bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and factors related to nonmotorized scooter injuries in New York State and New York City, 2005–2020
Authors: Tuckel Peter
Published: October 2022

Background

This study provides an analysis of contemporary trends and demographics of patients treated for injuries from nonmotorized scooters in emergency departments in New York state excluding New York City (NYS) and New York City (NYC).

Methods

The study tracks the incidence of nonmotorized scooter injuries in NYS and NYC from 2005 to 2020 and furnishes a detailed profile of the injured patients using patient-level records from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS). A negative binomial regression analysis is performed on the SPARCS data to measure the simultaneous effects of demographic variables on scooter injuries for NYS and NYC. The study also examines the demographic correlates of the rate of injuries at the neighborhood level in NYC. A thematically shaded map of the injury rates in New York City neighborhoods is created to locate neighborhoods with greater concentrations of injuries and to identify the reasons which might account for their higher rate of injuries, such as street infrastructure.

Results

In NYS and NYC injuries from unpowered scooters underwent an overall decline in the past decade. However, both NYS and NYC are now evidencing an increase in their rates. The upswing in the rate in NYC in 2020 is particularly noticeable. Males and children in the age group 5 to 9 were found to be most susceptible to injury. Injuries were more prevalent in more affluent New York City neighborhoods. A map of the injury rates in the City’s neighborhoods revealed a clustering of neighborhoods with higher than average injury rates.

Conclusions

Injuries from nonmotorized scooters number approximately 40,000 annually in the US and can be prevented by greater use of protective equipment. Street infrastructure is a critical factor contributing to injuries from the use of nonmotorized scooters. Thematically shaded maps can be used to identify and target areas for purposes of intervention.
Limited handwashing facility and associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa: pooled prevalence and multilevel analysis of 29 sub-Saharan Africa countries from demographic health survey data
Authors: Endalew Mastewal , Belay Daniel Gashaneh , Tsega Nuhamin Tesfa , Aragaw Fantu Mamo , Gashaw Moges , Asratie Melaku Hunie
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Handwashing is fundamentally an inexpensive means of reducing the spread of communicable diseases. In developing countries, many people die due to infectious diseases that could be prevented by proper hand hygiene. The recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a threat to people who are living in resource-limited countries including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Effective hand hygiene requires sufficient water from reliable sources, preferably accessible on premises, and access to handwashing facility (water and or soap) that enable hygiene behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of limited handwashing facility and its associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) were used, which have been conducted in 29 sub-Saharan African countries since January 1, 2010. A two-stage stratified random cluster sampling strategy was used to collect the data. This study comprised a total of 237,983 weighted samples. The mixed effect logistic regression model with a cluster-level random intercept was fitted. Meta-analysis and sub-group analysis were performed to establish the pooled prevalence.

Results

The pooled prevalence of limited handwashing facility was found to be 66.16% (95% CI; 59.67%—72.65%). Based on the final model, household head with age group between 35 and 60 [AOR = 0.89, 95% CI; 0.86—0.91], households with mobile type of hand washing facility [AOR = 1.73, 95% CI; 1.70—1.77], unimproved sanitation facility [AOR = 1.58, 95% CI; 1.55—1.62], water access more than 30 min round trip [AOR = 1.16, 95% CI; 1.13—1.19], urban residential area [AOR = 2.08, 95% CI; 2.04—2.13], low media exposure [AOR = 1.47, 95% CI; 1.31—1.66], low educational level [AOR = 1.30, 95% CI; 1.14—1.48], low income level [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI; 2.33—2.49] as well as lower middle-income level [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI; 2.14—2.17] and households who had more than three children [AOR = 1.25, 95% CI; 1.20—1.31] were associated with having limited handwashing facility.

Conclusion and recommendation

The pooled coverage of limited handwashing facility was high in sub-Saharan Africa. Raising awareness of the community and promoting access to handwashing materials particularly in poorer and rural areas will reduce its coverage.
IGF-2 mediated hypoglycemia and the paradox of an apparently benign lesion: a case report & review of the literature
Authors: Crowley Mairead T. , Lonergan Eibhlin , O’Callaghan Peter , Joyce Caroline M. , Morita M. , Conlon Niamh , O’Halloran Domhnall J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Non-islet cell tumour hypoglycemia (NICTH) is rarely encountered in clinical practice. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is the most common cause of NICTH observed in the setting of mesenchymal and epithelial neoplasia. This is a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by IGF2 activation of the insulin receptor.

Case presentation

An 80 year old female presented with a short history of recurrent episodes of confusion with laboratory confirmed hypoglycemia with a plasma glucose of 2.7 mmol/L on fasting which fulfilled Whipple’s triad. Diagnostic clues to the aetiology at presentation include the fasting pattern of hypoglycemia, hypokalaemia and the absence of weight gain. A 72 hour fast with results showed early hypoglycemia and suppression of serum insulin, c-peptide, and proinsulin. Serum insulin antibody was not detected. Subsequent measurement of the serum IGF2:IGF1 ratio was elevated at 22.3 and consistent with IGF-2 mediated hypoglycemia and imaging studies demonstrated a pelvic mass. Dietary intervention and oral prednisolone abated hypoglycemia prior to surgery. Ultimately, hypoglycemia resolved following operative intervention and steroid therapy was successfully withdrawn. Histopathology was remarkable for dual neoplastic processes with uterine solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) confirmed as the source of IGF2 hypersecretion on IGF-2 immunohistochemistry and a coincidental invasive high grade serous carcinoma involving the fimbria of the right fallopian tube.

Conclusion

The paradox in this case is that the benign solitary fibrous tumour accounted for patient morbidity through secretion of IGF2 and without treatment, posed a mortality risk. This is despite the synchronous presence of a highly malignant fallopian tube neoplasm. This case reinforces the need for thorough clinical evaluation of hypoglycemia to allow prompt and definitive management.
Impact of school-based malaria intervention on primary school teachers’ time in Malawi: evidence from a time and motion study
Authors: Chinkhumba Jobiba , Kadzinje Victor , Jenda Gomezgani , Kayange Michael , Mathanga Don P.
Published: October 2022

Background

School-based health (SBH) programmes that are contingent on primary school teachers are options to increase access to malaria treatment among learners. However, perceptions that provision of healthcare by teachers may be detrimental to teaching activities can undermine efforts to scale up school-based malaria control. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of school-based malaria diagnosis and treatment using the Learner Treatment Kit (LTK) on teachers’ time.

Methods

A time and motion study was conducted in 10 primary schools in rural Malawi. Teachers who had been trained to diagnose and treat uncomplicated malaria were continuously observed in real time during school sessions and the time they spent on all activities were recorded by independent observers before and after LTK implementation. A structured form, programmed digitally, was used for data collection. Paired sample t-tests were used to assess pre-post differences in average hours teachers spent on the following key activities: direct teaching; indirect teaching; administration; LTK and non-teaching tasks. Multivariable repeated measures mixed regression models were used to ascertain impact of LTK on average durations teachers spent on the key activities.

Results

Seventy-four teachers, trained to use LTK, were observed. Their mean age and years of teaching experience were 34.7 and 8.7, respectively. Overall, 739.8 h of teacher observations took place. The average time teachers spent in school before relative to after LTK was 5.8 vs. 4.8 h, p = 0.01. The cumulative percentage of time teachers spent on core teaching activities (teaching and administration) was approximately 76% and did not change substantially before and after LTK. Some 24.3% of teachers’ time is spent on non-teaching activities. On average, teachers spent 2.9% of their time providing LTK services daily. Per day, each teacher spent less time on administrative (0.74 vs. 1.07 h, p = 0.02) and non-teaching activities (0.96 vs. 1.41 h, p = 0.01) during LTK compared with the period before LTK.

Conclusion

School-based health (SBH) programmes are not detrimental to teaching activities. Teachers manage their time to ensure additional time required for SBH services is not at the expense of teaching duties. Programming and policy implications of tasking teachers with SBH does not have substantial opportunity costs. Teachers should continue delivering SBH programmes to promote learners’ health.
Climate-driven mosquito-borne viral suitability index: measuring risk transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika in Mexico
Authors: Carreto Constantino , Gutiérrez-Romero Roxana , Rodríguez Tania
Published: October 2022

Background

Climate variability influences the population dynamics of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits the viruses that cause dengue, chikungunya and Zika. In recent years these diseases have grown considerably. Dengue is now the fastest-growing mosquito-transmitted disease worldwide, putting 40 per cent of the global population at risk. With no effective antiviral treatments or vaccines widely available, controlling mosquito population remains one of the most effective ways to prevent epidemics. This paper analyses the temporal and spatial dynamics of dengue in Mexico during 2000–2020 and that of chikungunya and Zika since they first appeared in the country in 2014 and 2015, respectively. This study aims to evaluate how seasonal climatological variability affects the potential risk of transmission of these mosquito-borne diseases. Mexico is among the world’s most endemic countries in terms of dengue. Given its high incidence of other mosquito-borne diseases and its size and wide range of climates, it is a good case study.

Methods

We estimate the recently proposed mosquito-borne viral suitability index P, which measures the transmission potential of mosquito-borne pathogens. This index mathematically models how humidity, temperature and precipitation affect the number of new infections generated by a single infected adult female mosquito in a host population. We estimate this suitability index across all Mexico, at small-area level, on a daily basis during 2000–2020.

Results

We find that the index P predicted risk transmission is strongly correlated with the areas and seasons with a high incidence of dengue within the country. This correlation is also high enough for chikungunya and Zika in Mexico. We also show the index P is sensitive to seasonal climatological variability, including extreme weather shocks.

Conclusions

The paper shows the dynamics of dengue, chikungunya and Zika in Mexico are strongly associated with seasonal climatological variability and the index P. This potential risk of transmission index, therefore, is a valuable tool for surveillance for mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in settings with varied climates and limited entomological capacity.
Adeno-associated virus-based caveolin-1 delivery via different routes for the prevention of cholesterol gallstone formation
Authors: Li Sha , Chen Hongtan , Jiang Xin , Hu Fengling , Li Yiqiao , Xu Guoqiang
Published: October 2022

Background

Hepatic caveolin-1 (CAV1) is reduced in cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD). Mice with CAV1 deficiency were prone to develop CGD. However, it remains unknown whether restored hepatic CAV1 expression prevents the development of CGD.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were injected with adeno-associated virus 2/8 (AAV2/8) vectors carrying the CAV1 gene (AAV2/8CAV1) via intravenous (i.v.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) route and then subjected to a lithogenic diet (LD) for 8 weeks. Uninjected mice were used as controls. The functional consequences of rescuing CAV1 expression by either i.v. or i.p. AAV2/8CAV1 treatment for CGD prevention and its subsequent molecular mechanisms were examined.

Results

CAV1 expression was reduced in the liver and gallbladder of LD-fed CGD mice. We discovered that AAV2/8CAV1 i.p. delivery results in higher transduction efficiency in the gallbladder than tail vein administration. Although either i.v. or i.p. injection of AAV2/8CAV1 improved liver lipid metabolic abnormalities in CGD mice but did not affect LD feeding-induced bile cholesterol supersaturation. In comparison with i.v. administration route, i.p. administration of AAV2/8CAV1 obviously increased CAV1 protein levels in the gallbladder of LD-fed mice, and i.p. delivery of AAV2/8CAV1 partially improved gallbladder cholecystokinin receptor (CCKAR) responsiveness and impeded bile cholesterol nucleation via the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, which induced a reduction in gallbladder mucin-1 (MUC1) and MUC5ac expression and gallbladder cholesterol accumulation.

Conclusion

CGD prevention by i.p. AAV2/8CAV1 injection in LD-fed mice was associated with the improvement of gallbladder stasis, which again supported the notion that supersaturated bile is required but not sufficient for the formation of cholesterol gallstones. Additionally, AAV treatment via the local i.p. injection offers particular advantages over the systemic i.v. route for much more effective gallbladder gene delivery, which will be an excellent tool for conducting preclinical functional studies on the maintenance of normal gallbladder function to prevent CGD.
Adherence to opioid agonist therapy predicts uptake of direct-acting antivirals in people who use drugs: results from the French national healthcare database (the ANRS FANTASIO study)
Authors: Rolland Benjamin , Lions Caroline , Di Beo Vincent , Carrieri Patrizia , Authier Nicolas , Barré Tangui , Delorme Jessica , Mathurin Philippe , Bailly François , Protopopescu Camelia , Marcellin Fabienne
Published: October 2022

Background

Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is associated with reduced injection, reduced HCV transmission, and more opportunities to initiate hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in people who use drugs (PWUD). We aimed to study the extent to which adherence to OAT was predictive of increased uptake of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in PWUD with chronic HCV infection.

Methods

Using the French national healthcare system database, we targeted PWUD (i.e. with a history of OAT) who had chronic HCV infection and were eligible for DAA during 2014–2016. Adherence to OAT was computed as a time-varying variable expressing the proportion of days covered by OAT receipt, over any six-month interval before DAA receipt. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to estimate the association between adherence to OAT and the rate of DAA uptake after adjustment for age, sex, alcohol use disorder, socioeconomic status, and liver disease severity.

Results

Among the 22,615 persons included in the ANRS FANTASIO study, 3438 (15.2%) initiated DAA during the study period. After multivariable adjustment, adherence to OAT was associated with a higher rate of DAA initiation. However, this association was not linear, and only individuals on OAT for 20% or more of the time in the previous six-month period had a higher rate of DAA initiation (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.28 [1.18–1.38]). Other variables associated with DAA initiation were male sex, older age, cirrhosis or liver cancer, and higher socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

Adherence to OAT is a major predictor of DAA initiation in PWUD living with chronic HCV infection in France. Our results also suggest that even moderate adherence to OAT can facilitate DAA uptake. Adequate HCV training for OAT prescribers together with interventions to ensure adherence to OAT will help improve DAA initiation rates and reach HCV elimination goals.
Impact of microfinance on women’s economic empowerment
Authors: Mengstie Belay
Published: October 2022

Women’s economic empowerment a strategy aimed at enabling women in decision-making, increment in income and asset ownership. The main aim of the study is to examine the impact of microfinance on women’s economic empowerment. Data were derived from a questionnaire of a sample of 346 women clients of microfinance. Multiple regression and paired sampledt-test data analysis techniques were used in the study. Multiple linear regression result revealed that age, marital status, education level, credit amount, and number of training have significant effect on women’s economic empowerment. However, previous business experience did not have significant impact on women’s economic empowerment. Paired sampledt-test result revealed that there is significant mean difference before and after microfinance service in terms of income, asset, and saving. Microfinance has significant positive effect on women’s economic empowerment by improving women’s independent income, increasing asset possession levels, and improved monthly saving amount. Moreover, the study proved that microfinance has a positive impact on women’s entrepreneurship development and business exposure.
Secondary psychiatric care patients’ experiences of internet CBT for insomnia – a qualitative study
Authors: Nicolaisen Sidén Frej , Spak Fredrik
Published: October 2022

Background

Insomnia is very common, especially among psychiatric patients in secondary care. It is experienced as a 24 h problem affecting several domains of life. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is widely regarded as the first-line treatment and often improves comorbid disorders. Despite this, many patients are not offered CBT-I. Internet based CBT for insomnia (iCBT-I) is just as effective as face-to-face treatments and could considerably increase availability. However, it is unclear whether iCBT-I is suitable for patients with more severe and comorbid psychiatric illnesses in secondary care.

Methods

Eleven Swedish participants (24–68 years old) in outpatient secondary psychiatric care who underwent iCBT-I treatment were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews were analysed using content analysis. The purpose was to map their experiences, motivation and suggestions for improvement.

Results

Prior to the treatment, most participants were highly motivated to take the opportunity to address their insomnia. The treatment was perceived as well-structured and interesting. The most difficult aspect was counteracting the fatigue. It was also hard to continue the treatment when faced with major life events. During this phase, contact with the therapist motivated them to continue the treatment. Several desired more face-to-face meetings. It was also motivating to gain insights into and a sense of control over sleep. Several described better sleep, improved daily routines, a more predictable everyday life and increased energy. Daytime well-being was improved in some, partly because they had more energy but also because they filled their days with more activities.

Conclusion

The treatment has the potential to be very useful in secondary psychiatric care where insomnia is common and affects comorbid disorders. Psychiatric patients might have more difficulties continuing with iCBT-I treatment, but those who manage to complete the program have a good chance of obtaining benefit. Extensive psychological groundwork early in treatment is likely to pay off later when motivation is needed. Additional social support and other adjustments may also enhance treatment outcomes. Participants’ stories are particularly valuable, as therapists and treatment developers receive less feedback from patients in internet-based treatments compared to face-to-face treatments.
Circular RNAs to predict clinical outcome after cardiac arrest
Authors: Stefanizzi Francesca M. , Zhang Lu , Salgado-Somoza Antonio , Dankiewicz Josef , Stammet Pascal , Hassager Christian , Wise Matthew P. , Friberg Hans , Cronberg Tobias , Hundt Alexander , Kjaergaard Jesper , Nielsen Niklas , Devaux Yvan
Published: October 2022

Background

Cardiac arrest (CA) represents the third leading cause of death worldwide. Among patients resuscitated and admitted to hospital, death and severe neurological sequelae are frequent but difficult to predict. Blood biomarkers offer clinicians the potential to improve prognostication. Previous studies suggest that circulating non-coding RNAs constitute a reservoir of novel biomarkers. Therefore, this study aims to identify circulating circular RNAs (circRNAs) associated with clinical outcome after CA.

Results

Whole blood samples obtained 48 h after return of spontaneous circulation in 588 survivors from CA enrolled in the Target Temperature Management trial (TTM) were used in this study. Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing in 2 groups of 23 sex-matched patients identified 28 circRNAs associated with neurological outcome and survival. The circRNA circNFAT5 was selected for further analysis using quantitative PCR. In the TTM-trial (n = 542), circNFAT5 was upregulated in patients with poor outcome as compared to patients with good neurological outcome (p < 0.001). This increase was independent of TTM regimen and sex. The adjusted odds ratio of circNFAT5 to predict neurological outcome was 1.39 [1.07–1.83] (OR [95% confidence interval]). CircNFAT5 predicted 6-month survival with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.31 [1.13–1.52].

Conclusion

We identified circulating circRNAs associated with clinical outcome after CA, among which circNFAT5 may have potential to aid in predicting neurological outcome and survival when used in combination with established biomarkers of CA.
The relationship between Mediterranean-DASH diet intervention for the neurodegenerative delay (MIND) Diet and risk of breast Cancer: a case-control study among iranian adult women
Authors: Mokhtari Ebrahim , Jamshidi Sanaz , Farhadnejad Hossein , Teymoori Farshad , Rashidkhani Bahram , Mirmiran Parvin , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , Heidari Zeinab
Published: October 2022

Background

choosing a healthier lifestyle and modifying dietary habits could prevent four million new people from developing cancer. Recently, a new index called the Mediterranean-dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet intervention for the neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet has been developed. In the current study, we aimed to assess the relationship between the MIND diet and the risk of breast cancer (BC) among Tehranian adult women.

Method

In this hospital-based, case-control study, 134 Tehranian women ≥ 30 years old with recently (< 6 months) diagnosed BC, confirmed histologically and 272 women of the same age as control were included. Dietary intakes were assessed in a personal interview using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaire. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of breast cancer across tertiles of the MIND diet were determined using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the crude model, participants in the highest tertiles had lower odds of BC [(OR = 0.57; 95% CI,0.34–0.95), P for trend = 0.020)] than those with the lowest scores on the MIND diet. After controlling for potential confounding variables, individuals in the highest tertile of the MIND diet had a 45% lower risk of BC [(OR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32–0.96), P for trend = 0.021)] compared with those in the lowest tertile. Also, in women with an abortion history, higher adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a lower risk of BC [(OR = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04–0.52, P for trend = 0.002)].

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that higher adherence to the MIND diet was associated with decreased BC risk, which was strongly observed among women with a history of abortion.
Comparison study of clinical presentation and risk factors for cerebrovascular stroke in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients
Authors: Morsy Eman Yousef , Rohoma Kamel Hemida , Ali Shimaa Ali Mohamed , Elhalawany Salah Hussein
Published: October 2022

Background

Diabetes and stroke prevalence rates are increasing worldwide, and both are major human health threats causing disability and death. Diabetes is a well-known independent risk factor for stroke. In addition, diabetes increases the prevalence of other stroke risk factors; however, few studies evaluate whether diabetes may influence stroke presentation.

Aim of the work

This study was conducted to assess the risk factors and clinical presentation of stroke in patients with and without diabetes.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with radiologically confirmed acute cerebrovascular stroke, selected from tertiary care hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1: 100 patients with diabetes for more than 5 years and group 2: 100 nondiabetic patients. All patients were evaluated for risk factors, stroke types, and clinical presentation.

Results

Compared with nondiabetic patients, diabetic patients with stroke had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.031) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.016) and higher incidence of ischemic stroke (p = 0.030), and they were more likely to present with motor deficit (p = 0.045) and dysarthria (p = 0.048). There was a modest difference between diabetic and nondiabetic group regarding OCSP ischemic stroke subtypes, but it was non-significant.

Conclusion

There was a significant difference in stroke risk factors, pathological types, and presentation between diabetic and nondiabetic patients, but not in ischemic stroke anatomical subtypes.
Looper and tension control in hot strip finishing mills based on different control approaches
Authors: Gaber Ahmed , Elnaggar Mahmoud , Fattah Hossam Abdel
Published: October 2022

The looper control of hot strip finishing mill is one of the most critical control items in hot strip rolling mill process. It is a highly complex nonlinear system, with strong states coupling and uncertainty that present a difficult control challenge. Loopers are placed between finishing mill stands not only to control the mass flow of the two stands but also to generate a constant specific strip tension during rolling, independent of the actual strip stock which influences the width of the strip. Some of the applicable control architectures for the finishing mill are reviewed. Two general approaches are considered: the first is based on a loop or SISO (single input single output) strategy, while the second is based on a MIMO strategy:

In the loop approach, two different schemes are considered with distinct loop configuration. For both schemes, PID and fuzzy-PID are considered for comparison purposes. Since in the second scheme the most important loop is the looper control loop, it is investigated whether a nonlinear sliding mode control can significantly improve the response.

In the multi-variable or MIMO approach, standard LQR (linear quadratic regulator) is investigated after linearization of the system.
Faculty Experiences of the Impostor Phenomenon in STEM Fields
Authors: Chakraverty Devasmita
Published: October 2022

Using a qualitative analysis of 56 faculty interviews, this U.S.-based study found that participants were predominantly White and female, experiencing moderate, high, or intense impostor phenomenon because of peer comparison, faculty evaluation, public recognition, the fear of not knowing, and a perceived lack of competency.
Disorders of Salt and Water Balance After Pituitary Surgery
Authors: Brooks Emily K , Inder Warrick J
Published: October 2022

Transsphenoidal surgery is the first-line treatment for many clinically significant pituitary tumors and sellar lesions. Although complication rates are low when performed at high-volume centers, disorders of salt and water balance are relatively common postoperatively. Both, or either, central diabetes insipidus (recently renamed arginine vasopressin deficiency - AVP-D), caused by a deficiency in production and/or secretion of arginine vasopressin, and hyponatremia, most commonly secondary to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis, may occur. These conditions can extend hospital stay and increase the risk of readmission. This article discusses common presentations of salt and water balance disorders following pituitary surgery, the pathophysiology of these conditions, and their diagnosis and management.
cyp21a2 Knockout Tadpoles Survive Metamorphosis Despite Low Corticosterone
Authors: Paul Bidisha , Shewade Leena H , Buchholz Daniel R
Published: October 2022

Corticosteroids are so vital for organ maturation that reduced corticosteroid signaling during postembryonic development causes death in terrestrial vertebrates. Indeed, death occurs at metamorphosis in frogs lacking proopiomelanocortin (pomc) or the glucocorticoid receptor (GR; nr3c1). Some residual corticosteroids exist in pomc mutants to activate the wild-type (WT) GR and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and the elevated corticosteroids in GR mutants may activate MR. Thus, we expected a more severe developmental phenotype in tadpoles with inactivation of 21-hydroxylase, which should eliminate all interrenal corticosteroid biosynthesis. Using CRISPR/Cas9 in Xenopus tropicalis, we produced an 11-base pair deletion in cyp21a2, the gene encoding 21-hydroxylase. Growth and development were delayed in cyp21a2 mutant tadpoles, but unlike the other frog models, they survived metamorphosis. Consistent with an absence of 21-hydroxylase, mutant tadpoles had a 95% reduction of aldosterone in tail tissue, but they retained some corticosterone (∼40% of WT siblings), an amount, however, too low for survival in pomc mutants. Decreased corticosteroid signaling was evidenced by reduced expression of corticosteroid-response gene, klf9, and by impaired negative feedback in the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis with higher messenger RNA expression levels of crh, pomc, star, and cyp11b2 and an approximately 30-fold increase in tail content of progesterone. In vitro tail-tip culture showed that progesterone can transactivate the frog GR. The inadequate activation of GR by corticosterone in cyp21a2 mutants was likely compensated for by sufficient corticosteroid signaling from other GR ligands to allow survival through the developmental transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.
Effects of Elevated Maternal Adiposity on Offspring Reproductive Health: A Perspective From Epidemiologic Studies
Authors: Cinzori Maria E , Strakovsky Rita S
Published: October 2022

One in seven couples in developed countries suffers from infertility. Maternal overweight or obesity have detrimental and lasting effects on offspring cardiometabolic health, and although substantially more data are needed, hormonal imbalances in utero resulting from excessive maternal adiposity could also disrupt reproductive programming and affect the future reproductive health of offspring. Therefore, this mini-review evaluates the human epidemiologic evidence that maternal overweight/obesity could be associated with poor reproductive health outcomes in offspring. We searched PubMed for relevant studies using terms such as “maternal obesity” and “reproductive development.” While the human epidemiologic literature is limited, studies have thus far observed that maternal obesity is associated with disrupted external genital development and several other markers of reproductive health across the lifespan. Specifically, maternal obesity is associated with higher risks of hypospadias and cryptorchidism in males and disrupted anogenital distance both in males and females. Maternal obesity has also been linked to earlier age at menarche in daughters, and precocious puberty in both sons and daughters. Finally, daughters of women with overweight or obesity have higher risks of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome, which has implications for fertility. This body of research suggests that in utero exposure to maternal obesity could disrupt reproductive system development, but substantially more evidence is needed, as almost no human epidemiologic studies have evaluated the long-term consequences of maternal obesity with regard to offspring fertility/fecundity.
Voting Agendas and Preferences on Trees: Theory and Practice
Authors: Kleiner Andreas , Moldovanu Benny
Published: October 2022

We study how parliaments and committees select one out of several alternatives when options cannot be ordered along a “left-right” axis. Which voting agendas are used in practice, and how should they be designed? We assume that preferences are single peaked on a tree and study convex agendas where, at each stage in the voting process, the tree of remaining alternatives is divided into two subtrees that are subjected to a Yes-No vote. We show that strategic voting coincides with sincere, unsophisticated voting. Based on inference results and revealed preference arguments, we illustrate the empirical implications for two case studies. (JEL D71, D72, F15, J13, J16)
Sequential Screening with Type-Enhancing Investment
Authors: Liu Bin , Lu Jingfeng
Published: October 2022

Due to the well-known efficiency–rent extraction trade-off, the optimal mechanism in a pure screening environment (e.g., revenue maximization in auctions or cost minimization in procurement) typically calls for distortions in allocative efficiency when agents possess private information at the time of contracting. In this paper we introduce first-stage type-enhancing hidden investment to a standard sequential screening model of procurement, and find that (i) with convex investment cost, mitigation of allocative distortion must arise; and (ii) such mitigation can even be extreme with linear investment cost—procurement cost minimization must require social efficiency when the investment is sufficiently effective. (JEL D44, D82, H57)
Reporting Sexual Misconduct in the #MeToo Era
Authors: Cheng Ing-Haw , Hsiaw Alice
Published: October 2022

We model the reporting of sexual misconduct. Individuals underreport misconduct due to strategic uncertainty over whether others will report and corroborate a pattern of behavior. Underreporting occurs if and only if misconduct is widespread. Making sanctions more responsive to reports, raising public awareness of misconduct, implementing confidential holding tanks, and appropriately calibrating damage awards can encourage reporting. However, we also show when such policies are ineffective or backfire. Managers may avoid mentoring subordinates, spilling over into reporting. A holding tank may discourage reporting by raising the bar to access reports. Overall, we highlight several unintended and intended consequences of #MeToo. (JEL D82, D83, J16, K13, K42, M14, M54)
Reaping the Informational Surplus in Bayesian Persuasion
Authors: Gradwohl Ronen , Hahn Niklas , Hoefer Martin , Smorodinsky Rann
Published: October 2022

The Bayesian persuasion model studies communication between an informed sender and a receiver with a payoff-relevant action, emphasizing the ability of a sender to extract maximal surplus from his informational advantage. In this paper, we study a setting with multiple senders in which the receiver is restricted to choosing, at the interim stage, one sender with whom to interact. Our main result is that whenever senders are uncertain about each other’s preferences and, in particular, cannot dismiss with certainty the possibility that others are aligned with the receiver, the receiver receives all the informational surplus in all equilibria. (JEL C72, D82, D83)
lncRNAMalat1and miR-26 cooperate in the regulation of neuronal progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Was Nina , Sauer Mark , Fischer Utz , Becker Matthias
Published: October 2022

Neurogenesis is a finely tuned process, which depends on the balanced execution of expression programs that regulate cellular differentiation and proliferation. Different molecular players ranging from transcription factors to chromatin modulators control these programs. Adding to the complexity, noncoding (nc)RNAs also take part in this process. Here we analyzed the function of the long noncoding (lnc)RNAMalat1during neural embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation. We find that deletion ofMalat1leads to inhibition of proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Interestingly, this coincides with an increase in the expression of miR-26 family members miR-26a and miR-26b in differentiating ESCs. Inactivation of miR-26a/b rescues the proliferative phenotype ofMalat1knockout (KO) cells and leads to accelerated neuronal differentiation of compound Malat1KO/mir-26KO ESCs. Together our work identifies a so far unknown interaction betweenMalat1and miR-26 in the regulation of NPC proliferation and neuronal differentiation.
Gender differences in character strengths among Chinese pre-adolescents and adolescents: a multidimensional scaling profile analysis
Authors: Huo Yan , Ding Cody , Xie Jin , Kristjánsson Kristján
Published: October 2022

Background: The present study explores gender differences through a characterological lens, inspired by the positive-psychological VIA-Youth measure. Existing research on gender differences in character development has established a certain stereotype of girls outperforming boys in western culture.

Methods: Based on a sample of 695 students in elementary, middle, and high school students, we analyzed gender differences in character development in the Chinese cultural context using multidimensional scaling (MDS) profile analysis, providing a cultural account of gender differences via profile patterns.

Results: Our study identified specific items where pre-adolescent and adolescent boys outperformed girls (while acknowledging there are also specific items where girls outperformed boys) based on data sourced from a Chinese context. We found gender differences in the same character strengths due to situational factors, such as intensive and sustained educational interventions and established gender traditions/expectations, which can shape the exhibition of particular character strengths differently among girls and boys.

Conclusion: Findings can offer an antidote to a Western-dominated research perspective on character or moral education. It enriches the literature on moral education in a different cultural context and provides evidence of gender differences in character strengths.
India’s evolving role as the ‘net security provider’ of the Indian Ocean region
Authors: BHATTACHARYA SUBHADEEP
Published: October 2022

The unveiling of the Indo-Pacific strategy by USA has clubbed the two separate worlds-The Pacific and the Indian Ocean region- together, mingling the geopolitics of the two regions. This is done in the context of the growing maritime role of China along with her growing naval potentials. On the other hand, India, considered an important partner of the Indo-Pacific geopolitics, is lately taking extra care about her maritime interests in her immediate maritime neighbourhood, the Indian Ocean region (IOR). This activeness can be credited to the ‘Chinese intrusion’ in the Indian maritime neighbourhood. The role of India as the ‘net security provider’ of the IOR is resurfacing in the strategic corridors of New Delhi in the context of India’s unveiling of the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) mission and her growing active role in the bilateral as well as multilateral maritime relations. In this context it becomes imperative to analyse the character of India’s Indian Ocean policy in retrospect in order to construe India’s potentials and preferences in the current Indo-Pacific geopolitics where she is undoubtedly an important player. India has been playing the role of net security provider of the IOR for quite some time now. Initially taking a non-combative defensive approach to the issue throughout the 1960s, India gradually turned assertive in the 1980s to safeguard her interests in the maritime zone. India, who inherited the baton from the British, was in two minds over how to maintain the dominance. Shedding off defensive mood, she turned assertive later to safeguard her interest in the IOR against ‘external intrusion’. After the Cold War, India shifted to collaborative approach without compromising with her prime Indian Ocean policy motto to maintain her pre-eminence in the region.
Linguistic ecology and multilingual education
Authors: Brown Kara
Published: October 2022

The fiftieth anniversary of Haugen’s pioneering publication on the ecology of language provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on some of the promising new trends within recent research on multilingual education that centers linguistic ecology. The research explored in this article takes up linguistic ecology as a primary lens to understand a range of linguistic phenomena, particularly in contexts of dynamic change within the focus community. This article highlights three developments within linguistic ecology research over the last fifteen years that reflect the continuing relevance and contributions of this framework for multilingual education: (1) the focus on higher education, (2) translanguaging, and (3) rights and sustainability. The first section provides an overview of the defining aspects of linguistic ecology – its holism and dynamism – as well as foundational aspects of the ecology of language research in education and concludes with prospects for future research.
Teachers perceived self-efficacy in multicultural classrooms
Authors: Mäe Karolin , Ümarik Meril
Published: October 2022

Uuringu keskmes on õpetaja tajutud enesetõhusus mitmekultuurilises klassiruumis. Analüüs põhineb poolstruktureeritud intervjuudel Eesti põhikooli õpetajatega (N = 20), kellel on eelnev kogemus teisest kultuuriruumist pärit õpilaste õpetamisega. Temaatilise analüüsi tulemusena selgub, et kõrgema enesetõhususega õpetajad kasutavad kultuuritundliku õpetamise strateegiaid, näiteks avatusele suunatud klassikeskkonna kujundamine, eri vaatenurkade avamine  klassiruumis, õpilase individuaalsusega arvestamine ning heade suhete loomine õppijatega. Uuringu tulemusena selgub, et enesetõhusust toetavad tegurid on eelnev kogemus mitmekesise õppijaskonnaga, koostöine koolikultuur, koolituste abil pädevuste suurendamine, võõrkeele oskus, avatud suhtumine ja välismaal elamise kogemus. Õpetajatele on suurimad katsumused ühise keele leidmine teisest kultuuriruumist pärit õppijatega, aja- või materjalide nappus, psühholoogia  valdkonna pädevuste vajakajäämine ning läbipõlemine.

 Summary
Academic achievement of immigrant children in Irish primary schools: the role of capitals and school context
Authors: McGinnity Fran , Murray Aisling , Darmody Merike
Published: October 2022

Õppeedukus on üks peamistest näitajatest, mille põhjal ennustada edasist töist edu. Samas on varasemad uuringud näidanud, et paljudes riikides on rändetaustaga lastel keeruline saavutada emakeeles haridust omandavate eakaaslastega samaväärseid õpitulemusi. Hoolimata hariduspürgimustest võib rändetaustaga vanematel olla keeruline oma sotsiaalset ja kultuurilist kapitali konverteerida nii, et see toetaks nende laste saavutusi sihtriigis. Iirimaa on huvitav näide, sest selles riigis toimus mitmekesise taustaga sisserändajate (paljud neist eurooplased) laialdane ja kiire ühinemine koolisüsteemiga, kus õpivad valdavalt valged, iiri- ja ingliskeelsed katoliiklikest peredest pärit lapsed. Toetudes rändetaustaga laste ja noorte akadeemilist edukust käsitlevale ulatuslikule teaduskirjandusele, uuritakse siinses töös üheksa-aastaste rändetaustaga laste akadeemilist edukust uues sisseränderiigis vahetult pärast sisserände kõrghetke. Tulemused näitavad, et erinevalt paljudest vanadest sisserändajaid vastu võtvatest riikidest jäävad sisserändajate saavutused Iirimaal vaid veidi maha kohalike laste tasemest, kusjuures sotsiaalne ja kultuuriline kapital mõjutab oluliselt lugemisoskust inglise keeles, eriti Ida-Euroopa lastel, kelle puhul oli lõhe suurim. Hiljutiste rändetaustaga laste keelelise lõimumise mustrite adumine võib aidata meil mõista neid protsesse laste ja nende perekondade hilisema liikumise korral Euroopas.

 Full text
Academic achievement of immigrant children in Irish primary schools: the role of capitals and school context
Authors: McGinnity Fran , Murray Aisling , Darmody Merike
Published: October 2022

Educational achievement is one of the key indicators of labour market success, yet previous research shows that in many countries, children from immigrant backgrounds struggle to match their native peers in terms of achievement. Despite high educational aspirations, migrant parents may struggle to "convert" their social and cultural capital to support their children’s achievement in their country of destination. Ireland is an interesting case study as there was substantial and  rapid immigration of a diverse group of migrants, many of whom were European, to a school system that was predominantly White, Catholic, Irish and English-speaking. Drawing on the extensive literature on academic achievement of immigrant children and youth, this paper explores the academic achievement of 9-year-old immigrant children in a ‘new immigration country’, just after the peak of inward migration. The results show that unlike in many ‘old’ immigrant-receiving countries, the immigrant "penalty" in achievement in Ireland is modest, with social and cultural capital playing a salient role in English reading achievement, particularly for East Europeans, for whom the gap is greatest. Understanding the patterns of linguistic integration for recent migrant children may help us understand these processes in the case of subsequent movements of children and their families in Europe.
Community-based language learning – an opportunity to increase the motivation for language learning
Authors: Klaas-Lang Birute
Published: October 2022

Artikkel keskendub Eestis seni käsitlemata valdkonnale täiskasvanute eesti keele teise keelena õppes – kogukondlikule keeleõppele kui keeleõppe motivatsiooni kasvatavale tugisüsteemile. Kogukondlik keeleõpe on uus paradigma, mis  ühendab teoreetilise ja osaoskuste õppe ning kunstlikult kujundatud situatsioonid klassiruumis tegeliku keeleeluga, sotsiaalse praktikaga. Esmalt analüüsin artiklis eesti keele teise keelena täiskasvanud õppijate sihtrühma erisusi Euroopa tavapraktikaga võrreldes ja teen kokkuvõtte senistest uuringutest, mis analüüsivad selle sihtrühma õppe tulemuslikkust, sealhulgas loomuliku keelekeskkonna tuge ja tähtsust selles protsessis kui ühte olulist motivaatorit õppija jaoks. Seejärel tutvustan kogukondliku keeleõppe teoreetilist raamistikku ja praktikat ning rahvusvahelist (aga ka Eesti) praktikat keeleõppe tugiisikute tegevuste kujundamisel. Analüüsin ka emakeelse kõneleja rolli uuskõneleja toetamisel. Kasutan mitmesugustes projektides kogutud kvalitatiivset materjali (õpetajad, uuskõnelejad), paigutades selle kogukondliku keeleõppe diskursusesse.

 Summary