bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal and fetal origins of offspring blood pressure: statistical analysis using genetic correlation and genetic risk score-based Mendelian randomization
Authors: Jin Siyi , Wang Ting , Wenying Chen , Wu Yuxuan , Huang Shuiping , Zeng Ping
Published: March 2023

Background

Epidemiological studies demonstrated that adverse in utero environment was associated with increased risk of offspring high blood pressure, by using birthweight as the proxy of maternal intrauterine exposure; however, the nature of such association remains less understood.

Methods

With maternal/fetal-specific summary statistics of birthweight (n = 297 356 for own birthweight and n = 210 248 for offspring birthweight) and summary statistics of blood pressure [i.e. systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP)] (n = 757 601), we evaluated the genetic correlation between fetal-specific birthweight and blood pressure using cross-trait linkage disequilibrium score regression, and next detected pleiotropic genes for them with a pleiotropy mapping method called mixture-adjusted intersect-union pleiotropy test. Furthermore, we conducted a genetic risk score (GRS)-based Mendelian randomization analysis in parent-offspring pairs (n = 6031) of the UK Biobank cohort, to assess the causal relation between maternal-specific GRS and blood pressure conditioning on fetal genotypes.

Results

We found fetal-specific birthweight had a negative genetic correlation with DBP (ρ^g = −0.174, P = 1.68 × 10–10), SBP (ρ^g = −0.198, P = 8.09 × 10–12), and PP (ρ^g = −0.152, P = 6.04 × 10–8), and detected 143, 137 and 135 pleiotropic genes shared between fetal-specific birthweight and PP, SBP and DBP, respectively. These genes often exhibited opposite genetic effects, and were more likely to be differentially expressed in pancreas, liver, heart, brain, whole blood and muscle skeletal tissues. A causal negative association of maternal-specific birthweight was identified with SBP (P = 2.20 × 10–2) and PP (P = 7.67 × 10–3) but not DBP (P = 0.396) in mother-offspring pairs, after accounting for the influence of fetal-specific GRS; and the two significant relations were robust against the horizontal pleiotropy of instruments and the confounding influence of gestational duration and preterm birth. However, these causal associations could not be detected in father-offspring pairs.

Conclusions

This study revealed common genetic components underlying birthweight and blood pressure, and provided important insight into aetiology and early prevention of high blood pressure.
Multiresolution analysis for stochastic hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Herty M , Kolb A , Müller S
Published: March 2023

A multiresolution analysis (MRA) for solving stochastic conservation laws is proposed. Using a novel adaptation strategy and a higher-dimensional deterministic problem, a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) solver is derived. An MRA of the DG spaces for the proposed adaptation strategy is presented. Numerical results show that in the case of general stochastic distributions the performance of the DG solver is significantly improved by the novel adaptive strategy. The gain in efficiency is validated in computational experiments.
Use of chosen names in electronic health records to promote transgender inclusivity
Authors: Grutman Aurora J
Published: March 2023

Transgender people have a right to be called by their chosen names. However, the current electronic health record (EHR)—even with dramatic changes in recent years—does not allow for proper documentation to accurately and sensitively capture the experiences of transgender patients. This article suggests that EHRs should be modified to allow for distinctions in legal and chosen name fields, recognize the wide-ranging experiences and needs of transgender patients, and promote inclusive, identity-sensitive health care. Healthcare professionals should insist that technology be used in service of the full humanity of their patients.
Hybridizing gaining–sharing knowledge and differential evolution for large-scale power system economic dispatch problems
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Xiong Guojiang , Fu Xiaofan , Mohamed Ali Wagdy , Zhang Jing , Al-Betar Mohammed Azmi , Chen Hao , Chen Jun , Xu Sheng
Published: March 2023

Economic dispatch (ED) of thermal power units is significant for optimal generation operation efficiency of power systems. It is a typical nonconvex and nonlinear optimization problem with many local extrema when considering the valve-point effects, especially for large-scale systems. Considering that differential evolution (DE) is efficient in locating global optimal region, while gain-sharing knowledge-based algorithm (GSK) is effective in refining local solutions, this study presents a new hybrid method, namely GSK-DE, to integrate the advantages of both algorithms for solving large-scale ED problems. We design a dual-population evolution framework in which the population is randomly divided into two equal subpopulations in each iteration. One subpopulation performs GSK, while the other executes DE. Then, the updated individuals of these two subpopulations are combined to generate a new population. In such a manner, the exploration and the exploitation are harmonized well to improve the searching efficiency. The proposed GSK-DE is applied to six ED cases, including 15, 38, 40, 110, 120, and 330 units. Simulation results demonstrate that GSK-DE gives full play to the superiorities of GSK and DE effectively. It possesses a quicker global convergence rate to obtain higher quality dispatch schemes with greater robustness. Moreover, the effect of population size is also examined.
Volatility Forecasting with Machine Learning and Intraday Commonality
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhang Yihuang , Cucuringu Mihai , Qian Zhongmin
Published: March 2023

We apply machine learning models to forecast intraday realized volatility (RV), by exploiting commonality in intraday volatility via pooling stock data together, and by incorporating a proxy for the market volatility. Neural networks dominate linear regressions and tree-based models in terms of performance, due to their ability to uncover and model complex latent interactions among variables. Our findings remain robust when we apply trained models to new stocks that have not been included in the training set, thus providing new empirical evidence for a universal volatility mechanism among stocks. Finally, we propose a new approach to forecasting 1-day-ahead RVs using past intraday RVs as predictors, and highlight interesting time-of-day effects that aid the forecasting mechanism. The results demonstrate that the proposed methodology yields superior out-of-sample forecasts over a strong set of traditional baselines that only rely on past daily RVs.
The scientometric landscape of Evolang: A comprehensive database of the Evolang conference
Authors: Wacewicz Sławomir , Sibierska Marta , Placiński Marek , Szczepańska Aleksandra , Poniewierska Aleksandra , Ng Yen Ying , Żywiczyński Przemysław
Published: March 2023

Language evolution is a modern incarnation of a long intellectual tradition that addresses the fundamental question of how language began. Such a formulation is intuitively obvious, but a more precise characterisation of this area of research with its central notions—language and evolution—has proved surprisingly elusive. In this paper, we show how conceptual analysis can be complemented with scientometric analysis in describing language evolution. To this end, we built a database containing information on the contributions and contributors to the proceedings of the nine most recent iterations (years 2004–20) of the Evolang conference, which given its long history (1996–) and attendance rates gives a good reflection of the thematic scope and research trends in the field of language evolution as a whole. We present several analyses of these data, concerning the geographical distribution of the researchers contributing to the conference, a set of ‘classic’ references most frequently cited in Evolang proceedings, researcher profiles self-associated with the most popular tags for this area of research (such as ‘evolution of language’ vs. ‘language evolution’), and the changes to the profile of the conference as represented in the proportions of topics and author networks over the most recent Evolang iterations. While our resource is intended primarily as a source of insight into the Evolang conference—and by extension into the entire field of language evolution—it holds potential for comparisons with other fields and for addressing questions on the production of scientific knowledge.
Causal inference on distribution functions
Authors: Lin Zhenhua , Kong Dehan , Wang Linbo
Published: March 2023

Understanding causal relationships is one of the most important goals of modern science. So far, the causal inference literature has focused almost exclusively on outcomes coming from the Euclidean space Rp. However, it is increasingly common that complex datasets are best summarized as data points in nonlinear spaces. In this paper, we present a novel framework of causal effects for outcomes from the Wasserstein space of cumulative distribution functions, which in contrast to the Euclidean space, is nonlinear. We develop doubly robust estimators and associated asymptotic theory for these causal effects. As an illustration, we use our framework to quantify the causal effect of marriage on physical activity patterns using wearable device data collected through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Being Somehow Without (Possibly) Being Something
Authors: Fritz Peter
Published: March 2023

Contingentists—who hold that it is contingent what there is—are divided on the claim that having a property or standing in a relation requires being something. This claim can be formulated as a natural schematic principle of higher-order modal logic. On this formulation, I argue that contingentists who are also higher-order contingentists—and so hold that it is contingent what propositions, properties and relations there are—should reject the claim. Moreover, I argue that given higher-order contingentism, having a property or standing in a relation does not even require possibly being something.
Use of 1,3-beta-d-glucan concentration in peritoneal fluid for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal candidiasis in critically ill patients
Authors: Nourry Émilie , Wallet Florent , Darien Marie , Menotti Jean , Dupont Damien , Allaouchiche Bernard , Argaud Laurent , Richard Jean-Christophe , Guichon Céline , Rimmelé Thomas , Bohe Julien , Thiollère Fabrice , Vassal Olivia , Lepape Alain , Wallon Martine , Persat Florence , Friggeri Arnaud
Published: March 2023

Intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC) is frequent and associated with high mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Antifungal treatments may be overused due to a lack of diagnostic tools to rule out IAC. Serum 1,3-beta-d-glucan (BDG) concentrations are used to diagnose Candida infections, its concentration in peritoneal fluid (PF) may help to confirm or invalidate the diagnosis of IAC. We performed a non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study at the Hospices Civils de Lyon, France, in seven ICUs located in three different hospitals from December 2017 to June 2018. IAC was defined as the isolation of Candida in a sample collected from the intra-abdominal cavity under sterile conditions in patients displaying clinical evidence of intra-abdominal infection (IAI).

Among the 113 included patients, 135 PF samples corresponding to 135 IAI episodes were collected and BDG concentrations were assessed. IAC accounted for 28 (20.7%) of the IAIs. Antifungals were administered empirically to 70 (61.9%) patients; among them, 23 (32.9%) had an IAC. The median [interquartile range] BDG value was significantly higher in IAC (8100 [3000; 15 000] pg/ml) than in non-IAC samples (1961 [332; 10 650] pg/ml). BDG concentrations were higher in PF with Fecaloid aspect and in case of positive bacterial culture. For a BDG threshold of 125 pg/ml, the negative predictive value to assess IAC was 100%. In conclusion, low BDG-PF concentrations could be used to rule out IAC. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03469401
Two new white dwarfs with variable magnetic Balmer emission lines
Authors: Reding Joshua S , Hermes J J , Clemens J C , Hegedus R J , Kaiser B C
Published: March 2023

We report the discovery of two apparently isolated stellar remnants that exhibit rotationally modulated magnetic Balmer emission, adding to the emerging DAHe class of white dwarf stars. While the previously discovered members of this class show Zeeman-split triplet emission features corresponding to single magnetic field strengths, these two new objects exhibit significant fluctuations in their apparent magnetic field strengths with variability phase. The Zeeman-split hydrogen emission lines in LP 705−64 broaden from 9.4 to 22.2 MG over an apparent spin period of 72.629 min. Similarly, WD J143019.29−562358.33 varies from 5.8  to 8.9 MG over its apparent 86.394 min rotation period. This brings the DAHe class of white dwarfs to at least five objects, all with effective temperatures within 500 K of 8000 K and masses ranging from $0.65\,\,{\text{to}}\,\,0.83\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$.
The vertex coordinates of the Galaxy’s stellar systems according to theGaiaDR3 catalogue
Authors: Dmytrenko A M , Fedorov P N , Akhmetov V S , Velichko A B , Denyshchenko S I
Published: March 2023

We present the results of determining the coordinates of the vertices of various stellar systems, the centroids of which are located in the Galactic plane. To do this, the positions, parallaxes, proper motions, and radial velocities of red giants and subgiants contained in the Gaia DR3 catalogue have been used. When determining the components of the deformation velocity tensors in local coordinate systems, we found the coordinates of the vertices of the stellar systems under study. It turned out that there is a complex dependence of vertex deviations lxy in Galactocentric cylindrical (R, θ) and Galactic rectangular (X, Y) coordinates. Based on the approach proposed in this paper, heliocentric distances to vertices have been determined for the first time. The results obtained show that in addition to the fact that the angular coordinates of the Galactic Centre and the vertices of stellar systems do not coincide, their heliocentric distances do not coincide as well. This presumably indicates that there are structures in the Galaxy that noticeably affect its axisymmetry.
Are Milky-Way-like galaxies like the Milky Way? A view from SDSS-IV/MaNGA
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Aragón-Salamanca Alfonso , Merrifield Michael , Andrews Brett H , Drory Niv , Lane Richard R
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we place the Milky Way (MW) in the context of similar-looking galaxies in terms of their star-formation and chemical evolution histories. We select a sample of 138 Milky Way analogues (MWAs) from the SDSS-IV/MaNGA survey based on their masses, Hubble types, and bulge-to-total ratios. To compare their chemical properties to the detailed spatially-resolved information available for the MW, we use a semi-analytic spectral fitting approach, which fits a self-consistent chemical-evolution and star-formation model directly to the MaNGA spectra. We model the galaxies’ inner and outer regions assuming that some of the material lost in stellar winds falls inwards. We also incorporate chemical enrichment from type II and Ia supernovae to follow the alpha-element abundance at different metallicities and locations. We find some MWAs where the stellar properties closely reproduce the distribution of age, metallicity, and alpha enhancement at both small and large radii in the MW. In these systems, the match is driven by the longer time-scale for star formation in the outer parts, and the inflow of enriched material to the central parts. However, other MWAs have very different histories. These divide into two categories: self-similar galaxies where the inner and outer parts evolve identically; and centrally-quenched galaxies where there is very little evidence of late-time central star formation driven by material accreted from the outer regions. We find that, although selected to be comparable, there are subtle morphological differences between galaxies in these different classes, and that the centrally-quenched galaxies formed their stars systematically earlier.
HD 42477: coupled r modes, g modes, and a p mode in an A0Vnne star
Authors: Kurtz D W , Jayaraman R , Sowicka P , Handler G , Saio H , Labadie-Bartz J , Lee U
Published: March 2023

Several studies have shown that a number of stars pulsating in p modes lie between the β Cep and δ Sct instability strips in the Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) Diagram. At present, there is no certain understanding of how p modes can be excited in this Teff range. The goal of this work is to disprove the conjecture that all stars pulsating in p modes and lying in this Teff range are the result of incorrect measurements of Teff, contamination, or the presence of unseen cooler companions lying in the δ Sct instability strip (given the high binary fraction of stars in this region of the HR Diagram). Using TESS data, we show that the A0Vnne star HD 42477 has a single p mode coupled to several r modes and/or g modes. We rule out a contaminating background star with a pixel-by-pixel examination, and we essentially rule out the possibility of a companion δ Sct star in a binary. We model the pulsations in HD 42477, and suggest that the g modes are excited by overstable convective core modes. We also conjecture that the single p mode is driven by coupling with the g modes, or that the oblateness of this rapidly-rotating star permits driving by He ii ionization in the equatorial region.
Effects of a high-fat diet on the bone structure of Wistar rats: a systematic review
Authors: Silva Rafael T , Ferreira Luciana J D , Macêdo Ana P A , Santos Lucimeire S , Santo Djane A E , Codeiro Gabriele S , Pereira Marcia U , Medeiros Ingrid O R , da Costa Carlos A S , Medeiros Jairza M Barreto
Published: March 2023

Context

Saturated fats found in diets known as high-fat, cafeteria, or Western diets appear to have a negative effect on bone structure; however, few studies have focused on investigating this association, and the data available in the literature remain controversial.

Objective

The aim of the current review was to investigate the effects of a high-fat dietary intake on the bone structure of Wistar rats.

Data Sources

A search for articles was carried out in the Pubmed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases.

Data Extraction

In total, 447 articles were found in the initial search; 5 articles were included in the systematic review, after application of the exclusion criteria.

Data Analysis

The review was guided by the PICOS strategy and based on the PRISMA protocol for animal reviews.

Conclusion

High-fat diets appear to affect bone structure of Wistar rats. Diet composition and exposure time are the factors determining the strength of the effect.
Childhood Cancer Survivors’ Reported Late Effects, Motivations for Seeking Survivorship Care, and Patterns of Attendance
Authors: Signorelli Christina , Wakefield Claire E , McLoone Jordana K , Johnston Karen A , Mertens Ann C , Osborn Michael , Cohn Richard J ,   ANZCHOG Survivorship Study Group, Alvaro Frank , Cohn Richard , Corbett Rob , Downie Peter , Egan Karen , Ellis Sarah , Emery Jon , Fardell Joanna , Foreman Tali , Gabriel Melissa , Girgis Afaf , Graham Kerrie , Johnston Karen , Jones Janelle , Lockwood Liane , Maguire Ann , McCarthy Maria , McLoone Jordana , Mechinaud Francoise , Molloy Sinead , Moore Lyndal , Osborn Michael , Signorelli Christina , Skeen Jane , Tapp Heather , Till Tracy , Truscott Jo , Turpin Kate , Wakefield Claire , Williamson Jane , Walwyn Thomas , Yallop Kathy
Published: March 2023

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are vulnerable to long-term treatment-related health conditions, which can lead to poor quality of life. Little data exist on the overall health of long-term Australian and New Zealand childhood cancer survivors or on survivors’ motivations for attending survivorship clinics.

Methods

This study administers a cross-sectional questionnaire to long-term survivors ≥5 years from their primary diagnosis. We compared participant-reported number of late effects by a cancer diagnosis, and identified clinical (eg, treatment) and demographic (eg, age) factors that were associated with late effects burden and engagement in cancer survivorship care.

Results

A total of 634 participants completed questionnaires (48% male, mean age = 21.7 years). Most participants (79%) reported at least one cancer-related late effect, most commonly fatigue (40%) and memory/learning difficulties (34%). Brain tumor survivors reported a higher total number of late effects than survivors with other diagnoses (mean = 5.7 vs. 3.2, P < .001). Participants’ most commonly reported motivators for engaging in care were to understand problems that may occur later in life because of their cancer and/or treatment (98.5%) and to get reassurance about one’s health (97.4%). The proportion of survivors endorsing each motivating factor was similar across cancer diagnoses, with the exception of learning more about insurance and pensions (highest in brain tumor survivors = 80%). In multivariable analyses, survivors were more likely to report being engaged in survivorship care if they were younger (P < .001), less time had elapsed since their diagnosis (P < .001), or they reported a higher number of motivating factors (P = .016).

Conclusion

Survivors report a range of health problems decades after treatment completion. Understanding the burden of late effects, and motivators for seeking survivorship care to manage these health problems, is important for ensuring that tailored interventions or services are available to meet the needs of this growing population and to design effective models of survivorship care.
Coordinate Normalization of Live-Cell Imaging Data Reveals Growth Dynamics of the Arabidopsis Zygote
Authors: Kang Zichen , Matsumoto Hikari , Nonoyama Tomonobu , Nakagawa Sakumi , Ishimoto Yukitaka , Tsugawa Satoru , Ueda Minako
Published: March 2023

Polarization of the zygote defines the body axis during plant development. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the zygote becomes polarized and elongates in the longitudinal direction, ultimately forming the apical–basal axis of the mature plant. Despite its importance, the mechanism for this elongation remains poorly understood. Based on live-cell imaging of the zygote, we developed new image analysis methods, referred to as coordinate normalization, that appropriately fix and align positions in an image, preventing fluctuation across a temporal sequence of images. Using these methods, we discovered that the zygote elongates only at its apical tip region, similar to tip-growing cells such as pollen tubes and root hairs. We also investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of the apical tip contour of the zygote and observed that the zygote tip retains its isotropic, hemispherical apical shape during cell elongation. By looking at the elliptical fitting of the contour over time, we further discovered that the apical cell tip becomes thinner at first and then thickens, with a transient increase in growth speed that is followed by the first cell division. We performed the same series of analyses using root hairs and established that both the hemispherical tip shape and the changes in growth rate associated with changes in tip size are specific to the zygote. In summary, the Arabidopsis zygote undergoes directional elongation as a tip-growing cell, but its tip retains an unusual isotropic shape, and the manner of growth changes with the developmental stage.
FLOWERING LOCUS T mediates photo-thermal timing of inflorescence meristem arrest in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: González-Suárez Pablo , Walker Catriona H , Bennett Tom
Published: March 2023

Plants integrate environmental information into their developmental program throughout their lifetime. Light and temperature are particularly critical cues for plants to correctly time developmental transitions. Here, we investigated the role of photo-thermal cues in the regulation of the end-of-flowering developmental transition in the model plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that increased day length and higher temperature during flowering promote earlier inflorescence arrest by accelerating the rate at which the inflorescence meristem (IM) initiates floral primordia. Specifically, we show that plants arrest at a photo-thermal threshold and demonstrate that this photo-thermally mediated arrest is mediated by the floral integrator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), a known activator of flowering. FT expression increased over the duration of flowering, peaking during IM arrest, and we show that this is necessary and sufficient for photo-thermally induced arrest. Our data demonstrate the role of light and temperature, through FT, as key regulators of end-of-flowering. Overall, our results have important implications for understanding and modulating the flowering duration of crop species in changing light and temperature conditions in a warming global climate.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of alginate-based hydrogels in preventing peritoneal adhesions
Authors: Meng Zhu , Wang Han , Liu Yu , Yang Minyi , Zeng Hang , Han Qianqian
Published: March 2023

Infertility and intestinal blockage are just two examples of the postoperative consequences that can arise from peritoneal damage, which can also result in severe peritoneal fibrosis and peritoneal adhesions. Peritoneal adhesions are still not effectively treated, and both pharmaceutical therapy and biomaterial barriers have only had modest preventative effects. In this work, we looked into the effectiveness of in-place injectable sodium alginate hydrogel for peritoneal adhesion prevention. The findings demonstrated that sodium alginate hydrogel promoted human peritoneal mesothelial cell proliferation and migration, prevented peritoneal fibrosis by suppressing the production of transforming growth factor-β1, and, most importantly, promoted mesothelium self-repair. These findings imply that this brand-new sodium alginate hydrogel is a good candidate material for peritoneal adhesion prevention.
Metabolic and inflammatory profiles define phenotypes with clinical relevance in female knee osteoarthritis patients with joint effusion
Authors: Calvet Joan , García-Manrique María , Berenguer-Llergo Antoni , Orellana Cristóbal , Cirera Silvia Garcia , Llop Maria , Galisteo Lencastre Carlos , Arévalo Marta , Aymerich Cristina , Gómez Rafael , Giménez Néstor Albiñana , Gratacós Jordi
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Osteoarthritis has been the subject of abundant research in the last years with limited translation to the clinical practice, probably due to the disease’s high heterogeneity. In this study, we aimed to identify different phenotypes in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients with joint effusion based on their metabolic and inflammatory profiles.

Methods

A non-supervised strategy based on statistical and machine learning methods was applied to 45 parameters measured on 168 female KOA patients with persistent joint effusion, consecutively recruited at our hospital after a monographic OA outpatient visit. Data comprised anthropometric and metabolic factors and a panel of systemic and local inflammatory markers. The resulting clusters were compared regarding their clinical, radiographic and ultrasound severity at baseline and their radiographic progression at two years.

Results

Our analyses identified four KOA inflammatory phenotypes (KOIP): a group characterized by metabolic syndrome, probably driven by body fat and obesity, and by high local and systemic inflammation (KOIP-1); a metabolically healthy phenotype with mild overall inflammation (KOIP-2); a non-metabolic phenotype with high inflammation levels (KOIP-3); and a metabolic phenotype with low inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors not associated with obesity (KOIP-4). Of interest, these groups exhibited differences regarding pain, functional disability and radiographic progression, pointing to a clinical relevance of the uncovered phenotypes.

Conclusion

Our results support the existence of different KOA phenotypes with clinical relevance and differing pathways regarding their pathophysiology and disease evolution, which entails implications in patients’ stratification, treatment tailoring and the search of novel and personalized therapies.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and sexual function: a narrative review
Authors: Susser Leah C , Parish Sharon , Dumas Emily , Nappi Rossella E
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are 2 prevalent illnesses in women that cause distress and affect quality of life. There are plausible biological, social, and psychological links between these 2 conditions. Nevertheless, few studies have examined sexual function in women with PMDD.

Objectives

In this narrative review we summarize the existing literature on sexual function in women with PMDD and with the broader diagnostic classification of premenstrual syndrome and discus the differences between PMDD and more general premenstrual symptomatology, as well as why studying sexual function specifically in PMDD is necessary. We explored reasons why these 2 illnesses may be comorbid and the importance of studying sexual function in this population of women.

Methods

PubMed literature searches were conducted using relevant keywords.

Results

Currently, there are few studies examining PMDD and FSD, and the studies available have significant methodologic limitations.

Conclusions

Investigation of sexual function in women with PMDD is needed. Awareness of the comorbidities for PMDD and FSD can allow implementation of targeted interventions for women suffering from these disorders.
Goodbye and good riddance to the doctrines of “fraud on a power” and “the entire substratum”—now if only we could figure out the “proper purpose” rule
Authors: Nitikman Joel
Published: March 2023

The equitable doctrine of “fraud on a power” (now sometimes called either the “improper purpose” or the “proper purpose” rule) was created almost 300 years ago with one judge’s off-the-cuff remark. Since then the doctrine has grown by leaps and bounds, to the point where entire books are written about it. Yet it is questionable whether the doctrine has any real meaning or jurisprudential basis. The same is true of the so-called substratum rule. Joel Nitikman, K.C., discusses both doctrines in the context of the Privy Council’s recent decision in Grand View Private Trust v. Wang, on appeal from the Bermuda Court of Appeal. He concludes that both concepts should be discarded, with the focus being instead on a simple question: what is the scope of the power as written?
Older Adults’ and Family Caregivers’ Technological Arrangements on Risk of Institutionalization
Authors: Kim Yijung K , Ang Shannon , Fingerman Karen L
Published: March 2023

Internet-enabled resources could facilitate older adults’ ability to live in the community longer, but studies have often overlooked how family caregivers utilize the internet to assist older care recipients. We examined whether different family-level arrangements of internet use may affect the risk of institutionalization among older adults. Using the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2015–2020) and National Study on Caregiving (2015), we estimated multinominal logistic regression and inverse-probability weighted Cox proportional hazard models to investigate the determinants of technological arrangements in 2015 (i.e., no internet use, only caregiver use, only care recipient use, both caregiver and care recipient internet use) and how they may affect the risk of moving to an assisted living or nursing facility between 2015 and 2020. The most prevalent technological arrangement in 2015 was the one where neither the care recipient nor their caregiver reported using the internet. Relatively disadvantaged older care recipients (e.g., people of color, fewer years of education, less income, worse cognitive functioning) and caregivers (e.g., older, fewer years of education) were more likely to be in a non-internet use arrangement. Compared to older adults in other categories, older adults who were internet users and had a family caregiver who also used the internet in their caregiving tasks had a much lower risk of relocation during the study period. Findings suggest that digital interventions aimed at serving the older adult population should assess the gap in access and utilization at a family level and consider the role of older adults’ social partners.
First phylogeny ofTrichomyia(Diptera: Psychodidae: Trichomyiinae) based on morphological data of adults
Authors: Araújo Maíra Xavier , Bravo Freddy , de Carvalho Claudio José Barros
Published: March 2023

Trichomyia is a cosmopolitan genus, and it is the only genus of Trichomyiinae to include extant species. In recent years, an increasing number of species belonging to the genus have been described, particularly from the Neotropics. However, phylogenetic studies of these species are lacking. In addition, few studies have focused on this group, and none has focused on it exclusively, making it difficult to classify objectively the high diversity known today. Herein, we present the first phylogenetic analysis of Trichomyia. We studied specimens from all continents to propose a phylogeny and used it as the basis of a new classification. Two clades proposed as genera were recovered. The canonical informal classification of Trichomyia into Groups A and B is discussed, and Gondwanotrichomyia is assigned a new status. Although we do not propose a subgeneric classification for Trichomyiinae, we provide some comments on the previously proposed subgenera based on our phylogeny. In addition, we report on the expanded distribution of Trichomyia festiva, Trichomyia gabia and Trichomyia imarui.
Regional Anesthesia Techniques in Modern Neuroanesthesia Practice: A Narrative Review of the Clinical Evidence
Authors: Ma Kan , Uejima Jamie L. , Bebawy John F.
Published: March 2023

Neurosurgical procedures are often associated with significant postoperative pain that is both underrecognized and undertreated. Given the potentially undesirable side effects associated with general anesthesia and with various pharmacological analgesic regimens, regional anesthetic techniques have gained in popularity as alternatives for providing both anesthesia and analgesia for the neurosurgical patient. The aim of this narrative review is to present an overview of the regional techniques that have been incorporated and continue to be incorporated into modern neuroanesthesia practice, presenting in a comprehensive way the evidence, where available, in support of such practice for the neurosurgical patient.
Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia: Long-term Outcome of Treatment With Intramedullary Vascularized Fibular Graft Combined With Ilizarov Distraction
Authors: El-Gammal Tarek Abdalla , Ali Amr El-Sayed , Kotb Mohamed Mostafa , Saleh Waleed Riad , Ragheb Yasser Farouk , Refai Omar Ahmed , Morsy Mohamed Mohamed , El-Gammal Yousif Tarek
Published: March 2023

Background:

Late presenting cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, are further complicated with severe shortening. Limb length discrepancy (LLD) cannot be corrected by vascularized fibular grafting and the use of Ilizarov distraction is associated with a high rate of complications. The aim of this study was to report the long-term follow-up of a combined technique previously published under the name “telescoping vascularized fibular graft”.

Materials and methods:

Eleven patients operated at an average age of 10.2±3.2 years were reviewed. All cases were Crawford type IV affected by neurofibromatosis 1. Nine patients had an average of 4.3 previous operations. Preoperative LLD averaged 7.9±2.5 cm.

Results:

Follow-up averaged 10±5.4 years. Seven cases (63.6%) reached skeletal maturity before final follow-up. Primary union was achieved in all cases after an average of 7.2±1.3 months. Full weightbearing was possible after an average of 10.6±2.2 months. Recurrent stress fractures occurred in 9 cases (81.8%) and healed with casting in 6 cases and required internal fixation in 3 cases. Eight cases (72.8%) developed tibial shaft deformities, mainly procurvatum that required corrective osteotomy in 2 cases. Final LLD averaged 2.7±1.3 cm. Complete tibialization of the graft was achieved after an average of 17.0 ± 3.6 months. Valgus deformity of the ipsilateral ankle averaged 12.4 degrees±7.5.

Conclusion:

The presented technique avoids osteotomy of the diseased bone and allows simultaneous treatment of the pseudarthrosis and correction of shortening. Compared with conventional bone transport, it requires shorter time of frame application and therefore better patient tolerability because there is no waiting for consolidation of the regenerate. The dis-impaction of the doweled fibula occurs proximally, allowing the less active site located at the distal aspect of the pseudarthrosis to heal without displacement. A shortcoming of the presented technique is the more propensity for axial deviation and refractures that seldom require surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level—IV
Behind the Curtain: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Psychotropic Drugs from a Laboratory Analytical Perspective
Authors: Scherf-Clavel Maike , Baumann Pierre , Hart Xenia M. , Schneider Heike , Schoretsanitis Georgios , Steimer Werner , Zernig Gerald , Zurek Gabriela
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a well-established tool for guiding psychopharmacotherapy and improving patient care. Despite their established roles in the prescription of psychotropic drugs, the “behind the curtain” processes of TDM requests are invariably obscure to clinicians, and literature addressing this topic is scarce.

Methods:

In the present narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the various steps, starting from requesting TDM to interpreting TDM findings, in routine clinical practice. Our goal was to improve clinicians' insights into the numerous factors that may explain the variations in TDM findings due to methodological issues.

Results:

We discussed challenges throughout the TDM process, starting from the analyte and its major variation forms, through sampling procedures and pre-analytical conditions, time of blood sampling, sample matrices, and collection tubes, to analytical methods, their advantages and shortcomings, and the applied quality procedures. Additionally, we critically reviewed the current and future advances in the TDM of psychotropic drugs.

Conclusions:

The “behind the curtain” processes enabling TDM involve a multidisciplinary team, which faces numerous challenges in clinical routine. A better understanding of these processes will allow clinicians to join the efforts for achieving higher-quality TDM findings, which will in turn improve treatment effectiveness and safety outcomes of psychotropic agents.
Effect of laser acupuncture on pain and density of bone in osteoporotic postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hassan Elham S. , Maged Ahmed Mohamed , Kotb Amal , Fouad Mona , El-Nassery Noura , Kamal Wafaa M.
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the value of laser acupuncture (LA) on forearm bone mineral density (BMD) and wrist pain in osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

Methods

Sixty-eight postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis were randomly allocated equally to one of two sets. The drug-only group received calcium and vitamin D3 supplement containing fluoride daily for 12 weeks, whereas the drug/LA group received LA therapy for 20 minutes per session, three sessions weekly, in addition to the same supplementation. The primary outcome parameter was assessment of BMD of the nondominant arm. Other outcomes included wrist pain.

Results

There was a highly significant improvement in the T-score of forearm BMD in both groups (−2.844 ± 0.476 to −2.597 ± 0.478 and −2.944 ± 0.486 to −1.652 ± 0.728 in the drug-only and drug/LA groups, respectively; P < 0.0001) and visual analog scale score (7.50 ± 0.79 to 4.24 ± 1.07 and 7.24 ± 0.82 to 3.09 ± 0.75 in the drug-only and drug/LA group, respectively; P < 0.0001). The improvement of both BMD and pain score was significantly higher in the drug/LA group (−1.303 and 4.15) compared with the drug-only group (−0.247 and 3.26; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

LA in combination with calcium and vitamin D supplementation containing fluoride is an effective modality in improving forearm BMD and reducing pain in osteoporotic postmenopausal women.
Controlling Nutritional Status score and postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Kose Caner , Korpe Busra , Ibanoglu Mujdecan , Sahin Busra , Engin Ustun Yaprak
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study investigated the association between CONUT score and postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Methods

Postmenopausal women who were seen at an outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital for routine gynecologic examination between January 2017 and June 2022 were included in the study. Based on their T-scores, a total of 423 women were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 216 women with osteoporosis (T-score < −2.5 SD), and group 2 included 207 women with normal bone mineral density (T-score > −1 SD). The formula for the CONUT score corresponds to collection of scores from albumin, total cholesterol, and total lymphocyte count. Higher scores indicate poorer nutritional control.

Results

Mean age and mean age at menopause were similar in both groups. The duration of menopause, however, was higher in the women with osteoporosis (11.55 ± 6.82 vs 9.202 ± 6.14 y, P < 0.001). The 25-hydroxy vitamin D level was low in both groups. Body mass index of women with normal bone mineral density was higher than that of women with osteoporosis (31.54 ± 4.19 vs 28.52 ± 4.43 kg/m2, P < 0.001). The CONUT scores of the two groups were calculated and found to be higher in women with osteoporosis (3.180 ± 1.804 vs 0.391 ± 0.687, P < 0.001). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the CONUT score for predicting osteoporosis, the area under the curve was calculated as 0.932, with a sensitivity of 86.6% and a specificity of 91.1% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Diet plays an important role in the development of osteoporosis. In this study, it was shown that there is a relationship between CONUT score and osteoporosis.
The Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury of Adolescents With Depressive Disorder in China
Authors: Niu Hui-Ming , Zhang Zi-Ming , Mu Xiao-Mei , Zhao Hai-Jing
Published: March 2023

This study is a systematic review of characteristics and influencing factors of nonsuicidal self-injury behavior among adolescents with depressive disorder in China. PubMed, CNKI, WanFang Database, and VIP were searched for studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1 software. Nineteen studies involving 707 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Age, gender, only child or not, and residence were included in the analysis, of which age (I
2 = 0%, p = 0.42) and residence (I
2 = 0%, p = 0.84) were analyzed by fixed-effects model; gender (I
2 = 75%, p = 0.003) and only child or not (I
2 = 50%, p = 0.140) were analyzed by random-effects model. The evidence shows that, according to the common self-injury mode and location, the nonsuicidal self-injury behavior of young people with depressive disorder aged 15–18 years is paid attention to and guided, so as to achieve early detection and early diagnosis and treatment, and reduce the occurrence of serious harm.
Associations of HPV-16 Gene Methylation With Oral HPV-16 Persistence Among a Multinational Sample of Men
Authors: Islam Jessica Y. , Bettampadi Deepti , Reich Richard R. , Nedjai Belinda , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: March 2023

Using data from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection in Men cohort study, we demonstrate HPV-16 methylation associations with persistent oral HPV infection, the obligate precursor to oropharyngeal cancer. Human papillomavirus type 16 persistence was significantly associated with methylation of HPV-16 L2 CpG-4268 (Wilcoxon P = 0.04), and methylation of HPV-16 E2 CpG Pos 4 (Wilcoxon P = 0.04).
National Chlamydia Screening Rate in Young Sexually Active Women Using HEDIS Measures in the United States, 2011 to 2020
Authors: He Larry , Patel Chirag , Tao Guoyu
Published: March 2023

Background

National guidelines recommend sexually active women younger than 25 years be screened annually for chlamydia. Our objective was to estimate the chlamydia screening rate of sexually active women aged 16 to 24 years from 2011 to 2020.

Methods

We analyzed the chlamydia screening rates among sexually active women aged 16 to 24 years from 2011 to 2020 using the chlamydia measures in the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set data set. The annual national chlamydia screening rates were further stratified by census region and by patient age.

Results

Chlamydia screening rates among sexually active women aged 16 to 24 years ranged from 55.0% to 61.8% in Medicaid health plans and from 46.9% to 52.4% in commercial health plans during 2011–2020. The Northeast consistently had the highest screening rates among 4 geographic regions. The chlamydia screening rate among sexually active women aged 16 to 24 years decreased from 2019 to 2020: from 61.8% to 57.9% in Medicaid plans and from 52.4% to 48.4% in commercial health plans. The number of sexually active women aged 16 to 24 years covered by commercial health plans decreased from 2019 to 2020, but the number covered by Medicaid increased from 2019 to 2020.

Conclusions

The chlamydia screening rates in the target population have increased little from 2011 to 2019. The decrease in chlamydia screening rates between 2019 and 2020 could be related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the reduced use of health services during that period. With recently suboptimal chlamydia screening rates in the United States, interventions of improving and assessing chlamydia screening rates are needed.
Clustering of SARS-CoV-2 in Households in New York City: A Building-Level Analysis, March-December 2020
Authors: Gulley Catherine , Kepler Kelsey L. , Ngai Stephanie , Waechter HaeNa , Fitzhenry Robert , Thompson Corinne N. , Fine Anne , Reddy Vasudha
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

To identify the proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases that occurred within households or buildings in New York City (NYC) beginning in March 2020 during the first stay-at-home order to determine transmission attributable to these settings and inform targeted prevention strategies.

Design:

The residential addresses of cases were geocoded (converting descriptive addresses to latitude and longitude coordinates) and used to identify clusters of cases residing in unique buildings based on building identification number (BIN), a unique building identifier. Household clusters were defined as 2 or more cases within 2 weeks of onset or diagnosis date in the same BIN with the same unit number, last name, or in a single-family home. Building clusters were defined as 3 or more cases with onset date or diagnosis date within 2 weeks in the same BIN who do not reside in the same household.

Setting:

NYC from March to December 2020.

Participants:

NYC residents with a positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification or antigen test result with a specimen collected during March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020.

Main Outcome Measure:

The proportion of NYC COVID-19 cases in a household or building cluster.

Results:

The BIN analysis identified 65 343 building and household clusters: 17 139 (26%) building clusters and 48 204 (74%) household clusters. A substantial proportion of NYC COVID-19 cases (43%) were potentially attributable to household transmission in the first 9 months of the pandemic.

Conclusions:

Geocoded address matching assisted in identifying COVID-19 household clusters. Close contact transmission within a household or building cluster was found in 43% of noncongregate cases with a valid residential NYC address. The BIN analysis should be utilized to identify disease clustering for improved surveillance.