bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The opposite roles of injustice and cruelty in the internalization of a devaluation: The humiliation paradox revisited
Authors: Gonzalez‐Puerto Jose A. , Fernández Saulo
Published: November 2024

Cruelty and its link to injustice in contexts of humiliation have not received to date due attention from experimental psychosocial research. Aiming at filling this gap, this paper presents three studies with increasing degrees of experimental control (Ntotal = 1098) that show a dual opponent‐process response to being targeted by potentially humiliating actions: while targets appraising more injustice internalize less the devaluation underlying the humiliation experience (thus partially dissolving the so‐called “paradox of humiliation”, Fernández et al., 2015, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 41, 976), targets appraising more cruelty internalize more a devalued self‐view and feel more humiliated. The fine balance between these two closely connected but distinct appraisals is key to understand the internal/subjective experience of targets: seeing themselves mainly as victims of injustice or cruelty will prevent or favour, respectively, their internalization of the devaluation and their feeling humiliated. This opposite pattern also impacts victims' reaction: Both appraisals relate to aggressive responses via anger but while appraising cruelty also paradoxically leads to powerless inertia, appraising injustice (including importantly the injustice of cruelty itself) leads to less powerlessness and more assertive agency. The theoretical and applied implications of approaching the victims of humiliation as victims of both an injustice and a cruelty are discussed.
Antisense oligonucleotides as a precision therapy for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies
Authors: Quilón Paloma García , Volpedo Greta , Cappato Serena , Ferrera Loretta , Zara Federico , Bocciardi Renata , Riva Antonella , Striano Pasquale
Published: November 2024

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) comprise a complex spectrum of neurological disorders characterized by neurodevelopmental delay and early‐onset seizures primarily caused by diverse genetic mutations. Traditional treatments have largely been symptomatic, focusing on seizure control without addressing the underlying genetic causes. The advent of gene therapy, particularly through antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), offers a promising avenue toward targeted therapeutic interventions. ASOs by virtue of their ability to modulate gene expression at the mRNA level represent a sophisticated approach to counteract the effects of pathogenic mutations. This review delves into the recent advancements in ASO technology, highlighting its application in preclinical and clinical settings for DEEs. We present evidence of the efficacy of ASOs in ameliorating disease phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, alongside promising outcomes from ongoing clinical trials. The therapeutic landscape for DEEs is on the cusp of significant transformation, underscored by the potential of ASOs to offer precise, personalized, treatments that extend beyond symptomatic relief to potentially rectify the genetic underpinnings of these disorders.
Static and Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity in Parkinson's Disease Patients With Postural Instability and Gait Disorder
Authors: Shen Bo , Yao Qun , Zhang Yixuan , Jiang Yinyin , Wang Yaxi , Jiang Xu , Zhao Yang , Zhang Haiying , Dong Shuangshuang , Li Dongfeng , Chen Yaning , Pan Yang , Yan Jun , Han Feng , Li Shengrong , Zhu Qi , Zhang Daoqiang , Zhang Li , Wu Yun‐cheng
Published: November 2024

Aims

The exact cause of the parkinsonism gait remains uncertain. We first focus on understanding the underlying neurological reasons for these symptoms through the examination of both static functional network connectivity (SFNC) and dynamic functional network connectivity (DFNC).

Methods

We recruited 64 postural instability and gait disorder‐dominated Parkinson's disease (PIGD‐PD) patients, 31 non‐PIGD‐PD (nPIGD‐PD) patients, and 54 healthy controls (HC) from Nanjing Brain Hospital. The GIFT software identified five distinct independent components: the basal ganglia (BG), cerebellum (CB), sensory networks (SMN), default mode network (DMN), and central executive network (CEN). We conducted a comparison between the SFNC and DFNC of the five networks and analyzed their correlations with postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) symptoms.

Results

Compared with nPIGD‐PD patients, the PIGD‐PD patients demonstrated reduced connectivity between CEN and DMN while spending less mean dwell time (MDT) in state 4. This is characterized by strong connections. Compared with HC, PIGD‐PD patients exhibited enhanced connectivity in the SFNC between CB and CEN, as well as the network between CB and DMN. Patients with PIGD‐PD spent more MDT in state 1, which is characterized by few connections, and less MDT in state 4. In state 3, there was an increase in the functional connectivity between the CB and DMN in patients with PIGD‐PD. The nPIGD patients showed increased SFNC connectivity between CB and DMN compared to HC. These patients spent more MDT in state 1 and less in state 4. The MDT and fractional windows of state 2 showed a positive link with PIGD scores.

Conclusion

Patients with PIGD‐PD exhibit a higher likelihood of experiencing reduced brain connectivity and impaired information processing. The enhanced connection between the cerebellum and DMN networks is considered a type of dynamic compensation.
Predicting tumour resistance to paclitaxel and carboplatin utilising genome‐wide screening in haploid human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Nissenbaum Jonathan , Segal Emanuel , Philip Hagit , Cashman Rivki , Golan‐Lev Tamar , Reubinoff Benjamin E. , Turjeman Adi , Yanuka Ofra , Lezmi Elyad , Kopper Oded , Benvenisty Nissim
Published: November 2024

Taxanes and platinum molecules, specifically paclitaxel and carboplatin, are widely used anticancer drugs that induce cell death and serve as first‐line chemotherapy for various cancer types. Despite the efficient effect of both drugs on cancer cell proliferation, many tumours have innate resistance against paclitaxel and carboplatin, which leads to inefficient treatment and poor survival rates. Haploid human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are a novel and robust platform for genetic screening. To gain a comprehensive view of genes that affect or regulate paclitaxel and carboplatin resistance, genome‐wide loss‐of‐function screens in haploid hESCs were performed. Both paclitaxel and carboplatin screens have yielded selected plausible gene lists and pathways relevant to resistance prediction. The effects of mutations in selected genes on the resistance to the drugs were demonstrated. Based on the results, an algorithm that can predict resistance to paclitaxel or carboplatin was developed. Applying the algorithm to the DNA mutation profile of patients' tumours enabled the separation of sensitive versus resistant patients, thus, providing a prediction tool. As the anticancer drugs arsenal can offer alternatives in case of resistance to either paclitaxel or carboplatin, an early prediction can provide a significant advantage and should improve treatment. The algorithm assists this unmet need and helps predict whether a patient will respond to the treatment and may have an immediate clinically actionable application.
Developing guidelines on EFT for same‐sex/gender relationships: Recommendations from a Delphi study
Authors: Edwards Caitlin , Wittenborn Andrea K. , Allan Robert
Published: November 2024

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is one of few empirically supported treatments for relationship distress. While evidence‐based approaches are critical for ensuring safe and effective treatment, EFT has not been adapted for use with same‐sex/same‐gender (SS/SG) relationships. This study used the Delphi method to generate consensus on treatment guidelines for using EFT with SS/SG relationships. Forty therapists with clinical expertise in EFT for SS/SG relationships were recruited. Data were collected in three phases. In phase one, participants responded to open‐ended questions regarding how EFT should be adapted for SS/SG relationships. Phases two and three involved participants rating the importance of the recommended guidelines. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The final recommendations included 49 guidelines on EFT for SS/SG relationships. The data reflected modifications to therapists' foundational knowledge and development, practice set up and orientation, and the three stages and nine steps of EFT.
Associations of comorbid headache disorders and depression with leisure‐time physical activity among 14,088 adults in The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health
Authors: de Oliveira Arão Belitardo , Peres Mario Fernando Prieto , Mercante Juliane Prieto Peres , Brunoni André R. , Wang Yuan‐Pang , Molina Maria del Carmen B. , Uchiyama Lucas K. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Benseñor Isabela M. , Goulart Alessandra C.
Published: November 2024

Background

While headache disorders are linked to low physical activity levels, the impact of depression on this relationship is unclear.

Objective

To assess how single and comorbid diagnoses of migraine and tension‐type headache (TTH) interact with depression and leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) levels in The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional analysis based on the ELSA‐Brasil baseline data, the relationship of migraine, TTH (both assessed with the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Second Edition), and depression (assessed with the Clinical Interview Schedule–Revised) with LTPA levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) was investigated by employing linear regression models. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates, and interaction terms were created to examine additive effects of comorbid conditions.

Results

Among 14,088 participants, 54.4% (7668/14,088) were female, prevalence rates were: TTH = 39.6% (5573/14,088), migraine = 27.0% (3806/14,088), depression = 0.7% (94/14,088), depression + TTH = 1.1% (148/14,088), and depression + migraine = 2.5% (356/14,088). The mean (standard deviation) LTPA levels across the groups were: no headache + no depression = 148.7 (183.0) min/week, TTH = 133.5 (170.1) min/week, migraine = 110.3 (154.8) min/week, depression = 76.5 (146.3) min/week, depression + TTH = 84.5 (127.7) min/week, and depression + migraine = 64.3 (123.2) min/week. Negative associations were found for depression (β = −55.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] −93.6 to −17.0; p = 0.005), migraine (β = −24.7, 95% CI −33.2 to −15.4; p < 0.001), and TTH (β = −15.5, 95% CI −23.1 to −7.6; p < 0.001) with LTPA. No interaction effect was observed for depression + TTH (β = 36.0, 95% CI −12.6 to 84.6; p = 0.147) and depression + migraine (β = 31.7, 95% CI −11.3 to 74.7; p = 0.149), indicating no additive effect of comorbid conditions on LTPA levels. After adjusting for headache attack frequency, only depression + migraine remained negatively associated with LTPA (β = −38.7, 95% CI −71.6 to −5.8; p = 0.021).

Conclusions

Headache disorders and depression were independently and inversely associated with LTPA, with the strongest effects seen in depression alone or comorbid with migraine.
Efficacy of durvalumab plus tremelimumab treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in immunotherapy era clinical practice
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Tada Toshifumi , Hirooka Masashi , Kariyama Kazuya , Tani Joji , Atsukawa Masanori , Takaguchi Koichi , Itobayashi Ei , Fukunishi Shinya , Tsuji Kunihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Tajiri Kazuto , Ohama Hideko , Toyoda Hidenori , Ogawa Chikara , Nishimura Takashi , Hatanaka Takeshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Kawata Kazuhito , Naganuma Atsushi , Kosaka Hisashi , Matono Tomomitsu , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Yata Yutaka , Nishikawa Hiroki , Imai Michitaka , Aoki Tomoko , Ochi Hironori , Tada Fujimasa , Nakamura Shinichiro , Nakamura Yoshiko , Nouso Kazuhiro , Morishita Asahiro , Itokawa Norio , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Tsutsui Akemi , Nagano Takuya , Tanaka Kazunari , Tanaka Hironori , Koshiyama Yuichi , Kanayama Yuki , Noritake Hidenao , Enomoto Hirayuki , Kaibori Masaki , Hiasa Yoichi , Kudo Masatoshi , Kumada Takashi ,   RELPEC Group and HCC 48 Group
Published: November 2024

Aim

Since the development of tremelimumab plus durvalumab (Dur/Tre) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), it has been used as not only an initial but also later line treatment in clinical practice. This study aimed to elucidate clinical prognostic factors for progression‐free survival (PFS) in Dur/Tre treatment cases.

Methods

Enrolled were 183 uHCC patients treated with Dur/Tre from 2023 to May 2024 (median age, 74 years; male patients, 152; Child–Pugh class A:B, 150:33; Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B:C, 59:124; initial line use, 64). Clinical factors with prognostic influence on PFS in these patients were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The median observation period was 7.2 months (interquartile range, 3.2–10.4). History of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) treatment was the only significant prognostic factor for PFS at introduction of Dur/Tre in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 2.040, p = 0.028) (median PFS: without vs. with = 5.6 vs. 2.7 months, p < 0.001). Although immune‐mediated adverse events (imAE) occurrence was only significant in univariate analysis, when objective response and disease control rates were examined according to imAE positivity (any grade) at the time of analysis, those were noted in 14.4% and 39.2%, respectively, of patients without imAE, while in patients with imAE (any grade), they were noted in 18.2% and 56.1%, respectively (p = 0.523 and p = 0.038, respectively).

Conclusion

History of Atz/Bev treatment may be an independent clinical factor for poor PFS at Dur/Tre introduction.
Clinical features, treatment options and outcomes in primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas: a real‐world, multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Nikolaou Vasiliki , Koumprentziotis Ioannis‐Alexios , Papadavid Evangelia , Patsatsi Aikaterini , Diavati Stavrianna , Tsimpidakis Antonios , Kruger‐Krasagakis Sabine , Doxastaki Aikaterini , Marinos Leonidas , Kaliampou Stella , Gerochristou Maria , Koumourtzis Marios , Pappa Vasiliki , Kypraiou Efrosini , Kouloulias Vassilis , Angelopoulos Konstantinos , Machairas Alexandros , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros , Papadopoulou Vasiliki , Tsamaldoupis Athanasios , Georgiou Elisavet , Koletsa Triantafyllia , Stratigos Alexander , Siakantaris Marina , Angelopoulou Maria
Published: November 2024

Background

Primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (PCBCLs) are rare cutaneous neoplasms with limited literature regarding treatment options and associated treatment outcomes. This study aimed to investigate and present real‐world treatment outcomes in patients with PCBCLs.

Methods

All patients with PCBCL who were treated in five major referral centers for cutaneous lymphoma in Greece over 10 years were retrospectively included with their baseline characteristics and treatment‐associated outcomes collected and analyzed.

Results

In total, 235 PCBCL patients, of whom 125 (53.2%) were females, were included. The median age at diagnosis was 60 years (IQR 47–72), and the median follow‐up duration was 3 years (IQR 1.3–6.4). The most common subtype was primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) (52.3%), followed by primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) (40.9%), and primary cutaneous large B‐cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL, LT) with 16 (6.8%) cases. Complete responses (CRs) were observed in 77.3% after first‐line treatment. Both radiotherapy (RT) and surgical excision (SE) achieved superior outcomes, with 88.9% and 89% achieving CR, respectively. Relapses occurred in 22.6% of initial complete responders. The median time to the next treatment (TTNT) for the PCMZL and PCFCL was 349 days. RT and topical/intralesional steroids demonstrated longer TTNT compared to SE (445 and 359 vs. 154 days). For PCMZL and PCFCL, the 1‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was 84.2% (75.7–89.9) and 85% (75.1–91.2), and the 5‐year PFS was 66.5% (55.2–75.5) and 58.8% (44.4–70.7), respectively.

Conclusions

PCBCLs have favorable outcomes. RT demonstrates significantly increased TTNT compared to SE, suggesting RT as the preferable option. After careful evaluation, “watch and wait” may be a reasonable option for asymptomatic patients.
Survival and Complication Rates of Feldspathic, Leucite‐Reinforced, Lithium Disilicate and Zirconia Ceramic Laminate Veneers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Klein Patrick , Spitznagel Frank A. , Zembic Anja , Prott Lea S. , Pieralli Stefano , Bongaerts Brenda , Metzendorf Maria‐Inti , Langner Robert , Gierthmuehlen Petra C.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To analyze survival and complication rates for anterior and premolar laminate‐veneers out of different ceramic materials (feldspathic, leucite‐reinforced glass–ceramic [LRGC], lithium‐disilicate [LDS] and zirconia).

Material and Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases for clinical studies on ceramic laminate‐veneers with a minimum‐follow‐up of ≥ 1 year. The date of last search was on February 19, 2024. Survival, technical, esthetic and biological events were assessed for different laminate‐veneer materials at three observation periods (short‐ [1–3 years], mid‐ [4–6 years] and long‐term [≥ 7 years]).

Results

Twenty‐nine studies were included. Meta‐analysis revealed a pooled survival‐rate of 96.13% for feldspathic, 93.70% for LRGC and 96.81% for LDS at 10.4 years. No difference was found between materials. Complication rates (technical/esthetic/biological) were as follows: Feldspathic: 41.48%/19.64%/6.51%; LRGC: 29.87%/17.89%/4.4%; LDS: 6.1%/1.9%/0.45% at 10.4 years. Zirconia showed a 100% survival‐rate with no complications at 2.6 years. No long‐term data was available for zirconia.

Conclusions

Feldspathic, LRGC and LDS laminate‐veneers showed high survival‐rates at long‐term observation. LDS slightly outperforms feldspathic and LRGC laminate‐veneers with lower long‐term complication rates. More studies providing long‐term data on zirconia laminate‐veneers are needed.

Clinical Significance

Ceramic laminate‐veneers are a reliable treatment option. LDS may be preferred as a restorative material for long‐term success.
The Triple Layer Graft Protocol to Repair Esthetically Compromised Implants: Rationale, Technique, Indications, and Contraindications
Authors: Tarnow Dennis P. , Chu Stephanie M. , Chu Stephen J.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

These two clinical case reports show the use of the Triple Layer Graft procedure along with the Decoronation procedure to help restore normal contour and height of tissue The procedure was highly effective at restoring the esthetics that the patients needed on their implants. Short and long term results along with the step by step technique are shown.

Clinical Considerations

Two patients of 33 and 25 years of age both had significant reduction in the height over their implants in the #7 and #10 locations. The first patient had the implants placed 15 years ago and the second patient had them done 5 years before our treatment. Current techniques to remedy esthetic issues created by malpositioned implants consist of soft and/or hard tissue grafting but tend to be utilized independently of each other in discrete procedures as opposed to being combined in one surgical protocol. The Triple Layer Graft (TLG) surgical protocol is novel in that it incorporates all three layers of grafting to address both soft and hard tissue deficits in one procedure done at one time after doing a decoronation technique. The TLG surgical and prosthetic protocol has been previously published by these authors, but this article will discuss the rationale along with the technique and indications and contraindications, illustrated via case reports. The authors will also report on the long‐term results of this technique.

Conclusions

The Triple Layer Graft TLG) in combination with the Decoronation technique is an effective method in managing mild as well as severe esthetic defects over the facial of previously placed implants.

Clinical Significance

The Triple Layer Graft will allow implants that were previously removed in order to place a new implant along with ridge augmentation may be able to be saved. This is a wonderful procedure for the patient since the implant does not have to be removed and replaced.
Is it beneficial to be a city dweller? Impacts of urban conditions on red fox reproduction
Authors: Jackowiak M. , Jasińska K. D. , Gryz J. , Guzowska E. , Szyc K. , Krauze‐Gryz D.
Published: November 2024

Various species inhabit cities around the world, and numerous changes in their biology can be observed. Among them, changes in the time of reproduction or productivity are often recorded in urban populations. Firstly, we compared selected reproductive features (i.e., litter size and time of breeding) of two red fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations, one living in the city of Warsaw and the other inhabiting a forest‐field mosaic in Central Poland. Secondly, we investigated fox reproductive and social behaviour in an extensive camera trap study in Warsaw (2018–2021). By means of generalized linear mixed effects models, we identified which factors (fox social group size, share of natural food, and level of urbanization, created by using principal components analysis for habitat and landscape variables) affected the reproduction and/or social group size of urban foxes. We found that urban foxes started breeding about 2 weeks earlier than their rural counterparts and produced bigger litters (3.98 vs. 3.48 cubs). Opposite to rural foxes where only pairs of adult foxes were reported, in the urban population, social groups were observed with a mean number of 2.37 individuals. Interestingly, none of the studied factors affected group size or litter size in urban foxes, while breeding time was influenced by the level of urbanization and share of natural food. Earlier reproduction in urban areas is fairly frequently observed and may be attributed to altered environmental conditions in urban habitats, while higher productivity is probably a consequence of higher food availability.
Contribution of disease to Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) pup mortality at Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, 2016–2022
Authors: Lindsay Scott A. , Fulham Mariel , Stonnill Melanie , Caraguel Charles G. B. , Gray Rachael
Published: November 2024

The endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) population is declining, and its conservation is threatened by the species' low fecundity and high pup mortality. This study details reasons for pup deaths and quantifies the impacts of disease and comorbidity. Of 284 dead pups reported from five breeding seasons (2016–2022) at the Seal Bay colony, Kangaroo Island, gross necropsy was conducted on 122, with fecal analysis for hookworm (Uncinaria sanguinis) detection, tissue histology, and bacterial culture performed on subsets. Determinable primary causes of mortality were conspecific trauma (± comorbidity, 41.0%), starvation (24.6%), and infectious disease (hookworm‐associated hemorrhagic enteritis [HAHE] ± bacterial infection, 19.7%). Allowing for comorbidity, 37.7% of pups died with an infectious disease, including 44.0% of deaths with trauma and 41.5% with starvation. In higher mortality summer‐autumn breeding seasons, pups were at greater risk of trauma (p = .001) and subsequent bacterial infection (p < .001). Parasiticide treatment significantly reduced HAHE‐associated (p = .005) and overall mortality (p < .001) risk, suggesting hookworm infection increases pup susceptibility to other causes of mortality. Although the exact causal pathways for this treatment‐related overall mortality benefit remain to be confirmed, intervention appears highly impactful and could benefit species conservation efforts.
Multisensory stimulation to reduce procedural pain in retinopathy of prematurity: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tasdemir Halil Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

Background

Retinopathy is frequently seen in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and its examination is a painful procedure for infants.

Aim

This randomized active‐controlled trial aimed to investigate the impact of multisensory stimulation (MSS) on neonatal pain during retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examinations, in comparison with a white noise (WN) and control group receiving standard care.

Study Design

Conducted as a three‐arm, randomized controlled trial, the study was implemented in the NICU of a local university hospital. Recruitment spanned from July 2023 to November 2023, with preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks) randomly assigned to either a MSS, WN or a control group. MSS components included visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory and gustatory stimuli, all designed to create a synergistic, comforting environment for the infant during the procedure. Procedural pain, heart rate and oxygen saturation were assessed at various stages before and after ROP examinations.

Results

Analysis of 90 participants revealed that the MSS group exhibited lower Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) scores than the WN and control groups (mean difference: −2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.62 to −1.62; odds ratio [OR]: 0.004, 95% CI [0.001, 0.012], p < 0.001). Additionally, heart rates were significantly lower in the MSS group (mean difference: −15.3 beats/min, 95% CI: −20.5 to −10.1; OR: 0.025, 95% CI [0.008, 0.073], p < .001) and oxygen saturation levels were higher (mean difference: 3.2%, 95% CI: 1.8% to 4.6%; OR: 1.12, 95% CI [1.05, 1.20], p < .001) than in the other groups.

Conclusions

MSS emerges as a favourable, safe and non‐pharmacological intervention for pain management in ROP and similar procedures.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Multisensory stimulation can be effectively integrated into the routine care provided by critical care nurses during retinopathy of prematurity examinations in preterm infants. This non‐pharmacological intervention offers a practical approach for critical care nurses to reduce procedural pain and improve physiological stability in this vulnerable population.
The association between composite measures of social vulnerability and PICU admission for status asthmaticus
Authors: Jones Justin , Klein Margaret J. , Adiwidjaja Alicia , Ross Patrick , Keefer Matthew , Tan Jonathan M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Current knowledge of the impact of socioeconomic factors on the risk of admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for asthma is limited. Using composite measures of social vulnerability—Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and Child Opportunity Index (COI) 2.0—we compared patients admitted for status asthmaticus to the PICU and pediatric ward at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). We hypothesized patients with a high SVI and low COI are at higher risk for PICU admission.

Methods

Patients were identified using ICD‐10 codes for asthma. Primary outcome was admission to PICU versus ward for status asthmaticus. Patient‐registered residential street addresses were geocoded and spatially joined to SVI and COI 2.0 data at the census tract level. Univariate and regression analyses using the patient's SVI, COI 2.0, and admission location were conducted.

Results

From January 2017 to March 2022, there were 2458 admissions matched to addresses from 1983 distinct patients. The overall median SVI for all patients was 0.86 (IQR 0.6, 0.9). Overall median COI was 25.0 (IQR 10, 50). There was no difference in SVI or COI for admission to the PICU versus the ward. However, children requiring multiple hospital admissions for asthma were associated with higher SVI and lower COI.

Conclusions

Children admitted to CHLA for asthma had an elevated SVI and low COI. There was no difference between admission locations based on SVI or COI scores. This indicates we care for children at increased socioeconomic risk, but this did not increase PICU use for asthma.
The need for general adaptive capacity—Discussing resilience with complex adaptive systems theory
Authors: Scharte Benjamin
Published: November 2024

The concept of resilience intrinsically links with both complexity and adaptive capacity. Scholars from different fields agree on this. Still, the detailed relations between resilience, complexity, and adaptive capacity need a more thorough theoretical analysis. This article analyses resilience with the help of assumptions from complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory to answer two questions in more detail: What is the relation between resilience and complexity? How can adaptive capacity contribute to resilience? By applying basic ideas from CAS theory to the resilience discourse, the article deduces that complexity of a system is a necessary condition for resilience because complex systems consist of agents that possess adaptive capacity, whereas simple systems consist of mere elements that cannot adapt to unexpected disruptions. The relation between complexity and resilience is multidimensional. Growing complexity leads to a growing need for resilience because the chances for severe, unexpected disruptions increase. The analysis of adaptive capacities revealed that systems and the agents they consist of can possess of specialized and general adaptive capacity. General adaptive capacity is the core feature of resilience because it enables systems to cope with unexpected disruptions. System design principles such as diversity within functional groups and redundancy help to increase general adaptive capacity. The same is true on the community level for social capital and on the individual level for disaster preparedness measures because they increase coping capacities independent of specific hazards.
Exploring the Mechanisms of the Development of Social Welfare Policies for Vulnerable Children in China—A Multicase Study
Authors: Chen Renxing , Zhu Lin , Lu Ying
Published: November 2024

With China's shift from its planned economy to a market economy in the early 1980s, followed by the tremendous socioeconomic changes in the 1990s and beyond that were initiated by the reform and opening‐up, vulnerable children have emerged as a growing population. In response to the rising needs of those vulnerable children, the Chinese government has developed a series of social welfare policies (SWPs). However, few studies have examined the policymaking processes and the mechanisms for forming and changing China's SWPs for vulnerable children. Therefore, to bridge that research gap we have focused in this study on the agenda‐setting of SWPs for vulnerable children in China. We selected the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) as our conceptual framework, and we used the process‐tracing approach to analyse the mechanisms of China's SWP development for vulnerable children. Using a multicase study, we found that a specific ‘focusing event’ formed a problem stream in each case. Then, helped by the media and the Internet, those focusing events triggered the national mood and shaped public opinion, which in turn formed a politics stream. Feeling growing pressure from the public, political leaders assigned tasks via written instructions intended to solve the problems and ensure that local governments act immediately. Hence, written instructions became a policy stream, and political leaders were the policy entrepreneurs. This article contributes to the theory by examining the MSF with China's cases and then modifying the framework with Chinese characteristics.
Comparison of Policy Responses to the COVID‐19 Pandemic. Does It Reproduce the Old Patterns?
Authors: Piłat Adam
Published: November 2024

The research's main objectives are to verify systemic differences between OECD countries in terms of their early responses to the COVID‐19 economic challenge and to compare newly established taxonomy with old patterns determined by classifications that can be found in the literature. Research is based on a few methods of cluster analysis—hierarchical clustering and the k‐means method are supplemented with insights derived from the application of c‐means fuzzy clustering. It also applies Rand and Jaccard indices to compare a new taxonomy with existing classifications of welfare states and capitalistic systems. Objective comparison of the new taxonomy with those existing in the literature with the application of statistical methods is the most significant contribution of the article. Results suggest that it is possible to distinguish various strategies for dealing with the COVID‐19 economic consequences in the early period of the pandemic, but demarcation lines between particular clusters significantly differ from the findings of previous studies.
Immunological Pre‐Metastatic Niche in Dogs With Naturally Occurring Osteosarcoma
Authors: Kerboeuf Mikael , Anfinsen Kristin Paaske , Koppang Erling Olaf , Lingaas Frode , Argyle David , Teige Jon , Sævik Bente Kristin , Moe Lars
Published: November 2024

Pre‐metastatic niche (PMN) formation is essential for metastatic development and drives organotropism. Tumour‐derived extracellular vesicles and soluble factors remodel the microenvironment of distant metastatic organs before subsequent metastasis. Dogs with osteosarcoma (OS) have proven to be excellent disease models for their human companions. Here, we show evidence of PMN formation in dogs with OS before metastasis. We necropsied and sampled lung tissues from dogs with naturally occurring treatment‐naïve OS (n = 15) and control dogs without cancer (n = 10). We further divided dogs with OS into those having lung metastases (n = 5) and those without (n = 10). We stained formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues using multiplex immunofluorescence to quantify the number of bone marrow‐derived cells, monocytes and macrophages in the lung samples from each dog. The numbers of CD204+ macrophages, CD206+ macrophages and monocytes and CD11d+ bone marrow‐derived cells (BMDCs) were significantly higher in the pre‐metastatic lung of dogs with OS (n = 10) than in control dogs without cancer (n = 10). Furthermore, the total nucleated cell (DAPI+) density was higher before metastasis than in healthy lungs. In dogs with established metastases, the number of CD11d+ BMDCs was significantly lower than in the pre‐metastatic lung, suggesting this recruitment is transient. Our study provides evidence of PMN existence in a naturally occurring cancer model similar to those observed in pre‐clinical murine models. BMDCs are recruited to the lungs before metastases have developed. Dogs with OS may represent ideal candidates for assessing new PMN‐targeting therapies.
La intervención patrimonial vs. la contratación pública: desafíos y soluciones encontradas durante la intervención de un BIC en el centro de Bogotá
Authors: Puentes Lagos David Ernesto , Cuatindioy Enríquez David Francisco , Suárez Prieto Iván Ramón
Published: November 2024

Este artículo ofrece una visión detallada del complejo proceso de intervención en edificios patrimoniales, destacando la importancia de los aspectos contractuales y lo que implica ejecutar un contrato de obra de este tipo, además de la coordinación que debe darse entre diversas entidades y profesionales encargados.
La investigación se estructuró como un estudio de caso e inicia con una revisión de casos y dificultades similares, para luego analizar algunas situaciones precisas que se presentaron, con sus soluciones implementadas. Termina con algunas conclusiones y hallazgos que documentan aprendizajes para futuras intervenciones de BIC.
Se revelaron en la investigación desafíos comunes en proyectos públicos, como retrasos por problemas de suministros, por malos procedimientos y por mala planificación, que se traducen en ineficiencia. Además, se enfatiza en la adaptación o modificación que sufre una propuesta de diseño inicial para intervenir un bien de interés cultural, por las realidades contractuales y técnicas. También, se resalta la flexibilidad y el dinamismo necesario en la gestión del patrimonio. Este análisis proporciona una comprensión más profunda de los desafíos y procesos que implican la conservación del patrimonio cultural arquitectónico, al tiempo que resalta la necesidad de planificar bien el proceso y acompañarlo de supervisión especializada.
Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Ventilatory Functions in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Elgayar Saher Lotfy
Published: November 2024

The goal of this research was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercises (AEs) on ventilatory functions, chest expansion, exercise capacity, and quality of life in women with rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 66 women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis were assigned randomly to two groups of the same size. Over a period of 12 weeks, the AE group engaged in aerobic workouts of moderate-to-high intensity, three times per week, along with diaphragmatic breathing exercises, whereas the control group only received diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Outcome measures included forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, total lung capacity, upper and lower chest expansions, maximal oxygen consumption, physical component score, and mental component score components of the 12-item Short Form Health Survey. Compared with baseline measurements, the AE and control groups exhibited substantial improvements in all outcomes by the completion of the trial (p < .05). Compared with the controls, the AE group revealed substantial increases in forced vital capacity (10.2% vs. 4.8%, p = .02), forced expiratory volume in the first second (8.9% vs. 4.07%, p = .01), total lung capacity (10.86% vs. 5.35%, p = .008), upper chest expansion (21.37% vs. 11.71%, p = .04), lower chest expansion (28.33% vs. 10.63%, p = .03), maximal oxygen consumption (30.7% vs. 15.01%, p = .01), physical component score (17.68% vs. 11.04%, p = .003), and mental component score (25.65% vs. 13.21%, p = .01). In women with rheumatoid arthritis, the addition of moderate-to-high AE to diaphragmatic breathing exercises could improve ventilatory functions, chest expansion, exercise capacity, and quality of life.
Person in Uniforms Re-Identification
Authors: Xiang Chong-Yang , Wu Xiao , He Jun-Yan , Yuan Zhaoquan , He Tingquan
Published: November 2024

Person in Uniforms Re-identification (PU-ReID) is an emerging computer vision task for various intelligent video surveillance applications. PU-ReID is much understudied due to the absence of large-scale annotated datasets, also this task is extremely challenging because many individuals captured in surveillance videos wear same clothing, introducing significant interference for retrieval tasks owing to the high visual similarity of outfits and subtle differences among individuals. This research initiates the exploration of person in uniforms re-identification, a novel and challenging task tailored for real industrial scenarios. To address these issues, a novel framework is proposed for PU-ReID, which aims to reduce the visual impact of similar uniforms and learn the unique cues derived from human parts and detailed visual features. Specifically, several novel techniques are built in this study: first, a uniform feature separation method with orthogonal constraints is proposed to extract non-uniform features. Second, multi-view subspace feature alignment is introduced to integrate soft-biometrics including optics-related visual features, contextual information of human parts, and cloth-invariant biometric features. In addition, to close the gap between academic research and real-world settings, a new person in uniforms ReID dataset named PU-151 is constructed, which consists of 151 gas station employees in uniforms from 1,488 videos. At last, extensive experiments conducted on five datasets demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods. This advancement can drive further developments in re-identification and person search technologies.
Probiotics in Health Care: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Quigley Eamonn M.M. , Shanahan Fergus
Published: November 2024

Consumption of probiotic products continues to increase, perhaps driven by an interest in gut health. However, the field is filled with controversy, inconsistencies, misuse of terminology, and poor communication. While the probiotic concept is biologically plausible and in some cases mechanistically well established, extrapolation of preclinical results to humans has seldom been proven in well-conducted clinical trials. With noteworthy exceptions, clinical guidance has often been derived not from large, adequately powered clinical trials but rather from comparisons of disparate, small studies with insufficient power to identify the optimal strain. The separation of probiotics from live biotherapeutic products has brought some clarity from a regulatory perspective, but in both cases, consumers should expect scientific rigor and strong supporting evidence for health claims.
Medical Therapy Alone, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, or Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Amponsah Daniel K. , Fearon William F.
Published: November 2024

In this review, we describe how the management of coronary artery disease (CAD) has become increasingly complex due to the rapid evolution of pharmacotherapy and procedural techniques. The expanding array of treatment options has driven researchers to investigate the optimal combination of therapies; while the findings offer invaluable insights, the sheer volume and occasional contradictions can foster confusion. Given the diverse spectrum of CAD and its manifestations, a tailored treatment decision is critical for each patient. We hope to demonstrate that by integrating the key messages from clinical trials and prioritizing patient comprehension and preference, healthcare providers can guide their patients toward appropriate treatment options, ultimately leading to enhanced care.
Synthesis and Properties of Moisture‐Crosslinkable Poly(Urethane‐Urea) With Intrinsic Flame Retardancy
Authors: He Zongke , Jiang Pengfei , Wang Ziyue , Gao Yangfeng , Guo Jichang , Wei Yaozhong , Liu Chang
Published: November 2024

To improve the deteriorated performance caused by CO2 release during the curing process of traditional moisture‐crosslinked polyurethane or polyurea and poor flame retardancy, this work realized an effective in situ crosslinking technique triggered by moisture for poly(urethane‐urea) with intrinsic flame retardancy, through the incorporation of trimethoxysilane and phosphorus groups via a continuous two‐stage process. Moisture‐triggered crosslinking reaction of trimethoxysilane groups resulted in the establishment of a robust Si─O─Si network, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test. The structure transformation considerably enhanced the material’s strength, with the stress at break increasing from 1.0 to 3.2 MPa and modulus from 32.9 to 46.9 MPa. The flame retardant properties of PUUS1 (poly(urethane‐urea) sample) were investigated through limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter (CCT) analysis, demonstrating satisfactory flame resistance, as evidenced by high LOI value of 29%, high char yield of 46.2%, and controlled smoke production. Combining thermogravimetric analysis‐infrared spectrometry (TG‐IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and flame retardant performance, it is speculated that the generation of phosphorus‐free radical scavengers in gas phase from diethyl bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) aminomethyl phosphonate (DBHAP), coupled with the barrier effects of charred layer and distinctive Si─O─Si framework in condensed phase inhibited combustion and toxic gas emission. The results highlight the successful synthesis of a moisture‐crosslinkable poly(urethane‐urea) with intrinsic flame retardancy, promising for applications necessitating moisture‐crosslinkable materials with superior flame resistance.
Sustainable Approach for Utilization of Mango Peel Wastes for Pectin Extraction by Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Saravanan R. , Jeevitha G. C.
Published: November 2024

Sequential ultrasound‐ and microwave‐assisted natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were used for the extraction of pectin from mango peels in this study. The two different NADES composed of proline: malonic acid (Pro: MA) and choline chloride: tartaric acid (ChCl: TA) which resulted in higher pectin yield were selected for further optimization studies. The processing conditions such as sonication duration, microwave intensity, microwave processing duration, and liquid–solid ratio were optimized using Box–Behnken design. The optimized conditions are sonication duration (7.5 min), microwave intensity (40 W/g), microwave processing duration (5 min), and liquid–solid ratio (65%). The physicochemical and technofunctional properties of pectin extracted using NADES were compared with conventional acid–extracted pectin. The moisture and ash content of NADES‐extracted pectin were within the specified limit provided by the International Pectin Producers Association. The NADES‐based extracted pectin contains galacturonic acid content higher than 65%, as mentioned by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and the European Commission. The higher anhydrouronic acid content of pectin (88.8 ± 0.21%–90.82 ± 0.11%) represents the superior purity of pectin. The higher degree of esterification (> 50%) indicates the extracted pectin is a high ester pectin. The similarity of FT‐IR spectra at 800–1300 cm−1 with the “fingerprint zone” of carbohydrates indicates that extracted pectin is functional pectin. The results showed that ultrasound‐ and microwave‐assisted NADES are efficient systems for extracting pectin with a high degree of esterification from mango peels.