bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melody of Vocants: Fixed Pattern or Shaped by Hearing?
Authors: Wermke Kathleen , Clad Fabian , Blum Daria , Cebulla Mario , Shehata-Dieler Wafaa
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Vocants as infants’ first vocalic utterances are produced laryngeally while the vocal tract is maintained in a neutral position. These “primitive” sounds have sometimes been described as largely innate and, therefore, as sounding alike in both healthy and hearing-impaired young infants. Objective: The objective of this study is to compare melody features of vocants, recorded during face-to-face interaction, between infants (N = 8) with profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss (HI group) and age-matched (N = 18) controls (CO) group. The question was as follows: does a lack of auditory feedback have a noticeable effect on melodic features of vocants? Methods: The cooing database totalled 6,998 vocalizations (HI: N = 2,847; CO: N = 4,151), all of which had been recorded during the observation period of 60–181 days of age. Identification of the vocants (N = 1,148) was based on broadband spectrograms (KAY-CSL) and auditory impressions. Fundamental frequency (F0) analyses were performed (PRAAT) and the pattern of the F0 contour (melody) analysed using specific in-lab software (CDAP, pw-project). Generalized mixed linear models were used to perform group comparisons. Results: There was a clear predominance of a simple rising-falling pattern (single melody arcs) in vocants of both groups. Nonetheless, significantly more complex contours, particularly, double-arc structures, were found in vocants of the CO group. Moreover, vocants of the HI group were shorter than those uttered by the CO group, while the mean F0 did not significantly differ. Conclusion: Vocants are characterized by both, innate features, found in HI and CO groups, and features that additionally require a functioning auditory system. Even at an early pre-linguistic stage, somatosensory sensations cannot compensate for a lack of auditory feedback. Vocants might be relevant in the early diagnosis of hearing disorders and assessments of the effectiveness of, or adjustments required to, hearing aids.
Biomechanical Parameters of Voice in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Romero Arias Tatiana , Redondo Cortés Inés , Pérez del Olmo Adrián
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Previous research on voice in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has consistently demonstrated alterations in acoustic parameters, including fundamental frequency (F0), maximum phonation time, Shimmer, and Jitter. However, investigations into acoustic parameter alterations in individuals with PD are limited. Methods: We conducted an experimental study involving 20 PD patients (six women and fourteen men). Subjective measures of voice (VHI-30 scale and GRBAS) and objective measures using the OnlineLAB App tool for analyzing biomechanical correlates of voice were recorded. The app analyzed a total of 22 biomechanical parameters of voice. Results: The results of subjective measures were consistent with findings from previous studies. However, the results of objective measures did not align with studies that employed acoustic measures. Conclusions: The biomechanical analysis revealed alterations in various parameters according to gender. These findings open up a new avenue of research in voice analysis for patients with PD, whether through acoustic or biomechanical analysis, aiming to determine whether the observed changes in these patients’ voices are attributable to age or disease progression. This line of investigation will help elucidate the relative contribution of these factors to vocal alterations in PD patients and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
Evaluating the Personal Narrative Skills of Monolingual Turkish-Speaking 7- and 10-Year-Old Children with Typical Development through Global TALES: A Pilot Study
Authors: Maviş İlknur , Yaşar-Gündüz Esra
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Studies on personal narratives are rare in Turkey and there is no standard protocol for eliciting them. The aim of this small-scale study was to translate the Global TALES Protocol into Turkish, with cultural adaptations, and to present the results regarding its usability for two different age-groups of 7- and 10-year-old school children. We investigated narrative skills in terms of verbal productivity (number of utterances, total number of words), syntactic complexity (mean length of utterance), and semantic diversity (number of different words). In addition, group comparisons were made in terms of the participants’ gender and age. Methods: A total of 20 children, 10 from each age-group (7;0–7;11 and 10;0–10;11) participated in the study. All children were monolingual Turkish-speaking children with typical development. Participants were recruited through personal and/or social networks. All personal narratives were gathered via online connections (Zoom). Results: Descriptive statistics were used to describe the children’s performance, and the analysis of group differences was made separately according to age and gender. All children produced narratives in response to the six protocol prompts. In addition, the number of children who did not require the scripted follow-up prompts was higher than those needing a scripted follow-up prompt to produce a response. No statistically significant group differences were found in terms of gender and age on any of the measurements. Conclusion: The results from this small-scale investigation showed that the translated version of the Global TALES Protocol was effective in eliciting personal narratives from Turkish-speaking children. We concluded that there is no need to change the directions or give additional guidance or prompts to the children. Future studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.
Cerebellar Volume Reduction in Patients with Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Evidence of a Potential Role of the Cerebellum
Authors: Lee Dong Ah , Lee Ho-Joon , Park Kang Min
Published: August 2023

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate changes in the total cerebellar volume, subdivisions of the cerebellar volume, and intrinsic cerebellar network in patients with isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) compared to healthy controls. Methods: We enrolled patients with newly diagnosed iRBD and healthy controls who had no structural lesions according to their brain MRI. All participants underwent three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging. We obtained the total cerebellar volume and subdivisions of the cerebellar volume using the ACAPULCO program and calculated the intrinsic cerebellar network using a BRAPH program based on the subdivisions of the cerebellar volume by applying a graph theory. We compared the cerebellar volumes and intrinsic cerebellar network between the patients with iRBD and healthy controls. Results: In total, we enrolled 43 patients with iRBD and 47 healthy controls. Total cerebellar volume in patients with iRBD was lower than that in the healthy controls (8.4637 vs. 9.0863%, p = 0.0001). There were significant differences in the subdivisions of cerebellar volume between the groups. The volumes of the right and left lobule VIIB in the patients with iRBD were lower than those in the healthy controls (right, 0.3495 vs. 0.4025%, p = 0.0009; left, 0.3561 vs. 0.4293%, p < 0.0001). However, the other cerebellar volumes, such as the corpus meullare and vermis, were not different between the groups. The intrinsic cerebellar network was not different between the patients with iRBD and healthy controls. Conclusion: We found decreased total cerebellar volumes and subdivisions of the cerebellar volume, particularly in the right and left lobule VIIB, in patients with iRBD compared to healthy controls. The present results suggest that the cerebellum may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of iRBD.
The External Validation of the Nursing Homes Short Depression Inventory in Older Adults with Major Neurocognitive Disorders in Long-Term Care Centers
Authors: Toulouse Élodie , Carrier Daphnée , Villemure Maire-Pier , Roy Desruisseaux Jessika , Rochefort Christian M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Depression is often difficult to detect in long-term care (LTC) patients with major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD), and an observer-rated screening scale could facilitate assessments. This study aimed to establish the external validity and reliability of the Nursing Homes Short Depression Inventory (NH-SDI) in LTC patients with MNCD and to compare its estimates to the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), the most used scale for depression in MNCD. Methods: A focus discussion group of experts assessed the content validity of the NH-SDI. Then, a convenience sample of 93 LTC patients with MNCD was observer-rated by trained nurses with the NH-SDI and CSDD. For 57 patients, a medical assessment of depression was obtained, and screening accuracy estimates were generated. Results: The prevalence of depression was 8.8% as per reference standard. NH-SDI’s content validity was judged acceptable with minor item wording modifications and specifications. The NH-SDI (cut-off ≥3) achieved 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 46–100%) sensitivity, 83% (95% CI: 69–91%) specificity, and 36% (95% CI: 14–64%) positive predictive value (PPV). The CSDD (cut-off ≥3) achieved 100% (95% CI: 46–100%) sensitivity, 75% (95% CI: 61–86%) specificity, and 28% (95% CI: 11–54%) PPV. No significant differences in areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were found between scales. The NH-SDI and CSDD were highly correlated (rs = 0.913; p < 0.001) and reliable (ICC = 0.77; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The NH-SDI appears valid and reliable in LTC patients with MNCD and quicker than the CSDD to rule out depression in a busy or short-staffed setting.
Frailty Predicts Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Women but Not in Men: The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study
Authors: Tajik Behnam , Voutilainen Ari , Lyytinen Arja , Kauhanen Jussi , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka , Isanejad Masoud
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common aging problems and increasing globally. The association(s) between frailty and AF has been inconclusive. The purpose of this prospective population-based cohort was to investigate the associations between frailty and incident AF in older men and women. Methods: In total 839 participants, women (n = 458) and men (n = 381), aged 61–74 years from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study were included (March 1, 1998, to December 31, 2001). At the baseline, frailty prevalence was 49.3% (n = 414), and non-frailty 50.7% (n = 425) of the total population. Frailty was ascertained with the presence of 3–5 and prefrailty 1–2 of the following criteria: weight loss (highest 20% over 7 years), self-reported tiredness, weakness (measured by handgrip strength), slow walking speed (walking pace), and low physical activity (lowest 20%). AF events were obtained by record linkages from the national computerized hospitalization registry in Finland up to December 31, 2019. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of incident events, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: During the mean follow-up of 14.2 years, 288 AF cases (169 women; 119 men) occurred. After adjustment for possible confounders, the HRs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for AF was 1.46 (1.48–1.85) in the frail population, compared to the non-frail group. The association was observed only among older frail women (multivariable-adjusted HR 1.78, 95% CI [1.28–2.48]) (p for interaction = 0.04). No statistically significant associations were observed between frailty and future AF incident among men (multivariable-adjusted HRs 1.12, 95% CI (0.77–1.63)). Conclusions: In this population-based epidemiological cohort, the risk of developing AF was increased in women affected by frailty at baseline but not in men.
Validation of Administrative Health Data Algorithms for Identifying Persons with Parkinson’s Disease and the 10-Year Prevalence Trend in Bologna, Italy
Authors: Zenesini Corrado , Belotti Laura Maria Beatrice , Baccari Flavia , Baldin Elisa , Ridley Ben , Calandra-Buonaura Giovanna , Cortelli Pietro , D’Alessandro Roberto , Nonino Francesco , Vignatelli Luca
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Health administrative databases are widely used for the estimation of the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Few in general, and none used in Italy, have been validated by testing their diagnostic accuracy. The primary objective was to validate two algorithms for the identification of persons with PD using clinical diagnosis as the reference standard on an Italian sample of people with PD. The second objective was to estimate 10-year trends in PD prevalence in the Bologna Local Health Trust from 2010 to 2019. Methods: Two algorithms (index tests) applied to health administrative databases (hospital discharge, drug prescriptions, exemptions for medical costs) were validated against clinical diagnosis of PD by an expert neurologist (reference standard) in a cohort of consecutive outpatients. Sensitivity and specificity with relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The prevalence of PD in a specific year was estimated as the ratio between the number of subjects fulfilling any criteria of the algorithm with better diagnostic accuracy and the total population in the same year (×1,000), stratified by age, sex, and district of residence. Results: The two algorithms showed high accuracy for identifying patients with PD: one with greater sensitivity of 94.2% (CI: 88.4–97.6) and the other with greater specificity of 98.1% (CI: 97.7–98.5). For the estimation of prevalence, we chose the most specific algorithm with the fewest total number of misclassified cases. We identified 3,798 people with PD as of December 31, 2019, corresponding to a prevalence of 4.3 per 1,000 inhabitants (CI: 4.2–4.4). Prevalence was higher in males (4.7, CI: 4.5–5.0) than females (3.8, CI: 3.7–4.0) and increased with age. The crude prevalence over time was slightly elevated as it followed a progressive aging of the population. When stratifying the prevalence for age groups, we did not observe a trend except in the 45–64 year category where we observed an increasing trend over time. Conclusion: Algorithms based on administrative data are accurate when detecting people with PD in the Italian public health system. In a large northern Italian population, increased prevalence of about 10% was observed in the decade 2010–2019 and is explained by increased life expectancy. These data may be useful in planning the allocation of health care resources for people with PD.
Long-Term Survival of Ischemic Stroke Patients according to Prior Cognitive Status: Dijon Stroke Registry
Authors: Béjot Yannick , Pinguet Valentin , Duloquin Gauthier
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Understanding the influence of preexisting cognitive impairment on the poststroke outcome is a critical challenge in the context of current aging and growing population. This study aimed to assess long-term survival of patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS) according to their premorbid cognitive status and to identify contributing factors of death. Methods: Patients with IS were prospectively identified among residents of Dijon, France, using a population-based registry (2013–2017). The association between case fatality at 5 years and prestroke cognitive status was assessed by multivariable Cox models adjusted for other clinical characteristics and preexisting brain damage on the initial CT scan including leukoaraiosis, old vascular brain lesions, and cortical and central brain atrophy, as well as major arterial occlusion. Results: 1,049 patients were included (mean age ± SD: 76.3 ± 15.2 years old, 54% women). Case fatality rates at 5 years were 38.1% in patients without cognitive impairment, 65.9% in patients with prior mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 132, 12.6%), and 86.6% in patients with dementia (n = 164, 15.6%) (p < 0.001). MCI (HR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.06–1.81, p = 0.016) and dementia (HR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.45–2.46, p < 0.001) were both independently associated with higher case fatality after adjustment for clinical variables. The association remained significant after further adjustment for preexisting brain damage and major arterial occlusion (HR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.10–1.98, p = 0.009, for MCI and HR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.43–2.53, p < 0.001, for dementia) among patients with available data on the CT scan (n = 916). Factors associated with death were roughly similar across groups. Conclusion: This study highlighted a poor long-term survival of IS patients with preexisting cognitive impairment, independently of other contributing factors of death. It is critical to better understand the trajectory of IS patients with preexisting cognitive impairment and to identify prognostic markers to guide clinicians in their management strategies.
Circulating Neuropeptide Y May Be a Biomarker for Diagnosing Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Peng , Guo Junxia , Li Yuhui , Liu Hui , Kang Xiaohong , Liu Shuangshuang , Zhang Yongchun
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Sympathetic nervous system disorder promotes atrial fibrillation (AF), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an important neurotransmitter. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of plasma NPY in patients with AF. Methods: Five hundred seventy-six patients were divided into AF (including paroxysmal and long-standing persistent AF; 360) and sinus rhythm (SR) groups (216). NPY level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and NPY mRNA expression level was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression was used to analyse the risk factors for AF; the correlations between blood NPY level and age, body mass index (BMI), left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter (LAD), and European Heart rate Association (EHRA) score in patients with AF were determined. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilised to predict AF. Results: Plasma NPY levels were found to be higher in patients with AF than in patients with SR and in patients with long-standing persistent AF than in patients with paroxysmal AF; blood NPY mRNA levels were higher in the paroxysmal and long-standing persistent AF groups compared to the SR group (p < 0.05). Increased age {odds ratio (OR) = 1.201 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.427)} and high NPY [OR = 1.239 (95% CI: 1.022, 1.501)] were factors found to affect AF detrimentally. NPY was associated with BMI (r = 0.5856, p < 0.05), LAD (r = 0.4023, p < 0.05), and EHRA score (r = 0.898, p < 0.05). The ROC curve for the predictive value of plasma NPY levels for AF showed an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.919 (p < 0.05), while that for long-standing persistent AF showed an AUC of 0.784 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Circulating NPY may be a promising molecular biomarker of AF.
Radiation Optic Neuropathy: Management Options
Authors: Oakey Zackery , Yeşiltaş Yağmur Seda , Singh Arun D.
Published: August 2023

Background: Radiation optic neuropathy may be one side effect of ionizing radiation exposure to the eye found in a minority of patients. It is generally devastating for visual function and has been the subject of a small but growing literature with respect to its pathophysiology, treatment, and expected outcomes. Summary: Clinical features include optic disc edema, peripapillary hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and hard exudates. Visual acuity is generally significantly reduced. Treatment has been attempted with outcomes that have not been assessed by randomized trials. Observation may be indicated in addition to treatment. Key Messages: Radiation optic neuropathy is known to generally be devastating to vision though an uncommon side effect of radiation. Treatment has been attempted with mixed results.
Supernumerary B Chromosomes of Tetragonisca fiebrigi Share Repeat Content with Standard Chromosome Set of both T. fiebrigi and Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: Souza Cunha Marina , Moura Novaes Camila , Amorim Pereira Jaqueline , Mapingala Capoco Martinha , Fernandes-Salomão Tânia Maria , Meneses Lopes Denilce
Published: August 2023

The stingless bees Tetragonisca angustula and Tetragonisca fiebrigi are widely distributed in Brazil, and both are commonly known as “jataí.” Our goal was to investigate the possible origin of the B chromosomes in T. fiebrigi, a cytotaxonomic trait that differentiates T. fiebrigi from T. angustula. We analyzed diploid chromosome number (2n), B chromosome incidence, patterns of constitutive heterochromatin, and in situ localization of different repetitive DNA probes in T. angustula and T. fiebrigi. Both species displayed 2n = 34, with similar karyotype structures. One to three B chromosomes were observed in T. fiebrigi only. Constitutive heterochromatin was distributed on one arm of all chromosomes in both species, and T. fiebrigi B chromosomes were mainly heterochromatic with one euchromatic extremity. The (GA)15 and (CAA)10 microsatellite probes marked the euchromatic arms of all chromosomes in both species without marking the B chromosomes. The 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) probe marked 10 chromosomes in T. angustula and 6 A chromosomes in T. fiebrigi with an additional marking on 1B in individuals with 3B. The Tan-Bsp68I repetitive DNA probe marked the heterochromatic portion of all T. fiebrigi A and B chromosomes. This probe also marked the heterochromatic portion of all T. angustula chromosomes; therefore, both alternative hypotheses to the B chromosome origin are possible: (i) from the A chromosome complement of T. fiebrigi (intraspecific origin); or (ii) a by-product of genome reshuffling following the hybridization between T. fiebrigi and T. angustula (interspecific origin).
The Multifarious Simplicity of Jun-Pierre Shiozawa’s Illustrations for Ulysses
Authors: Pereira Nilce M.
Published: August 2023

With a highlight on the challenges and exciting possibilities of James Joyce’s texts, this article explores the illustrations of Jun-Pierre Shiozawa for Ulysses, a series of eighteen watercolours produced for each episode of the work in 2014 and composing one of the digital galleries on the artist’s website. The focus of the investigation is to show that the (apparent) simplicity posited by watercolour as a pleasing medium (with its fragile shapes smoothly contrasting light and dark hues in fine delicate textures) reveals a complex network of connotations and cohesive layers of meaning, constructed especially by means of the scenes selected for illustration, the point of view from which each one is presented and their association with Joyce’s text, captioned in short extracts below each image. The article is structured in one section and, in the analysis proper, I examine the main compositional resources employed in each illustration, the effects evoked by them and the relationships of image and text implied in the captions. Based on art and image studies, I also discuss in which sense the term “simplicity” is being used in the article, which adds a dimension to Shiozawa’s art.
Who’s Afraid of Reading Joyce’s Ulysses: Unravelling the Joycean Labyrinth in “Eumaeus”
Authors: Barbara Lara Rebeca da Mata Santa , Araújo Noélia Borges de
Published: August 2023

Reading Ulysses, James Joyce’s novel which was first published in 1922, may not be an easy task. In the text, Joyce does not apply his narrative to traditional, chronological, structures. Instead, the reader is challenged to dive into the stream of consciousness of its main character, Leopold Bloom. This means reading through disconnections, fragmented thoughts, Bloom’s distractions, the synesthetic elements within the narrative, and encountering a language that is full of neologisms, allusions, agglutinations, polyphonies, among other characteristics. However, such a challenge often represents a barrier to many who may feel lost or overwhelmed by that reading. For the centenary of the publication of Ulysses, this essay aims at unravelling the Joycean labyrinth through the sixteenth episode of the novel, “Eumaeus”. Following the technique of the content analysis, defined by Lauren Bardin in L’Analyse de Contenu, it is possible to present an overview of the chapter. The description and interpretation of the key aspects of the chapter will guide the readers’ navigation through the literary virtuosities, allusions, and puzzles of the book.
A History and Experience of Bloomsday in Lisbon 2012-2022
Authors: Ryan Bartholomew
Published: August 2023

This text is an account of “Bloomsday”(a celebration of the day in which James Joyce’s Ulysses is set) in Lisbon in the years 2012-2022, from the perspective of the director of the event. I have always tried to interweave Ireland, Portugal and Brazil in the encounter with Joyce with ourselves and our sounds in language and music, with our diverse locations, and with the different translations of Ulysses. The vision has always been to combine entertainment and a subversive joy via music, performative readings and remarks on Ulysses, together with diving deep into the philosophical panorama and profound possibilities of experimenting with language through everyday characters and the experience of life and death within a simple story that encompasses Joyce’s “chaosmos.” Crucially, it is in reading and hearing the text aloud where one enters literature as reality and as a vivid experience. This text also brings up two fascinating reviews of Ulysses which were an inspiration for Bloomsday in 2022: one from 1922 by Shane Leslie (the son of a protestant Anglo-Irish landlord, who converted to Catholicism) where he referred to the book as “literary Bolshevism”; and the other from 1935 by Karl Radek (a Bolshevik leader of the Russian Revolution of 1917) who called it “a heap of dung, crawling with worms.” In their negative critique from opposite ends of the political spectrum, they nevertheless capture the revolutionary spirit and “epic of the human body” of the book in which we are still learning to catch up with and to flourish.
Effects of maintenance implant therapy with and without periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components on inflammatory peri-implant parameters
Authors: Guarnieri Renzo , Reda Rodolfo , Di Nardo Dario , Pagnoni Francesco , Zanza Alessio , Testarelli Luca
Published: August 2023

This retrospective clinical study compared two different professional maintenance therapy (MT) approaches (with and without periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components) on peri-implant inflammatory clinical and biochemical parameters after 5 years of implant function. A retrospective analysis based on patient records was used to assess inflammatory clinical and biochemical parameters around dental implants placed by the same clinician in a private practice. The Plaque Index (PI), peri-implant probing depth (PPD), mucosal recession (REC), bleeding on probing (BOP), and radiographic marginal bone level were determined at baseline and at each follow-up year. Moreover, at the last follow-up visit, the peri-implant intrasulcular levels of active metalloproteinasis 8 (aMMP-8) were also assessed. All participants were under MT with a 6-month recall interval. A total of 92 patients with 132 implants were selected. At the end of the study period, 12 patients with 12 implants were classified as dropouts. The remaining 80 patients and 120 implants were classified into two groups: Group 1 (42 patients, 62 implants) received MT with periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components; Group 2 (38 patients, 58 implants) received MT without periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components. No statistical differences were found between the groups regarding PI, PPD, and REC. Group 1 presented a statistically significant higher number of sites with BOP (12.4% vs 6.2%). Marginal bone loss was statistically higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (0.23 ± 0.6 mm vs 0.78 ± 0.3 mm). Intrasulcular levels of aMMP-8 were statistically higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. The supplemental application of periodic removal and decontamination of prosthetic components during MT had a significantly positive effect on the inflammatory status of peri-implant tissues.
Reduced Diversities and Clonally Expanded Sequences of T-Cell Receptors in Patients With Essential Hypertension and Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ma Xiaoxiang , Zhuo Yue , Huang Yu , He Pengming , Huang Zhaoyi , Jiang Li , Tong Luyao , Yao Xiaoqin , Wen Xueping , Zhong Xuemei , Yang Shihan , Li Changqiong , Liu Yuping , Zhang Zhixin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

It has long been hypothesized that the abnormal immune responses contribute to the essential hypertension (EH) and its subclinical target organ damage (STOD). However, the mechanism is unclear. This study aimed at exploring the potential association with abnormal T-cell responses and EH, STOD, and early atherosclerosis in patients with EH.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional study included 146 patients with EH and 73 age-matched normotensive individuals. The expressed peripheral TCR (T-cell receptor) β repertoire was analyzed by high through-put sequencing.

RESULTS:

The TCRβ repertoires of the patients with EH were significantly different, with significantly elevated certain TCR beta variable (
TRBV
) and joint (
TRBJ
) gene usages, significantly reduced TCRβ diversity indexes (diversity 50s) and numbers of total TCRβ clonal types, significantly elevated percentages of the biggest TCRβ clones and numbers of clones accounting >0.1% sequences, compared with those in the normotensive controls. Decreased diversity 50s and increased biggest TCRβ clone percentages were independently correlated with carotid intima-media thickness and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (SCA) in the patients with EH. Moreover, the diversity 50s were further significantly reduced and the biggest TCRβ clone percentages were significantly increased in the patients with EH with SCA (n=89) comparing to the patients with EH/patients without SCA (n=57), and in patients with EH/SCA with carotid plaque (n=22) comparing to patients with EH/SCA/patients without carotid plaque (n=67). Importantly, specific TCRβ clones were identified in different subgroups of the patients with EH.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results reveal that abnormal T-cell responses may play important roles in the progression of EH and its SCA, especially the formation of carotid plaque.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2100054414.
Cerebellar Stroke Score and Grading Scale for the Prediction of Mortality and Outcomes in Ischemic Cerebellar Stroke
Authors: Won Sae-Yeon , Melkonian Ruzanna , Behmanesh Bedjan , Bernstock Joshua D. , Czabanka Marcus , Dubinski Daniel , Freiman Thomas M. , Günther Albrecht , Hellmuth Kara , Hernandez-Duran Silvia , Herrmann Eva , Konczalla Juergen , Maier Ilko , Mielke Dorothee , Naser Paul , Rohde Veit , Schaefer Jan Hendrik , Senft Christian , Storch Alexander , Trnovec Svorad , Unterberg Andreas , Walter Johannes , Walter Uwe , Wittstock Matthias , Dinc Nazife , Gessler Florian
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Several individual predictors for outcomes in patients with cerebellar stroke (CS) have been previously identified. There is, however, no established clinical score for CS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop simple and accurate grading scales for patients with CS in an effort to better estimate mortality and outcomes.

METHODS:

This multicentric retrospective study included 531 patients with ischemic CS presenting to 5 different academic neurosurgical and neurological departments throughout Germany between 2008 and 2021. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors related to 30-day mortality and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 4–6). By weighing each parameter via calculation of regression coefficients, an ischemic CS-score and CS-grading scale (CS-GS) were developed and internally validated.

RESULTS:

Independent predictors for 30-day mortality were aged ≥70 years (odds ratio, 5.2), Glasgow Coma Scale score 3 to 4 at admission (odds ratio, 2.6), stroke volume ≥25 cm
3
(odds ratio, 2.7), and involvement of the brain stem (odds ratio, 3.9). When integrating each parameter into the CS-score, age≥70 years and brain stem stroke were assigned 2 points, Glasgow Coma Scale score 3 to 4, and stroke volume≥25 cm
3
1 point resulting in a score ranging from 0 to 6. CS-score of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 points resulted in 30-day mortality of 1%, 6%, 6%, 17%, 21%, 55%, and 67%, respectively. Independent predictors for 30-day unfavorable outcomes consisted of all components of the CS-score with an additional variable focused on comorbidities (CS-GS). Except for Glasgow Coma Scale score 3 to 4 at admission, which was assigned 3 points, all other parameters were assigned 1 point resulting in an overall score ranging from 0 to 7. CS-GS of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 points resulted in 30-day unfavorable outcome of 1%, 17%, 33%, 40%, 50%, 80%, 77%, and 100%, respectively. Both 30-day mortality and unfavorable outcomes increased with increasing CS-score and CS-GS (
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The CS-score and CS-GS are simple and accurate grading scales for the prediction of 30-day mortality and unfavorable outcome in patients with CS. While the score systems proposed here may not directly impact treatment decisions, it may help discuss mortality and outcome with patients and caregivers.
COVID‐19 Affects Short‐Term, But Not 90‐Day, Outcome in Patients With Stroke Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Beckonert Niklas M. , Bode Felix J. , Dorn Franziska , Stösser Sebastian , Meißner Julius N. , Nordsiek Julia , Kindler Christine , Ebrahimi Taraneh , Riegler Christoph , Nolte Christian H. , Petzold Gabor C. , Weller Johannes M. ,   the GSR‐ET investigators
Published: August 2023

Background

COVID‐19 is associated with an increased stroke risk. Moreover, outcome at discharge was worse in patients with large‐vessel occlusion stroke with concomitant COVID‐19 receiving endovascular treatment (ET). We aimed to investigate the impact of concomitant COVID‐19 on later functional outcome in patients with large‐vessel occlusion stroke treated with ET.

Methods

We analyzed patients from the GSR‐ET (German Stroke Registry–Endovascular Treatment), an observational multicenter registry of patients with large‐vessel occlusion stroke receiving ET. Baseline characteristics, procedural parameters, discharge parameters, and functional outcome at 90 days were compared between patients with concomitant COVID‐19 and propensity score–matched controls (ratio, 1:4; matched for age, sex, prestroke modified Rankin Scale score, and stroke severity), and multivariable ordinal regression analysis was performed.

Results

Among 4010 patients receiving ET between February 2020 and December 2021, 72 (1.8%) had concomitant COVID‐19. Compared with 224 matched patients without COVID‐19, they (n=56) were more severely affected, with a higher median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score after 24 hours (NIHSS score, 14.5 [interquartile range {IQR}, 9–22] versus 12 [IQR, 6–18.75];
P
=0.015), and NIHSS score and modified Rankin Scale score at discharge (NIHSS score, 12 [IQR, 6.75‐16.75] versus 6 [IQR, 2–13];
P
=0.001; and modified Rankin Scale score, 5 [IQR, 4–5] versus 4 [IQR, 2–5];
P
=0.023), but functional outcome at 90‐day follow‐up was similar (modified Rankin Scale score, 4 [IQR, 4–6] versus 4 [IQR, 2–6];
P
=0.34). After adjustment for prespecified confounders, COVID‐19 was associated with worse functional outcome at discharge (common odds ratio [OR], 0.40 [95% CI, 0.19–0.80];
P
=0.011), but not at 90‐day follow‐up (common OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.32–1.60];
P
=0.43).

Conclusions

COVID‐19 affected short‐term, but not 90‐day, functional outcome in patients with large‐vessel occlusion stroke treated with ET. Hence, ET should not be withheld in patients with concomitant COVID‐19.
Complementary Roles of Note-Oriented and Mixing-Oriented Software in Student Learning of Computer Science Plus Music
Authors: McCall Lauren , Freeman Jason , McKlin Tom , Lee Taneisha , Horn Michael , Magerko Brian
Published: August 2023

Many introductory computer science educational platforms foster student interest and facilitate student learning through the authentic incorporation of music. Although many such platforms have demonstrated promising outcomes in student engagement across diverse student populations and learning contexts, little is known about the specific ways in which music and computer science learning are uniquely combined to support student knowledge in both domains. This study looks at two different learning platforms for computer science and music (CS-plus-music), TunePad and EarSketch, which were used by middle school students during a week-long virtual summer camp. Using both platforms, students created computational music projects, which we analyzed for characteristics of music and code complexity across multiple dimensions. Students also completed surveys before and after the workshop about their perceptions of the platforms and their own backgrounds, and we interviewed some students. The results suggest that different connections between music and computing concepts emerge, as well as different progressions through the concepts themselves, depending in part on the design affordances of the application programming interface for computer music in each platform. Coupled with prior findings about the different roles each platform may play in developing situational interest for students, these findings suggest that different CS-plus-music-learning platforms can provide complementary roles that benefit and support learning and development of student interest.
A (Dis-)information Theory of Revealed and Unrevealed Preferences: Emerging Deception and Skepticism via Theory of Mind
Authors: Alon Nitay , Schulz Lion , Rosenschein Jeffrey S. , Dayan Peter
Published: August 2023

In complex situations involving communication, agents might attempt to mask their intentions, exploiting Shannon’s theory of information as a theory of misinformation. Here, we introduce and analyze a simple multiagent reinforcement learning task where a buyer sends signals to a seller via its actions, and in which both agents are endowed with a recursive theory of mind. We show that this theory of mind, coupled with pure reward-maximization, gives rise to agents that selectively distort messages and become skeptical towards one another. Using information theory to analyze these interactions, we show how savvy buyers reduce mutual information between their preferences and actions, and how suspicious sellers learn to reinterpret or discard buyers’ signals in a strategic manner.
Ficophagus pisocarpae n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), an associate of Ficus pisocarpa in China
Authors: Zeng Yongsan , Zhang Dayuan , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Roberts Joseph A.
Published: August 2023

A new species of the genus Ficophagus was recovered from the syconia of Ficus pisocarpa from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, China. It is described herein as Ficophagus pisocarpae n. sp. and is characterised by possessing the combined characters of a short PUS (6.4-9.3 μm or 0.3-0.4 VBD long), an excretory pore near the head, presence of crustaformeria, amoeboid sperm, three pairs of subventral papillae on the male tail (one pair just adcloacal (P2), one pair halfway between cloacal aperture and tail terminus (P3a), and one pair near tail tip (P4)), rounded male tail tip without mucron, absence of gubernaculum and rose-thorn-shaped spicule with conical rostrum. Ficophagus pisocarpae n. sp. was differentiated from other sequenced species by the partial small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis with the LSU D2-D3 expansion segment sequence suggested that F. pisocarpae n. sp. is clustered in the same highly supported monophyletic clade with F. annulatae, F. benjamina, F. curtipes and F. microcarpus. It differs morphologically from these species in lateral incisure number, EP position, spicule and uterus morphology and some morphometric characters.
Slavuta, Zhytomyr, and Vilna: The Intersecting Stories of the Romm and Shapira Publishing Houses
Authors: Gebel Ada
Published: August 2023

The article outlines key intersections between two Eastern European Jewish printing businesses during the nineteenth century. The first is the Shapira printing house, located first in Slavuta, and later in Zhytomyr. The second is the Romm printing and publishing house, Vilna, the largest Jewish printing house in Eastern Europe at the time. The first significant interaction between these two printing houses was a fierce disagreement over the printing rights of the Babylonian Talmud. However, they progressed to an economic cooperation in further printings of the Babylonian Talmud. Eventually, Romm’s printing house purchased Shapira’s printing house and closed it as part of preparations for the printing of another edition of the Talmud. The cultural contexts discussed in the article are part of and shed light on predominant tensions within European Jewish society at the time: the dispute between the Ḥasidim and the Mitnaggedim, and the dispute between maskilim and traditionalists.
Application of cementoplasty in patients with symptomatic benign osteopathy disease
Authors: Song Hong-Mei , Yan Bi-Cong , Lu Ying-Ying , Huang Qin , Li Zuo-Wei , Wu Chun-Gen
Published: August 2023

Background

The optimal treatment for some symptomatic, benign osteopathy lesions is yet to be identified.

Purpose

To investigate the clinical efficiency of cementoplasty in managing symptomatic, benign osteopathy.

Material and Methods

Between June 2006 and January 2020, we retrospectively enrolled 31 patients (10 men, 21 women; mean age = 46.5 ± 16.6 years; age range = 20–85 years), accounting for 34 treatment sites, who underwent percutaneous osteoplasty (14 treatment sites) and percutaneous vertebroplasty (20 treatment sites) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or DSA combined with computed tomography (CT). All the participants experienced different degrees of clinical symptoms with benign osteopathy lesions. The technical success of the procedure and occurrence of complications were recorded. Follow-up examinations were conducted to assess the treatment outcome using the MacNab criteria.

Results

All the participants had a diagnosis of benign osteopathy lesions before or after the cementoplasty. Surgery was successfully completed in all patients. Cement distributions were diffuse and homogeneous, with the complication of cement leakage occurring in 17.6% (6 of 34) of the lesions. The leakage occurred in the intervertebral disc (n = 1), the intra-articular space (n = 1), and the surrounding soft tissue (n = 4). Analysis of the treatment outcome using the MacNab criteria revealed that all patients showed improvement in their clinical symptoms to some extent and in the quality of life.

Conclusion

Cementoplasty is an effective treatment for symptomatic, benign osteopathy, with the advantage of favorable clinical outcomes, and low complication rate.
Language Impairment in Vascular Dementia: A Clinical Review
Authors: Macoir Joël
Published: August 2023

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) encompasses a wide range of conditions, including cognitive impairment associated with stroke or vascular brain injury, mild vascular cognitive impairment, and vascular dementia (VD). Knowledge of language impairment associated with VD is far less extensive than that of Alzheimer's disease. Although not prevalent in VD, impairment in language skills has been reported. A better understanding of the neurolinguistic features associated with the different presentations of VD could facilitate medical diagnosis. In this article, we report data on language impairment in VD, with particular attention to their primary or secondary functional origin. To better appreciate this functional origin, we also outline the main characteristics of impairment in other cognitive functions. Key elements that should be considered in the speech-language assessment of individuals with possible or proven VD are also highlighted.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism entrepreneurial intention among university students: The role of entrepreneurship education
Authors: Laachach Abderrahim , Laaraj Nadia , Farissi Naoual
Published: August 2023

The importance of entrepreneurship in socio-economic development is increasingly present, not only in the papers of researchers but also in the minds of policymakers. In fact, entrepreneurship education has received a lot of attention because of the role it can play in stimulating entrepreneurial intention among students. Given that the tourism and hospitality industry is the economic sector most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper examines the relationship between entrepreneurship education and tourism entrepreneurial intention and reveals the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entrepreneurial intention of students in tourism. Survey data was collected from 502 Moroccan students studying hospitality and tourism and analyzed using SEM-PLS. Our findings show a non-significant effect of entrepreneurial education on tourism entrepreneurial intention in the COVID-19 era. The results also reveal a significant negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entrepreneurial intentions of students in tourism.
Increased TG Levels and HOMA-IR Score Are Associated With a High Risk of Prediabetes: A Prospective Study
Authors: Jing Jinyun , Li Juan , Yan Ni , Li Nan , Liu Xiaowei , Li Xiaoxia , Zhang Jiaxing , Wang Qingan , Yang Chan , Qiu Jiangwei , Liu Xiuying , Wang Faxuan , Zhao Yi , Zhang Yuhong
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to determine the association of blood lipid and insulin levels with the development of prediabetes. In this prospective cohort study, we collected and analyzed data related to demographic characteristics, lipid profiles, and insulin parameters at baseline (2008-2012) and at follow-up (2019-2020). A total of 1205 participants were included. The study found that maintained or elevated Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMO-IR) score and elevated triglyceride (TG) levels from baseline to follow-up were associated with an increased risk of prediabetes. However, the interaction between blood lipids and insulin had no significant effect on the risk of prediabetes. Our findings indicate that elevated TG or HOMA-IR levels are associated with an increased risk of prediabetes. These findings emphasize the need to formulate initiatives that can help reduce dyslipidemia to prevent the onset of prediabetes and diabetes.
Public preferences to trade-off gains in total health for health equality: Discrepancies between an abstract scenario versus the real-world scenario presented by COVID-19
Authors: Comerford David A , Tufte-Hewett Angela , Bridger Emma K
Published: August 2023

Policymakers must ration healthcare. This necessity became salient during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some policymakers took that opportunity to reduce inequality of health outcomes at the expense of overall health gains. There is a literature that seeks to quantify the optimal trade-off between efficiency and equality in health outcomes: economists employ surveys to quantify the public’s preferred level of equity/efficiency trade-off. An odd result from these studies is that a non-trivial subsample of respondents choose to “level down” i.e., they choose as though an additional year of life delivers negative utility to society if it accrues to the most privileged. In an experiment of US and UK respondents ( n = 495), we compare equity/efficiency trade-offs across an abstract scenario along the lines of that presented in previous surveys versus a COVID-19 scenario, where it is made explicit that healthcare rationing is a real and current necessity occasioned by the pandemic. We find that preference for “levelling down” is reduced in the COVID-19 scenario relative to the abstract scenario. This result implies that, at least in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, previous results have overestimated the public’s willingness to sacrifice overall gains in population health in order to reduce inequality of health outcomes.