bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Clinical and Endoscopic Efficacy of Extended Treatment Duration with Different Doses of Mesalazine for Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis beyond 8 Weeks of Induction
Authors: D'Haens Geert , Safroneeva Ekaterina , Thorne Helen , Laoun Raphaël
Published: June 2023

Introduction: High-strength mesalazine formulations play an important role in providing a convenient option to increase the dose in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and therefore avoiding the switch to another therapeutic class. Higher doses of mesalazine may be required during periods of remission in order to prevent relapse. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate clinical outcomes of three mesalazine maintenance doses adapted for post induction response. Methods: In this post hoc analysis, 675 UC patients entered an open-label extension study for a total of 38 weeks (including 8–12 week induction period with 3.2 g/day mesalazine). After the induction period, they were separated into three groups: remitters (in clinical and endoscopic remission), responders (decrease in Partial Mayo Clinic Score of ≥2 points and ≥30% from week 0), and nonresponders (failed to achieve endoscopic or clinical response at week 8) and received 1.6 g/day, 3.2 g/day, or 4.8 g/day of mesalazine (using a new 1,600 mg mesalazine tablet), respectively. Results: 133/202 (65.8%), 108/274 (39.4%), and 59/199 (29.6%) patients achieved clinical and endoscopic remission at week 38 with 1.6 g/day, 3.2 g/day, and 4.8 g/day, respectively. At week 38, 142/202 (70.3%), 93/274 (33.9%), and 61/199 (30.7%) patients achieved clinical remission (stool score of 0 and rectal bleeding score of 0) with 1.6 g/day, 3.2 g/day, and 4.8 g/day, respectively. Conclusions: Patients partially responding or not responding to an initial induction dose of 3.2 g/day mesalazine could benefit from an extended treatment period at the same dose, or an increase to 4.8 g/day in an attempt to achieve combined clinical and endoscopic remission.
A percepção psicológica do isolamento social no enfrentamento ao coronavírus COVID-19
Authors: Lima Anderson Pacheco , Barbosa Antonio Pires , Novaretti Márcia Cristina Zago
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: estudar a percepção psicológica de pessoasdiante do isolamento social durante a pandemia pelo novoCoronavírus COVID-19. Metodologia: o tipo de pesquisaadotado é a exploratória, com análises quali e quantitativaspor meio de um questionário direcionado aos portadores esintomáticos do novo vírus COVID-19. Resultados: 44% dosentrevistados relataram a percepção psicológica negativaem suas vidas referente às medidas de isolamento socialentre outros resultados. Conclusão: o estudo identificouaumento na ansiedade e depressão principalmente parapessoas negras e pardas e mulheres.
Significados atribuídos ao tabagismo por pessoas que vivem com HIV
Authors: Devóglio Ligia Lopes , Paulino Giovanne Bento , Duarte Marli Teresinha Cassamassimo , Godoy Ilda de
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: compreender os significados do tabagismo navida de pessoas que vivem com o vírus da imunodeficiênciahumana. Metodologia: pesquisa de cunho qualitativoque incluiu 38 pessoas tabagistas que vivem com o vírusda imunodeficiência humana, atendidas em serviço deambulatórios especializados do interior paulista. Os dadosforam obtidos por entrevista semiestruturada e analisadosempregando o referencial metodológico do Discurso doSujeito Coletivo. Resultados: a maioria dos entrevistados erado sexo masculino (63,1%), com idade média de 41,8±10,4anos; 10,5% faziam uso de drogas ilícitas e 44,7% de bebidaalcoólica e 63,1% não praticavam atividades físicas. Dosdiscursos emergiram três ideias centrais distintas: I) Me dáprazer, alivia o estresse e a ansiedade, é um companheiro, mascausa prejuízos, arrependimento e ódio; II) Está associadocom minha rotina, com a bebida, as drogas, o café e os amigose III) Minha relação com o cigarro após a descoberta do vírusda imunodeficiência humana. Conclusão: o uso do tabacorelacionou-se com condições emocionais, comportamentaise com a infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana.O reconhecimento dos significados do tabagismo poderáfavorecer estratégias de prevenção e controle do tabagismonesse grupo populacional.
Cuidar e reprimir: 25 anos de políticas públicas na Cracolândia
Authors: Alves Ygor Diego Delgado , Pereira Pedro Paulo Gomes
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: este artigo busca descrever e analisar asintervenções na Cracolândia paulistana, acompanhando aspolíticas públicas, desde o surgimento da cena aberta deconsumo de crack como um problema, em 1995 até meadosde 2020. Metodologia: a pesquisa bibliográfica permitiuregistrar as intervenções nesses 25 anos de comércio ede consumo de crack na região. Resultados: a pesquisamostrou como as políticas atuam, simultaneamente, paraoferecer cuidado e para reprimir os usuários de crack.Conclusão: pode-se dividir os primeiros 25 anos deexistência da Cracolândia em dois grandes períodos, no quediz respeito às intervenções do poder público: o primeiro,de 1995 a 2012, marcado por operações violentas; e osegundo, de 2013 a 2020, caracterizado por programas,embora a violência tenha persistido como marca de umaprolongada necropolítica na região.
Prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns em universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Carvalho Ianny Soares de , Araujo-Filho Augusto Cezar Antunes , Silva Andréa Pereira da , Ibiapina Aline Raquel de Sousa , Cardoso Adelzira Rodrigues , Rocha Silvana Santiago da
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: verificar a prevalência de transtornos mentaiscomuns entre os estudantes universitários de umainstituição de Ensino Superior pública do sul do Piauí,durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Metodologia:trata-se de estudo transversal e descritivo-exploratório,com 303 estudantes universitários. Os dados foram coletadospor meio de instrumentos online, sendo um sobre o perfilsociodemográfico e escolar e o Self-Report Questionnaire.As associações entre as variáveis categóricas foramtestadas por meio do teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exatode Fisher, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados:a prevalência de sofrimento psíquico foi de 58,7%.Observou-se a predominância de sintomas de transtornosmentais comuns em indivíduos do sexo feminino, jovens esolteiros. Verificou-se um maior predomínio de sintomas dehumor depressivo ansioso, em que a maioria apresentoua queixa de sentir-se nervoso, tenso ou preocupado.Conclusão: a suspeição para o sofrimento psíquico seencontra elevada entre os estudantes universitários e,por isso, são necessárias ações que minimizem os impactosna saúde mental dessa população.
Facially Driven Rehabilitation of a Cleft Lip and Palate Patient with an Implant-Supported Complete Fixed Dental Prosthesis: Outcome of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Reuss Jose , Reuss Debora , Rutten Luc , Rutten Patrick , Mateo Borja , Vilaboa Beatriz , Vilaboa Debora
Published: June 2023

Patients with a facial malformation due to a cleft lip and palate (CLP) usually suffer from a reduced ability to function normally associated with a poor oral health–related quality of life. This condition often requires multiple significant surgical interventions, and the prosthetic restoration, when needed, is not always included in the initial treatment plan. In order to obtain the highest possible degree of functional, occlusal, and phonetic performance, as well as esthetics, a facially guided prosthodontic treatment sequence should be established. The case presented in this publication shows a multidisciplinary approach for reconstruction of a compromised maxilla with an implant-supported prosthesis via a minimally invasive, digitalized approach.
MAGT1 Deficiency Dysregulates Platelet Cation Homeostasis and Accelerates Arterial Thrombosis and Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Authors: Gotru Sanjeev Kiran , Mammadova-Bach Elmina , Sogkas Georgios , Schuhmann Michael K. , Schmitt Karen , Kraft Peter , Herterich Sabine , Mamtimin Medina , Pinarci Akif , Beck Sarah , Stritt Simon , Han Chao , Ren Pengxuan , Freund Jean-Noël , Klemann Christian , Ringshausen Felix C. , Heemskerk Johan W.M. , Dietrich Alexander , Nieswandt Bernhard , Stoll Guido , Gudermann Thomas , Braun Attila
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

MAGT1 (magnesium transporter 1) is a subunit of the oligosaccharide protein complex with thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase activity, supporting the process of N-glycosylation. MAGT1 deficiency was detected in human patients with X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect syndrome and congenital disorders of glycosylation, resulting in decreased cation responses in lymphocytes, thereby inhibiting the immune response against viral infections. Curative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of patients with X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect causes fatal bleeding and thrombotic complications.

METHODS:

We studied the role of MAGT1 deficiency in platelet function in relation to arterial thrombosis and hemostasis using several in vitro experimental settings and in vivo models of arterial thrombosis and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model of ischemic stroke.

RESULTS:

MAGT1-deficient mice (

Magt1
−/y

) displayed accelerated occlusive arterial thrombus formation in vivo, a shortened bleeding time, and profound brain damage upon focal cerebral ischemia. These defects resulted in increased calcium influx and enhanced second wave mediator release, which further reinforced platelet reactivity and aggregation responses. Supplementation of MgCl
2
or pharmacological blockade of TRPC6 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 6) channel, but not inhibition of store-operated calcium entry, normalized the aggregation responses of

Magt1
−/y

platelets to the control level. GP (glycoprotein) VI activation of

Magt1
−/y

platelets resulted in hyperphosphorylation of Syk (spleen tyrosine kinase), LAT (linker for activation of T cells), and PLC (phospholipase C) γ2, whereas the inhibitory loop regulated by PKC (protein kinase C) was impaired. A hyperaggregation response to the GPVI agonist was confirmed in human platelets isolated from a MAGT1-deficient (X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect) patient. Haploinsufficiency of TRPC6 in

Magt1
−/y

mice could normalize GPVI signaling, platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that MAGT1 and TRPC6 are functionally linked. Therefore, deficiency or impaired functionality of MAGT1 could be a potential risk factor for arterial thrombosis and stroke.
Spatially Resolved Metabolites in Stable and Unstable Human Atherosclerotic Plaques Identified by Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Seeley Erin H. , Liu Zhipeng , Yuan Shuai , Stroope Chad , Cockerham Elizabeth , Rashdan Nabil A. , Delgadillo Luisa F. , Finney Alexandra C. , Kumar Dhananjay , Das Sandeep , Razani Babak , Liu Wanqing , Traylor James , Orr A. Wayne , Rom Oren , Pattillo Christopher B. , Yurdagul Arif
Published: June 2023

Background:

Impairments in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism drive features of plaque instability. However, where these impairments occur within the atheroma remains largely unknown. Therefore, we sought to characterize the spatial distribution of metabolites within stable and unstable atherosclerosis in both the fibrous cap and necrotic core.

Methods:

Atherosclerotic tissue specimens from 9 unmatched individuals were scored based on the Stary classification scale and subdivided into stable and unstable atheromas. After performing mass spectrometry imaging on these samples, we identified over 850 metabolite-related peaks. Using MetaboScape, METASPACE, and Human Metabolome Database, we confidently annotated 170 of these metabolites and found over 60 of these were different between stable and unstable atheromas. We then integrated these results with an RNA-sequencing data set comparing stable and unstable human atherosclerosis.

Results:

Upon integrating our mass spectrometry imaging results with the RNA-sequencing data set, we discovered that pathways related to lipid metabolism and long-chain fatty acids were enriched in stable plaques, whereas reactive oxygen species, aromatic amino acid, and tryptophan metabolism were increased in unstable plaques. In addition, acylcarnitines and acylglycines were increased in stable plaques whereas tryptophan metabolites were enriched in unstable plaques. Evaluating spatial differences in stable plaques revealed lactic acid in the necrotic core, whereas pyruvic acid was elevated in the fibrous cap. In unstable plaques, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid was enriched in the fibrous cap.

Conclusions:

Our work here represents the first step to defining an atlas of metabolic pathways involved in plaque destabilization in human atherosclerosis. We anticipate this will be a valuable resource and open new avenues of research in cardiovascular disease.
ApoA-I and Diabetes
Authors: King Thomas W. , Cochran Blake J. , Rye Kerry-Anne
Published: June 2023

ApoA-I—the main apolipoprotein constituent of the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) fraction of human plasma—is of therapeutic interest because it has several cardioprotective functions. Recent reports have established that apoA-I also has antidiabetic properties. In addition to improving glycemic control by increasing insulin sensitivity, apoA-I improves pancreatic β-cell function by amplifying expression of transcription factors that are essential for β-cell survival and increasing insulin production and secretion in response to a glucose challenge. These findings indicate that increasing circulating apoA-I levels may be of therapeutic value in patients with diabetes in whom management of glycemic control is suboptimal. This review summarizes current knowledge of the antidiabetic functions of apoA-I and the mechanistic basis of these effects. It also evaluates the therapeutic potential of small, clinically relevant peptides that mimic the antidiabetic functions of full-length apoA-I and describes potential strategies for development of these peptides into innovative options for treatment of diabetes.
Association Between Electrocardiographic Age and Cardiovascular Events in Community Settings: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Brant Luisa C.C. , Ribeiro Antônio H. , Pinto-Filho Marcelo M. , Kornej Jelena , Preis Sarah R. , Fetterman Jessica L. , Eromosele Oseiwe B. , Magnani Jared W. , Murabito Joanne M. , Larson Martin G. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Ribeiro Antonio L.P. , Lin Honghuang
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Deep neural networks have been used to estimate age from ECGs, the electrocardiographic age (ECG-age), which predicts adverse outcomes. However, this prediction ability has been restricted to clinical settings or relatively short periods. We hypothesized that ECG-age is associated with death and cardiovascular outcomes in the long-standing community-based FHS (Framingham Heart Study).

METHODS:

We tested the association of ECG-age with chronological age in the FHS cohorts in ECGs from 1986 to 2021. We calculated the gap between chronological and ECG-age (Δage) and classified individuals as having normal, accelerated, or decelerated aging, if Δage was within, higher, or lower than the mean absolute error of the model, respectively. We assessed the associations of Δage, accelerated and decelerated aging with death or cardiovascular outcomes (atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and heart failure) using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, and clinical factors.

RESULTS:

The study population included 9877 FHS participants (mean age, 55±13 years; 54.9% women) with 34 948 ECGs. ECG-age was correlated to chronological age (r=0.81; mean absolute error, 9±7 years). After 17±8 years of follow-up, every 10-year increase of Δage was associated with 18% increase in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18 [95% CI, 1.12–1.23]), 23% increase in atrial fibrillation risk (HR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.17–1.29]), 14% increase in myocardial infarction risk (HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.05–1.23]), and 40% increase in heart failure risk (HR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.30–1.52]), in multivariable models. In addition, accelerated aging was associated with a 28% increase in all-cause mortality (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.14–1.45]), whereas decelerated aging was associated with a 16% decrease (HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.74–0.95]).

CONCLUSIONS:

ECG-age was highly correlated with chronological age in FHS. The difference between ECG-age and chronological age was associated with death, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Given the wide availability and low cost of ECG, ECG-age could be a scalable biomarker of cardiovascular risk.
Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Diabetes‐Related Cardiovascular Mortality in the United States
Authors: Bashar Hussein , Kobo Ofer , Khunti Kamlesh , Sun Louise Y. , Rutter Martin K. , Chew Nicholas W. S. , Curzen Nick , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: June 2023

Background

In the past few decades, diabetes‐related cardiovascular mortality has been steadily declining. However, the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on this trend has not been previously defined.

Methods and Results

Diabetes‐related cardiovascular mortality data were extracted for each year between 1999 and 2020 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database. Regression analysis was used to calculate the trend in the 2 decades before the pandemic (1999–2019) and thereby estimate the excess cardiovascular mortality in 2020. There was a 29.2% fall in the diabetes‐related cardiovascular age‐adjusted mortality rate between 1999 to 2019, largely driven by a 41% decrease in ischemic heart disease deaths. In comparison to 2019, there was an overall 15.5% increase in the diabetes‐related cardiovascular age‐adjusted mortality rate in the first year of the pandemic, mainly due to a 14.1% rise in ischemic heart disease deaths. Younger patients (under 55 years) and the Black population experienced the greatest increase in diabetes‐related cardiovascular age‐adjusted mortality rate (24.0% and 25.3%, respectively). Trend analysis estimated 16 009 excess diabetes‐related cardiovascular deaths in 2020, with the majority due to ischemic heart disease (8504). Black and Hispanic or Latino populations had at least one‐fifth of their 2020 diabetes‐related cardiovascular age‐adjusted mortality rate as excess deaths (22.3% and 20.2%, respectively).

Conclusions

There was a sharp rise in diabetes‐related cardiovascular mortality during the first pandemic year. Black, Hispanic or Latino, and young people showed the largest increases in diabetes‐related cardiovascular mortality. Targeted health policies could help address the disparities observed in this analysis.
CD1d‐Dependent Natural Killer T Cells Mediate Hypertension and Vascular Injury Through Interleukin‐17A
Authors: Xiao Xue , Hou Cui‐Liu , Zhang Yun‐Long , Yang Hui , Wang Xiao‐Xiao , Wang Hong‐Xia
Published: June 2023

Background

Different T‐lymphocyte subsets, including CD1d‐dependent natural killer T (NKT) cells, play distinct roles in hypertension, highlighting the importance of identifying key immune cells for its treatment. This study aimed to determine the unknown effects of CD1d‐dependent NKT cells on hypertension and vascular injury.

Methods and Results

Hypertension models were induced in male CD1d knockout (CD1dko), wild‐type, and adoptive bone marrow transfer mice by angiotensin II (Ang II) or deoxycorticosterone acetate salt. Blood pressure was measured by the tail‐cuff system and radiotelemetry. Vascular injury was assessed by histologic studies or aortic ring assay. Inflammation was detected by flow cytometry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, or ELISA. Results showed that Ang II infusion significantly reduced CD1d expression and NKT cell numbers in the aorta of mice. CD1dko mice exhibited worsened blood pressure elevation, vascular injury, and inflammatory response induced by Ang II or deoxycorticosterone acetate salt. However, these effects were markedly reversed in wild‐type mice treated with NKT cell–specific activator. Adoptive transfer of CD1dko bone marrow cells to wild‐type mice also significantly worsened Ang II–induced responses. Mechanistically, CD1dko increased Ang II–induced interleukin‐6 production and activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and orphan nuclear receptor γ, subsequently inducing interleukin‐17A production. Neutralizing interleukin‐17A partially reversed Ang II–induced hypertension and vascular injury in CD1dko mice. In addition, levels of NKT cells were lower in the blood of patients with hypertension (n=57) compared with normotensive individuals (n=87).

Conclusions

These findings reveal a previously unknown role for CD1d‐dependent NKT cells in hypertension and vascular injury, indicating that NKT cell activation could be a promising therapeutic target for hypertension.
Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for In‐Stent Restenosis Versus De Novo Lesions: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Elbadawi Ayman , Dang Alexander T. , Mahana Ingy , Elzeneini Mohammed , Alonso Fernando , Banerjee Subhash , Kumbhani Dharam J. , Elgendy Islam Y. , Mintz Gary S.
Published: June 2023

Background

In‐stent restenosis (ISR) is commonly encountered even in the era of contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There is a paucity of data on the comparative outcomes of PCI for ISR lesions versus de novo lesions.

Methods and Results

An electronic search was conducted for MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase through August 2022 for studies comparing the clinical outcomes after PCI for ISR versus de novo lesions. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model. The final analysis included 12 studies, with a total of 708 391 patients, of whom 71 353 (10.3%) underwent PCI for ISR. The weighted follow‐up duration was 29.1 months. Compared with de novo lesions, PCI for ISR was associated with a higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (odds ratio [OR], 1.31 [95% CI, 1.18–1.46]). There was no difference on a subgroup analysis of chronic total occlusion lesions versus none (
P
interaction
=0.69). PCI for ISR was associated with a higher incidence of all‐cause mortality (OR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02–1.04]), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.11–1.29]), target vessel revascularization (OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.29–1.55]), and stent thrombosis (OR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.11–1.87]), but no difference in cardiovascular mortality (OR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.90–1.20]).

Conclusions

PCI for ISR is associated with higher incidence of adverse cardiac events compared with PCI for de novo lesions. Future efforts should be directed toward prevention of ISR and exploring novel treatment strategies for ISR lesions.
Corticostriatal Connectivity during Prosocial Decision-making Relates to Giving Behavior during Adolescence
Authors: Uy Jessica P. , Fuligni Andrew J. , Eisenberger Naomi I. , Crone Eveline A. , Telzer Eva H. , Galván Adriana
Published: June 2023

Prosocial behavior during adolescence becomes more differentiated based on the recipient of the action as well as the perceived value or benefit, relative to the cost to self, for the recipients. The current study investigated how functional connectivity of corticostriatal networks tracked the value of prosocial decisions as a function of target recipient (caregiver, friend, stranger) and age of the giver, and how they related to giving behavior. Two hundred sixty-one adolescents (9–15 and 19–20 years of age) completed a decision-making task in which they could give money to caregivers, friends, and strangers while undergoing fMRI. Results indicated that adolescents were more likely to give to others as the value of the prosocial decision (i.e., the difference between the benefit to other relative to the cost to self) increased; this effect was stronger for known (caregiver and friends) than unknown targets, and increased with age. Functional connectivity between the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and OFC increased as the value of the prosocial decisions decreased for strangers, but not for known others, irrespective of choice. This differentiated NAcc-OFC functional connectivity during decision-making as a function of value and target also increased with age. Furthermore, regardless of age, individuals who evinced greater value-related NAcc-OFC functional connectivity when considering giving to strangers relative to known others showed smaller differentiated rates of giving between targets. These findings highlight the role of corticostriatal development in supporting the increasing complexity of prosocial development across adolescence.
The Child-specific Right to Adequate Housing in the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Authors: Wind Roos , Vols Michel , Roorda Berend
Published: June 2023

Millions of children live on the street or in inadequate housing. The failure of authorities to address these problems violates the right to adequate housing, as laid down in, inter alia, Art. 11(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (icescr). Yet, deplorable living conditions make children even more vulnerable than adults, given the negative impact on their development. This calls for a child-specific right to adequate housing tailored to the needs of children. Although one might expect to find such a child-specific right in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc), little is known about the crc and housing. This paper is the first to unravel to what extent the crc stipulates a child-specific right to adequate housing and, if so, whether it offers children other entitlements than the general right to adequate housing laid down in Art. 11(1) icescr.
Children’s Political Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Authors: Zlotnik Raz Daniella , Almog Shulamit
Published: June 2023

Recent years saw significant developments concerning the role of children in the political context. Yet, children today remain excluded from meaningful political influence, and children’s enfranchisement stands as a main point of contention. The article posits the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc) as a decisive legal and theoretical basis for conceptualising children’s political rights, political participation and voting. It explores key crc provisions that relate to children in the political context and analyses the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s (crc Committee) work to map what exists and what remains missing and under-developed in this discussion. Specifically, the article elaborates on the right to be heard, revealing the crc Committee’s evolutive interpretive approach concerning its implementation in the political context. The article also focuses on children’s enfranchisement, exploring the crc’s potential to advocate for lowering the voting age from a child rights-based perspective.
Exploring the Use of European Weather Regimes for Improving User-Relevant Hydrological Forecasts at the Subseasonal Scale in Switzerland
Authors: Chang Annie Y.-Y. , Bogner Konrad , Grams Christian M. , Monhart Samuel , Domeisen Daniela I. V. , Zappa Massimiliano
Published: June 2023

Across the globe, there has been an increasing interest in improving the predictability of subseasonal hydrometeorological forecasts, as they play a valuable role in medium- to long-term planning in many sectors, such as agriculture, navigation, hydropower, and emergency management. However, these forecasts still have very limited skill at the monthly time scale; hence, this study explores the possibilities for improving forecasts through different pre- and postprocessing techniques at the interface with a Precipitationn–Runoff–Evapotranspiration Hydrological Response Unit Model (PREVAH). Specifically, this research aims to assess the benefit of European weather regime (WR) data within a hybrid forecasting setup, a combination of a traditional hydrological model and a machine learning (ML) algorithm, to improve the performance of subseasonal hydrometeorological forecasts in Switzerland. The WR data contain information about the large-scale atmospheric circulation in the North Atlantic–European region, and thus allow the hydrological model to exploit potential flow-dependent predictability. Four hydrological variables are investigated: total runoff, baseflow, soil moisture, and snowmelt. The improvements in the forecasts achieved with the pre- and postprocessing techniques vary with catchments, lead times, and variables. Adding WR data has clear benefits, but these benefits are not consistent across the study area or among the variables. The usefulness of WR data is generally observed for longer lead times, e.g., beyond the third week. Furthermore, a multimodel approach is applied to determine the “best practice” for each catchment and improve forecast skill over the entire study area. This study highlights the potential and limitations of using WR information to improve subseasonal hydrometeorological forecasts in a hybrid forecasting system in an operational mode.
Growth Charts for Children With Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
Authors: Hyer Lauren C. , Shull Emily R. , Fray Bob , Westberry David E.
Published: June 2023

Children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) often demonstrate growth differences compared with typically developing (TD) children. However, growth charts have not been developed for this population. The purpose of this study was to create AMC-specific growth charts and to compare these values to those of TD children. A retrospective review of height/length and weight for 206 children with AMC was performed. Growth charts were developed and stratified over seven percentiles; these were then compared with growth charts of TD children. Children with AMC tend to be smaller in stature and weight compared with TD children, particularly in the first 36 months of life. Thereafter, weight values trend toward the 50th percentile of TD children, but height/length values persist around the 5th percentile of TD children. The development of AMC-specific growth charts provides health care providers an objective tool to evaluate growth patterns of patients with AMC.
Female police officers: An exploration of the availability and utilization of mental health services
Authors: Treece Kelly S
Published: June 2023

Police officers face many challenges in their profession. These challenges can impact an officer physically, mentally, and emotionally. Although male and female police officers face many of the same struggles within the profession, there are notable differences. Some challenges female police officers face more frequently are sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, and isolation which can cause stressors such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. As such, mental health services that are offered should take into consideration specific gender needs. This study examined the availability of mental health services for female police officers and their experiences when contemplating participation in such services. In this qualitative study, 10 female police officers were interviewed about their work experiences, mental health service needs, and the mental health services available to them. The data were thematically analyzed across participant responses. The interviews yielded various mental health service availability on a national level with no specific focus on gender needs.
“I Thought About Solutions”: How Students’ Narratives of Relational Conflict, Grit, and Agency Predict Academic Performance within Community College
Authors: Ahmed Tanzina
Published: June 2023

Objective. Theorists have posited that community college students’ socio-academic integrative relationships with other students, college staff, and instructors, as well as their sense of college-related aspiration, mindset, grit, and agency, may impact their academic success. When community college students narrate (i.e., create stories that help them understand, investigate, and communicate) about higher education, they may reflect upon such relational and internal experiences in ways that signal later academic performance. This study reviews how students narrate to reflect upon their relational and internal experiences within a community college. It then connects students’ narrative explorations to their year-end grade point average (GPA). Method. Script analysis was used to explore how 104 ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse community college students reflected on their best and worst college experiences using different scripts, which are collective and shared ways of knowing that people use to organize their understandings of recounted experiences. Multiple regression models linked students’ narrative scripts to their year-end GPA. Results. Students narrated on their college lives using a variety of different scripts. When narrating about their worst experiences, students’ focus on socio-academic relational conflicts and on their grit and agency while coping with college-related difficulties predicted their having a higher year-end GPA. Conclusion. In a partial confirmation of Wang’s and Deil-Amen’s theoretical expectations, students’ narrative expressions of grit and agency, as well as their relational experiences and conflicts with other students, instructors, and staff at college, predicted their academic success.
Fuzzy adaptive tuning control of power system based on moth-flame optimization algorithm
Authors: Gao Hongliang , Li Jun , Xiong Lang , Zhang Hongcong , Ma Shuangbao
Published: June 2023

Since low-frequency oscillation seriously threatens the safe operation of the power system, the power system stabilizer (PSS) can effectively suppress the oscillation. In this paper, a hybrid parameter optimization method combining the moth-flame optimization (MFO) algorithm and fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is proposed to address the problem of poor adaptability of the parameter tuning method in the conventional power system stabilizer (CPSS). This method can optimize the parameters of PSS in different processes. Initially, the optimal parameters of PSS under the current perturbation are given by the MFO algorithm. During the online operation of the system, as perturbation changes, the parameters of the PSS will also be adaptively tuned by the FLC in real-time when the system operating conditions change. According to this method, a fuzzy adaptive proportional–integral–differential (FPID) controller is designed based on the moth-flame optimization algorithm (MFO-FPID), and it is used as PSS to improve dynamic stability performance during oscillation. Moreover, its parameters can be adaptively adjusted in different perturbation scenarios. The designed MFO-FPID controller is applied to the single machine infinite bus (SMIB) power system to compare the dynamic performance with other controllers, that is, proportional–integral–differential (PID) and CPSS. The result shows that the MFO-FPID controller can suppress the oscillation very well, and the control effect is the best.
Does Mindfulness Improve Intergroup Bias, Internalized Bias, and Anti-Bias Outcomes?: A Meta-Analysis of the Evidence and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Chang Doris F. , Donald James , Whitney Jennifer , Miao Iris Yi , Sahdra Baljinder
Published: June 2023

Whereas mindfulness has been shown to enhance personal well-being, studies suggest it may also benefit intergroup dynamics. Using an integrative conceptual model, this meta-analysis examined associations between mindfulness and (a) different manifestations of bias (implicit/explicit attitudes, affect, behavior) directed toward (b) different bias targets (outgroup or ingroup, e.g., internalized bias), by (c) intergroup orientation (toward bias or anti-bias). Of 70 samples, 42 ( N = 3,229) assessed mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and 30 ( N = 6,002) were correlational studies. Results showed a medium-sized negative effect of MBIs on bias outcomes, g = −0.56, 95% confidence interval [−0.72, −0.40]; I(2;3)2: 0.39; 0.48, and a small-to-medium negative effect between mindfulness and bias for correlational studies, r = −0.17 [−0.27, −0.03]; I(2;3)2: 0.11; 0.83. Effects were comparable for intergroup bias and internalized bias. We conclude by identifying gaps in the evidence base to guide future research.
Association between the subcutaneous fat thickness of the knee and chondromalacia patella: a magnetic resonance imaging-based study
Authors: Kızılgöz Volkan , Kantarci Mecit , Aydın Sonay
Published: June 2023

Objective

Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (SFTT) is a representative marker of obesity. This study was performed to determine the relationship between SFTT and chondromalacia patella (CP) through routine 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 440 knee MRI scans were re-examined and divided into those with and without CP. A 1.5-Tesla MRI machine with a standard knee coil was used. Prepatellar SFTT (PSFTT) and medial SFTT (MSFTT) were measured on each MRI scan. PSFTT and MSFTT were compared between patients with and without CP.

Results

Both the PSFTT and MSFTT values were significantly higher in patients with than without CP. Women had significantly higher PSFTT and MSFTT values than men. A statistically significant correlation was found between the PSFTT and MSFTT values and the CP grades.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate an association between SFTT and CP. A positive correlation was also found between SFTT and CP severity.
Transforming Precedent: A Systematic Review Methodology for Informed Planning Decisions
Authors: Agnello Kristin , Viswanathan Leela , Das Runa R. , King Leslie
Published: June 2023

Urban planners are often tasked with locating, assessing, and integrating multilevel policy, regulatory, administrative, and governance information. Through a recent systematic literature review (SLR) of Canadian municipal interventions targeting women’s equity, this paper answers the following research question: how can planners use an SLR methodology to increase the rigor and transparency of precedent research within practice? This article highlights the contributions and limitations of applying an SLR methodology to research within practice and demonstrates how planners can modify and apply this approach to standardize the collection and assessment of precedent to contribute to informed planning decisions.
The Associations of Chronotype and Shift Work With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Butler Thomas , Maidstone J Robert , Rutter K Martin , McLaughlin T John , Ray W David , Gibbs E Julie
Published: June 2023

The circadian clock regulates multiple aspects of human physiology including immunity. People have a circadian preference termed chronotype. Those with an evening preference may be better suited to shift work, but also carry higher risk of adverse health. Shift work leads to misalignment of circadian rhythms and is associated with increased risk of inflammatory disease such as asthma and cancer. Here, we investigate the association between chronotype, shift work, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The associations between exposures of shift work and chronotype on risk of RA were studied in up to 444,210 U.K. Biobank participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for covariates: age, sex, ethnicity, alcohol intake, smoking history, Townsend Deprivation Index (TDI), sleep duration, length of working week, and body mass index (BMI). After adjusting for covariates, individuals with a morning chronotype had lower odds of having rheumatoid arthritis (RA; odds ratio [OR]: 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-0.99) when compared to intermediate chronotypes. The association between morning chronotype and RA persisted with a more stringent RA case definition (covariate-adjusted OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.97). When adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, and TDI, shift workers had higher odds of RA (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.1-1.36) compared to day workers that attenuated to the null after further covariate adjustment (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.98-1.22). Morning chronotypes working permanent night shifts had significantly higher odds of RA compared to day workers (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.19-2.99). These data point to a role for circadian rhythms in RA pathogenesis. Further studies are required to determine the mechanisms underlying this association and understand the potential impact of shift work on chronic inflammatory disease and its mediating factors.
Assessments of English Reading and Language Comprehension in Bilingual Children: A Systematic Review 2010 to 2021
Authors: Oh Julie H. J. , Basma Badriah , Bertone Armando , Luk Gigi
Published: June 2023

Learning to read marks an important milestone in children. Extensive research with monolingual and bilingual children has demonstrated that language comprehension (LC) forms fundamental building blocks for reading comprehension (RC). However, mixed findings are reported among studies that compare readings skills in children with and without diverse language experiences. Depending on how researchers operationalize the construct of LC and RC, studies use different standardized tests or assessments to assess reading skills in children, which may lead to different findings across studies. The current review systematically examined tests of LC and RC that empirical studies have used to assess bilingual children who speak English as their second language. Out of an initial sample of 374 studies, 25 were eligible for inclusion. We extracted LC and RC assessments from the studies and documented task- and administration-related factors. Moreover, participant characteristics, definition of LC as described by authors, and findings related to the relationship between LC and RC were examined for each study. Our results demonstrated variability in the measures and definitions used to assess and describe LC and RC, potentially explaining the mixed findings in the literature. We underscore the importance of considering the multidimensional nature of LC and the need to further explore how different administrative and task characteristics of LC tests relate to RC. Furthermore, this review provides researchers and practitioners with an original and extensive survey of the literature on how LC and RC were assessed among bilingual children. Lastly, we highlight limitations in the current literature and discuss practical implications in the field of school psychology in supporting children with diverse language experiences.
The Indirect Effect of Avoidant Motives for Sex on the Pathways From Childhood Maltreatment to Risky Sex Behaviors
Authors: Ellis Robyn A. , Orcutt Holly K.
Published: June 2023

Literature supports a strong link between engagement in risky sex and childhood maltreatment, with engagement in risky sexual behavior proposed as a manifestation of avoidant coping. Sex motives refer to underlying motivations for engaging in sex such as increased intimacy, or peer pressure. Limited research has examined the role of sex motives on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and risky sex. This study sought to examine this path between childhood maltreatment types and later engagement in risky sex through sex motivations that seek to avoid or reduce negative affect (i.e., sex to cope and sex to affirm self-esteem). A sample of sexually active undergraduate women ( n = 551) completed a series of questionnaires on childhood maltreatment, risky sexual behavior, and motivations for sexual intercourse as part of a larger parent study on revictimization. Path analysis was conducted to examine differential indirect effects of childhood maltreatment on risky sex (i.e., sex with a stranger and hookup behaviors). Results suggested sex to cope with negative affect mediated the relationship between emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and hookup behavior. Only an indirect path between childhood emotional abuse and sex with a stranger was identified through sex to cope. Emotional abuse was the only maltreatment to predict sex to affirm, but sex to affirm did not predict risky sex outcomes. Findings provide support for differential pathways from various forms of childhood maltreatment, specifically sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and physical neglect, to increased risky sex as a manifestation of avoidant coping. Furthermore, results support the call for more inclusion of nonsexual forms of childhood maltreatment in studies of risky sex and avoidant coping as a potential intervention target for risky sexual behavior regardless of childhood maltreatment type.
Veteran Contempt for Civilian Communication Scale: Development and Validation
Authors: Howe William T. , Bisel Ryan S.
Published: June 2023

This paper reports on the development and validation of a communication measure designed to assess how military veterans feel toward civilian communication. Specifically, we theorize that some veterans experience a mild negative moral emotion (i.e., contempt) toward civilians’ communication habits. The emotion is likely a consequence of intense professional socialization and membership in a totalistic organization. Veterans who served in the military since September 11, 2001 ( N = 215) responded to items, which were factor analyzed. Then, in a second study, the scale was validated using another sample of post-9/11 veterans ( N = 466). Together, these studies contribute an original communication measure that could help identify whether a veteran will have difficulty reintegrating into civilian work life. The scale could be useful in developing interventions to aid veterans in successful reintegration. Ultimately, the measure holds the potential to promote workplace diversity through the successful inclusion of more veterans in the workforce.
Comparison of fatigue life behavior between deep groove radial ball bearings possessing conventional and micro-grooved outer races operating under dry condition
Authors: Gouda Bansidhar , Tandon N , Pandey RK , Babu CK
Published: June 2023

A comparative study on fatigue life of deep groove radial ball bearings possessing conventional and micro-grooved outer races by experimental investigation is discussed in this paper. This research has been carried out to explore and understand the fatigue life of a micro-grooved ball bearing (MGB) with a circumferential micro-groove on outer race by conducting long duration tests under dry condition (i.e. wiping out the applied grease from the races by using tissue paper and lint free cloth) and compare the results with same size SKF BB1B 420206 conventional bearing (CB) at the identical operating parameters. Frictional torque (FT), bulk temperature, and overall vibration level of the test bearings (CB and MGB) at the maximum load zone have been measured at 800 N ( pH = 1.7 GPa) radial load and 1800 rpm (4.2 m/s) for the entire duration (7.8 million revolutions) of the experiments. Comparison of the surface conditions of the bearing components by means of the captured scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, roundness and deviation in profile of the races measured by co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM), and photographs captured before and after the experiment indicates lesser damage of the MGB components as compared to the conventional cases. Moreover, the initiation of fatigue failure in CBs is faster as compared to the MGBs for the same test condition, indicating longer bearing life in MGBs as compared to the CBs.