bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative care in policy documents for adults with cancer and non-cancer diseases with potential palliative care needs: a document analysis
Authors: O’Sullivan Anna , Carling Linnéa , Öhlén Joakim , Nyblom Stina , Ozanne Anneli , Hedman Ragnhild , Fürst Carl-Johan , Larsdotter Cecilia
Published: December 2024

Background:

The inclusion of palliative care in policy has been encouraged internationally, and gradually implemented, including in Sweden. Care should be driven by policy; hence, examining how palliative care is included in national policy documents is paramount.

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine how palliative care is included in national disease-specific policy documents for adults with chronic conditions, cancer and non-cancer, with potential palliative care needs.

Design:

Document analysis.

Methods:

A document analysis of Swedish policy documents for different disease-specific groups with severe chronic conditions, cancer and non-cancer, was performed. In total, 96 documents were analysed.

Results:

How palliative care was included in the policy documents varied from mentioning the term without explanation to detailed discussion regarding palliative care practice. Such discussion encompassed several conceptualisations of palliative care: defined through authorities’ definitions; as care of dying persons; integrated with disease-specific care and treatment; limited to disease-specific medical treatments or based on detail regarding certain key elements of palliative care such as specialised palliative care and end-of-life conversations.

Conclusion:

There may be large variations in how palliative care is conceptualised in national disease-specific policy documents, as disclosed by this analysis of the Swedish case. Limiting palliative care to disease-specific medical treatments (most commonly palliative oncological treatments) or the care of dying persons limits its scope in ways contrary to current evidence supporting early integrated palliative care. The lack of palliative care recommendations adapted for each specific diagnosis indicates a gap in policy. To promote equal access to palliative care regardless of patients’ diseases or medical conditions, the importance of how palliative care is included in national policy documents needs to be further acknowledged and discussed – with palliative care consistently included in such documents.
Single-cell view and a novel protective macrophage subset in perivascular adipose tissue in T2DM
Authors: Li Jiaxuan , Tian Zhenyu , Zhang Tongxue , Jin Jiajia , Zhang Xinjie , Xie Panpan , Lin Haiyan , Gu Junfei , Wu Yingjie , Wang Xiaowei , Zhang Shucui , Yan Xuefang , Guo Dong , Wang Zhe , Zhang Qunye
Published: December 2024

Background

Vasculopathy underlies diabetic complications, with perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) playing crucial roles in its development. However, the changes in the cellular composition and function of PVAT, including the specific cell subsets and mechanisms implicated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) vasculopathy, remain unclear.

Methods

To address the above issues, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of PVAT from normal and T2DM rats. Then, various bioinformatics tools and functional experiments were used to investigate the characteristic changes in the cellular profile of diabetic PVAT SVF, their implications, and the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Our study reveals the single-cell landscape of the SVF of PVAT, demonstrating its considerable heterogeneity and significant alterations in T2DM, including an enhanced inflammatory response and elevated proportions of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. Moreover, macrophages are critical hubs for cross-talk among various cell populations. Notably, we identified a decreased Pdpn+ macrophage subpopulation in the PVAT of T2DM rats and confirmed this in mice and humans. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Pdpn+ macrophages alleviated insulin resistance and modulated adipokine/cytokine expression in adipocytes via the Pla2g2d-DHA/EPA-GPR120 pathway. This subset also enhances the function of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, inhibits vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, and improves vasodilatory function, thereby protecting blood vessels.

Conclusion

Pdpn+ macrophages exhibit significant vascular protective effects by alleviating insulin resistance and modulating adipokine/cytokine expression in PVAT adipocytes. This macrophage subtype may therefore play pivotal roles in mitigating vascular complications in T2DM. Our findings also underscore the critical role of immune-metabolic cross-talk in maintaining tissue homeostasis.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical profile of Korean children with spina bifida: a single-center prospective cohort study
Authors: Yun Hyeseon , Yang Seung Hyeon , Lee Hooyun , Kim Sang Woon , Lee Yong Seung , Ji Yoonhye , Park Jieun , Ji Jeong-Eun , Choi Eun Kyoung
Published: December 2024

Background

Spina bifida (SB) is a chronic condition requiring lifelong self-management, underscoring the need to establish a dedicated cohort for longitudinal monitoring of health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe the development and initial implementation of a single-center prospective cohort study of children with SB and their parents living in South Korea and to describe demographics, clinical outcomes, psychosocial characteristics, and family data for this cohort.

Methods

This cohort was established through expert panel formation, identification of health indicators based on the Life Course Model for Spina Bifida, creation of a cohort database system, and quality control planning. Participants, children aged 4–12 years with SB and their parents, were recruited from a large SB clinic at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Two approaches were used to collect data: (1) diagnosis and clinical outcomes (e.g., lesion level, surgical history, laboratory results) were collected from the electronic medical record by pediatric nurse practitioners and (2) demographics, psychosocial characteristics and family data were collected from online self-reported questionnaires completed by children with SB and their parents if the child with SB was aged 7–12 years and by only the parents if the child with SB was aged 4–6 years.

Results

Between September 2022 and September 2023, 162 children (mean age 7.6 ± 2.6 years) and their parents participated, with 35.8% (4–6 years), 29% (7–9 years), and 35.2% (10–12 years). Diagnoses included lipomyelomeningocele (51.2%), myelomeningocele (27.2%), and tethered cord syndrome (20.4%). Clean intermittent catheterization was used by 38.3% and enemas by 22.2%. Moreover, 30.9% experienced urinary incontinence and 26.5% experienced fecal incontinence. Ambulation assistive devices were used by 14.8%, and ventriculoperitoneal shunts by only 4.3%.

Conclusions

This cohort provides a comprehensive understanding of demographics, and clinical and psychosocial outcomes for children with SB in South Korea. The dataset offers opportunities for data-driven, life-course tailored interventions to meet the specific needs of this population and their families.
Investigating pediatric nurses’ perceptions of factors contributing to MAEs at Yendi hospital, Ghana
Authors: Nukpezah Ruth Nimota , Anyaba Nathaniel Awenlesakba , Osman Wahab
Published: December 2024

Background

Medication administration errors (MAEs) are a critical concern in pediatric healthcare, contributing to adverse drug events (ADEs) and negatively impacting patient health.

Objectives

This study explores pediatric nurses’ perceptions of factors contributing to MAEs at Yendi Municipal Hospital to develop interventions enhancing patient safety.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 143 nurses at Yendi Municipal Hospital using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS 26.0 and Excel 2016. Bivariate analysis examined relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and MAEs.

Results

Contributing factors to MAEs included inadequate training (91.6%), misunderstanding medical abbreviations (88.8%), poor supervision (92.3%), eagerness to sign out shifts (70.6%), improper handover (88.8%), inadequate staff (77.6%), dosage miscalculations (83.9%), and illegible handwriting (81.8%). Significant associations were found between MAEs and the type of unit/ward (X²=6.25, p = 0.012) and educational level (Fisher Exact test = 4.20, p = 0.036).

Conclusion

Inadequate training, poor supervision, and communication issues are major contributors to MAEs in pediatric settings. Targeted interventions can significantly improve patient safety and care quality.
Modifiable prognostic factors of high societal costs among people on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders: a replication study
Authors: Killingmo Rikke Munk , Rysstad Tarjei , Maas Esther , Pripp Are Hugo , Aanesen Fiona , Tingulstad Alexander , Tveter Anne Therese , Øiestad Britt Elin , Grotle Margreth
Published: December 2024

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders are an extensive burden to society, yet few studies have explored and replicated modifiable prognostic factors associated with high societal costs. This study aimed to replicate previously identified associations between nine modifiable prognostic factors and high societal costs among people on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

Pooled data from a three-arm randomised controlled trial with 6 months of follow-up were used, including 509 participants on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders in Norway. Consistent with the identification study, the primary outcome was societal costs dichotomised as high (top 25th percentile) or low. Societal costs included healthcare utilization (primary, secondary, and tertiary care) and productivity loss (absenteeism, work assessment allowance and disability benefits) collected from public records. Binary unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to replicate previously identified associations between each modifiable prognostic factor and having high costs.

Results

Adjusted for selected covariates, a lower degree of return-to-work expectancy was associated with high societal costs in both the identification and replication sample.

Depressive symptoms and health literacy showed no prognostic value in both the identification and replication sample. There were inconsistent results with regards to statistical significance across the identification and replication sample for pain severity, self-perceived health, sleep quality, work satisfaction, disability, and long-lasting disorder expectation. Similar results were found when high costs were related to separately healthcare utilization and productivity loss.

Conclusion

This study successfully replicated the association between return-to-work expectancy and high societal costs among people on sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders. Other factors showed no prognostic value or inconsistent results.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03871712, 12th of March 2019.
Protocol of a nation-wide post-bereavement survey on quality of hospice and palliative care: J-HOPE 5 study
Authors: Aoyama Maho , Mori Masanori , Morita Tatsuya , Tsuneto Satoru , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: December 2024

Background

Maintaining quality of care and improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients and their families are important issues in palliative care. Therefore, there is a need to continuously evaluate the quality and outcomes of the care provided. In Japan, the Japan hospice and palliative evaluation (J-HOPE) study series has been conducted every three to four years since 2010, and we will conduct the fifth J-HOPE study (J-HOPE5). In the present paper, we describe the protocol of the J-HOPE5 study. The main objectives are: (1) to evaluate the processes, structures and outcomes of care at hospices or palliative care units; (2) to examine bereaved family members’ self-reported psychosocial condition, such as grief and depression as bereavement outcomes; (3) to provide data to ensure and improve the quality of care provided by participating institutions via feedback based on the results from each institution; and (4) to provide clinical and academic information regarding the implications of various issues in palliative care by conducting specific research.

Methods

We will conduct a cross-sectional, anonymous, self-reported questionnaire survey. In total, 153 institutions have agreed to participate in this study, meaning that approximately 12,240 bereaved family members (n = 80/institution) will be sent a questionnaire.

Discussion

This is one of the largest cross-sectional bereavement surveys to evaluate the quality of specialized palliative care for patients with cancer, both in Japan and worldwide. The large sample size of this study will enable wide analyses of specific targets and topics.
Immersive learning in medical education: analyzing behavioral insights to shape the future of VR-based courses
Authors: Junga Anna , Schulze Henriette , Scherzer Sönke , Hätscher Ole , Bozdere Philipp , Schmidle Paul , Risse Benjamin , Marschall Bernhard ,   the medical tr.AI.ning consortium
Published: December 2024

Background

The emergence of virtual reality (VR) for medical education enables a range of new teaching opportunities. Skills and competences can be trained that cannot be demonstrated in any other way due to physical or ethical limitations. Immersion and presence may play an important role for learning in this context. This study investigates whether this VR-based, immersive software is an effective tool for assessing medical learning objectives by comparing behavioral outcomes in VR and actor-based simulations, and examines how these behaviors relate to immersion levels and their impact on learning success.

Methods

To evaluate the effectiveness of the new teaching method, objective behavioral outcomes were identified as part of a dermatological learning unit and VR as a method was compared with actor-based simulation training. In addition, subjective questionnaires were collected to compare the levels of immersion in both concepts.

Results

It was shown that primary learning objectives can be addressed well in VR. However, secondary learning objectives that fall into the field of basic skills seem to be delivered better in the actor-based training than in VR. This appears to be an effect of weaker immersion measured in VR training.

Conclusions

It can be said that the implementation of basic skills training depends largely on the level of immersion in the teaching method used. While primary learning subjectives can be trained and assessed well, at present, it does not appear to be fully possible to train secondary skills with the technical status quo in VR. However, the observation of secondary learning objectives can serve as an indicator for the assessment of immersion in the future.
The chemoprotective effect of anti-platelet agents on cancer incidence in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Anson Matthew , Poon Jun Shang , Henney Alex E. , Riley David , Ibarbaru Gema H. , Sieberhagen Cyril , Cuthbertson Daniel J. , Alam Uazman , Hydes Theresa
Published: December 2024

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased incidence of hepatic and extrahepatic cancers, in particular those linked to obesity. In people with chronic liver disease, aspirin may confer protection against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We explore the potential chemoprotective effect of aspirin/other anti-platelet agents on obesity-related cancers, including HCC in people with NAFLD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of anonymised electronic medical records using the TriNetX network (Cambridge, MA, USA), a global federated database. We identified adults aged 18 or over with a diagnosis of NAFLD, prior to commencing antiplatelet agents. Two groups were created: antiplatelet (1) versus no antiplatelet use (2). We propensity score matched for nine variables. Antiplatelet use was defined as aspirin, ticagrelor, cangrelor, clopidogrel or prasugrel use for at least 1 year. The outcomes of interest were incidence of HCC and other obesity-related cancers. Follow-up was for 5 years. We performed subgroup analyses on aspirin users only and stratified findings for sex and age. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on individuals with 3- and 5-year aspirin exposure.

Results

Post matching, there were 42,192 people per group. Antiplatelet use in people with NAFLD was associated with statistically significant reduction in all obesity-related cancers (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.65–0.78, p < 0.001) and individually for HCC (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.40–0.68, p < 0.001), breast carcinoma (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.66–0.92, p = 0.003), pancreatic carcinoma (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.47–0.78, p < 0.001) and colorectal carcinoma (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56–0.84, p < 0.001). For women, there was a significant reduction in risk of ovarian carcinoma (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.98, p = 0.034). Aspirin monotherapy was similarly associated with reduced incidence of HCC (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.32–0.64, p < 0.001) and all obesity-related cancers (HR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.56–0.90, p = 0.004), with benefits observed in males (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.90, p = 0.004), females (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67–0.88, p < 0.001) and in older (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.63–0.82, p < 0.001) but not younger people (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.03, p = 0.589).

Conclusions

Aspirin/antiplatelet agents may have a role in primary cancer prevention in people living with NAFLD.
Cyclophostin and Cyclipostins analogues counteract macrolide-induced resistance mediated by erm(41) in Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Sarrazin Morgane , Poncin Isabelle , Fourquet Patrick , Audebert Stéphane , Camoin Luc , Denis Yann , Santucci Pierre , Spilling Christopher D. , Kremer Laurent , Le Moigne Vincent , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Cavalier Jean-François , Canaan Stéphane
Published: December 2024

Background

Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging pathogen causing severe pulmonary infections, particularly in individuals with underlying conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Macrolides, such as clarithromycin (CLR) or azithromycin (AZM), represent the cornerstone of antibiotherapy against the M. abscessus species. However, prolonged exposure to these macrolides can induce of Erm(41)-mediated resistance, limiting their spectrum of activity and leading to therapeutic failure. Therefore, inhibiting Erm(41) could thwart this resistance mechanism to maintain macrolide susceptibility, thus increasing the rate of treatment success. In our previous study, the Erm(41) methyltransferase was identified as a possible target enzyme of Cyclipostins and Cyclophostin compounds (CyC).

Methods

Herein, we exploited this feature to evaluate the in vitro activity of CLR and AZM in combination with different CyC via the checkerboard assay on macrolide-susceptible and induced macrolide-resistant M. abscessus strains selected in vitro following exposure CLR and AZM.

Results

Our results emphasize the use of the CyC to prevent/overcome Erm(41)‑induced resistance and to restore macrolide susceptibility.

Conclusion

This work should expand our therapeutic arsenal in the fight against a antibioticresistant mycobacterial species and could provide the opportunity to revisit the therapeutic regimen for combating M. abscessus pulmonary infections in patients, and particularly in erm(41)-positive strains.
The clinical effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for the management of chronic ankle instability: a study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chia Cheryl Shu Ming , Fu Sai-Chuen , He Xin , Cheng Yang Yang , Franco-Obregón Alfredo , Hua Yinghui , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang , Ling Samuel Ka-Kin
Published: December 2024

Background

Chronic ankle instability is associated with long-term neuromuscular deficits involving poor postural control and peroneal muscular impairment. Symptoms of chronic ankle instability hinder engagement in physical activity and undermine the patient’s quality of life. Despite the existence of various treatment modalities, none has conclusively provided evidence of clinical effectiveness in counteracting neuromuscular deficits, such as arthrogenic muscle inhibition of the peroneal longus (PL). Pulse electromagnetic field therapy employed as an adjunct biophysical therapy can potentially improve stability by mitigating peroneal muscle weakness and by activating the peroneal muscle. We postulate that by combining standard care (muscle strengthening, balance training, and range of motion exercise) with pulse electromagnetic field therapy, postural control stability and peroneal muscle weakness will significantly improve.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 48 adults with chronic ankle instability will be recruited and randomly allocated into either the intervention or control groups. The intervention group (n = 24) will receive active pulse electromagnetic field therapy and standard exercise training, while the control group (n = 24) will receive sham pulse electromagnetic field therapy and standard exercise training for 8 weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, week 4, 8 as well as at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits.

Discussion

Chronic ankle instability is a common debilitating condition without a curative conservative treatment. Investigating different treatment modalities will be essential for improving rehabilitation outcomes in this clinical population. This study will investigate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on the functional and clinical outcomes in the chronic ankle instability population. This trial may demonstrate this non-invasive biophysical therapy to be an effective measure to help patients with CAI.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05500885. Registered on August 13, 2022.
Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections among schoolchildren living along the shore of Lake Hawassa, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Belay , Vaz Nery Susana , Lambiyo Tariku , Shimelis Techalew
Published: December 2024

Background

Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are major public health problems in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to water. In Ethiopia, there is limited data available for monitoring the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing helminth infections. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of S. mansoni and STH infections, as well as factors associated with this prevalence, among schoolchildren and compared the findings with those of earlier studies. We also evaluated the diagnostic agreement between two parasitological methods.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 363 schoolchildren from three rural primary schools located along the shore of Lake Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, southern Ethiopia, was conducted in October and November 2023. The schoolchildren were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were collected using pre-structured questionnaires. A single stool sample was collected from each study participant and processed using direct wet mount (DM) microscopy and the formol-ether concentration technique (FECT) to detect helminth ova.

Results

The overall prevalence of helminths was 59.8%, with 36.6% of participating children having a single infection and 23.1% having multiple infections. Schistosoma mansoni and STHs were present in 33.9% and 38.8% of children, respectively. The STHs included Ascaris lumbricoides (28.9% of children), Trichuris trichiura (10.7%), hookworms (5.2%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (2.8%). Diagnostic agreement between the DM microscopy method and FECT was substantial [kappa (κ) = 0.710] for the detection of Hymenolepis nana and almost perfect (κ = 0.827) for the dection of A. lumbricoides, but only fair for the detection of other detected helminths. Children at Finchawa primary school had a lower prevalence of S. mansoni infection [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.76] than those at St Paul’s Tullo Catholic primary school. STH infections were more common among children who sometimes (vs. always) washed their hands before meals (AOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.01–3.54) and those who regularly played with soil (AOR 2.56; 95% CI 1.47–4.46).

Conclusions

This study showed a reduction in STH infections from a high prevalence in 2015 to a moderate prevalence at the present time, despite a similar moderate prevalence of S. mansoni infection. Thus, it is crucial to intensify deworming interventions to reduce the burden of helminths in the study area. Additionally, there is a need to enhance the capacity of clinical laboratories to perform FECT in Ethiopian clinical settings where DM is often employed to diagnose helminths.

Graphical Abstract
Correlation between lipid accumulation product and epigenetic age acceleration in American adults: a cross-sectional analysis using NHANES data
Authors: Li Qiqiang
Published: December 2024

Background

The risks of obesity and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) have drawn widespread attention. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a simple and reliable indicator of obesity; however, the relationship between LAP and EAA remains unclear.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2002 were used. The EAA was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire in the database. LAP was calculated based on triglycerides and waist circumference. The association between LAP and EAA was analyzed using logistic regression models, subgroup analysis, and smooth curve fitting.

Results

A total of 1796 participants were included in the study, of whom 1055 had EAA. After adjusting for relevant covariates, participants with EAA generally had higher LAP levels than those without EAA (258.1 vs. 244.6). Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals in the highest LAP quartile (Q4) were more likely to have EAA than those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.31–2.39; P < 0.001). The area under the curve of the adjusted logistic regression analysis was 0.706.

Conclusion

This research indicates that elevated LAP levels are independently linked to an increased risk of EAA, and early intervention to reduce high LAP levels is necessary to mitigate the progression of EAA.
Controversies and insights into PTBP1-related astrocyte-neuron transdifferentiation: neuronal regeneration strategies for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: McDowall Simon , Bagda Vaishali , Hodgetts Stuart , Mastaglia Frank , Li Dunhui
Published: December 2024

Promising therapeutic strategies are being explored to replace or regenerate the neuronal populations that are lost in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Several research groups have attempted direct reprogramming of astrocytes into neurons by manipulating the expression of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) and claimed putative converted neurons to be functional, which led to improved disease outcomes in animal models of several neurodegenerative disorders. However, a few other studies reported data that contradict these claims, raising doubt about whether PTBP1 suppression truly reprograms astrocytes into neurons and the therapeutic potential of this approach. This review discusses recent advances in regenerative therapeutics including stem cell transplantations for central nervous system disorders, with a particular focus on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. We also provide a perspective on this controversy by considering that astrocyte heterogeneity may be the key to understanding the discrepancy in published studies, and that certain subpopulations of these glial cells may be more readily converted into neurons.
Enhanced prefrontal nicotinic signaling as evidence of active compensation in Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Power Saige K. , Venkatesan Sridevi , Qu Sarah , McLaurin JoAnne , Lambe Evelyn K.
Published: December 2024

Background

Cognitive reserve allows for resilience to neuropathology, potentially through active compensation. Here, we examine ex vivo electrophysiological evidence for active compensation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) focusing on the cholinergic innervation of layer 6 in prefrontal cortex. Cholinergic pathways are vulnerable to neuropathology in AD and its preclinical models, and their modulation of deep layer prefrontal cortex is essential for attention and executive function.

Methods

We functionally interrogated cholinergic modulation of prefrontal layer 6 pyramidal neurons in two preclinical models: a compound transgenic AD mouse model that permits optogenetically-triggered release of endogenous acetylcholine and a transgenic AD rat model that closely recapitulates the human trajectory of AD. We then tested the impact of therapeutic interventions to further amplify the compensated responses and preserve the typical kinetic profile of cholinergic signaling.

Results

In two AD models, we found potentially compensatory upregulation of functional cholinergic responses above non-transgenic controls after onset of pathology. To identify the locus of this enhanced cholinergic signal, we dissected key pre- and post-synaptic components with pharmacological strategies. We identified a significant and selective increase in post-synaptic nicotinic receptor signalling on prefrontal cortical neurons. To probe the additional impact of therapeutic intervention on the adapted circuit, we tested cholinergic and nicotinic-selective pro-cognitive treatments. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase further enhanced endogenous cholinergic responses but greatly distorted their kinetics. Positive allosteric modulation of nicotinic receptors, by contrast, enhanced endogenous cholinergic responses and retained their rapid kinetics.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that functional nicotinic upregulation occurs within the prefrontal cortex in two AD models. Promisingly, this nicotinic signal can be further enhanced while preserving its rapid kinetic signature. Taken together, our work suggests that compensatory mechanisms are active within the prefrontal cortex that can be harnessed by nicotinic receptor positive allosteric modulation, highlighting a new direction for cognitive treatment in AD neuropathology.
Enhancing hospital protection measures reduces frontline medical workers’ stress during the pandemic
Authors: Xiaoxia Zhou , Yan Feng , Junwei Wang , Bingyao Zhang , Fei Xu
Published: December 2024

Frontline medical workers (FMWs) faced high stress levels in frontline clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress by enhancing protection measures, which includes refining the selection process, improving protective measures for their work in frontline clinics, and determining the appropriate time for evacuation. A Chinese-language-version stress questionnaire, covering stress-related issues and sociodemographic characteristics, was administered to FMWs in Shanghai during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, yielding 107 valid responses. The questionnaire’s reliability and validity were subsequently confirmed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to the stress-related questions, with the KMO and Bartlett’s test values of 0.886, 877.8522 (df = 120, p < 0.0001), respectively. Structure equation modeling (SEM) was used to confirm the factors and measure the relationships among the stress-related questions, factors and sociodemographic characteristics. The parameters of SEM named SOFAIDC were significant with SRMSR, RMSEA, AGFI, NFI, and PNFI being 0.0422, 0.0507, 0.9946, 0.9958, and 0.7615, respectively. Paired sample t-tests revealed the significant decrease in FMWs’ stress score of the current week and the previous week, with all t-values being negative and significant (p < 0.01). A latent growth model (LGM) named LGM30 verified the overall decreasing stress trend over the weeks, with high R-squares (> 0.80), significant positive linear and negative quadratic time parameters. Based on the trajectory analysis, a stress scorecard with an AUC of 0.856 was developed. This study found that there are four factors for FMWs’ psychological stress (anxiety about infection, exhaustion, lack of cognition for infection, and hesitant feeling), and improving targeted hospital protection could alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress through SOFAIDC, as all the total effect of factors or items from the feeling of being protected by hospital were negative. Meanwhile, although overall FMWs’ stress trend has decreased, 22.43% of FMWs have maintained or experienced a high stress trend, and the stress might increase over weeks in frontline clinics. To perfect hospital protection to alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress, the scorecard could be used to select FMWs with low-stress trends, LGM30 could be used to determine the withdrawal time (such as week 8), and targeted hospital protections could be designed based on the relationships between feeling of being protected by the hospital and factors in SOFAIDC, such as providing adequate protective equipment, improving the rationality of FMWs’ work schedules, recruiting personnel with higher education levels, and paying adequate monetary compensation.
Enhanced correlations due to ballistic transport
Authors: De Angelis D. , De Nardis J. , Scopa S.
Published: December 2024

We investigate the nature of density-density correlations in a 1D gas of hard-core particles initially prepared at equilibrium (either at zero or finite temperature) on a semi-infinite line and subsequently let to expand into the other (initially empty) half of the system. Using a combination of analytical techniques based on exact methods and asymptotic hydrodynamic approaches, we discuss the behavior of the gas as its initial temperature varies, and back up our derivations with numerical exact diagonalization of the model. Our findings reveal that, irrespective of the initial temperature, the non-equilibrium behavior of density-density correlations at sufficiently large times is characterized by algebraic decay. Furthermore, we provide analytical results based on quantum generalized hydrodynamics that match with the numerical data both at zero and finite temperature.
Revisiting the J-Shape: Human Development and Fertility in the United States
Authors: Schubert Henrik-Alexander , Dudel Christian , Kolobova Marina , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: December 2024

Economic and social development are closely linked with fertility. Several studies have shown that the relationship follows an inverse J-shape: the association is negative at low and intermediate levels of development and reverses to become positive at high development levels. However, more recent research building on subnational and U.S. data found only mixed evidence for the inverse J-shape. In this article, we draw on subnational data on development and fertility in the U.S. states between 1969 and 2018 to examine the relationship between development and fertility. Using a longitudinal approach and addressing several criticisms of the fertility reversal hypothesis, our results support the inverse J-shaped pattern under most model specifications. However, this pattern might have vanished since the 2007–2008 financial crisis. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms that link development and fertility, showing that gender equality and economic uncertainty mediate the relationship between development and fertility.
The Right to a Fair Trial: Between Normative Doctrine and Practice in the Face of Global Challenges
Authors: Olha Balatska  , Tetiana Lotysh
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to studying the exercise of the right to a fair trial in the face of global challenges, namely, due to the impact of the situation related to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The main tendencies of implementing certain aspects of the right to a trial in criminal proceedings are analysed and determined, in particular, the access to justice, observance of reasonable terms of proceedings, independence and impartiality of the court, and quality of court decisions, their proper validity and legality. Based on the analysis of international acts, the legislation of Ukraine, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and the practice of the Supreme Court, the normative content, concepts and elements of the principle of the right to a fair trial are singled out. Also, the authors held a study of court statistics during the sample period (2017-2021) and analysed the state of justice according to specific indicators (the number of cases / materials and court decisions in criminal proceedings in local general courts, the number of pending criminal proceedings by local general courts, the number of applications challenging a judge, the reasons for the postponement of criminal proceedings and their percentage, the number of cases where court proceedings were carried out as a videoconference, the average number of cases and materials that were considered and had been considered per a judge, the average duration of trials in criminal proceedings (days), the number of court decisions on the consideration of issues on correction of typos, arithmetic errors in a court decision, clarification of the court decision, the number of persons in respect of whom the decision was canceled and changed due to the appeal procedure, the number of applications for review of court decisions based on newly discovered and exceptional circumstances).
Analogical Reasoning in Tax Law – Selected Issues
Authors: Słupczewski Marek , Wilmanowicz-Słupczewska Martyna
Published: December 2024

Reasoning by analogy is well known in many branches of the law. Nevertheless, in the case of tax law, it is still a live and controversial issue. The application of reasoning per analogiam deals with a dilemma typical of the law and is of great value for practice. It is rare to find legal provisions on the admissibility of the use of analogy in the process of tax law interpretation. Owing to the universal nature of this method of inference, it is possible to analyse and draw conclusions regarding its applicability in the national legal orders of continental legal systems. As part of the analysis, the authors present arguments for and against the use of analogy in tax law. Subsequently, the analysis covers selected legal regulations in which the legislator has or has not explicitly referred to the permissibility of the use of analogy in tax law. This section deals in particular with the regulations of Brazil, Spain, Germany, Poland, and Portugal. The authors have also pointed out the distinctiveness of the appropriate application of the legislation and the application of analogy. The article also includes an analysis of selected Belgian, Czech, Polish, and German rulings. The study based on the above leads to the conclusion of a diverse approach to analogy. The research identifies areas of permissibility for the use of analogy in tax law. The authors made use of the comparative and dogmatic-legal methods.
Transboundary Climate-Induced Migration: the Need for a Legally Binding International Framework and a Dispute Settlement Mechanism
Authors: Gandotra Aditya , Thakur Garima
Published: December 2024

Transboundary Climate Migration (‘TCM’) is projected to become an increasingly disconcerting consequence of climate change, with human settlements being displaced erratically. The absence of an international legal regime that systematizes such migratory patterns has the potential to worsen the impacts of climate change on marginalized climate migrants, especially those hailing from the Global South. While multiple suggestions have been made as to the nature of an instrument regulating TCM, these need to be comparatively analysed on the basis of feasibility, efficiency, and adherence to the imperative of ‘international cooperation’ to determine the most appropriate apparatus. Moreover, given that disputes involving nation-states and climate migrants are a foreseeable likelihood, the next important enquiry lies in the type of dispute resolution mechanism that the legal apparatus for regulating TCM should opt for. While the International Court of Justice (‘ICJ’) possesses broad powers in resolving international disputes, including certain landmark environmental disputes, does it have the capacity to delve into fact-intensive and time sensitive disputes emanating from TCM? If not, how suitable can arbitration be in resolving TCM disputes efficiently?
Czym był krakowski Okół?
Authors: Okniński Piotr
Published: December 2024

Okół, określany początkowo przez źródła „nowym miastem” (nova civitas), stanowił autonomiczne terytorium, funkcjonujące w pierwszej połowie XIV w. w obrębie krakowskiego zespołu osadniczego. Powszechnie przyjmuje się, że powstał w wyniku decyzji Władysława Łokietka. Jego geneza i status prawnoustrojowy pozostają jednak przedmiotem zawiłych dyskusji historiograficznych, mających duże przełożenie na ogólną wiedzę o mechanizmach kolonizacji na prawie niemieckim na ziemiach polskich.
Beyond the EYFS framework
Authors: Dave Alex
Published: December 2024

Alex Dave, Safeguarding Education officer, LGfL-The National Grid for Learning, poses the question: With little mention of digital media use and online safety in the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory guidance, how should we help young children to understand and safely explore the technologically diverse world around them?
‘It's what you do with tech that matters’
Authors: Flewitt Rosie , Arnottt Lorna
Published: December 2024

In the last article in the series all about the research project ‘Toddlers, Tech and Talk’, Rosie Flewitt, professor of Early Childhood Communication at Manchester Metropolitan University and Dr. Lorna Arnottt, reader in Early Childhood Education at The Strathclyde Institute of Education, share the findings from the research.
Honey Bee Survival and Flight Capacity After Exposure to Sulfoxaflor Residues
Authors: Costa Ewerton Marinho da , Augusto Letícia Pinheiro , Silva Emanoely Karoliny Santos da , Rocha Victor Hugo Martins , Cardoso Tiago Augusto Lima , Araujo Elton Lucio , Almeida Fernandes Antonio de
Published: December 2024

Knowing the toxicity of insecticides used for pest control in melon on the bee Apis mellifera is essential for the conservation of this species in production areas, thus enabling the conciliation of insecticide applications with the sustainable use of pollinators in the field. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the survival and flight ability of A. mellifera after exposure to residues of the insecticide Sulfoxaflor on melon leaves. The bioassay was conducted under laboratory conditions, in a completely randomized design set up in a 3 x 6 factorial arrangement, represented by two doses of the insecticide Sulfoxaflor (0.048 and 0.192 g i.a./L), one control (distilled water), and six exposure times after application of the product on melon leaves: immediately after spraying and 1h, 2h, 3h, 24h, and 48h after spraying. The insecticide Sulfoxaflor caused 100% morality in the bees exposed to the dose of 0.048 g i.a./L in the periods immediately after spraying and 1h, 2h, and 3h after spraying. The dose of 0.192 g i.a./L, regardless of the exposure time after spraying, resulted in 100% mortality. The median lethal time (TL50) provided by the Sulfoxaflor doses were significantly lower compared to the control, regardless of the time after foliar spraying. Sulfoxaflor negatively affected the flight ability of surviving bees. Regardless of the dose and exposure time after spraying, Sulfoxaflor was highly toxic via residues to A. mellifera under laboratory conditions.
Negotiating Adivasi Identity: A Multimodal Analysis of Indian Picturebook The Why-Why Girl (2003)
Authors: Dandapat Sridipa , Tripathi Priyanka
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Mahasweta Devi and Kanyika Kini's debut picturebook The Why-Why Girl (2003) introduces a dynamic representation of Adivasi (collective term for indigenous communities in India) livelihood in the arena of Indian children's literature. Through the portrayal of Moyna, Devi and Kini not only offer readers insight into the veiled lives of the Adivasi but also sensitize them to issues of social justice and equity by unmasking systematic oppression. With a multimodal approach, this article analyzes the glorified status quo of the Adivasi lives and their indigenous connection with their land and culture vis-à-vis the tropes of rapid globalization, the rampant practice of feudalism, and the systematic marginalization of Adivasi from the mainstream society. Juxtaposing the multitudinous modes of oppression, Devi and Kini's picturebook negotiates the process of formulating subaltern girlhood and elucidates sociocultural implications for the depiction of Adivasi lives—specifically, romanticized ideologies and contradictory social ostracism—attempting to call for inclusivity, respect, and empathy.
The Dictionary of Races or Peoples (1911): Its Intellectual Content, Application in Law, and Reception
Authors: Hutton Christopher M.
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: This paper offers an analysis of the Dictionary of Races or Peoples , published by the United States Immigration Commission in 1911. Against a background of "new ethnical factors" in migration to the United States, the Dictionary 's stated aim was "to promote a better knowledge of the numerous elements included in the present immigrant movement." The underlying classification divided humanity into the "five great races" in Johann Friedrich Blumenbach's system (Caucasian, Ethiopian, Mongolian, Malay, and American), and then distinguished sub-groups primarily on the basis of language. Subsequent policy changes introduced a quota system for immigration by national origin, rather than employing the categories of the Dictionary . The Dictionary was, however, invoked in a number of law cases where problematic racial classifications were at stake, since naturalization law made explicit reference to race. The Dictionary , in combination with these cases, represents a significant source for understanding the remarkable trajectory of the term Caucasian in American English.
Talking Back to the Dictionary: An Introduction
Authors: Turton Stephen
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: This is an introduction to a special issue of Dictionaries devoted to the study of dictionaries' reception. In considering the semantic potential of "using" a dictionary beyond simply looking words up in it, the introduction sketches some of the ways in which lexicographers have envisioned their works' uses and users. It also examines a few of the many ways in which users have actually used dictionaries, and in so doing made them their own. This introduction offers a brief survey of the articles that follow, which collectively illustrate how—in different hands and under different gazes—dictionaries may be aids to learning and remembering, objects for private annotation and public criticism, spurs to artistic creation, goads to legal censorship, and guides (or obstacles) to conflict resolution.
Pond , Pottering, Potentiality: Action and its Critics
Authors: Fleissner Jennifer L.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This essay considers and critiques the fascination with action without will in contemporary theory. It reads Clare-Louise Bennett's 2015 novel Pond as engaged with the question of what counts as an action, and, specifically, with the idea of "pottering" as a hinge between purposive and nonpurposive behavior. It moves toward a discussion of some curious cases in G. E. M. Anscombe's Intention of action construed as willed but nonintentional, so as to argue against the association of will with sovereignty. Finally, theoretical work like that of Giorgio Agamben is shown to conceive of a more sovereign form of agency by elevating an idealized potentiality over the complexities of will.