− mice have accelerated declines in neuromuscular function in an age‐ and sex‐specific manner compared to control strains. In addition, the QPRT−/− mice show premature signs of frailty and body composition changes that are typical for metabolic syndrome. Our findings suggest that the kynurenine pathway may play an important role in frailty and age‐associated muscle weakness.
Habitat but not group size or recent predator activity affect corvid collective vigilance at carcasses
Authors: Bragato Patrick J. , Spencer Emma E. , Dickman Chris R. , Crowther Mathew S. , Tulloch Ayesha , Newsome Thomas M.
Published: April 2023

Vigilance is an important anti‐predator behaviour that can be an indicator of the predation risk faced by potential prey animals. Here, we assess the collective vigilance, or the vigilance level of an entire group, of corvids (Family: Corvidae) at experimentally placed carcasses in a desert environment in Australia. Specifically, we explore the relationship between collective vigilance levels and the habitat in which the carcass was placed, the time since a potential predator (dingo Canis dingo, wedge‐tailed eagle Aquila audax or red fox Vulpes vulpes) was present at a carcass, and the group size of corvids around the carcass. We found that corvids are more vigilant in open habitat, but that group size and the recent presence of a potential predator does not affect the collective vigilance behaviour of corvids. The results demonstrate the important link between habitat and vigilance, and that animals may adopt anti‐predator behaviours irrespective of the size of the group in which they occur or the recent presence of a potential predator.
Complement component C3 as a new target to lower albuminuria in hypertensive kidney disease
Authors: Bode Marlies , Diemer Jan Niklas , Luu The Vinh , Ehnert Nikolas , Teigeler Teresa , Wiech Thorsten , Lindenmeyer Maja T. , Herrnstadt Georg R. , Bülow Jasmin , Huber Tobias B. , Tomas Nicola M. , Wenzel Ulrich O.
Published: April 2023

Background and Purpose

Complement activation may drive hypertension through its effects on immunity and tissue integrity.

Experimental Approach

We examined expression of C3, the central protein of the complement cascade, in hypertension.

Key Results

Increased C3 expression was found in kidney biopsies and micro‐dissected glomeruli of patients with hypertensive nephropathy. Renal single cell RNA sequence data from normotensive and hypertensive patients confirmed expression of C3 in different cellular compartments of the kidney. In angiotensin II (Ang II) induced hypertension renal C3 expression was up‐regulated. C3−/− mice revealed a significant lower albuminuria in the early phase of hypertension. However, no difference was found for blood pressure, renal injury (histology, glomerular filtration rate, inflammation) and cardiac injury (fibrosis, weight, gene expression) between C3−/− and wildtype mice after Ang II infusion. Also, in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt hypertension, a significantly lower albuminuria was found in the first weeks of hypertension in C3 deficient mice but no significant difference in renal and cardiac injury. Down‐regulation of C3 by C3 targeting GalNAc (n‐acetylgalactosamine) small interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugate decreased C3 in the liver by 96% and lowered albuminuria in the early phase but showed no effect on blood pressure and end‐organ damage. Inhibition of complement C5 by siRNA showed no effect on albuminuria.

Conclusion and Implications

Increased C3 expression is found in the kidneys of hypertensive mice and men. Genetic and therapeutic knockdown of C3 improved albuminuria in the early phase of hypertension but did not ameliorate arterial blood pressure nor renal and cardiac injury.
Challenges and opportunities for bioacoustics in the study of rare species in remote environments
Authors: Wood Connor M. , Champion Jason , Brown Cathy , Brommelsiek Will , Laredo Isaac , Rogers Roan , Chaopricha Patrick
Published: April 2023

For many habitat specialists, data deficiencies are directly attributable to the rugged terrain they inhabit. Based on a recent survey effort for one such species, the threatened Yosemite toad (Anaxyrus canorus), we describe the prospects for acoustic monitoring of rare and declining species in remote areas. Passive acoustic monitoring can be a valuable way of increasing the scale at which vocally active populations are surveyed and the level of detail obtained, particularly in cases where direct observation of the species is impeded by cryptic behavior and inaccessible habitat. Challenges include limitations to hardware, teams' physical and mental constraints, and survey design. Teams must have substantial expertise about the species of interest, bioacoustics, and the terrain to be surveyed, and effective communication at all stages is essential. Particularly for globally endangered taxa like anurans, bioacoustics may be a powerful way to reduce widespread data deficiencies.
“Go, go, go!” Mothers’ verbs align with infants’ locomotion
Authors: West Kelsey L. , Saleh Annissa N. , Adolph Karen E. , Tamis‐LeMonda Catherine S.
Published: April 2023

Caregivers often tailor their language to infants’ ongoing actions (e.g., “are you stacking the blocks?”). When infants develop new motor skills, do caregivers show concomitant changes in their language input? We tested whether the use of verbs that refer to locomotor actions (e.g., “come,” “bring,” “walk”) differed for mothers of 13‐month‐old crawling (N = 16) and walking infants (N = 16), and mothers of 18‐month‐old experienced walkers (N = 16). Mothers directed twice as many locomotor verbs to walkers compared to same‐age crawlers, but mothers’ locomotor verbs were similar for younger and older walkers. In real‐time, mothers’ use of locomotor verbs was dense when infants were locomoting, and sparse when infants were stationary, regardless of infants’ crawler/walker status. Consequently, infants who spent more time in motion received more locomotor verbs compared to infants who moved less frequently. Findings indicate that infants’ motor skills guide their in‐the‐moment behaviors, which in turn shape the language they receive from caregivers.

Research Highlights

Infants’ motor skills guide their in‐the‐moment behaviors, which in turn shape the language they receive from caregivers.

Mothers directed more frequent and diverse verbs that referenced locomotion (e.g., “come,” “go,” “bring”) to walking infants compared to same‐aged crawling infants.

Mothers’ locomotor verbs were temporally dense when infants locomoted and sparse when infants were stationary, regardless of whether infants could walk or only crawl.
Sustainable growth through industrial robot diffusion: Quasi‐experimental evidence from a Bartik shift‐share design
Authors: Wu Qingyang
Published: April 2023

While the diffusion of industrial robots has had a significant impact on the economy and society, more research is needed to understand how robots contribute to sustainable growth. This study uses paired data on China's county‐level carbon emissions and industrial robot installations from 2008 to 2017, employing a Bartik shift‐share instrumental variable design to estimate the economic and sustainable effects of industrial robot diffusion. The study finds that industrial robots significantly promote economic growth and contribute to carbon emission reduction as confirmed by robust IV 2SLS and general PSM‐DID methods. Additionally, a heterogeneity analysis shows that industrial robots have a stronger impact on sustainable growth in underdeveloped and small‐medium cities, especially in low‐skilled industries. Finally, the study identifies industrial structural change, clean energy use, and improved productivity and innovation as key factors that mediate the impact of industrial robots on sustainable development.
Deep facial emotion recognition model using optimal feature extraction and dual‐attention residual U‐Net classifier
Authors: Akrout Belhassen
Published: April 2023

Human facial emotion recognition (FER) system has become an active research area and it has attracted various research communities for its wide ranging and promising applications especially in the cybersecurity field. Recognizing various facial expressions corresponding to the emotional forms is considered as a significant task in the system of FER. Typically, the automated system of FER consists of two major and important steps like feature extraction, and facial emotion recognition. In this work, initially the input data is acquired and the features are extracted from the input facial image with the use of Fuzzy Eigen Weighted based feature extraction model (FEW‐FE). Among the extracted features, an optimal and best features are selected by means of feature selection technique, which employs Chaotic Spider Monkey Optimization algorithm (CSMO) so as to find best fitness function solution. The use of this optimization technique for the feature subset selection aids the enhancement of classifier performance. Then, the recognition process is carried using Dual‐attention residual U‐Net classifier framework. The performance evaluation of this proposed model is carried over three input datasets considered such as CK+, FER2013, and JAFFE in terms of recognition accuracy, precision, recall, and F‐measure. The comparison is made for the feature extraction and classifier model with that of various existing methodologies which shows the effectiveness of proposed system over other traditional schemes. This proposed design is applicable in the cybersecurity system to detect a person's emotional state from their expression.
Nuancing the spheres of authority of chiefs: State perspectives on hybrid governance
Authors: Dahlberg Moa , Söderberg Charlotta
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we develop a framework for understanding the different spheres of authority of chiefs aiming to widen the perspectives on how government‐chief interactions affect the governance process. The framework is applied in our analysis of interviews with government actors involved in area protection in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). Our results illustrate the variety of approaches and perceptions towards governance with chiefs that exist amongst government actors within the same governance system. Although government actors perceive chiefs in the GLTFCA as a parallel system, chiefs can act as a rival, mediator, adviser, or partner to the government; thus, both enable or hamper government governance.  The informal governance arrangements found in the data between government actors and chiefs moreover underscores the importance of qualitative case studies of hybrid governance systems
Monitoring recovery of joints after bleeding: Physical examination and ultrasound are complementary
Authors: van Leeuwen Flora H. P. , Fischer Kathelijn , Foppen Wouter , van Vulpen Lize F. D. , Timmer Merel A.
Published: April 2023

Aim

Traditionally, recovery after a joint bleed in people with bleeding disorders is evaluated by clinical symptoms. Following a bleed, however, asymptomatic joints may still show synovial hypertrophy and effusion on ultrasound. We evaluated the duration of full recovery from a joint bleed. Additionally, we determined how recovery differed when assessed by physical examination and ultrasound.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated joint bleeds in elbows, knees and ankles of people with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease who attended the Van Creveldkliniek between 2016 and 2021. Physical examination (warmth, swelling, range of motion and gait) and ultrasound (effusion and synovial hypertrophy) were performed within 7 days after the onset of the bleed, 1 week after the first examination and monthly thereafter until patients had recovered fully. Joint bleeds were treated in line with the current international treatment guidelines.

Results

We evaluated 30 joint bleeds in 26 patients. The median recovery time was 1 month (range 0.3‐5 months). In 47% of the joint bleeds, the recovery took longer than 1 month. The moment of recovery based on physical examination and ultrasound differed in 27% of bleeds. Both persistent abnormalities at physical examination in joints with normalized ultrasounds and persistent ultrasound findings in clinically recovered joints occurred.

Conclusion

Joint bleed recovery can take long and recovery times differed per bleed. Recovery differed when assessed by physical examination or ultrasound. Therefore, both should be used to closely monitor recovery of joint bleeds and offer personalized care.
Notes on historiography of photographs from India
Authors: Roychoudhuri Ranu
Published: April 2023

Despite its long and layered histories, critical analyses of photography in India began rather late and remain comparatively limited in number. However, the burgeoining scholarship in the field illuminates photography's role in conditioning modern South Asian experiences, while also highlighting the global character of the medium that complicate the unmarked history of photography. Three intertwined historiographical threads are influential in narrating the colonial Indian camera cultures. The first thread emphasized descriptive histories, the second thread debated cultural essentialism, while the third thread inquired into myriad photographic genres to rethink colonialism. An inquiry into these three threads helps reflect on the intellectual scope of photographs from colonial India, while also directing to future archival and analytical possibilities.
A multicenter evaluation of the Technoscreen ADAMTS13 activity semi‐quantitative screening test for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura diagnosis and exclusion
Authors: Stephenson Jared , Chapman Kent , Mohammed Soma , Zebeljan Diane , Ahuja Monica , Donikian Dea , Pasalic Leonardo , Motum Penelope , Hsu Danny , Brighton Timothy , Favaloro Emmanuel J.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially fatal microangiopathy, with an untreated mortality rate of around 90%. TTP is caused by severe deficiency in ADAMTS13, which results in accumulation of ultra large von Willebrand factor multimers, triggering a consumptive thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and end‐organ dysfunction and damage. Demonstration of severe ADAMTS13 deficiency is diagnostic for TTP, but long turnaround times for quantitative activity testing often necessitates empirical plasma exchange and/or caplacizumab treatment.

Methods

Multisite (n = 4) assessment of the Technoscreen ADAMTS13 activity assay (semi‐quantitative flow through screening assay) for diagnosis/exclusion of TTP compared to current standard practice of quantitative assays (ELISA or chemiluminescence AcuStar).

Results

A total of 128 patient samples were analyzed, with quantitative ADAMTS13 values ranging from 0% to 150%. The Technoscreen assay demonstrated high sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for ADAMTS13 deficiency, but low specificity and positive predictive value (PPV), especially with one lot of reagent. Good inter‐observer reliability was demonstrated. Excluding one possibly compromised batch and other test failures, results of 80 samples yielded sensitivity of 100% (95% CI = 84–100), specificity of 90% (80–95), PPV 77% (58–89) and NPV 100% (93–100).

Conclusion

The Technoscreen assay appears to be a reliable screening test for ADAMTS13 activity to exclude TTP in routine clinical practice. However, the assay falsely identified ADAMTS13 deficiency in many cases, partially batch related, which mandates confirmation with a quantitative assay, as well as initial assessment of kits as ‘fit for purpose’ prior to use for patient testing.
Late Cenozoic evolution of the latitudinal diversity gradient
Authors: Crame J. Alistair
Published: April 2023

Aim

The Late Cenozoic flourishing of polar marine ecosystems, just when temperatures were reaching their lowest levels, has always seemed anomalous. Such an observation is coupled with an increasing volume of molecular phylogenetic evidence to indicate that some polar taxa radiated at exceptionally high evolutionary rates. The canonical latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) may not be underpinned by a parallel gradient in evolutionary rates. This study provides a review of this critical question.

Location

A variety of polar – tropical comparisons are made, with some emphasis on the Southern Ocean.

Taxa

Both marine and terrestrial taxa are used, with some emphasis on marine Mollusca.

Methods

High – low latitude comparisons of evolutionary rates over the last 66 Myr are made using two approaches: rates derived from molecular phylogenies, and rates derived from the fossil record. For the former of these data are taken from various marine and terrestrial taxa, and for the latter use is made of the excellent fossil record of marine Mollusca.

Results

For approximately the first half of the Cenozoic era (i.e., 66 Ma onwards) there is strong palaeontological evidence to suggest that the global LDG developed in a conventional way, with higher rates of origination in the tropics than at the poles. However, there then appears to have been a marked change in the latter half of the Cenozoic when origination rates increased in the high‐latitude and polar regions. The modern latitudinal diversity gradient may be a fossil feature that formed in the Early Cenozoic.

Main Conclusions

As the extra‐tropical regions expanded through the Cenozoic they provided increasingly more ecological opportunities for a wide variety of marine and terrestrial taxa. Substantially lower temperatures in the polar regions were clearly not an obstacle to spectacular evolutionary radiations such as that based on the krill ecosystem.
Watchman device migration and embolization: A report from the NCDR LAAO Registry
Authors: Friedman Daniel J. , Freeman James V. , Zimmerman Sarah , Tan Zhen , Pereira Lucy , Faridi Kamil F. , Curtis Jeptha P.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Incomplete anchoring of the Watchman left atrial appendage closure (LAAO) device can result in substantial device migration or device embolization (DME) requiring percutaneous or surgical retrieval.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of Watchman procedures (January 2016 through March 2021) reported to the National Cardiovascular Data Registry LAAO Registry. We excluded patients with prior LAAO interventions, no device released, and missing device information. In‐hospital events were assessed among all patients and postdischarge events were assessed among patients with 45‐day follow‐up.

Results

Of 120 278 Watchman procedures, the in‐hospital DME rate was 0.07% (n = 84) and surgery was commonly performed (n = 39). In‐hospital mortality rate was 14% among patients with DME and 20.5% among patients who underwent surgery. In‐hospital DME was more common: at hospitals with a lower median annual procedure volume (24 vs. 41 procedures, p < .0001), with Watchman 2.5 versus Watchman FLX devices (0.08% vs. 0.04%, p = .0048), with larger LAA ostia (median 23 vs. 21 mm, p = .004), and with a smaller difference between device and LAA ostial size (median difference 4 vs. 5 mm, p = .04). Of 98 147 patients with 45‐day follow‐up, postdischarge DME occurred in 0.06% (n = 54) patients and cardiac surgery was performed in 7.4% (n = 4) of cases. The 45‐day mortality rate was 3.7% (n = 2) among patients with postdischarge DME. Postdischarge DME was more common among men (79.7% of events but 58.9% of all procedures, p = .0019), taller patients (177.9 vs. 172 cm, p = .0005), and those with greater body mass (99.9 vs. 85.5 kg, p = .0055). The rhythm at implant was less frequently AF among patients with DME compared to those without (38.9% vs. 46.9%, p = .0098).

Conclusion

While Watchman DME is rare, it is associated with high mortality and frequently requires surgical retrieval, and a substantial proportion of events occur after discharge. Due to the severity of DME events, risk mitigation strategies and on‐site cardiac surgical back‐up are of paramount importance.
Does vestibular incision improve the outcomes of vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel technique: A randomized clinical trial for treatment of multiple adjacent type 1 gingival recession
Authors: Chen Ziyuan , Zhong Jinsheng , Xie Ying , Fan Keang , Zhou Shuangying , Ouyang Xiangying
Published: April 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel technique (VISTA) and tunnel approach combined with connective tissue graft (CTG) for treatment of type 1 (RT1) multiple gingival recession.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four patients with a total of 59 nonmolar recession teeth were randomly allocated to VISTA + CTG or Tunnel + CTG group. Recession depth and width, probing depth, clinical attachment level, width of keratinized tissue, gingival thickness, flap tension, mean root coverage (MRC), complete root coverage (CRC), patient‐centered, and esthetic outcomes (root coverage esthetic scores, RES) were assessed at baseline and 12 months after surgery.

Results

At 12 months, MRC of 91.13 ± 16.96% and 91.40 ± 13.53%, CRC of 70.97% and 67.86% were observed for VISTA + CTG and Tunnel + CTG group respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). High RES of 8.52 ± 1.46 and 8.82 ± 1.44 was obtained in VISTA + CTG and Tunnel + CTG group respectively, without showing a significant difference (p = 0.245), while less scar formation was observed in Tunnel + CTG group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Both procedures were effective for root coverage in RT1 multiple gingival recession at 12 months. Better esthetic result with less scar formation was obtained in tunnel approach combined with CTG without vestibular incision. (Registration number: ChiCTR‐INR‐16007845, registered on 19/12/2015, http://www.chictr.org.cn).

Clinical Significance

VISTA + CTG and Tunnel + CTG were both effective for root coverage in RT1 multiple gingival recession, with satisfying esthetic outcomes. However, it is suggested in critical esthetic areas, treatment options of making vertical incisions should be carefully considered.
Circular RNA circTNIK promotes tumor progression and metastasis in gastric cancer by regulating ZEB2
Authors: Chen Nuo , Hu Yan , Huang Ren‐Ze , Chen Dong‐Liang
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim

Tumor progression and distant metastasis are the main causes of deaths in gastric cancer. Growing evidence revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical role in the pathology of malignant disease, the role of circRNAs in gastric cancer progression and metastasis is still unknown.

Methods

Differentially expressed circRNAs was identified by circRNA microarray and validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase reaction. The biological function of circTNIK was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments after ectopic expression or siRNA mediated knockdown of circTNIK. The interaction between circTNIK and miR‐138‐5p was determined by luciferase activity assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays.

Results

circTNIK rather than linear TINK mRNA was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues, cell lines compared with normal controls. Higher circTNIK expression was correlated with aggressive tumor phenotypes and poor overall survival in gastric cancer patients. Ectopic circTNIK expression promoted cell proliferation, invasion, tumorigenesis, and metastasis in gastric cancer cells whereas knockdown of circTNIK inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, tumorigenesis, and metastasis in gastric cancer cells. Importantly, circTNIK functions as a molecular sponge for miR‐138‐5p to regulate the expression of ZEB2.

Conclusions

Overall, our study demonstrates how circTNIK regulates gastric cancer progression and metastasis by sponging miR‐138‐5p to modulate the expression of ZEB2. CircTNIK might be used as a prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer patients.
Social and structural determinants of recovery: The impact of race
Authors: Mumba Mercy Ngosa , Brantley Shakia G. , Cross Allison
Published: April 2023

Relapse rates for substance use disorders (SUDs) after treatment are as high as 50%. Evidence suggests that social and structural determinants of recovery influence these outcomes. Important domains to consider include economic stability, educational access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context are the major domains of social determinants of health. All these factors influence people's ability to reach their highest health potential. However, race and racial discrimination often compound the negative effects of these factors on substance use treatment outcomes. Moreover, research is urgently needed to examine the specific mechanisms through which these issues influence SUD and SUD outcomes.
The Influence of Native Phonology, Allophony, and Phonotactics on Nonnative Lexical Encoding: A Vocabulary Training Study
Authors: Zheng Qi , Gor Kira
Published: April 2023

Second language (L2) speakers often experience difficulties in learning words with L2‐specific phonemes due to the unfaithful lexical encoding predicted by the fuzzy lexical representations hypothesis. Currently, there is limited understanding of how allophonic variation in the first language (L1) influences L2 phonological and lexical encoding. We report how the Mandarin Chinese L1 phonemic inventory and allophonic variation subject to phonotactic constraints predict phonological encoding problems for novel L2 English words with the /v/–/w/ contrast. L1 English and L1 Chinese participants speaking two varieties of Mandarin Chinese differing as to the presence of [ʋ]–[w] allophonic variation for the /w/ phoneme participated in a vocabulary learning task. The novel L2 words with the /v/–/w/ contrast were systematically less robustly encoded than the control words on the day of training and 24 hours later. The degree of fuzziness in lexical representations was jointly predicted by L1 allophonic variation subject to phonotactic constraints and L2 phonological categorization.
A Comparison of Radiographic Outcomes after Total Hip Arthroplasty between the Direct Lateral Approach and Posterior Lateral Approach with EOS 2D/3D X‐Ray Imaging System
Authors: Xie Rui , Huang Jun , Wu Qian , Qian Yu‐fan , Jiang Dinghua , Li Lisong , Huang Lixin
Published: April 2023

Objective

The classical approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) are the direct lateral approach (DLA) and posterior lateral approach (PLA). There are few studies comparing implant orientation with these two approaches, and the impact of surgical approaches on implant orientation remains controversial. With the rise of the EOS imaging system, we aimed to use it to identify the differences between and factors associated with implant orientation after THA using DLA and PLA.

Methods

In our department from January 2019 to December 2021, 321 primary unilateral THAs that used PLA and DLA were enrolled. A total of 201 patients who received PLA and 120 patients who received DLA were included in this study. Two blinded observers measured each case using EOS imaging data. Postoperative imaging metrics and other relevant influencing factors of the two surgical approaches were compared. Postoperative imaging metrics, including the anteversion and inclination of the cup, anteversion of the stem, and combined anteversion were measured based on EOS. Other relevant influencing factors included age, approach, gender, laterality, BMI, anterior pelvic plane inclination, femoral head diameter, femoral offset, lateral pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, pelvis axial rotation, sacral slope, sagittal pelvic tilt, and surgery time. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of acceptability for each imaging data point.

Results

No dislocation was found in the 321 patients who underwent primary THA during this period. The mean anteversion and combined anteversion of the cups using the DLA were 21.33° ± 17.31° (−51.7°–60.8°) and 33.71° ± 20.85° (−38.8°–77.6°) and PLA were 25.34° ± 12.76° (−5.5°–57.0°) and 42.37° ± 18.85° (−8.7°–84.7°), respectively. The DLA group had smaller anteversion (p = 0.038) and combined anteversion (p < 0.001). We found that surgical approach (p < 0.05), anterior pelvic plane inclination (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), and femoral head diameter (p < 0.001) were important factors affecting acetabular cup anteversion (R2 = 0.375) and combined anteversion (R2 = 0.525).

Conclusions

In total hip arthroplasty, different prosthesis installation directions should be made according to different surgical approaches. Compared with the direct lateral approach, the acetabular anteversion can be intentionally enlarged when using the posterolateral approach. Surgical approach, anterior pelvic plane inclination (APPI), gender, and femoral head diameter were significant predictors of prosthesis orientation. The anterior pelvic plane inclination may be a useful standard for assessing the position of the prosthesis using EOS.