bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of adjusted international normalized ratio goal in patients with HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Sowder Amanda , Ather Ayesha , Birks Emma , Kolodziej Andrew , Malyala Rajasekhar , Sieg Adam , Schadler Aric , Unger Rachel , Guglin Maya , Kuan William
Published: May 2023

Background

The HeartMate3 left ventricular assist device (HM3 LVAD) has shown a low incidence of thrombosis, but bleeding risk is as high as 43%. We aim to describe the impact of lower international normalization ratio (INR) goal on clinical outcomes.

Methods

In February 2019, our tertiary care institution lowered INR goal in HM3 patients from manufacturer recommendations to 1.8–2.2 and retrospectively analyzed the data. Two cohorts were compared: patients with lower INR goal upon implant (De novo) and those with subsequently lowered INR goal (Adjusted). The Adjusted group also served as its own historical control. Both groups continued aspirin 81 milligrams daily per manufacturer recommendations. The primary outcomes were incidences of bleed and thrombosis events within 12 months. Secondary outcomes included survival free of disabling stroke or reoperation to remove or replace the device and Rosendaal time in therapeutic range (TTR) over 12 months.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were evaluated for inclusion with 26 meeting criteria. Within 12 months, incidence of bleeding events was 25% and 28.6% in the De novo and Adjusted groups, respectively. Incidence of thrombotic events within 12 months was 0% in the De novo group and 7.1% in the Adjusted group. Twelve‐month survival free of disabling stroke or reoperation to remove or replace the device was higher over 12 months for patients in the De novo group (91.7% vs. 78.6%). Median 12‐month TTR was 36%, which was primarily attributable to subtherapeutic deviations.

Conclusions

A lower INR goal may be safe when initiated De novo following implantation of the HM3. This study informs the need for larger prospective studies.
Attentional differences in audiovisual face perception between full‐ and preterm very low birthweight toddlers
Authors: Nakagawa Atsuko , Sukigara Masune , Nomura Kayo , Nagai Yukiyo , Miyachi Taishi
Published: May 2023

Aim

To investigate whether rightward attention to the mouth during audiovisual speech perception may be a behavioural marker for early brain development, we studied very preterm and low birthweight (VLBW) and typically developing (TD) toddlers.

Methods

We tested the distribution of gaze points in Japanese‐learning TD and VLBW toddlers when exposed to talking, silent and mouth moving faces at 12, 18 and 24 months (corrected age). Each participant was categorised based upon the area they gazed at most (Eye‐Right, Eye‐Left, Mouth‐Right, Mouth‐Left) per stimulus per age. A log‐linear model was applied to three‐dimensional contingency tables (region, side and group).

Results

VLBW toddlers showed fewer gaze points than TD toddlers. At 12 months, more VLBW toddlers than TD toddlers showed left attentional bias toward any one face; however, this difference in attention asymmetry receded somewhat by 24 months. In talking condition, TD toddlers showed right attentional bias from 12 to 24 months, whereas VLBW toddlers showed such bias upon reaching 24 months. Additionally, more TD toddlers than VLBW toddlers attended to the mouth.

Conclusion

Delays in exhibiting the attentional bias for an audiovisual face or general faces displayed by typically developing children might suggest differential developmental timing for hemispheric specialisation or dominance.
The homeless of urban India under COVID‐19 lockdown: Rethinking their rights and the role of public policy
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sujayita
Published: May 2023

Homelessness comes with a slew of challenges and a never‐ending struggle for survival. This study examines the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on the homeless population of urban India. The study reflects on the experiences of the homeless in the major cities of India during the first wave of the pandemic as well as explores the aspect of their rights and the role of government policy in this regard. The methodology of the study is qualitative in nature, where secondary data collected from various sources such as news articles, blogs, books, journals, and reports are put to analysis for deriving the findings. The study reveals the sufferings of the homeless in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Their fight is not merely with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus but also with hunger, unemployment, and neglect faced by them. The study highlights the fact that their rights are being compromised due to drawbacks relating to policy implementation. The study concludes with certain suggestions such as, addressing the loopholes in policy implementations and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
CXCL14 immunoreactivity is localized in pituitary GH‐producing cells and in median eminence somatostatin‐containing fibres of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Suzuki Hirohumi , Isobe Ami , Yamamoto Toshiharu
Published: May 2023

This is the first study to examine the distribution of a chemokine CXCL14‐like peptide in the pituitary and hypothalamus of an avian species, the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). We employed immunohistochemical techniques using a specific anti‐human CXCL14 antibody. CXCL14‐immunoreactive cells were detected in the caudal lobe of the pars distalis. CXCL14‐immunoreactive puncta were densely distributed in the external layer and sparsely distributed in the internal layer of the median eminence. CXCL14 staining was absent after pre‐absorption of the antibody with recombinant human CXCL14. All CXCL14‐immunoreactive cells corresponded to growth hormone (GH)‐producing cells in the caudal lobe. In addition, the majority of CXCL14‐immunoreactive puncta in the median eminence corresponded to somatostatin‐containing fibres. CXCL14 secreted from GH‐producing cells and somatostatin‐containing fibres may act as an inhibitor of GH release via an autocrine mechanism and neuroendocrine signalling, respectively.
Pathogenesis, clinical features and treatment of anti‐IgLON5 disease
Authors: Ono Yoya , Kimura Akio , Shimohata Takayoshi
Published: May 2023

Anti‐immunoglobulin‐like cell adhesion molecule 5 (IgLON5) disease is an autoimmune encephalitis that targets the cell adhesion molecule, IgLON5. The disease presents with various clinical features, including sleep disorders, bulbar palsy, movement disorders, cognitive dysfunction and neuromuscular manifestations. Sleep disorders are characterized by parasomnias and sleep‐disordered breathing (stridor and sleep apnea). Bulbar palsy includes dysarthria, dysphagia, vocal cord paralysis and stridor. Movement disorders include a variety of symptoms and signs, such as chorea, dystonia, rigidity, tremor, myoclonus and myorhythmia. Cognitive dysfunction includes executive dysfunction, impairment of attention, and verbal and visual memory dysfunction. Neuromuscular manifestations include fasciculations in the tongue and peripheral muscles, limb weakness, and muscle atrophy. Some patients resemble those with neurodegenerative diseases, such as progressive supranuclear palsy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. On video polysomnography, undifferentiated non‐rapid eye movement sleep and poorly structured N2 sleep are characteristic. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies are often normal or non‐specific. Human leukocyte antigen testing shows that HLA‐DRB1*10:01‐DQB1*05:01 is highly associated with the disease. Pathologically, neuronal deposition of both hyperphosphorylated 3‐repeat and 4‐repeat tau isoforms, neuronal loss, and gliosis in the hypothalamus, brainstem tegmentum, and upper cervical cord are observed. Some patients are responsive to immunotherapies, such as steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange therapy and rituximab. Factors associated with a favorable response to immunotherapies include early initiation of treatment, cerebrospinal fluid inflammation and immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) predominance of IgLON5 antibody compared with immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4). Anti‐IgLON5 disease should be suspected in patients with atypical movement disorders complicated by sleep disturbances.
Ekzematisierte Psoriasis – eine häufige, aber oft vernachlässigte Variante der Plaque‐Psoriasis
Authors: Lauffer Felix , Eyerich Kilian
Published: May 2023

Psoriasis ist eine der häufigsten chronisch‐entzündlichen Hauterkrankung, die mit systemischen Entzündungsreaktionen einhergeht und die Lebensqualität betroffener Patienten stark beeinträchtigt. In den letzten Jahren wurden mehrere hochwirksame Therapeutika für die Psoriasis zugelassen. In der Praxis kommt es jedoch bei einem hohen Anteil der Patienten nicht zu der in klinischen Studien beobachteten klinischen Verbesserung oder es kommt zu einem sekundären Wirkungsverlust. Dies kann möglicherweise auf bisher nicht erkannte Endotypen der Psoriasis zurückgeführt werden, die für die Wahl einer geeigneten Therapie eingehender charakterisiert werden müssen. Die ekzematisierte Psoriasis, die bei etwa 5–10% der Patienten mit Psoriasis auftritt, ist eine häufig vernachlässigte Variante der Psoriasis. Der Begriff „ekzematisierte Psoriasis“ bezieht sich auf Patienten, die unter einer Psoriasis leiden, die gewisse Ähnlichkeiten mit einem Ekzem aufweist. Betroffene Patienten haben oft einen starken Juckreiz und in Hautbiopsien lassen sich häufig eosinophile Granulozyten, Serumkrusten oder Spongiose nachweisen. Aus immunologischer Sicht werden bei der ekzematisierten Psoriasis möglicherweise zusätzliche Signalwege aktiviert, die für Ekzemreaktionen verantwortlich sind. Diese Übersichtsarbeit fasst die wichtigsten klinischen, histologischen und immunologischen Merkmale der ekzematisierten Psoriasis zusammen, schlägt diagnostische Kriterien vor und bewertet die aktuellen therapeutischen Optionen für die ekzematisierte Psoriasis.
Kidney protection with canagliflozin: A combined analysis of the randomizedCANVASprogram andCREDENCEtrials
Authors: Sridhar Vikas S. , Neuen Brendon L. , Fletcher Robert A. , Slee April , Ang Fernando G. , Rapattoni Wally , Arnott Clare , Cherney David Z. , Perkovic Vlado , Wheeler David C. , Levin Adeera
Published: May 2023

Aim

In the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trials, the sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular and kidney events in patients with type 2 diabetes. The current study analysed a pooled population to ascertain the kidney protection provided by canagliflozin across the full spectrum of kidney parameters.

Methods

This post‐hoc pooled analysis of the CANVAS Program (N = 10 142) and CREDENCE trial (N = 4401), assessed the risk of the primary kidney composite (doubling of serum creatinine, end‐stage kidney disease, renal death), in all patients and subgroups defined by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (<30, 30 to <45, 45 to <60 and ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2), albuminuria [<30, 30‐300, >300 mg/g (<3.39, 3.39‐33.9, >33.9 mg/mmol)] and 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification of chronic kidney disease (low/moderate, high and very high risk).

Results

In the overall population, the risk for the primary kidney composite outcome was 37% lower in the canagliflozin group versus placebo (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.77;p < .001). There was no evidence of heterogeneity in the kidney protective effects of canagliflozin across a range of kidney risks when stratified by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria or KDIGO risk category (allpinteraction > .05). A statistically significant risk reduction of the primary kidney composite outcome was sustained by approximately 18 months after randomization.

Conclusions

These results emphasize a critical role of canagliflozin in kidney protection across a broad spectrum of participants with type 2 diabetes with varying levels of kidney function.
Changes to relative stand composition after almost 50 years of Heterobasidion root disease in California true fir and pine forests
Authors: Flores D. Alexander , Poloni Adrian L. , Frankel Susan J. , Cobb Richard C.
Published: May 2023

The Agaricomycete Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato (s.l.), a species complex of fungal pathogens, causes root and butt rot on conifers throughout the northern hemisphere, thereby shaping structure, composition, and evolution of vast and diverse forest ecosystems. We analyze forest change 48–49 years following Heterobasidion root disease emergence in 63 permanent plots first established in 1970–1972 and measured at least once every decade through 2020. We use this dataset to infer the long‐term consequences of Heterobasidion root disease in a set of common forest types that reflect some of the most important hosts for this set of diseases in western North America. We contrasted three host–pathogen systems located within the Sierra Nevada, southern Cascades Mountain Range and the Modoc Plateau: (1) H. irregulare in host communities dominated by several Pinus (pine) species and Calocedrus decurrens (incense cedar) in Yosemite Valley, on the Sierra Nevada Range western slope; (2) H. irregulare in a largely single species (Pinus jeffreyi) host disease system on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades as well as the Modoc Plateau; and (3) H. occidentale—also on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada—in stands with a mixture of susceptible Abies (true fir) and a diversity of non‐hosts for this Heterobasidion species. Approximately 50 years after disease emergence, relative basal area and stem density were significantly reduced within disease centres in all three pathosystems, but changes to forest composition and relative species dominance were determined by pre‐disease host and non‐host diversity. In the western‐slope H. occidentale system, the disease increased the dominance of non‐susceptible species, Pinus species and C. decurrens. In the multi‐genus Yosemite pathosystem, H. irregulare did not significantly shift species dominance, and as expected, species shifts did not occur in the largely single‐genus eastern‐slope forests. In these widespread California forest ecosystems, two factors appeared to determine forest conditions almost 50 years after Heterobasidion root disease monitoring: the size of the disease centre and the initial diversity of non‐hosts. Along with pathogen species, these factors appear to affect the local severity of disease as well as the degree of species shifts relative to initial plot compositions, reaffirming host susceptibility classifications associated with these forest types.
A debate on the neuronal origin of focal seizures
Authors: Wenzel Michael , Huberfeld Gilles , Grayden David B. , de Curtis Marco , Trevelyan Andrew J.
Published: May 2023

A critical question regarding how focal seizures start is whether we can identify particular cell classes that drive the pathological process. This was the topic for debate at the recent International Conference for Technology and Analysis of Seizures (ICTALS) meeting (July 2022, Bern, CH) that we summarize here. The debate has been fueled in recent times by the introduction of powerful new ways to manipulate subpopulations of cells in relative isolation, mostly using optogenetics. The motivation for resolving the debate is to identify novel targets for therapeutic interventions through a deeper understanding of the etiology of seizures.
Code‐mixed Hindi‐English text correction using fuzzy graph and word embedding
Authors: Jain Minni , Jindal Rajni , Jain Amita
Published: May 2023

Interaction via social media involves frequent code‐mixed text, spelling errors and noisy elements, which creates a bottleneck in the performance of natural language processing applications. This proposed work is the first approach for code‐mixed Hindi‐English social media text that comprises language identification, detection and correction of non‐word (Out of Vocabulary) errors as well as real‐word errors occurring simultaneously. Each identified language (Devanagari Hindi, Roman Hindi, and English) has its own complexities and challenges. Errors are detected individually for each language and a suggestive list of the erroneous words is created. After this, a fuzzy graph between different words of the suggestive lists is generated using various semantic relations in Hindi WordNet. Word embeddings and Fuzzy graph‐based centrality measures are used to find the correct word. Several experiments are performed on different social media datasets taken from Instagram, Twitter, YouTube comments, Blogs, and WhatsApp. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system corrects out‐of‐vocabulary words as well as real‐word errors with a maximum recall of 0.90 and 0.67, respectively for Dev_Hindi and 0.87 and 0.66, respectively for Rom_Hindi. The proposed method is also applied for state‐of‐art sentiment analysis approaches where the F1‐score has been visibly improved.
Development and validation of knowledge assessment scales on sarcopenia and fall for Chinese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Li Lingqi , Sun Xuemei , Gao Yinyan , Chen Yancong , Qin Lang , Lin Yali , Song Jinlu , Zhang Zixuan , Wang Betty H , Feng Hui , Tan Hongzhuan , Chen Qiong , Peng Linlin , Zhang Xuewei , Wu Irene XY
Published: May 2023

Aim

This study aimed to develop and validate sarcopenia and fall knowledge assessment scales for community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A five‐phase, systematic and standardized process was used. Phase 1: item pools were constructed based on the Symptom Interpretation Model. Phase 2: the Delphi expert consultation was carried out for items selection and revision. Phase 3: a pilot survey was carried out to further select and revise the items. Phase 4: older adults were surveyed to finalize the items. Phase 5: older adults were surveyed to test the psychometric properties of the two developed scales, including construct validity, reliability and acceptability.

Results

Both scales comprise three dimensions (symptom, risk factor and management strategy), with 10 items for the sarcopenia knowledge assessment scale and 14 items for the fall knowledge assessment scale. They had acceptable construct validity, with all indicators meeting their specific criteria. Their reliability was acceptable, with the Cronbach's α coefficients being 0.82 for both scales, the value of spilt‐half reliability being 0.86 for the sarcopenia knowledge assessment scale and 0.85 for the fall knowledge assessment scale. Their acceptability was good, with both scales having a completion rate of 94.35% and an average completion time of 5 min.

Discussion

Two Chinese knowledge assessment scales with acceptable validity, reliability and acceptability have been developed, which will facilitate the assessment of the knowledge on sarcopenia and fall among community‐dwelling older adults, especially for large‐scale surveys. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 430–436.
Variation in nest‐site occupancy and breeding outcome in a threatened Subantarctic raptor
Authors: Balza Ulises , Lois Nicolás A. , Pizzarello Gimena , Lopez María Eugenia , Lois‐Milevicich Jimena , Raya‐Rey Andrea
Published: May 2023

Breeding outcome in birds can be influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which may contribute differentially to each stage of the breeding cycle. Island raptors are relatively threatened species that rely on simplified food webs and usually co‐occur with invasive species. Here, we studied a population of Striated Caracara Phalcoboenus australis in Isla de los Estados (Argentina) to understand the relative contribution of food availability, topographical features and territoriality to breeding parameters. Caracaras in the area depend on the short seasonal (i.e. pulsed) availability of seabirds for feeding their chicks. On the other hand, the recent introduction of non‐native ungulates may have led to a suboptimal breeding environment by reducing Caracara nest‐site availability within the seabird colonies via disturbance of the grassland. Using data from seven breeding seasons we analyse the abundance, the proportion of breeding individuals, the spatial structure of breeding events and the population‐level breeding performance, including chick sex ratio, to study whether the breeding ecology of this species is still shaped by marine food web pulses or could be associated with invasive herbivore disturbance. The breeding adults represented only 6–15% of the population. The spatial pattern of nest‐sites did not differ from random arrangement after considering the heterogeneous distribution of food availability. Territory identity accounted for most of the variation in clutch size and productivity, and penguin availability explained part of the variability in territory occupancy and hatching rate. The chick sex ratio was biased towards females and varied according to brood size, with the more productive territories producing 91% of males. The breeding cycle of this population is still mainly dependent upon the Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes chrysocome food pulse and presents mixed evidence of being disrupted by invasive herbivores. The studied factors contributed differentially to the output of each reproductive stage, with territory identity accounting for most of the variation. Our results suggest that individual‐level, long‐term data could be relevant to understanding the dynamics of this species in the Fuegian archipelago, and thus a broad‐scale research programme is warranted to assess the conservation status and propose future management scenarios for this species.
Expression of chronic pain genes in apical periodontitis tissues
Authors: Francio Jordano , das Neves Glaucia T. , Souza Leticia C. , Carneiro Everdan , Silva Renato M. , Letra Ariadne
Published: May 2023

Aim

To evaluate the expression of genes involved in chronic pain conditions in apical periodontitis (AP) tissues.

Methodology

An electronic search was performed in Scopus and MEDLINE (via PubMed) databases to identify articles (n = 173) related to genes involved in chronic pain conditions. Full‐text reviews of the selected articles allowed the prioritization of 16 genes to be investigated with regards to their expression in AP tissues. Periapical lesions (n = 42) were collected during surgical endodontic procedures and processed for mRNA extraction and investigation of target genes via RT–qPCR. Healthy periodontal ligament tissues obtained from third molar extractions were used as controls. Relative levels of target gene expression in AP and control tissues were normalized to GAPDH expression and compared using the 2−ΔΔCt method. Data analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test with a statistical significance threshold set at p < .05.

Results

mRNA expression levels of MMP9, TIMP1, TNFA, CAMK4 and COMT were significantly increased in AP tissue samples compared with controls (p < .05). Positive correlations were observed between the expression of TIMP1 with COMT and CAMK4, TNFA with TIMP1 and CAMK4, COMT with CAMK4.

Conclusions

This study confirms the upregulation of MMP9, TIMP1, TNFA in AP tissues and reports for the first time, the expression of CAMK4 and COMT as suggestive of their involvement in AP pathogenesis.
Labour market integration of newcomers to Canada: The perspectives of newcomers in a smaller urban centre
Authors: Ghadi Needal , Gyan Charles , Kikulwe Daniel , Massing Christine , Giesbrecht Crystal J.
Published: May 2023

In Canada, newcomers are often faced with many challenges when integrating into the labour market. This study examined the labour market integration experiences of newcomers in Regina, Saskatchewan. Data were collected using a structured survey which was made available in several languages. A total of 305 (n = 305) newcomers participated in this study. It was found that length of stay in Regina, level of education, having children and lack of access to transportation had a strong relationship with newcomers' labour market integration (p < 0.01). Specific barriers that were found to affect newcomers included language, access to a vehicle, lack of Canadian work experience and Canadian credentials. These challenges have substantial implications for the well‐being of newcomers and their contribution to the Canadian economy. It is recommended that resettlement agencies develop informed strategies and programmes that target these barriers to enhance the economic integration of newcomers in smaller cities in Canada.
Exploring blockchain for disaster prevention and relief: A comprehensive framework based on industry case studies
Authors: Treiblmaier Horst , Rejeb Abderahman
Published: May 2023

Blockchain technology has been suggested as a groundbreaking solution for disaster prevention and relief. However, there is a dearth of both practical applications and systematic academic research into how those existing blockchain solutions actually help to prevent disasters and/or alleviate their negative impacts. The purpose of this paper was to extend previous research by investigating existing blockchain solutions using a rigorous multiple case study approach. Based on stakeholder theory, a structured framework is developed that examines the roles of key stakeholders in disaster situations, illustrates organizations' motivations to deploy blockchain technology, identifies various use cases, lists the relevant blockchain properties, and highlights contingency factors for successful implementations. The findings demonstrate that blockchain applications can improve both disaster prevention as well as disaster relief efforts by streamlining information flows and augmenting the capabilities of core stakeholders. Furthermore, numerous propositions can be derived from the framework that can be used as starting points for further in‐depth investigations. This study familiarizes practitioners with blockchain's potential for disaster management and provides academics with a theory‐based foundation for future research.
Exosome and epithelial–mesenchymal transition: A complex secret of cancer progression
Authors: Dhar Rajib , Devi Arikketh , Gorai Sukhamoy , Jha Saurabh Kumar , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios
Published: May 2023

This short communication will enlighten the readers about the exosome and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) related to several complicated events. It also highlighted the therapeutic potential of exosomes against EMT. Exosome toxicology, exosome heterogeneity, and a single exosome profiling approach are also covered in this article. In the future, exosomes could help us get closer to cancer vaccine and precision oncology.
Reciprocal associations between parental feeding practices and child eating behaviours from toddlerhood to early childhood: bivariate latent change analysis in the Gemini cohort
Authors: Kininmonth Alice R. , Herle Moritz , Haycraft Emma , Farrow Clare , Tommerup Kristiane , Croker Helen , Pickard Abigail , Edwards Katie , Blissett Jacqueline , Llewellyn Clare
Published: May 2023

Background

Parental feeding practices (PFPs) are a key component of a child's food environment. Parent–child feeding relationships are hypothesised to be bidirectional; however, to date, few large prospective studies have examined this, instead focussing on unidirectional relationships. As such, the direction of relationships between PFPs and children's eating behaviours remains unclear.

Methods

Data were from Gemini, a population‐based sample of children born in England and Wales in 2007. Children's eating behaviours and PFPs were measured at 15/16 months and 5 years using validated psychometric measures (n = 1,858 children). Bivariate Latent Change Score Modelling was used to examine the nature of relationships between PFPs and children's eating behaviours at 15/16 months and 5 years. Models were adjusted to account for clustering of twins within families and for sex of the child, socioeconomic status, gestational age and age of the child at measurement time points.

Results

A reciprocal relationship was observed between instrumental feeding and emotional overeating, with greater instrumental feeding predicting greater increases in emotional overeating (β = .09; 0.03–0.15; p = .004) and vice versa (β = .09; 0.03–0.15; p = .005). Reciprocity was also observed between encouragement to eat nutritious foods and children's enjoyment of food, with greater encouragement predicting greater increases in enjoyment of food (β = .08; 0.02–0.13; p = .006) and vice versa (β = .07; 0.02–0.11; p = .003). Parent–child associations and child–parent associations were also observed.

Conclusion

These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that certain feeding practices are used as a ‘natural’ response to a child expressing a greater interest in and enthusiasm for food, but at the same time, such practices impact the development of eating behaviours by nurturing and encouraging the expression of higher emotional overeating and greater enjoyment of food in preschool years. The findings provide important insights into the PFPs and eating behaviour traits that could be targeted as part of a tailored feeding intervention to support parents of children during the preschool formative years.
Air pollution and global healthcare use for atopic dermatitis: A systematic review
Authors: Fadadu R. P. , Chee E. , Jung A. , Chen J. Y. , Abuabara K. , Wei M. L.
Published: May 2023

Increasing air pollution is common around the world, but the impacts of outdoor air pollution exposure on atopic dermatitis (AD) are unclear. We synthesized the current global epidemiologic evidence for air pollution exposure and associated medical visits for AD among adults and children. This review followed PRISMA guidelines, and searches were conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. The searches yielded 390 studies, and after screening, 18 studies around the world assessing at least 5,197,643 medical visits for AD in total were included for the final analysis. We found that exposure to particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) [(10/11) of studies], particulate matter ≤10 μm in diameter (PM10) (11/13), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (12/14) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) (10/13) was positively associated with AD visits. Results were equivocal for ozone [(4/8) of studies reported positive association] and limited for carbon monoxide [(1/4) of studies reported positive association]. When stratifying results by patient age, patient sex and season, we found that the associations with particulate matter, NO2 and O3 may be affected by temperature. Exposure to selected air pollutants is associated with AD visits, and increasingly poor worldwide air quality may increase global healthcare use for AD.
The indirect effect of cognitive reserve on the relationship between age and cognition in pathological ageing: A cross‐sectional retrospective study in an unselected and consecutively enrolled sample
Authors: Giaquinto Francesco , Tosi Giorgia , Abbatantuono Chiara , Pepe Ilaria , Iaia Marika , Macchitella Luigi , Rizzi Ezia , De Caro Maria Fara , Romano Daniele , Taurisano Paolo , Angelelli Paola
Published: May 2023

Cognitive reserve (CR) allows individuals to maintain cognitive functionality even in the presence of pathologies. The compensation hypothesis suggests that CR plays an indirect role between age and cognitive decline, contrasting the negative effect of ageing on cognition. We test this hypothesis in an unselected and consecutively enrolled sample of memory clinic attendees (n = 134) who completed the CR Index questionnaire and three neuropsychological tests assessing global cognition (MMSE, FAB, CDT). Participants were divided into two groups based on standard diagnostic criteria (DSM‐5): those who were cognitively impaired (n = 92) and those who were preserved (n = 42). A principal component analysis was used to extract a composite measure of global cognitive functioning from the three neuropsychological tests, and mediation analysis was used to examine the relationship between CR, age and global cognitive functioning in the two groups. Results revealed that: (i) age had a significant direct negative effect on the global cognitive score in both groups; (ii) the three socio‐behavioural proxies of CR together suppress the direct negative relationship between age and global cognitive score in cognitively impaired patients but not in cognitively preserved participants. This study confirms the association between CR, age and cognition and allows us to validate its role in a population with cognitive impairment and extend findings to a low‐to‐middle educated population. These results hold important implications for public health and wellness promotion, emphasising the beneficial role of maintaining healthy and active physical, cognitive and social lifestyles.
Handheld microfocused ultrasound device for facial lifting: A preliminary study of ULTIGHT
Authors: Kim Yongheon , Yu Hyunseon , An Sunghwan , Ha Donghoon , Jung Byungjo
Published: May 2023

Objective

Although focused ultrasound modalities have achieved positive clinical results in noninvasive skin rejuvenation, they presented various side effects and particularly severe pain during treatment. This study introduces a microfocused ultrasound (MFU) device, ULTIGHT, to overcome the severe pain issue, providing quasi‐facial lifting.

Materials and Methods

Transducer surface was imaged with a scanning electron microscope. The energies of four treatment cartridges were measured using an ultrasound power meter. In vitro experiments were performed to quantitatively evaluate the MFU thermal zones (MFUTZs) and treatment line (TL) of 10 MFUTZs. Ex vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the MFUTZs and temperature rise in tissue. Clinical trials using eight volunteers were performed to qualitatively evaluate facial lifting.

Results

The MFU transducer clearly showed a smooth and no air gap surface. ULTIGHT produced 10 discrete MFUTZs in a TL of length 10 mm. In ex vivo tissue, discrete linear MFUTZs were clearly observed at lower number of TLs; however, they started to aggregate at higher number of TLs. The temperature rise was linearly increased as a function of the number of treatments. A single MFUTZ resulted in a temperature rise of 3°C–10°C that could cause hyperthermia for body temperature. In the clinical trials, the volunteers showed quasi‐facial lifting right after treatment on the lower facial region.

Conclusions

ULTIGHT provides relatively low energy, which may be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on clinical applications. Additionally, it has the advantage of being pain‐free even without anesthetic during treatment, providing quasi‐facial lifting right after treatment.
Cardiorespiratory dysautonomia in post‐COVID‐19 condition: Manifestations, mechanisms and management
Authors: Fedorowski Artur , Olsén Monika Fagevik , Nikesjö Frida , Janson Christer , Bruchfeld Judith , Lerm Maria , Hedman Kristofer
Published: May 2023

A significant proportion of COVID‐19 patients experience debilitating symptoms for months after the acute infection. According to recent estimates, approximately 1 out of 10 COVID‐19 convalescents reports persistent health issues more than 3 months after initial recovery. This ‘post‐COVID‐19 condition’ may include a large variety of symptoms from almost all domains and organs, and for some patients it may mean prolonged sick‐leave, homestay and strongly limited activities of daily life. In this narrative review, we focus on the symptoms and signs of post‐COVID‐19 condition in adults – particularly those associated with cardiovascular and respiratory systems, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or airway disorders – and explore the evidence for chronic autonomic dysfunction as a potential underlying mechanism. The most plausible hypotheses regarding cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the wide spectrum of observed symptoms – such as lingering viruses, persistent inflammation, impairment in oxygen sensing systems and circulating antibodies directed to blood pressure regulatory components – are discussed. In addition, an overview of currently available pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatment options is presented.
Experimental Evidence of the Benefits and Risks of Credit Claiming and Pork Busting
Authors: Barron Nathan T. , McLaughlin Peter T.
Published: May 2023

As appropriations earmarks return to Congress, every legislator faces a decision: pursue or refuse congressionally mandated federal spending projects. This decision is likely influenced by public messaging concerns. We theorize that both credit claiming for federal projects and position taking against spending projects (“pork busting”) can benefit legislators as they look to improve future electoral returns. We field a nationally representative survey experiment to estimate the effect of credit‐claiming and pork‐busting messages on the perceived effectiveness, fiscal responsibility, and overall approval of an unnamed member of Congress. We find that respondents are likely to penalize the representative's approval assessment when presented with an out‐party message strategy. Conversely, respondents are likely to increase the representative's personal trait assessments when presented with an in‐party message strategy. We expand on these results in an additional analysis and find that these trends persist when controlling for other partisan and demographic factors. We discuss our results in light of traditional expectations, potential mechanisms, and future directions for related research.
Patterns of predation by the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx throughout its range: ecological and conservation implications
Authors: Khorozyan Igor , Heurich Marco
Published: May 2023

Predation on ungulates exposes large predators to conflicts with farmers and hunters if they kill livestock and shared game species. Therefore, it is crucial to know the drivers of predation on large prey, understand how they differ from predation on smaller prey and reveal general large‐scale patterns.

We tested three hypotheses in the global Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx population: 1) consumption of ungulates and hares increases with their densities, 2) effects of predictors on ungulate and hare predation differ between continents, latitudes, longitudes and landscapes, 3) effects of predictors are generally applicable regardless of study materials (scats, carcasses and intestinal tracts).

We collected information from 70 publications, including data from 174 study cases (107 from Europe and 67 from Asia) and 114 sites in 30 countries, mainly Russia (73 cases and 46 sites). Linear regression of logit‐transformed data and logistic regression were used to test the hypotheses.

We found that ungulates made up more than half of the lynx diet in areas containing at least 570 individual ungulates/100 km2 and/or located south of 56°N. Predominance of ungulates in the diet could be related to the higher availability of the main medium‐sized ungulate prey species, and to the presence of (mixed) broadleaf deciduous forests with open spaces providing optimal hunting conditions. No significant effects on hare consumption by lynx were revealed, possibly because of a small sample size of hare density data from lynx habitats, fluctuations and instability of hares as a food resource, declines of some hare populations and separation in habitat use by lynx and hares.

We conclude that the Eurasian lynx is an adaptable predator, not a lagomorph specialist; throughout its range, the lynx takes ungulates according to their availability. The use of practical nonlethal interventions is important to limit the availability of domestic ungulates (livestock and game) for predation by lynx, and to promote human‐lynx coexistence.
SOX18 meditates the resistance of Bmi1‐expressing cells to cetuximab in HNSCC
Authors: Zhang Caihua , Chen Zhi , Gao Nailin , Xiong Gan , Chen Peng , Li Hui , Chen Demeng , He Qianting , Peng Liang
Published: May 2023

Objective

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type of malignancy in the head and neck region worldwide. The therapeutic strategies for HNSCC remain unsatisfying and limited. Here, we found a population of resistant Bmi1‐expressing cells in the presence of cetuximab treatment and reported a novel role of SRY‐box transcription factor 18 (SOX18), a member of the SOX family, in promoting HNSCC resistance to cetuximab. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of Sox18 in Bmi1‐positive cells and to search for better therapeutic targets.

Methods

We successfully obtained Bmi1CreER, RosatdTomato, and RosaDTA mice and identified Bmi1‐expressing cells through lineage tracing. SOX18 expression in HNSCC and normal tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, colocalization of Sox18, and Bmi1‐expressing cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence, and SOX18 expression in SCC9 cell lines was quantified by western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR. The investigation of the mechanism of SOX18‐mediated cetuximab resistance in Bmi1‐positive cells was based on the analysis of single‐cell RNA‐seq data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Western blotting was performed to verify the results obtained from the single‐cell RNA‐seq analysis.

Results

In our study, we demonstrated that Bmi1‐expressing cells were resistant to cetuximab treatment and that depletion of Bmi1‐expressing cells improved cetuximab efficacy in HNSCC. We then discovered that Sox18 mediated the stem cell‐like properties of Bmi1‐expressing cells and promoted cellular cetuximab resistance through an oxidative phosphorylation pathway. There was a significant downregulation of key genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in Sox18 knockout cell lines.

Conclusions

Taken together, the findings of our study suggest that Sox18 mediates the resistance of Bmi1‐expressing cells to cetuximab in HNSCC via the oxidative phosphorylation pathway.
Christianity in (South) Sudan: Historical backgrounds, contemporary contestations, and future directions
Authors: Tounsel Christopher
Published: May 2023

Christianity has played an integral part of Sudanese life through colonialism, postcolonialism, civil wars, and secession. Through it all, writers from a variety of disciplinary and denominational backgrounds have recorded the diverse experiences of Christian individuals and organizations. This essay maps past and present work on Sudanese Christianity, offers assessments of the field, and offers conjecture on the directions that future scholarship on the subject may trek. Given religion's central role in Sudan's recent past, such a task is necessary to understand its possible futures.
Quadratic Chabauty for modular curves: algorithms and examples
Authors: Balakrishnan Jennifer S. , Dogra Netan , Müller J. Steffen , Tuitman Jan , Vonk Jan
Published: May 2023

We describe how the quadratic Chabauty method may be applied to determine the set of rational points on modular curves of genus $g>1$ whose Jacobians have Mordell–Weil rank $g$. This extends our previous work on the split Cartan curve of level 13 and allows us to consider modular curves that may have few known rational points or non-trivial local height contributions at primes of bad reduction. We illustrate our algorithms with a number of examples where we determine the set of rational points on several modular curves of genus 2 and 3: this includes Atkin–Lehner quotients $X_0^+(N)$ of prime level $N$, the curve $X_{S_4}(13)$, as well as a few other curves relevant to Mazur's Program B. We also compute the set of rational points on the genus 6 non-split Cartan modular curve $X_{\scriptstyle \mathrm { ns}} ^+ (17)$.
Patient-reported outcome measures of stigma and discrimination for people living with HIV: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Yang Xianxia , Zhang Yizhu , Han Shuyu , Li Ke , Zhang Lili , Shao Ying , Ma Jianhong , Wang Zhiwen
Published: May 2023

Objective:

The objective of this systematic review is to apply COnsensus-based standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology to review psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of HIV-related stigma and/or discrimination.

Introduction:

Due to the development of antiretroviral therapy, the life expectancy of people living with HIV is similar to the life expectancy of the rest of the population. However, HIV-related stigma and discrimination are still major barriers to improving the quality of life of persons living with HIV. These barriers are a threat to these individuals and the world’s public health care systems. Accurate and reproducible PROMs are prerequisites for robust and reliable results. Therefore, it is important to choose acceptable PROMs with satisfactory psychometric properties to assess HIV-related stigma and/or discrimination. However, there has been no systematic review of HIV-related stigma or discrimination PROMs in the field of HIV care.

Inclusion criteria:

All studies including adults (age ≥18 years) living with HIV will be eligible for inclusion in this review. The review will consider studies that report 1 or more psychometric properties of HIV-related stigma and/or discrimination PROMs. We will consider studies conducted in any country or setting published in English or Chinese.

Methods:

Nine databases will be searched from January 1, 1996, to the present, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang. Assessment of methodological quality, data extraction, data synthesis, and assessing certainty in the findings will be conducted using the COSMIN methodology.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42022308579
Design and Development of Patient-Specific Miniplate for the Treatment of Maxillofacial Fractures—A Finite Element Study
Authors: Choudhury Sandeep , Banerjee Anik , Majumder Santanu , Chowdhury Amit Roy
Published: May 2023

Fractures of the maxillofacial region are prevalent in both developed and developing nations. Maxillofacial fractures primarily occur as a result of incidents such as car crashes, physical assaults, and attacks. Although using miniplates to treat maxillofacial fractures is a widely accepted practice, the challenge lies in selecting the appropriate miniplate size that is tailored to the specific dimensions of the fracture in each patient. The study aims to evaluate and determine the most suitable design between a two-hole miniplate and a four-hole miniplate for securing a fractured mandible, with the ultimate goal of creating a customized solution for each patient. A mandible model is chosen with a diagonal length of 82 mm and created perpendicular fracture gaps measuring 1 mm to 3 mm on the left buccolingual section of the solid model. A two-hole and a four-hole miniplate are designed with different thicknesses (ranging from 1 mm to 2 mm) and gap distances (ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm). The miniplates were put together in a model of the mandible. To test their effectiveness, the combination of the mandible model and plates was subjected to various muscle forces, as well as the force of biting, using finite element analysis. At the mandible location, the four-hole miniplate implantation exhibits superior stabilization in comparison to the two-hole miniplate assembly. The miniplate's size and dimensions can be adjusted depending on the size of the fracture in the mandible, resulting in a patient-specific solution for the implantation of miniplate in the mandible.