bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audiometric Outcomes After the Middle Cranial Fossa Repair of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence
Authors: Yang Hong-Ho , Yang Isaac , Gopen Quinton S.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the audiometric outcomes after the middle cranial fossa approach (MCF) for superior canal dehiscence (SCD) repair.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

SCD cases presented to a single institution between 2012 and 2022.

Interventions

The MCF repair of SCD.

Main Outcome Measures

Air conduction (AC) threshold (250–8,000 Hz), bone conduction threshold (BC) (250–4,000 Hz), and air bone gap (ABG) (250–4,000 Hz) at each frequency, pure tone average (PTA) (500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 Hz).

Results

Among 202 repairs, 57% were bilateral SCD disease and 9% had previous surgery on the affected ear. The approach significantly narrowed ABG at 250, 500, and 1,000 Hz. The narrowing of ABG was achieved by both decreased AC and increased BC at 250 Hz, but mediated primarily by increased BC at 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz. Among cases without previous ear surgery, mean PTA remained in the normal hearing range (mean: preop, 21 dB; postop, 24 dB) and clinically important hearing loss (PTA increased by ≥10 dB) after the approach was noted in 15% of cases. Among cases with previous ear surgery, mean PTA remained in the mild hearing loss range (mean: preop, 33 dB; postop, 35 dB) and clinically important hearing loss after the approach was noted in 5% of cases.

Conclusion

This is the largest study to date examining the audiometric outcomes after the middle cranial fossa approach for SCD repair. Findings of this investigation support that the approach is effective and safe with long-term hearing preservation for most.
New Perspectives on Treatment of Depression in Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Carney Robert M. , Freedland Kenneth E.
Published: May 2023

It has been 35 years since we published a study in Psychosomatic Medicine showing that patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and major depression were at twice the risk for having a cardiac event as were nondepressed patients (1). This small study was followed a few years later by a larger, more convincing report from Frasure-Smith and Lespérance showing that depression increased the rate of mortality in patients with a recent acute myocardial infarction (2). Since the 1990s, there have been many more studies of depression as a risk factor for cardiac events and cardiac-related mortality from all over the world, and many clinical trials designed to determine whether treating depression improves medical outcomes in these patients. Unfortunately, the effects of depression treatment in patients with CHD remain unclear. This manuscript considers why it has been difficult to determine whether treatment of depression improves survival in these patients. It also proposes several lines of research to address this question, with the goal of definitively establishing whether treating depression can extend cardiac event-free survival and enhance quality of life in patients with CHD.
Geothrix fuzhouensis sp. nov. and Geothrix paludis sp. nov., two novel Fe(III)-reducing bacteria isolated from paddy soil
Authors: Han Shuang , Yang Shang , Tang Rong , Xie Cheng-Jie , Liu Guo-Hong , Zhou Shun-Gui
Published: May 2023

Two anaerobic, Fe(III)-reducing and Gram-stain-negative strains, designated SG12T and SG195T, were isolated from paddy soils in Fujian Province, PR China. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA genes and conserved core genes from genomes indicated that strains SG12T and SG195T clustered with members of the genus Geothrix. The two strains showed the highest 16S rRNA sequences similarities to the type strains of ‘Geothrix terrae’ SG184T (98.4–99.6 %), ‘Geothrix alkalitolerans’ SG263T (98.4–99.6 %) and

Geothrix fermentans

DSM 14018T (98.2–98.8 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the two strains and the closely related

Geothrix

species were 85.1–93.5 % and 29.8–52.9 %, respectively, lower than the cut-off level for prokaryotic species delineation. The menaquinone was MK-8 in both strains. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. Additionally, the two strains possessed iron reduction ability and could utilize organics such as benzene and benzoic acid as electron donors to reduce ferric citrate to ferrous iron. Based on the morphological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic and genome data, the two isolated strains represent two novel species of the genus

Geothrix

, for which the names Geothrix fuzhouensis sp. nov. and Geothrix paludis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are SG12T (=GDMCC 1.3407T=JCM 39330T) and SG195T (= GDMCC 1.3308T=JCM 39327T), respectively.
Clinical and genetic risk factors and long-term outcomes of MRI vessel wall enhancement in moyamoya disease
Authors: Hao Fangbin , Han Cong , Lu Mingming , Wang Yue , Gao Gan , Wang Qiannan , Liu Shitong , Liu Simeng , Wang MinJie , Yang Rimiao , Zou Zhengxing , Yu Dan , Sun Caihong , Zhang Qian , Zhang Houdi , Guo Qing-Bao , Wang Xiaopeng , Shen XuXuan , Fu Heguan , Li JingJie , Ren Bin , Wang Hui , Zhang Hongtao , Tong Huaiyu , Liu Wanyang , Sun Zhenghui , Cai Jianming , Duan Lian
Published: May 2023

Background

Intracranial vessel wall enhancement (VWE) on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) is associated with the progression and poor prognosis of moyamoya disease (MMD). However, the genetic background and risk factors for VWE in MMD have not been investigated. Therefore, this study assessed potential risk factors for VWE in MMD.

Methods

We evaluated MMD patients using HRMRI and traditional angiography examinations. The participants were divided into VWE group and non-VWE group based on the presence or absence of VWE on HRMRI. Logistic regression was performed to compare the risk factors for VWE in MMD. The incidence of cerebrovascular events of the different subgroups according to risk factors were compared using Kaplan – Meier survival and Cox regression.. STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines were followed for reporting our cohort study.

Results

We included 283 MMD patients, 84 of whom had VWE on HRMRI. The VWE group had higher modified Rankin Scale scores at admission (P= 0.014) and a higher incidence of ischemia and hemorrhage (P=0.002) than did the non-VWE group. Multiple logistics regression shows risk factors for VWE included the ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) pR4810K variant (OR: 2.01 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08 - 3.76];P= 0.028), hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy; OR: 5.08 [95% CI, 2.34 - 11.05],P< 0.001), and smoking history (OR, 3.49 [95% CI, 1.08-11.31],P= 0.037). During the follow-up of 63.9 ± 13.2 months (medium 65 months), 18 recurrent stroke events occurred. Cox regression showed that VWE andRNF213 pR4810Kvariant were risk factors for follow-up stroke.

Conclusion

TheRNF213 p.R4810Kvariant is strongly associated with VWE and poor prognosis in MMD. HHcy and smoking are independent risk factors for VWE; both are likely to induce the VWE phenomenon by affecting vascular endothelial function or causing vascular endothelial damage.
Associations of schizophrenia with arrhythmic disorders and electrocardiogram traits: an in-depth genetic exploration of population samples
Authors: Treur Jorien L , Thijssen Anaïs B , Smit Dirk JA , Tadros Rafik , Veeneman Rada R , Denys Damiaan , Vermeulen Jentien M , Barc Julien , Bergstedt Jacob , Pasman Joëlle A , Bezzina Connie R , Verweij Karin J H
Published: May 2023

Background

An important contributor to the decreased life expectancy of individuals with schizophrenia is sudden cardiac death. While arrhythmic disorders play an important role in this, the nature of the relation between schizophrenia and arrhythmia is not fully understood.

Methods

We leveraged summary-level data of large-scale genome-wide association studies of schizophrenia (53,386 cases 77,258 controls), arrhythmic disorders (atrial fibrillation, 55,114 cases 482,295 controls; Brugada syndrome, 2,820 cases 10,001 controls) and electrocardiogram traits (heart rate (variability), PR interval, QT interval, JT interval, and QRS duration, n=46,952-293,051). First, we examined shared genetic liability by assessing global and local genetic correlations and conducting functional annotation. Next, we explored bidirectional causal relations between schizophrenia and arrhythmic disorders and electrocardiogram traits using Mendelian randomization.

Outcomes

There was no evidence for global genetic correlations, except between schizophrenia and Brugada (rg=0·14,p=4·0E-04). In contrast, strong positive and negative local genetic correlations between schizophrenia and all cardiac traits were found across the genome. In the strongest associated regions, genes related to immune system and viral response mechanisms were overrepresented. Mendelian randomization indicated a causal, increasing effect of liability to schizophrenia on Brugada syndrome (OR=1·15,p=0·009) and heart rate during activity (beta=0·25,p=0·015).

Interpretation

While there was little evidence for global genetic correlations, specific genomic regions and biological pathways important for both schizophrenia and arrhythmic disorders and electrocardiogram traits emerged. The putative causal effect of liability to schizophrenia on Brugada warrants increased cardiac monitoring and potentially early medical intervention in patients with schizophrenia.

Funding

European Research Council Starting Grant.
A Multi-Epitope/CXCL11 Prime/Pull Coronavirus Mucosal Vaccine Boosts the Frequency and the Function of Lung-Resident CD4+and CD8+Memory T Cells and Protects Against COVID-19-like Symptoms and Death Caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Zayou Latifa , Prakash Swayam , Dhanushkodi Nisha Rajeswari , Quadiri Afshana , Ibraim Izabela Coimbra , Singer Mahmoud , Salem Amirah , Shaik Amin Mohammed , Suzer Berfin , Chilukuri Amruth , Tran Jennifer , Nguyen Pauline Chau , Sun Miyo , Hormi-Carver Kathy K. , Belmouden Ahmed , Vahed Hawa , Ulmer Jeffrey B. , BenMohamed Lbachir
Published: May 2023

The pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created the largest global health crisis in almost a century. Following exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus particles replicate in the lungs, induce a “cytokine storm” and potentially cause life-threatening inflammatory disease. Low frequencies of function SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+and CD8+T cells in the lungs of COVID-19 patients were associated with severe cases of COVID-19. The apparent low level of T cell-attracting CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 chemokines in infected lungs may not be sufficient enough to assure the sequestration and/or homing of CD4+and CD8+T cells from the circulation into infected lungs. We hypothesize that a Coronavirus vaccine strategy that boosts the frequencies of functional SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+and CD8+T cells in the lungs would lead to better protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID19-like symptoms, and death. In the present study, we designed and pre-clinically tested the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of a novel multi-epitope//CXCL11 prime/pull mucosal Coronavirus vaccine. This prime/pull vaccine strategy consists of intranasal delivery of a lung-tropic adeno-associated virus type 9 (AAV-9) vector that incorporates highly conserved human B, CD4+CD8+cell epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 (prime) and pulling the primed B and T cells into the lungs using the T cell attracting chemokine, CXCL-11 (pull). We demonstrated that immunization of HLA-DR*0101/HLA-A*0201/hACE2 triple transgenic mice with this multi-epitope//CXCL11 prime/pull Coronavirus mucosal vaccine: (i) Increased the frequencies of CD4+and CD8+TEM, TCM, and TRMcells in the lungs; and (ii) reduced COVID19-like symptoms, lowered virus replication, and prevented deaths following challenge with SARS-CoV-2. These findings discuss the importance of bolstering the number and function of lung-resident memory CD4+and CD8+T cells for better protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-like symptoms, and death.
Acute pain drives different effects on local and global cortical excitability in motor and prefrontal areas: Insights into interregional and interpersonal differences in pain processing
Authors: De Martino Enrico , Casali Adenauer , Casarotto Silvia , Hassan Gabriel , Rosanova Mario , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel
Published: May 2023

Pain-related depression of motor cortico-spinal excitability has been explored using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-based motor evoked potentials. Recently, TMS combined with concomitant high-density electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) enabled cortical excitability (CE) assessments in non-motor areas, offering novel insights into CE changes during pain states. Here, pain-related CE changes were explored in the primary motor cortex (M1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). CE was recorded in 24 healthy participants before (Baseline), during painful heat (Acute Pain), and non-painful warm (Non-noxious warm) stimulation for eight minutes at the right forearm in a randomized sequence, followed by a pain-free stimulation measurement. Local CE was measured as peak-to-peak amplitude of the early latencies of the TMS-evoked potential (<120 ms) on each target. Furthermore, global-mean field power (GMFP) was used to measure global excitability. Relative to the Baseline, Acute Pain induced a decrease of −9.9±8.8% in the peak-to-peak amplitude in M1 and −10.2±7.4% in DFPFC, while no significant differences were found for Non-noxious warm (+0.6±8.0% in M1 and +3.4±7.2% in DLPFC; both P<0.05). A reduced GMFP of - 9.1±9.0% was only found in M1 during Acute Pain compared with Non-noxious warm (P=0.003). Participants with the largest reduction in local CE under Acute Pain showed a negative correlation between DLPFC and M1 local CE (r=-0.769; P=0.006). Acute experimental pain drove differential pain-related effects on local and global CE changes in motor and non-motor areas at a group level while also revealing different interindividual patterns of CE changes, which can be explored when designing personalized treatment plans.

Cortical motor and prefrontal areas present reduced excitability during acute pain, but they occur in different patterns across individuals and present distinct impacts on global connectivity.
Illegal slaughter of sheep for “smokies” production and for the Muslim sacrifice of Qurbani in the UK: animal welfare and food safety implications
Authors: Fuseini Awal
Published: May 2023

Purpose

It is the expectation of Halal consumers that the meat they buy in retail shops and restaurants are ethically and legally reared and slaughtered in approved premises to protect animal welfare and public health. While this may be the case in multinational and well-established supermarkets due to due diligence on the part of retailers, there is evidence to suggest that some independent retail shops and ethnic restaurants in the UK partake in selling meat from illegally slaughtered animals. It is a crime that involves many players, but usually masterminded by rural entrepreneurs, including rogue farmers who supply the animals for illegal slaughter and further processing into smokies, or as part of the Islamic festival of Qurbani, in makeshift abattoirs. The purpose of this paper is to highlight illegal slaughter of sheep for the Halal market and how these impacts on food integrity and animal welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the legality of slaughter in accordance with UK animal welfare and food safety legislations. The documentary research approach is adopted to examine available information on the activities of organised criminal gangs in the production of smokies and their possible involvement in Qurbani fraud.

Findings

This paper demonstrates the involvement of some rogue farmers who are facilitating the smokies trade and illegal slaughter of sheep during the Qurbani sacrifice. It is worth noting that while these illegal activities occur in the Halal sector, the perpetrators are not always Muslims. The processing of illegally slaughtered sheep takes place in unhygienic conditions which is of food safety, public health concern and may violate the religious rules around slaughter.

Originality/value

Illegal slaughter for the Muslim sacrifice of Qurbani is underreported, this paper aims to highlight the animal welfare and food safety aspects of this type of slaughter, in addition to those slaughtered for smokies production.
Unconventional luxury brand collaborations: a new form of luxury consumption among young adults in China
Authors: Diaz Ruiz Carlos , Cruz Angela Gracia B.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study conceptualizes a form of luxury consumption in which luxury brands collaborate with unconventional non-luxury partners. These unconventional luxury brand collaborations are growing in popularity among Chinese luxury consumers of the post-1990s generation. Luxury brands are exploring new branding strategies due to the growing commercial importance of Chinese luxury consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth qualitative study informs this paper. Interviews with young adult luxury consumers self-identifying as Chinese reveal a growing interest for luxury brands that collaborate with odd partners in social media and online culture.

Findings

Unconventional collaborations between luxury brands and non-luxury partners catalyze shifting meanings of luxury through the following juxtapositions: ephemeral instead of timeless, trendy rather than inaccessible, and playful in contrast with traditional. First, young Chinese consumers construct luxury meanings through ephemerality, like digital possessions, social media fame and fleeting experiences. Second, luxury meanings emerge in trendiness among social media influencers and online culture rather than in the seemingly inaccessible taste regimes of the upper class. Third, younger consumers appreciate fun, rebellious and over-the-top aesthetics in luxury brands.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the nascent field of unconventional luxury by conceptualizing how unusual, odd and unexpected collaborations constitute new forms of luxury consumption. The shifting meanings of luxury consumption that this study conceptualizes raise new opportunities and challenges for luxury brands. One of such is the release of limited collections with non-luxury partners seemingly at the opposite spectrum of design, image and values. Moreover, the study adds nuance to the understanding of luxury consumption among young Chinese consumers.
An improved measure of conforming tax avoidance
Authors: Lou Yang , Wang Yicheng , Wright Brian
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new conforming tax measure based on the work of Badertscher et al. (2019).

Design/methodology/approach

This study divides total tax avoidance/management (TM) into nonconforming and conforming portions through a regression. The residual of the regression is treated as the conforming tax measure. In addition, the new conforming tax measure is validated via three approaches. Then, this study examines the moderating effect of nonconforming earnings management (EM) on the relationship between conforming TM and firm performance.

Findings

The empirical results show that the model has stronger explanatory power than the model proposed by Badertscher et al. (2019). Additionally, the validation results show that the mean value of the conforming tax measure is lower in quasi-private corporations (financially constrained companies) than in matched public corporations (nonfinancially constrained companies), and firms under high market capital pressure are less motivated to engage in conforming tax practices. Furthermore, nonconforming EM positively moderates the conforming tax–ROA association, implying that nonconforming EM can reduce financial reporting costs resulting from conforming tax practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to conforming tax research in the following ways. First, this study proposes a new conforming tax measure by substituting the cash book tax difference (BTD) for the BTD in the model of Badertscher et al. (2019) (“BKRW”). Second, this study demonstrates theoretically why the cash BTD should outperform the BTD in computing the BKRW conforming tax measure and confirm this empirically. Third, this study presents a three-way conceptual schema that divides corporations into two groups along each of three tax-relevant dimensions. The group of firms that use both conforming and nonconforming tax strategies have different characteristics compared to the other group. This study also validates the conforming tax measure across the two-group dichotomies.
A comprehensive review on the research progress of PTP1B inhibitors as antidiabetics
Authors: Agrawal Neetu , Dhakrey Parth , Pathak Shilpi
Published: May 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious global health concern affecting over 500 million people. To put it simply, it is one of the most dangerous metabolic illnesses. Insulin resistance is the root cause of 90% of all instances of diabetes, all of which are classified as Type 2 DM. Untreated, it poses a hazard to civilization since it can lead to terrifying consequences and even death. Oral hypoglycemic medicines presently available act in a variety of ways, targeting various organs and pathways. The use of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors, on the contrary, is a novel and effective method of controlling type 2 diabetes. PTP1B is a negative insulin signaling pathway regulator; hence, inhibiting PTP1B increases insulin sensitivity, glucose absorption, and energy expenditure. PTP1B inhibitors also restore leptin signaling and are considered a potential obesity target. In this review, we have compiled a summary of the most recent advances in synthetic PTP1B inhibitors from 2015 to 2022 which have scope to be developed as clinical antidiabetic drugs.
Sleep disorders in dermatology – a comprehensive review
Authors: Mann Caroline , Gorai Surajit , Staubach‐Renz Petra , Goldust Mohamad
Published: May 2023

Sleep is a normal physiological process that accounts for approximately one third of a person's life. Disruption of the normal sleep cycle, which maintains physiological homeostasis, can lead to pathology. It is not known whether sleep disturbance causes skin disease or skin disease causes sleep impairment, but a bidirectional influence is suspected. We have compiled the data from published articles on “sleep disorders in dermatology” in PubMed Central from July 2010 to July 2022 (with the option “full text available”) and provide an overview of sleep disorders associated with dermatological conditions and certain drugs used in dermatology as well as sleep disturbances for which some drugs used can cause itch or dermatological issues. Atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis have been shown to be exacerbated by sleep problems and vice versa. Sleep deprivation, night‐time pruritus and disrupted sleep cycles are often used to assess treatment response and quality of life in these conditions. Some medications used primarily for dermatological conditions have also been associated with alterations in the sleep‐wake cycle. Addressing patients sleep disorders should be an integral part of the management of dermatological conditions. More studies are needed to further investigate the influence of sleep and skin disorders.
Factors predicting oral and maxillofacial fractures after falling and factors predicting the duration of treatment
Authors: Machida Yoshisato , Tomioka Takahiro , Koshinuma Shinya , Nakamura Mami , Yamamoto Gaku , Hitosugi Masahito
Published: May 2023

Background/Aim

The first objective of this study was to identify predictive factors for oral and maxillofacial fractures at the initial response to the patient. The second objective was to determine the factors influencing the incidence of treatment duration of more than 1 month using the information shown in the medical record.

Materials and Methods

Hospital records from 2011 to 2019 were reviewed to identify patients who had sustained oral and maxillofacial injuries by falling or falling from a height. Patterns and types of oral and maxillofacial injury, injury severity, and background of the injury were collected from the hospital records. The variables independently associated with a treatment duration of more than 1 month were determined by logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 282 patients (150 men, 132 women; median age, 17.5 years) were selected for analysis. Maxillofacial fractures were observed in 20.9% of patients (59/282); among these, mandibular fractures were the most common (47/59). Logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.026), nighttime occurrence (OR, 2.192), and upper face injury (OR, 20.704) were independent predictive factors for having a maxillofacial fracture. Additionally, the number of injured teeth (OR, 1.515) and the use of intermaxillary fixation (OR, 16.091) were independent predictors of treatment duration of more than 1 month.

Conclusions

These results may be useful in the initial management of maxillofacial injuries in terms of better‐informing patients injured by falling their expected treatment duration and managing the psychological impacts of a long treatment duration.
Treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia/high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome with hypomethylating agents: Day‐hospital management compared to home care setting
Authors: Trapè Giulio , De Angelis Gioia , Morucci Marco , Tarnani Michela , De Gregoris Cinzia , Di Veroli Ambra , Panichi Valentina , Topini Giuseppe , Bassi Loredana , Isidori Raffaella , Poscente Monica , Innocenti Vincenza , Cippitelli Elisa Emanueli , Talucci Roberta , Bertelli Silvia , Crocicchia Alessandra , Lippi Annalisa , Pezzuti Giulia , Fuschino Michela , Randi Raffaella , Mastini Cristina , Ciambella Silvia , Pessina Gloria , Montanaro Marco , Latagliata Roberto
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Aim of the study was to evaluate the role of a Domiciliary Hematologic Care Unit (DHCU) compared to standard DH setting in the active frontline treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) +/− venetoclax of frail patients with acute myelogenous leukemia/high‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (AML/HR‐MDS).

Methods

All patients with newly diagnosed AML/HR‐MDS unfit for intensive care and treated frontline with HMAs from January 2010 to April 2021 were retrospectively included.

Results

Among 112 patients (62 AML/50 HR‐MDS), 69 (61.6%) were treated in a standard DH setting and 43 (38.4%) were followed by DHCU, allocated to DH or DHCU by responsible physician. Overall response rate was 29/69 (42.0%) in DH versus 19/43 (44.1%) in DHCU (p = .797). Median response duration was 8.7 months (95%CI 7.0–10.3) in DH versus 13.0 months (95%CI 8.3–17.6) in DHCU (p = .460). Infections were also equally reported. Median overall survival of patients treated in DH was 13.7 months (95%CI 9.9–17.4) compared to 13.0 months (95%CI 6.7–19.3) of patients managed by DHCU (p = .753).

Conclusions

Home care management of HMA is feasible and effective, with results similar to standard DH setting: this approach is thus adequate to offer active therapies in frail patients with AML/HR‐MDS considered up to now ineligible.
Mental agency and rational subjectivity
Authors: Campbell Lucy , Greenberg Alexander
Published: May 2023

Philosophy is witnessing an “Agential Turn,” characterised by the thought that explaining certain distinctive features of human mentality requires conceiving of many mental phenomena as acts, and of subjects as their agents. We raise a challenge for three central explanatory appeals to mental agency––agentialism about doxastic responsibility, agentialism about doxastic self‐knowledge, and an agentialist explanation of the delusion of thought insertion: agentialists either commit themselves to implausibly strong claims about the kind of agency involved in the relevant phenomena, or make appeals to agency which seem explanatorily redundant. The agentialist literature does not contain a clear answer to this Agentialist Dilemma, and we put it forward here as a core challenge for the Agential Turn. But we also accept the fundamental motivation behind the Agential Turn, its critique and rejection of a purely passivist and spectatorial conception of the human mind. We close by urging the recognition of a broader category of rational subjectivity, a category which includes states which are neither active nor passive, but nevertheless form part of a subject's rational point of view on the world.
First record of the bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé, (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) in Syria
Authors: Zeity Mahran , Arab Atia , Salman Ola
Published: May 2023

Mature and immature individuals of a small sap sucking insect were collected from Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees located in a coastal area of Syria (Latakia) in October 2022. These specimens were found during regular monitoring of the newly introduced Eucalyptus redgum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei. Collected specimens were identified as Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé 2006. This is the first record of this species, as well as the family Thaumastocoridae, from Syria.
To see is to believe: Corporate site visits and mutual fund herding
Authors: Quan Xiaofeng , Xiang Cheng , Li Donghui , Tan Kelvin Jui Keng
Published: May 2023

Using a unique data set of corporate site visits by mutual funds to Chinese firms listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2021, we find that firms with visits (more visits) are associated with lower mutual fund herding than those with no (fewer) visits. In addition, we demonstrate that mutual funds’ visits to a firm drive the change in their herding propensity by verifying hard information (e.g., the firm's technology, innovation, accounting, and finance information) and obtaining soft information (e.g., management's risk appetite, employee morale, and corporate culture). Furthermore, corporate site visits are found to strengthen herding's price impact without return reversals. Overall, our results are consistent with information cascade theory.
The influence of web‐based decision aids on informal caregivers of people with dementia: A systematic mixed‐methods review
Authors: Zhi Shengze , Ma Dongfei , Song Dongpo , Gao Shizheng , Sun Juanjuan , He Meng , Zhu Xiangning , Dong Yueyang , Gao Qi , Sun Jiao
Published: May 2023

Caring for people with dementia is considered one of the most stressful and difficult forms of care. Informal caregivers constantly face high physical and emotional burdens. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with effective and practical support. Web‐based decision aids can provide convenient and effective decision support for informal caregivers. The aim of this study was to assess and synthesize the influence of web‐based decision aids on informal caregivers of people with dementia. Searches of electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI, Open Grey and Baidu Wenku) and reference lists of relevant studies were conducted in July 2022. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed‐methods studies published in Chinese and English on the use of web‐based decision aids by informal caregivers of people with dementia were included. The studies were selected by screening titles, abstracts and full texts, and the quality of each study was assessed by two researchers independently. Fourteen studies were published between 2010 and 2022, including five qualitative studies, four quantitative studies and five mixed‐methods studies. Web‐based decision aids have a positive influence on informal caregivers of people with dementia by providing decision support, satisfying needs, promoting psychological health, improving communication ability and reducing caregiver burden. Informal caregivers of people with dementia are receptive to web‐based decision aids and expect their functionality to be optimized further. Web‐based decision aids offer potential benefits to informal caregivers by providing effective decision‐making support and improving their psychological health and ability to communicate.
When nurses' vulnerability challenges their moral integrity: A discursive paper
Authors: Seidlein Anna‐Henrikje , Kuhn Eva
Published: May 2023

Background

Both vulnerability and integrity represent action‐guiding concepts in nursing practice. However, they are primarily discussed regarding patients—not nurses—and considered independently from rather than in relation to each other.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to characterize the moral dimension of nurses' vulnerability and integrity, specify the concepts' relationship in nurses' clinical practice and, ultimately, allow a more fine‐grained understanding.

Design

This discursive paper demonstrates how vulnerability and integrity relate to each other in nursing practice and carves out which types of vulnerability pose a threat to nurses' moral integrity. The concept of vulnerability developed by Mackenzie et al. (2014) is applied to the situation of nurses and expanded to include the concept of moral integrity according to Hardingham (2004). Four scenarios are used to demonstrate where and how nurses' vulnerabilities become particularly apparent in clinical practice. This leads to a cross‐case discussion, in which the vulnerabilities identified are examined against the background of moral integrity and the relationship between the two concepts is determined in more detail.

Results and Conclusion

Vulnerability and integrity do not only form a conceptual pair but also represent complementary moral concepts. Their joint consideration has both a theoretical and practical added value. It is shown that only specific forms of vulnerability pose a threat to moral integrity and the vulnerability–integrity relationship is mediated via moral distress.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The manuscript provides guidance on how the concrete threat(s) to integrity can be buffered and moral resilience can be promoted. Different types of threats also weigh differently and require specific approaches to assess and handle them at the micro‐, meso‐ and macro‐level of the healthcare system.
Association of obesity and weight gain with alveolar bone loss: Results of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study
Authors: Tegelberg P. , Tervonen T. , Knuuttila M. , Saxlin T. , Ylöstalo P.
Published: May 2023

Aim

To investigate whether long‐term obesity, long‐term central obesity and weight gain are associated with alveolar bone loss.

Materials and Methods

A sub‐population (n = 1318) of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 was categorized based on body mass index (BMI: normal weight, overweight and obesity) and waist circumference (WC: no central obesity, central obesity) at ages 31 and 46. These categories were combined to define whether the participants stayed in the same categories or passed on to a higher category (weight gain). Alveolar bone level (BL) data were collected at age 46.

Results

The associations of long‐term obesity and weight gain with BL ≥ 5 mm were stronger in smokers than in the total population and in never smokers. Males who passed on to higher BMI and WC categories showed a higher likelihood for BL ≥ 5 mm (range in relative risks [RRs] 1.3–2.2) than males who stayed in the same categories (range in RRs 0.7–1.1). The associations with BL ≥ 5 mm were weak or non‐existent in females.

Conclusions

The relation between obesity and periodontal diseases seems more complex than previously presumed. The role of gender and smoking should be taken into account in future studies.
Is There a Replication Crisis in Finance?
Authors: JENSEN THEIS INGERSLEV , KELLY BRYAN , PEDERSEN LASSE HEJE
Published: May 2023

Several papers argue that financial economics faces a replication crisis because the majority of studies cannot be replicated or are the result of multiple testing of too many factors. We develop and estimate a Bayesian model of factor replication that leads to different conclusions. The majority of asset pricing factors (i) can be replicated; (ii) can be clustered into 13 themes, the majority of which are significant parts of the tangency portfolio; (iii) work out‐of‐sample in a new large data set covering 93 countries; and (iv) have evidence that is strengthened (not weakened) by the large number of observed factors.
Online Bruxism‐related information: Can people understand what they read? A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Minervini Giuseppe , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Cicciù Marco
Published: May 2023

Background

Bruxism patients often access the web to search for information. Unfortunately, the low text readability of online material and the limited medical literacy in the general population may prevent patients' understanding of health information.

Objective(s)

We aimed to assess the home page's readability of the top 10 patients‐oriented bruxism‐related websites and the educational level required to approach them.

Methods

Using the word bruxism in the “no country redirect” extension of Google Chrome browser (www.google.com/ncr), we identified the first 10 patient‐oriented English language websites. The readability of the material was determined using six commonly recommended readability tests (1): Gunning Fog Index (GFI), Coleman Liau Index (CLI), Automated Readability Index (ARI) Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincald Grade Level (FKGL), Flesh Reasing Ease (FRE).

Results

The USA National Institutes of Health requirements, which call for websites to be readable at a 6th to 7th‐grade level, were not followed by any of the most popular websites.

Conclusion

The average consumer frequently finds the health information on the Internet to be too complex to understand, which can lead to misinterpretation, a delay in diagnosis, and poorer health consequences.
Prevalence and associated skills of Australian general practice registrars seeing children with functional bowel and bladder problems
Authors: Goldfeld Sharon , Tapley Amanda , O'Connor Elodie , Spike Neil , Morgan Simon , Freed Gary L , Davey Andrew , Holliday Elizabeth , Ball Jean , Magin Parker
Published: May 2023

Aim

Functional bowel (constipation and faecal incontinence) and bladder (urinary incontinence and enuresis) problems in children are often treated by paediatricians yet should mostly be managed by general practitioners (GPs). To understand whether the necessary skills and knowledge are being built in general practice, this study aimed to establish the prevalence and associated skills of Australian general practice registrars managing children with functional bowel and bladder problems. Together as paediatricians and GPs, we use these data to determine how best to ensure high quality, equitable care for children.

Methods

We drew on 16 rounds of data collection from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) multi‐site cohort study (2010–2017) of general practice registrars' in‐consultation experience. It included a measure of paediatric consultations in which a functional bowel or bladder problem was managed, as well as demographic information.

Results

Out of 62 721 problems/diagnoses for paediatric patients (0–17 years), 844 (1.4%) were coded as functional bowel (n = 709; 1.13% (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.05–1.22)) and/or bladder (n = 135; 0.22% (95% CI: 0.18–0.25)) presentations. Registrars were more likely to prescribe medication for bowel problems (odds ratio (OR) = 2.22 (95% CI: 1.86–2.64)) than for all other problems, but less likely to prescribe medication (OR = 0.31 (95% CI: 0.18–0.52)) for night‐time wetting and more likely to make a specialist referral (OR = 1.99 (95% CI: 1.22–3.25)) compared to all other problems.

Conclusions

Only a small proportion of children with functional bowel and bladder problems were seen by registrars despite high prevalence in the community and amenability to management in the general practice setting (i.e. generally low morbidity and low complexity) versus need for specialists. Registrars appeared to be managing functional bowel and bladder problems according to evidence‐based guidelines, but with relatively high levels of referral. Given the inequitable access to specialist care, paediatricians should support local general practice management of these problems. This might include (i) engaging with training programs to ensure appropriate education and (ii) liaising with individual registrars/practices to provide management advice for individual or example cases.
Postsecondary Students with LD/ADHD Facing a Sudden Shift to Online Learning during the COVID–19 Pandemic—Emotional Costs and Implications
Authors: Kalman-Halevi Maya , Tutian Rony , Peled Yehuda
Published: May 2023

This study examined the emotional costs and well–being of postsecondary students with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who faced a sudden shift to emergency remote teaching (ERT) during the COVID–19 pandemic. The study was conducted with 237 postsecondary students in Israel from June to July 2020. With regard to online learning, the LD/ADHD subjects reported significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and lower well–being than their neurotypical counterparts. However, no significant differences were found in emotional costs and well–being when the same students had experienced online learning prior to the pandemic. These findings have practical implications for policymakers in academia with regard to the emotional toll of online learning among students with LD/ADHD and their specific needs when facing ERT during the COVID–19 pandemic as well as the contribution of previous online learning when facing ERT.
Risk factors for a failed trial without catheter following convective water vapor thermal therapy (CWVTT‐Rezum)
Authors: Felice Michael D. , Kim Kaylin , Janakiraman Sarang , Pahouja Gaurav , Adams William , Fruth Erin , Farooq Ahmer , McVary Kevin T.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Convective water vapor thermal therapy (CWVTT‐Rezum) is a minimally invasive surgical therapy that is being increasingly utilized for bladder outlet obstruction. Most patients leave the site of care with a Foley catheter in place for a mean reported duration of 3–4 days. A minority of men will fail their trial without catheter (TWOC). We aim to identify the frequency of TWOC failure following CWVTT and its associated risk factors.

Methods

Patients who underwent CWVTT at a single institution from October 2018 to May 2021 were retrospectively identified and pertinent data extracted. The primary endpoint was TWOC failure. Descriptive statistics were performed, and rate of TWOC failure was determined. Potential risk factors for failed TWOC were assessed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 119 patients were analyzed. Seventeen percent (20/119) had a failed TWOC on their first attempt. Of those, 60% (12/20) failed in a delayed fashion. In patients who failed, the median number of total TWOC attempts required for success was two (interquartile range [IQR] = 2–3). All patients eventually had a successful TWOC. The median preoperative postvoid residual for successful and failed TWOC was 56 mL (IQR = 15–125) and 87 mL (IQR = 25–367), respectively. Preoperative elevated postvoid residual (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04; adjusted OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04) was associated with TWOC failure.

Conclusions

Seventeen percent of patients failed their initial TWOC after CWVTT. Elevated postvoid residual was associated with TWOC failure.
Increased anti‐oxidative action compensates for collagen tissue degeneration in vitiligo dermis
Authors: Yokoi Kazunori , Yasumizu Yoshiaki , Ohkura Naganari , Shinzawa Koei , Okuzaki Daisuke , Shimoda Nene , Ando Hideya , Yamada Nanako , Fujimoto Manabu , Tanemura Atsushi
Published: May 2023

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation disorder characterized by the selective loss of melanocytes. In our daily clinic experience, we noticed that the skin tightness of hypopigmented lesions would be more evident in comparison to that of uninvolved perilesional skin in vitiligo patients. Therefore, we hypothesized that collagen homeostasis might be maintained in vitiligo lesions, irrespective of the substantial excessive oxidative stress that occurs in association with the disease. We found that the expression levels of collagen‐related genes and anti‐oxidative enzymes were upregulated in vitiligo‐derived fibroblasts. Abundant collagenous fibers were observed in the papillary dermis of vitiligo lesions in comparison to uninvolved perilesional skin by electron microscopy. The production of matrix metalloproteinases that degraded collagen fibers was suppressed. The deposition of acrolein adduct protein, which is a product of oxidative stress, was significantly reduced in vitiligo dermis and fibroblasts. As part of the mechanism, we found upregulation of the NRF2 signaling pathway activity, which is an important defense system against oxidative stress. Taken together, we demonstrated that the anti‐oxidative action and collagen production were upregulated and that the collagen degeneration was attenuated in vitiligo dermis. These new findings may provide important clues for the maintenance of antioxidant ability in vitiligo lesions.
The role of pattern recognition receptors in crustacean innate immunity
Authors: Patnaik Bharat Bhusan , Baliarsingh Snigdha , Sarkar Arup , Hameed A. S. Sahul , Lee Yong Seok , Jo Yong Hun , Han Yeon Soo , Mohanty Jyotirmaya
Published: May 2023

Crustacean species are among the most valued seafood with socioeconomic and ecological implications in the global fisheries sector. Microbial infections to the farming stock due to continued expansion and aquaculture puts global crustacean production at risk. Understanding and reviewing the complex innate immune system of crustaceans would be pivotal in formulating informed decisions for the control and management of epidemic diseases, thus making the global crustacean aquaculture industry sustainable. Under the purview of innate immunity in crustaceans, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) represent the sensors capable of discriminating non‐self pathogenic modules and invoking the activation of immune responses. The immunity to infections can be manifested at cellular (via phagocytosis, apoptosis, nodulation and encapsulation) and humoral (effected by prophenoloxidase cascade, lectins, antimicrobial proteins) levels leading to the elimination of pathogens or subversion of the pathogenic implications. In this review, we discuss the participatory role of 12 types of PRRs identified from crustacean species with an exhaustive focus on structural and functional specificities in binding to pathogens and possible execution of the immune activity. Moreover, we have elaborated on the PRRs‐associated or possible signalling cascades (Toll‐NFκB, IMD‐NFκB and JAK‐STAT) in crustacean species that could bridge our understanding of the resistance or susceptibility of the host to varied pathogenic infections thus providing clues to the regulatory mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of infectious diseases and mechanisms of immunity.