bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival-Adjusted FEV1 and BMI Percentiles for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis before the Era of Triple CFTR Modulator Therapy in Germany
Authors: Dittrich A. Susanne , Dumke Markus , Kapl Ferdinand , Schneider Philipp , Wege Sabine , Gräber Simon , Stahl Mirjam , Herth Felix J. , Naehrlich Lutz , Mall Marcus A. , Sommerburg Olaf ,   German CF Registry
Published: April 2023

Background: Pulmonary disease is the major cause for morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). In CF, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) referenced against a healthy population (FEV1%predicted) and body mass index (BMI) do not allow for the comparison of disease severity across age and gender. Objectives: We aimed to determine updated FEV1 and BMI percentiles for patients with CF and to study their dependence on mortality attrition. Methods: Age- and height-adjusted FEV1 and BMI percentiles for CF patients aged 6–50 years were calculated from 4,947 patients of the German CF Registry for the period 2016–2019 utilizing quantile regression and a Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS). Further, survival-adjusted percentiles were estimated. Results: In patients with CF, FEV1 increased throughout childhood until maximal median values at 16 years in females (2.46 L) and 18 years in males (3.27 L). During adulthood, FEV1 decreased substantially. At 17 years of age, the 25th BMI percentile of patients with CF (females 18.50 and males 18.15 kg/m2) was below the 10th BMI percentile of the German reference cohort. From the age of 20 years, survival (96.3%) decreased tremendously. At 50 years of age (survival 15.0%), the 50th CF-specific FEV1 or BMI percentile among the survivors corresponded to the 92.5th percentile among the total CF birth cohort. Conclusions: Continuously updated disease-specific FEV1 and BMI percentiles with correction for survival may serve as age-independent measure of disease severity in CF (accessible via https://cfpercentiles.statup.solutions).
Gender-Related Differences in the Relationship between Homovanillic Acid in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Clinical Symptoms in Suicide Attempters
Authors: Westling Sofie , Ambrus Livia
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Decreased dopaminergic activity – as reflected by lower levels of the major metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) – may be involved in the pathophysiology of attempted suicide. An inverse association has also been found between dopaminergic activity and clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety in non-suicidal individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CSF-HVA and clinical symptoms associated with an increased risk of suicide in individuals who attempted suicide. Methods: Ninety-five people (52 women; 43 men) who had recently attempted suicide received lumbar punctures to analyse levels of HVA in the CSF. They were also evaluated with the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale, from which scores on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Brief Scale of Anxiety (BSA), and an item on suicidal thoughts were analysed. Results: Among female participants, CSF-HVA was significantly and negatively correlated with BSA total scores, after adjusting for covariates (beta = −0.442, p = 0.002), but not with scores on the MADRS or suicidal thought item. No significant correlations were observed between CSF-HVA and symptoms among male participants. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that lower dopaminergic activity may be associated with clinical symptoms of anxiety among women who have recently attempted suicide.
Successful Preoperative QUAD SHOT for Bulky Parotid Carcinoma: Potential Preoperative Ultra-Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Conversion Surgery
Authors: Takahashi Satoru , Endo Masashi , Nagatomo Takafumi , Onaga Ryutaro , Yamaguchi Hironori , Yamamoto Rie , Fukuda Yukiko , Ogawa Kazunari , Nakamura Michiko , Okada Kohei , Akahane Keiko , Kawahara Masahiro , Nishino Hiroshi , Kanazawa Takeharu , Mori Harushi , Shirai Katsuyuki
Published: April 2023

QUAD SHOT is an ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) technique that prescribes 14.0–14.8 Gy over 2 days. Although this technique has already gained some status as an effective palliative treatment for inoperable head and neck cancer (HNC), its application in other situations has not been given much consideration. Herein, we report a case of a 62-year-old woman who received preoperative QUAD SHOT therapy for poorly differentiated parotid carcinoma. In this case, after two courses of QUAD SHOT plus a standard chemotherapy regimen with pembrolizumab, the patient’s inoperable, bulky tumor shrank dramatically and became operable. Best of all, while adequate therapeutic effects were achieved, the patient’s time commitment and physical exertion were limited. RT during this period consisted of only eight fractions over 4 days. According to previous reports, the response rate for QUAD SHOT is sufficiently high, and the rate of serious adverse events is quite low. This case asks the question of whether the indications for QUAD SHOT irradiation can be expanded as one of the preoperative interventions undertaken by HNC surgeons to achieve conversion surgery.
Additional Up-Front Thoracic Ultrasound in the Workup of Patients with Unilateral Pleural Effusion: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Fjaellegaard Katrine , Petersen Jesper Koefod , Clementsen Paul Frost , Laursen Christian B. , Bhatnagar Rahul , Bodtger Uffe
Published: April 2023

Background: In patients with pleural effusion, specific ultrasound characteristics are associated with pleural malignancy. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the added value of an additional, up-front, systematic thoracic ultrasound (TUS) to standard imaging in patients with unilateral pleural effusion of unknown cause in a clinical setting. Methods: In a prospective observational pilot study, patients referred for workup and thoracentesis of a unilateral pleural effusion received up-front TUS following a set protocol in addition to available imaging and US guiding the thoracentesis or diagnostic puncture. The primary outcome was the proportion of cases where systematic TUS changed the planned diagnostic workup. Follow-up took place 26 weeks after inclusion. Results: From February to December 2020, 55 patients were included. Thirty-six (65%) patients had other chest imaging available before TUS. Twenty-one (38%) were diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion. Three patients (5%) had clinically relevant changes in the diagnostic workup after additional systematic TUS. Conclusions: Additional up-front, systematic TUS had limited clinically relevant effect on the planned diagnostic workup in patients with unilateral pleural effusion in a setting where chest CT scans often are available at referral.
Nail Unit Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Onycholemmal Features: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Waterton Kelita , Magro Cynthia M. , Lipner Shari R.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Onycholemmal carcinoma (OC) is a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that originates from the epithelium of the nail bed. It is characterized by distinct histopathologic features including small clusters of atypical squamous epithelium devoid of a granular layer, with abrupt onycholemmal keratinization. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 75-year-old male with right thumbnail onycholysis, yellow-green nail plate discoloration, as well as bleeding and purulence of the lateral nail fold. Histopathologic evaluation revealed high-grade squamous dysplasia, small clusters of severely atypical epithelial cells, and a pattern of abrupt keratinization consistent with the diagnosis of SCC carcinoma with onycholemmal features. GMS and PAS staining indicated concomitant onychomycosis. Pathologic analysis also disclosed residual SCC and concomitant amyloidosis, possibly light chain related and hence reflective of his underlying multi-organ lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. The patient subsequently underwent Mohs micrographic surgery. Conclusion: Clinical presentation of nail unit SCC with onycholemmal features is highly variable, making differentiating between similarly presenting benign and malignant nail disorders particularly challenging. This case report demonstrates clinical and histopathological features of nail unit SCC with onycholemmal features to improve diagnosis and management.
Downregulation of miR-210-3p Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Angiogenesis of Vascular Endothelial Cells via Targeting FGFRL1
Authors: Wen Tao , Hong Yiwen , Cui Yamei , Pan Jianying , Wang Yishen , Luo Yan
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Vascular endothelial cell injury and angiogenesis induced by hyperglycemia are the main pathological basis of vascular complications in diabetes mellitus. Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-210-3p in high glucose (HG)-induced angiogenesis. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with HG to mimic the pathological process of hyperglycemia. HUVECs were divided into the control group, HG group, HG+inhibitor-NC group, and HG+miR-210-3p inhibitor group. Proliferation and migration were tested by wound healing assay, tube formation, and Transwell assay. Quantitation real-time PCR and Western blots were performed to determine the expression of miR-210-3p and relative proteins, respectively. Results: The level of miR-210-3p significantly increased in HUVECs treated by HG. The knockdown of miR-210-3p attenuated the tube formation, proliferation, and migration of cultured HUVECs in vitro to inhibit angiogenesis by increasing the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor-like 1 (FGFRL1) and then attenuating the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), extracellular regulated protein kinases, and protein kinase B (Akt). Conclusion: Our study revealed that miR-210-3p might be a promising target for treating diabetic-associated vascular injury.
Olfactory Nomenclature: An Orchestrated Effort to Clarify Terms and Definitions of Dysosmia, Anosmia, Hyposmia, Normosmia, Hyperosmia, Olfactory Intolerance, Parosmia, and Phantosmia/Olfactory Hallucination
Authors: Hernandez Anna Kristina , Landis Basile N. , Altundag Aytug , Fjaeldstad Alexander Wieck , Gane Simon , Holbrook Eric H , Huart Caroline , Konstantinidis Iordanis , Lechner Matt , Macchi Alberto , Portillo Mazal Patricia , Miwa Takaki , Philpott Carl M. , Pinto Jayant M. , Poletti Sophia C , Vodicka Jan , Welge-Luessen Antje , Whitcroft Katherine L. , Hummel Thomas
Published: April 2023

Background: Definitions are essential for effective communication and discourse, particularly in science. They allow the shared understanding of a thought or idea, generalization of knowledge, and comparison across scientific investigation. The current terms describing olfactory dysfunction are vague and overlapping. Summary: As a group of clinical olfactory researchers, we propose the standardization of the terms “dysosmia,” “anosmia,” “hyposmia,” “normosmia,” “hyperosmia,” “olfactory intolerance,” “parosmia,” and “phantosmia” (or “olfactory hallucination”) in olfaction-related communication, with specific definitions in this text. Key Messages: The words included in this paper were determined as those which are most frequently used in the context of olfactory function and dysfunction, in both clinical and research settings. Despite widespread use in publications, however, there still exists some disagreement in the literature regarding the definitions of terms related to olfaction. Multiple overlapping and imprecise terms that are currently in use are confusing and hinder clarity and universal understanding of these concepts. There is a pressing need to have a unified agreement on the definitions of these olfactory terms by researchers working in the field of chemosensory sciences. With the increased interest in olfaction, precise use of these terms will improve the ability to integrate and advance knowledge in this field.
Polymorphisms of CARD9 Gene Predict Disease Progression and Renal Survival of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy
Authors: He Chunhong , Shi Dianchun , Guo Lin , Zhong Zhong , Yu Xue-Qing , Li Ming
Published: April 2023

Introduction: A previous genome-wide association study has identified CARD9 (caspase recruitment domain family member 9) as a susceptibility gene for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), which encodes an adapter protein and is related to mucosal immunity. This study aimed to investigate the association of CARD9 variants with the clinicopathological phenotypes and prognosis of IgAN. Methods: Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms within CARD9 were genotyped using Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX for 986 IgAN patients in this study. Logistic and linear regression analyses adjusted for age and gender were performed to evaluate the effects of CARD9 gene polymorphisms on clinicopathological phenotypes. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to analyze the associations between genetic variants and renal survival. Results: The T allele of rs10747047 was strongly associated with higher levels of serum creatinine (p = 0.005) and lower levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.005). The rs10870149-G and rs10870077-C alleles were associated with elevated 24-h urine protein excretion (p = 0.041 and 0.022, respectively) and more serious segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions (p = 0.005 and 0.041, respectively) in IgAN patients. Carriers with the T allele of rs10781533 and the C allele of rs3812552 also presented with severe segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions (p = 0.001 and 0.010, respectively). Additionally, rs10747047-C and rs10870077-C alleles were independently related to the poor prognosis of IgAN patients after adjustments for covariates (TT vs. CC hazard ratio [HR] = 0.138, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.022–0.871, p = 0.035; GG vs. CC HR = 0.321, 95% CI = 0.123, 0.836, p = 0.020, respectively). Conclusion: CARD9 variants are associated with disease severity and rapid disease progression for IgAN in a Chinese Han population.
Divertikulitis und Divertikelruptur bei Interleukin-6-Rezeptor-Blockade
Authors: Aringer Martin
Published: April 2023

Objective: To compare the risk of diverticulitis and gastrointestinal perforation (GIP) in RA treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) compared with rituximab (RTX) and abatacept (ABA). Methods: We conducted a population-based study using three observational French registries on TCZ, RTX and ABA in RA. Using a propensity score approach, we compared the risk of diverticulitis or GIP in these patients. Results: With inverse probability weighting, there was an increased risk of diverticulitis in TCZ-treated patients compared with RTX- or ABA-treated patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.1 (95% CI: 1.5, 6.3), P = 0.002]. Moreover, patients treated with TCZ had also an increased risk of GIP due to diverticulitis compared with those treated with RTX or ABA [HR = 3.8 (1.1–13.6), P = 0.04], resulting in an overall increased risk of GIP [HR = 2.9 (1.1–7.8), P = 0.03], while no significant increased risk of GIP due to any other aetiology was found in TCZ treated patients. Diverticulitis and GIP occurred earlier with TCZ than other drugs after the last perfusion (P = 0.01), with atypical clinical presentation (slow transit in 30%, P = 0.04) and lower acute-phase reactants at the time of the event (P = 0.005). Conclusion: TCZ for RA was associated with increased odds of diverticulitis as well as GIP due to diverticulitis as compared with RTX and ABA. Our study confirms the increased odds of GIP in patients receiving TCZ, which might be explained by an increased risk of diverticulitis with misleading clinical presentation.
Chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen – die Lunge im Blick behalten
Authors: Polke Markus
Published: April 2023

Background: No large, prospective study has investigated respiratory symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. We aimed to describe the prevalence of and factors associated with respiratory symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: In an observational, prospective, cross-sectional study, we evaluated the frequency of respiratory symptoms using a validated self-reporting questionnaire from February 2019 to February 2021 during routine follow-up outpatient visits of patients with inflammatory bowel disease followed in the Gastroenterology Department of the Nancy University Hospital. In case of a positive questionnaire, patients were systematically offered a consultation with a pulmonologist in order to investigate a potential underlying respiratory disease. Results: There were 325 patients included, and 180 patients had a positive questionnaire (144 with Crohn’s disease). Of the included patients, 165 (50.8%) presented with respiratory symptoms, with dyspnea being the most frequent symptom (102 patients). There were 102 patients (56.7%) who benefited from a consultation in the pulmonology department: 43 (42.2%) were diagnosed with a respiratory disease, mainly asthma (n = 13) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 10). Fourteen patients (13.7%) had obstructive sleep apnea. A body mass index increase, being a smoker or ex-smoker, and having articular extra-intestinal manifestations were independently associated with a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Conclusions: Half of patients with inflammatory bowel disease reported respiratory symptoms in our study. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease should be systematically screened, as pulmonary disease is frequently present in this population, with specific attention being given to smokers or ex-smokers and patients with extra-articular intestinal manifestations.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Gómez-López-Hernández Syndrome
Authors: Pomar Leo , Rieder Wawrzyniec , Dubruc Estelle , Giuliano Fabienne , Atallah Isis , Lebon Sébastien , Vial Yvan
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Gómez-López-Hernández syndrome (GLHS), also known as cerebello-trigeminal-dermal dysplasia, is an extremely rare neurocutaneous disease, classically described by the triad of rhombencephalosynapsis (RES), bilateral focal alopecia, and trigeminal anesthesia. The clinical and radiographic spectrum of GLHS is now known to be broader, including craniofacial and supratentorial anomalies, as well as neurodevelopmental issues. Case Presentation: Here, we present a case of antenatally diagnosed GLHS with RES, hydrocephaly, and craniofacial anomalies identified on ultrasound (low-set ears with posterior rotation, hypertelorism, midface hypoplasia, micrognathia, and anteverted nares) which were confirmed by autopsy after termination of pregnancy at 23 weeks of gestation. Discussion: As no known genetic causes have been identified and the classical triad is not applicable to prenatal imaging, prenatal diagnosis of GLHS is based on neuroimaging and the identification of supporting features. In presence of an RES associated with craniofacial abnormalities in prenatal (brachycephaly, turricephaly, low-set ears, midface retrusion, micrognathia), GLHS should be considered as “possible” according to postnatal criteria.
Jacques Copeau e o instinto dramático da criança
Authors: Scalari Rodrigo
Published: April 2023

Este artigo apresenta parte dos resultados de minha tese de doutorado sobre a criança como modelo na pedagogia teatral. Evidencia-se a noção de instinto dramático da criança, conceito-chave no projeto pedagógico de Jacques Copeau, e a presença de noções correlatas a esta nos trabalhos de importantes psicólogos da virada do século XIX para o século XX, como a noção de instinto teatral postulada por Nicolas Evreinov e as pesquisas com crianças efetuadas por Jacques Copeau e Suzanne Bing. O objetivo é destacar o papel fundamental do conceito proposto pela emblemática École du Vieux Colombier na formação do ator.
The Duty to Accept Apologies
Authors: Fabre Cécile
Published: April 2023

The literature on reparative justice focuses for the most part on the grounds and limits of wrongdoers’ duties to their victims. An interesting but relatively neglected question is that of what – if anything – victims owe to wrongdoers. In this paper, I argue that victims are under a duty to accept wrongdoers’ apologies. I claim that to accept an apology is to form the belief that the wrongdoer’s apologetic utterance or gesture has the requisite verdictive, commissive and expressive dimensions; to communicate as much to him; and to recognise that his apology changes one’s normative status in relation to him, and to comport oneself accordingly. I then offer a Kantian argument for the duty to accept and qualify that argument in the light of some hard cases. I end the paper by addressing the objection that victims do not owe it to wrongdoers to engage in any form of reparative encounter.
The ant genus Cataglyphis Förster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cyprus
Authors: SALATA SEBASTIAN , DEMETRIOU JAKOVOS , GEORGIADIS CHRISTOS , BOROWIEC LECH
Published: April 2023

The comprehensive survey of the ant fauna conducted in Cyprus revealed that the island is inhabited by two species of the genus Cataglyphis Förster, 1850. Both species are endemic and are described as new to science. Cataglyphis chionistrae n. sp., a member of the C. cursor species complex, occurs only in the high montane pine forest of Mt. Chionistra (= Mt. Olympos). While C. aphrodite n. sp., a member of the C. nodus species complex, is common at low and mid altitudes in open habitats or luminous pine forests. This work also provides the key to Cataglyphis from Cyprus and the very first synopsis lists of all the members of the cursor and nodus species complexes known from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Mechanical and Thermal Forcings of Asian Large-Scale Orography on Spring Cloud Amount and Atmospheric Radiation Budget over East Asia
Authors: Li Jiandong , Geen Ruth , Mao Jiangyu , Song Yajuan , Vallis Geoffrey K. , Wu Guoxiong
Published: April 2023

Asian large-scale orography profoundly influences circulation in the North Hemisphere. Considerable spring top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) radiative cooling over Southeast China (SEC) is very likely related to upstream orography forcing. Here we investigate the mechanical and thermal forcings of Asian large-scale orography, particularly the Tibetan Plateau (TP), on downstream East Asian cloud amount and atmospheric radiation budget during March–April using the Global Monsoons Model Intercomparison Project simulations. The thermal forcing drives significant surface heating and a low-level cyclone over the TP, pumping low-level air to the middle troposphere. Ascent and water vapor convergence triggered by the thermal forcing favor air condensation, low–middle clouds, and resultant strong spring cloud radiative cooling over SEC. Moreover, the thermal forcing moves the position of cloud radiative cooling westward toward the TP. The TP’s blocking role weakens low-level westerlies over SEC, but its deflecting role increases downstream high-level westerlies, dynamically favoring cloud formation over SEC and the eastward ocean. In addition, the TP can force ascent and increase cloud amounts over the western and central TP. The thermal forcing contributes to 57.1% of total cloud amount and 47.6% of TOA cloud radiative cooling induced by the combined orography forcing over SEC while the mechanical one accounts for 79.4% and 95.8% of the counterparts over the ocean to the east of SEC. Our results indicate that Asian large-scale orography shapes the contemporary geographical distribution of spring East Asian cloud amount and atmospheric radiation budget to a large extent.

Significance Statement

Clouds tied to large-scale topography and circulation exhibit some remarkable geographical distributions. The global strongest cloud radiative cooling, with an intensity of up to −90 W m−2, occurs over Southeast China (SEC) during March–April. The primary purpose of this study is to understand the influences of Asian large-scale orography, particularly the Tibetan Plateau (TP), on this unique climatic phenomenon using the latest climate model simulations. Our results show that Asian large-scale orography forcing significantly increases ascent, low–middle cloud formation, and resultant strong spring cloud radiative cooling over SEC and downstream ocean. The sensible-heat-driven air pump induced by the TP’s thermal forcing maintains strong cloud radiative cooling over SEC. This study provides valuable insights that link Asian large-scale orography forcing to downstream cloud–radiation characteristics.
Weakening of the Indian Ocean Dipole in the Mid-Holocene due to the Mean Oceanic Climatology Change
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Yuan Chaoxia , Luo Jing-jia , Ma Xiaofan , Zhou Xuecheng , Yamagata Toshio
Published: April 2023

The Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) is one of the leading modes of interannual climate variability in the tropical Indian Ocean (IO). The paleoclimate provides real climate scenarios to examine IOD behaviors and the linkage to basic states. Based on 18 models from phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5/6), the IOD change from the preindustrial period to the mid-Holocene is investigated. The multimodel mean reveals that the IOD variability weakens by 14%, as measured by the standard deviation of the dipole mode index, which is defined using the zonal sea surface temperature (SST) difference. Such attenuation is dominated by the spatially consistent suppression in the western-pole SST variability, while the eastern pole contributes little due to the opposite-signed changes in its northwestern and southeastern portions. The primary reason for the aforementioned changes comes from the altered climatic background, which displays a positive IOD-like pattern during IOD growing seasons, with intensified westward currents along the equator and northwestward currents in the southeastern equatorial IO. Such changes in the mean-state currents modulate the strength of the IOD-related anomalous advection and subsequently cause alterations in the IOD variability. Further analyses show that the IOD attenuation in the mid-Holocene is unlikely to be caused by the concurrently subdued El Niño–Southern Oscillation in the tropical Pacific, partially because of the diminished connections between the two oscillations themselves. The above simulated changes in both the IO mean climatology and IOD variability agree well with the available paleo records in literature.

Significance Statement

Understanding variations in the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) and its relationship to the altered background mean state can advance our knowledge of tropical climate dynamics. The paleoclimate provides the opportunity to address this issue under real climate scenarios in the past. Based on multiple models from CMIP5/6, we investigate IOD changes during the mid-Holocene compared to the preindustrial period. The result shows a weakening of the IOD, and the main mechanism lies in the altered anomalous advection modulated by changes in the mean-state currents. The simulated changes in both the mean state and IOD variability are consistent with available paleo data. The present study extends the research scale of IOD dynamics beyond instrumental periods and provides scientific bases for deciphering geological records.
Cross-National Support for the Welfare State Under Wealth Inequality
Authors: Jensen Amalie Sofie , Wiedemann Andreas
Published: April 2023

Wealth is often more unequally distributed than income, and there are considerable differences across countries. In this paper, we argue that wealth inequality helps explain cross-national variation in support for (and the size of) the welfare state because assets serve as private insurance. When wealth, particularly liquid assets, is unequally distributed across the income spectrum and high-income groups hold most assets, strong reinforcing preferences in favor of or against social policies result in antagonistic welfare politics and less government spending. When assets are more equitably distributed across the income spectrum, cross-cutting preferences emerge as more people support either insurance or redistribution. Welfare politics is consensual and facilitates a broader welfare coalition and more government spending. We analyze original cross-national survey data from nine OECD countries and provide evidence in support of our argument. Our findings suggest that wealth inequality reshapes the role of income in structuring welfare politics.
Target Selection and Crime Characteristics: A Comparison of Sexually Motivated Abduction Cases to Nonsexual Abduction Cases and Nonabduction Sexual Cases
Authors: Beauregard Eric , Chopin Julien
Published: April 2023

Abduction has been related to a more extensive violent criminal record, suggesting that it represents a risk for escalation in violence. As most research has investigated child abductions, the current study compares sexually motivated abductions ( n = 1,288) to nonsexually motivated abductions ( n = 270) and nonabduction sexual assaults ( n = 1,500) involving both children and adult women victims. Logistic regression analyses showed that compared with nonsexually motivated abductions, those that are sexually motivated are typically committed on victims who are single, while they are hitchhiking at night, and perpetrated in the offender’s car. Moreover, when compared with nonabduction sexual assaults, results show that individuals who commit sexually motivated abductions are more likely to use a con approach on a stranger victim, to use a weapon, restraints, inflict serious injuries, and penetrate vaginally the victim either in their residence or their car. Abduction cases are often characterized by instrumental violence and both children and adult women need to be prioritized.
Understanding Heterogeneity in the Relationship Between Cancer and Hand Grip Strength: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Kim Jinho , Park Gum-Ryeong
Published: April 2023

This study examined whether the relationship between cancer and hand grip strength differs by sex and along the hand grip strength distribution. Using six waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) (N = 9735), sex-stratified unconditional quantile regression models with fixed effects were used to assess sex-specific effects of cancer for patients in different quantiles of the hand grip strength distribution. Cancer diagnosis was negatively associated with hand grip strength for males, but not females, and this sex difference was statistically significant. Quantile regression models showed that the stronger association between cancer and hand grip strength is observed among males with weaker hand grip strength. No statistically significant association was found between hand grip strength and cancer in females across the entire distribution of hand grip strength. This study provided evidence of the heterogeneity in the relationship between cancer and hand grip strength.
Information-led Policing: Non-Profit Organization’s Terrorist Financing
Authors: Wang Shacheng , Chen Ying
Published: April 2023

In order to prevent and fight terrorism, a new research area has developed called terrorist financing. An important aspect is the financing of terrorism by Non-Profit Organization (NPO), through transfer funds, terrorist alliances, abuse of NPOs, terrorist recruitment, and false NPOs and agents. Therefore, the NPO counter-terrorist financing strategy was established, considering four major aspects: warning information indicators, internal management mechanisms, international cooperation and information sharing, and counter-terrorist Financing legislation. This paper provides a new way to supervise the terrorist financing of NPOs. First, actual cases should be collected, and viable warning indicators for regulatory agencies and NPOs should be established. Second, internal management mechanisms should be strengthened to actively prevent terrorist activities within NPOs. Third, given the global activity of NPOs and terrorist organizations, information-led international cooperation must be emphasized. Fourth, from the angle of independent counter-terrorist Financing legislation, the gap should be filled in NPO counter-terrorist Financing legislation.
Cultural geographies II: In the critical zone? – Environments, landscapes and life
Authors: Hawkins Harriet
Published: April 2023

In this second review of recent cultural geography research, I use the concept of The Critical Zone (originally from US Geoscience) as a lens. The environment is far too voluminous a field of cultural geographic research to be surveyed here, but it is too significant a body of research to be overlooked. Here, three key dimensions of Critical Zone studies offer a means to navigate this work: (i) multi-scalar (temporal and spatial) considerations of matter, energy and forces; (ii) biotic and abiotic relations; and, (iii) a commitment to producing knowledge beyond disciplinary silos. Discussion explores each of these in turn before reflecting, to close, on what cultural geographical thought and practice might add to considerations of the criticality of the critical zone.
The Immunity of Upper Airways
Authors: Canessa C. , Vierucci S. , Azzari C. , Vierucci A.
Published: April 2023

A specialized immune system, called the nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), is located on the mucosal surface of upper airways and is composed of both innate and specific immunity elements, closely related to each other and to the systemic defence, and spread over the nasopharynx, the nose and the middle ear. The NALT has a major role as regards to the infectious diseases of this area, which are the most common in children. It is also an interesting field of experimentation for new vaccine strategies in the future.
Rhinosinusitis and Otitis Media: The Link with Adenoids
Authors: Pagella F. , Colombo A. , Gatti O. , Giourgos G. , Matti E.
Published: April 2023

Rhinosinusitis and otitis media are very common diseases observed in pediatric patients. A clear association has been reported in literature between these two conditions. Even concordance in the microbiologic findings has been reported. These findings lead to a discussion in regard of a possible relationship between the two diseases and an eventual interference of another concomitant condition promoting this association. A key role in the linkage between rhinosinusitis and otitis media has been attributed to hypertrophic adenoidal tissue because of its mechanical obstruction of both choanae and Eustachian tube orifices. Recently some works in literature evidenced the presence of bacterial biofilms on adenoids and suggested a responsibility of bacterial biofilms in both chronic rhinosinusitis and otitis media. The debate is still active and more investigations are needed to clarify these topics.
Targeting the Nasal Cavity in Rhinitis and Sinusitis
Authors: Kantar A.
Published: April 2023

Successful aerosol therapy depends mainly on targeting an adequate dose of drug to the appropriate receptors in the respiratory tract. Over the last years, major innovations have occurred in the delivery of inhaled drugs to the lungs. Despite the fact that more individuals suffer from rhinitis or sinusitis than from asthma or COPD, research into nasal delivery of aerosolized drugs remains scarce. Knowledge of the delivered dose, its regional distribution, and the manner in which drug targeting may be affected by nasal anatomy, air flow and disease condition is very important. Challenges to delivery of aerosolized medications to appropriate targets in the nasal cavity have been scarcely considered. A less-than-optimal technique can result in decreased delivery, reduced efficacy, increased risk of side-effects and high drug wasting. Knowledge of the actual dose and the site of deposition of the delivered drug would permit precise assessment of the relative performance of the delivery systems employed for a specific drug. Optimal physical aerosol characteristics and patient delivery profiles need to be definitively researched for each inhaled drug. There is a strong need to develop new engineered drug inhalation devices well-matched with improved drug formulations for the treatment of rhinitis or sinusitis.
Favoritism in the Federal Workplace: Are Rules the Solution?
Authors: Pearce Jone L. , Wang Carrie
Published: April 2023

We develop and test a more comprehensive theory of the sources and effects of workplace favoritism by drawing on a large, agency-wide sample of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration employees. We report how members of various underrepresented groups differ in their perceptions of a variety of sources of favoritism. We find that their perceptions of friendship favoritism are an important source of perception of workplace favoritism for all employees. We show that perceptions of favoritism are negatively associated with employee trust in their organizations and coworkers, commitment to their organizations, willingness to speak up, and pay satisfaction, with friendship favoritism significantly dominating over most other sources. Further, we find that team leaders, supervisors, managers, and executives, with their greater knowledge of organizational processes, report less favoritism. This and previous research provide practical guidance on how greater transparency may reduce employee perceptions of favoritism in the federal workforce while avoiding discredited formalistic constraints.
Psychiatric nurses’ perception of dignity in patients who attempted suicide
Authors: Mohammadi Fateme , Sadeghian Efat , Masoumi Zahra , Oshvandi Khodayar , Bijani Mostafa
Published: April 2023

Background

Maintaining the dignity of patients who attempted suicide is one of the caregivers’ main ethical duties. Yet, in many cases, these patients are not treated with dignity. The concept of dignity is abstract, and there is no research on the dignity of suicidal patients. So, the present study is done to investigate psychiatric nurses’ perception of dignity in patients who attempted suicide.

Objective

The present study explores the concept of dignity in patients who attempted suicide from the perspective of psychiatric nurses.

Research design

The present study is a qualitative, descriptive work of research

Participants and research context

A total of 20 psychiatric nurses from 2 hospitals affiliated with a university of medical sciences in the southeast of Iran were selected via purposeful sampling.

Ethical considerations

The Research Ethics Committee of the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences approved the study’s protocol, and ethical principles were followed in general.

Findings

From the findings of the study, three main themes, namely “ respect for personal; identity,” “management of psychological tension,” and “compassion-focused therapy,” with 12 sub-themes were extracted.

Discussion and conclusion

In the perspective of caregivers, patients who attempted suicide need to be cared for in supportive environments with compassionate and respectful behaviors to control their psychological tensions. These conditions would maintain such patients’ dignity and result in appropriate behavioral outcomes. Policy-makers and administrators can use the present study’s findings to create an appropriate clinical environment in which the dignity of patients who attempted suicide is properly maintained.
Deoxyschizandrin Inhibits PTEN to Regulate Inflammation in Doxorubicin-induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Wang Jinhai , Zhou Naijing
Published: April 2023

Aim

Doxorubicin (DOX) has long been criticized for its cardiotoxicity, yet one cannot overlook its hepatotoxicity. Deoxyschizandrin (Deo) is a type of monomer used in traditional Chinese medicine that has a powerful anti-inflammatory action and is frequently used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases. However, its therapeutic effect on DOX-induced hepatotoxic inflammatory reactions is still unknown.

Materials and Methods

In this study, DOX was used to induce hepatotoxicity in rats, and the effects of Deo on hepatotoxicity and hepatic inflammation were investigated.

Results

The results show that Deo protects liver function by inhibiting PETN, which regulates DOX-induced liver inflammation.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory effect of Deo in DOX-induced hepatotoxicity is attributed to the inhibition of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and the increase in AKT phosphorylation.
Duration of Home Oxygen Therapy in Preterm Infants Utilizing a Remote Patient Monitoring Program to Wean: Trajectory Patterns
Authors: White Heather , Lee Austin , Rhein Lawrence
Published: April 2023

Background

Up to one-third of preterm infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia will require home oxygen therapy (HOT) after hospital discharge. Currently, no consensus-based guidelines exist for safely managing HOT. The Recorded Home Oximetry (RHO) trial was the first to evaluate a structured weaning guideline. At the conclusion of the trial, our home institution implemented the RHO program in June 2019, utilizing the same RHO protocol as the original trial. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the duration and weaning trajectory of infants followed and identify any risk factors associated with flow rate increases or longer trajectories.

Methods

This is a prospective analysis of infants born <37 weeks gestation followed by the RHO program between June 2019 and June 2021.

Results

The study included 26 infants with a total of 407 RHO epochs. There was nearly equal distribution of males and females with a mean birth gestational age of 27.5 (±3.4 SD) weeks. The median time of successful discontinuation of HOT was 2.1 months. Infants starting on higher initial flow rates had faster weaning trajectories compared to those who started on lower flow rates ( P value <.0001). Infants born small for gestational age were about twice as likely to have longer maintenance on one flow rate compared to appropriate for gestational age infants (RR = 2.81, 95% CL 1.64-4.81, P = .0002).

Conclusion

The RHO program, a structured telemedicine weaning guideline, reduces the duration of HOT in preterm infants and does not cause unnecessary swings in oxygen flow rates.
How Hard Is It Really? Assessing Game-Task Difficulty Through Real-Time Measures of Performance and Cognitive Load
Authors: Seyderhelm Andrew J.A. , Blackmore Karen L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Serious and entertainment game designers strive to create engaging, immersive, and often, challenging games. This task involves modifying game mechanics or environments to create experiences with differing levels of challenge to meet player skill. The balance between different game mechanics or environments, and the differing levels of challenge they pose, is typically understood through iterative testing. Balance and challenge becomes increasingly important in serious games and simulation training as these games commonly need to be engaging and impart learning content. Overburdening players’ cognitive capacity with either too much gameplay challenge or learning content may reduce the educational effectiveness of the game.

Aim.

In this research, we develop a game-based driving simulation with different gameplay tasks to explore the impact of different types of challenges and game aesthetics on real-time cognitive load and task performance, which may inform serious game design. We also test the validity of a game-embedded real-time cognitive load measuring method.

Method

A total of 31 participants undertook the driving simulation experiment under three different aesthetic conditions using a within-subject experimental design. Cognitive load was measured using three different methods, and performance was measured via in-game metrics. Additionally, demographic and engagement surveys were also completed.

Results

Player performance and cognitive load respond differently to different types of challenge, and an appropriate level of game challenge can lower cognitive load. The embedded cognitive load measure was validated as an effective method for evaluating real-time cognitive load during gameplay.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the validity of a dual measure approach for future adaptive serious games and simulation training environments combining performance and cognitive load. An easy to implement, and robust, in-game measure for cognitive load has been validated in real-world conditions. From these results, a system for dynamic difficulty adjustment is proposed tailored towards serious games and simulation.
Performance study of model predictive control with reference prediction for real-time hybrid simulation
Authors: Zeng Chen , Guo Wei , Shao Ping
Published: April 2023

The accuracy of real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) is greatly influenced by the inevitable time delay and amplitude error due to the control plant dynamics. Several tracking controllers have been implemented to improve the overall performance, and among them, model predictive control (MPC) loses its prediction advantage due to the characteristic of real-time command calculation of RTHS. In this study, an improved tracking controller based on MPC controller combined with a polynomial-based forward reference prediction (MPC-RP) is proposed according to the principle of providing future data insight. First, the proposed controller is described, and the basic implementation procedure is presented. Then, validation tests were carried out to evaluate the tracking performance of the proposed controller based on the virtual RTHS benchmark problem. The results show that the MPC-RP controller has an effective delay compensation performance and a good amplitude error regulation capacity. It is also demonstrated that the MPC-RP controller has a great robust performance concerning control plant uncertainties, which ensures highly improved accuracy of RTHS.
Autonomic Correlates of Letter Cancelation Task: What the Attention Load May Evoke?
Authors: Shikha Deep , Ojha Pooja , Shukla Kamla Kant , Bhagat Om Lata , Dixit Abhinav
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Attention can be assessed through Letter cancelation tasks (LCT) that employ visuospatial selection and appropriate motor responses. We examined the performance in the LCT with increasing attention load, and determined the related autonomic changes.

Methods:

Autonomic parameters were estimated in healthy males at baseline and during three different cognitive load conditions using the LCT.

Results:

Results revealed a statistically significant difference ( n = 30) in the percent accuracy (χ2(2) = 15.2, p < .001) and percent omission (χ2(2) = 13.3, p = 0.001) with the increasing challenge in the LCT. The vagally-mediated measures of heart rate variability were significantly decreased with the commencement of the task revealing a parasympathetic withdrawal. The respiratory sinus arrythmia was decreased, and the photoplethysmography amplitude was significantly reduced (χ2(3) = 14.2, p = 0.003) as the attention demand increased.

Conclusion:

The performance declined with the increasing attention load. LCT evokes autonomic perturbations though overall autonomic variability does not change remarkably.
Psychometric Properties of the Czech Version of the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale
Authors: Sebalo Vňuková Martina , Sebalo Ivan , Anders Martin , Ptáček Radek , Surman Craig
Published: April 2023

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Czech translation of the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS), a tool used to assess ADHD symptoms. Data was collected online from parents of school-aged children and included questions related to their child’s diagnosis or treatment. The results showed that while relying on professional judgment improved specificity and positive predictive value, it decreased negative predictive value. These findings indicate that the VADPRS scale is more accurate in identifying individuals with ADHD when professionals provide the diagnosis, but fewer true negatives are found. This is the first study attempting to describe the psychometric properties of this tool in the Czech Republic and assess its use as an additional tool for ADHD diagnosis. It is recommended that structured clinical interviews be used to increase the accuracy of ADHD diagnosis.