bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic outcomes using a novel through-the-scope tack and suture system for gastrointestinal defect closure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Canakis Andrew , Deliwala Smit S. , Frohlinger Michael , Twery Benjamin , Canakis Justin P. , Shaik Mohammed Rifat , Gunnarsson Erik , Ali Osman , Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Gorman Emily , Irani Shayan S. , Baron Todd H.
Published: March 2024

Background Closure of gastrointestinal defects can reduce postprocedural adverse events. Over-the-scope clips and an over-the-scope suturing system are widely available, yet their use may be limited by defect size, location, operator skill level, and need to reinsert the endoscope with the device attached. The introduction of a through-the-scope helix tack suture system (TTSS) allows for closure of large irregular defects using a gastroscope or colonoscope, without the need for endoscope withdrawal. Since its approval 3 years ago, only a handful of studies have explored outcomes using this novel device.

Methods Multiple databases were searched for studies looking at TTSS closure from inception until August 2023. The primary outcomes were the success of TTSS alone and TTSS with clips for complete defect closure. Secondary outcomes included complete closure based on procedure type (endoscopic mucosal resection [EMR], endoscopic submucosal dissection [ESD]) and adverse events.

Results Eight studies met the inclusion criteria (449 patients, mean defect size 34.3 mm). Complete defect closure rates for TTSS alone and TTSS with adjunctive clips were 77.2% (95%CI 66.4–85.3; I2=79%) and 95.2% (95%CI 90.3–97.7; I2=42.5%), respectively. Complete defect closure rates for EMR and ESD were 99.2% (95%CI 94.3–99.9; I2 = 0%) and 92.1% (95%CI 85–96; I2=0%), respectively. The adverse event rate was 5.4% (95%CI 2.7–10.3; I2=55%).

Conclusion TTSS is a novel device for closure of postprocedural defects, with relatively high technical and clinical success rates. Comparative studies of closure devices are needed.
Rapid Cyclic Acetal and Cyclic Ketal Synthesis Assisted by a Rotary Evaporator
Authors: Jiang Fuyao , Chen Yinzhe , Zhang Qian , Wang Weiding
Published: March 2024

Herein, we present a rapid and efficient method for synthesizing cyclic acetals and ketals utilizing a rotary evaporator. Unlike the conventional Dean–Stark dehydration process, which typically demands extended reaction times and copious amounts of organic solvents, our approach affords the synthesis of cyclic acetals and ketals with varying ring sizes in 30 min while using minimal quantities of dimethyl sulfoxide as the solvent. This innovative protocol features high yields, fast reactions, easy operation, and broad substrate applicability.
Granular Cell Tumor of the Breast: Understanding the Cancer Mimic through a Series of Three Cases
Authors: Sharma Swati , Shah Aanchal , Sharma Smita
Published: March 2024

Granular cell tumors of breast are rare neoplasms, majority of which are benign. Their imaging appearances are often indistinguishable from breast cancer. They may demonstrate a few differentiating features and unlike breast cancer, typically follow a benign course. Histopathology and immunochemistry form the cornerstone of diagnosis of granular cell tumor. In this article, we presented a series of three cases of granular cell tumors with variable presentations. Our goal is to increase familiarity for these neoplasms and for the readers to be able to distinguish them from the more common entity of breast cancer, as their prognosis and management differ.
Thrombus-Demarcated Stenting with Dual-Contrast Imaging: A Novel Approach for Late-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction with Unsuccessful Predilatation
Authors: Oguz Mustafa , Akbulut Tayyar , Saylik Faysal , Cinar Tufan
Published: March 2024

The success of revascularization in the total occluded coronary lesion with dense thrombus burden is important for the short- and long-term prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In these lesions, stenting without dispersing the thrombus can increase the success of revascularization without fatal complications. The aim of this case is to demonstrate the newly developed thrombus-demarcated stenting with dual-contrast imaging approach after unsuccessful predilatation in a late-inferior STEMI. In centers where optical coherence tomography is not available, this technique can be used as an alternative.
The influences of adult and child speakers in the emergence of
Light Warlpiri, an Australian mixed language
Authors: O’Shannessy Carmel
Published: March 2024

Many analyses of language change are only able to
draw on data from adult speech and therefore cannot empirically
motivate a connection between an origin of a potential change and
the actuation of that change throughout a community of speakers. The
case study of the recent emergence of Light Warlpiri (O’Shannessy 2005), a mixed
language spoken in northern Australia, provides new perspectives on
the roles of different age groups of adults and children in the
emergence of the mixed language, and suggests an empirically
motivated model of how a mixed language can emerge from practices of
code-switching between languages, in a two-stage process (O’Shannessy 2020). This
case also has important implications for the sociohistorical study
of the potential role of young learners in other cases of language
change and the emergence of new languages.
Language dominance across the lifespan in Wisconsin German and
English varieties
Authors: Litty Samantha M.
Published: March 2024

Large-scale German immigration to Wisconsin
began in the first half of the 19th century and continued until
about World War I. These immigrants built German-speaking
institutions alongside English and other immigrant language
institutions, allowing for the presence of German in many Wisconsin
communities over several generations, along with a desire to
preserve local history and heritage in the region. These practices
are reflected in an archival record that allows for the study of
features of local German and English over a period of 150 years.
This chapter focuses on two such features, namely variation of voice
onset time and final obstruent neutralization. A combination of
historical written sources (spanning between the 1860s and the
1940s) and audio recordings from the 1940s and 2013 shows the
existence of these features, as well as different periods along
their development over time. This study looks at how language
acquisition in heritage language communities and shifts in language
dominance may have played a role in the emergence and development of
these features in Wisconsin German and Wisconsin English
varieties.
Early modern manuscripts containing Old English dictionaries in England and northern Germany
Authors: Vollbrecht Melanie
Published: March 2024

This paper retraces the early modern beginnings of systematic Old English studies in England and continental
Europe. It shows that linguistic study was born out of research interests in the fields of theology, law, and local
history to name but a few; and that scholars needed dictionaries as tools to understand this archaic form of English.
In the 16th century, John Joscelyn and John Parker created a substantial dictionary of Old English, of which several
Northern German copies exist today. This paper explores the production processes of Joscelyn/Parker’s dictionary as
well as the Northern German copies, as can be gleaned from the similarities and, more importantly, the differences in
layout, entry-count and -content, and marginal markings in the manuscripts.
Loss of wiþer-words in English
Authors: Sylwanowicz Marta , Wojtyś Anna
Published: March 2024

The element wiþer is documented in Old English as a separate lexeme and a prefix.
Altogether, Bosworth-Toller’s An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary records 69 wiþer-lexemes,
which implies that wiþer- was relatively productive and flexible. Generally, wiþer-
was added to words with the sense of ‘against’; in rare cases, it denoted ‘in return or compensation’ and ‘in the
opposite direction’ (OED). Curiously, the majority of wiþer-lexemes are not recorded
in Middle English: merely 24 words occur in MED. The aim of this study is to account for the loss of
wiþer-lexemes. Potential causes are linguistic, such as low frequency and the similarity of the
prefix wiþer- to wiþ-, and extra-linguistic, including competition with foreign
items and changes in pragmatic associations of the words.
“Grammar, I hate” or “I grammar hate”?
Authors: Han Weifeng
Published: March 2024

Cross-module interfaces, such as the syntax-semantics interface, are among the most problematic properties to fully acquire in a second language (L2). First language (L1) monodialectal and bidialectal speakers may show different performances at the interfaces in L2. However, little is known if such a different performance is caused by learners’ diverse L1 dialectal backgrounds. The study is motivated by the need to link speech-language pathology and word order typological studies in a bidialectal/bilingual context. The aim is to investigate L1 bidialectism in the L2 syntax-semantics interface acquisition outcome and to separate language difference from language disorder. A sentence-picture matching task on the topic-comment structure was administered among 37 Mandarin monodialectal and 39 Mandarin – Wu bidialectal child speakers. Results of a generalized linear model showed that L1 bidialectals exhibited better syntactic-semantic awareness in L2 than their L1 monodialectal counterparts. The results showed that mono- and bidialectal speakers have different performance patterns at the syntax-semantics interface involving noncanonical word orders for L2. However, the L2 performance was under the impact of language difference between L1 and L2, it does not qualify for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Finally, the study offers both theoretical and clinical implications for the diagnosis and assessment of bilingual DLD.
Explaining gender
Authors: Fuchs Zuzanna , Polinsky Maria , Scontras Gregory
Published: March 2024

This work examines the knowledge of grammatical gender by bilingual speakers for whom Spanish is the weaker language in the dyad, that is, heritage speakers of Spanish. In modeling heritage speakers’ knowledge and use of grammatical gender, we distinguish between gender assignment (how nouns get associated with specific genders) and gender agreement (the process by which features of a noun get shared by other sentential constituents). We show that divergent instances of gender assignment constitute the use of a default strategy; with masculine as the default class in Spanish, the absence of gender assignment surfaces as masculine morphology. We also review evidence suggesting that heritage speakers differ from the baseline in relying on surface gender cues more categorically. To explain the intricacies of divergent agreement behavior, we argue for genuine representational difference between how baseline and heritage speakers represent gender (and number) features. Taken together, these observations indicate that heritage speakers are sensitive to cues for gender assignment despite the decreased input they receive compared to baseline speakers; their assignment strategies then translate into the observed patterns of agreement, which as a syntactic phenomenon is alive and well in the heritage grammar. We use our results to highlight the utility of non-lexicalist approaches to the representation of gender.
Meaning without borders
Authors: Cope Bill , Kalantzis Mary , Tzirides Anastasia Olga (Olnancy)
Published: March 2024

“Translanguaging” is a concept that connects with older traditions of analysis in linguistics and practices in language pedagogy, while at the same time making some distinctions that justify the creation of a new word. This chapter begins by tracing roots of the idea of translanguaging in its intellectual predecessors and affiliates: code switching, translation, bilingualism, multilingualism, hybridity, and multiliteracies. In the sections that follow, we set out to extend the terms of this discussion by introducing another concept, “transposition,” designed to cast the net wider than language and capturing the restless fluidity of multiform meaning making between and across text, image, space, object, body, sound and speech. From here, we go on to explore the implications of a transpositional analysis for varieties of pedagogical practice in learning another language. Next, we use this frame of analysis to explore the characteristic features of digital media. These precipitate a renewed urgency to reconsider the terms of our theoretical discussions and pedagogical practices. They also raise challenges, at once deeply concerning and potentially productive, for the job of language teaching and its professional practices. The chapter concludes by addressing pedagogy, and in particular the development of an extended repertoire of practice for another language learning in the era of digitally-mediated meanings. This returns us to theme of the chapter, “meaning without borders,” or the project of supplementing traditional analyses of meaning-through-language with a widened repertoire of pedagogical practice for language teachers.
neoanalysis
Authors: Tsagalis Christos
Published: March 2024

Neoanalysis is a method of interpreting Homeric poetry that aims to discover the sources of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Like the 19th-century analysts, neoanalysts study the genetic aspect of the Homeric poems, but instead of trying to distinguish different layers or versions (Schichtenanalyse), they seek to identify source material from other poems that preceded the received Homeric epics.
Effect of rifampicin on TLR4-signaling pathways in the nucleus accumbens of the rat brain during abstinence of long-term alcohol treatment
Authors: Airapetov Marat , Eresko Sergei , Ignatova Polina , Lebedev Andrei , Bychkov Evgenii , Shabanov Petr
Published: March 2024

Aims

The treatment with the antibiotic rifampicin (Rif) led to a decrease in the frequency of neurodegenerative pathologies. There are suggestions that the mechanism of action of Rif may be mediated by its effect on toll-like receptor (TLR)4-dependent pathways. We evaluated the expression status of TLR4-dependent genes during abstinence from long-term alcohol treatments in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the rat brain, and also studied the effects of Rif to correct these changes.

Methods

The long-term alcohol treatment was performed by intragastric delivery of ethanol solution. At the end of alcohol treatment intraperitoneal injections of Rif (100 mg/kg) or saline were made. Extraction of the brain structures was performed on the 10th day of abstinence from alcohol. We used the SYBR Green qPCR method to quantitatively analyze the relative expression levels of the studied genes.

Results

The long-term alcohol treatment promotes an increase in the level of TLR4 mRNA and mRNA of its endogenous ligand high-mobility group protein B1 during abstinence drop alcohol in NAc of rats. The use of Rif in our study led to a decrease in the increased expression of high-mobility group protein B1, Tlr4, and proinflammatory cytokine genes (Il1β, Il6) in the NAc of the rat brain during abstinence of long-term alcohol treatment. In addition, Rif administration increased the decreased mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (Il10, Il11).

Conclusion

The data obtained indicate the ability of Rif to correct the mechanisms of the TLR4 system genes in the NAc of the rat brain during alcohol abstinence.
Digital Neuropsychology beyond Computerized Cognitive Assessment: Applications of Novel Digital Technologies
Authors: Harris Che , Tang Yingfei , Birnbaum Eliana , Cherian Christine , Mendhe Dinesh , Chen Michelle H
Published: March 2024

Compared with other health disciplines, there is a stagnation in technological innovation in the field of clinical neuropsychology. Traditional paper-and-pencil tests have a number of shortcomings, such as low-frequency data collection and limitations in ecological validity. While computerized cognitive assessment may help overcome some of these issues, current computerized paradigms do not address the majority of these limitations. In this paper, we review recent literature on the applications of novel digital health approaches, including ecological momentary assessment, smartphone-based assessment and sensors, wearable devices, passive driving sensors, smart homes, voice biomarkers, and electronic health record mining, in neurological populations. We describe how each digital tool may be applied to neurologic care and overcome limitations of traditional neuropsychological assessment. Ethical considerations, limitations of current research, as well as our proposed future of neuropsychological practice are also discussed.
Neurocognitive Impairment in Post-COVID-19 Condition in Adults: Narrative Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Garmoe William , Rao Kavitha , Gorter Bethany , Kantor Rachel
Published: March 2024

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus has, up to the time of this article, resulted in >770 million cases of COVID-19 illness worldwide, and approximately 7 million deaths, including >1.1 million in the United States. Although defined as a respiratory virus, early in the pandemic, it became apparent that considerable numbers of people recovering from COVID-19 illness experienced persistence or new onset of multi-system health problems, including neurologic and cognitive and behavioral health concerns. Persistent multi-system health problems are defined as Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC), Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19, or Long COVID. A significant number of those with PCC report cognitive problems. This paper reviews the current state of scientific knowledge on persisting cognitive symptoms in adults following COVID-19 illness. A brief history is provided of the emergence of concerns about persisting cognitive problems following COVID-19 illness and the definition of PCC. Methodologic factors that complicate clear understanding of PCC are reviewed. The review then examines research on patterns of cognitive impairment that have been found, factors that may contribute to increased risk, behavioral health variables, and interventions being used to ameliorate persisting symptoms. Finally, recommendations are made about ways neuropsychologists can improve the quality of existing research.
MoCoLo: a testing framework for motif co-localization
Authors: Xu Qi , del Mundo Imee M A , Zewail-Foote Maha , Luke Brian T , Vasquez Karen M , Kowalski Jeanne
Published: March 2024

Sequence-level data offers insights into biological processes through the interaction of two or more genomic features from the same or different molecular data types. Within motifs, this interaction is often explored via the co-occurrence of feature genomic tracks using fixed-segments or analytical tests that respectively require window size determination and risk of false positives from over-simplified models. Moreover, methods for robustly examining the co-localization of genomic features, and thereby understanding their spatial interaction, have been elusive. We present a new analytical method for examining feature interaction by introducing the notion of reciprocal co-occurrence, define statistics to estimate it and hypotheses to test for it. Our approach leverages conditional motif co-occurrence events between features to infer their co-localization. Using reverse conditional probabilities and introducing a novel simulation approach that retains motif properties (e.g. length, guanine-content), our method further accounts for potential confounders in testing. As a proof-of-concept, motif co-localization (MoCoLo) confirmed the co-occurrence of histone markers in a breast cancer cell line. As a novel analysis, MoCoLo identified significant co-localization of oxidative DNA damage within non-B DNA-forming regions that significantly differed between non-B DNA structures. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the potential utility of MoCoLo for testing spatial interactions between genomic features via their co-localization.
Interleukin-6 supplementation improves bovine conceptus elongation and transcriptomic indicators of developmental competence
Authors: Speckhart Savannah L , Oliver Mary A , Keane Jessica A , Dias Nicholas W , Mercadante Vitor R G , Biase Fernando H , Ealy Alan D
Published: March 2024

A high incidence of pregnancy failures occurs in cattle during the second week of pregnancy as blastocysts transition into an elongated conceptus. This work explored whether interleukin-6 supplementation during in vitro embryo production would improve subsequent conceptus development. Bovine embryos were treated with 0 or 100 ng/mL recombinant bovine interleukin-6 beginning on day 5 post-fertilization. At day 7.5 post-fertilization, blastocysts were transferred into estrus synchronized beef cows (n = 5 recipients/treatment, 10 embryos/recipient). Seven days after transfer (day 14.5), cows were euthanized to harvest reproductive tracts and collect conceptuses. Individual conceptus lengths and stages were recorded before processing for RNA sequencing. Increases in conceptus recovery, length, and the proportion of tubular and filamentous conceptuses were detected in conceptuses derived from interleukin-6-treated embryos. The interleukin-6 treatment generated 591 differentially expressed genes in conceptuses (n = 9–10/treatment). Gene ontology enrichment analyses revealed changes in transcriptional regulation, DNA-binding, and antiviral actions. Only a few differentially expressed genes were associated with extraembryonic development, but several differentially expressed genes were associated with embryonic regulation of transcription, mesoderm and ectoderm development, organogenesis, limb formation, and somatogenesis. To conclude, this work provides evidence that interleukin-6 treatment before embryo transfer promotes pre-implantation conceptus development and gene expression in ways that resemble the generation of a robust conceptus containing favorable abilities to survive this critical period of pregnancy.
Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Two N-Substituted Rosmarinic Acid Analogs in Rat Plasma by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fu Shujie , Zhang Qinglang , Zhang Shiyu , Jiang Weizhe , Jiang Minjie
Published: March 2024

This study reports the development of an effective high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of two analogs of rosmarinic acid (RA) in rat plasma, namely methyl (E)-2-(3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)acrylamido)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propanoate (A11) and methyl (E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acrylamido)propanoate (A2). These analogs, featuring N atoms instead of O atoms, exhibit enhanced bioavailability and distinct pharmacological activities compared with RA. The HPLC separation was carried out on a C18 column (1.9 μm, 2.1 mm × 100 mm) coupled with a security guard C18 column (5 μm, 2.1 mm × 10 mm). A triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization ion source was utilized for ion generation. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride was utilized as a standard, and a single-step protein precipitation method using isopropanol:ethyl acetate (v/v, 20:80) was employed for sample pretreatment. The developed method demonstrated excellent linearity over the concentration range of 5–750 ng/ml for both A11 and A2, with relative standard deviations of <15% and relative errors within 15% during daily course analysis. The method allowed for the unambiguous quantification and identification of A11 and A2 in vivo. The results of this study provide a meaningful foundation for evaluating the clinical applications of these analogs.
DoWNet—classification of Denial-of-Wallet attacks on serverless application traffic
Authors: Kelly Daniel , Glavin Frank G , Barrett Enda
Published: March 2024

Serverless computing is an ever-growing programming paradigm being adopted by developers all over the world. Its highly scalable, automatic load balancing, and pay for what you use design is a powerful tool that can also greatly reduce operational costs. However, these advantages also leave serverless computing open to a unique threat, Denial-of-Wallet (DoW). It is the intentional targeting of serverless function endpoints with request traffic in order to artificially raise the usage bills for the application owner. A subset of these attacks are leeches. They perform DoW at a rate that could go undetected as it is not a sudden violent influx of requests. We devise a means of detecting such attacks by utilizing a novel approach of representing request traffic as heat maps and training an image classification algorithm to distinguish between normal and malicious traffic behaviour. Our classifier utilizes convolutional neural networks and achieves 97.98% accuracy. We then design a system for the implementation of this model that would allow application owners to monitor their traffic in real time for suspicious behaviour.
Accuracy of Information given by ChatGPT for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Relation to ECCO Guidelines
Authors: Sciberras Martina , Farrugia Yvette , Gordon Hannah , Furfaro Federica , Allocca Mariangela , Torres Joana , Arebi Naila , Fiorino Gionata , Iacucci Marietta , Verstockt Bram , Magro Fernando , Katsanos Kostas , Busuttil Josef , De Giovanni Katya , Fenech Valerie Anne , Chetcuti Zammit Stefania , Ellul Pierre
Published: March 2024

Background

As acceptance of artificial intelligence [AI] platforms increases, more patients will consider these tools as sources of information. The ChatGPT architecture utilizes a neural network to process natural language, thus generating responses based on the context of input text. The accuracy and completeness of ChatGPT3.5 in the context of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] remains unclear.

Methods

In this prospective study, 38 questions worded by IBD patients were inputted into ChatGPT3.5. The following topics were covered: [1] Crohn’s disease [CD], ulcerative colitis [UC], and malignancy; [2] maternal medicine; [3] infection and vaccination; and [4] complementary medicine. Responses given by ChatGPT were assessed for accuracy [1—completely incorrect to 5—completely correct] and completeness [3-point Likert scale; range 1—incomplete to 3—complete] by 14 expert gastroenterologists, in comparison with relevant ECCO guidelines.

Results

In terms of accuracy, most replies [84.2%] had a median score of ≥4 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2) and a mean score of 3.87 [SD: ±0.6]. For completeness, 34.2% of the replies had a median score of 3 and 55.3% had a median score of between 2 and <3. Overall, the mean rating was 2.24 [SD: ±0.4, median: 2, IQR: 1]. Though groups 3 and 4 had a higher mean for both accuracy and completeness, there was no significant scoring variation between the four question groups [Kruskal–Wallis test p > 0.05]. However, statistical analysis for the different individual questions revealed a significant difference for both accuracy [p < 0.001] and completeness [p < 0.001]. The questions which rated the highest for both accuracy and completeness were related to smoking, while the lowest rating was related to screening for malignancy and vaccinations especially in the context of immunosuppression and family planning.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate the capability of an AI-based system to provide accurate and comprehensive answers to real-world patient queries in IBD. AI systems may serve as a useful adjunct for patients, in addition to standard of care in clinics and validated patient information resources. However, responses in specialist areas may deviate from evidence-based guidance and the replies need to give more firm advice.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Eroglu Talip E , Coronel Ruben , Souverein Patrick C
Published: March 2024

Aims

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) have a direct cardiac effect that is likely to be independent of its glucose lowering renal effect. Previous research has shown that SGLT2-is mitigate heart failure and prevent arrhythmic cardiac death. Our objective is to determine whether SGLT-2is reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) in comparison to other second-to third-line antidiabetic drugs in type 2 diabetes.

Methods and results

We conducted a population-based, new-user active comparator cohort study using data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We identified a cohort of patients initiating a new antidiabetic drug class between January 2013 and September 2020. This cohort included patients initiating their first ever non-insulin antidiabetic drug, as well as those who switched to or added-on an antidiabetic drug class not previously used in their treatment history. Individuals with a diagnosis of AF or atrial flutter at any time before cohort entry were excluded. Cox regression analysis with time-dependent covariates was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of AF comparing SGLT-2-is with other second-line to third-line antidiabetic drugs. Stratified analyses were performed according to sex, diabetes duration (<5 or ≥ 5 years), body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, and presence of heart failure.

The cohort comprised 142 447 patients. SGLT-2is were associated with a statistically significant reduced hazard of AF compared to other second-line to third-line antidiabetic drugs (adjusted HR: 0.77 [95% CI: 0.68–0.88]). This reduced risk was present in both sexes but was more prominently among women (adjusted HRwomen: 0.60 [95% CI: 0.45–0.79]; HRmen: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.73–0.98]; P-value interaction: 0.012). There was no evidence for effect modification when stratifying on duration of diabetes, BMI, HbA1c, or presence of heart failure.

Conclusion

SGLT-2is were associated with a reduced risk of AF in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to other second-line to third-line antidiabetic drugs. This reduced risk occurs in both sexes but more prominently among women.
Law, Nationhood and Religion: Trial Defences of English Priests, 1585–c.1640
Authors: Underwood Lucy
Published: March 2024

This article examines how defendants indicted under the 1585 statute against seminary priests and Jesuits conducted their defences at trial. It explores why, although the indictment—for having returned to England after Catholic ordination overseas—accurately described defendants’ actions, and although chances of acquittal were remote, many priests spent considerable effort defending themselves. The paper argues that strenuous efforts to make good a not-guilty plea illustrate Catholic engagement with the English polity and enabled Catholics both to acknowledge and to circumscribe its authority; also explored are refusals to plead, which were more common than studies of Catholic martyrs have usually recognised, and their motivation. Exploiting these multiple descriptions of low-profile (if not ordinary) criminal trials also enhances our understanding of how law and justice were perceived, and how they operated, during this relatively information-sparse period, and is thus of interest to historians of the law. The essay argues that examining trials of Catholics shows how legal proceedings can reveal dissidents’ engagement with political authority, and how they negotiated its claims while maintaining the justice of their oppositional cause.
Changing smoking habits and the occurrence of lung cancer in Sweden—a population analysis
Authors: Järvholm Bengt , Hedman Linnea , Landström Maréne , Liv Per , Burdorf Alex , Torén Kjell
Published: March 2024

Background

The objective is to estimate the importance of the decrease of smoking habits in Sweden for the occurrence of lung cancer.

Methods

The change in smoking habits in the general population was retrieved from surveys and on taxation of sale of cigarettes. We used data from the Swedish Cancer Register on incidence of lung cancer between 1970 and 2021, stratified for sex, age and cell type, and compared the occurrence overtime in ages between 40 and 84 years.

Results

The sale of cigarettes peaked in 1980 to 1800 cigarettes per person and decreased to 600 per person in 2021. The change in incidence rates of squamous cell cancer and other cell types varied over time, sex, and age in a pattern that partly seems to be explained by change in the prevalence of daily smokers. The incidence of adenocarcinoma was similar in men and women 1970–2021 and increased, e.g. for women and men 75–79 years of age from around 20 cases in early 1970s to around 120 cases per 100 000 person-years in the 2020s.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the risk of lung cancer several years after smoking cessation is less favourable than previously studies have indicated. There is a similar increase in the incidence of adenocarcinoma in men and women which is hard to explain only with changing smoking habits. The change from non-filter to filter cigarettes in the 1960s–1970s may be a contributing factor.
Sacred Rubble and Humble Shelters: German Church Building after the Second World War
Authors: Betts Paul
Published: March 2024

This article centres on the cultural politics behind the feverish construction of new houses of worship in West Germany, as well as the restoration of damaged cathedrals and churches, in the first two decades after 1945. At issue is how and why ecclesiastical architecture took on heightened cultural significance at the time, attracting a star-studded group of international architects. After the war, church-building resumed its leading historical role from before the Industrial Revolution as the avant-garde of innovative international architecture, although its comeback has been largely overlooked by architectural and cultural historians alike. While these changes reflected broader international trends, the German situation took on special significance in light of the Nazi legacy of defeat, destruction and dislocation, as well as the pressing need to fabricate new churches for survivors and the millions of expellees arriving in western Germany. Discussions of ecclesiastical architecture therefore touched on broader issues of German history, identity and Christian renewal, and the very form of these houses of worship reflected a unique blend of avant-garde architecture and Christian theology in the aftermath of war.
Healthy Aging and Older Adults With Autism: A Scoping Review
Authors: Stringfellow Mary Kris , Fields Noelle L , Lee Kathy , Anderson Keith A , Brokaw Eva
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong diagnosis. Although several studies have examined the effects of autism throughout childhood, few have considered older adulthood and the difference between the allistic (i.e., persons who are not autistic) population and autistic older adults. In literature regarding healthy aging, there is sparse evidence regarding the intersections of older adulthood and autism. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the state of literature regarding autistic older adults and the domains of healthy aging, utilizing the framework conceived by Arksey and O’Malley (Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2005;8(1): 19–32. doi:10.1080/1364557032000119616).

Research Design and Methods

To identify the research question, we took the following steps: identify the relevant studies; select studies; chart the data; and collate, summarize, and report the results. The specific domains of healthy aging considered include physical health, mobility, mental health, cognition and memory, and social connectedness.

Results

A total of 35 articles were selected for final review. Fifty-seven percent of these studies considered only 1 domain of healthy aging, 23% studied 2 domains, whereas 14% measured 3 domains and 6% assessed 4 domains. No study considered all 5 domains. Of the 5 domains considered for this scoping review, mental health and cognition and memory were the most represented domains in the studies.

Discussion and Implications

Overall, healthy aging among autistic older adults is largely understudied. More research is needed to better identify and tailor interventions and services for autistic older adults and their families to support healthy aging.
The relationship between GRACE gravity and the seismic b-value: a case study of the Northern Chile Triple Junction (25° S–40° S)
Authors: Sun Pengchao , Li Mengyu , Guo Changsheng , Wei Dongping
Published: March 2024

The northern Chile Triple Junction (CTJ) is characterized by the ongoing subduction of the Nazca plate beneath the South American plate. The geological structures within the subduction zone undergo complex changes, resulting in significant tectonic activities and intense seismicity along the western margin of South America. Based on the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data and earthquake catalogues, this study selects the northern CTJ area (25° S–40° S, 75° W–65° W) as the research object, adopts the mathematical methods of independent component analysis (ICA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to separate the earthquake-related signals within the GRACE data, and fits the changes of seismic b-values through the frequency–magnitude relationship. The characteristics of gravity changes before and after seismic events, the seismic activity parameter b-values, and the relationship between the gravity signals and b-values are discussed. The results show that mathematical methods can effectively extract seismic-related gravity components from the GRACE data. ICA, compared to PCA, provides better results in capturing the temporal variations associated with b-value time-series, which exhibit good consistency in long-term trend changes. The average change of b-values in the study area is 0.66 ± 0.003, fluctuating over time. Generally, prior to larger seismic events, b-values tend to decrease. Along the western margin of South America, b-values are low; this aligns with the active tectonic activities between subducting plates. Additionally, a certain correlation between b-values and gravity changes is observed, but due to the influence of tectonic activities, the correspondence between b-values and gravity anomalies may not be consistent across different areas. The b-value is highly consistent with the strain rate model. Low b-values correspond to high strain rates along the western edge of South America, which is in line with the tectonic characteristics of frequent seismic activity in this area. A gradual concentration of gravity anomalies before major earthquakes is observed, accompanied by the gradual accumulation of smaller seismic events. Meanwhile, several months before the two major earthquakes, the spatial distribution of gravity appears to be similar to the coseismic signals, but the nature of its generation remains to be explored. These methods and results not only add to the applications of GRACE in seismic studies but also raise questions for further exploration.
PAH deficient pathology in humanized c.1066-11G>A phenylketonuria mice
Authors: Martínez-Pizarro Ainhoa , Picó Sara , López-Márquez Arístides , Rodriguez-López Claudia , Montalvo Elena , Alvarez Mar , Castro Margarita , Ramón-Maiques Santiago , Pérez Belén , Lucas José J , Richard Eva , Desviat Lourdes R
Published: March 2024

We have generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology a partially humanized mouse model of the neurometabolic disease phenylketonuria (PKU), carrying the highly prevalent PAH variant c.1066-11G>A. This variant creates an alternative 3′ splice site, leading to the inclusion of 9 nucleotides coding for 3 extra amino acids between Q355 and Y356 of the protein. Homozygous Pah c.1066-11A mice, with a partially humanized intron 10 sequence with the variant, accurately recapitulate the splicing defect and present almost undetectable hepatic PAH activity. They exhibit fur hypopigmentation, lower brain and body weight and reduced survival. Blood and brain phenylalanine levels are elevated, along with decreased tyrosine, tryptophan and monoamine neurotransmitter levels. They present behavioral deficits, mainly hypoactivity and diminished social interaction, locomotor deficiencies and an abnormal hind-limb clasping reflex. Changes in the morphology of glial cells, increased GFAP and Iba1 staining signals and decreased myelinization are observed. Hepatic tissue exhibits nearly absent PAH protein, reduced levels of chaperones DNAJC12 and HSP70 and increased autophagy markers LAMP1 and LC3BII, suggesting possible coaggregation of mutant PAH with chaperones and subsequent autophagy processing. This PKU mouse model with a prevalent human variant represents a useful tool for pathophysiology research and for novel therapies development.
Healthy Lifestyle Is a Protective Factor from Moderate and Severe Relapses and Steroid Use in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: García-Mateo Sandra , Martínez-Domínguez Samuel Jesús , Gargallo-Puyuelo Carla Jerusalén , Gallego Beatriz , Alfambra Erika , Escuin María , García-Mateo Sergio , López Julia , Gomollón Fernando
Published: March 2024

Background

A healthy lifestyle, including good adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) and regular physical exercise, may be an important factor during the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our aim is to determine whether adherence to MD, physical activity, and the combination of both can impact on IBD course.

Methods

This prospective cohort study includes 693 IBD outpatients who were in remission with a median follow-up time of 27 months (interquartile range 22-29 months). Each patient completed a survey to assess their adherence to the MD and physical activity. Healthy lifestyle was considered to be a proper adherence to both MD and an active lifestyle. Relapse during follow-up, severity of relapses, need for systemic steroids, and therapy changes were recorded.

Results

During the follow-up period, 188 patients (27.1%) experienced relapse, of which 56.1% were moderate or severe. Among patients with relapse, 85 (45%) required treatment with corticosteroids, and 15 (7.9%) were hospitalized. Patients with ulcerative colitis (CU) were more adherent to healthy lifestyle than patients with Crohn’s disease (P = .011). Healthy lifestyle was associated with lower risk of moderate and severe relapses (adjusted Hazard ratio [aHR], 0.250; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.093-0.670) and steroids use (aHR 0.292; 95% CI, 0.103-0.828) in IBD patients and with lower risk of moderate and severe relapses (aHR 0.270; 95% CI, 0.093-0.789) in UC patients.

Conclusions

Healthy lifestyle has a favorable influence on promoting a milder disease course, and thus should be a crucial part of clinical management of patients with IBD.
Reviewing the Design Features of the Microstructures of Two Popular Chinese-English Learners’ Dictionaries Published in China
Authors: Zhang Jun , Hu Wenfei
Published: March 2024

Based on the design feature framework of Chinese–English (C–E) learners’ dictionaries (with some modifications made) proposed by Zhang and Hu (2023), this study aims to review the design features of the microstructures of two popular C–E learners’ dictionaries published in China. The results show: 1) the two dictionaries do not distinguish between Chinese and foreign users, nor do they specify target users’ language proficiency; 2) some information items and their contents are not appropriately included and treated, even contrary to the primary function of the two dictionaries; 3) the ordering principles of senses, English equivalents and examples are not pertinent to the primary function of the two dictionaries, or even without any principles at all. The cause of the problems in the two dictionaries lies in the neglect of the study and application of systematic design feature frameworks. Therefore, in compiling C–E learners’ dictionaries, lexicographers should strengthen the study and application of systematic design feature frameworks.
Impact of age and gender differences in the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in the Thai Cohort Study
Authors: Feng Xiyu , Sarma Haribondhu , Seubsman Sam-ang , Sleigh Adrian , Kelly Matthew
Published: March 2024

Background

The study aims to identify the common patterns of multimorbidity and their distribution by age and gender.

Method

This cross-sectional study collected self-reported data from 42 785 Thai Cohort Study members through mailed questionnaires. Employing prevalence-based analysis, it identified common multimorbidity (coexistence of two or more chronic conditions) patterns, analysing the three most common patterns stratified by age and sex. P for trend (p-trend) was used to test the linear trend for associations between age and prevalence of these chronic conditions in the multimorbidity patterns.

Results

Chronic conditions with the highest prevalence were related to metabolic syndromes: obesity (28.5%), hyperlipidaemia (13.2%) and hypertension (7.2%). A positive linear age–multimorbidity association was observed (p-trend = 0.0111). The 60+ participants averaged 1.20 diseases, with 33.7% multimorbidity prevalence. Hyperlipidaemia + obesity was most prevalent in the under-40 multimorbid group (38.7%). Men exhibited a higher prevalence of multimorbidity and associated patterns involving hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and obesity than women.

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome components were the prominent factors driving multimorbidity. Significant age and gender differences were also revealed in multimorbidity prevalence. People aged 60+ faced high risk of multimorbidity, while younger individuals tended towards the multimorbidity pattern of obesity and hyperlipidaemia. Men were more susceptible to multimorbidity patterns associated with metabolic syndromes. Future studies for metabolic-related multimorbidity should consider these differences, addressing age and gender issues.
Enzymatic machinery of wood-inhabiting fungi that degrade temperate tree species
Authors: Kipping Lydia , Jehmlich Nico , Moll Julia , Noll Matthias , Gossner Martin M , Van Den Bossche Tim , Edelmann Pascal , Borken Werner , Hofrichter Martin , Kellner Harald
Published: March 2024

Deadwood provides habitat for fungi and serves diverse ecological functions in forests. We already have profound knowledge of fungal assembly processes, physiological and enzymatic activities, and resulting physico-chemical changes during deadwood decay. However, in situ detection and identification methods, fungal origins, and a mechanistic understanding of the main lignocellulolytic enzymes are lacking. This study used metaproteomics to detect the main extracellular lignocellulolytic enzymes in 12 tree species in a temperate forest that have decomposed for 8 ½ years. Mainly white-rot (and few brown-rot) Basidiomycota were identified as the main wood decomposers, with Armillaria as the dominant genus; additionally, several soft-rot xylariaceous Ascomycota were identified. The key enzymes involved in lignocellulolysis included manganese peroxidase, peroxide-producing alcohol oxidases, laccase, diverse glycoside hydrolases (cellulase, glucosidase, xylanase), esterases, and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases. The fungal community and enzyme composition differed among the 12 tree species. Ascomycota species were more prevalent in angiosperm logs than in gymnosperm logs. Regarding lignocellulolysis as a function, the extracellular enzyme toolbox acted simultaneously and was interrelated (e.g. peroxidases and peroxide-producing enzymes were strongly correlated), highly functionally redundant, and present in all logs. In summary, our in situ study provides comprehensive and detailed insight into the enzymatic machinery of wood-inhabiting fungi in temperate tree species. These findings will allow us to relate changes in environmental factors to lignocellulolysis as an ecosystem function in the future.