bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Intensive Margin in Trade: How Big and How Important?
Authors: Fernandes Ana M. , Klenow Peter J. , Meleshchuk Sergii , Pierola Martha Denisse , Rodríguez-Clare Andrés
Published: June 2023

In benchmark trade models that feature a constant trade elasticity, bilateral exports vary entirely on the intensive margin (exports per firm) or entirely on the extensive margin (number of firms). Our empirical analysis documents that roughly one-half of this variation occurs along each margin, implying that the trade elasticity is not constant. We estimate a generalized Melitz model with a joint log-normal distribution for firm productivity, fixed costs, and demand shifters. Using exact-hat algebra, we quantify how trade costs affect trade flows and welfare. Welfare effects are similar to those in the Melitz-Pareto model, but implied trade flows differ significantly. (JEL D22, D24, D43, F12, F14, L13)
The Macroeconomic Impact of Europe’s Carbon Taxes
Authors: Metcalf Gilbert E. , Stock James H.
Published: June 2023

We estimate the macroeconomic impacts of carbon taxes on GDP and employment growth rates using 30 years of data on carbon taxation in various European countries. We find no evidence for a negative impact on employment or GDP growth but rather find a zero to modest positive impact. We also find a cumulative emissions reduction on the order of 4 to 6 percent for a $40/ton CO2 tax covering 30 percent of emissions. Reductions would likely be greater for a broad-based US carbon tax since European carbon taxes typically do not cover those sectors with the lowest marginal abatement costs. (JEL E23, E24, H23, Q54, Q58)
The Rise of Niche Consumption
Authors: Neiman Brent , Vavra Joseph
Published: June 2023

Over the last 15 years, individual households have concentrated their spending on a few preferred products. However, this is not driven by “superstar” products capturing larger market shares. Instead, households increasingly purchase different products from each other. As a result, aggregate spending concentration has decreased. We develop a model of heterogeneous household demand and use it to conclude that increasing product variety drives these divergent trends. When more products are available, households select products better matched to their tastes. This delivers welfare gains from selection equal to about half a percent per year in the categories covered by our data. (JEL D12, D91, E21, L66)
Auctioning institutions in China: economic and legal aspects
Authors: Kamykowska Zuzanna
Published: June 2023

Motivation: China is now the third largest art market in the world, and thanks to its long history, the country is able to offer a great artistic heritage. Chinese auctioning institutions have become one of the most significant in the world, having a massive global impact on art pricing. By establishing their sales infrastructure in new locales ahead of the traditional mechanisms of primary market commercial galleries, the Chinese auction houses have played a foundational role in the notional construction of new genres of art.Aim: The main purpose of this article is to present a detailed analysis of Chinese auction houses and other auction institutions, with regards to the economic and legal aspects of their operation. The article is cross-sectional, showing how China has become the fastest growing art market in the world. The analysis provides evidence for the existence of various factors that determine the dynamic development of the Chinese art auctions market and determines the differences in the functioning of Chinese and Western auction houses.Results: These results illustrate that exceptional economic and political factors made it possible to significantly develop the Chinese auction market in a very short time.
Income inequality and economic growth: the reexamination of the existence of Kuznets curve: evidence from CEE countries
Authors: Kuźmar Sławomir
Published: June 2023

Motivation: In the last years, a lot of attention has been paid to economic inequality — a phenomenon that may lead to what some commentators predict as the end of capitalism. At the same time some economists believe that the economic inequalities are natural and excessive inequalities can be reduced through the process of economic growth. The natural starting point in the discussion concerning the relation between inequality and economic growth is the theory proposed by Simon Kuznets, according to which inequality rises in the early phases of economic development but falls eventually as the growth advances, taking the shape of the inverse-U shaped pattern. The empirical validity of the so-called “Kuznets curve” has been intensively investigated, but the evidence is ambiguous. In this context re-examining Kuznets theory in CEE countries is interesting especially because of the observed rapid economic growth as a result of structural transformation in these countries.Aim: The aim of the study is an attempt to investigate the nature of relation between economic growth and income inequality levels in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries in years 2004–2020 and verify if the analysed relation is taking an inverse-U shape as indicated by the Kuznets curve.Results: The results of conducted analysis indicate that the evidence for an inverted-U shaped relation between inequality levels and economic growth in CEE countries is much less robust than what is implied by Kuznets curve theory.
Physical Exercise Addiction Among Students Based on the EDS-R Scale Adapted for Poland
Authors: Krzyżak-Szymańska Ewa , Szymański Andrzej
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the research was to adapt the Exercise Dependence Scale – Revised (EDS-R) by H. A. Hausenblas and D. Symons Downs to the Polish context and to evaluate the exercise addiction rate among students. The research was conducted online with 290 interviewees aged 19–23 years. Factor analysis confirmed the 7-factor structure of the EDS-R test and its good internal consistency. All the subscales were characterized by adequate reliability. To evaluate scale’s accuracy, the correlation between the EDS-R scale and a question concerning the number of hours of exercise per week was measured. The number of hours spent exercising per week was favorably connected with all of the subscales of the EDS-R. Those results were confirmed by differential analysis. Based on the EDS-R test, the participants were classified as (1) at risk of exercise addiction (5.5%), (2) not addicted (symptomatic group) (72.8%) and (3) not addicted (asymptomatic) (21.7%). The material presented in the article may contribute to further research using the Polish adaptation of the EDS-R scale in different populations (e.g., due to different physical activities undertaken by the exercisers).
Zjawisko zażywania muchomora czerwonego (amanita muscaria) wśród uczestników internetowych grup dyskusyjnych
Authors: Pięta-Chrystofiak Marta , Brohs Damian
Published: June 2023

Muchomor czerwony to jeden z najbardziej rozpoznawalnych gatunków grzybów i chociaż wiedza o jego toksyczności w polskim społeczeństwie jest powszechna, to w ostatnich latach obserwujemy zjawisko jego rekreacyjnego zażywania. Celem badania było dokonanie opisu tego zjawiska i scharakteryzowanie uczestników internetowych grup dyskusyjnych w kontekście indywidualnych i społecznych uwarunkowań używania tego grzyba. Badanie zostało przeprowadzone przy wykorzystaniu opracowanej na potrzeby badania ankiety, zawierającej pytania dotyczące: zjawiska zażywania muchomora czerwonego, kwestii związanych ze zdrowiem psychicznym oraz danych socjodemograficznych respondentów. Do próby badawczej zakwalifikowano 95 osób: 32 kobiety, 60 mężczyzn oraz trzy osoby, które zadeklarowały inną płeć. Zostały one przydzielone do dwóch grup: osób eksperymentujących (OE) i osób używających muchomora czerwonego regularnie (OU). Zebrane dane pozwoliły określić z jaką częstotliwością, w jakiej formie i dawkach oraz w jakich okolicznościach przyjmują i z jakich źródeł pozyskują go badani. Ustalono jakie efekty zażywania, bezpośrednie i długotrwałe, obserwują u siebie badani. Uzyskane wyniki pokazują, że stosowanie substancji psychoaktywnych jest stale rozwijającym się zjawiskiem, a zmieniające się w nim trendy stwarzają konieczność podjęcia refleksji nad systemem wsparcia dla osób z problemem uzależnienia.
Extraction of Natural Dyes from Polygonum Odoratum Lour as an Alternative Dyeing for Thai Silk Using Diff erent Metal Salt Mordants
Authors:   Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Roi Et Rajabhat University, Roi Et 45120, Thailand, Sanai Aritart , Khottada Wiphawan ,   Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Roi Et Rajabhat University, Roi Et 45120, Thailand, Sirithip Kanokkorn ,   Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Roi Et Rajabhat University, Roi Et 45120, Thailand, Merat Kesorn ,   Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Roi Et Rajabhat University, Roi Et 45120, Thailand
Published: June 2023

Polygonum Odoratum Lour (P. odoratum) is one of the economic indigenous plants, produced annually in huge amounts. Thus, seeking alternate applications for P. odoratum, such as use as a natural dye source, is one of the strategies for reducing market oversupply. The objectives of this research were to study the optimum conditions for natural dye extraction from P. odoratum and to investigate the effect of different metal salt mordants and adding sequence mordant methods in the dyeing silk process. The mordants used were KAl(SO4), CuSO4, and FeSO4 and the adding sequence mordants were pre-, meta-, and post-mordant techniques. When the extracted dyes and measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy, the results showed that the major extracted compounds were rutin, isoquercetin, and quercetin in ethanol solvent. The most suitable dye extraction condition was 15.0 g of P. odoratum powder refl uxed in a solvent of 95% ethanol at 80 °C for 60 min providing the strongest UV-Vis absorption intensity. In terms of the dyeing process, the effect of adding sequence mordant strategies was a stronger infl uence on color strength and fastness washing property than that of the different mordants used. The meta-mordanting technique was the most promising strategy because it gave stronger color strength, shortest drying time, and good fastness properties to the other methods. Overall, this result confi rmed that the extracted dyes from P. odoratum as alternative dyeing for Thai silk were a foreshadowing strategy with the meta-mordanting technique.
Artificial intelligence: “summoning the demon” or “a tool, not a threat”?
Authors: Crean StJohn
Published: June 2023

Our editor discusses whether we should be wary of artificial intelligence being implemented into dental practice, and its potential benefits as a tool.
Social media, body image issues and dentistry
Authors: Buontempo Zoe , Kelleher Martin
Published: June 2023

Social media trends have had devastating effects on many people's mental and dental health with increasing incidence of social anxiety, eating disorders and demands for dubious dentistry.
Page or Stage A Comparative Study on the Two Turkish Versions of Oscar Wilde s The Importance of Being Earnest
Authors: AKAT Bülent , KÜMBÜL Tuba
Published: June 2023

Tiyatro metni çevirisi bazı yönleriyle diğer çeviri türlerinden farklılık gösterir. Tiyatro eserleri kimi zaman, tiyatro eserlerini içeren kitaplarda yer alacak şekilde çevrilirken, kimi zaman da sahnede kullanılmaya uygun metinler olarak tercüme edilir. Bu bağlamda, çalışmanın amacı, Oscar Wilde'ın The Importance of Being Earnest adlı oyununun Murat Erşen ve Can Yücel tarafından yapılan iki tercümesini (Ciddi Olmanın Önemi ve Maksat Samimiyet) tiyatronun temel kavramları olan okunabilirlik, konuşabilirlik ve sahnelenebilirlik terimleri çerçevesinde karşılaştırmaktır. Bu makalede, Susan Bassnett'in tiyatro çevirisi stratejileri ışığında tiyatro eserinin orijinal metni ve iki çevirisinden seçilen alıntılar incelenmiştir. Önerilen beş stratejiden özellikle ikisi -basılı sayfa için çeviri ve sahne için çeviri- bu çalışmanın temelini oluşturmaktadır. Alıntılar karşılaştırmalı olarak incelendiğinde, Murat Erşen'in ağırlıklı olarak kaynak metin odaklı bir yaklaşım benimsediği, Can Yücel'in ise genellikle erek metin odaklı bir yaklaşım izlediği görülmektedir. Nitekim Erşen'in çevirisi, edebiyat okurları için çevrilmiş bir metin izlenimi verirken, Yücel'in çevirisinin sahnede kullanılamaya uygun bir çeviri olduğu söylenebilir.
Antik Yunan Edebî Eserlerinde Toplumsal Cinsiyet Rolleri: Kadınlık Kimliği ve İdeal Kadın İmgesi
Authors: AKGÜN KAYA Elif
Published: June 2023

Arkaik (MÖ VIII-VI. yüzyıl) ve Klasik Dönem (MÖ V-IV. yüzyıl) Yunan dünyasında kadınların düşünsel becerilerden yoksun olduğuna dair var olan inanç onların erkeklerden daha aşağı görülmelerine neden olmuştur. Seçme ve seçilme gibi en temel vatandaşlık haklarına sahip olmadıkları gibi yönetimle ilgili konuların da dışında tutulan kadınların kamusal hayatta görünür olmalarına izin verilmemiştir. Geleneksel cinsiyet rolleri temelinde ev içi düzen, çocuk bakımı, dokuma gibi sorumlulukların yüklendiği hane içine sıkıştırılan bir hayatları olmuştur. Aynı bakış açısını edebî eserlerde görmek mümkündür. Bu eserlerde kadınlara erkeklerin yanında sınırlı, ikincil roller verilmiş ve kadınlar erkeklerin gözünden tasvir edilmişlerdir. Erkeklerin hayranlığına neden olan güzellikleri, duygusal yönleri, aşk hikâyeleri, savaşların sonucunda yaşadıkları mağduriyetleri ve ahlaki yönleriyle bu eserlerde yer almışlardır. Az sayıda da olsa bazı eserlerde toplumsal cinsiyet normlarına meydan okuyan ve bu normları sorgulayan, bağımsız, etkili ve güçlü kadın karakterler ön plana çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışmada antik Yunanın edebî eserlerinde kadınların toplumsal cinsiyet rollerinin ve konumlarının nasıl ele alındığı, yazarların kadınlarla ilgili düşünceleri ve bu eserlerde temsil edilen kadın karakterlerin antik Yunan kültüründeki kadının konumunu ve toplumsal cinsiyet rollerini ne ölçüde yansıttığı incelenmektedir. Eserlerdeki kadın karakterlerin, dönemin var olan toplumsal cinsiyet algısını yansıttığı gözlemlenmektedir. Toplumdaki eril düşünce yapısı ve ataerkil ilişki ağları edebî eserlerde görülmektedir.
Mikveh Israel Agricultural School
Authors: DOĞANÇAY Sungur
Published: June 2023

Alliance Israelite Universelle, established in the capital of France, Paris, in 1860, embarked on a rapid schooling activity in the Middle East. The schools opened in cities such as Tangier (Morocco), Thessaloniki and Istanbul were followed by the Mikveh Israel Agricultural School opened in Jaffa in 1870. Charles Netter, one of the 6 founders of the society, established this school. With the opening of the school, it was planned to raise agricultural experts in order to carry out more qualified agriculture and animal husbandry in Jaffa. Furthermore, this school, which is hoped to make a significant contribution to the establishment of a Jewish state in the time to come, was named Mikveh Israel, that is, Israel's Hope. Thanks to the economic and political support of the society and wealthy Jewish families such as Rothschild and Hirsch, the school achieved a remarkable success in agriculture over time. Theoretical and applied courses were scheduled for 7 years in order to teach European style agriculture to students. Being in the limelight thanks to its stable and disciplined education, non-Jewish families had started to enroll their children in the school. Failure to take deterrent measures against school administrators who did not hesitate to act against the Education Regulations declared in 1869 and 1885 by the Ottoman State paved the way for the harmful activities of the school increasingly. In the preparation phase of this study, the main sources in the Presidency Ottoman Archives, research/analysis works in Turkish and English were utilized. Thus, in addition to the activities of the aforementioned school in the field of education, the study gives information about its contributions to Zionist activities until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
Trauma of the Gaze in John Banville s The Book of Evidence
Authors: HATİPOĞLU Gülden
Published: June 2023

John Banville’ın sanat üçlemesinin ilki olan Tutanak Defteri, okuru bakan özneler ve bakılan nesnelerle dolu bir hikâye evrenine sokan, ekfrastik bir suç anlatısıdır. Kendisini “yüzergezer bir göz” olarak tarif eden bir katilin ağzından anlatılan roman, öznelik, bakış ve güç/iktidar arasındaki karmaşık ilişkiye dair sorular ortaya koyar. Bu makalenin amacı, Tutanak Defteri başlıklı romanın sembolik evrenini, anlatıcı karakterin travmatik cinayet deneyiminde bakışın ve bakma eyleminin oynadığı belirleyici rol açısından okumaktır. Bu çerçevede, tartışmanın genelinde, benliğin Öteki ile ilişkisinin oluşumunda ve teyidinde bakışın ve bakma eyleminin önemini irdelemeyi amaçlayan bir eleştirel izlek takip edilecektir. Bir tür semiyotik mekanizma olan bakışın, bakılanı nesneleştirmede bir iktidar aracı olarak kullanılması, özellikle eril bakışın erkek egemen dinamikleri bağlamında ele alınacaktır. Bu tartışma çerçevesinde, makalenin, Banville ve Tutanak Defteri üzerine şimdiye kadar üretilen literatüre katkıda bulunması ve sunduğu farklı kavramsal mercek ile Banville’in ekfrastik içeriğine dair üretilen eleştiri arşivini zengin¬leştirmesi umulmaktadır.
Systematic review finds processes used internationally, to update clinical guidelines, lack consistency and detail
Authors: Cardwell Karen , Quigley Joan , Clyne Barbara , Tyner Barrie , Carrigan Marie , Smith Susan M. , Lynch Rosarie , Hughes Claudine , Bradley Declan , Kinsella Marita , Holland Deirdre , Ryan Máirín , O’Neill Michelle
Published: June 2023

Background:

Clinical guidelines (CGs) need to be updated to ensure the ongoing validity of recommendations.

Aims and objectives:

This systematic review identified and described the most recent CG update processes, including prioritisation methods, used by international or national groups who provide methodological guidance for developing and updating CGs.

Methods:

Methodological handbooks were identified by searching a predefined list of national and international organisations, and by grey literature searching. A systematic literature search (2011–2021) of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles that described the development and or evaluation of update processes. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. Quality assessment was conducted independently by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis was undertaken.

Findings:

In total, 16 handbooks from 11 organisations and three peer-reviewed articles were included. Few handbooks provided comprehensive details beyond whether an update was indicated, with processes for prioritisation of updates and required resources generally lacking; terminology and definitions differed across organisations. In general, evidence synthesis methods used to update CGs were the same as those used to develop CGs de novo.

Discussion and conclusion:

Updating CGs is critical to support policy and practice. It is an iterative process that is both resource-intensive and time-consuming. International or national groups who provide methodological guidance for developing and updating CGs should consider providing more comprehensive guidance and standardising the terminology used to facilitate optimal updating of CGs and prioritisation of CGs for updating.
Image transmission with a circular Airy array beam
Authors: Zhou Yi
Published: June 2023

A circular Airy array beam (CAAB) comprising four symmetric circular Airy beams is
proposed and demonstrated for image transmission. It is generated by
the Fourier transform of the combined phase, which contains the radial
cubic phase, the diffractive axicon phase, and the shift function
phase. Two adjustable parameters of the combined phase can control the
radius and the initial position of each circular Airy beam at the
spatial plane. The image can be modulated into the CAAB through
overlapping it at the Fourier plane of this beam and recovered by
Fourier transform after diffracting a certain distance. It can be
observed clearly that the CAAB after being partly blocked by a movable
obstacle guarantees the recovery of the image. In comparison with the
existing right-angle Airy array beam, the image transmission by the
proposed CAAB is less sensitive to the position of the obstacles on
the beam path.
Microrheology and structural quantification of hypercoagulable clots
Authors: Wolff-Trombini Laura , Ceripa Adrien , Moreau Julien , Galinat Hubert , James Chloe , Westbrook Nathalie , Allain Jean-Marc
Published: June 2023

Hypercoagulability is a pathology that remains difficult to explain today in most cases. It is likely due to a modification of the conditions of polymerization of the fibrin, the main clot component. Using passive microrheology, we measured the mechanical properties of clots and correlated them under the same conditions with structural information obtained with confocal microscopy. We tested our approach with known alterations: an excess of fibrinogen and of coagulation Factor VIII. We observed simultaneously a rigidification and densification of the fibrin network, showing the potential of microrheology for hypercoagulability diagnosis.
Comprehensive assessment of the anterior segment in refraction corrected OCT based on multitask learning
Authors: Li Kaiwen , Yang Guangqian , Chang Shuimiao , Yao Jinhan , He Chong , Lu Fang , Wang Xiaogang , Wang Zhao
Published: June 2023

Anterior segment diseases are among the leading causes of irreversible blindness. However, a method capable of recognizing all important anterior segment structures for clinical diagnosis is lacking. By sharing the knowledge learned from each task, we proposed a fully automated multitask deep learning method that allows for simultaneous segmentation and quantification of all major anterior segment structures, including the iris, lens, cornea, as well as implantable collamer lens (ICL) and intraocular lens (IOL), and meanwhile for landmark detection of scleral spur and iris root in anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) images. In addition, we proposed a refraction correction method to correct for the true geometry of the anterior segment distorted by light refraction during OCT imaging. 1251 AS-OCT images from 180 patients were collected and were used to train and test the model. Experiments demonstrated that our proposed network was superior to state-of-the-art segmentation and landmark detection methods, and close agreement was achieved between manually and automatically computed clinical parameters associated with anterior chamber, pupil, iris, ICL, and IOL. Finally, as an example, we demonstrated how our proposed method can be applied to facilitate the clinical evaluation of cataract surgery.
Visible-light optical coherence tomography platform for the characterization of the skin barrier
Authors: Revin Dmitry G. , Byers Robert A. , Duan Meng Q. , Li Wei , Matcher Stephen J.
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate a free-space, trolley-mountable Fourier domain visible-light optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for studying the stratum corneum in non-palmar human skin. An axial resolution of 1 µm in tissue and at least −75 dB sensitivity have been achieved. High-quality B-scans, containing 1600 A-scans, are acquired at a rate of 39 Hz. Images from the dorsal hand, ventral wrist and ventral forearm areas are obtained, with a clearly resolved stratum corneum layer (typically 5–15 µm thick) presenting as a hypoechogenic dark layer below the bright entrance signal, similar to that found in palmar skin with traditional OCT systems. We find that the appearance of the stratum corneum layer strongly depends on its water content, becoming brighter after occlusive hydration.
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD binding to ACE2 and its inhibition by fungal cohaerin C using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wetzel Christoph , Jansen-Olliges Linda , Stadler Marc , Surup Frank , Zeilinger Carsten , Roth Bernhard
Published: June 2023

The structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and human ACE2 as well as changes in the structure due to binding activities were analysed using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The inhibitor cohaerin C was applied to inhibit the binding between spike RBD and ACE2. Differences and changes in the Raman spectra were determined using deconvolution of the amide bands and principal component analysis. We thus demonstrate a fast and label-free analysis of the protein structures and the differentiation between bound and unbound states. The approach is suitable for sensing and screening and might be relevant to investigate other protein systems as well.
Design of a high-efficiency tapered silicon-cored-fiber coupler for fiber-to-chip coplanar edge coupling
Authors: Yang Sung-Pu , Wu Chao-Hsin , Wang Lon A.
Published: June 2023

A silicon-cored-fiber (SCF) is used in, what we believe to be, a novel way for coplanar light coupling from an incoming fiber to a silicon waveguide on a chip. Two schemes of utilizing SCFs are investigated, namely a tapered SCF coupler and a D-shaped SCF coupler. A tapered SCF coupler is chosen for further optimization, leading to a coupling efficiency of ∼97% obtained from the results of 3D FDTD simulation.
Supervised learning and model analysis with compositional data
Authors: Huang Shimeng , Ailer Elisabeth , Kilbertus Niki , Pfister Niklas
Published: June 2023

Supervised learning, such as regression and classification, is an essential tool for analyzing modern high-throughput sequencing data, for example in microbiome research. However, due to the compositionality and sparsity, existing techniques are often inadequate. Either they rely on extensions of the linear log-contrast model (which adjust for compositionality but cannot account for complex signals or sparsity) or they are based on black-box machine learning methods (which may capture useful signals, but lack interpretability due to the compositionality). We proposeKernelBiome, a kernel-based nonparametric regression and classification framework for compositional data. It is tailored to sparse compositional data and is able to incorporate prior knowledge, such as phylogenetic structure.KernelBiomecaptures complex signals, including in the zero-structure, while automatically adapting model complexity. We demonstrate on par or improved predictive performance compared with state-of-the-art machine learning methods on 33 publicly available microbiome datasets. Additionally, our framework provides two key advantages: (i) We propose two novel quantities to interpret contributions of individual components and prove that they consistently estimate average perturbation effects of the conditional mean, extending the interpretability of linear log-contrast coefficients to nonparametric models. (ii) We show that the connection between kernels and distances aids interpretability and provides a data-driven embedding that can augment further analysis.KernelBiomeis available as an open-source Python package on PyPI and athttps://github.com/shimenghuang/KernelBiome.
A multivariate genome-wide association study of psycho-cardiometabolic multimorbidity
Authors: Baltramonaityte Vilte , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Choudhary Priyanka , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Felix Janine , Sebert Sylvain , Milaneschi Yuri , Walton Esther ,   on behalf of the EarlyCause Consortium
Published: June 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and depression are among the leading causes of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological studies indicate a substantial degree of multimorbidity, which may be explained by shared genetic influences. However, research exploring the presence of pleiotropic variants and genes common to CAD, T2D and depression is lacking. The present study aimed to identify genetic variants with effects on cross-trait liability to psycho-cardiometabolic diseases. We used genomic structural equation modelling to perform a multivariate genome-wide association study of multimorbidity (Neffective = 562,507), using summary statistics from univariate genome-wide association studies for CAD, T2D and major depression. CAD was moderately genetically correlated with T2D (rg = 0.39, P = 2e-34) and weakly correlated with depression (rg = 0.13, P = 3e-6). Depression was weakly correlated with T2D (rg = 0.15, P = 4e-15). The latent multimorbidity factor explained the largest proportion of variance in T2D (45%), followed by CAD (35%) and depression (5%). We identified 11 independent SNPs associated with multimorbidity and 18 putative multimorbidity-associated genes. We observed enrichment in immune and inflammatory pathways. A greater polygenic risk score for multimorbidity in the UK Biobank (N = 306,734) was associated with the co-occurrence of CAD, T2D and depression (OR per standard deviation = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.74–2.10, relative to the healthy group), validating this latent multimorbidity factor. Mendelian randomization analyses suggested potentially causal effects of BMI, body fat percentage, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, fasting insulin, income, insomnia, and childhood maltreatment. These findings advance our understanding of multimorbidity suggesting common genetic pathways.
Modeling the future of HIV in Turkey: Cost-effectiveness analysis of improving testing and diagnosis
Authors: Yaylali Emine , Erdogan Zikriye Melisa , Calisir Fethi , Gokengin Deniz , Korten Volkan , Tabak Fehmi , Tasova Yesim , Unal Serhat , Ozelgun Berna , Ozcagli Tahsin Gokcem , Sahin Toros
Published: June 2023

Aims

This study aimed to determine HIV incidence and prevalence in Turkey and to estimate the cost-effectiveness of improving testing and diagnosis in the next 20 years.

Background

HIV incidence in Turkey has been rapidly increasing in the last decade with a particularly high rate of infection for younger populations, which underscores the urgent need for a robust prevention program and improved testing capacity for HIV.

Methods

We developed a dynamic compartmental model of HIV transmission and progression among the Turkish population aged 15–64 and assessed the effect of improving testing and diagnosis. The model generated the number of new HIV cases by transmission risk and CD4 level, HIV diagnoses, HIV prevalence, continuum of care, the number of HIV-related deaths, and the expected number of infections prevented from 2020 to 2040. We also explored the cost impact of HIV and the cost-effectiveness of improving testing and diagnosis.

Results

Under the base case scenario, the model estimated an HIV incidence of 13,462 cases in 2020, with 63% undiagnosed. The number of infections was estimated to increase by 27% by 2040, with HIV incidence in 2040 reaching 376,889 and HIV prevalence 2,414,965 cases. Improving testing and diagnosis to 50%, 70%, and 90%, would prevent 782,789, 2,059,399, and 2,336,564 infections-32%, 85%, and 97% reduction in 20 years, respectively. Improved testing and diagnosis would reduce spending between $1.8 and $8.8 billion.

Conclusions

In the case of no improvement in the current continuum of care, HIV incidence and prevalence will significantly increase over the next 20 years, placing a significant burden on the Turkish healthcare system. However, improving testing and diagnosis could substantially reduce the number of infections, ameliorating the public health and disease burden aspects.
Comparing the clinical and economic efficiency of four natural surfactants in treating infants with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Izadi Reyhane , Shojaei Payam , Haqbin Arash , Habibolahi Abbas , Sadeghi-Moghaddam Parvaneh
Published: June 2023

Surfactant therapy has revolutionized the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) over the past few decades. Relying on a new method, the current research seeks to compare four common surfactants in the health market of Iran to determine the best surfactant according to the selected criteria. The research was a cross-sectional, retrospective study that used the data of 13,169 infants as recorded on the information system of the Iranian Ministry of Health. To rank the surfactants used, the following indicators were measured: re-dosing rate, average direct treatment cost, average length of stay, disease burden, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, survival at discharge, and medical referrals. The CRITIC (criteria importance through intercriteria correlation) method was used to determine the weight of the indicators, and MABAC (multi-attributive border approximation area comparison) was used to prioritize the surfactants. Based on the seven selected indicators in this research (re-dosing rate, average length of stay, direct medical cost per one prescription, medical referral rate, survival at discharge, disability-adjusted life years, number of newborns in need of invasive mechanical ventilation) and using multi-criteria analysis method, Alveofact was identified as the worst surfactant in infants with either more or less than 32 weeks’ gestation. So that some criteria were worse in Alveofact group infants than other groups; for example, in the comparison of the Alveofact group with the average of the total population, it was found that the survival rate at discharge was 57.14% versus 66.43%, and the rate of re-dosing was 1.63 versus 1.39. BLES (bovine lipid extract surfactant) was the best alternative for infants more than 32 weeks’ gestation, whereas Survanta was identified as best option for infants with less than 32 weeks’ gestation. Curosurf showed an average level of functionality in the ranking. This study advises the policy makers in the field of neonatal health to increase the market share of more effective surfactants based on this study and other similar studies. On the other hand, neonatal health care providers are also advised to prioritize the use of more effective surfactants if possible, depending on the clinical conditions and desired improvements.
Understanding links between water-quality variables and nitrate concentration in freshwater streams using high frequency sensor data
Authors: Kermorvant Claire , Liquet Benoit , Litt Guy , Mengersen Kerrie , Peterson Erin E. , Hyndman Rob J. , Jones Jeremy B. , Leigh Catherine
Published: June 2023

Real-time monitoring using in-situ sensors is becoming a common approach for measuring water-quality within watersheds. High-frequency measurements produce big datasets that present opportunities to conduct new analyses for improved understanding of water-quality dynamics and more effective management of rivers and streams. Of primary importance is enhancing knowledge of the relationships between nitrate, one of the most reactive forms of inorganic nitrogen in the aquatic environment, and other water-quality variables. We analysed high-frequency water-quality data from in-situ sensors deployed in three sites from different watersheds and climate zones within the National Ecological Observatory Network, USA. We used generalised additive mixed models to explain the nonlinear relationships at each site between nitrate concentration and conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and elevation. Temporal auto-correlation was modelled with an auto-regressive–moving-average (ARIMA) model and we examined the relative importance of the explanatory variables. Total deviance explained by the models was high for all sites (99%). Although variable importance and the smooth regression parameters differed among sites, the models explaining the most variation in nitrate contained the same explanatory variables. This study demonstrates that building a model for nitrate using the same set of explanatory water-quality variables is achievable, even for sites with vastly different environmental and climatic characteristics. Applying such models will assist managers to select cost-effective water-quality variables to monitor when the goals are to gain a spatial and temporal in-depth understanding of nitrate dynamics and adapt management plans accordingly.
CBT—Intervention for panic disorder in primary care: 5 years follow-up of a cRCT during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Lukaschek Karoline , Haas Carolin , Wannemüller André , Brettschneider Christian , Dreischulte Tobias , Margraf Jürgen , Gensichen Jochen ,   on behalf of the PARADIES study group
Published: June 2023

A practice team-based exercise programme with elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and case management for patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia in primary care showed significant positive effects. Here, we analyse the long-term effects (>5 years) of this intervention in the stressful context of the Covid-19 pandemic. All participants of the original PARADIES cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT; 2012–2016) were invited to participate in a follow-up during the Covid-19 pandemic. Clinical outcomes were anxiety symptoms, number and severity of panic attacks, agoraphobic avoidance behaviour, Covid-specific anxiety symptom severity, depression, and patient assessment of chronic illness care. Data were analysed cross-sectionally for group differences (intervention, control) and longitudinally (T0: baseline, T1: 6 months and TCorona: >60 months). Of the original 419 participants, 100 participated in the 60 months follow-up (October 2020-May 2021). In the cross-sectional analysis, the anxiety symptom severity in the intervention group was lower than in the control group (p = .011, Cohen‘s d = .517). In the longitudinal analysis, both groups showed an increase of anxiety and depression symptoms compared to pre-pandemic level. The intervention may have had a lasting impact regarding anxiety severity despite the challenging context of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we cannot say to what extend the intervention still played a role in participants’ lives; other factors may also have helped with coping. The increase of anxiety and depression symptoms in both groups over time could be attributed to external circumstances.
Unveiling urban marathon development characteristics and urban growth strategies in China: Insights from time series analysis of Baidu Search Index
Authors: Zheng Erchang , Xue Chengbin , Chen Gongqiang , Zhang Yinghui , Zou Jinchuan
Published: June 2023

The strategic exploration of urban sports tourism resources and the pursuit of novel trajectories for urban growth are pivotal for resource integration and competitive enhancement within cities. This investigation concentrates on Chinese city marathons and compiles daily search index data from Baidu for 38 city marathons across the nation, spanning from January 1st, 2012 to May 3rd, 2022. Employing time series clustering to evaluate the data, and in conjunction with indices related to urban tourism resources and city development, we delve into the characteristics of how Chinese city marathons propel urban growth. The findings illustrate that the search index data for the 38 city marathons can be clustered into three categories, with Xi’an, Fuzhou, and Dalian emerging as the epicenters of clustering. The representative search index data for these three clusters reveal diverse characteristics of change. The search index shifts for three landmark races align generally with the changes observed in their respective cluster center races, however, variations exist among the search index changes for these iconic marathons. The degree of search index and its trending direction in city marathons emanate from the synergistic influence of the city’s political, economic, and tourism attributes, in addition to the event’s prominence. City marathons also catalyze urban development through economic stimulation, image enhancement, and infrastructure improvement. Future exploration of novel trajectories for urban development could be facilitated through harnessing the economic and tourism attributes of these events, and by orchestrating a unified series of marathons.
Ouabain at nanomolar concentrations is cytotoxic for biliary tract cancer cells
Authors: Mayr Christian , Kiesslich Tobias , Bekric Dino , Beyreis Marlena , Kittl Michael , Ablinger Celina , Neureiter Elen , Pichler Martin , Prinz Felix , Ritter Markus , Neureiter Daniel , Jakab Martin , Dobias Heidemarie
Published: June 2023

Biliary tract cancer is a deadly disease with limited therapeutic options. Ouabain is a well-known inhibitor of the pumping function of Na+/K+-ATPase, though there is evidence that low concentrations of ouabain lead to a reduction of cell viability of cancer cells independent of its inhibition of the pumping function of the Na+/K+-ATPase. Regarding the impact of ouabain on biliary tract cancer, no data is currently available. Therefore, we aimed for a first-time investigation of ouabain as a potential anti-neoplastic biliary tract cancer agent using comprehensive human biliary tract cancer in vitro models. We found that ouabain has a strong cell line-dependent cytotoxic effect with IC50 levels in the (low) nanomolar-range and that this effect was not associated with the mRNA expression levels of the Na+/K+-ATPase α, β and fxyd-subunits. Regarding the mode of cytotoxicity, we observed induction of apoptosis in biliary tract cancer cells upon treatment with ouabain. Interestingly, cytotoxic effects of ouabain at sub-saturating (< μM) levels were independent of cellular membrane depolarization and changes in intracellular sodium levels. Furthermore, using a 3D cell culture model, we found that ouabain disturbs spheroid growth and reduces the viability of biliary tract cancer cells within the tumor spheroids. In summary, our data suggest that ouabain possesses anti-biliary tract cancer potential at low μM-concentration in 2D and 3D in vitro biliary tract cancer models and encourage further detailed investigation.
Neural basis underlying the sense of coherence in medical professionals revealed by the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations
Authors: Kanda Kota , Tei Shisei , Takahashi Hidehiko , Fujino Junya
Published: June 2023

Although mitigating burnout has long been a pressing issue in healthcare, recent global disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic and wars, have exacerbated this problem. Medical professionals are frequently exposed to diverse job-induced distress; furthermore, the importance of people’s sense of coherence (SOC) over work has been addressed to better deal with burnout. However, the neural mechanisms underlying SOC in medical professionals are not sufficiently investigated. In this study, the intrinsic fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) were measured as an indicator of regional brain spontaneous activity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in registered nurses. The associations between participants’ SOC levels and the fALFF values within brain regions were subsequently explored. The SOC scale scores were positively correlated with fALFF values in the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and the left inferior parietal lobule. Furthermore, the SOC levels of the participants mediated the link between their fALFF values in the right SFG and the depersonalization dimension of burnout. The results deepened the understanding of the counter role of SOC on burnout in medical professionals and may provide practical insights for developing efficient interventions.
Model anarchism
Authors: Veit Walter
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to articulate an anarchist challenge to a widespread assumption in the rapidly growing philosophical literature on models, modeling-practices, and model-based science. I argue that the various entities and practices called “models” and “modeling-practices” are too heterogeneous, too context-sensitive, and serve too many scientific purposes and roles, as to constitute unified scientific phenomena that would allow for useful epistemic and ontologies analyses. Just like Feyerabend once argued that there are no general useful inferences to be drawn about the method of “science”, I argue that the same lesson will apply to “model-based science”, hence calling my view model anarchism.
Global Research Trends of Exosomes in the Central Nervous System: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis
Authors: Zhuo Yue , Ai Kun , He Ke , Wu Boyu , Peng Jiaying , Xiang Jing , Zhang Guanlin , Jiao Ziyuan , Zhou Ruixuan , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2023

Objective: Exosomes in the central nervous system (CNS) have become an attractive area of research with great value. However, few bibliometric analysis has been conducted. The study aimed to visualize the scientific trends and research hotspots of exosomes in the CNS by bibliometric analysis.Methods: All potential articles and reviews on exosomes in the CNS published in English from 2001 to 2021 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. The visualization knowledge maps of critical indicators, including countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords, were generated by CiteSpace and VOSviewer software. Besides, each domain's quantitative and qualitative analysis was also considered.Results: A total of 2,629 papers were included. The number of exosomes-related publications and citations regarding CNS increased yearly. These publications came from 2,813 institutions in 77 countries/regions, led by the United States and China. Harvard University was the most influential institution, while the National Institutes of Health was the most critical funding source. We identified 14,468 authors, among which Kapogiannis D had the most significant number of articles and the highest H-index, while Théry C was the most frequently co-cited. The cluster analysis of keywords generated 13 clusters. In summary, the topic of biogenesis, biomarker, and drug delivery will serve as hotspots in future research.Conclusion: Exosomes-related CNS research has gained considerable attention in the past 20 years. The sources and biological functions of exosomes and their promising role in diagnosing and treating CNS diseases are considered hotspots in this field. The clinical translation of the results from exosomes-related CNS research will be of great importance in the future.
Acceptance of Early Surgery for Treatment of Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformation in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Kurokawa Ryu , Endo Toshiki , Takami Toshihiro ,   for the Investigators of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors in the Neurospinal Society of Japan
Published: June 2023

Objective: Spinal cord cavernous malformation (CM) is an intramedullary vascular lesion that may present with progressive symptoms. Surgery is recommended for symptomatic patients, but optimal timing of surgery is debatable. Some advocate waiting until plateau of neurological recovery and others support emergency surgery. There is no statistic on how commonly these strategies are utilized. We aimed to find contemporary practice pattern among neurosurgical spine centers in Japan.Methods: A database of intramedullary spinal cord tumors assembled by Neurospinal Society of Japan was surveyed and 160 patients with spinal cord CM were identified. Neurological function, disease duration, and number of days between presentation to hospitals and surgery were analyzed.Results: Duration of disease before presentation to hospitals ranged from 0 to 336 months (median, 4 months). Number of days between patients’ presentation and surgery ranged from 0 to 6,011 days (median, 32 days). Time from symptom onset to surgery ranged from 0 to 336.9 months (median, 6.6 months). Patients with severe preoperative neurological dysfunction had shorter duration of disease, fewer days between presentation and surgery, and shorter time between symptom onset and surgery. Patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia were more likely to improve when operated on within 3 months from onset.Conclusion: Timing of surgery for spinal cord CM in Japanese neurosurgical spine centers generally was early, with 50% of patients undergoing surgery within 32 days after presentation. Further study is needed to clarify optimal timing of surgery.