bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Phase III Study of Arfolitixorin versus Leucovorin with 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The AGENT Trial
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Yoshino Takayuki , Stintzing Sebastian , de Gramont Aimery , Gibbs Peter , Jonker Derek J. , Nygren Peter , Papadimitriou Christos , Prager Gerald W. , Tell Roger , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Suboptimal treatment outcomes with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/folate, the standard of care for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), have generated interest in optimizing the folate. Arfolitixorin ([6R]-5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate) is an immediately active folate and may improve outcomes over the existing standard of care (leucovorin).

Experimental Design:

AGENT was a randomized, phase III study (NCT03750786). Patients with mCRC were randomized to arfolitixorin (120 mg/m2 given as two intravenous bolus doses of 60 mg/m2) or leucovorin (400 mg/m2 given as a single intravenous infusion) plus 5-FU, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab. Assessments were performed every 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the superiority of arfolitixorin for overall response rate (ORR).

Results:

Between February 2019 and April 2021, 490 patients were randomized (245 to each arm). After a median follow-up of 266 days, the primary endpoint of superiority for ORR was not achieved (48.2% for arfolitixorin vs. 49.4% for leucovorin, Psuperiority = 0.57). Outcomes were not achieved for median progression-free survival (PFS; 12.8 and 11.6 months, P = 0.38), median duration of response (12.2 and 12.9 months, P = 0.40), and median overall survival (23.8 and 28.0 months, P = 0.78). The proportion of patients with an adverse event of grade ≥3 severity was similar between arms (68.7% and 67.2%, respectively), as was quality of life. BRAF mutations and MTHFD2 expression were both associated with a lower PFS with arfolitixorin.

Conclusions:

The study failed to demonstrate clinical benefit of arfolitixorin (120 mg/m2) over leucovorin. However, it provides some useful insights from the first-line treatment setting, including the effect of gene expression on outcomes.

Significance:

This phase III study compared arfolitixorin, a direct-acting folate, with leucovorin in FOLFOX plus bevacizumab in mCRC. Arfolitixorin (120 mg/m2) did not improve the ORR, potentially indicating a suboptimal dose.
In-center Automated Peritoneal Dialysis: Clinical Features, Practice Patterns, and Patient Survival From a 6-year Cohort Study in China
Authors: Hu Shouci , Ren Tong , Yang Bo , Pei Ming , Gao Xiangfu , Yang Hongtao , Chen Hongbo
Published: December 2023

Introduction: In-center automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) has been more frequently adopted in clinical practice for maintenance PD patients in China. For a better understanding of its clinical uptake, this retrospective study reviewed incident PD patients for a period of 6 years, investigating the practice pattern of in-center APD, factors associated with the use of in-center APD, and report on the patient survival compared to the non-users of APD among hospitalised PD patients.
Methods: This was a cohort study of all incident PD patients who met the inclusion criteria from 2013/01/01 to 2018/09/30, and were followed until death, cessation of PD, loss to follow-up, or 2018/12/31. Clinical characteristics, patient outcomes, and detailed data on APD sessions were recorded. We used time-dependent Cox model to estimate the variables associated with the initiation of in-center APD, and marginal structural model through inverse probability weighting to adjust for time-varying APD use on the causal pathway to all-cause mortality.
Results: A total of 651 subjects over 17501 patient-months were enrolled. Of these, 633 (97.2%) PD patients were hospitalised at least once during follow-up, and 369 (56.7%) received in-center APD at a certain point, and the timing of APD use during the first 3 months, first year and first 2 years since PD inception were 14.8%, 45.4% and 74.8%, respectively. A total of 12553 in-center APD sessions were recorded, where 85.9% used 4 bags of 5L-exchanges per prescription. Time-dependent Cox model showed that diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09−1.76), urine output (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.92), serum albumin (HR 0.84, 95%CI 0.72-0.99), hemoglobin (HR 0.88, 95%CI 0.77-0.99), and Ca×P (HR 1.19, 95%CI 1.06-1.35) were significantly associated with in-center APD use. Among all hospitalised PD patients, the estimated hazard ratio corresponding to the marginal causal effect of in-center APD use on all-cause mortality is 0.13 (95% CI 0.05–0.31, P<0.001). Significant survival benefit (adjusted-HR 0.56, 95%CI 0.33-0.95) associated with starting APD after the first PD year was observed among in-center APD users.
Conclusions: In-center APD is used intensively during the first 2 years of PD and is associated with certain clinical features. Over all a significant survival benefit of in-center APD use was observed.
Homeopathic Materia Medica of Modern Drugs. 2.ed.
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina, Teixeira Marcus Zulian
Published: December 2023

Following the pattern of traditional homeopathy, this work proposes to employ modern drugs according to the principle of therapeutic similitude, stimulating the healing rebound effect (vital reaction) of the organism through the administration of substances (in infinitesimal doses) that caused similar symptoms in healthy human. Is worth emphasizing that the pathogenetic effects (primary actions) of classical homeopathic medicines correspond to the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of conventional drugs, which should be similar to totality of the symptoms of the patient to stimulate the curative vital reaction (curative rebound effect) according to the principle of therapeutic similitude. To make this proposal operative, a Homeopathic Materia Medica of Modern Drugs was elaborated, where the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of drugs were grouped following the structure of the traditional homeopathic materia medica, while giving particular value to the frequency of the symptoms observed during the phases of study of the drugs. In order to facilitate the selection of the individualized remedy (i.e., similar to the totality of symptoms of the patient), and thus the clinical application of the present proposal, at a later stage it was also elaborated a Homeopathic Repertory of Modern Drugs, where symptoms and remedies are arranged as in the traditional homeopathic repertories, described in another work of this collection. This book is the second volume of the New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude collection.
Bone impairment assessed by lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS) and HR-pQCT in male ankylosing spondylitis patients
Authors: Furlam Pedro Luis , Caparbo Valéria de Falco , Saad Carla Gonçalves Schahin , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues
Published: December 2023

Objectives. Low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis diagnosis in AS patients is based on data using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which may be difficult to interpret due to the presence of syndesmophytes. The objective of this study is to evaluate bone mass and quality using areal (a) BMD, lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS) and HR-pQCT parameters in AS patients compared with healthy controls (HC). Methods. TBS and aBMD were evaluated using DXA. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), bone microarchitecture and stiffness were analyzed at the distal tibia and radius using HR-pQCT. Seventy-three AS male patients and 52 agematched HC were evaluated. Results. Lower TBS values were observed in AS patients compared with HC (1.314 ± 0.121 vs. 1.396 ± 0.070, p<0.001); however, no difference was observed in lumbar spine aBMD between these two groups (1.080 ± 0.193 vs. 1.041 ± 0.118 g/cm2 , p=0.11). Lower trabecular vBMD (162.1 ± 39.6 vs. 186.8 ± 39.9 mg HA/cm3 , p<0.001), lower structural parameters Tb.Th (0.074 ± 0.012 vs. 0.080 ± 0.013 mm, p=0,044) and Tb.Sp (0.497 ± 0.110 vs. 0.448 ± 0.086 mm, p=0,039) and lower strength parameters stiffness (254250.8 ± 48477.7 vs. 291770.3 ± 52858.4 N/mm, p<0.001) and F.Load (12098.6 ± 2240. vs 13770.2 ± 2388.1 N, p=0,001) were observed in the trabecular compartment at the distal tibia in AS patients compared to HC. Conclusion. The lumbar spine TBS and HR-pQCT imaging measurements are superior technologies to detect impairment of bone mass and quality in AS patients compared to healthy subjects.
HDL preserves mitochondrial complex I activity during myocardial reperfusion injury
Authors: Barreto Joaquim , Bonilha Isabella , Busanello Estela , Petrucci Orlando , Vercesi Anibal , Sposito Andrei Carvalho
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Myocardial reperfusion injury answers for half of final infarct size following myocardial infarction, although no effective therapy has yet been discovered. Modulation of mitochondrial activity stands as an attractive target, as its impairment following reperfusion impairs ATP generation and henceforth turns cardiac recovery less prone to occur. HDL reduced final infarct size in different ischemia-reperfusion injury models for unknown mechanisms. Whether this effect involves mitochondrial activity modulation is unknown. Hypothesis. HDL post-conditioning preserves mitochondrial activity. Methods. Hearts extracted from male adult Wistar rats were subjected to 35min of regional ischemia, followed by 90min of reperfusion in a Langendorff apparatus. HDL (200ug/mL) or saline solution (PBS) was administered during the 7 first minutes of reperfusion. Infarct size was determined as percentage of total ventricular area, considering area at risk (AAR) as the delineated by Evans Blue. Cardiac samples underwent high-resolution oxygraph, and maximal oxygen consumption rate was calculated after the addition of saturating concentrations of ADP (1mM). Mitochondrial viability and complex I activity were assessed by colorimetric assays. Statistical analysis. Data are mean ± standard error. Means were compared by Student`s t test and p value < 0,05 was considered significant. Results. Treatment with HDL improved cardiac recovery, as indicated by better recovery of LVDP and dP/dT, and reduction of coronary artery resistance in comparison to control group (30,5 vs. 46,7%, 26 vs. 54,7% and 144±30 Vs. 98±14mmHg/mL, respectively; p<0.01). Treatment with HDL reduced final infarct size by 30% in comparison to control (69.2±3.7% Vs. 49.2±13%; p<0.001). The HDL group showed higher ADP-stimulated oxygen consumption rate (7.1±2.2 Vs. 33.8±6.6pmol/s.mg; p<0.05; n=6) and greater complex I activity (12.7±4.2 vs. 30.7±4.4mOD/min; p<0.05; n=3 per group) compared to control, though mitochondrial content was comparable (1.1±0.8 vs. 1.1±0.8AU; n=3; ns). Conclusions. Ischemic postconditioning with HDL reduces infarct size and preserves complex I activity, improving myocardial recovery following reperfusion injury.
Exclusive abdominal lymphadenopathy as a rare presentation of sarcoidosis
Authors: Santos Matheus de Carvalho , Carvalho Ana Júlia Araujo de , Santos Helena Telles Furtado dos , Gomes Matheus Heringer , Rezende Thiago Arruda
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease. The disease’s immunopathogenic mechanism is the activation of a cell mediated immune response. Lung is the most affected organ, but up to 30% of patients can have extrapulmonary manifestations.Case report: A 21-year-old male presented with a history of nausea, vomiting after meals, epigastric and periumbilical pain for approximately 6 months. Hyporexia and loss of 35 kilograms in 7 months were present, in addition to intermittent low nocturnal fever. His computed tomography (CT) scan (Figure 1) of the abdomen showed the presence of multiple, enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes with homogenous shape, measuring up to 2.0 cm in diameter, extending from the upper abdomen to the pelvis. Histopathologic findings of these lymph nodes showed a sarcoid appearance (Figure 2). Lymphoma,tuberculosis and other infections were excluded through immunohistochemical analysis. Treatment with prednisone was started initially at a dose of 40mg a day and after 5 weeks the patient was asymptomatic. One year and three months after the onset of treatment, corticosteroid dose reduction was attempted 3 times, with all of them leading to disease relapses. Treatment was optimized with 60mg of prednisone (for 2 weeks) plus 100mg of azathioprine daily.Discussion: The prevalence of gastrointestinal system involvement with clinical manifestations is 0,1 to 0,9%. However, the incidence of subclinical involvement can be higher. Enlarged lymph nodes are present in approximately 30% of cases. Treatment is indicated in sarcoidosis for patients with damage organ function or symptomatic disease and the first-line therapy is corticosteroids
Hepatic angiosarcoma: a transdisciplinary case study
Authors: Arruda Vivian Nunes , Andrade Melissa de , Gonçalves Rhafir
Published: December 2023

Hepatic Angiosarcoma is a rare malignancy of endothelial cell origin that is generally idiopathic and presents non-specific clinical manifestations. Hemoperitoneum can occur in 17-27% of cases and is a result of tumor rupture, which has a devastating prognosis. We present a 79-year-old female patient with history of diffuse right upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with syncope episodes and unintentional weight loss. Physical examination was unremarkable except for painful palpation of the right upper quadrant. Laboratory exams indicated chronic disease anemia, a 2.7 INR, decreased albumin,increased C-Reactive Protein and GGT, and normal AST, ALT, Alkaline Phosphatase and Bilirubin. Viral hepatitis serologies were negative. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed hepatomegaly and solid liver lesions of heterogeneous echogenicity and imprecise limits. Three-phase abdominal CT showed multiple liver masses of heterogeneous pattern of enhancement suggestive of atypical hemangioma associated with ascites. Chest CT revealed bilateral pulmonary nodules suggestive of metastasis. During hospital stay, the patient developed a massive hemoperitoneum that required emergency laparotomy. Inthis circumstance, liver and omentum biopsies were performed and the pathology reports ultimately indicated the possibility of hepatic angiosarcoma. The patient developed refractory hemoperitoneum and hemorrhagic shock and ultimately passed away, 48 days after hospital admission. Definitive diagnosis was only available posteriorly, with immunohistochemistry positivity for ERG, CD34 and Factor VIII-related antigen on both omentum and lung samples. This case study provides valuable clinical discussion and emphasizes how a transdisciplinary approach is essential to correctly diagnose and manage such complex cases.
XXXVII COMU Scientific Awards
Authors: Imamura Marta , Numakura Guilherme Tetsuo Yokoy
Published: December 2023

[...] This year we accepted 41 scientific projects to apply for the traditional and renowned Oswaldo Cruz Awards, Panel Awards and Monograph Awards. All the projects were evaluated focusing to improve the medical formation, excellence in teaching, commitment to the research and to prepare qualified professional. [...]
Fatores de risco intrínsecos para quedas entre idosos institucionalizados
Authors: Ferreira Maria Janaína Resende , Rodrigues Jessica Alves , Rezende Ana Elisa Soares , Pereira Ana Carolina Merenciano Sundfeld , Lemos Luiza Ribeiro , Cunha Laura Araujo , Belo Mayara Sá Fortes Orlando Maciel , Damázio Laila Cristina Moreira
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Investigar os fatores de risco intrínsecos para queda entre idosos de duas Instituições de Longa Permanência (ILP) no interior de Minas Gerais/Brasil. Métodos: Foram avaliados 20 idosos com idade média de 79 anos (entre 60-100 anos). Foram aplicadas as escalas de Tinetti e Barthel para avaliação do equilíbrio corporal e independência funcional, respectivamente. A escala de Downton para análise do risco de quedas; a estesiometria, a dinamometria e o teste manual de força muscular para estimar respectivamente, a sensibilidade das mãos e pés, a força de preensão palmar e a força dos músculos de membros inferiores. A análise estatística utilizada foi o teste t-student, o teste de correlação de Pearson, a análise de variância (ANOVA-one way), considerando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A média geral do escore da escala de Dowton foi de 4,68 (p<0,05); a do equilíbrio corporal foi de 14,57 pontos (p<0,05), a escala de Barthel foi de 72,36 pontos (p<0,05); a força de preensão palmar foi de 2,73 kg/m² (±3,64) e a média de força em membros inferiores foi de 3,7 kg/m2 (p<0,05). Conclusão: Conclui-se que os idosos avaliados apresentam alto risco de quedas sendo os parâmetros mais comprometidos e responsáveis por este risco, a polifarmácia, desequilíbrio, fraqueza muscular, perda de sensibilidade e dependência funcional.
Parâmetros espirométricos podem predizer a incidência de fragilidade em pessoas idosas?
Authors: Santos Ariana Oliveira , Fernandes Marcos Henrique , Santos Patrícia Honório Silva , Brito Thaís Alves , Coqueiro Raildo da Silva , Carneiro José Ailton Oliveira
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre indicadores espirométricos e a incidência da síndrome de fragilidade em pessoas idosas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo com delineamento longitudinal realizado em 2014-2019, com uma amostra de estudo de 104 pessoas idosas. A variável dependente foi a síndrome de fragilidade, avaliada por meio do fenótipo de Fried et al. e as variáveis independentes foram os indicadores espirométricos, sendo eles a Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF), Pico de Fluxo Expiratório (PFE), Volume Expiratório Forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), relação VEF1/CVF e o Fluxo Expiratório Forçado 25%-75% (FEF25-75%). Resultados: A incidência de pessoas idosas frágeis foi de 16,3% em ambos os sexos, sendo que o sexo masculino apresentou melhores indicadores de função pulmonar que as mulheres. Apesar disso, observamos que não houve associação entre a síndrome de fragilidade e os indicadores espirométricos (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os indicadores espirométricos não são preditores de fragilidade em pessoas idosas residentes na comunidade, após cinco anos de seguimento.
Fatores correlacionados a intolerância ao exercício na alta de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19
Authors: Lopes Lara Bourguignon , Souza Gabriele Teixeira Braz de , Silva Mariane Colares da , Barbosa Roberta Ribeiro Batista
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência da intolerância ao exercício e a correlação com o perfil sociodemográfico, clínico, de hospitalização e função física na alta de pacientes hospitalizados pela COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 52 pacientes internados por COVID-19 no Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória, Espírito Santo. Coletou-se informações no momento da alta quanto ao perfil sociodemográfico, clínico, de hospitalização e função física, através de questionário semiestruturado, prontuário eletrônico, escalas e testes. Utilizou-se o Medical Research Council Modificado (mMRC) para graduar a dispneia, o Medical Research Council (MRC) para avaliar força muscular periférica, a manovacuometria, através das pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas, para mensurar força muscular respiratória e a Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF) para funcionalidade. A variável desfecho, tolerância ao exercício, foi medida pelo Teste de Sentar e Levantar de 1 minuto. Resultados: Todos participantes apresentaram intolerância ao exercício no momento da alta hospitalar. O desempenho no teste de sentar e levantar foi inversamente correlacionado com o grau de dispneia e diretamente com a força muscular inspiratória, pontuação total da Medida de Independência Funcional, domínios de autocuidado, locomoção, mobilidade (p 0,019), e controle de esfíncter Conclusão: A prevalência da intolerância ao exercício na alta por COVID-19 foi de 100%, e estava correlacionada com o grau de dispneia, força muscular inspiratória e funcionalidade para autocuidado, locomoção, mobilidade e controle de esfíncter. Destaca-se a avaliação da tolerância ao exercício como importante preditor de sequelas pós-COVID-19, capaz de avaliar a interação entre diversos sistemas orgânicos.
Is It Ever Wise to Edit Wild-Type Alleles? Engineered CRISPR Alleles Versus Millions of Years of Human Evolution
Authors: Kozan Darby W. , Farber Steven A.
Published: December 2023

The tremendous burden of lipid metabolism diseases, coupled with recent developments in human somatic gene editing, has motivated researchers to propose population-wide somatic gene editing of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) within the livers of otherwise healthy humans. The best-characterized molecular function of PCSK9 is its ability to regulate plasma LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels through promoting LDL receptor degradation. Individuals with loss-of-function PCSK9 variants have lower levels of plasma LDL and reduced cardiovascular disease. Gain-of-function variants of PCSK9 are strongly associated with familial hypercholesterolemia. A new therapeutic strategy delivers CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats; CRISPR-associated protein 9) specifically to liver cells to edit the wild-type alleles of PCSK9 with the goal of producing a loss-of-function allele. This direct somatic gene editing approach is being pursued despite the availability of US Food and Drug Administration-approved PCSK9 inhibitors that lower plasma LDL levels. Here, we discuss other characterized functions of PCSK9 including its role in infection and host immunity. We explore important factors that may have contributed to the evolutionary selection of PCSK9 in several vertebrates, including humans. Until such time that we more fully understand the multiple biological roles of PCSK9, the ethics of permanently editing the gene locus in healthy, wild-type populations remains highly questionable.
Resistance Exercise Training in Individuals With and Without Cardiovascular Disease: 2023 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Paluch Amanda E. , Boyer William R. , Franklin Barry A. , Laddu Deepika , Lobelo Felipe , Lee Duck-chul , McDermott Mary M. , Swift Damon L. , Webel Allison R. , Lane Abbi ,   on behalf the American Heart Association Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology; Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Epidemiology and Prevention; and Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease
Published: December 2023

Resistance training not only can improve or maintain muscle mass and strength, but also has favorable physiological and clinical effects on cardiovascular disease and risk factors. This scientific statement is an update of the previous (2007) American Heart Association scientific statement regarding resistance training and cardiovascular disease. Since 2007, accumulating evidence suggests resistance training is a safe and effective approach for improving cardiovascular health in adults with and without cardiovascular disease. This scientific statement summarizes the benefits of resistance training alone or in combination with aerobic training for improving traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. We also address the utility of resistance training for promoting cardiovascular health in varied healthy and clinical populations. Because less than one-third of US adults report participating in the recommended 2 days per week of resistance training activities, this scientific statement provides practical strategies for the promotion and prescription of resistance training.
How Society Anxiety Influences Attention Control in College Students: The Moderated Mediation Effect of Cognitive Flexibility and Resting-state Electroencephalography Activity
Authors: Wang Li , Sheng Jing , Duan Shumin , Lin Shuang , Li Yongjian , Li Zhe , Li Shuzhen , Sataer Yifutihaer , Chen Jun
Published: December 2023

Social anxiety is a prevalent issue among college students, adversely affecting their overall well-being. Drawing from the cognitive model of social anxiety and attention control theory, heightened levels of social anxiety may correspond to poorer attention control ability. However, little is known about the underlying cognitive mechanisms of the relationship between social anxiety and attention control. To address this research gap, the current study recruited a sample of 156 college students (56 women) who underwent self-report measures of social anxiety, cognitive flexibility, and attention control, followed by a resting-state EEG recording. The results revealed a significant negative predictive effect of social anxiety on attention control, with cognitive flexibility partially mediating this relationship. Furthermore, resting-state theta power emerged as a significant moderator, accentuating the negative impact of social anxiety on cognitive flexibility among individuals with lower theta power. In addition, frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) demonstrated a moderating effect, with lower FAA intensifying the predictive influence of cognitive flexibility on attention control. Taken together, these results suggested that social anxiety can predict attention control either directly or indirectly via the mediating role of cognitive flexibility, and lower theta power and FAA has a risk amplification effect, which provide novel insights into the treatment and prevention of social anxiety and its negative impact on college students.
Sociocultural factors and academic openness of world countries
Authors: Khosrowjerdi Mahmood , Linhart Silje Hernæs
Published: December 2023

Academic openness (i.e., the extent of collaborative academic activities of nations with external actors in the science communication system) has been regarded as a major contributor to strong science. We used several nation-level data sets to explore the associations of sociocultural factors with the academic openness of world nations. To check the robustness of relationships, two distinct data sets for academic openness of nations were used in this research. Our findings showed the strong relationships of some dimensions of national culture and (economic and human) resources with both academic openness indicators. The findings were discussed considering Schwartz’s national culture theory, and the implications were presented in conclusion.
Scope and limitations of library metrics for the assessment of ebook usage: COUNTER R5 and link resolver
Authors: Echeverria Mercedes , Bustamante Yacelli
Published: December 2023

Data are at the heart of electronic resource management in academic libraries. Assessing the usage data of electronic resources has become a prevalent approach to demonstrate the value of digital collections, justify library expenditures, and gain insights into how users interact with library materials. This study analyzes the usage statistics of electronic books (ebooks) generated locally by the OpenURL link resolver in an academic library, and statistics collected by platform vendors based on Release 5 of the Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resource (COUNTER R5). Three content provider platforms (Cambridge Core, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect) were analyzed as data sources. The COUNTER and link resolver statistics were examined to determine the degree of association between these two metrics. The Spearman correlation coefficient was moderate (rs > 0.561 and < 0.678) and statistically significant (p < .01). This suggests that these metrics capture different aspects of the usage of ebooks in different contexts. Other factors, such as the types of access to electronic resources and the units of content delivered, were also examined. The study concludes with a discussion regarding the scope and limitations of link resolver and COUNTER R5 as library metrics for measuring the usage of ebooks.
Uncovering Risk Factors and Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism in a Nationwide Cohort of Hospitalized Children
Authors: Huerta Carlos Theodore , Ramsey Walter A. , Rodriguez Cindy , Parreco Joshua P. , Thorson Chad M. , Sola Juan E. , Perez Eduardo A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in hospitalized children has increased in recent years. This study sought to characterize factors and outcomes associated with PE using a national pediatric cohort.

Methods

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried (2016-2018) for patients (<18 years) with a diagnosis of PE. Index and prior hospitalizations (PHs) within 1 year were analyzed. A binary logistic regression utilizing 37 covariates (demographics, procedures, comorbidities, etc.) was constructed to examine a primary outcome of in-hospital mortality.

Results

3440 patients were identified (57% female) with the majority >12 years old (77%). One-third had a known deep vein thrombosis (69% lower and 31% upper extremity). Nineteen percent underwent central venous catheter (CVC) placement. Twenty-one percent had a PH within 1 year. Nine percent underwent an operation with the majority being cardiothoracic (5%). Overall mortality was 5%. Neurocranial surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and CVC placement were associated with the highest odds of inpatient mortality after logistic regression.

Conclusion

Pediatric patients with PE have a high rate of PHs, CVC placement, and inpatient operations, which may be associated with higher mortality. This information can be utilized to improve screening measures and clinical suspicion for PE in hospitalized children.
“It Felt Like Such a Closed Door”: Supervisory Cultural Rupture & Humility
Authors: Jadaszewski Stefan , Speight Suzette L. , Alshabani Nuha , Singletary Keena , Opara Blessing , Michael Courtney , Lewis Amber
Published: December 2023

The present study used a multimethod approach to investigate supervisees’ perceptions of memorable cultural ruptures in supervision and the relationships among supervisor cultural humility, negative affect due to ruptures, and supervisory working alliance (SWA). The researchers gathered data from 209 graduate supervisees to test four quantitative hypotheses and examined supervisees’ experience of cultural ruptures using consensual qualitative research-modified (CQR-M). Quantitative results replicated findings from research on cultural humility and rupture in the therapeutic alliance, supporting a model of the relationship between supervisor cultural humility, negative affect due to rupture, and SWA. Results did not support the hypothesis that supervisees’ perceptions of the importance of identities implicated in a rupture moderated the relationships among other primary variables. Qualitative findings revealed three domains: supervisor dismissing and misunderstanding culture; trainee disengagement in supervision; and trainee emotional distress. Qualitative findings highlighted the range and severity of supervisor behaviors resulting in or exacerbating cultural ruptures.
Loss of Autophagy Disrupts Stemness of Ameloblast-Lineage Cells in Aging
Authors: Ida-Yonemochi H. , Otsu K. , Irié T. , Ohazama A. , Harada H. , Ohshima H.
Published: December 2023

Autophagy is one of the intracellular degradation pathways and maintains cellular homeostasis, regulating the stress response, cell proliferation, and signal transduction. To elucidate the role of autophagy in the maintenance of dental epithelial stem cells and the subsequent enamel formation, we analyzed autophagy-deficient mice in epithelial cells (Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice), focusing on the influence of aging and stress environments. We also performed in vitro cell and organ culture experiments with an autophagy inhibitor. In young Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice, morphological change was not obvious in maxillary incisors, except for the remarkable cell death in the stratum intermedium of the transitional stage. However, under stress conditions of hyperglycemia, the incisor color changed to white in diabetes Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice. Regarding dental epithelial stem cells, the shape of the apical bud region of the incisor became irregular with age, and odontoma was formed in aged Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice. In addition, the shape of apical bud culture cells of Atg7f/f;KRT14-Cre mice became irregular and enlarged atypically, with epigenetic changes during culture, suggesting that autophagy deficiency may induce tumorigenesis in dental epithelial cells. The epigenetic change and upregulation of p21 expression were induced by autophagy inhibition in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that autophagy is important for the regulation of stem cell maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of ameloblast-lineage cells, and an autophagy disorder may induce tumorigenesis in odontogenic epithelial cells.
Ang1/Tie2/VE-Cadherin Signaling Regulates DPSCs in Vascular Maturation
Authors: Zhang Y. , Lin S. , Liu J. , Chen Q. , Kang J. , Zhong J. , Hu M. , Basabrain M.S. , Liang Y. , Yuan C. , Zhang C.
Published: December 2023

Adding dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to vascular endothelial cell–formed vessel-like structures can increase the longevity of these vessel networks. DPSCs display pericyte-like cell functions and closely assemble endothelial cells (ECs). However, the mechanisms of DPSC-derived pericyte-like cells in stabilizing the vessel networks are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the functions of E-DPSCs, which were DPSCs isolated from the direct coculture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and DPSCs, and T-DPSCs, which were DPSCs treated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), in stabilizing blood vessels in vitro and in vivo. A 3-dimensional coculture spheroid sprouting assay was conducted to compare the functions of E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs in vitro. Dental pulp angiogenesis in the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model was used to explore the roles of E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs in vascularization in vivo. The results demonstrated that both E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs possess smooth muscle cell–like cell properties, exhibiting higher expression of the mural cell–specific markers and the suppression of HUVEC sprouting. E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs inhibited HUVEC sprouting by activating TEK tyrosine kinase (Tie2) signaling, upregulating vascular endothelial (VE)–cadherin, and downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). In vivo study revealed more perfused and total blood vessels in the HUVEC + E-DPSC group, HUVEC + T-DPSC group, angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) pretreated group, and vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) inhibitor pretreated group, compared to HUVEC + DPSC group. In conclusion, these data indicated that E-DPSCs and T-DPSCs could stabilize the newly formed blood vessels and accelerate their perfusion. The critical regulating pathways are Ang1/Tie2/VE-cadherin and VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling.
Claudin-10 Decrease in the Submandibular Gland Contributes to Xerostomia
Authors: He L. , Yuan S.Z. , Mao X.D. , Zhao Y.W. , He Q.H. , Zhang Y. , Su J.Z. , Wu L.L. , Yu G.Y. , Cong X.
Published: December 2023

Tight junction proteins play a crucial role in paracellular transport in salivary gland epithelia. It is clear that severe xerostomia in patients with HELIX syndrome is caused by mutations in the claudin-10 gene. However, little is known about the expression pattern and role of claudin-10 in saliva secretion in physical and disease conditions. In the present study, we found that only claudin-10b transcript was expressed in human and mouse submandibular gland (SMG) tissues, and claudin-10 protein was dominantly distributed at the apicolateral membranes of acini in human, rat, and mouse SMGs. Overexpression of claudin-10 significantly reduced transepithelial electrical resistance and increased paracellular transport of dextran and Na+ in SMG-C6 cells. In C57BL/6 mice, pilocarpine stimulation promoted secretion and cation concentration in saliva in a dose-dependent increase. Assembly of claudin-10 to the most apicolateral portions in acini of SMGs was observed in the lower pilocarpine (1 mg/kg)–treated group, and this phenomenon was much obvious in the higher pilocarpine (10 mg/kg)–treated group. Furthermore, 7-, 14-, and 21-wk-old nonobese diabetic (NOD) and BALB/c mice were used to mimic the progression of hyposalivation in Sjögren syndrome. Intensity of claudin-10 protein was obviously lower in SMGs of 14- and 21-wk-old NOD mice compared with that of age-matched BALB/c mice. In the cultured mouse SMG tissues, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) downregulated claudin-10 expression. In claudin-10–overexpressed SMG-C6 cells, paracellular permeability was decreased. Furthermore, IFN-γ stimulation increased p-STAT1 level, whereas pretreatment with JAK/STAT1 antagonist significantly alleviated the IFN-γ–induced claudin-10 downregulation. These results indicate that claudin-10 functions as a pore-forming component in acinar epithelia of SMGs, assembly of claudin-10 is required for saliva secretion, and downregulation of claudin-10 induces hyposecretion. These findings may provide new clues to novel therapeutic targets on hyposalivation.
A Systematic Review of CBM Content in Practitioner-Focused Journals: Do We Talk About Instructional Decision-Making?
Authors: Fry Erica C. , Toste Jessica R. , Feuer Beth R. , Espin Christine A.
Published: December 2023

Data-based decision-making (DBDM) using curriculum-based measurement (CBM) data has demonstrated effectiveness in improving academic achievement for students with or at risk for learning disability. Despite substantial evidence supporting DBDM, its use is not common practice for many educators, even those who regularly collect CBM data. One explanation for its lack of widespread use is that educators may not receive adequate training in the DBDM aspects of CBM. Espin et al. examined the extent to which DBDM is represented in CBM professional development (PD) materials and found that the topic was significantly underrepresented (12% to 14% of CBM PD material content) compared with other CBM topics. The purpose of this study was to conduct a conceptual replication of the Espin et al. systematic review through an analysis of CBM content in practitioner journal articles. The present review includes 29 practitioner articles coded to the four CBM categories used in the Espin et al. study: (a) general CBM information, (b) conducting CBM, (c) data-based decision-making, and (d) other. Results revealed a pattern similar to the one found by Espin et al. with approximately 18% of the content of practitioner articles on CBM devoted to the topic of decision-making. These findings strengthen the recommendation from Espin et al. for increased attention to DBDM in CBM training materials.
RESEARCH NOTE: Citation Bias and the Economics of Race and Crime Literature
Authors: Mason Patrick , Myers Samuel L. , Simms Margaret , Lai Yufeng , Liu Xiang
Published: December 2023

This research note investigates citation bias using probabilities of zero citations, total citations, and citations per year since publication from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for all 759 articles on the economics of race and crime as extracted from EconLit for the period 1970–2020 and reported in previous work by Mason et al. Our citation analysis considers two main variables of interest: (a) whether the article was published in the Review of Black Political Economy and (b) whether one or more of an article's authors were Black. We report the results of linear probability models of zero citations and negative binomial models of total citations and citations per year since publication. We also estimate the average marginal effects for publication in the Review of Black Political Economy and Black-authored articles on racism or racial discrimination findings. The results of this research note validate and reconfirm the findings of Mason et al. We find evidence of systematically lower citations of articles published in the Review of Black Political Economy. In addition, we find that articles with Black authors are more likely to include findings of discrimination or racism. Articles published in the Review are also more likely to find racial discrimination, but these journal effects are not always statistically significant at the 5% level. These findings are consistent across citation engines, model specifications, and estimation techniques.
PP/MACAIBA almond composites: Effect of SEBS-MA and EPDMA-MA compatibilizers on the mechanical properties and biodegradation
Authors: Siqueira Danilo Diniz , Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , Dos Santos Filho Edson Antônio , Araújo Edcleide Maria , Ramos Wellen Renate Maria
Published: December 2023

There is a need to develop environmentally friendly materials, especially plastics, that minimize environmental pollution. In this sense, polypropylene (PP) composites were produced with 20 wt% of Macaiba almond powder (MA*) and compatibilized with SEBS-MA and EPDM-MA to carry out a biodegradation investigation of these composites. Mechanical properties (impact, tensile), heat deflection temperature (HDT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) experiments were performed. These analyses verified that the best plasticization was reached in the composites with 15% of SEBS-MA and EPDM-MA, indicating an interaction between phases. The impact strength and elongation at break of the PP/MA*/EPDM-MA and PP/MA*/SEBS-MA composites increased significantly, suggesting tough behavior. Biodegradation occurred in the soil for 120 days, and both PP/MA*/10EPDM-MA and PP/MA*/15EPDM-MA demonstrated a mass loss of about 4.68% and 4.0%, respectively. Although PP is not biodegradable, the results show that macaíba almond powder can biodegrade in the PP matrix.
Adaptive elliptic trajectory-based received signal strength indicator antenna tracking algorithm
Authors: Tas Ali Ihsan , Iscan Mehmet , Gurkan Berkay , Yilmaz Cuneyt
Published: December 2023

The continuous telemetry transmission between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground control stations is important particularly in scenarios lacking global positioning system (GPS) data. This paper proposes an adaptive novel elliptic trajectory formula-based tracking algorithm for received signal strength indicator (ANETF-RSSI) which dynamically optimizes model parameters based on energy-associated RSSI measurement errors. ANETF-RSSI generates a variable two-dimensional (2D) RSSI map to identify optimal paths, even under challenging conditions like circular flight paths, varying operating ranges, and accelerated maneuvering, which causes uncertainty into RSSI measurements during flight. In contrast to previous methods, the proposed approach eliminates the reliance on telemetry data such as GPS or complex multiantenna configurations, ensuring robust UAV communication continuity across routes ranging from 100 m to 100 km, even as the UAV rotates around the antenna. This method offers substantial contributions, including enhanced monitoring precision, simplified hardware configurations, continuous tracking with superior accuracy, and adaptability to diverse range routes without the need for preflight parameter tuning. Performance evaluations demonstrate that the proposed ANETF-RSSI method consistently outperforms existing technique, improving nominal performance by 32.02% in the most challenging operational scenarios and achieving a remarkable 48.76% improvement in minimum RSSI values. Consequently, this research provides a versatile and adaptive tracking solution for unexpected UAV flight trajectories.
A Comprehensive Aspect-Level Approach to the Personality Micro-Foundations of Foreign Policy Attitudes
Authors: Chagas-Bastos Fabricio H.
Published: December 2023

We analyze in this article the effects of personality on attitudes toward foreign policy through a comprehensive aspect-level approach. We claim that previous observed null domain-level effects are the product of the aspect-level effects of opposing signs. By and large, we show that some personality effects are of comparable size or bigger than demographics studied in the literature, and that some of these effects are unique and independent of demographic covariates. Our results show that openness, orderliness, and compassion render people to be more supportive of cooperation. Assertiveness is the primary driver of support for the use of military force, whereas politeness and withdrawal ground reverse effects. Volatility roots isolationism postures, whereas industriousness, enthusiasm, and compassion show strong opposing effects. Moving beyond the Big Five personality domain approach provides us with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of how personality is associated with attitudes toward international issues.
Couple similarity in empathic accuracy and relationship well-being
Authors: Berlamont Liesbet , Ceulemans Eva , Carlier Chiara , Verhofstadt Lesley , Ickes William , Hinnekens Céline , Sels Laura
Published: December 2023

Are intimate partners similar in how accurately they infer each other’s feelings and thoughts, and if so, does this similarity predict their relationship well-being? To answer this question, we analyzed data from two laboratory-based studies ( n = 155 and n = 172 couples) in which couples participated in a conflict interaction task and afterwards reported on their own feelings and thoughts and inferred those of their partner. Relationship well-being was measured on both a global (i.e., relationship satisfaction) and a situational level (i.e., post-interaction closeness and satisfaction with the outcome of the interaction). We found that intimate partners were more similar in their empathic accuracy than randomly-paired individuals. This similarity predicted the extent to which partners reported that the conflict interaction had led to a positive outcome for their relationship, but was not associated with partners’ global relationship satisfaction or their post-interaction closeness.
The aftermath of gendered violence: Kinship and affect in post-genocide Rwanda
Authors: Loning Loes
Published: December 2023

Thousands of women and girls experienced sexual violence during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and many became pregnant as a result of rape. Based on two years of ethnographic research in Rwanda, this article discusses how kinship is (re-)established in the aftermath of sexual violence by focusing on the lived experiences of young people conceived in genocidal rape. The article explores what forms of relationships become possible, impossible, enabled or dismissed, in the aftermath of a period of extreme violence. Through detailing the delicate establishment of affective ties, I hope to show the subtle work that goes into containing genocide memories in the everyday. The article suggests that young people engage in careful and ‘attuned’ kinship practices in an environment that changes throughout their life course. In exploring how young people carefully navigate the mending, protecting, and accepting of ‘family’, the article emphasizes the possibilities and limitations of kinship in the aftermath of collective violence.
Assessing the Effects of Place-Based Policy on Spatial Inequality and the Distribution of Household Income: Evidence from Tax Increment Financing
Authors: Kim Geon
Published: December 2023

This research examines the effects of tax increment financing (TIF) on spatial inequality from 1990 to 2014 in Cook County, Illinois. The author explores the effects of TIF on real income and income distribution and examines whether the effects lead to a reduction in spatial inequality. To address the question of spatial inequality, dependent variables are constructed that assess the probability of TIF increasing upward mobility on the real income ladder and catching up with other areas. The results show beneficial distributional effects, but the effects are much attenuated when examining changes in the probability of moving up in the rankings, indicating that the effects of TIF are limited in reducing spatial inequality in the region.